ClydeStyle

Category: Trust

  • History repeats, and we still miss the message

    This is blog 3 of 5 in the history series, and the question today is how you feel about it.

    So, a few weeks back, we had another mass shooting of sorts, his time on a military base in Georgia. As of July 31, 2025, there have been 268 mass shootings in the United States, resulting in 262 fatalities and 1,161 injuries. Several daily newspapers are keeping count.

    Clearly, the media is not reporting all of them, I would imagine, because they don’t want to scare the public.

    The worst part of the shootings over than the deaths would be the lack of action taken by Congress to produce laws to make us safer.

    During the organized crime epidemic of the 1920s and 30s, we not only had mass shootings, but the police had a difficult time dealing with criminals with Tommy guns.

    So, in 1934, the National Firearms Act was signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. This act put a huge tax on civilian ownership, which discouraged sales.

    With so many mass shootings now and the fact that automatic weapons are being used in most cases, we need stricter gun laws. However, the gun lobby has deep pockets, and America’s greed has allowed its votes to be bought for the right price.

    This all means that we have had the answer of what o do about gun violence since 1934. We’re not doing it because our lawmakers have sold their souls for profit and purchased a one-way ticket to hell!

    Can you imagine saying to the parents of the Uvalde, TX school shooting, “Sorry, but the lobbyists gave me a six-figure check for my vote.”

    Clearly, we now have the wrong people in government, and they have completely violated our trust. Voting won’t ever fix this mess because both political parties are guilty. We desperately need an intervention that doesn’t destroy our land.

  • So what’s with the Pope?

    On May 8, 2025, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of the United States became the 267th pope for more than 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide.

    These are exciting times for Catholics as some would still be mourning the death of the previous pope. But the fact that a new pope was selected so fast has to be comforting.

    I am not Catholic, and I often wonder how other religions interpret scripture, which leads to roles like this. Most Catholics in the know believe that Peter (yeah, the one that denied Christ and swears) was the first pope. Now they didn’t just deem him that. The scripture in Matthew 16 has been interpreted by them to give Peter “special authority” from God over the rest of the Apostles particularly in the phrase, “whatever you bound on earth will be bound in heaven and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

    Since it was actually God who selected Peter from the rest to do this task is significant to them. The same logic applies to Mary because it is said in Luke’s gospel that God gave her favor over all other women to birth his son.

    On the outside, this seems logical because we can definitely prove that God did select Mary and Peter in these cases, and if God never selected another person for anything else, they would have a real good argument.

    However, God selected many people for special tasks and circumstances, and when you look at those selected, you do see a pattern. Simply put, God possesses this thing called for e knowledge which allows him to know things before they happen. It’s one of several things that separate him from other wannabe gods.

    Satan does not have this ability. So since God alone has this ability and with it, now we know how easily he can get his will done. Imagine being one of 100 people trapped in an enclosed pool area with the water rising 10 feet. In that moment, God knows what everyone had for breakfast, who has to use the bathroom, everyone’s credit score, and he knows all the good swimmers. And, of course, he knows all the people who will make it out of this tragedy. And he knew this information 10k years ago.

    If God had to send a message out from this crowd, he would already know who to use for that, and he would have known this more than 10k years ago.

    What’s the point? God selects people based on getting his will done. He selected Abraham because he knew what Abraham would do in the future (Gen. 18:18-19). He knew what Noah would do. He knew Esau would be profane and that Jacob, despite his flaws, would get the job done. David was God’s pick to be king as was Solomon despite David’s other sons. God selected every prophet from Moses to John the Baptist because of foreknowledge.

    Now, you probably can guess why Peter and Mary were selected, right?

    What does this mean for the Catholic Church? Nothing, they are free in this country to do what they want to do. There is a reason words like “pope” and “papacy” are not biblical words. There is a reason why Christ was raised from the death with all authority, and the scriptures never said he shared that authority with anybody.

    We should not put our trust in men — ever (Psalms 146:3). And we should always look to the almighty God for our understanding. There was never a need for many to try and start something God died for in his word. Follow Jesus!

