Life's Peak When You Have All 3

"God is just man reimagined."

"I have always felt that a human being could only be saved by another human being. I am aware that we do not save each other very often. But I am also aware that we save each other some of the time." — James Baldwin on How to Live Through Your Darkest Hour and Life as a Moral Obligation to the Universe

[Belles-lettres]

My take on an ideal Christmas.

So, I saw a lot of people blogging about their ideal Christmas. It, frankly, tempted me—though I'm quite aware this'll go unread. Just a place to share my thoughts.

Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. You know, the guy that died for our sins and was initially condemned for it but later returned in full glory, embracing every nook and cranny of the world as a religious breakthrough. The main idea he propagated was basically that we care for everyone, spread love and abide by some basic principles—most important of which was to stay humble and kind.

Then, tell me, why do we feel the need to be extravagant on the very occasion that is supposed to celebrate the birth of someone who is the humblest of all?

The idea of people throwing small, domestic parties is quite fine—comforting and valuable, in fact. Cosy gatherings with your family and friends, all huddled up close with fulfilling and hearty but not necessarily extravagant food, a piping hot cup of coffee and a crackling fireplace, whilst helping out those in your locality with warm food and clothes—even the street pets; the perfect idea of Christmas. Being grateful for all you have but not indulging too much.

Usually, I'd never comment on these things—it's none of my business on how people splurge their money. But recently I've been seeing posts about people having extravagant, over-the-top and simply infuriatingly indulgent Christmases. Not just that—these are the same people who refuse to help someone in need. They'll come up with excuses like, "Oh, I'm not rich enough to help this person."; or worse, "Oh, I don't have anything to give to this poor stray.—and then they proceed to make themselves look like a kind person by sharing quotes like, "give back as much as you can." Very ironic, isn't it, considering that a sandwich for a starving homeless person is barely 3 dollars at a Walmart and a sausage even lesser for the poor shivering dog on the streets? Don't you realise that the time you spend preaching, you can use that time to actually help people in need and make a difference? Even the smallest difference counts, people! Make a change! Splurge less on things you already have and start splurging on kindness—no matter how less you can give away!

Anyway, this felt more like a rant than a take on an ideal Christmas. This post is just futile. People don't change. But I need to channel the angry humanitarian inside me, so—Here goes nothing.

The kind of love I crave.

Joy Sullivan, from Instructions for Traveling West: Poems; “These Days People Are Really Selling Me on California”

<3

<3

by benjaminbarakat

Ben is a fucking genius.

Ben Cooper (Radical Face) in his Spotify Wrapped message be like "I really think there are better things you could be listening to, but thank you"

Man. Guy. I have kept Radical Face snugly against my heart for years and enthusiastically recommended him to everybody who would listen. His songs have inspired so much creativity, I've named so many short stories after them, made characters based on them, and named my first finished novel-length story Homesick. RF kept me calm and helped me sleep when I was in the hospital for my brain ("Letters Home" and "From the Mouth of an Injured Head" were dear to me then). "The Mute" is the most beautiful song I've ever heard about the autistic experience. I'm a queer exmormon from an abusive household and "Bad Blood" cuts so deep into that wound and lets it bleed like it needs to. I sang "Servants and Kings" to my partner on our seventh anniversary. Singing "Wrapped in Piano Strings" helped ground me through a horrific time involving my family. "Everything Costs" describes pretty much exactly what happened with them and my place in it.

No, RF didn't save my life per se, but damn, he sure has inspired me to feel my emotions and find sometimes heartbreaking beauty in them and use them to make something new. Like water, RF keeps everything moving, helps wash away the grime, helps break dams that need to be broken.

No there are not better things I could be listening to, Ben.

My name is Abed.

I’m a survivor from Gaza, holding on to hope in a world that has fallen apart around me. 💔

The life I once knew — my home, my family, my sense of safety — has been shattered by war. Today, I live among the ruins, trying to find a path forward through the rubble and heartbreak. 🏚

Every moment is a battle against fear and uncertainty. What was once ordinary — a safe place to sleep, a future to dream of — now feels like a distant memory. 🕊️

I share my story not to seek pity, but to keep hope alive — to believe that even in the darkest places, kindness can still find a way. 🤍

If my story touches your heart, please consider sharing it or offering support. Every voice, every act of care, brings me one step closer to safety. ✨

Thank you for taking the time to listen. 🙏

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We are with you brother💗💗 more strength to you

Where I belong

Me nd @meowmeow93345

HAPPY PRIDE FRIENDS !! 🌈💖

Heart series pt.1 | Do NOT repost or use without permission.