T.B. LaBerge

The man defines the beard

[mysharona1987]

From The Washington Post. Damn

[leafwhirlwind]

Do not let them make you numb.

[tblaberge]

A Response to "All Lives Matter"

For the last 4 years I have been angry. It has simmered at the edge of my soul, almost at a boiling point with each day that passes.

4 years of having my perception of loved ones and those I respect be completely and totally shattered.

I have sat by as children and immigrant families are put in cages. 

“All lives matter”

I have seen Black men and women on VIDEO being murdered. Crying out that they cannot breathe, that they are a NRA member, a human simply wanting to know why they are being detained.

“All lives matter”

I have heard the chants of white men holding torches chanting “Jews will not replace us” and a president who refused to condemn their actions.

“All lives matter”

I have watched Political leaders saying on television that grandma and grandpa would be willing to die for our economy.

“All lives matter”

I have seen my Asian brothers and sisters being racially targeted for a virus they had no control of, being blamed by “their” own president for what he is to be blamed for.

“All lives matter”

I have watched this country burn as a president played golf more days than most people in the US have had jobs.

“All lives matter“

I heard these words coming from the mouth of those who would profess that they know Jesus. I can only imagine Jesus saying “I do not know you.” As he stands next to the children in cages, the man who has a knee on his neck, and the elderly who struggles with their mask and groceries.

To my friends who say “All lives matter” and still stand with the man who only reacts to situations with violence, or signs executive orders when his tweets are being fact checked, who refuses to call out nazis when they march his streets.

I say to you, I do not know you. I cannot know you. For that is not the way of Christ.

All lives matter to those who speak for those who can’t. We must step away from our pride, and learn to listen to the hurt. We must not let evil blind us from love, for love welcomes. Love heals.

Black lives matter because Jewish lives matter, Hispanic lives matter, Immigrant lives matter, Asian lives matter. Yes, all lives matter. But your actions and who you support shows that you truly do not believe that.

We say Black lives matter because it’s bigger than us, because it’s the human thing to do, and because we want to let our Black, Brown, and light skinned brothers and sisters know that we see them, we hear them, and we see what is happening all around them. 

We must unite. 

We must go forward past hate. 

Past ourselves.

Black Lives Matter.

[jspark3000]

There’s a scene in the TV show Dexter where the lead Dexter accidentally kills an innocent guy, and it was supposed to be this big pivotal moment in the series of guilt and self-awareness. But in the next episode, Dexter is thinking, “The guy was abusive, he was a criminal, he was manipulative —” basically a character assassination of the victim to justify his death. Both TV critics and fandoms went crazy, saying this was a writer’s cop-out and a really cheap way to keep the lead untouchable. To make it worse, the show goes on like it never happened, and it was the start of a long decline of the show itself. Even in a fictional universe, viewers can only take so much, and the viewers inherently know that a lack of accountability and consequences is bad writing. All I’m saying is, we realize this about fiction, but not in real life.

[iridescentides]

the lea michele situation is actually a prime example of why we should be wary of performative activism right now. if you are supporting the cause by protesting, donating, posting your support, etc. that’s great! but this problem goes so much deeper than just police brutality.

every single non-black person who has posted #blacklivesmatter this week needs to take a step back and analyze whether or not their actions (not just their words) have shown that they truly believe that statement. it’s a clear and obvious choice to speak out against the brutal murder of an innocent man. however, if you are not making the obvious choice every day to speak up for us when your friends/relatives make racist jokes, if you are not listening to and respecting the black people you know in real life, if you have not sat down to analyze the ways you actively benefit from this system, if you have not worked to start unlearning the biases you were raised with, or if you thought “black lives matter” was a controversial statement until this week, do not pretend to care just because everyone is talking about it right now.

when these protests are over, there will still be many battles to fight. this is not a game, and this is not something you post about just for likes and clicks. if you are resting easy right now thinking that you’re “one of the good ones” for showing public outrage over a situation that should anger any reasonable person, you need to do more. racism is not something you can pick and choose when to be against. we don’t get to pick and choose when we experience racism. so if you’re going to get involved with this situation right here, right now, then you need to be ready to hold yourself and others accountable for anti-blackness in all other areas of your life.

