Opinion

Live Exceptionally...Well! BY JENNIFER DURAND

What Makes You Come Alive?

“DON’T ASK WHAT THE WORLD NEEDS. I often dig deep for this answer to continue to Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. fi ll and inspire me, and to keep me on the right Because what the world needs is people who have path. I believe overall that God has called me to come alive.” That is one of my favorite quotes from be an expression of radiant light and love through Howard Thurman. nurturing others. This is signifi cantly demonstrated

When you are alive you are full of energy, vitality, through my work, church, community involvement, alertness, activity, awareness, life and spirit. This is friendships and pretty much every area of my life! the feeling that spurs you on to engaging more fully As a nurturer, I would say that the art of listening in whatever you are doing. This kind of aliveness to others without judgment and providing comfort, and energy is what motivates others to join forces understanding and compassion are key qualities. in creating momentum or change. New ideas often These qualities have had a direct impact on others bring zeal to conversations and calls to action. by providing a form of care in my business—The Recently, I was asked to be a guest on a Christian Nurture Nook Day Spa—and through speaking Television Network show called Bridges with host engagements where ideas are presented, exchanged Monica Schmelter. She heard and practiced, and individuals me speak earlier in the year at a Christian-based networking luncheon on how God has im“It’s sometimes difficult looking can walk away with tools that aid in looking for answers they seek to life’s challenges. pacted my professional life and at what we do as “Do not be too moral. You business. I was touched that the message I had delivered made enough of an impression a ministry. Many usually only may cheat yourself out of much life. So aim above morality. Be not simply good, be on her to ask me on her show. associate that good for something.” “The greatest compliment that was ever paid me was when one asked me what I with church and pastors . . . we — Henry David Thoreau The other question was about the needs my ministry thought, and attended to my all have a meets. Daily I see fi rsthand answer.” — Henry David Thoreau What I enjoyed about the ministry we are tending to.” how humanity needs to breathe more. People crave more space in their lives for process of being a guest on her simply being. People hold a show was the preparation in asking some prelimilot inside. So much information comes in moment nary questions that would help her know me and by moment that you have to allow “exformation” my story a little bit better. The two questions that (letting it out, letting it go) to occur in order not to really stood out were in regard to what I felt my let things get bottled up. It is also important to feed ministry was (a look at what God has called you the soul. This can be done with planned or even to do) and “felt needs” (what needs your ministry spontaneous “time-outs” that refi ll your energy. meets and how you connect with local people). My ministry (the spa) provides such time-outs for

It’s sometimes diffi cult looking at what we do as guests to feed the soul through. We also provide a ministry. Many usually only associate that with tools for use in daily life (for example: breathing church and pastors. As I gave real consideration to techniques, mental practices of awareness, stretchthe questions, I could see we all have a ministry we ing). We are active in our community and assist are tending to. I looked up the defi nition of “miniswith many charitable events, causes, organizations try” and could see that providing service or being of and fundraisers. service with a divine purpose is a close fi t without I wanted to share my answers with you to give being directly related to a church organization. you some ideas on how to determine your own

I encourage you to determine what your own personal ministry and how it is shared with others. ministry is. You may have, or have had, multiple If you can’t wait to get up in the morning and live ministries in your lifetime. Most often, these are this, then keep pursuing what you love until you do. what make you “come alive.” The world needs you to live your passion.

Doctors Begin to Rally Behind Hydroxychloroquine to Treat COVID Patients

Still, the FDA reversed its emergency-use order Dr. Harvey Risch had had enough. Risch is a

VIEWS OF A medical doctor with a PhD and is a professor of

CONSERVATIVE epidemiology at Yale School of Public Health. He’s published over 300 peer-reviewed publications. PHIL VALENTINE His credentials are beyond reproach, even for the philvalentine.com activist media. He wrote an editorial for Newsweek

