National Relaxation Day: take the time to relax and unwind

Today is National Relaxation Day. The day was created by 9-year-old Sean Moeller of Clio, Michigan in 1985. It is celebrated annually on August 15^th. It is a day to encourage taking time to slow down and unwind. A day to focus on taking care of ourselves. To recuperate and rejuvenate our minds and bodies. It has been shown that stress can be harmful to our mental and physical health. Doctors recommend finding ways to relax to reduce stress and improve overall health. Most people may know what stress is but what are the effects on our bodies? There is a way to use our bodies to relax. There are different ways you can relax, activities for enjoyment as well as relaxation. I will share a few of my favorite ways to relax.

There are two types of stress. Acute stress is the short-term reaction to a specific event such as riding a roller coaster or avoiding a car accident. The heart rate rises but once the event passes, the body will relax and return to normal. Many people seek out this kind of stress because it gives them a thrill or excitement. However, chronic stress is the long-term reaction caused by repeated stressors which can become so routine that it is accepted as normal whether it is job stress, family situations or financial problems. Chronic stress can lead to adverse effects as headaches, stomach ulcers and increased blood pressure and can increase risk of heart disease, heart attacks and strokes. Relaxation is the most powerful psychological tool we have to battle against the effects of stress. The Relaxation Response was coined by Dr Herbert Benson, professor, author, cardiologist and founded of Harvard’s Mind/Body Medical Institute (Mitchell, 2013). The technique Dr. Benson describes reminds me of meditation, there has been evidence that any activity which relaxes the mind and body can elicit the Relaxation Response. The response is a physical state of deep rest that changes a person’s physical and emotional response to stress (Martin, 2008) and is the opposite of the fight or flight response. Practicing relaxation techniques once or twice a day for 10-20 minutes has great benefits (Mitchell, 2013) including lowering the heart rate, lowering blood pressure and alleviates symptoms of a variety of conditions including hypertension, arthritis, insomnia, and depression (Martin, 2008).

There are multiple ways to relax. The most commonly method used is often meditation. Meditation is done in relaxed position, eyes closed and repeating a calming word or phrase. Some use a chant or repeating a word, such as “love,” “peace,” or “calm,” any word that you find peaceful. Some say prayers or phrases from holy scriptures. For instances, Christians use the Lord’s Prayer or verses from the books of Psalms or Proverbs. Creativity can be relaxing. You find coloring peaceful? Have a stack of coloring books with crayons, markers, and/or colored pencils. Even doing a puzzle can be relaxing. Maybe you enjoy classical music. While any music helps us feel better, but classical music has been shown to slow the heart rate, lower blood pressures and even decrease levels of stress hormones (Mental Floss). Plants and nature in general are another great way to reduce stress and relax. Whether it is talking a walk, getting out in nature for a hike or simply doing yard work, plants are effective at increasing oxygen and clearing toxins, which help easier breathing (Mental Floss). Even having plants around the house can have positive effects. I placed plants in the window behind my kitchen sink and it has had a brightening effect. Lastly, laughter. More laughter means less stress. Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, which help create a positive state of mind and boosts optimism, self-confidence, and feelings of self-worth. Watch a funny movie, TV show or spend time with loved ones who make you laugh.

I have a few favorite ways to relax. First, reading a good book is always a nice way for me to calm down and refocus. I usually grab a book I have read before, usually a favorite romance novel, pick a random spot in its pages and start reading. It doesn’t take long to feel relaxed and calm. Second, writing is a very calming activity for me. Either it is writing a blog post, a short story, I can get lost in the words, the rhythmic clicking of the keyboard and I feel better after. Sometime the writing is worth keeping and sometimes it’s not, but it is the actually writing that matters. Third, I love watching a favorite movie to relax. Funny, simple or a guilty pleasure, a couple hours lost in the movie can help. A few of my favorite films to watch are The Princess Bride (1987), The Wedding Singer (1998) or any Disney animated film. Watching a movie usually helps bring the laughter needed for an uplifting boost. Lastly, a hot bubble bath with a cold drink. The drink can be a regular soda or an alcoholic drink, it does not matter. I like to lay back and let the hot water soothe me as I sip my drink. Essential oils can be added to the water for an extra boost. Lavender and chamomile are top picks. However, before using any essential oils, pay attention closely to directions and methods to add them to your bath water.

