Fixing Our Nation’s Problems One Day at A Time.. Sweet Jesus

“When he gets hurt inside and can't get......his emotions into words, he takes to streaking.” Watching the recent “peaceful protest” in Baltimore it occurred to me how to accomplish everyone goals, protect constitutional rights, and protect individuals and communities in one swoop.  All protest from this day forward has to be naked protest. Yes nekkid….  Think about it… 1) No one wants to fight a naked person (period) especially in the street which in return protects both protesters & law enforcement. Much less try to arrest one.  2) No one is gonna be messing with flammable accelerates and fire if they are in their birthday suit. Too risky for burns in private places.

3) It’s hard to loot much if ya ain’t got not pockets.. 

4) News Media would not be able to cover it… Too many naked people to pixel out.. Who wants to watch a bunch of blurred out blob figures marching down the street…  

5) No one is chucking rocks in the nude… think return fire or friendly fire… 

6) If nakedness was required, No A. Sharpton & No J. Jackson would show up… No showboating on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram because of their nudity policy…if any politicians show up to grandstand…. they gotta strip it down as well…    Think about it.. If you are really passionate about the cause, you will drop trousers.... show your support.. show your hinny…  and show you care… and everyone goes home safe..  Neighborhoods stay in tack… it proves we are all vulnerable …  Voices are heard… And mission accomplished…  Baltimore problem solved… Bring on the next problem..Crusing through life One Day At A Time.. Sweet Jesus...

Be careful out there..

Tommy 

A True Thug Don’t Need a Cause to Riot…. Only an Opportunity….

Okay I’m at it again… In the current sermon series I am doing we are looking at the Seven Deadliest Sins…This week as I write or procrastinate writing my next sermon the subject on Anger as sin, I am watching the riots in Baltimore play on for all the world to see. Repeatedly said is “people are angry.” Being angry is a natural healthy human emotion and is a positive igniter for change. However rioting and looting is not.  The art of rioting and looting is just thugonomics 101. A true thug doesn't need a cause to engage in criminal behavior, they just need an opportunity. Whenever thugonomics can be played out on a national stage in front of the national media, that’s even better. My personally favorite was the Michael Jackson impersonator who seized the opportunity to dance in the street as cars were burning and stores were being robbed.  

What shocked me more is the lack of leadership. Baltimore is one of many examples where a totality of leadership has eroded to rock bottom. It is evident from the local elected leaders, to the State elected leaders, to the national elected leaders, no one single person displayed the character or attributes need for leadership in times of crises. We are totally screwed if something happens on a national level. It seems no one knew what to do or had the common sense to know what to do. We as a society have totally failed. We have failed in our political system by electing people not by leadership and decision making skills but by political party affiliation. It’s not a democrat republican thing, it’s a “who can lead us in times of chaos” thing. Our President who should be the most positive role model for any young person he had huge opportunity to say, “stop it.. this is not how we handle things..”  He was silent. The outgoing and incoming Attorney General, both positive role models whose voice would resonate with the young people, was silent. (Honestly this is not a bash these people time, just to say it was a huge missed opportunity and lack of true leadership ability.)

 Our school system has failed to educate. Our family structure is none existent. We have no moral or ethical compass. We excuse thuggish behavior but placing blame on race, economic status, or abuse of authority. In the church we have become so starved for attendance and acceptance, that we rather become political activist instead of preaching and living the gospel.  In the end it’s not about politics, it’s not about police brutality, it’s not about race or the struggles for the poor, it’s about being a good human being. It’s about being a decent person. It’s about pride and saying we are better than this.  It’s not about throwing rocks, lighting fires, looting, and acting like a thug. Violence just begets violence and empathy begets empathy. It’s it ironic that the gangs in Baltimore have united to kill law enforcement officers. (the same gangs that are credited to hundreds of black men being killed yearly)   

So where do we go from here mister smarting pants? Sounding like the ole fart I am becoming maybe we work on just trying to all be better human beings. This saddens me deeply that we don’t know for to behave a decent people. Maybe we begin to make a conscious effort to instill honestly, hard work, discipline, loyalty, compassion and empathy in the lives of the next generations. I personally blame participation trophies but that’s another day. Maybe we focus more on leadership skills and real qualifications when electing people, not just going with the D or R. Maybe we reward our children and grandchildren for their character and real accomplishments instead of just always adjusting the test. Maybe in the church we speak out against evil, even when it’s unpopular or not the cool thing to do. Maybe we need to stop blaming and start fixing.  Maybe we give our young people healthy ways to channel their anger for real change. And maybe just maybe we stop giving thugs excuses to act a fool for the whole world to see. On those rare occasions when they act a fool, we all need to react quickly; justly, unified and forcefully so the thugs are accountable for their actions. I know that’s a lot of maybe’s but don’t we have to start somewhere. Because a true thug doesn't need a cause to riot only an opportunity so as a society let’s stops producing thugs and start producing world changers…Thanks for listening as my therapist says this is good for me... Be nice to one anther..   Peace Out! Tommy  

Let’s Be Honest … I don’t get gay..

