A Raw Reaction to Tim Tebow's Shawn Ryan Show Interview

Finding Purpose in Unexpected Places: A Raw Reaction to Tim Tebow's Shawn Ryan Show Interview

There are moments in life that hit you with an unexpected force, leaving you profoundly changed, even in the most mundane of settings. For me, that moment arrived today, in a bustling chow hall, while watching the Shawn Ryan Show's interview with Tim Tebow. What began as a simple Youtube on an isolated island quickly morphed into an intensely emotional and deeply personal revelation.

I found myself literally weeping, tears streaming down my face as Tebow spoke. It was an uncomfortable public display, stirring a fleeting worry about what strangers might assume. Am I "going through something deeper"? Perhaps, but not in the way they might think. This was a soul-deep ache of recognition, a profound sense of clarity emerging from vulnerability. The raw emotion was so overwhelming, I had to excuse myself, leaving my meal and the curious glances behind, simply because the floodgates wouldn't close.

Tim Tebow, a name synonymous with unwavering faith and athletic prowess, resonated with me on a level I hadn't anticipated. His conversation with Shawn Ryan wasn't just an interview; it was a testament to living a life dedicated to a higher purpose. The very mention of "John 3:16" – the verse often highlighted in his eye black, a cornerstone of his career and daily existence – felt like a personal call to arms. It's a reminder that at the core of his remarkable journey is a commitment to something far greater than himself.

This experience, in its raw intensity, has brought me to a singular, undeniable conclusion: I want to live a life devoted to helping others, with every fiber of my being, with all my might and my heart. The clarity in this desire is astounding, a powerful beacon cutting through the uncertainties of my current situation. Being "stuck on an island" right now highlights the unpredictable nature of life, yet this interview has unexpectedly drawn me closer to my faith and a future that, while still unclear, now feels infused with profound meaning.

There’s a strange beauty in finding such profound refreshment and direction from a digital screen, especially when facing an unsure path. If you've watched this interview, you understand. If you've cried, you are truly not alone. This wasn't just about a football player or a TV show; it was about witnessing a life lived with intentionality and purpose, a life that stirred a dormant desire within my own heart. And for that, I am profoundly grateful. Before I go to sleep tonight, I carry not just the memory of Tebow's words, but a renewed sense of peace in the potential of a life dedicated entirely to serving others. 

👉 Click here  to watch the interview if you would like  

Dear Cephora

I still look in your direction,

Even when I know your eyes don’t linger on mine anymore.
And I get it
You don’t believe my words,
Because you’ve heard promises before that never held weight.

But from the moment I open my eyes,
To the hours I lie awake at night
You’re there.
You live in the pause between my thoughts,
In the ache behind every “what if.”
I’d stand in every line, walk every mile,
Just to know if you still care.

You once asked me to grow up,
And I didn’t then, not fully.
But I did now.
Because losing you taught me more
Than holding on to pride ever could.

And if I had one more moment just one
I wouldn’t waste it proving who I was,
I’d show you who I’ve become.

Please don’t shiver from the thought of me
Because I don’t want to haunt you.

Though, I feel like I did.

I want to heal with you.
To be your peace, your softness, your friend.
I’ll say it loud. I’ll say it clear:
I’m still waiting for you.

I know you might not even see me now,
And maybe this is my final chance.
But if there’s a crack in that wall, even a sliver of light.

Let me in. Not as the man I was.

But as someone willing to do the quiet work
To be the friend you deserve,
To be the safety I should have always been.

I’ve changed.
Not just for you but because of you.
And that’s the truth.

So if this is the part where I fall,
Then let it be with grace.
But if there’s still a corner of your heart
Where I’m not erased…
Let me start again.

Even if it’s just as your friend.
Your best friend.
The one who never should’ve forgotten how much that mattered.

Still waiting,
Still learning,
Still yours if you'll have me; 

A Softness Forged in Fire

They say steel is born in flame 

but never speak

of the silk that swaddles the burn.

Black women,

are the quiet storm,

the gentle breath between

war cries and lullabies.

For every door slammed

they opened another

with bare hands,

sometimes bleeding;

sometimes trembling,

but always holding.

A cradle in one arm,

a world on the other shoulder,

still they find a way to

hum joy into broken mornings,

wrap pain in poems,

and pour love into tea

for the tired.

Do you see her?

