FAITH AND "THE DA VINCI CODE"

By Toney Atkins

    Hollywood executives are somewhat shrewd in their efforts to pack movie houses for controversial movies -- particularly if the subject matter is the central character in Christianity, Jesus Christ.

    "The Da Vinci Code," a novel that has been on the shelves for more than a decade, is getting new life and a lot of television, radio and church pulpit exposure because it has become a motion picture that presents theories that some churches do not want to discuss or to outright repudiate.

    I've neither read the book and don't expect to see the film until it becomes available on DVD, but from what I do know about it, the Hollywood PR machine is working overtime and that machine's operators are likely giddy about all the controversy and free advertising they are getting for what appears to be simply another speculative drama that delves beneath the Biblical interpretations we've been taught in the New Testament about Jesus.

    The same type of hoopla raged when "Jesus Christ Superstar" was staged as a rock musical. I recall that friends and I had to wind our way through a sea of protesters holding signs warning that we'd all go to hell if we saw the production at Memorial Auditorium in Chattanooga, TN. The musical told the story of Christ in a radically different way than it had been shown in the late 1960s and early '70s, but the underlying message and the questions people had in Jesus' time as well as in the present were presented in a manner that some might find disturbing, particularly the implications of Mary Magdalene singing "I Don't Know How To Love Him." Was that implying a close relationship between the two?

    The next hell storm that I recall came when a decades-old novel, "The Last Temptation of Christ," was made into a movie. What outraged the Christian community was the extended dream sequence as Jesus was hanging on the cross in which he saw Himself being led away to a land in which He and Mary married and had children and then, seeing the chaos in the land, having to make a decision as to whether to fulfill his destiny and go back to the cross to die for the sins of humanity. When Jesus opened his eyes on the cross, He knew the dream had been another Satanic temptation to stop Him from saving the world of sinners.

    I was in Florida at the time of that film's release, and the protests came well before anyone had actually seen the film. Ministers packed city and county council meetings, insisting that "The Last Temptation of Christ" be banned from movie houses, not allowing open-minded Christians to see the film for themselves and judge it for what it was. I heard of no one whose faith was damaged by seeing it much later when it finally became available in video stores.

    We all remember the Jewish uproar over Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ," because they believed there would be a backlash against the Jewish folks because of the fact shown in the film that a number of Jews indeed wanted Jesus to be crucified. That movie proved to be a big success with the evangelical crowd because it concentrated on the bloody violence of the crucifixion and sex wasn't an issue.

    Now comes "The Di Vinci Code," which I understand implies that there is a discovery that Jesus and Mary indeed married and had children, and ministers are scared to death that their congregations' faith is going to be shattered by a work of fiction.

    My feeling about the whole uproar follows, and I have read The New Testament several times. So what if Jesus and Mary had a relationship -- even a sexual relationship -- that either purposely wasn't written in the Gospels or was omitted by editors who believed that suggesting that Jesus had natural human feelings were blasphemous. I have been taught throughout life that Jesus was God on earth in human form Who experienced every emotion known to man, who had to battle many temptations to do evil and to turn against the Father. He laughed, He wept, His body bled when lashed and He felt pain until the moment He conquered the cross and death itself. If He didn't have sex, does that mean sex is evil? At least, all of these speculative movies avoid going so far as to emphasize that he mostly hung out with 12 male disciples, and we all know what people today would say about that if Jesus had chosen this time to come.

    The outrage needs to be at oneself when a fictional book or movie has the power to hurt your faith in Jesus. We don't know everything He did on earth. We don't know everything He said. We DO know that He was the Son of God who loved His Father and all the people of the world to die for them and give them the promise of an eventual resurrection and eternal life.

    If you object to a movie or book, don't see or read it, but then, please don't turn around and pay to see a horror flick about exorcists and demons, because then what do you believe in?

    Pray, trust God, keep the faith, nurse it, share with those who believe as you do. Believe in Jesus in the manner that gives you comfort and makes you feel saved. Hold on to it, and I assure you, you will grow strong, using common sense and the knowledge that comes from above.

    Love and peace to all!

Powered by Qumana

WHAT??? THE INVASION'S OVER?

By Toney Atkins

I realize that the U.S. and the rest of the world are falling apart at the seams: Many illegal immigrants carrying illegal drugs are crossing the border into this country at this very moment, more brave troops have been killed or wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan, people are up in arms about a movie based on a decade-old book that they are suddenly afraid will shake their faith in Jesus, and worry beads are being kept busy because of Paul McCartney's impending divorce, Tom Cruise's fatherhood, another Britney Spears baby, Paris Hilton's fear of poverty, the departure of "Will and Grace" and whoever was thrown off "American Idol."

But let's pause for a moment, friends in the Peanut Gallery (who, by the way, are justifiably sad about the loss of Clarabelle the Clown to Clown Heaven). Only the issues of our troops and the illegalities at the border are genuinely worth our concerns and prayers. Even a mustardseed of faith should survive "The DaVinci Code."

But just for a diversion, let me slip into the idiotic sublimity of unreality that monopolizes our lives to ask a question of real urgency in my segment of this Twilight Zone land of ours: WHY IS ABC TAKING "INVASION" OFF THE AIR?

You bet I am angry. We had to endure the initially promising but ultimately silly NBC series, "Surface," being mercifully flushed down tubeland's commode. CBS teased us with "Threshold" and then shoved it into a never-neverland void without notifying us that the last episode we watched was the last episode they would ever show -- no conclusions, no resolutions. Just, "Bye, y'all."

But "Invasion," despite its imperfections, had some substance and a semblance of reality (did FEMA ever show up after the first hurricane?). The characters were suitably likeable and heroic or villainous and venomously hateful. You could even care about some of them, whether or not they were aliens (or "hybrids"). There was a fairly coherent storyline, some good dramatic and suspenseful moments, decent action sequences and a bit of romance and underlying sexual tension.

So what does ABC do on the day of the really good "season finale"? The network announces that the show has not been renewed. Yes, we know why the good guy-bad guy sheriff did what he did at the end; we know the supposedly really bad guy got his comeuppance; we know that the lovely alien (hybrid?) mom and her hunky forest ranger former hubby still have feelings for each other even though his new wife is -- well, if you didn't see the show, I won't give that away; and we gather that FEMA -- or some people acting like they are from FEMA, with our doubts being fueled by their swiftness -- finally showing up after the second hurricane.

But we're left hanging about the non-poddy creatures that assume human form. Are they part of a government evolutionary project? Why have some of them implied a malicious takeover of the human race and others still have humanlike compassion? Why did what happened in the Florida Keys seem to be unknown to the outside world? Like "Lost," what has the time-frame been here? Am I eventually going to have to go back to college at my elder age for a class theorizing the meaning of this series?

So ABC, I chastise you! With all of the world's real troubles on our minds, why do you leave us with one more thing to worry about? Bring back "Invasion," or at least give us a more satisfactory ending, whether it's a happy one or not.

Powered by Qumana

THE MEDICATION-ALCOHOL DILEMMA

By Toney Atkins

    In an earlier posting, headlined "Addictions," I opined about medication issues as related to the much-reported "confession" and "apology" by Rhode Island Congressman Patrick Kennedy in announcing that he was checking into a facility to get help for his addiction to painkillers. Not wanting to harp on the issue, I simply want to be a bit redundant in elaborating and opining on the previous writing.

    The medications he said that he took before driving, allegedly not even remembering getting out of bed and operating the vehicle, were Ambien and something for his stomach, neither of which have anything to do with killing pain, according to doctors and medical reference information. Whatever the case, he obviously needs help if he has been mixing medications without researching potential side effects from the combinations. He says he was not drinking alcohol at the time of his car crash, and even if he wasn't, that definitely draws attention to the public about examining the issue of prescribed drugs combined with alcohol.

    My experience has been that if medications are taken as directed -- and the majority advise NOT to combine them with alcoholic beverages -- they work as they are intended to do. For example, I've chided acquaintances about drinking a lot while taking antibiotics for whatever condition requires them. For one thing, experience and research has shown me that the antibiotics do no good if combined with alcohol, and some people wonder why they don't get well.

    A number of medications can be addictive if taken for long periods of time. However, many people need certain medications in order to do their jobs and to maintain a quality of life. An example here is something such as Alprazolam for panic attacks. If taken as prescribed, I don't see a major addiction problem, especially if a physician will take time to wean the person off the medication (and that includes something like Zoloft, a good medication for depression) -- and IF the health problem is resolved. Ambien, a sleep aid, did not present a withdrawal problem when I was without it for a while, although I suffer from a sometimes serious sleep disorder possibly caused by post-traumatic stress after being mugged and kicked in the face and head many, many times about a decade ago (but that's a separate and unrelated story in itself).

    Information about these and other medications (including those for pain and muscle relaxation) are usually provided by the doctor or pharmacist and should be read carefully, particularly by drinkers who don't (or can't) stop with just one alcoholic beverage. The individual can avoid potentially dangerous side effects simply by knowing about the medication and following the instructions.

    Most don't see it as such, but that beer, wine or stronger beverages are drugs themselves, therein the danger of combining them with any other kind of drug. Taking aspirin while drinking booze and burn the stomach. Taking Tylenol-type drugs in combination with alcohol can impact the liver and even cause coma or death.

