Rays of Sunshine Revised and Expanded

AuthorHouse™ LLC

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© 2014 . Don Sucio. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 05/31/2014

ISBN: 978-1-4343-4272-0 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4969-1802-4 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2014908421

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Email: authordonsucio@att.net

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Contents

Preface

Acknowledgements

Introduction

Improving Your Mentality And Personal Development

Stress

Surviving Tough Economic Times

Anger Management

Poor Time Management

Learning Disabilities

If If Was A Fifth

Stop Smoking

Leave It Alone

Coping With Grief

Suicide

Laws Of Attraction

Steps To Success

Being Happy

Health And Wellness Tips

Prevention And Intervention

Health Reform

Importance Of Nutrition

Stretching Your Food Dollar

Water: Inside And Out

Fresh Air And Sunshine

Importance Of Exercise

Proper Sleep

Family Health

Pregnancy And Childbirth

Safe Driving

Medical Monitoring

Caring For The Elderly

End Of Life Issues

Internet Resources

Dietary Advice

Dietary Advice

Eating Fast Foods

Food Poisoning

Food Allergy

Eating Disorders And Obesity

What Are Eating Disorders?

Obesity

Anorexia Nervosa

Bulimia Nervosa

Binge-Eating Disorder

Ethnic Disparities And Health Problems

Health Problems And Disparities

The Problem Of Accessibility: Health Care, Exercise, Nutrition

Reach Program: Racial And Ethnic Approaches To Community Health

Healthy People Initiative

Cancer

What Is Cancer?

Cancer Prevention

Cancer Risks Factors

Diagnosis, Treatments And Options

Living With Cancer

Diabetes

Diabetes, The Disease

Preventing Diabetes

Management Of Diabetes

Diabetic Complications

Impact Of Diabetes:

Why You Should Care

Heart Disease

Preventing Heart Problems And Maintaining A Healthy Heart

Importance Of Omega-3

High Blood Pressure

Arrhythmias

Coronary Artery Disease: Unclogging Obstructed Arteries

Angina

Heart Attack

Congestive Heart Failure

Stroke

Mitral Valve Prolapse

Heart Problems For The Young

Conscientious And Opinionated Prose And Poetry

Change I Believe In

From Yes We Can! To Yes We Did!

The Sting Of The Recession

Born To Lead

Make Peace, Not War

Haiti: Devastating Earthquake

Endangered Species

Ode To Katrina Victims

An Angel By Your Side

A Txt N Hnr Uv Mj

Have Hope

Only The Strong Survive

The Unfortunate

Just As You Are

Sound Advice

Save Your Life

Helping Hand

The Rebirth And Renewal Of Black Consciousness

With Liberty And Justice For All

That Ain’t Right

Obligations

There Is No Later

Live Your Life

Realism

It’s Your Choice

Aids Prevention For Gays And Bisexuals

Be Responsible

Free

Violence

Violence: A Public Health Problem

Romanticizing Violence

Condolences And Congratulations To Jennifer Hudson

Real Talk

Family

Our Closest Friend

Special Lady

A Divine Inheritance

Be Good Parents

Family Time

Birthday Wish

Do It For The Kids

Is That Your Kid?

What Happened To Manners?

Don’t Run Away

A Proverb For The Young

Save The Youth

Wait

Options

Violence In The Family Home

Influence In The Home

Relationships

Improving Communication Skills

Handling Rejection

Tips For Online Dating

How To Be A Good Friend

Get At Me

A True Friend

Only You

Working Together

You’re Appreciated

Pampering You

Your Colorful Eyes

Keep Doing What You Do

When You Need Me

Marriage Principles

The Foundation Of A Good Relationship

Let Me Ease Your Mind

Always

On Your Anniversary

God’s Suggestions

Marriage Etiquette

Keep Love Alive

Share The Love

Privacy

Counseling

If You Loved Her

The Wrong Signals

When To Reconsider Marriage

Unequally Yoked

Fighting Fair

Divorce

Reconciled

Christianity

Resisting Temptation

Sinner’s Prayer

Getting Closer To God

Spiritual Revival

If You Let Him

Claim The Promises Of God

The Shepherd And His Flock

Your Brother’s Keeper

Focus On Christ

Beware Of Psychics

Perilous Times

Get Ready

The Last Days

Heaven Is A State Of Mind

Amen

A unique compilation of current topics for health and happiness in your life—

creatively sprinkled with poetry!

