Today is Good Friday, a high school friend shared this article written by her step-son. It’s very powerful discovery into how God loves you and me. In this article, Taylor Bell, relates his life as a child living through the trauma of divorce and its’ symbolism with Christ’s actions and even death on the cross.
I too experienced the trauma of divorce, not as a child but as a mother of 3, the oldest at age 6. Devastating! and yes, a very dark time for me and darker for my children. My pain ran deeper for my children than myself, and continues in sorts, though they are now adults.
You see, my oldest son has been engulfed in the pain Taylor speaks of, more so than my other two kids. Pain must be dealt with. When we choose not to deal with the deep hurt and pain, there can be physical manifestations of the emotional and spiritual suffering that runs so deep.
My son chose to shut me and my family out of his pain, suffering and directed all of his hurt and anger at me. While I have be blessed beyond measure to have a husband who shows me what “love” is and loves my children as truly his own, my pain of that loss lingers. Just as Jesus longs for all to come to Him and not parish.
It’s been over a decade since I’ve seen or heard from my oldest child. It’s likely I wouldn’t even recognize him if we did happen to cross paths. I’ve reached out the best I could not knowing where he was or if the phone number I had was even correct. Recently, I tried to make a phone call but discovered my son had blocked his mother’s number.
I resonate with Taylor’s story to tears and can fully understand how deeply Jesus Loves us – me, you, everyone! The pain and suffering Jesus underwent so that each of us would never have to experience it – but able to live a life of hope, hope in knowing that all of our brokenness is no more in Jesus Christ.
I don’t know if I’d be here today, if it weren’t for His abiding love, and this mother’s love for her children. It’s my prayer this Good Friday and Easter that you seek the healing, restoration that only Jesus Christ can bring!
Jesus Christ desires to have a relationship with you, just as I long for a relationship with my son. The desire never vanishes, regardless of what has/will happen or been done. Surrender to the one who can AND will bring everlasting life and Help you to get through each and everyday!
I continue to seek the one who made me PERFECT for his purpose and for restoration with my son. Forgive me if this brutal honesty offends you, but I believe Jesus wants all to come to Him and have Everlasting Life FOREVER in relationship with HIM- in Heaven and with the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
May this Good Friday and Easter Sunday bring you joy! No matter WHAT you THINK OR FEEL, it doesn’t change the FACTS that you are LOVED! You’re FORGIVEN of EVERYTHING, WHEN YOU CHOOSE TO BELIEVE JESUS DIED FOR YOU; and SURRENDER to HIM as LORD OF YOUR LIFE!
What to do when duty calls and you’re carrying concealed ?
A gun and a stall…
Forging ahead with this topic because I feel like it’s one,
we all wish someone would ask and talk about it but we don’t want to be the one to ask– how to use public facilities (restrooms)
when concealing a firearm (on body). I believe this to be particularly more changing
for women then men. Let’s face it, it’s pretty obvious, right?
Here’s some insight for you men understanding why women usually go to public restrooms in pairs or a group. It’s not because we’ll get lost or need help, it allows us more time to talk; continue the discourse, making it less uncomfortable staring at strangers in line, or perhaps occupying your mind until its your turn to go.
Let’s imagine there is a waiting line for the bathrooms and you are concealing a firearm around your waist. You can’t ask your friend to hold your gun, and take it off and freak everyone out in the bathroom because of their feelings about firearms. That would be like yelling “fire”. Not cool!
So, the question is how do you handle this obstacle? What’s the best way to manage a gun in a stall?
First, take your time getting into position. Slowly and carefully, holding the firearm grip with one hand, if possible, as you lower your drawers.
.Depending on the space between the floor and the bottom of the partition wall, you may want to keep your pants close to knee height. We assume you are leaving your gear attached to your pants vs removing gun and holster.
Once you’ve lowered your pants, you could buckle the belt back and or press knees apart to keep the waistband taunt and carefully arrange gun, keeping the barrel pointed in a safe direction.
Obstacles of concealed carry and using public restrooms.
Bear in mind, as you carefully maneuver your pants and
firearm in the privacy of your stall, its likely the firearm will flip or point
at you. This breaks one of the critical laws of gun safety so take your time.
This is challenging whether you have a double clip on your holster or a single clip. Do you unhook one side of the holster and leave the other side connected? Depending on your carry location, you may have other experiences.
I find appendix carry easiest to conceal and most comfortable for me.
If you remove your firearm and holster completely, what do you do with it? First, let’s acknowledge that you’ve now surrendered your control over the firearm.
I don’t suggest balancing your firearm on toilet paper rolls or toilet paper holder. This is a risk. What if your neighbor slams the stall door next to you?
Balanced on toilet paper
Never try to catch a falling gun!
Might there be room to place your firearm behind the toilet
near the plumbing? While our skin may crawl with this very concept, it would be
just as easy to leave it behind for the next customer of the restroom stall.
Let’s say there’s a shelf behind the toilet. This is a great place to put your weapon… BUT – you don’t have control over it and
what if …you’re in a hurry and forget it!! Not really a good idea after
all.
It’s too easy to leave your firearm behind if you placed it on this shelf.
Another option would be to place it on the floor, but chances are others
could see it. If you have to use this option, go to the corner stall so
you only have to worry about one open side where prying eyes could see.
What is a better idea is to go to the “family” bathroom if there’s
one. This is typically floor to ceiling walls and a lockable door so it’s just
you and your firearm in the stall. Much like being at home.
Because of these obstacles, I’ve learned to take my purse, no matter the requests to “watch it” while I excuse myself (for the bathroom).
I insist on taking my purse to the public restroom with me. This is one advantage ladies do have!
If there’s not a coat hook in your public bathroom stall, chances are your purse will cover and hide your firearm and holster from spying eyes. Again, depending on the space from floor to the bottom of the stall partition. Placing your firearm and holster in your purse is probably the safest place if you remove them from your pants.
Safest to place firearm and holster in your purse while using public restrooms.
If you wanted to hold your purse while taking care of business, this is more easily accomplished as many handbags have long straps so you can “messenger” your purse across your body.
Concealed carry is a lifestyle change. “Taking care of business” in public restrooms can be awkward; but hopefully with planning ahead you can steer clear of any troubles.
And remember, if you’re a woman,to always carry your purse with you to the public facilities. If you’re male, maybe get a man-bag.:)
You choose to carry for your safety and protection. Have you thought about self-defense insurance to protect yourself from legal ramifications? Check out USCCA Defense Shield– Providers of self-defense and legal protection for responsibly armed Americans.
