J.B.Priestley’s play, An Inspector Calls :: English Literature

English Coursework - An Inspector Calls. After the inspector leaves, The Birling’s discuss the night’s events. They go into a stage of blaming each-other for Eva Smith’s death, pushing the guilt onto one-another. Mr. Birling still does not have his priorities straight as the first thing that initially springs to his mind is that fact that the families reputation will go down the drain if any of the information they gave out will be found out by the public. He claimed that ‘There’ll be a public scandal.’ He was certain that he was going to get a ‘knighthood in the next honours list’. In response to his father’s attitude, Eric is unconcerned about what the public will think, but more concerned about what went on that night. Mister and Mrs Birling don’t want to admit to themselves that they played any part in the girl’s death, and keep twisting the subject to point the blame back to Eric. Eric informed his parents ‘Well, I don’t blame you. But don’t forget I’m ashamed of you as well- yes both of you.’ He is openly admitting that he has done wrong, but thinks that it is unfair to take all the responsibility for the death of the girl. Here again, his Father was steering the blame away from them by saying ‘There's every excuse for what both your mother and I did- it turned out unfortunately, that’s all’. This is a gutless attitude for them to have considering how they were feeling before the inspector left them. Sheila was quiet up until this. Sheila is on Eric’s side and openly admitted that she behaved badly, but she then pointed out that they were pretending that nothing much has happened. It is here when Eric reminds his father of what he had told himself and Gerald earlier that evening just before the inspector had arrived- ‘A man has to make his own way, look after himself and mind his own business, and that we weren’t to take any notice of these cranks who tells us that everybody has to look after everybody else, as if we were all mixed up together’. Thinking about this, the Birling’s begin to have doubts as to whether the inspector is in fact, an inspector. It seemed too ironic that an inspector would walk in at that moment. Sheila described it as being ‘very queer’. She then quoted ‘it doesn’t much matter now’ how ever mister Birling disagrees as it matters ‘a devil of a lot to him’. He is relieved that there is still hope that his reputation is not at stake, and let off the hook

A Night at Grandma’s :: Personal Narrative Writing

A Night at Grandma’s When I stand in the foyer, taking off my coat, I realize just how small the place is. The narrow space is barely wide enough to open the closet door when there is more than one person standing there. The wire hangers rustle as I pick one to hang my coat on. My shoes make a whiffing noise as I wipe them on the carpet, and they squeak on the tiled floor. After I take them off, I stand up and look at the myriad of pictures hanging on the wall. I know all the people in them, but they seem like strangers because we are so young. The really old ones are yellowing around the edges and it is obvious that my grandfather took some of them because they are badly focused. My favorites are the ones that were taken when my cousins and I were young. I especially love the one of my dad without his moustache. I always try to picture what he would look like today if he shaved it off. The immaculate white carpet. It is so white, it looks brand new even though it is twelve years old. It feels plushy, warm and soft under my feet. I go into the kitchen, and suddenly the floor changes. The floor is no longer soft and plushy carpet, it is hard and cold and my stocking feet slide easily as if I were on ice skates. The kitchen is so small it can barely accommodate all three of us at the same time. I sit in the rickety metal chair with the white pleather seat and pull-down step. The chair squeals with my every movement. I rest my elbows on the cold formica countertops as I talk to my grandma and grandpa. The sharp corner jabs into my side, and I quickly recoil. On the stove, there are a couple of pots. The flames beneath them dance, showing off vibrant yellow and orange, while they warm the pots and their contents. Water hisses and spits from the pot on the back burner letting everyone know that it has come to a boil. The ceramic dishes scrape against one another as I pull them from them from the cabinet.

Comparing the New England and Chesapeake Colonists Essay -- essays pap

Comparing the New England and Chesapeake Colonists The New England and Chesapeake colonists settled in the new world for different reasons like religious freedoms in the North and quick profits in the South. Jamestown was originally an ideal place to strike it rich for the colonists. They didn't plan on staying long, therefore not bringing many women, as seen in Doc C. The early colony began to expand after the governors imposed laws and kept things running smooth. The Pilgrims who were seeking religious freedom from the Church of England established the Plymouth plantation in Massachusetts. The New England colonists brought more women because they planned on more of a permanent settlement; this is illustrated in the passenger list contained in Doc. B. They lived their lives for their god, not like the Chesapeake region, which was in it for the money. The colonists in the Chesapeake region started to make a profit with Tobacco and Indigo. Both products had a market in Europe. Many farmers moved farther and farther out of the colony for more land. This way they could produce more products, which would ultimately lead to overproduction and a decline in the selling price. The geography to the north around Massachusetts was a lot different. The soil was not very good for farming, but there were a lot of forests and natural ports. These features made that area ideal for shipbuilding and fishing. So the northern colonies became a big shipbuilding industry. So the North's output ...

A Study or Research on Depression and Anxiety Essay

I. Introduction ‘’ Anna† had been suffering from depression and anxiety attack since adolescence. Her depression started when her parents broke up while her anxiety attacks started her mother started working in Cebu, leaving Anna her psychological problems, but when she was 17, Anna did the ultimate act giving in to her depression, she committed to suicide by hanging. This true story brings home the reality of the problems of depression and anxiety that could afflict individuals regardless of age, status, race, social standing or gender, and the intensity and severity of the pain they bring that could be lead to the ultimate act of suicide. Even the great Sir Winston Churchill suffered from depression in his lifestyle. Severe depression marked by prolonged and very deep sorrow and lowered self-esteem, and anxiety, a serious state of deep worry and panic, affect a large number of individuals today. Shimberg (1991) identifies depression as â€Å" the most common biological disorder seen in psychiatry today that nobody can escape because people are either directly affected by it or try to cope with a  family member who is affected with depression† Aside from the ever-present danger and risk of suicide, depression and anxiety rob affected persons with loss of happiness and well being that could lead to physical, psychological and well social ailments. Many are prevented from going to school from finding or maintaining lucrative jobs, and from enjoying social activities with family and friends. All of these negative effects and fatal impact on depression and anxiety make this study highly significant. This aims to show that depression and anxiety when left undetected o untreated would lead to suicide among teenagers and adults alike. The second part of this study will present the salient facts about depression, its types, causes, risk factors, effects and dangers from suicide, as well as therapy and preventive measures to stop afflicted individuals from committing self-destruction. The next part will present all the facts about anxiety, the different types or manifestations, cause, risk factors, effects, dangers of suicide and also therapy and preventive measures.  The least part will focus on suicide. -the types and methods, the statistics of suicide due to depression and anxiety and the preventive measures that must be done by those nearest to the afflicted people with suicidal tendencies. II. Depression A.Definition Depression can be defined and described in various ways. Kyes and Hofling (1980) define it as a pathologic state, brought on the feelings of loss and/ or guilt and characterized by sadness and lowering of self-esteem. ¹It may also be simply defined as a brain disorder that affects thoughts, moods, feelings, behavior and physical health. More specifically, depression is best defined in terms of its attributes, or the observable signs, symptoms and charges it brings to an afflicted person. These include: (1) a marked alteration in mood such as sadness, loneliness and apathy; (2) a negative self-concept associated with self-reproaches and self-blame; (3) Regressive and self-punitive wishes such as the desires to escape, hide, or die; (4) vegetative changes including anorexia, insomnia, loss of libido ; and (5) change in activity level including retardation or agitation. ³ B.Types of Depression Today, psychiatrists categorize depression into the different types based on their characteristics. The first type termed Major depressive episode is marked by symptoms that appear without any cause that can be pinpointed. It prevents the person from doing normal daily activities and may be isolated (occur once) or recurrent. The second type called Manic episode is marked by dominating abnormal euphoria (extreme happy agitated state) or irritability. The third is Mixed episode marked by alternating mood, between mania depression for at least one week. This episode also goes by the name manic depression or bipolar disorder. The fourth and last in this group of psychiatric categories is Dysthymic disorder marked by the affected individual can still perform normal activities.⠁ ´ The reaction states in the depression are also classified in terms of state or intensity of impairment and disturbance. Neurotic depressive reaction is identified as a state of depression of neurotic intensity wherein realty testing is largely unimpaired and physiologic disturbances are mild. On the other hand, Psychotic depressive reaction is that state depression of psychotic intensity in which realities testing severely impaired and physiologic disturbances (vegetative signs) are usually conspicuous. The third state called Reactive depression is a depressive state which the precipitating stress can be clearly discerned and seen to be of some magnitude. The fourth state called Unipolar depression is a condition characterized by recurrent episodes of depression, usually of psychotic intensity, without episodes of mania.⠁ µ Another type of depression is called Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD. This is a pattern of major depression related to seasonal changes which might be caused by decreased levels of sunlight and increased melatonin (mood-controlling hormone) in the brain.