It got me to wondering what it is about heros that attracts us to them; what are they made of.   Why do heros do the things that they do?  Most of the time heros are fighting for justice, in other words fighting against the bad guys/gals, trying to protect other everyday non-heros from harm.  I think as we grow up, our understanding of what a hero is changes a bit.  I think we are attracted to the goodness in a hero or their ability to protect and to serve.  It is admirable and desirable to be capable of doing the right thing, for the right reason.

          In my mind, a hero is someone who does something unexpected in a challenging way that helps/protects/inspires/encourages another person who is not in a position to do it for themselves at the time.   A hero is someone who makes a split second decision to reach out and make a difference even if the cost is high-such as a stranger who rushes to protect another person from a crime, a threat, a bad decision, or a moment of danger.

           Sometimes a hero is a person who is “just doing their job” in their own words; but to another ordinary person their commitment to the deed is extra-ordinary because of the level of commitment to performing the deed comes with high risk or a high cost to the person choosing to take action.  A police officer, a fireman/woman, a postal worker, a teacher, a store clerk, military men and women…the list goes on and on; these people are heros in my book. 

           What about the volunteer or caregiver who takes extra measure to seek a solution to another person in need?  Are they a hero?   What about people who put themselves out on the front line to fight for what they believe in even when it is not popular; are they heros?  I believe that they are.

            I think about those people who fight for the poor, aged, disabled, ill, those who wage a war against cancer, domestic violence, drug & alcohol addictions, human trafficking, homelessness, abortion, abuse/neglect, children without families or without basic needs being met.  The people who champion for an awareness or for changes to existing circumstances just because it is the right thing to do…I believe these people are heros.  They are an inspiration!

           Miep Gies died yesterday at age 100.  She was a hero but she didn’t like to think of herself that way.  She was an office worker in the employ of Anne Frank’s father Otto Frank; she hid Anne Frank and her family and friends in a secret room in a warehouse during the years that Hitler was rounding up Jews to kill them, during the Holocaust.  She is the woman who bicycled around the city finding food to feed them, and who eventually found the pages of Anne Frank’s diary when they were arrested.  She risked her own life to do what was the right thing to do to protect other human beings in extra-ordinary difficult circumstances.

             There are so many different kinds of heros in our every day lives if only we stop to think about it.  I think the act of a hero is a call from God to step outside of ourselves to be the hands and feet of Jesus…to be the best person that we can be.

           Do you know someone like this?  Write me a comment and give them a little plug.  Most heros are unsung heros because they don’t believe that they deserve attention for doing what they consider the right thing to do.  And, maybe in one sense they don’t…because we should all be doing these things…but the truth of the matter is, that without examples how will others learn to be heros in their own right?  We must hold up examples of special people who do acts of heroism…because in doing that we are encouraging more of that kind of behavior. 

So is there a hero that you know of doing something wonderful?   What is your hero made of…tell us all about them.  Please comment here and let us know about this person and what they are doing to make the world a better place!  Thanks for being a light!

The alleged shooter, James von Brunn, has been described, by many who knew him or visited his hate filled website, as a man consumed with hatred for both Jews and Black people.  His ex-wife reportedly told ABC news that her ex husband was “eaten alive like a cancer with his hatred of Jews and blacks”.

Prejudice and hatred are emotions that are extremely destructive.  No good comes of those two feelings when they are combined and directed towards others.  Like all emotions, for them to grow and to take control of a person’s thoughts and actions, hatred and prejudice must be nutured.  Hate crimes are fueled by people who have allowed those emotions to take control of their lives.  It is important to try to overcome hatred before it’s roots sink deep and spread out touching and infecting others; destroying lives.

I came across an article on a website that i thought addressed overcoming hate rather well.  I am including a link here for it.  http://www.livestrong.com/article/14654-overcoming-hatred/#JUMP6 This is Lance Armstrong’s website Live Strong.  The article was written by James J. Messina a licensed psychologist.

Recognizing the beginnings of hatred, and working towards overcoming prejudice and hatred directed towards any group of people, is a healthy thing to do.  The danger in nurturing hatred and prejudice is that it only leads to destruction for both the person infected with such dark thoughts and emotions; and, for anyone that they despise who innocently crosses paths with them.  No one deserves to become a victim to someone who is blinded by hatred; for no other reason other than just by being born.  What are your thoughts on overcoming hatred?

