Category: Editing (Page 6 of 15)

Let Your Heart Be Not Troubled

May 3, 2022 / Chiara

Was it a coincidence or divine intervention?

The other day I happen to hear on the radio the song, “It is well,” twice by the same artist. Some would say, “Doesn’t the station have other songs to play?” I might have agreed, but this time, the song has come during a perfect storm in my life. I was moved to heed the nudge from God.

Music has always been my therapy and encourager. Facing this difficult family medical season, I felt comforted in knowing that God is in control even through my sufferings. I hummed the melody all afternoon and suddenly wondered who sings this beautiful song. I first looked up the singer, Kristene DiMarco. Her voice is so soothing. Please watch the video.

Secondly, I’ve often heard the Biblical expression, “It is well with my soul”. Was there any connection with the song? So, I looked up the phrase. What I found was an amazing story of faith in the midst of trial and one woman’s perseverance to overcome her adversity. The story of the Shunammite Woman’s Suffering in 2 Kings 4:8-37.

Here are two resources that break down the meaning behind the story.

A. The Shunammite Woman’s Faith

B. It Is Well With My Soul

What I didn’t expect to learn was how the words “It is well with my soul” became lyrics to a song. The author of the hymn was Horatio Gates Spafford. Mr. Spafford was a wealthy Chicago lawyer with real estate holdings along Lake Michigan. He was influential in elite circles and he and his wife, Anna, were also close friends with D.L. Moody, preacher, and founder of the Moody Bible Institute and Moody Press, publications of religious books.

Even with all his wealth and fame, tragedies struck the Spafford family. First, losing their only son, Horatio Jr. to scarlet fever in 1870, his real estate holdings were destroyed in 1871 by the Chicago Fire, and then losing all four of his daughters in a ship collision set for England in 1873. Fortunately, Anna was saved and found floating in the ocean on a plank of wood. After being rescued, she would write her husband a telegram, saying, “saved one”.

How much sorrow can one human endure?

Mr. Spafford later boarded another boat to England to comfort his wife. As the ship sailed across the Atlantic, the captain passed over the same area in which the boat that Anna was on sank, killing his daughters and all 226 passengers. Grief-stricken, Horatio penned the words, “It is well with my soul”.

Bloom, Baby Bloom!

April 29, 2022 / Chiara

Do you know what kind of flowering plant this is? I’m not a botanist or horticulturist, nor do I have a green thumb, but every year this flowering plant blooms for seven to ten days, and then it’s done.

It amazes me how this one plant spends three seasons of preparation only to bloom for such a short time. To think this plant’s purpose is to flourish and fragrant the air, and then to be taken up in the spring wind to pollinate other flowers.

It makes me think of us, humans. We all bloom at a different pace. Some take a lifetime to bloom, some never bloom, and others bloom right away.

Wherever you are in your blooming season, don’t rush. You are where you need to be. Nourish yourself; grow in knowledge, so that others can be blessed in your blooming season.

If I Never Wrote Again

March 23, 2022 / Chiara

Do writers retire from writing? I know people retire from their jobs, but can writers stop writing?

These questions have gotten me thinking about my writing future. I’ve published four books in six years, but the actual story-writing time for each novel has spanned a couple of decades. The fruits of my labor have often been delayed, but I still managed to get it completed and in print, that’s the best achievement in my passion for tale-telling.

It amazes me how authors can pump out a book a year, like James Patterson, Danielle Steele, David Baldacci, Jodi Picoult, etc. I’ve heard, and I can’t confirm, that some of these talented published authors have teams of writers. If so, that is terrific, their name and style of writing is an attractive niche for many readers.

I don’t know how I’d handle the pressure of producing a book every six months to a year, never having experienced it. Some will tell me to suck it up and say, writing for publication isn’t a hobby, but a real business with money-making potential. I believe that too, however, what I’ve learned is that real story successes start with an awesome storyline and a good backing by agents and publishing houses. One of my favorite success stories of independent publishing is on William Paul Young, author of “The Shack”. What began as a Christmas gift to his kids, ended up being passed along to friends and then strangers, and then publication. Watch the interview here.

