What's Your Excuse, Now?

Tuesday, October 10, 2023

The More We Have, The More We Want!


            What makes matters worse is that we aren’t satisfied with what we already have and we want more!  We want it because we can, and the next question is how much we will use it and its effect on us.  When will we realize how much we are blessed to be able to get it?  Some things may be beyond our reach, but we will try anyway.  Persistence, sacrifice, selfishness, greed, stubbornness whatever might drive us, we won’t rest until we get it.  Even after accomplishing our objectives, I’m not sure that it satisfies.  Speaking for myself, I get a little disappointed.

 

 If I use faith, would I ignore my thoughts to believe that God provides, or is it faith in our own ability to obtain our desires?  We can be hypocrites and not know it or maybe we do know and won’t admit it.  The truth is even though we think we own something, it’s temporary we can’t take it with us.  We pile up things that one day someone else will use. Whether it’s of sentimental or monetary value, it won’t matter.  Someone will enjoy the fruits of our labor.  Yes, there might be a legacy but over time that will change, too.

 

Some of us believe in a higher power and it doesn’t matter what you name it.  We know that there is something greater than we are and all-powerful.  We know by our ailments and issues that some things are beyond our control and we are here on this earth forever.  Even the centenarians we know are ready to leave this place.  Who are we to fulfill our desires and wants?  We hardly know what we need.  Our wants can dominate our needs therefore causing us to ignore what we really need.  From my standpoint we need Jesus.

 

We live in a society where the more we have is an expression of who we are.  It creates a façade questioning what status level we’re on, leaving those who don’t know us to think we achieved our dreams.  Whereas, if don’t pay as we go, we become so deep in debt that we aren’t happy and find comfort in buying things that we hardly use to continue being who we are not.  To me, that’s why some people are so miserable who we thought “made it.”  Everyone likes nice things but have the wisdom to know what it takes to get it.  Wise folks will make the sacrifices and get it done so that they can rest peacefully.  They not taking from one area in their cache to pay in another area.  They have found balance in their lives.  I believe we can all do that.  

 

St. Paul said “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:11-13 NIV

Tuesday, September 19, 2023

Brighter Days Will Come!

On days of sorrow,

one spirit sees a bright, sunny sky.

While another touches

a dark and lonely one.

 

One person rejoices that the inevitable is over,

no more suffering and pain.

Yet, another is wondering 

what is there to gain?

 

Joy will come one unexpected morning,

after moments of sorrow.

Long after the loss is gone,

there is still hope for today.

 

When you put people in their place,

remember yours.

Monday, September 11, 2023

Rest In Peace Anthony! You Are Loved!

Mr. Anthony Ray Litman departed this life on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, at National Health Care of Anderson, SC.  Anthony Litman was born December 3, 1954, to the late Robert Litman and Willie Lee Crosby Litman.

 

He was a graduate of T.L. Hanna High School.  He worked in the textile industry.

 

He leaves to cherish his sisters, Teresa A. Hunt of Anderson, SC, Patricia M. Litman of Anderson, SC, Audrey Mattress (Jimmy) of Anderson, SC; brothers, Robert L. Litman, Jr. (Crystal) of Anderson, SC, Patrick B. Litman of Anderson, SC, Dewayne Litman of Anderson, SC, and Gregory R. Litman of Anderson, SC; nieces, nephews, and a host of other relatives.

 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Jonathan Litman; aunts, Josephine McCullough and Mamie Gaines, Savannah White; uncles, Theodore Crosby, Kale Crosby, Frank Crosby, Elijah Litman, Dennis Litman, and James “Gent” Litman; grandparents, Hattie Crosby, Kale Crosby, Janie Rose Litman, and Elijah Litman.

 

Acknowledgments from the Family: Words cannot express the depth of our love and appreciation for the many acts of kindness shown during the illness and passing of our dear loved one.  Your prayers, food, visits, calls, cards, and kind words gave us great comfort and support.  May God’s blessings be yours forever.  Please continue to pray for our strength.

 

Family, friends, and others whose lives were touched by Anthony Ray Litman during his life’s journey are invited to celebrate his life on Sunday, September 10, 2023, at 2:00 pm at Royal Baptist Church, Anderson, SC with the interment to follow at Westview Cemetery, Anderson, SC.

 

Public viewing will be on Saturday, September 9, 2023, from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at The Unity Mortuary of Anderson.

 

The family is at 508 South Jefferson Avenue, Anderson, SC 29621.

 

Wednesday, September 6, 2023

Don't Let the Neanderthals Get To You!

            I had a very pleasant Labor Day Weekend.  People everywhere I went were kind and cordial, which was surprising.  I didn’t go to many places, but when I went to the grocery stores, I was greeted, and even in department stores, I was acknowledged.  I entered a battery store for my watch and was greeted and helped.  I thought of the song “Today Was a Good Day” by Ice Cube.  Even the streetlights were in my favor.  Heavenly Ham made my ham sandwich precisely the way I wanted.  I have to say that most of the people that I crossed paths with were considerate.

            

            All was well until I took my wife to Cracker Barrel for lunch.  Most humans hold the door for each other when they see another party following them into an establishment.  Out of respect for the woman, we usually hold the door until we see the man, if he is with her, reach for the door.  After all, we hold the door for our women, why not be considerate to others?  In this case, “Dorq,” the Neanderthal (I didn’t want to give him any name), waited until my wife got to the door to walk away.  My intuition told me that “Dorq” was not a human and moved quickly enough to catch the door in time before it closed in her face.  Either he wasn't aware that she was behind him or didn't care, I was prepared for a resolution.  Instead, my wife told me to let it go in such a way that I was not going to ruin her afternoon.  However, I watched closely where we were going to be seated because I did not want to be near “Dorq.”

 

            After a pleasant lunch, since it was a beautiful day, we went to the Riverfront to walk off the wonderful meal and my ire.  I felt 100% better after our 4-mile walk.  Yes, I still had a good day.  People will be who they are.  Don't let one "Dorq" ruin a good day.

This, Too, Shall Pass!

               I admit that living is complicated, but it’s all we have.  At least, we have several opportunities to improve it.  Nothing ca...