       The family has now been ordered to have him evaluated by a doctor; to see whether he would benefit from starting chemotherapy again; if so, he WILL have to start it.  If the family does not follow through, their son could be removed from their custody.  If he would not benefit from the chemo, then the judge will allow him to opt out of treatment…but, if the doctor says that there is potential for an improvement with his cancer; then, he is to start chemo right away.  The problem is…how do the doctors enforce a patient to take treatment?  Chemo is not something that you can shove down someone’s throat…it takes time to administer.  You must have co-operation from the patient…I dont know how the court expects the medical profession to force a patient to endure all that chemotherapy entails!

         In his ruling, the judge allegedly said that, with the information provided to him…that he had sufficient evidence to over-ride the wishes of the family and their constitutional rights to freedom of religion.  With the chemotherapy,  the young man will have a 90% chance of surviving his cancer; without it…supposedly,  he would die.

          The thing is, chemotherapy is a mish- mosh of many toxic substances.  Yes, it often does kill cancer cells…but, it also kills good and healthy cells; which can cause other healh problems.   The truth is, there is no guarantee that chemotherapy will definately keep anyone alive and well.   There can be complications and serious, sometimes life threatening-side effects.  Those can be both short and long-term complications. 

           Since it is the young man who will be facing this physical, spiritual, financial, and emotional battle; why does anyone else have the right to force him to go through chemotherapy?  I understand that a judge does have legal authority…but, who felt it was their place to bring it before a judge to make that decision?   Alledgedly, it was Brown County Family services who provided the information to the judge for him to make his decision; but, I wonder who brought it to their attention?  Obviously, it was someone who disagreed with how the family was handling their son’s medical condition.

         I understand that family services around the country are formed to try and protect youth from abuse and neglect…and, that is important; but, if the young man expressed his own desire to resist having chemotherapy…why isn’t that decision being honored?   I understand that some people feel that he doesn’t understand the possible consequences of refusing medical intervention because of his age.   However,  couldn’t a medical advisor explain the options to him and make sure that his decision to stop chemo was indeed his own decision?

        It seems to me that this should be a decision that the family makes together with the advice of their doctor and religious advisors.  To have the courts step in and make the decision for them, basically alienates the authority of the parents regarding the  physical, spiritual and emotional, well-being of their child.  If the child wanted the treatments, against the parents wishes…then, I would think that that is the time for the courts to step in.  What are your thoughts, should forced chemotherapy be allowed?  What next…what other things could be forced on you medically if you are in disagreement say with your doctor, neighbor or friends?  Could you be forced to end a life if a doctor recommeded it, like in some other countries?

          The family belongs to a religious organization called, the Nemenhah Band; they believe in natural healing for those in need.   Here is their website which explains more about what they believe: http://www.nemenhah.org/.   What do you think?

        I think it is a powerful image.  To me it shows the human need to touch another; to give and receive comfort and strength from one human being to another.  It also shows the helplessness of the child in the womb.  It is so very dependent on those of us who are alive and grown.  It should be instinctual to protect the unborn; but, unfortunately there are many who believe in the right to chose to destroy a fetus (unborn child).   Why should one life be more valuable, or have the right to take the life of another simply because the unborn have no say in the matter?  God is the creator of life…only God should also be the one to decide who lives and who dies.

       This photograph was discussed in Congress when debates were taking place regarding partial birth abortions and the prospect of banning them.  That is the power of this image; the partial birth abortion ban was passed in 2000.   I wonder, how could anyone have an abortion after seeing that picture?  I feel for those who have had an abortion in the past and come to regret it.  I often think that women are not fully educated to all the damage that occur by choosing an abortion.  Many lives are destroyed after the fact by guilt, depression and sadness.  We need to support women of all ages who find themselves in the situation of an unplanned pregnancy.  I think the fragility and strength of  life, while a child is still in it’s mother’s womb, is amazing both for the mother and child.  What beauty the photographer, Michael Clancy, captured at that exact moment.