I’ve been writing since I was fourteen years old, and professionally as an adult the last ten years (blogging, book reviews, short stories, etc.), including my first publication in 2014. As an independently published author, I don’t have agents or publishing houses giving me deadlines. This can be good or bad depending on how you look at it because I have to manage my own time.

I’ll digress a moment, in my previous profession as an Instructional Designer; I also trained corporate employees on Time Management. I’ve incorporated those tools I taught to keep myself accountable when I’m writing; it’s not an easy task. So, my writing pace is slower, as my priority is raising my children. Would I like to dedicate more time to writing? Heck, yes! And include more reading time too!

Life has a way of throwing curves. I’ve had a few changes in the past and present that have stopped me short of moving beyond the roadblocks. When it happens, I question my dreams and aspirations. I’m not one to give up easily, but when my burdens become bigger than what I can handle, I wonder if it’s time to reevaluate the road I’ve been traveling on. Which brings me back to the second question at the beginning of this post? Can a writer stop writing? Some will argue that writers are born with the gift of writing; others will disagree and say that it is a learned passion. In both cases, if the writer stops, aren’t they squashing their devotion for the written word?

“I have two addictions/passions: reading and writing. I feel restless and empty when I can’t read fiction, write my deepest thoughts in my journal, or even write down story ideas. Writing calms me, centers me, and provides a healthy outlet for my communication with imaginary friends.”

Without my writing gift, I believe I am nothing because the world says so until I read a scripture verse in the Bible about gifts. The three greatest gifts are Faith, Hope, and Love. Love is the greatest gift of all to another. See 1 Corinthians 13:13.

I am more than my writing because God says so in the following scriptures:

Luke 12:7 – But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.

Mathew 10: 30 – But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.

1 John 4:16 – And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.

1 John 4: 19 – We love Him because He first loved us.

I guess the question is… Would it matter to ME if I didn’t write anymore? Hmm… only I can answer this.

References:

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+13%3A13&version=NKJV

https://outreachmagazine.com/interviews/20995-the-shack-movie.htmlhttps://www.oprah.com/own-super-soul-sunday/the-story-behind-william-paul-youngs-best-seller-the-shack-video

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+13%3A13&version=NKJV

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Shack

Photo by Suzy Hazelwood from Pexels

The Fortress in Your Mind

March 4, 2022 / Chiara

This is a story about Bernard and his dad, Miles Kingston. They lived in a big city. Bernard’s life was great. He went to a good school, had lots of friends, and he, his mom, and his dad had all the freedom one can ask for.

When his mother, Clarissa, passed away from cancer several months earlier, his father became very troubled and lonely. A war was waging in their country, and a debilitating virus was going through their towns, city, and the rest of the world.

So, Miles decided to sell everything and move out to the country with his son, figuring if they were far enough away, they wouldn’t have to deal with the woes of the world. Mr. Kingston had a tall, brick fortress built to protect them from the enemies of the outside world. He and Bernard planted a garden, created a water supply system underground, developed natural medicinal remedies from the soil, and had enough firearms to protect a community, rather than two individuals living in a giant structure.

Once again, Bernard had everything, but soon he too became forlorn. He had no contact outside of the walls of their new home, no more friends because they’d died of the virus,and no more formal education except what his father taught him. His dad often reminded him how lucky they were to have the means of protecting their bodies and livelihood, and he should be grateful for that. They heard about regular folks suffering outside their property, but they kept to themselves. Nothing would ever come and hurt them.

One night, Bernard awoke with a thirst and found his father sitting by the window with several rifles lying on the floor around him.

“Father, why are you up?”

Mile’s blood-shot eyes gazed at him, “I have to keep awake to protect us.”

