togetherforpeace
TogetherForPeace
My name is Apollos.
I'm an Orthodox Christian.
I enjoy discussing:
Religion, Philosophy, Politics, Sexuality and Relationships.
Talking about serious stuff all the time gets boring.
Humor, art and music are a good counter-weight.
388 posts
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Heard a conversation on the radio about teenagers caught 'sexting.' The guest commented, how the police are baffled about what to do, as it's so widespread. The host asked her, what do you think they should do? In reply the guest basically advocated that society accept sexting as a normal expression of teenagers sexuality.
Oh America, what is morality to you?! Morality is your enemy, it's your confusion and disdain. Let the passions consume the people and have the morality of our own creation; it's all a whim of human desire. What good are rights and freedom when self and children are enslaved! Granted, enslavement is of little consequence to you, so long as you convince others to be the object by which you find your pleasure.
America, what fools you've made us and that we've willingly become. Teens engaging in forms of sexual expression at younger ages. Adults consume the poison of porn; they have little strength to hold such pleasure from their children. Women presented as objects to be used for the gratification of man; perceptions change. This world of madness placed in the hands of our youth. Parents, you are not powerless victims, though you frequently seem to think so.
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Racial Labels and America
My ancestors are from various places, whatever traditions/culture they had I have no idea what they are. If I say, I'm white, it means nothing me beyond pointing out the fact that my skin pigment is the same or different than someone else; which I find little value in. That said, what skin color means to me does not mean I live in ignorance of what skin color can mean to others; racism is a real problem. Side point: it is extremely frustrating that President Obama is spoken of as being a black President when the truth is he is a mixed (black and white). Some folk need to move past these racial labels that are completely inadequate.
I am an American, America's history is my history. The history of the slave and the slave-owner, the history of the rich and poor, of the native and the immigrant etc...it's my history. By 'my history' what I mean is their lives, their stories, their culture and language are a part of what I use and live in ways that are clear and in ways that are inexplicable. The racist perspective dwells in ignorance, refusing to see that who we are as people, as Americans, is far beyond the trivial matter of our skin pigment.
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"Most of the time it's a good idea to put aside the thought of, oh this would make a great YouTube video, and instead simply experience the moment. Who knows, afterwards you may have a good story to share."
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Had dinner with some Orthodox brothers and sisters. We began with the usual chit chat, then talked about the Church, Protestants, then Mormonism, Islam, Arius and Origin were brought up, then marriage, secular society, atheism, public schools, parenting, Protestantism some more, [some folks left] continued conversation...homelessness, parasites, lactose intolerance, relationships, and sexuality.
As I left I sarcastically told the host, we need to give up these discussions about real life stuff and talk about a *reality* show next time.
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Secular society does not have the strength of meaning by which it could give birth to a healthy culture and see it grow.
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Sam Pepper Exposed
Laci, in her usual articulate way, calls people to acknowledge and stand against YouTubers who are violating women in their videos. She encourages women who have been a victim to contact her and know that someone cares.
There are various issues that I have a different perspective than Laci on, however, this is most certainly not one of them. Laci has spoken out on this topic for some time now; long before the YouTube world seemed to mind. I have nothing but admiration for her strength and perseverance as she's pushed through the endless barrage of ignorance and hatred largely from men.
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Miserable job, miserable life?
Phone rings, the lady answering the phone says, 'Insert Company Name.'
That's it. She didn't say, hello. No name was given. There was no, how can I help you. Simply the company name.
I think, wow, this is the worst person to be answering the phone!
I said, hi, this is so and so from such and such, how's you're day going?
*awkward pause*
With the tone of a question and an attitude she says, okay.?!
I could no longer contain my frustration. Using a humorous tone I say, you know when people call me here at my job, I make sure that no matter what kind of day I'm having, I answer that phone with energy and a joyful tone.
Her response, not surprisingly, was mostly apathetic.
When I worked retail, I looked forward to picking up the phone because it was a new moment to be joyful. Many times that was met with apathy, however, several times people expressed their gratitude for such passion.
Even if we are having a horrible day, we can strive to limit the negative emotions and complaining, so as not to affect others.
Peace, love and joy begin from within.
I don't begin with, am I happy with my job? Does my job make me happy?
