Writing True

Never! I Don’t Collect Garbage.

Are you holding a grudge? About?

A grudge is a chain that binds the soul,
A heavy weight, a bitter toll.
It poisons hearts and clouds the mind,
Leaving peace far behind.

It starts as a spark, a seed of pain,
And grows into a thorny chain.
It whispers lies, it fans the flame,
Till all that’s left is endless blame.

But grudges steal the light away,
Turning night from brightest day.
They fill the heart with endless spite,
And rob the soul of pure delight.

Why let the past control your fate?
Why carry burdens filled with hate?
Release the grudge, and set it free,
And find the strength in unity.

Forgiveness is the key to peace,
A balm that brings the sweetest release.
Let go of anger, let love in,
And let the healing now begin.

For life is short, too short to waste,
On bitterness and endless haste.
Embrace the freedom, clear and wide,
And cast your grudges all aside.

In letting go, you’ll find your wings,
And rise above life’s petty stings.
For peace will flourish in your heart,
When grudges, once held, all depart.

Writing True

The Grandeur of the Canyon

Share a story about the furthest you’ve ever traveled from home.

In the heart of the earth where silence reigns,
A mighty chasm, wild and untamed,
The Grand Canyon stretches, vast and wide,
I’m in awe of such a masterpiece, where wonders hide.

Its cliffs rise high, in hues of flame,
Each layer whispers nature’s name.
Carved by time, with patient grace,
A testament to earth’s embrace.

The Colorado river winds through shadowed deep,
Where secrets of the ages sleep.
Its waters sing a timeless tune,
Beneath the sun, the stars, the moon.

I stand upon the canyon’s rim,
Where the light and shadow swim.
I felt the pull of something grand,
A force I might never fully understand.

For in its depths, my soul can see,
A glimpse on the power of eternity.
A place where dreams and nature blend,
Where all beginnings meet their ends.

The Grand Canyon, bold and true,
Calls out to the heart in me.
A place where grandeur meets the sky,
A glimpse of forever, standing by.

Writing True

“A house is not a home,” Luther Vandross.

What does your ideal home look like?

A home is not just walls and beams,
But a place where sunlight gleams.
Where laughter rings through in every hall,
And love’s embrace conquers all.

Its doors are open, wide and free,
To welcome friends and family.
With every step, a comfort grows,
In a space where joy forever flows.

It is where the heart resides,
Where every hope and dream abides.
It’s not the roof above your head,
But where your spirit’s gently led.

In its quiet corners, peace is found,
In every laugh, a joyful sound.
It is where your soul can breathe,
Where safety and feeling of belonging is guaranteed.

The walls may age, the paint may fade,
But memories in each room are laid.
Home is where you’re truly known,
A place where you are never alone.

It’s more than shelter from the storm,
It’s where your deepest bonds are formed.
A sanctuary, safe and warm,
Where kindness and love are the only norm.

No matter where your feet may roam,
Your heart will always find its home.
A beacon in the darkest night,
A place that fills your world with light.

So cherish every tender space,
For home is more than just a place.
It’s where your story finds its start,
The forever anchor to your heart.

Writing True

For all the blessings God has given me

What brings a tear of joy to your eye?

From bringing me to Hawaii, to completing my three undergraduate degrees, to working for an awesome organization that values and cherishes me as one of its invaluable members). . .

From the love of my family and friends—Thank you Father God, for being so good to me. I love you! Own me. Let me live my remaining days according to Your will and Glory!

In the mighty name of Jesus, amen!

Essay · Non-Fiction · Values · Writing True

To advocate for love and the goodness of humanity

Why do you blog?

The Enduring Power of Love and the Goodness of Humanity

In a world often dominated by headlines of conflict, division, and despair, it can be easy to lose sight of the innate goodness that lies within humanity. However, when we look beyond the noise and chaos, we discover that love and compassion are the true forces that shape our world. Despite the challenges we face, it is love—whether expressed through acts of kindness, empathy, or solidarity—that has the power to transform lives, heal wounds, and unite us in our shared humanity. This essay will advocate for the belief in love and the inherent goodness of humanity, exploring how these qualities persist and prevail even in the most trying circumstances.

Throughout history, love has been the cornerstone of our greatest achievements and the driving force behind our most noble endeavors. From the selfless acts of individuals who sacrifice their own comfort for the well-being of others, to the collective movements that have fought for justice and equality, love has been the catalyst for change. Consider the civil rights movement, where love for one’s fellow human beings transcended the hatred and bigotry of the time, leading to monumental progress in the fight for equality. Or the countless examples of everyday heroism, where strangers come together in times of crisis, offering aid and comfort to those in need. These acts, large and small, demonstrate that love is not only a personal emotion but a universal force that binds us together.

At the heart of this love is the inherent goodness of humanity. Despite the flaws and imperfections that exist within each of us, there is a fundamental decency that drives us to care for one another. This goodness is evident in the empathy we feel for others, the joy we experience in their happiness, and the pain we share in their suffering. It is what compels us to help a stranger in distress, to stand up against injustice, and to seek out ways to make the world a better place. The goodness of humanity is not an abstract concept; it is a lived reality, manifesting itself in countless ways every day.

One might argue that the prevalence of suffering and injustice in the world contradicts the notion of human goodness. However, it is precisely because of our capacity for love that we recognize these wrongs and are motivated to address them. The very fact that we are disturbed by cruelty and inhumanity speaks to our innate sense of morality and our desire to create a world where love, rather than hatred, prevails. It is this desire that drives us to advocate for change, to extend a helping hand, and to build communities based on mutual respect and care.

