Sweet Warrior

Sweet Warrior

Although you didn’t realize it

I heard you cry, I know of your pain

And while it may be hard to believe

I, too, have felt the shame

Every blow he has dealt you

I have felt before

And while you may think

You can take no more

Please know that you

Are stronger than steel

Even when you are crying

No matter what you may feel

His attempt to destroy the light

Within your heart

Has failed miserably every time

Of that there is no doubt

I know you feel alone

Because once I did too

He leaves his weakness

On your face...a bruise

I want you to understand

I need you to see

How much you are loved

Starting with me

I love your strength

And the resolve on your face

I love the fact that

He can’t keep up with your pace

I adore the reminder that with you

God always smiles

And even if it feels like

You haven’t seen it in a while

The power behind your smile

In spite of the ongoing pain

Always brings out your sunshine

When he only wants to see rain

The sparkle in which

Your eyes always show

Is a constant reminder

Of the love you now know

God loves you sweet warrior

Never doubt that fact

I know you feel alone

But no matter where you are at

You are being divinely watched over

And his cowardly deeds

Will soon be repaid

With God’s wrath...a fact he should heed

Please hold on to this notion

That you are not alone

And you grow stronger

With every punch that is thrown

And while I will ask you

To please find away

To muster up your strength

And quickly walk away

Until you are able to break free

Know that you aren’t the only one

And God is watching over you

And His will...soon shall be done

FootPrints

FootPrints

 How often do we make decisions and judgments based solely on the information we have at hand? We may think or believe we know all there is to know. And with that knowledge we will make decisions about what is really going on and we may feel justified in doing so; but are we?

  This brings me back to the “Footprints” poem that so many of us have read. The narrator was having a conversation with God asking why He had turned away from the narrator when his life had become so difficult. The speaker, not unlike most of us, saw something and made a decision. He saw two set of footprints and then just one...so he made the assumption that during his time of need he was walking alone. It isn’t until he has a conversation with God that he is told that the time where he only saw one set of footprints...he was then being carried by God.

  What would have happened had that dialogue not occurred? Would he have just felt disappointed and abandoned by God? If he was simply going on what he saw, then it would be easy to see how he could have come to that conclusion. But that situation, like most...is only a portion of the truth. The truth is, often there are many factors that we may not be aware of...and yet we will still jump to conclusions. Perhaps if the speaker had noticed how much deeper the footprints in the sand had gotten when there was only one set of them...he may have questioned what was really going on.

  We may only be one question away from the truth. Often we will look at an action and judge it...sometimes too harshly; without asking ourselves what was the “cause of the effect”? If we start asking questions such as these, we may open ourselves up to the truth. And while someone may offend us with the way they react or behave, if we take a moment to attempt to understand why they did so...then perhaps we could see them a little more clearly.

  After all if a child is striking other children...before we get angry and explosive about the action...ask “why”? Why is this child doing this? How did someone get to be so violent? But understand, when asking probing questions...we must be prepared for the responses. How easy would it be to maintain our anger if the angry child was hitting other children because daily he/she is hit by their parent? Or what if the child has to watch their mother get hit by their father everyday; and while they may be unable to stand up to him...they can transfer that anger to other children? Aren’t some questions worth asking?

  Perhaps, even for a moment we should ask ourselves if we really know all there is to know...or if there is more to learn that will make things more clear in our minds and hearts. Remember like fingerprints that are unique to the fingers attached to them...footprints can be equally identifying. Who in life can say that they know what a person is really going through until we walk a mile in their shoes? Perhaps the weight that another is carrying can become too overwhelming. Try to look at it this way...some loads can not be laid down. Sometimes we just have to carry the load which has been given to us...even if a little more is added everyday. This is why it is important to try and be compassionate toward everyone we come into contact with. Please do not add more to a person who is barely holding up the load they were given before you even said hello.

  Don’t make excuses for unacceptable behavior, but don’t judge it either. Reach out for peoples hearts, because broken hearts are far too easy to hide. Stop breaking people down, in a need to be the victor because when we tear down our fellow man/woman we are tearing down God and His path for us...we need to start being the loving examples we were created to be.

  Our paths in life may not be smooth...we may come face to face with tragedy, loss, anger, or even worse....indifference. Our purpose is not to match our aggressor blow for blow...but to show him/her that peace can never be obtained that way. Never fail to realize that sometimes we are only given one opportunity to do what is right...wouldn’t it be a shame if we were so caught up in the challenge that we missed out?

