Being a millennial New Yorker and actor, I’d like to think I’ve got pretty thick skin.
Getting rejected is par for the course in the entertainment industry. The city doesn’t do you any favors — just try battling the check out lines at Whole Foods at 3pm on a Sunday. Heck, even the squirrels seems to have a certain undeniable hutzpah on these streets.
Really, nothing quite comes as a shock to me anymore, for better or for worse.
However.
Earlier this week, opening up my Buzzfeed app to find Kathy Griffin’s infamous photo of her, carrying the bloodied head of a decapitated President Donald Trump…I literally stopped in my tracks.
Just. No.
And I have a few words.
This is not okay. I don’t care how much you hate the President or his policies, that went. too far.
It’s no secret that Donald Trump is one of – if not the most – polarizing Presidents in the history of the United States, but propagating his death – especially by deliberate decapitation – even as “comedy” – is never, under any circumstance, funny, or edgy, or boundary pushing, or remotely acceptable. Just. No.
I’m not here to drag Kathy Griffin through the coals, but when has this level of sordid obscenity become okay?
When has it become acceptable to emulate the likes of terrorists, and pass it off as political satire?
RealTalk: We need to wake up, look in the mirror, and say, how did I make that okay?
Because here’s the thing: Ms. Griffin is not stupid. She’s a managed comedy machine. And for better or for worse, that photo shoot was calculated: she took those pictures, because the climate of our society is such that smut is culturally acceptable. And dare I say, even celebrated. ((50 Shades of Gray much?))
Sure, maybe she’s having to back pedal now, but the fact is, she released it, because we allowed her to.
And my question is this: What role am I playing in that?
What am I doing to challenge or perpetuate this climate of awfulness?
Seriously.
What do I spend my money on? What shows do I watch? What video games do I play? What clothes do I wear? What do I retweet, or read, or talk about?
We make our cultural beds, so to speak, every single day, by the actions that we take – or don’t take.
And Kathy Griffin’s grave misstep, is just one example of the monster that we’ve helped create.
I look around, as I’m walking through the streets of New York, and I’d say that 90% of the people have their heads down, buried in their phones.
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- Source: stevecutts
I kid you not. I was walking through Bryant Park at dusk one evening, and at one point, I looked up and every. single. person. was engrossed in their phones. Even the couples sitting on blankets.
We vote by our browser history. Our Netflix queue. Our social media follows and feeds.
And you and I, we’re fighting an uphill battle, living in a culture that has left God behind long ago.
Now, I look at that picture of Kathy Griffin, and instead of remaining shocked and saddened and disgusted by this disrespect and terroristic nature of the photo, I’m instead, challenged to make a change.
Ignited to combat the depravity of our age.
And it starts with you and me: With our small sphere of influence. The people in our lives. The neighbors, friends, shop keepers, and community members. How do we spread love? Respect? Tolerance? Understanding? Forgiveness?
We do it by letting God shine through us.
We do it by looking up from our phones and engaging with people on a meaningful level – hearing their stories, and sharing our own. Encountering people, and sharing the truth that they are loved and that there is something — or rather SomeOne — greater to live for.
Even in something as little as a smile. Or a hug.
Because in the world that can be oppressive and dark, a little light goes a long way.
It starts with you and me.
It starts today.
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498 responses to “Dear Kathy Griffin…”
My 10 year old granddaughter heard a popular song about smelling sheets and told her mom “that’s inappropriate, turn it off!” We all can challenge the culture every day. Well said.
Yes! We can change it! What a smart little girl:) thanks for stopping by, Elizabeth! Hugs and love xox
She is a wonderfully kind kid.
Aww hats so great 🙂 💛💛💛💛
*that’s
Yes, we’re all responsible for this and for making a change for the better, Thank you Caralyn!
Thanks so much! Yes!! let’s do it 🙂 thanks for stopping by! hugs xox
Well said! Thank you for sharing this!
thanks Joe. I appreciate you taking the time to read! hugs xox
Well said my friend! This woman is evil as are so many on the liberal left today. So full of hate for anything that has different beliefs.
Hi John, thanks so much. Yeah, let’s practice tolerance and love! 🙂 thanks for stopping by! big hugs xox
Yes, because the conservatives all loved Obama so much they never burned or hung his effigy or made pictures of him with a rope around his neck. This isn’t a liberal vs. Conservative thing, this is a decent people vs. Extremist thing. Both sides are guilty and until we stop namecalling and generalizing, nothing will change.
It wasn’t okay then, and it isn’t okay now. Violence should never be tolerated.
Thank you for this measured and intelligent response to the current socio-political climate in our country. In some ways, being overseas now is the best place to be, being able to avoid the narcissistic rants and anger on both sides of the aisle. People who claim to put country first, but have no courage to walk across the room to speak to someone they know to be on the opposite side of an issue or even walk across the tracks to go to a neighborhood in dire need of the loving hand of humanity. We will all look back on this time as a great turning point, when we lost the narrative. I get how polarizing this president is, but we perpetuate it by refusing to tell people to stop, our OWN people on our OWN side. Reading this makes me even more grateful to have found your blog and to begin getting to know you through your words – your wisdom is appreciated and truly necessary. May I draw inspiration from you? I believe so. Now… to go back in time…
Thanks for this, S. Yeah, it is a pretty heated and tense climate here in the states to say the least. Yeah, I hope that this is the low point and things will only get better from here. Thanks for your kind and inspiring words. You are a gem 🙂 hugs xo
In about 20 hours, I will get a taste of it. Swinging through San Fran on my way to Boston and then VA. Slowly learning how to apply my own voice in a constructive and not divisive way. Hard, everyone seems triggered to react with cynicism at any positive or hopeful message of unity.
oh gosh, well I’ll pray for you!! 🙂
Thanks, not sure I need God worrying about me, seems there are much bigger issues for Him to worry about!
haha, oh gosh, well in the words from “The Shack”…”He is especially fond of you 🙂 “
LOL, thanks.
anytime, my friend 🙂 🙂 🙂
🙂
Time to close up the laptop and get my head up out of my screens. 😉 LOL the ironies, right? Maybe all those zombies are reading your blog as they walk around NYC?
Anywho… long 15 hour flight ahead. oh my. Thank God for books and poetry.
If you DO say a prayer on my behalf, just ask the big guy to keep my ankles from swelling up too much. and for small people in the seats on either side of me. 🙂
Until tomorrow, my friend, I will look forward to seeing you around.
hahah ahh yes, the ironies. good luck on your flight! i definitely will. Compression sock — i hear they work wonders 🙂 (( the source is a particular gentleman in my family whom i respect very much 🙂 ))
Do the socks compress time, too? Now THAT would be an invention, and a humorous story prompt… hmmmm… the magic compression socks that did more than what was advertised… okay for real this time… take care today!
hahhaha
🤓
Love this and love you! 👌🏻❤️
aw, thanks Britt. You’re sweet to say that. thanks for stopping by! big hugs xo
You literally expressed my whole thought process on this.
oh good!! i’m so glad it resonated with you!!! have a great weekend x
I seen that Donald Trump photo on Facebook but that kind of stuff don’t shock me, like the photo that he shoots himself in the head, that say’s “Let’s make America Great Again.” I also have a physco straight even know I’m not a physco, so that kind of stuff like they show in horror moives and in photos don’t shock me at all.
Thanks for this reflection, Michael. Yeah, unfortunately, that stuff is pretty par for the course these days. sad 🙁 thanks for stopping by! hugs xox
Yeah I don’t hate him but I also don’t like him but he also hasn’t been in there that long yet.
That’s true. Let’s give him time 🙂 and prayers! Haha
Yes. Sadly, lost souls have a certain aura about them in 21st Century Ameruca. Being in rebellion against God and even a rudimentary decency is the norm these days. Hate Authority? OK. Take a number, Ms Griffin, and wait on line like everybody else.
thanks for this reflection, David. You’re right – it really is a rebellion. makes me sad. but we can do something about it 🙂 thanks for stopping by! hugs xox
I’ve seen quite a few articles today detailing how former President Obama was also subjugated to cruel jokes, how the right tends to conveniently forget about other horrendous things said about people on the opposing side of the aisle, etc.
The purpose of these pieces, of course, is that since the other side did it first, or since they also engaged in poor behavior, it was fair game for this comedienne to shock audiences like this.
The response has been exactly as anticipated.
Because this is really the crux of humanity, is it not?
Our chronic inability to admit we are mistaken, our tendency to say “But they also did it!”.
It is not the love of Jesus that we have trouble with, but the need for repentance. It is not the crucifixion and subsequent resurrection that we fail to accept, but the truth that our hearts, regardless of how we’ve lived, are blackened with sins and in need of forgiveness.
And it is forgiveness, true forgiveness, the one that cries out “Lord, forgive them for they know not what they do” as they are hammering the nails deep into the flesh, that we have dismissed.
Let’s forgive Kathy Griffin and let’s forgive Donald Trump, so our Father who is in heaven can also forgive us.
Lord knows we need it now more than ever.
Hi Ricardo, thank you for this thought provoking response. Yeah, there is always going to be finger pointing, especially in politics. My deepest prayer is for respect and tolerance, and understanding, and absolutely — forgiveness. Thanks again 🙂 big hugs xo
It’s no secret: I despise Trump. However, I agree she went too far.
It wasn’t okay when they did the same thing to Obama. It won’t be okay to any future president. It’s not okay to promote violence.
Thanks Allah. I agree – wasn’t okay then, wasn’t okay now. Violence is never the answer. thanks for stopping by. big hugs xo
It is sad that our society has become such followers, if a actress, actor, musician or whoever post their opinions we are like lambs that are led around. Well so and so is this so I have to be this. As a parent of two one 19 and the other 9 I have tried and still trying to instill in both my children Think For Yourself. Investigate, research, think about, deconstruct until you fully understand before you jump on any bandwagon.
Thank you so much for this thoughtful response. you’re so right – especially in raising children. we need to think for ourselves and live with the foundation of love and respect. thanks for stopping by. big hugs xox
When it become the fashion to pull stunts like what Griffin pulled? If I had to guess, I’d say it was when right-wingers were lynching Obama in effigy and getting away with it. This is not to suggest that what Kathy Griffin did was in any way in good taste, but hypocrisy is a vice, not a virtue. I don’t recall the far right condemning its own when it effigies of Obama were burned and hanged. But no, let’s all get indignant when a supposed liberal decides to stoop to their level. Sorry. I don’t mean to come off all hostile with this comment. But I’m seeing way too many people condemn Kathy Griffin while ignoring or downplaying the lunatics who did it to Obama. Apparently things like this, in our society, are only objectionable when perceived leftists do it.
Hi Michael, thank you for this thought provoking response. promoting violence is never okay. wasn’t then and isn’t now. Period. Thanks for stopping by. hugs xox
Me and hubby were talking about the same thing a few weeks back. We’re in a restaurant, it’s packed, not an empty seat. I looked around and NOBODY was talking to each other. Tables full of people, one would assume together but all on their phones.
It’s a rule with us and anyone joining us for dinner, at home or out, no internet, social stuff, even phone calls unless someone is in the hospital, and you’re waiting on an update, or someone is watching your kids. LOL The art of conversation is all but dead. Which takes away feelings for the one you are “conversing” with, if you can’t hear and feel what they are saying. Hence we become more numb to one another. It reminds me of the Garden of Eden, wasn’t knowledge the first sin?
Hi Margaret, thanks so much for this thoughtful response. i know! what happened to talking to people! even when our phones are “away” for dinner, they’re still on the table, vibrating like crazy!! it’s nuts!! that’s a great rule — i think everyone should adopt it!! let’s combat that numbness! 🙂 thanks for stopping by! big hugs x
Always a pleasure. I don’t really comment on political things but I’ll go ahead and say before the comments pile up, I know there will be push back, they did this, but if we do it it’s wrong. I appreciate that you share your opinion in a non violent, open hearted way. It’s the way it should be. Depicting ANY President as being killed can always insight that one disturbed person out there to do something that can’t be undone. If some one thinks it was wrong to do it to the president they preferred then they should certainly be the first ones to stand up and say, it wasn’t right then, it’s not right now, period.
