And know that I meant something in somebody's life.
The lives I have touched will be the proof that I leave
That I made a difference and everyone will see
I was here."
Showing posts with label HEROES. Show all posts
Showing posts with label HEROES. Show all posts
Monday, January 21, 2013
I Was Here
And know that I meant something in somebody's life.
The lives I have touched will be the proof that I leave
That I made a difference and everyone will see
I was here."
HEROES Week: A Series of Unfortunate Events
If you live in the United States, then you better know why there is no school today. If not, then let me fill you in.
It is Martin Luther King, Jr. day. A true hero in history. I want you to think back. Way back. Back to the 1960s. Back when Jim Crow was more than just a name. Back when the color of your skin could be the difference between life and death. Back when life was so much different than it is today in the United States.
And this guy noticed this problem. He knew we had to do something about it.
He is Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. So, he was just a pastor who believed in equality and gave a huge speech about it and believed in non-violent parade-thingys, right? Hehehe--- wrong.
This guy is my favorite historical person. And it's not because I'm black (yeah yeah, I don't write like I'm black, whatever, get over it). It's because of how much of an impact he left on the world, even after he himself was gone.
Now, this isn't a Wikipedia post but here is a link to one if you need to read more. This post, is about HEROES!
Help, because
Everyone has a chance and deserves
Respect. It's too quick for anyone's life to be
Over, and to listen and be a friend can really save a life.
Everyone needs to be a hero.
Stand for what's right.
That's the HEROES motto and has been for two years now. Welcome to the third annual HEROES Week! Remember the song this week was originally modeled after? If not, check out "Hero" and the lyrics!
2012 was a year of unfortunate events, should I say. The shooting in Newtown, Connecticut. The Sandy storm on the upper east side of the States. Also, a year of big events. Elections and re-elections. HEROES Week is a time to really reflect on all that. And not just on bullying. What about terrorism? What about racism? What about forgiveness?
That's what this week is about. This post is just a prequel, kinda. Check out the posts that started it all...
It is Martin Luther King, Jr. day. A true hero in history. I want you to think back. Way back. Back to the 1960s. Back when Jim Crow was more than just a name. Back when the color of your skin could be the difference between life and death. Back when life was so much different than it is today in the United States.
And this guy noticed this problem. He knew we had to do something about it.
This guy is my favorite historical person. And it's not because I'm black (yeah yeah, I don't write like I'm black, whatever, get over it). It's because of how much of an impact he left on the world, even after he himself was gone.
Now, this isn't a Wikipedia post but here is a link to one if you need to read more. This post, is about HEROES!
Help, because
Everyone has a chance and deserves
Respect. It's too quick for anyone's life to be
Over, and to listen and be a friend can really save a life.
Everyone needs to be a hero.
Stand for what's right.
That's the HEROES motto and has been for two years now. Welcome to the third annual HEROES Week! Remember the song this week was originally modeled after? If not, check out "Hero" and the lyrics!
2012 was a year of unfortunate events, should I say. The shooting in Newtown, Connecticut. The Sandy storm on the upper east side of the States. Also, a year of big events. Elections and re-elections. HEROES Week is a time to really reflect on all that. And not just on bullying. What about terrorism? What about racism? What about forgiveness?
That's what this week is about. This post is just a prequel, kinda. Check out the posts that started it all...
Friday, January 20, 2012
HEROES Week~ March On!
Well, it's been a very good HEROES Week, and now it's time to say goodbye. But before that, it's time for one last word to say.
We've blogged about being a HERO and taking a STAND, stopping bullying in its tracks, forgiveness, and going beyond just standing up--- actually being a friend. Now, it's time to move on!
Literally.
So, many of us have been bullied before, or at least it felt like it. And eventually, most of us learned to move on. The others.... well, we don't like to talk about that. And that's our problem.
Suicide.
Today is Suicide Awareness Day. Perfect time to write love on your arms. Also a perfect day for the last day of HEROES Week... and that totally was NOT planned ahead of time.
We don't like to talk about suicide. We don't want to talk about it, so many times we don't talk about it. And even when we do, it feels like a tragedy in the distance that rarely happens.
It happens. Really. And it can happen to you.
My friend Cheyenne knows someone who killed himself. She doesn't really like talking about it, so that's pretty much all I know that I can tell you.
Pain is what it causes. And that's it. You take your life, you ruin someone else's.
You think people wouldn't care if you died, but think: is that really true? There are people who love you. Sure, maybe it's not a particular guy/girl, but you are loved. As a Christian, I believe there is a God out there who loves me, and I believe that He loves you, too. Just live another day... it will be worth living, I promise. You have my word. My promise.
You may be asking why...
And this is why.
We've blogged about being a HERO and taking a STAND, stopping bullying in its tracks, forgiveness, and going beyond just standing up--- actually being a friend. Now, it's time to move on!
Literally.
So, many of us have been bullied before, or at least it felt like it. And eventually, most of us learned to move on. The others.... well, we don't like to talk about that. And that's our problem.
Suicide.
Today is Suicide Awareness Day. Perfect time to write love on your arms. Also a perfect day for the last day of HEROES Week... and that totally was NOT planned ahead of time.
We don't like to talk about suicide. We don't want to talk about it, so many times we don't talk about it. And even when we do, it feels like a tragedy in the distance that rarely happens.
It happens. Really. And it can happen to you.
My friend Cheyenne knows someone who killed himself. She doesn't really like talking about it, so that's pretty much all I know that I can tell you.
Pain is what it causes. And that's it. You take your life, you ruin someone else's.
You think people wouldn't care if you died, but think: is that really true? There are people who love you. Sure, maybe it's not a particular guy/girl, but you are loved. As a Christian, I believe there is a God out there who loves me, and I believe that He loves you, too. Just live another day... it will be worth living, I promise. You have my word. My promise.
You may be asking why...
And this is why.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
HEROES Week~ Finding Laughter
Today I am not posting any lyrics to today's song, mainly because I want some time to read "Pretty Little Liars" (by guess who? Sara Shepard, who obviously also wrote "The Lying Game"). Selfish, I know. Bad girl, Hope! I am also reading "Beatle Meets Destiny" about some boy named John Lennon (but he's not THE John Lennon) who meets a girl named Destiny McCartney (get it? McCartney and Lennon??? If you don't, you better get to studying about The Beatles). Everybody calls the guy Beatle. He meets his dream girl, Destiny, and falls head over heels for her the very first day. But, he's already dating his twin sister's (who was born six weeks after him) best friend, Cilla, who is also beautiful. However even though he loves Destiny, he did meet her on Friday the Thirteenth. And he's really superstitious. And he's sitting in a bar on Friday the Thirteenth, but only eating ice cream. He's named after a Beatle, he's got a twin, he's in love... HE'S ALSO TAKEN! This humourous book is worth your time. Five stars, so far.
And, Destiny has some sisters named Faith, Charity, and Hope. If I wasn't already sold when I read that part, then I don't know when I was! The book is by Gabrielle Williams. And the setting is... Aussie!
~~~~~~
Laughter. Something we all could use a little dose of every once in a while. We're teenagers, we're busy. Even I am crazy busy. SCHOOL, church, writing stories, writing poetry, being a student leader in the childrens' ministry, a preschool teacher in the nursery (more like a Sunday school setting than actual needing-a-degree kind of teaching), playing guitar, learning piano, trying to get on the worship team, songwriting, preparing for Fine Arts, singing, finding songs for our group human video drama. And, I have to squeeze in some time to watch "Inception" (I have an "Inception" quote at the top of the screen!) and "Switched at Birth". I am also three or four episodes behind "The Lying Game".