Editor and Contributor, Karen J. Simpson, MPH

Preface

Rays of Sunshine Revised and Expanded was written because I was inspired to address the various health issues, as well as family and societal issues, that cause people to live shortened, unhappy lives under a gray cloud of sickness, depression, fear and disease. My inspiration was to develop a handbook that would serve as a guide to a healthy life, while mixing in thoughtful prose and enlightening poetry.

The original Rays of Sunshine was a poetry book I wrote using the pen name of Mr. Shadow. After discovering there was an artist in the music industry by that name, I decided to adopt my new pen name, Don Sucio.

This book is revised and expanded to include information that I feel is important to everyone. It focuses on wholesome, balanced, healthy living for the mind, body, and spirit, including basics of nutrition, stretching the food dollar, obesity, various diseases, relationships and spirituality.

It has taken an extremely long time to get this book completed because I wanted to be sure that the information was current. I chose to utilize health data easily available to anyone on the internet. The health data continued to change, and with each update came another delay in getting it published. I appreciate my editor for continuing to strive to make sure this information was current and accurate.

Acknowledgements

First of all, I want to thank God for blessing me with the opportunity and talent to do what I’m doing; and for a strong support group of people who love and care about me.

To my number one fan, thank you for believing in me when no one else did. When the future looked bleak and doubtful, your faith and optimism chased the gray and sadness out of my life like Rays of Sunshine. I appreciate the time, effort, and research you provided not only for this book, but also for other future projects. Thank you will not suffice or express my gratitude for what you’ve done; but since I’m an author, I’ll come up with the proper words to show my appreciation and gratitude to you, later J.

GE, your memory still lives on in my heart. I’ll follow your advice and continue to write, and I’ll honor your memory by changing my life and living right.

CJ, although so much time has passed since your departure from this earth, I still carry my love for you like Atlas, who carried the world on his shoulders and continued to strive forward.

To my guys Dre, Churchwell, Tragic, Fidel, Sly, H-Loc, Sisco, Slimmy, Big Boricua, Little Boricua, Jackie Don, E-Loc, Tooshay, Cowboy, DD2, Rat Boy, June Bug, Chubb, Shotty, and those who have passed out of my memory and from this earth: I appreciate you all being true homies. Here’s proof that you are not forgotten.

To Joofy and Tone, I send my condolences. Shirley was a strong, independent woman. Be at peace within yourselves. Be thankful that she is no longer in pain and is resting in peace. Both of you, and your family, are in my thoughts and prayers. Continue to strive on, living like the men your mother raised you to be.

To Dana, your presence and influence has improved certain areas of my life. Thank you. You are greatly appreciated.

Special thanks to Miriam V. Mills, M.D., FAAP, for your kindness, friendship, understanding, and support to the editor during this long process. And to Robert G. Niebergall, M.D. for years of excellent professional care that prolonged the life of precious loved ones.

Don Sucio, Author

Introduction

Rays of Sunshine, Revised and Expanded, is a unique, one of a kind book, with a heavy emphasis on health and wellness, and a collection of inspiring poems.

As Americans have struggled with the accessibility of health care and a shortage of jobs in a fragile economy, this book highlights the various health issues that hover over our society like a dark rain cloud. Health topics discussed include obesity, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and eating disorders.

This book is packed with numerous tips for the youthful audience of readers, so they can prevent themselves from becoming a negative statistic in a health category. As the saying from Benjamin Franklin goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

For those who are already living with health problems, it provides invaluable information to help them improve their lives, and possibly add five or 10 more years to their lifespan. Intervention is an important part of maintaining health and surviving illness and disease.