⠁ ¶ Unlike SAD which can be explained by a biochemical cause the cause of depression and its various types and states difficult to pinpoint. Scientists and experts believe that a combination of factors such as genetic vulnerability, environmental factors, stress, physical illness, or neurotransmitter imbalances in the brain could lead to depression. The known causes of depression are inherited vulnerability; environmental triggers; medications; illnesses; personality; alcohol; nicotine; and drug abuse; and diet.⠁ ¶ Inherited vulnerability as cause of depression means that having a family history of depression increases the risk of developing depression. A person who has a parent or relative with this condition is in danger of getting bogged down with depression. Researchers have isolated several genes involved in bipolar depression, although not all with this negative heredity trait develops the problem. It has been clarified that there are other factors that can lead t depression and one of these are environmental triggers such as stressful life events including loss or death of a loved one, divorce, break up of a relationship, loss of a job, financial worries, and sickness or loss of health or independence.⠁ · Although depression just like stress, is a part of life, when the depression starts to control a person’s life for over two weeks and leads to passive behavior prolonged sorrow, lack of appetites and a loss of the general zest for living, then he or she has shifted from simply being depressed to suffering from depression. This type of depression caused by a situation, specific event or life changing situation is called reactive or situational depression.⠁ ¸ In addition to inherited vulnerability, environmental triggers and stressful  events or situations, personality traits can also be cause of depression having low self-esteem, being too dependent, self critical, pessimistic and negative, and being easily overcome by stress can make a person prone to depression.⠁ ¹ Also, medications and illnesses, as well as habits such as drinking alcohol, smoking and drug abuse as well as poor dietary habits can also cause depression. Prolonged use of certain medications such as beta blocker propanolol or Inderal, some blood pressure medicines and drugs for treating arthritis and Parkinson’s disease may cause depression. Sometimes, steroid medications such as Prednisone and oral contraceptives, and anti-cancer medicines can also being on depression. Those chronically sick from heart disease are also greater risk for suffering from full blown depression. This connection between heart disease and hypothyroidism has been established by studies. ¹Ã¢  ° Studies also found that contrary to previous beliefs, people did not turn to alcohol, nicotine or drugs to get comfort from depression but it is these substances that make them prone to depression and anxiety disorders. Studies found that about 30% of depressives and 60% of bipolar depressives abuse alcohol and drugs. Moreover other bad habits such as not eating well and lack of foliate and Vitamin B-12 may also result in depressive symptoms. ¹Ã‚ ¹ With the various cause of depression cited above and one might ask what the risk factors are and who are at risk for depression. Shimberg (1991) point to stages in life that might trigger the problem including forced retirement; being left behind by children who get married or leave for school; becoming an adolescent. These life stages and occurrences individuals at the risk for depression. Childhood depression and post depression are forms of depression that often do not get recognized. ¹Ã‚ ² Moreover, according to Kyes (1980), some research had indicated that depression and bipolar disorders might earlier by experts. This indication is linked to increase in the adolescent suicide rate in recent years. ¹Ã‚ ³ Experts also warn that outside of those already mentioned as at risk for  depression because of the altered stage in life, families of those who are depressed at most at risk for depression. The reason for this is the destruction that depression cause on the depressed and all family members round them: damage to relationships, end to careers, lost dreams and chaos and torment for the family. So mothers of depressed children become depressed, and children of depressed parents also become more likely to get depressed. ¹Ã¢  ´ In terms of age, race, status, gender and other factors, experts point out that depression can affect all ages and all races, but typically the first episode occurs between the ages of 25 and 44. Although older people are no more at risk than other age groups, depression are higher among single individuals and those not in long-term relations- among divorced people and those who live alone. Women are more prone to major depression, dysthemia and seasonal affective disorder. It is said that one out of four women will experience some type of depression so women are at 25% higher risk, although both genders have about the same risk for bipolar depression.  ¹Ã¢  µ More important than knowing the risk factors causes of depression is knowledge of preventive measures and the signs and symptoms of depression so that its negative effects and serious impact can be avoided. When left untreated and undetected, depression can result only in the worst consequences of disability, dependency and even suicide. Statistics reveals that as high as 70 percent (70%) of people who committed suicide may have some form of depression. ¹Ã¢  ¶ D.Effects and Dangers of Suicide Indeed, the impact of depression is severe because it negatively affects all aspects of health and depresses thinking, moods, feelings and behavior, as well as weakens physical health. The depressed person loses interest in normal day to day activities and experience lack of pleasures in activities previously enjoyed. This loss of happiness is called anhedonia; it erases all the enjoyment previously experienced in life. Hence, the depressed person feels very sad, helpless and hopeless and suffers from crying spells.  These effects last for a long time.  ¹Ã¢  · In addition to the above major affects of depression, the afflicted individual also suffers from disturbed sleep; marked less or gain in weight; agitation or slowed body movements; fatigue; diminished self-esteem; persistent thoughts of death and suicide; impaired thinking or concentration and loss of libido or interest in sex. Depressed individuals either sleep too much or suffer from insomnia. They may wake up in the middle of the night or at dawn and not fall asleep again. They often become agitated, irritable and easily gets angered at little things. On the opposite extremes, they become robot like, moving slowly and speaking in a monotone. They feel fatigued and weary, filled with guilt and feelings of worthlessness. Because of these, they think of suicide and not death, unable to make the right decisions and forgetting things. They lose interest in sexual relations. It is when they become overwhelmed that depressed individuals commit suicide. ¹Ã¢  ¸ A study by Cassidy, Flamegon and Spellman (1957) found that 58% of depressed individuals were psychologically affected, often saying that they had nothing to look forward to, were afraid to be alone, could not remember anything, had black moods and blind rages, felt all mixed up, very unhappy or simply brooded around the house. Some (18%) felt that their head was heavy, pressured in the throat or had headaches. Some left a pain in the head like a balloon about to burst urinated frequently and had upset stomach. A few (11%) felt tired, exhausted or jumpy. They confessed to inability to do work, lack of strength and trembling like a leaf. A small number (2%) experience a mixture of medical and psychological problems such as getting scared and not being able to breath, suffering from stiff necks and loss of power, feeling a weakness in their arms. ¹Ã¢  ¹ In the major form of depression, depressed persons become so fatigued that they sleep throughout the day and night. They are unable to work or do simple chores due to exaggerated sadness and lack of lethargy that cannot overcome. Compounding their depressive feelings are those of worthlessness, excessive guilt and receiving thoughts of suicide affected by the lifetime  of these major depressive effects are 5-12 out of 100 men and 10-26 of women. The American Psychological association (APA, 1994) also point slowly increasing severity of the problem. Maj. Et al. (1992) state that about 75% of those who suffer from a depressive episode may suffer it again within five years . ²Ã¢  ° People who suffer from bipolar disorder or manic depression marked by alternating moods of depression and mania are affected differently. In this period of a manic episode, they become restless and feel energetic even with only three hours of sleep. They become very talkative, with racing thoughts and flighty ideas. They easily get distracted and increase their social work, school or sexual activities. They also become excessively involved in pleasurable activities that could lead to painful consequences such as uncontrollable buying sprees, sexual indiscretions or foolish business investments. All these can affect their work and social relationships. ²Ã‚ ¹ Less marked affects can be seen in the people with dysthemia or chronic low-level depression. While they may also suffer from disturbed sleep, energy and self-esteem, they are not debilitated; those who suffer from it often lack self-confidence or motivation and remain in abusive relationships. ²Ã‚ ² E.Therapy and Prevention Because depression especially major episodes can lead to suicide, treatment measures must be followed starting with techniques including giving of tranquilizing drugs for mania or antidepressant drugs for depressions, electroconvulsive therapy, milieu therapy, occupational and recreational therapies, and supportive psychotherapy. In addition to these, the most important treatment objective is to change whatever underlying personality problems are causing the depression through psychoanalysis or psychotherapy. ²Ã‚ ³ Three specific forms of psychotherapy that can effectively treat depression are cognitive therapy, behavior therapy and interpersonal psychotherapy.  