All posts by Tony Burgess

Hi there, my name is Tony Burgess (my friends call me T-Bird) from Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA. I am a believer, bleeding heart, idealist, and blogger. I'm married to Laura the Soup Diva and a dog dad to Frankie, Cody, and Mikey. Daily I work for a blood bank recruiting donors. My blog is where I chronicle and curate the sacred, serious, and silly things in my life. I am a member of The Episcopal Church. Thank you for connecting with me. Grace, peace, and love!

Something About Being Woke

The word “Woke” in my mind is one of a call to action. Merriam-Webster defines it this way, “Aware of and actively attentive to important societal facts and issues (especially issues of racial and social justice).” To me as a believer, it’s a call to action.

It’s a word with history for the African-American community to be vigilant against those who would do harm to their community. Unfortunately, the word has a negative connotation for some. For so many they have to be woke because it keeps them alive.

We all need to be woke these days. Lots of bad things are happening, and many people are experiencing pain for many reasons. In as much as I can be, I am woke, awake, and compassionate. I think good people should aspire to be what woke is in the best spirit of it all.

Six Word Story

The world is rumbling around us.

Quote Of The Day II

Make no mistake, empathy is not weak or ‘woke.’ And by the way, woke just means you give a damn about other people.

Jane Fonda

I Should Spend More Time With WordPress Reader

I have sadly neglected the WordPress reader where I can connect with fellow bloggers. Lately I have been constantly doomscrolling on Threads and BlueSky. Those sites are proving to be a constant stream of bad news. My lack of attention here is something I do regret. Your blogs are important, and I should do better by you this wonderful community of creative authors and thinkers and contemplative writers.

Sunday Reflection – Forgiveness In The World We Live

Today at church, the sermon was about forgiveness and holding grudges. In the world in we live in today where there is much harm, lies, and fear, the notion of forgiving is very hard. But as in many things, mercy is a must.

Yes, there is temptation to villainize, but you know you can see evil done with your own eyes. What is going on right now is disheartening and sad and dangerous for many. I am in a place where I am trying to make sense of everything going on.

However, it will take lots of time, understanding, and grace for me to say it’s alright, don’t worry about it or something like that. I am a believer in God, but I am also human, and I have my feelings, and it’s OK. There is more to come and it will challenge all of us. Forgive when you feel it’s appropriate but try to forgive when you can.

Quote Of The Day

In a time of deceit telling the truth is a revolutionary act.

George Orwell