Hdroxy. He cited study after study in which the drug ydroxychloroquine is makhad been used in hospitals around the world with ing a comeback. The most amazing results. He lamented that some heroic politically maligned drug in hisdoctors continue to save lives with hydroxy and tory is fi nally being recognized for the miracle that it is. You know the are fi ghting medical boards to save their licenses. “As a result,” he writes, “tens of thousands of patients with COVID-19 are dying unnecessarily.” story. President Trump mentioned Think of that. Tens of thousands of people are dythe potential benefi ts of the drug, ing just so Trump doesn’t get re-elected. and the left-wing media set about A few days after Dr. Risch’s scathing editorial, to destroy it. It’s rather simple, yet sad. The leftists in the media can’t a group of doctors calling themselves America’s Frontline Doctors held a press conference in Washington echoing Dr. Risch’s editorial. Dr. Stelhave a happy ending to the coronala Immanuel, a primary care physician in Housvirus pandemic as long as Donald ton, told of how she had treated over 350 patients Trump is in offi ce. So, a drug that’s been around for 70 years was mawith COVID, some with diabetes, some with high blood pressure, some with asthma. She had also treated numerous elderly patients. The combinaliciously portrayed in the media as tion of hydroxy with Zithromax and zinc had given dangerous. Even the usually levelher remarkable results. “After taking care of over headed Neil Cavuto on Fox Busi350 patients,” she said, “we’ve not lost one.” ness Channel was sucked in, declaring hysterically, In an unprecedented move, big pharma has pressured many pharmacists into not fi lling prescriptions for hydroxy, and this de“This will kill you.” “Big pharma has spite the doctor’s expertise and Cavuto and others were bamboozled by a report on a pressured many judgment. Some pharmacists claim to know more than the supposed study by the VA that pharmacists into doctors. It truly is shocking. turned out to be an observational study rather than a clinical study. That means not filling prescriptions for Meanwhile, Moderna and others are in the fi nal stages of vaccine trials. I have no someone took data and anahydroxy . . . some problem with a vaccine, but lyzed it rather than conducting a study themselves. That someone was Scott Sutton, pharmacists claim to know if there’s something already out there that keeps COVID patients from dying, why aren’t who was paid to do the study more than the we using it? Because President by Gilead Sciences. That name sound familiar? That’s the maker of Remdesivir, a rival doctors. It truly is shocking.” Trump recommended it, and if it does work—which it certainly appears to do—then this whole drug that costs thousands of nightmare is over. The econdollars, while hydroxychloroquine costs just penomy is instantly reopened. We go back to normal nies. Mr. Sutton cherry-picked patients who were at the snap of a fi nger. That’s the worst nightmare in the last stages of life, most dying of something of the liberals and the left-wing media. And they’re other than COVID. willing to kill to keep it from happening.

in which he was livid over the demonization of hyfor hydroxychloroquine. Countries that had been Phil Valentine is heard each weekday afterhaving great success with the drug, like Switzernoon on SuperTalk 99.7FM in Nashville and land, pulled the drug under pressure and their online at 997wtn.com. For more of his comdeath rates spiked. mentary and articles, visit philvalentine.com.

Sports Leagues Cranking Back Up and Titans Training Camp Begins, but No Vic Beasley . . . Yet

THE TRAIN DADDY IS BACK with sports news, life lessons and politically incorrect talk. All aboard! Let me start this article off positive, something that has been hard to do at times throughout 2020. I pray for this country. For over 200 years this country has dealt with countless incidents and we always come through stronger. America is the land of the free and home of the brave! I know I am blessed to have been born in America— and whether you realize it or not, so are you! That is why you will never catch the Train Daddy kneeling for the anthem or supporting such nonsense.

I also send my prayers and regards out to you, the reader, as we as a nation deal with coronavirus and its effects. Financially speaking many of you have suffered. More importantly, it has been taxing on many Americans’ mental health. Someday in the near future coronavirus will be no more than a college class, “Coronavirus 101.”

Think about that. We’re living right now through an incredibly rare moment in American history that will be well remembered and documented. I imagine history will have found us lacking in many aspects and remarkable in others.

LET US TALK SPORTS! I am glad to see numerous leagues getting underway even with this virus still among us. The NBA has recently tipped off and created such a bubble that I do not think anything will be able to get through. It seems very safe. Baseball should have paid more attention to safety measures and less attention to social issues, as the commissioner of the MLB looks to point the blame amid outbreaks in the league.

Commissioner Manfred said this: “The players need to be better, but I am not a quitter in general and there is no reason to quit now. We have had to be fl uid, but it is manageable.” That comment upset some players and health experts, but does any comment in today’s woke culture not offend someone?

Major League Baseball has already had a few outbreaks—20 cases among the Marlins and a growing number among the Cardinals. Only two weeks into the season numerous

AJ BROWN

teams have already had their schedules beaten up due to coronavirus. No doubt the league’s protocols and each player’s responsibility have come into question.

Lastly, regarding baseball, “go Braves!” It’s been a great start to the season, putting a beatdown on the Mets numerous times. “Chop On” or “For the A,” whatever slogan is more appropriate. I do not care! I just love seeing the Braves win.

Basketball is one of the easier sports to create a bubble around. With that said, there will be no excuse for the NFL when the season kicks off. The billion-dollar machine known as the NFL better get this right and be taking notes. I am all for player safety and also for the fans of the game, but an absence of football would equal real depression for many Americans.

