Angels and Demons and Answers

"Why would God care about me? I'm just a normal guy."

It's an excellent question. With an amazing answer. Unfortunately, Dean Winchester of the series "Supernatural" has yet to receive a satisfactory response to this question and many, many others.

I've been watching the show on Netflix. Don't go skipping off to the TV and put it on for the family. It's most definitely not for everyone. There's a lot of blood and guts, a lot of scary monsters, and brothers Dean and Sam are a bit rough with the language and innuendo at times. I also can't say that I approve of the CW inserting a scantily clad young female into just about every episode, either. But the reason I keep watching is for the deeper storyline. The depth of two young men who have suffered unimaginable losses and have no solid ground to stand on. They are at heart searching for a purpose. A reason for all the madness they are surrounded by. No matter how futile their attempts might seem, they continue to fight with all of their gathered strength against the continuous forces of evil. If they can save a life, then it doesn't matter that the quest has consumed any hope they have a normal life.

I started watching it because I've always liked the edgier, scary story. My sisters and I grew up watching scary movies and we had every episode of The X-Files memorized. More recently I enjoyed Fringe, and when that show had run its course I was searching for a replacement. Supernatural has filled that void.

But I don't think I've ever been more frustrated while taking a journey with characters. Sam and Dean were naturally brought to the point of asking the hardest questions. Why me? Am I cursed? Why is there such horrible evil in this world if there is a God who cares? And why would he care about me? I'm not perfect or strong, and I've been tainted by all the evil I fight. Amid all the beliefs of all the religions of the world, what is the truth? Can angels be trusted? Can God be trusted? Can I be saved?

These are the things Sam and Dean have been saying mid season 4. And my heart just keeps crying out, wanting to be heard. Wanting to will the truth onto the screen, into the script, to be a natural part of the story. Where they hit the nail on the head in Biblical truth, I applaud. Where they take liberties and go too far, cross the line and try to discount the most trustworthy Book ever written, I cringe. But when they ask these questions, I don't just hear two brothers on a television show.

I hear the hearts of our cynical, weary, proud society. I hear the voices of the masses, looking at all we have accomplished and all we possess and knowing that it isn't enough. It doesn't fill our need. It can't ever bring us the peace and happiness we all desperately want.

There's an easy answer to Sam and Dean's questions. When we look at the evil, when we stare hard into all the nasty effects that sin has brought to our groaning world, we can't see the truth. We can't see the light there. We can't just say there is a God and have hope. God is as scary to a sinner as the demons that try to destroy our lives. He's just as unreachable as the stars. There's only one bridge, one amazing and beautiful answer to the most horrifying realizations a human can have. And it can all be said in one word.

Jesus.

Without Jesus, without God-become-man-become-sin on a cross of death, without that man rising again in power and defeating hell and Satan and all the forces of evil, we'd be in a state of hopelessness. But as soon as you look into the loving, all-consuming brightness of the Savior's face, you understand. You know there's nothing left here that is stronger than the hold he has on your soul. You know there's nothing more powerful than a love that gave everything, and went to hell and back to set you free from the sin-cursed world.

I'd love to say it to every hurting heart in this world. I'd love to be able to say it to every hopeless being wandering helpless and alone. There is hope. There can be ultimate peace and joy in the face of life's hardest experiences. It only takes a seed of faith, and the humility to admit your hopeless condition. Jesus does everything else.

He is the answer.

"If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all - how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus who died - more than that, who was raised to life - is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall  trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? ... No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." - Romans 8:31-39

10 Easy Ways to Start Living a Natural Life

I started thinking about how I could live more naturally over ten years ago, when I began to realize how my body had been affected by our convenience and processed society. Ten years later, I'm still learning new things.

If you've had the thought that you'd like to change your life and your health by "going green" or "living naturally," but you don't know where to start, I'm here for you! I've put together the ten easiest ways I've found to start your journey toward a new kind of lifestyle.

If you're skeptical, hear me out. You don't have to try all ten today. You could try one a week, or one a month. The point is just to try something. We are afraid of things that aren't familiar, and the only way to conquer that fear is to do something new.

