What a beautiful story Henry, and oh so true! At what point have people decided it’s better to stir the pot and affirm others negative feelings, rather than encourage them to do the hard things in life and overcome their circumstances?
This is where we have lost ourselves and we have lost our relationships. We need to help each other get through the hard times and speak into opportunities in positive ways to bring hope. Maybe you didn’t speak to this man at that moment, but it encouraged you to write this article, and to share that encouragement with others.
Happiness is a choice and there are some principals to follow: keep short accounts, forgive often, remember you are human and you make lots of mistakes, intentional and not. Be thankful, look for the silver lining during hard times, be genuine, if you want a good friend, be a good friend, and it is better to give than to receive. Serve others. Often we want something from people and whatever it is, give it to people, teach them how to treat you. We have so much power to affect our relationships, but it comes from a position of humility not from a position of demand. LOVE, you might get hurt, but better to LOVE and be hurt, than to never love at all.
Mar 12Liked by Christy Lozano, Santa Barbara Current
Nice to share this little chip out of life here and to ponder how we each can make a difference no matter how small or insignificant it can seem. It is not insignificant. It matters.
. My husband was unmedicated for many years in the beginning of our marriage. He was wonderful and I adored him. And he was violent and mean and I feared him and protected my kids. I didn't leave. I helped get him medication. My kids asked my why I didn't leave. It's because I love him and knew he wanted to be happy too.
We are now 40 years married with happy adult kids. You gotta hang on, sometimes.
I appreciate such a heart warming story . It takes an unusual degree of compassion and courage to speak up. Jesus said He was leaving the Holy Spirit in our hearts to convict and direct us. We need to listen, and figure out if and how we are being led to respond. I have plenty of opportunity to speak up, offering advice and encouragement in my profession. Sometimes I just offer to pray with the person. What happens next is almost always positive.
Recommend all parents get a daily dose from BabylonBee and their wry take on the challenges of family and parenthood. Shared human foibles are comforting. Though this situation presented goes well beyond being a foible, and well into something potentially very tragic.
The daily Babylon Bee pill is preventive and comforting for the little daily stresses, before they grow out of control. Hats off to the volunteers at CALM, who are there for the other times.
Wonderful column. Don't beat yourself up for not speaking to the husband. Maybe it was the daughter that needed you more in that moment. Also your dog is adorable.
Thank you now we all get to pray for that family of That Little girl especially! ☮️♥️🩸✝️💞💗🛐🙏🎁❣️Thank you for sharing. I have been promised that God will teach my children and my children’s children and my neighbor! God our Creator so loving and It took me years… to believe and receive… 💗💞❣️❌⭕️❗️
Wonderful story and insights. For that family’s sake, I wish that your hope that your kindness will trickle up to mom and dad comes true. 25 years, three kids, and one debilitating stroke event later and I sometimes struggle with the pressure of being the best husband, father and friend I can be. We all need to keep trying our best. And I need a trip to Cambria soon myself. Used to visit fairly often, but the last ten years have been VERY trying!
What a beautiful story Henry, and oh so true! At what point have people decided it’s better to stir the pot and affirm others negative feelings, rather than encourage them to do the hard things in life and overcome their circumstances?
This is where we have lost ourselves and we have lost our relationships. We need to help each other get through the hard times and speak into opportunities in positive ways to bring hope. Maybe you didn’t speak to this man at that moment, but it encouraged you to write this article, and to share that encouragement with others.
Happiness is a choice and there are some principals to follow: keep short accounts, forgive often, remember you are human and you make lots of mistakes, intentional and not. Be thankful, look for the silver lining during hard times, be genuine, if you want a good friend, be a good friend, and it is better to give than to receive. Serve others. Often we want something from people and whatever it is, give it to people, teach them how to treat you. We have so much power to affect our relationships, but it comes from a position of humility not from a position of demand. LOVE, you might get hurt, but better to LOVE and be hurt, than to never love at all.
Thank you, Christy. Well said. With so much negativity in the world today, we need to carry the Christmas spirit all year long.
Nice to share this little chip out of life here and to ponder how we each can make a difference no matter how small or insignificant it can seem. It is not insignificant. It matters.
Thanks for your story it touched me.
. My husband was unmedicated for many years in the beginning of our marriage. He was wonderful and I adored him. And he was violent and mean and I feared him and protected my kids. I didn't leave. I helped get him medication. My kids asked my why I didn't leave. It's because I love him and knew he wanted to be happy too.
We are now 40 years married with happy adult kids. You gotta hang on, sometimes.
I appreciate such a heart warming story . It takes an unusual degree of compassion and courage to speak up. Jesus said He was leaving the Holy Spirit in our hearts to convict and direct us. We need to listen, and figure out if and how we are being led to respond. I have plenty of opportunity to speak up, offering advice and encouragement in my profession. Sometimes I just offer to pray with the person. What happens next is almost always positive.
Henry, Really nice article. Thanks for sharing it.
Recommend all parents get a daily dose from BabylonBee and their wry take on the challenges of family and parenthood. Shared human foibles are comforting. Though this situation presented goes well beyond being a foible, and well into something potentially very tragic.
The daily Babylon Bee pill is preventive and comforting for the little daily stresses, before they grow out of control. Hats off to the volunteers at CALM, who are there for the other times.
Wonderful column. Don't beat yourself up for not speaking to the husband. Maybe it was the daughter that needed you more in that moment. Also your dog is adorable.
Thank you now we all get to pray for that family of That Little girl especially! ☮️♥️🩸✝️💞💗🛐🙏🎁❣️Thank you for sharing. I have been promised that God will teach my children and my children’s children and my neighbor! God our Creator so loving and It took me years… to believe and receive… 💗💞❣️❌⭕️❗️
Wonderful story and insights. For that family’s sake, I wish that your hope that your kindness will trickle up to mom and dad comes true. 25 years, three kids, and one debilitating stroke event later and I sometimes struggle with the pressure of being the best husband, father and friend I can be. We all need to keep trying our best. And I need a trip to Cambria soon myself. Used to visit fairly often, but the last ten years have been VERY trying!
As I always repeat to myself. If not now when. Time waits for no one. You probably know that better than most.
Thank you, Henry. Good to get to read you once again.
Nice to know people still care. Good "situational awareness" ability. well written, well done.
Stan
Yes. I understand. ...
That said, I don't think there is much anyone walking by can do - other than stir the pot the wrong way.