  Live everyday as if it is our last...and in a way it is. This is the last moment like this...we will ever have. This wrinkle in time will never occur again, except in our memory. Let’s start creating beautiful memories for our children to read about in History. We should be giving our children something to strive toward, something to be proud of. Shine the love of our Creator in all we say and do...the reflection will be more brilliant than a priceless diamond.

God Saw Us Through

God Saw Us Through

As an old year passes

And a new is on its way

I wanted to give thanks

For paths I crossed along the way

It may not have been forever

But in my heart you will stay

Sometimes the largest blessings

Are found at the end of the day

Even though our encounters

May have seemed too brief

Your life is forever written

In my divine memory

Your loss may have caused tears

And your absence may make me sad

But I am thankful for the opportunity

To share the experiences we’ve had

When the New Years bell rings

And lovers embrace

Let us not forget

Those we met along the way

The people who touched us

By simply taking a breath

Never leaving our hearts

Through life...or through death

Let us rejoice in the feeling

That God saw us through

With love and understanding

In all we say and all we do

Falling to our knees

In our most humble of prayers

Asking for guidance

In everything and everywhere

May the New Year bring us

Joy and eternal peace

And guide us down His path

With love and with ease

Join me in wishing

To man and woman alike

Happy Holidays for all

And to all a good night

My Prayer

My Prayer

I pray that there

Will never come a day

When I will turn from you

 And walk away

I hope that we learn

From others mistakes

And keep striving forward

No matter how long it takes

I know that we can walk through life

Holding one another’s hands

Never judging or demeaning

Our fellow woman and man

I will open my heart

By closing all doubt

Sharing the love of God

Is what life is all about

Life is so fragile and

Sometimes far too brief

But we can rise above offenses

That are sometimes too steep

We can smile and create laughter

Among our family of God

Giving support and encouragement

With a smile and a nod

Love one another

Why is that too much to ask

When did kindness and peace

Become too much of a task

Cast aside the hate we have grown in our hearts

And realize our second nature is not war

Be kind to each other at any cost

Remember the reason we were brought here for

No executions or state sanctioned deaths

Are acceptable by His rules

Empathy, compassion, and understanding

Not guns ...should be our only tools

Once we can embrace the essence of God

And His attributes so divine

There will be no question what we should do

In your heart or even in mine

So I wish you love and inner peace

That with which we were made

Love your fellow neighbor

As you love thy self...is the lesson for today

Pay close attention to the word of God

And not the will of man

Once you do this it will become clear

You will then understand

There is no deed too small

Or no person so meek

Who cannot make a change

To fix a world so bleak

Remember the depths of the largest ocean

Started with a small drop of water...until one day

The skies opened up and God started to shine

And He willed it to begin to rain

It only takes the will of one man

To create the change that we need

One foot in front of the other

Baby steps...begin to follow His heed

Much joy and kindness

May your blessings exceed your sweetest thought

Give thanks daily

And His will be done...not purchased and not bought

I leave you with my final note

My humblest prayer

When your neighbor reaches out for you

I pray that you are there

Giving Thanks

Giving Thanks

  Today I want to give thanks for the experiences of this past year. Some have been happy and some have been sad...but all have been necessary. This year my sister passed away...and while I definitely feel her absence...which makes me sad. I also felt blessed by her presence...for which I will forever be grateful. Life has a way of giving you just what you need...even though we might want more or feel like we actually have less. I am a better person for just having known her...and fortunate enough to have loved her. My sister loved me unconditionally, as I did her. And while I am still saddened by her death...I am elated that God loved me so much that He sent her to me...even if our time was brief.

  This year was a time of awareness...the world had become more aware of the trauma caused by the famine in the Horn of Africa. While this has been an ongoing problem, which has now become dire..., at least now we can no longer claim ignorance. We must acknowledge the ongoing problem and the obligation that we have to try and help...our fellow man. I have seen online videos and statements....as well as, online petitions to create awareness of this devastating problem. I pray that this dreadful condition...improves over the coming year. The only way to improve...however is to bring and keep this issue in the light; as people, it is our job to bring awareness to the fact that our fellow man is starving to death.

  In 2011, several states created racial profiling laws; and while I found this to be sad and disheartening...I still have hope that we will eventually do the right thing. It is my prayer that in the coming year we will be able to look at all the injustices and learn from our own mistakes. I hope that we will soon learn that not only are we no better or superior to anyone or anything else; but that there is no way for anyone to fix what has already happened. All that we may hope for in the near future is that we can move ahead and start treating other people as we would like to be treated...even if we aren’t being done so right now. I believe that we have the ability to rise above our differences and uplift ourselves by uplifting our fellow man. We have the chance to rise above any and all adversity...using our unique characteristics as means to connect. In 2012, I pray that we will understand that racial profiling, legal or not, is a huge step backward...and is no better than making our fellow man sit at the back of the bus.