  • The sadness of Veterans Day still looms

    Every year at this time, I get sad. I’m sad because I know that there are millions of veterans without benefits. We spend so much of our national budget on weapons of mass destruction and maintaining a strong military, but we’re not making good on our promises to the men and women who risked their lives.

    Neither political party has addressed this. You can see homeless vets, vets on drugs, and more struggling with debt from medical complications.

    Meanwhile, our government, still trying to fight the good fight, is helping other countries  like Isreal and Ukraine while our folks struggle.

    It seems that in the 21 century, we would err on the side of people and rather have a scenario where our veterans are overpaid than under.

    This problem seems so easy to handle, but because our veterans are not useful to our cause anymore, we have thrown them away.

    What’s worse is that there is a divide among the veterans between the ones receiving benefits and the ones who don’t. How can they be a band of brothers on the battlefield, but once we get back home, it’s every man for himself?

    I don’t celebrate Veterans Day because of this. I wish the nation wouldn’t be celebrated either until we have corrected this atrocity!

  • It’s all about trust — we don’t have anymore

    America lacks trust.

    We don’t trust our government, strangers, our neighbors, some of our friends, and definitely a few family members that don’t make the trust cut! We are skeptical of everything. We have been betrayed by the media, our jobs, our healthcare system, and some of our loved ones.

    As a result, we question everything. True and false ride together now, and we can’t tell them apart. There used to be a thing called “benefit of doubt,” which has become obsolete.

    Politicians, preachers, police officers, and partners can not be trusted. So where do we go from here? The enemy of my enemy is not even my friend anymore.

    When a system gets violated, like in this case where we have been bombarded with constant lying, we can’t act like it didn’t happen. We can’t just get over it. Someone or something has to be held accountable.

    If we started to hold each other accountable then we would have to overhaul the government, the Healthcare system, the FDA, the military, criminal justice system, food manufacturers, automakers, churches, all charities, big pharma, all chain restaurants, the stock market, universities and schools (public and private), Entertainment and sports, and the media to start.

    Imagine living in a place that was set up for you to succeed. The baseline lifestyle for everyone was attainable with a little hard work. We eliminated the need for prisons, crime, and killing with education, support, and advancement. Could there really be a place where everyone wins? Is it only in my dreams?

  • Lies create new memories. Believe me?

    So I used to believe that there were people who had selective hearing, meaning that they knew the truth but only decided to remember parts of it.

    Our brains are incredible instruments and wonderful tools of learning. We are not even using the power nor have reached the full potential of our brains. But we have found ways to full it.

    A recent study out of Brandeis University holds that we believe the lies we tell are the truth in as little as 45 minutes. Now, before you dismiss this study and start talking about flaws in the research you don’t know about, hear me out.

    Researchers used this thing called an electroencephalogrphy (EEG) to monitor the brain activities of both older and younger study subjects while they gave truthful and false answers to questions. The study found that the older ages (60 to 90) were way more likely to accept a lie they told as the truth than the younger ages 18 to 24.

    Psychology professor Laura Paige said of the findings: “Once they’ve committed to a lie, it’s going to alter whether they remember doing something.”

    The EEG data revealed that a lie disrupts the brain processes responsible for working memory and embeds itself in memory and comes to feel as real as the truth.

    “Lying alters memory … it creates a new memory for something that didn’t happen,” said Paige.

    I guess this may be the reason the Bible condemns lying.

  • The art of making sense

    We seem to have a problem in our country with making sense, and it has nothing to do, per se, with not knowing. It I wrapped in the choices we make.

    You have to actually work harder to not make sense. Making sense entails processing truth in a way that demonstrates you understand it. Then, you can actualize with it or apply that truth to life. There are several things that hinder this process. Jealousy, envy, bias, hatred, prejudice, misunderstanding, revenge, and strife are some of the catalysts that prevent us from making sense.

