Planned Parenthood

There were shouting protesters. There were also people holding signs with pictures of fetuses and warnings of doing things Jesus’ way. It was odd seeing all this up close. The first time I really understood abortion was when I was thirteen. I watched a close friend of mine endure being called a baby killer after other people found out about a choice she’d made. We were both young, but I quickly learned how cruel people can be. As I got older, I’ve talked with other women who’ve shared their experiences of entering Planned Parenthood to do what they believed was the right choice for them, and while I listened to their stories, I never judged them. Why would I?

I’m a Christian, but I’m not God.

There’s a lot of controversy surrounding Planned Parenthood and I wonder do people who are in protest of it and suggesting it be defunded, have a warped perception of it? Planned Parenthood provides birth control, various forms of contraception, and healthcare, and for many women, it’s the only affordable healthcare they’re able to receive. As a believer, I understand doing things God’s way, but I also understand loving and praying for people vs. criticizing them. You never know what someone’s situation is or what you’d do if you were in someone else’s shoes. Even if you think you’d know what you would or wouldn’t do.

I can also empathize with women that want to have children, but can’t. I’ve also heard the stories of women who’ve loss their babies, weren’t able to carry their babies full term, or have been unable to get pregnant at all. Some of these women may detest the thought of women choosing to terminate their pregnancies. And that’s understandable, too.

But is anyone in a position to judge someone over their choices? I don’t believe so. At the end of the day whatever a woman decides to do with her body is between her and God. It’s none of my business or anyone else’s to debate about what’s going on with another woman’s uterus.

Is Planned Parenthood helpful or hurtful? Guess it really depends on your definition of help or hurt.

A Year Of Being Ghosted

Ghosting: the practice of ending a personal relationship with someone by suddenly and without explanation withdrawing from all communication. I’ve been ghosted by every guy I’ve met within the past two years. About six to be exact. · The first guy pursued me and then got shady whenever I asked him about what he did for a living and where he lived. When he started dodging and avoiding questions, wouldn’t initiate dates, and slowly stopped keeping in touch with me altogether, eventually, all communication ceased. · The second guy was someone I met through a family member. He was super cool, very smart, handsome, and funny, but didn’t want to be in a relationship and acted like he didn’t want to be seen with me publicly. When we had plans to meet for an outing, he didn’t show up, and then texted me about a week later with an apology. We chilled at my place a few times, had a few phone conversations, and exchanged occasional texts, but eventually he stopped responding to me

Teacher Table Talk: When Parents Attack

As an English teacher, a core belief I’ve held close since the beginning of my career has been the importance of relationship building. I believe that if great relationships between teachers, students, and parents are established at the beginning of the school year, everything else will fall into place. Authentically modeling, practicing, and establishing mutually respectful and professional relationships within my classroom has been the bridge for effective communication, solid classroom management, and creating a safe and effective learning environment that fits each of my student’s needs. And though I’ve seen and experienced the benefits of great relationship building, unfortunately, there have been times when some students and parents have not been receptive or interested in my efforts to establish connections that would best serve all parties involved. I’ve also noticed and shared spaces with other educators, school counselors, and administrators who’ve experienced the same. And

How To Respond To A Nasty Email

Technology has made many people bold, rude, and incredibly messy. Often to the point where some may hide behind words they’ve typed instead of verbally communicating a message they want to convey. Such can be the case when it comes to sending emails. Ah, emails. You know what they are. Electronic messages that can be quickly drafted, sent, and misinterpreted (because you can’t always interpret tones or emotions through them). Which is why it’s key to know how to respond to nasty emails if they should ever come your way – especially in the workplace. As a working professional, there have been plenty of times when a coworker or superior sent an email my way that was petty, mad disrespectful, and unprofessional. And before I learned how to properly utilize email etiquette, my first instinct would always be to clap back. I just felt the need to respond and to communicate that I wouldn’t allow anyone, no matter who they were, to disrespect me. And while I haven’t taken things too far

Making Waves