Wednesday, December 17, 2014

After Someone Has Hurt You

Rob Bell during a podcast.
Rob Bell is the founder and first pastor of Mars Hill Bible Church in Grand Rapids. By 2011, the Church was hosting services for 8,000 to 11,000 followers. Rob is now an author, will host THE ROB BELL SHOW on OWN, and is a popular speaker. Why is he so popular? He preaches the message of Jesus, the one that holds that Jesus is "love, peace, forgiveness, and joy that our world desperately needs to hear." He rejects the view, held by many fundamentalist religious leaders, which preaches the rigid adherence to doctrinal points of view. His views are more questioning, allowing for doubts, and restructuring the world in which we live to be a better place.

So, part of what Rob does is to help people heal from the trauma's of everyday life, such as the hurt from significant individuals in your life. One critical step that many people avoid is to name what happened, how hurt you felt at the time.


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Rob Bell says, "Especially when it comes to things like abuse and betrayal, and especially if it's something like abuse or betrayal by somebody close to you or a family member...we gloss over how hellish and awful it was. You will only move to a place of healing and wholeness when you are ready to say what it actually was."

No one says that this first step is easy; acknowledging what happened can bring all those feelings back. But it is a necessary step in order to begin the healing process. This is also part of psychotherapy, and when a person has difficulty taking this first step, feels too paralyzed or sad, that's the time to get professional help. These days therapy doesn't have to be for a lengthy time; it can be for a short period and to help deal with a specific issue.
When you're hurting.
For those who would like to follow the ideas and work of Rob Bell, his program The Rob Bell Show has its first program this Sunday at 8 PM ET.

Thanks to Huffington Post: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/12/17/heal-from-abuse-rob-bell-advice_n_6336170.html?ir=Impact&ncid=fcbklnkushpmg00000054, and Wikipedia:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rob_Bell.


Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Help For The Homeless of North Los Angeles

Some of the homeless in the Highland Park section of Los Angeles.
Back in 2010, social worker Rebecca Prine started RECYCLED RESOURCES FOR THE HOMELESS, an outreach program to identify and support individuals without homes who frequent the streets of North Los Angeles. There were no other resources in the area, no homeless shelters. Many of those without homes have lived a large portion of their lives in the area, so they feel comfortable staying there.

Rebecca began the outreach to homeless individuals when she noticed the number of individuals who were spending time at Highland Park's Veterans Memorial. She began to create her own database of those without homes, gathering statistics about who they were and how long they were without housing. She also provided them with resources, such as where shelters were located and where they could shower. Her ultimate goal is to help them get more permanent housing which they can afford.



The organization that Rebecca founded and directs tries to include those who have permanent housing in her section of Los Angeles in monthly group outreach efforts. There are also drives to collect donated items that those without permanent housing need in order to make a new beginning in a more permanent setting. She educates volunteers and locals about how increased housing costs increase the size of the homeless population.

About a year ago, she started a new volunteer effort, NEIGHBOR-2-NEIGHBOR VOLUNTEERS. After providing six hours of training, she matches volunteers with permanent housing in the community with neighbors who don't have homes. They establish one to one relationships, creating more trust with the homeless and providing advocacy for the services that homeless individuals need. Once the homeless individual is able to obtain housing, the volunteer assists in the transition and teaches life skills to their neighbor in need.

Recycled Resources also has volunteer opportunities for those who want to help collect needed donations and recruit more volunteers, those who want to engage with the community to educate about homelessness and the work of the organization, and those who want to raise funds to continue the work in the field.

It's a small organization, working on the energy and commitment of people who volunteer their time, including the energy and expertise of Rebecca Prine. Doing all that she does makes Rebecca a remarkable individual and deserving of our respect and appreciation.
Rebecca Prine with a woman without a home.
Thanks to this article in EGP News for most of the information: http://egpnews.com/2011/07/rooted-in-the-community/.


Monday, December 15, 2014

Christmas Wonderland

Part of the Christmas display at Dr. Gropper's home.
If you ran into Gary Gropper from Atlanta, you'd soon realize that he is a skilled neurosurgeon, so much so that he is a neurosurgical consultant for the Atlanta Falcons football team. He specializes in lumbar spinal stenosis surgery, normal pressure hydrocephalus, and cervical disk disease and spondylosis. That's what he does year round and he's very good at it.