  I want to thank Troy Davis...posthumously, while the light and awareness you helped spread did not save your life...I believe that it will help others. I hope that people may understand, because of your voice beyond the grave...that killing is wrong...no matter whom the assailant is. I also wish peace to the families of those touched by this case and the thousands before it. Let us not dwell on the errors of man...but learn from it so that we can build upon the fact that loving one another is all we need to do.

  2011 was the year that American troops came home from Afghanistan...and while too much life was lost...on both sides.... I know we are relieved to have our sons, daughters, fathers and mothers back on our soil. But let us not be so overjoyed that we forget the many lives lost. I pray we spend more time giving unsolicited hugs to the children of that war...once time has escaped us...there is no way to back track; but we can begin new...today.

  My thoughts and prayers are with those people still at war...all over the globe; those children of God fighting for their rights to exist...and I ask that we no longer turn a deaf ear to their plight. Let us remember how hard it was for us knowing that our family members, our neighbors...our fellow man were fighting and may not return...and pray for those families that still live with that turmoil today. Let us show compassion and empathy with the orphans born as a result of the wage of war...not forgetting that it is our children that pay that price.

  Let us remember in the coming year, the sacrifices that the women in our lives have made. Please join me in shining light on anyone and everyone who believes they have the right to do harm to any one of them. Please help me bring awareness to the fact that millions of women are beaten, abused (physically and verbally), raped, and even killed every year...a senseless and vile act. But even sadder than the fact that it happens...is the fact that it usually happens at the hand of someone they love and trust. I pray God reminds us to be respectful and kind to one another everyday...because we are breeding this behavior in our young children who sit and watch idly. I pray for the soldiers in this fight...the women and girls that are affected by this travesty every single day. With love, perhaps we can put an end to this war, as well. 

Lastly, I want to thank all of those people who did the right thing this year...loved unconditionally without bias. You are the reigning example of what we are all supposed to rise to...your example speaks in leaps and bounds.

  I wish all of you a safe and happy holiday season, and hope you leave room for growth in the coming year. Every day is a lesson. Every thought can maintain peace or create war...let us shine our Creator’s love on all that we touch.

God Will Meet You There

God Will Meet You There

I remember like it was yesterday

 When things felt so bad

My life seemed in ruins...

I was broken...torn and sad

I softly cried and mourned

As I lay there in pain

My heart in pieces

I would never be the same

How could this happen...

Why didn’t I see?

Why did he do this...?

What is happening to me?

All alone in isolation

 My own self made jail

Unable to see any hope

 I was doomed to fail

He took away a part of me...

The purest of my self

And now there’s nothing left...

My heart upon a shelf

Then a sweet voice

Within the darkness came

And my fog was lifted

 And I rose above the shame

You did nothing wrong

 Said the voice just beyond my sight

I’m sorry that you are hurting...

But you will be alright

Sometimes things will happen

 And we may feel all alone

But remember you are loved by a God

 That you have always known

You were not being punished

 And although your pain is deep

Know that this is not a secret

 That you were meant to keep

You need to reach out to others

 And show them there is no shame

Show them their strength by sharing your heart...

So they may do the same

Help them rise above this cowardly act

 By shining light on the offense

Tear down walls...build bridges...

Line paths with common sense

The victor is not the one

 Who over powers women of our God

Victory is not found with the biggest fist

 Or with the sharpest rod

Success is found within those hearts

 That rise against the fall

And suddenly those very big

 Become instantly very small

He did not take your soul

 When he took those other things

And while he may be bold...

You are the one with wings

You speak of truth and love divine

 Above all shame and hate

You show how God instilled love

 In everything He creates

HE is the answer to all questions

 And when one dares ask why

They will know the answer by your humble smile...

The look in your eye

He may think he destroyed you

 With the angry act he did do

But that’s because he doesn’t know God

 And therefore he didn’t know you

Smile sweet angel with the knowledge

 That God will never leave your side

And know that judgment will come

 With every tear you cried

Fear not soft hearted woman...

For you are not alone

God sent me to remind you

 What you have always known

Spread this divine message

 Even through your despair

And once you reach heavens gates...

