Ain't no quick fix at the end of a needle...

We live in an era where medical advances seem to be more outstanding with every year. Yet, there is no medical advance that can fix the evil in our world. Therefore, the question arises, what is evil and how do we fix it?

Evil permeates society at all ends. Sometimes it subtle. Sometimes it rears it's ugly head and makes its presence know to all around. Evil can simply be an ill spoken word that should have never been uttered. Evil can also be a drastic and devastating, senseless murder. Yet, evil no matter the size is still evil.

Why does evil exits?

The answer is simple evil exists because people allow it to. So, how do we fix the problem of allowing evil to exist in the world. The answer lies in the lyrics to a Garth Brooks song called "People Loving People."

"People Loving People"

Doctor, you ain't got a clue
For whatever's making this world blue
You can't get forgiveness at the store
And peace, it's a politician's war

You won't find no resolution in the bottom of a bottle
In the stars or Aristotle, the only answer to the problem is…

People loving people
That's the enemy of everything's that's evil
Ain't no quick fix at the end of a needle
It's just people loving people
Whoa, woah, woah, woah

Words aren't what they seem to be
Talk is cheap but lies are free
We fear what we don't understand
We've been scared since time began

All the colors and the cultures circle 'round us on a spindle
It's a complicated riddle, the solution is so simple…

It's people loving people
That's the enemy of everything's that's evil
Ain't no quick fix at the end of a needle
It's just people loving people
Whoa, woah, woah, woah

You can pawn it off on kings and queens and those behind the curtain
Say what can make a difference in a world so full of hurting
But I believe the remedy starts right here with you and me

People loving people
That's the enemy of everything's that's evil
Ain't no quick fix at the end of a needle
It's just people loving people
It's just people loving people
Whoa, woah, woah, woah
Whoa, woah, woah, woah
It's just people loving people

Evil is an ailment to the health and well-being of each individual. Luckily though, there's a cure for evil and it is people loving people. When I first heard this song on the radio, I brushed it off and was half-listening. The tune was catchy though and it stayed in my head. I've been thinking lately of why people just can't love one another and the song, in a weird but right-on-time way, popped back into my mind. I googled the lyrics and here I am.

These lyrics are so true. People want a quick fix to their problems in life, even those problems with their fellow man. When people start loving their fellow man as they should, their problems may not be solved quickly but I guarantee you they will be on a much quicker route.

I see families and friends who argue sometimes. I see politicians and bureaucrats argue too. They over-complicate their problems and point fingers at each other until they can't do it any longer. Then they wander: How do I fix this? The answer is simple: start loving one another!

The truest words in this song, in my humble opinion, are the ones that say, "Say what can make a difference in a world so full of hurting? But I believe the remedy starts with you and me."

Things do start with you and me. Things start with each individual. We can all make a difference in this world in so many ways, but perhaps the easiest way to make a difference is just by loving people. For, when we love people and they love us back, we send evil running away and love here to stay.

Go out and love people. Love all people-even the ones who don't love you back. I've always loved people and made it a point to try my best to see people for who they really are. I don't always accomplish my goal, but I know that the quick fix to evil is not at the end of a needle but in people loving people.

That, my friends, is just a few thoughts from a small town southern man!

Walking altruism avenue leads to happy street

Me-a two letter word used too much by society. Altruism- a big word that I've never heard of before. What do the words "me" and "altruism" have in common? The answer to that question is actually quite simple. They have nothing in common.

As I look around at the world today, I often find myself getting disgusted by the amount of attention that people give themselves. Everything seems to be about "me" "me" "me" Yet, if you ask each individual if they considered themselves a selfish or self-centered person, most would say that they aren't. That, in and of itself, is evidence of selfishness.

Altruism is a word that sounds quite complex. However, nothing is complex about it at all. The Merriam Webster dictionary defines altruism as: feelings and behavior that show a desire to help other people and a lack of selfishness. Perhaps though, many people do not even know what altruism is because it is not readily practiced.

As humans in a "me" society, sometimes it is easy to focus only on ourselves. Yet, we must look around and realize the value of others in our lives. I would be absolutely lost if not for the love and care shown to me by others.

I often find myself wrestling with ways in which I can help someone. I've always been this way and I'm thankful for that. I am this way because I know what it is like to experience trials and tribulations in life. I've walked a mile in my own shoes and a few more in the shoes of others.

