Focusing On What's Important

Sometimes it’s really hard to listen. To sit back, stop talking, and focus. As Mr. Han once told Dre Parker in the new Karate Kid movie, “Your focus needs more focus.” We live in a world that is in desperate need of more focus. We prioritize so much on entertaining ourselves with things like internet, cell phones, dating, social media, texting, movies, television, music, games, and people. When was the last time you separated yourself from the world? When did you last turn off the music, your cell phone, laptops, and all the other distractions and just listened? Listen to the silence. But nobody has the attention span anymore to stop and focus. The lack of focus is why we miss so much in life, like these everyday superheroes. We take advantage of having heroes like these in our lives, not realizing that in a second they can be taken away.

I know I normally joke and tease until the cows come home, but I have something important I need to discuss with you this week. I know some of you might not listen. Some might close off my blog and some may never return. But I hope not. I hope that today’s message speaks to you more than any other post ever will, because it is the that important. Today I need to tell you about the most important hero of all. A man who’s sacrifice is not only forgotten, but is more often ignored and classified as fiction.

If a man jumped on a bomb to save the lives of his brigade or took a bullet so that someone else could survive, would you ignore his sacrifice? Could you look into his mother’s eyes and tell her that his sacrifice meant nothing, that her pain and tears when she watched her son die were worthless. Could you look into the eyes of all of his family, friends, and the people who watched him die and tell them that he never existed. No, nobody could, right? Wrong.

Would you believe me if I told you that I know someone who burdened himself with the weight of all your mistakes? Would you believe he took all your lust, your lies, your hate, and everything else that makes you less than perfect? He did. His name was, and is, Jesus Christ. If you just rolled your eyes or made a snide comment please reread the previous paragraph. Does it seem so impossible now?

I can’t tell you how many heated debates I’ve witnessed about the Bible v. Society. None of them ever end pretty. So many people want proof. Once they’ve seen the proof they only demand more. It’s like my favorite childhood story, “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie”, once you give them what they ask for they only ask for more. They move on a continuous loop, never satisfied with our answers. I have seen people accept scientific theories with little to no evidence quicker than they accept the Bible that has mountains of authenticity. But I’m not here to throw a Bible at you and tell you how to live your life. That’s up to you, and nobody else.

I can’t compare Jesus to any superhero because there is no one else in the universe that is like him, and none will ever compare. He healed the sick, blind, and lame. He fed thousands of people with a meal that could feed only a single man. He calmed the storms. He walked on water! These are just a few of his incredible miracles.

Every hero has his greatest battle, the one that causes readers and viewers to baffle in wonder. How could the hero possible win this and come out alive? A few examples of these might be The Avengers and The Dark Knight Rises. But something inside our gut will tug at our heart with one small grasp of hope and tells us that everything will work out. For Jesus, his greatest battle was when he had the world turn their backs on him. Much like Batman in the Dark Knight series, the world went from loving him to hating him almost overnight.

The day before Jesus was arrested, people lay down palm branches and praised him. This was the ultimate form of respect and honor. One of Jesus’ friends betrayed him, the rest denied d abandoned him. When he was tried before Pilate, he stood alone in front of the thousands of people who had worshiped him just the day before. The crowd allowed their focus to be eschewed. They told Pilate to crucify the man they called Hosanna, King, Savior, and Lord less than a day ago.

Imagine you lost everything. Literally—take a moment and realize what you’d do without all those gadgets that keep your life interesting, all the people you text and tweet, everything you know and love was just gone. Jesus knew it was coming, it was what he came here to do. How many of us can say that as kids we knew our purpose was to die for the mistakes of others? I can’t and I know you can’t.

Crucifixion is the most brutal, inhumane, and most painful way to die. First they took off his clothes and whipped him until you could no longer see flesh, only blood and the layers of muscle underneath his skin. A crown of thorns was pressed on his head. Jesus was forced to carry his own deathbed though the town and up a hill. A man stopped to help him carry the cross, but once they were at the top nails were driven through Jesus’ hands and feet as he hung from a “t” shaped tree. Even as the soldiers gambled for his clothes, Jesus asked God to forgive them. He begged his Father God to forgive his persecutors, betrayers, and everyone.

