Precariously pitiful ponderings permeate public’s poisonous perception.
The Forging of a Legacy
As I’m sure you are well aware, Kobe Bryant passed away yesterday in a helicopter accident. This news struck me. Probably the saddest part is hearing about the young ladies – including his daughter – that lost their life.
He was my favorite player in the NBA and there is much I have gained from him through the years. Recently, it was learning more about his work ethic that really intrigued and encouraged me. I still have much to learn, particularly as it relates to how I approach my writing.
I will probably touch more on this throughout the week…we’ll see. For now, here is a clip of his work ethic. I don’t think it’s the best clip and there’s extra stuff added in that I could do without. However, this is a good source if you’re not familiar with him and are curious in learning more as it takes from various sources.
Blessings,
MLK2020
I have always been prone to deep thoughts. When I say deep, I don’t mean profound, but all-consuming. I live in my head and mull things over and over again, regardless of the topic. Social issues are no different.
When it comes to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. I have really changed my position over the last few years. Growing up, he was one of my favorite historical heroes. In more recent years, as I have grown in my own thinking, particularly in my religious and political ideas, I have grown apart from him to a large degree. I found myself in disagreement with much of his ideology.
This year, I find myself drawn to a specific area of his life – his life in the public eye. His public life still garners much respect from me. The way he stayed composed under extreme pressure (which may be a contributing factor as to why he didn’t stay as composed under extreme pressure behind closed doors…something I am thinking through), the vision that he held, inspired in others and maintained in the face of opposition and, lastly, the way he articulated himself, even when I disagree, I find compelling and it causes one to pause and think.
On this day, and the days leading up to this one, I find myself trying to understand why I am drawn to certain people. I am praying about what I am to learn from people God has set in my path, no matter to what degree I agree with them. I am learning to ask – in new ways – what am I supposed to learn from them?
With this in mind, I think what I am supposed to learn this year from this man at this stage in my life:
- How to be utterly committed to a vision for my life
- Staying calm and disciplined in the face of opposition
- Being able to articulate this vision effectively (which means I need to read and write a lot more this year…I don’t know how to make time for this, but I must figure it out!).
The last thing I really appreciate this year in grappling with this day and the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., is respecting the action he – and hundreds and thousands of others – took to inspire change. I have done a lot of thinking and talking about heavy topics to form my thoughts…time for action! Just what action needs to be taken…?
I hope you find yourselves well today. For me, it’s been a day of great confusion, and great clarity.
7-Word Story | Politics
Today’s esteemed,
brilliant,
cutting edge,
political system!
© Joshua Curtis, 2019
Her Body, Her Choice; His Heart
We are faced with so many issues currently. One of those issues that really gets to me relates to the “Her Body, Her Choice” movement. I am not getting into the many arguments of what’s good and what’s bad about this, however just want to focus on one of the biggest issues this movement. That issue is this: There is always one silent victim in abortions. Many other times, there are two.
This is a true story that reveals this issue.
One day at work, I was speaking to one of my coworkers. We were catching up on our lives and the topic of abortion came up. This lead him into telling me a story of recent events in his life. He was driving down a familiar road past a familiar building. Outside of this familiar building, he saw a lot of protesters. He wasn’t sure what was going on and one of his family members, sitting in the back of the vehicle, informed him they were protesting the abortion clinic that was there. He had no idea it was an abortion clinic.
He also had a male cousin in the car with him who also didn’t know that it was an abortion clinic. This cousin went quiet for a while. Then he went into a story about how, a few years before this, he took his then girlfriend there. She simply told him that she had an appointment and did not go into any details. A few hours later, she finally came out and he was very concerned about her because the appointment took so long. He pressed her for a bit, but she did not discuss any details and just related that she was fine.
This young man, found out on this day, a few years after this had happened, that he had taken his girlfriend to an abortion clinic. He found out this day, that he lost his baby. He found out this day he was a father and that this opportune privilege was taken from him by someone’s choice and he had absolutely no say in the matter. He found out this day that he was one of three victims, and for years, the second silent victim.
