Sometimes I Just Need to Say Something

To my friends in DC and everywhere, I'm praying for a peaceful and productive protest for all. May voices be heard, and messages be received. My hope is this new administration does not forget the rest of the population, does not ignore our concerns, and chooses to reach out, instead of shut out. Healthcare needs to be one of the top issues, yet it's not even mentioned on Whitehouse. gov under that header. All of the domestic civil issues have disappeared. Following today I hope we all educate, or continue to educate ourselves on the issues and events that affect our nation. Don't rely on the new outlets. Seek information from direct sources, and voice your concerns repeatedly to your government, both federal and local. I believe whole-heartedly in our democracy, and respect the opinions of those I disagree with. I've thought so much about this in the past year. I can not agree with "not my president" as I am an American first. He's elected and sworn in, so as an American, he's my president. What I do say is I dislike his person, his actions, and do not agree with his priorities. And to add to that, I will vow to make informed decisions, keep myself abreast of correct information, voice my opinions, and pray our country can unify. Those people that tout hate from either side, cause pain or hurt to those different from you, or think this administration gives you a right to discriminate or degrade, or destroy; you are only hurting this country, and your cause. Both sides of the fence must meet at the gate. I'm scared, but willing. I pray we all are.

As we enter into this critical time of political decisions and social concerns, it is crucial that we remember we are one nation. Whether you believe this "One nation" is "under God" or not, we are still one nation, and as such we need to show a unified front to the world. The tragedies of humanity in our country we must face as a nation. #alllivesmatter #Americanlivesmatter These should be our hashtags. When we separate ourselves from one another through terminology we enforce and support divisiveness. Continually I've seen it stated that love is the answer. It reminded me that I often say how I love one of my family members because they are a member of my family, but I don't have to like them. We are a family of Americans. We are from all different backgrounds. We are many colors. We are many sizes and shapes. We live different lives. What we share is our humanity and our country. So to my fellow Americans I wish you peace, hope, health, love, and joy. May our hearts and minds be healed and at peace as we face our challenges together.

@hillaryeve

I'm concerned with the way people are comparing the confederate flag to the American flag. I don't believe a flag that represented the goal of splitting up our country should ever be on a government building. It belongs in a museum. Having that flag atop a U.S. government building is the same as putting a British flag there. That flag does not represent America, nor is it even the state flag. If you hoist a flag atop a government building that only represents 1 group, then you open the door to others demanding their symbols be posted on government buildings too. The American flag represents our whole country. Every US government building, school, and institution should display it. Your personal preferences for flags you fly at your own home are your choice. You may prefer the Tigers, while I root for the Seminoles. I can not, and will not force you to fly a flag of my team only. Let us remember we are the United States of America, and not the North and the South!

Fire pit new year

View from Grandfather mountain #foreverview

I entered Disney's Frozen Norway Getaway for a chance to win a Frozen inspired trip for 4 to Norway!

Today I dropped my daughter off at dance class as usual on Wednesdays, and parked myself in the hall to wait. As I stood there playing with my phone to while away the time, a little girl came skipping down the hall. She was older than my daughter,though not by much, and dressed for the ballet class. The girl peaked through the window into my daughters class for just a moment before turning away and proceeding to attempt handstands down the hall. The little girl would go back and peek at the class a couple times more before asking if my daughter was in that class. I said yes. She then said " is she brown or peach?" At first I didn't understand, so I said she is wearing the bright pink. As she looked into the class again she asked again. I understood this time, but wasn't sure what to say so I described my daughters outfit in more detail. The little girl then pointed at a dark skinned child and asked if that was my daughter. When I said no she seemed disappointed. This whole conversation deeply bothered me. Being a dark skinned woman of Asian and Hispanic ethnicity, I've always fielded questions of background, descent, and origin of birth. As my husband is white, our children are naturally lighter than me. What bothered me though, is that color even mattered to this little girl of maybe 7. And so after thinking about this all evening I've come up with something I wish I would have said when she asked if my girl was brown or peach. "My girl is the color of beautiful, just like you and every dear girl in the class"

Today I read that some local churches ended their charters with the Boy Scouts. This brought to mind a few things I learned in church recently. First that Jesus taught love and lead a compassionate life. Second, that the disciples he chose were not all from the same mold. They were all different, and with flaws like us all. Third, Jesus would never close the door on anyone, even those who meant to hurt him. You may feel that homosexuality is a sin, but we are all sinners in our own way. I know some do not wish to perpetuate a sin, but then I say spend less on the fancy church buildings and paraphernalia, and more on ministering to the community. Jesus was not in a fancy building with gold accents and multi-media to increase tithes. He was a carpenter who held his arms open to the very poor, the sick,the rich, and the castoffs if they would only believe. Discrimination is not a teaching of love. I choose to try not to judge another person, though even there I am flawed sometimes. I choose to let God judge our hearts when he feels its time, and try my best to keep mine open. I hope to teach my girls the same, and to love and value all Gods creatures.