I went online -- and what do I see? A news report scrolled across my screen: "Murder by Mother's Milk," compliments of the Associated Press. I try to keep up with the news as it informs me of my environment, the world around me and society in general. But when I look at a television or monitor screen and read horrific reports such as this one, I have to wonder what this world is coming to.

Purportedly, a 31-year old woman (who, by the way has 5 children) was an apparent methamphetamine addict and was breastfeeding her 3-month old son. According to the report, the fatal drug passed through the mother's breastmilk and caused the death of her tiny infant. Although the child can no longer be brought back to life, the mother was indicted and charged with second-degree murder. She could receive up to life imprisonment.

So, are you angry yet? What type of world are we living in when supposed, responsible parents are so high on drugs that they "accidentally" poison their children with methamphetamine?

Then I hear reports of a bride-to-be being buried today because of radical fundamentalists who get kicks out of bombing innocent people.

Of course, the epitome of news reports is to make our modern, "civilized" public aware of current events, people, places and things. But does it really? If awareness is being raised to the potpourri of countless, violent reports then what has transpired? Yes -- more violence.

Like a flashing billboard of red lights, all the warning signs come barreling into our faces. However, how often are these ominous "news stories" going to be taken to heart? We sit back, view news reports, eat our dinners, do our chores, sit back down and watch a movie. No more talk about the 3-month old who was murdered. No more talk about the innocent young bride being bombed. Suddenly, the rose-colored glasses get put across our eyes and we've become desensitized to all the negative in our world.

We, as a people, coexist with modern neandrathal-like maniacs who care of nothing but self-satisfaction and egotistically charged, radical perspectives of life. A matter of fact, these nomenclatural fiends of society seem to marvel at their newfound notoriety by playing to society's camera view.

"I was abused as a child..." "I didn't have a Nintendo..." "My religion is better than your religion..." "I couldn't help myself because nobody cared enough about me..." I've heard just about enough excuses for irresponsible, childish and violent behavior. It's about time society take note of these news reports and start proacting.

People, in general, have been brainwashed by alleged leaders of independent cultures, schools, and even parents to think that whatever they do will ultimately be an excuse to do as they please. I'm here to tell you that life is not a bowl of peaches and cream. Life is not easy. Nothing gets handed to people on a silver platter without hard work, dedication and willpower.

If individuals want positive things to happen in their lives, they have to reinforce positive behavior and attitude. I am sick and tired of hearing people say the reason they act the way they do is because they had a hard life. Get over it. Jesus had a hard life and look where He is today.

I look at people like Susan Smith. This woman takes the cake; and is the poster child for what is wrong with society. Here is a young woman who one day decides that she would intentionally trade her children's lives in on a man who didn't even want her. She idly stood by and watched her helpless tots drown in a murky lake, then phoned police to say a "black man" had stolen her vehicle and abducted her boys. Sickening. "...but she was sexually abused as child..." screamed her defense attorneys. Amazing what antics defense attorneys can squeeze out in a courtroom. Yet it gets better. Now -- if you'd like, you can personally contact Ms. Smith and have a long-distance relationship over the Internet with her.

So, here are a few pointers to positivie living that I've come up with -- in my own opinion, of course:

• If you've had a terrible life and can't deal with it -- get counseling for God's sakes. You are your own person and need to take control of your actions by being in charge.
• If you think your religion is better than the next persons, don't bomb innocent communities. This is not a positive way to prove your point.
• If you don't use drugs, don't start using them. If you do use drugs, it's time for you to check into a clinic and get rehabilitated. Many are free and provide financial assistance to those who cannot afford to go to one.
• If you decide that you no longer wish to raise your children, please contact social services and get some help. You've brought life into this world and that life is your responsibility. Period.
• If everything in life has gone wrong and you're sitting there wondering if life is worth living, think of this: somewhere in the world -- children are literally starving to death; somewhere in this world, a person is dying from some god-awful disease; somewhere in this world, people don't have luxuries like clean, running water and a roof over their heads; somewhere in this world, there is another person going through the same thing you are experiencing.

Positivity is the key to all good things. Always focus your intentions on the overall good of humanity. Promote peace and live peacefully. Accentuate the positive, as positive energy attracts positive energy. Leave this world a better place than in which you came. In closing, I leave you with a quote from an incredible human being -- Mohandas Gandhi wrote, "Nonviolence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind. It is mightier than the mightiest weapon of destruction devised by the ingenuity of man."

Copyright 2003 - Notable Thoughts on Positive Living by C. Bailey-Lloyd