Fathers matter too.
© Joshua Curtis, 2019
Societal Decadence
… … Another heavy one for Poetry Thursday! … …
This was originally published here on 19 December 2010. Slight revamps today.
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com
Round and round we go, on the journey of boisterous lost souls…
Babies make babies, taught in taboo to stay away from sex,
Yet, not kept from harm’s way, ill prepared for what’s next,
Instead, we pay cable companies to baby-sit everyday,
And let them explore the internet; they lose their way.
Boys and girls, formed by the hand of God, created to be royalty,
But wanting to fit in they fall short, embracing unhealthy loyalty.
Boys aspiring to be ‘cool’, sexing many girls, foolish to what’s in store,
Girls succumb, give their bodies away – crushed as they’re now impure.
Boys and girls, giving themselves away in the name of love,
Missing it’s lust they’re slipping their fingers in like a glove.
Many adults condemn, yet it’s them allowing the culture to slip;
Perpetuate the issue teaching hopelessness as the youth trip.
We have too many men taking advantage for their own desires,
Setting young bodies and souls ablaze with various consuming fires;
Adults loving this loose culture; sex has lost sacredness in truth,
As we have millions of broken homes filled with broken-hearted youth!
Round and round we go, on the journey of boisterous lost souls…
A bullet rips through the mind of a teacher, trigger pulled by student,
As he felt this teacher didn’t care and saw him as imprudent,
Can’t stop! He continues his rage, shooting those he thought smarter,
Situation is unbelievable and unexpected; surreal as it grows tarter,
The peer who said he was good-for-nothing made part of the disposal,
And the young lady that outright denied his movie night proposal,
Screams pour into the hallway with the guns every fiery flash,
And in the room, tears upon the floor ever the greater splash;
Another takes a bullet – once she knocked a pencil off of his desktop –
And then this young man shoots one yelling “Please Sam, stop!”.
How could this be; bad parenting, video games and violent TV?
Or was it from his science class where this young man began to see,
He had no purpose to his life as he simply evolved from an ape,
Realizing in this doctrine he was only an animal; mind took shape,
Tired of being put down! Today, he put himself on top of the food chain,
Then sirens filled the room from outside; realizing this was all in vain.
Pools of blood around the room – one was severely wounded, ten dead –
Large tears in his eyes, he let the last bullet fly through his own head.
Photo by mohamed Abdelgaffar from Pexels
Round and round we go, on the journey of boisterous lost souls…
A brand new baby girl, this princess full of innocence, beauty and grace,
Her face kisses the air for the first time, a new phase in this life’s race,
She cries her first known tears, yet she’s been anticipating this day.
Pain rips the back of her head, screams loudly finding the words to say.
Not fully out of her mother as the pain grows worse; she screams more –
It seems she will never know just what her life would had in store –
A cold metal rod shoves into the new hole in her head’s back,
The man stirred the rod around, everything faded to black,
Liquefied brains pour out of the hole, pouring like a slow faucet,
Her mother – for the moment only – relieved that she has lost it.
This child found herself lying in the arms of a man clothed in white,
Crying ceased, lying in peace, gazing into fiery eyes burning bright,
She began to notice large tears beginning to flow down His face;
“Precious daughter of mine, you are so beautiful in your white lace,
You are safe in my arms now; I’ll deal with them in time’s perfect pace.”
Photo by Public Domain Pictures from Pexels
Round and round we go, on the journey of boisterous lost souls…
© Joshua Curtis, 2010-2019
Termination of Our OB/GYN’s Paycheck!
… … this is probably going to be offensive … …
I am furious!!!
Let me tell you why I am so fired up … I was watching videos on YouTube – I know, this is the BEST and MOST PRODUCTIVE way to spend one’s day – on the topic of abortion. The arguments revolving this topic are quite interesting at times. I was hoping they would be full of robust conversation and well articulated argumentation. What I found … here’s how they often go …
Very productive …
Yes, it’s a mess. But, I did hear something that was fairly profound that opened my world up! So, according to these famous social media geniuses that are completely well rounded in knowledge from all areas of study AND have thought this topic through thoroughly, it is an absolute FACT, that babies – oops, I slipped – fetuses are almost not even human, some of the time!
