#I Won't Let Fear Compromise Who I Am

[aceghosts]

Mass Effect (Legendary Edition) (1/X)

(PLEASE DO NOT TAG AS FEMSHEP!)

[serabellyms]

“ I'm glad to see you got your appetite back. ”     ⤷ @firstkeptdaughter ✧ miranda lawson.

It had been difficult to do nearly everything since she’d… woken up, if one could call it that. Sleeping was the most difficult; eating was even worse. She kept wondering if she’d wake up and be trapped again, the way she had been the first time she’d lost months like that; coping with the fact that she’d lost another two years of her life again, except this time she’d been gone rather than comatose… it was a lot for one person to handle. But who could she really talk to about it? No one understood the sorts of things that went through her head; no one understood how distressing it was. It made sleeping terrifying, and it made food seem tasteless.

But at least she’d managed to eat something, finally, after the last couple of days. Still, it felt like it had no taste, even though she knew that was just her mind playing tricks on her; there were no issues with her taste buds, as far as she could tell. Everything just felt… dull. Colourless, tasteless, like nothing. And leave it to Miranda Lawson to notice that; here Alisa had thought she’d be able to enjoy a sandwich in the mess quietly, but it seemed Miranda had to check on her ‘project’.

“Lacking an appetite must be the least of your worries, given all the trouble.” Though her words were calm and her tone level, there was an undertone of sarcasm there; she still wasn’t entirely trusting of Cerberus’ motives, even if she was opting to be polite about it. On one hand, she understood why she’d been brought back; on the other hand, she wasn’t entirely sure why. Surely for that amount of money and effort, they could’ve had an entire army of trained soldiers. One person couldn’t be worth that much, even with her talent and capability. She couldn’t shake the idea that there was something else the Illusive Man had in mind, more than just her help taking out the Collectors.

But whatever that reasoning, for now they were begrudging allies. Trust wasn’t going to come easy, and she was sure he, as well as Miranda, knew that very well. Alisa had been keeping her distance, observing, noting whatever she could down… ensuring that she wasn’t going to be pushed around by them, but without showing disdain or hate. After all, their current goals had the well-being of human colonies in mind; that wasn’t something she could just ignore.

Taking another bite of the sandwich she was holding, Alisa leaned against the counter, one arm crossed over her chest as she spoke. “Best be careful there, Lawson. I might start to think you care.” A little teasing wouldn’t hurt; Miranda’s dedication to her job hadn’t gone unnoticed, but Alisa could tell she didn’t seem like the type to form any sort of… personal attachments.

[serabellyms]

“Honestly… the death isn’t the worst part.” No, Alisa knew what the worst part was. “It was just… not remembering. Waking up, being told my mother had passed, and just… not being able to remember her. I couldn’t picture her face, I couldn’t imagine her voice, nothing. My grandparents—her parents—weren’t involved, either, and my paternal grandparents I’d never even known. And as for my maternal ones, well…” Those were not ones she wanted to reach out to. They were out there, and she knew they were out there, but she wasn’t about to talk to them, not with the way they treated biotics and spoke of them.

It was just a good thing that her mother hadn’t kept them in her life when Alisa was born. “Shepard’s… not actually my birth name. As a teenager, I did what research I could into my family; there was some information on my father, and… well, his last name was Shepard. I’d been given my mother’s name, and the more I read about him, the more I realized he’d been… a hero. He died on Shanxi, fighting the turians—fighting to protect his family. Hell… I was there with my mother. It was a miracle we lived to talk about it.” She had no distinct memories of her family, nothing tangible she could call on, but knowing what he’d done had been enough.

“So, when I enlisted, I figured… if I’m going to enlist, if I’m going to do something—be something, with my biotics—then I might as well be named after a hero. Most soldiers don’t know him, or won’t remember him, but I did. Anderson did, too.” She certainly remembered that day. Anderson, approaching her at the ICT Academy in Rio, telling her he’d ’recognize those green eyes anywhere’. Talk about a surprise. It was then that he’d told her he wanted her for the Normandy’s crew as his XO; while she and Anderson hadn’t had much contact prior to that, they quickly developed an excellent working relationship that had even remained intact after her death.

“The worst part is still the feelings. The emotions. Feeling something, like you would from a memory, but not knowing why. The body remembers, and the psyche remembers, but the actual memory isn’t there. It’s a little frightening… but when you think of it, it’s also fascinating in a way. Knowing that the part of the brain that stores memories isn’t the only part of the brain that remembers things.”

Even before the words slipped out of her mouth in response, Vasco knew his words isn't simple. As much as he wanted to make them simple. It's complicated. He knew it. She knew it. He may not know what she truly went through. He may never know. The details she held onto - thoughts, feelings, everything - is only for her to share and not one to be forced out. Something Vasco didn't want to come off as. Pushy and forceful about stuff like this.

❝I can't imagine how much you have to go through with all this. Even more about the death you have to go through, only to be brought back and dealing with the risks for such surgeries.❞ With so much technology being developed and advanced throughout time, one can never push away the risk that it'll come with for surgeries. Let alone being brought back from the dead. It's a miracle if one consider as such.

❝It's like the memory exist, but not in the way of retrieving it. It's a loss that you can never get back. I wish there is a way you could get it back, y'know. It seems to be both weird and hard to realize the memories you may know is lost.❞

[crownmemes]

The Batman Sentences

(Sentences from The Batman (2022). Adjust phrasing where needed)

"It's a big city; I can't be everywhere."

"Fear is a tool."