[iridescentides]

white people can and SHOULD reblog!

[tblaberge]

I’ve thought a lot about this. Tough decisions to make going forward, but that’s how we move forward.

[tblaberge]

A Response to "All Lives Matter"

For the last 4 years I have been angry. It has simmered at the edge of my soul, almost at a boiling point with each day that passes.

4 years of having my perception of loved ones and those I respect be completely and totally shattered.

I have sat by as children and immigrant families are put in cages. 

“All lives matter”

I have seen Black men and women on VIDEO being murdered. Crying out that they cannot breathe, that they are a NRA member, a human simply wanting to know why they are being detained.

“All lives matter”

I have heard the chants of white men holding torches chanting “Jews will not replace us” and a president who refused to condemn their actions.

“All lives matter”

I have watched Political leaders saying on television that grandma and grandpa would be willing to die for our economy.

“All lives matter”

I have seen my Asian brothers and sisters being racially targeted for a virus they had no control of, being blamed by “their” own president for what he is to be blamed for.

“All lives matter”

I have watched this country burn as a president played golf more days than most people in the US have had jobs.

“All lives matter“

I heard these words coming from the mouth of those who would profess that they know Jesus. I can only imagine Jesus saying “I do not know you.” As he stands next to the children in cages, the man who has a knee on his neck, and the elderly who struggles with their mask and groceries.

To my friends who say “All lives matter” and still stand with the man who only reacts to situations with violence, or signs executive orders when his tweets are being fact checked, who refuses to call out nazis when they march his streets.

I say to you, I do not know you. I cannot know you. For that is not the way of Christ.

All lives matter to those who speak for those who can’t. We must step away from our pride, and learn to listen to the hurt. We must not let evil blind us from love, for love welcomes. Love heals.

Black lives matter because Jewish lives matter, Hispanic lives matter, Immigrant lives matter, Asian lives matter. Yes, all lives matter. But your actions and who you support shows that you truly do not believe that.

We say Black lives matter because it’s bigger than us, because it’s the human thing to do, and because we want to let our Black, Brown, and light skinned brothers and sisters know that we see them, we hear them, and we see what is happening all around them. 

We must unite. 

We must go forward past hate. 

Past ourselves.

Black Lives Matter.

[chewbacca]

Mister Rogers and Me (2010)

[tblaberge]

I haven’t written anything in a couple of months. One major reason is that I just don’t feel like I have anything to say in a day and age where everyone has something to say. For the worse most of the time. I’m amazed at the lack of empathy that surrounds each person, and even myself sometimes. I can’t help but think that it’s not worth helping. Like a dirty house, you clean only to have it become filthy again and again. How do we exist in an ocean of noise? How do we go about our day when it’s just going to be the same thing tomorrow? I think we tend to focus too much on the grand picture and not enough on what is right in front of us. Love demands us to take little steps. Little actions that get us from where we are to where we are going. It’s not about conquering the mountain in one setting, it’s about taking that first step. How do we speak when no one listens? How do we engage when no one wants to be present? How do we love when it seems there is no love to be found? We start with what we have. Maybe we can be the ones who listen? Maybe we can be the ones who choose to be present? Maybe we pour what love we have to someone else? I think, in the world that is constantly moving and shouting, we can be still and quiet. In sorrow and joy. In hope and longing. We can be the first step. This is the first thing I have written in several months. I hope it’s a step that will lead into the next decade. 📸: @oceans_of_light (at Trinity College Dublin) https://www.instagram.com/p/B555Ll9l4go/?igshid=e02c2reurnc4

[tblaberge]

A few of the beautiful views from Ireland. (at Brother Hubbard - NORTH) https://www.instagram.com/p/B5qlIgvFhHn/?igshid=d76f5y9jn9ff

[tblaberge]

Merry Christmas from the LaBerge’s! Allie and I have enjoyed our time in Ireland. They filmed Harry Potter just behind us! (at Cliffs of Moher) https://www.instagram.com/p/B5k69UrFCBy/?igshid=1fwlvf77xrt8g

