HAPPY SATURDAY

In stressful times, the thing you shouldn't bundle with all of the other stuff is the thing you love. Never make the mistake of abandoning or neglecting the thing you love to do most. There's always time and space for it. It's like medicine. Do what you love. It greatly improves your disposition
Do your very best--whether it's your thing or not; whether your name will be called or not. It's perfectly okay--humbling, healing, and gratifying, even--to help or encourage someone else shine even brighter.

ON THE JOB

Authority is designated. Responsibility is not. Recognizing who on the job has either is important, so is knowing in which category you fall. Everybody sings the praises of "staying in your lane", following chain of command, and knowing your place, but knowing when to take initiative and when to fall back can be tricky.

You get a message from someone with whom you were once contracted to work. There were three of you on the job at that time. Three, to you, is ideal for the task. Your skills are needed once again, but the employee who contacted you on behalf of the employer, (and is the employee in whom the employer has the strongest relationship, and most confidence), is otherwise obligated. The third employee, who was on the job, happens to be nearby so you relay the message. The third employee, like you, is available.
You wonder if there will be a new, third employee. You have specific ideas about who would not only do the task very well, but would gel with you and the third employee. Whose obligation is it to contact, secure, or recommend a replacement employee?
A. The contact's
B. The employer's
C.Yours, and or the third employee's
D. No one's 

You ask the employee who contacted you to forward your information, and that of the third employee, to the employer in order to get more details about the job. You wait to hear from the employer...one week...Nothing...then a second week. Crickets. You assume:
A. The job was cancelled.
B. The contact forgot, or sabotaged the opportunity.
C. The employer decided not to proceed without the original team.
D. The employer chose alternate employees.
E. The contact accidentally forwarded incorrect information

The designated start date of the job is fast approaching. If the tasks are in any way like they were in the past, there is information you will need from the employer in order to be successful. It is not the kind of information you should be, or want to be receiving at the ninth hour. You acquire the employer's contact information. Are you being:
A. Proactive and demonstrating a sign of initiative?
B. Pushy and pressed?
C. Void of confidence?
D. Impatient?

The job start date is 5 days away. You have still heard nothing. You:
A. Assume it's not going to happen.
B. Continue waiting.
C. Lament your time being wasted.
D. Make other plans.

FRIDAY THOUGHTS: DECISIONS, DECISIONS

Though they may facilitate a perfect scenario or ensure the ease, efficiency or enjoyment of a situation, your input, vision, suggestions, decisions, or recommendations may be rejected, and viewed as grossly out of order, if you are neither the responsible nor the authorized party. 

You could say something, perhaps to be proactive, or even helpful, but should you? 

When you're not sure, it's never a good idea to visit your lack of clarity on others. 

It's annoying enough for you to walk around wondering what may or might happen based on information that's sketchy. Why visit that on someone else? 

No one likes being on hold. 

Why pass the telephone to someone else? 

The muzak won't sound any more appealing to them. 

Why be the catalyst that causes someone else to wander in a fog, waste time, wait unnecessarily, or miss sure opportunities?

As much as you may want to make decisions, sometimes you simply can't. I mean...okay...you can, but what would be the consequences or expense incurred of overruling, imposing, or being assertive? Would going out on a limb--even if it's a good strong limb-- backfire, and leave you not only out of the tree in the future, but out of the grove altogether?
Ever feel as if you're being accused of being exclusionary, when the inclusion of something or someone wasn't even your call to make? Sometimes people assume that you have clout you simply do not possess, and expect you to stick your neck out.

There is a clarion call these days for everyone to stay in their lanes, but sometimes, people are as disappointed in you for doing so, as they would be if you didn't--especially if your failure to arrogantly veer into another lane would have benefited them.  People lie about what their roles are and who's responsible for a mess that didn't have to occur. Sure. They do it to get the heat off of their own backs and that, though not excusable, is understandable. If someone is going to be crawling out from the underside of a bus, people would rather it be you than them.

Every now and then you're so happy you kept every email, text message, and voice mail message. Those time and date stamps keep you and others honest about the who, what, when, where, why, how of a matter.
Clear the air. The sooner, the better. 

Confrontation isn't always fun, but it is often necessary in those annoying "he said", "she said" situations. 

Confrontation can't be done in secret. Every player involved should be at the table, making the way for everyone to speak for him or herself. Too often people speak for others and are neither capable, coherent, authorized, or honest. 

