Truth

Probably stepping into politics so if you don’t want to read any further, don’t. Up to you, but here I go . . .

When I was growing up, there were absolutes in our family. Probably yours, too.

If we were told to do something . . . make a bed, do the dishes, dust, vacuum, mow the yard, rake leaves, we did it. We might procrastinate but innately, we knew the length of time we could drag our feet before we got into hot water. And, we learned that quickly and at a rather young age.

Stealing, no way, never! Disrespect, forget it. Church on Sundays, nine-fifteen mass and we sat towards the front on the left- all of us. Grace before meals, and you had better not eat a bite before it was done. You had also better mind your manners with the appropriate “please” and “thank you” added in.

Truth!

If we did something wrong at school, my parents knew about before we ever got home. There were times I believed they knew about it even before it ever happened. That parent-nun-priest network thingy ran better than Ma Bell or NASA. There was no opportunity to “fabricate a story” because they knew! Don’t waste your breath. They ask, you told them and faced whatever consequences were provided.

Funny thing back then.

There was no point in blaming anyone. The fault, as we learned and understood it, was our own. Our choice manufactured the appropriate consequence. Simple as that.

Interesting how things changed.

In today’s world, kids do something wrong, “It’s his fault!” A fist finds a nose and bloodies it, “I was just defending myself!” A parent is notified of an untoward event and declares, “Not my daughter!” despite evidence on camera.

And lately, our highest office and those around that office use the term, “Alternate facts!”

Excuse my language, but what the hell?

Facts are facts. Truth is Truth. And lies are lies, no matter how you color them or how you restate them. The absence of Truth is a Lie. Plain and simple.

At what point will we get back to Truth? At what point will we take ownership and responsibility for our own actions and our own words? At what point will we call it like it is- a lie?

Folks, I don’t care who is doing the telling. It doesn’t matter to me if you hold a title or don’t. It doesn’t matter if you have tons of money or are dirt poor. It doesn’t matter if you hold an office or work in a field. It doesn’t matter if you are a professional athlete or can’t walk through a doorway without running into the wall first.

Truth is the Truth. A lie is a lie. There are no “alternate facts!” If it isn’t the Truth, it’s a lie. Simple as that.

Quit blaming everyone else for your screw up! You make the mistake, fess up to it. You make the mess, clean it up. Hold yourself accountable first and foremost and then and only then . . . perhaps . . . worry about someone else. Something to think about . . . and please do!

Live Your Life, and Make A Difference!

For My Readers:

Please feel free to connect with me at:

Twitter at @jrlewisauthor

Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/Joseph.Lewis.Author                  

Amazon at: http://www.amazon.com/Joseph-Lewis/e/B01FWB9AOI/           

If you like Thriller/Mystery fiction, check out what other readers have said about my novels.

Stolen Lives, Book One of the Lives Trilogy

“Joseph Lewis has created a cast of characters that you grow to care about. Their story is filled with twists and turns that keep you reading. When the book ends you will be left anticipating the next one! This was a story I could not put down!”  “I am really glad I happened to see this Trilogy while looking through my Kindle unlimited series. Great strong characters, especially George and Brett. Looking forward to reading more from this author. Started Taking Lives and immediately turned the pages to get to Stolen Lives.”

Two thirteen year old boys are abducted off a safe suburban street. Kelliher and his team of FBI agents have 24 hours to find them or they’ll end up like all the others- dead! They have no leads, no clues, and nothing to go on. And the possibility exists that one of his team members might be involved. http://bit.ly/Stolen-Lives-JLewis              

Shattered Lives, Book Two of the Lives Trilogy

“I couldn’t put it down, a really good book!” “Great book! I can't wait for next one!” “This book is excellent. The whole series is definitely worth your time.” “Expertly written. I ended up buying all the books in the series and am waiting eagerly for the final installment Splintered Lives."

Six men escaped and are out for revenge. The boys, recently freed from captivity, are in danger and so are their families, but they don’t know it. The FBI has no clues, no leads, and nothing to go on and because of that, cannot protect them.  http://bit.ly/Shattered-Lives-J-Lewis              

Splintered Lives, Book Three of the Lives Trilogy

“Engaging characters you care about. A story that is fast-paced and holds your attention to the point you cannot put it down. Great finish to a great series.”

