a new social media challenge

I'm guilty of it. You're guilty of it if you're reading this. We're all guilty of it. What is  it? Overusing social media. As a millennial, I use all forms of social media from Facebook to Snapchat and everything in between. Wasting 30 minutes of your precious time is just the tap of a finger away in this age. So often, I scroll through various social media platforms for much longer than I should just to pick up my phone and do the same thing 20 minutes later. Why though? Not much has changed in those 20 minutes. I think our addiction to social media partly stems from boredom and partly from our incessant need to constantly be in the know on everything and everyone. I respect people who have very limited social media use or better yet, live without it. Why? Because these people actually LIVE. The closest experience I ever had of no social media was this summer in Spain because unless you had a data plan or some really good wifi you were totally off the grid. It was freeing really to only have limited social media usage and because of that I got to know some really great people and really get to experience some cool things. How often do we go to a show or a some other event that- that we pay money to go see- and end up scrolling on our phone? Or go out to lunch with a friend to catch up just to both end up checking the same Instagram feed you checked 10 minutes before you met up? My advice: STOP. I can't say I'm not guilty because I am. I have done it too many times, but today I realized how unnecessary it is. We rely too much on social media to live freely, most people look to Facebook and Twitter for their daily news (please don't). It's a nice thing to have and check, on occasion, to see what so and so is up to and maybe stay in touch with family across the country, but is it really necessary to check and see if he/she opened your Snapchat every 10 minutes? Or to see how many likes your picture got every 15 minutes? NO. Instead, go to a bookstore and find a new book to read. Take a hike (literally) because the world is a beautiful place. Get to know people. Find a new hobby. Instead of spending 20 minutes looking at the same stuff you saw an hour ago, Google something interesting. There are only so many you minutes you get in one day, so why spend a large portion of them nosing into other people's lives? We rely too much on what goes on in the world of social media and let it dictate how we feel and how we live our lives, or our opinions. I cannot tell you how many times I have heard someone say something that I knew for a fact they got/read on Facebook or Twitter. Be original! Think for yourself, form your own opinions instead of just adapting the ones you and a zillion other people read on the Internet! I'm not saying you have to go completely off the grid, but tomorrow I challenge you to try something new and fill those empty minutes with something other than checking to see what that guy you like is doing today for the bazillionth time.

Always,
B

What Happened When I Let Go and Let God

Something I struggle with is control. I very much like being control and on top of things and something I struggle with is letting go of that and my tendency to plan everything and just give it to God. It's hard for me to leave things alone when I so badly want them to have a certain outcome or want to control them in a specific way. I just hate feeling out of control. I know that as a Christian I am supposed to give everything I have to God and that I am supposed to trust in the special plan He has for me and my life. I like to think that I do trust in His plan 100%, but deep down I know that I still try to plan and control everything that happens in my life, it's just who I am. Lately though, I've been trusting Him more, and I've been able to physically see the changes in my life no matter how small. I decided that in everything I do, I would just start to pray about it and know that whatever happened it was God's plan and that every outcome would lead me in the direction that I'm supposed to be going. At the beginning of the semester I was having a hard time because all of my classes were much more demanding than I was used to in addition to me working more than normal. It was just one of those points where one thing after another is constantly going wrong and you can't catch a break. I knew that I just had to wait it out until things turned around. And then it did. I cut my class load from 17 hours to 14 hours after choosing to go from a split religion and philosophy second major to just religion and while it didn't make much difference it made a small difference. I finally got in the groove of a new work schedule and started to balance out my study habits for the semester. It's still not going to be an easy semester, but I'm prepared to work through it. The second week of school I was in the middle of a breakdown and I was doubting my ability to handle the course load I had, but then all of a sudden I knew I could do it. One of my professors who I thought didn't like me told me about an MCAT prep for next summer at UT Memphis that he thought would be great for me. I got an interview for a fellowship that would be great experience for me. God knew I could do it if I could just make it through those first few weeks, and now I'm happier than ever, and doors are opening left and right when before I felt like they were all closing. While it's hard to believe I'm in my third year at UTC, it just gets better every year. God has blessed me with the best people around me and they push me to be my best and are there when I need them. I'm finally comfortable with letting God have control in my life and it has brought me a totally new peace I never knew I could have. So if you're out there doubting or struggling, just know that there's a plan and just keep on keeping on and it's all going to work out.