Because the average American has been affected by the recession and economy in recent years, there are suggestions on how to stretch the food dollar to promote healthy eating while saving money. The importance of nutrition, fresh air, sunshine, exercise, water, and proper rest to promote a healthy lifestyle are also discussed, along with other health and wellness tips.

The book also focuses on improving and strengthening relationships, especially in the family. I believe that the family home is an institution where good etiquette and morals are developed and instilled in young minds before being spread throughout society. However, households are torn apart by dysfunction, violence, and a lack of wholesome communication, while the divorce rate has soared in recent years and more children are growing up fatherless—and sometimes motherless. Rays of Sunshine, Revised and Expanded, provides counsel to repair broken relationships and exhorts family unity.

The poems scattered throughout this book were written to motivate each reader with hope. The poetry is like the silver lining in a dark cloud that readers can center their attention on and focus on the positive aspects of their lives. A set of spiritual poems concludes this book and reminds readers to put God first in their lives. If we put God first and family second in our lives each day, not only would the crime rate sink to record lows, but we would all experience happier and more fulfilling lives.

Hopefully this book will have a profound impact on your life and you will be blessed with nourishing and sustaining Rays of Sunshine!

Don Sucio, Author

Improving Your Mentality And Personal Development

Stress

Everybody, regardless of age, gender, race or financial status has to deal with stress. Stress can be helpful when it causes you to meet deadlines or flee from danger. However prolonged stress is harmful to mental and physical health and it increases the risk of health problems such as heart disease, depression, and other problems.

Stress can be physical, mental, or emotional in response to positive and negative external factors such as fear, excitement, or a challenge. Some common causes of stress, particularly for women are:

• Death of a spouse

• Death of close family member

• Divorce

• Losing your job

• Major personal illness or injury

• Marital separation

• Marriage

• Pregnancy

• Retirement

• Spending time in jail ¹

There are numerous other causes of stress. The important thing to remember is not to allow stress to interfere with good health.

Individual responses to stress are different for each person. Symptoms caused by stress are also different for each person. Some of the common signs of stress are:

• Not eating or overeating

• Feeling like you have no control

• Needing to have too much control

• Forgetfulness

• Headaches

• Lack of energy

• Lack of focus

• Trouble getting things done

• Poor self-esteem

• Short temper

• Trouble sleeping

• Upset stomach

• Back pain

• General aches and pains

These symptoms may also be signs of depression or anxiety, which can be caused by long-term stress. ²

Stress hormones are released by the brain in response to stress. Subsequently hormonal compounds such as epinephrine, norepinephrine, and cortisol are released. Blood pressure, heart rate, and blood sugar levels are elevated by stress hormones.

Prolonged or excessive stress is harmful to the body and can cause poor health, physical and psychological illnesses such as infection, heart disease, and depression. If not handled properly, stress can cause the following effects in your body:

• Irritable stomach pains

• Digestive system becomes stagnant

• Rashes or other skin problems, such as eczema and psoriasis

• An increase of glucose manufactured in the liver, resulting in renal hypertension

• A weakened immune system

• Accelerated breathing

• Lungs become nonresistant to colds and infections

• Cold sores on the lips or around the mouth area

• Headaches, anxiety; depression

• Abnormal sleeping patterns, such as insomnia or fitful sleeping

• Difficulty in remembering

• Neurons in the brain can deteriorate and die

• Increased heart rate

• The possibility of blood clotting and a heightened risk of stroke or heart attack

• Adrenal glands can start making stress hormones and these hormones can cause an increase in appetite and eventually body fat

• Menstrual problems in women

• Taut muscles

• Muscular twitches

• Impotency and premature ejaculation in men

• Backaches ³

Stress modifies brain-wave activity, which can lead to self-destructive conduct, including drug use, drinking, road rage, and reckless sexual behavior. You can’t change your environment, the behavior of other people, or what happens by chance; but you can find positive ways to deal with stress.

Here are some helpful tips to cope with stress:

• Find time to be alone.

• Express yourself to a family member or companion.

• Begin a hobby or become involved with some sort of recreational activity.

