“When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants and murderers, and for a time, they can seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall. Think of it–always.”
― Mahatma Gandhi

Jeff is off to Cyprus for a couple of days for a work training, because his lift is such a trial. Meanwhile I’ve had to get out my winter coat for the first time as the temperature has dropped here in merrie old England. In all seriousness, we’ve been keeping an eye on the news as we’ve had no idea what kind of travel security issues might arise at the last minute. It’s a complicated world we live in, and we live pretty physically close to some of the volatile spots.  On a related not there are quite a few ISIS based links today because it’s been on my mind this week and several stories and pieces have caught my eye, and I think we need to understand its methods and motivations much better than we do.

When I was in high school, 9/11 happened. I was the daughter of an active-duty military officer and lived on a military base at the time. It was an event that affected the lives of my friends and family and has immeasurably shaped the world my generation came of age in. But for all I’m a staunch supporter of the armed forces, my father is retired now but my brother is an officer (fulfilling a dream and intention he’s had since he could walk), I don’t think terrorism in general and the particular breed of it ISIS represents can be overcome by force.

Curious as to your thoughts, though, kittens, as I’m not sure there are any positive answers as to why people do the things they do. Here are your links, be safe this weekend

I have good intentions, I really do, but the capsule wardrobe escapes me as well.

Guilty but getting better.

One or two of these rules actually aren’t terrible…but most fill me with the urge to make rude sounds and hand gestures in response. So, failure?

Hey, Jeff! I think we’re doing alright.

We haven’t had a Mormon-y link in a while: here’s video project out of a Brigham Young University grad regarding the LDS church’s recent changes to their policies regarding gay members and prospective members. Personal and heartfelt.

For more insights into this particular policy and how it’s resonating in the Mormon community, this post from the Divinity School at the University of Chicago is academic, accessible, and most importantly accurate. It’s a great primer into the policy, the conflicting theological emphases behind reactions both in favour of and against it, and why it’s made as many waves as it has.

Well this is is pretty horrifying.

Annabelle has a bright future ahead of her.

Some long reading on the selfie.

Typical language warning as with all Cracked references, but ISIS has a magazine (really) and there’s a lot of info about the organisation that can be gleaned from it.

For a more high brow take, this NYT piece gives a personal look in to how ISIS finds recruits, friends, and allies. And it’s terrifying.

Fistbump, Ikea.