Serving Others on the Job

A few weeks ago my Charlotte pastor talked to the church members about how we might serve God. He said that whatever our day job is, there is always an opportunity to serve. It doesn't matter if we work as bankers, lawyers, or other professions that lend themselves more to service such as teachers, social workers, counselors, etc. -- there is always a way to do God's work.

As I was reading the June 2008 issue of The Atlantic magazine recently, I came across a Verizon Wireless ad that made me think of my pastor's talk about service. It's not often that an advertisement makes you think about altruism and how you can help others, but this one did.

Here's Olga Mendez's story and I have to give her credit for finding a way to serve others on the job. These are the words from the ad, verbatim.

Olga Mendez trains employees at a Verizon Wireless call center. But she also helps the company teach another important skill: life.

As part of Verizon Wireless' innovative HopeLine program, which distributes free cell phones and airtime to victims of domestic violence, Olga helps Spanish-speaking women navigate the difficult road back to independence. A survivor of an abusive relationship herself, she gives them the support and practical advice they need to break the cycle of domestic violence and strike out in the world on their own. Speaking in their native Spanish, she helps them with everything from writing a resume to dressing for a job interview.

Olga knows how important it is to gain back one's self-respect. And her career at Verizon Wireless has been a vital part of her recovery.

As Olga says, "A lot of companies talk about giving back to the community, but Verion Wireless really walks the walk."

Do your thing sister!

Live Free or Die!

Here are some intriguing state mottos that I've come across while teaching ESL for Citizenship. These phrases tell you a lot about these states, I think. If you could create a motto for your state, what would you write?

Colorado
Nothing Without the Deity

Maryland
Manly deeds, womanly words

Maine
I lead

California
Eureka

New York
Ever upward

New Hampshire
Live free or die (My personal favorite)

Alabama
We Dare Defend Our Rights

Iowa
Our liberties we prize, and our rights we will maintain

Texas
Friendship

Nebraska
Equality before the law

South Carolina
While I breathe, I hope
and
Ready in soul and resource

North Carolina
To be rather than to seem
(I can identify with that one!)

Obama vs. Clinton: The Stakes are High in North Carolina

Yes, I'm here in beautiful North Carolina and the political atmosphere is high. My phone (both the home phone and mobile) have been ringing off the hook with calls from candidates and their representatives for offices such as County Commissioners, District Court Judges and as you all know, the Democratic candidates for President -- Hillary and Obama.

I must say, the Obama campaign has been relentless. I'm still getting calls from the Tennessee Obama folks (I haven't lived in Tennessee since last summer) and they call me regularly here in Charlotte. Yesterday, a nice lady from Florida who is an Obama campaign worker, actually knocked on my door to ask who I'd be supporting. She told me where and when I could vote and asked if I'd like to volunteer for the campaign (I wish I had the time!)

Hillary's folks haven't called me at all. That just goes to show how much of a superb grassroots effort the Obama campaign has waged. Both Michelle and Obama have called my home (a recording of course) and urged me to get out and vote (early) for Obama.

The nice lady from Florida left a very attractive "Vote for Barack Obama" brochure with me, so I thought I'd share a little of what the pamphlet says:

If you want to change the world, the change has to happen with you first. ... We do what we do because God is with us. ... When Moses was first called to lead people to the Promised Land, he said, "I don't think I can do it, Lord. I don't feel brave and courageous."

The Lord said, "I will be with you ... I'll show you what to do."

-- Barack Obama, Selma Alabama, March 4, 2007

"I believe in the power of prayer. Through prayer, not only can we strengthen ourselves in adversity, but we can also find the empathy and the compassion and the will to deal with the problems that we do control. What I pray for is the strength and the wisdom to be able to act on those things that I can control...."

Amen and alleluia!

Passing the Test

Some of my students will attempt to pass the U.S. citizenship examination after they’ve lived in this country for at least 5 years. The test isn’t easy – they’ll have to prove that they can speak, write, and understand the English language proficiently. They also have to answer a series of questions about their background which can be pretty intimidating, especially if they answer “yes” to any of the questions.

Hear are just a few:

-- Have you ever failed to file your federal or state taxes?
-- Have you ever been a member of a terrorist organization?
--Have you ever advocated the overthrow of any government by force or violence?
-- Have you ever persecuted any person because of race, religion, national origin, or political opinion?
-- Have you ever committed a crime or offense for which you were not arrested?
--Have you ever been arrested, cited or detained by any officer for any reason?
-- Have you ever been charged with any crime or offence? ("No, I never break the law.")
-- Have you ever been convicted of a crime or offence?
-- Have you ever received a suspended sentence or been on probation?
-- Have you ever been a habitual drunkard?
-- Have you ever been a prostitute or procured anyone for prostitution? ("No, I have never done this.")
-- Have you ever sold illegal drugs or narcotics?
-- Have you ever failed to support your dependents or pay alimony?

Pretty intense, huh? How well would you fair if you had to answer those questions?

And here are just some of the Civics questions that the examiner could ask during the Citizenship interview. Do you know the answers to the following questions?