• Write your thoughts down on paper.

• Focus on your priorities and keep your energy directed toward what is important.

• Make your goals realistic. You might need to tone down your goals to achieve balance. Think about it—if your only source of income is a 9 to 5 that pays nine dollars an hour, is it practical to plan on purchasing a Rolls Royce in six months?

• Play the hero. Look for people who are in situations worse than you are, then do something positive for them and encourage them. This will keep your mind off your problems and will make you grateful for the small blessings you have.

• Seek out the truth. Whenever you are faced with change or obstacles, look for the facts to pull exaggerated fears and doubt from above you, so you can climb over them.

• Practice a method of relaxation. Meditation, yoga and other techniques will aid you in relieving tension. Deep breathing, stretching, and massage also help.

• Use visualization. Creating positive mental images will calm your nerves and redirect your focus.

• In spite of the current situation, keep an optimistic point of view. This approach is very helpful for people suffering from illness and bereavement. In fact, researchers have discovered that raised levels of hope and positivity can heal the body, mend emotional wounds and rejuvenate weakened self-esteem and a negative point of view.

• Reach up to a higher power. When you are drowning in troubled waters, look up and raise your voice to God in prayer. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. James 5:16 (NKJV)⁴. Always believe in miracles and divine intervention, so the Lord will reward your faith.

Create the right balance in your life to avoid stress. Properly handle stress to maintain good health by eating a well-balanced, healthy diet, exercising, and getting the proper amount of sleep.

Surviving Tough Economic Times

The economy in every society has an impact on the mental stamina of its citizens. Many individuals and families are often burdened with stress and hopelessness during tough economic times. The recent great recession in the United States has been devastating to many people due to massive unemployment, downsizing, pay cuts, home foreclosures, and a shrinking middle class. With a global economy, the impact has been felt beyond the U.S. borders.

Where there’s life, there’s hope is a proverb that is meaningful to those seeking to survive tough economic times. And we can all learn lessons from the ant and squirrel. Ants routinely keep busy as a community, no matter what the situation, preparing for the winter. The squirrel hides his nuts—and yours too if you have a pecan tree—because he knows winter is coming.

Manage your stress and don’t panic. Write out a plan for you and your family to manage your finances and reduce expenses; then stick to the plan. Avoid purchasing items you cannot afford, or borrowing and paying interest. Start saving money and create an emergency fund to help your family with future financial challenges.

Communicate with your creditors and utilities if you are having difficulty paying bills. Utility companies often have payment plans or can refer you to local agencies for assistance. Some creditors may be able to offer deferred payments or other payment options.

If you are in debt, it is important to reduce or eliminate your debt to begin saving money. Stop using credit, and if you don’t use credit, don’t start. Paying cash will help you live within your means. If necessary, go to a credit counseling agency for help.

Check to see what resources are available within your community. Attend free seminars and training that may be offered for stress management and self-improvement. Take advantage of support groups and churches that offer an opportunity for positive interaction and conversation. Try networking whenever possible.

Remember that you are not alone. The economy affects everyone. Learn to ask for help. Share your talent with others in exchange for their services. Enjoy free entertainment and recreation as a family. Volunteer within your community to help others and make good use of your free time.

If possible, turn your unique talent into a business opportunity. Learn new skills from neighbors and friends, such as painting, home repairs, gardening, car repair, sewing, or baking bread. Don’t wait on politicians or the government—be creative.

Anger Management

Anger is a strong emotion that, when left unchecked, can sometimes precipitate unnecessary situations. On a broad scale, anger is often necessary in the form of righteous indignation for problems to be recognized and solved. Positive changes in society have come from anger that motivated intervention, such as equality in education, the civil rights movement, voting rights, and women’s rights.

Many times anger is expressed through negative actions or deeds, and even eye contact. Like an open, oozing cankerous sore, anger has to be properly handled to avoid painful or deadly consequences.

