Including You

A story is told about a soldier who was finally coming home after having fought in War. He called His parents. “Mummy and Daddy, I’m coming home, but I’ve got a favor to ask. I have a Friend I’d like to bring with me.” “Sure,” they replied, “we’d love to meet him.” “There’s something you should know,” the son continued, “He was hurt pretty badly in the fighting. He stepped on a landmine and lost an arm and a leg. He has nowhere else to go, and I want him to come live with us.” “I’m sorry to hear that, son. Maybe we can help him find somewhere to live.” “No, Mom and Dad, I want him to live with us.” “Son,” said the father, “you don’t know what you’re asking. Someone with such a handicap would be a terrible burden on us. We have our own lives to live, and we can’t let something like this interfere with our lives. I think you should just come home and forget about this guy. He’ll find a way to live on his own.”

At that point, the son hung up the phone. The parents heard nothing more from him. A few days later, however, they received a call from the police. Their son had died after falling from a building, they were told. The police believed it was suicide. The grief- stricken parents flew to and were taken to the city morgue to identify the body of their son. They recognized him, but to their horror they also discovered something they didn’t know, their son had only one arm and one leg. The parents in this story are like many of us. We find it easy to love those who are good-looking or fun to have around, but we don’t like people who inconvenience us or make us feel uncomfortable. We would rather stay away from people who aren’t as healthy, beautiful, or smart as we are.

Thankfully, there’s someone who won’t treat us that way. Someone who loves us with an unconditional love that welcomes us into the forever family, regardless Of how messed up we are. Tonight, before you tuck yourself in for the night, say a little prayer that God will give you the strength you need to accept people as they are, and to help us all be more understanding of those who are different from us!!! There’s a magic called -Friendship- that dwells deep in the heart. You don’t know how it happens or when it gets its start. But you know the special lift it always brings and you realize that Friendship Is God’s most precious gift! Friends are a very rare jewel, indeed. They make you smile and encourage you to succeed. They lend an ear, they share a word of praise, and they always want to open their hearts to us.

International Men’s Day

The objectives of celebrating an International Men’s Day include improving gender relations, promoting gender equality, producing responsible males and highlighting positive male role models. The observance of International Men's Day seeks to address problems and challenges facing men. These issues include the involvement of men in domestic violence, drug abuse, fathering, homicides, sports, media, power, politics, religion, parenting, war, suicides and family life. The ultimate goal of the Men’s Day is to promote unity and create a safer, better world. This community was made to address and seek solutions for the problems facing males in today's society.

Individuals, international associations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and religious bodies will be contacted to assist in the observance of this special day. There is also a need for the regular hosting of international conferences on men to address issues and seek solutions. Hopefully, in the long-term we can make International Men's Day an annual worldwide event with beneficial results. It is hoped that men interested in improving themselves and reforming other males would be part of this ongoing "Men's Revolution" and annually celebrate International Men's Day.
At work, in our communities, schools and religious institutions, there should be dialogue between both sexes for greater understanding and tolerance. Thanks for your support and advice in this endeavor as we strive for gender equality and attempt to remove the negative images and the stigma associated with men in our society.

Onward Men of the World

Sons, fathers, brothers, daughters, mothers and sisters, come join the uphill struggle for peace and equality. It will take decades, centuries, probably longer than we expect. But let us keep the faith and persist. Cooperating and consolidating, until our dream is achieved, until we display and receive respect. Discussing, discovering and enforcing. Our remedies for ills and issues will strengthen society’s sinews. A fire has been lit, and a movement for positive change quickens its pace. So accept the baton as a global revolution commences.

A Vision for Peace and Equality. Come men of the world, young and old, belonging to different classes, religions and races. Let us unite forces to change cold hearts and unhappy faces. A world of wars and violence must be no more. Yes, we regret a sad past of violence and gore. Let us rid ourselves of vices many, for the betterment of our womenfolk, children and peace of society. We strive to be role models for the next generation, bringing joy and goodwill to countries, towns and families. Daily we battle temptations and evils, the victors must assist the losers. As together we strengthen our resolve to create a better world.

Men's Code of Conduct

I wanted to share a wonderful Men’s Code of Conduct that was developed on Gender, Family, and Community Violence.

Men's Institute Code Of Conduct

• I recognize that silence is not acceptable and that words alone are not enough, I must act.
• I will put my family first; before friends, community and even self. I will love, protect and provide for my family.
• I will model love and tenderness for my children, spouse/ partner, parents and community.
• I will work to make my home a place of safety and security for my family - A Sanctuary.
• I will be a positive role model for my own family, children and community.
• I commit to showing and sharing my emotions and feelings openly and honestly.
• I will acknowledge my own mistakes and learn from them.
• I am willing to say "I'm sorry" when I make a mistake; and I will show through my actions that I mean it.
• I am willing to learn, change and grow.
• I will act in a manner that is respectful of myself and others.
• I will celebrate my own history and culture, as well as those of others.
• I will be accountable for unearned male privilege and strive for gender equality and equity.
• I recognize that domestic violence is a community issue, affecting everyone, including men and generations to come.
• I will support the development of education across cultures regarding domestic violence as it relates to contemporary societal norms and laws.
• I will support community organizations that provide assistance to families, victims and perpetrators.
• I will help deliver the message that violence is never an appropriate means of communication or problem solving.
• I refuse to abuse.
With a spirit of love and hope, I affirm that I will live by this code, and that I will encourage others to adopt it as well.

Being Female

My happiness about being female goes hand in hand with my relief not to be male. Yes indeed. Allow me to elaborate.
· Being female means not having to watch lame sports. Unless I want to.
· Being female means I'm allowed to cry. It makes me sensitive rather than a wet blanket.
· Being female means not having to go where my dick mindlessly leads me. That's right, 'cause I ain't got one.
· Being female means having the right to bitch and whine before, during and right after my period. Not to mention when I'm ovulating. Face it, boys, there's no way in hell you could blame temporary let alone chronic moodiness on mister one-eye.
· Being female means you can like disco without anyone remarking "are you a woofer, or what?!!"
· Being female means understanding the joy of shopping. You boys don't know what you're missing.
· Being female means not having to worry about going bald. We just go gray and dye, and don't have to resort to wigs. Unless we want to.
· Being female means the ability to have kids if we want them. In the real world, not even Arnie could pull that one off.
· Being female means having friends, rather than booze-buddies.
· Being female means not having to be macho. Unless I want to.
· Being female means not being judged on your car. Or the bimbo by your side.
· Being female at 40 means good sex. Being male aged 40.. what was sex again?
· Being female means never being ashamed or afraid to hug your friends.
· Being female means never being too embarrassed to tell mum you love her.
Let's face it, people. Would anyone voluntarily be a man?
Originally written for "Something To Say". Try not to take it TOO seriously.