Misunderstanding thrives when key players are missing, there's remote meddling from someone out of the loop, or when people just choose to believe the worst scenario.
Venting to the wrong person may solidify your backward or inaccurate assessment of a matter. Depending upon the players involved, you can find yourself embroiled in unmerited fury. Why choose to be upset, suspicious, or skeptical when you can be clear? If you're going to be upset, at least let it be for the truth of a matter and not your perception of it. If it's a matter where the person with whom you should be most annoyed is you, because of what you said, did, or neglected to do, work that out, but be careful not to assign blame where it doesn't deserve to be. "Misunderstanding" is only the appropriate word when at least some communication has taken place. You can't misunderstand what you've never heard.
When you don't speak up because you know or believe you are not authorized to do so, never be surprised when others fill in those silent spaces for you.
I was always encouraged by my veteran father to observe chain of command wherever it existed. Is there ever a time to skip a link in the chain, be aggressive or pushy and shed your penchant for passivity? Yes-- In the interest of the truth.

FRIDAY THOUGHTS: THURSDAY

Thursday was a very good, creative, stress-free, drama-free, harmonious, productive, fun day--that I needed very much. 

I didn't even mind the cold. 

The snowfall was beautiful, and cleared up just in time so that the roads were passable.
The chamomile tea helped greatly.
It was great spending time with my daughter.
The ride to Georgetown was void of traffic.
Even the parking space we found, made me feel like someone was looking out for me.

Two shows down, four to go at historic Blues Alley, with the incomparable Angela Winbush and her outstanding band. 

I love background singing.

I should be asleep.

Purpose to have as many happy days as you can. Having work that you enjoy helps greatly. 

Thursday, February 26, 2015 goes into the Really, Really, Truly Good Day file...: )

CAREGIVER DIARIES: DIFFICULT PEOPLE

Being a caregiver can be one of the most honorable tasks one could ever assume. It can also be one of the most disappointing and stressful, with the illness, and all that it demands, being the least worrisome aspect of all. 

Sometimes, a caregiver's most lingering problem is people. When dealing with people, particularly difficult ones, balance is mandatory.

In a caregiving situation, with people coming and going, phones ringing, and conversations being had, you learn a great deal more than you even want to know about the friends and acquaintances, personal business, and daily routines of an ailing person. 

If you're a live-in caregiver, you may find yourself not only wearing lots of hats, but embroiled in a bit of a soap opera. 

You can also become a target. Your presence is a hindrance to people who previously had, and hoped to have plans for the resources of an ailing person. Your presence can be perceived as a blockade to what was once unrestricted access. You become privy to information people don't exactly want you to have. You learn who has been genuine in their concern, and who has been unscrupulous in their pursuits. You learn who has been helping themselves to the ailing person's fixed income, good credit, vehicle, food, etc., and using them for services ranging from babysitting, to laundry, to lodging, to storage, because of course, they're old and they're not going anywhere. They're just sitting or lying there. There's a school of thought that says they don't need their stuff, time, or space. They won't see it. They won't miss it. They won't mind. The ailing person's home becomes a venue, a repository, a stopover spot, a thrift store.

As a live-in caregiver, you may learn that you are in someone's way and they don't like it. Illness demands that routines change. Some people don't get it. People will attempt to make a caregiver's life miserable. It's not the caregiver's home. Why should they care if the caregiver gets sleep or rest, or an opportunity to enjoy a meal in peace? Why not drop in before dawn and or at dinner time? Many people see the caregiver as a maid or butler. They're serving the ailing person, so why not serve everyone else who happens by? A caregiver shouldn't be surprised if schemes are hatched to paint him or her as untrustworthy or incompetent. Busybodies don't want the job, but they don't want the caregiver to have it, either. 
I don't know why some people think caregivers have somehow hit the jackpot as if care giving is synonymous with being at a luxury spa. It's work--often sunup to sundown work. Why people endeavor to make it unbearable is beyond me.
It is so important for a caregiver to maintain his or her own friendships and support systems. The friends and acquaintances of the ailing person don't always prove to be allies in the effort. They can be gigantic thorns in the side of a caregiver as they micromanage from afar, disrupt routines, sabotage dietary restrictions, make thoughtless suggestions, and hinder more than they help.

As a caregiver, you learn how the ailing person feels about everyone. You soon associate names with faces. You have to know who to let inside, and who to speak to through the locked, storm door. Your presence, as a caregiver, can be downright resented. I wish I had a dollar for every time I heard, "Oh, she's there?". "She", said with contempt, as if I'm not a blood relation, but some crackhead stranger who wandered in off of the street. "She", said with skepticism, as if I'm lollygagging and mooching and not fulfilling a legitimate, specific need to assist an ailing, elderly relative. "She". Yep. That's been me.