I begin with, am I striving to reflect joy, peace and love in all situations? I bring these to my job, I don't expect my job to give them to me.
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The endless voices found on social media, if allowed will drown out my own thoughts, my own perspective, my own ideas. I will gather a million shards of diamond, with each new glimmer they entice me, and have only broken pieces to move around. I must abandon the beauty of shards and find the peace and strength of the diamond that is whole and enduring.
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Homeless Hands in Boise; Dear Mayor Bieter
Steve, the 63yr old man, who is homeless and camped out on 15th St, called out to me, hey!
He was intoxicated, as he had been on the several other occasions I saw him.
The five cans of soup stood as a blockade as I navigated through the squalor of his dwelling place to visit.
He asked me my name, told me I looked familiar and wondered where he had seen me.
As we talked, the lady on my left, sleeping on a cardboard box, woke up and started rambling about a pizza box. She was on the verge of crying over that pizza box. Whether this was due to some mental illness, alcoholism or a mixture of both, I don't know.
Steve and I continued talking. He asked me if I had any pot? I told him, I don’t smoke or do drugs. He asked, why are you here!? To say, hi and talk with people, I answered.
As I stood to leave, I shook Steve’s hand. Steve held my hand and paused, his face was struck with confusion and concern. He took his other hand and clasped mine. With deep emotion, he said, why is your hand so cold?
Like a father hugging his dearly loved son, Steve firmly held my hand. His filthy hands had become an expression of concern, an expression of love. Gently, yet firmly, he rubbed my hand with his, trying to warm it.
With despair in his voice he said, "I can’t warm your hand. Can you feel my warmth?"
Yes, Steve, I feel your warmth. My mother always tells me, cold hands but a warm heart.
He said, yes, I believe so.
I recount this experience so that we may see beyond the homelessness and perceive the face of the one who is homeless. Hear their story, see their struggle, feel their brokenness and be reminded of their humanity. There in the hands of Steve, I experienced Christ, as the glimpse of the divine, which dwells in us all, radiated past all that hindered Steve.
Mayor Bieter, you are faced with a daunting task. The variables and complexities of homelessness and the people experiencing it are vast. I understand the perspective behind the No Camping Ordinance. Yet, the root problems of transitional/affordable housing and adequate care for people struggling with mental disabilities remain undiminished. I believe there are more creative and enduring ideas that can be discussed and implemented. For example, have trained people, dressed in plain clothes, reach out and visit the people on 15th St., learn about their struggles and where they’ve been. Using the vacant houses/land in the area, the trained people, who are building relationships, can then provide shelter for those camping.
This is just a spark of an idea. Boise can be a place where such sparks are fanned into flame and laws/ordinances are consumed with rehabilitation; retribution wane.
Mayor Bieter, may peace be with you and God grant you and the City Council wisdom.
Apollos Cassian
#homelessness#homeless in Boise#camping ordinance#Mayor Bieter#TJ Thompson#Maryanne Jordan#Elaine Clegg#Lauren McLean#Ben Quintana#David Eberle#Boise City Council#Idaho Housing
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This is an absolute travesty of justice! We cannot sit back while fellow Americans who are minorities have to live in fear of those who are meant to serve and protect.
All police officers should be required to wear a camera of which the footage is uploaded on a daily/weekly basis for the public to view. There needs to be accountability!
People who are white, we cannot idly sit by and allow citizens to be treated like this! Their battle is our battle, their struggle is our struggle, their peace is our peace! We may not experience what they do in these matters, but we must hear what they say and listen so that we can all strive together for equality.
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Polarizing and Creepy, Welcome to Tumblr!
Someone I've followed on Tumblr for at least a year reblogged someones post; I replied to that post. The topic was, cultural appropriation as it related to fashion/clothing. I was intrigued by the topic and anticipated this might open up a courteous exchange of ideas and thoughts. Unfortunately, things became rather awkward as the initial response I received was effectively, *what are you talking about?! I don't even know what you're saying.*
I foolishly thought that attempting to provide some clarification might help. This person then basically responded, *This is creepy. I don't know you. Don't respond to me or I'll block you.*
Lessons Learned and Reminded of:
*Many times (not always) those who are most outspoken are the least inclined to engage in meaningful discourse with those they disagree with. This doesn't mean don't try! It means, if you do try, make sure you are extra gracious and patient.
