Where is the light? #EricGarner #ICantBreathe #Nowisthetime

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by Stan Faryna

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Eric Garner died as a result of a choke hold used by a NYPD officer attempting to subdue him. The first video shows it here. Mr. Garner pleads for his life. “I can’t breathe,” he cries out (weakly) to the police officers. The second video (here) shows police officers and EMT handling an apparently unconscious Mr. Garner like an animal. Or a slab of meat.

How did the Grand Jury not indict the police officer?

We should and must mourn the loss of Eric Garner lest we accept that our hearts have grown cold. We should and must grieve over the injustice served by the non-indictment of Daniel Pantaleo.

In the midst of an overwhelming number of police officers, Daniel Pantaleo’s actions in subduing Mr. Garner (in the manner in which he did) were arrogant, contemptuous and, yes, evil – beyond even the possibility of a racially motivated crime. If you watch the second video where Mr. Garner appears unconscious, hand-cuffed and mishandled, Pantaleo appears in the background – proud, puffed up and “manly” in how he holds himself.

Pantaleo did not act as a man on that day. He acted as a coward. He did as a bully does. And we can all see this with our own eyes. Any other conclusion is in itself, cowardice, false consciousness, or, yes, evil. Regardless of prejudice.

Daniel Pantaleo, however, is not beyond redemption or our compassion. He can confess his sin and repent, publicly. And, in return, we can forgive and love the man.

Cases of police brutality, state oppression, terrorism, and all kinds of violence may be worse and more frequent elsewhere in the world. That does not make the wrongful death of Eric Garner, acceptable. Lukewarm reaction is absolutely reprehensible and disgusting. It is written that God vomits the lukewarm.

In the face of overwhelming lack of compassion and concern for the dignity of the human person, outrage and anger will burn in the hearts of those who still have hearts to mourn what has happened. Evil shall also grow in burning hearts. There will grow a want of revenge, a spirit of fear and contempt for others. This too is human – fallen humanity.

Now is the time for justice. For leadership. For love.

Ye are the light of the world.
Matthew 5:14

Where is the Christian voice in the midst of the darkness? Where is the light of Christian love in dark nights as these?

Light does not shine in the streets. Now is the time for Christians to go forth, cast out demons, heal the broken-hearted, and demonstrate the power of Jesus. In prayer. In compassion and with love. In sharing Christian wisdom and truth. In solidarity with the human family. With a crying out to God!

I am reminded of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s words, Now is the time.

Or is my opinion in error?

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Stan Faryna
04 December 2014
Fairfax, Virginia

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#BlogSoup 17.09.14 @Faryna feat. @eugenefarber @MattoMcFly @harleenas @BlogtorWho @Indiegogo

#BlogSoup 17.09.14 @Faryna feat. @eugenefarber @MattoMcFly @harleenas @BlogtorWho @Indiegogo 

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by Stan Faryna

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Blog Soup

If you don’t know about the epics of blog soup, a deliciously OP (Over Powered) explanation follows.
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The comments below represent comments that I posted and those that failed to post to the websites, blogs, videos and streams that I visited. On occasion, they may represent Tweets, Replies, or Comments made on Facebook and other Social Media networks. Not everyone will appreciate the comments made to their post (I rarely suck up, brown nose or gush), but hopefully they’ll forgive me any offense (real or imagined) and, yes, they should absolutely love the rank-link juice to blog and Twitter. This is not a noob’s blog and some have even said that my seo game is fierce as it is sweet.
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More about blog soup at the end of this post.

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Happy Birthday to @TheJackB

 

by Stan Faryna

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Daft Punk, Get Lucky

 

God bless you

You may know him by another name. Or several. Some call him Jack. Others, Mr. Steiner. And yet others, Josh. I have always thought of him as Ajax – the giant from Homer’s Iliad. It’s his birthday today.

Happy Birthday, Ajax.

Wishing Ajax a happy birthday reminds me of all those whose birthdays for which I did not offer a shout out. I regret my failure. I repent of it and I wholeheartedly apologize if you who ever wondered if my silence signaled a lack of affection. I do not have a good track record for remembering birthdays but I can say boldly and earnestly that my memory does not speak for the treasury and intentions of my heart.