It's particularly dangerous when people have no idea what you know, or what you've seen and heard. People have no clue if the ailing person even knows their names, or what the ailing person has said about them. If they did, they'd steer clear of, or be much nicer to the caregiver. Friendship with the ailing person does not translate to friendship with the caregiver--unless people demonstrate, in word and deed, that they really are trustworthy, committed friends. Unfortunately, many caregivers can testify to long stretches of time spent alone, with no help at all, and becoming the focus of the ailing person's frustration with their condition or mortality. 

Where do these "friends" disappear to when times are difficult? Why do they emerge when they think a funeral is imminent or there's some Kodak moment, like a birthday? What makes people so antagonistic when it comes to an ailing person's family? Family caregivers can be some of the most burdened people.

I've been in a care giving situation, off and on, for the last 10 years. I thank God for people who've understood, quietly helped, and encouraged me. I've also learned just how horribly callous, clueless, thoughtless, dishonest, selfish, deceitful, greedy, nosy, insensitive, and inconsiderate some people can be (sadly, people whose names appear on church directories). I could be one extremely furious, stressed out individual-- if I allowed myself to be. I've silently endured more disregard and disrespect than I care to admit, all while caring for my Dad. I see, now, why people abuse drugs and alcohol. I don't want to adopt any new vices, but I surely do understand how a person can be driven to them.

I was raised to be polite and nice; to temper my speech. My late mother, a wise, graceful woman, insisted upon it. She was an English teacher. My educational life, even in elementary school, was full of wonderful, skilled wordsmiths: Vivian Thompson. Flora Bertman. Elaine O'Colmain. Elizabeth Golibart. Sr. Elizabeth Charles Durbano. Eugenia Collier. Julian Mayfield. Tritobia Benjamin. Raymond Dobard. I know the power, weight, and impact of carefully placed words. I also know that little "Sticks and Stones" ditty we all learned as children, is a damned lie. Words and names do hurt.

As I gazed at a photo of my mother that my sister posted on her facebook page, I recalled my mother's words: "Don't make waves". "Don't make a scene". "Don't embarrass yourself". "Don't be loud". "Let some things go". "Pick your battles". "Be a lady".

That Sunday, however, I forgot almost everything I was taught about tact. In the interest of my father, who can certainly take care of himself in a verbal exchange, I intended to make sure the bully I faced exited here knowing she had picked the wrong senior citizen to leech onto--and the wrong sister to intimidate. 
After years of taking crap off of people, and short of cursing, I said everything I'd been wanting to say--at least I think I did. 
It's a little startling, to those who know you as even-tempered, peace-loving, and quiet, to see you suddenly angry, so I imagine it was quite a scene for my older sister and a close family friend who was there watching it all unfold. Uncharacteristically, I wasn't backing down, shutting up, or crying. I didn't feel weak. I wasn't camera or church-ready, either. No makeup. No wig. No weave. No heels. No bling. No usual smile. No sweetness. None of my late mother's style, temperament, and grace was anywhere to be found. I was Fed Up Caregiver Girl, armed the with words that had filled my private journals but had never been spoken; words that only my eyes had seen, and I knew them by heart. There I was in my ashy bare feet, clad in black sweats, my untwisted, untamed hair all over my head and falling onto my face, covering my tired eyes. I'm sure I was a sight! I don't think I've ever made anyone cry, and seeing tears in the eyes of a loud, crass, too-familiar, bully didn't move me to sympathy. She would think twice before disrespecting the wishes of a family ever again. She would think twice before assuming rights and privileges where she had none. She would definitely think twice before underestimating another individual's ability to go toe-to-toe with her. My levees broke. I'd obviously had my fill of her, and people like her, and diplomacy was no longer in my repertoire.

That Sunday afternoon, after a weekend of being in hospitals with my Dad, and thankfully making it home through a snowstorm with a fairly good report about his health, I know my mind and body were shot. Unfortunately, the last intrusive "straw" in a LONG, ten year-old line of intrusive straws, showed up unannounced at his home, acting as if we shared DNA, demanding information, gossiping, being critical, and generally proceeding to throw her weight around as if she had a stake in our family's affairs. It was like some demonic spirit had appeared, disturbing the peace that had characterized our morning. I'd tried to stay in another room, but then she began bragging about how she'd been cleaning my Dad's house. God knows that's a task I know all too well, and help is always welcomed. The mistake she made was not knowing I visited him on the same days she said she'd been there, and I could always see that nothing had ever been done. I don't know what invisible products and tools she'd been using, but she was taking money from my Dad for doing nothing. My mouth and feet stopped listening to my brain, and I went into the kitchen. I wanted her to see my face. Perhaps her tune would change. 