It’s great to see the Predators on the ice again! Hopefully they will advance and play some good hockey. It was refreshing to see a league not disrespect the anthem! It upset the progressives; I even saw the hashtag #kneel4hockey trending after opening weekend, as mad fans took pictures of themselves kneeling because the league was not. I won’t say anything else about that, except I’m laughing right now! Faaaang Fingers!

TITANS FOOTBALL Alright, let us get into what really matters—Titans football. Training camp has started and aside from one of the Titans’ biggest off-season additions, outside linebacker Vic Beasley, not showing up, everything looks good. All reports state the genius Titans GM Jon Robinson has talked to Beasley and told him his absence is unexcused. Robinson also told the media Beasley stated he will report at some point.

Not a good way to start your one-year $9 million prove-it deal. The 2016 NFL sack leader gave no call, no excuse and told nobody why he was not at camp. Players have

VIC BEASLEY

MARLINS

the choice to opt out of the season, but they the choice to opt out of the season, but they do not have the option to be non-communicative. If Beasley remains absent it will start costing him a lot of money. Say goodbye to some of that $6 million signing bonus!

The Titans did what all the experts said was impossible. They signed Tannehill and King Henry to long-term deals. Titan-up! All the experts claimed it was one or the other with a deal and the other would be forced to play on a franchise tag. I am so excited we have these two playmakers in Titan uniforms for the foreseeable future.

All you Titans fans should be overly excited! This 2020 Titans team will be a surprising threat on the defensive side of the ball, making big strides from last year’s unit. The offense won’t miss a step and will continue to be that team employing a ball-control offense that uses King Henry to set up the play-action passing game. Ryan Tannehill was the most productive QB in the league in 2019 regarding play action passes, and he led the league in passer rating with a 117.5—the fourth-highest rating of all time. The emergence of star wide receiver A.J. Brown should have all Titans fans jittery.

NFL TOP 100 Did any of you watch the NFL’s Top 100? I love the show, but it is nothing more than a popularity contest with players voting on which 100 players had the most successful season. The Titans had a fair showing with fpur players from 2019’s team making the list. For the fi rst time in Titans history, the team had a player in the Top 10. King Henry landed at No. 10. He was the second-highest-rated running back behind Christian McCaffrey. No doubt McCaffrey is a better all-around running back, but Henry had a better overall season, and deserved to be in that Top 5 ranking. Henry fi nished the season leading the NFL with 1,540 rushing yards and 16 rushing touchdowns. Henry also rushed for over 400 yards in the playoffs and was the only back in the league to average over 100 yards a game.

That is why the Titans recently awarded Henry a four-year, $50 million contract extension, making Henry the fi fth-highest paid RB in the league. The Titans also had three other players make the list. Logan Ryan at #60, Ryan Tannehill at #68 and Jurrell Casey at #71.

The fact that Titans receiver A.J. Brown did not make the list is laughable. Brown was the only rookie from 2019 to have over 1,000 receiving yards. Yet somehow the Seahawks’ D.K. Metcalf made the Top 100. I get it, it’s a bigger-market team that includes superstar Russell Wilson, but let’s not act like A.J Brown didn’t have more receiving yards, more touchdowns, fewer drops and fewer fumbles than D.K. did. Let’s also not act like A.J. was the #1 WR in Tennessee all season covered by the best while D.K was the #2 behind Tyler Lockett, who took much of the pressure away from D.K. Let’s also not act like Redskins (or Football Team or whatever) rookie Terry McLaurin was not also better than D.K. in 2019, because he was. McLaurin, at 85.7, posted the highest rookie grade in the past decade since OBJ’s

DOUBLE STANDARD If you want to see what a double standard looks like in today’s politically charged world of sports, research this. Take a look at Saints quarterback Drew Brees and then take a look at Eagles receiver DeSean Jackson. Drew said he wasn’t a fan of kneeling for the anthem and DeSean shared and loudly supported racist rhetoric against Jews and their “plan for world domination,” all while praising the hate-fi lled minister Louis Farrakhan, the same preacher who referred to Judaism as a “dirty religion” and said Hitler was “a very great man.”

Drew gave an opinion, DeSean spread ignorant hate, and in the end Drew was attacked by the media along with athletes such as LeBron James and a host of celebrities. Shortly after all that, DeSean’s incident took place with much less backlash. The Eagles organization did condemn Jackson’s words, at least. The owner of the team is Jewish! Yet sadly, many who loudly wanted Drew canceled had nothing to say about DeSean, with some former players even showing support for the outspoken receiver.

So, I remind you to take a moment and try and think logically. This incident is a very recent example of how cancel culture works. It’s nothing more than the mob coming after anyone who doesn’t think like they do, and more people need to stand up to it.

That’s it. The Train is rolling into the station. Choo-choo!