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10

Hang in there, pray about whatever is bringing you down, and know it's gonna get better.

xoxo,
B

What This Summer Taught Me

As summer finally and unfortunately comes to a close, I can't help but think back and relive all those glorious moments from my summer. This one was by far one of the best yet, and I know that the things I did and saw will never compare to anything else. I learned a lot this summer about different things, it seems that going to new places does that to you. I opened my mind more than ever before and drank in new and wonderful cultures, even if some aspects of them were completely foreign to me. This summer brought me closer to God in all new ways and I learned that it's much better to spend money on experiences and places than on material objects. I learned to invest in spending time with people you care about because those memories will last much longer and will be much sweeter than anything else. There were times I literally couldn't believe my eyes at all the beauty around me and just had to take a moment to be alone with my thoughts and my God. I was blessed to visit so many places and meet so many people that I could never regret my time spent abroad, but only wish that I had had a little more time in some places with those people. My experience this summer taught me much more than Spanish language and culture, it taught me how to live. And once you've learned how to live you can never go back to just being content to sit in a classroom. Once you've had a taste of all that lies beyond those walls and the excitement from traveling somewhere new with people who were strangers just weeks before. You get that itch to keep traveling and seeing new places until there's nowhere on Earth you haven't seen, and nothing can compare to that moment you see a new place for the first time. I can remember touching down in London like yesterday when really it was 3 months ago. I remember waking up on the plane from London and looking out the window to see the most dazzling sunlight outside shining over the coast of Spain. I can see Granada from the bus window getting nearer and nearer. And suddenly I'm looking out the window of another plane and seeing the coast of New England as I get ready to touchdown in New York. I can never go back and relive this summer, but the memories and lessons learned will last me a lifetime along with some of the best friends I've ever known. I've been to edges of continents and ancient palaces and nothing can compare to the feeling of awe each new place gives you. No matter how much it costs or how hard it is, take the plunge and go. Go to that new, exciting place because in the end those are the memories you'll remember the most, not that pair of $160 shoes you saved for and ruined within 4 months. But that trip to Kilimanjaro or that view from the Alhambra will remain with you forever. Live for experiences, and much more importantly, experiences that bring you closer to the Lord because once you see the world you can't doubt his hand in Creation. The world is too beautiful a place for man to have made and it's meant to be seen. You're meant to see it.

xoxo,
B

When Will It End?

Another day, another terror attack. I got the alert shortly before going to bed last night that a truck had run through a crowd at a Bastille Day celebration in Nice, France. I'm not sure at this point that I even wonder if things are terror attacks anymore. I think I've come to just assume that unless the facts prove differently, but they rarely do. It's just the sad world that we live in today. A world that is being rattled over and over all over in the name of radical Islam.

Imagine going to a 4th of July celebration in your city, you just want to enjoy the nice summer weather and celebrate your country's independence. Enjoy a day off with your family to celebrate this joyous national holiday, when all of a sudden a truck loaded with all kinds of explosives driven by a man who was known to be violent to the police bombards through the crowd killing dozens of innocents. That's exactly what happened in Nice.

The reports are brutal to read and even worse to try to imagine, and world leaders are sending their thoughts to France from all over the world, many realizing something must be done about ISIS, who has yet to officially be named the perpetrator, but the US anti-terrorism office has good evidence pointing to the terror group being responsible as well as Twitter pages in association with the group being celebratory after the attack and using the hashtag Nice. These attacks send the world reeling almost weekly in new areas every time, but France has had the misfortune of being targeted twice in only 8 months, with French President Hollande extending the state of emergency from the attack in November. Some of the quotes from the world leaders are as follows:

"An attack on France, therefore, is an attack on the entire free world." - German president Gauck

"Those who carried out this brutal incident have nothing to do with humanity. In essence these barbarians have no place in this world or should they have." - Turkish president Recep Erdogan

"Terrorism can strike anywhere and must be fought everywhere... fight this evil until it is defeated." -Israeli prime minister Netanyahu

'"[It] runs counter to all religious teachings and humanitarian values."- Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah

"Makes it imperative for everyone to work together decisively and without hesitation to counter terrorism in all its forms." -Emirati Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayad Al Nahyan

and my favorite is from Russian President Vladimir Putin saying that terrorism can only be defeated if "all civilized mankind pulls efforts together" and promising to work closely with France and other countries willing to fight the good fight against global terrorism.

We realize this is a global problem and that as much as our current president would like to just ignore it and hope for the best, we can't. We have to do more and we have to do it soon before more of the world falls to ISIS. Even though they face harsh opposition in Syria and Iraq, they are still amping up the attacks globally and it scares me to know that at any given time, while I'm doing any normal, everyday thing I could be a victim to a terror attack, but it's the world we live in today. Tomorrow marks the one year anniversary of the Chattanooga shooting, but I feel no safer today than I did after that. Mostly because our government can't even admit that the attack one year ago that killed 5 military men was a terrorist attack.