In conclusion, stress is a normal part of life and in some cases, it is unavoidable. However, we do not have to let that stress wreak havoc on our bodies. Having a relaxation routine to unwind at the end of the day is important to combat the adverse effects. Dr. Benson’s Relaxation Response Technique is a good way to start. It doesn’t have to be as involved as yoga or meditation; it just has to help you relax. Coloring, puzzles, music are just a few examples. I enjoy many activities including reading and watching a movie. The key is to find an activity which you find enjoyable and relaxing and take time to participate in it, daily, if possible or weekly, if it is not. In honor of National Relaxation Day, take the time to find something to encourage relaxation for today and every day.

References

Martin, Sara (2008). The power of the relaxation response. American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/monitor/2008/10/relaxation. Retrieved August 12, 2020.

Mental Floss (no date). 15 Scientific Ways to Relax for National Relaxation Day. Mental Floss.com. https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/58326/15-scientific-ways-relax-national-relaxation-day. Retrieved August 12, 2020.

Mitchell, Marilyn (March 29, 2013). Dr. Herbert Benson’s Relaxation Response. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/heart-and-soul-healing/201303/dr-herbert-benson-s-relaxation-response. Retrieved August 15, 2020.

Lessons and examples of the story of Eve

Many people know who Eve is in the Bible. Eve is the first woman mentioned in the Bible. In Genesis, she is made from Adam’s rib as a companion and helper with him in the Garden of Eden. As Genesis 2:18 says “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” Her name means “life giving” or “mother of all who have life.” She is also the one who is first tempted by the serpent. Is there more we can know about Eve and her story? There are lessons we can learn from her story. What can be learn from her sorrows and joy? What were her strengths and weaknesses?

Eve’s story begins in the Garden of Eden with Adam. There were no shadows, no disorder, and no discord or fear. Perfect harmony. She was in peace with God and her husband. She did not know the meaning of embarrassment, misunderstanding, pain, envy, bitterness, grief or guilt. Until one day, Satan disguised as the serpent (often depicted as a snake but was mostly likely a large lizard) came and she allowed doubt and desire to persuade her to eat from the forbidden tree. Suddenly, there was no more harmony in Eden and darkness and death entered the world. God punishes Eve and Adam with banishment. Eve is cursed with pain in childbirth and Adam is cursed with a lifetime of hard labor. After they leave the garden, Eve gives birth to a son, Cain, who would later murder his brother, Abel, with jealousy in his heart. When the Bible last speaks of Eve, she is a woman in anguish as she gives birth to another son, Seth (Genesis 4:25). Her death is not recorded in the Scriptures.

Her main sorrow was she and Adam were banished from Paradise and the presence of God. She would know anguish as her eldest son killed his younger brother in jealousy. But joy? What joy did Eve have? God promised that her offspring would eventually destroy her enemy. Genesis 3:15 says, “And I will put enmity between you [the serpent] and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head and you will strike his heel.” Imbedded in this verse is the promise of a Redeemer, a Savior. This verse is a foreshadowing of Jesus as God reveals his plan to defeat Satan and offer salvation to the world. The phrase, “you will strike his heel,” refers to Satan’s repeated attempts to defeat Jesus during his lifetime and “he will crush your head” refers to Jesus’s defeat of Satan by rising from the dead. Even after their punishment, God still cared for them and formulated a plan to undo their sin. The lesson here is that despite our sin and our inevitable physical death, God’s grace and mercy are the most beautiful gifts. Despite being at our lowest, suffering from the consequences of our sin, God’s grace is still at work within us.

We know Eve’s strengths as the first female. The first wife and mother. She recognizes that life is in God’s control as she proclaims, “With the help of the Lord, I have brought forth a man” (Genesis 4:1). She had a relationship with God and with her husband as she had co-responsibility over creation with him. Unfortunately, she is better known for her mistakes. She allowed her contentment to be undermined. She was willing to accept Satan’s argument without checking with God. She ignored what she knew God had done and focused on what he withheld. Sound familiar? How often do we focus on what we don’t have and rail against God instead of focusing on praising Him for what He has provided? Our desires, the “I’ve got to have it now” feeling keeps us very manipulated and easily influenced by factors other than God. When confronted by God for her sin, she blamed others, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate” (Genesis 3:13), rather than take responsibility for her actions. 