*If you present well reasoned thoughts that are devoid of any attack on the person and the person responds with, *what are you talking about?! I don't understand a single thing you're saying!* Understand this is, most likely, a defensive tactic and clear sign that you should probably disengage and move on. There are underlying issues at play that you, as the stranger, will probably not be able to address.
*If we have a public blog on Tumblr...it's a public blog. If strangers are liking our posts and following us, then we should anticipate that these strangers following us will at some point reply to our posts with more than just a 'like.' Consider it a compliment that someone is responding to your perspective and doing so in a way that is courteous. If someone replies, in a way that is purposefully condescending and ridiculing of yourself and to some extent your position, still consider it a compliment they replied, however tread carefully and consider if a courteous response will be of benefit.
Lastly, none of us are perfect. Strive to be gracious towards all who respond. Although, I was taken back by the response I received, nonetheless, I know this person has other ideas and thoughts that can be enriching and insightful.
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This is the first time I've heard of someone living that also has the name Apollos. Granted, this young man has been named Apollos longer than I have* :). The joy and confidence he speaks with is encouraging.
* I legally changed my name to Apollos in 2013, about a year after I became an Orthodox Christian. Saint Apollos is mentioned in Acts 18:24.
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'And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.' Eph. 5:2
After I smelled these roses from the yard, I was reminded of this passage written by St. Paul. Although life can become rather hectic, if I pause for a moment I am reminded of the tremendous beauty that surrounds me. Endless distractions drown out the silent powerful voice of creation; I must be still.
St. Paul wasn’t using the word ‘fragrant’ to invoke a rose, however, the Spirit can use small daily things in our lives to remind us of Christ and His love; be still and know.
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Fashion, Race and Culture
Cleopatra (walkingthenarrowway) , srushtinator's post was largely concerning fashion and race. If my understanding of srushtinator's intent is mistaken, I'd appreciate any clarification you can provide.
Given srushtinator is discussing fashion/clothing and culture/race, I shared how I purchased a Dashiki in Seattle that was made in Africa. When I wore the Dashiki some people responded, 'you aren't African, why are you wearing that?!' or 'you aren't black, why are you wearing that?!'
Srushtinator, as far as I understand, is basically saying, don't wear what doesn't belong to your race, your culture.
Cleopatra, if Srushtinator posted pictures of black Africans wearing the Dashiki saying, 'this is okay' and then posted a picture of a white man wearing the Dashiki and said, 'this is not okay' would you agree? The implications of such a perspective are far reaching and makes me wonder if people have considered the history of fashion/clothing and the interchange that occurred among various cultures.
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Roommate Etiquette: Aroma of Destruction
Dear roommate, If our coordinates intercept, while you are proceeding to the restroom in anticipation of a bowel movement, and knowledge of my arduous work in the fields is bestowed upon thy eyes, contemplate how grateful I would be if your release was diverted to another location, instead of the stench of thy bowels filling the rains of cleanliness prior to my arrival.
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Following my reply you will see the post I'm responding to.
As a 36 year old, white man, who has a grandfather that is Filipino, had a black step-father for several years as a teenager, raised the remainder of the time by my mom (a single white woman), spent 8 years in Seattle working with people from China, has a younger brother who is half black-half white, worked in the inner city and currently works at a homeless shelter...
I understand that the clothing we wear is a way of expressing ourselves, our culture, our identity, mood, etc... Fashion, much like language, crosses over our limited barriers of race, ethnicity, and culture.
I purchased a vibrant green Dashiki, in Seattle, several years ago. I was attracted to its beautiful design, simplicity, and color. However, people saw me and basically said, you're a white man, why are you wearing something from Africa?
My response to that is, I'm wearing something from Africa because art, beauty, and fashion can be found in Africa.
peace be with you,
Apollos
(TogetherforPeace)
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Fashion and Race
this is okay
and so is this
definitely this
as well as this
but THIS
AND THIS
AND THIS
IS
DEFINITELY
NOT
OKAY
WHITE PEOPLE, DO YOU UNDERSTAND THIS?
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