Holland & Usry - October 2020

TAKE THE HIGH ROAD IN POLITICS There’s a song that describes 2020 for me: “Hope the High Road” by Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit. It’s loud and a little vulgar, kinda like 2020 — and especially like a presidential election. Isbell captures my thoughts on it:

Once I let go of the need to be right — for the sake of a political group — I became free to find the truth and make my own decisions. I’m blissfully unaware of the full meaning of terms like “gaslighting” because I don’t need to do it. The only “spin” in my house is endless loads of laundry for four active children. By the way, how is it we can be ferocious about a football team and still question the coach, but when our party’s president does wrong, there’s either a “perfect” explanation for it or he’s being abused? I’m also free of the real threat of a politically-based worldview. When we judge others based on political views, we grind a human life into a single shred, rejecting a person based on one thing. There’s a word for that … and it’s evil: discrimination. We’re way more than who we vote for as president, especially since they’re likely someone we’ll never meet and might not like much if we did. Here’s hoping we can get the planks out of our eyes to see each other clearly, to celebrate each other for all we are, and to work together to make this a world we all want to live in.

I ain’t fighting with you down in the ditch I’ll meet you up here on the road ... But wherever you are I hope the high road leads you home again To a world you want to live in.

Here’s my point: It’s critical to vote, but who we vote for shouldn’t define us as people, or how we look at people.

Several years ago, I made the decision to become apolitical — an independent voter. I grew tired of searching for reasons to prove some people dead wrong and others gloriously right, regardless of the truth. I had a “party,” but it sure didn’t feel like one. I got real tired of being angry. And then I asked myself the most important question, which you should ask yourself, too, while you’re alone, in your own heart, so you can be brutally honest with yourself: How much does the president truly affect my daily life?

Spoiler alert: He doesn’t.

I realized only God has a monopoly on the truth, and He isn’t really interested in politics. Doing what He says is hard enough, and politics just defy it way too often.

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THE BEST HALLOWEEN MOVIES ON DISNEY+

Pop some popcorn and break out the candy corn because it’s time for a spooky family movie night! Disney+ offers a treasure trove of Halloween movies with just the right amount of tricks and treats. Here are a few of the best Halloween movies you can watch on Disney+ right now.

he uses the power of mad science to bring the pooch back to life. What follows is a strange and heartwarming stop-motion adventure about the love between a boy and his dog. Some scenes may be a little intense for young children, but “Frankenweenie” never becomes too scary for kids to enjoy.

‘HALLOWEENTOWN’

‘HOCUS POCUS’

When 13-year-old Marnie and her siblings follow their grandmother home on Halloween night, they make some surprising discoveries. Not only does their grandmother live in Halloweentown, a place where monsters lead normal lives, but their whole family is secretly a bunch of witches! Marnie must learn to rely on the magic of family in order to save her grandmother and all of Halloweentown. If your family enjoys “Halloweentown,” you’ll be glad to know that all three of its sequels are also on Disney+!

Max and his family have just moved from California to Salem, Massachusetts, when Max accidentally resurrects three evil witches. To save his little sister, Max must team up with his new crush and a talking cat to stop the witches’ reign of terror. “Hocus Pocus” does contain some truly frightening scenes, so it may not be appropriate for young children. However, the way this film balances comedy and humor makes it a perfect Halloween thrill for older kids. These are just a few of the creepy and cool Halloween movies streaming on Disney+. When you’re done with these, scroll through the catalog to find some more new favorites. Happy Halloween!

‘FRANKENWEENIE’

This movie is a charming twist on the classic horror story! When a young boy loses his faithful dog,

Testimonials HEAR WHAT OUR CLIENTS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT US! “I came across Mr. Usry back in January/ February when I was hurt at work and was given the run around with no care. I am now nine months into this ordeal, and I wouldn’t have been able to do this without the support from Mr. Usry and his assistant, Rose. They do not treat me like I’m just a regular client. They make me feel like I’m their only case. Communication is always constant either via phone or email. They check on me just to see how I am doing. They have done so much for me. If you’re looking for an amazing, compassionate, caring lawyer look no further. I stand behind Mr. Usry and his firm.” – Corina S.

“Mr. Usry was very thorough and professional in explaining things. Although he could not take our case, I left there feeling better about things. I would recommend him.” – Diane M.

