Religious Intolerance

This morning I found a site that referenced a speech by a Christian that put together a website and presentation to explain why "Mormons are not Christians". It reminds me of going into a Christian book store and finding a book on cults. I excitedly opened the book because I was thinking of the strange cults we've seen that have committed mass suicide following false prophets. The chapters read like main stream Christianity. Catholics, Seventh Day Adventists, Mormons, and Jehovah's Witnesses -- the list goes on but why? If someone believes in Christ and strives to live a Christ-like life from any religion or even non-religion, why would anyone put them down as non-Christian? And why would anyone tear someone's religion down?

Personally I have many Catholic, Seventh Day Adventist, Mormon, and Jehovah's Witnesses friends. I rejoice in their belief in our beloved Lord and Savior -- Jesus Christ. I enjoy their fresh point of view. And I find that even within my own religion no two people have a conjoined opinion of what the truth fully encompasses.

My Father belongs to a different religion. One day while attending one of his services he remarked, I can see that you will only be happy in your own religion. I thought about that all day -- I did not sing the songs, I did not enjoy the sermons, and I was hiding out in my own beliefs as if they were any better than anybody else's beliefs. I corrected that behavior. It was absurd. I attended some sing-a-longs with my Father and began enjoying his church, friends, and choices of worship. I did not give up my own beliefs but I gave back respect for my Father's beliefs.

That simple change changed our relationship. He could be more open and talk about his beliefs without feeling like judgment was about him. It is not about us and what we believe. Do we even have the capacity in this life to understand eternity? I think not. I think God is so great because he gives us all freedom of choice. I fundamentally believe that God touches all people from all cultures irregardless of gender, race, creed, or religion.

One book I've always loved to read is "The Religions of America" where each religion is given a chance to express their beliefs. In a nut shell -- it sheds the best light on their faith, their aspirations, and their hope in a future. Religious intolerance drove many people to an America that was founded on the freedom to worship how, where, and what they may. Intolerance did not disappear with the establishment of an American government. Intolerance continued in many forms. To our credit as a nation and as a society, we have grown to accept our neighbors much like Christ spoke about the Good Samaritan.

It is my hope and prayer that we will continue to set the standard for tolerance for all people irregardless of gender, race, creed, or religion. I'm always reminded of a wise man who once told me that "we should never talk against someone's faith because we might be successful and there might not be something to replace it."

2009 and A New President

It seems like forever but now the time is upon us -- the inaugural plays out in all of our minds as a new President is sworn in. President Barack Obama brings in an era of hope that the war in Iraq will come to an orderly close. He rises with the expectation that every American will be covered by health insurance. He comes at a time of near economic collapse where the choices are difficult and clouded by uncertainty. After many years of staying the course for oil imports, we finally have a glimmer of hope that alternative solutions will be allowed to entirely replace our excessive stripping of the land of non-renewable resources. We might actually stop funding terrorists globally and get back to the business of promoting freedom within our country.

However you see the last eight years, it is certain that they have left us trillions of dollars in debt and a continuing saga to solve the crisis with more trillions of dollars in debt. History has shown that a country can overspend and collapse. History has shown that a country can over extend and be weak from reaching too far. History has shown the struggles of many civilizations that thought they were invincible -- bigger than God so to speak.

America's strength lies in its allegience to the great creator that helped our founding fathers establish a more perfect union of states to ensure the life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness to the people -- its citizens. I trust in that same divine strength to pull us through these hard times. I pray daily that our congressmen, judges, and members of the executive branch will be inspired to help lead us away from these difficulties.

That'll be one Mayo Please

As I worked on a patient the other day, we were having so much fun. I was putting on some strong liniment for some deeper ligaments. I mentioned that Chinese Woodlock had turpentine oil in it. She came back with, "we used to use turpentine or kerosene to kill the lice." The thought of turpentine on the hair brought up quite a laugh. Then she said they found an easier way to fight them -- simply put mayonnaise on your hair for 4-5 minutes which will kill the lice because they can't breathe. Only you'll need a plastic bag because it is so oily and messy. Then you comb it out for the knits and they come out like crazy. Now that is the gross part.

After a few days she comes back and repeats the process because with lice they can hatch later so you need to get the hatching eggs.

Lice and mayonnaise -- now seriously, can you top that? If so, I'd like to hear it!

Life's Madness In the Trenches

Life's madness is that we keep trenching through time looking for a passageway
one foot at a time with our shovels and picks.  All we had to do was lift
ourselves up out of the trench and go our way but it seemed easier to do the
task at hand.  We are so serious!

Do you have any favorite trench stories?  My favorite is from "Stories for the Heart"
compiled by Alice Gray.  An author unknown shared the following story of courage in
the chapter on compassion.  It is paraphrased in my own words below.

Did you read about the thick of battle in World War I when the trenches of
Germans and Americans were separated by a barb wire fence.  There was shelling
and constant battles to cross over.  This was a snowy, cold day early in December
of 1917.