In all life's stress, it's easy to turn life into a "Me, Me, Me" routine. Just ask Drew any day. His schedule is a bit like mine, considering we've both been homeschooled and are both leaders in kids' church, and both play piano (although he is WAAAY better than me). But, then again, he's a fourteen-year-old uncle whose siblings are all grown, sooo... major differences. Well, he wrote a post about human trafficking, and here's what he said:
"In life, it is very easy to slip into a vicious cycle of 'Me, Me, Me.' It has become popular, common, and even easy to live only thinking about self, and; honestly, we all do it. Every day it is a challenge for humans, especially Americans, to wake up and not think of themselves first. In times like these, where wickedness is thriving, and most people don't seem to care; We have to remind ourselves of the pain some people live in every day they wake. Some people are trapped in a sphere of sorrow, unable to get out. The people I'm talking about are woman trapped in human trafficking... Many people have never even heard of human trafficking, it is a horrible thing. In the simplest of terms, it is forced prostitution... I really can't think of anything worse you could do to a girl."
-Drew, from "Drew's Blog," who was nominated to be the Best Blog Ever and Most Inspiring Blog.
We wake up and we think about ourselves. "What will I wear?" "Ooh, I gotta catch my bus?" "Does Chuck like me? Yes or no???" (quote from my youth pastor!). We don't think about anything else, and well, normally I would only speak for myself, but I know I'm not the only one who does this.
We don't think about those struggling. And it goes beyond bullying. Being a HERO is more than stopping a fight or standing up for yourself. It's opening your mind to all the other problems in this world, one day at a time. Being a HERO is helping someone break away from their problems and turn their nights of pain and sorrow into days of joy and laughter.
Stopping bullying is taking a stand.
Finding laughter is being a HERO.
And, Destiny has some sisters named Faith, Charity, and Hope. If I wasn't already sold when I read that part, then I don't know when I was! The book is by Gabrielle Williams. And the setting is... Aussie!
~~~~~~
Laughter. Something we all could use a little dose of every once in a while. We're teenagers, we're busy. Even I am crazy busy. SCHOOL, church, writing stories, writing poetry, being a student leader in the childrens' ministry, a preschool teacher in the nursery (more like a Sunday school setting than actual needing-a-degree kind of teaching), playing guitar, learning piano, trying to get on the worship team, songwriting, preparing for Fine Arts, singing, finding songs for our group human video drama. And, I have to squeeze in some time to watch "Inception" (I have an "Inception" quote at the top of the screen!) and "Switched at Birth". I am also three or four episodes behind "The Lying Game".
In all life's stress, it's easy to turn life into a "Me, Me, Me" routine. Just ask Drew any day. His schedule is a bit like mine, considering we've both been homeschooled and are both leaders in kids' church, and both play piano (although he is WAAAY better than me). But, then again, he's a fourteen-year-old uncle whose siblings are all grown, sooo... major differences. Well, he wrote a post about human trafficking, and here's what he said:
"In life, it is very easy to slip into a vicious cycle of 'Me, Me, Me.' It has become popular, common, and even easy to live only thinking about self, and; honestly, we all do it. Every day it is a challenge for humans, especially Americans, to wake up and not think of themselves first. In times like these, where wickedness is thriving, and most people don't seem to care; We have to remind ourselves of the pain some people live in every day they wake. Some people are trapped in a sphere of sorrow, unable to get out. The people I'm talking about are woman trapped in human trafficking... Many people have never even heard of human trafficking, it is a horrible thing. In the simplest of terms, it is forced prostitution... I really can't think of anything worse you could do to a girl."
-Drew, from "Drew's Blog," who was nominated to be the Best Blog Ever and Most Inspiring Blog.
We wake up and we think about ourselves. "What will I wear?" "Ooh, I gotta catch my bus?" "Does Chuck like me? Yes or no???" (quote from my youth pastor!). We don't think about anything else, and well, normally I would only speak for myself, but I know I'm not the only one who does this.
We don't think about those struggling. And it goes beyond bullying. Being a HERO is more than stopping a fight or standing up for yourself. It's opening your mind to all the other problems in this world, one day at a time. Being a HERO is helping someone break away from their problems and turn their nights of pain and sorrow into days of joy and laughter.
Stopping bullying is taking a stand.
Finding laughter is being a HERO.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
HEROES Week~ Dare to Believe
Dare to Believe
It's feeling like our time's run out
But the hourglass just flipped itself over again.
The sun is slowly sinking down
But on the other side, a new day waits to begin.
If you dare to believe in life,
You might realize that there's no time for talking
Or just wait around while the innocent die.
No more,
We're gonna lose everything
If we believe all the lies.
I may fall but I swear that I'll help you believe.
No more,
This world is running on empty
And there's no reason why.
You might fall but I know that you'll help me believe.
We've been in the dark for way too long
But when we turn around, we see a light shine through the haze
So forget about who was wrong
'Cause I have never been more ready to turn this page.
If you swear you believe in life,
Embrace forgiveness 'cause it's all that I'm asking
Or keep holding out while the innocent die.
No more,
We're gonna lose everything
If we believe all the lies.
I may fall but I swear that I'll help you believe.
No more,
This world is running on empty
And there's no reason why.
You might fall but I know that you'll help me believe.
No more...
We're gonna lose everything
If we believe all the lies.
I may fall but I swear that I'll help you believe.
No more,
This world is running on empty
And there's no reason why.
You may fall but I know that you'll help me believe!
No more,
We're gonna lose everything
If we believe all the lies.
You may fall but I swear that I'll help you believe
You may fall but I swear that I'll help you believe
I may fall but I swear that I'll help you
Believe.
If you swear you believe in life...
No more... we're gonna lose everything...
No more... we're so quick to lose everything...
No more... we're gonna lose everything...
No more... we're so quick to lose everything...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Forgiveness. No one wants to have to do it. But one important part of ending bullying is forgiveness.
Like in Megan and Liz's "Are You Happy Now" (Megan and Liz have connections with Boyce Avenue as well!) when at 2:36 Liz says (she plays the bully) "I'm so sorry." We all know that an apology rarely, RARELY happens in real life, especially from a bully. And then Megan (who plays the bullied) forgives her.
If you want to end bullying, it starts with you.
First, do you believe bullying can end? Well, there are seven billion people on this planet, so... I don't see it ending any time soon, in all honesty. But, I know that to stop bullying in its tracks, and not turn into a bully yourself, if you are in a rare case where an apology happens, let them know they're forgiven. And if they don't apologize, here's one weird tip:
Wanna make them feel bad? Here's my technique: Show them that you are not willing to fight them and you do want to---whether you wanna admit it or not---be friends, or at least acquaintances. It works. Whenever someone says something mean to me, I stand up for myself--- I don't take crap from anyone. But then, I find a clever way to be nice to them (even if I hate their guts) and usually I learn that their not as bad as they seem to be. Then, once they see how much I don't care about their negativity and can look past that, they start to be nice to me, too.
"Imagine all the" bullies "living in perfect peace... you might say I'm a dreamer. But I'm not the only one."
So, despite that little breakout into my version of "Imagine" by John Lennon, think of "Dare to Believe" by Boyce Avenue. You can call them YouTube's Best Musicians Ever, for short. They're the best stuff on earth... other than Snapple, of course.
"Dare to Believe" is an anti-violence song. Not so much about bullying, but it can transfer, definitely. It's mainly about (according to Alejandro, the lead vocalist and the person my guitar is named after) never giving up. The song was dedicated to a fan battling cancer.
