Giving Up

Growing up as a kid, each lent called for us to Give Up something. As I recall, my parents were pretty hands off on our decision, because it was our decision. However, each of us had to actually Give Up something.

Some of us cheated. Not a lot, but just a little.

We might look over the TV guide and Give Up watching a night knowing that there wasn’t much on anyway. Some of us Gave Up a dessert, which for me was a difficult one because I have such a sweet tooth.

Lent changed for me as I got older. I’m not sure how I came to it, but I assume it was in high school, maybe in college or beyond, and probably from something I had read or heard.

Instead of Giving Up, I began To Do instead.

Notes to cheer people up. Smile more. Sometimes going through a fast food drive through, I’d pay for the car behind me and drive off before anyone could flag me down. Nothing big, mind you, but something out of the ordinary and perhaps out of my comfort zone.

My reasoning is that Giving Up really was only for me. It didn’t affect anyone else. I realize it’s sometimes good to Give Up something, however I refuse to Give Up bacon or Diet Coke. In fact, if I could IV Diet Coke, I’d be almost in heaven despite all the nasty things I hear diet soda does. I like the taste, so . . .

This year, however, I’m including Giving Up some things for lent. Not your usual things, however.

I came across a post on Facebook that made sense and I thought that if all of us were to Give Up these things, our world collectively and individually would be so much better. It makes me smile just to think about the possibilities.

So this year, instead of this food or that drink, and instead of this TV night or that TV night, I’ve decided to try Giving Up, or to Fast from the following:

·        Fast from hurting words and say kind words

·        Fast from sadness and be filled with gratitude

·        Fast from anger and be filled with patience

·        Fast from pessimism and be filled with hope

·        Fast from complaints and contemplate simplicity

·        Fast from bitterness and fill my heart with joy

·        Fast from selfishness and be compassionate to others

·        Fast from grudges and be reconciled

·        Fast from words and be silent so I can listen

So here’s my challenge to you, each of you both young and old: Give Up and Fast from the above and try the alternative. Honestly and sincerely, I think you’ll like the results. I think we’ll all like the results. And, I think those around us will like the results. All those in favor of Giving Up, smile and nod your head! Something worthwhile to think about . . .

Live Your Life, and Make A Difference!

For My Readers:

Please feel free to connect with me at:

Twitter at @jrlewisauthor

Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/Joseph.Lewis.Author                    

Amazon at: http://www.amazon.com/Joseph-Lewis/e/B01FWB9AOI/             

If you like Thriller/Mystery fiction, check out my novels:

Available on Amazon for .99 the Lives Trilogy Prequel, Taking Lives

FBI Agent Pete Kelliher and his partner search for the clues behind the bodies of six boys left in various and remote parts of the country. Even though they don’t know one another, the lives of FBI Agent Kelliher and two boys become interwoven with the same thread that Pete Kelliher holds in his hand. The three of them are on a collision course and when that happens, their lives are in jeopardy as each search for a way out. http://bit.ly/Taking-Lives-JLewis

Stolen Lives, Book One of the Lives Trilogy:

Two thirteen year old boys are abducted off a safe suburban street. Kelliher and his team of FBI agents have 24 hours to find them or they’ll end up like all the others- dead! They have no leads, no clues, and nothing to go on. And the possibility exists that one of his team members might be involved. http://bit.ly/Stolen-Lives-JLewis

Shattered Lives, Book Two of the Lives Trilogy:

Six men escaped and are out for revenge. The boys, recently freed from captivity, are in danger and so are their families, but they don’t know it. The FBI has no clues, no leads, and nothing to go on and because of that, cannot protect them. http://bit.ly/Shattered-Lives-J-Lewis

Splintered Lives, Book Three of the Lives Trilogy:

It began in Arizona with death and it ends in Arizona in death. A 14 year old boy has a price on his head, but he and his family don’t know it. Their family vacation turns into a trip to hell. Out gunned and outnumbered, can this boy protect his father and brothers? Without knowing who these men are? Or how many there are? Or when they might come for him? http://bit.ly/Splintered-Lives-J-Lewis

Law And Love

I watched a movie last weekend, Gone Baby Gone, and it had an interesting premise with a nice twist at the end. I can’t write this post without revealing either, so you might want to skip a paragraph or two.