I detest those who take advantage of vulnerable seniors. I guess I struck a nerve when I said, "I appreciate people who want to help my Dad, I just hope that they would actually do what they say they're going to do." I hadn't raised my voice, but her true colors came shining through. She stood up and attempted to loud-talk me in the presence of my Dad. THAT was not going to happen, certainly not in my parents' home. I could tell it was her thing-- intimidating people, being snarky, bossy, interrupting, and throwing shade. I wasn't surprised. No one likes being caught in a lie. My usual volume, reserved for singing, arrested my speaking voice. If my mother taught me anything, it's how to clean up. What the lady had been doing was taking inventory, and planning to move her family into my father's house. She hadn't inquired whether or not the senior citizen she'd targeted had a family who cared about him. She hopped on the wrong bandwagon. Where she got the idea that he was alone and abandoned by his no-account children, and needed her to come to the rescue, I don't know. I wondered where she's been in the last ten years! I could have used some help numerous times.

That Sunday, I realized that bullies become awfully apologetic, docile, and sensitive when they get a taste of their own medicine from someone they view as inferior or a pushover. That Sunday, I shed my pushover uniform and watched a bully backpedal, back down, and leave in tears. I can't say, however, that I feel any pride about it. I wondered whether my mother's silence, meekness, and regal demeanor in the face of mean spirited, intrusive, envious, inconsiderate, hateful people was also her undoing. Stress will kill you. People do what you allow and she allowed a lot. Some things you have to nip in the bud. Used  properly, words can be your friends. Used improperly, there's no editing; no taking them back. You need a fine balance.

I hate arguments. I hate conflict. I'd always excused myself when difficult people showed up--no--I've always run from difficult people. I hate to admit that I've silently left situations where difficult people were in great supply. All my life, I've abandoned places, forfeited opportunities, and even separated from people I liked in order to get away from the impact of bullies and those whose attitudes can only be characterized as combative and nasty. I know what God won't allow me to say that others seem to be able to say freely. I know what he won't allow me to store in my mind and heart to use at a later date. He knows what's on the tip of my tongue. He's been there with me in the situations that make me wish I could tell everything I know, or pray one of those terrible Davidic prayers. Sometimes, you just want to say, "Sic 'em, Lord", and watch as a ninja Yeshua makes mincemeat of your enemy. I've seen God work on my behalf where bullies are concerned, so I should be confident when faced with them; confident that he'll do it again. Sunday, I pushed the Lord aside, and decided to handle a bully myself. There was no balance. I went from zero to 120. It felt great...temporarily.

People on the defensive can be rather irresponsible with the truth and words, if it means redeeming themselves or getting bullies off of their backs. Words can be ammunition, and difficult people make you want to stock up. Difficult people are positively draining. I adore peace, but that fateful Sunday, I think I stopped caring for a minute, and honestly, it was liberating. Still, I knew inside, I was doing more harm to myself than I could ever do to that woman.
 
I've seen one too many people using my Dad, and felt powerless to do anything about it. He's an adult, and timid is not a word I'd ever use to describe him. That Sunday, however, I lost it. Not one more imp was going to be allowed to bulldoze all over my siblings and me. We had kindly asked if people would not visit, but apparently someone felt that didn't apply to her.  She got the full brunt of everything I had been rehearsing, storing, and suppressing for ten years. I got tired of biting my tongue. That Sunday, I wasn't afraid of the possibility that no one would defend me. I was determined to speak up. It hadn't been the first time I wanted to briefly dismiss the words of my late mother, but I'd ALWAYS kept quiet. 

I certainly don't want anyone telling me who to befriend, and my dad has been on this Earth a lot longer than me, but some of the people who call themselves his friends, however, have consistently demonstrated no regard for his family. We, in the spirit of our late mother, have tolerated it. It was time to stop waiting to be defended and rescued, and supported, don the big girl panties, and fight for myself. I learned, if I have to, I can. I'd never been encouraged to, and it felt odd. I don't want to be the loud, ratchet, out of control girl, always mean-mugging and ready to fight, but she's the type who people don't tend to mess with. Why do you have to get out of character? Why can't you assume a neutral stance and get your point across? Why do you ever have to reach in, and pull out your inner hood rat to get some people's attention? Is fluent Hoodrat in glorious surround sound, the only language some people understand?

