Considering 'Curing' Down Syndrome with Caution Christianity Today A Magazine of Evangelical Conviction
This is a long article, but one I found fascinating especially in my line of work. What do you think?
Saturday, February 13, 2010
I'm a dinosaur
Well, here's the news for the week: I learned to text on my cell phone. I know you guys are all just aghast that I never knew how to do it until now, but it's true. I made it all the way to February of 2010 without learning.
I'm very clumsy. It takes me forever. I had a few glitches in it and I hear from my kid that if I'm going to text, I need an upgraded phone. My daughter has a phone with a tiny keyboard with teeny tiny little keys. I practiced on hers and my big old fingers were really clumsy but the keyboard "felt" right for me. I may have to invest in one of those kind of phones, plus she has a bigger screen on hers than mine is. And, with my newfound skills, we may have to upgrade our phone plan to include free texting, as it's 10cents a text now. We'll see how much I use it. I plan to "practice" every day so I won't forget how! Jay, I'm getting ready to send you one.
It was nice to see the sun some days this week. The snow is almost all melted. I've thought about my brother and sister-in-law in the Dallas area and all the snow they've had - good grief, what a fun winter for them! I see out my front window that the pile of snow in the school parking lot across the street is still visible above the 6 foot wooden fence, so we have melting to go yet.
What can I say about the job - we had inservice Friday and Monday we have President's Day. I know I should be "happy" about these days out, but every day that kids aren't there is another day that I can't get my work done. Next week I have so much stuff on my list to accomplish that I will hardly have time to breathe. Currently at one school, I have about 8 evaluations in the process, and at the other I have 6. They are all in different stages of being completed, but I hope by Friday, I'll be much further along. After spring break, the train starts rolling backwards down the hill, so I have a lot to look forward to!
We were going to take a trip over spring break, but with other financial stressors going on, are not able to do that. We're looking at taking a day trip or two around here. It's just leaving things for awhile, even if only a few hours, that helps your persepctive some.
My puppy is limping! I don't know what's wrong with her leg, last night after coming in from outside she couldn't put any weight on it and actually hopped around here on 3 legs. She also wouldn't let me take a good look at it. This morning she's bearing a little weight, but not much. If she's still having problems I'll have to take her to the vet on Monday. I guess dogs can sprain their ankles or knees, can't they? I was going to take her for a walk today as the weather is a bit warmer and it looks like the sun is coming out, but maybe not.
Have a great weekend, all.
I'm very clumsy. It takes me forever. I had a few glitches in it and I hear from my kid that if I'm going to text, I need an upgraded phone. My daughter has a phone with a tiny keyboard with teeny tiny little keys. I practiced on hers and my big old fingers were really clumsy but the keyboard "felt" right for me. I may have to invest in one of those kind of phones, plus she has a bigger screen on hers than mine is. And, with my newfound skills, we may have to upgrade our phone plan to include free texting, as it's 10cents a text now. We'll see how much I use it. I plan to "practice" every day so I won't forget how! Jay, I'm getting ready to send you one.
It was nice to see the sun some days this week. The snow is almost all melted. I've thought about my brother and sister-in-law in the Dallas area and all the snow they've had - good grief, what a fun winter for them! I see out my front window that the pile of snow in the school parking lot across the street is still visible above the 6 foot wooden fence, so we have melting to go yet.
What can I say about the job - we had inservice Friday and Monday we have President's Day. I know I should be "happy" about these days out, but every day that kids aren't there is another day that I can't get my work done. Next week I have so much stuff on my list to accomplish that I will hardly have time to breathe. Currently at one school, I have about 8 evaluations in the process, and at the other I have 6. They are all in different stages of being completed, but I hope by Friday, I'll be much further along. After spring break, the train starts rolling backwards down the hill, so I have a lot to look forward to!
We were going to take a trip over spring break, but with other financial stressors going on, are not able to do that. We're looking at taking a day trip or two around here. It's just leaving things for awhile, even if only a few hours, that helps your persepctive some.