Once you've tried any of these things, you won't have a desire to go back. Some of them may cost you a little more than you are used to spending (usually pennies to a couple dollars,) but some of these ideas can save you a surprising amount of money. I'm providing links to my favorite recipes for your pinning convenience.

1. Stop buying any food that contains HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP. This is an easy one. All you have to do is check the ingredients of anything you're not sure about (cereals, bread, condiments, etc.) This ingredient does you absolutely no favors. It's for the convenience of companies, not for your health. Almost always there is a healthier alternative that may cost a little bit more sitting right next to it. Think about it this way, the extra money you spend to avoid this additive will be dollars you save NOT going to the doctor for all the diseases this ingredient will help along. If you like this idea and would like a few more things to watch out for, another great tip is don't buy anything that has ingredients you can't pronounce. (One exception to this rule - sometimes lists include the scientific names of vitamins and minerals that have been added, but they will usually put the more common name in parenthesis.) If you want to even take it a step further, try only eating and drinking only God-made foods. Once you detox from the chemicals and preservatives your body is addicted to, you won't want anything else. Promise!

2. Make your own LAUNDRY DETERGENT. Honestly, now that I have been making my own for years (and have saved literally hundreds of dollars) I can tell you that store bought detergent adds nothing to your life. It's expensive, full of things you don't need on your skin, and has harsh smells you won't miss. It doesn't even save you that much time, because making your own is so easy. I've made both liquid and dry, and I find that I prefer the dry method - it seems to work a little better and is a little easier to make. But both are very easy and are fine for HE washers. Here's what I'm using right now: http://bumblebeebags.blogspot.com/2012/01/20-minutes-and-20-dollars-for-years.html  One more tip: I always add white vinegar to my fabric softener compartment. Not only does it keep your clothes smelling fresh and clean, it keeps your washer in good shape as well, especially if you have the HE version that uses less water and can get stinky sometimes.

3.Make your own INSECT REPELLENT. I'm not talking about camping trips into the deep forest where scary bugs live, I'm talking about everyday play in the backyard or walks in the neighborhood. I've tried this recipe the past two summers and it has worked very well (and my kids get hives from mosquito bites, so it was important to me that it worked.) This recipe does call for some essential oils, and well... they're essential, so you will have to make an investment, but they last for a long time so don't sweat it too much. http://www.icanteachmychild.com/2011/06/make-it-natural-mosquito-spray/ One more thing: she gives a lot of different oil choices, but the ones I find work the best are Citronella, Peppermint, Lemongrass, Lavender and Tea Tree.

4. Go ORGANIC. Not on everything. Some things aren't that important. But try going organic on milk, and on the "dirty dozen" fruits and veggies. List here: http://www.stonyfield.com/why-organic/12-best-fruits-and-veggies-buy-organic

5. Use all natural CLEANERS. I haven't looked back since I switched. Now I can clean without the inevitable migraine, and these ingredients clean just as well if not better than the store bought chemical stuff you're using. My go-to recipe for my basic kitchen and bathroom cleaner is this:

      > Fill a good sized spray bottle half full with water. Fill most of the rest with white vinegar (you can get huge containers of vinegar for next to nothing. I have one on every floor of the house.)
      > Add: (at this point I usually have some suds at the top of the container, so do the alcohol first) a tablespoon or two of rubbing alcohol, about a teaspoon of plain dawn dish soap, about 30-40 drops lemon oil, and 15 drops tea tree oil.

Another great cleaner I've found for tile and grout and every other sort of nasty you find in a bathroom inhabited by many children is this recipe... be prepared for amazing results! http://www.marthastewart.com/265635/tub-scrub (I use the peppermint oil, it smells great!)

