Seventeen years ago today my wife and I had our first date. We met up at a local restaurant for a cold beverage then went to a bridge for a walk. That moment in time changed our life and we have never been the same again. It still amazes me that someone would take a chance on me. She even kept me around which is still more amazing. We are grateful to be together. I love you Laura, thank you for the memories.
I stepped into a house of worship today to celebrate Father’s Day with my father and grandfather today. I felt no fear or trepidation. However some who seek to worship their higher power did so under suspicion, fear and threat from individuals and institutions. Religious freedom is about worshiping in the customs and traditions you embrace and allowing others to do the same to do the same in theirs. I am humbled to be a believer in Christ but I want my Jewish, Muslim and friends of other faiths to have the ability to seek comfort, grace and love in their communities.
The people of Mother Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal worshiped as a community days after the shootings of last week. They are showing grace, strength, love and forgiveness in all they are doing to make a difference in the lives of others.
Sure we have a little Debbie Downer in all of us. Being negative and spouting off conspiracy theories is a way of life for some folks and I get that. They feel passionately about things and they want to share it with the world. However, I think it’s those folks who need a hug and some positive vibes. Everyone has the right to say what they need to say but they need a new way forward with a fresh mindset. Now I have some Debbie Downer in me just like the rest of us. There are things I feel strongly about but sometimes I push that down and go along to get along. I have seen many Downers in my life and I wonder what makes them so wrapped up in misery.
I want to do what I can to help bring them out of the brink of sadness. We can’t always be mired in the deepest concerns of our life that it prevents us from having relationships with others and the world. Maybe there’s more to their issues than we know but everyone needs support to break free from being such a downer. What will make the world better for you? How should we take a step forward into the light of being positive even when you don’t feel like it.
Life is too short be in the mud and the muck. Be strong with good courage and be free of fear. It’s something we should all focus on. Take it from me there is fun to be had, you just have to lay down your burdens and pick up a new life.
I am grateful to have a wonderful father named Gary. This man has shown me love and taught me how to love and to care for others. He is a great person who has always taken care of his family. In 2003 he was diagnosed with cancer and survived it. In 2014 he had heart surgery and survived that too. We are thankful for all he has done for us. My dad loves my mom very much and that inspires me in my own marriage. Today I celebrate the man who I try to be like. I love you dad, happy Father’s Day!
Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there! Grace, peace and love to you all.
The Tony Burgess Blog 