At the moment of his death he took upon himself all the sin that had ever been and will ever be. This is no happy, sunshiny bedtime story. This is real. He died. Jesus DIED. As in left this world and went to hell. He paid the ultimate sacrifice so that we didn’t have to go to hell for being imperfect. He was perfect so that we don’t have to be. Jesus died for all of us, even you. Even me. Every time I hear this story I cry. It’s almost too good to be true. Jesus lived a perfect life so that I don’t have to.

So many people refuse to provide the personal evidence that makes the truth so real you can taste it. I am not perfect, I never will be. Jesus saved my life. I will save you the details but it boils down to this. I was alone. I had friends, family, and a life yet I felt alone. I had this empty hole in my heart that could not be filled. I went to church every Sunday since I was a kid. I was baptized. I accepted Jesus multiple times. When I was little, I was afraid God wouldn’t take a sinner me so I would rededicate myself every time they offered to because I wanted so badly to be with Him. It was sophomore year. I had a boyfriend who’s love for me was not pure but I fought to not give in, mentally and physically. I’m sorry if you’re a friend of mine or a family member but it’s the truth, and sometimes people need to hear multiple intertwined truths to believe them both. I was constantly trying to escape my home by going to other people’s houses and to drama practice. No reason except that I was selfish and could not face my family with my fears and guilt. I built up a wall and perfected my poker face. I lied and no one caught me. No one saw my misery, or if they did they ignored it. I was alone. I felt I had no where to go and no one to talk to. I was so afraid. Someone once told me they didn’t understand people who were depressed, and that they just needed to get over it themselves. I had to hold myself to keep from slapping him hard across the face. Until you have held that bottle of pills, loaded gun, or rope you have no idea how much pain, hatred, and misery can be contained inside one person. I have been there and I never want to go back.

One day when I was home alone a voice came to me, a voice that was familiar like an old friend but distant like a stranger. The voice said, “What are you doing? Look you can keep going down this path you’re on but my plan for you is so much better than what you have planned.” That was at that moment that I turned my life around. I haven’t had a suicidal thought since. Has life been tough? Heck yes, even tougher than before my depression and it only gets worse. But I don’t let it get to me. Why? Because now I have a sturdy foundation in God. Whatever the devil does to knock me down will not sway me away from my Father; God is my Father, the One and Only God, the King of all Kings, the Alpha and Omega, Beginning and End. He is my everything.

The devil could not keep Jesus in his fiery prison. After three days Jesus raised from the dead and opened the path for all those who believed in God to go to heaven. If you want to go to heaven all you need to do is believe. Just like Karate Kid when Dre focused and believed that he had the power to win, he performed a move that only elite masters could attempt and he won. He proved that good concurs evil, no matter what challenges are thrown their way. That’s exactly what Jesus did, for me and you. So let go of materialistic items that consume our everyday world. Focus on what’s important. As cliché as it sounds, You Only Live Once. Don’t wait until it’s to late. Every day I wonder what would have happened if I had taken my own life. I think about my family, friends, lives I’ve touched, and lives I want to touch. Now that I’ve told my story, it’s time to tell yours.

If you would like to talk to someone about my post, please email me, message me, or contact me in some way. If you need help larger than me I know some great and strong believers who can help you. Thank you for giving me your time. That’s all I could ever ask for.