Although I have little to offer as a way of gift to Ajax or you, I can start by mentioning some blog posts that I’ve enjoyed. Here’s just a sample of the blogging of Jack Steiner:

What Do Father’s Fear?

What Does The Reflection In The Mirror Look Like

Time Travel and Terms Of Service

 

Do your words need healing?

In a recent post, Jack bemoans the quiet and unenthusiastic state of bloggery – lackluster traffic, dwindling comments and, ultimately, the quixotic and unrealistic expectations that lead to disappointment and, sometimes, despair. Jack is not mistaken in his perceptions of the death rattles of the blogosphere. Podcasting is where it’s act.

But Jack also once said, “just write.”

And that’s what we bloggers should and must do – write. Oh – not with a sense of a cavalier and professional schedule and punctuality. Not with undaunted, rash words! Not with the wrong words!

What shall we write? Let us not write evil or incite it by our writing. And let us not tell lies.

The Book of Proverbs offers some insight in this regard.

A wholesome tongue is a tree of life but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.
Proverbs 15:4

He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity.
Proverbs 21:23

He who guards his lips guards his soul, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin.
Proverbs 13:3

 

Words without limits

Words without limits can be like unsheathed daggers as much as they can be dandelion spores carrying our wishes to the eager and benevolent ears of God. Like a flashing red strobe light on the dashboard of a missile launch station as often as they may remind us of the sweet, clovey fragrance of a field of blooming dianthus.

Therefore, we must wield our words, gently, joyfully and with care and good will – equal to the enthusiasm with which we want to speak and share. Our words must be written and spoken with love.

It’s not easy. Because our words speak our heart. And, sometimes, there is much darkness in our hearts.

Fortunately for us, our hearts can be healed by our own words. It begins when we bless each other. This is where love begins.

 

Stan Faryna
9 May 2014
Fairfax, Virginia

Programmatic, native and other social media DOHs

by Stan Faryna

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Pharrel Williams, Happy

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Mixed metaphors are not to be trusted.

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A word must bear some relation to truth. That’s how trust is won.

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Mad money makes liars, thieves and pirates of educated, well-meaning and despicable fools, equally.

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But me, I’m happy. Because I don’t have to lie, anymore. Nor do you. It’s simple. Love!

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Love and make the first object and beneficiary of your love, Truth.

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Stan Faryna
27 February 2014
Fairfax, Virginia

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Who needs you, anyway! Thoughts about Rejection

Thoughts about Rejection

by Stan Faryna

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Avicii, Wake Me Up

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Rejection

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As I try to wrap my mind around the meaning of rejection, I have to consider that the consequence of it is nothing less than the inability or disability to receive or give love. In other words, if your experience of love is inadequate (rejection), you cannot love fully or in a healthy way.That means rejection is not just a personal problem; it is a viral problem.

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Social Media

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No where is the sweep of rejection more present to us than in Social Media. The sweep of the pain, sadness and anger of rejection extends beyond our gaze and imagination, and the depth of the wounds, we may never guess.

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Poverty, disability, disease, parental neglect, divorce, infidelity, betrayal, abuse and exploitation, violence, prejudice, public humiliation, failure, and inaccessible education are among the causes that alienate us. And so wounded, we in turn reject, mistrust and, perhaps, wound others. And we will pursue loveless paths of shame, brokenness and despair.

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Suicide, Depression and Anxiety…

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The catastrophic power of rejection cannot be ignored. Suicide, depression and anxiety are on the increase – not to mention the secret wish for death which too many hold like a prayer in their hearts.
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Mary’s Song
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What is the solution to rejection?Mary’s response to the news brought by an angel comes to mind::

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And Mary said:

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“My soul glorifies the Lord
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
holy is his name…”
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Luke 1:46-49

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Mary’s song comes to mind right now because what happened to her is what we want and need – the fullness of acceptance and approval, love, and responsibility.