God will meet you there

Look At The Bright Side

Look At The Bright Side

Today is National “Look on the Bright Side Day”. Where some people might find that to be a ridiculous event, I must say that I can understand the sentiment behind it...especially this time of year. This time of year is the largest season for suicides and murder...so I think it is extremely appropriate to celebrate the reasons to hold on to life and all the gifts that we receive in living it.

  Life can sometimes spiral out of control. We can feel as if we are lost or even as if we nay not want to be found. We may feel alone or isolated...wondering who would even notice if we just dropped off the face if the earth. These sentiments are what make this event pertinent. We are all important, our lives are essential in some plan that God has for us. Just like when we speak of the importance of animals and the chain or circle of life...we, too, are critical parts of the grander scheme of things. Something as minor as a smile to a stranger...may change the course or energy of a day. A kind word or gesture could turn war time into a moment of peace.

  What is the bright side of a life which appears to have no particu7lar meaning? Well, we woke up today. We lifted our heads...and because we were willed to do so...the work God has lain out for us has begun. The bright side is the fact that today...unlike some...you received the gift of another moment...another opportunity to do the work of our Creator. Today we can hold our heads up and move forward. We get to choose whether we live or simply exist; while keeping in mind that we are the example that others are turning to. People don’t want us to tell them what to do...but they are open to observing those thoughts in action. We are responsible for all of our deeds...large and small...good and bad. We can impress or depress people...we have the luxury of choosing the path we walk.

  Look on the bright side...today is a new day...and the way we view it may help or hinder someone else. Things happen in life, some of these things may seem like they have broken us...left us in pieces. I think we have all felt this way...one time or another. But the actual truth is...we were not broken, shattered, crushed, or defeated. We were simply temporarily impaired...stunned...surprised...startled and dismayed. And here we are...not only present and accounted for but looking on the bright side of life. We have simply evolved into another part of who we were intended to be. We may feel sad at times due to a change or loss in our lives; and while I am not trying to take away from that very real feeling...I am going to tell you that hope always exists.

  You get to decide the energy that you will emit on others...just as I do. And yes, we will sometimes falter. It is okay to stumble on the building blocks of life...as long as we understand that they are just blocks...and not giant walls with no means of escape. You have to remember to pick yourself up and press on...eyes are watching you. If you have hope...someone else will be able to feed off of it...and they will be able to give hope to others, as well. Use the foundation that we were created with...love...peace....understanding and kindness; these are the elements of success and hope.

  Life is a gift. It regenerates, rejuvenates and revitalizes our souls. It is okay to have rough days...but understand that...better days will follow. No one expects perfection, but we do expect, desire, and need your word that you will constantly strive for more.

  Our lives contribute to the ever populating circle of love...and the bright side of that concept is that love always comes back ten fold. Love is more like the boomerang of God...no matter where you toss it...God will make sure it finds you again. Contribute to the lives of others...remember they too are looking for a bright side...be that for them. Other people have the same insecurities, anxieties, and hesitations that you may have...lend them your shoulder and in doing so...open your heart.

  The possibilities of life are endless...unless we stop trying. Do not be your own road block...expect the impossible...because with the divine love of our Creator...all things are attainable. There is no goal or idea which is too much for our Creator...we simply need to ask and be prepared to receive it. Look at the bright side...no matter how dire a situation seems...this too shall pass...and the lesson in the struggle may feed the hopes and aspirations of others.

Dear Santa

Dear Santa

Dear Santa, children will write you all over the world

Telling you they have been good boys and girls

Asking for gifts as rewards for the deeds

Hoping you will fulfill all of their needs

Some will want cars and some will want trains

Some will want dolls and video games

They will hope you come through while they are sleeping

But I have a wish that I have been keeping

I don’t want a present wrapped and topped with a bow

Or battery operated toys that will stop and will go

My wish is for love for people one and all

No matter how short regardless of how tall

I want countries at war to lay down their arms

And learn to love each other and do no more harm

I want daddies and mommies to come home safe and sound

Placing smiles on faces that have only seen frowns

I want children without food to know what it’s like

To have their stomachs filled for more than one night

Santa I need patience...as I learn my way

And hope for tomorrow ...as it’s a new day

I want forgiveness for those who haven’t been nice

Warm their hearts with joy and melt all the ice

Tell the people in foreign lands that they are our brothers

And we are now ready to start...loving each other

I know what I want won’t fit under a tree

It’s my hope for the future...for you and for me

Remind my fellow man the true intention of my heart

Maybe he will forgive me...and we can make a new start

So if you get a chance to read this letter

Tell God I promise next year we’ll do better