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Printed from https://writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/6163
Spiritual: February 19, 2014 Issue [#6163]

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Spiritual


 This week: Us and Them
  Edited by: Shannon Author IconMail Icon
                             More Newsletters By This Editor  Open in new Window.

Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter

Purchased from stock.adobe.com


Welcome to the Spiritual Newsletter. I am Shannon Author IconMail Icon and I'm your editor this week.


Word from our sponsor



Letter from the editor

I work in a surgery center that only has 10 inpatient beds. Most of our patients discharge home over the weekend, so after everyone went home on Saturday I was there alone from 1-7 p.m. Our facility keeps a nurse on site 24/7 even when there aren't patients because patients who have gone home often call with questions or concerns, and a nurse is always there to answer their questions.

Around 4:00 the phones slowed down, so I started searching through drawers for something to read. I came across a well-known magazine that features the ins and outs of celebrity life. Toward the back of the magazine there were several pages filled with pictures of celebs, and every caption pointed out what the magazine deemed each person's crime: outrageous outfit, big butt, hideous hairdo, shameful shoes. I don't read such magazines and am not used to seeing such blatant attacks of public humiliation. I was appalled. Why do we do that to each other?

We refer to others as "the fat girl" or "that bald guy". We say, "Did you see her dress? What was she thinking?" or "He is way too old to have an earring." Sometimes we don't even realize how hurtful our words are, but seeing it laid out like it was in that magazine is eye-opening and offensive. At least it was to me.

My mom always used to say, "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all." Wise advice, Mom. We go out of our way to see the differences between us--to point out each other's "flaws", but what if we focused on searching for the good, the beautiful, the admirable, the divine? How would that impact our environment and our lives? How would that impact the lives of others?

We have a dry erase board in our break room, and I like to write inspirational quotes on it. Last week I shared one of my favorites by Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor: "Take responsibility for the energy you bring into this space." Amen, sister!

You have no control over what other people do or say, but you do have control over what you do and say and how you react to others. Forget everyone else; be mindful of the energy you bring into every space.

Thank you for reading.

And if you aren't familiar with neuroanatomist Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor, please take a few minutes to watch her TED Talk. It's worth every second of your time, I promise.
 


A swirly signature I made using the Mutlu font and a drop shadow.


Editor's Picks

I hope you enjoy this week's featured selections. Please do the authors the courtesy of reviewing the ones you read. Thank you, and have a great week!

The Fog Open in new Window. (E)
I was lost in a fog.
#1771177 by C. T. Hill Author IconMail Icon


STATIC
May Angels Watch Open in new Window. (E)
Let the serenity of angels calm you in this forthcoming year.
#803865 by VictoriaMcCullough Author IconMail Icon


STATIC
Fishing With Dad Open in new Window. (E)
The accounts of my love fishing one day with Dad, fictionalized.
#1158381 by ~Brian K Compton~ Author IconMail Icon


The Power of His Love Open in new Window. (13+)
I feel I must share this with you. I pray that it touches someone out there.
#798443 by Beth Barnett Author IconMail Icon


The Angels Open in new Window. (13+)
A Christmas tale told to a former skeptic on the eve of his execution, 1,950 years ago.
#1189420 by Basilides Author IconMail Icon

 
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Word from Writing.Com

Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
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Ask & Answer

The following is in response to "Wait a Minute, Mr. PostmanOpen in new Window.:

Quick-Quill Author IconMail Icon says, "Just a followup. My father passed away Jan 14. His homecoming was a blessed passing and he went quietly with his family singing hymns around his bed. I have written so many things about him that I can't pick one thing. I will post his eulogy. It isn't written on my own computer. I had it edited by my daughter and everyone had some input. At 85 he was still inspiring his visitors to the day before he died. We even had to call and cancel visitors that last day. Roy A Buss b.January 8, 1928 d. January 14, 2014." Aw, he sounds like a wonderful man. I am so sorry for your loss. I will keep you and yours in my thoughts and prayers. *Angel*

Christine Cassello Author IconMail Icon says, "That is really interesting, not exactly new information to me, but one I need to be reminded of and work on to improve. I will write the letters even though I am not starting it the first week of January." Yes, it's something we all know we should do but always seem to put off. I know I have, and I have many times. I just have to remind myself not to wait too long because no one is guaranteed tomorrow. Just this past week a dear friend of mine lost his wife of 60+ years and a coworker's spouse was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. Our time here is so fleeting. I want to make sure the people I love and admire know how I feel about them before it's too late. Thank you so much for reading and commenting. *Heart*

The following items were submitted by their authors:

 Werewolf Invasion Open in new Window. (18+)
Werewolves have invaded the Earth! Will they be Man's Best Friend or Worst Foe? 9,880+ Vs
#1734474 by BIG BAD WOLF is Howling Author IconMail Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1969262 by Not Available.

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