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THE HARD TRUTH ABOUT BICYCLE CRASHES They Can Be Severe, But You Have Legal Remedies

The weather is starting to cool off this month, which means more people will be taking advantage of the break from the heat and hitting the streets on their bicycles. If you’re a cyclist, you’re likely no stranger to the potential severity behind accidents with cars — the cyclist always comes out worse for wear in that deal. Bicycle safety is incredibly important, as evidenced by the fact that the law allows cyclists hurt in car accidents to qualify for legal settlements. This is important for victims because their injuries are often severe, creating potentially enormous medical bills. A survey conducted by the U.S. Department of Transportation has recently unveiled some sobering statistical consequences of bicycle-car wrecks: • Almost a quarter of bicyclists who are injured in roadway accidents are hospitalized. • Bicyclists struck on the roadway are especially susceptible to injuries to the head and upper body area. • The most common injuries for bicyclists struck by motor vehicles are leg bruises (44% of crashes), bone fractures (27%), and lacerations or open wounds (26%). What’s more is, if you’re hurt in a bicycle accident, you will likely face skeptical insurance companies who fight hard against a settlement. If a police officer’s mistaken accident report is filed, insurance companies will often attempt to claim “Do not judge, or you, too, will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then, you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” –Matthew 7:1–5 Good News

the cyclist was at least partially at fault for the crash. This is when an experienced bicycle accident lawyer can help you overturn the mistaken accident report, reverse the insurance denials, and settle. Bicycle accident victims are just as legally qualified for a settlement as any car accident victim. In fact, you might be able to use your own policy to increase your settlement value. So if you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, call our office so we can help. We know how to help you fight for the settlement you deserve.

CLASSIC PUMPKIN SOUP Pumpkins aren’t just for pie — they make delicious soup, too! This fall, try your hand at this healthy soup recipe and warm up with a bowl.

Ingredients

Directions 1. In a large saucepan over medium heat, sauté olive oil, shallots, and garlic for 2–3 minutes. 2. Add the remaining ingredients and bring to a simmer. 3. Transfer the soup to a blender and purée. Pour the blended soup back into the pan. 4. Cook over medium-low heat for 5–10

• • • •

1 tbsp olive oil 2 shallots, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced 2 1/4 cups pumpkin purée (homemade or canned) 2 cups vegetable broth

• •

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life,

1 cup canned light coconut milk 2 tbsp honey 1/4 tsp sea salt 1/4 tsp pepper 1/4 tsp cinnamon

• • • • •

and have it to the full.” –John 10:10

minutes. Taste and add additional seasoning as desired, then serve!

Inspired by AmbitiousKitchen.com

1/4 tsp nutmeg

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* This newsletter is intended to educate the public about personal injury, workers’ compensation, criminal defense, and family law issues. You can copy and distribute it as long as you copy the entire newsletter. But the newsletter is not intended to be legal advice; you should ask a lawyer about your specific case. Every case is different, and all case outcomes depend on unique facts and laws.

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INSIDE this issue

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A Song That Describes 2020 Family-Friendly Halloween Movies You Can Watch Tonight! Testimonials We Can Help With Your Bicycle Crash Settlement Classic Pumpkin Soup Blogging Through the Pandemic

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Blog Your Way Through the Pandemic THE POWER OF WRITING

EXPRESS YOUR ANXIETIES.

Everyone has faced trying times over the past few months. While many activities help get us through these challenges, blogging can be one of the most impactful. Writing enables you to express your feelings and experiences, and blogging allows you to share them with others. Here are a few reasons why starting a blog can be an important part of coping with the pandemic.

Writing helps people cope with stressful experiences, and the pandemic has ushered a huge amount of uncertainty into their lives. Many people have felt afraid and anxious in the last eight months, and they continue to wonder what the future may hold. Your blog gives you a chance to express those fears and ease your stress. Harvard Medical School studies have shown that writing your thoughts down helps you organize ideas and even regulate emotions. With less on your mind, your body can relax.

CONNECT WITH YOUR READERS.

At times, it can feel like you are alone in the world, especially now. However, your blog can reach people who feel the same as you or who have had similar experiences as you. Also, writing down your story will inspire other people, and they may even start their own blog. In this way, you not only help yourself and others, but you also spark change in their lives.

Write out your experiences, no matter what situation you find yourself in. You will help other people and especially yourself.

MEET NEW PEOPLE.

In addition to encouraging others, you might find a community of like-minded people through sharing your blog. You never know — from new readers and followers, you might learn of support groups to provide additional insights to your experiences. You can also find empathy and provide support to others. An online community can help you feel less isolated due to the pandemic or provide support through other challenging aspects of your life.

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