We are excited to have our new web site up and running. It is still under construction, with kinks and quirks being worked out. We will be posting all of our upcoming blogs there, as well as an archive of our past blogs. Please come check out the new Jeremiah House web page and our latest blog entry!
https://www.jeremiahhouse2911.com/index.php/easyblog/entry/foster-care-isn-t-for-wimps
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
The World I Grew Up In
That fateful day in Newton, Connecticut has in one way or another affected all of us. The taking of innocent life always leaves a void and feelings of frustration and helplessness. There are those that feel that gun control is the answer, while others speak out about the mental health issue in our country. Everyone is looking for answers to a problem that doesn’t render itself to a clear cut, black and white solution.
Whatever the solution is that we as a people come up with we’re all going to be left with knowing that those lives that were taken will never be returned to us. During this time of mourning, we as a people need to band together to come up with a solution, putting away all political agendas, and band together for what is best for the protection of our children, our schools, and all of those that serve and protect our children. Schools should be a safe place to be where children aren’t in fear of someone coming in and hurting them.
We make laws to cover the exceptions to the rule, instead of enforcing the laws that we already have. In doing so we punish the law abiding citizen that would never dream of bringing the carnage that was perpetrated on these children by the gunman in Newton. We need to understand that in the world that we live in there is always going to be evil. If we take guns away from everyone, evil will find a way to rise up its ugly head and strike out at those that are innocent.
As a society we need to try harder, now more than ever before, to reach out to those who are hurting and need a friend, mentor, coach, parent, or teacher. It only takes one person to bring about a positive change in a person’s life. People, and especially children, are worth our investment of time, money, and energies.
Back on May 16, 1970, I walked into Walt’s Gym in Hayward, California. I was there only to bring a friend of mine down to the gym. I had absolutely no intention to work out. Walt Teixeira, who was the owner, saw me, walked up to me put his hand on my shoulder and told me that I needed to hang up my jacket and work out with my friend John. When we were done working out Walt came up to me again and told me “this is where you need to be.” I didn’t know what to say; I didn’t have money to pay for a gym membership. “I didn’t ask you for any money; this is where you need to be. You need to quit smoking because that will hinder muscle growth. Men work out Monday, Wednesday, and Friday; I’ll see you when you come in with John.” At that, Walt turned around and went to help someone out in the gym with whatever they were doing.
One person turned my life around. I went from smoking three packs of cigarettes a day, running with the wrong crowd, and making decisions that weren’t in my best interest, to creating positive goals for me. Just because one person stepped up and took an interest in another human being. Would it have made a difference in Newton, Connecticut, if someone would have been a positive instrument in that gunman’s life? We’ll never know. But it could make a difference in the community that you live in.
Forget all the arguing about whether gun control or mental illness or some other factor was to blame for that horrible day. There is nothing we can do to bring those children and staff members back. Strive to be the person that someone needs so that they can make positive changes in their life. You can make a difference in the life of a young person.
Whatever the solution is that we as a people come up with we’re all going to be left with knowing that those lives that were taken will never be returned to us. During this time of mourning, we as a people need to band together to come up with a solution, putting away all political agendas, and band together for what is best for the protection of our children, our schools, and all of those that serve and protect our children. Schools should be a safe place to be where children aren’t in fear of someone coming in and hurting them.
We make laws to cover the exceptions to the rule, instead of enforcing the laws that we already have. In doing so we punish the law abiding citizen that would never dream of bringing the carnage that was perpetrated on these children by the gunman in Newton. We need to understand that in the world that we live in there is always going to be evil. If we take guns away from everyone, evil will find a way to rise up its ugly head and strike out at those that are innocent.
As a society we need to try harder, now more than ever before, to reach out to those who are hurting and need a friend, mentor, coach, parent, or teacher. It only takes one person to bring about a positive change in a person’s life. People, and especially children, are worth our investment of time, money, and energies.
Back on May 16, 1970, I walked into Walt’s Gym in Hayward, California. I was there only to bring a friend of mine down to the gym. I had absolutely no intention to work out. Walt Teixeira, who was the owner, saw me, walked up to me put his hand on my shoulder and told me that I needed to hang up my jacket and work out with my friend John. When we were done working out Walt came up to me again and told me “this is where you need to be.” I didn’t know what to say; I didn’t have money to pay for a gym membership. “I didn’t ask you for any money; this is where you need to be. You need to quit smoking because that will hinder muscle growth. Men work out Monday, Wednesday, and Friday; I’ll see you when you come in with John.” At that, Walt turned around and went to help someone out in the gym with whatever they were doing.
One person turned my life around. I went from smoking three packs of cigarettes a day, running with the wrong crowd, and making decisions that weren’t in my best interest, to creating positive goals for me. Just because one person stepped up and took an interest in another human being. Would it have made a difference in Newton, Connecticut, if someone would have been a positive instrument in that gunman’s life? We’ll never know. But it could make a difference in the community that you live in.
Forget all the arguing about whether gun control or mental illness or some other factor was to blame for that horrible day. There is nothing we can do to bring those children and staff members back. Strive to be the person that someone needs so that they can make positive changes in their life. You can make a difference in the life of a young person.
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