A 14 year old boy has a price on his head, but he and his family don’t know it. Their family vacation turns into a trip to hell. Out gunned and outnumbered, can this boy protect his father and brothers? Without knowing who these men are? Or how many there are? Or when they might come for him? http://bit.ly/Splintered-Lives-J-Lewis          

Taking Lives, Prequel to the Lives Trilogy – only .99 cents on Amazon

“Great book by Joseph Lewis. Many twists and turns. Fasted paced.”  “Couldn’t put the book down.”  “Great story can't wait to read the next one!” “Great book! I really enjoyed it. Good author!” “Each character is developed thoroughly, igniting the reader's interest and stirring emotions. The frustration of the detective flows to the reader. The young boys are endearing.”

FBI Agent Pete Kelliher and his partner search for the clues behind the bodies of six boys left in various and remote parts of the country. Even though they don’t know one another, the lives of FBI Kelliher, 11 year old Brett McGovern, and 11 year old George Tokay are separate pieces of a puzzle. The two boys become interwoven with the same thread that Pete Kelliher holds in his hand. The three of them are on a collision course and when that happens, their lives are in jeopardy as each search for a way out. http://bit.ly/Taking-Lives-JLewis

For Another

Coach Morales is the head coach for the Coronado (Texas) High School boys’ basketball team. Mitchell is the team manager. Mitchell loves basketball and according to his mom, had a basketball in his hand ever since he was little. And, he is Coach Morales’ favorite on the team.

Fast forward to the final game.

Mitchell is told by Coach Morales to suit up because he’s going to play. With about a minute and a half left in the game and with Coronado leading by ten points, Mitchell goes in and the crowd goes crazy, chanting, “Mitchell! Mitchell! Mitchell!”

Coach Morales was asked by the reporter if he was prepared to lose in order for Mitchell to play. Without hesitation, Morales said, “Yes. For his moment, yes.” Regardless of what the score was, and regardless of whether or not Coronado was winning or losing, in Morales’ mind, Mitchell was going to play.

Morales didn’t expect Mitchell to score. He hoped they didn’t lose, but in order for Mitchell to play, he, and his team, were willing to risk losing. His teammates did everything they could to help Mitchell score a basket, but shot after shot was missed.

No fairy tale ending this time. No winning basket made by Mitchell.

But . . .

With seconds left to the final buzzer, the ball intended to Mitchell is fumbled out of bounds once again. Mitchell is standing near his own basket and near where the ball is being inbounded by the opposing team.

Magic happens . . .

A senior on the opposing team, Jonathan, yells out Mitchell’s name. Mitchell turns around and Jonathan passes him the ball. And yes, just before the buzzer sounds, Mitchell makes a basket. His first basket. His only basket.

The crowd, who had been chanting, “Mitchell! Mitchell! Mitchell!” almost from the time he had entered the game, poured onto the court. They lift the young man up and carry him off like a hero.

The reporter asked Jonathan why he did that, why he passed the ball to the opposing player, Mitchell. Humbly, Jonathan smiled shyly and said, “I was raised to treat others how you want to be treated. I just thought Mitchell deserved his chance. He deserved his opportunity.”

It wasn’t the winning shot. Coronado won by fifteen or so. It was one shot in a whole bunch that was attempted and made.

Meaningless?

I think not.

Not for Coach Morales who wanted to give a moment to Mitchell. Not for Mitchell’s parents who sat in the stands and probably couldn’t believe their eyes. Not for Mitchell’s teammates who tried to get him to score. Not for Jonathan who was raised to treat others as you would want to be treated, and who felt Mitchell deserved his opportunity. And certainly not for Mitchell who had his moment, who had his name called out by the announcer and chanted by the fans and who was carried off the court on their shoulders.

Magic happens if we allow it to happen. Fairy tales can happen if we believe we can make a positive difference in the lives of others. Coach Morales and Jonathan made magic happen. Mitchell found himself in a fairy tale.

It was Jonathan’s moment. It was Coronado High School’s moment. It was Coach Morales’ moment. And, it was Mitchell’s moment.