These are combinations of one of the recommended such as tricyclics or selective serotonin reuptake inhabitations can effectively treat the condition. Other specified forms of treatment are electroconvulsive therapy and phototherapy for seasonal depression. ²Ã¢  ´ The type of treatment given to a depressed person depends on the physiological symptoms that can be observed including disturbance of sleep or loss of the desire to eat. In such cases, anti depressant medications that act to increase the amount of nor epinephrine, serotonin or both available in the synapses. These substances identified as neurotransmitters are found in decreased amounts in depression. Antidepressants that have been found effective are tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidate (MAO) inhibitions and selective serotonin reuptake inhabitations (SSRIS). The SSRIS are preferred because of fewer side effects and they are better tolerated for longer treatment. One example is Prozac. For those suffering from bipolar depression, lithium is usually given in all cases where these medications are used; care should be taken to prevent patients from using them in suicide attempts. ²Ã¢  µ The need to prevent depressed individuals from suicide attempts cannot be overemphasized. Statistics reveals that about 15% of the population experiences major depression and some point in life, putting them at risk for suicide. This danger increases due to the fact that depression is often not diagnosed, or when diagnosed, it is not treated adequately. Physicians need to always assess the risk of suicide by direct questioning because patients often fail to put their thoughts into words if they are not encouraged to do so. When such specific plans of suicide are discovered and if significant risk factors exist such as a past record of suicide attempts, deep hopelessness, accompanying medical illness, substance abuse, or social isolation and loneliness, the patient or depressed individual must be referred right away to a mental health specialist. The physicians should try to dig deeper with hope and empathy in dealing with the depressed patient, and become sensitive to hidden feelings denial a [atient who shows signs of anxiety, panic or agitation is at significantly increased risk of suicide. Almost 15% of patients with untreated depression will commit suicide but  majority of these will have asked for help within a month of their suicide. ²Ã¢  ¶ Because of the ever present danger and risk of suicide among depressive individuals, therapy and treatment should be implemented with clear steps for preventive measures. These include providing a safe environment to protect them from self-injury or suicide; providing a structured environment to encourage the patients to engage in daily and recreational activities ; to reactivate their interests away from personal concerns ; and to motivate them for the treatment and introduce psychotherapy and occupational therapy always, the doctors and caregivers should aim at building trust through one-to-one relationships, showing interest and giving positive support to help build the patients ego and self-esteem. They have to help provide adequate nutrition, sleep and exercise for the patients. ²Ã¢  · IV. Anxiety A. Definition Aside from and often occurring with depression are feelings of anxiety, best described as â€Å" an abnormal and overwhelming signs such as sweating, tension, and increased pulse ; by doubt concerning the reality of the threat ; and by self-doubt concerning one’s capacity to cope with it.  ²Ã¢  ¸ It must be pointed out that anxiety is a normal and useful feeling when it warns of possible danger, but uncontrollable anxiety becomes a disorder when the affected person becomes bombarded with intense, frequent and continuous false alarms. These false alarms may result in dysfunctional avoidance behavior such as refusal to leave the house for fear of a panic attack. Such anxiety disorders are reported as most frequently occurring type of mental disorders in the general population as reported by the American Psychological Association (1994). About 5% of the population suffers from acute or chronic anxiety, with women twice more likely to be affected. More than two percent (2%) of Americans for example have generalized anxiety disorder and are persistently axioms and disturbed. They become excessively and unrealistically worried about life circumstances. About a third of the populations also have at least one irrational or unreasonable fear or phobia. ²Ã¢  ¸ Such exaggerated worry often goes together with depression, which experts think is also caused by imbalance of neurotransmitters. As opposed to normal worry that encourages people to plan and prepare for the future, and to get financial security for the family and the future, anxiety disorders lead to feelings of apprehension, nervousness and nagging uneasiness that resemble a heart attack, accompanied by fast heartbeat, palpitations, seating and dizziness. People with anxiety disorders may also suffer from headaches, insomnia and relentless fatigue. ²Ã¢  ¹ B.Types of Anxiety Anxiety disorders are usually classified as generalized or free floating anxiety; phobic anxiety; or panic attacks. Free floating anxiety refers to morbid states of anxiety that are relatively persistent and generalized. On the other hand, phobic anxiety refers to directed of focused anxiety which is an unreasonable and unfounded fear of an object or situation that leads to avoidance situation. Such phobias are of three main categories. The first are phobias of specific objects or situations such as fear of thunder, spiders, etc. The second are social phobias connected to social situations such as speaking or eating in public; while the third is agoraphobia, anxiety of leaving ones home or familiar surroundings and being in crowded place. The last major category of anxiety disorders, panic attacks, refer t brief but very intense attacks of anxiety. ³Ã¢  ° Such panic attacks are or panic disorders are distinguished from real panic because the intense fear and feelings of doom or terror are not justified by the situation. These attacks are accompanied by shortness of breath, dizziness, heart palpitations, trembling, chest pains and even fear dying or going crazy. ³Ã‚ ¹ In the related disorder called agoraphobia mentioned earlier, the fear is connected to inability to escape such as from crowded grocery stores, elevators, a bridge, or a train, car or bus. The investigating factor is fear of having a panic attack in a public place; hence the afflicted person  avoids leaving home altogether. A similar anxiety disorder is obsessive- compulsive Disorder which is characterized by recurring obsessions and compulsions that lead to severe distress that interfere with life. Obsessions are persisting thoughts or ideas like the notion of a terrible accident about to happen to a loved one or that underwear is filled with germs compulsions and intentional behaviors or mental acts performed to act on an obsession, often as a magical technique to world off the obsessive threat, such as taking a bath over or washing the hands repeatedly. Those with OCD give in to irresistible acts that they perform repeatedly even if they know are irrational. ³Ã‚ ² One type anxiety disorder that has become common is Post- traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD. This is marked by flashbacks and recurrent thoughts of a psychologically distressing experience outside the range of usual human experience such as seeing someone killed; being tortured; being raped; or losing one’s home in tsunami or natural disaster. The signs include nightmares, flashbacks, lessened responsiveness to the world, and psychological numbness. ³Ã‚ ³ C.Causes and Risk Factors of Anxiety Whether anxiety is generalized or free-floating, phobic, obsessive- compulsive or caused by traumatic stress or panic attack, it is often exaggerated worry that goes together with depression. Hence, like depression, it is also caused by an imbalance in neurotransmitters as experts believe. ³Ã¢  ´ Also, like depression, anxiety disorders can be traced to several root causes including genetic vulnerability, and environmental factors. Family studies have shown that genetic factors. Family studies have shown that genetic factors and heredity contribute to anxiety disorders such as panic, simple phobia and obsessive-compulsive. People suffering from anxiety disorders have family members with anxiety and mood disorders. This generic vulnerability is believed to be due to mechanisms involving the neurotransmitters epinephrine and norepinephrine. Obsessive- compulsive  syndromes, for example, have been found to be the result of imbalance among neurotransmitter systems. As for environment, growing eyes in a home with pathologically anxious parents or family members give a significant environmental risk for anxiety disorders. ³Ã¢  µ One group of anxiety disorders, the phobias, can be traced to traumatic or painful roots. Psychiatrists believe that they often result from one single incident that was very frightening, painful or traumatic enough to leave a scar in the unconscious mind, one famous example was Rita Hayworthis phobia for riding elevators. A famous actress, she was once trapped in a lift in a tall building in Madrid when all of sudden, it plunged 20 floors down before the emergency brakes worked. After this event, she developed a phobia for elevators and moved only ride escalators or go to the event of walking up to a destination. She confessed that even thinking above riding an elevator would make her feel cold; she had developed claustrophobia. ³Ã¢  ¶ However, experts also point out that phobias maybe caused by a series of disturbing experiences or situations. This series of unpleasant, frightening events can deeply ingrain the fear in a person’s subconscious mind. One example is the case of famous Mike Douglas who developed acrophobia or fear of flying. At the first, he saw gasoline pawing out of the gas tanks of a B-24 Liberator he had to ride on a assignment. Although the plane did not burn the sight of gasoline hitting the airplane’s wings terrified him. On another tour, the plane he rode on lost an engine and they had to crash-land. Douglas had to be carried from the wreckage and since these two experiences, he had developed from the wreckage and since these two experiences, he had developed acrophobia. ³Ã¢  · In addition to different types of phobias, teenagers can develop anxieties because of difficulties connected with their struggles with issues of freedom and separation from parents, and the need to establish their personal identity. Teenagers often experience fear, ambivalence, and confusion about assuming the role of adults, and these may result in deep emotional conflicts and anxieties. High degree of anxiety among teenagers may be indicated by their overly passive, compliant and conforming  behaviors. ³Ã¢  ¸ Oftentimes, anxiety is caused by exaggerated concerns with the possibility of being physically or emotionally hurt in the future. For example, a student suffering from anxiety would experience continual thoughts of failing in a coming test and everyone thinking that he is stupid. ³Ã¢  ¹ D.Effects of anxiety and Dangers of Suicide Like depression, anxiety has harmful effects on the affected individual. They might feel apprehensive and nervous, troubled by nagging and constant uneasiness about the future. Attacks of anxiety are similar to a heart attack accompanied by rapid heartbeat, palpitations, sweating and dizziness. Anxious people also from headaches, insomnia, and relentless fatigue. When left untreated, anxiety disorders increase the risk for hypertension and heart disease.⠁ ´Ã¢  ° In the case of phobias, the extreme fright results in physical changes including quickening of heartbeat and responses, dilation of the pupils, and pouring of large amounts of energy producing adrenalin.