Featured
Stirring the Pot: The Reminder in Perceptions
“Sometimes the heart sees what is invisible to the eye.” ~H. Jackson Brown, Jr.
They say that God – or your Higher Power – and even Jesus are everywhere. In the things you do day-to-day and the things you see around you.
Personally, I am one who embraces this positive outlook on life. In the air we breath (although a little dirty at times), the flowers growing in our parks and the sun as it rises and sets each day, I see His beauty and glory. I even believe that God can be seen through unorthodox ways like in the occasional tree or piece of toast.
Recently, a friend shared a picture on Facebook of a pug whose family says they see the image of Jesus Christ below the dog’s tail. More specifically – on his behind.
Now it took me all of three seconds to “see the image” of Jesus Christ, in robe, with his hands extended by his side. Maybe being a native Catholic and seeing this image in paintings and sculptures for a handful of decades gave me an advantage of spotting it so quickly. Even if it took a little longer, others saw it, too.
However, not only did some people claim to not see it, they were outraged that a dog’s butt was likened to the Son of God.
“Only a person who don’t know Jesus would come up with the conclusion that this is a depiction of HIM, all I see is a dog’s A$$ and that’s it. So I say to you that believe that this image is in deed our Lord and Savior then your heart and salvation are in serious trouble … ” said one.
Another who said he didn’t even see Jesus in how he is portrayed in Western civilization (among other things) added, “This for me is pathetic.”
I was a little confused and taken aback by the arguments each offered, as both stand strong in their faith. I then became a little sad that they were so quick to condemn those who may see something they don’t.
There are hundreds of versions of the Bible and in the last 25 years, the number of movies, books and TV shows that have a spiritual or faith-related tone to them only have increased.
But why?
“My” Higher Power created us in many forms with the mission of spreading unconditional love and acceptance. But because we are different, it takes many ways to get His message across. What will work for some, may not work for others. But who are you to tell another how and where they may see His image?
Our planet continues to be plagued with viruses called hate, fear and ignorance – all which are spread by those who believe there is only one way to see and experience things … like a spiritual awakening and/or Divine Intervention. Isn’t the important thing that a person’s self is awakened in any way, than never at all?
The dog made me smile … and did the same for others. And for a moment it was a reminder there is something greater than me.
Michelle Fitzhugh-Craig is an award-winning, professional journalist who resides in Oakland. If you have an individual, organization, issue or other topic that may be of interest to our readers, contact her at talk2mfc@yahoo.com. Need more stirring? Visit stpminute.blogspot.com.
Activism
Oakland Post: Week of April 24 – 30, 2024
The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of April 24 – 30, 2024
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Alameda County
DA Pamela Price Stands by Mom Who Lost Son to Gun Violence in Oakland
Last week, The Post published a photo showing Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price with Carol Jones, whose son, Patrick DeMarco Scott, was gunned down by an unknown assailant in 2018.
Publisher’s note: Last week, The Post published a photo showing Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price with Carol Jones, whose son, Patrick DeMarco Scott, was gunned down by an unknown assailant in 2018. The photo was too small for readers to see where the women were and what they were doing. Here we show Price and Jones as they complete a walk in memory of Scott. For more information and to contribute, please contact Carol Jones at 510-978-5517 at morefoundation.help@gmail.com. Courtesy photo.
City Government
Vallejo Welcomes Interim City Manager Beverli Marshall
At Tuesday night’s Council meeting, the Vallejo City Council appointed Beverli Marshall as the interim city manager. Her tenure in the City Manager’s Office began today, Wednesday, April 10. Mayor Robert McConnell praised Marshall’s extensive background, noting her “wide breadth of experience in many areas that will assist the City and its citizens in understanding the complexity of the many issues that must be solved” in Vallejo.
Special to The Post
At Tuesday night’s Council meeting, the Vallejo City Council appointed Beverli Marshall as the interim city manager. Her tenure in the City Manager’s Office began today, Wednesday, April 10.
Mayor Robert McConnell praised Marshall’s extensive background, noting her “wide breadth of experience in many areas that will assist the City and its citizens in understanding the complexity of the many issues that must be solved” in Vallejo.
Current City Manager Michael Malone, whose official departure is slated for April 18, expressed his well wishes. “I wish the City of Vallejo and Interim City Manager Marshall all the best in moving forward on the progress we’ve made to improve service to residents.” Malone expressed his hope that the staff and Council will work closely with ICM Marshall to “ensure success and prosperity for the City.”
According to the Vallejo Sun, Malone stepped into the role of interim city manager in 2021 and became permanent in 2022. Previously, Malone served as the city’s water director and decided to retire from city service e at the end of his contract which is April 18.
“I hope the excellent work of City staff will continue for years to come in Vallejo,” he said. “However, recent developments have led me to this decision to announce my retirement.”
When Malone was appointed, Vallejo was awash in scandals involving the housing division and the police department. A third of the city’s jobs went unfilled during most of his tenure, making for a rocky road for getting things done, the Vallejo Sun reported.
At last night’s council meeting, McConnell explained the selection process, highlighting the council’s confidence in achieving positive outcomes through a collaborative effort, and said this afternoon, “The Council is confident that by working closely together, positive results will be obtained.”
While the search for a permanent city manager is ongoing, an announcement is expected in the coming months.
On behalf of the City Council, Mayor McConnell extended gratitude to the staff, citizen groups, and recruitment firm.
“The Council wishes to thank the staff, the citizens’ group, and the recruitment firm for their diligent work and careful consideration for the selection of what is possibly the most important decision a Council can make on behalf of the betterment of our City,” McConnell said.
The Vallejo Sun contributed to this report.
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