"They think I'm hiding in the shadows, but I am the shadows."

"Who the hell are you supposed to be?"

"I wish I could say I was making a difference, but I don't know."

"This city's eating itself. Maybe it's beyond saving, but I have to try."

"You're becoming quite the celebrity!"

"If this continues, it won't be long until you've got nothing left."

"You don't care about your family's legacy?"

"Stop. You're not my father."

"It's been two years and I don't even know who you are!"

"Put that down or I'll blow your head off!"

"Boy, you're everything they say, aren't you?"

"I want to know who she is and what she has to do with this murderer."

"You better watch it. You know my reputation?"

"What kind of demented son-of-a-bitch does this to a person?"

"Hey, why am I starting to feel like a fish on a hook?"

"You really don't care what happens to me in there tonight, do you?"

"You don't know what you're talking about. Can we not do this right now?"

"I don't have a relationship with him, okay?"

"Where are your cufflinks?"

"You have to keep up appearances."

"I'm giving you a chance. No one ever gave me a chance."

"Since I was a child, I've always loved little puzzles."

"Do you have any idea what kind of trouble you're in?"

"I don't trust any of them. Do you?"

"Like it or not, it's his game now."

"You realise I'm still here, right?"

"I'm going to find him, and I'm going to make him pay."

"Whoever the hell you are, you obviously grew up rich."

"Was it worth it? Compromising yourself for money?"

"You'd be surprised what even a good man is capable of in the right situation."

"You needed a father, but all you had was me."

"I never thought I'd feel fear like that again. I'd thought I'd mastered all that."

"Come on, let's go kill that son-of-a-bitch!"

"All everyone wants to do is unmask you, but they're missing the point. You and I both know I'm looking at the real you right now."

"You think you'll be remembered? You're a pathetic psychopath, begging for attention!"

"Oh, you're really not as smart as I thought you were. I guess I gave you too much credit."

"I'm starting to see now that I have had an effect here, but not the one I intended."

"Vengeance won't change the past - mine or anyone else's."

"People need hope. To know someone's out there for them."

"Our scars can destroy us, even after the physical wounds have healed. But if we survive them, they can transform us."

[godhasatenderheart]

Hello there. As a fellow Christian, I really enjoy a lot of posts on your blog. I think sharing the love of God is very important. But one post on your blog gave me a bit of pause. You see, something that often causes me distress is the idea of people going to hell. I understand that free will and consent is important to God. I know that hell has to exist because there needs to be just punishment for sin in the world and that it's one of the biggest things Jesus has saved us from.

But still, I worry about people going there. I don't want people going there. It's part of the reason why the Great Commission is so important. So, the post that gave me a bit of a pause, as it often does when I see it crop up, was the part about a line being drawn in the sand and the wailing about "Why won't you accept us?" Presumably, this is referring to the LGBTQ+ community and how the Bible forbids homosexuality. I won't get into the parts about whether the translations are correct or not - it is an area in which I have doubts - there are plenty of other areas of which I do not have doubts. Do we not all have our struggles in our faith? I believe Jesus died for my sins, was raised from the grave, that He forgives me of my sins - He is my Lord and Savior. I've confessed this with my mouth and in my heart and to people I don't know and to you (who I also don't know). I think that is first and foremost the most important thing. And also the two greatest commandments as outlined by Jesus: to love God with all your heart and all your mind and all your strength and to love your neighbor as yourself.

With this in mind, can we hold sinners, those who have not yet accepted Christ to our same standards? They don't yet know the love of Christ! Jesus ate with prostitutes and tax collectors - those deemed the most sinful in His day. Didn't Jesus wait until AFTER he saved the woman about to be stoned for adultery before saying "Go and sin no more?" Should we not be throwing our doors open and inviting people in with no expectations - only love - presenting the Gospel "with all gentleness and respect" - teaching the love of Christ first, praying that God will turn their hearts towards them, and then letting the Holy Spirit do His work?

Instead, we say, "No. We do not accept you as you are. Do NOT come as you are. We have nothing to teach you." We say, "Do not come here. You will be judged by us. Our primary goal isn't your salvation; it's to get you to stop being gay / transgender / etc." "You don't get God's forgiveness and love."

The church is in decline for many, many reasons that don't just have to do with a "change in culture." God hasn't stopped working. There are people still seeking Jesus but getting turned away by the workers of the harvest. And I just... I have a lot of feelings about that. I don't think we should discard the Bible.

But does desiring the salvation of as many souls as possible mean I'm living a life of compromise? Am I saying "Did God really say-" or am I saying, "What about when God said this? What about when Jesus did that? Aren't those things important, too?"

Hello, beloved! Forgive me for not knowing which post of mine you're referring to, but I'll try to answer as best I can.

My main goal is to get people curious about God, because once they open their hearts to Him, even for a moment, He reveals Himself, and they become convicted by the Holy Spirit. I think it's okay to bring newcomers to God, help them find their footing, and then allow God to handle the rest. He is sovereign, and will guide them along the way.

The truth is, I am bisexual. I was also an alcoholic and abused marijuana during the time I found God. If, before I gave my heart to Him, someone had listed all my sins, I would have presumed I was condemned to Hell for eternity and not pursued a relationship with Him. Or, if I had pursued it, I would have felt nagging shame, believing I wasn't good enough and constantly fearing for my salvation. For this reason, I believe it's best to establish God's love and mercy first and foremost. Our God is forgiving, and He will forgive us if we come to Him.