    On the issue of alcohol by itself, we all know that addiction as the disease of alcoholism. Symptoms can be frequently  having to have a beer or other drink when arising from bed, many more drinks during the day and evening and before going to sleep. Alone, such an addiction can result in mental and general health problems. (I'm not speaking of an average drinker who does not rely on alcohol for confidence to get through the day, to relieve a hangover from the night before or as an aid to try to sleep.) Controlled drinking is fine, as long as the person is not getting behind the wheel of a vehicle, operating potentially dangerous equipment or drinking too much too drown sorrows or to attempt an escape from personal problems. When the alcohol controls the person, that's when there can be all kinds of problems. That person can get treatment at facilities and get support from such fine groups as Alcoholics Anonymous.

    This is not written to appear that I'm "holier than thou." In some of the instances mentioned above, I've been there or I've dealt with many people who have -- and I've done a lot of research. This is not meant to be preaching. It's intended to be informational. I had to learn about a lot of things the hard way -- and then I learned to educate myself as much as possible, with the prayer that something I write can help even just one person.

    People have real and painful issues that require medication and even regular treatment by a physician. It's nothing to be ashamed of. We all just need to be in control of what we need and not allow it to control us.

    Don't just trust what I write here, though. Do some research from reliable sources on your own. It's your health.

   IMPORTANT POSTSCRIPT: Do NOT abruptly stop taking any prescribed medication before consulting your physician. Doing such could have very serious health repercussions.

    "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference." -- The Serenity Prayer.

.

Powered by Qumana

I AGREE WITH PRESIDENT BUSH

By Toney Atkins

Stop the presses! I have found agreement with President Bush on some issues.

First, I firmly support his statement that if an immigrant wants to be an American citizen, he or she should sing the National Anthem in English and learn to speak the English language as Americans do.

I also agree that there are far too many "pork" issues for lawmakers' desires that should be in a separate money bill but are currently attached to a bill providing funding for our fighting men and women in Iraq and Afghanistan and for the recovery from Hurricane Katrina. Let Congress try to destroy the environment and rip our pocketbooks at the same time on another occasion -- and I'm sure they will.

On the issue of illegal aliens, I still believe that ILLEGAL means just that -- unlawful. If our lawmakers should give blanket amnesty to all illegal immigrants from Mexico and elsewhere, they might as well give amnesty to anyone else who has broken the law in any form or fashion.

I am not against legal immigration. I know a number of fine people of Hispanic and other foreign heritage who are wonderful additions to the United States. I have even found some of those living in the South to be the nicest, most courteous people I've ever met, going so far as to be helpful when so-called friends who call themselves American citizens ignored or blatantly refused me. For them, I say, "God bless America, and welcome!"

Powered by Qumana

SHOULD CHRISTIANS PROTEST AT MILITARY FUNERALS?

--- The following is from the May 2 edition of "The Situation Room" with Wolf Blitzer on CNN. I urge you to read it and my commentary that follows:

WOLF BLITZER: For many families and others, it's an appalling act, going to the funerals of service members killed in Iraq to cheer their deaths. Can you believe this? But the group staging them is finding some support.

Let's get some details. This is an amazing story. Brian Todd is standing by -- Brian.

BRIAN TODD, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Wolf, that support comes on the ever precarious grounds of free speech. Now, if any group could ever test the bounds of the First Amendment, it's the Westborough Baptist Church.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

TODD (voice-over): They show up and shock.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Every dead soldier coming home is a punishment from the lord, your god.

TODD: At the funerals of service members killed in Iraq, these folks condemn the dead and their families.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You are a hell-bound minister of Satan.

TODD: Followers of the Kansas-based Westborough Baptist Church have been crisscrossing the U.S., protesting at more than 150 funerals of service members. They believe god is killing U.S. soldiers in Iraq to punish America for tolerating homosexuality.

They've caused such a disruption that more than two dozen states are either trying to pass laws restricting the movement of the protesters or have already passed them. There's a proposal in Congress for a federal law restricting their movement in national cemeteries.

But the Westborough Baptist Church now has a powerful ally. The American Civil Liberties Union is filing suit to challenge Kentucky's new law.

LILI LUTGENS, ACLU: What is important here is that the First Amendment protects the free speech rights of everyone, and that includes those whose message we dislike, that we find offensive.

TODD: The father of one U.S. soldier killed in Iraq whose funeral was picketed by the church, as well as veterans group leaders, say their friends and loved ones died to protect freedom of speech. But this lawsuit...

JOE DAVIS, VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS: It infuriates us. When you have some people that are out there just spreading this hate and prejudice and hiding behind the First Amendment to do so, it's something that's just not right. It doesn't sit well with, I would pretty much bet, most of Americans.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

TODD: Like it or not, Westborough won't stop. One church leader told me they are heading to Michigan this weekend to protest at two soldiers' funerals. Michigan lawmakers are trying to pass one of those restriction laws, but it hasn't passed yet -- Wolf.

BLITZER: What a story. Brian, thanks for that. Brian Todd reporting.

(C) CNN. Read the entire transcript at CNN.com.

***

THE FOLLOWING IS SOLELY THE OPINION OF TONEY ATKINS AND IS NOT TO IMPLY THAT CNN OR ANY NEWS ORGANIZATION AGREES:

"God does not reject people. Neither do we." -- TV ad for the United Church of Christ.
The advertisement for the United Church of Christ has to be seen to be appreciated, and I have to admit that I see the truth, tragedy and humor in it that actually makes me feel like going to church.
All of us should know the words of Jesus in John 3:16: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that WHOSOEVER believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." That expressly means ALL, not just some, human beings. Unfortunately, many of us committed it to memory by rote because we had to and we do not always truly understand the simplicity of Jesus' message to us while He was in human form on earth. The commercial promotes that truth.
Then, I see on the news scenes of members the Baptist church named in the relatively brief CNN news piece who use an outrageous philosophy in preaching against the Iraq War by violating the mourning process of families and friends at funeral services for loved ones who have died in that war.
The video clips in the "Situation Room" report were tame compared to those that were televised several months ago, but there were still glimpses of the signs these people carry that bear the word "faggot" and other terms of bigotry that have nothing to do with the soldiers and their families, the troops who are valiantly doing their jobs in the conflict and the reasons for the war itself.
If you see one of the news tapes, look into the crazed eyes of these "religious" hate-mongers and listen to the venom of their speech. If one believed in demon possession, one would almost have to believe that this small group of alleged "Christians" is indeed possessed.
Their terrible tirades are causing even greater heartache for the dead soldiers' survivors and casting a bad reflection on religious institutions, most of whom have publicly disassociated themselves from these blatant hypocrites.
The "church" claims that the troops are dying because of their allegation that the United States condones homosexuality and that God is punishing the nation. With this apparently being their central reason for the protests, they have been recorded as hatefully calling all troops "faggots" and "queers" and saying that the soldiers deserve to die. Bull.... er, hogwash! What on earth is this group's agenda, and what insane asylum does it represent?
First, there apparently have been homosexuals on earth ever since Adam and Eve got thrown out of the Garden of Eden for eating that apple and they started to begat and begat and begat.
In all the wars men have fought since the beginning of time, it's only logical to believe that there were homosexuals fighting beside heterosexuals and bisexuals on both sides, so who was God punishing then?
This group calls itself a Christian church, but are these folks still living in the Old Testament? Many Americans do NOT openly condone homosexuality and that a known practicing homosexual would probably not be allowed to be a member of most churches or even be sincerely welcomed to worship in their sanctuaries -- even though the doors are always open to secret adulterers, cheats, wife-or-husband beaters and child abusers.
The difference is that however most Christian churches may believe, their members do not stage obscene, name-calling protests at military funerals.
To label our troops as this single Baptist church is doing is abysmal and totally un-Christian, according to all of the Bibles I've read. To imply that the soldiers of our nation are being punished for a single lifestyle is beyond being outrageous. Now, if they wanted to focus on the alleged untruths and corruption that got us into this war, I might be a little more understanding -- but I seriously doubt it.
The funeral of anyone who has died in battle so that this group might have its freedom of speech deserves respect, not only for the person who gave his or her life, but for the survivors as well.
Instead, this one church stages its protests with vile signs and language directed toward the families at the scenes of such funerals. I'm in no position to judge, but when this group reaches the Pearly Gates, I'm afraid its members could find the gates locked and a detour sign pointing downhill to a hotter climate.
I am a firm believer in freedom of speech, but it has its place and time. I was astounded to learn that the American Civil Liberties Union is supporting this group that is beyond being simply annoying. I shudder to think this is the depth to which our nation has dropped and the direction in which it seems to be going.
I admire and appreciate true Christians who practice their faith, especially in the real world before and after the church services they attend. I rejoice with them in their joy of trying to live the words that Jesus Himself preached.
I particularly admire the religious institutions that have denounced this hateful group that mars the lives of innocents and attempts in un-Godly ways to disgrace the dead. Do these fanatics deliver God's message? I think not.
As the United Church of Christ promotion says: "God does not reject people. Neither do we."
(P.S. And Lord, I'm working really hard to forgive these maniacs about whom I've written. Help me, please, because I'm really ticked off at them!)
(c) 2006, Toney Atkins

THE ACCIDENTAL DIET

By Toney Atkins

    It's amazing how a little ingenuity (or, in my case, some unexplored common sense) can help one deal with life's crises when we happen to get hit by a financial curve ball that somehow empties our pockets.

    Now, I'm far from being the smartest person in the world and it took some help from my late Dad who, before his passing on his birthday last August, had stocked his cabinets with canned pears, corn, green peas, green beans and even turnip greens. In his refrigerator was some frozen butter (supposedly with zero cholesterol) and a few spices. In recent months, I had already devoured all the soups and chili and pretty much ate out for burgers, fish, meat loaf and vegetables.