Thanks again. Yeah, I’m definitely not typically one who enjoys talking politics, but I do enjoy having respect, open and honest conversations. Everyone brings their own perspectives and experiences to the table, and I am always to grateful to learn and listen to other people. But you’re right – such violence like that is never okay. Thanks again!! so glad you stopped by! have a great evening 🙂
I wouldn’t miss a post for the world. :):) Love and respect is the way to go :):) God Bless you Big hugs xoxox
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People requiring attention to stay relevant for notoriety to support their income (entertainment/politics) make ridiculous statements such as Ms Griffin. Attention of all kinds is better than zero attention? NO ONE in the entertainment business delivers actual value to humanity, such as developing innovative medicine, technology, or social advancement. When ignored, their impact dwindles to nothing more than nuisance status. Consumers vote with their dollars, unfortunately…they don’t realize they perpetuate this problem 🙄
If all this fuss were about solving a real social problem, then I could care😔
how very very true. I know, where is the sanctity for human life? makes me very sad. You’re right – we vote with our pocket books. thanks for stopping by! hugs xox
Well said!
Thanks Helena! I appreciate you stopping by! hugs xox
Boom, what a post, now that’s what I’m talking about, Caralyn!! Gotta admit, I kinda missed this side of you… I was kinda concerned while reading this ’cause it was pretty dark, but then the transition to the lighter side was just amazing. Great post. 😉
Fantastic message overall, very inspirational and well said/written. Ciao bella, hugs <3
Aw, thank you so much!!! i’m so glad you liked it 🙂 hah thanks – yeah, NYC brings back my spunk 🙂 … or perhaps my own hutzpah haha thanks for stopping by! big hugs xx
[…] via Dear Kathy Griffin… — BeautyBeyondBones […]
thanks for the link up! hugs xox
This was an AMAZING take on personal responsibility for the culture we live in. Thank you.
Thank you so much Frank!! I’m so glad that you enjoyed the read. Thanks for stopping by! big hugs xo
I agree with you, these last two presidents have been the most polarizing I have seen in my 50+ years of voting. And the media and celebrities aren’t helping things by not accepting the elected president (like him or not) and working for change within the system. It seems to be a “my guy or protest, riot, and break the laws” culture.
Thanks for this thoughtful response. you’re so right -the media and celebrities are just perpetuating the bullying. not to mention a social media climate that allows and perhaps even celebrates bullying. it’s sad. It’s a culture of defiance. It’s got to change. Thanks for stopping by. big hugs xo
I hear what you say on this and you’re right. But the reason this happens is because they probably feel society is out of their control now or they’re not being heard.
Its a shame it gets like this…
Hi Simon, thanks for this perspective. you’re right, there’s a spirit of desperation — and actually defiance. You’re right, it’s a shame. thanks for stopping by. hugs xo
In a funny way its a good thing because people are making their views known, but its not the best way for sure.
Desperation does this though…
Hour you’re ok 😊
true true true
😊😊😊
Unfortunately, I think shock value is the way people market these days. If their name is not in the media they just do something shocking / distasteful and people talk about them…for a little while. I am working on doing my best to not give my focus and energy to the negative. That usually happens when I have positive experiences of just living normal life with my family. 🤓
Hey Esther! Thanks so much for this thoughtful response. you’re right – shock value seems to have a lot of currency these day. what people will do for attention….ugh. yes! focus on the positive! thanks for stopping by! big hugs xo
Thanks, God bless you.
and you too 🙂 xox
Just before I read this I was on Facebook and saw one of my “friends” praising her for the photo! I cannot believe anyone can do that!!! Thank you for sharing the opinion most of us are feeling! We need to share love and hopefully it will spread!! I believe in the statement, what we allow will continue, so let’s only allow love 😁
Keep up the great work!! 💞
Hi Melissa, thanks for this thoughtful response. oh gosh. I feel ya there. Yes! let’s share love!! 🙂 thanks for stopping by! big hugs xox
You’re so very welcome!! Hugs to you too! Xoxo
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I agree with you..Even though I am NOT a Trump supporter this was appalling and incredibly evil. I am looking at my life and anything that might be indicating that I am OKAY with stuff like that…you are so right.We can only change ourselves and in doing so we MIGHT be able to change our culture.
Hi Dr. Lynn, thank you so much for this thoughtful response. you’re right – i don’t think it matters what side of the political aisle you’re in…promoting violence is never okay. Yes! Let’s start with ourselves and promote love!! 🙂 thanks for stopping by! big hugs xo
I agree. I blogged about Snow flakes in a 2 parter and the first part was blaming parenting and education. The second part was target ed on society and I talked about the devices. I asked how could Cinderella and Prince Charming turned into Snow flakes. Ahuelon.wordpress.com. You did a beautiful job in your blog.
Thank you so much! sounds like an interesting 2-parter 🙂 i look forward to reading it! thanks for stopping by! big hugs xo
You really do write well. I enjoyed reading your thought!
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Growing up in a post 9/11 world, this really didn’t shock me. I saw the uncensored image in all it’s gory glory and I was like: “oh, that’s obviously fake and the president is still alive. Not important … moving on.”
But I guess the damage is done for me. once you’re desensitized, you can’t feel shocked or sad or amazed at anything much anymore. You can’t go back.
Thanks for this Jamie, you’re right, there has been a bit of a cultural loss of innocence since then. coincidentally, I was walking past the new World Trade Center this afternoon and thinking about that very thing. Such a great point. thanks for stopping by. big hugs xox
Well done and so true. There seem to be very few lines anymore, but that crossed one.
Hi Mark, thank you so much. You’re right – there really are no lines. it’s sad. where’s the sanctity of human life!? I appreciate you stopping by! big hugs xo
Thank you for saying that! It used to be that even the office of President deserved respect, even if we didn’t agree. Actually, scripture says God requires we treat our leaders with respect, because they wouldn’t be in office without his say so. “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.” Romans 13:1 Again, thanks for speaking out!
Thank you so much, friend. you’re right – I mean the President definitely is going to be the butt end of some scathing political satire and caricatures a la The New Yorker — but graphic decapitations!? That is just too far. Amen to that! Thanks for stopping by. big hugs xo
Reblogged this on MARSHALL W THOMPSON, SR and commented:
Now you know why I have been posting about “Combating Liberals” They are suffering from a mental disorder called Trump Derangement Syndrome. A condition that occurs when all reality leaves a person. This syndrome progresses into a full blown Personality Disorder similar to an Anti-Social or Sociopath. It is called the “Chicken Little Personality Disorder” Thomas Payne who said ” I may not agree with what you say. But I will defend to the death your right to say it” is turning over in his grave so the liberals can kiss his ass. Please feel free to tell then they can kiss my ass also! #PeaceMarshall
thanks for the reblog! hugs xo
Well said and soooo true!
Thank you so much! I appreciate you stopping by 🙂 have a great evening. Hugs and love xox
Promoting violence is never OK. Does not matter if you are left, right or center; liberal or conservative.
We must remember that what goes around, comes around. Unfortunately, in this wonderful country of ours, those at the top seem to be promoting and propagating divisiveness in the society. By turning a blind eye to those rhetorics as long as those do not go against our own, we the public are silent supporters of what’s happening.
PC be damned. What’s right is right and what’s wrong is wrong. We may certainly have disagreement but if we forget to discuss and communicate, this is what we will get. Condemning a singular event and whitewashing the prevailing atmosphere won’t solve anything.
Thanks so much for this, friend. You’re right – promoting violence is never okay, no matter what side of the political aisle you’re on. It’s true, saying nothing makes one a silent supporter. thanks for this great comment! hugs xo
Your blog is dead on. So many have lost the ability to talk, share, engage. My daughter was recently accepted into two prominent, highly regarded law schools. She asked me to accompany her on a tour of them both. At one school (a well-known Catholic university), we were greeted with smiles, handshakes, and welcoming words. At the other, not only were we ignored as we walked the halls, we noticed that not one single student we saw, throughout the afternoon, was speaking to any other student. Every person we passed was staring at a phone, a tablet, or a laptop. It seriously felt like a utopian disaster movie. When we finished the tour, my daughter (who, by the way, was 100% for this school, saying she was not going to spend her entire life in Catholic schools) looked at me and said, “I know law schools are competitive, but I want to at least go to one that is friendly.”
Thanks so much Amy. First of all, congrats to your daughter for getting in! That’s so awesome. You’re right- we’ve forgotten how to interact! We’ve got to learn to connect with people again! Thanks for stopping by. Hugs and love xox
“Encountering people, and sharing the truth that they are loved and that there is something — or rather SomeOne — greater to live for.” – I love this line! thank you for sharing.
Aw thank you so much Debra! So glad you enjoyed the read! Hugs and love xox
Yes. Yes. Yes. My God is not dead, he is surely alive and He is sad to see His creation descend into the oblivion of the cell phone. Keep fighting the good fight! God bless you for your faithfulness.
Thanks so much friend!! The oblivion of the cell phone. That made me sigh but it’s so true. Thanks for stopping by. Hugs and love xox
You are spot on, and I completely agree with you. I am not his biggest fan, but he is President, and that deserve some kind of respect.
“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” 1 Timothy 2: 1-2
Thank you so much!! You’re right- respect indeed. We don’t have to agree with his policies or even his personal life, but respect at a minimum. Love that verse. Thanks for stopping by! Have a great evening! Hugs and love xox
You too. Thank you for your amazing blog. I have a sewing blog, and I hope that I can use it to inspire people the way you do with your blog.
✨☀️💛☀️✨thanks again 🙂 that’s really kind of you to say!
How can I share this very well thought out write with others like to my FB? So great a write!!
Thank you so much! I would be honored if you were to share it! There’s a button to do so at the bottom, or you can copy the web address and paste it in a post:) thanks so much! Hugs and love xox
I found it…My uncle posted about it earlier. We need more Matthew Macconahey’s in Hollywood. This is the world God speaks of in Revealtions though. So indeed perilis times. That is why WE have to are called to be in it, and not of it. Thank you so much!! ☝blessings!! Keep them coming!!
That’s so true – in it, not of it. Thanks againxx
This was an excellent post. How far is too far? I think we crossed that line a while back. Reality T.V. vulgarity found acceptable because it is called a joke. I am so glad that you wrote this post I hope many read it and do a self check. How many things have we accepted in the name of tolerance?
Thank you so much Julie. I really appreciate your encouragement. You’re right – that line keeps getting pushed farther and farther back. It’s a shame. Yes! Self checks 🙂 Hugs and love xox
I agree…. Beautifully said… I think it started with reality TV… But you are right… We tolerate too many things and now comedy seems to have gone too far… A new level but is it a better level??
Thanks Shalini. I think you’re right- reality TV was kinda the breaking point. Great for for thought. Thanks for stopping by. Hugs and love xox
Good job friend – thanks for your post – totally agree about engaging people with intelligent conversation
Thank you so much friend. Yes! we’ve got to get back to our conversation skills. **she says as she walks and goes on her phone** — #partoftheproblem! Haha but seriously… thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love xox
Walking and being on your phone can be hazardous friend ! Thanks for liking my post earlier btw
Hahahah yes very true!! 💛💛☀️
Here’s proof – https://youtu.be/wl0JojWH1rQ – crazy stuff
oh my gosh that’s crazy!! don’t fine me!!!! 🙂 haha but in all seriousness…that bear!? scary stuff
thanks for finding that and passing it along 🙂 i enjoyed it.
Don’t like Trump or anyone else? Hate the sin and not the sinner, right? We went to see Griffin in Toledo once. She used to have a lot of good material, but that night she ended her show with a barrage of blasphemy. Never again. She’s way out of control. A few more comments at Patreon…just me agreeing with your wisdom.
Oh gosh , that’s always so sad to see comedy cheapened like that. There’s something to be said for pure comedy anymore. Hard to find. Brian Regan is a great one if you’ve heard of him. Looking forward to patreon comments! Also – I just finally got back to your email! Hugs to you and Julie!
I actually knew Brian in passing. We both went to Heidelberg College in Tiffin, OH, now Heidelberg University. Have you heard of Gabriel Iglesias, aka Fluffy? Lot so clips on YouTube. He has several DVDs out. A couple on Netflix now. I got your email. No worries. Tears? All ok?
