On Death

As I sit in a hotel room, waiting to attend my father's funeral tomorrow, I am struck by the news that Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson have all passed away this week as well. I can't help but wonder how we have come to define the importance and priority of these deaths. Farrah's news edged out Ed McMahon and Michael Jackson's has taken over the news completely...

But what of the other death not on tonight's news?

William Edward Shepp passed away on Sunday night, Father's Day, at the age of 84. How fitting that such a loss will now always be remembered on Father's Day. This was a man who lived his life in service to others and with unselfish love for his family. This was a man who spent years as a devoted church member and Gideon. This man lost his mother to tuberculosis when he was just a child and was raised, along with his sister, by his bachelor uncle on next to nothing. Despite this, he attained a doctorate in optometry, served honorably in WWII and married a wonderful woman. Nothing about his past was able to stop him from being the best husband and father he could be. There was no resentment about not having the things others may have had. He took all he was given and did wonderful things with it.

He was funny. He was honest. He was compassionate. He loved animals, nature and his fellow man. He was a true and a loyal friend. How blessed we feel to have had him as a dad. I thank God for him.

So should a man such as this have been on your nightly news as well? Who, indeed, should have been the headline story? This is not for me to say, for only God knows their hearts and minds. But this is the headline story for our family this evening.

Stand Up!

I just finished watching Waxman from California, unable to answer questions about his cap and trade bill because he hasn't actually read it himself. He says he is depending on scientists to give them the right direction on this.

How we can continue to sit idly by and allow this to go on is beyond me. It doesn't matter if you are a global warming supporter or skeptic. It is insanity to pass bills that have not been read, and a slap in the face to every voter. It's not the first time and won't be the last. Many of our representatives are a disgrace.

I think it is our responsibility to do what we can to be good stewards of our earth. At the same time, I think we should be wise enough to realize that many people have big financial stakes in this, and will not give us the true picture. We have to take it upon ourselves to do the research into all points of view, to find the direction that is right and true. This is true not only for global warming, but for any legislation.

No longer can we count on our representatives to be looking out for our best interests. No longer can we assume they will abide by the Constitution. It just isn't going to happen. Busy as we may be, our future depends on taking the time to do the work and standing up to stop the madness. We can't wait one more day on this. Now is the time and there is no time to lose.

Star Bellied Sneetches Abound

Do you remember Dr. Seuss' story of the star bellied sneetches?

I am sickened on a daily basis by the news regarding racism. It is unbelievable to me that in this day and age, we are still so completely ignorant. When I hear excerpts from Obama's book "Dreams of My Father", when I hear sermons from Reverend Wright, when I hear unwarranted and hurtful comments from Don Imus...it truly drives me to tears. It is just not acceptable from any of them, from either angle.

This is going to go on forever until we just STOP. What is past is past. We have to forgive each other, let go and move on. We have to start viewing each other as fellow seekers in this world and help each other along the way.

I have a beautiful nephew who is 1-1/2 years old. My sister and brother in law adopted him at birth from a completely unselfish mother who wanted the best for him. He is black. They are white. I do not want him to have to grow up in a world where the subject of their skin colors would even be something he'd think about. Guess what? He doesn't think about it now. He adores them. They adore him. Why do we have to teach him anything different? Why?

God forgive us.

Take It Back

The war is not in Iraq. It's right here, being fought against corrupt politicians on both sides. This presentation reminds us of what it's all about, and why we need to take it back from the corrupt while we can. It is our country. It is not theirs to buy and sell.

Thank you, artist Michael Israel.

The Autumn Child

"MY CHILD OF AUTUMN

He was born in the spring. He blossomed with smiles and joy. He was like a small flower at the back of the garden bed, struggling to get its’ share of the light. His illness could have broken his spirit, but it did not. His smiles and his joy overcame it all.

In the summer, he played and grew and experienced it all. The sun burned him at times, but he was soon healed. He believed in each day, needing no reason.

Then came the autumn. He is the child of autumn. The smiles are not as frequent now, as the leaves change and the cool winds begin to blow. Something is changing. The faith he once had turns colors and eventually falls from the tree. We try to stop autumn from coming to him, but it is not ours to stop.

Winter is coming for him soon. It will be cold and bleak. He will feel very alone in the frozen world he has chosen. Have the very roots frozen? Will he survive this winter to bloom for us again in the spring?"

Mother Teresa and Allergies

It's been months since I've posted. I've had lots of ideas running through my mind, but the motivation to put them down just wasn't there. I've felt dried up physically and spiritually. My previous mindset of constantly seeking God's truth was not even there. Some call it depression, anxiety or "dark night of the soul". In my case, it was allergies. Really.

Seriously...we get some pretty big pollen down here in Texas:) Chronic physical problems can definitely sap not only your physical energy but your spiritual energy as well. I prayed it would improve every day. I missed God. I missed the urge to do artwork. I missed just feeling "normal" for one day.

Last week, I was finally given the right medication to nip the allergies in the bud. Overnight, I felt like myself again. I wanted to do something creative again. I wanted to connect with God again. It was such a huge blessing just to have a normal day!

This week, the media is all over the story about Mother Teresa having periods of doubt and disconnect from God. This seems to come as quite a shock to many, and some seem to be reveling in it. I was not shocked at all, and found it almost inspiring....this woman was every bit as human as you and me! She asked God those questions, too! I'm not the only one who sits around and wonders....what if I'm interpreting this wrong? Why can't I "feel" God's presence as much today? Will I always feel like this? How long is this going to last? Why can't I get the joy back?

Whether it's allergies or "dark night of the soul", it happens. We must accept that it is a part of being human, and perhaps Evil's way of trying to divide us from God permanently. We must hang tight and pray and wait for the new day that will come.

For Troubled Times

This past few months have been difficult ones, with some personal illnesses and a tragic loss of one of my son's close friends. Sometimes it is hard to overcome, when a lot happens at once.

This week's tragedy at Virginia Tech added to it As I struggle with accepting the realities of this world (sometimes beautiful realities and sometimes heartbreaking), the classic Simon and Garfunkel song comes to mind:

"When you're weary, feeling small,
When tears are in your eyes, I will dry them all;
I'm on your side. When times get rough
And friends just can't be found,
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down.
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down.

When you're down and out,
When you're on the street,
When evening falls so hard
I will comfort you.
I'll take your part.
When darkness comes
And pains is all around,
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down.
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down."

Whether intended or not, to me it could be as if Jesus himself was singing this to us. I believe he proved that he was willing to make any sacrifice for us; to "lay himself down". I thank God for a friendship and love that can conquer any evil this ol' world has to dish out.

Love ya-