A young girl is taken in the dead of night. Whereabouts unknown. No real leads. The girl's aunt begs a private detective to take the case because he has connections to criminal Boston that the police do not. As the story unfolds, it turns out that the girl’s uncle gave the little girl to a police officer to take care of because the girl’s mother was a crackhead and a dealer. He wanted the little girl to have a future and felt this was the only way she would. He acted out of Love and didn’t follow the Law.

The private detective has a decision to make.

The Law stated that the girl needed to be taken from the policeman and his wife and given back to the girl’s mother. The uncle would be arrested for complicity and the policeman and his wife arrested for kidnapping. This decision, potentially, would cost the little girl a bright and promising future.

Love might be to let the little girl live with the policeman and his wife. Of course, the private detective would have to shut his eyes and live with the fact that the little girl isn’t where she should be, but this decision, potentially, gave a better future to the little girl.

Hmmm . . . Law vs Love.

Tough decision sometimes. Of course, it could and probably should be argued that the most loving thing is to get the little girl back to her mother where “she belongs.” I get that.

As a counselor and now as an administrator, I deal in the world of gray. Nothing is really ever black or white. We do have the Law but sometimes there are circumstances and situations that cause me to think of a better way, another alternative. I’m always reminded by others that “I’m opening up a can of worms” and that “I’m not being consistent” and that “there’s past precedence to consider.” I get that.

But kids are kids and people are people and sometimes . . . most of the time . . . this isn’t a cookie cutter world. Sometimes acting as the “judge” I have to act in the best interest of the child. It isn’t easy and there are times, I admit, that I set myself up as seemingly “unfair” because I’m not treating two similar cases the same way. I get that.

Sometimes it’s just easier to enforce the Law. It’s black and white and there isn’t any gray and I can rest assured that following it, I am being consistent and the Law or code or whatever will be on my side. Not necessarily the most Loving thing to do, but it is following the Law.

Let’s look at another example, a trickier one.

A while back, a couple went to a bakery and ordered a wedding cake. The bakery refused to make one for them because the couple was gay citing their religion as an excuse.

Not knowing exactly what religion we’re talking about, I suppose one can site biblical references and passages that might convince us that the folks who own the bakery are in the right. I guess that’s possible.

But then, we’d have to look at all the biblical references and perhaps enforce the punishment for breaking various Laws that call for plucking eyes out, cutting off hands, flogging and stoning as consequences. Perhaps while we’re at it, if we’re against abortion, we should be against the death penalty, don’t you think? I mean, one life equals one life. The Bible can be confusing that way. In one part, the Old Testament, it calls for “an eye for an eye” whereas in the New Testament, it calls for “turning the other cheek.”

Hmmm . . . Can be confusing, right? Not so black and white, is it?

So, if we’re kicking folks out of our country or if we prevent folks from coming to our country who are fleeing war and death and trying to live in peace and safety, what happens to the biblical references to “Honor thy neighbor as thy brother?”  Or the lesson of the beatitudes (New Testament) dealing with feeding and clothing the poor, and “whatever you do to the least of my brethren you do unto me.” If we enforce one set of rules and one interpretation using biblical reference, then perhaps we need to site them all and use that code and Law to follow. I mean, if we want to be black and white, right?

Or perhaps, we can let Love be the guide.

It’s not ever easy, is it? And, it is something to think about . . .

Live Your Life, and Make A Difference!

For My Readers:

Please feel free to connect with me at:

Twitter at @jrlewisauthor

Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/Joseph.Lewis.Author                   

Amazon at: http://www.amazon.com/Joseph-Lewis/e/B01FWB9AOI/            

If you like Thriller/Mystery fiction, check out what other readers have said about my novels.