ARE YOU SERIOUS!?! oh my gosh I am literally freaking out right now!! he is hands down my favorite comedian. I’ll have to look up Iglesias. thanks for passing along that name. Yeah, just missing mama 🙂 thanks friend. hugs x
Don’t get too freaked! Like I said, I knew him in passing. The Berg was and still is a pretty small private college. You just knew everyone. Unlike, say NYC, you always said hi to everyone you passed as you walked across campus. It’s not like we hung out or anything. I think I recall him hanging out at the theatre department occasionally. Hugs back atcha. Really big ones tonight, yeah?
Haha yeah, I learned that real quick the first weekend that I moved to NYC– unlike Ohio, you *do not* wave to people when you’re jogging. Haha that was very apparent, very quickly — from the weird looks I got!! 😂 yes really big hugs 🙂
HA! That’ll teach you to be nice. Quick reply to your email for a smile. And let’s see how many different media we can spread a conversation across!!!
Haha I know right? 😂😂😂📱💻📧 we just need a carrier pigeon or a Harry Potter owl 🦉
I was going to write on this too, but you said everything I would have said. I don’t like a lot of things Trump has done in terms of environmental issues, health care and a couple of other issues dear to me, but I could never in a million years fathom doing something this awful as what she did. It’s the same way I felt about people burning effigies of Obama while he was president. I don’t care how much you may disagree, you just don’t do these sorts of things. It’s awful! You stated it very eloquently.
Thanks so much! Yeah, violence is never okay. You just don’t do those sorts of things. Very sad. Thanks for stopping by. Hugs and love xox
(1) Griffin did nothing new. People in marches in the 1800s carried effigies of political figures hanged by the neck or dressed in tar and feathers. Actually, they subjected real people to tar and feathering as well. Somehow, we’ve come to believe that we’re too nice for that. Not true. The Alt Right/KKK/Nazis are very much part of this society. Charles Dickens was absolutely correct when he said that ignorance and want are the major threats to civilization. Humans remain very capable of evil behavior based on ignorance and greed.
(2) Obama well said that people get the president they deserve. People who are ignorant and vote based on sound bytes or obsolete images of parties get what they deserve — poverty and a reduced life expectancy. Arguably, they get the society they deserve — which is destined to be not what they want.
The comment about life expectancy isn’t flippant. There’s a 20 year difference in life expectancy between counties in the US. People on the lower Mississippi valley, eastern Kentucky, West Virginia and rural Nevada die earlier, while people in the NYC metro area, coastal California, Oregon and south Florida live longest. Life expectancy correlates with spending on public health services, and GOP states generally don’t treat that as a priority. That’s why my home state, Kentucky, can have some of the best roads in the country and a bottom five health system. As I know from the number of my high school classmates who are dead, Kentucky is not a place in which to get sick.
Hi Vic, thank you for sharing your thoughts. Yeah lots of powerful food for thought. Violence is never okay. Wasn’t then and it isn’t now. Thanks for stopping by. Hugs x
“Encountering people, and sharing the truth that they are loved and that there is something — or rather SomeOne — greater to live for.” Excellent statement! And wait to start a conversation. Praying God helps the church be a light of His love!
*way not wait 🙂
👌
Thanks so much! Yes! I will join you in that prayer! Thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love xox
Excellent post!
Thanks so much Lilka! I appreciate it:) hugs xox
An excellent post and very well stated! We do create our own monsters by what we support!
Dwight
Hi Dwight! Thank you so much! You’re so right – we’ve got to support what we support! 🙂 thanks for stopping by! hugs xox
Your post left me thinking as usual. Thank you for the inspiration. Have you seen this clip with Lady Gaga? For some reason, what you wrote made me think of her video: https://youtu.be/FCThj7s9kdw – “Hatred, evil, whatever you want to call it, it’s intelligent, it’s smart and it’s invisible … I am going to divide my enemy into smaller less strong groups, and make them hate each other, and make it easier to take them down…” Kindness is the remedy. Thank you for your courage to step up and help galvanize a better direction.
Thank you so much Anitra! I haven’t seen this clip! Wow – what a powerful thought. You’re right – kindness is the remedy. And that brings me great hope, because we can each be kind in our little circles 🙂 And that can make a big difference! 🙂 thanks for stopping by and for sharing that clip! hugs xo
[…] via Dear Kathy Griffin… — BeautyBeyondBones […]
thanks for the link up! hugs xox
Xxxx
thanks friend! i appreciate you stopping by! hugs xo
Right back at ya. You’re an inspiration x
🙂 thanks again x
Good post, and I agree with you about how we have become smart phone zombies…but You know sister…It is because of that goofy phone watching that I was able to read your post too! 😉
thank you so much! yeah, smart phone zombies for sure! hahah i know — it’s a catch 22 — and as i type this, I’m taking a walk haha so…clearly #ImPartOfTheProblem!! haha thanks for stopping by! big zombie hugs xox 🙂
Agreed. As everything has become more polarizing, extremes have merged revealing an ugly side. While I am no supporter, Kathy Griffin has gone too far in pursuit of a joke; it was vulgar. I believe that it is times like these and when there’s so much shouting over policy and beliefs that it is better to ask a question, and get at the root of such emotional reaction. It’s the old saying: “When you shout, I can’t hear your words.”
Hi Carl! thank you so much for this thoughtful response. you’re right – vulgar to the max. Ugly indeed. I think that’s such a powerful thought – we’ve got to seek to understand, and spend more time listening. thanks for this awesome food for thought. i hear you! 😉 big hugs xo
You are SOOOO right, my sister! We can’t effectively kill a monster that we’ve helped to create…until we admit the part we played in creating it.
I’m no Donald Trump fan, but he is our President…and he was ELECTED, which means his being in office is a reflection of us as a nation. Before we go “head-hunting” like Kathy Griffin has done, we need to take a long, hard look in the mirror first…especially us followers of Jesus.
Thanks so much Wayne!! You’re right, we’ve got to realize that we’re helping it along, and work to counteract the hate! Very true, love him or leave him, he was elected. And violence is never the answer. Thanks for stopping by! big hugs xo
Thank you for that. The negativity that has engulfed society is so smothering. You’re right, we are each responsible to do our part to change that.
Smothering indeed. But I do have hope because we each can spread kindness 🙂 thanks for stopping by! sending big hugs xo
Great post — you summed up my thoughts on the subject.
I’m not a fan of Trump, however I would never wish him ill both as the president and as a human being, because it is the decent thing to do. Wishing the president — your president — ill is like shooting yourself in the foot. I support the president, because he is the president.
The American people who obsess over his perceived or actual faults are creating a negative climate — just petty things like his wife, children, businesses, hell even body language. I’m convinced the man could cure cancer and folks would still twist it in a negative light. None of his positive doings are reaching mainstream media because these asshats are mired in negativity and want to obsess over these actual/perceived faults. One of my friends on Fb posted eight, counted them, posts about the damned typo and poking fun. As did others.
Its becoming obnoxious and stupid.
These folks seem to have way too much time on their hands.
To be honest, I kind of admire him for keeping his shit together in spite of all the billshit. Not only is it normal presidential stuff, but half the nation despises the man and are actively working against him.
Not going to lie –I would have folded.
Thank you so much for this thought provoking response. you’re so right – there is a veil of negativity over Trump, perpetuated by the media and celebrities, deserved or not. I know, it’s like, haven’t we all made a dumb typo before?? hah Very true – he is our President and as a result, we should respect him and at the very least, give him a chance. Thanks for stopping by! big hugs xox
Thank you Caralyn for your good honest writing. Since I am a Canadian, I cannot comment much on U.S. politics, but on the disrespect towards people I can.
I didn’t see the original picture, I am happy to say, but hearing about it was enough to be disgusted. I don’t know Kathy Griffin, and don’t believe I have ever heard her, and now know I don’t wish to.
We know the Bible tells us to pray for our leaders, but of course the majority of people would not read it, or know that. But besides that, everyone should know that respect should be shown to the office of the leaders of our countries, if not the person’s actions, since that person still holds the office.
I do believe Caralyn, that if people like Kathy Griffin, including her, could know you, and hang out with you, they would learn a lot about caring for and about others, respecting others, having love for others, even when they don’t agree. Actually, others would see and hear Jesus Christ in action, with His Holy Spirit speaking and working through you.
Thanks Caralyn, for making the world a better place, and touching many, in many ways, in NYC, U.S.A., and wherever your wisdom and love is read, including Canada,
Luv ❤️ Hugs
George
Hey George! thank you so much for this thoughtful response. you’re so right – it was fully disgusting. We really should be praying for our leaders, not tearing them down. Oh my gosh, what a kind thing to say, George. I am seriously so touched by that generous remark. thank you with all my heart. Thank YOU for being such a positive source in my life. you are a blessing to me. 🙂 big hugs xox
Thank you for your kindness, Caralyn. God’s Blessings. Oh, one favour to ask. Will you kindly update us all periodically, once a week or whatever feels right for you, on your Mom and Dad, as to how they are, and how they are doing? Thanks a bunch. More hugs. 😀
Thank you George. Absolutely. I will keep you in the loop! So far, they’re doing great!! 👍👍👍👍 thank you for asking 🙂
Well said- amazing post- love your blog! XXOO 😘
oh my gosh thank you so much! i’m so glad you enjoyed it! have a great night 🙂 xox
I love all your stuff! Funny a friend reposted your blog on Facebook and I told her – Oh I love her stuff too! Very good and so glad your mom is recovering well! XXOO
Oh my gosh you’re so kind to say that! haha wow, that seriously made me smile so big 🙂 thanks for stopping by, and for reposting it! happy almost-Friday 🙂 haha hugs x
[…] http://beautybeyondbones.com/2017/06/01/dear-kathy-griffin/ […]
thank you for the link up! hugs xo
While I agree that talk of hurting other is never okay I will also say that Mr. Trump creates all of his own messes. Media is not to blame. No one is to blame but him and his inability to keep his mouth shut and his finger off the tweet button. Unfortunately, people often imitate what they see from the top down and Trump has created all of the ugliness and an ugly climate himself.
Thank you so much for this food for thought. All I know is that violence is never okay. The good thing is that we can start in our own little circles of influence and propagate kindness and respect 🙂 thanks for stopping by. big hugs xox
It’s a sad commentary on humanity. We as the human race have lost our way. Well said. Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts
Hi Michael, thank you so much for this thoughtful response. you’re right – it really is a sad commentary on humanity. We need to find our way back to human decency. At the very least. Thanks for stopping by. big hugs xo
Wow, I love this! Love how you wrote it and how you included all the lovely pics. I agree totally! You have such style, woman! Grace and peace.
Thanks so much Polly! So glad you enjoyed the read. Thanks for your kind words. Hugs and love xox
Wow, this really hit spot on for me. It really bothers me how often I see people not looking up from their phones when they are with people, it just describes such a selfishness. Let’s be different from that. Let’s look up and seriously engage in the people around us. Thank you for this!
Much love,
Ashley | dearash.com
Hi Ashley, thank you so much for this thoughtful response. You’re right – we need to get back to being in the moment with people. Learn to engage and listen and be present. Thanks for stopping by! big hugs xo
I’m sure the defense of anybody who has chosen to be blinded by the depravity of such obscene post would be that it is purely entertainment, or comical, or it is symbolic to a message she is trying to pass along, but not necessarily meaning violence. The truth is that conceptions like this are being entertained because of the degeneration we have plunged ourselves into, but I am glad that someone had the courage enough to point it out.
hey again friend! You’re right, we really have plunged into that dark space. it really makes me sad. but there is hope because we can be the light!! 😉 big hugs xox
Yes! Yes! Yes!!!!!!! Love you! Keep up the truth! You are a light!!! 🙂 ❤
oh my gosh thank you so much Tonya! What a kind thing to say. glad you enjoyed the read! big hugs xo
Griffin once lectured Elisabeth Hasselbeck on respecting the office of the President simply because EH disagreed with President Obama’s policies. I guess respect doesn’t extend to offensive satire.
oh gosh, yeah, I guess respect is only deserved if it looks/acts/sounds/believes like you…. :/ not okay…. thanks for stopping by!! big hugs x
I’m in near total agreement with you, except the country was already polarized when Trump came along. He’s done nothing to further that.