The world would be a much better place if we all did more walking and less talking. We need to walk that extra mile to help a friend in need. We need to walk that extra mile in order to show someone we love them. We even need to walk that extra mile to show strangers that there is someone who cares.

I'm really not even sure to write what I'm thinking right now, but I know this much: I love people and I love people from all walks of life. I'm not sure all people feel this way and sometimes I find it hard to realize that not all people love those of different walks of life than their own. Yet, I also know that through my love for people of all walks of life I have discovered true happiness. I don't have to lay my head on my pillow at night and regret not trying to help a doctor or a homeless man, because I'm here to help them both.

I have a passion for people. I just can't describe it. Well, maybe I can: I must be walking Altruism Avenue because I'm as close as can be to Happy Street! Come and join me! You'll be on Happy Street before you know it!

No message could have been any clearer!

No message could have been any clearer! What message? The message I'm speaking of is in the one so vividly and appropriately displayed in Michael Jackson's "The Man in the Mirror" If you think about it, the average human looks in the mirror each day at least 3 times if not more. There are mirrors everywhere in our day-to-day travels. They're in our bedrooms, our bathrooms, bathrooms at work and on our cars. We also have emotional "mirrors" in life- moments when we take a look at ourselves and "make that change" if we need it.

So, my question tonight is this: Is a change needed in your life? Do you need to take that look in the mirror?

There are so many things we need to look at when we check out that guy or girl in the mirror. Let's allow the song to show us the way:

"Man In The Mirror"

I'm Gonna Make A Change,
For Once In My Life
It's Gonna Feel Real Good,
Gonna Make A Difference
Gonna Make It Right . . .

As I, Turn Up The Collar On My
Favourite Winter Coat
This Wind Is Blowin' My Mind
I See The Kids In The Street,
With Not Enough To Eat
Who Am I, To Be Blind?
Pretending Not To See
Their Needs
A Summer's Disregard,
A Broken Bottle Top
And A One Man's Soul
They Follow Each Other On
The Wind Ya' Know
'Cause They Got Nowhere
To Go
That's Why I Want You To
Know

I'm Starting With The Man In
The Mirror
I'm Asking Him To Change
His Ways
And No Message Could Have
Been Any Clearer
If You Wanna Make The World
A Better Place
(If You Wanna Make The
World A Better Place)
Take A Look At Yourself, And
Then Make A Change
(Take A Look At Yourself, And
Then Make A Change)
(Na Na Na, Na Na Na, Na Na,
Na Nah)

I've Been A Victim Of A Selfish
Kind Of Love
It's Time That I Realize
That There Are Some With No
Home, Not A Nickel To Loan
Could It Be Really Me,
Pretending That They're Not
Alone?

A Widow Deeply Scarred,
Somebody's Broken Heart
And A Washed-Out Dream
(Washed-Out Dream)
They Follow The Pattern Of
The Wind, Ya' See
Cause They Got No Place
To Be
That's Why I'm Starting With
Me
(Starting With Me!)

I'm Starting With The Man In
The Mirror
(Ooh!)
I'm Asking Him To Change
His Ways
(Ooh!)
And No Message Could Have
Been Any Clearer
If You Wanna Make The World
A Better Place
(If You Wanna Make The
World A Better Place)
Take A Look At Yourself And
Then Make A Change
(Take A Look At Yourself And
Then Make A Change)

I'm Starting With The Man In
The Mirror
(Ooh!)
I'm Asking Him To Change His
Ways
(Change His Ways-Ooh!)
And No Message Could've
Been Any Clearer
If You Wanna Make The World
A Better Place
(If You Wanna Make The
World A Better Place)
Take A Look At Yourself And
Then Make That . . .
(Take A Look At Yourself And
Then Make That . . .)
Change!