Bernard was puzzled. “What do you mean?”

His father stuttered, “Can’t you see the virus in the air? Look through the window. You see it floating around?”

The boy peered through their triple-pane glass window. He saw nothing except a crescent moon. “I don’t see—“

“Quiet!” Miles hushed him and yanked him to the floor. “Did you hear that? We can still be seized. The enemy is coming to get us.”

Bernard was still confused. “Father, there is no one outside. Come,” he motioned. “Let’s go to bed.”

Mr. Kingston pulled away. “No!”

Bernard stood. “If you’re so afraid, why did you build this gigantic fortress and isolate us from everyone?”

His father fixed the rifle under his chin.

“What are you doing?” Bernard lunged and tried to wrestle the rifle from his father.

“I’m always afraid,” Miles answered, and pulled the trigger.

MORAL OF THE STORY: If your mind thinks it, your heart will act upon it. Protect your mind at all costs.

Proverbs 23: 7 – For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.

Mental health awareness is a real thing. SEEK HELP! You are worth it! For more information, click here.

ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE ENCOURAGEMENT:

Philippians 4:8 – Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

2 Timothy 1: 7 – For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Ephesians 6: 11-18 – Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

Mathew 10:28 – And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

Mathew 12: 43-45 – When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.

Mark 3: 30 – Because they said, He hath an unclean spirit.

The Parable of the Skinned Knee and the Band Aid

February 9, 2022 / Chiara

There was once a little girl named Patty. She was playing in her driveway when she fell and skinned her knee. Running inside with tears as big as grapes, she wailed as blood oozed down her left leg. Her mother, Annie, took her and held her until the rivulets turned to streaks on her rosy cheeks.

The mother looked at the bruised-up knee. There was a deep gash about an inch long. It was on the kneecap, and the blood was dark and thick. Patty studied her mom looking for any signs of concern. Annie aware of fearful big brown eyes watching her every move, remained calm.

“Okay,” she said, settling her daughter on the kitchen chair. “I’m going to get some cotton balls, hydrogen peroxide, ointment, and band-aids.”

Patty was scared and began to fidget. “Will it hurt?”

“A little, with some burning,” Annie consoled. “But, all of these things will help heal your cut.”

The mom cleaned the wound and placed a band-aid on it. “Now,” she said, “we don’t remove the band-aid, okay? It has to be covered to prevent infection.”

Patty’s eyes bulged. “What do you mean? We’re never going to remove the band-aid?”

Her mother smiled. “No, honey, I didn’t say that. We’re going to have to change it often, especially when we take baths, and we will clean it and put a brand new band-aid each time.”

The child bent her knee to inspect the bandage. “How long will that take, Mommy?”

Annie patted her daughter’s head, “Until your cut skin is attached together and no more blood is seeping out. We want to keep your blood inside your body, not outside on your skin!”

Patty giggled.

A couple of days passed and both mom and daughter kept with the cleaning and band-aid regime. Annie even bought colorful band-aids with cartoon characters on them to help little Patty understand not to remove the bandage.

A few more days passed and as the mom inspected the wound, she found that the skin was indeed joined together. No more gash! Happily, she explained to Patty, “Okay, we can now take off the band-aid.”

Patty, taken aback by this new change folded her arms. “I like the band-aids. I want to keep putting it on.”

Annie shook her head. “You don’t need it anymore. See,” she pointed at her daughter’s kneecap. “The cut is closed up. There is no blood anymore. There is no more need for a band-aid.”

Little Patty was alarmed. “What if it breaks open?”

Her mom grinned. “Your skin won’t ‘break open’. You’ll be okay.”

But, Patty wouldn’t have it. “No, I want it on!” The truth was she’d grown fond of the band-aids—liked the security of having one on, just in case. Frankly, she was frightened of having to remove the bandage altogether because it was a comfort to see it on her knee every day.