In conclusion, Eve is an example of how we can be deceived when we take our eyes off God and His promises. How much our lives can be misled when we turned to ourselves instead of turning to Him. She is also an example of the great promise God gave us in Jesus. A Redeemer to rid ourselves and the world of Satan’s deceptions. Eve is an example of when godly people do ungodly things. That despite knowing better, their desire, their lack of judgment or they let their emotions overrun their rational thought and they do things they knew they shouldn’t do. Eve is an example of what happens we let our guard down and let Satan whisper in our ears and hearts.

Prayer: the basics, the purpose and examples we can follow

Prayer is an important aspect in the Christian faith as it is with most other religions. Prayer is the communication process to talk to God. It is our direct access to Him as we seek His guidance, His revelation, and provision for our needs and desires. He wants us to communicate with Him. He wants us to come to Him with all our fears, needs, wants and desires. Examples of prayers are found throughout the Old and New Testaments. People make prayer very complicated, but it is truly very simple. Prayer is like talking with your best friend. Just talk. There’s no formula, no right or wrong, just talk and let God know what is on our minds and hearts. What are the basics of prayer? What are examples of prayers in the Bible and how can we use them for our own prayers? What did Jesus teach about prayer?

Many people struggle with what to say in prayer. First, seek forgiveness of your sins. Acts 3:19 says, “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.”  Second, tell God about our needs and fears. 1 Peter 5:7 says, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” Many of my prayers start with speaking to God about my fears and anxiety. Third, pray for each other. In John 17, Jesus prayed. He prayed for himself (verses 1-5) and the completion of his mission on Earth. He prayed for his disciples (verses 6-19). He prayed for you and me (verses 20-25) and that we would be an example of God so that the world would believe (verse 21).  Lastly, thank God for sending His Son Jesus Christ as John 3:16 says “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Many people also struggle with how to pray. First, pray with confidence. Hebrews 4:16 tells us to “approach the throne of grace with confidence.” Second, pray with joy. Acts 2:28, Peter quotes David (Psalm 16:11), “you will fill me with joy in your presence.” Third, pray with expectation. Psalm 5:3 says “In the morning, O Lord. You hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation. Fourth, pray with faith. Hebrews 11: 6 says “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Lastly, pray in worship and reverence. Psalm 99:5 says “Exalt the Lord our God and worship at his footstool; he is holy.”

There are many examples of prayers in the Bible. When you look at the reasons for their prayers, you can see that they prayed for the same reasons we do. Hannah prayed for a son (1 Samuel 1:11) and she prayed in gratitude when her son was born (1 Samuel 2:1-10). David prayed for guidance (1 Samuel 23:2), for revelation (1 Samuel 23:2) and for forgiveness (2 Samuel 24:10). Solomon prayed for wisdom (1 Kings 3:6-9) and Elijah prayed for fire from heaven (1 Kings 18:36-37). For me, Job’s prayers are some of the most relatable because Job went through trials in his life he didn’t deserve. He turned to God in grief. Job 1:20-22, he prayed in worship, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.” Despite his intense grief, Job recognized the Lord’s sovereignty. He prayed to compliant and seek relief and forgiveness (Job 7:17-21, 9:25-10:22, 14:13-22). He prayed to confess. In Job 40:3-5, Job answered the Lord, “I am unworthy- how can I reply to you? I put my hand over my mouth. I spoke once, but I have no answer- twice, but I will say no more.” He prayed in repentance. In Job 42:1-6, Job says he knows that God can do all things and that Job spoke of things he did not understand. With Job’s example, we can come to God with anything. We can question him “why?” We can rant and rave about the trials we are going through and trust that God will answer us. When we pray with requests, God always answers. Sometimes he says yes, and the request is fulfilled. Sometimes he says no, replying that his grace is enough (2 Corinthians 12:9). Sometimes he says not yet, and the fulfillment is delayed.

