mar's Desk

marcoujor: Strength Through Silence

2/21/2018

I’m not a fan of watching the news these days.

I grew up with the news all around me - on television, discussed at the dinner table, even during classes in grade school and high school.

Some fifty years later, the news feels like a daily dose of castor oil - both unpleasant to swallow and prone to causing unpleasant gastrointestinal effects.

There are no magical words or solutions to offer those who have witnessed / been injured or the loved ones of those lost as a result of killing rampages. Schools and places of worship are meant to provide a safe and trusting haven for people gathering in peace - whether to learn or worship. Period - no debate in my mind.

I feel a profound sense of loss, despair and anger as I ponder the long term, usually lifetime, consequences and aftermath of acts of senseless violence - both for survivors and the families of those lost.

Image via Marisa04 of Pixabay. Click here to view their gallery.

I’m grateful that I have the self-control to turn off the television and limit my personal exposure to repeatedly witnessing the trauma and grief of others.

I often turn to this song … ironically these lyrics about silence remind me that I do have control over myself and the power to choose loving and peace - centered behavior - both personally and professionally.

“Somewhere we know that without silence words lose their meaning, that without listening speaking no longer heals, that without distance closeness cannot cure”. Henri Nouwen

ShoutOuts

☙ I’ve won, I’ve won! Via Martie’s Foyer

☙ Beauty: What does it mean to you? Via WarnerWords

☙ Life in the Slow Lane via Fireside with Rolly

Until next time, wishing you peace in all you do,

mar

18 Comments

Gail Sobotkin

2/21/2018 08:58:14 am

Dear Maria,
So much wisdom is contained in this blog. Thanks for sharing it. At a time when words said on the news, between co-workers, family and friends, or at protest rallies for so many different and valid causes it's hard to stay centered and at peace with God and ourselves. This was a good reminder that reminds us we do have control over what we choose to watch, talk about and participate in and that centered behavior can help us spread peace and love not only to ourselves, but those we come in contact with.
Sending Blessings and Hugs,
Gail

Maria link

2/22/2018 05:48:55 am

Thanks for this comment which validates what I was trying to relay in this post, dear Gail.

Love you and have a peaceful day, Maria

Peg Cole link

2/21/2018 10:00:42 am

I truly believe that since TVs and telephones have become substitute parents and babysitters that the moral compass of our children have been adversly impacted. Gone are the shows about family values and church going people like The Waltons, Leave it to Beaver and Father Knows Best. They've been replaced by Godless, mindless killing sprees packed full of violence and despair, and that's just the news reports. The games and reality TV shows reflect disrespect, dishonor, and an absence of faith.
I believe you are wise to limit this sort of negativity from your mind by turning it off and tuning into a good book of faith and hope. "We become what we think about." Love your post as always filled with good thoughts. Love you.

Maria link

2/22/2018 05:50:53 am

Love you too, Peg.

Your comments are spot on and thank you for these insights.

Verlie

2/21/2018 11:58:37 am

No words, thank you Mar...

Maria link

2/22/2018 05:51:39 am

Love you and thank you, dear Verlie.

Vicki link

2/21/2018 12:35:33 pm

Dear Mareer,

You are a voice of reason and kindness in a very troubled and violent world. Values seem to be in the minirity, replaced by images of death and destruction in the minds of damaged people. Mental illness is becoming the new normal among folks both adults and children, young and old, and the new justification for all kinds of abhorrent , dangerous behavior.

I too try to limit my exposure to the daily horror show that confronts us on television. But it doesn't take away the ache in my heart, knowing young folks are growing up in this incredibly unkind world.

I hope they will change it.

Thanks, dear Mareer for writing about this.

Love and hugs,
Vicki

Maria link

2/22/2018 05:53:11 am

Dear Vickster,

As usual, I agree with your views. I'm also praying our younger generation will step up to the plate.

Have a peaceful day. Love and hugs to you, mareer

Mike Friedman

2/21/2018 04:01:49 pm

Hello mar - I read this earlier, then got to being silent, and forgot to leave a comment. We can be bombarded with noise and bombarded with silence. What a predicament.

Maria link

2/22/2018 05:58:09 am

It's good to see you here, Mike - anytime. Hugs, Maria

Genna East

2/21/2018 08:22:26 pm

There is much wisdom to this post, Mar. It reminds me of the song, "The Sound of Silence." When the neon signs represent what we have become as a culture -- when communication that is meaningful fails -- what we hear is silence. I hear that silence when listening to and watching the news, filled with stories -- many of them tragic -- that stem from ignorance, anger and apathy. It's when the music stops.

Hugs.

Maria link

2/22/2018 06:02:10 am

Dear Genna,

I vacillated between my chosen song and "The Sound of Silence".

Thanks for your wise interpretation and thoughtful comment.

Hugs to you, Maria

Cynthia link

2/21/2018 09:22:23 pm

Oh, friend. I feel ya. I can only take the news in small doses these days: my heart bleeds red droplets for every human, every animal, every atrocity committed on this planet...I feel it. I feel it deeply. Peace has become part of my M.O.: I live it, breathe it, and fall sharply short all too often, but I get back up and try to continue to shine my light. Thank you also for being a light. We need all the light we can muster to combat the darkness. 🎆🎆🎆

Maria link

2/22/2018 05:54:52 am

I know I am 'preaching to the choir" with you, dear Cynthia.

Thanks for the visit and your big, beautiful, peaceful heart.

Love and hugs, Maria

Angelia link

2/22/2018 11:06:51 am

Prof. Mahreer,

While things wax worse and worse in many ways, hope springs eternal for a day to come when life will be deemed precious. Meantime, I get news from alternative sources rather than mainstream media, and I ensure I engage in only short sessions.

My strength comes from Christ and where He resides, the darkness has to give way.

Maria link

2/28/2018 09:45:24 am

Dear Ange,

Your comment exudes faith, hope and love - thanks for your presence here and your decency.

Love and hugs, mar

Sannel link

2/22/2018 11:58:09 am

Dear Maria,

I thank you for this wise and thought-provoking read this evening. About five years ago, I stopped watching TV entirely and I've not missed it a bit. Instead, I spend that time being creative instead, and reading posts like yours, as well as books which brings meaning to my life.
Love and hugs,
Sannel

Maria link

2/28/2018 09:51:41 am

Dear Sannel,

Your comment shows excellent judgment and much wisdom - yet another reason I love you so much!

Thanks for this visit, always appreciated.

Love to you and Freddie,
Maria

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marcoujor: Strength Through Silence

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