Can we create a moment . . . some magic . . . a fairy tale for others? I bet we can . . . if we want to. Something to think about . . .

A Note: the clip is only 2:38 long, but it is worth it and can be found at:

http://damnbored.tv/basketball-player-yells-opponent-crowd-erupt/?=postplanner_utm_source%3Dfacebook.com

Live Your Life, and Make A Difference!

For My Readers:

Please feel free to connect with me at:

Twitter at @jrlewisauthor

Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/Joseph.Lewis.Author                 

Amazon at: http://www.amazon.com/Joseph-Lewis/e/B01FWB9AOI/          

If you like Thriller/Mystery fiction, check out what other readers have said about my novels.

Stolen Lives, Book One of the Lives Trilogy

“Joseph Lewis has created a cast of characters that you grow to care about. Their story is filled with twists and turns that keep you reading. When the book ends you will be left anticipating the next one! This was a story I could not put down!”  “I am really glad I happened to see this Trilogy while looking through my Kindle unlimited series. Great strong characters, especially George and Brett. Looking forward to reading more from this author. Started Taking Lives and immediately turned the pages to get to Stolen Lives.”

Two thirteen year old boys are abducted off a safe suburban street. Kelliher and his team of FBI agents have 24 hours to find them or they’ll end up like all the others- dead! They have no leads, no clues, and nothing to go on. And the possibility exists that one of his team members might be involved. http://bit.ly/Stolen-Lives-JLewis             

Shattered Lives, Book Two of the Lives Trilogy

“I couldn’t put it down, a really good book!” “Great book! I can't wait for next one!” “This book is excellent. The whole series is definitely worth your time.” “Expertly written. I ended up buying all the books in the series and am waiting eagerly for the final installment Splintered Lives."

Six men escaped and are out for revenge. The boys, recently freed from captivity, are in danger and so are their families, but they don’t know it. The FBI has no clues, no leads, and nothing to go on and because of that, cannot protect them.  http://bit.ly/Shattered-Lives-J-Lewis             

Splintered Lives, Book Three of the Lives Trilogy

“Engaging characters you care about. A story that is fast-paced and holds your attention to the point you cannot put it down. Great finish to a great series.”

A 14 year old boy has a price on his head, but he and his family don’t know it. Their family vacation turns into a trip to hell. Out gunned and outnumbered, can this boy protect his father and brothers? Without knowing who these men are? Or how many there are? Or when they might come for him? http://bit.ly/Splintered-Lives-J-Lewis         

Taking Lives, Prequel to the Lives Trilogy – only .99 cents on Amazon

“Great book by Joseph Lewis. Many twists and turns. Fasted paced.”  “Couldn’t put the book down.”  “Great story can't wait to read the next one!” “Great book! I really enjoyed it. Good author!” “Each character is developed thoroughly, igniting the reader's interest and stirring emotions. The frustration of the detective flows to the reader. The young boys are endearing.”

FBI Agent Pete Kelliher and his partner search for the clues behind the bodies of six boys left in various and remote parts of the country. Even though they don’t know one another, the lives of FBI Kelliher, 11 year old Brett McGovern, and 11 year old George Tokay are separate pieces of a puzzle. The two boys become interwoven with the same thread that Pete Kelliher holds in his hand. The three of them are on a collision course and when that happens, their lives are in jeopardy as each search for a way out. http://bit.ly/Taking-Lives-JLewis

Troubling Times

I enjoy using Facebook and I’m on it quite a bit. My daughters poke fun at me by reminding me that Facebook is for old folks, but I don’t care. It’s fun keeping up with family and friends. I’ve even reconnected with friends from high school, with former students and with former players.

I enjoy seeing pictures of their family. I enjoy catching up on their lives as they live it. There are also several gifted photographers and artists I follow because I enjoy their work. So creative, so beautiful. There are several columnists I follow, mostly inspirational. I call it mind food, soul food, and heart food.

Lately, Facebook has been inundated with the Troubling Times of politics, both in our country and abroad. I have taken part since I see it as part of my civic duty to do so. I have strong, passionate beliefs and I express them. I know that perhaps I’ve hurt some feelings. I realize that folks have unfollowed me, and that’s okay, too. Each of us has to do what we think is best.

