Too Prudish?

I was just catching some late night tv – not because I like it, but it was what was on while I was up late working on a present for my mom for Mother’s Day. I wasn’t paying attention visually to the tv, but heard that an American movie poster was less risque than the Mexican version of the poster for the same movie. The comment was made that American audiences aren’t ready yet for such a risque poster. The comment was said in a way that made Americans sound immature, childish, behind the rest of the world.

Interestingly enough, America is still the leader of the world. But, also interestingly enough, the more that America “grows up” and becomes more “mature” in its entertainment tastes, the less of a world leader it has become. Remember, America was started mainly by people who wanted a more moral, ethical place to live than what they could find in their home countries. I believe that God blessed that desire and allowed us, even made us into the world power that we are – so that we could promote His good.

I must admit that America has not always, even from its very start, done what God wanted (slavery, massacre of Indians, and so much more),  but America’s heart was for God, so He was able to work with America and bring her closer to His ideal. The closer she became to His ideal, the more powerful she became.

But now America is drunk on her power, and thinks that she has become who she is on her own. She has forgotten how it was her devotion to a higher standard that brought her this far. She now regards God as something in her way to true freedom. It is sad to watch America falter, but it is not too late, and even if America falls, it is never too late for each individual person.

Please, realize that risque behavior is not mature, but the ultimate form of childishness. Please realize that getting rid of God is not freedom but the ultimate form of bondage. God gives us rules to protect us, and the strength to do things that will bring us ultimate happiness here and beyond. Without God, we are slaves to our natural desires – even as we see our lives being ruined, we are powerless to stop it, unless we call out to God.

Please, I would love to spend eternity with all of you – find real freedom! Not only will it help you, but it will allow your beloved land to be great, again, too!

Where to Begin

While working around the house Monday afternoon, I turned on the TV, which happened to be tuned to Tyra Banks. Not being a particularly fashion conscious individual, I had not thought I would enjoy this show when it first aired several years ago, but I have found that she covers some pretty interesting topics some days, so I decided to see what she was talking about.

Her topic was how parents can build self-esteem in their children. Hmm, I wasn’t sure that I was going to agree with the findings she presented, but it couldn’t hurt to check it out. Who knows, I might be surprised.

So I sat and watched the first several minutes while finishing up my lunch. Then I left the TV on as I went about my business, catching bits and pieces throughout the show.

I didn’t come away with any great parenting tips, but what the expert said at the end of the show really struck me.

The expert gave a list of warning signs that you should look for to see if your child has low self-esteem.

1. Fearful of trying new things
2. Socially isolated
3. Easily frustrated
4. Acts as though nothing bothers them
5. Easily swayed by the opinions of others

What I found fascinating about this list is that all but the last point are common traits of people with Asperger’s Syndrome.

As someone with Asperger’s Syndrome, I don’t generally suffer from low self-esteem. I have those other traits for very different reasons. I think that is true for others with Asperger’s, as well.

I’ll talk about each of those traits in my upcoming blogs. Talk to you soon!