The Wings of Angels

The Wings of Angels

In life there are a few things which remain

Through Our Creator we know this is true

That while we may try to demean others

The only loser will always be you

We may convince ourselves of victory

And celebrate the defeat

Of tearing down the hearts of others

Some of whom we have yet to meet

We may say they are less than us

Or maybe that we are more

And we may have lots of fame

Money and friends galore

I suppose it just depends

On how we measure our wealth

I mean is it weighed by our check book

Or by our spiritual health

One day we must realize

Sooner or later we must admit

That true worth is not counting

The diamonds on our wrist

You cannot purchase value

And what’s valuable cannot be bought

Greatness can only be achieved

When the divine truth is sought

And seek it I implore you

Know that in which you sow

Will not produce fruit in His garden

Vanity isn’t supposed to grow

I understand your struggle

I know it can seem you’ve won

But like Icarus and his fake wings

You will never rise up to the sun

It’s sad...you’ve been done a disservice

We told you that fame is great

But the price of fame will only

Keep you outside of the Holy Gates

When we look down upon others

As if we created anything at all

Just like the mighty giants

We have so much further to fall

Find a way to love your brothers

And give that which is not yours

And be not amazed when God

Opens closed windows and doors

In closing I will add this

A truth I hope you never deny

Anytime you try to clip the wings of angels

It is you who will fail to fly

Lifting My Hands

Lifting My Hands

My Father who lives in Heaven

As I bend my knees to declare my love

My heart feels so heavy

This will be this which I speak of

When I was a girl I used to dream

Of flying a rocket to the moon

Not about million dollar contracts

Or growing up too soon

I only thought about laughter

And having fun with friends

Not about drinking or drugs

Or fights that no one wins

I never debated religion

Or what our Creator should be called

Only that He was our source of love

The Father of us all

I could never find in any book

The intention of my heart

So I just loved peacefully

Never tearing others apart

I’m not sure when I first noticed

The condition of our world

Somewhere between adulthood

And that naïve little girl

Life began to be look grim

A sad and lonely place

With images so horrifying

They would never be erased

But once I saw a child killed

On a public street

And it wasn’t a movie

But the news on my TV

All of a sudden bloodshed

And violence was all around

And I so missed the days when

Our feet were planted on the ground

If I could have one wish

And have it immediately come true

It would be to have a clean slate

And to make everything brand new

There would be no separation

Or racial barrier lines

Or wars putting brother against brother

And no more picket lines

When our brother talked

We at least considered his stance

And we would give him an opportunity

At least give him a chance

We would be more kind and concerned

When our fellow man was attacked

No more talk about superiority

Or what another person lacked

There would be peace and prosperity

All across our great land

We would walk joyously together

Always reaching for each others hand

There would never come a moment

When any man could decide

That it was acceptable

It batter and abuse his wife

We wouldn’t hear about the terror

That children now do know

We would just plant our seeds of love

And watch them start to grow

Our forests would again flourish

Natural skyscrapers growing still

Animals could roam freely

As it was always your will

Our self destructive nature

Would come to a screeching end

And instead of making enemies

We created great new friends

Some may think this is foolish

That I dream too much

But I say it is never wrong

To expect better things and such

So every day when I close my eyes

Raising my thoughts for mankind to the sky

My wishes are never laughed at

My creator never wonders why

And while my thoughts my seem fruitless

To the ill will of my fellow man

I know my thoughts do please you

And that you understand

While our world is under attack

By its inhabitants each day

I ask for your guidance

And your help along the way

I pray one day what we say

And all the things we do

Will only show our gratitude

And how much that we love you

I lift my hands to Heaven

Knowing until then

You will be watching over us lovingly

Amen

If You Are Listening

If You Are Listening...

 She is always a little reserved; some may say that she is shy. But I have seen this look before, she is not quiet...she is afraid. She only wants to walk through life quietly without conflict or confrontation; not realizing that what she is doing can not be called living at all. She wants friends, but who would understand the way she is forced to live? She can not even confide in the family and friends that she has now...without the threat of bringing the darkness to their doorway, as well.

  How would she live with the fact that someone she loved may be hurt or even killed simply because they stood by her? So she moves silently...careful not to draw unnecessary attention to herself or her life. She flies under the radar, this self-isolating being of God...praying silently that one day this will all end.

She falls to her knees in desperation. “Dear God, if you are listening...please make him stop”. “Please let me fall asleep forever”. But the next day will look very much like this one...he will watch her; even if he doesn’t speak to her. His presence will speak more loudly than words or actions...”I am here”. “I am not going away”. “I am in control”. “I can not be stopped”. “If you tell anyone, I will kill them...and you will know it was your fault”. And at the end of this day, again, she will pray.

  Understand, her story is not as unique as you may think. Most likely you know someone similar to her, as over 1 million women are stalked in the United States every year. And 89% of femicide victims, the misogynous killing of women by men, have been abused and stalked by their killers12 months prior to their murder.