Thanks so much. Yeah, that’s a really great point! big hugs x
I think those with money are already thinking about leaving this planet and trying to establish a colony on some desert planet. Better to stay here as you point out and try and shed some light on this depraved age we live in.
hahah oh gosh, i don’t really blame them, do you!? haha thanks for stopping by, Ian! hugs x
Amen <3
Thanks Jane! Glad you enjoyed the piece! big hugs xo
This should end Kathy Griffin’s career. In effect, she cut off her own head.
Remember what happened to the Dixie Chicks in March of 2003 and all they did was make this comment: “Just so you know, we’re on the good side with y’all. We do not want this war, this violence, and we’re ashamed that the President of the United States is from Texas.”
Thanks so much Eric. You’re right, and I think it actually did – no more CNN, not more sponsorships. She really did off her own head. Yeah, that was the end of the Dixie Chicks too. Some things just go too far. Ugh. Thanks for stopping yb! hugs x
I had wondered how Kathy Griffin could think of doing such an act. Thank you for clearly explaining what my generation would not have easily understood.
thanks Cynthia. I really appreciate it. Yeah, it was just out of line. thanks for stopping by! big hugs x
Hugs back, health and happiness to you and yours.
✨☀️💛☀️✨
I’ve done some looking inward this week as I have been challenged to really ask myself honestly, “Am I really sure of where I stand in this world?”
Am I doing enough? Am I speaking out against wrongs done to others? Am I reaching out instead of turning away? What would God say to me about these questions if he were looking me in the eye and speaking right to my face?
I really don’t like the answers to these questions if I am honest.
Your post reinforces this and drives me to look deeper, judge less and strive to not fit into the mess that is the world around me.
Thanks again for an inspiring post!
Thanks for this Mike. That is definitely a difficult conversation to have with yourself for sure. It sounds like I need to do the same. Thanks for stopping by! big hugs x
My viewings & listenings have changed dramatic since coming to Christ, still a long way for me to go though. Also literally yesterday I got called homophobic for standing up against Gay “Marriage”. And with regards to another election people think the best way forward is with a non-christian twice divorced man with links to a “former” terrorist group ( I still needed to work on loving others & have patience with them if you haven’t guessed😂) hope you are well and your mum is too, sending lots of love to both of you, sorry for the rant, feel you get my thinking with this xxx
Thanks for this, Benjamin. Oh gosh, I’m sorry to hear that that happened to you yesterday 🙁 That makes me sad. Sending big big hugs xo
Wonderful post. I disagree with the president on almost all of his policies, for what that’s worth, and it isn’t necessarily always worth much. I think he’s dangerous as a president. But he deserves our love, our prayers, and our respect as a human being, and we should respect the office he occupies. I am rooting for him, even though at nearly every turn I personally disagree with him (yesterday, leaving the Paris Climate agreement behind). I think your thoughts here are spot on. The liberals are just as bad as the conservatives, if not worse. I can’t stomach either side, the way they go after each other. I’m allergic to Fox News, to MSNBC, to talk radio, etc. My rant over. Thanks for putting up with my thoughts here. I hang my hat on one thing: the gospel of King Jesus.
Thanks Ted. I really appreciate this thoughtful response. You’re right, no matter how a person feels about him, we need to respect the office of the Presidency. Amen – i hang my hat on that too!! 😉 hugs xox
When I saw it I thought of Antonio Canova’s “Perseus.” The visual story is almost a replica but, not many people would know it. I did, get a fond compliment from the museum there in Italy that has the original.
Perseus. I’ll have to google that. thanks for passing that along.
I can understand the backlash as well. It is convenient though, isn’t it? The Comey hearing and Flynn subpoena pretty much fell off of media. Then, the narrative becomes Trump the victim again. It’s like a badly written Lifetime movie.
Interesting thought…
Perseus, is in the Vatican. Uh, it doesn’t matter people want to agree to commentary rather than news. Art is dialogue and protected by the First Amendment. That does not fit the commentary, either. Neither does Trump’s want to, “bomb the crap out of those Muslims.” Glass houses and stones, or something.
hmmm…still have to google Perseus haha
I’m done.
Lol
Great post. And I totally agree, it’s NOT OK. All that violence and savagery just don’t feel right. What has happened to the human race? 🙁
Thank you so much Marina! not okay in the slightest. i feel ya there, sister! big hugs xo
This from Kathy Griffin was over the top. What was she thinking? Certainly not cutesy!
Thanks for this, Janice. you’re so right – what was she thinking indeed?? hugs xx
Sadly, I don’t think Kathy Griffin did anything others weren’t feeling. We do have a very interesting President who inspires a whole new level of vitriol. But a severed head is the stuff of ISIS and has no place in the animated dialog (to euphemize a bit).
For her part, Ms. Griffin lost her job, got skewered by both sides of the aisle and is being tracked by the Secret Service. Whether or not she learned her lesson, she did pay and is paying for her overage of zeal.
I applaud your approach to the current discourteous polarity. We need more love. Period. I’d add humility, humor and transparency. We need to be bigger people than we’ve been, on all sides of the polarity. We’re better than this, at least we used to be.
Thanks for this reflection, friend. You’re so right – we need more love. And yes! humility, humor and transparency too. amen!! hugs xox
“Because in the world that can be oppressive and dark, a little light goes a long way”.!!!!!!!!!!!
So very true! Thank you for that entire post.
Really brings it all into perspective!
If you want to change the world – start in your own back yard!!!!
Thank you so much! What a kind response. amen – start in our own backyards! hugs x
Great post, Caralyn! I disgusted by the display put on by Kathy Griffin. And to call it ‘art’ is just giving hate another name. It says in the Bible that they will call good evil and evil good. By only seeing a handful of people on the left condemn her actions is a testament to that passage of Scripture. Thank you for sharing and thank you for helping us all see that there is a better way to go about this…with kindness and showing others that Christ is within us. 🙂
On a side note, I totally get what you’re saying about city squirrels. I have in-laws who live in Philadelphia and those squirrels are not small! When they will crack open peanuts between their paws (hands?), then you know they’re tough!
Thanks so much Joe! you’re right, kindness is what we need to rediscover in our culture! hahah, yeah, squirrels are definitely not to be messed with ’round these parts 😉 haha hugs xo
AWESOME thoughts, Caralyn. This discussion is SO needed in our culture. And I’m so glad someone in your generation is addressing it.
You said: “RealTalk: We need to wake up, look in the mirror, and say, how did I make that okay?”
Yes, I hope this is a wake up call. And it doesn’t matter if it’s the President or a homeless person. This is what Jesus addressed in the Sermon on the Mount when He said that cultivating anger is the spirit of murder (Matt.5:21-26). This evil trajectory takes us on a path away from valuing human life made in God’s image, to the point where we think it’s okay to destroy it. It’s cold-hearted and the very opposite of other-centered love. Actually, how is this different than what ISIS is doing?
I don’t care if someone is a believer or an atheist, we know this is very wrong and it should give us pause as a society. It reveals something very sick in how we see one another as human beings. It really needs to change.
Thank you so much Mel! You’re so right – where is the sanctity of human life? So so true – we need to get back to the spirit of respect and love. thanks for sharing these great thoughts, Mel. have a great Friday. hugs xo
Very interesting read. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much Kelsie! i really appreciate it! sending big hugs x
She SOOOO went too far!!! I despise Trump but this was not comedy. This was not funny – more like a death threat! I know she wasn’t seeing as a death threat but yeah… it does come off that way! I feel sorry for Trump’s young son – what a traumatizing thing to see! I hope he didn’t but of course, how could he not?
I don’t know if we’ve created a culture to allow for this to happen. I agree we all need to do our part to lead by example in a positive and loving way. I think back in history – And that violent part of human beings always existed. It is actually far more ‘policed’ these days then it was back when earlier civilization started.
And, putting on my sociology and psychology cap, I think of societies like Japan who have a red light district where one can play out pretty much a lot of fantasies. And how their porn industry is pretty perverse. And yet, they have such a low sex crime rate compared to other developed countries. Why is that?
I’m not saying I am for all the graphic violence we see in movies and TV shows (heck – I am a HUGE Walking Dead fan) but I believe to some extent, we all need a bit of release through fiction. The question might be – to what extent? And – what are doing for the people who suffer from mental illness and who can not distinguish what SHOULD be kept as fantasy/fiction and reality?
I would rather our society/government put more funding into mental illness and awareness. I believe as our culture becomes more lonely due to high technology and the way we conduct business, depression and anxiety will be more of an epidemic (I believe it already is on it’s way to becoming one). As a society, we are going to have WAY more problems.
To conclude – I also hate seeing people walk around with their head down and focusing on their phones. For one thing, it’s dangerous. But it is also annoying. How many times have I had to walk behind some one walking SUPER SLOWLY because they are on their phone and yet the aisle is too narrow for me to pass them as they walk RIGHT DOWN the middle? Or the plethora of times I can not get my fave gym machine because some is on it, but barely working out because they are busy texting. For 15 minutes! Come on. If you’re not going to even try to break a sweat get off and let me actually USE the machine for its purpose! 🙂
Good post – food for thought for sure.
thanks so much for this thoughtful response. you’re right – it was terroristic in nature. i know, my heart breaks for his son, Barron too. How absolutely traumatizing. it’s a real shame. And that’s a great point about texting at the gym. i don’t belong to one, but that must be utterly annoying! hugs x
Beautiful and insightful message as always. Keep the positivity flowing! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks friend. i appreciate you stopping by! hugs ox
Thank you, well stated and heart felt. We would all do well to treat others as we ourselves wish to be treated. Even if we do not always agree with each other we can disagree with respect and decency.
Blessings
thank you so much! i really appreciate it. you’re right – whatever happened to the golden rule!? glad you stopped by! hugs xo
Let me say first of all I am NOT a big fan of the president , but that’s a topic for another day. What Kathy Griffin did was not only wrong but it was just as disrespectful as the people who did hung a noose around the effigy of President Obama and thought THAT was funny. As a black woman whose family is from North and South Carolina , it wasn’t ! Neither was this. First of all I don’t find Kathy Griffin funny at all, wasn’t a fan of hers before and DEFINITELY am not a fan now. She should be ashamed of herself .
thank you so much for sharing this. you’re right – it was utter disrespect. wasn’t okay then, and isn’t okay now. We need to get back to respect. thanks for stopping by. big hugs xox
Prayers always to you and your family , my dear.
thank you so much. that seriously means so much 🙂
Such a good post! So sad the lack of respect in our country. Also all the heads buried in phones is devastating and I really want to be a person to shine Jesus’ light, and not just be engrossed in my own little not-even-real world. Thank you!
Thanks so much friend. You’re right – let’s shine His light! — it can make a big difference 🙂 big hugs x
Want a wonderful reminder that a best way to be a Christian witness is to live out our faith everyday by even our smallest actions!
thank you so much Katharine! Yes! it’s the smallest actions that make the biggest difference 🙂 thanks for stopping by! big hugs xx
It’s starts with me. <3 May you continue to shine so others will see through their own darkness. Blessings to you my friend. <3 <3 < 3
Thank you so much friend. Yes! it starts with us! we can make a change! hugs x
Great post. I think the popularity of the cell phone has a direct correlation to the decline in our moral fortitude. Good on you.
thanks so much Alison – that’s a really interesting thought. i think you may be on to something there. thanks for stopping by! big hugs x
This. Absolutely. I was horrified by Kathy Griffin’s photo shoot too. I mean, how did anyone on that project think that was okay? On so many levels it’s wrong. Your post reminds us to be aware of what we support and to reach out in positive ways to one another. Thank you for it.
Thanks so much Christy! Yeah, SO MANY levels, it’s wrong. thanks for your kind words. big hugs xox
You have never disappointed me, I shared something on my whatapp bc earlier today. I thought about writing about it on my blog but I changed my mind. I think I will simply share this cos I think the message is one even though we see through different lenses.
Love you plenty BBB
Oh my gosh thank you so much! I really appreciate You passing it along! Have a great weekend! Hugs and love xox
You wrote what I would have. That image of Trump reminds me of terrorism. Yet, we have too allow such images to happen to appear due to freedom of speech. That is the ONLY defense I have for her poor tasteless joke- if it is one. If it were like John F Kennedy the response would have been different! Different era and different view of what you should and should not say! We, as a nation, have changed. Great post. Keep up to good work!