    That was all well and good until April came along and I was slammed with a temporary (I hope and pray) financial crisis which forced an immediate change in lifestyle. While my brain and stomach demanded the delights of Golden Corral or the Country Cafe, I dined on bologna sandwiches during the afternoon and evening and oatmeal for breakfast and a midnight snack.

    After the bologna and oatmeal were gone, I found myself one evening, sitting in an easy chair and morbidly and figuratively bathing myself in a sea of self-pity, listening to my stomach whine for a big meal at the Golden Corral buffet. Suddenly, it was a though Dad's spirit entered the room, slapped me across the head and yelled, "Open your eyes and think, stupid!"

    I remembered the massive number of cans of pears in the cabinets, but I wasn't sure what else was there. First was a can of potatoes and then some tomato sauce. A few cans back were a couple filled with gravy. Then there were canned vegetables and the other previously mentioned individual canned items. The last job anyone would ever give me would be in a kitchen, but my mind went to work. I could combine some of these things and make a soup, but knowing me, I'd have that eaten in one day.

    My dining habits have baffled people for years. I have a tendency of eating all of one item on my plate before I go to the next. I decided to try something. I opened a can of corn -- the average can, not the family size, put a little butter, light salt and pepper in the bowl. Three minutes in the microwave and viola! I had my supper. After relishing it along with a cup of coffee, I found that my hunger was satisfied. Later, I indulged in a can of green beans and a can of sliced pears before bed.

    It became a routine of pears upon waking, a can of the vegetable of my choice for lunch and a different choice for dinner. Naturally, to support decent health, I took a multivitamin (with cholesterol-fighting ingredients) during the day.  I was certainly eating better than the poor homeless folks who walk the streets who have to depend on churches and shelters, and I hadn't had to spend a penny for the food, thanks to Dad, who always worried about whether I was eating right.

    For exercise, I've boogied down nightly to at least half an hour to my stash of disco music, shaking my groove thang and ample rump to hopefully improve my sexy, masculine image.

    A physician would lash me 20 times at least for suggesting such a diet, but here is a definitely positive result: In less than two weeks, I lost at least 10 pounds. If that rate continues until payday in two more weeks. I will at least double that and start getting closer to the weight at which I'll be satisfied.

    What my physician would not be happy about was that I was even able to have a smoke after my midnight snack -- after I rummaged through a bag that I had brought to Georgia last June. Admittedly, I don't know how long the three broken Parliaments had been in the bag before that, and they did give that rush of aged tobacco, but what can I say? Life is good.

    Needless to say, when the check finally comes in the mail, the cabinets will be restocked for the next literal or figurative storm that comes along -- and for the interim as well.

    Stay healthy, and spread love and peace!

Powered by Qumana

DOING WHAT I DO

    Some people have understandably asked why I include links on www.toneyatkins.com/ to fund-raising organizations and if I get compensation for doing so.

    The answer to the second question is no, I receive no compensation for the links to organizations that benefit wounded troops, the families of our troops, victims of natural disasters, the homeless and needy, animals and the latest, a memorial for the heroes of the flight that crashed in Pennsylvania on Sept. 11, 2001, potentially saving lives in Washington, DC.

    I seek no personal compensation or even praise for including these worthwhile organizations in links that are separate from the Google ads that I do permit on my site. The way I see it, these organizations are helping people (and yes, even pets) that need assistance in one form or another. It's up to the individual who goes to any site on my web page to decide if they want to or can afford to give $5 or more to help fellow human beings in these troubled times. Those of us who have not been directly impacted by any of these issues can thank the God to whom we pray and realize that the unpredictable can happen and someday we may be affected and may need some kind of help, no matter how rich or poor we may be.

    If you're like me and sometimes have to use every penny you have to support yourself and your family, the least we can do is pray for the success of all genuine humanitarian groups in the efforts to help others.

    Our prayers WILL be answered, and who knows? Our other prayers may be answered as well, simply because of an act of unselfishness.

    SPREAD LOVE AND PEACE! Tell someone you love them. They'll feel good, and you will, too! -- Toney Atkins

Powered by Qumana

TONEY ATKINS' RANDOM THOUGHTS

    One way American citizens can show that they can show that they have more economic power than illegal aliens would be to postpone their weekend shopping -- even filling their tanks with overpriced gas -- until Monday, May 1, the day of the protest by illegal Mexican immigrants, and buy their groceries, clothing, fuel and other needs only at stores operated or even owned by Americans or immigrants who are legitimately earning their citizenship.

***

    Isn't it a shame that more people probably vote for singers on "American Idol" or "Nashville Star" than go to the polls to vote for lawmakers who definitely have a greater impact on their futures?

***

    A new ad promoting a possible million dollar prize for someone who sends money via Western Union has inspired me to urge distant friends and acquaintances to wire some money to a needy writer -- ahem, guess who? -- and potentially become a millionaire for their generosity.

***

    Attention, gossip mongers: Say what you want about those loonies Paris Hilton, Michael Jackson and Tom Cruise, but leave my favorite beauty, the "pillow-lipped" actress-humanitarian Angelina Joli, alone! So there!

***

    What better author for a book dealing with the new "sex for votes" scandal in Washington than someone named A.M. Cox?

***

P.S. See, Cousin Linda, I haven't totally lost my sense of humor!

Powered by Qumana

Powered by Qumana

YOU KNOW IT'S AN ELECTION YEAR

By Toney Atkins

    You know it's election year when all the issues facing Americans suddenly start to get the attention of election officials -- whoop-de-damn-do -- whether or not anything will actually be done to benefit the citizens. But I have to admit that there's some almost award-winning pretense of concern on the part of some perspiring politicos who are very aware that voters will be going to the polls in November 2006.

    Nearly five years after the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, politicians finally have noticed that the security of our borders -- particularly with Mexico -- is lousy. Illegal is illegal -- unlawful, yet some of our lawmakers would go along with giving amnesty and citizenship to those Hispanics, illegally here or not, while immigrants from other countries who want legitimate citizenship work for years to achieve it. Except for CNN's "Lou Dobbs Tonight," nothing much was being said about this problem until political incumbents woke up one morning, gasped and said, "Something needs to be done about this!" But what to do? They want Latino votes, but they also need the votes of angry American citizens who are tired of job outsourcing and illegals who are taking jobs that can't even support a decent standard of living. (When's the last time you actually heard an American, English-speaking voice on the other end of the line when you called for Internet support or to inquire about a cable TV outage or cell phone problems? But I digress.)

    Also suddenly, the public reaction to the rapid rise of gasoline prices at the pump has tapped our lawmakers on the shoulder. Where were they more than a year ago when we knew there were problems between the pumps and our pocketbooks and discovered that as fuel costs rose, the price of nearly everything else did, too. Our nation's leadership has two oil men at the top, so at least a few people have to worry about their financial situation.

    Everybody is talking about the rising costs of health care, but nobody seems to do anything about it. We keep hearing all kinds of rhetoric, but no one does anything. Why? Fingers are pointed at the drug companies, just as many point at the profit-making oil companies for what some see as price gouging at the pumps.

    And look at the billions of dollars that are still going into the Iraq War three years after "mission accomplished" was declared. If the mission was accomplished, why are our brave troops still there, with the death count still rising? Is one soldier's death worth the cost of a war that was based on information that was not credible?

    These issues and others are causing incumbent lawmakers to scurry around, acting as though they're truly concerned about and working for their constituents.

    When I was working at a Daytona Beach newspaper, blacks seemed to be more vocal about their distaste of politicians. One quote I recently dug from some notes from a year or so ago echoed the feelings of many blacks: "Politicians don't come into the black community and visit our churches or attend our social events unless it's an election year and they want our votes. After the voting is done, they're like snakes. They look at us with a grin and beady eyes and end up biting us in the (rump). I vote, but I don't trust any of them because they don't care about anybody but themselves."

    A friend in Daytona used to disturb me with his tirades against politicians and about how the media never seems to ask the essential, heavy-duty questions about the issues that need answers. However, even as a member of the news media, I reluctantly (at first) had to agree with him. Truth has become so twisted in city, state and federal governments that it has become unclear as to what is reality and what is not.

    I do know that changes need to be made somewhere. When I can't afford to go to neighborhood stores or restaurants to shop or eat, when I find myself restricted to bologna sandwiches and a bowl of oatmeal because I've had to pay a chunk of change for medications to treat high blood pressure and other ailments, I get mad -- and even madder when I think of the poor folks who in worse shape than I am.

    Personally, I will not vote for any incumbent politician. Instead, I'll pick the best of the worst who has some grasp on the problems and preferably that rare politician who be willing to show his or her devotion to the job and to the common man by being willing to work for minimum wage. I'll vote for the person who seems to be telling the fewest lies to his or her constituents.

    We're at a time in our history that our future literally depends on it, so I urge everyone to register and vote and see if we can't change the course of that future and make it better.

(c) 2006

Powered by Qumana

WHAT'S HAPPENING WITH OUR YOUTH?

By Toney Atkins

Just when many folks seem to be feeling the whole world has gone nuts, kids at three different schools in the U.S. have threatened terrorist acts against fellow students.

Fortunately, the incidents were halted before the actual crimes could be committed, but one can't help but wonder: What's happening here? Why are some of our young people striving to be domestic terrorists of sorts, with heroes such as Germany's evil dictator Hitler, who was brought down in World War II.

It's easy to blame the ease of communicating and exchanging ideas and plans on the Internet. It's easy to blame the violence and sexuality in the movies and on television. It's easy to blame parents who don't know -- and often don't care -- what their kids are really doing and who, in many cases, turn over control of the household to the children rather than taking personal responsibility.