⠁ ´Ã‚ ¹ This response is called the Flight or Fight response and is commonly known to become harmful to health when prolonged. In the case of teenagers, those suffering from anxiety often become preoccupied with physical complaints and feelings. They experience disturbed interpersonal relationships and become plagued and bothered by unrealistic fears. Because they cannot express their fears and anxiety, they may act out their feelings through dysfunctional behaviors like aggression, juvenile or drugs, and truancy. But the worse impact of anxiety is suicide.⠁ ´Ã‚ ² Indeed, the danger of suicide due to anxiety cannot be ignored. A study conducted in Sweden involving 3000 patients suffering from anxiety disorders found that before they reached 70 years old, one third or about 1000 died because of suicide. Hence, anxiety disorders predisposed affected people to commit suicide. ⠁ ´Ã‚ ³ E.Therapy and Prevention To relieve suffering and prevent suicide, proper management of anxiety attacks, treatment techniques and preventive measures must be followed by the afflicted individual and those who care for them. Persons affected by anxiety can learn the techniques of muscle relaxation and biofeedback. They have to take prescribed anti-anxiety medications such as benzodiazepines, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitions (SSRIs) and buspirone (bulpar) to help relieve anxiety symptoms.⠁ ´Ã‚ ³ According to western (1996), benzodiazepines are useful for short-term treatment of anxiety symptoms. The earliest medicine of this type was valium but this has since been replaced by alprazolen or xanax which is more effective in treating panic symptoms. These medications increase the activity of GABA neurotransmitters that inhibits activation throughout the nervous system. Hence, anxiety is reduced by increasing inhibitory neurotransmitters. In the case of panic disorder, psychiatrists prescribe antidepressant medications for faster relief of anxiety.⠁ ´Ã¢  µ In addition to medications which can be habit forming, those suffering from phobias can turn to other techniques to combat phobias. Trudy weirs man, director of the Phobia Workshop in New York suggests an eight-step plan to fight phobias. The plan includes the following steps; â€Å"(1) accepting the phobia; (2) Realizing that phobia cannot kill; (3) Not running and focusing instead on the present situation; (4) Making a chart of feelings and thoughts during a phobic situation; (5) Relaxation using the tighten-relax method; (6) Keeping in touch with reality to divert attention such us opening mail; (7) Belief in one’s own ability to function with fear levels; (8) Seeking professional help when all else fails’’ ⠁ ´Ã¢  ¶ However, it must be pointed out that the anxious individuals need all the help they can get. Those who come in contact with the, especially parents,  teacher and guidance counselors must be careful and be very cautious with teenagers rather the ignore behavior that often signs of serious disturbance and anxiety. For example, a teenager was suspended from school because of tribal rebellion, truancy and drug use. In the absence of social support from school officials and friends, the teenager overdosed on a bottle of pills in an attempt to commit suicide. The treatment revealed problems of depression.⠁ ´Ã¢  · People who come in control with anxious or depressed individuals must be aware of suicidal wishes that are expressed. Such suicidal wishes are extreme expressions of the desire to escape the suffering they imagine in the future and the burdens they believe they are placing on their families. In order to lighten the burden of suffering, hopelessness and mistaken ideas of the facility of their lives, the guidance counselor, teacher or psychiatrist must help the anxious person to examine their reasoning and think about alternative solutions to their problem. They must be guide in correcting their mistaken ideas about things that make them feel hopeless burden that add to their family’s sufferings once they recognize that there is a hope or alternative way, they will be motivated and forget about suicidal thought.⠁ ´Ã¢  ¸ Indeed, the need to correctly assess those people who are in danger of committing suicide and to follow the strategies to prevent them from putting into action suicidal thoughts cannot be overemphasized. School Nurses especially need to be vigilant in diagnosing teenagers with suicidal tendencies. The signs and symptoms of emotionally disturbed teenagers include the following. Social isolation related to inability to engage in personal relationships; Potential for self-directed violence related to suicidal behavior; Anxiety related to situational or maturational crisis; IV. Suicide A.Methods and types of suicide Mass media have successfully raised the awareness of people about the various methods and types of suicide. Some intentionally cause their own death directly by using firearms, knives, or poison while others hang themselves. There are also those who commit suicide indirectly by continuous intake of harmful substances such as alcohol, drugs or tobacco, though most people are aware only of direct suicide. Other types of suicide that have become well-publicized are euthanasia (doctor assisted suicide) and teen age suicide. The issue of teenage suicide has raised to the forefront with the case of the teenager committing suicide in a Pampanga mall recently. B.Statistics of Suicide Gelman (1994) cited in Smith (1992) reported that in the United States of America alone, about 30,000 people die from suicide every. Belluck (1998) cited in Smith (1992) reported that suicide ranked as the 8th leading cause of death among young people in the 15-24 age range. Among adolescents, there has been a marked increase in suicide rate since 1950. ⠁ ´Ã¢  ¹ In addition, statistics reveal that for every successful suicide, there are 5-10 attempted suicides. Moreover, women are reported to make more suicide attempts than men, but four times as many men actually commit suicide. Suicide cases have been increasing in both the teenage and elderly age group.⠁ µÃ¢  ° Furthermore, out of the estimated 30,000 people who actually committed suicide in the United States, 10-50 percent or about half suffer from major depression. For depressed people, the most dangerous time for suicide is when they are already to come out and recover the depression. When they are severely depressed, they are weakened and emotionally paralyzed so that they could not act on the impulse to kill themselves.⠁ µÃ‚ ¹ Just like depression, the anxiety disorders also predispose people to suicide and place them at risk for untimely death. As stated earlier, a study conducted in Sweden found that of more than 3000 impatient who have been  diagnosed with anxiety disorders, about one third or 1000 deaths before age 70 were due to suicide. Aside from those suffering from depression and anxiety disorders, those suffering from schizophrenia and personality disorders also die from suicide. Suicide is the primary cause of death among schizophrenics who are often faced with alienation and homelessness. Those with personality disorders are also prone to suicide because of the chaos and social problems they encounter in life. C.Preventive Measures In order to prevent individuals afflicted with depression, anxiety and other disorders from committing suicide, careful assessment of their status has to he made. Those near to them must recognize the level to depression or anxiety and the potential for suicide. Also, the presence of suicide ideation or thoughts of suicide have to be determined. The behaviors of these afflicted individuals have to be observed closely to note any clues to possible suicide. Most of the time, the person concerned will talk about suicide plans. Hence, it is important that a anxious individuals from self-destructive acts. Care must be taken especially at times when the patients depression in lifting. Support and care must be established so that the afflicted persons will know that those around them are concerned about their welfare. At all times, the depressed and anxious must be encouraged to express their feelings and anger. Relevant questions must be asked such as: â€Å"Do you wish your well dead?†, etc. All concerned should recognize such continued desire to commit suicide. More importantly, those around afflicted individuals should help increase their self-esteem by focusing on their strengths and success a structured schedule and involvement in activities with others should be helpful, as well as a structured plan to use to cope with future suicidal thoughts. The client should be helped to plan for continued professional help to relieve depression and anxiety in order to fully prevent suicide. In the case of teenagers, those educators, social workers, psychiatrists and others near them should help prevent teenage suicide by taking note of the risk factors and signs of suicide. These signs include changes in their behavior, anger,  irritability, depression, sadness, withdrawal, changes in eating and sleeping habits, and preoccupation with death are the other signs of suicidal tendencies. Those young people who are contemplating suicide often report headaches, stomach aches and ailments and also talk about killing themselves. IV. Conclusion In the end, public health workers and care givers could not be less vigilant in assessing suicide risks and in implementing measures to prevent suicide among others people suffering from depression, anxiety disorders and others disorders and severe stress. This is especially there in hospitals and health agencies. For example, a patient who had undergone mastectomy became quiet and withdrawn after a mastectomy operation upon learning that confirmation of cure would take months, she refused to eat and eaten jumped out of a window. Those who are most prone to depression and anxiety leading to suicide are those with chronic or incurable disease with loss or severe damage to body parts, and those with other concerns in addition to illness such as death of loved one, loss of property, divorce, separation and other overwhelming problems. The severity of depression and anxiety will depend on the evens catastrophe, or critical incident that has occurred. Whatever the case, the caregivers must always be aware of the damage from suicide. In conclusion, those concerned with individuals who are likely to commit suicide have to be aware of points at which to repeat suicide assessments. These individuals at a time prior/ before sustained therapentic response; first 6 months after hospital discharge; in presence of a new, painful, or disabling medical condition; in the presence of anxiety, panic or substances abuse; at evidence of relapse or recurring symptoms; at times of major stresses, losses, threats or shame inducing events; with comorleid personality disorders; or coming out of acute risk factors. Suicide, as what statistics has shown in recent years, have been increasing at a fat rate and is becoming more common especially among the young; but, it could be prevented with prompt and appropriate intervention. Depression  and anxiety, the most common causes of suicide, when left unchecked and untreated could lead to suicide among teenagers and adults alike. Hence, it is important for all who come in contact with depressed and anxious individuals to encourage them to undergo therapy and treatment.