Another example of prayer is through Jesus. The Gospels gives many examples of when Jesus prayed, some of them I mentioned above. He taught how to pray in Matthew 6:5-15. He said to pray quietly and unseen (Matthew 6:6). He said to pray simply and directly, not to babble with many words (Matthew 6:7). Matthew 6:9-13 has been called The Lord’s Prayer: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one.” The Lord’s Prayer gives us a pattern to pray. First, praise God. “Our Father in heaven” not only acknowledges that God is holy but also personal and loving. It is a statement of praise and commitment to honor God’s holy name. Second, praying for his work in heaven and on earth. “Kingdom come,” his spiritual reign. “Your will be done,” is not a resignation to our fates but praying that God’s perfect purpose will be accomplished. Third, prayers for our daily needs. “Give us today our daily bread” acknowledges that God is our sustainer and provider. We trust God daily to provide what he knows we need. Fourth, we pray for forgiveness. “Forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors” is to remind us that when we seek forgiveness, we must also forgive those who hurt us. Lastly, prayers for help in our daily struggles. “Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one” is a prayer for deliverance. God doesn’t lead us into temptation, but he allows us to be tested (Job is a great example). We ask God to help us recognize temptation and to give us the strength to overcome it.

In conclusion, the exact words of the prayers are not what is important. It is the motivation behind it. Prayers help us communicate with God. Prayers help us bring our thoughts, our troubles, our worries, our wants and desires to Him. And if it is in His will for your life, he will grant it right away or in the future. Prayer is to repent and seek forgiveness. Prayer is for comfort and strength. People may say that repeating certain prayers is how you pray and if you want to pray The Lord’s Prayer, that’s fine. However, remember it is not the words that matter to God, it is you coming to Him. Sometimes its hard to speak the words and pray. Sometimes, coming to him in silence with tears running down our face is prayer enough. Coming to Him in prayer with a simple “Please, Lord, help me” is enough.

“Your silent prayers uttered on tearstained pillows were heard before they were said.

Your deepest questions were answered before they were asked.

He sees you, He hears you, He knows you.”

-Max Lucado, God Came Near (1986)

Luke: blessings, women's roles and a lesson in mercy

This month’s reading was on the book of Luke. Luke was a doctor, Greek and a Gentile Christian. He is the only known Gentile Christian to author a book for the Bible (he also wrote Acts which we will get to in a couple months). He was a close friend and companion with Paul. Luke’s purpose in writing this book was to present an accurate account of the life of Jesus. This book is the most comprehensive Gospel. The general vocabulary shows that Luke was educated and Luke stresses Jesus’s relationships with people, empathizes prayer, miracles and gives prominent place to women.

In Luke 6:20-23, Jesus gives the Beatitudes. In verses 20-23, he speaks of those who are blessed. The word, “beatitudes” is from the Latin for blessed. They describe what it means to be a follower of Christ, standards of conduct in contrast with the world values. Verse 20 states that “blessed are you who are poor for yours is the kingdom of God.” Poor in this verse doesn’t necessarily mean poor in money. Many commentaries state that it may mean poor in spirit. Someone who is thirsty for revival, for God’s presence to return to the people. In verse 21, he states “blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied.” This isn’t a just physical hunger, but for a hunger for God as well. In a time when riches were a sign of God’s favor, those who were poor, hungry and at the bottom of society, yearned for God’s favor. Jesus is telling us that riches are not a sign of God’s favor. God’s favor came to those who searched for him and followed his Word. Also, in verse 21, Jesus states “blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.” A time of laughter and joy were coming. In verse 22, Jesus says “Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man.” Jesus is saying that when we are hated, pushed aside, and rejected because of our belief in him and his words, we are blessed. Jesus is also trying to prepare his followers for the days when they will be persecuted because of their belief. This persecution still goes on today as many believers are ridicule in the media, in schools and by family and friends for their belief. Jesus tells us in verse 23 “Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their fathers treated the prophets.”