Thank you so much Stiina, I’m glad this resonated with you. I know, it reminded me of the ISIS beheadings. so terrible. thanks for this reflection. hugs xox
Love it & so true! Things will change if each of us take a stance for what is morally right.
Thanks friend. yes! let’s spread love and take a stand for truth! hugs xox
Reblogged this on CrossPurposes and commented:
A well reasoned response!
thanks for the reblog! hugs xox
My dear friend call up mr. prize because you deserve a Pulitzer. As perhaps the best post I’ve ever read in recent memory one sentence comes to mind in this day in age, we need more Jesus time and less screen time. I completely understand the complexities and the use of Technologies some of it can be bad some of it can be good. Constantly I’m battled with do I look at Twitter or do don’t I? Am I sad that I left Facebook that no one can find me? Except for maybe Carolyn and it’s sophisticated GPS… I’m even beginning to wonder whether I should watch the news. If I watch it too long you give me mind battles. I’m on like most of the people in the world I don’t watch television 90% of the day and yet I do because I have this little thing in my pocket and the Millennials call it a cell phone that you can even watch television on your cell phone nowperiod how spoiled of a generation Have We Become? You’re a classic millennial when I say classic Millennial I mean you’re one of the millennials that people should look up to and be inspired by. That being said I was never of a Kathy Griffin fan because she was terrible to Annie. I’m a fan of Donald Trump because I’m a friend of God. You’re right my friend tolerance forgiveness love is what we need but isn’t it so funny how when we take a gruesome image like the one we had just saw in that terrible terrible distasteful photoshoot that they lousing left scream Free Speech free speech. And anytime conservatives mention God In School it’s advocated as teaching them against the curriculum. You and I should cold blog sometime because you and I share quite a lot in common in terms of thinking and thought process and faith. As a matter of fact people congratulate the 60s people on free speech and freedom March but the fact of it remains and that the reason we have violence in schools today is because the Ten Commandments in prayer has been taken out of our schools. Don’t blame free speech on the hippies from the 60s they have enough problems with their drug overdoses the blame lies with Mankind and the enemy for the state of the world that we live in today. This by no means is God’s fault at all it is all late at the hands and feet of the enemy and man….
God bless
A.
PS I didn’t leave Twitter becau of you. I left Twitter because it was getting in the way of my Jesus time. Hey that rhymes.
Your friend in Christ always taking time to be kind
Anthony
oh gosh thank you so much, Anthony. that’s so kind of you to say. and way to take control of your time and making a change to devote your free time to jesus. That’s so inspiring. sending hugs xo
Free free hugs or do they come with a cost.? Keep your light shining you’re one of the good ones.
definitely free 🙂 🙂 haha
I hope this isn’t too forward but I would like to send you a poem nothing cheesy.
Sure!
I wash my hands this morning so very white and clean I lent them both to Jesus. To work for him until night. Little feet be careful when you take me to anything for Jesus only let me do. I told my ears to listen quite closely for any act of kindness level hands can do little feet be careful where you take me to. My eyes are set to watch them about work or play period to keep them out of mischief for Jesus sake all day. That is a poem that is hung in my Ohio Church. Yes I go to church in Ohio isn’t that funny. The Canadian kid goes to church in Ohio. The air is nicer up there and I’m not just talking about the fact that the United States has pulled out of the Paris climate agreement period jokes
Ohio is great!
I know I want to move there I love it there. I don’t just love their for the pizza either. I will one day I hope just like I’m hoping and watching for the rapture. Ohio people are the nicest people perhaps that’s why we get along so well because you’re from Ohio and not born and bred in New York so you don’t have a chip on your shoulder like Robert De Niro.
I read today, someone on Facebook had commented, “Trump isn’t the problem, he’s the symptom.” And it goes to show yes, our world circulates around what our culture accepts. What the majority has determined as the norm. Do we accept? We don’t have to, but like you stated, how much of ourselves are we putting in this norm? I really enjoyed you opening up about the topic. Well done.
Thank you so much for this thoughtful reflection. You’re right- we each can contribute to make this world a better place 🙂 thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love xox
Love you thoughts about how to use social media! It should be the goal of each one of us share beauty and encourage our our varied social media outlets rather than drama and hate. What’s the saying? Be the change, right?
Thanks so much Grace! I really appreciate it 🙂 yes! Let’s be the change! Hugs and love xox
A little light goes a long way. I like that a lot. I am going to remember that. Thanks for posting this!
Thanks so much Nick. You’re right- it goes a long way!! Hugs and love xox
[…] June 1, 2017 by beautybeyondbones […]
Pastor! God is speaking through you to be His light in dark places! So proud of you and the way you share your walk of faith! Praying for you and your family. Say hi to your Mom for me and let her know I am praying for her ! Thank you!
Thank you so much Rick! I really appreciate your prayers. I absolutely will!! 🙂 you’re the best! Hugs and love xox
From Australia, I can’t really comment on US politics but I would have been disturbed by the image had I seen it. The last thing any of us need is an incitement to violence – even if made in jest.
Keep on writing!
Thank you so much! Yeah disturbing to say the least. Hugs and love xox
Awesome. You are so right in your observations. We have met the enemy and the enemy is. Us . Keep up the pressure.
Thanks so much Jack! What a profound thought. Hugs and love xox
I love Beauty
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[…] Dear Kathy Griffin by beautybeyondbones […]
Thanks for the link up! Hugs and love xox
Pretty insightful. I like how you made this personal. And you are right, our media is just a reflection of our culture, because we buy it. They sell it because we buy it. But, that doesn’t get them off the hook either (a drug dealer can’t claim I only sell it because they buy it). But still, I totally agree with what you said. Thanks for that insight and for encouraging us all to take responsibility and change the culture instead of just complaining about it.
Thanks so much. That’s so true – we buy it. But we also have the power to change it. 🙂 that gives me great hope! Thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love xox
Well said. I’m not a fan of hers anyway, but this was way too far out there, even for her. How she thought this was funny was surprising to me. Your post is good and you made several great points. Nice work.
Thanks so much Tamara. You’re right – WAY too far out there. Thanks for taking the time to read! Hugs and love xox
Refreshing. So much hate seems to be so close to the surface. The lines between critiquing someone or someone’s position and attacking the person are easily crossed by hitting “send” before thinking. I have taken to drafting most of my challenges to politics off line, editing them several times, then cut-and-pasting them into a blog post. A lot of my initial bluster gets deleted in the process. “That’s what I want to say… but I shall be more tactful”. If you have been reading my Dept. of Alternative Facts series, you can just imagine what I have cut out of those posts!
But, as you elude to, there is so much hate in today’s political discourse. Some of this comes off as insults, such as the beheading image. Some is coming off in shootings and vandalism. Just this week someone left a noose, a symbol of lynchings, inside the National Museum of African-American History in Washington, D.C.
Rather, you advocating that connecting with people, regardless of their position on this or that issue, will bring more understanding and respect. A few years back, while traveling in South Africa, I noticed that our guide made an effort learn and address everyone (waitresses, clerks, etc.) by name. I now glance at people’s names tags while in line. After they perform their duties, I thank them, by name. I often get a surprised look of appreciation. – Oscar
Thanks so much Oscar. That’s a great writing process – it really weeds out the “initial bluster” — I like that. Smart. Oh my gosh that is absolutely horrible!!! Wow. So hurtful. Yeah, when we engage and connect with people on a real level, it dissolves any of that hatred or misunderstanding that we may be carrying around. Let’s spread compassion! Thanks for stopping by and for this powerful response. Hugs and love xox
He (Trump) is is is is is IS OUR president. I’ve always felt this to be counterproductive at the very very least. (Bashing him)
Thanks for sharing and taking the time to clearly express your view.
Thank you so much for this reflection. You’re so right – love him or leave him, that title deserves respect. Period. Thanks for stopping by. Hugs and love xox
I was trying to think about how to respond to this horrible thing but you did the perfect job. It was shocking and upsetting to me. I felt hurt for the families that have had their loved ones beheaded by a terrorist. We have become a cynical society and everything has become acceptable. No compassion or grace anymore. Thank you for the challenge!
Thanks so much friend. Yeah that’s where my thoughts went too – to the poor families and also to little Barron trump. So sad. Let’s bring back that compassion! Hugs and love xox
Beautifully said and so glad you said it because I hadn’t thought of it in this way. But society, our culture, has gone too far in what passes as completely acceptable. There needs to be more connection, face to face interaction… instead of staring at phones. And you’re right, we can spread light in small ways, and that can make a huge difference! xx
Thanks so much Jenny. You’re right- we need to get back to personal human interaction. Engage. Connect. Yes, a big difference! Hugs and love xox
No matter what who or what we believe, there is a point where we have to draw the line. There is so much hatred in the world today so there is no need for anyone to add to it in a public way. We seem to be losing the core value of what it means to be lovers of each other as a Christian and so much more as a human being. Thanks for a great blog.
Thanks for this Corrie. You’re right – there is a kind of decency that was obliterated in that photo. Thanks for this powerful comment. Hugs and love xox
Thank you. I think God has given us the answer on how to affect our world, but we just aren’t listening. I appreciate you stating it again in your very eloquent way. It was an encouragement this morning, just when it was needed.
Thanks Cheryl. I think you’re right – We’ve gotta start listening! So glad it resonated with you this morning. Hugs and love xox
It is interesting to see the general response to this. I agree, she went too far. Yes, I understand freedom of speech, and artistic license and all that. But it went too far.
That said, things also went too far with signs that said “hang in there” depicting a scaffold and noose for Obama, or the bullseye shirts with Clinton seen at Trump pre-election rallies.
Both sides need to cool their jets, to realize that there are acceptable and unacceptable ways of expressing political disagreement. And violence, or the encouragement of violence, is never an acceptable expression. While Barron shouldn’t have seen it, neither should the Obama girls been exposed to the racism they saw.
Yes, we do need to think about what we do to contribute…or to disavow…this level of diatribe. A little light DOES go a long way. That’s why the lights do best on mountaintops 🙂 And light, His light, helps all. We just need to shine it
xox
Thanks Jeff. You’re so right – way too far. For both presidents. It wasn’t okay then and it isn’t okay now. Violence and demonstrations of hate are never okay. I love that thought- putting His light on a mountain top. Let’s do it!! 🙂 Hugs and love xox
Imagery the type of David vs. Goliath, and you mock. Sad. So sad.
I guess I don’t know what you mean by that..,
?
Caralyn, I just do not believe in Trump’s style, demeanor, or purpose. That is all I meant with this. I may be obtuse, but give me time, I will explain.
I feel the lines have been crossed and pushed from both sides. The administration is appalling to me this go round but so was what happened with Kathy Griffin. All of it is leaving a terrible taste in my mouth and a sorrow in my soul for this country that I love.
Excellent article! I agree, she went way too far. Thank you for inspiring a more respectful, caring approach to others. Keep shining your light and I will, too!
Thank you so much! Yes! Way too far. It’s sad really. Thanns for your encouragement! Hugs and love xox
You did really well here expressing the conundrum that our world is in right now … we want things a certain way, but don’t realize that we control how “it” is by what we do. Your line was so eloquent – really well written and sincere. You’ve got some great thoughts about how one by one we can all be small individual forces for good. Good world = happy Will 🙂
Thanks Will 🙂 you’re really kind to say that. Yes! Small individual forces for good! Hugs and love xox
Thank you for taking a stand with those of us who acknowledge our need to return to God and truly make this a great nation.
Thanks Burt. I really appreciate your kind words 🙂 Hugs and love xox
Thank you. What Griffin did made it even work for the important work of criticizing what needs to be criticized. Many have already made Trump out to be a martyr, and smut like that is like crying wolf.
Thanks for this reflection, Caleb. I appreciate your thoughts. Hugs and love xox
And she is now accusing him and his family of “ruining” her career but still insists that she will “keep making fun of him” we are truly a frightening nation when ANYONE could ever think that was funny. Good post.
