Lamott's "Help, Thanks, Wow" Resonates With Many Faith Perspectives

It's pretty safe to presume a book is noteworthy if halfway through the second reading you realize you've read this work, as what you're reading becomes pseudo-familiar of sorts. Yet, you finish reading it anyway, ending with your initial response: You wish there was more to read.
Anne Lamott's Help, Thanks, Wow  reminds me of Elizabeth Gilbert's Eat, Love, Pray. Both are good reads; but extremely unique in their musings. I hesitated to mention this because I now feel tempted to surmise my view of the better writer. I will let you the readers hash that out. Ok, Anne Lamott, only because I've read nearly every work of non-fiction she's written; so, not exactly an objective response.
The bottom line of Help, Thanks, Wow is that it allies with a basic truth that at some point, people will inevitably need and ask for help. Wise people will give thanks knowing that no kindness should ever be taken for granted. And lastly, there are times, both good and bad; but mostly good, when one stands in awe with the one-word response: Wow.
If you are experiencing the dog-days of summer, pick up a copy and read this. I highly recommend.

Help, Thanks, Wow

Susan Cain's "Quiet" Well-Worth The Read

Hi all! This post is to share an excellent book that I'm currently enjoying. It's entitled, Quiet THE POWER OF INTROVERTS IN A WORLD THAT CAN'T STOP TALKING. Fair-warning offered: If you're an extrovert, this book might make you glaze over and yawn; but, introverts will be encouraged by what most of them know as truth - some of their best creations come from contemplative times of unfettered solitude. More so, most introverts are quite capable of having a jolly-good time with good people. I am certain that introverts are some of the most misunderstood people on the planet. After all, everything 'celebrity'  promotes extroversion, with photos of wide grins and living 'la vida loca' as the happiest and most successful people. One doesn't have to research too deeply into the lives of the extroverted-rich and famous to know that, oftentimes, these facades mask troubled lives who always depart this life far too soon.
The bottom line of this interesting read amounts to success having very little to do with your intro- or extroverted nature, as much as your ability to translate thoughts and skills into a plan of action which fulfills an end-goal. If you're an introvert I highly recommend this book. On the other hand, if you're an extrovert, for which the world would be a very 'dull' place without, I assure that it's worth the read to learn how the most successful of your fit use their gregarious personalities to the benefit of themselves and others.
Happy reading! 

Hacked But Not Discouraged UPDATE

Okay. I'm eating a slice of  'humble pie' today. Smashwords got back to me regarding my recent concern that my page had been 'corrupted.' After several go-rounds I finally sent them a copy of the exact blurb in question. Here's the response:


On 5/27/2015 3:43 PM, Aaron wrote:
> You're showing up as a favorite author of an erotica author.  We can't do anything about that.
>
> Best,
> Aaron F.
> Smashwords Service Team
> http://www.smashwords.com


Needless to say...CASE CLOSED. Uhmmm, yummy pie. :-)

Hacked, But Not Discouraged

How many of us know that the internet is a very dicey place that really needs to be monitored carefully? Well, in the busyness of life I'd like to suggest that you keep tabs on any pages that may be a reflection of you, either personal or business. This evening when checking on my Smashwords account, I learned that my book is connected with an erotica author who I won't bother to name considering I have no idea who he is.

I have contacted Smashwords regarding the matter and will hear from them in the next couple of days. I could take the entire site down and rework all the logistics or simply make this statement of acknowledgment to my readers. Again, there are things in life that may disgust, but we must never let them discourage us from the work God has blessed us to do.

Thanks for your patience. Let this be a lesson to all...If you have entrusted a work to the digital world you would be wise to keep close tabs on your endeavor. Blessings!!!

UPDATE: In the two weeks since this post, Smashwords is still researching the dilemma.

Mental-Health Services Need More of a Lay-Person's Approach

Lately, news about a mental-health crisis brewing in the U.S. is in the spotlight. I live in an urban-rich college town; and, know the need is greater than the provision; namely because of the stigma attached to needing help; and, the lack of funding for mental-health services; and the lack of financial means most have for care.
 