I certainly don't have an answer to these chilling developments in our society. Many youngsters have always felt like outcasts and alone, either ignored or made fun of by their peers, but in older days, it rarely crossed their minds to resort to taking weapons to school and plowing down teachers, administrators and classmates. There used to be an innate sense of morality in most kids, but that seems to be another vanishing thing of the past.

There are many fine young people who will grow up to be great adults despite problems with parents, friends, romance and all the issues that are encountered in the growing-up process. No one is perfect, but these young people don't sink into mindless evil, choosing instead to fight to overcome all obstacles. They, too, have had frustrations, unhappy homes and friends who often didn't turn out to be true, but they rise above that and move forward, knowing that at some point in their struggles they will experience the good things of life, love and success. They don't give up because others seem to have low expectations because they set their own. They overcome the past.

Since Sept. 11, 2001, a fear has been in the back of the minds of many that foreign terrorists will invade our land again. We need to awaken to the fact that domestic terrorists are already among us, and it appears that many of them are children.

As I wrote earlier, I have no answers, just a lot of questions. What if parents went back to parenting, loving and truly caring for their young but not letting the kids rule the roost? They have to learn the hard facts of life, but not before they've known what it's like to experience the wonderful innocence of youth. They need good role models, not role models who don't give a damn.

Let us pray for this generation, because the shocking things we're seeing today may only be terrible signals of things to come.

WHAT THE MAN AND WOMAN ON AND OFF THE STREET ARE SAYING

WHAT THE AVERAGE MAN THINKS AND SAYS
Mood: a-ok
Topic: MANY THOUGHTS
A FEW FAVORITE QUOTES FROM THE SO-CALLED AVERAGE MAN

Some folks among us can remind us of some of life's important things in their conversations with us -- if we just listen. And other folks just say funny things I like to share. Some of the outstanding things said to me (or that I overheard while unintentionally eavesdropping) include:

--- "Life's too short. Enjoy it. ... I don't understand how people get depressed. You can find the good in any situation. (When there's a problem) get off your butt and do something about it. ... Life's too easy. People just try to screw it up." -- Name withheld by request. (Smart thinking from a sharp Southern 19-year-old working man who also attends college and serves his country.)

--- "The Garden of Eden had no condos." -- A Navy veteran, who is concerned about man's destruction of the environment and the selling of national park land to developers. He added something about how the "beautiful world of the creation of whatever God you believe in is being paved over with concrete."

--- "Politicians only come to the black community and our churches when they're looking for our votes to be elected or re-elected. They smile and shake our hands and make all kinds of promises, but then we never see them again until the next election, and they usually don't keep their promises." -- A black resident of Daytona Beach, FL.

--- "Foreigners are taking over the United States because they're willing to do the jobs that Americans think they're too good to do." -- Overheard at the Country Cafe, Rossville, GA.

--- "Americans will do any job, even some that don't pay a living wage." -- A neighbor who wishes to remain anonymous because of fears that his phone, and I quote, "might be tapped" because he disagrees with the president and his administration.

--- A woman had to have emergency surgery at the hospital. To her horror, she found herself moving through the darkness toward a bright light. Suddenly, she heard God say, "Go back. You have 40 more years." Recovering from the operation and excited and happy that she had so many years left, she went to a plastic surgeon and spent thousands on having a complete makeover. Pleased with her new look, she left the surgeon's facility, walked in front of a speeding tractor-trailer rig and was splattered all over the highway. Once she got inside the Pearly Gates, she confronted God and said angrily, "You told me I had 40 years left! -- to which God answered, "Sorry, I didn't recognize you." -- An obvious bit of humor overheard at the Country Cafe.

--- "If a politician comes up to me, says he's honest and wants me to vote for him, I'll tell him no, because I don't want to make a dishonest lawmaker out of him." -- J.S., Chattanooga, TN

--- "Don't fergit to stop and git summa that I Cain't Believe It Ain't Butter." -- An elderly man to the lady with him. (This one made soup spew from my nose at a favorite restaurant.)

--- "In 2000 and 2004, I voted for the other guy. This year, I'd just like to see every congressman and senator up for election replaced by somebody else, and in 2008, we'd better concentrate on the person addressing the real issues affecting us instead of paying attention to political ads." -- An acquaintance who says he doesn't trust any politician.

Powered by Qumana

THE UNITED STATES OF ... WHAT?

By Toney Atkins

I knew from all the years I spent in Daytona Beach who read newspapers and watched TV news. You could sit in a barroom and argue the issues of the day, and at least a few of those present knew what you were talking about. You could ride the Votran bus service and see those who were glued to cell phones or iPods and those who were reading the newspaper or talking about current events, and you had a good idea who knew at least a little of what was going on in our ever more turbulent world.

I'm not opposed to all of these amazing electronic devices that envelop us in our own private world of music or the small DVD players that put a recent smash box office hit into our laptops. Our cell phones keep us from communicating with our neighbor on the bus or train because we can chatter away with some invisible person that we'll see in person within minutes anyway.

All of these marvels are wonderful, but they've managed to consume the lives of many who have no idea what's going on in the world beyond their sphere of existence. They'll say they don't watch the news because it's "boring" or "depressing." They have their own problems -- romantic, financial, etc. Why be concerned about politics and what's going on in the world?

They laugh when you say that China is close -- if not already there -- to being more powerful than the United States. That communist nation sells far more goods to the U.S. than we do to them. We're in debt to China, as a matter of fact -- not just a few dollars, but billions. While we haven't been paying attention, China, India and even Iran, a member of the so-called "Axis of Evil," have representatives in this country, buying properties and making business investments. While we fear a nuclear threat from Iran, what can we really do about it, because China has business dealings there -- particularly with its increasing demand for oil? China's military is strengthening, so the U.S. now must very carefully consider whether or not to go after one of its friends, lest we start World War III.

All of a sudden, illegal immigration across the U.S.-Mexico border is getting attention. Why didn't someone in Homeland Security think of that after Sept. 11, 2001? If refugees, drug smugglers and such have gotten across in large numbers without being caught, who's to say that a potential terrorist or two hasn't gained entry into the U.S. in the same way? Border security presently is a joke that's not funny, but we Americans are "suddenly" shocked into the realization that Mexicans believe they have the right to come into the U.S. illegally, get health and educational benefits that some citizens can't get, fly their flags and tell us what we should do.

U.S. senators and representatives are getting a bit nervous because this is an election year and many people are putting down their iPods, cell phones and DVD players and asking hard questions about what they're doing for the good of the legitimate citizens of the U.S. of A. There will be a lot of double-talk and evasive answers between now and the congressional elections, but we need to wake up and demand positive change in our government. After all, those eyes from around the world who would like to see us knocked from our perch are watching.

Postscript: One of my best sources of legitimate news impacting the middle class of America is "Lou Dobbs Tonight," which can be seen on CNN at 6 p.m. and repeated at 4 a.m. for night owls or early birds. Be informed, if only for an hour.

Powered by Qumana

LOVE AND PEACE

SPREAD LOVE AND PEACE! TELL SOMEONE YOU LOVE THEM! THEY'LL FEEL GOOD AND YOU WILL, TOO! Please visit my web site at http://www.toneyatkins.com/ .

Powered by Qumana

HELP SAVE OUR NATURAL ENVIRONMENT!

Our natural environment is disappearing rapidly and even moreso with the U.S. Forestry Service announcing the potential sale of national forest lands to developers and others. I urge you to read the Forestry Service press release and my accompanying commentary and give your opinions on the subject at the specified email or "snail mail" addresses (or the fax number) by April 24. Click on http://www.toneyatkins.com/id62.html . -- Toney Atkins

Powered by Qumana

THE DARK EASTER SUNRISE By Toney Atkins

The air was cold and damp, with threatening black clouds above seemingly trying to decide between dumping a chilly drizzle or a pouring rain. The dismal setting at the standpipe above a mountain spring's opening, which constantly and silently pumped crystal clear ground water into a wider lake east of the old water tower, did not stop several hundred residents from gathering for the annual Easter sunrise service.

Most were not wearing the special finery that would adorn them when they later went to traditional Easter morning services at the several churches in the small North Georgia town. Fathers and mothers alike held young children close for warmth as an interdenominational choir began to sing. Some of the attendees didn't know whether to be happy or sad at the celebration of Jesus Christ's resurrection more than 2,000 years ago. Each denominational minister who spoke was inspiring, and all glanced eastward at least once, possibly hoping that the power of their words would break the clouds and let some rays of sun shine through on that early Sunday morning.

My eyes couldn't help but follow the clear waters that had traveled a dark course from somewhere in the mountains as it flowed beneath the nearby wooden railroad trestle and into the colorfully putrid lake, made so in those days of the 1960s by regurgitations from the textile plant which was the town's major industry. There, the pure waters relentlessly fought a losing battle with dyes and other chemicals.

The inclement conditions didn't seem to bother the worshippers as they ignored the almost contradictory view and tried to respond to the spirit of love, peace and joy within them, particularly tuning in to the constant flowing spirit of the Almighty that was available to those who could be moved enough to feel the love waves connecting with welcoming hearts.

When the service ended, everyone, including myself, seemed happier than when we arrived, despite the still gloomy skies above.

While eating breakfast alone before Sunday school and the morning church service would start at the Pentecostal church that I had started attending on a regular basis earlier during the winter, I thought about the short trip I had already taken in my love for the Lord.

I first attended the church at the request of a girlfriend who was a member there. After overcoming an initial feeling of discomfort and my not-so-religious reasons for being there, I sat back and soaked in the beautiful and joyful music being sung by the choir, which basically was comprised of anyone in the congregation who wanted to go to the choir loft to sing. I listened to the pastor's fiery sermon, and his message struck some chords.

