The Lost Boys of Africa- Meeting Joseph

In 2000 the United States began accepting 3,800 refugees from one of Africa's longest civil wars. They were just some of the thousands of young men, known as "Lost Boys," who had been orphaned or otherwise separated from their families in the chaos of a brutal conflict that has ravaged Sudan since 1983.

During a site visit for a 2014 Annual Convention in Atlanta, I found myself staying at the Fairfield Inn in Buckhead. Microsoft was having a city-wide meeting and all the hotels that we were considering were sold out.

I was having a challenge with the connectivity for my computer. I had to call the front desk to ask for assistance. When the hotel representative arrived, he spoke with a distinct accent so I asked him where he was from originally. He mentioned that he was from Sudan. I told him that I had just learned moments before that the United Nations had announced an action against the current President. I do not recall the specifics. I shared with him what I learned about the tragedy in Darfur and how it just broke my heart.

After a moment, Joseph said that he was one of "The Lost Boys". He was now 30 years old and I had not seen his mother since he was a little boy taken from his family to fight the war. He shared with me that he knows that God gave him strength and that now his family is here in the US. He has a wife and children and thanks God for his blessings although he has not seen is mother in over 20 years.

What a blessing to meet Joseph! Here in a instance we can truly appreciate our right to worship as we choose. There may be challenges with our country, but we take so much for granted.

Today Many eyes (now including the President’s) are focused on the conflict in Darfur. The villages in the western part of Sudan are being taken over and killed by genocidal forces within the Sudanese government and by the Janjaweed militia groups.

If you have not seen the documentary, I highly recommend The Devil Came on Horseback. This will give you a true picture of what is happening in that region of the word.

Please stop and think before you say a harsh word, cut in line, or push someone to get ahead. You never know what someone else is going through or what they have expereinced. Let's think before we act and lean toward Kindness FIRST!

For more information on the Lost Boys and what his happening today visit http://www.pine-magazine.com/content.php?id=756

Dallas now The KINDNESS COACH

“Kindness is Contagious. Together we can change the world one person at a time.”

Greetings!!!

This day forward the name Dallas Teague Snider will also be known as The Kindness Coach. Whether it is customer service, civility, business etiquette and international protocol each topic can all be described as forms of kindness. I look forward to the day when there is too much GOOD news. It's time to get back to what really matters, relationships. Kindness is a essential element for business success in an economic downturn.

I will share inspirational stories of everyday Acts of Kindness. Be sure to let me know if you have a story to share about a special everyday hero.

July is National Cell Phone Courtesy Month

In honor of National Cell Phone Courtesy Month, here are seven tips to those who want to improve their cell phone savvy:

1. Let your voicemail take your calls when you're in meetings, courtrooms, restaurants or other busy areas. If you must speak to the caller, use the e-mail or text messaging feature or excuse yourself and find a secluded area.

2. Speak in a regular conversational tone and don't display anger during a public call. Speaking loudly or showing emotion may distract those around you.

3. Use the vibrate or silent function on your phone in public places such as movie theaters, religious services, restaurants, etc. Many wireless phones have environmental settings that automatically adjust the phone and its features so you do not disrupt others.

4. If you are expecting a call that can't be postponed, alert your companions ahead of time and excuse yourself when the call comes in; the people you are with should take precedence over calls you want to make or receive.

5. Avoid interrupting meetings, social gatherings or personal conversations by answering your wireless phone or checking your voicemail. Discreetly excuse yourself if you must take the call.

6. Use discretion when discussing private matters or confidential business topics in front of others. You never know who is within hearing range.

7. When walking and talking on your wireless phone, be aware of your surroundings and remember to respect the rights of others.