Not just the spine that never bends,

but the smile that softens a room

before she speaks.

The kind of grace

that dances through trauma,

carrying whole families

in the corners of her eyes.

Her strength is not the absence of tears

it’s the flood that dares to feel,

then builds anew.

She is the hymn in the hush,

the echo in the fight,

the silk and the sword, 

still exuding every bit of softness

for every ounce of her strength.

And maybe

that is the truest kind of power:

to bleed beauty into the world,

even as it forgets

who bled for it.

FYI: Thank you Black Women 

The World's Kitchen in a Trade War: How China's Power Impacts Us All

Imagine the world as a vast restaurant, and China as its kitchen. It supplies the ingredients, from the spices that add flavor to the essential staples that form the base of many dishes. Now, imagine a trade war disrupting this kitchen. That's essentially what's happening between the United States and China, and the consequences are far-reaching.

China's Economic Might

China has transformed into the world's second-largest economy, a manufacturing superpower, and a major trading partner for most countries. Economy of China - Wikipedia It's the leading exporter of goods and a key player in global supply chains. This economic strength gives China considerable influence on the world stage.   

The Trade War and its Impact

The trade war between the US and China, characterized by escalating tariffs and retaliatory measures, has created significant disruptions. These tariffs, essentially taxes on imported goods, increase costs for businesses and consumers.US-China trade relationship not as one sided as it appears - Oxford Economics The impact extends beyond economics:   

• Global Economy: The trade war creates uncertainty, slows down economic growth, and disrupts established international trading frameworks. Analyzing the Impact of the U.S.-China Trade War on China’s Energy Transition - CSIS   
• Supply Chains: China's dominance in the export of many goods means that tariffs create headaches for importers.   
• Clean Energy Transition: Trade tensions could negatively impact China's energy transition, which is vital to global climate goals. Analyzing the Impact of the U.S.-China Trade War on China’s Energy Transition - CSIS   

The Medication Connection

Perhaps one of the most concerning aspects is China's role in the global supply of medications. A significant percentage of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), the building blocks of most drugs, come from China. China “Owns” America's Generic Drug Supply Chain, U.S. China Commission Says Tariffs could drive up drug costs and exacerbate existing shortages, directly impacting the health of people worldwide.   

A Recent Example: Coronavirus

The coronavirus outbreak serves as a stark reminder of China's global impact. The rapid spread of the virus and its economic consequences demonstrated how interconnected the world is and how disruptions in China can have cascading effects.   

Can a resolution be found?

Finding a resolution to the trade war is crucial. Recent reports suggest that the Trump administration is considering lowering tariffs on Chinese goods in an attempt to de-escalate tensions. Trump administration considers China tariff cuts: Report | Trade War - Al Jazeera However, reaching a lasting agreement will require both sides to address fundamental issues and find a path toward cooperation.   

No Deal, Deep Pain: The Worst-Case Trade War Scenario for US and China.

 If China and the U.S. fail to reach a deal on tariffs, the worst-case scenario could involve a significant and prolonged period of economic disruption for both countries and the global economy. ¹ Here's a breakdown of potential consequences: 

1. IDC: Tariffs will raise tech prices and cause 'significant disruption' to supply chains 

www.computing.co.uk

For the U.S.:

• Increased Consumer Prices: Existing and further tariffs on Chinese goods would directly translate to higher prices for American consumers on a wide range of products, from electronics and clothing to toys and household goods.This would erode purchasing power and potentially lead to inflation.   
• Reduced Business Competitiveness: U.S. businesses that rely on imported components or materials from China would face higher costs, making them less competitive domestically and internationally. This could lead to reduced production, lower profits, and potentially job losses in affected sectors.   
• Retaliatory Tariffs: China would almost certainly retaliate with tariffs on U.S. goods, impacting American exporters, particularly in agriculture (soybeans, pork), manufacturing, and other sectors. This would reduce their sales, profitability, and potentially lead to job losses in these industries.   
• Supply Chain Disruptions: A breakdown in trade relations could lead to significant disruptions in global supply chains, as businesses struggle to find alternative sources for goods and materials. This could lead to production delays and further price increases.   
• Reduced Economic Growth: The combination of higher consumer prices, reduced business investment, and decreased exports would likely lead to slower economic growth in the U.S. Some economists might even predict a recession under a prolonged and escalating trade war.   
• Financial Market Instability: Uncertainty surrounding trade relations can lead to volatility and instability in financial markets, impacting stock prices, bond yields, and investor confidence.   