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Love and Responsibility

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Responsibility may seem out of place in the sentimental context, but then I consider that without responsibility, acceptance, approval and love is not complete. Without responsibility, I do not belong, I am not useful, I am not needed, and I am not a part of something bigger and better than me.

Without love and responsibility, we tremble before the ultimate, existential rejection of you, me and everyone.

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Stan Faryna
7 February 2014
Fairfax, Virginia

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Phil Robertson: Hero or Monster?

Letter to Phil Robertson of Duck Dynasty, et al.

by Stan Faryna

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Dawn of the Dead Credits with Johnny Cash

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Dear Phil Robertson and everyone else interested in this public scandal,

There will be disagreements, contentions and frequent temptation to act and speak in an unbecoming manner – especially in a multicultural society and that includes online communities. In this context, idle talk and memes can be a divisive device which begs caution, scrutiny and wisdom.

How shall we live, work and relate with each other in our diversity? How shall we enthusiastically collaborate toward the common good and our own separate, individual, nobel ambitions?

However our opinions may differ, each of us will find it challenging (more or less) to live in a world that includes those whose actions, opinion and political will contradict our identity and, perhaps, even challenge the living out of our intimate hopes and aspirations.

That is a challenge we must accept with several virtues. I speak of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

If each of us do not accept to meet this challenge with these several virtues, then we are not worthy of democracy, freedom, peace and/or happiness.

If we cannot agree these virtues are necessary or exercise these virtues with an enduring devotion, then communities and nations are doomed. For we will walk in darkness.

That is a bleak future that reminds me of the Prince’s warning and lament in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.

ALL ARE PUNISHED!

May God bless us, everyone.

Best Regards,

Stan Faryna
21 December 2013
Fairfax, Virginia

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Flash Fiction by Stan Faryna

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I’m a creepy, lonely man!?

The Greatest Show on Earth is on Andaman road

Get Lucky

Blame it on the poet Anthony Wilson

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by Stan Faryna

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Haddaway, What is Love

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Blame it on the poet Anthony Wilson. He writes in his blog, today, about Love. Holub’s Love. Read it here: Falling in love with Holub’s Love.

Anthony’s blog post and Miroslav Holub’s poem (that Anthony shares with us) inspired me to look again at a poor attempt I made many years ago – a poor attempt to reflect on Love. To live up to Love. To drink upon stars.

And looking, I smiled, because there is some good advice in that mess. And, ironically, I cannot count the times when such seemingly sound advice was unheeded. In friendship. In romance. In faith. In pursuing, perfection – whatever that means.

And that is what I want to share with you, today. Laugh (or smile) with me at my own chagrin. And TRY, try, please try… not to take the foolish half steps that I keep on doing!

Thank you, Anthony.

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Drink upon the stars

by Stan Faryna

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As far away as the stars

sparkling like champagne bubbles

above lonely country lanes.

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As close as a flame’s lick

that promises to consume

an eager moth – instantly.

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As sweet as Casablanca –

fragrant lilium beckons

us like the Lotus eaters

of Homer.

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Like a grassy

path in want of wear –

some warn it’s runs the minefields.

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Love!

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Dares us to walk barefooted

across the broken bottles

of our reckless, past license

and hot, spent cigarette butts.

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Our demons, tall as mountains,

may hide behind blades of grass

but the feet that run, fleetly,

naked, innocent, fly freely…

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Oh – how they fly!

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Untorn.

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Half steps, however, break hearts

as easily as shale cliffs

crumble under a foolish foot.

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Love?

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How often have foolish feet

carried me by the half steps

across the slippery slopes

of pride and ingratitude,

down the broken, rocky lanes

that terminate abruptly?

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If love is a fearless path…

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If love is a fearless path,

let us go there, fearlessly!

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Let us drink upon the stars.

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Love!!!

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Stan Faryna
12 July 2013
Fairfax, Virginia

Superfluous

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Superfluous

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by Stan Faryna

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Macklemore, Ryan Lewis and Ray Dalton, Can’t Hold Us

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There are friends with whom I shall never share poetry. Because, unfortunately, poetry is superfluous to those who lack an intellectual spirit. Or spiritual life.

Or brave heart.

