The most important topic that I learned from the Introduction to Social Work course was the issue of poverty. Poverty is the inadequate financial resources. From our social work textbook: "Poverty is hunger. Poverty is lack of shelter. Poverty is being sick and not being able to see a doctor. Poverty is not being able to go ot school and not knowing how to read. Poverty is not having a job, is fear for the future, living one day at a time. Poverty is losing a child to illness brought about by unclean water. Poverty is apowerlessness, ack of representation and freedom (Berg-Weger 51). 

As you can see from the poignantly definition, poverty is a major issue. Personally, I can not imagine living in poverty and how difficult times may be. I thought this was the most important issue that Social Work helped infrom me about. It is not something we all imagine and dream about. Most times we all strive to go play professional basketball or be a genelogist. It is definitely important to focus on these aspirations but we must help the ones in need as well. Living in poverty could be any of us and it is important to help the less fortunate. Social Work taught me the techniques of the Code of Ethics and understanding what a person may be going through.

The LORD is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.

Psalms‬ ‭9‬:9

I have not written in awhile because I have been tied up with summer courses through the University of Arkansas. I was enrolled in Visual Web Design taught by Professor Hapgood, Human Resources Work Development taught by Mandel Samuels, Social Work taught by Michael Collie and World Literature taught by Professor Beigi and Professor Clark. These classes total up to 12 hours. Along with that I managed to wake up and work the Little Rock Rivermarket on Saturdays from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. On top of that I had the opportunity to work with the most amazing campers and staff for two weeks directed by 2014's 3A-State Championship's Coach, Coach Micah Marsh. There were many days I woke up not wanting to go to work or write a research paper or study for my summer courses. It was my faith in God that kept me strong through the many days of dought. Yes it was difficult, but anything is possible. You must believe in God and you must believe in yourself. Everyone can believe in you but it doesn't mean anything if you do not believe in yourself.

The scripture above spoke words to a text-reader like myself. I began to memorize Psalms 9:9 and slowly I began understanding the text. You see, The Lord will always be a warm and cozy" for the "oppressed." It is when The Lord is needed most. A simple definition from Google Definitions is something subjected to hard and authoritarian treatment. We all go through tough and difficult time. We must bare life. You will go from side-rope to side-rope fighting head-to-head with life; Be strong and courageous. I know for a fact this Summer has had troubling days but my faith and belief helped carry me each and everyday.

Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love.

1 John‬ ‭4‬:‭18‬ NLT

Quote of the day: "If you're not making mistakes, you're not getting better." #NikeEliteHoops #TheyNotReady ENT.™

1. Every individual, group, family, and community has strengths.
   
2. Trauma and abuse, illness, and struggle may be injurious, but they may also be sources of challenge and opportunity.
3. Assume that you do not know the upper limits of the capacity to grow and change, and take individual, group, and community aspirations seriously.
4. We best serve our purpose by collaborating with others. 
5. Every environment is full of resources.
6. Caring, Care-taking and Context helps people.

(Saleebey, 206, pp. 16-20)