My name is Tommy and I admit I don’t understand gay.  While I admit I don’t understand it, it is apparent that our society is fascinated with gay. I mean politicians are trying to get elected or reelected by walking that delicate straight line (no pun intended) between what they should say or not say to get the votes. My Church denomination are urging and using public threats to have us boycott Indiana because of law that I truly don’t understand. I have no clue but think it has to do with a business not serving gay people or something. Heck I have been refused service at all types of establishments and never once was I asked by sexual preferences. Okay maybe I was asked once but that was back in the 80's when all guys had puffy long hair and wore eye liner.  Or maybe because being a white, straight, married, Christian male I am viewed by most as Satan incarnate (not to mention I’m from the South... ). For most, my opinion don’t really matter. And in the grand scheme of society and the thousands of injustices, honestly, it really doesn't. But that never stopped me before.

I don’t get that the best our society has to offer in terms of entertainment is a guy who wants to be a woman. Yeah I get the freak show attraction part but shouldn't a guy/gal be able to live their life however they want to without us gawking. Yeah sure it keeps his/her family in the limelight but aren't they only famous for sex tapes, big butts, and naked selfies. Let’s just keep it in perspective. Anyone should be able to dress, act, or present themselves any way they feel comfortable without ridicule, shame, or viewed as some type of deviant.  I will never understand what it is like to suppress my love for someone without ridicule, rude comments, or embarrassment. I will never know what it is like to not be able to marry the love of my life because I was able to do that freely and without prejudice. I will never know what is like to be disowned by family or friends because of my sexual orientation. I have however been disowned for other reasons. I know it’s painful.  I have always been attracted to women and it’s freely accepted, I have no idea what it’s like to struggle with anything different. I have struggled with being accepted so on a smaller scale maybe I get it.  I have been called lots of names but never demeaning names that are directed to hurt spoken out of pure hatred. I can’t fathom why anyone would be so cruel. This is why I don’t understand gay. Then there is the minister side of me. People ask me all the time what does the Bible say about gay. Honestly it’s not really clear. It’s ambiguous at best.  Those that say it is clear are really just pushing their own agenda.  It is a sin? Is it an abomination? Will gay be damned to hell?  Look I thank God I am not the one who decides what is a sin or not and I got enough sins of my own to content with. Plus you sure don’t want me to be the one who lets people in heaven or not. It’s not my job and I can barely handle the one I got so I’ll leave all that up to God’s higher power. Plus many days I feel damned to earth. So I don’t really know.

Why I don’t know gay and it’s confusing I leave you with what I do know. Gay is confusing for all involved so if you are gay, help us to understand. Seriously help us to understand your struggles, your frustrations, your pain and your anger. It’s not a matter of acceptance by legalize or force , it’s a matter of understanding. With understanding comes compassion, with compassion comes acceptance and with acceptance comes change. I get your mad and frustrated, I would be too, but give us a little slack to work with something we don’t understand. Please don’t automatically expect me to immediately take up your fight only because I’m not the best person to take on anyone’s cause. But because I don’t march in the in streets with leather butt-less chaps or cruse with an equal sticker on my car, doesn't mean I’m not or will not be supportive.  Gay can be very confusing for us heterosexuals. But here is what I do know.  I know that God will judge me one day not on my belief of sexual orientation but the way I treated others.   For me and me alone I strongly believe I am called to love, serve, accept, and embrace all people. All means all. No one takes precedent over another. I wish I could pick and choose who I love, serve, accept and embrace but I can’t.  Gay doesn't define anyone any more than straight defines someone. It’s just a small piece that compasses the totality of a person or defines their character. So everyone be nice. Listen to one another. Try to make up your own mind and not just listen to other talking heads. Gay is confusing for everyone but so is life. I could use a little help in both but if we are all nicer and more open to one another maybe our world can be a little better than it is today…God I miss Honey Boo Boo… I am Tommy and admit I don’t understand gay.. “ Glad you’re here!”    Peace Out.. Tommy 

Maturity… WTH?