Oh gosh I didn’t hear that. That’s awful. Thanks for stopping by and for sharing that! Yikes. Hugs and love xox
I want to add that my thought on danger is more of a fear than a belief. I have better thoughts and hopes as well. We certainly need to pray for the president, and always hope for the best. Our confidence can never ultimately be in a human being, anyhow, therefore neither should we allow any concerns we have to replace our confidence in God’s faithfulness and sovereign rule. And Jesus is the King of kings, head over all in and through the church somehow, anyhow. I’m just thinking, and realizing that one thought may not be all that helpful and edifying.
Thanks Ted. I appreciate that. You’re right/ we need to pray for him. 100% 🙂 Hugs and love xox
(Maybe this has already been said on this long thread, but remember that the president before our current one was pictured as lynched, as well as his head on a monkey. Did those people acknowledge their wrong doing. I don’t know.)
Yeah that was definitely not okay back then either.
That was not the question as to whether or not it was okay but was it mentioned. I avoided this post for this specific reason. I actually didn’t know what even know what happened until a few days after because I have stopped watching the news; it’s just too much negativity. I saw this comic strip that said my need to be informed is in conflict with my need to stay sane. I choose sanity. Anyway, as to the statement of Mr. Gossard, I wondered the same thing as everyone, including this post has all this righteous indignation about what she did. I’m not even a fan of hers; I’ve never thought she was funny. But did you write any posts about those who said the former First Family should be lynched, hung from trees, etc.? All of those things indicative of a history meant to enslave a race of people. A form of terrorism before the word was used as it is now. Including the children, and we are not talking about adult children, they were little girls who made no choice to be placed in the position the were placed in and were called horrible names, monkeys and that’s the least of it. But they managed to rise above it, didn’t they?
Even the current President participated in it; so where was all this outrage and posts then? It’s interesting how those of us who have had to endure racism and prejudice are expected to accept it or it is explained/rationalized away. But when that shoe is on the other foot it is amazing how thin the skin actually is isn’t?
I have always found American hypocrisy to be fascinating. Even the people that I treat will step right out treatment and begin to judge other people dealing with the very same addiction they have. And I am not able to say anything (confidentiality) but I’m like where is your humility??!! For example, yesterday I was working with a client and she said “I hate liars” and I looked at her and said Really? I find that interesting considering you lied a lot when you were in active addiction (alcohol). She looked at me with this bizarre look. I said to her it would seem you would be a little more humble since you have the history that you have rather than being so judgemental. It amazes me! Look I know many or most don’t have a sense of awareness but some of this is crystal clear, but I also understand cognitive dissonance. I know one of my character defects is judgment, in part due to an upbringing in the Baptist Church. Once I learned I was just as fallible as those I was judging (both freeing and a major gut punch) I am much less judgmental and I also know it is something I have to keep in check. And I surround myself with people who help with that as well. So while I can appreciate your post for the intention, I wonder if you were just as outraged to post when it happened to the former First Family, again some of which he participated.
It is definitely crazy! To think, we, are allowing society, those who have more of a weight, be our voice of reason, hope, conscience and we blindly follow along because we are afraid to be blackballed among our group of peers.Kudos to you for speaking out and against something so disturbing. I totally agree with the “wake up” call. On today, my children and I were watching a Christian cartoon on the issue of being too engrossed with electronic devices and unaware of what’s going on right in our backyard or even if we are aware we callously stand by and watch because we feel as though it doesn’t pertain to us. I really enjoyed reading your post!
Thanks so much for this reflection Kristy. You’re right – a wake up call indeed. Sounds like a powerful cartoon! Hugs and love xox
If there are any leaders we disagree with, pray for them. Prayers are never wrong. Pray for them continually and frequently. Pray for God’s will be done. Should you disagree with me, help me to become stronger and closer to God, I’d love your prayers, Pray always.
That’s so true, Dan. We’ve gotta pray for them and for the healing of our nation. Thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love xox
You have written an interesting message that I felt within my spirit; you wrote an awesome piece. And it is true that we need to just take a minute (at least) away from our technology devices and just ‘look up’ at our loved ones and friends that we need to speak with face to face. If I had to choose between technology of today and God’s Word, the Lord wins by a long mile. Very inspirational message! 🙂
Thanks so much 🙂 yes! That’s the best choice 🙂 thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love xox
Hugs and much love back to you as well! 🙂 Thank you for sharing your message.
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Yesss! It’s all about the human connection. Letting God work in and through us. Thanks for speaking truth about this topic of the media. Sooo much beauty in the world is neglected because were glued to a t.v screen or a cell phone. Often our headphone and music is drowning out the voice of the Lord. He wants to speak. He wants to be seen. Let’s pray that we are more and more open to his call for our lives; personally and as a society in general.
Thanks Jenny! Yes! Human connection is so important and we’re losing it in the age of smart phones and screen obsession! Amen He wants to be seen. I’ll join you in that prayer 🙂 Hugs and love xox
Awesome!
Thanks friend! Hugs and love xox
Xoxo
Amen amen amen. We need to take a stand against the society we have allowed to be created
Thanks so much friend! Yes! Let’s make a change 🙂 Hugs and love xox
I read your post. I really liked the squirrel cartoon. Now about Kathy Griffin, glad you spoke out. I don’t know what you believe but I agree with what she did went way to far and was totally wrong. I’m leaving it at that because what else I think isn’t appropriate to put into writing. Enjoy the weekend.
Thanks friend! Yeah I agree- way too far. Thanks for stopping by. Hugs and love xox
I like your site. posts straight on and every-now-and-then a fun fact or cartoon. Good Job.
Thanks again 🙂 ✨☀️💛☀️✨
Sure.
That was beautifully written and challenging too! Thank you for sharing
Thank you so much! Big hugs xox
I really love the message you passed through. Especially speaking ones mind.
Thanks so much!! I appreciate it 🙂 Hugs and love xox
This is a fabulous post!
Thanks Omar:) Hugs and love xox
Just fabulous. You have pinpointed some of the major problems of our culture, asked the right questions, AND come to the right conclusion. The answer is the same as it has always been. It is the same as when our Lord showed up on the scene. He did not condemn or alienate. He just loved. He WAS the Light in a darkened world. And as our world gets darker still… the only hope is to BE the Light. God bless you as you seek to make a difference… you will!
M. A.
Thanks so much MA. I’m so glad that this resonated with you. you’re right – the only hope is to be the light! thanks for this awesome reflection. hugs xo
Wonderfully written! I share your shock. Kathy Griffin has since apologized, acknowledging that she went too far. Like you, the situation released an avalanche of concerns for me. Once upon a time, we practiced civility where we extended courtesy to everyone we encountered. These days, we seem to solely seek voices that resemble our own. We are increasingly intolerant of those who dare offer a different perspective. Upon extended reflection about Kathy’s misstep, I concluded that the situation boils down to a matter of respect. Respect the office, regardless of feelings about the individual holding the office. Every leader needs our prayers.
Thanks so much Rhonda. Yeah we need to get back to that civility and respect. Amen. Hugs and love xox
[…] I have just had the pleasure of reading a post, referenced below, written by a very popular blogger. It is opinionated in the extreme. It expresses outrage and clear disgust at our modern society and dares to question our norms as a society. I loved every word of it. Make sure you read Dear Kathy Griffin […]
Thanks for the link up! Hugs and love xox
Amen on your thoughts regarding Kathy Griffin. Slowly America has changed like frog in the frying pan. It began in the ’70s with All in the Family and Archie Bunker only to get progressively worse. Now anything goes and we can only pray America can return to civility. Oh and we also refuse to watch the smut on TV.
3 1/2 years ago my husband and I drove 5,200 miles from Arizona to Delaware and back to visit our children and grandchildren. Sitting at the dining room table, our teenage granddaughter never looked up from her phone to communicate.How I wished I had insisted she give us the one gift we needed . . . TIME. I appreciate your wise words, blessings back,
Thanks so much for sharing this, Ellie. You’re right – we need to get back to that civility and respect! Oh wow, I’m so sorry about that. Thanks for stopping by. Hugs and love xox
Let it Begin with Me!!! We are the Bride and the Salt. I am with you in spirit. Praying for you always.
Thanks so much for your prayers:) it means a lot. Yes! Let it begin with us! Hugs and love xox
Reblogged this on GUM | Growing Up Millennial.
Thanks for the reblog! Hugs and love xox
Of course! It’s a great post. Keep writing! 🙂
thanks again 🙂 xx
Couldn’t say it better myself. Wonderful post. Just had these same thoughts you wrote about as I read the headlines this weekend of all the killings and robberies and pure evil that we are allowing to take hold of us as a generation. We as a people need to turn back to the principles God originally designed for us and stop trying to buy into the lie that to be modern means we must minus, delete and ignore God out of our lives.
thank you so much. you’re right, the headlines are so discouraging. it makes me sad. Yes. the world needs God so badly. thanks for stopping by. big hugs xox
Seriously thoughtful post. Excellently expressed. I’ve got a draft about a similar topic.
Thanks Alexandria! I appreciate it! Hugs and love xox
Thanks for an extremely beautifully crafted post with thought-provoking insight and, of course, the only true response that our God is the light that can shine through the darkness of evil around us. Marvelous read. Thanks too for liking The Ruminant Scribe, I am humbled at your taking the time to visit and react. Blessings to you today as you light the way in New York City.
thank you so much! wow, what a kind thing to say. hugs xox
[…] via Dear Kathy Griffin… — BeautyBeyondBones […]
thanks for the link up! hugs x
Excellent! Well put. ~ Peace
thanks so much Bill! hugs x
Well said. Louie Giglio once said “Everyone is board-casting something. What are you?” What are we board-casting? Love? or Hate? God’s ways? or what looks right in our eyes at the time?
What a thought provoking quote – everyone is broadcasting something — profound!! thanks for stopping by! hugs xo
[…] via Dear Kathy Griffin… — BeautyBeyondBones […]
Thanks for the link up! Hugs and love xox
Well done
Thanks so much! Hugs and love xox
You’re welcome.
🙂 🙂 🙂 xox 🙂 🙂 🙂
Hope you’ve been well. I’m around 5 days ahead on my blog now. Dropped to only 1 a day. I still write as the idea strikes but I’m not posting right away anymore.
that’s awesome!!!
Thank you. I’ve been accessing more of the emotional side of my writing, and finding the current subjects that have had a drastic impact in my personal life.
👍👍👍
Well written article, as a NewYorker I too am guilty of the avoidance act with my phone while on the train. Which I think is good and bad. Usually bad sense most the time we are using the phone as a distractor. This goes way beyond just train rides it seeps into everything. So I often check myself is using my phone necessary now or am I escaping. Too many people trying to escape their lives. This part really saddens me. However, you can not make eye contact with just anyone in the city or you become an open target for harassment. So when I see or feel someone’s energy off I kindly reject that attention by returning to my phone. This same thing about disconnecting refers to this kind of horrid humor and so called art. People get so distracted that they only begin to see these kind of ridiculous images and without really processing the full idea they’ve already pushed like and moved on. The constant barrage of cheap advertising and media has also supported this way of thinking. I could go on for days but I am about to write a blog to you as a comment so perhaps enough said. Ha. Have a blessed day.
Thanks so much Woodsyman 🙂 I think you’re really onto something with our phones being an escape. how interesting. thanks for your thoughts! big hugs xox
Amen.
Thanks Penny 🙂 Hugs and love xox
It is always pleasant seeing that you have stopped by my Blog – pretty, comes to mind.
And you Posts always ask the right questions. I, for one, could not agree more on this one. It is a sad state of affairs… and we helped to make it.
Thanks!
Thanks so much! I really appreciate it! Hugs and love xox
OMG you know NYC, nowadays, better than born and bread NYers know their own city!! That’s another thing that makes you so wonderful is the way you take in all that is around you, and not just whats on your little gadget screen or in an app. NYC used to be full of such amazing diversity but like you said, you have people there who just walk around and have their faces to the screen paying no mind to whats in front of them. The result is that the big $$$$$ realtors are are whitewashing over all that was so different and unique about NYC that nobody really cares. The great Indy restaurants that made real home made food of what ever cuisine are all getting mowed over by chains. The diverse neighborhoods are getting wrought over by people who just want to keep their brains focused on their screens and not be bothered by anything like say, somebody’s music coming from a music store that’s been there for decades. They think NYC should cater to being just like the suburbs. All they want is another Starbucks or another Dunkin, to go in and get their fattening over sugared “coffee” drink, and have their WiFi. I’m not saying NYC should go back to the days where Times Square was XXX and El Barrio was full of trash etc… but like you said, NYC needs an energy that its sorely lacking more and more due to everybody thinking it should just be a “straight line”. xoxoxoxo Hope you are having a good week! You are the most wonderful and beautiful actress in all NYC!!!