Here are some tips to dim the flame and lower the heat of wrath:

• Stop pointing fingers. Many times people blame everything on someone else for becoming angry. But entertaining these harmful thoughts will only add fuel to your anger. You must realize that your anger is produced by how you interpret a situation. Stop allowing others to push your buttons; you’re not a remote control. Control your emotions and take responsibility for keeping anger in check.

• Find an assuring, comforting mantra and use it when your temper begins to boil. Sometimes you might need to talk to yourself in order to change the way you react to negative situations. You may be skeptical, but try it for a day or two and you’ll be shocked at how effective it is. Here’s a positive mantra—I am in control of my emotions and this situation, and I will not allow it to make me mad.

• Keep track of the bad days. Whenever you become discouraged or upset, mark an X on your calendar through that day. This will make you aware and responsible. Plus, you will be able to recognize the days where you’ve caused yourself and someone else to become unhappy due to your anger.

• Be aware of what pushes you over the edge of peace. Writing down your pet peeves will help you think of ways to avoid becoming angry, as well as ways to deal with negative situations in a positive manner.

• Change your words. Instead of saying, I’m mad because… try saying, I’m slightly irritated because… The latter phrase will not increase your anger, but it will help you become more conscious of the situation.

• Don’t play the name game. Calling someone else out of their name will place them in the league of your enemies. This makes it difficult to feel any empathy, which is the best counteracting agent to anger.

• Focus your attention and energy on the real issue. Stop dwelling on being mad and evaluate what upsets you in order to deal with the situation in a positive, non-violent manner; then keep it moving.

Learn to use anger management for a happier more productive life.

Poor Time Management

For years, many people have functioned on C.P.T. (Colored People’s Time). C.P.T. is a stereotypical perception that all Black people are never on time for anything, which is NOT true. Recently, it has become widely accepted that this problem includes all ethnic groups, because the term actually can be applied to people of all races who tend to have a tardiness problem. Anyone, regardless of age or race, can be punctual or have poor time management skills. It’s a matter of individual choice and habit.

However, many people set their alarm clocks to wake them up at 6 o’clock in the morning, only to snore through the racket or hit the snooze button repeatedly. They would plan to be somewhere on time, but as soon as they got near the appointment time, something or someone would pop up unannounced to distract them. The time wasted by sleeping that extra few minutes doomed them to tardiness yet again. Does this sound like you or someone you know?

Information besieges us nonstop in the current age in which we live, and the rate of change hurries forth at an unknown speed. Technology has created many devices, but these gadgets can ensnare us in time traps.

The following list provides some symptoms of poor time management:

• Hurrying

• A severe inability to make choices or decisions.

• Lethargy or enervation.

• Missing deadlines on a consistent basis.

• A shortage of time for rest or personal relationships.

The feeling of being smothered by demands and work details, along with having to do what you don’t like to do the majority of the time.

There have been many seminars, books and experts offering advice on how to save time, but most of these methods fail. Proper time management is comprised of simple skills that anyone can master. Make a sincere commitment and practice these skills regularly in order to see a change in your life.

Some tips on managing your time better are listed below:

• Make a schedule. Take a calendar or planner and make a daily schedule, writing down specifically what you will do the following day, along with times. Use a highlighter to mark deadlines and block out times for exercise, meal times, socializing or kicking it with friends, and other recreational activities.

• Make a game plan. Set daily and weekly goals for your job. Don’t become stagnant. When you’re not at work, set aside time to strengthen the areas you’re not good at. If you’re going to school, always set aside time to study, do research and write papers. Don’t neglect the other courses you’re taking when you’re preparing for a major exam. And try to work ahead in every course, whenever it’s possible.

• Stop wasting time. The only way you can save time is to figure out why or how you waste it. Disorganization holds many people back from attaining their goals and prevents them from becoming the best at what they do. Other people have a lack of drive, and this hinders them from starting projects. For a week, write down everything you do and how much time you spend doing it; that way you can identify how you waste your time.