[tblaberge]

Look at that beauty! The view isn’t bad either. (at Glendalough Mines) https://www.instagram.com/p/B5ddFRRlA2j/?igshid=ho15a3klshje

[tblaberge]

Happy 2 years of marriage to my hilarious, strong, smart, and beautiful wife! We have navigated life together, even though it’s only been 2 years. It’s interesting how long that can feel and yet it goes so quickly. One day you’re meeting each other for the first time, and then you begin to ignite with a desire to be with each other. We have grown, like roots in the earth. Closer and more bound together than we ever thought possible. Allie is a gift that I treasure completely! She sees the real me, the boring me, the silent me, the me that gets annoyed and unpleasant. She gets me in my joys and sorrows. My ups and downs. My accomplishments and failures. She is with me through it all! Opening our hearts to love can be a scary thing, especially when we don’t fully know someone. I’ve seen how it can tear people’s hearts when love goes wrong, and I can only hope that in our short time on this earth that we each get a chance to love wholly. To know that we can make mistakes and the person we are the most vulnerable with will not leave us. I can only hope that we each find the things that make us feel seen and known. I thank God for Allie, even in my joys and failures I seek to love her better. I love you, @oceans_of_light May we have 80 more years together! (Science can make anything happen!) https://www.instagram.com/p/B3mu9x_FeDl/?igshid=163wfevkfqj6

[jspark3000]

Earlier this year, I called the Suicide Lifeline. I was in pretty bad shape. My depression has been a lifelong street fight and it’s always been ugly. It’s not romantic or glamorous or poetic or anything like that; it’s the kind that makes people leave. But most of the time, nobody can tell I’m hurting just by talking to me. I tend to smile real big and laugh just as loud. Only in small quiet moments, when I‘m not “on,” not performing, there‘s a shadow across my face. A fog. I can pretend to be okay for a long time.

I’m glad I called the lifeline. I didn’t talk to anyone. The phone started ringing and I hung up. But it was enough to get me moving again. Even the possibility of human connection, sometimes, is enough.

There is a moment after crawling out of an episode of depression where I can hardly believe it happened. It seems silly, even. I think it’s because life is so filled with wonder and goodness, it’s hard to imagine giving it up. But when depression hits, it’s hard to imagine why I should go on.

I’m trying to hold on to that wonder and goodness. To remember there is a sun behind the fog. It’s a cheesy thing, I know. It’s also kept me alive. The dark always looms, encroaching, and I am afraid one day it will win. But I’m always glad I survived. I’ve been blessed and hopefully have blessed some. I am glad to know life today. By the grace of God, I am here. — J.S.

[tblaberge]

It’s ok to be sad. It’s ok to rest in your healing. https://www.instagram.com/p/B1zMYHOh-LZ/?igshid=cnvg6mfxg873

[inceliklerden]

spring will come again | anne magill

[tblaberge]

It’s ok to be sad. It’s ok to rest in your healing. https://www.instagram.com/p/B1zMYHOh-LZ/?igshid=cnvg6mfxg873

[tblaberge]

My proud dad face with my two books! They grow up so fast. Finally got my copy of the book! Yes, I haven’t even gotten to see the final version of the book until now. What a crazy thing to see, two books! Wow! I can only hope and pray that God works through the words written in these two books. @oceans_of_light you did such a great job designing Go Now, thank you and I love you! @jspark3000 thank you for writing the forward and saying such beautiful and kind words! @chrisvinca Unwritten Letters to You is still so close to my heart, thank you for encouraging me to write that book and design it in order to get it out there. Thank you to everyone who has bought the book, it is now available on kindle for $9.50. Go Now: Encouragement For Your Journey https://www.amazon.com/dp/1726496228/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_cfTzDbVXDZN2M Go Now Kindle : https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07X1YMGFR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_VfTzDbP9GKEC9 https://www.instagram.com/p/B1uBKT_BrA2/?igshid=c0xy0f59kj32

[tblaberge]

-T.B. LaBerge // Go Now