Tribes

     When we read the word tribes, we often picture Native Americans or other groups in the jungles of Africa and South America or in the outback of Australia.  They usually are non-white with native traditions and styles of dress.  They band together to survive, to share with their members, and to continue their traditional ways.  We sometimes do not realize that we are also members of tribes.
     Your extended family is a type of tribe with relatives helping each other and passing on value systems and long-held traditions.  Your church is another type of tribe organized to benefit all it's members and passing on religious beliefs.  Political parties are tribes who help each other get elected and retain power while furthering a particular agenda.  Other organizations seek loyal members who agree on purpose and objectives.
    Most tribes have a loyalty to their own members and believe that their survival depends on protecting their own.  When cooperation with other tribes is difficult, battles may ensue.  When more "civilized" tribes don't cooperate, the battle of words can begin.  Discussions and debates can be healthy until the overpowering objective is to win the battle. 
     In primitive tribes, survival depends on loyalty.  In our more complex world, survival depends on cooperation.   
         

The Fourth Estate

      In Jolly Old England and Europe, three estates existed: the clergy, the aristocrats, and the commoners.  In America, everyone is equal with the same rights and privileges.  We still, however, place people into categories: the clergy, the rich and powerful, the middle class, and the poor.  Our government has three branches: the executive, the legislative, and the judicial which enable a method of checks and balances.
     The fourth estate is the public press or news media and their journalists.  The best of them investigate, research, and publish their stories without bias or prejudice.  They question everything and come up with the truth.  This keeps a check on everyone.  
     Perhaps our brains have four estates: religious beliefs, knowledge and education, common sense, and the desire to discover the truth.  The combination of these areas of thought can keep us balanced. 

Selfie

     An instant to create and share, a selfie records your outward appearance during a single activity.  Presenting a snapshot of your inner thoughts and opinions takes a little more time.  We can also aim the camera away from ourselves to view other people and their behavior.  We need to take the time to understand the way they think.  The camera can also help us see into the distance far away from ourselves.  Understanding the bigger picture can help us mature beyond our selfie interests.
     Some people seem satisfied with their self-portraits, content with their outward image and their inner self.  Frequently, they find it easier to judge others than to focus on their own need for improvement.  Perhaps, they truly care about other people who seem to be harming themselves, risking their souls, and causing the downfall of society.  Perhaps, they just want to design the world according to their own opinions and beliefs.
     Taking and sharing a selfie presents our image to the world.  We send and receive these self-portraits which capture a moment in time.  Sharing our thoughts and opinions can reveal what is important to us.  Seeing beyond our own little world, respecting others, and looking at a variety of views can help us understand the big picture.

Pragmatic

     Most of us have heard Dr. Phil ask, "How's that working for you?" usually after someone has described their behavior in a problem situation.  The person then admits that their actions are not producing the results they want.  Part of the solution then is to change or improve their behavior to produce better results.  This is an example of being pragmatic, predicting the consequences, solving the problem, and taking action.
     Some say this is the way to judge behavior: do what works to create the outcome.  Others say what you do must first comply with standards set by what you believe is good and right established by your religion or other philosophy.  Based on religion, some behaviors are considered always wrong for everyone.  Pragmatists are more inclined to give each individual the right to choose their own behavior based on their situation as long as it is legal.
     We may wish, hope, and pray for certain consequences, but some results are out of our control.  No matter what we do, we may not be able to create the desired outcome; however, we may have more power to control the future than we  realize.  We have to analyze the variety of choices, consider the short and long term effects, then do whatever works.
     Although we may value the opinions of others, we may need to take a fresh look at our lives  and have confidence in our own opinions about what to do.  We also need to allow others to form their own opinions and do what works for them.  Be pragmatic.   

Guides

     Many Christians use the Bible as a guide to behavior.  They believe that this text is inspired by God and applies to the people of Bible times as well as to us today.  Certain passages are used to define appropriate behavior and sinful behavior.  Many people put their faith in the Bible first and foremost.  Whatever conflicts with their interpretation of the scriptures is then perceived as wrong.
     Often science is seen as faulty about the formation of the universe and the evolution of the species.  Homosexuality is viewed as deviant and sinful.  Some even see birth control as against God's will. They view the fertilized egg as a human being with a soul which must be  preserved at all costs and  believe that women should continue all pregnancies until a baby is born.  Many also believe that our government should make the laws and grant human rights based on the Bible.
     Conflicts come when any religious philosophy is used as a primary source of opinion without considering other sources of information.  Our society today has a greater understanding  of science, human behavior, and the right to privacy.  Our democracy allows freedom of religion but does not favor one philosophy over another.  We allow citizens to guide themselves toward their own truth as long as their behavior has been deemed legal.

Calling

     Some people believe they have a calling from God, usually referring to a religious vocation or a profession that is aligned with God's will.  Some feel called by patriotism to serve their country in the military or in politics. Others have faith in their own inner voice that leads them to choose an occupation or a position within society.
     Many people never hear a call from above or from anywhere else.  They do their best to find a way to develop their talents and skills in order to support themselves and their families.  Most people would like to enjoy what they do and get a sense of fulfillment from their efforts.  Unfortunately,  many people find themselves just working to make ends meet at low paying jobs, or worse yet, are unemployed.
     Young people need to discover their talents and strengths, their likes and dislikes, before they take on the responsibilities of marriage and parenthood.  They should get a good idea of what occupations are in demand so that when they finish their education and training, they will be able to find employment.
     We all need to listen to our call to contribute our talents and labors and find a satisfying way to support ourselves.  We may feel a calling that leads us toward our destiny, or we may just have to listen closely to our own voice and follow our dreams.

Flower or Fruit

     A flower is a reproductive system often attracting animals, birds, and insects to help with pollination.  The beauty of a blossom also attracts humans who are in awe of color, shape, and scent.  After pollination, fruit forms which can give sustenance to other creatures.
     Much of our life can be spent as a flower.  We want to sustain our outer beauty to be attractive to others especially the opposite sex.  Much time is spent on reproduction making sure our species continues through future generations.  We then focus on children and grandchildren helping them blossom.
     Perhaps we should spend more time being a fruit, developing our talents to create products and services that will benefit others beyond our own families.  Everyone should take responsibility to sustain and improve the environment and to improve the lives of those nearby and around the world.
     A flower's main objective is to be attractive and reproduce itself.  It's lifetime is important yet short.  The fruit takes much longer to develop and produces seeds for the next generation.  When fully developed, the fruit provides food for other creatures.  We all spend part of our lives being flowers, but at maturity, we need to become fruit.