I'm Starting With The Man In
The Mirror,
(Man In The Mirror-Oh
Yeah!)
I'm Asking Him To Change
His Ways
(Better Change!)
No Message Could Have
Been Any Clearer
(If You Wanna Make The
World A Better Place)
(Take A Look At Yourself And
Then Make The Change)
(You Gotta Get It Right, While
You Got The Time)
('Cause When You Close Your
Heart)
You Can't Close Your . . .Your
Mind!
(Then You Close Your . . .
Mind!)
That Man, That Man, That
Man, That Man
With That Man In The Mirror
(Man In The Mirror, Oh Yeah!)
That Man, That Man, That Man
I'm Asking Him To Change
His Ways
(Better Change!)
You Know . . .That Man
No Message Could Have
Been Any Clearer
If You Wanna Make The World
A Better Place
(If You Wanna Make The
World A Better Place)
Take A Look At Yourself And
Then Make A Change
(Take A Look At Yourself And
Then Make A Change)
Hoo! Hoo! Hoo! Hoo! Hoo!
Na Na Na, Na Na Na, Na Na,
Na Nah
(Oh Yeah!)
Gonna Feel Real Good Now!
Yeah Yeah! Yeah Yeah!
Yeah Yeah!
Na Na Na, Na Na Na, Na Na,
Na Nah
(Ooooh . . .)
Oh No, No No . . .
I'm Gonna Make A Change
It's Gonna Feel Real Good!
Come On!
(Change . . .)
Just Lift Yourself
You Know
You've Got To Stop It.
Yourself!
(Yeah!-Make That Change!)
I've Got To Make That Change,
Today!
Hoo!
(Man In The Mirror)
You Got To
You Got To Not Let Yourself . . .
Brother . . .
Hoo!
(Yeah!-Make That Change!)
You Know-I've Got To Get
That Man, That Man . . .
(Man In The Mirror)
You've Got To
You've Got To Move! Come
On! Come On!
You Got To . . .
Stand Up! Stand Up!
Stand Up!
(Yeah-Make That Change)
Stand Up And Lift
Yourself, Now!
(Man In The Mirror)
Hoo! Hoo! Hoo!
Aaow!
(Yeah-Make That Change)
Gonna Make That Change . . .
Come On!
(Man In The Mirror)
You Know It!
You Know It!
You Know It!
You Know . . .
(Change . . .)


Make That Change.

As I listened to this song this week, I came to see one thing in the mirror that I need to change. I'm very fortunate to have people in my life who care deeply for me. Sometimes, as the song states, I become a victim of a selfish kind of love. I allow myself to become engrossed in me and forget about others-maybe not in an extremely forgetful way-but I forget about emotions and feelings when it comes to others.

I try to be unselfish person, but I'm a firm believer that no matter how hard you try to be unselfish, you could always think of yourself a little less.

So, tonight as I listened to this song I have made a commitment to try harder, to make the world a better place and to look at myself and make a change!

That, my friends, is just a few thoughts from a small town southern man!

Nothing at all that says it all

Sometimes in life, silence arises. For whatever reason, sometimes silence can be golden. Especially in a loving and deep relationship, silence can speak volumes. It's a given fact that couples learn one another's body language and through that body language, love is often displayed. There is an ultimate body language song in Keith Whitley and Allison Kraus's "When You Say Nothing at All" Here is the lyrics:


"When You Say Nothing At All"

It's amazing how you can speak right to my heart
Without saying a word you can light up the dark
Try as I may I could never explain
What I hear when you don't say a thing

The smile on your face lets me know that you need me
There's a truth in your eyes sayin' you'll never leave me
The touch of your hand says you'll catch me if ever I fall
You say it best when you say nothing at all

All day long I can hear people talking out loud
But when you hold me near, you drown out the crowd
Old Mr. Webster could never define
What's being said between your heart and mine

The smile on your face lets me know that you need me
There's a truth in your eyes sayin' you'll never leave me
The touch of your hand says you'll catch me if ever I fall
You say it best when you say nothing at all

The smile on your face lets me know that you need me
There's a truth in your eyes sayin' you'll never leave me
The touch of your hand says you'll catch me if ever I fall
You say it best when you say nothing at all

A smile, someone holding you near, truthful eyes and a tender touch are all ways in which we speak volumes, not through our lips, but through our heart. I have learned in my own life that I must cherish the golden moments of silence and learn to know that we really do say things best when we say nothing at all.

Tonight, the measure of a man or woman can sometimes be found in his or her ability to cherish the golden moments of silence and learn how much meaning is in them. Again, sometimes things are said best when we say nothing at all.

That my friends is just a few thoughts from a small town southern man.

Are they a number or a name

Is he a number or a name? Is she a number or a name? Are they a number or a name? Have you ever just taken the time to think about how people treat others? Have you ever take the time to think about how you treat others? Today, I was reminded to always keep in my mind what I think and how I treat others.