It feels like time is running out, and it always has been. The longer we wait, the less time we hvae to turn things around. Because there will be a day when time runs out for all of us...
So forget about who was wrong, because we are not any different from each other.
If you swear you believe in life...
It's feeling like our time's run out
But the hourglass just flipped itself over again.
The sun is slowly sinking down
But on the other side, a new day waits to begin.
If you dare to believe in life,
You might realize that there's no time for talking
Or just wait around while the innocent die.
No more,
We're gonna lose everything
If we believe all the lies.
I may fall but I swear that I'll help you believe.
No more,
This world is running on empty
And there's no reason why.
You might fall but I know that you'll help me believe.
We've been in the dark for way too long
But when we turn around, we see a light shine through the haze
So forget about who was wrong
'Cause I have never been more ready to turn this page.
If you swear you believe in life,
Embrace forgiveness 'cause it's all that I'm asking
Or keep holding out while the innocent die.
No more,
We're gonna lose everything
If we believe all the lies.
I may fall but I swear that I'll help you believe.
No more,
This world is running on empty
And there's no reason why.
You might fall but I know that you'll help me believe.
No more...
We're gonna lose everything
If we believe all the lies.
I may fall but I swear that I'll help you believe.
No more,
This world is running on empty
And there's no reason why.
You may fall but I know that you'll help me believe!
No more,
We're gonna lose everything
If we believe all the lies.
You may fall but I swear that I'll help you believe
You may fall but I swear that I'll help you believe
I may fall but I swear that I'll help you
Believe.
If you swear you believe in life...
No more... we're gonna lose everything...
No more... we're so quick to lose everything...
No more... we're gonna lose everything...
No more... we're so quick to lose everything...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Forgiveness. No one wants to have to do it. But one important part of ending bullying is forgiveness.
Like in Megan and Liz's "Are You Happy Now" (Megan and Liz have connections with Boyce Avenue as well!) when at 2:36 Liz says (she plays the bully) "I'm so sorry." We all know that an apology rarely, RARELY happens in real life, especially from a bully. And then Megan (who plays the bullied) forgives her.
If you want to end bullying, it starts with you.
First, do you believe bullying can end? Well, there are seven billion people on this planet, so... I don't see it ending any time soon, in all honesty. But, I know that to stop bullying in its tracks, and not turn into a bully yourself, if you are in a rare case where an apology happens, let them know they're forgiven. And if they don't apologize, here's one weird tip:
Wanna make them feel bad? Here's my technique: Show them that you are not willing to fight them and you do want to---whether you wanna admit it or not---be friends, or at least acquaintances. It works. Whenever someone says something mean to me, I stand up for myself--- I don't take crap from anyone. But then, I find a clever way to be nice to them (even if I hate their guts) and usually I learn that their not as bad as they seem to be. Then, once they see how much I don't care about their negativity and can look past that, they start to be nice to me, too.
"Imagine all the" bullies "living in perfect peace... you might say I'm a dreamer. But I'm not the only one."
So, despite that little breakout into my version of "Imagine" by John Lennon, think of "Dare to Believe" by Boyce Avenue. You can call them YouTube's Best Musicians Ever, for short. They're the best stuff on earth... other than Snapple, of course.
"Dare to Believe" is an anti-violence song. Not so much about bullying, but it can transfer, definitely. It's mainly about (according to Alejandro, the lead vocalist and the person my guitar is named after) never giving up. The song was dedicated to a fan battling cancer.
It feels like time is running out, and it always has been. The longer we wait, the less time we hvae to turn things around. Because there will be a day when time runs out for all of us...
So forget about who was wrong, because we are not any different from each other.
If you swear you believe in life...
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
HEROES Week~ Are You Happy Now?
"Are You Happy Now?" by Megan and Liz is about bullies, obviously. But , it is also about bullies who were once bullied themselves and eventually turn into bullies. Basically feeding off of others' pain like a monster, but still not really benefiting from it, and the cycle restarts. Well, the cycle ends now.
To see lyrics to "Are You Happy Now", you can visit Eight Graders Anonymous or you can click a direct link to Eighth Graders Anonymous' lyric post of "Are You Happy Now."
I don't have any personal experiences that relate to this song... oh wait... Yeah, I do!!!
I have a friend who is extremely creative. She's like, my fashion inspiration. Always comes to church with a different color in her hair, more duct tape accessories, more pin-button things, new merchandise from her favorite bands (although we don't like the same music by any means, she likes Black Veil Brides and I don't, that being said I have no idea how we even get along as well as we do), and everything awesome... and a lot of pink! You wouldn't think anything would be wrong. You would probably think she was emo when you first met her, but she wears too many colors for that and has a bright personality. She's like... Christina Grimmie... a Christina Grimmie that listens to metal, that is. But you would think she's the happiest girl alive. Turns out she's not. I'm not saying her name because of what I am about to say. Self-abuse, serious depression... you name it.
Even I am a good example. I am smile-y, and I can't stop laughing, like, seriously. But on the inside I am just like anyone else. That's why so many people ask for my advice--- I listen because in a lot of cases, I've been there. And I don't know why people choose me, but I guess there's something special. You would think I'm the happiest girl alive, but I'm not. Those that saw me today saw I was dressed in all black because I was in a terrible, terrible mood. A lot of things happened over the weekend and I just wanted to be alone and cry for a minute. But, things eventually got better. Didn't get to cry... but eventually, I didn't even feel like I had to.
Here's another experience:
I have a stalker. Yes, a stalker. He's a seventh-grader at my school. And he's freaking me out. At first I thought he was just awkward, but no. I think he likes me (yes, I just now am figuring out he likes me because no guys have crushes on me). It's so unfair. There's the snobby girls that get the guys I reallylike love, and then there's girls like me who get the geeks. I used to think, "Oh, so I'm not pretty enough to get the hot guys?" But I don't... it doesn't matter as much anymore. Not really. So imagine how the geek feels? He probably feels like the science geek in "Are You Happy Now" verse 2.
"Fifteen years down the road, he could be EVERYTHING and you won't..."
Yeah, I don't think about that. I'm thinking that he's stalking me. He could grow up to be a serial killer, guys. I'm not thinking about him being the next Steve Jobbs. I'm thinking about... me. I do keep in mind his feelings. Like when he hugs me from behind I don't say anything, however my friend Fluffy (we call her Fluffy because she speaks no fluff--- she tells it like it is) screamed, "GET AWAY FROM HER!!!!!" Ha, that's what friends are for. But I just can't tell the kid to back off... what if he DOES become the next Steve Jobbs?
In this case, just like Joe Nichols' song "Size Matters," safety matters. If you don't feel safe, it doesn't matter how the person feels, honestly. Politely tell them to go away.
But also in this case... BE PATIENT. And also, if you're being bullied, you gotta learn to stand up for yourself. Sadly, not everyone is strong enough to speak up, so you have to do it yourself. Just like when being stalked. It's serious. Don't be afraid to say something. Because one thing leads to another...
And trust me, you won't be happy when the worst happens. You fill in the blank _________________.
Are you happy now???
To see lyrics to "Are You Happy Now", you can visit Eight Graders Anonymous or you can click a direct link to Eighth Graders Anonymous' lyric post of "Are You Happy Now."
I don't have any personal experiences that relate to this song... oh wait... Yeah, I do!!!
