Day 424 ~ #16 of My 30 Days of Truth

My 30 Days of Truth challenge   I will admit that I changed one question and changed a few curse words... other than that the challenge is intact. 

Day 16:  Something or someone you definitely could live without...

Again... this one is easy peazy lemon squeezy!

Bullies, racism, people who feel they are entitled and bad drivers.

I think that pretty much covers it.  Don't you?

I really do not think I need to elaborate on this one.  Do you? wink, wink.

Okay... I will say this... people who practice being a bully and those born into racism ... well there's something wrong here.  

More times than not, bullies and racists themselves have been treated the same way all their lives... and sadly to say ... this is all they know.  Or it could have been a life changing event.  Does this excuse them?  No.  But it does help understand the reason they are the way they are.

It's hard to say at what point in their lives, if any, they could have been saved and turned around.

With people that feel entitled... well that is what they witnessed.  They witnessed their elders treating those around them like that.  Granted it is not as abusive as being bullied or taught racism... but it can be construed that way.

I do want to add this... just because some people were born into this ugliness... well, it does not necessarily mean that those qualities are in their hearts.  There are the few that have love in their hearts and do not continue the cycle.  They behave quite the opposite.

Finally... bad drivers.  Well?  Either, learn the laws wherever you plan to drive, take lessons, get a driver or just stay home.  Please.  Also I would like to add...  PLEASE PLEASE DO NOT TEXT AND DRIVE ... and if you must drink... DESIGNATE A DRIVER.  Please.

Enough said.  wink, wink.

It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. ⁶ Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. ⁷ It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

⁸ Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues,they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.  ~ 1 Corinthians 13:5-8

Where I've been and where I'm going next...  

Day 01 : Something you hate about yourself.

Day 02 : Something you love about yourself.

Day 03 : Something you have to forgive yourself for.

Day 04 : Something you have to forgive someone for.

Day 05 : Something you hope to do in your life.

Day 06 : Something you hope you never have to do. 

Day 07 : Someone who has made your life worth living for.

Day 08 : Someone who made your life hell, or treated you horribly.

Day 09 : Someone you didn't want to let go, but just drifted.

Day 10 : Someone you need to let go, or wish you didn’t know.

Day 11 : Something people seem to compliment you the most on.

Day 12 : Something you never get compliments on.

Day 13 : A band or artist that has gotten you through some tough days. (write a letter.)

Day 14 : Write a letter to a hero that has let you down.

Day 15 : Something or someone you couldn’t live without, because you've tried living without it.

Day 16 : Someone or something you definitely could live without.

Day 17 : A book you’ve read that changed your views on something.
Day 18 : Your views on gay marriage.
Day 19 : What do you think of religion?  Or what do you think of politics?
Day 20 : Your views on drugs and alcohol.
Day 21 : (scenario) Your best friend is in a car accident and you two got into a fight an hour before. What do you do?
Day 22 : Something you wish you hadn’t done in your life.
Day 23 : Something you wish you had done in your life.
Day 24 : Make a playlist to someone, and explain why you chose all the songs. (Just post the titles and artists and letter)
Day 25 : The reason you believe you’re still alive today.
Day 26 : Have you ever thought about giving up on life? If so, when and why?
Day 27 : What’s the best thing going for you right now?
Day 28 : Name a decision you made that caused a chain of events that would not have happened if it wasn't for that decision.
Day 29 : Something you hope to change about yourself. And why.
Day 30 : A letter to yourself, tell yourself EVERYTHING you love about yourself

Hey if you want to join along... well let me know in a comment and I'll visit your challenge each day.  We could even link up our blogs.  wink, wink.  No.. seriously we could.

Here's to 30 Days of Truth!

I am second.

[here's to you finding your... ]

Peace...

... for a, l & c.  You are my sunshine(s).  

Images are courtesy of google or Bing images.  Some images maybe labeled property of Carla Barila Karam and of this blog, Took It... Making It... Living It... My Life .  © 2012  U.S Copyright Laws apply.

Day 397 ~ I Am Second Challenge Day 17 of 22

This is Day 17 of my challenge... {and} my seventeenth video... 

... Ken Hutcherson... was raised in Alabama, in a time that racism was not only blatant, but flagrant as well.  At a mere age of five he was given a life lesson by his uncle which not only took his innocence, but planted hatred in his heart.  He practiced racism for years with such anger and hatred, and it wasn't until many years later when he learned that Jesus died on the cross for everyone... every skin color... that his heart softened.  Today not only is he a Pastor {in Washington state) in a multiracial church... but he is Second. 

Ken Hutcherson: I am Second

After watching today's video I hugged my daughter for what seemed an eternity.  Why?  Because she is five {and a half} years old and I can not even begin to fathom someone taking her innocence away... let alone let it be a family member... let alone filling her heart with hatred.

My heart literally ached for Ken.  This little boy's life was changed and his heart was replaced with a heart of stone.  No child should feel or experience hate... ever!

At about the same age I learned about prejudice and racism myself.  I am Latin as you know (Argentina/Peru), however I do not look as if I am.  I was made fun of by all the "white" girls because I had a last name that wasn't American (whatever that means) and spoke funny (Spanish accent)... and I was not accepted by the few Latins that existed at the time in Los Angeles {late 60s early 70s} either, because I did not look the part.  

Yes... you read right... there weren't very many Latins in Los Angeles at the time.

Anyhooo... as I grew older and my English perfected, I still was not easily accepted by schoolmates (girls)... but that did not stop me from standing up for those who did not have a voice.  No... I did not get into fights or anything like that, I just preferred to hang out with the underdog as opposed to the popular bunch.

Today, I still experience racism.  I live in town where the majority of its residents are Mexican.  As I mentioned I do not look Latin... however I do speak Spanish fluently and understand it just as well.  

I can not tell you how many times I have heard remarks made of the racial persuasion...  

I can not tell you how many times I have responded back to these people really sweet in Spanish (funny, each time the person being ugly has been an older woman).  

{and} I can not tell you how many times I wish I would have taken a picture of them as their chin dropped to the ground!

I don't get mad or even... I just strike back with kindness.

We are Second when we put Jesus First.  Seconds are bold to lift up Jesus and tell others.  Are you ready to become a stronger Second?

I challenge YOU to take the I Am Second [22] Day Challenge... Can you spare maybe fifteen minutes in a day?

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.  ~John 13:34-35 (NIV)

I AM SECOND.

[here's to you finding your... ]

Peace...

... for a, l & c.  You are my sunshine(s).  

Images are courtesy of google or Bing images.  Some images maybe labeled property of Carla Barila Karam and of this blog, Took It... Making It... Living It... My Life .  © 2012  U.S Copyright Laws apply.