By the second Sunday of attending the medium-sized, country-style rock church, members of the congregation of about 100 were welcoming and genuinely seemed glad to see me. During the services, I would look around at the faces. The expressions ranged from a quiet celebration in communing with God in prayer, tears rolling down faces, to those whose faces were sad yet committed to praising the Lord and asking Him to answer their prayers. Some simply raised their hands skyward and offered quiet praises.

As the weeks progressed, I looked forward to those Sunday morning services. The people were so down to earth, unpretentious and apparently experienced in feeling and rejoicing in the Holy Spirit. I found myself wanting what they had.

Several, including the minister and his wife, had quoted the scriptures to me about the road to soul salvation. Something inside me kept fighting it. I was still young. I wasn't sure that I was ready to give up anything that might commit me to some restrictive rules of practicing Christianity. Unknown to me, the people of the church were praying for me as they shared their loving welcome.

The hole in my soul was growing intensely. I wanted and needed much more. I needed that positive fellowship within the church building, but foremost, I needed to be able to fellowship with myself.

The frustrating battle grew to the point that I skipped my afternoon college classes and just started driving around, thinking. The pain of emptiness was such that I almost wondered if I needed medical attention. I was a nervous wreck. I drove by the pastor's house, but he and his wife had company -- probably the evangelist who was to start a revival in the church the following night.

My next stop was the white-stoned Civil War tower in the nearby national park. I walked up the dark circular staircase to get to the top, where I looked around, taking in the beauty of the park, even under the dismal clouds which matched my mood as dusk approached. I drove back by the pastor's house. The company was still there. I felt I needed to talk with them, but I didn't want to disturb them.

I finally drove to my home, where I lived with my mother and father, neither of whom were committed to any kind of religion. After doing some studying, which did no good because I couldn't think straight, I picked up the book, "World Aflame," by Billy Graham. All of a sudden, I started to understand. All of a sudden, I believed.

I knelt beside the bed and prayed, crying, repenting and ended up rejoicing because that hole in my soul seemed to be filling up. It was a wonderful and joyous experience. I slept better that night than I had in years, despite lighting, thunder and wind outside, which ordinarily would have kept me awake.

The church members rejoiced and praised God when I shared the news. I felt the spirit of God in a powerful, wonderful way, and they joined me in my celebration. They wanted to believe that I had found salvation on the first night of revival. I didn't have the heart to tell them that it had come quietly, bringing peace and joy to my bedside, alone in my room.

I had sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Jesus had died on a cross, assuming the sins of those who hated and reviled Him then and even of those who were to follow over the centuries. I asked His forgiveness, I had to forgive myself and move forward. I was at the happiest point of my life and I wanted everyone to feel what I felt.

So that first Easter sunrise service at the spring was far from depressing as I heard again about Christ's disappearing from the tomb, speaking with those disciples and others who loved him and then ascending into heaven. The dark, threatening clouds could not convince me that they would permanently cover the light, and sure enough, before the end of the day, the sun was shining its light and warmth upon us.

God and Jesus are very much alive, waiting for hurting souls to find them. They're right there, with us and behind the clouds, waiting patiently for the sun to cast its light upon us with a new brilliance.

If only the entire world could accept and enjoy that Easter light and its dramatic and life-changing capabilities! It's something to hold on to during the storms and on the clearest of days -- now and forever.

Powered by Qumana

THROWING STONES

THROWING STONES

(c) 2006 By TONEY ATKINS

    It intrigues me when readers accuse me of trying to shatter faith and of being a lover of "niggers" and "queers."

    In reality, I am a lover of all people who value life, who treat each other with mutual respect, who do not hate, murder, rob, maliciously gossip about or intentionally physically or emotionally hurt another person.

    As far as my personal faith is concerned, I am a believer that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God and that God loved the world so much that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.

    If my thoughts that are  intended to make a reader think for himself or herself have the ability to "shatter faith," then there's not that much faith to shatter.

    Riding on the train of thought of some of these critics, I have to say that I have to laugh at the tired phrase, "If God had wanted homosexuals, He would have created Adam and Steve instead of Adam and Eve." What if He had created Adam and Steve? Since the biology wouldn't have allowed for procreation, there would not be overpopulation and hunger; there would still be a Garden of Eden; the earth of God's creation would likely still be beautifully green and the waters would be a sparkling blue, the air and drinking water would be clean, free of harmful chemicals and other contaminants; there would be not hatred and discrimination, and therefore, no wars -- it would be a great place in which to live in peace and freedom.

    And since we all know that God created everything, including the serpent or snake or whatever it was that tempted Adam and Eve in the Garden and got them thrown out, perhaps there would be no reason to fear the seen and unseen slithering and crawling things -- spiders and snakes, bacteria and viruses or anything else that is invisible to the naked eye.

    Forget Adam and Steve. Being human, they could have made a mess of things, too. Adam and Eve obviously weren't happy with what they had and were ripe for temptation, and look at what has happened since -- hate, discrimination, war, fear, disease, pestilence, hunger, too many "marriages" that end in divorce, leaving children to suffer the worst of the consequences, too many religious beliefs and denominations that cause far too much confusion, disrespect for others, too much self-indulgence -- I believe you get the message without painting a montage.

    Too many of us are eager to throw stones at the sins of others when we won't even acknowledge our own sins. We want laws, but then we abuse them or simply don't obey them. We don't think beyond what those of propagandize religions and politics want us to think, and that in itself is sinful. We hate and fear what we don't even try to understand.

    No one is perfect on God's still partly green earth, not me, not you. I wouldn't even try to tell you what to think or what to believe, because that's not my place. I would like to see people of all races, colors and creeds to think about what could make us, as individuals, better residents of this God-given planet and about what we all could do to make the world a better place instead of destroying it a little more each and every day.

    Meanwhile, I can only wish you love, peace and a body-and-soul-healing faith. Go with God. He's pretty great. (And maybe you'll even learn to like your neighbor instead of being afraid of him or her.)

(Please visit my web site at www.toneyatkins.com/ .)

    

Powered by Qumana

HOW THE ORDINARY CITIZEN IS GETTING THE SHAFT FROM GOVERNMENT

THE TRUTH ABOUT THE IMPACT OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION, THE IRAQ WAR AND CORPORATION RULE IN THE U.S. ON THE COMMON MAN

If you missed "Lou Dobbs Tonight" at 6 p.m. EDT and 4 a.m. EDT, read the transcripts of the most honest TV news reports on issues affecting the common man and woman at http://www.cnn.com/loudobbs/ .

Click on http://www.cnn.com/loudobbs/

Powered by Qumana

KUDOS TO WALMART

MAJOR CHAIN STORE REFUSES TO TAKE MOVIE OFF THE SHELVES

By Toney Atkins

Hats off to Walmart for refusing to bow to pressure from a conservative Christian group to remove the DVD "Brokeback Mountain" from its shelves.

The group claimed something to the effect that the movie promotes homosexuality, so obviously none of the members actually saw the film.

How Christian is it to want this one particular DVD to be unavailable to the public when the Academy Award-winning "Crash" is full of violence, profanity, and explicit sexual situations? And that's not the only title that has more than a share of sexuality, bad language, criminal actions and violence -- and the good guys don't always win. Why aren't the Christian groups clamoring to get all of those -- and there are many -- out of the stores?

Perhaps they want only Disney titles available for the public -- but then again: Listen closely and adults and the modern generation of savvy kids will catch some suggestive dialogue in some of the newer animated as well as live-action films.

"Brokeback Mountain" has fewer sex scenes than the average PG-13 rated movie, and the most sizzling one has to do with one of the cowboys and a "lady" who comes on to him in a bar. The men aren't really gay in the story. They're two men who have a sexual encounter (not even graphically shown) and develop a deep, loving friendship. Yes, two men can love one another -- it's a fact of life -- and these men love their wives and children as well. I saw nothing in the movie that would promote homosexuality as a lifestyle of choice, but neither does it denounce it. It's an unusual and dramatic love story, and the only major violence in the entire movie is a brief glimpse of a hate crime, which anyone, especially Christians, should denounce.

I would hope that groups proclaiming the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ and God the Father would at least see and tell their congregations the truth about both films and books before denouncing them. Either that or make us a "1984" society in which everything of which the church doesn't approve is banned or burned, no matter what the content. Anyone can find something offensive in anything, and I'm offended by those who are so quick to condemn without knowing what they're talking about.

Powered by Qumana

QUOTES FROM THE "AVERAGE" MAN

A FEW FAVORITE QUOTES FROM THE SO-CALLED "AVERAGE" MAN (Updated April 7, 2006)


Some folks among us can remind us of some important things in what they say -- if we just listen. Some of the memorable comments that have been made in interviews or simply overheard recently:


--- "Life's too short. Enjoy it. ... I don't understand how people get depressed. You can find the good in any situation. (When there's a problem) get off your butt and do something about it. ... Life's too easy. People just try to screw it up." -- Name withheld by request (smart thinking from a fine and sharp 19-year-old Southern working man who also attends college and serves his country).


--- "The Garden of Eden had no condos." -- A Navy veteran, who is concerned about man's destruction of the environment and the selling of national park land to developers. He added something about how the "beautiful world of the creation of whatever God you believe in is being paved over with concrete."


--- "Foreigners are taking over the United States because they're willing to do the jobs that Americans think they're too good to do." -- Overheard at the Country Cafe.