For China:

• Reduced Export Growth: Tariffs on Chinese goods would make them more expensive in the U.S., its largest export market. This would significantly reduce China's export growth, impacting manufacturing industries and employment.   
• Economic Slowdown: Reduced exports would contribute to a slowdown in China's overall economic growth, potentially leading to social and political challenges.
• Job Losses: Export-oriented industries in China would face job losses as demand for their goods in the U.S. decreases.
• Technological Decoupling: A trade war could accelerate efforts by both countries to decouple technologically, with the U.S. restricting China's access to key technologies and China developing its own alternatives. This could stifle innovation and increase costs for tech companies in both nations.
• Financial Instability: Similar to the U.S., prolonged trade tensions could also lead to instability in China's financial markets.

Global Impacts:

• Global Economic Slowdown: As the world's two largest economies suffer, global economic growth would likely be significantly hampered.
• Disrupted Global Supply Chains: Businesses worldwide rely on intricate supply chains that involve both the U.S. and China. A trade war would force companies to restructure these chains, leading to inefficiencies and higher costs.   
• Increased Protectionism: The failure to reach a deal could embolden other countries to adopt more protectionist trade policies, further fragmenting the global economy.
• Geopolitical Tensions: A trade war could exacerbate existing geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and China, potentially leading to conflicts in other areas.   

Worst-Case Scenario:

The absolute worst-case scenario could involve a complete breakdown in trade relations, leading to a full-blown trade war with escalating tariffs across numerous sectors. This could trigger a global recession, significant job losses worldwide, and a reversal of decades of trade liberalization. It could also fuel geopolitical instability and mistrust between major global powers.

While a complete breakdown is less likely, a prolonged stalemate with continued tariffs and retaliatory measures would still inflict significant damage on both economies and the global landscape.

Liberation Day

A Monologue on Tariffs, Elon Musk’s Comedy Career, and the Global Economy’s Cry for Help

Oh, you think you’ve had a bad day? Try waking up to the news that the entire global economy is now the unwilling hostage of a man who thinks trade wars are fun.

Yeah. That’s where we are.

Trump—our fearless, economically illiterate leader—has just declared “Liberation Day.” Now, if that sounds like the title of a bad action movie starring Steven Seagal, that’s because it is. But no, this isn’t Hollywood. This is real life. And instead of being liberated, we’re about to get economically pile-driven into the abyss.

And here’s the kicker—Elon Musk is the one explaining it to us.

That’s right. Elon. Musk. Not an economist. Not a diplomat. No, no. We’ve got the Twitter meme lord, the guy who named his kid after a Wi-Fi password, trying to make sense of Trump’s tariff rampage.

And he’s doing it… as a stand-up comedian.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Musk says, stepping onto the stage, "have you ever noticed how tariffs are kinda like Tesla autopilot? You think they’re gonna get you to your destination, and then BAM! Right into a brick wall."

Oh, great. We’re in for one of those nights.

Trump, sitting in the front row, does that thing where he fake-laughs way too loud. “HA! HA! So true, Elon. So true.” He looks around, checking to see if the cameras caught his reaction.

The rest of us? We’re sitting here in stunned silence, watching Musk struggle to justify the unjustifiable.

"25% tariffs on auto imports!" he announces, flipping to a slide that literally just says “Big Ouch” in bold red letters. "It’s like if I charged you a 25% fee just to use a Tesla charger. Oh wait—" he chuckles, "I already do that."

Trump loves this joke. Slaps his knee. “Brilliant! Just brilliant.”

Meanwhile, economists are watching from the wings, contemplating whether now is a good time to start drinking.

Because here’s the thing—these tariffs? They’re real. This isn’t a joke. American consumers are about to pay more for everything. Trading partners are already sharpening their retaliatory tariffs like medieval swords. The stock market? Oh, buddy. It’s in freefall.

And yet here we are, stuck in this nightmare comedy special where Musk is bombing on stage, and the entire world is forced to sit through it.

"You ever think about how trade wars are kinda like a Tesla Model X? Super expensive, no one really asked for it, and somehow—somehow—it still catches on fire?"

Nothing. Dead silence.

Even Trump stops fake-laughing for a second.