I've consulted God so many times, knowing what his take on the situations like that one would be: "No. Keep your mouth shut. Let me handle it". I realize his glory is always at stake. I realize my witness suffers if I don't behave or speak in a way that represents Him. There has got to be a godly way that he approves of; a lady-like way that my Mom would have allowed, to say, "Mind your own business!", "Leave my family alone!", "Get out of here you lying, manipulative banshee!". God says, "No. leave it to me".  I've reminded Him of his Son. "Hey! What about whip-wielding, turning-over-the-tables-in-the-Temple Jesus? HE was off the chain, and effective! Didn't he also refer to someone as a dog? Didn't he refer to a whole generation of people as snakes? God, can't I just wile out and be like HIM, every now and then? What about a little good old-fashioned righteous indignation?" God says, "No. Focus on the principal thing, and let me fight for you. If you're angry or frustrated, you'll just make things worse.

At times, as a caregiver, I've felt as if I had no advocate, no one to trust or turn to, but God reminded me that he has my back, and all I have to do is cast my cares upon Him. I know all of this, but sometimes, if I thought I could punch some people squarely in the mouth, and get away with it (with my Christian card intact), I'd wind up and swing-- and keep on swinging. However, that's how innocents get hit and hurt.

I admire direct people, who have no problem with confrontation; who can just say what they need to say and be done with it. In my ears, some people's words always sound so curt, abrasive, unnecessary, and unkind, but they surely do see through and shut down the rhetoric of difficult people, liars, and cons. (Maybe that's why I like Judge Judy). God still says, "No". You can't be like everyone else. You can't just unleash on people, even if it's deserving; even if your brand of unleashing is mild compared to what others do. 
That Sunday afternoon, my usual filter was missing in action. Patience was gone. Ten years of pushy, difficult people and there was a brand new one, even pushier, louder, and more unbearable than the rest. I meant every word I said in the interest of my Dad, and perhaps, to unburden myself.  He's 88 years old, frail, and I'd protect him again, but I wondered today about how I spoke. I was tired, but was that an excuse or a symptom? Caregivers need care.

Since the incident, I've had remorse. I've even been exhausted. Was it worth it? No. Will that lady repeat her antics? Probably not--not with my family anyway. Is her scheme aborted? Yes. Is there a scathing story going around about me, among her friends, and at my Dad's church, with her spin on it, that questions my Christianity and crowns me as a mean, unbalanced, crazy person? Probably. Do I care? No. Was there a time when I would have cared? Absolutely. Maybe that's one of the perks of having an AARP card in your wallet. You stop caring so much about what people think. 

My Dad's health issues aren't over, and so, neither are my days as a caregiver. I have a feeling this particular "Difficult People" test will be administered again...soon.
I have got to pass it, and remember: Goliath had brothers.

I'm taking a break. I need one. I'm glad my older sister is still in town. She's one of those direct, no nonsense people I admire so much, and I'm glad she has my back. But she cautions my compliments of her difficult people skills by saying, "Girl, those people don't bother me. I can deal, because I know I'm going to be getting on a plane and going back to my house. You'll still be here."

Shutting up isn't always an option. Some things need to be said, some plans need to be stopped, some rotten habits and behaviors need to be exposed, but there's got to be a happy, godly medium, a fine balance that leaves room for reconciliation. 

I have a new enemy now, I guess, and I don't even know her name. If my name comes up, she won't chime in with the usual, "Oh she's so sweet!" that I've become accustomed to hearing from strangers. 

That Sunday, Sweet Vanessa wasn't interested in making friends. 

When you've taken all you can take, deferring to God's way can be a challenge, but it has to be done.

LOVE

I honored a request that was made very early today. It required a little effort, but tapped into skills I enjoy utilizing. It was a simple request. All of the ingredients and resources were available so that I could not only honor the request, but add to it. I was happy to oblige. I didn't even think about whether I felt like doing it or not. I was merely happy--no--delighted to be asked. 
It's nice when people have confidence in you.
There's something about the way a person makes a request that motivates you to honor it. It's not about blowing smoke, or being manipulative. Politeness, respect, and consideration go a long way. Sure. You could say, "No". That's always an option. Making another person happy, even about the littlest of things, is like giving yourself a shot in the arm; a gift. Doing something nice for someone else does make you feel better (and it doesn't always have to be someone you know).

Sometimes, the manner in which someone asks something of you reminds you of another time, long ago. Perhaps the people who ask you to do things for them are quite capable of doing it themselves, but your particular spin on it is appreciated or favored.

Matthew Henry was right. "Charity is an utter enemy to selfishness".

I imagine that there are people, in the lives of us all, for whom we would go out of our way to help or please; people for whom we'd abandon our own leisure, comfort, or agendas; people who extract the distance and inconvenience out of the extra mile. Knowing that even one person has your back, is beyond encouraging. There are people whose smiles and gratitude motivate us; people for whom we would drop everything--no questions asked; people to whose sides we would run if we were able; people who don't aim to use or abuse us, but know in their hearts they can depend on us.
Perhaps these are the people who love us, and are the people we love in return.

