Have you ever stopped to consider how all of the cliches we use come into being? I know that I typically do not. Yet, they roll off our tongues quickly and easily, sounding wise and sage in some cases, and lending humor to others. I believe it would be safe to say that a majority of these cliches come into being because there is truth at their core. This is not to say that everyone who uses them, does so correctly, and therefore is speaking a truth. In fact, I have heard on occasion the random cliche used inappropriately and it achieved quite the opposite of the desired effect, making the user look less than verbally nimble. So at the risk of appearing verbally inept, I would like to look a little closer at a cliche that has been circling around inside my head looking for a landing strip somewhere in the region of my brain devoted to understanding politics and where our country is headed.
"Ignorance is bliss." I have no idea who said it but they were pretty much dead on. Think about it, if you tell a five-year old child that our economy is tanking. They will not even bat an eye, even though what we are doing or not doing economically, will drastically affect them in adulthood. They do not care though, because they do not understand the implications of this statement, and it does not affect them personally, right now. I remember somewhere around the age of sixteen or seventeen, it suddenly seemed that the world had become much darker and more sinister than I once thought. As I grow older it just seems to get even more dark and more foreboding. At first I honestly just believed that it was because things were changing for the worse, and to some extent that is true, however, the bigger change probably had more to do with myself than the world around me. I was learning more, and understanding the bigger picture of what was/is going on around me. Therefore, the implications, the magnitude of all that is wrong with this world have become monsters that I can no longer ignore and must deal with everyday.
There are two ways to deal with this reality. You can acknowledge it and prepare yourself and those around you for the inevitable, making valiant efforts all the while to change what you can, to improve the situation and avert certain doom. The alternative, and what so many people choose all to hastily to do, involves burying your head in a hole in the proverbial sand and hoping that it all turns out alright. Merriam-Webster's online dictionary defines ignorance as "the state or fact of being ignorant : lack of knowledge, education, or awareness." Those who choose the latter are by choice ignorant.
Which leads me to the question that has been bothering me so much lately: Why are people so content to be ignorant? Not just about politics and specifically U.S. politics, but life in general. Why are people content to remain in the dark about cultures, races, religions, etc. that are opposite or different from what/who they are? Are we afraid to discover the TRUTH? Are we afraid to discover that there is a TRUTH? Are we afraid to hold our politicians and the political system accountable? Do we just not care? The fact of the situation is this, being ingorant is not going to save us. In fact if anything, it will only hasten the occurence of the undesirable. People only get involved when they are forced to face facts and when life gets uncomforable for them (i.e. 9/11, the current economic state, Hurricane Katrina, WW I, WW II, the Civil War). There are a small number who do get involved and instigate change and make policy, and those who burry their heads raise them long enough to complain about the way things are but go back to their blissful darkness as quickly as they can. Why? Because as long as it does not immediately affect them, they are content to remain blissfully ignorant.
20100925
20100914
Character . . .
When I was growing up my father would often asign me tasks that made little or no sense to me at the time. When I would complain and ask why I was doing them, his standard response was, "It builds character." It was not until I was an adult and living on my own that I began to understand what this "character" was. I believe that your character or lack thereof is what defines you as a person.
Some people describe character as who you are when no one is looking. Sometimes though, it is who you are when everyone is looking. I further feel that character can best be described as doing the "right thing for the right reasons." In either scenario, alone or in front of the world, it can be difficult to always do the right thing. Sometimes doing the right thing comes at great personal sacrifice to ourselves. However, regardless how painful or uncomfortable it is, doing what you know is right is the best thing you can do.
Over the last three or four days two events have occurred that are perfect examples of good and bad character. The first is an example of poor character. Jay Mariotti is sports writer and part time commentator on ESPN's show "Around the Horn." He is known for being very opinionated and holding sports figures to a very high standard and calling for the "axe" when they make mistakes. This weekend he was arrested and charged with an alleged felony relating to a domestic dispute with his girl-friend. This incident could cause him to lose his writing jobs as well as his guest spots on ESPN. Not to mention the blight on his credibility.