If we lead with harsh criticisms when evangelizing, we give people the impression that God is cruel, tyrannical, and abusive. Since finding God, I've been able—by His power—to avoid sexual sin and stop using substances. It wasn't me who did this, but God. We can't overcome our sinful desires without Him, and when we approach people first with criticism, it makes them feel like they have to “fix” themselves before ever coming to God. This is backwards. When you break your arm, you don't try to cast it yourself—you go straight to the hospital. The same is true of our sin and God. We must go to our healer to be healed.

We cannot overcome sin on our own, so why do we, as Christians, expect people to cure themselves or make themselves presentable before coming to God? I believe in going out into the fields, gathering the lost sheep, and bringing them back to the Shepherd. He is the expert when it comes to His sheep. He knows exactly how to handle us, and indeed, He is the only one who truly can.

but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

—Romans 5:8 (ESV)

What do you wish? Shall I come to you with a rod, or with love in a spirit of gentleness?

—1 Corinthians 4:21 (ESV)

I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.

—Luke 5:32 (ESV)

[goodlucksnez]

cw: some angst, sneezing, glitching,rain sfx, insults, playful nicknames

so i have going through it(depression wise) and decided well I am going to make a angst snez wav

Also I don't care I headcannon v/ox gets sneezy with rain, I mean electronic and rain don't match well so to bad this is my headcannon--also you dont bless people in hell al being polite says curse you and i love that hc --also also a/l says it literately acid rains in hell so that is cannon, shut up!

transcrip belong (do suggest you read along becuase there are moment that help explain the tone/pauses-voice acting angst is hard)

Vox: *running in the acid rain to get under a store cover* Shit, shit, shit…. This shit wasn't fucking supposed to happen, yet fucking broadcast. I guess it could get worse

Al: *appearing from his shadow realm holding some bags that are sizzling away from the rain* It appears that we will have a comparison.

Vox:  Ohh fuck, what are you doing here?

Al: Well, I was in the neighborhood getting a few supplies. And appears to have misjudged the weather and that's what I get for listening to an inferior broadcast.

Vox: *Laughs* I don't fucking control that section. That's hell 666 not dictated by my media corporation. So, you can take that comment and shove it right up your red pompous….

Al: *tsking* Don't get your antenna in a twist.

Vox: I don't want to be here any longer than necessary. How long do you think the fucking rain will last.

Al: *reaches his hand out and slips some of the acid rain, laughing as it burns his throat* at this rate Yep, and that's the taste of a long rain. We're going to be. Here for quite the long haul.

Vox*burning his hand copying al*

Al: *Laughing* I can't believe you copied me.

Vox:  I did not copy you.

Al: Yes, you did not an exact copy, but an imitation. Not quite as good as the original

Vox: fuck.

Al: Well, aren't you full and then extensive vocabulary.

Vox: Don't want to waste my breath *hitching and sneezing with a glitch* on things that don’t need it

Al: Curse you

Vox: *laughing* It's been a while since you've made me laugh.

Al: Let me recall. Wasn't that about eight years ago with this?

Vox: Yeah. We used to run the world.

Al: *sitting down and turning towards vox* Well, we might as well, I doubt we will be moving anytime soon. We haven't, really. Talked about it. *hinting about vox asking al to e part of his team*

Vox: While every time we meet it's normally not in good terms.

Al: True. We do have a knack for getting under each other skin

Vox: *sneezing and glitching*You could say that again

Al: I'm assuming you've heard of the Christmas truce during the First World War?

Vox: Even though you're older than me, I know some things. Yes, I'm aware. So is that your fucking compromise during this acidic storm.

Al: *mockingly* Well done. vox. Yes, a sabbatical.

Vox: So who the fuck wants to start?

Al: How about the one who isn't going to sneeze in the next 5

Vox: *interups al sneezing and glitching* Go ahead.

Al: *looking up as if he is remembering* Let's say my work became mundane. I was so ordinary gain a territory here. Steal soul there, takedown a tyrant an overlord, gain some territory. It was a routine. It was getting so boring. What was the point? Everyone feared me, but. *looks forlorn* What was I even looking for? So I left. Is best to leave them wanting more, right, old friend?

Vox: *surprised not seeing this side of al* Did you find it? Thing you were looking for?

Al: *laughing putting on his smiling face again, hiding his true feeling* Not yet. I have an idea, but I'm not so sure it can be achieved.

Vox: *rolling his eyes* Hopefully it won't interfere with my plan.

Al: Oh, and pray tell, what is your plan?

Vox: *glaring at him* To destroy you.

Al:I thought we have a truce.

Vox: Fair. Fair. I mean, it's not exactly a sound business practice tell my enemy the *hitching and sneezes and glitches* the plan

Al: Curse you. You all right? I would hate for my competition to die so early.

Vox: Yeah,right as rain *shudders*

Al:*remember a moment from their past* I forgot this happens to you when it rains, doesn't it?

Vox: Well, electronic and water don't exactly mix well together.

Al: Acid and rain don't work well either. But it is nice to talk like this.*his face softens and he takes on a more gentle look* Like we used to. If one were akin this to a feeling. One might think it would be longing For the old times.

Vox: Ohh, you're gonna get sentimental on me, old man.

Al: *hiding behind a mask again* You wish.

Vox: *sneezes* Stupid rain.

Al: It will pass. All things do.

Vox: Even overlords?

Al: *perks up a bit* oh? Trying gleam information now are we?

vox: Well, I have a reporter.

Al: Well, for your report, yes. Even overlords can die, I should know. I've killed enough.

Vox: *in a soft voice as if he is afraid of the answer* Where? Do they go?