Thanks Migueltio. Very true – I actually think about that every time I see a Starbucks or a Dunkin…I’m like, oh–you’re killing NYC! thanks for such a kind compliment!! hugs friend xo
You are absolutely right, people today are so engrossed in the digital world they miss so much in the physical world. Part of the problem is people just don’t care as much about their fellow man and wish to avoid entanglement, so they hide behind their screens, of their phones, tablets, computers, and TVs. I accept your challenge and I hope you are able to have more meaningful interactions with the people you come in contact with on a daily basis!
Thanks Luke, you’re so right – Lets put those screens down and interact!! 🙂 big hugs xox
The slice of toast you left on Culture is an interesting read. Yes, echo the maxim of making life more meaningful and then it is a concern in this technocratic culture. Anand Bose from Kerala
hah thank you so much! I really appreciate it 🙂 big hugs xo
Thank you for saying this, I really couldn’t have said it better myself. It’s wietd that I just blogged about almost the same thing.
Thanks so much friend! great minds… 🙂 haha hugs xox
Thank you for saying what so many believe… ‘And Kathy Griffin’s grave misstep, is just one example of the monster that we’ve helped create.’ People say that our culture is messed up. However, we are a part of that ‘messed up culture’. Therefore, we either resolve to not do anything and be ‘guilty by association’ or we be different and intentionally effect change for the good in the family, workplace, city, etc. where God has placed us.
thanks so much Brian. I’m glad this hit home with you. you’re right – those are the two options we have! big hugs xo
The mood in contemporary American society has been created by Donald Trump. The hate and violence have always been there, under the skin. That lying son of a bitch created a tone that leads to violence. During the campaign, he asked for violence, and offered to pay costs of people arrested for violence. He’s such a piece of dirt, I can barely stand that he exists. Kathy is a bright and talented person, and she was telling a joke that millions of us were happy to see, so hated is Trump. It’s just a fucking joke, and the big deal about it is Political Correctness taken AGAIN to excessive levels. One could see the photo and go “ewe”, and move on to the next story. Instead, the messenger of truth is attacked. Stupid.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I appreciate you joining the dialogue. Hugs and love xox
Donald Trump and his family have been under attack even before he was elected. He is standing up for what he believes and what he thinks will make America Great amidst a society that is consumed by relativism, absurdism, consumerism. diabolism. criticism, despotism etc. Donald Trump ought to be admired for having put himself in the firing line. I don’t know many leaders who would do what he is doing. Ms Griffin is obviously trying to make a political statement , it has offended me because we are all human beings created in God’s image and we should respect that.The decapitated head is not showing respect, it’s offending God, it’s not even funny. Our world needs to practice regulation and respect more. Relativism is eroding all those good values and boundaries that we used to have. Has progress made us a better society??? I think not !!!!!!!!!!!! God bless you Caralyn for standing up for the truth <3
This is a really powerful perspective. Yeah, every single one of us deserves and is worthy of respect, just like you said – because we were created by God, in His image. thanks for your thoughts! big hugs xox
LOVE this! I love a good comic… I love to laugh but this was an atrocity! When I saw her “apology” posted online, an apology might’ve been coming out of her mouth, but her body language spoke volumes to the contrary, imho. I think she was scrambling because this foolish and grotesque act was sending her career down the hopper. I really loved this very thought-provoking post! Nicely done!
Thank you so much 🙂 yeah me too! I love to watch stand up occasionally but this was just too far. Thanks for your thoughts! Hugs and love xox
I too was shocked by the picture that Kathy Griffin posted of our President. During this time of unrest in the world and horrific atrosities committing by humans against humans, those who continue to spread fear and hate are contributing to the voilence and decline of the world order as we know it today. As God’s children, we have to demand change. We are living proof of His mercy and grace. Thank you for speaking out.
Thank you so much for this reflection. You’re so right – let’s stand for change and show His mercy and grace! Hugs and love xox
Hi BBB,
Good character may not put you on the “A” list in Hollywood, but it matters to the Lord. Just a thought. Through out your posts you mentioned getting into the film and television industry. In many ways you see what not to do to get your name out there. I hope you keep following those who are doing it right and keep modeling Christ in Media.
Keep it up,
Gary
On Thu, Jun 1, 2017 at 3:59 PM BeautyBeyondBones wrote:
> beautybeyondbones posted: “Being a millennial New Yorker and actor, I’d > like to think I’ve got pretty thick skin. Getting rejected is par for the > course in the entertainment industry. The city doesn’t do you any favors — > just try battling the check out lines at Whole Foods at 3pm” >
Thanks so much Gary. That’s such a true and powerful way to look at it. Who you are on the inside matters to the Lord. Amen! Thanks for your kind words. Hugs and love xox
I like your thoughts and your passion. I especially agree with your last sentence. I do have one quibble, however. So, squirrels in the Big Apple are uniquely tough, eh? We in Michigan beg to differ and here’s the photographic evidence. Do not mess with this guy! 🙂
https://spiritinpolitics.wordpress.com/2016/05/31/my-narrow-escape/
Thanks so much Tom. Hahahahahah oh my gosh that’s funny about the squirrels! Thanks for sharing that!
Dear Beautybeyondbones, Thank you for speaking up and encouraging others to gain perspective. We lost the fight for decency long ago, I was shocked at a cell advertisement showing kindergartners smashing things, I don’t remember the carrier,. This practice of “if you disagree with me I will kill you” is new. We can disagree, actually disagreement is a good thing. . . just saying
Thanks so much Claudia. I really appreciate your thoughts. Sadly I think you’re right- that decency was lost long ago — I think it coincided with reality tv…thanks for stopping by. Hugs and love xox
Aloha from way out…where is this…uh…South? Pacific? South Pacific-ish? Just kidding (sort of), I think I’m way out, way west from you. I just wondered if you had ever seen Thandie Newton’s TED talk from 2011? I think you’d really appreciate and connect with her message about “otherness” and how we need to spread awareness of our own light and permission for others to shine theirs. Well, that’s what I got from it, but if you ever have just a few seconds shy of 15 minutes, it’s a beautiful way to spend it: https://www.ted.com/talks/thandie_newton_embracing_otherness_embracing_myself
Thanks so much Kerissa, I really appreciate it. I haven’t seen that talk! I’ll definitely check it out! thanks for passing along the link…it sounds awesome! yes! let’s spread our light and shine baby shine! 🙂 haha big hugs xox
Love this. I kind of quit reading posts on this subject b/c how much new is there to say really? “It’s bad! It’s bad!” And that’s true. But your “what role am I playing in that?” take and the challenge to make a change and let God shine through was both and challenging and encouraging. Thanks!
Excellent, excellent. Beautiful post.
Thank you so much David! You’re right- let’s be His light! Hugs and love xox
This is a beautiful piece. Got me thinking.
Thanks so much friend 🙂 glad you enjoyed it! Hugs and love xox
Great post B3! Had it been a photo of someone standing there with Clinton’s head in their hand I would have been equally disgusted with it and I am sure some would have not have been so tolerant in that case, even if it was meant to be a joke. Griffin’s later explanation that she thinks Trump broke her is nothing more than her minimizing her responsibility for her actions. Have a blessed day! R.I.
Thanks so much! I think you’re right about that. Same to you! Happy Thursday! Hugs and love xox
People need to understand that thoughts and impressions and opinions are not objective realities. If Kathy Griffith thinks that President Trump broke her she is a very lost and confused person. Trump didn’t do anything to her–her thinking did. In general it is difficult to understand why so many people have such deep feelings of hate for Trump. What is the source of their thinking which is generating in them such strong, strange emotions? If they want to hate a politician maybe they should go for Assad or someone like him? But even then what are their very strong, negative, and unhappy emotions going to accomplish–besides breaking themselves!
Hi friend, thanks for this thoughtful response. Yeah, the hatred for trump is so deep seeded and it’s disappointing because people can’t see past it and actually give him a chance. Thanks for stopping. By. Hugs and love xox
As a Brit, I have no place to comment on a US President. But as you will know from one of my blogs, the world is now just a little bit less safe because of him. Nevertheless, I agree with you that this comedian’s jest is in the seriously wrong direction. There is a pseudo superior element on both sides of the Atlantic that confuses mocking and patronises for serious satire. And this lamentable condition preceded Mr Trump. Indeed, it is a reflection of a malaise that brought him to power (and helps his type over this side of the pond).
Thanks so much Bill, I appreciate your thoughts. Yeah I was really disappointed in miss griffin’s choice of action. Thanks for stopping by! Big hugs xox
Bravo!
Thanks so much friend! I appreciate it. Hugs and love xox
Reblogged this on Life is Returning and commented:
Beautiful words written by a beautiful person.
Thanks for the reblog Andrew! Hugs and love xox
We are not huge fans of Trump but would never condone such actions!
I notice the phone situation in Seattle is similar to that of New York. I personally try to minimalist my use in front of my young and impressionable children, and make sure I pay attention to them instead. Same for my husband and friends. Show people respect by giving them your attention!
Thanks so much Maria! Yeah I agree, violence is never okay. That’s such a great example to set for your kids. Rock on! Hugs and love xox
I applaud your passion to be a change agent; to be the love of God to others. I hate to be a Debbie downer. I think we do still need to fight the good fight (which is to love the weak, weary and wounded without reservation). But the Bible is clear (see Matthew 24) – in the last days, the love for others will grow cold. There will be a slide into ungodliness the likes of which we have never seen, and then the return of Jesus, the blessed hope, will happen!
Thanks so much Brad!! You’re right, we’ve got to fight the good fight, even when we’re up against opposition! big hugs xo
We find ourselves through thoughtful reflection, a mentor of mine told me five decades ago. I am delighted to see you are reflecting younger in life than this “older gray hair” did. The “politics” of change began in our society as far back as the 1960s and the partisan divide has been growing for decades based on the significant difference in how our society handles “social issues.” Bravo for speaking up and out. I look forward to following your writing and wish you much continued success.
Hi friend, thanks so much for your thoughtful response. You’re so right, this growing divide has been around for a while. thanks for stopping by. big hugs xox
Well said.
Used to be Rob and Laura Petrie couldn’t be shown in the same bed on prime time TV. On Gunsmoke, when the guy in the black hat was shot, he doubled over with a groan and died and we saw no blood. Today we see all manner of soft porn and autopsies shown in gory detail.
Garbage in, garbage out. Or as Frank Zappa sang:
I am gross and perverted
I’m obsessed ‘n deranged
I have existed for years
But very little has changed
I’m the tool of the Government
And industry too
For I am destined to rule
And regulate you
I may be vile and pernicious
But you can’t look away
I make you think I’m delicious
With the stuff that I say
I’m the best you can get
Have you guessed me yet?
I’m the slime oozin’ out
From your TV set.
Thanks for this thought provoking response. wow, what powerful lyrics. Yeah we definitely are living in a crazy time. It’s sad really…no more family friendly prime time…only American Idol was really the last glimmer of hope, and even that bit the dust!! thanks for stopping yb. hugs xo
I recall when talking on the phone meant being connected to a wall by an eight-foot curly cord. For all the “connectivity” our modern technology provides, I think we’re more disconnected than ever. Families don’t eat around a table anymore, and if they do they’re texting to someone somewhere else.
As for “American Idol”, well, I’ve railed against that show, too. It, too, plays a role in our decline. Idol is defined as “a representation or symbol of an object of worship; broadly : a false god. 2a : a likeness of something obsolete : pretender, impostor. 3 : a form or appearance visible but without substance, an enchanted phantom, a lifeless idol.”
We are a modern day Rome, engrossed in avarice and pleasure. Well, Rome fell. We will, too.
hahah oh gosh, that’s connectivity for ya!! 🙂 Powerful food for thought right here…thanks again x
You’re welcome, and thanks in return for letting me vent.