It’s never easy taking a stand. It causes us to first question our beliefs and causes us to question what would be the best course of action. Again, it’s never easy taking a stand.

But that’s not really what I want to focus on today.

You see, there is really only so much we can do. There is only so much we can control.

We can lobby. We can protest. We can petition. We can make phone calls and send email. But even then, in the end, there is only so much we can do and control.

Mostly, we can control ourselves.

I’ve written several posts: Light Behind The Clouds and Storms come to mind that talk about the importance maintaining inner peace, that talk about no matter how the winds, the turmoil, the strife there is around us, what we can control . . . what we should control . . . is our heart and our soul.

I’m not saying that one shouldn’t protest or write email. Not saying that at all.

But what I am saying is that once the protest is over, once the phone call is made, once the email is sent, fall back into yourself and find your peace. Steady yourself.

Winds will rage around you. There will be darkness. There will be crashing waves. Guaranteed that will happen as much as we don’t want it to happen.

But there will be light. There will be calm waters. There will be times of rest and there should be.

We can only control so much. Don’t let it bring you down. Don’t let it take your peace. Don’t let it hurt your heart. Don’t let it ruin your soul. Something to think about . . .

For My Readers:

Please feel free to connect with me at:

Twitter at @jrlewisauthor

Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/Joseph.Lewis.Author                

Amazon at: http://www.amazon.com/Joseph-Lewis/e/B01FWB9AOI/          

If you like Thriller/Mystery fiction, check out what other readers have said about my novels.

Stolen Lives, Book One of the Lives Trilogy

“Joseph Lewis has created a cast of characters that you grow to care about. Their story is filled with twists and turns that keep you reading. When the book ends you will be left anticipating the next one! This was a story I could not put down!”  “I am really glad I happened to see this Trilogy while looking through my Kindle unlimited series. Great strong characters, especially George and Brett. Looking forward to reading more from this author. Started Taking Lives and immediately turned the pages to get to Stolen Lives.”

Two thirteen year old boys are abducted off a safe suburban street. Kelliher and his team of FBI agents have 24 hours to find them or they’ll end up like all the others- dead! They have no leads, no clues, and nothing to go on. And the possibility exists that one of his team members might be involved. http://bit.ly/Stolen-Lives-JLewis            

Shattered Lives, Book Two of the Lives Trilogy

“I couldn’t put it down, a really good book!” “Great book! I can't wait for next one!” “This book is excellent. The whole series is definitely worth your time.” “Expertly written. I ended up buying all the books in the series and am waiting eagerly for the final installment Splintered Lives."

Six men escaped and are out for revenge. The boys, recently freed from captivity, are in danger and so are their families, but they don’t know it. The FBI has no clues, no leads, and nothing to go on and because of that, cannot protect them.  http://bit.ly/Shattered-Lives-J-Lewis            

Splintered Lives, Book Three of the Lives Trilogy

“Engaging characters you care about. A story that is fast-paced and holds your attention to the point you cannot put it down. Great finish to a great series.”

A 14 year old boy has a price on his head, but he and his family don’t know it. Their family vacation turns into a trip to hell. Out gunned and outnumbered, can this boy protect his father and brothers? Without knowing who these men are? Or how many there are? Or when they might come for him? http://bit.ly/Splintered-Lives-J-Lewis        

Taking Lives, Prequel to the Lives Trilogy – only .99 cents on Amazon

“Great book by Joseph Lewis. Many twists and turns. Fasted paced.”  “Couldn’t put the book down.”  “Great story can't wait to read the next one!” “Great book! I really enjoyed it. Good author!” “Each character is developed thoroughly, igniting the reader's interest and stirring emotions. The frustration of the detective flows to the reader. The young boys are endearing.”

FBI Agent Pete Kelliher and his partner search for the clues behind the bodies of six boys left in various and remote parts of the country. Even though they don’t know one another, the lives of FBI Kelliher, 11 year old Brett McGovern, and 11 year old George Tokay are separate pieces of a puzzle. The two boys become interwoven with the same thread that Pete Kelliher holds in his hand. The three of them are on a collision course and when that happens, their lives are in jeopardy as each search for a way out. http://bit.ly/Taking-Lives-JLewis