Al: Not sure. Maybe that's something we can discover together.

Vox: *Sneezes*

Al: Curse you

Vox: Curse you to al. But seriously, you can go anywhere you please. And yet…. You stay. Why? Why do you? Why do you care? *is looking at al face trying to hint at the fact he left him and wanting to know why*

Al: I guess I deserve that…*takes a deep breath but cannot look vox in the face* it wasn't your fault. You know, there's nothing you could have said or done to change my mind. You weren't enough to stick around for. There is nothing I could have done….*takes a deep breath and you can see the smile fade and his claws dig not his side*Because I was nothing…..I still have.

Vox: *surprises to see this side of al, he has never seen* You don't really mean that?

 Al: *laughs and masks his pain* Just performance old pal. The rain should be stopping soon. Let's chat again. It was….*pauses* Nice to see a friend.

Vox: *in his head* He's just like before. It Feel like I never really got to meet the real Al. But today I saw a peek behind the curtains. And…. It was Lonesome.

vox: Yeah, it was nice seeing you around you outdated it static filled nonsense.

al: It's almost adorable how hard you try to be relevant in a world that doesn't care.

vox: Likewise, Bambi.

Al: To seeing the end.

Vox *sneezes and glitches out* To seeing the end

[queen-scribbles]

I won't let fear compromise who I am.

Iiiiiit's my canon babe Emily Shepard from @commander-sarahs-art, hoarded specifically for N7 Day!

[gabessquishytum]

Dream is the Omega head of his Mob Family in a world where omegas are soft and willowy and "protected" by their Alpha family members until they are handed over to their Alpha husbands/wives.

Dream doesn't have time to be soft, to be incapacitated by heats - there are forces aligned against his family and he has to keep his younger siblings safe (especially given the state his parents left the family business in). He can't be an /omega/, he /can't/ have an alpha, and he certainly can't get pregnant.

Into this world of can't, comes Hob Gadling, a rough bit of tough alpha, who wants Dream right away. They have (what Dream thinks are) secret nights of passion together, but Dream doesn't allow Hob to /claim/ him, as if he would (as if he /could/). They both catch feelings,,,,,and Dream gets pregnant. The worst of all possible outcomes -- what causes Dream to walk away from Hob, leaving him standing in the rain, is not just Hob's assertion that he and Dream are friends, but that they could be a family -- if Dream would just let them.

While Dream is all emotionally compromised, the Burgess gang is able to strike at the family -- grabbing Dream and injuring his siblings. Dream and his & Hob's baby (a baby Dream not so secretly covets with all his heart) are in so much danger, kidnapped by the Burgess gang. At least he's not totally showing yet, but if he's stuck here much longer, he will be and he can't protect his new family from this cage.

Dream, at this point, doesn't even think anyone is looking for him, it's been months in this hole, and Dream doesn't know what he'll do if he has to give birth surrounded by Burgess goons, intent on taking his (/& Hob's/) child.

The relief he feels when explosions start going off and multiple gun shots can be heard even from his hole, can not be measured; when Hob walks down the stairs -- putting bullets in Dream's horrible guards, Dream is incandescent. He's never been happier to see Hob, even if he has to waddle out of this cage.

God, imagine the emotions that Hob goes through!!! He's full of adrenaline and murderous intent as he rescues his Dream, his omega - even if Dream won't say it or reciprocate, Hob will always think of him as his. He puts holes in the guards with a savage growl, but all of that melts when he finally sees (now heavily and unmistakably pregnant) Dream.

For a second, Hob fears the worst - that Dream has been claimed and forced to bear the child of his captor against his will. But he can see that Dream is very far along. More than 6 months, and he was kidnapped 3 months ago. So the baby must have been there before the kidnapping. But Hob still doesn't jump to the conclusion that it's his. In his heart, he doesn't want to get his hopes up, and he needs to focus on helping Dream.

It's not until Dream is safe in a private hospital room that they get a chance to talk properly. Hob has refused to leave, and Dream practically begged the staff to let the alpha stay. He's been checked over thoroughly and he and the baby will be okay, but he needs to relax and rest. He can only do that if Hob stays and keeps him safe.

Hob holds Dream's hand and continually scents his wrist, gentle and careful. He keeps looking at Dream likes he's going to disappear any minute. Dream is just relieved to feel reasonably safe for the first time in months.

He clears his throat and tries to slip back into his boss persona. "Well, since I am to bear your child, perhaps you should make an honest man of me." He says, primly, while Hob’s jaw drops. "We ought to be married and mated when our child arrives."

"You that's what I want. But what about you? The family? The fact that you don't want people knowing that you're an omega?"

Dream leans up presses his forehead to Hob’s. "Too late for that, I fear." He manages a tiny smile. "And I have learnt. That life is short. And I should take what I want, while I can."

Hob doesn't care that alphas aren't supposed to cry. He showers Dream in loving tears, and the very next morning, Death visits the hospital... and officiates the marriage <3

Dream fully intends to be the king of the city, and his goals haven't changed. But maybe it'll be all the sweeter with Hob and their child by his side.

[aceghosts]

Screenshots of Rooney Shepard (They/Them) in Cyberpunk 2077 (32/X)

MOD LIST

Taglist (Like this post to opt in/out for edits): @bbrocklesnar, @alexxmason, @sergeiravenov, @tommyarashikage, @voidika,

@imogenkol, @carlosoliveiraa, @direwombat, @confidentandgood, @strangefable,

@cloudofbutterflies92, @raresvtm, @socially-awkward-skeleton, @theelderhazelnut, @icecutioner,

@katsigian, @cassietrn, @captastra, @g0dspeeed, @inafieldofdaisies

[serabellyms]

“We live and we die like fireworks.”     ⤷ @smokedanced ✧ will graham.