I have a friend who is extremely creative. She's like, my fashion inspiration. Always comes to church with a different color in her hair, more duct tape accessories, more pin-button things, new merchandise from her favorite bands (although we don't like the same music by any means, she likes Black Veil Brides and I don't, that being said I have no idea how we even get along as well as we do), and everything awesome... and a lot of pink! You wouldn't think anything would be wrong. You would probably think she was emo when you first met her, but she wears too many colors for that and has a bright personality. She's like... Christina Grimmie... a Christina Grimmie that listens to metal, that is. But you would think she's the happiest girl alive. Turns out she's not. I'm not saying her name because of what I am about to say. Self-abuse, serious depression... you name it.
Even I am a good example. I am smile-y, and I can't stop laughing, like, seriously. But on the inside I am just like anyone else. That's why so many people ask for my advice--- I listen because in a lot of cases, I've been there. And I don't know why people choose me, but I guess there's something special. You would think I'm the happiest girl alive, but I'm not. Those that saw me today saw I was dressed in all black because I was in a terrible, terrible mood. A lot of things happened over the weekend and I just wanted to be alone and cry for a minute. But, things eventually got better. Didn't get to cry... but eventually, I didn't even feel like I had to.
Here's another experience:
I have a stalker. Yes, a stalker. He's a seventh-grader at my school. And he's freaking me out. At first I thought he was just awkward, but no. I think he likes me (yes, I just now am figuring out he likes me because no guys have crushes on me). It's so unfair. There's the snobby girls that get the guys I really
"Fifteen years down the road, he could be EVERYTHING and you won't..."
Yeah, I don't think about that. I'm thinking that he's stalking me. He could grow up to be a serial killer, guys. I'm not thinking about him being the next Steve Jobbs. I'm thinking about... me. I do keep in mind his feelings. Like when he hugs me from behind I don't say anything, however my friend Fluffy (we call her Fluffy because she speaks no fluff--- she tells it like it is) screamed, "GET AWAY FROM HER!!!!!" Ha, that's what friends are for. But I just can't tell the kid to back off... what if he DOES become the next Steve Jobbs?
In this case, just like Joe Nichols' song "Size Matters," safety matters. If you don't feel safe, it doesn't matter how the person feels, honestly. Politely tell them to go away.
But also in this case... BE PATIENT. And also, if you're being bullied, you gotta learn to stand up for yourself. Sadly, not everyone is strong enough to speak up, so you have to do it yourself. Just like when being stalked. It's serious. Don't be afraid to say something. Because one thing leads to another...
And trust me, you won't be happy when the worst happens. You fill in the blank _________________.
Are you happy now???
Monday, January 16, 2012
HEROES Week~ Hero!
Today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day (again!) and that means it's time for HEROES week once again!
First, let's go over the meaning of HEROES (I came up with the meaning when I was twelve, so bear with me).
Help, because
Everyone has a chance and deserves proper
Respect. It's too quick for anyone's life to be
Over, and to listen and be a friend can really save a life.
Everyone needs to be a hero.
Stand for what's right.
This annual series was originally based off Superchick's hit "Hero."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hero
No one sits with him,
He doesn't fit in
But we feel like we do when we make fun of him.
'Cause you want to belong,
Do you go along
'Cause his pain is the price paid for you to belong?
It's not like we hate him or want him to die
But maybe he goes home and thinks suicide
Or he comes back to school with a gun at his side
And the kindness of you might have saved his life...
Heroes are made when you make a choice.
You could be a hero,
Heroes do what's right.
You could be a hero,
You might save a life.
You could be a hero,
You could join the fight
For what's right
For what's right
For what's right.
No one talks to her,
She feels so alone,
She's in too much pain to survive on her own.
The hurt she can't handle overflows to a knife,
She writes on her arm, wants to give up her life.
Each day she goes on is a day that she's brave.
Fighting the lie that giving up is the way.
Each moment of courage, her own life she saves
When she throws the pills out, a hero is made.
Heroes are made when you make a choice.
You could be a hero,
Heroes do what's right.
You could be a hero,
You might save a life.
You could be a hero,
You could join the fight
For what's right
For what's right
For what's right.
No one talks to him about how he lives,
He thinks that the choices he makes are just his.
Doesn't know he's a leader with the way he behaves,
And others will follow the choices he's made.
He lives on the edge, he's old enough to decide.
His brother who wants to be him is just nine.
He can do what he wants
Because it's his right.
The choices he makes change a nine-year-old's life.
Heroes are made when you make a choice.
You could be a hero,
Heroes do what's right.
You could be a hero,
You might save a life.
You could be a hero,
You could join the fight
For what's right
For what's right
For what's right.
Little Mikey D. was the one in class who everyday a bully harassed.
This went on for years until he decided that never again would he shed another tear
So he walked through the door,
Grabbed a 4'4' out of his father's dresser drawer,
He said "I can't take life no more"
And like that,
Life can be lost.
But THIS AIN'T EVEN ABOUT THAT,
All of us just sat back and watched it happen.
Thinking "it's not my responsibility to solve a problem that isn't about me."
This IS our problem!
This is just one of the daily scenarios in which we choose to close our eyes instead of doing the right thing.
If we make a choice to be the voice for those who won't speak up for themselves,
How many lives would be saved, changed and rearranged?
Now it's OUR TIME to pick a side.
So don't keep walking by,
Not wanting to intervene
'Cause you just wanna exist and never be seen.
So let's wake up
And change the world
Our time is now.
You could be a hero (our. time. is. Now!)
Heroes do what's right.
You could be a hero (our. time. is. Now!)
You might save a life.
You could be a hero (our. time. is. Now!)
You could join the fight
For what's right...
What's right...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Does this song seem familiar to you? Probably. Superchick was a very popular band when this song came out. Superchick has a lot of other inspiring songs, so check out:
"One More" (one of my absolute favorites!)
"Courage" (mainly about anorexia nervosa)
"Hold" (most beautiful Superchick song... ever...)
"We Live" (live your life before it has a visible expiration date)
"Stand in the Rain" (my church's Christian Band a few years back performed this song... didn't make Nationals, but would have if the vocalist didn't forget some lyrics and the drummer didn't, um, break a drum...)
"So Beautiful" (about how you're beautiful the way you are)
First, let's go over the meaning of HEROES (I came up with the meaning when I was twelve, so bear with me).
Help, because
Everyone has a chance and deserves proper
Respect. It's too quick for anyone's life to be
Over, and to listen and be a friend can really save a life.
Everyone needs to be a hero.
Stand for what's right.
This annual series was originally based off Superchick's hit "Hero."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hero
No one sits with him,
He doesn't fit in
But we feel like we do when we make fun of him.
'Cause you want to belong,
Do you go along
'Cause his pain is the price paid for you to belong?
It's not like we hate him or want him to die
But maybe he goes home and thinks suicide
Or he comes back to school with a gun at his side
And the kindness of you might have saved his life...
Heroes are made when you make a choice.
You could be a hero,
Heroes do what's right.
You could be a hero,
You might save a life.
You could be a hero,
You could join the fight
For what's right
For what's right
For what's right.
No one talks to her,
She feels so alone,
She's in too much pain to survive on her own.
The hurt she can't handle overflows to a knife,
She writes on her arm, wants to give up her life.
Each day she goes on is a day that she's brave.
Fighting the lie that giving up is the way.
Each moment of courage, her own life she saves
When she throws the pills out, a hero is made.
Heroes are made when you make a choice.
You could be a hero,
Heroes do what's right.
You could be a hero,
You might save a life.
You could be a hero,
You could join the fight
For what's right
For what's right
For what's right.
No one talks to him about how he lives,
He thinks that the choices he makes are just his.
Doesn't know he's a leader with the way he behaves,
And others will follow the choices he's made.
He lives on the edge, he's old enough to decide.
His brother who wants to be him is just nine.