Another cleaning tip - make your own furniture dusting spray. Works better, smells better, nice and cheap! http://www.themakeyourownzone.com/2011/02/homemade-furniture-dusting-spray.html

6. By now you're starting to feel daring, I can tell! Here's a challenge for you - make your own DEODORANT! I see that skeptical stare, but don't be a hater till you try it! It's true I have to put it on more frequently, and for super hot days when you're working in the garden you might need to revert back to the chemically stuff, but for most regular days (especially in cooler weather) this is all you'll need. And it was SO easy to make! I found everything I needed at Whole Foods, but you can always get it online as well. http://creatingnaturally.com/homemade-moisturizing-deodorant-that-works-and-goes-on-smoothly-make-it-yourself-monday/

7. You can also make your own SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER. This was one thing I balked on for a long time before I tried. But I have found I like my hair better when I wash it this way. You need some Dr. Bronner's liquid castile soap (Whole Foods or Amazon.com) and some plain coconut milk. One part coconut milk, 2 parts castile soap - instant shampoo and body wash, and moisturizing to boot! Now comes the most disconcerting part - apple cider vinegar as conditioner. I promise you, you will NOT smell like vinegar for the rest of the day. Rinse it out well, and when it's dry it will smell clean and happy, not vinegary. I put mine in a little spritz bottle, but again, I have a huge bottle in the closet. Save money, better hair! What's to lose?

8. Instant FACIAL. Pour some honey in a bowl, add some cinnamon, nutmeg and lemon juice. This is great for toning your skin, for helping with acne issues, and the nutmeg also provides a vigorous scrub that will help  remove dead skin and leave you with a youthful glow. I always use grapeseed oil as a body lotion. It works great and is not greasy.

9. Easy great-smelling ROOM SPRAY. Fill a small spritz bottle (preferably dark) with water, and add about 40-80 drops of lavender. (I like mine strong.) There are countless other oils you can use, but this is a good basic spray for all your stale smelling rooms and sheets and couches. Other oils that work well as sprays are lemon, bergamot, ylang ylang (I always add some ylang ylang to my lavender spray, but be careful because a little goes a long way!) rosemary, rose, grapefruit or geranium. If you want a more decadent spray, try frankincense or myrrh, but be prepared to pay a little more. I have some of each that I spent a lot on, but they have lasted me a few years.

10. Dry your clothes outside on a CLOTHESLINE. Just tie some rope across a couple trees and lug out those sheets and blankets and towels. There is nothing like the smell of clothes dried in the sunshine all afternoon! A word of caution, don't try this with colored fabrics. The sun is quite good at bleaching!

Bonus: It's spring, why not make a vegetable garden? Good exercise and sunshine for you, great organic produce at a fraction of the cost! I have found tomatoes, peppers, onions, potatoes, oregano, basil, zucchini and parsley the easiest to grow, if you need a place to start.

There you go! If you already do all these, leave some advice or take it further in the comments. If you haven't tried some of these, what are you waiting for? Let me know how it goes!

Living in an Autoimmune Fog

I need to say it to someone. Anyone who cares to listen. It's not something that's easy for me to talk about. I tend to think if I don't talk about something it will make it less true. That illogical thinking isn't getting me anywhere, so here's my confession: I have battled my entire life with one seemingly random physical condition after another. As a child, it was allergies and asthma. The treatment? Drugs and hospitalizations. As a young adult, I added IBD to the list, as well as frustratingly undiagnosed thyroid symptoms, PCOS and debilitating migraines. My body went wildly out of control for all four of my pregnancies, which took my own research and concentrated effort, along with a great deal of prayer to even achieve in the first place.

Ruminating on all the hospitals, doctors, medication, tests, then my own learning and applying healthy eating, supplementation and exercise, still being here at 36 and wondering what in the world is wrong with me... well, it all makes me tired just to think about. Could it be that I had so many unrelated diseases? I have sat in many different doctor's offices in my lifetime and heard the same words, over and over. "Tests show there is nothing wrong with you." "You need this prescription for..." Being a chronic people-pleaser, I have believed them and continued to berate myself for being unable to combat these things. Recently, God has taken me on a journey in the Bible that has helped me address my fault of caring too much what other people think of me. And I was able to take steps to move away from my fear of man. As a result, I've been brave enough to start questioning, and researching (thanks to my writer's skills.)