The second event was a perfect example of a display of strong character. Reggie Bush, the running back for the World Champion, New Orleans Saints, forfeited his Heisman Trophy. Reggie Bush won the Heisman Trophy, the highest college football award, in 2005 while playing for USC. However, shortly after he won the award, USC came under fire from the NCAA for various allegations of misconduct. Bush himself was also accused of not meeting the eligibility requirements for the award. Now five years later, Reggie Bush announced that he will be returning the award because he believes it is the right thing to do.
Sometimes no one sees you do the right thing and at other times you have to step up and publicly admit that yes, you may have messed it up once but you are willing to do the right thing. Reggie Bush is doing just that. Only time will tell if Jay Mariotti will do the same. Either way, however Mariotti handles the situation from here out will be an excellent sign of how much character he has.
"Son, you will always feel one of two pains. Either the pain of discipline, or the pain of regret. You can choose which one you will feel."
-My Dad J. Mark Yoder-
Some people describe character as who you are when no one is looking. Sometimes though, it is who you are when everyone is looking. I further feel that character can best be described as doing the "right thing for the right reasons." In either scenario, alone or in front of the world, it can be difficult to always do the right thing. Sometimes doing the right thing comes at great personal sacrifice to ourselves. However, regardless how painful or uncomfortable it is, doing what you know is right is the best thing you can do.
Over the last three or four days two events have occurred that are perfect examples of good and bad character. The first is an example of poor character. Jay Mariotti is sports writer and part time commentator on ESPN's show "Around the Horn." He is known for being very opinionated and holding sports figures to a very high standard and calling for the "axe" when they make mistakes. This weekend he was arrested and charged with an alleged felony relating to a domestic dispute with his girl-friend. This incident could cause him to lose his writing jobs as well as his guest spots on ESPN. Not to mention the blight on his credibility.
The second event was a perfect example of a display of strong character. Reggie Bush, the running back for the World Champion, New Orleans Saints, forfeited his Heisman Trophy. Reggie Bush won the Heisman Trophy, the highest college football award, in 2005 while playing for USC. However, shortly after he won the award, USC came under fire from the NCAA for various allegations of misconduct. Bush himself was also accused of not meeting the eligibility requirements for the award. Now five years later, Reggie Bush announced that he will be returning the award because he believes it is the right thing to do.
Sometimes no one sees you do the right thing and at other times you have to step up and publicly admit that yes, you may have messed it up once but you are willing to do the right thing. Reggie Bush is doing just that. Only time will tell if Jay Mariotti will do the same. Either way, however Mariotti handles the situation from here out will be an excellent sign of how much character he has.
"Son, you will always feel one of two pains. Either the pain of discipline, or the pain of regret. You can choose which one you will feel."
-My Dad J. Mark Yoder-
20100912
Where is the Unity?
As time passes it is easy to forget things or events that do not affect us personally. Personal pain or discomfort cause things to burn on to our memories much like brands are burned onto cattle. However, there are events that are so traumatic, so far reaching that even the most remotely affected individual has their memory seered finitely.
When September 11, 2001 dawned bright and clear nine years ago, the world had no idea what events would transpire within the midday hours. For many people they got up and followed their morning routines and went about their business as they had for days, weeks, months and for some even years previous. However, in the days following the events of September 11, 2001 many people began to look at the world around them differently. Songs were written, some angry, some introspective, some melancholy, all trying to express the many and varied feelings and emotions that coursed through our country and the world. In the weeks and months following the events of September 11, we came together as a country, searching for healing, searching for direction, searching for answers.
I so very naively hoped, even believed, that this was a turning point in our country's history, much like World War I, The Civil War, or even the War for Independence, where we would put aside all of the trivial differences and unite as one country. We may have, but then we went back to being comfortable. Safe. Content to let the events that occurred in such a short time be over and done with. Yes, we still "remember" every year. We light our candles, say our prayers, sing our songs, and give our speeches. Do we really remember? What do we "remember?" Do we remember the fear? Do we remember the anxiousness? Do we remember the sense of needing each other? Do we remember the pain? Do we remember why? Or do we instead, have selective memory? Remembering only the "facts" we choose and leaving out those that do not support what we choose to believe, or those that are to vivid and painful. Sometimes we have to be uncomfortable to remember, truly remember.
