Tag: Spreading Awareness

Observing Juneteenth: A Celebration of Freedom

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Hello, beautiful people! I’m Q’Zion, and welcome or welcome back to my blog! ♡

As you all know, there are a bunch of holidays that many of us celebrate each year; Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter, Valentine’s, and New Year’s are just a few examples. And while those are all great, there is one holiday in particular that was recently made a national holiday due to a bill signed by Joe Biden, coming into effect on June of 2021. That holiday is Juneteenth. And today, I’m going to tell you all what it’s all about.

What is Juneteenth?

In short, Juneteenth–a combination of the words “June” and “nineteenth”–is a holiday celebrating the freedom of the last African slaves in the United States on June 19, 1865, over two years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. Not only is it a mark of the end of slavery within our country, but also the freedom of African-Americans. This year, it just so happens to be shared with Father’s Day, which falls on the third Sunday of June.

Why should we celebrate it?

Even though Juneteenth is considered a national holiday, most Americans know little to nothing about it. This percentage includes some African-Americans, like myself. I believe Juneteenth is a holiday that should be observed and celebrated by American citizens of all nationalities and ethnic identities. Here are some reasons why.

1. We need to learn the good and bads of our nation’s history

While slavery was an unfourtunate element of the history of the United States, it is important that we know about what slaves went through before they were freed, their struggle to gain all of their natural rights, and the people who helped make African-American freedom a reality.

2. To help fight for equality

While Black Americans are now free from slavery, we are still constant victims of police brutality, discrimination due to the color of our skin or the way we dress our hair, higher chance of imprisonment, and higher employment rates. Our world has come a long way from its past, but racism is still a reality among some. Juneteenth gives us a chance to fight for equality for ALL human beings.

3. The freedom of slaves affects every American

As soon as the last African-American slaves were freed, it was a step forward to a more understanding, anti-racist, and fair country and world. Even after they gained their freedom, our black ancestors still struggled to gain all of their legal rights as American citizens. And many of us still struggle in today’s world. But with every peaceful protest, campaign, and usage of other personal platforms to spread awareness about Juneteenth, we can all work together to make our nation better than what it was decades ago.

Hopefully, this helped you all understand what Juneteenth is, as well as its importance. While the world isn’t perfect, we are making progress. And Juneteenth is a reminder that when we work together– in faith, perseverance, and love–there is no goal that our nation can’t achieve.

LET’S CHAT~Had you ever heard of Juneteenth before you read this post? If so, did you learn anything new about it today?

Thank you so much for joining me! I’ll see you next time! ♡

We teach others how to treat us — Words of Wisdom #17

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While there are good people in this world, everyone encounters those who want to put us down; to make us feel unworthy or angry. Even if we do treat others how we want to be treated, and follow the words of God to the best of our ability, it seems like there are always people who try to steal your joy.

So the question remains; why do some people try to treat us like doormats?

The answer to this question can vary on the situation. It could be because they are having a bad day and want someone else to feel how they are feeling. It could be jealousy. Or they could just be that type of person. But something that we always need to remember is that as followers of Christ, the way we represent both God and ourselves is a crucial part in how we teach others to treat us.

The way we react to certain situations and how we carry ourselves makes a huge difference in how we are treated. When certain people try to deal with their emotions, some of them will try to mess with those who appear vulnerable in some way: whether that is physically, emotionally, or relating to personal self-esteem. They look for an easy target–or someone who is insecure in who they are.

For example, if a group of kids in school decide to pick on a child, and the victim begins to appear emotionally hurt, chances are the bullying will continue, and maybe even get worse. But if the victim simply ignores the bullying, without displaying any visible reaction to the teasing, the bullies will likely move on. The reason is because, no bully is going to waste their time picking on someone who they can’t affect. Self confidence is key to keeping the peace. And we can show that we are confident without saying a single word.

Final Thoughts

The sad truth is, there will always be hurt people in this world who want to hurt others. But if we have confidence in who God tells us who we are, and who we are in the eyes of Jesus Christ, He gives us the strength that we need to face any battle. And when people see that strength . . . when they see that we respect ourselves, they know to treat us with that same respect. Because a person who respects themselves will accept nothing less.

Learning who we are can be a longer process, depending on the person. But as long as we read God’s Word, and reflect on what we mean to Him, we begin to realize that we are worthy of the utmost respect. All we have to do is represent.

Thank you so much for joining me, and I hope that you were inspired! God bless you all! ✨

End the month with a smile ♡

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This is the last day of May. Wow.

While this month was pretty busy at times–since the end-of-the-year tests I had to take were a bit tiresome–I still had a great time, overall. I’m super grateful that I have a whole two months to rest on summer break. Though, I’m really looking forward to high school and my new electives–Accounting Applications and American Sign Language–when my break is over. Right now, I’m just learning to appreciate the present moment.

But the truth is, no matter what occurred during the sunny month of May, we should be sure that we end it with a smile. And while we should smile constantly, today is National Smile Day…so let’s do it even more so than usual. Laughter and smiling is the best medicine during the good and hard times–especially when we do it with the ones whom we love.

Related Post: A warm smile is an act of kindness

Today is just a reminder to never forget to smile, no matter what challenges life may bring. Because there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel.

Have a blessed day, everybody! Peace in! ✨

A prayer for the victims of the Texas School Shooting … 💖

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Hello, everybody! I hope you all are having a beautiful day or night!

At this point, almost everybody has heard about the tragedy of the Robb Elementary School shooting. While I usually don’t discuss events like this on my blog, I wanted to do my part in spreading awareness about gun violence and share my condolences to every person who was involved, as well as their loved ones.