          With Mother’s Day coming up this weekend…i wondered, what this photograph says to you?  Life is precious…encourage those around you to respect it and to protect it!  If you have been blessed by being born healthy, or, you have conceived a child and value the gift of life…could you support the  March of Dimes?  http://www.marchforbabies.org/

         Did you know that skin cancer and melanomas make up about half of all cancers that are diagnosed each year?  Skin cancer is caused by over-exposure to the sun and by over-use of tanning beds without using safe practices.  Skin cancer is  one disease that is easy to help prevent by taking precautions when you must be in the sun.    Limiting your time in the sun or in the tanning booths makes sense.  You only have one skin and it needs taking care of. 

          People are advised to stay out of the sun when it is at it’s most powerful strength; which is between the hours of 10 am and 2 pm.  Whenever possible, choose shade or dappled sunlight.  Wearing long sleeves or a hat can reduce your skins exposure to harmful rays.  Something as simple as applying a sunblock with an SPF of 30 or above, every two hours, can greatly reduce your chances of getting skin cancer.  Know your limits, if you burn easily take those extra precautions because no one wants to have skin cancer.  It doesn’t have to be inevitable.  The sun is good…we can not live without it.  The sun helps our skin to produce vitamin D in our bodies which is good, our bodies need vitamin D to be healthy; but, care must be taken to limit it’s harmful rays by not allowing it to get over-exposed.

          Remember to cover all exposed areas of skin with a protective sunblock of 30 SPF or more; no matter the age of the person.  The elderly, to the middle aged, to teens, to the very young infant…we are all vulnerable to over-exposure to the sun.  People of all colors of skin can develop skin cancer…so don’t count on the idea of dark or olive colored skin as being free from damage from the sun; or those tanning beds that are so popular if misused.  Using a little wisdom goes along way to allow us to live and actively enjoy the sun and it’s benefits.  For more information on National Skin Cancer Awareness Month check this out:  http://www.skincancer.org/

         The Hassan’s started their television station in 2004; they did so because they wanted to combat any form of anti -Islamic sentiments that have been building since 911.  They called their station Bridges TV.

          Muzzammil Hassan has not admited that he killed his wife; however, many believe that he could not tolerate her request for a divorce, as it would dishonor their family.  Because the Hassan’s were viewed as leaders for the Islamic community, because of their position in the media…many people are concerned that if it is proven that he did in fact kill his wife in a misguided attempt to protect the family honor…that this will have a terrible influence and impact on those who saw them as leaders in the United States.

          Honor killings are not honorable.  It should not be tolerated in any country.  There are better and more effective ways to change behaviors that cultures or families find unacceptable.   The United States can not tolerate this kind of behavior…killings of any kind are punnishable by law.  Mrs. Hassan was beheaded; this is a cruel way to die.  This is an opportunity to support those in the Islamic community who will stand up and say these “honor killings” are not something that we all support.   We must not judge all middle eastern people by the actions of a select few.

          I would like to express sympathy to those friends and family members of Aasiya Hassan.  No one deserves to die in this manner.  We must demand that those who choose to violate human rights and commit honor killings be held legally accountable.  Human life is to be respected and women need to be valued and protected from honor killings.  Cultural differences need to be addressed in terms of educating each other and finding ways to uphold the good things each culture has to offer. 

          I think that the goals that the Hassan’s had, to bridge the gap of understanding, was a good goal…it is a terrible thing that the work that was started by them will be overshadowed by the  manner of death that  Aasiya experienced; it is unfortunate that her beheading reinforces the violent perception that many people have of the Islamic culture.

     Everyone has been concerned for her safety and that of the well-being of her children, that moved in with her and Drew.  By moving out…she may have very well saved her life and her sanity from living in a fishbowl.  To listen to Drew tell it; he is addicted to new romances…what kind of a relationship can survive that, long term?  No woman wants to think she is just a number standing in line; to enjoy her turn at the romance department…only to be replaced by someone younger and more exciting; if real life gets in the way of the newness of their romance.

       I saw part of that interview, Drew comes across as trying to be very charismatic and at the same time…condescending.  He appears to like the attention of the public and he appears to like the fact that people fear/and are fascinated by him.   He made comments alluding to the fact that “young women are drawn” to him.  They seek him out he said and, even sometimes flirt with him or sit on his lap.  He tells the interviewer that he likes the attention of the young women…he likes falling in love.  Drew also said that when his relationships start to lose their excitement…that is when he is drawn to other women.  His relationships/marriages have failed in the past because of this.