Between the Lines

Every picture is worth a thousand words. This is a phrase that has been used over and over to the point that we're almost born with it as common knowledge. But no one has ever dared to question who's responsible for writing the thousand words. The right writer can make any picture, let alone situation, appear to be good or bad. Words that can be beautiful or ugly, captivating or sickening, inspirational or detrimental, all of which can send a clear and unwavering message to the beholder. Between the Lines of every story is an underlying  meaning that seems to hold more power than the original message, because the tone can set the entire story. Between every superhero and supervillain is a meddling journalist who puts their life on the line just to get a good story. Journalist are one of the few heroes that appear in both the comic book world and the real life world, but in neither are they recognized as heroes. Journalist are seen more as a nuisance than a hero. In the life of Superman, Lois Lane's nose for news stories always seems to get her into trouble, which obligates Superman to come rescue her.
However, Journalist have one of the strongest powers of any superhero in comics or in our everyday lives. Journalist have the power to sway the public's opinion by how they present the news. Even Superman disguised himself as Clark Kent with a pair of glasses and a tie in order to stay up to date with the current news that was so easily accessed by journalist. In the superhero world they'd be given the gift of mind control, powers that can be used for good but more often are used for evil. Mind control tempts it's beholder to joining the dark side, giving them a false sense of power. This is why so many people hate (As Lady Gaga would say) the "Papa-paparazzi!"
In our everyday world, journalist pushed closer towards joining the dark side. Why? Because we as the paying audience are not satisfied with the real everyday stories of truth, happiness, and justice. While people complain about all of the terrible things happening in the world, editors and producers watch the ratings drop when the wicked times are down and the happy times go up. Because of our materialistic world with the constant question, "What's in it for me?", journalist must dig for the dirty little secrets of the most honest people in order to earn their paycheck and excel in their career. In the movie The Devil Wears Prada, journalist Andy Sachs is almost laughed out of Runway when she mentions a story she wrote about news of the real world. Eventually, this article was read and approved by another editor, but unfortunately most people yawn at such news just as Emily and Miranda did.
I'm actually on the newspaper staff at my high school. Once I had to write an article over the school's new "Educational Foundation" Program. Sounds pretty boring doesn't it? I could have made the story bland and boring because I was upset I had been given this topic, instead I tried my best to make it intriguing and fascinating  I succeeded. While students usually buy the paper to see if they are in it, I received many compliments on the Educational Foundation Story.
Journalist have a power that is incomprehensible to all non-writers. If the journalist writes in a way that reflects their own point of view without directly stating their opinion, their opinion is still recognized through the lines of the story. Outside the lines is a story that tells the facts, whether they be true facts or false is up to the journalist's pen (or keyboards today). Inside the lines is definite truth, how the journalist wants us to think, what they want us to feel, what they want us to believe, and what they need us to see. A good journalist can make any story interesting, and he or she can do it without lying or manipulating the minds of the readers.
We used to live in a world of trust and honesty where people could leave their doors unlocked, leave their keys in their cars, and believe what they read. Today we live in a world where we can't even trust our closest friends let alone the stranger who claims to be homeless, we have multiple locks on our cars, houses, and even phones, and nobody believes anything they read no matter how many times they read it or even if they see it for themselves. Why have we allowed our world to become so dark and deformed? I challenge you journalist, why don't we try to turn this world around for the better? I for one would like to not forget another password or loose another set of keys. I have had serious trust problems my entire life that have only gotten worse as I've gotten older. I don't want to live in my invisible box my entire life, it's very lonely and I want to let someone in without getting hurt, again. With my fellow writers and journalist we have the power to change that. We have the power to change the mindset of the people from one of negativity and dishonesty to positivity and honesty. So what do you say? Let's pull out our laptops, pens, and notepads of justice and seek out the light of hope at the end of this long dark tunnel. As a wise philosopher once said, "With great power, comes great responsibility." Peter Parker's Uncle Ben was absolutely correct when he said this. Words are the most invaluable source of power available, which is why we should take responsibility of not only the words we speak and write, but also of the words that go unspoken Between the Lines. For these words are by far the most powerful.