DREAM JOURNAL

Last night, I had the oddest dream. 

I was among a large group of people who were assembled in a paneled room that resembled a recording studio. We were there to hear a rapper named Breuille. When he began, everyone around me seemed to be enjoying his performance tremendously. He was standing behind plate glass, at a microphone. His lips were moving and he was making all kinds of gestures, but nothing he said was audible. It would have made sense if he was lip synching to a track, but there was no sound at all. 

Every now and then, words in green lights would stream across a narrow, rectangular screen at the base of the glass. I thought the words would perhaps communicate what he was saying, (or supposed to be saying) so I started reading them, but they were random and disconnected. 

He took the microphone off of the stand and began gyrating, as if he was really sharing incredible knowledge. His body language suggested that he was yelling at the top of his lungs and everyone was going nuts. 

I was so perplexed as I looked around the room at the people. There was no sound coming from Breuille, just the noise of everyone's approval of him was heard.

SOWING AND REAPING

I dropped some seeds into my Dad's dirt-filled, outdoor planters a few years ago. I stopped by one day, and noticed there were clover-like sprouts completely covering the dirt. I don't know if they were watermelon seeds, peach pits, or bell pepper seeds I'd had. All I do know is that my Dad said the neighborhood deer sashayed themselves up to the porch one afternoon, and had dinner.
The plan, at the time I dropped the seeds in the soil, was to see if something would happen. That's all. Something did. Before I could fully appreciate it, or put my follow-up plan into action, most of the leafy parts of the plants were gone, and only stems remained. I was going to replant the contents of the planters in the back yard and, once again, see what happened.
A watermelon patch would have been nice, but then fresh bell peppers would have been, too. There were no plans to become a suburban farmer. There were no plans to feed deer. I haphazardly planted seeds (that I'd initially planned to toss into the trash can), and what is supposed to happen when you plant good seeds, happened. I wonder what would have happened if I had been more purposeful? What if I had actually tended to what I had sown, and not just let it fend for itself?

Sometimes, you reap unidentifiable stuff. It's not unidentifiable because there's no reason or logic to it. It's unidentifiable because you don't or can't remember, or aren't willing to acknowledge what you've sown. Not remembering or owning up is especially convenient when things don't turn out very well. When the seeds one has sown grow into something wilder than anticipated, or presents a problem, whose fault is it? What happens to the harvest may not even matter to the sower, but it will probably impact something or someone else. What if that impact is harmful?

My seed sowing was harmless. Thank goodness the deer weren't violent, but my sowing attracted them, not to my front door (although there are quite a few deer in the hood), but to the un-fenced portion of my Dad's yard. He was fascinated by them, but what if my Dad didn't like looking at deer in such an up-close and personal way? They did poop on his doorstep. He wasn't exactly thrilled about that, but he didn't make a fuss. He was actually hopeful for the plants' survival.

All actions, even harmless ones, eventually yield consequences. When it matters; when it counts, be careful what you sow. 

MONDAY THOUGHTS: EXPECTATIONS

Voting on the Grammy ballots "with integrity", meant listening to a heck of a lot of music, much of which, I'd never heard before. 

I wasn't familiar with many of the artists, either. I felt like I was taking the SAT's all over again. I was glad to hear the names Hathaway and Norful last night. Hurray for people who can actually sing well. (I still think Liv Warfield deserved a nod this year.)

Once again, the social media commentary was competing to be more entertaining than the actual show.
Being perplexed by the results should be expected if one doesn't understand or participate in the process by which the results are achieved.
Many are as upset over the "Album of the Year" winner, as they are about the apparent inability of some stagehand to give any one of the on-site gospel artists, someone's grandmother, or an elderly usher a microphone so that the viewing audience could hear a churchfolk-sanctioned rendition of "Precious Lord". Beyonce's performance neither shocked, nor bothered me. I didn't know there was a law governing the rendering of any song. No matter what your publicly shared body of work may entail, the technical execution of any song is fair game. Whether the rendering is effective, moving, mesmerizing, or heartfelt is subjective. Those designations depend solely upon the tastes of the listener. 
Okay. Sure. It's true. Ledisi, Pastor Shirley, Tramaine, Yolanda, Kim, Beverly, the Jennifers (Hudson or Holliday) Tata, or any one of the Clark Sisters could have generated a stampede. Either of them could have transformed the venue into a sanctuary, and the stage into an altar-- replete with couture-wearing audience members slain in the Spirit all over the place. The decision makers, however, had another plan. When you don't know how decisions are made or who is making them, you reserve pointing fingers, but you still stand by what you think would have been more appropriate (as you sit at home and watch).
It's the Grammy Awards, not Greater Grammy Pentecostal Holiness Church. It's not the Stellar or Dove Awards where the focus is exclusively...uh...ummm...wait...oh...oops...my bad...If I'm not mistaken, Destiny's Child was seated on the front row at The Stellars one year, weren't they? 
Artists, fans, and gospel music lovers really should stop expecting from organizations what they have never promised just because they open a door for gospel music to enter and play a part. 

