"It's just as complex with the guards. They're jailers, but they're also fellow employees of mine. And they're stuck in regular routines like the prisoners, stuck having to be "the Man." But they're choosing that too."(149)
   I wonder what it's like to be a guard at a prison. Watching shows like, "Beyond Scared Straight" or "Behind Bars: Rookie Year" it seems like being a guard is a very intimidating job. A guards job is to be firm and strict. They need to lay down the law and keep the prisoners in check. However, sometimes they can take it overboard. Being a prisoner never sounds like a fun thing and sadly there are more ways than being in jail to feel like a prisoner. For example, a young child who has very strict and firm parents.  The child may feel like their parents are more guards than parents. The child has a fear of getting in trouble or making a bad grade, because they know they will be punished. Some couples feel trapped in a relationship. They feel like they can't end it, because they don't want to hurt their partners feelings or they might abuse them. In the end, it never feels good to feel trapped and the faster you realize you can get help, the closer you are to freedom. 


"Only God can decide who gets sickness and who does not. It is my duty to resist your interference with his will."(154)
   I always wonder why some people get sick over others. Why a mother of five gets diagnosed with cancer. It is a sad reality of life that everyday innocent, kind-hearted people are fighting to get better and stay alive. God has a special plan for every one's lives that sometimes unfortunately include struggle. It is said that "God gives his hardest battles to His strongest soldiers."(.Pinterest) During the struggle it is hard to remember that things do get better and realize that just because we've had a couple hard days doesn't mean we have a horrible life. While adjusting at UT, it is often times overwhelming trying to balance studying for tests, writing papers, and still trying to have the "college experience." It is important for us to remember that God is always with us and things will get better. "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10)

"It means encountering profound differences of belief, challenging institutions, struggling for power, risking casualties. How do we stay clear and conscious in the midst of all that? How do we maintain the integrity of Spirit on the battlefield of social action?"(156)
  What does it mean to maintain the integrity of Spirit on the battlefield of social action? When fighting for what you believe is right, sometimes the difference between right and wrong becomes unclear. Along the way you will encounter people who don't believe in the same thing you are fighting for. What are you supposed to do? Try to explain to them what your beliefs are, just ignore them, or attempt to fight them? Personally, I think you should respect their beliefs and in a civilized manner explain yours. However, this could be hard if they aren't cooperating or are being disrespectful. Sometimes, its better to just walk away from a situation, because some people are just not willing to change. What about when it comes to challenging an institution? This situation happened on our campus at the beginning of the school year. I think the protest was handled respectfully and they were still able to get their point across. How about when it comes to struggling for power? Do the candidates running for president still have a clear conscious while running for President? Both Donald Trump and Hilary Clinton have said things to each other that are disrespectful and are reasons why both of them aren't the best candidates. In the end, it is very hard to stay clear and conscious in these situations, but it is possible.

"The quality of our life depends on the quality of the seeds that lie deep in our consciousness."(523)
  How much influence do our parents have on us when were growing up? Does what they teach us really make a difference? In my opinion I believe it makes the biggest difference. Growing up my parents were very involved in raising my brother and I. I used to wonder why they were always so strict and always made sure we were doing what we were supposed to do. Now that I've finally left the nest I can understand why they did this. They were preparing me for the day when they wouldn't always be there to make I did what i was supposed to do or made sure I stayed out of trouble. Now that I'm on my own, I truly thank them for raising us they way they did. I can honestly say I know right from wrong and I have no problem saying no when offered to do things that I know aren't right. My quality of life definitely depends on the quality of the seeds that lie deep in my conscious. My parents did a great job teaching my brother and I right from wrong and for that I will always be grateful. 

"If in our daily life we can smile, if we can be peaceful and happy, not only we, but everyone will profit from it." (524)
   For most people, true happiness is a goal that everyone hopes to achieve in their lives. What does it mean to be truly happy? For every person that answer is different. For some people happiness is achieved through success or relationships. Some people look for happiness in money and others find it in family. No matter what you define your happiness as, everyone deserves to be truly happy. When you are happy, your positive energy can give off to other people. Giving someone a simple smile or a hello can brighten someone's rough day. You never know what someone is going through, so it is important to be a smiling face or an encouraging voice!!