Luke speaks about the women who accompanied Jesus during his ministry. In Luke 8:1-3, a few are mentioned by name. “Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene), from who seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of Cuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.” Three women are named specifically. First, Mary Magdalene, who tradition often tells us that she was an immoral woman, which the Bible never says, and this verse specifically tells us that she was healed from a possession of seven demons. Many scholars believe that the story of her leading an immoral life is because her name is first mentioned right after the story of a sinful woman who anoints Jesus’s feet (Luke 7:36-50). There is no evidence the two women are the same. Second, Joanna, the wife of the manager of Herod’s household. The Bible doesn’t state what she was cured of, but she traveled with him throughout the rest of his ministry. Third, Susanna which no further information is given about who she is or how she came to follow Jesus. However, the most important information about these women is found in the last part of verse 3, I wrote it above and wonder if you caught it. Luke writes “These women were helping to support them out of their own means.” These women had their own money and were using it to support Jesus’s ministry! Jesus lifted women from the agony of social degradation and servitude to the joy of fellowship and service. Women weren’t allowed to learn from the rabbis and Jesus shows that all are equal with God by allowed these women to learn from him. These short verses also give a glimpse into the behind the scenes of the ministry. Many times, the focus is on those in the forefront, but it is those who are working in the background who are the backbone of the ministry.

Lastly, everyone has heard of the story of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-38). It is a lesson in who is our neighbor and how we should treat them. An expert of the law came to Jesus and asked how he could inherit eternal life. Jesus responds by reminding him of the law. “Love your God with all your heart and with all your sour and with all your strength and with all your mind and love your neighbor as yourself” (verse 27). The expert further asks, “who is my neighbor?” (verse 29). Jesus tells the story of a man on the road from Jerusalem to Jericho when he was robbed. The man was beaten and left for dead (verse 30). A priest passed him and didn’t offer help, a Levite passed him and didn’t offer help (verse 31). A Samaritan came upon the man, took pity on him, bandaged his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them, took him to an inn and took care of him (verses 33-35). Jesus then asks, “which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?” (verse 36). Here is the lesson, the expert answered, “the one who had mercy on him” (verse 37). Jesus tells him to go and do likewise. To love our neighbor is to show mercy. Our neighbors is everyone, even those we have a deep hatred for as the Jews and the Sarmatians had for each other. The Samaritan in this story probably had the most reason to leave the man on the road but he didn’t. He saw a man hurt and in need of help and took pity on him. When we are able to push our hatred aside to show mercy, we are loving our neighbor. I know it is easier said than done and we don’t often do it. That is when we need the guidance and strength of the Holy Spirit to help us.

In conclusion, the book of Luke is filled with wonderful examples of how we can follow Jesus in our world today. The Beatitudes tells us that we will rewarded for our suffering and persecution today. Women who have been traditionally in the shadows of history and in the church are shown in Luke to have played a major and important role in Jesus’s ministry. And lastly, a lesson in loving your neighbor told through the classic story of the Good Samaritan. Although it is hard to follow or emulate these lessons in life; however, don’t forget we have the Word of God and the guidance of his Holy Spirit to show us, to correct us and guide us to continue on our path with God.

What is cultural appropriation?

This past Halloween, I read a comment on a celebrity’s Facebook page that accused the girlfriend of the celebrity of cultural appropriation. Cultural appropriation is a term I have not heard before. After a quick search, I was intrigued to research it more due to the massive debate about whether or not it is wrong or not. This post will be longer than usual as there is so much information that I want to share to make sure this topic is covered. While I may not cover it all, I want to give enough of an overview that I do not leave anyone confused. I will discuss what it is, the arguments for and against and how we proceed.

First, what is cultural appropriation? The official definition is a term from Sociology which deals with the adopting of elements from one culture by members of another. It is often portrayed as harmful and is claimed to be a violation of the collective property rights of the originating culture. In most cases the adoption of the cultural elements are by a dominant culture from a minority culture. Many sociologists feel cultural appropriation is avoidable as multiple cultures live among each other the exchange of cultural elements will occur. These elements may be borrowed and applied by the dominant culture against the wishes of the minority culture and the original meaning of the cultural element is lost or distorted and seen as disrespectful. While some view it as inevitable and a contribution to diversity and free expression.