But when Christmas rolls around, he becomes known for something else. You see, he mounts a Christmas display at his home that is the delight of many in the Atlanta area and beyond. It's all inflatables, a large wonderland's worth, enough to make anyone feel like they landed in another world. The smiles are everywhere, both on the inflatables and also the viewers. This is a feel-good exhibit for a feel-good time of year.



That's not all this wonderful Christmas display does. The viewers are encouraged to provide donations that all go to a cause, GENESIS SHELTER, which provides support services and temporary shelter to homeless infants and their families. This program gives struggling mothers a chance for respite, a place that is safe for their babies, while they put their lives, and that of their family, back together. It's a road of healing, a way back to a home of their own.

Dr. Gropper collects donations and also serves on the advisory board of the shelter. You don't have to put in an appearance at Dr. Gropper's holiday display to make a contribution. The parent organization, OUR HOUSE, accepts donations online. Their organization has an expanded focus on homeless children and families in the Atlanta area. Your donations help to provide a step forward for families down on their luck and needing some support to get back on their feet.
Dr. Gary Gropper with a portion of his holiday decorations.
Thanks to this article for background on Dr. Gary Gropper and his activities: http://www.atlantabrainandspine.com/subject.php?pn=gary-gropper, and HLN for their focus on Dr. Gropper's generosity: http://www.hlntv.com/video/2014/12/15/christmas-inflatable-homeless-genesis-newborn.



Sunday, December 14, 2014

An Activist Walk

Shodo Spring 
SHODO SPRING is a grandmother, practitioner of Buddhism, and an environmental activist. She says, "While in a winter-long monastic retreat, I received a vision of walking along the [Keystone XL] pipeline with a group of people. The vision persisted and I accepted it as my major assignment for this lifetime."

Then the plan developed. Shodo got together a group of walkers with the idea of making a three-month walk along the planned route of the Keystone XL pipeline in the summer of 2013. The Harvest Collective provided assistance by renting a bus to get walkers to the starting point in Hardesty, Alberta, Canada, where they joined the 4th Annual Tar Sands Healing Walk. THE HARVEST COLLECTIVE also helped with organizing and managing accounts.



Then the COMPASSIONATE EARTH WALK began on July 8. Walking was done in shifts, 10 miles in length, sometimes in sweltering heat, then in the cold, they continued their trek. Some thirty-six people participate, some walking just one leg, others the entire three months. There were also various supporters along the way, including those who offered their homes for a night. On the walk went - through the Great Plains and finally ending up in Steele City, Nebraska on October 8.

The spiritual aspect of the trip put people in touch with the natural earth, seen in its glory without the greed of exploitation. Of course, when a person walks such a distance, it can also be framed in the pain, muscle aches, blisters, and other aspects of being human. But there were also the beautiful vistas, the fields, the flowers, the sounds of insects at work, the croak of frogs, that you can only experience when you slow down for a walk, instead of rushing through it in a car with the music turned up, the air conditioning blasting, and the windows rolled up.

But did this walk have any effect on plans to build the pipeline? I suppose no one really knows. So far, there is no pipeline running down into the US. The piece that is built is only Canada's. The future of the pipeline here in the US is still in limbo, with a slant towards "no" every day that it isn't built. Given the political climate, though, it's still a possibility, especially with the turn Congress will take after the inauguration of new members.

Shodo Spring leading Compassionate Earth Walk hikers.
Thanks to this article on The Harvest Collective by Shodo Spring: http://theharvestcollective.org/compassionate-earth-walk/, and this article from the Pollination Project: http://thepollinationproject.org/grants-awarded/shodo-spring-compassionate-earth-walk/.


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Saturday, December 13, 2014

No More Home

William Berkshire's burnt-out camper-home.
Rob Hentschell met William Berkshire, also known as Mountain Man, when William drove into the parking lot at the Traverse City GENERAL STORE, where he is manager. William needed a place to park his camper and Rob was happy to accommodate.

But one night in February, William's camper caught fire from his wood-burning stove and the fire consumed everything he owned. Rob turned to his wife and mentioned the camper that was sitting in their driveway unused - and that was when a plan got launched. Rob contributed the camper to help William start over again. As Rob said at the time, "I had something I could live without, and he needed a place."



Well, that act of generosity sparked others to action. A local sanitation company jumped in and offered a dumpster to help clean up the wreckage from the fire. Rob decided to post a picture of William's burned-out trailer on the Roy's General Store facebook page and requested donations of other items that William needed to make his home and life more comfortable.