As noted in my bio, I am trained in pastoral care. I often mentor people in anonymity. If a person can't afford to pay for services, taking some time while sitting on a park bench to spark and nurture a conversation which helps the person emerge feeling better, with a sense of clarity that  all problems have solutions is worth my time. Most people are not in crisis mode; but, simply seeking encouragement that their choices make sense. Offering encouragement is a spiritual matter which does not require a Ph.D. Congress would do well to legislate that lay people have more rights to serve the community within their realm of training. However, political wheels turn slowly, and, unfortunately, hurting people can't wait another two decades or more for change. The skill of listening with a third ear is a God-gift; and, professional training serves to sharpen it. 

The link below leads to an article that will break your heart. Psychotic breaks in young people are more common than you might imagine. I have on several occasions sat with young women in the treacherous 20s go from looking like they have it all together, to full tears within minutes of an informal session. This is where the healing begins; a purging of sorts. 

Unfortunately, most formal counseling sessions, as college educations, are out of range for most everyday people to afford. Formal counseling usually involves powerful Big-Pharma synthetic drugs that numb the root of the problem instead of addressing it head on. Please know that I am not totally against the use of drugs to help in psychiatric care. However, I am convinced; based on consistent research that it is too often the first resort. 

Life stressors can usually be contained with ordering the identified chaos. Most everyday problems usually have doable solutions when properly defined. However, when you ingest an aid that hinders the ability to focus on, and acknowledge the real problem, the spiral of roller-coaster healing begins.
 
I have talked to dozens of college-aged women who are overwhelmed by life. I have watched them get through these years and thrive. Some temporarily went the way of SSRI inhibitors; which most later acknowledged made them feel far less in control of life than the pastoral approach that offered reasonable discussion as to why their life might be out of sorts.

There's a cry for help in our young people. For most, hope is not going to be found in a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). For others, their solution will be found amongst the countless treatments for the seeming countless disorders. Most academically bright young people simply need an empathic person to come along side and advise them that their choices are their own; not pressures put-upon by family and peers.

Unfortunately, many trained and adept counselors are boxed out of the job-market because they choose the ministerial path instead of the secular track requiring licensure and doctorates. Someday, perhaps citizens will protest such mockery. Passing a test, and earning highest academic degrees no more equips one to help another heal, than a teacher passing a test proves the compassion needed to work with precious youth. While education is imperative, inner-compassion is equally so. My heart goes out to those struggling today with a need for help. I'm here, no fees required, if you just want to chat a while. If you're over my 'pay-grade' I will let you know, and make referrals as needed. Prayers and blessings. 

All said for now, here's the link: 

http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/the-demons-got-my-beautiful-loving-daughter/2015/04/20/cdaaa338-dfc2-11e4-a1b8-2ed88bc190d2_story.html?tid=pm_national_pop_b

 

Anne Lamott's "Small Victories" Makes You Laugh Amidst Life's Trials

If you're scheduled to travel soon, and looking for a good non-fiction read, Small Victories is an exceptionally good and entertaining read. Lamott's natural style will keep you "turning" the pages while trying desperately to not laugh out loud uncontrollably in least expected moments. Her language is a little colorful at times; but, relative to the storytelling. Anne Lamott said she always wanted to be a writer. Praise God for blessings to do what you love and get paid for it! Again, if you're looking for a great read, give Small Victories a try. I think you'll be a bit more centered; perhaps a bit more grateful for life as you know it when you're done reading. I take liberty to say, if you ever see her at a local hub, don't be shy; she's real people. At least that's the vibe her writings give off. WYSIWYG. Speaking of, she reminds me in a strange way of a Caucasian Terry McMillan. Blessings all!

 http://amzn.to/2clNuGQ

Tod Burpo's "Heaven is For Real" Worth the Read

Okay. I am a self-proclaimed modern-day mystic of the Holy-Ghost kind. Nothing exceedingly over-the-top; just an assured awareness that there's more to life than what can be seen in this natural realm. That said, I am currently in the middle of Burpo's read, and can say Colton's experience is like a reassuring breath of fresh air that atheists and agnostics alike will be hard-pressed to explain away the marvels of this, then-4-year-old-child of God. I won't give anything away; but, if you're looking for a fast, and awe-inspiring read, this one goes highly recommended!

Gawande's "Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End" Worth the Read.

It's amazing how reticent people are to bring up the conversation about how they want to spend their last days. This is not only an excellent read; but, a great spark to start the conversation.