'The horror of that moment,' the King went on, 'I shall never, never forget!'
'You will, though,' the Queen said, 'if you don't make a memorandum of it.'
Lewis Carroll (1832 - 1898)
When September 11, 2001 dawned bright and clear nine years ago, the world had no idea what events would transpire within the midday hours. For many people they got up and followed their morning routines and went about their business as they had for days, weeks, months and for some even years previous. However, in the days following the events of September 11, 2001 many people began to look at the world around them differently. Songs were written, some angry, some introspective, some melancholy, all trying to express the many and varied feelings and emotions that coursed through our country and the world. In the weeks and months following the events of September 11, we came together as a country, searching for healing, searching for direction, searching for answers.
I so very naively hoped, even believed, that this was a turning point in our country's history, much like World War I, The Civil War, or even the War for Independence, where we would put aside all of the trivial differences and unite as one country. We may have, but then we went back to being comfortable. Safe. Content to let the events that occurred in such a short time be over and done with. Yes, we still "remember" every year. We light our candles, say our prayers, sing our songs, and give our speeches. Do we really remember? What do we "remember?" Do we remember the fear? Do we remember the anxiousness? Do we remember the sense of needing each other? Do we remember the pain? Do we remember why? Or do we instead, have selective memory? Remembering only the "facts" we choose and leaving out those that do not support what we choose to believe, or those that are to vivid and painful. Sometimes we have to be uncomfortable to remember, truly remember.
'The horror of that moment,' the King went on, 'I shall never, never forget!'
'You will, though,' the Queen said, 'if you don't make a memorandum of it.'
Lewis Carroll (1832 - 1898)
20100907
Eternal Flame
Eternal Flame. These two words are used to describe the fire that burns at President John F. Kennedy's grave. For me they bring to mind a tribute to a great American hero taken in an act of hatred and tyranny. The unfortunate truth is that just like the eternal flame that burns at President Kennedy's gravesite, so the fire of hatred rages in the world today. It is a destructive force inflicting pain without discrimination. It is a seemingtly unstoppable force that has resulted in loss of hope, loss of vision, loss of religion, and loss of life. No one is immune to hatred, either to feeling it or feeling its effects. It is a fire that cannot be quenched by anything tangible.
So why do I begin on such a dire note? While perusing current events this morning I came across an article on the BBC website that stoked a fire within my soul and led me to some personal reflection. This is not something I would normally speak out about in public or on a forum such as this. However, I promised to give it my best effort and so I feel compelled to stretch myself as a person and publicly voice my opinion and face the controversy however great or slight it may be. I have attached a link to the article in its entirety with this blog. Please read it, as the author Mr. Paul Adams did a wonderful job in laying out the story in a very professional manner.
The article is describing how a small church in America, the Dove World Outreach Center, intends to have a Koran burning at their 9/11 rememberance ceremony. The article goes on to describe a warning issued by Gen. Petraeus, the top commander in Afghanistan, of the negative effects this will have on troops on the ground in Afghanistan. The White House and NATO, as well as the US embassy in Kabul, have also expressed their concern on how this will affect international relations. This small church has caused a definite stir in the world with their decision.
I am not Islamic. I have no particular attachment to the Koran. I will admit that I was angry with the events that transpired on September 11, 2001, even to the point of hatred. I have stated in my previous post that I was raised in an Amish-Mennonite community. I was raised in a home based on the Bible. I am a Christian. However, no where in my upbringing, in the Bible, or in my walk with God do I find any kind of justification for this. This is a vengeful act of hatred designed to demoralize those who follow that faith. It is a shallow and misguided act of cowardess. The pastor of this small church, Pastor Terry Jones, states in their defense that, "We must send a clear message to the radical element of Islam." But what message are they sending? According to Gen. Petraeus, "It is precisely the kind of action the Taliban uses . . . ." So by using the same tactics of hatred and terror we are somehow modeling a better way? The message that is being sent is that we are fighting fire with fire. Hatred with hatred. Why?