The Little Things in Life

In the comic book world of superheroes, the small hero is the butt of all jokes. Captain America for example. He is my favorite hero because he had the qualities of a hero before Steve Rogers was Captain America, that’s what made him a hero. Unfortunately not everybody shares my point of view (though it’d be a very boring planet if they did) and instead Rogers was harassed by people who were bigger than him. In the real world we see the same thing happen to the ‘little heroes’ in life. Now I’m not talking about children, (I will get to that hero later) I’m talking about the little people in life. The people who work at places like fast-food restaurants, gas stations, libraries, coffee shops, retail stores, and grocery stores (just to name a few). In the comic book world, they are much like Rogers, heroes with powers that are seen as ‘insignificant’ and ‘menial’. Why? Because they aren’t flashy and showy! I once got in an argument with my little brother’s best friend because he refused to admit that Captain America was a superhero simply because he didn’t have flamboyant powers like Iron Man or Thor. That is how the world views these heroes! They see them as little and insignificant, meaningless and menial. As Milan Kundera once said, “There are no small parts. Only small actors.” Imagine for a moment a world without little heroes, where everybody tried to work the job of the ‘flamboyant’ and ‘showy’ characters. Can you imagine a world of only lawyers? How would we get a morning cup of coffee when we’re running late without someone to work a Starbucks? Nobody would need a lawyer, because they’d be one themselves. The world would descend into pure chaos without the little people to help make ends meet. In a clock, all the gears have to turn together in order for the clock to continue spinning. Sometimes, the smallest gear is the one that keeps the big gears going. Even if the smallest gear went missing, the whole clock would stop operating without it. That is exactly how our world is. We can’t function without the little people. The ‘bigger’ people try and demean the little people by saying their insignificant and worthless. But how ‘big’ would those people be if they didn’t have little people to help them up and make them function. These heroes may be small, but they can make a huge difference. Even in the superhero world the little people, or ‘sidekicks’, keep the hero from completely falling apart. Think about how Batman would survive without Robin or Alfred. In a movie, everyone appraises the actors for their brilliant portrayal of the characters. In our society the people on camera are appraised and at the highest class of our society. But nobody ever takes a second glance at the credits to the guy behind the camera. The actors would be nothing without the crew of technicians, writers, camera men, make up artist, set designers, and all of the little people it takes to make the movie look amazing! Yes, the actors are important, but nobody cares to look at the people who are shining the spotlights down. Most people want to look over these small heroes, but I refuse. It’s the Little Things in Life that make it all worthwhile. So why don’t we appreciate these little things? Just as previous heroes before, don’t take advantage of these heroes’ kind deeds simply because you think your better than them. Be thankful and kind, ask them how their day was instead of expecting them to love hearing about your drama. If we overlook these heroes than we will only bring our own downfall. We have all seen the Hollywood cliché of the hero that turns into a villain, but what nobody realizes is that really happens! Those of us drama geeks who have followed the play Wicked can never see The Wizard of Oz the same again. Elphaba was once a misunderstood, fiery, and talented girl that became the Wicked Witch of the West because everyone treated her badly. They made fun of her appearance and the fact that she was different. Heroes turn into villains all the time in comic book world and real life. So let’s not waste another moment and risk letting these valuable heroes turn against us. Take the time to appreciate the Little Things in Life.

Anything for Anthony

Hey I know this is early for a post, and don't worry this isn't my everyday superhero post for the week. My MomD (grandma) took a look at my blog and told me a story similar to Emma's posted in the corner. There's 10 year old boy who has been fighting congenital heart disease. He is in desperate need of a transplant. Read his story here.

He needs your help! Remember how I mentioned organ donors are heroes? Unfortunately the hospitals that help with the transactions from hero to victim need money to keep going, Anthony is in need of $500,000 that his family does not have. They have already raised half of the donations needed to get his transplant. So what do you say? You've all read my blog about real life heroes, so how would you like to be one? You don't have to donate alot, any amount can help! Click here to donate. Please, Don't be a bystander who stands by, be the hero that this world needs, and the one it deserves.

Power in Numbers

While typical nerds invest their lives in the fictional heroes they find in comic books and video games, I'm glad that my readers can invest themselves in the real heroes found in our everyday world. What do you think of when I say blood? Automatically I think of vampires. Vampires like Count Dracula from to old black and white film. Scary people, in need of a good tan, with razor sharp teeth that can bite right through your skin but can't manage to bite through a slice of pizza. (We Italians are safe though cause we eat so much garlic it's poisonous to them!) Unfortunately modern culture has put a different image in the minds of the world, especially teenage girl. Last time I checked, REAL vampires do NOT sparkle! But fairies do, maybe Twilight's Edward was the offspring of a fairy and his/her vampire lover. Maybe that's why the Twilight vampires don't drink Bella and everyone else in town's blood and can withstand the sunlight. Don't worry I'm not here to criticize the book. Actually I'm here to bring a hero out of these words that make girls swoon (and not just because they think blood is icky). In the superhero world, this hero can multiply in numbers and save billions of other people's lives in the process. I'm talking about blood donors. Last week I asked for suggestions on who my next superhero should be, and my friend Nyc who works for Carter Blood Care suggested Blood Donors. So many people donate that it's hard sometimes to see them as heroes. But I think it's great!! Millions of people who give just a little bit of their time (and blood) to save three lives! Just like a superhero that can be multiple places at the same time, this hero can save more than one person at a time. These heroes act in silence. Hiding in plain sight while their heroic deeds are gone unrecognized past a t-shirt, a pat on the back, or a red cord at graduation. Most people think that they're nothing out of the ordinary, but they shouldn't look past these heroes simply because they aren't buff men flying around in a leotard and man tights hose (panty hose for men). I can personally say that I could never do what they do. Not because I'm stingy with my blood but because I have terrible iron deficiency. This hero has a brother who is equally as powerful. He too can multiply and has an enormous effect on our world: organ donors. People who, just like blood donors, allow their lives to bring life to those around them. These heroes may not have flashy red capes, but they do wear masks to hide their secret identity. Why? Maybe they're humble and don't seek to be praised by others for their heroic deeds. Typically you don't know who donated blood or organs unless you dig deep. But I hope my readers agree with me when I say (to paraphrase Diana Ross) ain't no mountain high enough, ain't no valley low enough, and ain't no river wide enough that will keep us from loving these valiant heroes! Let's not take these heroes for granted! Think about how many people would not be alive today if it weren't for these two heroes. The best way to thank these heroes is to show appreciation for what they've done. Maybe we don't need parades or festivals since they do try to hide their heroic deeds behind an anonymous mask. We can however thank them each and every day, just like our other heroes. If you know a blood donor or know someone who donated their organs than thank them, show appreciation; encourage them to continue acting heroically. What may seem like a small act of kindness has a large effect on our society when the hero multiplies into a bigger force showing that their is Power in Numbers. But remember, a force of a million started out as just one. So why not be that one? Or why not at least thank that one for being a part of something truly incredible. Please leave comments below or message me on Facebook for more suggestions. Thanks for reading!