I have had a doctor answer my question of why I am still overweight even though I do not overeat and I exercise regularly, "If losing weight were easy I'd be thin." Another doctor, wanting to prescribe a low dose anti-depressive to treat my migraines said "At that dose, there's no way you will have any side effects." I promptly had to quit taking them because my mouth broke out with sores and my tongue was numb. I'm not saying that I believe all doctors are unconcerned about the individual who sits in their office looking for answers. I have at least three personal friends who are medical doctors and there is no doubt in my mind that they do what they do because they truly and absolutely care about the people they are trying to help in the best way they know how. What's more? They are super smart people! I grew up with one of them and I have always been amazed at her intellectual ability. And I know that the nature of a medical profession in a world that looks for any opportunity to profit on the mistakes of others makes it a hard thing to deviate from the accepted practices. That being said, when I "average together" the medical profession as a whole, what I've long wished for was a trained medical doctor who was willing to think outside the "medical doctor box." To treat the whole person, not just the symptoms. To base their care on the single living being sitting there on the table rather than the statistical average of all people.

I have long thought of myself as having one basis for every physical problem I have. I have known intuitively that there has to be one reason why all of these "autoimmune" problems are happening to me, over and over and without responding to any medications. Recently my jumbled thoughts and foggy intuition have helped me to stumble upon a cascade of information that could be the answer to my condition. It's all wrapped up in my genes, which have been affected in a way that causes my body to think of itself as an enemy. I am literally attacking myself with my own immune system. 

I can see this in all the daily struggles with pain and illness I am living with right now, as I am in an active phase, or "flare-up," possibly due to a nasty virus I had in December. Even with my migraines. I found THIS helpful book recently, and the way it described how a migraine works sounded so familiar. People with migraines have a part of their brain that overreacts to normal stimuli, such as weather and hormonal changes, flashing lights, loud noises. And it's true, those are the things that most often trigger violent pain in my head. How do you avoid any of those things? I have had migraines triggered just by glancing at the little flashing lights on my children's toothbrushes that tell them how long to brush their teeth!

It's all about overreaction. Ultra-sensitivity. I've known this about myself all along, but it never occurred to me that there might be others that had the same struggles. I've discovered even among my friends those that suffer the same sorts of problems. Some of them are not as far along on the journey of information I am, others are beyond me and confuse me with the "language" I haven't quite caught the grasp of yet.

So now my objective is to discover how I can convince my body that it doesn't have to respond in such an extreme way to everything. I'm going to try some new supplements, tweak my diet some more, and have a positive attitude laden with a dependence on prayer. And I'm not going to believe everything I'm told, especially if it doesn't make sense or prove true. I'm going to look deeper. I'm going to find out how I can be healthy for my family, and not continue to give in to pain by slowly becoming a hermit because I never leave my house. I'm determined that as long as I'm still breathing, it's a chance to find the truth. And when I do, I'm going to use it to help others like me. I promise.

THIS is next on my list of things to try. I know nothing about this doctor and little of why he has come to this place in his thinking, but when I look at the practical and natural ways he suggests I alter my lifestyle to feel better, I am encouraged to have hope. Natural doesn't make my body overreact. Natural doesn't cause my tongue or my ankles to swell up. Natural doesn't add more symptoms on my already full plate. Natural is more gentle. But natural takes patience. So I'll give it some time and see what I come up with.

Thoughts? Feel free to leave a comment.

Ten on the Tenth

I actually remembered that it was the tenth. And I took ten pictures. But I must remind you that the life I live outside my head is really rather monotonous and dull. And I can't take pictures of the inside of my head. Or can I? You know how they say that we are either right brained or left brained? When I take those little quizzes, I always end up seeming just about 50/50. And today I noticed that my desk proved it.

On the left is my side for study. On the right is my side for fiction writing. My desk always looks like this, it wasn't just today. I guess maybe I am both. ANYWAY, moving on to the rest of these riveting pictures...

Don't you just wish these things would make themselves once in awhile.

Ooh. Nice.

A pathetic little lego man who is far from home.

I wish the cleaning fairy would hit this room.

I found a soldier in my kitchen. Or as he calls himself: a G.I.G.I.O.

Showing some respect.

Well, what's the use in having them if you don't put them to work? JUST KIDDING. She lives for this. Seriously.

Some lovely horse artwork.

It does appear that everyone will be able to visit the prize box tomorrow.

And there you have it. A day in the life of a 50/50 left/right brained homeschooling mother of four. You may now go about your business.