In the "ABOUT" section of the websites of the two premier awards honoring achievement in gospel music, neither uses the words "Christian" or "anointed" to distinguish themselves, or the people they promote. Both embrace mainstream music and artists. Why the outcry when the premier mainstream music awards show's executives exercise their prerogative with respect to sacred music? Just because there is no Christian exclusivity with regard to performers on programs that do primarily showcase sacred music, mainstream media is under no obligation to appease gospel music lovers. The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences
does not hail itself as a faith-based, Christian organization, but neither do the Dove and Stellar Awards organizations. They all aim to put their best foot forward (be it a secular foot or otherwise) to entertain, get ratings, accumulate revenue, and highlight the recording arts. Winning souls or celebrating Jesus is not in their mission statements. If new Christians and converts are a byproduct of either entity's annual presentation, that's wonderful, but we shouldn't fool ourselves, or have lofty Christian expectations (with our bootlegging and file-sharing selves). 
Just because the awards shows, we perceive to be Christian based, readily embrace performing artists of every genre to host, present, and perform, doesn't mean the mainstream awards shows are obligated to reciprocate, be sensitive, or respectful. To tell the truth, the tenets of Christianity aren't always in consistent operation, and are often compromised and downright hazy in organizations where the proliferation of Christianity is the advertised mission! 

None of them--not the Grammy, Stellar, or Dove organizations are churches. They're businesses. Soul winning is not the principal thing. Revenue is. Anybody can sing or record a sacred song whether they believe the words, or believe in God or not. If one messes around and sings the song, however, the words will go forth, and no one can ignore them, their focus, or meaning.
I'm siding with the Apostle Paul on this one. In the first chapter of his letter to the Philippians, he wrote the following: "But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice..."

When you're finally welcomed to the playground that someone else built, you can't make demands, change rules of play, or promote your star player. It ain't your playground! When not on your own playground, it's not up to you to decide when, how long, or even if you swing, slide, or teeter totter. Sure, you can be there; you can even watch as others attempt to play the game at which you're arguably best, but there is no guarantee that you'll be allowed to play at all. 
Want to continue to be invited to their playground? Keep your mouth shut, and be thankful they let you on the court, or pass you the ball every now and then. If you don't like it, however; if you don't like being a spectator; if you don't like being ignored; if you're tired of suiting up and sitting on the sidelines, there's nothing stopping you from building your own playground, creating your own games, and establishing your own rules according to your own standards, preferences, and principles.
Now if, in your heart, you covet the other person's playground, don't bother. Don't bother building your own if it's just going to be a carbon copy of something else. Don't bother if you don't really think that your standards and principles are good or glamorous enough, and what you really want to do is join the other team.
If you're truly dissatisfied with not being able to play freely, build your own playground. Be careful, though. Examine your motives. When your playground is complete and ready for players, remember that you have scores to choose from. Populate your playground from within. Remember the people who were with you in the sandbox on that other playground--wanting to play but not allowed to. When you've built your own playground, don't suddenly envy, become, or adopt the ways of the playground which regularly and publicly snubbed you. Don't think you have to kiss up to the players who satirized and even outwardly ridiculed you as you visited their playground. Arrest your thoughts if you begin to think that your playground and the people who play there aren't good enough. Be careful not to become cliquish, arrogant, exclusionary, political, or unnecessarily competitive on your own, new playground. Don't begin to modify or despise your own rules of play. Don't feel, in order to get greater attention for your playground, that you must seek out and compensate those who relegated you to the perimeter of their playground. Don't think you need the other playground's players to sanction and occupy the choicest seats and areas on yours. Don't treat your own players like peons or cattle. Don't use them. Don't kick them to the curb.
Don't ever forget why you built your own playground. 

Don't lower or compromise the standards. 

If you do, you'll look up one day and there will be no discernible difference between your playground and theirs.

TUESDAY THOUGHTS: AUTHORITY AND RESPONSIBILITY

When others speak for you, even if they're well-meaning, there's always the possibility of misunderstanding and confusion. 

It's important that those authorized to represent you, are not rogues with self-serving agendas, who need to be reminded: "You may speak FOR them, but YOU are NOT them. 

