Moi Thoughts

Some folks are so proud of being unique that is all they can speak of. All of their focus is directed to their personal state of being unique. When I saw this poster it struck me quite powerfully as in the world of academia much emphasis is placed on "individuality." This whole idea becomes somewhat contradictory to me after a period of time. This is simply due to the fact that we have a whole world basing their world view off of humanistic theories and doctrines; then, everyone walks around speaking of how "individual" or "unique" they are. I have to be careful about becoming cynical and caustic when thinking or researching this idea or issue. Why? The main reason is because typically those who shout their individuality the loudest tend to have the same haircut/style as a million other constituents, wear the same name brand of clothing, dress the same as everyone else and likes to be "seen" at the most stylish locations....just to name a few ways humanity tends to lack individuality. The list could go on.

Many young ladies declare their individuality, yet People Magazine, or some advertisement, comes out with Hollywood females wearing bare legs, skirts barely to the knees, big sunglasses and spike heels. Suddenly every young lady within a hundred mile radius pops up wearing a similar fashion. Or, a popular male music artist comes out with his hair mussed all over his head and all of the guys are suddenly wearing the same hair style. Then someone famous gets a tatoo and all of the sudden everyone thinks tatoos are great and wants one. And more..... What defines individuality or whether someone is truly unique or not?

Where does individuality start? Is it in our personality, the way that we conduct ourselves, our likes or dislikes, the things we like to do or places we like to go, the way we talk, how intellectual we are or the way that we share who we are through our outward appearance? My personal belief is that the outward man is a reflection of the inward man. An "individual" that is truly unique will portray exactly who he is from the inside out and will be different in his uniqueness. People that consistently follow every fad and fashion and strive so hard to be like their peers do not portray individuality. They simply portray an inward being that is pressured by what others think and that lacks self esteem or self confidence.

On the flip side......some strive so hard to be unique that they become an outcast or push the boundaries of societal mores or norms. At that point they lose their effectiveness. Although, they might have a specific crowd they associate with, those peers tend to exhibit the same characteristics or habits. They, therefore, are on the outside looking in also. So then comes the question. Are those individuals even truly unique?

This can apply also in a spiritual sense. Some are so proud of their separation or "uniqueness" that they are no earthly good. When we adopt this mentality we become in danger of our piety overpowering our humble servitude. It is easy to get caught up in this mentality, so one must strive consistently to remember that we who follow Christ are first a servant. When we get so stuck on our religiosity (new word?) we begin to lose our effectiveness. Reaching out, working in the kingdom of God, loving our neighbor as ourselves, helping each other, and prefering one another.... These characteristics truly exemplify uniqueness in our actions rather than simply what we "declare" ourselves to be. We can be or become so "unique" that we are not useful. My desire is more than simply to be unique but to, even more so, be useful. Especially in the work of God.

Name change for Talula Does The Hula from Hawaii

Yahoo News reports today that a New Zealand judge has made a child the ward of the state so that her name can be changed. Her name? Talulah does the Hula from Hawaii. What is your initial reaction to the name? A sense of disbelief, the desire to fall out in the floor laughing, a "that's ridiculous, what is wrong with those parents?" feeling? I can only imagine, because when I saw this on the news this morning, I thought "...no way on earth!" I mean, what on earth would ever possess a parent to create such a moniker for an innocent young child?

A name is something we carry with us all through our life. It can determine our character (yes I believe there is power and meaning behind a name) and is attached to us wherever we go.

Yahoo News reports:

Family court judge Rob Murfitt said in a judgement made in February -- but not released until Thursday -- that oddball monikers created social hurdles as children grew up.
"She fears being mocked and teased and in that she has a greater level of insight than either of her parents," he said of the girl.
The judge discovered New Zealand parents had given their children some other unusual names including Number 16 Bus Shelter and Midnight Chardonnay, both of which may relate to the conception of the child.
One child was named Violence and two pairs of twins were called Benson and Hedges and Fish and Chips. The children from one family were all named after six-cylinder Ford cars.

Star Parker has become a crusader for conservativism. I think it is interesting to see the stand that she is taking in her program CURE. Citizen Link offers a Q&A session with her here

Also, here is an interesting article written by this intelligent woman of color. I want to do more research on her; however, find it intriguing that she is taking the stand she is taking.

....some photos of Toni, I caught over the weekend.

A friend sent me this and I share it only in fun.
*Disclaimer-No offense intended. :)

What do you call a fly in a blonde's brain?

A space invader!

P.s. I once was a blonde and still often have blonde moments. ;)

Check out this site, World Ventures, and see how you can. Or, email reality_trips@yahoo.com for more information.