As a  child, I aspired to president, governor, an attorney, and a business owner among many different occupations. Rightfully, the occupations I just listed often come with a great deal of respect and reverence. Yet, sometimes we forget other occupations and the people who fill them. People like the garbage man, the truck driver, the farmer, the plumber, and the janitor often go unnoticed and un-admired.

I've been around all classes of society. I've been at dinners attended by dignitaries like a former president. I've been in the company of high ranking state politicians. I've been in the presence of people of high acclaim. On the other hand, I've been in the presence of the garbage man, the janitor, the truck driver, and the farmer.
Personally, if I had my choosing, I choose to spend the rest of my life in the company of the latter group.

You see, sometimes, we let accomplishments go to our head. I have trouble with that sometime. However, I believe God has humbled me lately and helped to realize the true value of all people from the president to the plumber.

Almost nothing in this world bothers me more than a person who thinks more highly of himself than he ought. When I look around in my own life, it's not the governors, or the senators, or the dignitaries that have meant the most in my life. No, it's the common man.

I have always been drawn to people who may possess little earthly possessions but an abundance of heaven's greatest blessings. For these people, are the ones that you can depend on to make this life worth living.These are the people who have compassion and pity for others but pride and respect for their own self.

Sadly though, the janitors and the garbage workers and the plumbers are sometimes just a number to some people. They're just a check on the payroll or a name on an insurance policy.

To me though, the janitor was Mr. Deas in elementary school and Mr. Wesley in middle school. To me, the garbage worker is Joe or Robbie. To me the truck driver is Donnie or Chad or Keith or just Pa. You see, these people are just that-people! They have families that mean the world to them. They've sacrificed. They've failed. They've succeeded. They have been a part of my world and always will be.

There's an old saying that says, "No matter how far you go in life, never forget where you came from or where you are going."

Tonight, I have a wish that people would learn to see everyone the same. I wish people would learn to see the contributions that all people bring to society-those who are rich and those who are poor, those who are educated  in academics and those who are filled with common sense, those who are black and those who are white. Can't we just see people for people? I sure do try!

Tonight, the measure of a man can be found in how hard he tries to treat people as a name and not a number. Who's your number or is it a name?

That, my friends, is just a few thoughts from a small town southern man!

A man ain't made of stone but he better have faith

Those close to me know that I am a fan of Randy Travis. His songs have a lot of meaning and truth in them. Well, meaning and truth are two things that should characterize our lives. Lately, and as I grow older, I have come to realize the meaning of things in life and the truth that just living life reveals. I was listening to a Randy Travis song that I haven't heard in a while. It's called "A Man Ain't Made of Stone" Here are the lyrics:

"A Man Ain't Made Of Stone"

I was supposed to be the rock that you could stand on
Stronger than an old oak tree
But all you ever wanted was the one thing
I never let you see -
The tender side of me
I tried to be a mountain, solid and strong
All it took was your leaving to know I was wrong

A man ain't made of stone
A man ain't made of steel
The way I feel right now
I thought I'd never feel
Sometimes all it takes
Is facing the night alone
And that's when you know
A man ain't made of stone

In this world of mine
There was no room for weakness
I covered every crack in the wall
But there ain't no way that I can keep this secret
Cos when you go like Jerico I fall
You thought I wouldn't shatter
Would I even care?
But there's more to what I'm made of
Than this broken heart can bare

A man ain't made of stone
A man ain't made of steel
The way I feel right now
I thought I'd never feel
Sometimes all it takes
Is facing the night alone
And that's when you know
A man ain't made of stone

Sometimes all it takes
Is facing the night alone
And that's when you know
A man ain't made of stone

That's when you know
A man ain't made of stone

Everyday, I look around me and see a certain category of people. This category is one that is seemingly growing larger every day. It's the category of "steel people." "Steel people" are the people who refuse to see things the way they really are. They're the people that put on a show in front of others to hide their problems. They're the category of people who, instead of confiding in others for strength and help, continue to struggle on their own. This category of people are those who don't realize that tenderness and compassion are actually more accurate measures of one's strength.

I'm from an area in the United States where, sometimes, men strive to be tough and strong with their emotions because they think that is what will make them successful and bring them the best in life. 

However, I also live in a part of this great country where many men were taught to be southern gentlemen. They were taught to show compassion, sympathy, respect and honor. These are all things that I wish to show and possess in my own life. Yet, as a man, I sometimes get caught in the "steel" category. With age though, I have come to realize that a man truly isn't made of "steel." A man is made of faith and character.

