Let Go of Your Crutch

One of my favorite televangelists is Joel Osteen. ALWAYS upbeat, you can count on Joel and wife Victoria for tips on “victorious living.”

Last night’s talk encouraged people to let go of their crutch, explaining that a higher power often puts relationships, jobs and opportunities in our midst for a season, but you shouldn’t hold on to any situation or any one person for too long.

In order to take flight, you have to let go. The cosmos thus provides room for new people and opportunities to enter your life.

Also, the Osteens encourage everyone to go for their dreams, and know that the power already exists inside each of us to seize the moment. People are key to this equation, hence the need to let the right people into your circles and social networks—including social, civic, social and spiritual networks.

Good advice I’ve taken to heart as you could tell from last week’s post. I have a philosophy to pay attention to the signs. The spirit world has a way of tipping you off, if you take the time to stay focused and pay attention.

Travolta Tragedy News Coverage

John Travolta and Kelly Preston’s son Jett died in the Bahamas Jan. 2 at age 16 while on family holiday.

Coverage of this personal tragedy has (so far) been tasteful and respectful, which pays tribute to the 16-year old’s life and his family. It also says a lot about Travolta/Preston’s relationship with the press and paparazzi over the years. Media types shared their grief during initial coverage and said the couple always took time to speak with the press. All agreed Friday was a sad day in Hollywood.

I remember Travolta from his days as Vinnie Barbarino on the popular ABC sitcom, Welcome Back Kotter, which I enjoyed watching in high school. My heart goes out to the Travolta family. Stars may dim, but they continue to shine, as will the warm memories of their son as noted on the home page of Travolta.com.

Even TMZ.com editors said they “hoped it wasn’t true,” when they first broke the story as an exclusive Friday—after checking the facts with numerous sources in the Bahamas, including hospital officials, who confirmed the untimely death.

TMZ.com did super reporting and fact-checking and presented a balanced news story. That’s more than I can say for some news organizations; scroll down for post about recent New York Times snafu whereby reporters and editor’s didn’t take the time to check the facts.

Always take the time and make an effort to collect the facts before you publish a story. Your audience and readers are counting on you.

Work Hard and Remember to Take Care of Yourself

Fran Ham, a young writer at WWOR-TV (NY-NJ market) died this weekend at home, reportedly from an asthma attack. According to colleague Ti-Hua Chang, she reportedly kept working last week, although she was ill.

Maintain a strong work ethic (it will take you a long way), but remember to take time out for yourself. Our condolences to Fran’s family.

Action Aid’s “Put Your Foot Down” HIV Awareness Campaign

While surfing the web this morning, I came across a wonderful advocacy promotion from the United Kingdom whereby 2,876 shoes will be delivered to the UK government on International Women’s Day (March 8) to call attention to the number of women who contract HIV every day.

Global citizens are encouraged to send shoes or put your foot down for a good cause by signing a petition by contacting ActionAid, Hamlyn House, LONDON, N19 5PG. Include your name, country and a few words about the crisis, if you’d like.

http://actionaid.org.uk/101552/put_your_foot_down.html

This promotion creatively calls to mind the recent "shoe toss" incident whereby President George Bush was almost hit by airborne footwear tossed during a recent Iraqi press conference.

According to the Action Aid website:

“A girl born in South Africa has a higher chance of being raped than of learning to read. With 5 million South Africans living with HIV the risk of HIV infection for women is extremely high.

More than 15 million women are living with HIV globally. Every half minute another becomes infected. Widespread violence against women and girls increases their risk of HIV infection.

Violence also increases women’s risk indirectly. The threat of violence deters many women from refusing sex or insisting on condoms, even when they suspect their partner is HIV positive.”