Simply put, we are hurt, we are afraid, we are angry. Our human nature cries for vengeance, for repayment of what was lost, an eye for an eye so to speak. This will not resolve the issue it will only serve to worsen the matter. Hatred cannot be stopped by hatred. Hatred cannot be stopped by human effort. Hatred can only be stopped by something greater. Something more powerful than its own evil force. I believe that something is "perfect love."
"One day hatred will be abolished, but it will not be by human effort."
So why do I begin on such a dire note? While perusing current events this morning I came across an article on the BBC website that stoked a fire within my soul and led me to some personal reflection. This is not something I would normally speak out about in public or on a forum such as this. However, I promised to give it my best effort and so I feel compelled to stretch myself as a person and publicly voice my opinion and face the controversy however great or slight it may be. I have attached a link to the article in its entirety with this blog. Please read it, as the author Mr. Paul Adams did a wonderful job in laying out the story in a very professional manner.
The article is describing how a small church in America, the Dove World Outreach Center, intends to have a Koran burning at their 9/11 rememberance ceremony. The article goes on to describe a warning issued by Gen. Petraeus, the top commander in Afghanistan, of the negative effects this will have on troops on the ground in Afghanistan. The White House and NATO, as well as the US embassy in Kabul, have also expressed their concern on how this will affect international relations. This small church has caused a definite stir in the world with their decision.
I am not Islamic. I have no particular attachment to the Koran. I will admit that I was angry with the events that transpired on September 11, 2001, even to the point of hatred. I have stated in my previous post that I was raised in an Amish-Mennonite community. I was raised in a home based on the Bible. I am a Christian. However, no where in my upbringing, in the Bible, or in my walk with God do I find any kind of justification for this. This is a vengeful act of hatred designed to demoralize those who follow that faith. It is a shallow and misguided act of cowardess. The pastor of this small church, Pastor Terry Jones, states in their defense that, "We must send a clear message to the radical element of Islam." But what message are they sending? According to Gen. Petraeus, "It is precisely the kind of action the Taliban uses . . . ." So by using the same tactics of hatred and terror we are somehow modeling a better way? The message that is being sent is that we are fighting fire with fire. Hatred with hatred. Why?
Simply put, we are hurt, we are afraid, we are angry. Our human nature cries for vengeance, for repayment of what was lost, an eye for an eye so to speak. This will not resolve the issue it will only serve to worsen the matter. Hatred cannot be stopped by hatred. Hatred cannot be stopped by human effort. Hatred can only be stopped by something greater. Something more powerful than its own evil force. I believe that something is "perfect love."
"One day hatred will be abolished, but it will not be by human effort."
20100905
In the Beginning . . .
It is my opinion that no matter what you are writing, it is always a good idea to start in the beginning. In the case of this blog, I believe the beginning should include some background on me, and the title of this blog. I know that when I read anything, it is much easier to focus on the topic at hand if there are no extreneous thoughts and questions floating through my head. Thus, to enable you to focus on what I will be writing about over the next three months (and potentially longer), I will immediately answer two questions that may arrise when you read my blog: Who is Josh Yoder? and Why is this blog entitled "Forced Process?"
I am Josh Yoder, I grew up in an Amish-Mennonite community and attended a private Christian School for the first 10 years of my educational experience. My family moved to Colorado when I was 17, and I finished my last two years of highschool at home. I joined the Navy a year after I graduated, and have been in the Navy for nine years. My time at the University of Memphis will be spent earning a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing. Upon completion of my degree, I will be commissioned as a Naval Officer and return to the fleet as a member of the Navy's Nurse Corps.