Annie sensing the rebellion and uncertainty in her daughter’s voice took a deep breath and said, “Honey, you’re going to have it let it breathe. It’s part of the healing process for any cuts and bruises. You can do it, I know you’re brave. Look how good you were to help yourself in healing your knee.”

Patty gazed at her mother. What would she do?

The moral of the story:

Where does your security lie?

Humans are creatures of habit. We cling to things: clothes, books, jewelry, and material items that give the illusion of protection, even holding onto hurtful memories of long ago. And, there’s nothing wrong with that, but there comes a time when those possessions and experiences need to be let go. The shedding of the old needs to begin and we need to breathe!

1 Corinthians 13:11 – When I was a child I spoke like a child. I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up my childish ways.

2 Timothy 1: 7 – For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of sound mind.

Digging Out: The Task at Hand

February 4, 2022 / Chiara

I’ll be honest, I enjoy shoveling the snow. I don’t like driving in it, but shoveling, yes! My therapy. It’s that central focus on removing snow from a designated area. It’s about making shoveled lines and looking at “your” clearing with joy.

Most importantly, it’s the pure bliss of concentration and “being in the moment” experience where I don’t have to think about my worries, other tasks, and uncertainties that often try to crowd my thoughts.

Colossians 3: 2 – “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.”

Shoveling allows me to be present and not bring in negative thoughts. I know it’s not for everyone, but chores in itself can be calming. If your mind is fogged today, let this also be a reminder…

Philippians: 4: 6 – “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.”

I hope this encourages you as it does for me. Stick to the task at hand and give the rest away. This post has been inspired by the song, “Keep Me In the Moment” by Jeremy Camp. Watch video here.

So, What’s Your Word of 2022?

January 25, 2022 / Chiara

Okay, so I’m late to the party, I know, but it’s still January. Drum roll, please… Here is my post on “My Word of the Year”.

My word of the year is Revive.

Dictionary.com defines Revive as:

Verb (used with object), re·vived, re·viv·ing.

To activate, set in motion, or take up again; renew: to revive old feuds.
To restore to life or consciousness: We revived him with artificial respiration.
To put on or show (an old play or motion picture) again.
To make operative or valid again.

Verb (used without object), re·vived, re·viv·ing.

To return to life, consciousness, vigor, strength, or a flourishing condition.
To recover from financial depression.

I’ve been doing “word of the year” for a bit now and find that it grounds me, focuses me, and reminds me throughout the year (the meaning and why I chose that word) when I forget “my word of the year”. I know some people do “word of the month” or “word of the week”, etc. Two years ago, in 2020, my word was RESTART, in 2021, my word was RESET. I happen to write a blog on RESET too. And now this year, 2022, my word is going to be REVIVE.

I know what you’re thinking? What gives with all these “R” words? I can’t honestly tell you, except maybe I like the alphabetical letter “R”.

Why REVIVE?

Two reasons:

The Bible scripture of Ezekiel 37:1-14 is “Valley of Dry Bones”. It conjures such a vivid image in my mind that I happen to find a picture similar online, see below. To me, this scripture is an awakening, a reviving of those things that are important. I’ve been feeling a little dry, and a little out of sorts. I need a NEW breath in my bones. I need an awakening of ideas and thoughts that have been “asleep”. And so, I need this word, REVIVE, more than anything to jump-start me to action. Click here for a great article that explains the scripture.

For those that don’t know, I read the Bible from cover to cover, Genesis 1:1 to Revelations 22:21. I started it as a Bible in January 2019. It took me two years and two weeks to finish reading in February 2021. I documented my reading experience and that story was covered in a local Christian magazine, called Christ Is Our Hope. Click here to read it.