• Know what is expected of you and do your homework. Your boss will not want to promote you if he or she has to repeatedly tell you what you should be doing, or if they have to continually go behind your work and make corrections. Know what your job description is and watch your co-workers in action to learn proper techniques or short cuts; and if you’re forgetful, don’t be ashamed to take notes. If you’re a student, don’t copy from a friend’s notes, take your own notes and do your own research. Your friend may not take accurate notes. When you’re reading on a topic, it’s fine to highlight passages, but write notes and valid questions about the subject and you will retain more knowledge.

• Have tunnel-vision: aim the spotlight of your attention at the task at hand. Don’t sweat what happened yesterday or worry about what tomorrow may bring; focus on what you have going on right now. The moment your mind starts to wander, use whatever method you need to use to bring your attention back to the present.

• In order to chop down a tree, you must do it one swing at a time. Cut a huge assignment into small pieces, so it will be less difficult. Students can divide term papers into smaller sections. Pick a topic, do the research, take notes, develop an outline, then move on to the next subject.

• Tidy up a bit. Keep your working area clean. Sometimes a heap of papers are perplexing. You can waste valuable time searching for important papers that you’ve misplaced. Ten minutes before you get off work, make sure your work area is in order, so you can start the next day fresh. Students should keep desks and lockers neat; then you can get to your homework and assignments without distractions.

Learning Disabilities

Learning disabilities are a major challenge in society today. People of all ages are affected by this problem and live seemingly normal lives.

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/learningdisabilities/ provides the following information about learning disabilities, treatment, prognosis, and research.

What are Learning Disabilities?

Learning disabilities are disorders that affect the ability to understand or use spoken or written language, do mathematical calculations, coordinate movements, or direct attention. Although learning disabilities occur in very young children, the disorders are usually not recognized until the child reaches school age. Research shows that 8 to 10 percent of American children under 18 years of age have some type of learning disability.

Is there any treatment?

The most common treatment for learning disabilities is special education. Specially trained educators may perform a diagnostic educational evaluation assessing the child’s academic and intellectual potential and level of academic performance. Once the evaluation is complete, the basic approach is to teach learning skills by building on the child’s abilities and strengths while correcting and compensating for disabilities and weaknesses. Other professionals such as speech and language therapists also may be involved. Some medications may be effective in helping the child learn by enhancing attention and concentration. Psychological therapies may also be used.

What is the prognosis?

Learning disabilities can be lifelong conditions. In some people, several overlapping learning disabilities may be apparent. Other people may have a single, isolated learning problem that has little impact on their lives.

What research is being done?

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) and other institutes of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) support research on learning disabilities through grants to major medical institutions across the country. Current research avenues focus on developing techniques to diagnose and treat learning disabilities and increase understanding of their biological basis.⁵

(NINDS health-related material is provided for information purposes only and does not necessarily represent endorsement by or an official position of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke or any other Federal agency. Advice on the treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation with a physician who has examined that patient or is familiar with that patient’s medical history. All NINDS-prepared information is in the public domain and may be freely copied.)

Many students struggle with learning disabilities. Contrary to popular belief, the majority of people with learning disabilities have average or above-average intelligence. But unfortunately, they hardly ever live up to their full potential in school. If these individuals don’t recognize that they have a problem and get special treatment, it will be hard for them to find and keep jobs.

Some people with learning disabilities are very savvy in covering up or compensating for their difficulties. Here are some ways to know if someone close to you has a learning disability:

• They have difficulty in occupying themselves in focused activities such as reading.

• They are exceedingly distractible, neglectful or absent-minded.

• They are easily discouraged and discontent by waiting, delays or heavy traffic.

• Their living areas, lockers at school or working areas are disorganized. Plus, it is very difficult for them to manage time efficiently and finish tasks or chores on time.

• Short-fused, explosive and easily irritated

• Impetuous, making choices with little thought or information

• Easily overpowered by ordinary problems

• Awkward, having a poor physical image and a poor sense of direction

• Irrationally immature

• Anxious and fidgety⁶

Through remedial training and vocational rehabilitation, people with learning disabilities can overcome their problem and become responsible people at school, at home, at work and in the community.

