Self-blame is one of the most toxic forms of emotional abuse. Psychologists say it exaggerates our perceived inadequacies, whether real or imagined, and creates an illusory ideal that we simply cannot meet. In fact, in the Book of James, we are reminded, we all stumble in many ways” and from the Book of Ecclesiastes, we know “there is not a righteous man on earth who continually does good and who never sins.”

What?!?! Excuse me?! That might have been the longest pause or break in conversation I have ever been a part of. I remember the odd feeling more than the actual thoughts, but I am sure I was thinking, “What did you break?” Then, the revelation. “I entered us into an ugly bathroom contest,” he said.

Pause and remember. We should bless all lawyers. Who else would get us out of the trouble they got us into?.

Sometimes we get so caught up in using labels that we miss the forest for the trees. Of course, labels help us organize our world, which is increasingly loud, confusing and misleading.

This year’s Krewe of Highland parade will be held at 2 p.m. Feb. 15 and is free and open to the public. The parade runs through the heart of the historic Highland neighborhood, where the architecture and openness of the diverse people who live and work there give it a distinct feel that delights visitors.

Yet recent news reports in our nation seem to tell a different story today, and it’s one that seems increasingly obsessed with the colors of our skin, rather than the content of our characters; of what divides us, rather than what strengthens us.