Honestly, I wish that this hadn’t happened, as a majority of the people who have seen this news have. Each victim, whether a student or adult, had much more life to live, and none of them were deserving of this evil deed.

I understand that we cannot do anything to rectify the past, or the lives of every soul who has descended as a result of this event, but I would like to say a short prayer for everyone who was and is being affected.

Dear God,

Thank You for hearing from me today, as always. As You know, many families and children were hurt in the recent massacre. Although this might not take away the pain that the victims are currently feeling, I would like to bring my requests to you for a much brighter future in this world.

Please give the loved ones of the children and teachers–as well as the still-surviving victims, themselves–who were harmed by this school shooting a feeling of inner peace. Even in their state of grief, I pray that you will wrap your arms around them and give them hope for a better future. Please don’t let them use this event as a reason to give up, but please let it set a flame for them to do what they can to prevent others from experiencing what they did. Turn their grief into a drive to make the world a better place.

The truth is, some people in this world are crazy. And while some of them are mentally ill, others are filled with so much hate that they feel as though they need to hurt others the same way they are hurt. I pray that you will create peace in this world, where the government will stop worrying about power, but the safety of the citizens who they govern. I pray for gun safety laws so that families who drop their children off to school won’t have to worry that they won’t see them again.

Please let schools take their students’ and teachers’ safety as a top priority. Set a bubble of protection around every school as they put physical boarders in place to prevent history from repeating itself once again. Comfort the children and parents who are grieving and walking on eggshells. The surviving victims who had to witness the last moments of their classmates and teachers. Help them get the help that they need, so that they may see it as a testimony that You kept them here. Thank You Lord for preventing outcomes worse than what they were.

Please let this be a wake up call to everyone around the world, that life and world peace is more important than power. I bind up the spirit of greediness and pride. I pray that every person aware of this awful deed will have a spirit of compassion. Let this event be a large step in a safer nation, where the government, cops, and all those who should be protecting us to approve laws that ensure the safety, justice, and equality of ALL people. Please make this world better. Because we can’t do it without You.

Thanks again for listening and answering our humble prayers.

In Jesus’ name, Amen ♡

Hopefully, this event that will last in history will make a positive difference in our nation and our world. While I am sorry that this ever occurred, I am grateful that I can use my online platforms as a way to spread awareness about the issue of gun violence. I hope that this has inspired you to pray for all of those who were involved, not only earlier this week, but for decades before it.

LET’S CHAT~Feel free to share your thoughts, prayers, and condolences for the families in the chat. Just remember to keep it family appropriate please. Thanks! ♡

Have a beautiful and blessed day everybody! See you next time! 💖

World Autism Awareness Day | How to Support the Cause 💙

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April is National Autism Awareness Month, Every April 2, also dubbed World Autism Awareness Day, is for autism organizations around the world, as well as people with autism and their supporters to come together in the stride of giving people with autism, also known as Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), an opportunity to reach their entire potential in political, economic and social platforms.

Considering that about 1 in 54 people under the age of 21 are diagnosed with autism every year in the United States (at least, according to various online sources) it’s very easy to say that autism is very common. The amount of diagnoses seem to have risen every decade. As a result, many people, including myself, have 1 or more family member(s) or friend(s) that has autism.

Because autism affects many children (and people, in general) around the world, it’s important that we do our best to support people with autism and their stride to make a difference in the communities. But, how exactly do we become aware, understand, accept, and support the cause for equality? That is where I come in.

Disclaimer~Let me say that I cannot speak from the point of view of a person in the autism spectrum. Every person, with or without autism, is different, so if you are in the spectrum, an advocate, or simply someone wanting to learn more about the subject, feel free to add any feedback in the comments to add onto to what I say and/or express your thoughts on other ways to support autism acceptance. Thanks! ♡

Back to my main subject: here are a few ways to support the cause! Enjoy!

1.) Address a Person with Autism with Respect — Most of the time, it is generally standard to refer to someone who has autism as a “person with autism” rather than an “autistic person,” if a situation where you are introducing them comes into play. While the two phrases may seem like the same thing to some, putting the word “person” before the word “autism” is acknowledging the person or people as individuals and human beings before the fact that they are in the autistic spectrum. However, you may want to ask the person with autism what they prefer to be referred to, and go based on that, as the answer can vary depending on the individual.

2.) Befriend or Spend Time with a Person in the Autism Spectrum — Try spending time with a person who has autism. Sometimes, it takes hands-on experience of being with a person to be able to understand them and how they think on another level. Showing support towards someone who is affected by autism can be a great way to spread awareness to your community and be an advocate towards the cause of celebrating differences.

3.) Educate Yourself — It can be a little tough to support a cause when you aren’t even completely aware of what autism is, how it affects people, and what you can do to help. All it takes is a little internet research to set you in motion to being a better example and advocate in your community.

4.) Donate to Charitable (and Reliable) Autism Organizations — This one may be a little obvious, but its always a great idea to support a good cause of any kind by donating to organizations that pour back into their communities. If you’d like to find some autism organizations, click HERE to view a list.

5.) Wear Blue — Blue is the “official” color to celebrate autism awareness and spreading the word in our communities. Therefore, another nice way to show your support is wearing the color blue throughout April. You can even post a selfie of yourself wearing blue and include the tag #LightitUpBlue to put a stamp on the statement that you will be making through the color.

Thank you all so much for reading some tips for how to celebrate World Autism Awareness Day as well as Autism Awareness Month. This post was really rewarding to write~it makes me happy to use my love for writing to spread awareness of messages of equality and unity.

Autism is not a disability in any shape or form. It is just another beautiful way to see the world.

Have a beautiful and blessed day, everybody! 💙