👍👍👍
Very well said. We can disagree without being hateful, and we need to wake up and do our part of change the culture into one of more love and acceptance. I don’t like the direction our society is taking, so I need to do my best to live differently!
thanks so much Ann. You’re right, let’s celebrate love and acceptance! thanks for stopping by:) big hugs xox
Reblogged this on YAHWEH-NISSI.
Thanks so much for the reblog! big hugs xox
Well said. What is more shocking than the political divide is the ever-increasing callousness underneath it all, permeating the bedrock temperament of our Western culture. We stare for hours on end at 3×5 inch screens, feeling more and more connected to the wider world, but the cruel irony is that we have become more isolated, and further removed from a genuine understanding of peace, compromise, and graciousness. We may listen to a lesson for an hour or two a week to a sermon or podcast or TED talk about grace or transcendent neighboring or collaborative community or unconditional love, but the 156-157 hours are spent steeped in a culture that kicks against these things out of some unwitting, misplaced devotion for individualism. We cannot have it both ways. Grace is unfair. Collaboration requires concession. Love will always be messy. And in order for these virtues to hold sway in our lives, we must relinquish our tight-fisted grasp on self-importance and personal comfort.
Thank you for writing this. Please keep writing it, and saying it, and showing it every single day.
Thanks so much for this, Bo. What a powerful comment. You’re right, though we’re technologically more “connected”, we’re actually more isolated. Isn’t that the truth! thanks for the great food for thought hugs x
Very well said! And so true.
Thank you so much!! i appreciate you stopping by! big hugs xox
D’accord. You might like this poem I wrote some time ago about the immersion into social media.
The Bubble People
— truthtable@aol.com
@August 27, 2001
And there are little blue bubbles
All around their heads.
At least,
That’s the way I see it.
They go swizzing down the highway,
Weaving slightly,
Unaware,
Unaware,
That they are going 35 or 85 in a 65 zone.
Inside the little blue bubble,
Stocks are being bought and sold.
Their heads lean thoughtfully to the left
Their left hand bracing the Nokia
And blocking their view of passing cars
And the beautiful scenery that is
No doubt one reason they chose to live
In such an expensive place as Westchester.
Inside the little blue bubble,
Business is being transacted —
Serious stuff —
Money changes hands.
And hopefully, more than their share
Rubs off on their palms like dried green mold.
If enough little scraplings of green powder
Are heaped together,
The man in the little blue bubble can buy —
What?
Perhaps a better beeper, phone, or larger car.
In the park,
The children come and go,
Talking of Mike and Angelo;
Looking perhaps for the lame balloonman.
But the woman in the little blue bubble
Doesn’t see or hear them;
Turns her head and puts a finger in her ear,
The better to block the whiz of whirring skaters.
There’s a deal on the line.
There’s money to be made.
She doesn’t hear the bees whine,
Doesn’t feel the elm shade.
And the spring mischief in me paints a sudden vision:
I could go and tap her on the shoulder,
Dance her off her feet and back to life
In this sunny day park of now.
My eyes dart to her face, searching,
But it is lost —
Lost behind the foggy blue bubble.
“Before I built a wall…” I mutter
And stroll back slowly the way I came.
Thanks so much for sharing that! what powerful food for thought! hugs x
Thank you for such a powerful, poignant message. I agree with it entirely. Why is it that those who haven’t a belief system work so hard to impose their will on others? Subsequently, family and moral values have plummeted with every generation over the past fifty years. Kathy’s actions have brought consequences as we just saw in the Alexandria Shooting critically injuring Republicans at a baseball practice.
If I could add the polarization of America began with the 44th President. He also racially charged a country that was in a peaceful state overall.
Thanks so much Darell, I really appreciate this thoughtful response. I know, we need to get back to those family/moral values. It’s really sad. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. hugs x
Lots to think about. I really enjoyed reading this!
oh good! thanks so much 🙂 hugs xo
Beautifully written! This needs to go Viral! God bless you for speaking out and may your audience greatly increase!
What a great, bold post!!
thank you so much! hugs xo
This is great! I really enjoyed your approach to taking accountability for our role and actions as opposed to firing back with more angry opinions. This was a great read this morning and motivated me to think about what I put out there and what my actions represent, including what I post on my own blog (thank you for liking my post). And your connection to God, love, and respect is refreshing and often missed in today’s society. Fantastic blog!
oh wow thank you so much! I’m so glad that this resonated with you! i really appreciate your kind words 🙂 big hugs xox
Hi!Thank you for visiting my blog and liking my post..It means a lot to me..take care
thanks so much friend! big hugs xo
It is certainly true that we need to look up from our devices and from social media and connect with real life and real people!
Thanks so much! yes! let’s bring back face to face interaction! big hugs xox
I ABSOLUTELY DESPISE TRUMP! And I believe that he has taken an already polarizing society and pushed in that direction seven fold with his vileness and ignorance. But that being said, I completely agree with you in that, although it may have been a joke, what Ms. Griffin did was in poor taste and the only way we can move in a positive direction is by trying not to engage in the same, base behavior that Mr. Trump has demonstrated. I think that we need to show a different side. Maybe not fight fire with fire. More of a Martin Luther King Jr. approach: a kinder, more mature, and much more intellectual side in order to obviate us from moving further down this road of hate.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Yeah, no matter ones political view, violence is never okay. Thanks for stopping by. Hugs and love xox
First of all, thank you for the amazing post. Even though it’s not the first time I see the call to vote with our passive choices – but your writing really made me think deeper about whether all of my choices represent the values I believe in. But I wanted to ask – how do you feel about political correctness in satire? I, too, think that this photo with Trump was vulgar, completely irrelevant and not fitting even as satire, but it made me think – where’s the line? I’m trying to answer this question for myself and would love to hear your opinion.
thank you so much! I really appreciate your thoughtful response! yeah…wheres the line indeed!? hugs xo
The line is when you quit making fun of the way someone talks, acts and behaves politically and begin threatening their family, health, security and life. It is also when you begin to bar those who disagree with you from your life, your campus and society. The moment we begin to threaten and silence those who do not agree with us is the moment we make it possible for it to happen to us. If we are to remain free, we must allow our opponents to peacefully say what they believe without fear.
Thanks so much for this reflection. You’re so right – I think peacefully is the key word here 🙂 Hugs and love xox
Thanks for sharing this. I agree with you. Best wishes.
Thanks so much MG. I really appreciate it. Hugs and love xox
I’m sorry… to read all this is too hard to me in an another language. You, in English, (or something like that hehe) have more vocals than in Spaniard language (LOL) but you use to use more, even non-vocalic sounds together and it’s (too much body! hehe)
I would like to say, if anyone’s has, an intention: “We should have to “take care” on images we post. It has to be perfect or from the newspapers because, if we think on it, people use to “watch” it. Even more than from a street announce.
More or less thats what I would like to say. Thank you. Best Regards
Thanks so much friend. I wish I could write in Spanish for you! You’re so right we need to watch what we’re putting out as images. Hugs and love xox
Thank you for your honest writing. We all must STOP – we need to re-think absolutely everything and learn to tolerate more, to recognise differences (opinions, cultures, languages, shapes, sizes); to learn how to repair the damage caused by thinking the same way generation and after generation and look for alternatives, ideas, solutions so that every creature on earth can live in harmony. Let us all learn from our mistakes and create a future that is different, that is better.
Thanks also for reading and liking my posts, in particular, the last one “Happy Birthday”.
I look forward to reading more from you.
Best wishes – Marg.
Thanks so much for this thought reflection. You’re so right! Harmony!! Hugs and love xox
AMEN !!! Thank you for this … it is long overdue … we have to look at society and see where it is going and what part we can play in reversing this atmosphere of hate and intolerance !!! jan
Thanks again Jan for reading my posts this morning! I really appreciate it. Have a great weekend! Hugs and love xox
I’m an opinionated, atheist, left-wing, Trump-despising, take-your-guns-away-liberal, and I love this blog. I love that the only side you take is the humanist one. No matter what we believe, it is never right to terrorize or view another human or group of people as being worthy of terrorizing. Yeah, we have a bully for a president. That doesn’t make it right for us to be a bully. Anyways, I’m rambling, when what I really want to do is recommend a book to you. “War is a Force That Gives Us Meaning” by Chris Hedges is an eye opening account of why we war and how it corrodes our societies. Chris is a war-time journalist with years of experience and a penchant for Shakespearean comparison. Check it out, I think it will resonate with you. Cheers!
Hi friend! Gosh I so touched by this thoughtful response. Thank you so much! I’m so glad that my posts resonate with you. Thanks for the book recco. I will definitely check it out. Amen! We are all worthy of respect and dignity 🙂 thanks for stopping by. Hugs and love xox
I just wrote a meaningful reply to this blog. I really like what you had to say. However, long or short story, my phone decided to erase it all suddenly. Grrr…
In any event, thanks for liking my blog!
Oh gosh thank you so much for reading and responding! I’m so sorry you had a technical difficulty!! Major bummer. Sending hugs xox
As I read your post, which I agree with, I remember that last night I watched 4 ‘comedy’ shows on TV. They were all British, (Australian comedy is usually “Good Evening…swear swear swear”).
And I think of what you wrote. When did we change so much? 4 comedy shows, and I didn’t laugh once. But the people in the audiences were laughing.
Social media, media and peer pressure have a lot to do with the state of the world. Young people today watch the soaps on TV and actually believe this is how they are supposed to behave. They listen to the radio to the most boring songs, 6 notes 4 words, and they think it is great, because the DJ tells them it is. And this trend of living life with one hand, because you CAN’T put your phone down for a second, is just annoying.
Sure I have a smart phone. I used my home WiFi to download a diary, because I refuse to have data.
I don’t have phone data, I do not listen to the radio, I do not watch soaps on TV. because they are leading the world down the wrong road.
I remember in an episode of Mrs Brown’s Boys, Mrs Brown was talking about God and His message and said “If God want’s anyone to hear his message, He’ll have to text them”. (I know there is a lot of swearing, but it is done the way people in that situation really live).
Perhaps politicians in so called Christian countries could get rid of sex education in school and bring back religious education.
Unfortunately churches are falling into the world trap. My mother goes to a church, (I can’t go to a church because I don’t agree with what churches teach), and she was saying that in less than a year it has gone from a good church to one that asks for money for everything.
“Seek ye first the kingdom of God and all these things shall be added unto you”.
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts. Lots of great food for thought here. Big hugs xox
You are asking all the right questions. We would all benefit from asking ourselves, “What’s my part in this?”
Thanks so much Cheryl. Hugs and love xox
What you said. Yes! Thank you.
Oh gosh thank you so much! What a kind thing to say:) Hugs and love xox
Thought provoking post – I am all about personal responsibility. How have I contributed to this? Thanks.
Thanks so much! I really appreciate it. Hugs and love xox
Great post! The last year has taken so much out of me but I blame myself for the most part.
thanks so much for taking the time to read. Yeah, this has been quite the year for sure. i feel ya there. big hugs xo
I agree that this Kathy Griffin stunt is beyond the bounds of decency. I would point out however that decency is defined and operable in large measure across the spectrum of belief or non-belief in supernatural beings. Doing what is right does not require religion. Most atheists and agnostics are morally upright. There are whole countries with better social systems than ours where most people do not believe in gods. And, not in defense but in understanding of those who step over the line, it is hard to behave decently if others do not, particularly those who claim to have authority and precedence. To that extent, Trump himself is to blame for what has happened here.
Thanks August. I really appreciate this thoughtful reflection. Lots of powerful food for thought here. 🙂 Hugs and love xox
What a refreshing and brave perspective. Thank you for posting and reminding us that we’re all entitled to our views without having to promote barbarism to impose the same on others.
Thanks so much Alexandra! I really appreciate your kind words. Hugs and love xox
I sure enjoy reading your take on things. It’s refreshing and honest. Thank you for this.
oh gosh, thank you so much Dawn! I appreciate you stopping by and taking the time to read! big hugs to you xox
“Don’t explain what you stand for; Embody it.”
That was my favorite. We indeed have to consider what role we play in the fact that society has lost the fear of God– Abortion, Fornication, Alcohol, Homo/Les and so much more.
Very true. thank you so much 🙂 Hugs and love xox
I don’t know if he’s the most polarizing. I think that might go to President Lincoln.
Haha perhaps! Thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love xox
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