My puppy is limping! I don't know what's wrong with her leg, last night after coming in from outside she couldn't put any weight on it and actually hopped around here on 3 legs. She also wouldn't let me take a good look at it. This morning she's bearing a little weight, but not much. If she's still having problems I'll have to take her to the vet on Monday. I guess dogs can sprain their ankles or knees, can't they? I was going to take her for a walk today as the weather is a bit warmer and it looks like the sun is coming out, but maybe not.
Have a great weekend, all.
Saturday, February 06, 2010
Ethics
Every once in awhile in this job, a dilemma presents itself. A sticky problem arises. An ethical issue comes up. And, it's always a bit stressful to walk through. In that process, options are considered, but first, it's always incumbent to figure out two things: What are my responsibilities, and, what can I control? Often, the answers to those two questions will guide the rest of the thinking process, and, a process it is. At times like this, I'm always amazed at the amount of mental energy which can be expended - and you know, that is almost as draining as expending physical energy.
It's also very helpful to speak with colleagues, as they usually see possibilities and options that you didn't think of because your perspective was a bit clouded. The other thing which almost always is true is that there's usually no clean resolution. No clear cut path, no sudden bright light, and usually, no TA DA! Do THIS! Many times it's messy no matter what decision you make, and it's a matter of choosing the least "mess" to deal with in the aftermath, and trust me, there's always aftermath.
The responsibility to do the right thing is awesome. The way to go about it can be unclear. The fallout can be messy. Ethical values are easy to uphold in conversation, in training, in seminars, and in college classrooms, but sometimes, they are hard to put into practice. That's the nature of really trying to do the right thing.
Speaking of ethical values, a well known buisnessman is on trial for securities fraud here in Sedgwick County. It's been fascinating for me to follow the trial and read the interactive courtroom blog. I'm not saying he's guilty or not guilty. But I've learned some lessons watching his rise and fall. The man apparently did not learn from previous legal problems caused by him crossing the line with investors in other business ventures, and although he said he converted to Christianity, his ego swelled as he took pride in his accomplishments. In a recent business adventure, he began to cut corners in small unethical ways. He bragged about things that were almost true, but not quite. And because people want to believe that people change, and they want to believe the best about those who are charismatic, and appear business saavy and knowledgeable, he obtained a loyal following of people only to happy to give him money for his latest business venture. It was a disaster, and the house of cards fell. He truly built his life on sinking sand.
My dilemmas don't involve money, they involve other things less tangible, but still as important if not more so. The lesson for me - don't become so egotistical that you think you're above following ethical practices. They are there to keep your values from shifting and to help you know there's something bigger than you that you need to be accountable to.
It's also very helpful to speak with colleagues, as they usually see possibilities and options that you didn't think of because your perspective was a bit clouded. The other thing which almost always is true is that there's usually no clean resolution. No clear cut path, no sudden bright light, and usually, no TA DA! Do THIS! Many times it's messy no matter what decision you make, and it's a matter of choosing the least "mess" to deal with in the aftermath, and trust me, there's always aftermath.
The responsibility to do the right thing is awesome. The way to go about it can be unclear. The fallout can be messy. Ethical values are easy to uphold in conversation, in training, in seminars, and in college classrooms, but sometimes, they are hard to put into practice. That's the nature of really trying to do the right thing.
Speaking of ethical values, a well known buisnessman is on trial for securities fraud here in Sedgwick County. It's been fascinating for me to follow the trial and read the interactive courtroom blog. I'm not saying he's guilty or not guilty. But I've learned some lessons watching his rise and fall. The man apparently did not learn from previous legal problems caused by him crossing the line with investors in other business ventures, and although he said he converted to Christianity, his ego swelled as he took pride in his accomplishments. In a recent business adventure, he began to cut corners in small unethical ways. He bragged about things that were almost true, but not quite. And because people want to believe that people change, and they want to believe the best about those who are charismatic, and appear business saavy and knowledgeable, he obtained a loyal following of people only to happy to give him money for his latest business venture. It was a disaster, and the house of cards fell. He truly built his life on sinking sand.
My dilemmas don't involve money, they involve other things less tangible, but still as important if not more so. The lesson for me - don't become so egotistical that you think you're above following ethical practices. They are there to keep your values from shifting and to help you know there's something bigger than you that you need to be accountable to.
