CommenTerry

Maximum Your Strengths

I've never had the talent for being neat. Most men would look better in a $200, off-the-rack suit than I would look in a $1500 tailored suit. Neatness is just one of many things I've never been able to do well. To make up for my shortcomings, I have learned to latch on to the things that I can do well and use them to my maximum advantage. For example, I do have enough self-discipline to never hit the snooze button on my alarm clock. Therefore, I am almost never late for work, church, or anything else. Many people can't honestly say this.

I can also manage money well, memorize tons of facts, and convey my thoughts in clearly written, coherent sentences and paragraphs. Again, these are things that not everyone can do well. By maximizing these strengths, I create advantages and opportunities for myself. You should maximize your strengths as well, and never offer any apologies for doing so.

The Church Should Accomplish All of Its Missions

I'm always amused when I hear about so-called conservative evangelical Christians and so-called liberal or progressive evangelical Christians arguing over what the secondary mission of the Church is supposed to be. The former will argue that the church should take stands on moral issues such as abortion, homosexuality, and pornography, while the later will argue that the church should focus on social issues such as justice for all people and aid to the needy. Both sides agree on the fact the primary mission of the church is to win converts to Jesus Christ. However, there's no need to argue about the secondary mission either.

The Church and its members are commanded by Jesus Christ to take stands on moral issues and to help their neighbors. Neither of these is optional. To pretend that one has to choose one while ignoring the other is to imply that the Bible is inconsistent and contradictory. We, as members of Christ's Church, must do both, or we are living outside of the will of God. 

To Be Happier, Keep Expectations Low

It is a proven fact that folks who keep their expectations low tend to be happier than those who set theirs higher. The reason is clear. Disappointment is one of the major causes of sadness and discontent. Lower expectations naturally lead to fewer disappointments.

However, maintaining low expectations can be difficult. As humans, we tend to regularly fine tune our expectations as our circumstances change. In this sense, good luck can work can actually work against us.

Let’s say, for example, that I have always had low expectations in regard to pay raises. However, after a few unusually high increases in salary, I might soon begin to expect them. Then, when and if I get one that’s somewhat mediocre, I might be disappointed. That is, if I allow the good raises to become the new standard in my mind. That’s the kind of thing we must guard against at all times.

This could explain why, even though America is the most blessed country on earth, Americans don’t seem to be as happy as some of those from less fortunate parts of the world. Yes, we have become spoiled. We take far too much for granted. It’s time we all adjusted our expectations lower and our thankfulness higher. It’s easier and less costly to change one’s attitude than it is to manipulate one’s circumstances.

Namby Pamby, Apologetic Men

Is it just me, or has anyone else noticed the spate of namby pamby, apologetic men on TV and in the movies? Apparently sparked by liberal guilt, these guys seem remorseful over the fact that they were born with a “Y” chromosome. Compare them with the men you see in movies and TV shows from the 1950’s. Those dudes talked tough and walked with a swagger. What has happened to Hollywood over the last 50 years? Saturation by radical feminism, that’s what.

It’s understandable that many women would buy into it, but come on guys! It’s completely ridiculous for anyone to feel guilty about something like their gender. Sure, we have many natural and culturally created advantages over women. However, there are other areas in which circumstances favor them. I think it all evens out in the end.

But guys who absolutely refuse to let go of the notion that they were somehow born into privilege – compared with the plight of their female counterparts – can resolve their dilemma in a different way. No need for a guilt trip. No use in self-loathing. The answer is simple: Be an advocate for women’s issues while being proud of your manhood. Those concepts are not mutually exclusive.

Twelve Negative Things That Kids Should Be Taught

Yes, I know the title sounds horrible, but there is no way around the fact that there are some “though shalt not’s” that parents must teach their children. Obviously, the majority of kids’ training should involve the positive. No argument there.

However, there has to be some counterbalance in the process somewhere. If it isn’t, there are naturally going to be consequences. The failure of parents to teach these negatives is one reason there seems to be so many behaviorally-challenged children nowadays.

Below, I have listed twelve negative things that parents should (but are mostly failing to) teach their kids:

1) The world is not your playground.

2) You were born with nothing and, technically, you will not own anything until you are old enough to begin working and earning the money to pay for it.

3) Unless it is an emergency, do not interrupt adults when they are speaking.

4) Do not run while indoors.

5) If it doesn’t belong to you and you haven’t gotten someone’s permission to use it, keep your hands off it.

6) Don’t expect me (us) to fight or finish battles that you have started.

7) Don’t complain about your food unless it has spoiled.

8) When in a public place or someone else’s home, do not beg. You are not a dog.

9) Do not make a spectacle of yourself in public. This means no screaming, yelling, or crying.

10) No one besides me (us) owes you anything and even the stuff I (we) owe you is very limited.

11) Cutting in line is an abomination.

12) Never do anything that would embarrass me (us).

Civil Rights for Almost Everyone

I read an interesting Op-Ed piece in the newspaper the other day on the life of the late Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall. It was written by a local college professor who extolled the virtues of Marshall’s role as a lifetime warrior in the battle for civil rights for all in America.

Indeed, Marshall is to be commended for his efforts in the advancement of civil rights for African-Americans and other minorities. Very few can match his record of perseverance and achievement in that area.