If If Was A Fifth

If we could leave alcoholic beverages alone,

And become sober and respectable citizens,

There wouldn’t be as many people

Under law enforcement supervision.

Thousands of lives could be saved,

And there’d be no drunk drivers in prison.

Less stress and regrets,

From making clear-minded decisions.

No more one-night stands,

With whoever, however and wherever.

Relationships could be mended,

And broken homes put back together.

There’d be less hateful words spoken,

And a decrease in harmful deeds.

Spare change would be available,

For folks to buy what they really need.

If self-control and abstinence

Could be learned,

Many lives wouldn’t speed by in a blur

To crash and burn.

If healthy living

Became a popular concern,

Maybe one day

Sobriety and temperance would return.

Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise. Proverbs 20:1 (NKJV).⁷

Do not look on the wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it swirls around smoothly; at the last it bites like a serpent, and stings like a viper. Your eyes will see strange things, and your heart will utter perverse things. Yes, you will be like one who lies down in the midst of the sea, or like one who lies at the top of the mast, saying: ‘They have struck me, but I was not hurt; they have beaten me, but I did not feel it. When shall I awake, that I may seek another drink?’ Proverbs 23:31-35 (NKJV)

Stop Smoking

The Bible is clear;

There are no ifs, ands or buts!

As Christians,

We should abstain from all fleshly lusts,

Which war against the soul.

So utilize control.

A long, healthy life

Isn’t a far-fetched goal.

Nicotine is an addictive substance,

That enslaves many people.

It damages their health,

And defiles God’s holy temple.

Smokers can argue,

But any tobacco habit is unclean.

If you yield yourself to cigarettes,

You’re servants of nicotine.

Tobacco use has never drawn

Anyone close to Christ;

But nicotine will shorten

At least one-third of your life.

So drop those cancer sticks,

And save your money for a necessity.

If you’re bound by nicotine addition,

Ask Christ to set you free!

Leave It Alone

You’ve never seen someone overdose

On weed and die;

But marijuana is a drug,

With an addictive high.

It’ll make you forgetful,

And give you the munchies;

Causing you to laugh at stuff

That isn’t even funny.

P.C.P. is a drug

That makes you hallucinate.

Sometimes it causes people

To commit murder or rape.

Reality blurs,

And fantasies start to take shape.

Your mind might not return,

From this delusional state.

Crack destroys your nerves,

And causes you to lose weight.

It also helps increase

The urban crime rate.

People smoke up their belongings,

And tell their loved ones lies.

Going through life

Hiding their addiction in disguise.

Heroin will also make you check

Your possessions in.

Fiends scratch at imaginary bugs

Trapped under their skin.

It’s hard to kick the habit,

But people swear they’ll change.

When you see them, you spot the needle marks,

And sunken veins.

Ecstasy is a drug

That’s known for making people freak;

But it also destroys your nerves

And makes your spine weak.

Crank is a deadly drug,

That can keep you up for days.

It’s bad for your health

In a lot of different ways.

There’s so many drugs you can make,

And pills you can take;

But anytime you use drugs,

It’s a big mistake.

Drugs can kill you, damage your health,

And have your mind gone.

To be safe, get high off life,

And leave drugs alone.

Coping With Grief

Grief is defined by Random House Webster’s Dictionary Fourth Edition, as keen mental suffering over affliction or loss; a cause of keen distress or sorrow.⁸ Based on this definition, it is evident that individuals who are experiencing grief may need assistance and support in coping in order to get back to a normal life.

The normal process of reacting to a loss, called grief, may be due to physical losses, such as death, and symbolic or social losses, such as divorce or job loss. Sometimes it may be due to illness or other tragedies. In either case, the person has had something meaningful taken away.

When death strikes it can leave us feeling alone and defenseless. Grief and mourning occur during this period of bereavement. If you or someone you know is dealing with the loss of a loved one, here are some ways to resolve grief, accept their death and help them get on with their life:

• Acknowledging how you feel. The emptiness and pain you feel after somebody close to you passes away and the fear of death are normal emotions that everybody experiences at some point in their