--- "I mistakenly used a tube of hemorrhoidal ointment instead of Poligrip to hold in my false teeth, and now my gums have shrunk." -- Overheard at a favorite restaurant.

--- "Religious organizations are exempt from paying taxes, so they should stay out of politics. If they preach politics, they should pay taxes." -- Name withheld by request.

--- "Where do these illegal aliens get off waving the Mexican flag in the United States? If they want to be American citizens, they should be waving the American flag!" -- Name withheld by request.

--- "We aren't serving that right now. It's bug night." -- A new waitress at a chain restaurant in Florida in response to my request for a menu item and a query as to why part of the establishment was roped off. The manager quickly rushed over to explain that the place was closing early for routine monthly insect spraying. He then suggested to the blushing girl that there might be a better way of explaining the situation to any other customers (including bugs) who might come in.

--- "The argument that Americans won't do the jobs that illegal aliens will do is based on the simple fact that employers don't want to pay living wages, and they know that Mexican immigrants will work for practically nothing. The government is just offering excuses for giving American jobs to other countries and to avoid having to deal with the hassles of trying to handle border security." -- Quote from an email, author wants to remain anonymous.

--- "If my nose was running money, I'd blow it all on you. ... I wish my nose was running money, but my friend, it's not." -- Say that fast. Lines from a song heard in a recorded comedy routine played on an AM radio station in Georgia, artist unknown.

--- --- A woman had to have emergency surgery at the hospital. To her horror, she found herself moving through the darkness toward a bright light. Suddenly, she heard God say, "Go back. You have 40 more years." Recovering from the operation and excited and happy that she had so many years left, she went to a plastic surgeon and spent thousands on having a complete makeover. Pleased with her new look, she left the surgeon's facility, walked in front of a speeding tractor-trailer rig and was splattered all over the highway. Once she got inside the Pearly Gates, she confronted God and said angrily, "You told me I had 40 years left!" -- to which God answered, "Sorry, I didn't recognize you." -- Overheard at the Country Cafe.


----------------------------------------------------------

MOTHER'S DAY

Don't forget your mother on Mother's Day in May!VISIONS Column

REMEMBERING MOTHER

By TONEY ATKINS

In past years, I have received a number of wonderful and inspiring phone calls and letters about what has become my annual tribute in the Daytona Times to my beautiful mother, who passed from this world on April 17, 1994.

There have been requests to repeat that tribute, at least in part, to share with those who know what it means to have lost a mother and with those who are fortunate enough to still be able to look their mothers in the eyes on Mother's Day and say, "I love you."

This year marks the 11th anniversary of my mother's death and the 11th year that I still get choked up when I pass a counter in a store stocked with Mother's Day cards - especially the giant ones, which would truly have impressed my mom.

I recently traveled back to the town in which I was born to be with my dad, who currently is going through several different health crises which threaten to take him from me, too.

During the last few months of her life, my mother pleaded with me to get closer to my earthly father and to take care of him. He and I, indeed, have bridged a terrible gap that always seemed to be between us for far too many years, so the prayers of a loving mother were answered - and I am grateful. My dad, who took tender care of Mother during her final months, and I both still miss the woman who had a tremendous impact on both our lives.

My mother is eternal now, but in a spiritual sphere where I can't pick up the telephone and call her and tell her how concerned I am about my father and to hear her words of comfort and advice. Oh, how I miss her! Oh, how I realize how much I took her for granted! Time has increased my appreciation and love for her, but she's not here for me to tell her so.

Somewhere in my belongings is the Mother's Day card I had bought ahead of time in 1994 - the first time I had gotten one in years to send early so she would get it on or before Mother's Day, not several days or a week afterwards. "Better late than never," I always said with a laugh as I excused myself and apologized when she inevitably received it late, and she always said she forgave and thanked me profusely.

I still vividly remember the night that I walked into a dimly lit room in a Georgia hospital and looked down at the shell of my mother on the bed. She appeared to be so at peace and looked so much younger than her 74 years.

An hour earlier, she had been struggling for breath as she lay in a coma on a bed in another room in the hospital, with tubes running into her nose and into her arms that seemed brutally bruised by too many intravenous needles. There were fewer of them than there had been before, because they were relatively useless now. The doctors and nurses had told my dad and me that her body was shutting down, its parts failing rapidly, and that soon the few breaths we heard rattling through the room would be silent.

They were right. Her battle with cancer, congestive heart failure and other ailments - especially the stroke that sent her to the hospital for the last time - would be over that Sunday night - three weeks to the day before Mother's Day that year.

The card she never got to see was still in Daytona Beach.

The blessing was that, at least by appearances, she died without apparent agony from the horrible pain she could have been feeling. She had suffered very much. After her last breath, even with the hospital paraphernalia still attached to her, her years of struggle melted away. As her spirit entered a realm free of suffering, her face expressed its relief.

My mother loved me - sometimes, I thought, too much. She never liked my living 550 miles away. I lived under the "curse" of being an only child and being "smothered with love."

She was an outspoken woman, even moreso with age. You could always depend on her speaking her mind to anyone and everyone. If you didn't like it - tough! But most people, young and old, including the minister who preached at her funeral, loved her for her simplistic, down-to-earth qualities. They saw her goodness as well as her human frailties, and the minister made special note that she indeed was one of a kind.

My mother was proud of me. It wasn't that I could do no wrong, because she would always be the first to let me know that I often did. But whether she approved or disapproved, she tried to act as though she respected my feelings and decisions.

I was required to send her copies of the Daytona Times (and the Daytona Beach News-Journal, when I was a writer and editor there) so she could proudly show off my writings to her friends and neighbors.

Oh, the many things I miss about Mother! She was always there when I needed someone to talk to. In our long distance telephone conversations, she worried about me, concerned about whether I was eating right, whether I was staying out of trouble and always wanting to know when I was going to get married and give her a grandchild to dote over. Even though I had crossed the threshold of 50 at the time of her passing, I was always her "little boy."

Eleven years later, I still sometimes find it hard to accept that my mother and my best friend is gone and I can't tell her how I feel about her and let her know that she did a wonderful job in trying to raise a good son. (None of my character defects can be blamed on her.)

How I wish I could hug her tightly and talk to her now!

The purpose of this writing is simple. It's not just therapeutic. I hope it prompts each and every reader whose mother is still alive to stop and think about that special woman, to remember her and treasure her while she's here, especially on the upcoming Mother's Day.

Pay her a visit. Send a card. Send flowers. Give her a telephone call. Buy a gift. Make her feel special, because after all, she brought someone special into the world - you.

Most important, tell her you love her while she can still hear your voice. She'll feel good, and you will, too.
-- This tribute by former Daytona Times Assistant Editor Toney Atkins is dedicated to all mothers everywhere and to the children who love them.
(c) 2005, Toney Atkins / Daytona Times

WHO WILL TAKE OVER AMERICA NEXT?

It's On My Mind

THIS IMMIGRATION THING (Posted April 2, 2006)

I find myself disturbed about my own initial gut reactions to the current argument about illegal immigration, and I honestly do not know if my depressed state of mind may not be reacting properly -- and then I wonder if my brain cells aren't already overloaded with too much information and propaganda.

Looking at history, we all are illegal immigrants. This land belonged to the native American Indians when our forefathers came to these shores. The forefathers connived, cheated and killed the natives in order to claim this land for their own. This process continued as the forefathers moved westward, portraying the Indians as villains and devils, and the forefathers did not hesitate to fight them, capture them and eventually segregate them on reservations. We raised the American flag over territories from east to west and north to south. This land was our land, we proclaimed -- but was it really?
Blacks may be the only legitimate aliens in this country. Most of their ancestors were brought to this land against their will to serve as slaves to the white man. When slavery was abolished, they still had to fight the white man for more than a hundred years to achieve equal rights, and in some respects, that battle continues. They, too, had been segregated from the whites, many of whom believed that Caucasions were superior. Hate and distrust proliferated on both sides. A funny hypocrisy to the discrimination that still exists to a certain extent can be found in today's white society. Our young and middle-aged people make their auto and truck speakers and i-Pods shake with the sounds of black rap, and many whites use black lingo. But some of these same people will still say they hate blacks. Many will say blacks still want to take over, to steal our homes from us, to rape our women. Huh?
The illegal exodus of many Mexicans across the border into the United States has been going on for years, but suddenly, it is being noticed. Many have gone the proper route to gain legal citizenship to have the rights and services offered to American citizens. Many more have taken the illegal route, secretly crossing the U.S.-Mexico borders by the thousands. They are given jobs by businessmen who do not want to pay the living wage sought by Americans, and those businessmen choose to look the other way when it comes to whether these Latino workers are here legally or illegally.
Now, the legals and the illegals want to fly the Mexican flag on U.S. soil. They demand equality. They demand health and educational services. They don't necessarily want to learn our language, possibly because deep down they know that their language will someday become the prominent one here.
(By the way, "illegal" does still mean "unlawful," doesn't it?)
Even after foreign terrorists staged their spectacular and life-changing attack on New York City and Washington, DC, in 2001, nothing much was done to heighten security at our northern or southern borders. Essentially, anyone can get across if they really want to and if they try hard enough. How many sleeper terrorist cells are already here? God only knows. How many domestic terrorists -- citizens of the U.S. -- are awaiting their opportunity to attempt dominance? Only God knows that, too.
Let's face it. The 21st century is a mess. How long will it be before we destroy ourselves with our own apathy and false beliefs about the innate power of the United States?
Since 1492, we have been the illegals who made ourselves legal. Now other illegals want to come in and make themselves the legal proprietors of this land. China, Saudi Arabia, India and other countries -- some of them so-called "enemies" -- get our outsourced jobs and resources. They even run businesses or have ownership in corportations here. When will Americans wake up to the truth that goes far beyond the illegal activity coming into the U.S. from the south? Perhaps we don't want to wake up to it, because it might just scare us to death.
It's a small, small world and getting smaller. Please, God. Please bless it with love and peace and take away the dark clouds that are growing on every horizon. Please, God, tell us what to do before it's too late.