The American people? We’re slumped in our seats, exhausted, wondering when this show ends. Europe is side-eyeing the exit. Japan is considering deleting America’s number. Canada? Canada is just sitting there, quietly furious, chugging maple syrup straight from the bottle.

And Musk? He’s sweating now. He knows this is a disaster. He looks at Trump, hoping for a rescue.

But Trump? Oh, he’s loving this. Standing ovation, clapping way too hard. “Genius! Elon, you’re a genius! We gotta have you explain all my policies. You make them sound funny!”

And that’s when it hits me.

We’re not watching a comedy show. We’re watching a hostage situation.

Elon Musk is trapped on stage, trying to make sense of Trump’s tariff-fueled economic firestorm, and we’re all trapped in the audience, forced to witness it.

No refunds. No early exits. Just us, Musk, and a global economy teetering on the edge.

God help us all.

Scars That Don’t Fade

(Verse 1)

I built my walls up high, brick by brick, alone
Learned too young that love can leave, and silence feels like home
Mom and Dad weren’t there, so I learned not to care
If nobody’s watching, then why should I share?

(Pre-Chorus)
I had too many dreams, too many hopes
Held on too tight, just to let go
And now I stand here, nothing left to say
Some scars don’t heal, they just fade to grey

(Chorus)
I gave and I gave, but it’s never enough
She took what she could, then called it love
I see through the lies, the secrets, the pain
And I won’t be a pawn in her selfish game
I’m done, I’m done, I’m done…

(Verse 2)
She whispered my name to the one who broke me
Kept my truth in the dark like it meant nothing
I stayed silent, I played strong
But those nights were way too long

(Pre-Chorus)
I had too many dreams, too many hopes
Held on too tight, just to let go
And now I stand here, nothing left to say
Some scars don’t heal, they just fade to grey

(Chorus)
I gave and I gave, but it’s never enough
She took what she could, then called it love
I see through the lies, the secrets, the pain
And I won’t be a pawn in her selfish game
I’m done, I’m done, I’m done…

(Bridge)
She tried to leave instead of facing me
Her shame too loud, her guilt too deep
But I won’t carry what’s not mine
Her truth, her past—I’ll leave behind

(Outro)
I’ll break the cycle, I’ll make it right
If I ever have kids, they’ll sleep at night
No more secrets, no more shame
Some scars don’t fade, but I’ll heal my name.

The Weight of Unseen Sacrifice

The worn leather of the armchair felt familiar, a comforting embrace against the chill seeping from the drafty window. Rain lashed against the glass, mirroring the storm brewing inside him. Jamal stared out, the city lights a hazy blur through the downpour. His mother's words echoed, a cruel refrain in the silence: "You're just a mama's boy, always needing me."

He'd sacrificed everything. College dreams deferred, a career path abandoned, his life a meticulous tapestry woven around her needs. He'd been her rock, her confidante, her shield against the world. He'd expected gratitude, maybe even a hint of pride. Instead, he'd received a lifetime of subtle dismissals, his efforts labeled as weakness.

The words, "You're just a mama's boy," stung with a venomous precision. It wasn't just an insult; it was a dismissal of his entire existence. He'd poured his heart and soul into caring for her, and all he received was a condescending label.

The rain continued to fall, a relentless rhythm mirroring the pounding of his own heart. He thought of the countless nights spent by her bedside, the endless errands, the comforting words whispered in the face of her anxieties. He'd built his life around her, sacrificing his own dreams, his own happiness, for the woman who was supposed to be his biggest supporter.

And for what? For a lifetime of "thank yous" that felt hollow and a constant undercurrent of disapproval. He felt a wave of suffocating anger, a bitter taste of betrayal. He had loved her fiercely, unconditionally. But love, he realized, was a two-way street.

As the storm raged outside, Jamal sat in the armchair, the weight of his unseen sacrifices pressing down on him. He was drowning in a sea of resentment, the echoes of his mother's words a constant reminder of the love he'd never truly received. He knew he needed to heal, to find a way to forgive, not just for her, but for himself. But the pain ran too deep, the wounds too fresh.

He closed his eyes, the image of his mother's face, etched with a lifetime of worry lines, flashing before him. He loved her, he truly did. But he also knew that sometimes, love wasn't enough. Sometimes, it wasn't enough to heal the wounds inflicted by those closest to us.