A German soldier had jumped out of the trench to fire down on the Americans.
He was gunned down and fell over the barb wire.  For the longest time he
called out for anyone to help him to no avail.  Finally, the American fire
stopped and a lone soldier crawled toward him amidst the German fire trying
to pick him off.  As he neared the German solder the fire stopped.  The American
stood up and helped the wounded soldier off the barb wire.  He crossed over
to the German trench and helped him down to his own men.

As he turned to go back, he felt a hand on his shoulder.  A German officer
pulled an iron cross off his uniform and gave it to him.  It was the highest
award given a German soldier for meritorious duty in battle.  The American
returned in silence to the American trench -- no one fired on him and peace
ensued for the breadth of the rescue.  The fighting and shelling resumed.  For
one moment the bravery and unselfish behavior of one soldier touched them all.

un-paraphase

May we all find the courage to lift out of the trench especially to help those
around us caught up in the spectra of life.

Home Again from Iraq

Welcome Home Mike Reynolds




Thank you and many others for service to God and our country!











Looking inside at the driver to an Iraqi tank ...



Heading out to Iraq ...



















The thrill of coming home again!

A relaxed patient whose son was in Iraq ...
Jim Reynolds in July 2008

Marianne Reynolds in July 2008

Two of my patients have been in the service of their church and their country. They recently watched as their son came back from Iraq. I admire their service as missionaries in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Here are pictures and their note to me as Brother Scott.

Dearest Brother Scott & Family,
Just thinking of earth angels while watching General Conference with the Trainees at Lackland AFB today...my hip has remained stable since departure from San Diego, and I have not returned to my back brace as yet. Your skill and generosity in sharing it with us, was a direct answer to my personal prayer to be rid of my cane. Goodness, I think of it everyday as I climb stairs or visit the troops...such a blessing for my life.
Wishing you well as you return wellness to others...
Our Fond Regards,
Sister Reynolds

Here is a general note from the Reynolds to friends and family:

Dearest Family & Friends,
Senior Airman Reynolds touched his boot down on US soil 9 days early!! We were thrilled to receive his text message. They were lifted out of Iraq to Qatar, then flown to Ireland for refueling and then a 9 hour non-stop flight to Hill AFB.
God Bless the USA and our son. He is readily jumping back into life supporting little brother Daniel at his first concert, with Craig Jessop as director, no less.
I will pass along my favorite photos....most, you have already seen and yet a small acknowledgment of Mike's journey to Iraq.
We are Grateful,
Elder & Sister Reynolds
Military Relations Missionaries
Lackland AFB, Texas

From the Sidelines

Remember High School and being on the sidelines of something? I remember being in the band and playing tuba. It was ridiculously too big for me. I was never number one in my section because I had a penchant for playing my own notes. Oh they sounded okay, I would write alternate parts that fit the music, but the band teacher would not always appreciate the new arrangement. I was on the sidelines and I was supposed to be playing the part written.

Then I found the pep band for the football games. That was the funnest time. We all would mimic the popular commercials of the day and use them to spurn the game on with renewed excitement. Somehow we thought that themes from T.V. would help them tackle and move the ball. I don't know that it worked but I do know that it was exciting -- the audience roared or laughed as we engaged their minds in fun directions ... all from the sidelines. Since the parts were from memory and made up it was a perfect fit.

Life doesn't always work from the sidelines. Sometimes one must step up to the plate and strike back to send the ball into play. When that times comes, and it always will, step up with confidence, be firm and direct. Send that ball flying and make your turn around the bases like it is your time to play ... because it is. I believe we are all given a gift for life. Finding that gift and pursuing it is the most wonderful part of living.

Ah Ha, This Works

Ah Ha -- now that is a moment to remember. Some say we have only a few defining moments in our lives and that we should know them. They build our character and shape who we are. I know I've found many such moments. In medicine I find there are many defining moments in a patient relationship. Only two people share it. Ah ha, this works!

I sincerely encourage you to keep seeking care for problems that are difficult or undefinable until you begin to have some ah ha moments. Remember to take an active part in that journey. Patients who feel the problem can often know more about it than the practitioner. I love the story of Thomas Edison on his death bed who began to read all about his physical problems. He was on a journey to know all about it. I think that is healthy. Today we have radically different treatments between the various models of medicine. You can easily learn several different approaches. That is a good thing. Go at it from several different angles. Don't give up. Remember always that hope helps fuel the immune system. Mentally be on top of your problem. It does make a difference. Ah ha -- this works.

This week I began to work on a lupus patient and usually worked on the front. I went through all the alarm points and they all were like 10 out of ten -- bad news. So I turned them over and worked on the back with moxa across the ming men (the source of fire for the water element) to boost yang. They were weak and almost unable to move. After a good back treatment I turned them over and re-checked the alarm points. All were strong. I finish with a qi threading session through all their major (and some minor) chakras of the body. I called them later in the week to check out how it worked out. Ah ha -- that worked.

So what is your defining moment? Follow your passion in life!