here are my thoughts on KONY 2012

it is no secret that i am a supporter of Invisible Children. I’ve seen quite a bit of backlash regarding their newest KONY 2012 tour. That being said, I’ve seen significantly more people both inspired by the film and their self realization of empowerment. Progress is a slow and painful process, which is something I don’t think a lot of people understand.

Regardless, Here are my thoughts on the “backlash”.

1. I’ve seen a lot of people complaining about how long it took to catch on.

• If there is anyone who understands this frustration, I think it would be me. but the trick is to just be happy about it. It took close to 3 years for an IC screening to be approved at my high school, LSN. And, in case you don’t know the rest of the story, it worked out pretty well for us.  But like stated above, advocacy is a slow process. Especially when it comes to the youth. Progress takes time (and at another time i could argue the benefits of that)

2. The complaint that there are bigger problems out there. Or that not all of Central Africa is represented.

• You’re right! There are bigger problems. (However, the term “bigger problems” is relative) But I think one of the beauties of programs like Invisible Children is its emphasizing  YOUTH EMPOWERMENT. Which believe it or not, IS a possible. And God, is it powerful. (I didn’t raise 21,000 dollars from luck). Youth empowerment is a scary thing. Scary to the “1%” because its more powerful than anything they have access to and scary to those yielding it because we’ve been culturally conditioned to believe that we can’t.

All in all, I believe that this is a large step for the youth of America to see their importance and power.
Teenagers= “The least of these”

Youth lead movements= The kingdom of Heaven

 

this is my life.

It’s not like I’m unhappy all the time – I have fun and I have some great friends and I have a good time but ever since that point it’s been a struggle for me to be happy. I don’t know if I’m unusual in that sense or if it’s just the way everyone is.”
Conor Oberst

“Don’t get overwhelmed by sadness. Don’t get overwhelmed by fear,or by regret or shame or pride or any of that. Don’t worry about what you did or the state you’ve come to. Keep moving forward. Everyday. Reflect on what you’ve learned and move forward.” -Aaron Weiss

sorta trying

behind my mask of deeply rooted cynism is a young girl

who has a great amount of love for mankind,

trying to be free for the sake of her people.

thats grace.

float on

joy is the best weekend of your life; with your favorite people in the world.

joy is seeing a midnight movie with your best friend, only to sleep in the next morning.

joy is your dad waking up early to braid your hair, to be ‘just like the good old days’. (even though you could have braided it yourself)

joy is walking barefoot in november.

joy is letting God work through your best friends family to re-teach you love.

joy is God opening your eyes to the fact that your own family has been teaching you love, this whole time.

joy is a very simple blog post on a very simple, sorta-morning.

blech

why do i keep holding on to things that don’t matter

.

but which should i be more sorry for?

Don’t waste your lips on words I’ve heard before
Kiss my tired head.
And each letter written wastes your hand, young man
Come and lead me to your bed
You gave me hope that I’d not lost her
And then thought it rather strange to see me smile-
as I don’t, I don’t do too much smiling these days.

She put on happiness like a loose dress
Over pain I’ll never know
“So the peace you had,” she said,
“I must confess, I’m glad to see it go.”
We’re two white roses lying frozen just outside his door
I’ve made you so happy and so sad,
But which should I be more sorry for?

Come kiss my face goodbye,
that space below my eye and above my cheek
Cause I’m faint and fading fast, and I see a darkness
And I shall be released.
I’ll pass like a fever from this body,
And softly slip into his hands
I tried to love you and I failed,
But I have another plan.

How long, My Lord, how long to sing this song?
And my Lord, how much more of this pretending to be strong?
She’ll stand before your throne
Dressed in beauty not her own
All soft and small, you’ll hear her call
“you brought me here now, now take me home.”

 

 

mmm.