I remember everything about that day. I had a stats exam in my summer class, and I had just finished up my morning swim lessons at the pool. Like every other day, I dried off and changed, but as I walked in the office my boss told me there was an active shooter situation not far from us, but that campus wasn't on lock-down because it was down the highway. I remember the knot in my stomach and the paranoia I had as I walked to class and the rest of the day, even long after the situation was safe. It broke my heart and the community, but we got through it; just like San Bernadino; just like Orlando; and just like Nice will, and France will again. But the thing is that we shouldn't have to get through it because it shouldn't be happening. If it takes a war then so be it, but this is a global matter just like it was in the 1910s and late 30s and 40s. We need to do more so we can prevent more attacks like Brussels, Paris, Nice, Chattanooga, Orlando, and whatever the next will be because if this passes with no further action just like the rest there will be a next. And the next president needs to be ready to deal with terrorism for real.

God bless Nice and the world,
B

1776

The 4th of July. 240 years ago (tomorrow actually) we became our own country, and in my opinion along the road we have become the greatest country along the way. Maybe less so now, but at times, not so long ago, we were by far the greatest country on Earth. I'm one of the proudest Americans you will ever meet, but at times like this I can't help but wonder how we have become what we are. We are more divided than we have been in decades, and it hurts my heart because 240 years ago we all had a common goal: unite together to form a nation. A nation that was something new, not a monarchy, but a democracy. A place where the people are heard and the government didn't overstep too much. After some trial and error we found a system and Constitution that worked for our new little country. We divided powers between state and federal levels and everything worked for us. We set up an economy, made allies abroad, and made a name for ourselves with some bumps along the way. America was the place to be, the place for a fresh start where the streets shined and the opportunities were endless. It worked for us for centuries. I'm not saying we were perfect at all, but we were a great place despite our problems. We were united, we were Americans. We all wanted the same things and everyone worked hard. In the 20th century we saw great changes in civil rights and things were well. Somehow though we have lost the way, our leaders have become weaker and more worried about making nice with all the other countries rather than worrying about our own. But that's another story all together.

It's no surprise we're in the middle of an election year. It is by far one of the worst races we've had in this country, but it comes at time that is very important because regardless of who the next president is it will be a defining point for this country. Do we choose the liar who has no remorse about the lives of the servicemen killed on her watch or do we choose the business mogul who "offends" everyone because he doesn't sugarcoat the truth? They will lead America down very different paths and the choice is in the hands of the people. There will be those who vote based on gender or because they feel it's the politically correct thing to do and then there will be those who know the issues and where they stand and who represents those issues best for them. There will be a winner and a loser and I'm anxious to see, but a little fearful too. I think our founding fathers would be disappointed in us. They never intended the country to be like this, being a politician was never meant to be a career. In the beginning the men who served in office were like any other, they were farmers, doctors, writers, they had other careers outside of politics. Now we have career politicians continuously trying to move up the political ladder until they reach the spot they want not caring who or what they use to get there. I don't think this country is a good enough place to say that we are the greatest country in the world. How can we be when we're so internally divided? Until we can unite as Americans, like after 9/11, and until the people here are once again proud to be Americans we can't be great again. We need to take pride in this country like our forefathers did and we can't do that without hard work. The American people need to get off their rumps and get back to working for the American dream rather than sitting by hoping it will fall in their laps.

I hope you remember what this day means and all the men and women who have fought for the freedom we've had for 240 years now because it hasn't been free as much as some millennials might take it for granted. In the words of one of my favorite presidents:

"And so my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country."

That's from John Fitzgerald Kennedy in his inaugural address if you're unfamiliar and it's something you should ask yourself every single day. I hope everyone had a blessed 4th of July, even though I celebrated in Spain it was still a good one!

All the best,
B

 

Hey God, It's Me

Hey God,

It's me, your daughter. I come to you after taking 3 out of 4 finals. I know we've talked a lot this week, but we haven't really talked in awhile, so here I am. For the past week or so there have been a lot of short prayers sent up from me to You. Quite a few quick prayers for exams or patience or focus, and at least 30 Hail Mary's. I know that our nightly talks have been short and have been about the same every night this week, me asking for guidance, knowledge, and strength alongside the normal prayers for my family, friends, and future. It's the prayer of a college kid. I'm sorry our talks have been so short and uninteresting, but that's why I'm here right now. I'm here to talk.

Let me begin by apologizing. I'm sorry. I'm the first to admit that my track record for Mass attendance has been dismal this semester, and I'm sorry. There have been too many nights that I stayed out too late and didn't make Mass the next morning, but I will try to do better. There have been many times lately that I've said something wrong or mean or didn't think before I spoke and I'm sure it's hurt you, and I'm sorry. There have been times that my actions have not been Christ-like and I have not lived like a child of God and I'm sorry. I will do better. Part of being human means that I will inevitably sin and do wrong, but being your daughter means that I also am forgiven and for that I can never be thankful enough. I am not worthy of your endless mercy and love, but I can spend every day trying my hardest to be.