These people convinced me that it may be possible and could be the case that it is a high probability that in some cases it is an undeniable scientific FACT that a fetus is a parasite to a woman’s body across the board in all situations – unless the women is fond of it, I think.
This made sense. They’re eating off of the woman’s body and such.
That’s when it hit me like a ton of bricks and – after regaining my consciousness – ensued fury!
My wife and I have three kids. They were all wonderful experiences. However, one of not so wonderful things I remember throughout each process is going to the OB/GYN – a lot! The closer we got to the delivery date, the closer we got with the Doc! One of the things they did – and I mean RIGHT from the beginning – were wellness checks on the “baby.” They also checked on my wife, which, of course, was great. However, HALF of the appointments was doing a wellness check on a parasite! AND, I GOT CHARGED FOR THIS, A LOT OF MONEY! I am floored! I am thinking about going back to these OB/GYNs and suing for some of that money back. It’s the American way after all! What kind of doctor charges you to do a wellness checkup on a parasite for God’s sake! They were faking the whole time! Almost like abortionists pretending to be doctors… hmm, no, not that bad!
…
~
…
Well, although I thought about suing, after thinking about it awhile and calming down some, I am just going to take the loss! It’s not the first time I have been lied to after all. Anyway, I am glad to report that my kids are humans now, at-least the semi-semblance of what a human is supposed to be. Although, they still act like parasites as much as they drain my pockets and cupboards, however, we found they do have all the parts of a human, e.g., a spine. So, we’ll stick with them being human for today!
Well, thank you for listening to my ranting. I feel better now. Sorry if I was offensive, I just had to spew that out. I am grateful for these social media intellectuals for expanding my horizon, although it initially lead to being upset at some good physicians! But, I am calm now and more intellectually robust at the end of it! Take care!
P.S. – Definitions
Okay, so I know that our culture doesn’t really believe in the proper use of definitions these days – especially from one particular political bend – but, they really are important. Let’s have a look at what the medical community concludes (although this is probably void since they do not represent the entirety of the scientific community…):
From Medical Dictionary Online
Fetus:
The unborn young of a viviparous mammal, in the post embryonic period, after the major structures have been outlined. In humans, the unborn young from the end of the eighth week after CONCEPTION until BIRTH, as distinguished from the earlier EMBRYO, MAMMALIAN.
Parasite:
Invertebrate organisms that live on or in another organism (the host), and benefit at the expense of the other. Traditionally excluded from definition of parasites are pathogenic BACTERIA; FUNGI; VIRUSES; and PLANTS; though they may live parasitically.
And, from Merriam-Webster
Fetus:
: an unborn or unhatched vertebrate especially after attaining the basic structural plan of its kind
specifically : a developing human from usually two months after conception to birth
Parasite:
an organism living in, with, or on another organism in parasitism
W.P. | Installment 1 | “Lost”
This first writing prompt I got from here.
~~ 10. Write about a time you were lost. ~~
Photo by Alex Smith on Pexels.com
- Lost. Life’s whirlwind blowing the waves. Tossed. I have mostly felt this way; out of place; no where to fit. The older I became, the worse it got. Racism made everything worse. I didn’t feel like I fit in my family – always uncomfortable. Felt like I was a burden. My life for them? What’s the cost? Hung out with mostly black people in school, but was never one of them either. Barriers broke down and crossed. Yet, I was the bridge – wonderful purpose; trampled underfoot. Where do I fit?! Who are my people? What’s my identity? … Lost …
Photo by Victoria Borodinova on Pexels.com
- A little shorty, summer evening and I was outside playing hard. Running around the yard, the alley and the back streets. I slip into the kitchen for a drink. I hear my … a family member … on the phone. Telling a joke; whispering; hiding the words from my inquisitive mind. I can’t let that slide! I press and ply. They give in, but tell me not to repeat. “What do you call a black person when they become an angel in Heaven? A bat!” Hurt, confused; this is funny? … I walk away and went back outside, to play with my … “batty” … friends. ? This is a step down from the poor white kids I play with? Didn’t know categories existed…
Photo by Flo Westbrook on Pexels.com
- Another summer day, a year or two away. A visiting aunt from a far way, walking away from the house to depart for the day, smiling from ear to ear; joyous, happy to see us. Began to speak to me – the youngest of the family – “You should come and visit me at my house…” A pause for a specific cause. Bent down with mouth by ear and I heard the sound. “…so we can get away from all these Black people!” Not breaking her smile as she erects herself. What did she say? I remember, the thought, ‘why would I want to do that?’ This was not okay! More splinters of confusion into my brain – more membranes fray.