       Christina’s father, Ernie Raines has been trying to enlist the help of the local police department, trying to make sure that his daughter and grandchildren are ok.  He made no secret of the fact that he does not trust Drew Peterson.  I think that many people can understand and support those feelings.  Ernie helped Christina move out…Drew did not want to let him in the house and Ernie had to once again call the police.  Good job Ernie for being persistant; if you feel your children are in danger…you do what you have to-to protect them.

     You have to wonder about the emotional well-being of Drew’s younger children that he had with Staci…his wife that is missing.  How must it be for them to be growing up in a home that is constantly watched and a place that must be under alot of stress because of that suspicion.  Not to mention…those children have been deprived of their mother…for whatever reason she is missing…they have suffered a great loss.

        In watching the interview, I felt repulsed listening to him go on and on about how much he enjoys the attentions of the young women that he meets and has met in the past (in bars).  It comes across to me as a young, immature male teen bragging on his conquests.  It all appears as a game…one that matches his wit and his ability to con those around him.  He was an undercover police officer for a 5 year period and  he allegedly made statements, in the past, about how he loved to see the faces of the people who were arrested once they found out that he was a police officer who conned them with his disquises.  The interview felt to me, like it was just another con job that floated his boat…one that tested his ability to still fool those that he wishes, with whatever story he chooses to tell.

        I say to Ernie Raines…enjoy your relationship with your daughter…spend time listening to her.  I hope that she is able to heal her heart and realize just how much better off she is away from the media circus that she was living in with her relationship with Drew Peterson.   At the same time, she might want to spend a little time in counseling trying to discover what it was about that relationship that made her feel like she was making a good decision for her future and that of her children.  Best of luck!  Women…where there is smoke there is fire…you can’t change a person that you are attracted to…you cant “fix” their problems…you can’t be all things to one person…and you can’t live with the shadow of missing wives, alleged murders, infidelities, and controlling behaviors; and live happily ever-after!

        While abortion is a horror to me and i think it should be repellant to all human beings; that issues comes up at the very beginning of life.  There are other circumstances that need to be addressed as well. 

          There are issues such as injury, illness and those who fight for the right to commit suicide.  Life is precious at all stages.  Should we turn a blind eye to those who would turn out the light of another human being simply because they are infirmed, disabled, impaired, terminally ill or have no desire to live another moment?

            For those who truly believe in the sanctity of life…it gets a bit stickier for some when you enter into the idea of criminals who commit heinous crimes; and, the criminal justice system offers up the death penalty or death row for certain individuals who have been convicted of crimes that can dish out the death penalty as punnishment. 

        For me that is a bit trickier –i have not sorted out the boundaries of my beliefs on that.  Criminals who commit the most horrible, vile crimes….it is a struggle in my heart to remind myself that God says, “Vengence is mine sayeth the Lord”.  But, if that verse is applied strictly…then…punnishment will come later from God (in the meantime…life in prison without parole is the only recourse to prevent further tragedy).  

          On the other hand, there are scriptures that also talk about an eye for an eye…and if a man take a life he must also forfeit his.  So…this part of the sanctity of life, i am still working out in my mind and heart.  Until i have studied the issues more closely..i am going to err on the side of; Life is precious and must be protected…at the beginning of life, in the early part of life, in middle age, in the elder years and in all stages in between.

        It sounds as if those affected are in the Middle East, Iran, Pakistan, Asia and India.  Many of those places are used by businesses as an outsourcing service for data entry or programming.  This is costly as well as inconvient for many. 

         There are all kinds of speculations on just how this could happen.  Of course, it could happen with the shifting that occurs with the underwater plates that are affected by an earthquake, or something traumatic like that; but, that hasn’t been documented to my knowledge.  Or large ship anchors that could drag and potentially, break the cables.   But, four of those lines of communication have been cut at the same time by some type of event.

          Then, there are those who question international terrorists or government agencies wanting to eliminate or control communications in certain areas.  There are so many unknown things about international government security…it does make you wonder.  Especially knowing that, Osama Bin Laden has not been located yet.  Could that be a possible explanation? I am sure that question will surface next on the news.  See what i mean…there is no end to questions, when things like this happen. 

          How will the telecommunications companies protect and secure these underwater cables? Is there any realistic way to do it? Is data or information vulnerable?  Glad i dont have to figure it out!