To this point I have never blogged. There are several reasons for this and I will try to explain them without unduly offending anyone. The first and probably most influential reason, is that I have a pretty significant fear of being misunderstood or worse, blatantly opposed. I am not so naive as to believe that everyone shares my viewpoint. However, I do not want to experience their derision and opposition in actuality. Secondly, I have always viewed the average blog as way of making those who feel small in society, feel more important. As if their rants, and raves posted in public forums such as this, somehow made them a more important part of society. In addition to these individuals, you have those who are too timid to take a stand physically on issues so they "blog" about it, in hopes of bringing about change through their "eloquent" words. Now at this point you are probably thinking that I sound hypocritical and ignorant, and that may be the case. Over the next few weeks/months I am sure that my eyes will be opened as I am compelled to enter the blogoshpere and experience for myself, for the first time, the reality of blogging. The third and final reason that has kept me from blogging is time. I am a firm believer in the fact that you will make time for whatever is important to you. So maybe blaming time or the lack thereof is inappropriate. However, simply put, I have found many things in life that I need/want to do, which prevent me from blogging. Ultimately, I do not want to blog.
This brings me to the answer for the second question: "Why is this blog entitled "Forced Process?" I originally wanted to title my blog "Random Rumblings" but it was already taken. So I brainstormed for a moment, grasping for a title that would be catchy, and yet symbolic of what this process is/will be for me. It was then that I realized that it is a process that I would not under ordinary circumstances endeavor to accomplish. However, since I have little choice in the matter (my participation or lack thereof will be directly reflected in my grade) it is "forced". I have no doubt that it will be a positive experience in some way (most opportunities to grow can be positive when viewed from the proper perspective) and that I will be a better person for it in the end. For the time being, it is an assignment, a means to an end, a responsibility that must be met. I hope that during the next three months, this process will reveal to me its usefulness and worth. Regardless, it will receive my best effort, otherwise I am wasting my time.
I am Josh Yoder, I grew up in an Amish-Mennonite community and attended a private Christian School for the first 10 years of my educational experience. My family moved to Colorado when I was 17, and I finished my last two years of highschool at home. I joined the Navy a year after I graduated, and have been in the Navy for nine years. My time at the University of Memphis will be spent earning a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing. Upon completion of my degree, I will be commissioned as a Naval Officer and return to the fleet as a member of the Navy's Nurse Corps.
To this point I have never blogged. There are several reasons for this and I will try to explain them without unduly offending anyone. The first and probably most influential reason, is that I have a pretty significant fear of being misunderstood or worse, blatantly opposed. I am not so naive as to believe that everyone shares my viewpoint. However, I do not want to experience their derision and opposition in actuality. Secondly, I have always viewed the average blog as way of making those who feel small in society, feel more important. As if their rants, and raves posted in public forums such as this, somehow made them a more important part of society. In addition to these individuals, you have those who are too timid to take a stand physically on issues so they "blog" about it, in hopes of bringing about change through their "eloquent" words. Now at this point you are probably thinking that I sound hypocritical and ignorant, and that may be the case. Over the next few weeks/months I am sure that my eyes will be opened as I am compelled to enter the blogoshpere and experience for myself, for the first time, the reality of blogging. The third and final reason that has kept me from blogging is time. I am a firm believer in the fact that you will make time for whatever is important to you. So maybe blaming time or the lack thereof is inappropriate. However, simply put, I have found many things in life that I need/want to do, which prevent me from blogging. Ultimately, I do not want to blog.
This brings me to the answer for the second question: "Why is this blog entitled "Forced Process?" I originally wanted to title my blog "Random Rumblings" but it was already taken. So I brainstormed for a moment, grasping for a title that would be catchy, and yet symbolic of what this process is/will be for me. It was then that I realized that it is a process that I would not under ordinary circumstances endeavor to accomplish. However, since I have little choice in the matter (my participation or lack thereof will be directly reflected in my grade) it is "forced". I have no doubt that it will be a positive experience in some way (most opportunities to grow can be positive when viewed from the proper perspective) and that I will be a better person for it in the end. For the time being, it is an assignment, a means to an end, a responsibility that must be met. I hope that during the next three months, this process will reveal to me its usefulness and worth. Regardless, it will receive my best effort, otherwise I am wasting my time.
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