A great song by one of my favorite Christian bands, Casting Crowns, off of their album, Only Jesus, titled: “Awaken Me”. When I first heard the song, it referenced Ezekiel 37: 1-10. It made sense that it was about breathing into the bones that were dead. However, as I listened to the song over and over again, and read “Chapter 4: A Beautiful Thing”, the book version of the CD, Only Jesus. Here, I realized that this song has themes from many Bible scriptures. Such as:
1. Luke 15: 11-32. The story of the Prodigal son who realized his errors and returned home to his father after squandering all his money.
2. Ephesians 5:13-14. Comparing God’s truth to a bright light.
3. Isaiah 6: 5-7. Only God can clean your unclean lips and change you.

Here is the Youtube video of “Awaken Me”. Then, watch the video from Mark Hall that explains the meaning behind the song.

The book is available via Amazon.

“Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light.” Ephesians 5:13-14.

For the last two years, my heart has been stirred to look at my Bible more for guidance and direction in my life for help with my relationships with my husband and daughters. I’m finding myself growing spiritually and reviving my soul in God’s Word.

In August 2021, a thought crossed my mind and I had to write it down. Here it is:

“I can’t unknow what I learned to know about the Truth of Jesus Christ.”

This statement is very true. I am NOT ASHAMED of who I’m becoming—a saved, born-again believer in Jesus Christ. I can’t go back to who I was before. Little by little, the TRUTH is being manifested in my everyday life. I have been REVIVED.

Do you have a “special” word? Drop me a line and let me know.

References:

https://www.dictionary.com/browse/revive

https://knowingscripture.com/articles/dry-bones-and-the-resurrection-of-the-dead-ezekiel-37-1-14

When Life Throws You Curves…Christ is Our Hope Magazine Article

Resetting the Restart

Local Store Wisdom

December 1, 2021 / Chiara

After dropping my daughters off at school, I decided to get some grocery shopping done before starting the day. I don’t ever shop early, like eight in the morning early. The chore needed to get done, and it was a good distraction from the many thoughts and personal family concerns swirling in my head, lately.

With a list in hand, I strolled into our local grocery store. It was a quiet morning. There weren’t many patrons around, only the workers unloading merchandise onto the shelves. A clerk in the poultry section greeted me, waving a package of drumsticks.

Getting produce and deli, I marched over to the meat department. Perusing the steaks and ground beef section, I couldn’t help but notice how high the prices were. Damn inflation. Suddenly, I felt a chill blow over me, like someone opened a freezer door, and I sneezed. “Bless you,” said a voice behind me. Startled, I turned and faced a medium-height elderly man with a weathered face and graying fluffy hair. He wore a heavy red flannel shirt over camouflage overalls.

“Thank you,” I shivered.

He nodded and moved closer to me as we both faced the beef fridge. “These prices are mighty high for some ground sirloin. How’s anyone supposed to afford this? Gas is up too. Unbelievable.”

Agreeing, I answered turning toward him. “I was thinking the same thing.” The elderly man’s chestnut-colored eyes glistened, making his lined face even more prominent. “I know.”

I could feel the hairs on my arms stand up, so I moved away from him, only to realize he inched even closer. I swiveled to make sure the worker was still at the chicken section. He was, bent over the freezer. A little way off, I saw a couple in the produce section. Okay, at least I’m not alone.

The man straightened, “So, what’s it gonna be? Sirloin or Chuck?”

I picked up a package of 90% lean ground sirloin and inspected it. I had plans to make Sloppy Joe for dinner and I preferred the leaner meat rather than the 70% kind. “Sirloin for me, sir.”

“Aha, is that right? Ok. You don’t have to call me, sir, either.”

“Well—”

“I’m no more sir than that sir,” he pointed to a young clerk bringing out a case of bananas from the back room.

Wrapping my package in a plastic bag, I nodded, absently … plastic wrap, non-dairy cheese, eggs, milk, potato chips … The man reached for a two-pound package of ground chuck. “This looks good for hamburgers.”

“Yep, now you need some burger buns.”

He snapped his finger. “Yes, yes. What do you recommend? Kaiser buns or Rye bread?”