Echoes of Heaven: God’s Love is Better than Life Itself,” Essay

Abstract Charles Elephant bares his Spirit in a book exalting God in every word, every page, and every chapter. In publishing his new book titled â€Å"Echoes of Heaven: God’s Love is Better than Life Itself,† Elephant shares his faith with the world by lifting select verses from the bible, and explaining how these words have changed his life and formed his faith. Amid all the tragedies, heartbreaks, hatred and confusion in the world today, it seems that everyone is out in the desert of life, tired but still running aimlessly for some clarity, a sense of knowledge that a much higher, much powerful force is in control, and never losing control of the world as they know it. Each person has a way of coping with life’s trials and difficulties. People turn to loved ones; others turn to their friends, others to their support groups, others to their families, while some others turn to books of wisdom that may provide the answers even to the questions they have not really asked out loud. Elephant writes the words of wisdom with the aid of biblical references and tells his readers how God started everything, and how He is still watching over His creation, with every intention of fulfilling His promises. â€Å"Echoes of Heaven: God’s Love is Better than Life Itself† is the book that will accompany its readers in their walk through life. It is a friend, a guide and ultimately, a prayer partner for a more meaningful and richer relationship with God. Author’s Bio Charles Elephant was born and raised in the quiet rural town of Mukurwe-ini, Nyeri in Kenya. Charles’ birth name is Charles Njogu. â€Å"Njogu† means Elephant in his language. Charles completed a Master’s degree in International Finance and Economics at Brandeis University in 2003. Presently, he is taking yet another Master’s Degree, this time under the Science in Management and Systems program at New York University. Charles came to the United States in 2001 and lived in Waltham, Massachusetts for a while, then moved to Newark, New Jersey, where he is currently staying. Life was chaotic for Charles in his search for life’s meaning and the individual role that he is supposed to play in this world. He was on a restless journey through life before he rediscovered God and began to understand His ways in the early 1990s. Along with his renewed faith in God, Charles got a revived outlook in life. Since then, too, Charles has determined that his strongest desire lies in tapping into his Spirit to gather more wisdom from God, and subsequently pass it on to His children. Charles vows to share with the world God’s amazing works and promises through his books and music of Praise and Worship. â€Å"My purpose in this merciless and bitter world is to bring together all the children of the Most High God to understand each other and find a way back to God. It is my responsibility to help others to rise above body-consciousness and have a glimpse of the Lord, with His grace.† –   Charles Elephant PART I Chapter 1 Songs of Praise â€Å"Echoes of Heaven: God’s Love is Better than Life Itself†[1] begins with praise, worship and adoration in the first chapter using verses in Psalm 40. Elephant deems it good to start this way, presumably to honor God before moving forward to what he has to share in his book. He writes, â€Å"It is good to praise and worship God because He is good and worthy of our devotion every moment.†[2] How did Elephant introduce God to his readers? What justifies the statement that â€Å"It is good to praise and worship God,† and how â€Å"good† is God such that He is â€Å"worthy of our devotion every moment?† Elephant lifted verses from Psalm 40 to enumerate some of God’s wonderful ways. He responds to the cry of his people; He pulls His children from a dangerous pit, and a deadly quicksand; He makes His children feel secure; and He teaches who hears Him with a new song. Essentially, readers begin to see an extremely powerful but loving God who saves His people from harm, makes His people feel secure, and soothes the weary to sing a new song. How does Elephant respond to the amazing qualities of God? What is Elephant’s way of showing to God that he does praise, worship and obey Him? Elephant turns to Psalm 40 and says to God, â€Å"Here I am, I have come—it is written about me in the scroll. I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.†[3] The introduction shows the manner in which a book will move forward from the starting point. This is where readers are given a glimpse of how the author will take them on a journey, and what they could look forward to in the succeeding chapters. In his first chapter, Elephant tells his readers that his book will be a guide to understanding God, a new lens through which God could be seen in a different light, and a friend to talk to when one finds himself feeling insecure or getting trapped in a dangerous pit, and a deadly quicksand. Chapter 2 Introduction   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Elephant understands that his book is a personal collection of prayers, which can also be understood as private content of his spiritual being. Hence, in Chapter 2, he moves on to share more about himself, his life, where he came from, the kind of family that raised him, how he rediscovered the Lord and increased his faith; and how he found serenity in his newfound faith in the Lord. To anyone who carries or has carried a lot of burden in life, Elephant talks to him and says, â€Å"Before I met God, I was desperate; I hated myself because I had no hope, and my life was nothing but misery.†[4] Elephant furthers, â€Å"I was dying to hear someone whisper, ‘I love you,’ but no one ever did.†[5]   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   After having been lost and restless in life, Elephant says he wants to share with his readers the joy he has been feeling in God’s grace. Then he sums up his realizations in one urgent message – the importance of growing and increasing the relationship between man and God.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   To bring God closer to the reader’s home, Elephant likens God to a father; a father whose arms await his children who had gone out of His embrace, who had decided to walk aimlessly through life, but are now ready to come back home to Him. Chapter 3 God’s Calling   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   One of the many things that you would normally hear from all kinds of people is that they are waiting to feel or hear God’s calling. Some others are asking whether there really such a thing as God’s calling and who hears this calling and how. Charles Elephant tells his story – the root of his choice, the family situation he was exposed to, and how God gave him a startling message that had set the course for his next choices in life. Elephant courageously shares the story that would convince you to find your own calling, too. Then he recounts a dream where God has spoken to him. Ultimately, Elephant opens his life to further stress one point: the depth of God’s understand and the extent of what He may choose to do for his child. Elepahant closes the chapter by saying, â€Å"I thanked God because He could understand my struggle and what I was going through.†[6] Chapter 4 God Appeared in Person   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Jesus Christ was crucified because the people would not believe that he was the Son of God. But today, Charles Elephant is saying in his book that God has appeared before him in the flesh of a stranger. In the Bible, it is written, â€Å"Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.†[7] Charles Elephant unfolds a tale of an encounter that has made him cry positive triumphant tears. He says, â€Å"I had done what was right in the eyes of God.†[8] Chapter 5 God Revealed Himself to Me   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In Chapter 5, Elephant continues to reveal his relationship with God and how his visions were coming with accurate news. He also relates to readers the conflicts he had to face externally and internally. Without qualms and even a slight hint of reluctance, Elephant tears his memory apart to gather the point in time when he felt God’s manifestation in his life, as he sensed God revealing Himself to him.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In this chapter, Elephant says to his reader, â€Å"Do not harden your heart.† As he was lost and had experienced countless conflicts in his life, he knew how a hardened heart must feel. But after a process of overcoming   the blocks toward his spiritual growth, Elephant says, â€Å"Take my soul and mind because there are no longer my own. God, the Creator of the universe, let your will be done in my life for your glory.†[9] Chapter 6 Submitting My Life to God   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In examining his life, as well as that of everyone and everything around him, Charles Elephant equips himself with the knowledge he needs to understand to carry on in life. Elephant notes the miracle of how he had gone to school despite his lack of resources. In his observation and recall, certain things in His life would not have happened if God had not allowed it. Yet, because they happened, and in fact turned into reality, Elephant calls it a miracle – one of the many miracles in his life.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Elephant shares yet another miracle in Chapter 6, how he was baptized by God, and how he was anointed by Jesus, the Son of God.   Submitting himself to God by baptismal was the first major step that Elephant has made in the hopes of giving back to God his expression of love. Chapter 7 Exciting Missions   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   After his holy baptismal, witnessing life and death became significant missions for Elephant. He tells of how God has sent him to people, and how the people have turned to him, as well. Charles believed he was doing God’s Will. And ultimately, he was willingly surrendering everything for God, because He has manifested Himself to him, and He has given him missions to fulfill. Elephant is filled with delight, because he has done as God had said. To his reader, he passes the reassurance that God is not taking anyone out of His sight. In fact, God knows and sees everything. Therefore, people who submit themselves to God need not worry about anything, especially not about getting lost.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   He is a child following orders from God. Once again. Surely, Elephant wishes everyone to be alert in the presence of God, the father. He says, â€Å"When we go astray or fail to do His will due to our ignorance, He corrects us with love. His love to us endures forever.†[10] Chapter 8 The Occasion of My Birthday   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Jesus said this is how man should make his petitions know to God: â€Å"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you.[11] Elephant tells of birthdays graced by God and how his relationship with Him has made him a completely at peace and content person. Through his birthday stories, Elephant suggests that no matter how simple or grand the petition is, if you say it out loud to God,   then it will happen according to God’s grace. Chapter 9 Love   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Love and pain from heartaches are frequently together; most of the times, where there is love, there is pain. In the same manner, one’s value is diminished in the absence of another.   Yet, Elephant says love is the greatest gift of all. How does love, with pain accompanying it, become the greatest love of all? Elephant says the simple answer, â€Å"Jesus sacrificed his life for our sake because of the Love God had for the world.†[12] If love could result in the sacrifice of life, then there is nothing that love could not do, cause or bring forth. One is still inclined to ask, â€Å"Why do people who love get hurt?† Elephant says, â€Å"God made me to go through the practical experience of being hurt, disappointed, desperate and discouraged. Without suffering, love could have no value; suffering draws us closer to God and helps us to appreciate the gift of life.†[13]   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   As for his more personal story, Elephant says this about love: â€Å"Genuine love does not attach conditions; it is always a free gift to others.