1. How many changes or amendments are there to the Constitution?
2. Who makes the laws in the United States?
3. Can you name the two Senators from your state?
4. What are the duties of the Supreme Court?
5. Who is the current governor of your state?
6. Who becomes President of the United States of America if the President and the Vice-President should die?
7. Who is the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court?
8. Who said "Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death?"
9. Which countries were our enemies during World War II?
10. Who is the head of our local government?
11. According to the Constitution, a person must meet certain requirements in order to be eligible to become President. Name one of the requirements.
12. Who selects the Supreme Court Justices?
13. How many Supreme Court Justices are there?
14. Who was the main writer of the Declaration of Independence?
15. When was the Declaration of Independence adopted?
16. What is the basic belief of the Declaration of Independence?
17. Where does freedom of speech come from?
18. Who signs bills into law?
19. What special group advises the President?
20. Name three rights or freedoms guaranteed by the Bill of Rights.
21. Who has the power to declare war?
22. Name one amendment that guarantees or addresses voting rights?
23. In what year was the Constitution written?
24. Name one purpose of the United Nations.
25. How many times may a Senator be re-elected?
26. How many times may a Congressman be re-elected?

Should Voting Be Mandatory in the U.S.?

I’ve learned from some Brazilians that voting is mandatory in their country –- that’s right, you must vote in Brazil if you are at least 18 years old. Imagine the look of horror on one Brazilian’s face when I told him that not only do millions of Americans not vote, but millions are also not even registered to vote. His look said, “Why, that is a disgrace!” I think he’s right.

The battle between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton have inspired many unregistered people in this country to not only register but to exercise their right to vote.

Whatever the outcome of the Primary election might be, I say Obama and Clinton deserve credit for getting younger people, African-Americans, and others to express themselves politically.

If voting were mandatory for all citizens in America who are 18 years old and older, how would that change the look of Congress, the White House, and our state and local governments? I wonder, would we see more women, African-Americans, Latinos Asians, disabled and handicapped representatives?

Here’s part of a post by a Washington state resident, Bill Center, who visited Brazil less than 2 years ago. He talks about the effect of mandatory voting in that country:

We were in Brazil during the final weeks of the election campaign. The race for President is closer than anticipated and seems to be drawing a lot of attention from the citizens. In Brazil every citizen is a voter. Voting is "mandatory."
Interesting idea.

Technically there can be serious penalties for failing to vote, including loss of government pension. In reality the serious penalties are seldom imposed. Most often there is a fine equal to about $1US. It hardly seems necessary as most people appear to view voting as a serious responsibility.

President Lula — who rose from poverty himself — is very popular with the poorer classes because of the social programs he has implemented. Even so, his reelection is in some jeopardy because of recent scandals involving some of his top aides. His challenger is the Governor of the State of Sao Paulo [population 40 million!]. Under Brazilian law, he had to give up the governorship to run for president.


Even the corruption scandals are "interesting" in Brazil. Most of them involve bribes paid to members of the legislature from different political parties to support Lula. Oh, yes … did I mention there are 45 or so political parties.

As you might imagine, in such a system party loyalty is a light and transient thing. Candidates may run for office representing one party and change parties the day after they are elected. So the system does have some challenges. Proposed reforms include reducing the number of parties to fifteen and making it harder to change parties.

Occasionally the "white votes" – that is ballots cast to meet the voting requirement with no candidate marked – actually total more than 50% of the vote.

That got me thinking.

I kinda like the idea of "mandatory" voting. I think freedom and responsibility go hand-in-hand, and there is no greater responsibility in a democracy than voting. That is how we come to SHARE responsibility for the government we elect. Under our present system we can end up with leaders who not only receive less than a majority of the total votes cast … the votes they do receive can actually represent but a small fraction of those ELIGIBLE to vote.

One of my rules for life: "Vote or keep quiet."I would be in favor of mandatory voting in the U.S. if we added the choice of "none of the above" to the ballot. In any race where "none of the above" received more than 50% of the vote the parties would be required to put forth an entire new slate of candidates. Failed candidates would be barred from the ballot for two years.

I don't expect it to happen. But it is an interesting example of how travel can expand your view of what might be possible.

Click here to read U.S. Census figures on voter turnout numbers in the 2004 presidential election in the U.S.

Touch Not the Unclean Thing

My Nashville Pastor's sermon titled, "Daughters of Destiny" points to this scripture. I have a much deeper understanding of these words now -- much deeper. Praise God!

2 Corinthians 6:14-18 (NIV)

Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?

What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?

What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: "I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people."

"Therefore come out from them
and be separate, says the Lord.
Touch no unclean thing,
and I will receive you."

"I will be a Father to you,
and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty."

2 Corinthians 7:1

Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.

Hi-Ne-Ni: Behold! Here I Am!