Interviews. Alisa had never been big on interviews, but Anderson had asked for her help when it came to vetting the people they'd be bringing for their new mission; she hadn't been given too many details, but then again, she didn't really need too many. All she knew was that they were putting together a crew for Anderson's ship, and that she had been named as his XO. That meant helping to pick the crew... along with making her own suggestions.

She'd made one suggestion, but now it was time for interviews. Will Graham was one that had caught her eye; a biotic, of course, which probably played a role. A strong one, based on his aptitude scores; Liss could tell in more than a few ways, his scores out-classed hers, and she'd been noted as one of the Alliance's most potent biotics... or would have been, if she'd been able to handle the L2 implants. Reading it, she couldn't entirely explain it, but everything she read gave her a particular... feeling. A certain vibe that she couldn't explain further than a gut feeling.

But a feeling was something she had to explore, and thus, she'd called him in for a chat. The basics were simple; asking about technical scores, questions about operations he'd been involved in that weren't classified to her, the usual. But then, there was just... talk. The opportunity for him to ask questions, either of their mission---as far as she was allowed to tell him, of course---or even about her.

"That sounds like a piece of wisdom that comes from somewhere, Will," she teased gently, taking a sip of her coffee. "Care to share in that... infinite wisdom you seem to have?"

Something about him intrigued her, in a good way. Alisa was already relatively certain of her answer as to whether he fit what she and Anderson were looking for, but there was no harm in getting to know him a little more before then, was there? Even if, at times, he seemed to have... odd things to say.

[serabellyms]

”I’m okay, aside from my bruised ego,” she muttered, her expression showing just how disgruntled she was. A nice dinner; that was all it was supposed to be. But no, of course, she’d been lured out there by someone who clearly wanted something from her. What, she hadn’t the faintest idea, but it was becoming rather aggravating.

At the mention of changing her clothes, Alisa stared at Vasco, her expression deadpan. “If you haven’t noticed, nothing about this situation falls under ‘ideal’. I’m pretty sure being soaked to the bone is the least of my worries.” Plus, she didn’t exactly have time… or a change of clothes to take period. They weren’t near any shops, either, which was even more unfortunate. Tugging the hair tie from the upper half of her hair loose, she rapidly braided the length over her shoulder to keep it tamed; now that she had Vasco to cover, she might as well be a little more efficient.

“At least Joker made it out okay. That’s what matters.” She could survive the fall without issue; Joker on the other hand wasn’t exactly a combatant like she was. “Come on. We’ve got some mercenary asses to kick, and I’ll only have so much gas in the tank without my combat suit.” Her suit, after all, was expertly designed; advanced medi-gel delivery systems, as well as electrolyte and calorie replenishment systems to keep her functioning for extended periods in combat with her biotics.

Vasco didn't need to be told twice about not talking about it. Not only with the firm - and beyond done with the whole situation - tone she spoke in but the way she looked certainly made any questions coming to his tongue to be shallowed back. Instead, he lowered his gun. Not entirely. Enough to not accidentally shoot anyone if a familiar face came running around the corner. Not that he will ever shoot by accident. He had enough quick thinking to not do so, but one can never know. Not with this situation.

❝We are unable to figure out exactly what they want, but we can conclude that they seem to be part of some group. We don't have too much information though. I was hoping to catch up and something out, though after, y'know.❞ Rescuing Alisa, that is. He's not going to run off on his own like that. A reckless move. That and he needed to ensure she is completely okay, especially if she might want to figure things out. ❝Are you hurt?❞

Although going through a whole tank is probably nothing, it's still may cause some harm in some way.

❝Do you want to change your clothes first before we head out? I'm not sure wet clothing might be ideal.❞ Vasco could only assume it's unlikely that a change of clothes might be good. Too time consuming, especially when another attack might occur.

[scribeforchrist-blog]

Which Road Are You On?!

 MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK

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+ Isaiah 41:13 For I, the LORD your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, 'Fear not, I am the one who helps you.'

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VERSE OF THE DAY

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+ Matthew 7:13 Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate, and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it

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** SAY THIS BEFORE YOU READ; HERE’S SOME CHRISTIAN TRUTHS **

I AM FOLLOWING JESUS

I AM NOT ALONE

I AM CHOOSING JESUS

I AM STRONG

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READ TIME: 7 Minutes & 13 Seconds

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THOUGHTS:

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 Do you know which road you’re on? Sometimes, it's hard to say because we have these very long days, and things happen, and we go weeks without reading our word or weeks without praying. We don’t know where we are in our relationship with God. God also knows when we are in need, but do we know what road we are on? We know we are not the worst, but we know we aren’t the best either but Whatever we do, we realize we must have him, These are the thoughts we have everyday when we are considering a which road we are on.

 The road we are on determines which way we are going, whether we are going to hell or heaven. I can be honest, but I didn’t know how I was going at one time. I can say now I know which way I am going. I'm going to heaven, and that’s not just because I write devotionals and teach to thousands and thousands of people, but Because of my relationship with God, God knows I try to be dedicated to him. I love him so much with everything in me, but to know this, we must look at our ways and hearts and see which way we are going.