He can do what he wants
Because it's his right.
The choices he makes change a nine-year-old's life.
Heroes are made when you make a choice.
You could be a hero,
Heroes do what's right.
You could be a hero,
You might save a life.
You could be a hero,
You could join the fight
For what's right
For what's right
For what's right.
Little Mikey D. was the one in class who everyday a bully harassed.
This went on for years until he decided that never again would he shed another tear
So he walked through the door,
Grabbed a 4'4' out of his father's dresser drawer,
He said "I can't take life no more"
And like that,
Life can be lost.
But THIS AIN'T EVEN ABOUT THAT,
All of us just sat back and watched it happen.
Thinking "it's not my responsibility to solve a problem that isn't about me."
This IS our problem!
This is just one of the daily scenarios in which we choose to close our eyes instead of doing the right thing.
If we make a choice to be the voice for those who won't speak up for themselves,
How many lives would be saved, changed and rearranged?
Now it's OUR TIME to pick a side.
So don't keep walking by,
Not wanting to intervene
'Cause you just wanna exist and never be seen.
So let's wake up
And change the world
Our time is now.
You could be a hero (our. time. is. Now!)
Heroes do what's right.
You could be a hero (our. time. is. Now!)
You might save a life.
You could be a hero (our. time. is. Now!)
You could join the fight
For what's right...
What's right...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Does this song seem familiar to you? Probably. Superchick was a very popular band when this song came out. Superchick has a lot of other inspiring songs, so check out:
"One More" (one of my absolute favorites!)
"Courage" (mainly about anorexia nervosa)
"Hold" (most beautiful Superchick song... ever...)
"We Live" (live your life before it has a visible expiration date)
"Stand in the Rain" (my church's Christian Band a few years back performed this song... didn't make Nationals, but would have if the vocalist didn't forget some lyrics and the drummer didn't, um, break a drum...)
"So Beautiful" (about how you're beautiful the way you are)
When I first heard "Hero," I was a nine-year-old moshing at a concert. Yes, nine. AND moshing. I never thought of this song, as, like, anything. I had a lot of friends, but I was also homeschooled and didn't experience bullying the way I do now. I do not really get bullied, but everyone experiences it. And in most cases, it does NOT feel good. There are three people you can be:
- The bullied
- The bully
- The by-stander
Pick a side. You wanna know who I am? Well, most of us have been all three. Even the bully. I will explain to you my stories and why I sometimes fit in all three categories.
I have been insulted---a lot---for my awkward personality. I am socially awkward, but not in a quiet way... I mean in a really weird and really loud way. I've done some super weird things since I've started eighth grade at my new school. I had some leeway, but not much, for being Faith's sister. The eleventh and tenth-graders are highly looked up to at my school (no seniors go there yet). Faith is a sophomore, so all my teachers were like, "Who are you? What's your last name? Ezell? Aw, you're Faith's sister! And your name is Hope? Aw, you two are just little cuties!" Yeah, the majority of my teachers are girls, as you'd expect. But despite how annoying it is to explain the fact I am related to Faith, the teachers... eh, some of them.... love me becase Faith is like, an overachiever so they expected me to be... but no, I'm a bit of an under-achiever. I get the work done, but I chillax while doing so. So, there are some people that don't like me. Students, in particular.
There are three social classes in my half of the grade, that's 27 kids.
- The populars, who are actually really nice.
- The thinks-they're-populars, who turn you into a mean girl or jock the second you start hanging out with them.
- My group, which is a lot of black girls, class clowns, math geeks (which that I am not and I kinda wish I was).
- There's only really one outcast, and that's the scary part.
The populars are very nice to pretty much everyone. The author of "Mid-Morning Sunset" is in that group, and he's actually like, probably the top of that group's food chain, as weird as that may sound. That group is very inclusive, and my group, even though it's full of really weird kids (not saying black kids are weird, though, after all I am one), my group is slightly connected to theirs. Especially because me and a couple kids from the popular group are trying to start a band and it's not working very well... I dropped my guitar on the bus...
The thinks-they're-populars are really mean. However, it is possible to join that group and not morph into the stereotype of a cheerleader. Kiana, the author of "A Box of Horrible Treasures" (nominated for the Best Blog of 2011, so please vote) is in that group and is still the same. Again, they are mean. Like, our science teacher had to move this kid's assigned seat because he talks too much. We had to sit next to each other last quarter and neither of us were very happy about it. So, he moved to a seat that's... tada!... right next to little Hopie. "Ugh, I have to sit next to Hope again???" He asked. Of course, the kids in his group laughed. I didn't find that very funny AT ALL, but I laughed along and said, "Oh, what was THAT supposed to mean?" I didn't laugh to cover up how SICK OF HIM I REALLY AM, or to hide how much I wanted to say what he said but right back at him, but to basically say, "I'm not gonna be your little slave. You don't like me? Whatever. I'm just as happy to sit next to you as you are to sit by me. So? Welcome to the third quarter at the Dayton Regional ... School."
Also, when I made the Christmas cards for all 27 eighth graders in my half, that group of kids all rudely tore theirs down or ripped them up. I didn't really expect them to have them to this day, although one kid still has his up and I'm starting to get scared, but I kinda wish they disposed theirs in a nicer way. Like, politely taking it down, folding it, throwing it away. Or, a thank-you could totally work. But that's alright. The 1 thank-you I got after a month of work on 27 cards made it worth it. Only 1 thank-you. Kinda sad, isn't it? But hey, at least someone cared that I spent a lot of time to make everyone smile.
How have I been the bully? Well I joke around a lot. Sometimes it pushes a little too far. But don't worry, I'm quick to apologize. Plus, I've been taking life a lot more seriously lately and people actually come to me for advice. So, yes, I do have good advice if you don't believe me... just "Ask me Anything" in my "Ask Me Anything" page! You have a question? I have an answer.
Most of the time I am a by-stander. "Hero" reaches out to me a lot because, every time I write out the lyrics to this song it reminds me of who I am, what I've done. Now that I am public-schooled, this song is more real than ever before. "It's not my responsibilty to solve a problem that isn't about me," that's what I've been thinking. But, you know what? "This IS our problem!" The problem is that, right there. We step back, do nothing, watch lives fade when we have perfect access to watch them suffer... perfect access to do something. I want to help, but I'm "not wanting to intervene" because I "just wanna exist and never be seen." I want to be seen---we all do---but sometimes it can be like, "Me? Talk to him? No, everyone will give me crap about it." But you have to step out of your comfort zone. Because life? More important than popularity.
Our time is now.
Friday, January 21, 2011
HEROES Week~The Stand (Looong post, some of it is mumbo jumbo malarkey.)
"So what can I say? What can I do? But offer this heart oh God completely to you."
"So I'll stand with arms high and heart abandoned in awe of the One who gave it all. I'll stand, my soul LORD to you surrendered, all I am is yours."
Sorry we don't have the end:( But still, it's a cool video!
Boy... Do I wish I wrote that song! It's my favorite worship song! It's one of those songs that you're just like, I don't know how to explain it... Like, there's an instant peace inside of you. Let me try to make myself clear with a few examples: (Beware, I'm getting off subject.)
1. (I used this example talking about a verse, at Missions Extreme camp 2010) Like when you're trying on a dress and then you find another piece that just perfectly matches your dress... Okay, if you didn't quite 'get' that or didn't take it seriously, it's fine. It is a little silly:)
2.When you're at the beach, and you're one of the only people there on a cloudy, cold day. All you hear is what you want to hear... the sounds of the ocean... like an instant peace that fills your whole body.
