Stop Hatin'

When I was young (starting around 10 years old) I became mesmerized by politics and the political process. I read about it. I watched it. Even before I could vote I participated in the process through political rallies or protests. Today, I find so much of the system detestable.

Virginia, where we currently reside, was deemed a "battleground" state in the recent Presidential election. That means the final count of the vote can go to either party. Apparently, that turns in to month after month after month of political ads...everywhere! If you live in the U.S., I don't have to tell you how negative political ads have become. I can't think of a single ad that was uplifting, heartwarming or inspiring - instead, it was constant criticism of words, speculation about actions, and what can best be defined as fear mongering. I thought the negativity would end after the election.


During election day, I was so impressed. It was surprising to me how orderly and civil the process was - even though folks disagree and stood in line for hours. No violence erupted  No one died. Then the contender graciously concedes - even before all of the votes have been counted. This is not a guarantee. Peaceful elections are not a given around the globe. This is a gift that should not be taken for granted.

My contentment with the political process didn't last long. Soon the concession speech is being torn apart, along with the speaker. Soon fingers are pointing and tongues wagging about what went wrong, who did what. I think political pundits have mistaken criticism for analysis. I am just so tired of the negativity. I am so tired of the divisiveness. I don't think this hatin' is good for our nation. I long for civility, a dialogue of ideals, and a sense of we are all in this together.

just Sheri, tired of the negativity

Oprah-nized

The Hubs and I were recently having a conversation about influential people. People who are influential on a grand scale usually have a few things in common - but, of those we could name a common denominator was wealth (mostly earned through expertise in a field). Of the super wealthy and influential people on our list, one stood out above all others. Oprah.

Photo by Alan Light via Creative Commons

We put Oprah in a category by herself because of how she shares her influence. When Oprah promotes someone, they usually become a superstar in their own right - we call this being "Oprah-nized." Here is just a small sampling of Oprah's protege's:

• Suze Orman - used to be a special feature on Oprah's show and now a leading voice in finance and investment
• Dr. Phil - also a guest feature on her talk show, now the star of a long standing talk show of his own
• Dr. Oz - same as above
• Rachel Ray - Oprah helped produce her show and now she is a common household name
• Nate Berkus - a leading name in interior design, also hit it big with an Oprah stamp of approval
• every author chosen for the book club became a best seller

I am sure the list is longer - these were just the folks I could name off the top of my head.

In 2010, Oprah was honored at the Kennedy Center. Chris Rock was one of the presenters. He started his monologue by acknowledging important people in the room, in the balcony sat the two honorees (Oprah and Paul McCartney) and President Barack Obama with his wife Michelle. Chris Rock says, "it's an amazing feeling to look up and see the most powerful person in the world...and right next to her, Barack Obama. He didn't get her a job, she got him a job." It was funny, but true. Oprah's endorsement of Obama helped him win the presidential nomination over other candidates like Hillary Clinton.

I mention this, not to promote Oprah specifically, nor any of her protege's; but to promote a character quality worth replicating. I do not have the level of influence of any of these, but in my sphere of influence - what am I doing to promote others? to set them on a course of success? to invest in their dream? to bring out their unique talents? It is a good way to be and a good thing to do.

just Sheri, wanting to use my influence to benefit others

Global Leadership Summit: Condoleeza Rice

"Today's headlines and history's judgement are rarely the same."

culture shock: voluntary prison

I went on a road trip recently with a couple of ladies from Africa. One is visiting for a few months since her daughter just had a third child. I asked how her visit has been, this led to an interesting conversation about American cultural norms.

In America, we exit the car in our driveway and immediately head inside our home, rarely greeting our neighbors. Once inside, we generally close and lock the door behind us. Most homes have large windows to let in light or frame a view, but the windows are usually shut and covered with closed blinds or curtains drawn. I suppose this is for privacy and security. My friend had an interesting perspective on this - she called it "voluntary prison."

Photo by Stefano Costanzo via Fotopedia

We shut ourselves in and keep others out. We rarely engage with those in close proximity to us. We do this while living in the land of freedom and prosperity.  The majority of outings are to go to work, shops, or regularly scheduled meetings (like church). We started calling our road trip her "Prison Break."

I hadn't thought of this as a voluntary prison, but I noticed this myself since returning to America.