Furthermore, love is resilient. Even in the face of adversity, love endures and often grows stronger. It has the power to heal wounds, bridge divides, and overcome obstacles that might otherwise seem insurmountable. Love gives us the strength to persevere through hardship, to forgive those who have wronged us, and to find hope in the darkest of times. This resilience is a testament to the enduring goodness of humanity—a reminder that no matter how challenging our circumstances may be, love remains a constant, guiding light.

In advocating for love and the goodness of humanity, it is important to recognize that these qualities are not mere idealism, but practical forces with the ability to effect real change. Love inspires action; it moves us to address the needs of others, to fight for justice, and to build a more compassionate world. The goodness of humanity is the foundation upon which societies are built, fostering cooperation, empathy, and a shared sense of purpose. When we believe in love and the inherent goodness of others, we contribute to a culture that values and promotes these qualities, creating a positive feedback loop that benefits all.

In conclusion, love and the goodness of humanity are not only worth believing in—they are essential to our collective well-being. They are the forces that sustain us, that drive us to be better, and that hold the potential to transform our world. By embracing love and recognizing the goodness in others, we can overcome the challenges that divide us and work together to build a future where compassion and kindness are the guiding principles. In a world that often seems fraught with darkness, love is the light that will always lead us home.

Inspirational · Non-Fiction · Poetry

Optimism every morning

What daily habit do you do that improves your quality of life?

Each morning breaks with tender light,
A canvas fresh, pure and white,
Where dreams from sleep, now softly stirred,
Await the breath of waking word.

The sky, a blush of golden hue,
Whispers, “Today is born anew.”
With every dawn, a chance to rise,
To greet the sun with open eyes.

The night is gone, its shadows fade,
The day ahead is yet unmade.
In morning’s glow, all things are clear,
A moment’s peace, a world sincere.

So take this gift, this daily grace,
Embrace the light, set your pace.
For every morning holds the key,
To what your spirit longs to be.

Community · Essay · Evaluation · Non-Fiction

Sesame Street

What TV shows did you watch as a kid?

The author does not own the copyrights of the image above. No infringement intended. Subject to Fair Use.

Sesame Street is one of the most iconic and influential children’s television programs in history, having made a lasting impact on education and entertainment since its debut in 1969. Created by Joan Ganz Cooney and Lloyd Morrisett, the show was designed to prepare young children for school, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds, using a combination of live-action, puppetry, and animation.

Educational Impact:
The show’s primary strength lies in its educational content, which seamlessly integrates learning into engaging narratives and songs. Sesame Street covers a broad range of subjects, including literacy, numeracy, emotional intelligence, social skills, and cultural awareness. Its approach to teaching has been lauded for its effectiveness; research has shown that children who watch Sesame Street are better prepared for school and demonstrate improved academic performance. The show has continually evolved its curriculum to reflect contemporary educational standards and the changing needs of its audience, making it a trusted resource for parents and educators alike.

Cultural Relevance:
Sesame Street is also praised for being a trailblazer its commitment to diversity and inclusion. From the beginning, the show has featured a multi-ethnic cast and addressed complex social issues in a way that is accessible to children. Topics such as race, disability, gender equality, and family diversity are handled with sensitivity, promoting values of empathy and understanding. Characters like Big Bird, Elmo, and Cookie Monster have become beloved figures worldwide, transcending cultural boundaries and making Sesame Street a global phenomenon.

Innovation and Creativity:
Another significant aspect of Sesame Street is its innovative use of media and entertainment to educate. The show pioneered the use of Muppets, created by Jim Henson, which became a defining feature of the series. The characters are not only entertaining but also serve as effective teaching tools, conveying lessons in a memorable and relatable way. The mix of humor, music, and storytelling keeps children engaged while subtly delivering educational content. The show has also adapted to changes in media consumption, expanding its reach through digital platforms and social media, ensuring that it remains relevant in the modern age.

Critiques and Challenges:
While Sesame Street has received widespread acclaim, it has faced some criticism over the years. Some argue that its move to premium cable (HBO) in recent years, away from its traditional public television home, might limit access for lower-income families—the very demographic it originally sought to serve. Additionally, as the show has adapted to contemporary issues, it has sometimes faced backlash from certain groups who feel that its content has become too politically charged.

Conclusion:
Overall, Sesame Street stands as a towering achievement in children’s television, blending education and entertainment in a way that has profoundly influenced generations of viewers. Its ability to adapt to societal changes while remaining true to its core mission of educating and uplifting children is a testament to its enduring relevance. Despite the challenges it has faced, Sesame Street remains a beloved institution and a powerful tool for fostering early childhood development and cultural awareness.

Writing True

O Morn

What’s your favorite time of day?

O morning, bearer of the world’s first light,
With power that dispels the dark of night,
In your embrace, the earth is born anew,
As you unveil the day in hues of blue.

Your touch, a force that wakes the sleeping land,
Stirs the oceans, brushes shores with sand,
You call the mountains from their shadowed dreams,
And light the rivers with your golden beams.

O mighty morn, you are the breaker of chains,
That night has bound in its quiet reigns.
With every dawn, you conquer time and space,
A sovereign power that none can displace.

In you, we find the strength to rise and stand,
To face the day with hope held in our hand.
Your light ignites the fire within our soul,
Gives life to visions, makes the broken whole.

You are the pulse that drives the heart of life,
A force that cuts through doubt and strife.
In your bright gaze, all fears are cast away,
As we are forged anew in the heat of day.

So let your strength be known in every hour,
For in your light, we find the power
To shape our lives with purpose, bold and true,
O morning, in your glory, we renew.

O morning’s power, fierce and ever bright,
You turn the ordinary into pure delight.
In your command, the world obeys the call,
And in your light, we rise above it all.