    In recent years, we have struggled to make sense of the “me too” movement. Although it was horrible how women have been treated in our country and how they have been used as sex symbols, in pornography and in other ways to pleasure men, we took no responsibility for that. In a time when many women gave in and used sex to get what they wanted, men could not tell them a part from their counterparts who had were not will to play. Then, men decided that it was just easier to drug the woman and get what you wanted from her.

    It said that in this country, women were still treated like chattel, and many allowed themselves to be. It’s as if women liberation hadn’t existed. Women’s lib made the same mistake the Civil Rights Movement did, and the Gay Rights Movement is making. All three should have not been asking for equality, but a seat at the table. They needed to get on the ground floor of decision-making so that their interest could be guaranteed. All they did was trust that their oppressors would start “acting right” because of the movements — senseless.

    So all three groups are still fighting for the promise of equality they are already supposed to have. Had they gotten a seat at the table – meaning then needed representation in government. And they would have to be placed there because a biased country wouldn’t vote them there. We may have even had to expand Congress to 535 members, but those spots could have been reserved for these interests groups. Clearly, it makes know sense to trust your oppressor with fairness. If that were in them, they would have stopped on their own.

    Trust needs to make sense. Do you trust a rabid dog? Do you trust a fox not bother any eggs while he’s hanging out in the hen house? Would you let a pedophile watch you kids? Would you let a stranger hold your purse or wallet?

    Can you see and understand the truth when it comes your way? Water is always wet. Boulders will always be heavy. Fresh coffee is hot. Humans are flawed. Greed greatly hinders many good things in America from happening.

    Am I making sense?

  • What to do when love calls? (part 3 of 3)

    The doorbell rings and there is a gentleman caller. He’s well groomed and standing there with a single rose. He greets me with a hug and he smells amazing. The aroma is earthy with a hint of citrus. He’s excited to get where we’re going and he says I will love the surprise. We head out to his car and he opens the door and assists her in getting in. He starts the car and beautiful jazz sounds come from the bose speakers. We’re off and I don’t care what happens next.

    This scenario is a beautiful to a potentially satisfying evening. Two people who are available, drama free and emotionally available to each other. They are both at the stage of life, where they are looking for a partner to share life successes. All the kids are adults and doing well, houses are owned, advancement at work are abundant, and they’re both in the mood for love.

    It is surprising how uncommon this situation is. Typically, one or both partners have a deficiency in life that tends to hinder healthy relationships. If this scenario is closer to your situation, then you are considered blessed. However, there are 5 things that have to be present to assure success in the relationship.

    First, there is honesty. This is a key ingredient to every healthy relationship because you can’t build trust without it. Honesty is being truthful and sincere with your words, actions, and thoughts. What reason would there be for someone to be dishonest in a relationship? There is no reason to be dishonest, and a healthy relationship has no tolerance for dishonesty.

    Second, integrity is acting in a way you know to be right and kind in all situations. This should be a quality that everyone brings to the table, but those who lack the ability to have a healthy relationship see nothing wrong with omitting integrity. This should be another deal breaker.

    Third, respect is treating people, places, and things with kindness. A person who normally lacks in this area starts with not respecting themselves. A good test is to see how this person speaks about their parents. For a female, it’s her dad, and with the son, it’s the mom. These are the people who would be the instructors for your partner, and if they didn’t learn it from them, then they probably don’t know it.

    Fourth is attentive, which means a person who pays close attention to the welfare and well-being of another. This is the quality where a person makes you feel like you really matter. They pay attention when things are not right. They calculate strategies to make you happy. They know how to give their undivided attention and live directly in the moment.

    Last but not least, the person needs to be open minded and have a sense to at least try something once. This brings a freshness to the relationship and the opportunity to explore together and learn what works best for each partner. The world is a big place with lots of customs and rituals that become great learning tools for an adventurous couple.

    These ingredients serve as great starting points for a healthy relationship. So remember to not rush into anything. Relationships should always be a choice.

  • Resolution over already???

    It is not uncommon to have ended your resolutions prematurely. Most who make resolutions fail to see them through. They were made with good intentions I’m sure but either poor planning, lack of desire, or it was too difficult, we start them and it doesn’t take long to snap back into last year’s habits.