I shrugged. “Um, I prefer the pretzel rolls myself.”

He reflected for a moment, and it dawned on me that the old man was by himself. He didn’t even have a cart. Did he just come into the store for meat? “Never tried pretzel buns before, might though now that you recommend it.”

I grinned, walking away. “You’ll like them.”

Before I could get a few feet away, the elderly man called after me. ”Excuse me, miss?” I went over to him, worried something was wrong. “Thanks for talking to me.” He proceeded to tell me that his wife died a few months back and he took a taxi to shop at the store once a week. The other times, his two granddaughters came by with food. But mostly he was alone and happy to chat with anyone willing to listen.

He explained that he has trouble sleeping at night because he missed his wife of 60 years, and so he looked forward to these trips because his seventy-nine-year-old self can’t drive anymore. He’s pretty healthy except for his prosthetic leg, losing his left leg during the Korean war, even lifting his camouflage pants and showing me the actual prosthetic. It was titanium and under his left kneecap. Pretty impressive.

He reads three newspapers a day. Doesn’t watch TV or own a microwave. Always drinks coffee with two sugars. “Gotta watch the sugar.”

He’s not happy with all the stuff going on in the world, he believes in natural health because his wife was a midwife and natural birth instructor. She would still be living if she hadn’t been in a horrible car accident two years earlier. “… Never the same after that. All sorts of ailments. She was tired of fighting the pain.” He believes in God, even though he’s not religious. And then he pointed to me, “I saw your cross neckless. I knew you were a believer like my wife.”

Excuse me? Back to reality. How long have I been standing here? All I know is that I couldn’t move because I was completely mesmerized by all that he told me. I just smiled. “Um, thanks.

“Well,” the old man sighed, “I rattled too much and must be going.”

I shook my head, “No, you’re fine. It was nice. Thank you for sharing your story. I’m sorry about your wife.”

Then, something weird happened. Are you ready? This elderly man touched my shoulder and said, ‘’I appreciate that. I’ll see her soon. Remember, don’t put your faith in your problems, okay? Put your faith in the miracles,” and then he hobbled off with his two-pound package of ground chuck.

I scratched my head. Who was that man?

I’ll leave it there. It happened folks believe me or not. I have no idea who that man was, where he went, and why he shared all his personal information with me. Me! My sisters will tell me it’s my face – inviting and smiley! I know it sounds cheesy. Whatever it was, I’ll never look at a meat section the same way.

In conclusion, I’d end this post by stating… for just that moment, I was seen, not by the problems I was carrying, but who I am. Who God made me. Flaws and all! Could I be an encourager, an ear, an inviting human spirit to lift another human spirit? Why not?

I know we’re all carrying burdens, some heavier than others. So, let’s be each other’s light. Lifting up instead of breaking one another down. The healing benefits go both ways.

This season, be an “I see you!” person.

Until next time…

Be well. Be safe. Be happy.

This post was inspired by the song, “I see you” by Christian artists Chris Tomlin and Brandon Lake. See the video.

The Breakfast Club – A Call to Action for Parents and Teachers

September 15, 2021 / Chiara

“Dear Mr. Vernon, we accept the fact that we had to sacrifice a whole Saturday in detention for whatever it was we did wrong. But we think you’re crazy to make an essay telling you who we think we are. You see us as you want to see us – in the simplest terms, in the most convenient definitions. But what we found out is that each one of us is a brain, and an athlete, and a basket case, a princess, and a criminal. Does that answer your question?

Sincerely yours, the Breakfast Club.”

I recently watched The Breakfast Club with my pre-teen daughters. It’s a 1985 movie about five teenagers who attend a detention on a Saturday with people who they would not normally associate with and for a short period become friends.

It had been many, many years since I watched the movie. Back in 1985 when it came out, I too was in high school. There were the jocks or athletic types, the brainy/nerds, the popular kids, the rebels/social misfits, and the odd kids who didn’t belong in any particular category.