A Few Reasons You Should Watch Doctor Who

Up to about a month ago, This was my impression of Doctor Who. An old dude standing by a console doing weird things while people watched him. With good reason. The doctor does often stand around his console and do weird things while people watch. For 36 years of my life, if I heard someone say that they couldn't get enough Doctor Who, I would wait until they turned away and give them this look:

However, I was recently motivated to give this show a try because of so many people like me that couldn't get enough Doctor Who. I heard it was hilarious. I heard it was a must-see of any self-respecting science fiction enthusiast. What nerd in all of time and space could resist a show that really lived in all of time and space? 

So I gave it a try. And the first couple episodes were hard to get through. I didn't get it right away. But I kept watching, and then I started to like the characters. They started to reveal more of themselves and I realize the old dude messing around on the console had a really interesting back story. Plus he had this way of getting completely animated over adventure, yet he'd stick his hands in his pockets and go quiet if things got personal. The girl following him around had an inspiring spirit. Even though she was 19 and he was over 900, she had things to teach him about unwavering respect and compassion for others. And he had an entire universe to show her. So they really, really worked together.

That's what I'm all about. CHARACTERS. Not being a seasoned Doctor Who fan who had known the series back in the 60's through the 90's, I had to learn something the hard way and so I soften the blow for you, future Whovian. Doctor Who can be really, really sad. Some things are inevitable when 900 year-old time lords come flying around in their TARDIS and mingling with fragile humans.

And so Doctor Who can sometimes make you feel like this.

But don't despair, because as Sarah Jane Smith would say - It's completely worth it. And there are really, really funny moments too. You'll have some laughs with the indomitable  Donna Noble.

And I really don't think there's better science to be found anywhere.

But River warns me to be careful. And she has a gun so I will shut up.

But just one more thing - best little family you could ever fall in love with right here:

It's true, making things that were thought up fifty years ago seem cool can be a challenge. But I think they've managed to pull it off.

And now that you know what TARDIS means, you can hardly stop there.

By the way, it's bigger on the inside.

I must warn you ahead of time, if you see one of these, DON'T BLINK. 

But scary moments beside, Doctor Who is a wonderfully silly, emotionally devastating, always moving, constantly surprising, brilliantly acted and written story that has - after all - managed to endure for fifty years.

Oh, and there's a lot of frantic hugging if you're into that.

So what are you waiting for? Find yourself some Who and get busy. Allons-y!

Ponderings Concerning the Mall Santa

Where's the Line to See Jesus?

I wrote this short story in response to this music video. It was for a specific online purpose, but either I'm too computer illiterate or they were way too complicated. In either case, it didn't work out. But since I'd already written it, I didn't want to waste it. So I thought I'd put it here instead. 

It was a question for the ages. One that could not possibly have an answer. But it still tormented me as I unlocked the door to my apartment and entered later that evening.

My thoughts had not been occupied with anything other than a contented peacefulness as I passed by that Santa display at the mall tonight. I was out with nothing to do but shop. I had a lifestyle and a bank account that gave me the privilege of buying exactly what I knew would be perfect for each of my loved ones. The mood in the mall had been festive and happy.

In a way I wanted to despise the little Scrooge who seemed to come from nowhere with his question and vanished to the same. What right did he have to ruin my holiday spirit? Was he a little demon sent to spread gloom and darkness into a world only trying to celebrate life, if just for the season? Or was he an angel sent with a warning that precluded our expectation of divine blessing?

My mind swarmed with endless possibilities. I gulped back the sense of dread that had started to become tangible as an aching in the back of my head and the pit of my stomach. I dropped my packages that only minutes before had been treasures and now seemed like dead weight on my soul.

I fell to the couch in despair.

“What’s wrong?”

I didn’t hear the whisper with my ears, but rather the tones swirled around my being as the softest summer breeze kissed by the sun.

He was there.

I sighed with relief as the tension began to lessen. Words tumbled from my mind one after another. “Jesus, where were you tonight? How can everyone be so happy and content to forget that all of this is for you? Is because of you?”

His spirit breathed peace to mine. “Dearest, I was there.”

“No one noticed. No one saw you. I don’t know if I can keep on living in a world that doesn’t want you. It scares me how often I don't even think about you.”

“You won’t have that problem forever. But now for a time I give them a chance. I stand waiting. I knock. I long for them to come to me. And you are my tangible proof of that yearning. Of my love.”