Stolen Lives, Book One of the Lives Trilogy

“Joseph Lewis has created a cast of characters that you grow to care about. Their story is filled with twists and turns that keep you reading. When the book ends you will be left anticipating the next one! This was a story I could not put down!”  “I am really glad I happened to see this Trilogy while looking through my Kindle unlimited series. Great strong characters, especially George and Brett. Looking forward to reading more from this author. Started Taking Lives and immediately turned the pages to get to Stolen Lives.”

Two thirteen year old boys are abducted off a safe suburban street. Kelliher and his team of FBI agents have 24 hours to find them or they’ll end up like all the others- dead! They have no leads, no clues, and nothing to go on. And the possibility exists that one of his team members might be involved. http://bit.ly/Stolen-Lives-JLewis               

Shattered Lives, Book Two of the Lives Trilogy

“I couldn’t put it down, a really good book!” “Great book! I can't wait for next one!” “This book is excellent. The whole series is definitely worth your time.” “Expertly written. I ended up buying all the books in the series and am waiting eagerly for the final installment Splintered Lives."

Six men escaped and are out for revenge. The boys, recently freed from captivity, are in danger and so are their families, but they don’t know it. The FBI has no clues, no leads, and nothing to go on and because of that, cannot protect them.  http://bit.ly/Shattered-Lives-J-Lewis               

Splintered Lives, Book Three of the Lives Trilogy

“Engaging characters you care about. A story that is fast-paced and holds your attention to the point you cannot put it down. Great finish to a great series.”

A 14 year old boy has a price on his head, but he and his family don’t know it. Their family vacation turns into a trip to hell. Out gunned and outnumbered, can this boy protect his father and brothers? Without knowing who these men are? Or how many there are? Or when they might come for him? http://bit.ly/Splintered-Lives-J-Lewis           

Taking Lives, Prequel to the Lives Trilogy – only .99 cents on Amazon

“Great book by Joseph Lewis. Many twists and turns. Fasted paced.”  “Couldn’t put the book down.”  “Great story can't wait to read the next one!” “Great book! I really enjoyed it. Good author!” “Each character is developed thoroughly, igniting the reader's interest and stirring emotions. The frustration of the detective flows to the reader. The young boys are endearing.”

FBI Agent Pete Kelliher and his partner search for the clues behind the bodies of six boys left in various and remote parts of the country. Even though they don’t know one another, the lives of FBI Kelliher, 11 year old Brett McGovern, and 11 year old George Tokay are separate pieces of a puzzle. The two boys become interwoven with the same thread that Pete Kelliher holds in his hand. The three of them are on a collision course and when that happens, their lives are in jeopardy as each search for a way out. http://bit.ly/Taking-Lives-JLewis

Truth

Probably stepping into politics so if you don’t want to read any further, don’t. Up to you, but here I go . . .

When I was growing up, there were absolutes in our family. Probably yours, too.

If we were told to do something . . . make a bed, do the dishes, dust, vacuum, mow the yard, rake leaves, we did it. We might procrastinate but innately, we knew the length of time we could drag our feet before we got into hot water. And, we learned that quickly and at a rather young age.

Stealing, no way, never! Disrespect, forget it. Church on Sundays, nine-fifteen mass and we sat towards the front on the left- all of us. Grace before meals, and you had better not eat a bite before it was done. You had also better mind your manners with the appropriate “please” and “thank you” added in.

Truth!

If we did something wrong at school, my parents knew about before we ever got home. There were times I believed they knew about it even before it ever happened. That parent-nun-priest network thingy ran better than Ma Bell or NASA. There was no opportunity to “fabricate a story” because they knew! Don’t waste your breath. They ask, you told them and faced whatever consequences were provided.

Funny thing back then.

There was no point in blaming anyone. The fault, as we learned and understood it, was our own. Our choice manufactured the appropriate consequence. Simple as that.

Interesting how things changed.

In today’s world, kids do something wrong, “It’s his fault!” A fist finds a nose and bloodies it, “I was just defending myself!” A parent is notified of an untoward event and declares, “Not my daughter!” despite evidence on camera.

And lately, our highest office and those around that office use the term, “Alternate facts!”

