The Demise of Free Thought

When a generation comes to believe in a mentality of self, can that same generation ever abide by the consequences of their actions or even recognize that there are consequences in the first place? In a society where self-gratification reigns as king and we soak in every word that is spoken by the media like a parasite, has the line between happiness and pleasure become so blurry that a false security of joy has been found in selfish desires? Has the idea that an individual should have the right to pursue happiness become so diluted and twisted that it now implies a freedom from any kind of moral standard if that standard is preventing the procurement of what they perceive as happiness? If that procurement requires any kind of moral subjugation, is it really worth pursuing? In my humble opinion, these questions deserve to be asked, discussed, and answered.

Personally, I believe it becomes increasingly difficult to show compassion, empathy and love towards others when an individual clings to a mentality of self. The capability to feel the emotions of humanity is numbed, as an individual is willing to act with disregard to any kind of moral code in order to obtain the illusion of happiness. We’re living in a time where almost every action an individual takes will be justified by the majority regardless of the possible negative implications that result simply because of a proclamation of desired happiness. This only leads to more important questions that deserve to be considered. What is moral? Is there such a thing as absolute truth? Reflecting on all the things you’ve ever held as truth, why do you believe the way you do? If you’ve never pondered questions like these before, why not?

The value of asking and discussing these kinds of questions should immediately be recognized, but the problem is that we’re letting screens filter what we see, dictate what we hear, and influence what we believe. In a situation where anyone who disagrees with another person’s outlook is suddenly a hypocritical bigot, it may very well be possible that there were some questionable ideologies at the heart of the disagreement; however, we won’t ask or answer our own questions because it’s easier to let the world make those decisions. A lie has been told by our culture that wealth, status, and popularity should be the ultimate aspirations of life. By falling victim to this lie, anything that will provide an increase in any of these three areas become pleasing in our sight. The consequence of this belief is that we become idols in our own eyes, and the very moment individuals believe that the world is revolving around them is the exact same moment they fall into obscurity.

Never let the possibility of harsh truths prevent you from asking important questions. The world will readily provide a means to become blind and deaf to reality through the acceptance of false promises. Will you see? Will you listen? Will you openly discuss matters that deserve to be discussed? Or will you accept the lies that claim to bring comfort, but really only provide a false reality? You're the only person who can answer these questions for yourself. Will you take that responsibility? 

Intrepid Traveler

The adventure found in traveling is one of the most exciting things I believe a person can experience. The mysteries of unknown lands, the bonds built with companions, seeing the wonders of creation across the globe, stretching beyond your own comfort zone and expanding your horizons are just a few of the components that make traveling such an incredible journey. Even when a trip ends, it can be argued that the sweet relief found in the security of coming home is what makes traveling truly adventurous.

As fond as I am of discovering and returning to memorable destinations, my vehicle is questionable when it comes to reliability. I drive a 2001 Dodge Intrepid, which I just pushed past 200,000 miles this past summer. The term intrepid means fearless, and I assure you that you have to be without fear to drive or ride in this car. Any destination that would be more than a two-hour drive causes me to question if I should find someone else to get me there, but I don’t regret purchasing this car for a second because of the lessons I have learned from driving it. It has prepared me for anything any future vehicle can throw at me.

Over the course of my ownership of this vehicle, I’ve had my fair share of problems that I’ve had to overcome. On one occasion, I’ve had a tire fall off while driving along at around 40 miles per hour. I’ve had a situation where the car would accelerate itself to 30 miles per hour, which caused me to drive only using the brake in some areas. The list of parts I’ve replaced or had to repair includes more items than I care to remember. Thankfully, my father knows much more about cars than I do and has always been willing to fix these issues. I have been able to drive with no problems for the past six months. The check engine light has even gone away for the same duration of time. I am praying that enough old, broken parts have been replaced that the car will last for the next year.

At this point, you might be wondering exactly what point I’m trying to make. Other than a brief history of my car, I am now going to make the claim that everything I’ve said pertains to you. Life is a journey, and how we travel through it is what makes all the difference in our experience. Every day brings new joys and challenges, which we can share with our friends and family. As we get older, situations are going to cause us to break out of familiarity in order to grow as an individual. Along the way we get to see families grow, happiness expand and the wonders of life become apparent. Whether you are traveling to see the world or traveling to understand your place in the world, the components are strikingly similar.

However, everything isn’t always going to be easy. Just as my Intrepid needed parts replaced, there will come a time in your life where you realize that parts of you need to be replaced too. Sometimes the need will be clear like a warning light, but sometimes a wheel might need to go flying to see the change that needs to occur. You will put in a lot of miles while here on earth, parts of your life will need replaced and made new. In these times, don't fall into discouragement. Be fearless as you remove yourself from damaging situations. Be fearless as you repair yourself from traumatic life events. Be fearless as you travel through life, but never hesitate to ask for a helping hand when needed. Lastly, never forget to find a place to call home, and return to it often. You’ll know it by the people there who truly love you.

Finding The Light: What Are You Running From?

In the course of my existence, no experience has ever been more difficult for me to tell than the story I’m about to disclose to you. It will fully expose my innermost brokenness and struggles while also revealing the true weakness of my spirit in a time when I desired nothing more than to continue running. My rationale for finally making this information available is a combination of an obligation I feel to share it and the desire for just one person to hear my story with an open heart. Now that I have provided a formal introduction to this tale, I will begin without further delay.

I awoke with a sudden alertness to a sound that could not be identified in a space filled with darkness and void of any recognizable form. I sat up from the cold ground beneath me to begin the process of gathering my senses but found myself unable to adjust to the darkness that surrounded me. Fear gripped my heart as I realized that I had no memories prior to this moment and that I was totally unfamiliar with my current environment. Suddenly, I remembered the noise that had awoken me was the only sound I had heard since awakening. I placed all of my focus into listening for that sound again, and could only hear it after my own heartbeat slowed down to a steady rhythm. Any courage I had gathered up to this point left me as I recognized the noise was the sound of laughter.

