So many different things have been going on lately, that I just can’t seem to focus in on just one so this column will just be random thoughts on various issues and things. Please remember these are only my thoughts and you can agree or disagree without being ugly. I don’t have a chip on my shoulder so you won’t upset me if you disagree with me. It’s okay, really.
A friend of mine, Vivian Childs, has written a book entitled “Shattered”. In it she talks about how our country has gotten to where it is. One topic is racism. She suggests if we want to stop it then we need to stop talking about it.
I happen to agree, not in that we ignore it because it does exist but we need to stop seeing everything that happens to people as black and white and start seeing them as human beings and as Christians, we should see them as our sisters and brothers in Christ. We are all alike on the inside regardless of our skin color. It is our differences which make us unique and thank goodness that we are each different.
There are good and bad people everywhere, in every culture. When tragedy occurs we need to rally ourselves together as caring, compassionate humans. Some of the folks in Charleston are showing us a thing or two about how we should act and teaching us about forgiveness which is far from easy when someone takes the life of a loved one.
Those people who constantly harp on the color of a person’s skin that did something wrong, are in effect spreading racism and hate. Our national media adds to the feeding frenzy of race baiters. Yes, they also exist. So does hate and I believe it can cause someone to become mentally ill, but we can overcome it with love.
We shouldn’t focus on the color of the person who did this or that, but the fact that it was done in the first place. We should grieve with them and pray with and for them.
Every time something tragic happens involving a gun, they start talking about taking our gun rights. It is not the gun that is dangerous in itself, but the person behind the gun. It is my belief that if you restrict gun rights, only criminals will have them because people always find a way to do evil. Taking away our Constitutional rights to bear arms does not rid the world of people who seek to do others harm. Having stricter gun laws does not prevent someone from killing another person.
I don’t understand where our President is coming from when he says there are no mass murders in other countries. We read and hear about it almost on a daily basis.
Law enforcement officers are people too which also means there are good and bad among them as well. But, if we show them respect for the position, the outcome is most likely going to be much better than if we are disrespectful. They also should act accordingly. Respect garners respect.
No, I will not be adding my name to the list of those who are running for president!! It is an already crowded field and we shall see how it plays out over the next year. If I had my druthers, I want a Godly president who loves our country and preferably has served in the military but also has business sense. That’s a mighty big order I know and I also know that God is in control and He puts people in places of power.
Still America needs a spiritual revival and as the Bible tells us if God’s people humble themselves and pray, He will heal our land. But it takes a constant prayer life with many praying daily for the spiritual revival if we want God to heal our land.
If you are wondering how I feel about the Bruce Jenner transformation, I have to say I stand on the Bible and that God doesn’t make mistakes. We are to hate the sin and love the sinner and that’s where I stand.
Relay for Life is held every year in just about every county around us. I personally think it is time to rethink this. Attendance and team participation are down everywhere. The people who are always involved and do things are getting tired and with the increase of avenues to fund like gofundme.com or others, people would much rather donate through these areas to ensure that every cent goes to the person to whom they are donating. I know that’s how I feel about it too.
As a former pro Relay person, I discovered that the American Cancer Society does not fund alternative cure research. I have witnessed alternative cure miracles and therefore believe it is just as important as other cures which use “poisons” in your body.
Someone suggested a group event with several different organizations including veteran groups, etc. Don’t know if that would be the way to go or not, just know there needs to be some more thought put into the direction for Relay for Life and I have no thought as to what direction that could be right now.

Victoria Simmons, is a columnist, an author, minister, motivational speaker and publisher/gm of The Post/Byron Buzz. Contact her at vsimmons54@gmail.com