Faith and character go hand in hand. They're like salt and pepper, peanut butter and jelly, green eggs and ham...ok not green eggs and ham. Seriously, a man's character says a lot about his faith. When a man has faith, his character shows. A man who has faith trusts in those around him and his maker. A man who has faith will learn to trust in God enough to know that strength doesn't come in being tough and hiding struggles, but in showing compassion, tenderness and love and trusting in God to provide a way.

A man that is not made of steel, is a man of faith- a man who has faith in himself, in others and most of all in his God and through that faith, he becomes a man of tenderness, compassion, honor respect, and humility.

Randy Travis also has a song called "Faith in You" Here are the lyrics:

"Faith In You"

I don't have faith in technology
Even though we created it
All this stuff just breaks down anyway
And you can never get it fixed
But I do have faith in you

I don't have faith in politics
But I do believe in the will of the people
I don't know much about big time religion
But I believe in the cross on the steeple
And I do have faith in you

And after all this time
The lie becomes the truth
We traded in our innocence and sacrificed our youth
But you give your love
The one thing I can't lose
You believe in me
And I still have faith in you

The more I search for my significance
Seems the more I disappear
And I wonder have I made a difference
In any body's life since I've been here
I can hear your laughter
It's the sweetest sound I've ever known
I don't know how love happens
But I know I'm not alone
And I do have faith in you

And after all this time
Sometimes I see the truth
But I'm touched by your innocence
And now I'm not confused
But you give your love
The one thing I can't lose
You believe in me
And I still have faith in you

I do have faith in you...

Do you have faith in others and what does that faith show about your character? Are you made of steel or do you find that the more you search for your significance you disappear? Do you see the truth? Have you made a difference in anyone's life? Are you made of steel?

Tonight the measure of a man cannot be found in a man made of steel because a true man isn't made of steel. He's made of character and faith!

That, my friends, is just a few thoughts from a small town southern man!

The Joneses live on the wrong road

Have you ever heard the phrase "keeping up with the Joneses?" Chances are you have and know that it means the same as trying to do what everyone else does when sometimes you either can't afford to do what the Joneses do or you shouldn't do what the Joneses do.

When you drive through certain neighborhoods, many times houses are similar and neighborhoods themselves are characterized by the people who live on a specific road.You see, the trouble with this is, the Joneses don't always live on the right road. Sometimes the Joneses live on the road to financial trouble. Sometimes the Joneses live on the road to friends that forsake you. Sometimes the Joneses live on the road to addictions that drag you down. Sometimes the Joneses live on the road to lost goals and ambitions, lost hopes, and lost dreams. Sometimes the Joneses just live on the road to unhappiness. Sometimes, keeping up with the Joneses is not a bed of roses, or at least that's what Thompson Square says. Take a look at these lyrics:

"Keeping Up With The Joneses"

Just one, I know I can handle that
Pull that bottle from its hiding place yea, just one
And I'll put it back
And it’s one after another till your key turns in the door
And I'll slur baby I'm sorry as you help me off the floor

[Chorus:]
I've been fighting my demons
I've been gaining ground
Crawling, walking then falling back down
It ain't been a bed of roses
Keeping up with the Joneses

That bottle, just won’t let me be
It’s killed everything that’s good in my life and now it’s working on me
Well I've come to believe, that whiskey is a spell
And you were sent straight down from heaven, to pull me out of hell

[Chorus]

Any man in his right mind would have set me free, given up on me
Said we're through
But baby not you
Someday I'll bury my demons deep in the ground
If I have never met you that’s where id be now
It ain't been a bed a roses keeping up with the Joneses [2x]

You see, so many times we search for happiness by trying to keep up the Joneses, by trying to emulate those who, more often than not, are not happy anyway. 

We all have areas in life in which we've failed or had difficulty. Sometimes we try to hide those failures and cope with them with things or wrong actions. The way you cope with things is by pushing through and by finding strength, not in keeping up with the Joneses, but in the helping hand of those who were probably there to help all along.

I really wish that people would realize that happiness in not found in the abundance of things one possesses or in actions that conform to the crowd. People put so much effort into trying to find happiness in the wrong place when it's right under their noses. 

So, I implore you today to forget the things. Forget the struggles. Fight on and look for happiness right where you left-in those who care the most!

And remember...sometimes the Joneses just live on the wrong road!

That, my friends, is just a few thoughts from a small town southern man!