Thursday, March 8, 2012

One of millions: A Respone to #stopkony #invisiblechildren

Gotta Love a Good ol fashioned civil war in media.
 Less Hate, More Love. But it's more than that:
More Awareness, Less Ignorance.
More Action, Less Words.
More Knowledge, Less Hiding.
More Understanding, Less Vengeance.
More Truth, Less Avoidance.

Many people are responding positively as well as negatively to this Stop Joseph Kony campaign that has blown up on Twitter, Youtube, Facebook and beyond. What an amazing testament to the power of media for a positive change in our society. Many argue that some poeople will only Update their status about it, not actually do anything to make a difference. Understandable it is easy to join a gathering that seems like a good cause but not actually let it affect our every day lives or impact our hearts to take action and make a change. However, part of the point of this campaign was to bring awareness to this cause; therefore, that is action in itself is having a voice and using it for good. What is the point of undermining others or tearing them down if they want be a part of this 'movement'; no matter how small some of us might think it is or how big it can turn into. Is it that we don't know the facts? Well, then smarty pants, enlighten your dear friends :) The thing that Strikes me the most about #StopKony is not just what it stands for, but the fact that it brings to light how much of a bubble we live in! This reminds me to be active in our own government, to take an interest in the politics of our nation and to take a passion in current world affairs, to stand up for injustices against human rights: whether its bullying in school, hate against gay people, animal and child abuse, our healthcare system, you name it: if it is a campaign for a good cause then keep the faith and call attention to it. The crew for Invisible Children have been working on this movement for over a decade, and before them there was campaign for bringing our soldiers home or even just decades ago civil rights and womens rights. It all takes time, but there is power in knowledge, in seeking Truth, and in educating ourselves on not just what may be happening in Uganda but in our own neighborhoods, in our cities, our countries, and beyond borders.  


There is Power in UNITY.
That is what saddens me about backlash for people speaking out. Why destroy what brings us together if it is for the better of humanity. Why question freedom of speech, if we speak in love. If #Kony2012 doesn;t make you want ot think of a man who may or may not be in Uganda at this moment; then let it remind you that people all over the world are hurting, are hungry, are hoping for shelter, for love, for faith, for PEACE. 


Many years ago, I realized I had this great big heart for kids. So I became involved in youth groups, summer camps, leadership programs, and even went on a few short-term missions projects to work with kids in Mexico, Moscow(Russia) and Cameroon(Africa). This does not make me a saint and I don't say this to make myself look like a 'better' person, because I am not involved like I used to be and hope to be again. We can blame life for getting in the way, and if so I still make sure I play a tiny part in sponsoring a little girl through World Vision who lives in central Africa. But what I've realized is that we are called to make a difference in changing our selves, in our own homes, and in our own little worlds, and if we go beyond that then how amazing is that. I have six nieces and nephews, and being involved in their lives matters to me and may change our future generation. God calls us to Love Him and Love Others. Human need is Love.


I am typically not overly outspoken when it comes ot politics or religion, yet this issue just turned on a light for me somehow, and whether or not I take part in #coverthenight, what I will take away from this is that: no good can come from hating, patronizing or mocking our brothers and sisters; but this is our generation, this is our time to stand for goodness, justice, equality, mercy and GRACE, no matter which avenue you take.


Maybe the invisible children are us, floating along in this life not caring one way or another. Maybe the invisible children is whatever you stand for, believe in, anything that can create change for kinder, less corrupt world.


1 John 3:17 ESV
But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him?

Matthew 5:16 ESV
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Other Advocates for making a difference that I support:


Watch the Video Here and gives a look at both sides of the argument
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/blogpost/post/invisible-childrens-stop-kony-campaign/2012/03/07/gIQA7B31wR_blog.html
Invisible Children responds to critiques, articles and blog posts
http://www.invisiblechildren.com.s3-website-us-east-1.amazonaws.com/critiques.html
Other important news for human rights in Uganda
http://blog.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2012/03/07/guest_post_joseph_kony_is_not_in_uganda_and_other_complicated_things

Sunday, January 22, 2012

weddings & events; local love

Another post to give more love to my amazingly talented friends! Please reply if you have any other favorites!