Above and Beyond the Call of Duty

There are many phrases overused, over posted, and over zealously tweeted (and then retweeted). Most popular sayings are harmless vermin that simply nip at our heals and annoy us to the brink of insanity, such as "YOLO" and people calling themselves "Hipsters" (PS: If you call yourself a Hipster you aren't one. Plus, why would a hipster cling to such a mainstream trend such as admitting their Hipsterness?) There is a phrase that is more than just a harmless vermin and victimizes a certain superhero. Just as superheroes are never even half as cool when hiding behind the glasses of their secret identity (with the exception of Iron Man) there is another hero who's impact on this world is beyond all understanding, yet they are never given a second glance as they continuously strive to fulfill their superhero duties. Hopefully those of you who didn't leave after getting offended by my denouncing of you "Legit Hipsterness" know who I'm talking about. The phrase that describes them is definitely the most offensive and poisonous, "Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach." I love this poem which best describes what teachers do, (***WARNING: This poem contains offensive language, not for the ears of small children and some rabbits) "What Teachers Make" by Taylor Mali.

Teachers are probably one of the most amazing and misunderstood superheroes of all. In the superhero world of comic books, they would be the super geniuses with brains the size of Jupiter and telepathy. How else do they know you're lying about your goldfish eating your homework, that you don't really have to go to the bathroom, or your that you really had a terrible 24 hour case of Enchondromatosis? *cough cough* I once had a science teacher who confessed to me in confidence that she was actually a superhero (who shall remain nameless for your own protection). How else could you explain how teachers seem to know the answer to everything? Unless of course you ask your English teacher about your Calculus homework that is. Think about it, all of the people that rudely degrade the jobs of teachers became who they are because of teachers! A lawyer isn't born and instantly thrown into the court room. He has to go through years of school and then even more years of college! All of the appraised professions such as lawyers, doctors, and even scientist have to go through years of college where they learn from the masters on how to succeed in their profession. In my opinion, teaching is one of the hardest jobs to do. Most adults get to work with people their own age everyday who are at least a little mature and have to deal with problems of the real world. Teachers have to survive endless days of accidents to toy fights, black eyes to excuses, whining to high school drama, and the whipping and gnashing of teeth required to get the little jerks to stop asking the question, "Do we have to?" or "When will we use this in life?" All joking aside, teachers are one of the most fundamental aspects of our society because they help us learn the key aspects of life, help us grow into independent individuals, encourage us to think outside the box and challenge the status quo, they challenge us to go above and beyond the call of duty, and most importantly they never give up on us. Even when all of our friends and family call us "Stupid", "Worthless", and "Impossible" they say NO! Now if any of you reading this are thinking, I've never had a teacher like that, I'm sure you've at least had a teacher who didn't give up on you and who influenced you in one way or another. Now my previous readers are probably wondering, so are you going to tell us how we can stop overlooking these heroes? Most people usually use the stereotypical apple but honestly anything would suffice. A card, flowers, or even just the words, "Thank you". Teachers sacrifice their lives to make sure that you learn and grow so that you can succeed, don't we owe it to them to at least say thanks. So just like these heroes, go out and thank them for going Above and Beyond the Call of Duty.