Jan 23, 2013

What's Important To You?

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.
We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.
We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.
We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things.
We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.
These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete.
Remember to spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.
Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.
Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.
Remember, to say, 'I love you' to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.
Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.
Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.
And always remember, life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by those moments that take our breath away.
Things in this life that matter are so much more simple than we make them. It doesn't take a scholar to understand how to love someone, make yourself happy, or follow your dreams. All it takes is making everything you do meaningful to a purpose--you have to decide what that purpose is. I have mine!

Tyler Perry Films

I like Tyler Perry's films & plays because many people (myself included) can relate to them. Every film and play leaves you with something to think about. I remember when Tyler Perry first started, he was homeless while trying to get his career off the ground. Ever since then, he's been doing very well for himself. I will continue supporting Tyler Perry's work but I have to be honest, he does put men in a bad light. Daddy's Little Girls was the only movie Tyler did that showed a responsible black father trying to provide for his children. The rest of Tyler's movie portray the woman as the damsel in distress and to me, that's insane. He constantly reminds them that nothing is EVER their fault..They're always victims NEVER perpetrators...All of their problems can be blamed 100% on men...He reminds them that there's always that SIMP that's waiting to powder their behinds & remind them that that's how "real men treat women." As long as feminism is alive & well, Tyler Perry will FOREVER be in business making millions. It won't be long before people get tired of that concept & decide it's time for him to either hold WOMEN ACCOUNTABLE FOR THEIR ACTIONS or his material will no longer be supported, however it will be a while before that happens. I have heard/read comments like this before in regards to Tyler Perry flicks. I am curious- what is the model for being a "woman" that should be followed? I've seen several recent threads talking about feminism and Michelle Obama. Some feminists have questioned the example that she is setting by being "mom-in-chief". On the other hand there are those feminists who applaud her credentials, strong stance, etc. 
We look to the media for examples. Other than Tyler Perry films we have also seen the Huxtables, Scandal, The Help etc. Many argue that these images in the media offer a distorted image of Black women. Is it possible that the media reflects the different ways black women can be women? Is there one cookie cutter image we should follow? In discussions like this, we normally turn to the Bible. While I will not get into a debate about what Bible to use/trust, many will agree that the Bible is THE source for the blueprint of our lives. Biblical stories are not void of whores, harlots, wayward women, adulteresses, etc. When we look at modern stories, the setting has changed but the characters remain the same. Tyler Perry is going to continue to make millions because no one is out there telling a different story. We have been placed in a position in which we are afraid to "clean house".

Fix Yourself Before Fixing Others

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