However, “all”, as it turned out, was somewhat of an exaggeration. I think it was quite ironic and unfortunate that Marshall also played a major role in denying civil rights to one particular segment of our society.

You see, Justice Marshall sided with the majority in the landmark Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion in this country. In doing so, he declared in essence that the unborn have no civil rights. That set the stage for the lives of innocent babies to be taken without due process of law – something that has been transpiring by the thousands ever since.

Marshall’s infamous judgment more than 35 years ago forever tarnished his legacy as a champion for civil rights, which he ultimately affirmed are for almost everyone. I long for the day when advocates for justice will complete the job that Marshall failed to follow through on and make civil rights in the U.S. go universal.

You Might Be an Elitist if ...

I think John Stewart and Keith Olbermann are prime examples of well known elitists. With apologies to Jeff Foxworthy, you too might if be an elitist if ten more of the following apply to you:

1) You would never consider voting for a political candidate who seems a bit goofy or awkward.

2) Food served at a buffet-style restaurant is never good enough for you.

3) You look down your nose at people who have more than three kids.

4) You are part of the reason why they don't make TV shows like "The Andy Griffith Show" or "Leave it to Beaver" anymore.

5) You've ever called some homophobic.

6) You've ever referred to a non-drinker as a teetotaler.

7) You consider animals to be just as important as humans.

8) Religion is of little or no importance to you.

9) You find corporal punishment barbaric.

10) You have no problem with Michael Schiavo.

11) You judge people based on how they look, what they have, and/or who they are, rather than on how they behave.

12) You think the idea of postponing sex until marriage is, at best, abnormal and, at worst, absurd.

13) You make fun of people's accents and how they certain pronounce words.

14) You take an active role in helping the downtrodden of your community, but you would never socialize with any of those people.

15) You completely understand how a previously heterosexual man (with no orientation excuse) can suddenly begin committing unnatural acts after being locked behind bars.

16) Some double standards are just all right with you.

17) You think you are smarter, and possibly better, than people who don't read at one book a month.

18) You believe that being a WASP American heterosexual male is something to feel guilty about.

19) You consider to HIV to be everyone's problem.

20) You believe environmental issues take priority over property ownership issues.

   

Classic Rants and Raves #79

The Dallas Cowboys have played on Thanksgiving Day every year since 1966, with the exceptions of 1975 and 1977, when their normal slot on that holiday was filled by the St. Louis Cardinals.    

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When you open the trunk of your car, make sure it's opened all the way. I still have several knots on my head resulting from half-opened trunks.

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I never thought I would consider subscribing to satellite radio. However, after having to endure so many annoying radio commercials, I am no longer ruling it out.

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When I was in the checkout line at the grocery store the other day, I noticed a woman loading bags of groceries onto her cart while her teenage daughter was yapping on a cell phone. I felt like like slapping that young lady in the face and telling her to shut up for a minute and help her mother. 

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The other day, I saw an article about ventriloquism on CNN's website. The article was entitled, "People Who Love to Let Dummies Speak for Them." Personally, I believe we all love to let dummies speak for us. That's why we elect representatives to Congress! 

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What does it mean when an NFL team gets off to a 3-0 start? Nothing, other than the fact that the worst the team could finish would be 3-13.

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The worst thing about being a kid is that everyone treats you like a kid!

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One of the problems with modern society is that people want all the benefits that naturally flow from restraint and self-discipline without ever practicing either.

The Longest Summer

By some estimations, 2009 will have the longest summer that any year can possibly have. Many people view Memorial Day as the unofficial kickoff of summer, with Labor Day marking its unofficial end. This year, Memorial Day falls on May 25, the earliest calendar date on which it can possibly occur. Conversely, Labor Day 2009 will be celebrated on September 7, the latest calendar date on which it can possibly occur. That means Memorial Day and Labor Day cannot be any farther apart than they in 2009. Therefore, according to popular notions, we are in for one long(est) summer this year.

How the Death Penalty Should Be Limited

I used to be a strong proponent of the death penalty, but not so much anymore. Yes, I still believe there is a place for it, however only in certain limited circumstances. Almost every human life has some value. Only an infinitesimal number of lives, in my opinion, ever get to the point where they are no longer salvageable.

Below I have I listed some conditions, all of which I believe should be met before I would go along with the idea of imposing the death penalty on someone.

First, one must be a coldblooded murderer. That is, one who has intentionally, and in a premeditated manner, taken the life of at least one human being. No lesser crime should even merit one the consideration of the death penalty.

Second, the murderous act was not an isolated incident in the life of the perpetrator. Instead, it was in keeping with a pattern of life for that individual – a life of violence and criminal activity.

Third, the murderer shows no remorse for his or her crime and seemingly has no conscience at all.

Fourth, the killer is apparently so bloodthirsty that he or she would be almost certain to kill again if given the slightest opportunity. That kind of person would be a constant threat to prison personnel as well as other inmates, and would be especially dangerous to the public if he or she were ever to escape.

Fifth and finally, it would be unlikely that this person could ever be rehabilitated. Sadly, he or she is just too deeply immersed in a lifestyle of violence to be useful, even in a prison setting. 

If someone meets all of the above qualifications, I would agree that he or she is a justifiable candidate for the death penalty. For anyone else, I don’t see how it could be warranted.