†[14] Chapter 10 A Vision of Heaven   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Heaven is a bright, lively stunning place where a banquet is prepared for everyone. This is just one of the aspects of Heaven, according to Elephant. In his curiosity about death and Heaven, Elephant had prayed for guidance and received it. In his trip to Heaven, two things were made even cleared to him: One, Heaven is home. Two, everyone should be able to find their way Home to the Father. Hence, upon receiving this vision, Elephant’s goal of bringing more people closer to God, so everyone could reach Home when the time comes for death on earth. Chapter 11 Angel Messengers   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   If people were plants and bushes in the garden, angels are the gardeners fulfilling their biological needs and preserving their aesthetic value. After his own personal encounters with angels, Elephant summarized his realization into this: â€Å"Angels are humble creatures who are always ready to serve and protect us. They are our gardeners. They do not want to see us miserable, sad or doing wrong things.†[15] Chapter 12 Faith   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Every now and then, man will realize his faith is being tested by the situation, by his inner conflicts or by the environment influencing him. In any circumstance where faith is being tested, Elephant is says one has got to understand the breadth and depth of God’s might and His love for man. This way, one’s faith will remain strong amid tempting thoughts, feelings, worries and insecurities. How does one show his faith? How could faith be increased? How could faith be manifested? Elephant answers all these questions by saying, â€Å"Faith and trust are built through the long journey of love. Faith must be reflected by actions.†[16] God makes impossible things happen at His will. Elephant says, â€Å"He is faithful and never fails. He creates ways where there is no way.†[17] Chapter 13 Dealing with Darkness   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   It has always been good versus bad since man’s first kindergarten stories. It has always been about good triumphing over evil in the end. In believing in God, Elephant says, it is also important to believe in the existence of the devil, which he relates to darkness as proper metaphor.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In this chapter, Elephant shares how he almost died, and how God has empowered him to preserve his life – by defeating the devil. Elephant explains to his readers the way in which the devil works in the lives of man. He says, â€Å"As I was thinking about God, the Devil was thinking about me. As I was thinking about how to build a relationship with God, the Devil was thinking about how to destroy my relationship with God.†[18] Further, Elephant suggests that man should be ready with armor in anticipation of the devil’s attacks. What kind of armor could protect man from evil? Could this be bought? Is there a practice necessary to build it? Elephant says, â€Å"We need to put on our armor for protection. The name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and savior is the spiritual supernatural weapon; and the blood that he shed on Calvary is our armor.†[19] Therefore, Jesus Christ has done it all for man. Jesus Christ and his dying at the Calvary, and later on his resurrection, had become man’s salvation against evil for the rest of man’s life. Chapter 14 On Preparing for Death   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Elephant had an actual near-death episode in the previous chapter. Here, he talks about his vision on his last day on earth. He had asked for a glimpse of how it would look like on his day of departure from Earth, and he was not very ecstatic about what he saw. Yet, how ecstatic could one be if one is seeing a vision of his wake or funeral? But then Elephant says there is nothing to worry about, not even death. He writes a prayer that one could recite in anticipation of death, and in gratitude to God at the same time: Thank you God for the time you have given me to live in this merciless and bitterness world. Lord I cannot complaint for anything because you have blessed me from the time I came to this world until this day when I am leaving it. It was through your grace and favor that I am the way I am. Many were born with various disabilities, including mental and physical health. Many went without food, drinks or clothing, but for me you had provided well. Millions have died through various causes but you have kept me alive until this day. I have seen the glory of sunrises and sunsets for all those days.[20] PART II Chapter 15 Man is a Complicated Creature Even from the very beginning, seemed to have a special inclination to doing exactly the opposite of what man is told to do. In Chapter 15, Elephant goes back to God’s commandments given to man, and how it everything turned out since the instruction was given. This is a highly reflective chapter in which Elephant arranged the stories in the bible that shows how man, since biblical Day 1 on Earth, has complicated every simple instruction given by God. Elephant concludes in the chapter, â€Å"Our first parent chose to follow or listen to a stranger, the Devil. He ignored the instructions that he was given by God, despite being given everything by his creator.†[21] Chapter 16 Swearing an Oath Big promises are big thing; but small promises are never small things. Hence, when it comes to promises or making oaths, God has instructed man to never take it lightly. Elephant says, â€Å"God discourages mortal man from making promises, because our failure to fulfill them will result in curses.† Elephant further says that there are traps laid by the devil in every promise a man makes. For this reason, in Psalm 15:1-5, God requires man to always do what he promises, no matter how much it may cost.[22] In the same manner, Elephant emphasizes that man should neither promise nor demand anyone to make a promise. In this way, only God is relied upon to keep His promises, as He never fails in His word. Chapter 17 Leadership Leadership comes from God, Elephant says.[23] However, unlike God who rules with glory, man tends to fail because of his ego, according to Elephant. He says, â€Å"Most leaders fail because they walk their own way out of pride.†[24] To become an effective leader, man has to submit himself to God and neither to himself, nor to the devil. Man has to understand that the true power of leadership belongs to one source, and that is God. Elephant’s advice is this: â€Å"Politicians are God’s vessels. Yet, due to ignorance, they are used by the Devil to kill, steal, and destroy. Their power and authority must be used for the glory of God, not for personal interest or gain.†[25] Chapter 18 Amazing Vision about Churches In Chapter 18, Elephant shares yet another vision, one which he received for the preservation of churches in the world. The day in the vision is Sunday, when most people go to church. Elephant sees the difference between and among people going to church, their motivation for doing so, and the difference in results across all people after the worship is over. He saw a group dressed in clean garments, and another group wearing rugs. What the people wore were symbols of their heart, what lies underneath the pretty clothes they don in the church.   How can people be so different when they are going to one common church? In his vision, Elephant was taught that not everyone sincerely comes to God to worship him. There are people who are still confused over the true meaning of God’s existence in their life. Elephant’s guide in his visionary has told him, â€Å"Those who attend the buildings with rugs are preoccupied with many things. Their hearts have no room for God. They are seeking God for their businesses to be smooth, but they have no vision of salvation.† Elephant closes this chapter with revelations and prophecies from true and false prophets alike, and the differences that set one apart from the other. For even among churchgoers, a few more souls are not sure of what they are doing. Elephant says, â€Å"The land is full of people who are unfaithful to the Lord; they live wicked lives and misuse their power. Because of the Lord’s curse, the land mourns and the pastures are dry.† It becomes clear that a man’s land can be dry or thriving, depending on man’s way of tilling his soil. Chapter 19 Living a Double Life In connection to the previous chapter where churchgoers come to church wearing metaphorical rugs, Elephant continues to discuss the â€Å"double life† among God’s children, among the believers, themselves. He says, â€Å"The majority of Christians are believers, but they do not know what they believe in.† However sad the realization may be, there is a certain amount of truth in the state of the confused and lost Christians who were supposed to have been saved. As faith grows among believers, so does the evil ways in which they are trapped. Therefore, Elephant advices, â€Å"God is love and ready to forgive you. The time has come to say no to slavery and to be the master of your soul.†[26] In slavery, Elephant was referring to becoming a victim, hence a slave, of temptations. He offers a practical guide which can be used to find one’s way to freedom from confusion, disbelief and living a double life: â€Å"(A)ccept (God’s) invitation and do not reject it, and the peace, joy, and happiness from God shall be yours forever.†[27] Chapter 20 Why Marriages Break   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Today, man is living in a generation that treats marriage as an almost meaningless piece of paper, with a primary purpose of setting legal boundaries and legal attachments. The â€Å"for better or for worse† part in wedding vows have been set aside, for the sake of freedom of choice and freedom from suffering from wrong choices.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Elephant says of marriage, â€Å"Marriage is a contract entered into by the free choice of a man and a woman. Both know the consequence of their choice is to participate in the creation of life. Therefore, they must make sure they do not make the child that they create suffer in any way. It is a sin, and God does not tolerate that.†[28] Chapter 21 What is Death? The tragedy of death strikes all nations and all individuals in many traumatic ways. Cultures and clans across the world have different ways of burying their dead, and remembering them in their hearts. However, death is always a cause of pain to man – to those who were left behind, and those who are awaiting their time. Being exposed to cases of HIVs and AIDS, Elephant heard a voice of why diseases like these have happened to man. The voice he heard said, â€Å"â€Å"Charles, do not be surprised. Not all who are aï ¬â‚¬ected are sinners, and that is why they are suï ¬â‚¬ering. Most of them are innocent, but the prophecy must be fulfilled. These are the last days that the prophets talked about. The world has turned away from God.† Elephant was curious about the dead, and in this chapter he reveals more of his visions that led him to grow further in his faith in God, even in the presence of death. Chapter 22 What is a Soul?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Soul is the energy that God places within a human body so it would receive life.[29] Elephant says the soul should master the mind in harmony, and the mind should not master the soul. He further speaks of preachers who minister differently among people. â€Å"When the preachers are preaching, some minister to the soul and others to the mind. Ministering to the soul results in the repentance of sins†¦ Other preachers entertain the flesh (mind) by telling people what they want to hear. Those are preachers that are either planted by the Devil or have personal interests.†[30] If mind is separated from the soul, and the soul should master the mind, it becomes clear that the mind is of the body, and the soul is of God. What does it take to have a healthy mind, then? Worldly matters, perhaps. What does it take to have a healthy soul? Elephant says it’s a relationship and common communication with God. Chapter 23 Who is right – Christians or Muslims?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In a very concise but meaningful manner, Elephant explains the reality among Christians and Muslims, and how there should be no debate as to who is right between the two groups.