I thought about his gentle words; the truths he spoke came to me as if they had materialized out of the Bible that sat closed on the coffee table in front of me. I picked it up and held it close to my chest.

“Let me be your hands. Your voice. Let me make this Christmas a grand display of who you are.”

I paused, seeking his eyes that I could almost see.

“Even if no one comes. I’ll be there. And most importantly, Lord – You’ll be there.”

            

Why I am not Concerned about the Winner

It's fairly obvious that most of the country is caught up with election fever. Phones ringing off the hook, a solid mass of political ads on television or online. People debating back and forth on facebook and twitter. Everyone sure that they are so obviously inspired in their own thinking and ashamed of anyone with the opposite view.

I've been accused of not caring. I've been accused of being politically indifferent because I'm avoiding the issues and afraid of conflict. While that might contain a sliver of truth, it's not likely to change. And overall, I feel justified in my neutral position.

When I say neutral, I don't really mean neutral. I will not deny that I lean toward conservatism in that I find it ridiculous to assume that spending more money, money we don't have as a country will somehow make us stronger. I do feel strongly that we are setting up a big problem for our children by pretending that these decisions don't have repercussions that will be felt for many years to come. AND YET, do I think that is one person or one party's fault? No. I think it's the result of a nation that has thought for too long that we were entitled to happiness and security within a broken world.

But that financial position is my deepest political conviction. And I must say that as a conservative and a "Christian," I find myself ashamed of some of those who claim the same adjectives to describe themselves. Wielding a sword of so-called non-negotiable issues such as the legality of abortion and the definition of marriage provide a place of refuge from reality for people who are willing to make bold statements and call them truth, but not willing to back up their opinions with any sort of action to prove it.

What do I mean? I see a very lazy portion of God's church in this world, especially in this country. Quick to denounce anyone who suggests that the government is not responsible to strictly adhere to biblical truth, when the government is not made up of people who even claim to belong to Christ. Keeping women out of abortion clinics will never happen by trying to force government to make it illegal or by protesting and shaming the people who are involved. Women will stay out of abortion clinics if they are loved by people that are filled with God's spirit and selfless enough to enter the messy world of other people's heartaches and struggles. When "Christians" are willing to love another person enough to provide for their most basic needs, to listen to them, to stand beside in the hardest of times, we will see a difference in the number of lives that are cut short by abortion. 

Likewise, I find it absurd that the same lazy portion of God's people think that marriage is even capable of being defined by a governmental system. When did God make such a statement? When did he bemoan the necessity of a government backing up his own ideas? God is still God no matter the state of government-approved unions in America. How did we get the idea that a picket line with such godless statements as "God hates gays" would prove God's unconditional love and rescue plan in Christ? I hate to break it to fellow "Christians," but God loves the gay person as much as he loves you. A gay person is just as welcome at the foot of the cross as someone who is not. And the only way that person will see Christ's love is through his church getting over themselves and again - loving people, providing for people, and listening to people who struggle and sin. For the person who has been saved by the grace of Jesus, who has the Spirit empowering everything he does and says, who is connected to the church and accountable to other believers - sin is possible to slowly and methodically eradicate. For the person who does not yet know the truth - conquering sin may well be impossible. How can I judge someone else's choices when I know I would struggle and in fact do struggle on occasion with my own areas of sin that sometimes seem too big for me, even with God's Spirit within me?

So, in the end, I look at these two people who want to be president. They are both decent people who love their families and believe in our country and desire for us to continue to be a beacon of hope in the world. They both have ideas that are questionable, and they both have good ideas. That's why we have the system of government that we do. Our fail safe is that we have many different people with different opinions working together to come up with plans that keep our country strong. We are all accountable to each other, and we are all flawed in our own ways. No president that comes out of the masses of humanity will ever be perfect, or will ever be the savior of the world. 

That position has already been filled. 

So rest easy, vote the best way your conscience allows, and remember that whoever sits in the oval office has been allowed to hold that position by God. The Bible is clear on that fact. They deserve respect, they deserve your earnest prayers, but at the end of the day, they won't make or break our nation anymore than our unwillingness to get our hands dirty reaching out to the broken people in our paths.