MORE BLACK COLLEGE REUNION INJUSTICE?

-- Thanks to Christopher King (comment at bottom of series of various stories) for bringing this to my attention. Black College Reunion is Daytona Beach's most controversial special event, and over the years has prompted complaints of discrimination, racial hatred and the like. While the BCR revelers are generally no more disruptive as Spring Breakers, the city has been known to overpopulate the streets with law enforcement officers for this event only, with lawmen coming from all over the state and, in the past, from throughout the Southeast. Daytona Beach-Volusia County NAACP Branch President Cynthia Slater has always been a major presence on the streets during the event to monitor the activities for discriminatory practices that are not seen during the city's other special events. The following story appeared in The Daytona Beach News-Journal:

April 02, 2006

NAACP president arrested

By SETH ROBBINS
Staff Writer
DAYTONA BEACH, FL -- The local NAACP president was arrested Saturday afternoon on misdemeanor charges after an altercation with deputies after she attempted to hand a flier to the driver of a car involved in a Black College Reunion traffic stop.

Cynthia Slater, president of the Volusia County-Daytona Beach Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People for the past six years, was charged with two counts of resisting an officer without violence, disorderly conduct and obstruction of a street. But Slater and the Volusia County Sheriff's Office have very different views on what occurred on North Atlantic Avenue during the second day of the annual gathering of black young adults.

Deputies acted appropriately under the circumstances, said Gary Davidson, Sheriff's Office spokesman.

"Miss Slater is entitled to her opinions, but she is not entitled to obstruct deputies when they are doing their job," Davidson said.

Slater, who was released without having to post bail, said she never obstructed the deputies from doing their job and plans to fight the charges with the help of the NAACP.

"If they can do it to me," she said by phone Saturday night, "they can do it to any one of these young kids."

Slater walked across the two southbound lanes of traffic on the 500 block of North Atlantic Avenue toward deputies conducting a traffic stop in the center turning lane about 2:30 p.m., according to a police report. The passenger was in custody, and the driver was to be in taken into custody as well when he began to back his vehicle up to move it out of the northbound traffic lane.

That is when Slater reached the center turning lane and handed the driver a flier with information on how to contact the NAACP if someone feels he or she has been the victim of discrimination. It is here that the stories diverge.

According to the police report, Slater yelled and flailed her arms, inciting a crowd that had gathered. Slater said she never said a word to deputies when she went to give the flier to the driver of the vehicle and only became irate after a deputy grabbed her.

According to the report, the deputy repeatedly told Slater to walk away from the traffic stop, but she refused. Fearing for his own safety because he had only one subject in custody, the deputy attempted to grab Slater's left arm. When he did this, she pulled away and walked away back across the two southbound lanes.

Deputies who observed the scene then took Slater into custody across the street. According to the report, Slater continued to yell, scream and resist the application of the handcuffs.

Slater said when she turned to walk back across the street after handing the driver the flier, the deputy pushed her out of the way.

"I told him to keep his hands off of me," she said, "but there was nothing said before he put his hands on me. I didn't open my mouth. I did not say a word."

Davidson said deputies did the right thing.

"The crowd formed on the sidewalk became inflamed by her actions as she was yelling and flailing her arms, and the deputies had to gain control of the situation," he said.

Slater said she at no point impeded traffic and the only time she became angry was when the deputy tried to grab her. She said, after that, she complied with deputies, even walking back to the center turning lane when asked to by one of the deputies.

"Injustice to one," she said, "is an injustice to every visitor at BCR."

seth.robbins@news-jrnl.com

(C) 2006 by The Daytona Beach News-Journal

RECENT MUSINGS

SOMETIMES IT'S HARD TO LOVE (Posted March 10)
I know I preach love and peace, but I have to admit that it's very hard to love some people. All I can often do is wonder what happened to their humanity and to their souls.
Not necessarily in any order, these are some of the people that I almost detest: Any adult who sexually, physically or verbally abuses any youngster under the age of 18 (and sometimes I put that age at 21); any man who sexually, physically or verbally abuses a woman, no matter what the age; any woman who sexually, physically or verbally abuses a man, no matter what the age; any man or woman who believes that issues can only be resolved by violence; any man, woman or child who would injure or kill another, except in the circumstance of self-defense; any human being who maliciously harms defenseless animals; and anyone who would steal from anyone else.
We seem to be living in a time frame where consciences are disappearing. People beat up on other people without caring about the consequences. Sometimes, they even kill without apparent remorse. Law-abiding citizens are no longer safe in their home or cars. The days of leaving doors and windows unlocked are in the past.
Men beat their wives and vice versa. The institution of marriage is disintegrating, and the major victims are usually the children of that marriage, who must grow up without either a mother or father. Many children, through no fault of their own, are brought into an already crowded world as the result of a casual sexual relationship outside marriage, and they have to grow up wondering who and why they really are.
Do I believe in loveless marriages, even if there are children? No, because everyone, including the kids, may end up being hurt in some form or fashion. (I speak from personal experience here.)
Instead of kind words in society, too many times we hear rude, obscene and hateful language. Road rage has become part of our vocabulary in this hurried, impatient and violent society -- and the end result can be injury and death.
Where is the love? Where is the peace? I choose those principles, and I hope many, many others agree. Good may never conquer evil until time, as we know it, ends, but that doesn't mean that we who care about the positive principals of life can lay down our values and quit the fight, if only for our own personal accomplishment.
Hate, violence and disrespect of others accomplish nothing in this world. I suppose we only pray for the souls of those who believe in those things and pray that our families and friends will not become victims of those sad, sick people.
Which choice will we ultimately make?
-- Toney Atkins
___________________________________________________________________


USING GOD'S NAME IN VAIN (Rough draft, posted March 9, 2006)
By now you've probably heard of that profanely obscene and insanely-acting independent Baptist group that dishonors God, Jesus and any aspect of Christianity in staging protests at military funerals.
A news service reported that Fred Phelps, the Topeka, Kan., pastor who has been protesting at the funerals of U.S. troops slain in Iraq, engages in “hate-filled activities” and is not a Southern Baptist, according to SBC President Bobby Welch.
The published report, along with reports on CNN, say Phelps and his followers from Westboro Baptist Church -- notorious for their “God hates fags” posters -- have staged protests at soldiers’ funerals in several states. The group reasons that roadside bombs killing American troops in Iraq are God’s retribution against America for a small bomb that caused approximately $1,800 damage outside the Topeka home of one of Phelps’ daughters in 1995. The group also emphasizes that it opposes the U.S. military for allowing homosexuals to serve. The military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy prevents homosexuals from serving openly but also prohibits the military from asking soldiers about their sexual preference.
Some news coverage has shown members carrying handmade signs that accuse all soldiers of being "faggots" and indications that they praise God every time they learn of the death of a member of the armed forces in Iraq or Afghanistan.
Westboro Baptist is an independent church not affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention -- and what real Christian would lower himself or herself to support the group?
If you've seen any of the TV coverage, you've witnessed the pastor, with glaring, almost demonic eyes, spouting his beliefs, none of them truly supported by the Bible, and calling anyone who disagrees with him "perverted." One of the church women is a frightening example of hate, hatefully spouting venom into a microphone that they were going to force the "cup of God to their mouths and make them drink" (that's slightly paraphrased).
To insult and hurt survivors of troops who have died in Iraq and Afghanistan in this dreadful manner is so distasteful that even Satan might spit it out. All the protests are doing is hatefully disrupting services in which families are having to deal with their suffering and grief at the loss of young men and women who probably met their deaths performing a duty that the group's members wouldn't have the courage to dirty their hands to do.
Thankfully, a wonderful group of flag-waving motorcyclists has mobilized, and they go to the scene of the protests, get between the protesters and the grieving families, and rev their bikes to drown out the vicious taunts from the questionably self-proclaimed Christians.
Sadly, this is an example of a hate group operating under what they say is the banner of God. We don't stop to remember that while we fight enemies abroad that there are organizations of hate across the good old USA who go even farther than the Phelps and commit acts of violence and rage against those Americans with whom they disagree. Some of them would overthrow the government if they could and proclaim this to be a "white man's land" (forgetting, perhaps, that today's U.S. exists only because the white man invaded the land of the native, darker-skinned Indians, slaughtering them, taking away their lands and eventually cramming the country's remaining original inhabitants onto reservations). Some of the current hate groups claim superiority over blacks, Jews and others. They're still among us; they're just so secret that few know about their presence and their actions -- except, perhaps for the law enforcement agencies that try to keep track of them in this Age of Terrorism.
The creepy thing is that Phelps' group is small now, but how many other uninformed, even ignorant, folks might join them in trying to completely devastate the funerals and homegoing services for our brave men and women who gave their lives so that such people could have their vindictive and misinformed freedom of speech.
The Phelps have a ministry of hate. We can only pray that other genuinely Christian groups don't fall into their anti-Christian movement trap. (Someone hand them a copy of the New Testament and ask them to study the red words of Jesus. Of course, be prepared to have it thrown back in your face by these gospel hypocrites.) -- Toney Atkins
____________________________________________________





REPUTATION AND BROKEN GLASS (Posted March 9, 2006)