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   It has already been discussed in the book that man is complicated by nature. Ergo, it is not surprising to see religions clashing even when they are not supposed to, considering that they are worshipping one God, and resisting one enemy, the devil. Ergo, it works for the glory of God that people in spite of all the differences, are worshipping one and the same God, albeit in many varying ways. Chapter 24 The issue of the Da Vinci Code   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The whole world talked of a fictional book by a them emerging author who wrote about the purported symbols in the works of the great legendary artist, Leonardo Da Vinci. Massive talks and debates were held, all for one fictional book. Yet, Elephant shares with the readers why all these debates took place. He says, â€Å"Religion, belief, and faith are parts of our lives, and they give us an identity. When they are challenged, we tend to feel insecure and threatened.†[31] The threat mostly comes from knowing that other groups are saying that what used to be real for most is false all along. This is a threat in that the stability of old beliefs are shaken, and a line is no longer drawn between fiction and facts. However, Elephant says, the threat should not upset anyone, and there should have been no threat at all if man has a competent understanding of what he believes in. The problem starts when one’s faith is weak and therefore the Spirit is not heard. â€Å"We should not walk blindly, because ignorance is as bad as any other sin.. It is our responsibility to follow God’s guidance,† Elephant says.[32] This guidance, when received, will draw the glaring line between fact and fiction, and kill the threat away, and will subsequently set matters straight between fact and fiction. The thing that matters most, therefore, is faith, unshakeable faith in God that seeks guidance all the time. Chapter 25 Kenyan Road of Democracy   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Kenya is precious to Elephant because first and foremost, it is his country.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   He also mentions about the amazing relationship between Christians and Muslims in Kenya, together with the other religions. Hence, in Elephant’s country, they were one. All the turmoil that Kenya has gone through, sits deep inside each one of everyone in Kenya, such that even the political situation in Kenya has become a part of Elephant’s vision. Elephant says, â€Å"During the elections, I did not go to vote because I knew the outcome already.†[33] Elephant shares how the amazing change of government in Kenya was hinted in his visions, and what he had to do to see it through. Chapter 26 Pope John Paul’s Revelation   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Pope John Paul II was instrumental to Elephant’s continuously increasing faith. Elephant shares with the readers the testimonies of his visions concerning Pope John Paul II, and how his death has affected him, spiritually and emotionally, and ultimately, holistically.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Elephant shares, â€Å"I had a lot of confusion in my head about my life and mission until the death of Pope John Paul.†[34] Even after the Pope’s death, Elephant has witnessed a vision, which affirmed the reality of death for him, as well as the awesome glory that awaits those who have been righteous and faithful to God.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In conclusion to this chapter, Elephant says, â€Å"It is true that when we die, an angel of God comes for us in a bright light to take those who are righteous to paradise†¦ Glory be to God.†[35] PART III Chapter 27 Who is the Devil?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In this third and final part of the book, Elephant tells the story of how the Devil became one, and how man is being trapped by this devil’s manipulation over and over again. As for Elephant, he reckons that knowledge of the devil and its ways are necessary in the continuous journey of a believer in God.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In Elephant’s summarized story of the devil’s existence, he stresses that the devil is all about pride, power and possession. So, â€Å"the Devil deceives mankind to sin, so that he can remain in power and have authority and power throughout the ages.†[36] Chapter 28 Who is Jesus?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Jesus is the overall manifestation of   God’s love for man. As it is said in the Bible in John 3:16, â€Å"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever shall believe in Him, will not perish, but will receive eternal life.† As such, Jesus was the very representation of God’s immense love for His people.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Elephant recounts Jesus’ life on Earth, emphasizing on Jesus’ important teachings on love, forgiveness and prayer among others. Knowing Jesus is similar to knowing that God loves his creation. Chapter 29 Who is God?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Elephant turns to the Bible and his own personal experience and visions in sharing with his readers the reality he knows of God. He says, â€Å"God’s purpose from the beginning was for man to rule the world. God did not create man to die but to live forever†[37]   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In knowing God and His high supremacy, Elephant turns to the Bible to recount the first three commandments in Exodus 20:3-7, which is the ultimate verbal manifestation of God: â€Å"I am the Lord your God who brought you out of Egypt, where you were slaves. Worship no other god but me. Do not make for yourselves images of anything in heaven or on earth or in the water under the earth. Do not bow down to any idol or worship it, because I am the Lord your God and tolerate no rivals. I bring punishment on those who hate me and on their descendants down to the third and fourth generation. But I show my love to thousands of generations of those who love me and obey my laws.† Chapter 30 Curses   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Curses in this modern age are nothing more than witchcraft manifestation of manipulation and remedies. But in the Bible, curses existed because God has decided to unleash His anger. God, too, gets hurt and gets angry. In fact, He was so disappointed and hurt with what happened to Adam and Eve in the Bible, that He cursed them. This is the story of this chapter: how God was badly hurt, how He has cursed the world and how he redeemed it again by Jesus Christ.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Elephant says, â€Å"The curse started from one point where God was standing and spread all over the world. The blood that came from Jesus’ limbs dripped onto the ground, breaking the curses right from the Calvary where the cross was planted to the ground.†[38] Chapter 31 God’s Anger   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In building a relationship with God, it is important to understand what makes Him happy and what makes Him angry. Even before man is born, he is loved. But man’s complicated course of actions is inclined towards displeasing God, resulting in His anger. Therefore, if man would know what angers God and keeps that in mind, his life and his relationship with God would lie strong in faith and he will not feel abandoned or cursed by God.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Elephant says, â€Å"God has taught me about the Bible through reading and repeating in my dreams or visions the events that took place from Genesis to Revelation whenever I desired to experience the same.†Ã‚   In his desire to experience God fully, he submits himself for visions, desiring to understand God and His ways. Elephant states how he has shared laughing moments with God, and how important it is to never leave God’s care. Chapter 32 The Grace of God   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Elephant starts this chapter by reminding his reader of one biblical fact: all man are sinners. Yet, despite the sin and the abominable ways of man, God’s grace shines through, so much that His Son came down to die for the salvation of man.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Even before Jesus came, God’s grace was already apparent in the Old Testament. Elephant says, â€Å"God is love and He is merciful. He delivered the Israelites from the hands of their oppressors because He loved their forefathers. There was no price to pay after deliverance.† Truly, there is no higher and holier grace than that. Chapter 33 What is Forgiven? In his desire to further understand God, Elephant has prayed for an understanding of sin, and how sin would be recalled on the last day. How much is too much when it comes to sin? How could man’s unforgiving ways affect the judgment that would fall upon him on the last day? To answer these questions, Elephant leaves one strong statement for his reader: â€Å"The wicked will have to suffer, but those who trust in the Lord are protected by his constant love.† It is worth noting that throughout the book, Elephant is consistently never judgmental, and he keeps inviting his reader to repent and trust in God to experience God’s amazing love. Psalms 51, a prayer for forgiveness is an integral part of this chapter, where man is encourage to put his trust in God and know that for whatever sin, if man comes with sincerity and bow before God, then God’s grace will forgive, and ultimately, save him. Chapter 34 Do Not Test God   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   While Christianity is under attack, man is continuously tempted to ask God for signs that He is real, that He exists, that He is powerful, and that He is, indeed God. But Elephant says in this chapter, man is not supposed to test God.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In Deuteronomy 6:16, it is said, â€Å"Do not put the Lord your God to the test. Be sure that you obey all the laws that He has given you. Do what the Lord says is right and good, and all will be well with you.†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In maintaining a relationship with God, Elephant says this is what is important: Therefore, it is not a question of what to receive but what to give back to God; not what God is going to do but what God has done for us and what we are going to do for Him; not what we can expect from God but what God expects from us.[39] Chapter 35 Where Does God Live? Believers and followers of God will know where he lives for it is written in the Bible, that Jesus has risen to prepare rooms for God’s children who will find Heaven after a life on Earth. In John 14:1-3, Jesus said, â€Å"Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe on God, believe also on me. In my Father’s house there are many abodes; were it not so, I had told you: for I go to prepare you a place; and if I go and shall prepare you a place, I am coming again and shall receive you to myself, that where I am ye also may be.† Therefore God lives in a Kingdom with many rooms, and this, man is destined to see. Elephant concludes, â€Å"Jesus came to bring salvation to all mankind so that we could inherit the Kingdom of God by showing us the right way to follow.†[40] Chapter 36 Prayers   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Chapter 36 is full of prayers for the believers to form a relationship with God and strengthening this relationship to experience God’s grace and love.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In this chapter, Elephant discusses the Seven Steps to prepare the Bread at the Holy Communion. The seven steps are as follows: First, prepare the ingredients while gathering the believers and ask forgiveness from one another; second, ask God to bless the mixture of dough to turn it into the Body of Christ; third, pray for the utensils, too, and ask God for the blazing flame of the Holy Spirit; fourth, pray for God to enrich the bread with spiritual gifts that it may be taken into the body of man; fifth, give thanks to God; sixth, bless the communion and pray for those who are taking it; and finally, pray for forgiveness and thanksgiving before taking in the communion. Chapter 37 Day of the Lord In the final chapter of his book, Elephant calls unto his readers to nourish a deeper and more meaningful relationship with Christ, to become followers and believers acting as God’s hands on Earth, for God’s glory, and for earning the right to get to the Kingdom of God on the last day. Through his experience, visions and dreams, Elephant wishes nothing more for his reader than to enjoy God’s love by rediscovering Him, and becoming closer to Him everyday. Finally, Elephant shares his knowledge of rewards that await the believers on the day of Christ’s   return on Earth. He wishes to enjoy this glorious second coming, with as many believers as possible.