In The Breakfast Club film, John Hughes, the writer/producer, focuses on the following character types:

Allison Reynolds as “The Basketcase” – The odd child who is ignored at home. Doesn’t belong in any particular group. Hides their feelings. Could be characterized as emotionally unstable. Doesn’t let anyone in.
Andrew Clark as “The Athlete” – The jock. Though he may appear strong and confident, he is mentally weak and constantly seeking to please others.
Clair Standish as “The Princess” – The popular girl with wealthy parents. Everyone thinks she has an easy life and gets whatever she wants, but deep down inside she’s like everyone else with the same teen fears and desire to be accepted.
Brian Johnson as “The Brain” – A smart student who puts pressure on himself to do well in school. Has a lot of pressure to excel which has led to contemplating suicide at times.
John Bender as “The Criminal” – The typical bully, the social outcast with a messed up family life and who may have been abused at home.

Watching the film, I empathized with these characters and their characteristics because they were familiar to me during my high school years. Looking back, it’s easy to see that high school is a transitioning period in a teen’s life, most kids are learning about themselves and where they belong, and most all adults are the true enemy. Lol!

I discovered that today’s teens have similar characteristics as was in the day, over thirty years ago of The Breakfast Club. The only exception, everything that is experienced now is more amplified, more open, more exposed. We have smartphones and social media, and unfortunately, some news travels faster than the speed of light. However, the desires to fit in and stand out are all the same. Young people are still judging one another by their dress and social status.

This movie also deals with some heavy themes that are still relevant today:

Peer Pressure
Family Issues
Stereotypes
School Rankings- toughest to the weakest link

Kids, please listen up. If someone asks you to tell them who do you think you are, don’t get ruffled up. Frankly, it doesn’t matter what they think of who you are because their views are different than yours, and no matter how you’d explain it to them, they’d never see you as you see yourself. So, don’t let anyone influence you or tell you who you should be. Don’t get stuck living your life being someone that you’re not. The most important question to ask yourself is this: Who do you think you are? Be true to yourself. Be YOU!

There’s a lot of emphasis these days on schools teaching Critical Race Theory (CRT). According to Wikipedia, CRT examines social, cultural, and legal issues primarily as they relate to race and racism in the US.

According to Professor Crenshaw, she says, “It is a way of seeing, attending to, accounting for, tracing and analyzing the ways that race is produced,” she said, “the ways that racial inequality is facilitated, and the ways that our history has created these inequalities that now can be almost effortlessly reproduced unless we attend to the existence of these inequalities.”

CRT believes racism is present in every aspect of life, every relationship, and every interaction and therefore has its advocates look for it everywhere.

In schools, it will mean teaching our children to think this way and always be looking for racism in every situation and interaction. In our personal relationships, it means that friends and even family members—especially our kids who have already been educated with Critical Race Theory ideas that have been incorporated in our schools—will eventually call each other out and reject one another. Because tolerating racism is also considered a form of racism that would have to be discovered and stopped.

I’ll be honest; I’m not a fan of this kind of teaching for my children. I know that everyone comes from diverse backgrounds; financial circumstances, cultures, and learning abilities. I get that. I’m a first-generation American in my Italian family. When my parents came to the United States in the mid-1960s, they didn’t speak a lick of English or knew how to read or write in English. My mom didn’t even know how to drive, and they came here to Chicago with $400.00 in their pocket, living in a garage for a year, while they worked, taking care of my older sister, and trying desperately to make ends meet.

It was a hard life but they continued to chip away at removing the stereotype of their culture and becoming American citizens. It took years to assimilate. They’ve never forgotten where they’ve come from, our culture and Italian traditions are very strong still, but the American dream became a reality for them.