Examples of cultural elements:

• Food
• Fashion, hairstyles, makeup and body modifications
• Art, iconography and adornment
• Religion and spiritual symbols
• Technology
• Language, including slang

The debate about cultural appropriation is deep and greatly divides people who fight against it and those who feel it isn’t as big a deal as the social justice warriors (SJWs) believe. The proof is in how people define the term and the examples they use.

The opponents of cultural appropriation are deeply passionate about it and argue with which fervor will leave many feeling shame that they would use these cultural elements. Opponents believe it is wrong when the minority culture is subordinated in social, political, economic or military status to a dominant culture or a history of ethnic or racial conflict. The views of colonialism, context and the difference between appropriation and mutual exchange are a part of their main argument. According to many opponents, cultural appropriation is different from acculturation (the cultural modification by adopting or borrowing) and assimilation (the process of taking in and fully understanding information or ideas). The main argument is that the cultural element is taking out of context and is often misapplied. For example, Native American sweat lodges and vision quest ceremonies are being used and run by non-Native Americans who do not understand the significance or the dangers when someone doesn’t know who to perform the ceremonies properly. Another example is the bindi mark which appeared at Coachella in 2014. The bindi is a traditional Hindu head mark with religious significance. Many Hindus were highly offended by those who wore the bindi as they did not fully understand the meaning and it was more than a beauty mark. One strong argument against cultural appropriation is when someone can or will enjoy an aspect of a culture, like the food, but still be prejudice against the people who brought the food to this country. “Cultural appropriation shows that you don’t have to like a person or respect their identity to feel entitled to take from them” (Johnson, 2015). 

As much as there is passion against cultural appropriation, there is an equal fervor by those who think it is simply today’s oversensitivity. Take one definition posted by a user on Urban Dictionary, “The ridiculous notion that being of a different culture or race (especially white) means that you are not allowed to adopt things from other cultures. This does nothing but support segregation and hinder progress in the world. All it serves to do is to promote segregation and racism.” Another user posted: “The idiotic conflation of culture with racism. Essentially the absurd belief that the cultural exchange that has served to enriched humanity throughout all of human history is wrong because racists exist.” And lastly, “A pile of SJW bullshit stating that its racists to indulge in foreign cultures.” Of all the user definition posted, the majority were negative like the ones I’ve quoted. Proponents of cultural appropriation view it as benign or mutually beneficial. It is mutation, product diversity, technology diffusion and cultural empathy. For example, George Lucas borrowed elements for Star Wars from Akira Kurosawa’s The Hidden Fortress who borrowed from Shakespeare. John McWhorter, a professor at Columbia University and contributing editor at the New Republic, wrote “The idea that when we imitate something we are seeking to replace it rather than join it is weak.” The concept has morphed from the original idea to a parody. According to McWhorter, people get angry simply when whites happily imitate something minorities do as if imitation is a kind of dismissal rather than a sincerest form of flattery. Another article expressed concern over the fervor against cultural appropriation as “unchecked by reason, therefore unworried by hypocrisy, snowflakes creep closer to actual violence” (Wakefield, 2017). The fight against cultural appropriation is seen as simply anti-white sentiment.

So what do we do? I’m not sure where I read this but someone made the comment that social justice warriors and “snowflakes” (a term for an extremist liberal offended by every statement ot belief that doesn’t exactly match their own. I see this behavior with conservatives too but that’s another post), are trying to reinstate an apartheid, a complete separation of cultures, after decades of fighting to remove such separation. In a way, this statement is correct, however, in my opinion, I see both sides of the coin. In many terms, cultural appropriation is bad and even insulting while others are simply the passage of time that it has become a part of both cultures. For example, an element from a culture should never be a costume or the butt of a joke which perpetuates an ethnic stereotype, according to Jenni Avins of The Atlantic. Just as a sacred symbols should not be worn as accessories. For example, in the last decade, individuals started wearing the Catholic rosary like one would wear a necklace. A rosary is not jewelry, it is a tool of prayer. It is not a talisman for protection. In her final words of her article, Maisha Johnson said “I am encouraging you to be thoughtful about using things from other cultures, to consider the context and learn about the best practices to show respect.” This statement makes sense to me, when respect is shown, I see no problem when someone of one culture borrows from another culture; however, the problem is someone may think they are being respectful when they are not or you may have some who, no matter how respectful a person may be, is insulted when someone outside the culture uses an element. This is when I feel the fight against cultural appropriation goes too far.