All week I've been asking you for this or that, help me on this exam, help me get through this day, help me have patience with people, but now I'm asking you to use me. Use me to reach others. Use me to be a messenger. Use me to spread your word. Help me to do something for you, and give back. Send me out into the world with purpose and let me serve you.

xoxo,
B

"Only fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you." 1 Samuel 12:24

Enough is Enough

I write this post in the wake of recent events at UTC. Earlier this week, one of my very best friends and one of the best people I know was verbally attacked by others, including organizations, on campus. You may have heard of the story through various media outlets by now, but this is a first hand account of the overreach of political correctness in this country and more specifically on college campuses. On Tuesday night, Hailey Puckett and some others chalked the middle of UTC's campus, a spot called Heritage Plaza that holds the four seals of UTC, with pro-Trump drawings. Now let's back up a minute, Hailey was recently elected as a senator for SGA for the upcoming school year. Following the drawings, dubbed "The Chalkening", Hailey tweeted a picture of the drawing with the quote, "Super proud of our art work, but I have a feeling half of UTCs campus is gonna hate it. #TheChalkening #Trump2016". Her prediction was correct and after only about 30 minutes she deleted the tweet due to aggressive responses from a group of UTC students. One girl in the group took to it to screenshot the tweet and write a Facebook post about it encouraging people to share it and saying things such as "we as a campus support love, diversity, and unity and Donald Trump does not support any of these things" and the student went on to question why someone was allowed to run and be elected who supports someone who "encourages violence at his rallies, inequality, racism, and pure hatred". The student openly says that black UTC students took it upon themselves to "clean up" campus that night. I have many problems with this post, and I know that there are similar views from a number of people because they disagree with Trump. Trump is blunt and to the point, he doesn't sugar coat the truth and for that many people hate him and disagree with his campaign. That's fine, but even if you don't like him you have to respect that some people do agree with his policies.

However, the insanely messed up world we live in has told us that we absolutely must at all times be politically correct. The problem with this is that there is such a thing as being TOO politically correct and now college campuses are filled with students getting their feelings hurt and offended on every corner. Political correctness is out of control in this country and college campuses are breeding grounds for it. Professors are constantly having to watch themselves to make sure they do not say or teach anything that could offend someone and get them in hot water, which in some ways is interfering with their students' education. Political correctness has gotten entirely too out of hand, but it's so engrained that Americans don't even realize it anymore. If we continue to put such an emphasis on it, it will continue to destroy our country and I hate to see that happen. If someone hurts your feelings so what? We have 20 year olds more sensitive than 6 year olds and that's not okay. You don't have to agree with everyone and everyone doesn't have to agree with you, but you should respect that person regardless of whether or not you agree with them. That's what we lack in this country: a lack of respect for people of different views. We preach tolerance, but in reality it only pertains to the people who agree with your beliefs, and more often than not it's liberals preaching tolerance, but the second they meet a Republican (God forbid they be a Trump supporter too) they stop practicing what they preach and they try to tell the other person that their beliefs are wrong. It's hypocritical and childish. I respect people of different beliefs and their right to support whomever they wish in the election regardless of if I agree, and I ask that people do the same, and I sure know Hailey does.

Hailey was degraded on social media for her personal political beliefs after chalking campus Tuesday night, and was even asked to resign from her newly elected position for the following year. While people were yelling about how Trump oppresses people and is evil, they were doing the same thing to Hailey and not even caring they were doing it. This girl couldn't even go to class on Wednesday because of everything going on, and when she did venture onto campus she had to have people walking with her solely for protection. Please tell me how that is spreading love and supporting diversity and unity because I see none of those things. Everything people were saying Trump does that they hate they were doing to this kind-hearted girl. She basically had to hide all day while being blown up and essentially cyber-bullied via Twitter and Facebook, but refrained from saying anything further for fear of her words being twisted even more. People were putting words in her mouth and were trying to make the tweet into things it didn't mean. It's basic knowledge that college campuses are hot spots for young liberals, but can be scary for young conservatives, so if I had to guess when she said, "I have a feeling half of UTCs campus is gonna hate it" who are you to be saying that it meant one thing or the other? I interpreted it as, "all of the liberals and anti-Trump college kids aren't going to agree with this", and not as "black UTC and all of the minorities were being targeted". Not everything has to be about race and gender regardless of what all of the politically correct people of the world will have you think.

No one deserves to have their First Amendment taken away because some people disagree with it or because what they say may offend someone, which let's be real you can't do anything without offending at least one person these days. Much less should someone be asked to resign from a position with a group encouraging diversity and inclusion for an unpopular belief. This whole thing was a mess and had it been any other presidential candidate, it would have never even gotten attention. If "Feel the Bern" had been written it probably would've even been praised and taped off by Sanders supporters as a monument. Hailey is great, and I'm glad she's not resigning from her position because she has done nothing wrong, nothing other than use
 her First Amendment right.

Stay classy,

B