    Don’t beat yourself up about it. In most cases it really just means you must take smaller steps. No one’s humanity enjoys cold turkey resolutions. You have to start somewhere so that needs to be something easier to handle.

    Many people are seeking to lose weight and for many it is because of health problems or to avoid future problems. You know you need to lose weight but do you really want to? All resolutions look good on paper, but in your heart of hearts is that really what you want?

    If you are 40 and you have been big all of your life, how long do you think it will take to get small? Definitely not likely in a year because the discipline is not there. And without professional help and support network — forget it!

    The bigger question is what do you do now? Do you try again? Do you select something easier? Do you even have to have a resolution??

    Someone planted a seed which said that if you are not moving forward then there is something wrong with you. We are all supposed to strive to be the be person we can be — who said we had to do that?

    Maybe your resolution should be all about making your own decisions. You should decide what happiness is for you. You should decided what type of lifestyle you want and live it! It is when we are trying to change for other people is where it becomes problematic.

    Love yourself enough to make small changes in your life to improve your well-being but don’t become obsessed. How you look, your job status and your bank account should not be our measuring sticks! Our character, integrity and servant hood should be the standard of person we become.

    Children are looking at us and they will take on our trials and tribulations. They need to be taught what is right as defined by you (I mean they are your kids). You control their level of involvement with social media and the greed of this society. You can choose to be different and raise children that will be productive citizen and not self-absorbed mini me’s that struggle each year with resolutions because they think they are not enough. Balance is key!

  • The season of Gratitude

    December is here! We made it! This time of the year is really different for people in mourning. Whether you’re mourning the death of a person, place or thing it’s hard to be the celebratory happy that this season demands because of your grief.

    To maintain good mental health you need to make sure that you get plenty of sleep and drink plenty of water. You must allow yourself time to be alone and make friends with the quiet.

    It’s important to validate your own feelings and take responsibility for your own happiness. Surround yourself with positive people who are doing incredible things.

    You also need a plan moving forward. It doesn’t mean you must plan to replace what was lost but it’s not a bad idea to consider the options. It also helps to assist others in their pursuit of happiness and even make someone else’s day if you can.

    And above everything else, thank God for what has happened, what tragedies didn’t happen and all the other things the creator consistently provided during this year. You deserve to be happy at times and to be loved and we serve a God that never stops loving us and provides all of our comfort! Trust him and be thankful!

  • Shame on the media

    My first professional job when I graduated from Western Michigan University was an editor position with a bi-weekly newspaper in Dearborn, MI. I loved being a part of the media. I was dubbed “the next Bryant Gumball” in my undergraduate years. Journalism still had integrity and a sense of responsibility to the public.

    Ben Franklin and his brother coined the process years ago for media to be more of a watchdog and informer to the public and they were even arrested for telling the truth about government policies that were not helpful to the public.

    Back during the Vietnam War the media played a major role informing the public about what was really happening. They showed the horror of war, the coffins and casualties and exposed the lies from the government which led to mass protests and the eventually end to that foolishness.

    When the Watergate scandal happened the New York Times and the Washington Post among other outlets were like a hungry dog going after a bone to expose the lies and attempts to cover up wrongdoing.

    Walter Cronkite worked for CBS for 19 years and was named the most trusted man in America. Character, integrity, truthful, honest and compassionate were the adjectives to describe him. Today, we have lost sight of these words. Like all things with Capitalism someone decided to begin doing the news for profit and literally killed all credibility.

    What does the resource section of the library do when the non-fiction books become fiction in order to gain more readers? This is what has happened to our media system. Now, there is no filter and anything can be said at anytime without proof. Truth is now a perspective and the absolute part of it has been executed.

    America no longer wants truth. It wants an opinion that it agrees with and truth does not have to take part in it.

    The media has done the unthinkable: To go from being an informative advocate for the communities to bringing fears, opinions and falsehoods to mainstream for the purposes of engaging the emotions of the communities for profit.

    The media has become the greatest threat to American democracy.