Then, the people of Traverse City stepped up. In came clothes, bedding, blankets, boxed and canned foods, along with grocery items. They all showed the compassion of the residents of this little city. After all, nearly 500 hundred people stepped up to help.

As for William Berkshire, he couldn't believe his good fortune. As he kept saying, "Nobody has ever done such a nice thing for me before." Doesn't that just make you want to pack up and join the good people of Traverse City?


Thanks to this article by NationSwell: http://nationswell.com/william-berkshire-trailer-fire-rob-hentschel-roys-general-store/.


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Friday, December 12, 2014

Standing Up For Animal Rights

Thomas Ponce with his advocacy website on screen.
At the age of 13, young Thomas Ponce may be one of the youngest lobbyists around. He doesn't have the same funding as corporate lobbyists, but he makes up for that in passion. Thomas has been an animal advocate since he was 5 years old and a vegetarian/vegan since age 4.

About a year ago, he started LOBBY FOR ANIMALS, with the assistance of animal rights attorney, Jessica Astrof. The website is designed to be educational, with materials regarding the various issues involved in protecting animals. There are even videos on his site about how laws are made and how to track bills through their legislative bodies.



Seriously, Thomas' coverage about the lobbying process at different levels of government is quite impressive and would be instructive for both adults and children. The viewer has the sense that this is a bright and intelligent young man, who could have greater political involvement as he gets older. As a matter of fact, Thomas is a gifted student at South Seminole Middle School. He readily shares his belief  "in speaking out against cruelty, to all living beings, as well as speaking out on the damage that is being done to our environment." Proud mom Kim Ponce says, "I've learned so much from him. He's my son. I'll support anything he wants to do."

Thomas' latest educational endeavor is taking an online course in psychology. He also has been utilizing his own GOFUNDME PAGE page to raise funds for such things as a computer, which is essential for him to continue his education. He is also saving to join the Page Program with the House of Representatives. With all of his experience, he should be a welcome addition to the halls of Congress, in whatever capacity he wishes to serve. He's a truly outstanding young teen and an asset everywhere he goes!
Thomas Ponce using his advocacy skills at a SeaWorld protest.
Thanks to information from this article: http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2013-05-07/news/os-lobby-for-animals-grant-ponce-20130422_1_animal-rights-baby-shark-animal-abuse.


Thursday, December 11, 2014

What A Tip!

Cindi's battered and bruised car.
She's a waitress at the CRACKER BARRE;L in Branson, Missouri, and she's been getting back and forth to work with a car that has seen better days. You know the type, battered and bruised, held together with duct tape, a clothing belt, some plastic where the window had been, and running through sheer force of will. That car definitely showed signs of its several encounters with local deer - and they can do quite a bit of damage when they make contact with a car.

For Cindi Grady, the owner of the dilapidated car, Christmas was looking bleak, indeed. She really couldn't afford a Christmas tree this year, had a few dollars for presents for her disabled son, so replacing her car wasn't likely to be happening in the near future. As she said, "I was into a spot where I was, I dunno depressed, of course driving that car there, it's like just feeling like nobody cares you know."



So, right before Christmas, Gary and Roxanne Tackett, from Quitman, Arkansas, came by the restaurant again and left a $20 tip - and also just a bit of hope in Cindi's heart. But the couple had something else in mind, too. They had seen the battered car that Cindi drives and even thought it had been abandoned in the parking lot.

So, a plan started hatching. Gary discussed the situation with his wife and thought something should be done. When they returned to the restaurant, they had even more than the $20 tip that they left on Cindi's table. After making arrangements with Cindi's boss, it was time for the unveiling.

Cindi then walked out into the parking lot and spotted the car, a 2008 Ford Fusion that the Tacketts had purchased just for Cindi. The couple ceremoniously turned over the ownership papers and keys to the vehicle and Cindi had her new ride.

"It restored my faith in humanity. And everyone I talked to says the same thing," Cindi says. "There are good people in this world that are watching, that care, you know? And you may not even know them." As for the Tacketts, they weren't in it for any publicity, they just did what they did because they could.

Thanks to this report from WPTV, Palm Beach: http://www.wptv.com/news/local-news/water-cooler/cracker-barrel-waitress-gets-tip-of-a-lifetime-couple-gives-cindy-grady-a-car.


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