 Verse 14, but small, is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

  The small gate and narrow road lead to heaven. Everything is small because there are very few people on this road. When you look at the broader road, it's so many people on this road leading to hell because everyone is following everyone. No one is following the path to heaven because they feel it's too complicated. It is at first, of course, but as we travel this road more, we learn what we shouldn’t do, and we learn to fast and pray and give up the things we shouldn’t and submit to the things we should, but we learn more about God,

, and what he expects and what pleases him pleases us, and we start to hate sin.

   Luke 13:24-25 “Strive to enter through the narrow door. Many will seek to enter and will not be able to. When once the master of the house has risen and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, open to us,’ then he will answer you, ‘I do not know where you come from

 This verse tells us to strive to go to the narrow door; many people will say this is the road or door they want to be at, but they won't be able to go. The Lord is looking for a church, a person with no spot or wrinkle, and many of us compromise because we want to be accepted. We don’t consider what we are doing with our relationship with God; many of us are enemies of him because we have allowed sin to be our friend and not him. Many of us have allowed sin to take priority in our lives. But we shouldn’t. What we should do is let go of this narrative that we can lead both lives when we can't. We can't be lukewarm and try to go through the narrow door.

  Many of us go through our lives trying to be “good,” but God is asking us to look at our lives; being good isn’t going to get us into heaven; being good isn’t going to help us draw to God. God wants us to walk holy and strive for perfection, those are two different things. They say, “Holiness is a state of being transformed by Jesus' sacrifice to become like God, while perfection is a state of flawlessness that can be achieved through self-power.”

 Holiness is when we are being transformed by his power, and perfection is when we do it. Let me tell you, we must try and submit. Are you willing to submit that’s what it takes to walk through the narrow door to life? Sometimes, I think all I need to do is do X, Y & Z to get to heaven, but it’s about do you believe that Jesus has risen from the dead ? And it’s about our heart and what does it says. What does your heart say about you?

  John 8:21 So he told them again, “I am going away, and you will seek me, and you will die in your sin. Where I am going, you cannot come.”

 Jesus said here you will seek me, but you will die in your sins; that means hell; he said where am I you going? You cannot come since those who do not get into heaven will be in hell; we can’t leave hell and go to heaven; once a person is in hell, they are there forever. Do you know where you’re going? 

 ***Today, we talked about narrow road and broad road. Which way are you going? A lot of people can say she’s a good person. She went to heaven, or this person was this way they had to go to hell. We don’t know where someone is going, but I know this one truth: if their heart isn’t in the right place, they will be going to hell; of course, we don’t want to see anyone there, but this is the truth.

 Matthew 25:41: “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels

Where are you going? Hell is a real place; it’s a place of eternal fire and torture. Many people don’t like talking about it, but this is a real place, and no one can stop us from going there but our sleeves. We can avoid this place by submitting to God and doing what he asks of us, and he doesn’t ask much; he just wants us to hear him when he speaks ,If you feel this is you , ask God to help you through this moment, let go of rebellion, and hold on to him. ©Seer~ Prophetess Lee

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PRAYER

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Heavenly Father, thank you for loving and saving us from sin. Lord, we want to be on the right road. Lord, we thank you for your healing and your love. Forgive us if we haven’t been doing what we should forgive us if we ignored you in any way. Help us to listen to you, Father; we rebuke the spirit of rebellion over our lives, lord. We rebuke  the spirit of deception too we thank you, and we praise your name in Jesus' Name, Amen

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REFERENCES

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+ Revelation 2:15 And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

 

+ 2 Thessalonians 1:9 They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and the glory of his might,

 

+ Matthew 13:50 And throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place, there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth

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FURTHER READINGS

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 Proverbs 20

Genesis 44

2 Samuel 10

Ezra 2

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[teine-mallaichte]

happy friday! uwu maybe smth with fenders and the bad things happen bingo prompt "will not be a victim" <3

Taken me a while to get to this one, despite it being really short 😂 I don't know why but I just couldn't get their argument to flow the first few times I tried... So, a bit of an Anders/Fenris disagreement for @dadrunkwriting and @badthingshappenbingo Words: 310 Fandom: Dragon Age Characters: Anders, Fenris

"Anders," Fenris began, his voice low and cautious, "why do you insist on making yourself a target? Why not hide your magic? You could blend in better if you didn't dress like a mage, didn't carry a staff."

Anders leaned against the worn stone of his clinic wall, his expression frustrated. He knew Fenris meant well, but the elf's suggestion grated against everything Anders believed in. "I won't hide who I am." Anders replied firmly, his gaze steady, "I won't cower in fear just because some Templars might come knocking. This clinic is a haven for those who need help, mage or not. I won't compromise that."

Fenris glanced around the room, his brow furrowed "you could maintain the clinic's mission without drawing attention to yourself… without putting yourself in danger each night with he under-"

"I won't be a victim," Anders interjected firmly, "I refuse to let fear dictate my actions."

"It is reckless," Fenris retorted, crossing his arms, his tone sharp. Templar activity had increased recently. Varric's unspoken protection could only go so far. Fenris had taken it upon himself to guard the clinic in recent weeks, and Hawke had cleared the passageway to his estate to make for an easy escape route, but it was clear that Anders was getting irritated by everones concern.

"You think I haven't considered the risks?" the healer shot back, "Running and hiding won't stop the injustice. It won't protect the mages who need help. To cower in shadows, to deny who I am? That's not protection; it's surrender."

Fenris crossed his arms, frustration etching lines on his face. “You’re playing a dangerous game, mage."

Anders stood his ground, "This isn’t just about me. It’s about standing up for what’s right."