The social dynamics of being stereotyped into something that’s supposed to identify you is a big issue in high school and middle-schools alike. CRT should be removed from academics, because if we focus on our gender and social upbringing, it will limit a child’s learning in all other studies, such as reading, mathematics, science, etc. Kids need encouragement and empowerment to remove judgment from their perception.

In The Breakfast Club, you begin to see the teens break down their social status and judgments of each other. It teaches that when barriers are broken down and we see one another as individuals rather than our race, and outward appearances, cohesiveness perseveres. This is why the movie was so successful.

Check out these 4 lessons of the movie that I learned. And additional life lessons worth a read.

Even though there is foul language and some sexual references, I believe this movie should be used in high school to discuss family issues affecting kids, sex and drugs, peer pressure, grades, and interaction with others.

Parents, I urge you to watch The Breakfast Club with your kids, and teachers, I recommend showcasing scenes relevant to today’s societal teen pressures.

Click here for some great study questions to use for discussion about the movie.

Musical Inspiration

“Don’t you forget about me” by Simple Minds. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdqoNKCCt7A

References:

https://thebreakfastclub-analysis.weebly.com/characters

https://thebreakfastclub-analysis.weebly.com/themes.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Critical_race_theory

What is Critical Race Theory? A Brief History Explained – The New York Times (nytimes.com)

https://www.theodysseyonline.com/10-life-lessons-breakfast-club-taught-all

https://thebreakfastclub-analysis.weebly.com/study-questions.html

Eight Big Reasons Critical Race Theory Is Terrible for Dealing with Racism – New Discourses

4 Lessons to learn from the movie “The Breakfast Club”

The Breakfast Club as A Lesson on Social Exchange Theory

Where Were You When 9/11 Happened?

September 10, 2021 / Chiara

On the twentieth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, the buzz of “where were you and what were you doing when the planes hit the Twin Towers and the Pentagon?” is still relevant.

I remember that day. I was en route to work and stuck on the highway. I was listening to Eric and Kathie on 101.9 The MIX radio station when they broke the news. Bumper to bumper in traffic, their voices, trembling and full of shock informed me of what was happening. I heard a plane crashed into the first tower, a couple of minutes later, another plane crashed into the second tower. By the time I arrived at work, both towers fell and yet another plane crashed into the Pentagon.

Going into my office building, I dropped my belongings in my cubicle and hurried to the office of our department Vice President where the rest of my colleagues had gathered. All eyes were on her television set, just as word was coming through that another flight had crashed in Pennsylvania. It was incredible to comprehend what exactly had happened. A few of my colleagues had family in New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington D.C., and they tried contacting them. I had a friend who lived in Long Island and whom I knew traveled to Manhattan for work. My thoughts were of him and his family. By two in the afternoon, we were sent home. Nobody was working, anyway. It was clear that these four collisions had been orchestrated attacks rather than plane malfunctions.

At home, the visual reels of people throwing themselves from the Twin Towers filled my TV monitor. Manhattan was unrecognizable. All flights across the US were canceled and the skies became void. We know the rest of the story, and we shouldn’t ever forget it.

Today, we remember all those that have tragically died. We also honor the heroes who put their lives on the line to save another. They are the first responders, the fireman, the police officers, the hospital doctors, nurses, EMTs, and the many civilians who helped their fellow Americans through this horrific crisis.

Our nation was attacked on our soil. In the aftermath of this horrible occurrence, people became nicer, and we became one, while the government and our leaders became defiant and vowed to seek revenge. Prior to 9/11, our country was changing, rapidly. I believe we became more reliant on ourselves than our true Creator, God.

Have we lost our way? With Covid-19, the pull-out of our troops from Afghanistan, and the division of our country politically, it seems the United States is imploding.

Can America come back? Will God forgive us for our transgressions? Are we able to set aside our differences and become unified? These are some heavy questions to ponder. I pray we take the time to reflect on this anniversary and where we should be headed, together.

2 Chronicles 7: 14. “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”

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