3. You know that feeling you get when your song is being played? it's like when you're at a party and you're like, "Yeah, baby! I LOVE Linkin Park!" (Couldn't think of any better bands.) It's like that when you hear that one worship song and you're just like, "Oh, this is my jam!"
I love this song... I can just worship God and it's just me and Him... I don't even really have to 'think up' anything, it's already there. You don't know what to say, you don't know what to do, because all I can think of is in this song. So if you're wondering what goes through my mind at worship? This is it. My moment of peace. My prayer. My happiness.
----------------
Okay.... Enough standing, now let's talk about the stand, between you and the world!
Let me tell you, it's been a bogus week. I haven't been anywhere. And when I say that, I really mean I haven't been anywhere. Nowhere. Just sitting at home, watching the same YouTube video and playing that same song on JUST DANCE. (I'll show you that tomorrow.)
I went to JAM on Sunday, my first time being there as a volunteer. It was my first time, so yeah, it was weird-feeling, you know, telling the same kids to pay attention that you were in JAM with a few months ago. But I enjoyed it.
On Monday, I went nowhere because it was Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday.
On Tuesday, I went nowhere. I thought I had volleyball practice at 8p.m. and it turns out it was at 6p.m. Ooops:(
On Wednesday, I didn't go to church because "I have homework", (Faith's lame excuse) "I have exams", (Charity's excuse) "I'm tired", (Mom's excuse) and "I don't feel good today, my leg hurts." (Dad is the only one who actually had a reason.)
On Thursday, I didn't have class because some friends were sick.
On Friday, (today) I would normally have gone to a workshop but couldn't. However, I am looking forward to the Science Fair.
Tomorrow, I'm looking forward to Dad's band practice, you know, give me something to do. Sunday, I have to work in the nursery with (Dun, dun, dun....) the FIVE-YEAR-OLDS. Let me tell you, sometimes, it's torture. It can be bad. SOMEBODY HELP ME!!!!!!
-----------------------------------------------
Sorry, I had to tell you about my week. Now, here's the real stuff.
Sometimes it feels like no one cares
To be alive, they just throw their lives
Away. They need to stand, simply because they can, and make a change... save our dying world someday
Never should they give in, never should they give up on what's right. They need to fight.
Don't lose your soul, it won't make you whole, take a stand, you have a chance.
-------------------------
I've been writing acronym-ish poems lately... I hope you like them!
Lately it seems like---well, we all know our world is ending soon---but it seems like everyone's living their lives like we have all the time in the world. Partying like it's 1999. Walking on indifferently. Going with the crowd.
Well, think back to if it really was 1999. Who'd party and ruin their reputation if the world was ending? Well, that situation is over. 1999-ers... you got lucky!
We have no time to do nothing anymore. Now, we have to do something. We have no choice. This week was designed with the world in mind. With you in mind. With your friends in mind. With everyone but me in mind. (Okay... I have to admit I wanted some more blog traffic, but still! With you in mind!) The real reason I update this blog so often and put new designs and gadgets up because I want more traffic. I want more people to read about Jesus and how He saves lives and everything. I also like seeing the number of hits go up, but it's good to know that you can help make a difference by doing what you do everyday!
When I looked up Degrassi videos that had to do with Superchick's "Hero", there were many summaries about that season of the show, and one character became a Christian through his girlfriend. Degrassi.... not a very good show, but that's one good thing that came out of it. That episode helped a lot of teens. Probably didn't save anyone, but still, it's doing something to change the world.
Everyone is the same in this world. No one has fun anymore. No one is different anymore. Barely anyone reaches out a helping hand anymore. People still do, but it's scarce--- now more than ever. Never have I given money to the poor (well, yes I have, as in roadside stuff, but never in an organized way other than Missions Extreme) or helped out at a soup kitchen (well, I did once, but I was little.), but I can still help... somehow.
A little creativity helps. Wear clothes that don't match. Wear makeup (for you girls, let's have some fun!) that's extremely bright. Get bright green blog templates. (i'm not gonna do that... I get pretty darn bad headaches.) Be different. In an indifferent world, you'll be different--- I'm sure.
Earlier, I talked about taking a stand, not just simply saying 'stop'. Here's your stand.
This is the last day of HEROES Week, and I'm going back to normal blogging after this. But being a hero begins here. Be a hero for yourself, and take the stand. Listen to the song I have at the very top of this looooong post, and think about it.
To be a hero for others, you must be a hero in your own life as well.
The rest is written on your own. Be a hero. Will you save your life as well?
Save your life.
"I'll stand, my soul LORD to You surrendered, all I am is Yours."
-------------------------
I've been writing acronym-ish poems lately... I hope you like them!
Lately it seems like---well, we all know our world is ending soon---but it seems like everyone's living their lives like we have all the time in the world. Partying like it's 1999. Walking on indifferently. Going with the crowd.
Well, think back to if it really was 1999. Who'd party and ruin their reputation if the world was ending? Well, that situation is over. 1999-ers... you got lucky!
We have no time to do nothing anymore. Now, we have to do something. We have no choice. This week was designed with the world in mind. With you in mind. With your friends in mind. With everyone but me in mind. (Okay... I have to admit I wanted some more blog traffic, but still! With you in mind!) The real reason I update this blog so often and put new designs and gadgets up because I want more traffic. I want more people to read about Jesus and how He saves lives and everything. I also like seeing the number of hits go up, but it's good to know that you can help make a difference by doing what you do everyday!
When I looked up Degrassi videos that had to do with Superchick's "Hero", there were many summaries about that season of the show, and one character became a Christian through his girlfriend. Degrassi.... not a very good show, but that's one good thing that came out of it. That episode helped a lot of teens. Probably didn't save anyone, but still, it's doing something to change the world.
Everyone is the same in this world. No one has fun anymore. No one is different anymore. Barely anyone reaches out a helping hand anymore. People still do, but it's scarce--- now more than ever. Never have I given money to the poor (well, yes I have, as in roadside stuff, but never in an organized way other than Missions Extreme) or helped out at a soup kitchen (well, I did once, but I was little.), but I can still help... somehow.
A little creativity helps. Wear clothes that don't match. Wear makeup (for you girls, let's have some fun!) that's extremely bright. Get bright green blog templates. (i'm not gonna do that... I get pretty darn bad headaches.) Be different. In an indifferent world, you'll be different--- I'm sure.
Earlier, I talked about taking a stand, not just simply saying 'stop'. Here's your stand.
This is the last day of HEROES Week, and I'm going back to normal blogging after this. But being a hero begins here. Be a hero for yourself, and take the stand. Listen to the song I have at the very top of this looooong post, and think about it.
To be a hero for others, you must be a hero in your own life as well.
The rest is written on your own. Be a hero. Will you save your life as well?
Save your life.
"I'll stand, my soul LORD to You surrendered, all I am is Yours."
Thursday, January 20, 2011
HEROES Week~Start Saving Lives. Start Now.
We've all heard "How To Save A Life" by now. If you haven't, it's on my playlist and it's by The Fray, $1.29 on iTunes.
Do you know why it was written? You may think, "well, obviously someone died."
BINGO, someone died.
A while ago, and when I say 'a while', I mean 2005-ish, A real long time ago, the band leader had a really good friend who one day overdosed on drugs and well... Bye-Bye BFF.
That explanation may have sounded a little heartless, but that's how it is. Now, the singer is thinking a common thing, "What could I have done differently? How can I prevent this from happening to someone else and save the next person like him?" So he wrote a song about everything he didn't do, and that you need to do it to save the next person like him. This song helps you become a hero, and even though the song is quite depressing, happiness comes out of it. He became stronger from what happened, and became a hero in the making by publishing this song. He's saying, "be a hero. I didn't make up my characters, it really happened. You don't want it to happen to you. Be a hero. You can learn from my mistake."