Photo by Muhammad Moin Ulhaq on Pexels.com
- With my closest friends. The everyday homies. They got my back! Sitting around laughing – joneing and slammin’. Like usual, I know it’s coming. The white joke is on the horizon, but not towards me. Instead, why do white people … what’s up with white people … yo, this white girl … but every time before delivery occurs, they turn to me, still laughing, “Hey, don’t be offended” or after it was said “Sorry bro.” Constantly, with good intentions, reminding me I don’t fit it. That I’m on the exterior; the outskirts of unison. Unbreachable division with my closest dudes. Lost
Photo by Spencer Selover on Pexels.com
- “Let’s go hoop at the park.” I reply, “You know that’s right!” Strolling through the streets, walking down the middle; we own this! Knuckled headed fool. Emotionally on a precipice; edge of the cliff. Get to the elementary school, hooping at the park. Blacktop blazin’, smelling the burning of trees; catching that high whiff. Trying to fit in, but uncomfortable and stiff. Then, “Yo, hit this spliff!” I reply, “No, I’m good.” “Come on, don’t be a b****!” “Nah, I’m good.” From across the way … “What’s up with this White Boy?!” Approaching me, sizing me up. My guy intervenes, “It’s cool, he’s with me.” “F*** that, get this white boy outta here!” “I said he’s cool!” Disengaged the rage of this fool; at least for the moment. Lost – but grateful for my guy sticking up. Targeted and disrespected, but I gave them that jay! My boy was crossing them up. Couldn’t stop us!
Please feel free to share your thoughts. Also, if you have a writing prompt you want to share for me to take on next week, let me know!
© Joshua Curtis, 2019
Why I’m a Progressive
Disclaimer: I tend to shy away from politics. Especially these days. It seems to only spur on foolish arguments and heated battles that are full of passion and lack much logic or reason. Just log into Facebook for 35 seconds… Furthermore, if you’re losing an argument, you just have to pull the Trump card (look, already an emotionally provoking pun) and call the other person a racist which not only smears them and their argument, but seemingly grants you an automatic win. The sheer level of foolishness – from all sides – makes me a bit nauseous. However, as I am a husband and father, indeed as a citizen that participates in this system, I must take a stand somewhere. And make no mistake, we must choose where we stand very carefully as there are consequences for our choices. So, although I try and focus on the Gospel in my writings, the Gospel touches every part of our lives and this is where I have made my stance within the current American system I find myself. This is certainly a summation and I am excluding a lot of areas of consideration, but these are some of the main points that I stand on and why. I first published this on 4/07/2016, so I have revamped it slightly. However, some of the examples, although now outdated, still they bring the point across, so I have left those. Last note, one thing I have really enjoyed about WordPress is that people have had good discussions and I have not seen, with the exception of one example, people making rude, heated and/or unfounded comments. I have appreciated this! I am okay with disagreement – I know many people will not stand where I do with these issues, or at least all of them – and I welcome your comments. However, I will not put up with impassioned ranting or any other types of foolishness. I would love to hear where you stand, even if you are on the complete opposite side on these topics, but only if it remains respectful. Well, let’s get into it.
Here is why I am a self-proclaimed progressive…
- I’m progressive because when there is less government involvement, this gives people and organizations the ability to succeed or fail. In turn, this brings more equilibrium in the system and it brings about the opportunity for freedom and prosperity.