Fenris sighed, his frustration evident. “Stubborn mage,” he muttered.

Anders met his gaze squarely. “I won’t be a victim,” he repeated.

[cannibal-nightmares]

it's moments like these the crash-landing feels perpetual--all-consuming like it's all there's ever had been--and, in a way, it is. surviving this is all a matter of masking and navigating and bargaining and compromise. episodes feel like losses. a subconscious questioning of "if i've made it through all those other days, why can't i do it now all of a sudden?"

block under the cut for vague and not vague paranoid babbling

that noise is goign to kill me for saying any of this but who cares, im a dead man walking whether I say it out loud or not. it always feels like im ying to myself pressing against it. but isnt it right? why is it so fucking loud? there has to be a reason its so adamant. "its the illness." "its real" "it sthe illness" it blurs together. i know thats the whole issue. i cant afford to listen to either side. either side will hurt me, either side will punish me.

my friend asked why i dont skip work when i dont feel well without understanding that i would then never go to work. and dont get it twisted: im one of the top employees in performance. a schizo. a psychotic, crazy, terrified schizo. id skip work today--thats how on fire my nerves are--but i cant afford to. i have to keep my head down and hope they dont pry me open, today especially. i am tired of holding back my angred fear of people. ive started being more upfront w questions, some in the forms of jokes, like my co-worker who gave me a cookie and i said "if this is laced, im going to kick your ass," like when my colleague who mentioned singing in the company cars and i said i dont [because im scared of cameras.] or whatever.

im struggling. I'll admit. it's snowballing. It's a nose-dive death spiral. that clacking overspeed sound. redlining. and i have so much to do. so much to do at what cost? immovable things. i'm moving again? What the fuck. Who made that decision? I guess it was me. I don't remember. alexa, play "the actor" by everything everything. i feel fucking crazy that all of this gets magnified and exacerbated by ptsd/the weather. how stupid is that. how cruel is that? i want to cancel my plans. i cant. i should. i cant. i can't. it won't let me. i also know a more-sane me would be heartbroken. idk whats going to happen between now and late june. I see the dial trembling at its peak. im dead if i do, im dead if I dont. "to join the new river?" that's all it is.

and i have to repeat myself here: this shit isn't new. im just trying to be vulnerable. whatever that means. a glimpse inward. here it is while it's hot. perpetuity. dont you dare pity me. ive got more swords than you could ever begin to imagine, ive just only got two hands. i dont mind being stability for people--i like that i am--but this is whats behind that. with great reason comes unfathomable absurdity. contrast.

[valentyn-the-mad]

I think there's a connection between not wanting to participate in activities that reduce harm without being a perfect solution to eliminate the problem - setting up safe places to do drugs, needle exchange, still masking to prevent covid spread, and even voting - and the pervasive cultural christianity of the US.

Many people just don't believe harm reduction is worth anything unless it perfectly removes the problem. And leaving aside the fact that imperfect is still better than no change at all, that it's in the name [harm reduction not harm elimination], that helping someone a little is better than not helping at all - I think this has to do at least in part with the very all-or-nothing viewpoint enshrined in many many many factions and denominations and belief structures that are informed by christianity.

I'm not going to get into a breakdown of each one, because frankly I am not a religious scholar, but I know that I have firsthand seen the way the whole country has been shaped by vocal religious groups demanding conformity to a certain set of standard beliefs and behaviors, slightly differing by group but overall policing behavior through fear of ostracization or retaliation.

I think that fear - inherent in the teachings of many of these groups, often especially in the ones most actively recruiting - of not being perfect, of not performing penance or dedication or conformity to the standard, which has dire consequences for those selective in-groups, has led to a sort of cultural decision paralysis.

In a world where your group - your support, family, community - will punish you for failing to perform to their standard, often emotionally hurtful if not physically damaging, why would you risk it? Why would you risk a solution that is not perfect? Why would you, under threat of disapproval and being marked as an outsider to those you hold dearest, ever try something that was not guaranteed to succeed in its entirety?

This is ignoring the fact that, culturally, socially, we as humans have decided that there are acceptable targets who deserve the suffering they get, no matter what luck of the draw put them in that position - we're not getting into how people made a bad choice and now should be just eternally punished I guess - although that is exactly the systemic thinking within those religious groups contributing, I believe, to their inability to actually do good for those who do not already fit their mold or want to break themselves to fit it. We won't get deeper into that.

I think, with so much of our society backed - quietly and not so quietly - by institutions that value this control and conformity, the need to be perfect to be rewarded spiritually, it has destroyed our ability at large to say "this solution is not perfect but it will help" and actually find value in helping. Helping, not solving, not permanently fixing an issue, but focusing on progress over perfection.

We're also in the midst of just truly unprecedented social and emotional burnout due to all the world events we have witnessed during the last 5-10 years, economic strain, the lot of it, so small steps don't feel like enough and long-term plans are exhausting to even think about let alone dig in and accomplish - but I think this feeds back into the unwillingness to compromise due to an ingrained social fear that many people harbor of being profoundly judged for making the wrong move, which leads them to then decide no action is the only right decision. Which then perpetuates the issues being decided on, because taking no action is still choosing to let things stay as they are, but that's not their direct fault so they won't be held responsible in the same way as making a Wrong Choice.

I don't have a solution here - I'm not going to start saying we need to abolish all religion or anything - but I do think that the pervasive cultural christian background[s] we have in the US is actually working against us due to the baggage it entails for so many people. I think the lack of value people put on making some things better even if it's not perfect, on reducing the harm done to other human beings regardless of whether they are just like you - I feel like it's connected. Caring is uncool, and worse, performing the wrong kinds of caring will send you to hell forever and ever. Amen.