Poor man doesn't understand that he didn't make a mistake. It's not his fault that his friend died. But, he could've done better. But if he already tried, no need to drown in reget. He'll get it right, soon.
It's good that it happened to him in a way, because he's telling you, "Do something. You don't want this to happen to you. Be a hero. Do what I didn't do." While mourning over the loss of his friend, he saved many other friends. That's a real hero.
But, in order to be a hero without a sob story, save lives without having to lose one. Find someone who's sitting alone at lunch and talk to them--- even give up your spot at a full table. If you're homeschooled, like me, you can still find a place to be a hero. Find a friend in your neighborhood. Talk to that girl who is twisting her hair in the corner at camp. Talk to teammate during warm-ups at cheer practice. Do something. You'll help a kid... Maybe even help yourself! Making friends benefits everyone, and will make you happier as well as the people!
Remember your time is now
"I'm staring at the man in the mirror. I'm asking him to change his ways. No message could've been any clearer if you wanna make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and make a change."-Micheal Jackson.
Do you know why it was written? You may think, "well, obviously someone died."
BINGO, someone died.
A while ago, and when I say 'a while', I mean 2005-ish, A real long time ago, the band leader had a really good friend who one day overdosed on drugs and well... Bye-Bye BFF.
That explanation may have sounded a little heartless, but that's how it is. Now, the singer is thinking a common thing, "What could I have done differently? How can I prevent this from happening to someone else and save the next person like him?" So he wrote a song about everything he didn't do, and that you need to do it to save the next person like him. This song helps you become a hero, and even though the song is quite depressing, happiness comes out of it. He became stronger from what happened, and became a hero in the making by publishing this song. He's saying, "be a hero. I didn't make up my characters, it really happened. You don't want it to happen to you. Be a hero. You can learn from my mistake."
Poor man doesn't understand that he didn't make a mistake. It's not his fault that his friend died. But, he could've done better. But if he already tried, no need to drown in reget. He'll get it right, soon.
It's good that it happened to him in a way, because he's telling you, "Do something. You don't want this to happen to you. Be a hero. Do what I didn't do." While mourning over the loss of his friend, he saved many other friends. That's a real hero.
But, in order to be a hero without a sob story, save lives without having to lose one. Find someone who's sitting alone at lunch and talk to them--- even give up your spot at a full table. If you're homeschooled, like me, you can still find a place to be a hero. Find a friend in your neighborhood. Talk to that girl who is twisting her hair in the corner at camp. Talk to teammate during warm-ups at cheer practice. Do something. You'll help a kid... Maybe even help yourself! Making friends benefits everyone, and will make you happier as well as the people!
Remember your time is now
"I'm staring at the man in the mirror. I'm asking him to change his ways. No message could've been any clearer if you wanna make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and make a change."-Micheal Jackson.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
HEROES Week~R-E-S-P-E-C-T!
I would show you the video, but we all know the song. You know the drill:
"R-E-S-P-E-C-T, find out what it means to me..."
Yeah. Respect me. I don't play, I want my respect.
"We're tired of banging our heads against the wall and working for someone else. We're people too, we like the birds and the bees... We'd rather die on our feet, than keep living on our knees."-James Brown.
We're Christians! We're tired of banging our heads against the wall (like how we keep running into sin) and working for someone else. We work for Jesus! Yes, we have fun, too. Even though living the Christian life may seem to the outside people like no fun, but we have more fun! Just because we have extra standards doesn't mean anything. We're people, too. But we'd rather die doing something than live doing nothing.
So, to be a hero, you have to respect.
----------------
Respect my face
Even though I'm young, it ain't wasted
Space.
People try to turn me around, ruin my life, but
Everyone can mean no one. I'm living for God! So respect me, please
Can you give me some ease?
Trust me, life can have more peace
If you'd just respect me, please.
-------------------------------
This means to be a friend, but more than just the average.
THE AVERAGE 'BFF'
-Is there in tough situations
-Is there in the fun times
-Supports you when it's most important
-You can still have lots of fun with them
-You spend a lot of time with them
A GREAT FRIEND
-Is there in tough situations, BUT doesn't try to squeeze things out of your mouth that you don't want to talk about in the moment, respects your emotions.
-Is there in the fun times, AND helps you remember the other fun [and embarrassing!] times.
-Supports you, never brings you down (and they go to that big pageant every year, just for you).
-You still have the funnest times with them, no matter what!!!
-You spend a lot of time with them--- HELLO, that's why you're BEST friends!
So... how can you actually be a HERO this way? Like, a serious hero? A real hero?
Friends are important people to help.
Friends also can get into bad situations. If you're there in the good times and bad, when it comes time to tackle the ugly, it's easy to help and fix the problem. Friends get depressed--- no, we all get depressed. But if one day your friend really is depressed and the pain won't leave, and if they even bring up the thought of something horrible happening to themselves, like suicide, you can say, "Don't die. Because you're a great friend. If you die, many others can't live without you. Everyone will miss you, and besides, life has it's ups and downs. You don't want to miss out on all the fun things that are coming soon! And you don't want anyone else missing out because they're sad." That won't do much, but in your own wording, you're sure to help them feel a little better, and not have to be singing "How To Save A Life". But, if they do make a bad choice, you can say that you did something. That's a real hero.
Respect me... I'm a person, too!
Die on your feet... Don't live on your knees.
"R-E-S-P-E-C-T, find out what it means to me..."
Yeah. Respect me. I don't play, I want my respect.
"We're tired of banging our heads against the wall and working for someone else. We're people too, we like the birds and the bees... We'd rather die on our feet, than keep living on our knees."-James Brown.
We're Christians! We're tired of banging our heads against the wall (like how we keep running into sin) and working for someone else. We work for Jesus! Yes, we have fun, too. Even though living the Christian life may seem to the outside people like no fun, but we have more fun! Just because we have extra standards doesn't mean anything. We're people, too. But we'd rather die doing something than live doing nothing.
So, to be a hero, you have to respect.
----------------
Respect my face
Even though I'm young, it ain't wasted
Space.
People try to turn me around, ruin my life, but
Everyone can mean no one. I'm living for God! So respect me, please
Can you give me some ease?
Trust me, life can have more peace
If you'd just respect me, please.
-------------------------------
This means to be a friend, but more than just the average.
THE AVERAGE 'BFF'
-Is there in tough situations
-Is there in the fun times
-Supports you when it's most important
-You can still have lots of fun with them
-You spend a lot of time with them
A GREAT FRIEND
-Is there in tough situations, BUT doesn't try to squeeze things out of your mouth that you don't want to talk about in the moment, respects your emotions.
-Is there in the fun times, AND helps you remember the other fun [and embarrassing!] times.
-Supports you, never brings you down (and they go to that big pageant every year, just for you).
-You still have the funnest times with them, no matter what!!!
-You spend a lot of time with them--- HELLO, that's why you're BEST friends!
So... how can you actually be a HERO this way? Like, a serious hero? A real hero?
Friends are important people to help.
Friends also can get into bad situations. If you're there in the good times and bad, when it comes time to tackle the ugly, it's easy to help and fix the problem. Friends get depressed--- no, we all get depressed. But if one day your friend really is depressed and the pain won't leave, and if they even bring up the thought of something horrible happening to themselves, like suicide, you can say, "Don't die. Because you're a great friend. If you die, many others can't live without you. Everyone will miss you, and besides, life has it's ups and downs. You don't want to miss out on all the fun things that are coming soon! And you don't want anyone else missing out because they're sad." That won't do much, but in your own wording, you're sure to help them feel a little better, and not have to be singing "How To Save A Life". But, if they do make a bad choice, you can say that you did something. That's a real hero.