In our neighborhood, I make a point of talking to neighbors. When I see them outside, I wave enthusiastically and say, "Good Morning/Afternoon/Evening!" The looks I get are usually surprise and uncertainty.

I am sure there have been times folks thought, "Who is this crazy lady waving at me? She must think she knows me." Some people pretend not to see me, which only encourages me further. Some folks wave back hesitantly. What I've noticed is the more I do it, some folks now expect it and participate willingly.

There is an older gentleman who is often on his front stoop. I see him as I walk the neighborhood in the afternoons. He used to be reluctant to respond to my greetings. Now I get a smile, a wave, and a "how are you doing?"

When we lock ourselves up in voluntary prison - we miss out on relationship building opportunities. I am okay with being the crazy lady in the neighborhood. Why? Because people matter to God and therefore they matter to me. Though the culture of my origin tells me to isolate myself, distrust my neighbors and "act normal." I choose a different path.

Romans 12:2 (The Message)
"Don't become so well adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking..."

Are there cultural norms you have chosen to reject? Is there something you value more than "fitting in?"

just Sheri, defined by Christ rather than my culture

speak truth

Job 27:4 I will tell only the truth.

I wish this were true - that folks spoke truth. I wish. I wish. I wish. About once every four years (usually around election time) I write a political post. I try not to get in to politics much on this blog. Why? Because it is divisive, and frankly, I believe both parties have some things right and some things wrong and those prescribing to either party platform are entirely too self-righteous. 

Is it right to be fiscally responsible; protect innocent, unborn children who cannot speak for themselves; and protect the sanctity of marriage? I say, "yes!"

Is it right to have compassion for those who are struggling in difficult circumstances and give them a hand-up, to welcome the stranger in to our borders (with some provisions to maintain order), and to treat all people with dignity and respect? I say, "yes!"

What America has lost is civil discourse about such ideals. A bashing of the other's character, rather than a dialogue on convictions. But, that isn't the only thing we've lost...

I have been amazed in recent years at the incredible amount of "spin" that flies around in politics.This isn't a post aimed at any particular party, because if I were judge I would declare all "guilty."

Today's topic is aimed at a particular event: the attacks on U.S. Embassies and Consulates.

As a recovering Expatriate (Dictionary.com: to withdraw oneself from residence in one's native country.), I must tell you that the Embassy or Consulate is viewed as a refuge of safety. When I visited these locations in different spots around the globe, these were well fortified with security and built to withstand attack. I cannot believe these recent attacks are the response to a low-grade, low-budget, previously obscure and unknown video production. Honestly, who had even heard of this movie before the attacks? That is a red herring. There is something bigger going on and I feel strongly that our Executive and Congress are missing an opportunity to respond appropriately.

It was not an un-happy coincidence that the Behghazi attack occurred on September 11 (the anniversary of the largest terrorist attack on our soil). The rocket launcher that killed the Embassador did not appear as a result of a spontaneous demonstration. I feel insulted that this event would be classified as anything other than terrorism. Am I supposed to believe that folks just happen to have a rocket launcher in their home, and when they heard a ruckus decided to grab it on their way out the door? Nope, that doesn't happen. Just to have possession of a rocket launcher takes prior planning and it was obviously positioned to cause harm.

The events of recent weeks are terrorism (dictionary.com: the use of violence and threats to intimidate or coerce, especially for political purposes). What I don't understand is - why are we so reluctant to call it what it is? The only answer I can come up with is that if we call it terrorism, then we would have to do something about it...and that would be politically unpopular...and in case you forgot we are in an election with the objective of winning, rather than leading. 

What concerns me, more than political positioning, is that this has happened before. George Santayana rightly said: "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." So, with that in mind, let's take a little walk down memory lane:

• 1998: there were a series of embassy bombings in East Africa. (Thankfully, those were condemned by the U.N.)
• 2000: a suicide bomber attacked the USS Cole (Then, as now, leadership was reluctant to call it "terrorism" and it is my belief that is when al-Qaeda started to feel empowered to attempt an attack on US soil)
• 2004: September 11

There are some in leadership willing to call it "terrorism" - but none of these are running for political office. This morning I read this article from Reuter's describing the attack as "deliberate and organized:" http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/09/29/us-usa-libya-intelligence-idUSBRE88R1EG20120929

just Sheri, wishing we were electing leaders instead of politicians