My Russian students, who I'm sure God sent to me on purpose -- (I had a dream about many very loving and angelic Russians eight years ago) -- treat me like a daughter, with all of the love and affection that comes with that. Typically my students like to give edible treats, but one couple gave me a gift recently that touched me deeply. It's a set of 3 CDs of Russian "church" music, as they call it. I love the music and am wisked away to a peaceful place everytime I hear the songs. On the back cover of the gift were the words to another spiritual song. This song too, I'm sure is sent from God. The lyrics resonate with me profoundly. Here they are:

Hi-Ne-Ni

("Hi-Ne-Ni" is Hebrew for “Behold! Here I am”)
Lyrics: Lily Liu Music: Francy Shao

Yahweh! O my LORD my God
Come and help me forsake my love
Forsake my love, my all
Yahweh! O my LORD my God
Help me break down all my idols
Idols in my heart

Till I give myself in worship as a sacrifice
With no regrets, No turning back
Till I at the altar hear the calling for my life
With no regrets, Here I am
Hi-Ne-Ni , Hi-Ne-Ni
Purge me, Send me Yes! Here I am
Hi-Ne-Ni , Hi-Ne-Ni
Purge me, Send me, Hi-Ne-Ni
For the darkest corners of the world
O LORD! Send me!
For the souls hopeless in despair, Here I am!
Yes! Here I am, Hi-Ne-Ni
Yes! Here I am, Hi-Ne-Ni

The Healing Herbs that God Gave Us

One Cappuccino Soul reader expressed anxiety about life when he commented some time ago on this blog. I prayed that he’d find peace in his life and suggested some herbal remedies to alleviate anxiety and sleeplessness that I’ll share now with the rest of you.

The following herbs will help with anxiety, depression, and insomnia. I know, because I’ve used them for almost a year now and they’ve worked for me.

Scullcap (tea or capsules)

Catnip (tea or capsules)

Wild Yam Root (capsules)

St. John’s Wort (I’ve used both the tincture and the capsule form)

Evening Primrose (gelcaps – they look like Vitamin E pills)

Chamomile (tea or capsules)

Valerian Root (capsule – Valerian Root is pretty strong and may not be suited for everyone. I personally don’t take this one anymore.)

Passion Fruit (My Brazilian friends hipped me to this. Just eat the raw fruit or drink the juice and a sense of calm will overtake you.)

Red Raspberry (tea or capsules)

You can take these two or three times a day, but I usually wait until bedtime so that I don’t fall asleep while I’m working. But, if the anxiety is very bad, it may be necessary to take the St. John’s Wort during the day also.

If you’re unsure about how many capsules to take, or how to make the tea, send me an e-mail and I’ll give you instructions (Ramalicia@aol.com). (I must say here that I'm not a licensed herbalist or anything, I just know from my own personal study of herbs and my own experience with them).

Be well, may you have peace, and remember that God gave us these herbs as a natural remedy.

My New Home

refugee - one that flees; especially : a person who flees to a foreign country or power to escape danger or persecution (Merriam-Webster Dictionary)

After I showed a documentary to my students today, I reviewed some of the concepts and words used in the film. I felt a particular kinship with my students as we discussed these two ideas:

"I came to America to give my offspring a better life."

"At home, I was in constant anxiety about my family. Here, I don't have anxiety."

I only have to substitute the words "my new home" for "America" and I can sympathize completely with my refugee friends.

(Thank you God for sending me here.)

Race and Ethnicity in the Queen City

Here are some facts, taken from Charlotte’s Community Building Initiative organization, that show Charlotte’s racial and ethnic make-up. Also, you’ll find how some of Charlotte’s residents viewed the city’s “interracial trust” factor and fairness in the legal system.

I really like it here, but I see that like most other places, Charlotte has a bit of work to do to get closer to the “melting pot” that is the ideal American image.

The demographics of the population of Charlotte, according to updated 2006 Census Department figures are as follows:

African-American 34.4%
Latino/Hispanic 11%
Asian 3%
American Indian 0.5%
White/Caucasian 54.7%

Mecklenburg County’s population has increased 58% in the past 16 years from 511,481 (1990) to 810,900 (2006).

42.4% of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools’ (CMS) students are African-American. African-Americans make up 34.4% of Charlotte’s population.

13.6% of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools’ students are Latino/Hispanic. 11% of Charlotte’s residents identify themselves as Latino/Hispanic.

More than 10,000 CMS students are enrolled in English as a Second Language (ESL) programs. CMS students represent 152 countries and speak 97 native languages.

15.9% of the residents of Mecklenburg County speak a language other than English at home.

12.7% of Mecklenburg County residents are foreign born.

The Charlotte region ranked 39th out of 40 in “interracial trust” among the 40 communities surveyed in the 2000 Social Capital Community Benchmark Survey. “Social Capital” is defined as the formal or informal networks that connect a community.

In research conducted during the CBI/26th Judicial District Resource Team project, African-American employees and Hispanic/Latinos view the system as less fair and equitable for defendants of color than for white defendants. Some whites agree.

Research conducted during the CBI/26th Judicial District Partnership Project indicated that there is no statistically significant data from the perception and case review studies suggesting disparity of treatment based on race or ethnicity in traffic or drug cases. However, many defendants (approximately 32.7 %) do not understand how the court system works or what “happened” to them in court.