Respect me... I'm a person, too!
Die on your feet... Don't live on your knees.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
HEROES Week~They Don't Really Care About Us: FALSE!
Ever heard that one song by Micheal Jackson that says "All I wanna say is that they don't really care about us!" Well, that's false! God cares about us! But when bullying strikes, 'they' really don't seem to care about 'us'.
This is not the version I wanted. I wanted the Degrassi version, so if you want to see that, go to Degrassi-Hero. That version is the best version, so please, click the link. It's appropriate... well, if you count the song as appropriate.
This is how to be a hero. The Degrassi version of the video shows what really happens in high school, junior high, and even elementary. What is it saying?
This is not an elementary school problem anymore. Bullying happens everywhere, and happens to everyone. It sends a lie through your brain: "They don't really care about me, that's why they say they hate me. If I left the school, no one would miss me. They don't care that I'm miserable, I'm just a toy, an accesory they use to make themselves look good."
It's a lie. You try to laugh it off, say you feel fine, but it still hurts. I don't know about you, but I know that it feels horrible to be bullied. I've never been bullied like Rick (The kid who eventually grabs the gun in the Degrassi video) was, but there have been times when I spend hours trying to make myself look good, and someone says, "Your outfit is so tacky", or "Your perfume... no one wears CHANEL in the seventh grade!" It bothers everyone. It hurts. You do your best everyday and someone just goes up to you to make all that work go down the drain? It feels horrible.
Maybe you're bullied, and no one helps you. You can be a hero, and maybe next time, someone WILL help you. Maybe no one you know will ever grab a gun and shoot you. Maybe no one will bully you. But someday, whether you're homeschooled or done with school, you will encounter a depressed person or bullied person. You might see a bully. You might BE the bully.
I hope both videos helped you understand that bullying hurts. Just like how racism hurts, and Martin Luther King Jr. helped just a little bit, bullying hurts every person, every race. You can make a difference.
Stop the lie. Next time you see someone who thinks, "They don't really care about us", let them know about the person who does care about us. They may know who God is, but do they really? If you asked them to summarize who He is, could they do it?
Our time is now. Stop sitting on the couch, watching crime shows and thinking, "If only things had been different for them." Things can be different, and things will be different, once we learn that we don't have the time to wait anymore. We know that Jesus is coming soon, and only God knows when. So tell the world that God is coming soon, and someday, the pain really will end. But taking your own life is not an escape from the pain, it's the beginning. Because if you're not a Christian, let me tell you, Hell is not a fun place to be.
Stop waiting. Our time is now!!!
This is not the version I wanted. I wanted the Degrassi version, so if you want to see that, go to Degrassi-Hero. That version is the best version, so please, click the link. It's appropriate... well, if you count the song as appropriate.
This is how to be a hero. The Degrassi version of the video shows what really happens in high school, junior high, and even elementary. What is it saying?
This is not an elementary school problem anymore. Bullying happens everywhere, and happens to everyone. It sends a lie through your brain: "They don't really care about me, that's why they say they hate me. If I left the school, no one would miss me. They don't care that I'm miserable, I'm just a toy, an accesory they use to make themselves look good."
It's a lie. You try to laugh it off, say you feel fine, but it still hurts. I don't know about you, but I know that it feels horrible to be bullied. I've never been bullied like Rick (The kid who eventually grabs the gun in the Degrassi video) was, but there have been times when I spend hours trying to make myself look good, and someone says, "Your outfit is so tacky", or "Your perfume... no one wears CHANEL in the seventh grade!" It bothers everyone. It hurts. You do your best everyday and someone just goes up to you to make all that work go down the drain? It feels horrible.
Maybe you're bullied, and no one helps you. You can be a hero, and maybe next time, someone WILL help you. Maybe no one you know will ever grab a gun and shoot you. Maybe no one will bully you. But someday, whether you're homeschooled or done with school, you will encounter a depressed person or bullied person. You might see a bully. You might BE the bully.
I hope both videos helped you understand that bullying hurts. Just like how racism hurts, and Martin Luther King Jr. helped just a little bit, bullying hurts every person, every race. You can make a difference.
Stop the lie. Next time you see someone who thinks, "They don't really care about us", let them know about the person who does care about us. They may know who God is, but do they really? If you asked them to summarize who He is, could they do it?
Our time is now. Stop sitting on the couch, watching crime shows and thinking, "If only things had been different for them." Things can be different, and things will be different, once we learn that we don't have the time to wait anymore. We know that Jesus is coming soon, and only God knows when. So tell the world that God is coming soon, and someday, the pain really will end. But taking your own life is not an escape from the pain, it's the beginning. Because if you're not a Christian, let me tell you, Hell is not a fun place to be.
Stop waiting. Our time is now!!!
HEROES Week
What's a better way to start a week than having Sunday AND Monday off??? Sounds like fun! Well, I was sick all last week, so today is just another day.
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It started as a dream. Today, it continues as a reality. (And as a day off.)
Yesterday was MLK day! Milk day, Martin Luther King Jr. day... whatever you call it. You didn't have to watch the whole video. But if it meant anything at all to you, it meant the world to me.
Martin was a true hero. What's the definition?
"You could be a HERO, heroes do what's RIGHT. You could be a HERO, you might SAVE a life. You could be a hero, you could join the fight for what's right..."-Superchick.
It's easy. Just do whatever you think is right. It's easy. Don't just stand there and say "Hey, that's wrong..." Take a stand for what's right, don't just correct what's wrong!
Be a hero.
Help, because
Everyone has a chance and deserves proper
Respect. It's too quick for anyone's life to be
Over, and to listen and be a friend can really save a life.
Everyone needs to be a hero.
Stand for what's right.
That's the HEROES poem, written by me:)
Can't we all be heroes??? Can't we all do just that??? Help when things are wrong? Talk to people outside of your social circle? (That one will be hard.) Respect? (Don't make me spell it out!) Listen? Be a friend? Stand for what you believe in? We can all do that.
We can ALL be heroes. Starting today.
------------
I might post later on today to make up for yesterday's not blogging.
MLK: HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YA!:)
------------------
It started as a dream. Today, it continues as a reality. (And as a day off.)
Yesterday was MLK day! Milk day, Martin Luther King Jr. day... whatever you call it. You didn't have to watch the whole video. But if it meant anything at all to you, it meant the world to me.
Martin was a true hero. What's the definition?
"You could be a HERO, heroes do what's RIGHT. You could be a HERO, you might SAVE a life. You could be a hero, you could join the fight for what's right..."-Superchick.
It's easy. Just do whatever you think is right. It's easy. Don't just stand there and say "Hey, that's wrong..." Take a stand for what's right, don't just correct what's wrong!
Be a hero.
Help, because
Everyone has a chance and deserves proper
Respect. It's too quick for anyone's life to be
Over, and to listen and be a friend can really save a life.
Everyone needs to be a hero.
Stand for what's right.
That's the HEROES poem, written by me:)
Can't we all be heroes??? Can't we all do just that??? Help when things are wrong? Talk to people outside of your social circle? (That one will be hard.) Respect? (Don't make me spell it out!) Listen? Be a friend? Stand for what you believe in? We can all do that.
We can ALL be heroes. Starting today.
------------
I might post later on today to make up for yesterday's not blogging.
MLK: HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YA!:)
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