Excuse my language, but what the hell?

Facts are facts. Truth is Truth. And lies are lies, no matter how you color them or how you restate them. The absence of Truth is a Lie. Plain and simple.

At what point will we get back to Truth? At what point will we take ownership and responsibility for our own actions and our own words? At what point will we call it like it is- a lie?

Folks, I don’t care who is doing the telling. It doesn’t matter to me if you hold a title or don’t. It doesn’t matter if you have tons of money or are dirt poor. It doesn’t matter if you hold an office or work in a field. It doesn’t matter if you are a professional athlete or can’t walk through a doorway without running into the wall first.

Truth is the Truth. A lie is a lie. There are no “alternate facts!” If it isn’t the Truth, it’s a lie. Simple as that.

Quit blaming everyone else for your screw up! You make the mistake, fess up to it. You make the mess, clean it up. Hold yourself accountable first and foremost and then and only then . . . perhaps . . . worry about someone else. Something to think about . . . and please do!

Live Your Life, and Make A Difference!

For My Readers:

Please feel free to connect with me at:

Twitter at @jrlewisauthor

Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/Joseph.Lewis.Author                  

Amazon at: http://www.amazon.com/Joseph-Lewis/e/B01FWB9AOI/           

If you like Thriller/Mystery fiction, check out what other readers have said about my novels.

Stolen Lives, Book One of the Lives Trilogy

“Joseph Lewis has created a cast of characters that you grow to care about. Their story is filled with twists and turns that keep you reading. When the book ends you will be left anticipating the next one! This was a story I could not put down!”  “I am really glad I happened to see this Trilogy while looking through my Kindle unlimited series. Great strong characters, especially George and Brett. Looking forward to reading more from this author. Started Taking Lives and immediately turned the pages to get to Stolen Lives.”

Two thirteen year old boys are abducted off a safe suburban street. Kelliher and his team of FBI agents have 24 hours to find them or they’ll end up like all the others- dead! They have no leads, no clues, and nothing to go on. And the possibility exists that one of his team members might be involved. http://bit.ly/Stolen-Lives-JLewis              

Shattered Lives, Book Two of the Lives Trilogy

“I couldn’t put it down, a really good book!” “Great book! I can't wait for next one!” “This book is excellent. The whole series is definitely worth your time.” “Expertly written. I ended up buying all the books in the series and am waiting eagerly for the final installment Splintered Lives."

Six men escaped and are out for revenge. The boys, recently freed from captivity, are in danger and so are their families, but they don’t know it. The FBI has no clues, no leads, and nothing to go on and because of that, cannot protect them.  http://bit.ly/Shattered-Lives-J-Lewis              

Splintered Lives, Book Three of the Lives Trilogy

“Engaging characters you care about. A story that is fast-paced and holds your attention to the point you cannot put it down. Great finish to a great series.”

A 14 year old boy has a price on his head, but he and his family don’t know it. Their family vacation turns into a trip to hell. Out gunned and outnumbered, can this boy protect his father and brothers? Without knowing who these men are? Or how many there are? Or when they might come for him? http://bit.ly/Splintered-Lives-J-Lewis          

Taking Lives, Prequel to the Lives Trilogy – only .99 cents on Amazon

“Great book by Joseph Lewis. Many twists and turns. Fasted paced.”  “Couldn’t put the book down.”  “Great story can't wait to read the next one!” “Great book! I really enjoyed it. Good author!” “Each character is developed thoroughly, igniting the reader's interest and stirring emotions. The frustration of the detective flows to the reader. The young boys are endearing.”

FBI Agent Pete Kelliher and his partner search for the clues behind the bodies of six boys left in various and remote parts of the country. Even though they don’t know one another, the lives of FBI Kelliher, 11 year old Brett McGovern, and 11 year old George Tokay are separate pieces of a puzzle. The two boys become interwoven with the same thread that Pete Kelliher holds in his hand. The three of them are on a collision course and when that happens, their lives are in jeopardy as each search for a way out. http://bit.ly/Taking-Lives-JLewis