Two weeks ago my wife and I had our 21^st wedding anniversary. If you know me that is huge accomplishment to which I do not take lightly. What she finds in me is God's own personal mystery. Although our schedules have not let us properly “celebrated” I am looking forward to that time. But the momentous occasion made me aware that our marriage is now of legal age. What that means I have no idea but hope to uncover the possibilities. However, looking back of where we came from to where we are today, it’s been a journey. It’s been a miraculous journey through loved ones passing, children growing, and life’s unexpected interruptions. But it did spark my reflective juices of just what is maturity. Some of us go through life without it while others seem to acquire it a very early age. So here are my uncollected thoughts on maturity.

Maturity is something some of us have, some of us are still working towards, and some of us never get. Age doesn't necessarily bring about maturity. It’s more than just growing old, grey hairs or eating at Cracker Barrel at 5:00 pm.  Staying young, vibrant and fun has nothing to do with maturity. Maturity is not making the same mistakes over and over again. It is truly learning from all the things in life we have messed up. Like Chinese takeout can be warmed up in the microwaves unless one removes the little metal handle.  Maturity is finding joy and accomplishment in the success and growth of others.  I still find joy in whopping folks in golf, words with friends, and trivia but I mean winning in life. To help someone else accomplish their goals, be a better person, or improve their life is better than doing it yourself.  Maturity is looking at life with a huge amount of gratitude with more focus on what you do have than what is missing. It’s seeing good fortunes are blessings and recognizing what truly is important in life.  Maturity is talking less and listening more. But when you do talk say something important with grace and mercy. Last but not least, I think for me maturity is looking back at certain situations, actions, decisions and dark seasons in my life and saying, “yeah I was an asshole…”  while hoping I am less of one today than I was yesterday.. Off to the Cracker Barrel.. 

Peace out! Tommy 

Protest Boycott Fatigue Syndrome

They say the first step in recovery is admitting you have a problem. I suffer from Protest Boycott Fatigue Syndrome. Protest Boycott Fatigue Syndrome or PBFS is the desensitizing of another person’s suffering because of the quick overuse of boycotts and pretest when no such need is warranted.  It started at my denominations convention when they voted to boycott Taco Bell for some reason. I will admit I was all in as Taco Bells gives me the runs. So I conformed but not really knowing why.  I believe it began with my deep person conflict with my love for the GLBT community and my love for the chicken sandwich. I guess I am more tolerate of a CEO views if they produce an awesome chicken sandwich and accurate, courteous service, and clean friendly eating environment. However they ever lose the waffle fries and replace them with seasoned Back Yard Burger type fries. I may be pulled over to the evil dark side for good. My PBFS has worsened in the past few months with events like Ferguson and Indiana.  It is event as such as these where others inject racism, bigotry, and hate when there is no evidence of such. When people take their personal agenda even with great intentions and place it on a platform where it doesn’t fit it seems to desensitize me.  I get bored and tune it out. Are there hatred, bigotry and injustice in this world? Yes. But the ones I have seen have been on a more individual level usually without grandstanding boycotts and protest. Is there work to be done to increase tolerance, inclusivity, and compassion? Hell ya! Gay rights and racism are two spokes on the wheel of many injustices. All injustices should be important. But it just seems once the boycotts are done, the protesting and looting are over with, and the media move one, the true victims are left in its wake alone trying to put the pieces of their life back together. So I am fatigued. I feel my emotions and passion is being pimped out by the media. There are so many protest and boycotts I need an app to keep up. So I have no idea which place I can eat, which place I can shop, or which state I can travel too. When one suffers from PBFS you seem to hear a lot of talk and not really witnessing much compassion or action. I get boycott and protests are cool, ole school 60’s stuff. I’m a nostalgia dude.  I mean back then they had awesome music to go along with the moral and ethical change was brought about. We got Kanye West.  So for my friends on Facebook that only posts status on Ferguson and Indiana please know I support your cause, admire your spirited, but cannot properly share your enthusiasm as per my condition. But I do like funny videos of dogs playing drums.. PBFS is real. I hate suffering with this as I deeply desire true change, my heart breaks for injustices in this world, I really wish I could do something productive to help but I’m just really tired, over desensitized, and too distracted to act. Hey look a squirrel!