- I’m progressive because the government was NEVER supposed to be as big as it is.
Photo by Public Domain Pictures from Pexels
- I’m progressive because, overall, the welfare state impoverishes people and society. Furthermore, it is the new plantation which tends to keep people in bondage. To see just how devastating this system is, look up family statistics of the black community pre and post the 1960s Civil Rights Movement and you will find that black families, even when faced with less freedom and horribly unjust laws, were far more healthy and intact. The catalysts of this devastation was (and continues to be) liberal politics and the welfare system (initially this was used to get rid of husbands and fathers from the home). The policy of The Great Society – great for whom?! … For some specific statistics, I have a few laid-out in another post.
- I’m progressive because I believe in life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
- I’m progressive because I’m against high taxation and the government stealing people’s possessions (including money, weapons and property) and giving it to other people and/or organizations – even more so when those organizations are used to destroy people’s lives/livelihood (e.g., Planned Parenthood – specifically, what they are doing to minority, particularly black, communities).
- I’m progressive because I believe in God. Since socialist/communist ideology has as its first premise that there is no God and man is his own god and we are all evolving to utopia, I will always oppose this system. Not to mention it’s logical outworking. Simply look at the fruit this system produces – over 100 million people dead just in the last century and we think it’s going to be different if we put it in place here…if we make it “democratic.” As a system, it just doesn’t work and makes people, indeed all of society with the exception of the few “leaders”, desperately poor.
- I’m progressive because I believe that citizens have a right to hold their government accountable for their actions.
- I’m progressive because, although this country has had a crazy history, especially with the treatment of Natives, Africans and Irish, it was founded on Christian principles and that has allowed us to build one of the freest and most prosperous nations ever while also giving us the freedom to repent of our mistakes along the way and to better ourselves. Also, this has given many people the opportunity to achieve great things in a lifetime.
Photo by rawpixel.com from Pexels
- I’m progressive because it has been the conservatives that have stood for the freedom of blacks in America. From the Emancipation of the slaves (although, I don’t think we needed a war to achieve this!) while the Democrats responded by creating the KKK to oppose the Republicans, to the Civil Rights Act of 1957, which was severely weakened by the Democrats opposition to it, to the opposition and rejection of the current debilitating welfare state.
- I’m progressive because, by and large, liberal politics just do not work in practice! Just doing a quick search you will see that many of the cities that have the highest poverty rates have been liberal for quite some time, also they have the majority of cities with the highest crime rates and highest levels of people on welfare. In addition, the top states for abortion are overwhelmingly liberal. So, how is this good for people – particularly minority people? Since the 1960s, and in some areas the 1930s, black people have overwhelmingly voted for the politicians that are creating and purporting the conditions being so-called fought against. So, if liberalism is the “political mechanism” for the betterment of black people, have the black communities that have voted Democrat since the 1930s or 1960s gotten better, or worse? [You can look at Camden, NJ, Gary, IN, Baltimore, MD, etc. Just as a quick example, look at Flint, MI and their water crisis. Immediately people started making it a racial issue because the majority of people affected were black children. However, the mayor and the entire city council are almost all black and they are all Democrats. Furthermore, the prosecuting attorney, sheriff, county clerk, county treasurer, drain commissioner – county water agent, county surveyor, and 8 of the 9 members of the board of commissioners are all Democrats! Not to mention the first multi-ethnic, Democratic, President! So, what’s really the problem going on in Flint? (Let me also make clear that I am not lessening the severity of the situation there. It’s not all about politics as much as it’s about dereliction of duty. The point is, with all of those people in place “for the black population” it wasn’t an issue of racism – or, maybe it was, but from the liberal side. Should this situation have ever happened based on the promises constantly made from the liberal side as being the only answer of relief for black people?)]
Moving on, I’m progressive because overall it has proven to be much better for society and has a more proven track record of giving the opportunities to produce more freedom and life than that of liberal politics/ideologies. Look at the fruit of each!