My gorgeous friend Monica heads up this fabulous flower/wedding business ( photo by http://www.allielindsey.com/ ) --> http://www.rsvpfloral.com/


My fabulous long-time gf Evelyn is a brilliant and professional wedding planner... here is a picture of her beautiful cousin Naomi --> http://efweddings.com/ 

And need a fantastic make-up artist? Check out the beautiful Raymie's portfolio on FACE Artist on facebook. picture by Lauren Pollard Photography
http://www.facebook.com/pages/FACE-Artist/177035195686509#!/profile.php?id=600028447


Friday, January 20, 2012

compassion & innovation (non-profit orgs)




Sharing the love...with others!!! I have mad respect for people who start non-profits! They have innovative ideas and compassion for people. Here are a few projects I believe in...Lemme know about ones that you're passionate about! click on the links to know more...

The Generation Project has three goals: (1) Generate ideas to benefit low-income K-12 students, (2) Generate new philanthropists by actively involving donors in the giving process, and (3) Empower the next Generation by harnessing the ingenuity of individuals to improve educational opportunities. By providing complete creative control over donations, we allow donors to share their passions, priorities and expertise with low-income students. The opportunity to actively engage in the creation of donations will draw new donors particularly young donors into educational philanthropy.
http://www.thegenerationproject.org/





 Milk and Honey was started by an old friend of mine Jordan Lovelis: Milk & Honey is a non-profit organization that exists to give hope by raising funds and awareness to the women in India and beyond who are selling their bodies for the selfishness of man.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=600028447#!/hopeforindia?sk=wall

Inspired by another dear friend Julianna Morlet- According to their facebook page:
The trafficking and rape of children for profit is one of the darkest stories on the planet. This physical, mental and emotional trauma leaves children broken and scarred for life. Interventions for these children are critical to their survival.
 ... Love146 works toward the abolition of child sex trafficking and exploitation through prevention and aftercare. Love146 trains aftercare workers, multiplies safehomes, aids socioeconomic development programs in high risk communities and provides a voice for these victims of modern-day slavery.

An older co-worker told me about this unique organization:
We empower people with nothing, the ability to build themselves homes made out of trash. These homes will take care of those who live in it by harvesting water, producing food, thermo-regulating climate, and sewage treatment. Think Habitat for Humanity on environmental steroids.
4 Walls International’s goal is to promote sustainable community development around the globe. We provide clean drinking water, food access, and safe shelter while addressing infrastructure inadequacies, pollution, urban sprawl stressors, and economic growth opportunities, with one solution.
To address and solve current and future environmental challenges while improving overall quality of human life with a universal model and strategy. By creating a platform that unites the community in the common goal of building dependable shelters that promote agricultural production and sustainability, we will encourage the recovery of finite natural systems and promote education for a more environmentally conscious future.
http://www.4wallsintl.org/



#invisiblechildren
Invisible Children uses film, creativity and social action to end the use of child soldiers in Joseph Kony's rebel war and restore LRA-affected communities in Central Africa to peace and prosperity.
Company Overview
We believe Invisible Children is not just a nonprofit, but a group of people choosing to live differently. We use the power of media to inspire young people to help end the longest running war in Africa. We make documentaries, tour them around the world, and lobby our nation's leaders to make ending this war a priority.

favorites in photography

If you haven't noticed I love to take pictures, and I love to pin them and look at them and I respect and admire others' work! I have always wanted to pursue this passion of mine but I am going to leave it to the professionals! Here are a few local favorites and even a few friends' of mine!

http://www.faithfullyfocused.com/ ...my gf Amanda captured this sweet moment of my friend Steph and her familia!


http://www.facebook.com/THOUSANDWRDS#!/THOUSANDWRDS?sk=info  ...my dearest Marissa, mom of two, took this adorable candid photo!


http://www.jfinkphoto.com/ ...old pal Joey shot this classic portrait of the happiest place on earth and put his own spin on it!


http://www.allielindsey.com/  ...friend of a friend :) Allyson did a lovely job photographing my girl Evelyn's wedding! <3




http://itslovephotography.com/ ...Jenn talented singer from church also has a talented eye for great pictures, here the lovely Rayna with her hubby- aren't they cute!?


this is the story...

of a girl named Channing! At your service to tell YOUR stories :)
experimenting with a new blog:the idea is to post everything I am currently obsessed with (i.e. fashion, photography, quotes, etc. via twitter, facebook, pinterest, and so on) but also to be an avenue for my friend's current passions or projects! comprende? well...here goes nothin'!