Economic Inequality and African American Kids Essay

Throughout the short story â€Å"The Lesson,† Toni Cade Bambara uses a first person writing style, as well as specific characters to emphasize her ideas, and further prove her point. Bambara illustrates what it is like for African American kids growing up, and the overall issue of class, and inequality that African Americans are still facing today. The author successfully states her claim, and by writing in first person, through the character Sylvia, the reader can make a more in depth analysis of the thoughts, behaviors, and interactions of inner city African American kids. Sylvia, the narrator in this story, reveals the true nature of a kid growing up. Sylvia is often found going off topic, making grammar and spelling errors, and complaining with inappropriate language. Within the first paragraph the reader finds Sylvia complaining and swearing about her new neighbor, Miss Moore. Sylvia even goes of topic enough to compare Miss Moore to a garbage man. When describing the setting in the second paragraph, Sylvia states that it is â€Å"puredee hot. † It is obvious that she made a grammatical error, in which she meant â€Å"pretty hot. † Though it may seem strange for grammar errors, and irrelevant stories being told, it further emphasizes that Sylvia is an ordinary inner city kid, with a lack of discipline, and education. Miss Moore decides to have a teaching moment with the kids about the social inequality and uneven distribution of wealth. She proclaims to the kids that the live in poverty, and that they are in the slums of society. Sylvia in her own thoughts does not agree with Miss Moore’s statement. So Miss Moore decides to take Sylvia and several of her friends to a toy store further out of town. When the children enter the store, they quickly find out that everything is out of their price range, so they move onto another store. This is when more is revealed about Sylvia. When she reaches the entrance of the next toy store, she hesitates to go in. It’s at this time she feels shy and shameful about going into this toy store. This is considered the turning point in the story, in which Sylvia is beginning to realize that she does live in poverty, and that many others are more fortunate than she is. Though she knows she has the right to enter the toy store, she feels as if she doesn’t belong here, and she does not feel welcomed. But in the last sentence in the story, Sylvia states â€Å"But ain’t nobody gunna beat me at nothing. † This is Sylvia’s claim that she will not stay in the lower end society, and that she is not going to leapt her class be a barrier. This is exactly â€Å"The Lesson† that Miss Moore is trying to teach. She is suggesting that just because there is an equality of race, does not mean that there is an equality of class. And though it may seem that â€Å"The Lesson† is directed towards Sylvia and the other children, the real lesson is being direct towards the audience. This is a successful attempt by the author to make greater awareness of uneven distribution of social classes. In conclusion, Sylvia is depicted as a young undereducated African American who is exposed to a whole other spectrum of the social ladder. When this occurs she feels unwelcome in this higher end society, and is shy and shameful. It is at this time she realizes that she does live in poverty, and that she will not be held back because of it. Toni Bambara used the character Sylvia to spread her ideas about the differences found in social classes. Though it may have seemed as if Sylvia was the one receiving â€Å"The Lesson,† the audience is actually the one being taught.

Inventory Management Essay

Companies must predict which products customers will purchase along with determining what quantity of goods will be purchased. The company will in turn produce enough products to meet the forecast demand and sell, or push, the goods to the consumer. Advantages : The company is fairly assured it will have enough product on hand to complete customer orders. This prevents the inability to meet customer demand for the product. Disadvantages : If too much product is left in inventory, it increases the company’s costs for storing these goods. An example of a push system is Materials Requirements Planning, or MRP. MRP combines the calculations for financial, operations and logistics planning. It is a computer-based information system which controls scheduling and ordering. Its purpose is to make sure raw goods and materials needed for production are available when they are needed. Pull System The pull inventory control system begins with a customer’s order. With this strategy, companies only make enough products to fulfil customer’s orders. Advantages : There will be no excess of inventory that needs to be stored, thus reducing inventory levels and the cost of carrying and storing goods. Disadvantages : It is highly possible to run into ordering dilemmas, such as a supplier not being able to get a shipment out on time. This leaves the company unable to fulfil the order and contributes to customer dissatisfaction. An example of a pull inventory control system is the just-in-time, or JIT system. The goal is to keep inventory levels to a minimum by only having enough inventory, not more or less, to meet customer demand. The JIT system eliminates waste by reducing the amount of storage space needed for inventory and the costs of storing goods. Push-Pull System Some companies have come up with a strategy they call the push-pull inventory control system, which combines the best of both the push and pull strategies. Push-pull is also known as lean inventory strategy. It demands a more accurate forecast of sales and adjusts inventory levels based upon actual sale of goods. The goal is stabilization of the supply chain and the reduction of product shortages which can cause customers to go elsewhere to make their purchases. With the push-pull inventory control system, planners use sophisticated systems to develop guidelines for addressing short – and long-term production needs . List atleast eight performance measures for warehouse management A warehouse is a commercial building for storage of goods. A warehouse management system, or WMS, is a key part of the supply chain and primarily aims to control the movement and storage of materials within a warehouse and process the associated transactions. The following activities are common in an y warehouse: a)Receiving b) Put-away c) Order picking d) Storage e) Shipping The eight performance measures for warehouse management are : 1. Service Level : Shipment Service Level (% of Lines shipped on time) Service Level (% of inbound lines put away within time limit) 2. Space: % of space occupied vs. % accessibility Warehouse capacity use rate % = No. of palets stored in warehouse / warehouse capacity in palets no. 3. Inventory: Inventory turnover ratio Inventory Accuracy 4. Productivity: Productivity (Measured in terms of lines picked per hour worked) Number of SKUs picked per hour 5. Quality: Quality in terms of errors per thousand lines shipped. Errors in dispatches Ware housing discrepancies = Products lost value (at cost) / total products shipped value (at cost) 6. Cost: Cost of warehouse operations Storage cost per item Cost of picking per order Cost of shipping per order 7. Cycle Time: Time taken to process a receipt. Time taken for each put-away. Inventory days on hand. Order Pick cycle time per order. Shipping time 8. Utilization: Receiving Dock door utilization % Utilization % of labour and equipment % Location and cube occupied Picking labour and equipment utilization % Utilization of shipping docks in % . What features would make an ideal supplier? Timely delivery: A good supplier is someone who keeps up to timely delivery of goods and supplies. Delayed supplies leads to business losses to the immediate customer and in turn delayed delivery to the end customer. This also opens up avenues for other secondary systems like buffer inventories to keep the chain going in addition to increasing overall costs. Competitive price: Business owners and suppliers add the cost of purchasing materials for a product into its retail price making it costlier. A reduction in this cost will lead to a reduction in the cost of the product as well. Quality: Quality is a very important aspect in determining a good supplier. Providing ultimate customer value is an important objective of business. Minimal paper work: From the placing of an order to the actual buying of an order involves a ton of paper work. A good supplier will find ways of reducing the amount of paper work involved. Quick response/ turn around time: The world of business is highly unstable, and often the gap between demand and supply can be hard to predict. A good supplier will always be prepared to meet such a contingency. Again a frequent and smaller quantity of supplies is the key to eliminating this gap. Inspection of goods: Inspection of goods is a time consuming activity for both the supplier and the buyer. However quality assurance of the goods can again reduce the time spent on inspecting the goods. Taking care of wear and tear and transport damage: Transportation and delivery often involves a lot of wear and tear and a good supplier is someone who recognizes these limitations and takes proactive steps to help reduce or avoid the damage involved. Constant frequency of delivery: If a supplier can keep to supplying goods at constant and smaller frequencies, then the cost advantage is supplemented. Meaning, if a product or part is found to be defective, then the time spent in replacing it is minimal as opposed to having to replace a whole carton or shipment of that item since the delivery is frequent and the supply chain is actively functioning. This is not only cost effective but is also a time and space saver.