Now, there may be some confusion with the term progressive. Since Progressivism as a political ideology is known for being hyper-liberal, what do I mean by being progressive? Well, I mean I’m progressive how the word is actually defined! Here we go, redefining words again!
PROGRESS’IVE, adjective Moving forward; proceeding onward; advancing; as progressive motion or course; opposed to retrograde.
1. Improving. The arts are in a progressive state.
– Webster’s Dictionary, 1828 version
While Progressives would look at that definition and agree with it, it is clear the fruit of their policies are working the opposite effect. In truth, this is what they really want anyway! Here is a good example of true progressivism: “Progress means getting nearer to the place you want to be. And if you have taken a wrong turning, then to go forward does not get you any nearer. If you are on the wrong road, progress means doing an about-turn and walking back to the right road; and in that case the man who turns back soonest is the most progressive man.” – C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity
Thus, I am and will to continue to be, progressive. I want to continue to evaluate if I’m, and the society in which I live, is on the correct road. We have needed to turn around for a while now, but we keep trudging along in the wilderness thinking our utopia is just around the bend. Let us be progressive and get back to the right road! That’s where I’m at. How about you?
© Joshua Curtis, 2019
If you enjoyed this post, please show some love! Give me a like or a share. Love to hear your thoughts. Blessings.
Garissa
12 April 2019
“Garissa”
gasp What was that noise?! Why so much commotion?!
It’s exam day! Why is the hall rampant with motion?!
What time is is anyway? sigh It’s 5:30.
My roommate lifts her head. “Hey girl. What’s all that noise?”
“I don’t know!” I’m becoming concerned and losing poise.
“Was that a distant scream?!” Frame becoming unsturdy.
Our friend bursts through the door – face twisted in horror.
“They’re killing us!” We hear the thunder of AK claps from door.
Looking in each other’s youthful eyes; panic!
We leap from beds and slip on shoes,
Ripping the curtain down, room fills with red hues.
Desperation! Opening the window; frantic!
Our friend goes first, leaping to the ground,
Tears filling eyes with rising deathly sounds,
My roommate held my hand then leapt,
As a masked man burst into the room,
Grabbing me in a flash, dragged by hair, before I could zoom;
I wish this was a nightmare dreamt.
My friends scream, cry; with no recourse, sprint to gate,
With others, drug outside, laid face down. Our fate?!
Is this a joke or a ransom? Could it be a heist?
“We are god’s men from the group of Striving Youth!
We are looking for Christians. No harm if you tell truth!” tears, whimpers
My family..friends…life…My spirit leaps within; I yell “Jesus Ch… … …
© Joshua Curtis, 2019
This is a historical fiction poem from the massacre that took place at Garissa University College in Kenya in April 2015. I hope – and pray – that I honor those killed. I am detached from that culture, so it is written more so from the emotion that may have been happening at that moment. Why this situation in particular? Just felt drawn to do so.
My desire is to honor the many martyrs of the Christian faith that are being killed daily around the world. They are giving their lives for the truth of Christ, while many of us in the the West sit back and argue about his character and if his Word is reality. This isn’t good enough!
My hope is that this isn’t offensive, particularly to any Kenyan’s or their culture. If so, just know it is from ignorance and not intention. Please forgive me. My intention is of honor.
Below is a song by J. Monty in his honor to many martyrs as well (from 2015). The witnesses of martyrs are compelling and convicting. This is not saying Christianity is the only religion to be persecuted. However, as a Christian, I wanted to do my part to honor my fellow Christians that are under pressure, or that have paid the ultimate price for their (our) belief. Blessings to all!
Video:
https://youtu.be/tX72GjEj350
In addition:
- https://www.opendoorsusa.org/christian-persecution/world-watch-list/about-the-ranking/
- https://www.opendoorsusa.org/christian-persecution/world-watch-list/
- https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-32169080
- & Nigeria: https://www.abcactionnews.com/news/world/hundreds-of-christians-killed-in-nigeria-attacks
NoblemanWarrior's Quill 