Tuesday, February 02, 2010
Haitian Orphan Rescue
Maybe you read recently or heard about the group of Baptists from the US who went to Haiti in an effort to rescue orphans by taking them to the Dominican Republic to an "orphanage" (a building which had been a hotel) and then possibly trying to bring them back here for adoption. Ten American Southern Baptists were arrested at the border between the Dominican Republic and Haiti, having in their possession 33 children from 2 months to 12 years old. These folks knew that they did not have the proper paperwork or permission from the Haitian government for such a mission, however, one of the members of the group defended their actions by saying, "...we were just trying to do the right thing." According to the Associated Press, no charges have been filed yet as the Haitian government is still questioning the detainees. Also, there are reports that many of these children were not orphans at all and still had families willing to continue to provide care for them.
"We were just trying to do the right thing." Really. I don't think so. You know, I'm a Southern Baptist. And from time to time, I get in conversations with people who think that somehow, I'm part of the Baptist clan in Topeka who preach a gospel of hate (the Fred Phelpites at Westboro Baptist, and no, I'm nowhere near them in theology or anything else) - and so I am glad I can disown them as they aren't even on my planet in terms of religious beliefs. But these folks - these Baptists who went to Haiti are a part of my "family" so to speak. And I am appalled. And aghast. And saddened. And upset. And speechless. And aghast. (I already said that, I know).
Well intentioned, perhaps. Well meaning, maybe. But as Wade Burleson, pastor and faithful blogger says, "Unfortunately, our Southern Baptist friends were...very unwise, yes, even stupid." (http://kerussocharis.blogspot.com/). I am amazed that normally intelligent Christian people would somehow think that it was ok to do this, and that somehow, God would bless them, give them "traveling mercies", and help them find success in this mission. Why, oh why and how oh how do people ever think that God would sanction such an endeavor? And how on earth did they ever conceive that working outside the law would be endorsed by Baptists back here at home? How misguided they were! This casts a unfortunate shadow on the good work that Southern Baptists ARE doing in Haiti - we are providing disaster relief, medical help, and other aid as we always do worldwide when disaster strikes, and we do it through proper channels and with swift and timely execution. Check out the International Mission Board's website for further information about that if you're interested (http://www.imb.org/).
I don't know what should happen to these people, but my heart is broken for how this act of stupidity might impact what Southern Baptists and other relief organizations are doing, those who continue to work there with blood, sweat and tears and who are accomplishing their labors within the law, above board, and with respect for the people of Haiti. I am truly, deeply, saddened.
"We were just trying to do the right thing." Really. I don't think so. You know, I'm a Southern Baptist. And from time to time, I get in conversations with people who think that somehow, I'm part of the Baptist clan in Topeka who preach a gospel of hate (the Fred Phelpites at Westboro Baptist, and no, I'm nowhere near them in theology or anything else) - and so I am glad I can disown them as they aren't even on my planet in terms of religious beliefs. But these folks - these Baptists who went to Haiti are a part of my "family" so to speak. And I am appalled. And aghast. And saddened. And upset. And speechless. And aghast. (I already said that, I know).
Well intentioned, perhaps. Well meaning, maybe. But as Wade Burleson, pastor and faithful blogger says, "Unfortunately, our Southern Baptist friends were...very unwise, yes, even stupid." (http://kerussocharis.blogspot.com/). I am amazed that normally intelligent Christian people would somehow think that it was ok to do this, and that somehow, God would bless them, give them "traveling mercies", and help them find success in this mission. Why, oh why and how oh how do people ever think that God would sanction such an endeavor? And how on earth did they ever conceive that working outside the law would be endorsed by Baptists back here at home? How misguided they were! This casts a unfortunate shadow on the good work that Southern Baptists ARE doing in Haiti - we are providing disaster relief, medical help, and other aid as we always do worldwide when disaster strikes, and we do it through proper channels and with swift and timely execution. Check out the International Mission Board's website for further information about that if you're interested (http://www.imb.org/).
I don't know what should happen to these people, but my heart is broken for how this act of stupidity might impact what Southern Baptists and other relief organizations are doing, those who continue to work there with blood, sweat and tears and who are accomplishing their labors within the law, above board, and with respect for the people of Haiti. I am truly, deeply, saddened.
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