I’m not obsessed with poetry. It’s not a daily ritual for me. Nor weekly. But reading it (or remembering it) on occasion, one may find a place for the genuine – as the American modernist poetess Marianne Moore put it.

Today, there may be no necessity for the genuine when our questions can be managed with addictions, prescriptions, hook ups and outrageous materialism. Until you want to live wholeheartedly, feel strongly and love… fiercely and truly.

And only then will you know that you too cannot live without great books, beautiful music, art, illuminated friends and, oh yes, poetry.

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Stan Faryna
15 June 2013
Fairfax, Virginia

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Poetry

by Marianne Moore

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I, too, dislike it: there are things that are important beyond all
this fiddle.
Reading it, however, with a perfect contempt for it, one
discovers in
it after all, a place for the genuine.
Hands that can grasp, eyes
that can dilate, hair that can rise
if it must, these things are important not because a

high-sounding interpretation can be put upon them but because
they are
useful. When they become so derivative as to become
unintelligible,
the same thing may be said for all of us, that we
do not admire what
we cannot understand: the bat
holding on upside down or in quest of something to

eat, elephants pushing, a wild horse taking a roll, a tireless wolf
under
a tree, the immovable critic twitching his skin like a horse that
feels a
flea, the base-
ball fan, the statistician–
nor is it valid
to discriminate against ‘business documents and

school-books’; all these phenomena are important. One must
make a distinction
however: when dragged into prominence by half poets, the
result is not poetry,
nor till the poets among us can be
‘literalists of
the imagination’–above
insolence and triviality and can present

for inspection, ‘imaginary gardens with real toads in them’, shall
we have
it. In the meantime, if you demand on the one hand,
the raw material of poetry in
all its rawness and
that which is on the other hand
genuine, you are interested in poetry.

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Thank You For Being A Friend

by Stan Faryna

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Andrew Gold, Thank You For Being A Friend

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The Big Thank You

Thank you for coming here – to this blog. Thank you for subscribing. All of you. And there’s a lot of you – 10s and 10s and 10s of thousands of you that come here every month.

I thank you all. With all my heart.

Your attention, kindness and friendship means much to me. Beyond what these words can signify. And I bless you.

I bless you with all my heart just as I bless all those who have helped me (and will help me) to be the better me that I can be.

And, yes, this must include the world, the universe, and everything that our science, philosophies and theologies cannot imagine.

What is gratitude?

Wikipedia defines gratitude as a “feeling or attitude in acknowledgement of a benefit that one has received or will receive.”

Wikipedia, however, only goes a little way in helping us to understand what gratitude is or how we should live it out.

Obvious to me, gratitude as merely a feeling or attitude is profoundly incomplete. Because gratitude must be expressed in action. And, gratitude wants to express itself in a manner as large (or larger) than the benefit.

True gratitude also must include the contemplation of the benefits which we have received – all of the benefits. Not just recent benefits. Not just those benefits we recognize among our immediate interests and ambitions.

It goes beyond the feast. Beyond family and friends. Beyond a single day – gratitude goes from here to forever. It must be intimately ontological and well as existential, phenomenological and, last but not least, spiritual. True gratitude – it’s that big.

True gratitude takes us to a place of we – a place beyond the self-centered juxtaposition of me.

Love

Gratitude fuels love – a love that is greater than desire. True gratitude fuels a love that serves and gives. Without expectation of anything but love.

Thank you, my friends, for fueling this kind of love in me.

For in your service of friendship, you have encouraged my perfection, my beatification, my salvation, and, yes, my happiness.

Crazy, huh?

Crazy and beautiful and true!

I hope, this brief glimpse I give to you – of what you have done for me…

I hope this will help you to understand your own potential and Destiny.

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Stan Faryna
22 November 2012
Bucharest, Romania

Et tu, Brute? You poor thing, you!

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Bod Dylan, Positively 4th Street

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The lyrics are below.

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Jack wrote a blog post about Bob Dylan’s song, Positively 4th Street. That’s what he said on Audioboo. And I hadn’t heard that song in the longest time, so I’m glad that Jack reminded me of it.