In conclusion, we live in a society in which we must walk on eggshells especially when you are white. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard “not bad for a white woman” when I’ve cooked a delicious meal of traditional Mexican food or other ethnic foods. As if the color of my skin hinders my ability to follow a recipe and cook. On the other side, there are other aspects of different cultures that I would never feel comfort wearing or participating in, simply because I am not a part of that culture. Bottom line, if you are going to borrow something from another culture, be respectful and give credit where credit is due. I would want the same consideration if someone wants to borrow from my culture. What are your thoughts?

Reference

• Avins, Jenni. The Dos and Don’ts of Cultural Appropriation.             www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2015/10/the-dos-and-donts-of-cultural-appropriation/411292/. October 20, 2015. Retrieved December 1, 2017.
• Johnson, Maisha Z. What’s wrong with Cultural Appropriation? These 9 Answers Reveal its Harm? www.everydayfeminism.com June 14, 2015. Retrieved December 1, 2017.
• McWhorter, John. You Can’t Steal a Culture: In Defense of Cultural Appropriation. www.thedailybeast.com/you-cant-steal-a-culture-in-defense-of-cultural-appropriation. July 15, 2014. Retrieved December 1, 2017.
• Urban Dictionary. www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Cultural%20Appropriation. Retrieved November 30, 2017
• Wakefield, Mary. The Mad, Bad Crusade against ‘Cultural Appropriation' www.spectator.co.uk/2017/04/the-mad-bad-crusade-against-cultural-appropriation/. April 1, 2017. Retrieved December 1, 2017. 

How to recognize sincerity versus insincerity

Sincerity is the quality of being free from pretense, deceit or hypocrisy. It is a virtue of one who speaks and acts truly about his or her own feelings, beliefs, thoughts and desires. We all know people who are sincere as well as know people who are insincere. The trouble is figuring out which is which. George Burns once said “Sincerity – if you can fake that you’ve got it made.” There are ways to recognize genuine sincerity regardless how good they are at faking it.

How do you recognize true sincerity? First, people who act the same regardless of the group they are in and when they are alone. For example, someone who is sincere will have the same attitude whether they are with their family, friends, and co-workers or by themselves. Second, sincere people will do things because they want to and not with thought of reward or repayment later. For example, someone is a couple dollars short at the cash register, a sincere person will hand over the money without expectation of being paid back. If repayment is made, great. If not, that’s great too because he or she did it because someone needed help. Third, sincere people will not do or say things they do not believe in. For example, a sincere person will not say they don’t believe in eating meat and then chow down on a bacon cheeseburger.

How do you recognize insincerity? First, insincere people who always take but never give. They may promise to reciprocate one day but that day never comes. Second, insincere people will avoid eye-to-eye communication and will often deliver bad news through a text or email. Third, insincere people have an excuse for everything and nothing is their fault. The fate is holding them back. George Orwell once wrote “The great enemy of clear language is insincerity. When there is a gap between one’s real and one’s declared aims, one turns, as it were, instinctively to long words and exhausted idioms.” In other words, be short and sweet. If a friend asks for a favor and you don’t want to do it, just say so. As Franklin Delano Roosevelt once said. “Be sincere. Be brief. Be seated.” Short and sweet.

We all have moments of sincerity and insincerity. We all have said and done what we meant and we’ve all have not. While researching this topic, I realized that the most insincere people who have been in my life have a way of moving out of my life on their own. There are a few insincere people who are stuck in my life and I deal with their insincerity as it comes. I also realized that the people who stick around and are actively engaged in my life and allow me to be a part of their lives are the most sincere people. I have learned to recognized those who say “I want to help” and finds ways to help and others who say “I want to help” and never do. Bottom line is sincere people will walk the walk after they’ve talked the talk.