GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Being confident in one's abilities doesn't mean you trash someone else's abilities.

THIRD YEAR IN A ROW

                           DIVISION III COLLEGE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

                               UNIVERSITY OF MARY HARDIN BAYLOR CRUSADERS 


                                                                             vs.

                                      UNIVERSITY OF MOUNT UNION RAIDERS

DIVISION II COLLEGE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

                                                          FERRIS STATE BULLDOGS


                                                                              vs.

                                                       VALDOSTA STATE BLAZERS

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

With so many things coming back in style, I can't wait until morals, respect and intelligence become a trend again.


~Denzel Washington

NAIA COLLEGE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

I am a huge fan of college football playoff games. This game is set for December 15th in Florida.





                        Benedictine College (KS) Ravens 

                                                vs.




                          Morningside College Mustangs

WORLD AIDS DAY

I didn't lose anyone in the AIDS epidemic of the 1980s and early 1990s but met a few people who did. Gay men were dropping like flies to the this then little known disease.

What was appalling was the treatment these people received from their families and society as a whole. Their bodies were not claimed upon their deaths. Churches and preachers didn't give them funerals and burials. There was much self righteous vilification of these men, who needed their families the most at a critical time.

Whenever I visit a memorial honoring those lost to AIDS, I reflect on the many talents, gifts, and humanity that will never be fulfilled. There could have been someone who possibly could have found a cure fir AIDS. The many family members, friends and mates left behind opens a void that may never be filled.

As I reflect on this World Aids Day, the battle still rages on. It's not in the news much anymore but there is a new generation who may not know the devastation the AIDS epidemic created. It's important to do things to improve the quality of life through education and personal changes needed to end this dreaded disease.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

When things are a disappointment, try not to be so discouraged.

~Carol Burnett

COMMENTARY

The week began at church with a community Thanksgiving dinner.  A number of folks who are struggling were fed. On Monday, it was Transgender Day of Remembrance ceremony at SAGE senior center. Thanksgiving on Thursday and the craziness that is called Black Friday(I wasn't out there).

Common threads were the range of emotions from gratitude to sympathy and celebration to madness. Another is the people who were part of this. Many have fared well. Others are still struggling. In the TGLBQI community loneliness and estrangement is magnified even more. The sense of no one caring and vilification can make daily life a living hell.

During my annual time of reflection, I think about all the tumultuous events that have happened. I am reminded that people are my fellow human beings, my neighbors. I have experienced highs and lows, lack and plenty. I am thankful to God that He has sustained and kept me up to this point. I wish the best for my neighbor whether or not I know them.