[springsheep]

War of Faith Notes Ep. 28

Ep 28 -> Well, I was wrong. Ep. 27 wasn't the divorce; the divorce is officially in this episode.

Wei Ruolai tries to convince Shen Tunan to expose this transaction list, but Shen Tunan insists on not doing it, he fears it will hurt the country. Politics is the art of compromise, he says.

Wei Ruolai says even if he has to die has has to fight for justice.

Shen Tunan: Wei Ruolai, if you insist on doing things your way, then don't blame me for being cruel. From now on, I'm no longer your mentor! OUR TIES ARE SEVERED.

FUCK IT'S A DIVORCE. WRL's face is so hurt, Shen Tunan also fuccccck

I am a child of divorce.

Wei Ruolai visits Mr. Xu (the tailor) to publish the news about the transactions...

WRL has a plan. He uses the olden times printer hhh

Lin Qiaosong is still alive and back with the Investigation Unit.

A'Wen's name is Wen Youtian.

Mr. Xu talks to WRL about Jiangxi Soviet.

Mr. Xu: Shen Tunan might not protect you this time... WRL: He won't. We aren't master-disciple anymore...

Wei Ruolai: I want to give this report to Mr. Shen, as my last farewell...

Wei Ruolai visits the Central Bank again.

Huang Congyun: You're not allowed in here! *throws WRL's report in the trash*

Shen Tunan defends WRL again. Shen Tunan: Who says he can't come in here?

And then Shen Tunan and WRL argue (again).

Shen Tunan: So are you going to join the Communists? WRL: No, but I definitely won't join the Kuomintang.

Shen Tunan's face is so pained omg. Wang Yang the actor that you are... you definitely made some ACTING CHOICES heh.

Shen Tunan: I know you feel wronged, but I look at the bigger picture. Wei Ruolai: No.. you let them humiliate you to negotiate with the predator...

Huang Congyun: Wei Ruolai! Who do you think you are? *grabs WRL's collar.*

Shen Tunan tells him to stop and *personally* fixes Wei Ruolai's clothes (okay man i can see the love practically overflowing from your eyes ok...).

Shen Tunan: I know there's a fire in your heart, don't let it go out, and don't become the person you hate the most...

OKAY FIRST OFF, THIS EPISODE IS CHARGED WITH GAY ENERGY i mean god.

Huang Congyun being a light bulb while Shen Tunan and Wei Ruolai are having a husband's quarrel is such a mood.

Investigation Unit charges into the central bank to question Shen Tunan about the disappearance (the leak) of the transaction files.

Shen Tunan: This is the Central bank, not the stock exchange. You should ask them.

Lin Qiaosong: Fine, then I guess I just have to arrest you.

Lin Qiaosong's men want to arrest Shen Tunan, Huang Congyun and the other bankers quickly protect Shen Tunan.

Lin Qiaosong holds HCY at gunpoint, so Shen Tunan moves HCY to the side.

Immediately Wei Ruolai defends his xiansheng

Wei Ruolai: I'm the one who did it. It has nothing to do with Shen Xiansheng. Shen Tunan: You've already resigned, this is none of your business. Wei Ruolai: I got the transaction list from the stock exchange. Shen Tunan: I asked him to get it, he's just the messenger. I'll take full responsibility. (WRL looks at Xiansheng like he can't believe it, his xiansheng is still defending him like this? even after everything? so in love with xiansheng ah)

Wei Ruolai and Shen Tunan glance at each other (that glance has a thousand words damn...)

Lin Qiaosong's inner monologue: Alright you two husbands can you please stop fighting in front of me? i know both of you are eager to defend each other to death but please damn it control yourselves.

Lin Qiaosong: Okay the two of you can go to prison together... Just go together if you're so eager damn it.

Wei Ruolai: Lin Qiaosong!! This matter was indeed done by me. I gave the transaction list to Mr. Shen at the meeting but he didn't use it. I also handed out the record.

Wei Ruolai: This matter has nothing to do with Xiansheng. Shen Tunan (angrily): WEI RUOLAI!! Wei Ruolai: I'M THE ONE WHO DID IT!

Wei Ruolai's face is saying a thousand things rn.

Wei Ruolai: Xiansheng, I'm no longer your student (Shen Tunan's face when he said this damn), I will never forget all of your kindness. In the future, Xiansheng please take care.

Niu Chunmiao sees the Investigation Unit taking away Wei Ruolai, asks Shen Jinzhen to help. Wei Ruolai is going to be taken to the execution ground.

Shen Tunan goes to the Yu Residence (he's madd). He's asking Yu Shiqing to let go of Wei Ruolai, asking a favor from Big Sister to save his assistant. At this point Shen Tunan is practically begging Yu Shiqing to help.

Shen Tunan looks so troubled.

Huang Congyun: Xiansheng, you're negotiating with the predator. Shen Tunan: It's a matter of life and death. I'll do anything to protect Wei Ruolai.

Huang Congyun: Sir.. if he dies it's his own fault! Shen Tunan: *deathly glare*

Yu Shiqing tells Shen Tunan Big Sister wants to be friends with Shen Tunan, Shen Tunan said yes (for the sake of his boi ofc).

Yu Shiqing calls Kang Shaojie to ask / save WRL.

Kang: Wei Ruolai was taken directly to the execution grounds!

Shen Tunan is panicked.

WRL is in the execution groundsss fuck.