Your demeanor and tone, when dealing with the clients, friends, family, associates or subordinates of the person you represent, should reflect that you understand the heart of that individual, and how he, or she, regards those who are vital to the working or success of an enterprise or effort.

When you speak for yourself, some folk may STILL be confused, (or pretend to be) but they can no longer say they don't know your wishes, opinion, ideas, beliefs, or viewpoint. If they take it upon themselves to make up answers FOR you, based on their own agenda or preferences, they're not reliable representatives.

Those trusted with authority must always remember that someone else will be held responsible for their every word and action. 

When you lie, under the guise of protecting the person you represent, and then can't remember the lie you told, guess who ends up with egg on his or her face? Not you. THEM. 

Never make the person you represent have to come behind you and clean up your verbal, virtual, or actual messes.

Asking legitimate questions, in the workplace, should not be viewed as dissent, or the beginning of an insurrection. 

If you can't get answers, (particular concerning those matters that have direct impact on you and your performance) after you have been patient, and followed the chain of command, you are free to, and should try another route. 

Seek out the responsible person. You may find they are not the Big Bad Wolf, or the trembling sheep who crumbles at the hint of confrontation, that they have been portrayed to be. You'll get facts, truth, and clarity that, perhaps, you never got before. 

Clearing the air is not a bad thing-- except to those who thrive in fog.

Always know who's really in charge.

CARE

My cousin Yolonda died today. 
My aunt Mary has been a caregiver for a long time--first for my late uncle Gus, and then for her only daughter. They were very close, and my prayers are centered on my Aunt Mary today. I know it was a great joy for her to serve her daughter...*sigh*...I hate Cancer.

There's a special place in my heart and mind for those tasked and blessed to be caregivers. It is not an easy thing to do, and can take a great physical and emotional toll on people. It can be thankless, and it can bring great satisfaction and joy. It tests a person's limitations, and offers an opportunity to demonstrate great patience and love. It brings out the worst in some people, and the best in others. I will never know, however, how some people conclude that it is bliss, or that the caregiver has somehow hit the jackpot and is cruising on Easy Street.

If there is a caregiving situation in your family, please remember, the person on the job for the lion's share of the time, needs care, support, and encouragement, too--and a break every now and then. What they do NOT need is to be treated like criminals under surveillance. They are in place to assist the ill person, not you. Don't be a jerk. Caregivers do NOT need extra stress, micromanagement, grief, drama, 20 questions, extra responsibility, criticism, imposition, rudeness, or inconsideration. Be mindful when you call or visit. Refrain from gossip and speculation concerning the condition of the ill person. Save your two cents on what you think ought to be done, especially if you have no intention to actually do it, or enlist and pay for the services of someone to get it done. Just be considerate.

Families, I implore you: Be on the same page in the same book. Get there any way you can. There are enough non-family members lurking around who'd love to take advantage of the slightest crack in your armor. Don't sabotage the caregiver. A caregiving situation is not the time to trot out your repressed feelings about what happened at the cookout in 1972, and decide you don't have to help, or don't like who is helping. Being a pain-in-the-neck to a competent caregiver demonstrates how you really care about the ill person. A little help, in your area of expertise, is better than no help at all.
Don't allow others to run roughshod over the people who are caring for your loved one. Too many care givers are simply burned out-- so much so, that even the thought of doing it again is painful. It's, often, not even the ill person who presents the greatest challenge and headache to caregivers, it's meddling busybodies, know-it-all do-nothings, users, hangers on, and opportunists. Illness has a way of making people less accessible. Some people see the caregiver as an enemy, when all they are attempting to do is assist in the restoration of a person's well being, or facilitate their comfort.
Demand that people respect boundaries in a caregiving situation. MAKE them understand, and if necessary, remind those who have a penchant for being too familiar, that they DO have business of their own that requires their time and attention. (This can be done without unleashing a single non-Sunday School word). Nosiness can never masquerade for concern. Opportunists can never pass themselves off as caring friends. The caregiver is not the enemy, or the house slave. Don't treat him or her like one.  If you can't physically help, for heaven's sake, do no harm. You CAN do something, though. You can pray. It still works.

Even as my cousin endured her illness, a few months ago she encouraged me as I once again, assumed a caregiver role: "When you bring light into darkness--that's what you're doing! You're bringing light! When you're trying to do the right thing, don't think the enemy is going to like it, OR you. He wants things messed up! He hates you! He doesn't play fair. You have to fight. Every day, you have to fight. Don't run. When light goes, it opens the door to all kinds of confusion. Don't run. Please, don't let the enemy win."
For caregivers, some things are easier said than done, but just knowing someone is cheering you on, is strengthening.

Rest in peace, Cousin...and thanks...: )