Random Thoughts of Amy Potts

I love the dandelion. It's one of my favorite flowers. Yes, I refer to the dandelion as a flower. It's soft, vibrant yellow bloom tells me when spring has officially arrived in the mid-west. I love dandelions!  I also love roses. Roses are delicate and beautiful and from what I understand, quite a task to grow successfully. I've not had the patience to try. Still, I love roses! Dandelions are soft to touch. Roses have thorns that can prick your fingers. Dandelions grow plentiful with little effort. Roses are expensive and take a lot of effort.  I do love green manicured lawns. I have to admit the appearance of a well manicured lawn surrounding the house in the suburbs is attractive. But, would someone tell me who decided that this would be the standard by which we all should live?  Who decided that something as colorful as a dandelion is a weed?  When I was a little girl, I was very proud of the dandelion and violet bouquets that I made for my mom...

 “Wiz-z-z-z-z ploop”, was the sound I heard as I neared the water’s edge. A man stood several feet from where I was walking with my dog, casting his fishing line into the water. The water was gently splashing against the rocks moments after a group of rowers passed by in their kayaks and I could hear their faint voices bouncing on the wake as it came rolling in. I wondered, as I watched them, if I will ever get over the fear of deep water. Since I was a little girl, I have had a fear of being in water that is over my head. Because I am only five feet and a couple of inches tall, most water (aside from the bathtub) is over my head. I need to know for certain that at any point, I can put my feet down and feel the ground beneath.   Floating on the water would be relaxing if I could get over the fear that I would simply tip over and drown. I have faith, I really do. But the very human part of me often wrestles with fear. (Adobe Stock Image) T here are many fears that I have o...

“Those who say religion has nothing to do with politics do not know what religion is.”   Mahatma Gandhi When I think of Christians I want to think of a group of people who care for the needs of other people out of love and concern for their “brothers and sisters”.   I want to believe that if I fall down someone will be there to pick me up physically and spiritually.   I want to believe that the unconditional love modeled for those who identify themselves with Christ, would be offered to me no matter the circumstance.   I want to believe this, but frankly I’ve seen and experienced too much of the opposite. Each time an election year approaches I brace myself for dissention among the ranks.   There are expected ads pitting Democrats against Republicans, this community leader against the other one.   This is expected as candidates jockey for position and to get our votes.   The media battle is frustrating and the battle between politicians is certainly ...