I heard a good line in a movie the other night. Unfortunately, I don't remember the film's title, and I'll have to paraphrase the line. It went something like: "A reputation is like a glass. Once it's broken, it can't be repaired."
To a great extent, that's true. We can try to mend the glass, but Super Glue notwithstanding, the cracks will still be seen.
Sometimes we break our own glass, and sadly, many times, others do it for us.
Speaking only for myself, I can think of times in my life that I actually did nothing wrong, but malicious gossipers (who probably couldn't even face themselves in a mirror) delighted in playing on unsubstantiated suspicions and spreading false rumors. Those were cracks in the glass over which I had no control.
I have always tried to treat others as I would like to be treated, but admittedly, I could not always live up to the expectations of those others. Therefore, cracks appeared in my reputation.
Being human, I have done things for which I have had regrets, and if I could go back in time, they wouldn't have happened and the reputation in my own mind wouldn't have been cracked.
I could have stared at the broken glass if I had chosen to do so, living a life of despondency and depression.
However, I chose to trash the broken glass and get a new one. It's up to me to wipe off the spots every now and then and, especially, avoid cracking or breaking it.
As long as I can look at that new glass and know within myself that I am doing my best to take good care of it, I don't really care if others who might have narrow minds see only the discarded broken glass. The new one may never remain spotless, but that will be up to me and no one else.
Lies and misconceptions on the part of those others will crack my glass only if I allow it to happen, and why should I worry about those in this life who only look for invisible blemishes and breaks? -- Toney Atkins
___________________________________________________________________


'CRASH' AND 'BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN' -- CONTROVERSIAL STORIES THAT NEEDED TO BE TOLD (Posted March 8, 2006)

With all the hoopla surrounding multi-award-winner "Brokeback Mountain," it came as a surprise to many that "Crash," a violent, often profane exploration of today's human condition, won the Academy Award for "Best Picture."
Being no expert and having seen only three of the nominees for the honor, I was torn between "Crash" and "Brokeback Mountain" as to what would be my favorite. Both tackle social issues in different ways. One is sometimes hard-to-watch non-stop action, while the other leisurely and dramatically examines an issue that most Americans don't really like to talk about, even though it's honestly real and a secret part of life for many people -- particularly men.
Examining the concept that people today rarely know one another because of fear, mistrust and even hate, "Crash" takes a superb all-star cast through about 36 hours of "crashing" into one another in surviving their everyday lives and the tragedies we all can face at one time or another.
The film examines racism, sexism, police brutality, corruption (political and otherwise) and antisocial behavior in general. The theatrical version has been re-released because of its new award status, but the impact is still very strong in the small screen DVD version. It's not for the kids because of the violence, sexual situations and language. In a way, it's a sad commentary about how far apart our society has grown despite perceived knowledge and "advancements" of the past half-century. I've seen it twice, and I likely will view it again in the future.
"Brokeback Mountain," although flawed and certainly not the first of its kind to examine a still almost taboo theme in America, is groundbreaking in that it tells a heartbreaking love story without resorting to sensationalism. While many have referred to the two central macho, Marboro man type characters as "gay cowboys," that reference is a bit much. Starting in the 1960s, the cowboys (actually watching over a sheep herd) develop a strong friendship in which there is a sexual encounter. Their friendship and fondness for one another lasts even after they go their separate ways, marry women and have children. They meet again at Brokeback Mountain over the years where they can express their socially-forbidden feedings for one another.
Why, then, do I say they are not "gay" cowboys? I would say they are bisexual or just plain sexual, with one having more of a capacity to want love and commitment than the other. What may be upsetting to many men (straight and "otherwise") is the underlying revelation that many, many men (macho straight and otherwise) have had same sex sex contact in some form or fashion at one time or another in their lives. Does that make them gay? No. Society has a way of categorizing and ostracizing people without even attempting to understand them and without even knowing the truth.
"Brokeback Mountain" prompted many jokes and at least some dialogue, based on what I heard outside the theater. Will it change perceptions? I doubt it, but the adult story is good in its exploration of the joys and pain that come with love, no matter what kind of love it is. An excellent cast (the men and the women) helps make this film work as fine storytelling.
Perhaps all of the nominated films for this year's Oscars, all made outside the Hollywood mainstream, will inspire the movie industry to bring us more thought-provoking films that don't rely on a deluge of special effects to ensure financial success. (How about an updated "All the President's Men," with an exploration of the real-life corruption and misleadership in today's political system? I'd pay to see it.) -- Toney Atkins
_________________________________________________________________


RETURN (Posted March 3, 2006)
A great writer once said, "You can't go home again."
I don't know how much truth there really is in that -- although, admittedly, there's some. I'm back. It's home. But it's not the same. I guess it never is, so the writer was correct to some extent.
I left northwest Georgia for a new career in Florida more than 30 years ago. There were several reasons for severing the ties with the place I was born and where I had always lived, but I won't write about those until a later entry.
It began with a vacation to the so-called Sunshine State. I felt exhilaration, a sense of freedom that I had not felt for most of my childhood or young adult life. I was raised to be a "good" boy, and the "don'ts" and "do's" often found themselves on a collision course. A lot of people had put me on a pedestal -- one that I hadn't truly earned -- and heights always made me dizzy and feeling that I was on the verge of falling.
Leaving a small, mill-village town for a resort city was a dramatic change and challenge for me, especially after an unexpected job offer to do something I had always wanted to do made me decide to stay in Florida and make the dream come true. The grass may not have been greener, but the sands of the beach certainly seemed a lot brighter. Odd now, when I think about it, that even while living near the ocean in later years, I rarely stepped onto the sand or into the surf.
Journalism was a thrill for me. The early days of my experience were a few years before computers and cell phones, when you had to do literal footwork to get a story. On my first night, I saw bodies, young and old, lying on roadways after several horrific auto accidents and and talked with weeping survivors and investigators. You had to go to the scenes of fires eating homes and businesses and try to keep composure and be compassionate as you talked to those who had lost everything. You had to go to murder scenes and the places where drug raids had been conducted. You had to muddy your feet, running through a muddy, snake infested swamp when gunshots signaled that missing little girls had been found after an all-night search by authorities and many concerned citizens had been conducted. Meanwhile, you had to be considerate of the heroes of the law enforcement officers and firefighters who had to deal with these tragedies and victories and know when they could and would talk to you.
You had to prove integrity so that the common man and people in governmental positions would talk to you, knowing that if something was off the record, it was something that no one else would ever know. You knew that a phone call could set off a string of phone calls that could turn into a major story. You learned to feel the adrenaline when the driver of the car behind you on a lonely stretch of road in the middle of the night pulled beside you, motioning for you to stop, and giving you just enough information to make you turn around and go back to a town council meeting that had resumed after you left. You had to report a scandal, despite threats, that could have sent people to jail -- and be able to breathe a sigh of relief when they pleaded no contest in court and escaped imprisonment.
You had to be able to sit comfortably in the company of people from all walks of life and lifestyles, hear their points of view, their complaints, their hates, their loves.
The "good news" stories were my favorites, but they didn't always sell papers. In-depth research into racism, hate groups and killer diseases could be draining, psychologically and physically, but the reward came when there was a sense of accomplishment in the realization that I had been able to expose some truths that readers needed to know.
Life wasn't a beach, I was to learn quickly. Life was people, good and bad, and realization that each person was unique, as was each situation.
My job was my mistress, keeping my life exciting and my brain alive with its own orgasms.
I was to meet and interview governors, other officials who had power, politicians who wanted that power, civil rights leaders, singing stars, movie stars, TV stars and want-to-be celebrities. Sometimes, and I still don't know how it happened, I caught a glimpse of the real soul, the real person beneath the personalities -- some glimpses I could write about, many I couldn't. I got to share the joys of the successes of average men and women, as well as fight tears when I talked to a devastated mother whose small child had been found dead in a locked school bus on an extremely hot afternoon.
The only physical prize I ever won during my career was an achievement award for a story in the early days -- and that was good. The best prizes were in my heart whenever I believed I did something right. My writings were sometimes controversial and I found myself in hot water more times than once, but I masochistically loved the heat.
Being an only child, my parents always wanted me to come "home," but I had two homes. Was I happy in the Florida home? Sometimes. Was I happy when I visited the Georgia home? Sometimes. Happiness anywhere was sometimes as elusive as a fly. Real friends were few, but I am grateful for the few. Acqaintances, good and not-so-good were plenty, especially if they wanted something from you.
My return to my home in Georgia was anticipated but not planned. It was precipitated by my father's unexpected hospitalization and ultimate passing. Mother had died more than 10 years before.
My successes and failures in life have all required massive readjustments, and going -- or coming -- home again has been no exception. But I thank God I'm here.
Yes, over the past few years I've gotten more eccentric than ever, more reclusive, more of a hermit -- and my moments of happiness come when I talk to my favorite cousin and my dad's favorite friend or feel the warmth and the legendary Southern hospitality of the wonderful folks at the Country Cafe off the beaten path in Rossville and at the Golden Corral in Fort Oglethorpe. I can stop by the Home Depot and shake hands with a new friend whose adventures in life are really just beginning and who is going to have a positive impact on the world, whether or not he knows it yet. Then, I can send an email or two to people about whom I think and care, catch the news, watch a movie and do a little bit of writing on my future book.
Who said, "Home is where the heart is"? All I can say -- when I feel a grateful smile come to my face as my head hits the pillow when the sun begins to rise and Lookout Mountain looks down in its magnificence -- is, "Yep, I'm here and I'm glad. Home at last!"
Life's new beginnings, with tears and joy together -- I can't help but love them!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------