The laughing started off as one voice far in the distance but lacked any kind of joy or goodwill. It quickly became louder with many voices joining in as the laughter surrounded me. Dread overwhelmed me as I came to the conclusion that they were provoking me. It was at this moment I was flooded with feelings of inadequacy, embarrassment, and regret. The laughter surrounding me grew louder and louder as my confidence and self-esteem lessened and lessened. When I couldn’t take it any longer, I stood up and ran as quickly as my legs would carry me. Only darkness rushed past me as I ran, and I still couldn’t decipher any shape or form hiding in the shadows. Despite this, I decided I would do anything to escape the shame that had filled my heart.

As I ran, I could tell that forces that wished me harm were following me. The laughter had subsided but was now replaced by threatening taunts of violence and harm. They cried out that I would never escape them. They shouted that I would feel defeat no matter how hard I fight or how far I run. They promised that I deserved to feel pain, suffering and torture by their hands. As terror pushed me to run harder, I knew that fatigue would cause me to stumble. As I was just about to give up hope, I suddenly saw a dim light coming from what appeared to be a cave of some sort. I forced myself to ignore the yelling behind me and made it safely to shelter.

As I entered this dwelling, I became painfully aware of a crippling depression as anxiety shook me to my core. My heart was broken as I thought of the possibility that I might never escape this nightmare. I sat down and wept because of the extent of the loneliness I felt. I cried out and shouted, but it only succeeded to deepen my anguish. I attempted to stand, only to realize I lacked the will to move, which caused me to fall to the ground in defeat. As I thought of the impossibility of my situation, I was forced to give up on any hope I had of relief. As I heard the voices drawing nearer, I knew that I could no longer run any further. My only chance was to fight, but I was still so saddened by this place that I couldn’t will myself to even a sitting position. As thoughts of my demise filled my mind, I could only lay there in my desperation as tears rolled off my face and terror seized my spirit.

The dim light I had found security in begun to fade away as I was once again plunged into perpetual darkness. The threatening voices were growing louder and bolder as they came closer and closer to my location. I felt fear fill up my entire being as I accepted my fate. Defeat stabbed me like a knife as I forced my eyes closed and wrapped my arms around my knees. The voices screamed in my ears and spoke discouragement into my soul, but I never received any kind of release from this torture. I finally saw that I could do nothing to end this onslaught of oppression, and called out for help in hopes that I would be delivered from my suffering. As soon as I cried out, I was amazed to see a blinding light erupt from the entrance of the cave with great power and authority.

Immediately, I found myself surrounded by silence. The voices that had caused so much hurt and pain were nowhere to be heard. The shame I had harbored inside my soul faded away, and the loneliness I felt vanished in an instant. I looked up to see a man standing before me surrounded by light burning with righteousness, and I attempted to stand before him. I quickly found myself back on the ground as I lacked the ability to support my weight. The man instructed me to be still, and a peace washed over me that I had never known. He then picked me up with great gentleness and carried me out of that dark place never to return. That man was Jesus 

Emotional Oneness: Finding Significance in Your Significant Other

Creating strong, lasting, and romantic relationships is becoming increasingly difficult as concepts such as “Netflix and chill,” “swiping left,” “bae,” and “Facebook official” become increasingly popular. While the experience of meeting someone new should be enjoyable and exciting, the over-sexualized stance society has taken is preventing genuine connections from being formed. Pornography, one-night stands and an overwhelming sense of “everyone else is doing it” are providing an atmosphere that rises up a generation of relationships built to break down. We’ve created a situation where appearance and an individual’s ability to provide sexual gratification take dominion over the beautiful substance that makes up a very personal human soul.

Further complicating the problem is the uncertainty of distinguishing between the stages of friendship, “talking” and commitment. Making the decision to remain loyal in a relationship means leaving behind the intention of actively searching for someone else. The idea of moving on to newer and better things often leads to the irrational belief that people can just as easily be replaced, which only damages the other person’s ability to trust in the future. True emotional connection, love and commitment are being replaced by individual selfishness, immediate gratification, and impulsiveness. The things that should lead to a strong, stable relationship are being replaced by the inability to feel the dreams, aspirations, and emotions of another person as strongly as your own.

At this point, I would like to clarify that my previous mention of the term “bae” was not intended to be a personal vendetta against that singular pet name, but rather a statement against what out culture has made it mean. It can no longer be seen simply as a sign of endearment for one person you love but a status to hold for yourself. It all revolves around the perception that happiness will suddenly be obtained through forming a relationship rather than achieving happiness together within the relationship. The problem is that it has become more important to have someone (bae) than it is to actually build a relationship. Something that should remain intimate and personal has transformed into a social obligation to show your own worth.

Taking the step to know someone physically is far too often taken before emotional knowledge has been gained. Personally, I believe that marriage is a necessity before that step is ever taken because it gives you time. It gives you time to know how their face radiates joy straight to your heart when they laugh. It gives you time to sit under the stars and express dreams, hopes, passions, ideas and love with one another. It gives you the time to understand each other’s fears, quirks and vulnerabilities, which presents the opportunity to bring courage, understanding and healing into the relationship in order to grow together as one. All this allows you to understand them on a level that no one else ever will because you both have placed sole focus on building emotional knowledge, which increases strength, resilience, and perseverance.

Becoming one on an emotional level will be far more challenging than immediately going all the way, but it will produce so much more in terms of strengthening the relationship when deciding to become one physically.