  What these statistics show is that this is an ongoing problem in our nation. One way of bringing this issue into the light is to remind people that stalking...following...pursuing...and tailing people for the purpose of keeping tabs on them...is not a sign or symbol of love and affection. This is a crime. We need to stop placing blame on the victims of this offense and start pointing fingers at the assailant. We have no reason or cause to continually attack the victim by making excuses for the perpetrator. “If she had said no more loudly...”, “If she hadn’t smiled at him...”, “If she hadn’t worn that outfit”..., “If she had told someone”. She was not at fault...and chastising her will not make the situation get better; all we do when we criticize her...is empower the abuser.

  Stalking is a step below assault and murder. It is compulsive, controlling and violent behavior. We must become aware of this problem...by humanizing the women who are under attack. She could be your mother...your sister....she could be your daughter. Raise your hands up; this is not a big boys club. This is not about brotherhood, it is about mankind. Speak up whenever you can, put your foot down...take a stand against misogyny and femicide.

  Begin today, re-evaluate the way we treat the women in our lives. What starts out small can become enormous...and the beauty in that statement is that we can make it better. Create awareness. January 2012 is Stalking Awareness Month; be aware of this problem. There is no age cap on the female victims, embrace our children. Teach our young boys and girls about respect and boundaries. Guide these young minds and hearts...they are looking to you for support and leadership.

  Show love, by expressing your intolerance of abuse. Don’t make the assumption that the behavior is harmless just because no one has been harmed yet. And if you want to get an idea of what this behavior feels like, on the receiving end...try this exercise: Take down all the curtains, blinds and shades from all of your windows in your home. Leave all your doors wide open...including the front and back door, in fact even leave your bathroom door open; How safe and secure do you feel? How does it feel to think that someone may watch you while you are watching television, eating, sleeping, changing clothes, and bathing? Imagine that every day of your life is like this...are you having fun yet?

  We MUST make a change...in ourselves and then in others. Spend today showing love to all of the women in your life. It can be cold living in the shadows shame and doubt...tell her you love her...let the warmth begin with you.

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.

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.

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.

A Single Drop of Water

A Single Drop of Water

  During this time of year, there will be people who will be singing and celebrating; laughing and crying; shopping and worshipping; remembering and mourning. It is the season of many emotions and experiences, for most. Not unlike any other time of year, I have spent time reminding us to be kind and loving with one another.

  I realized long ago that we all are different, in one fashion or another. No matter how similar we appear to be, if we search deep enough...we will find our distinctive characteristics. By the same token, if we search deep within those that we find to be our polar opposites...we will find the very likeness of us.

  What is the point of this? It’s a point in which, I take great pride in shining light on. We were all created from the same source and created with the same foundation. Our Creator, our point of origin...the maker of all things great and small...started our lives with a single drop of water. And throughout time we can visit and re-visit how water restores, replenishes, revitalizes and revives all living things. That single drop of water, brushed with the love of our Creator...is where we all started and where we should remain focused.

  For all of our differences and unique qualities...one thing tangible keeps us connected...like it or not. Our Creator, no matter what you refer to Him/her as...built us with love. We know this is true because no matter where we look, in music, lyrics, movies, art, even in our most divine books...we are told to love each other. At this point, we should have realized that loving our fellow living beings is important...because we are constantly being reminded to do so.

  The one constant we will have in this life is that as much as we are dissimilar...we are exactly the same. Our foundation cares nothing about how we look differently, speak differently, behave differently, or even worship differently. In the eyes of the Creator, we are the same.

  When the time comes and we are asked how we made use of our time here on earth...I pray that we have something more to offer than we spent time separating people because we have convinced ourselves of the superiority myth. None of us, not one single human being...is better than, above, greater than or superior to ...ANYTHING. Your hair color or texture, the pigment of your skin, the accent of your voice, the size or shape of your body, the location of your earthly home, nor the religion, faith, or the life philosophy that you adhere to...does not put you above anyone or anything else. And as long as we have that delusion in our minds...we are not doing the work of God/Allah.

  Our time here is brief...to prove that fact you only have to ask anyone who has ever loved someone who passed away. So knowing this information...why do we waste so much time on hate and indifference? We are supposed to build our fellow man and woman up...we are supposed to help and guide one another. But in order to do that we must stop trying to isolate one another.

  I hope that during this season of love and hope...that we water the seed which God/Allah planted within us. Love is instilled within our being, but we must cultivate it, water it, and share it with the world. Touch everyone you can...through your fingertips... your speech or your deeds...God’s message can be delivered through us; just as electricity travels through water.

  I implore you to stop wasting time on the negativity that darkness can breed. Remember that just like mold needs darkness to thrive...so does negativity and hate. The Creator’s light is all around us...we need only to seek it. We can see it in compassion, empathy, joy, kindness, thoughtfulness...and when you aren’t watching...you can feel, smell, touch and absorb it through the laughter of children.

  Love is a gift that we are supposed to give to others; and because we were born with it we are supposed to do it all the time. We can hardly hold love hostage, by attaching stipulations to it. The statement “I will love you if...” is a statement of darkness. So here is my message to you: I will love you because God loves me. I will stand by you and defend you against any being that is of the belief that you are not good enough. I answer to our Creator, He holds me accountable for my actions, thoughts and the intentions of my heart.

  Today I would ask you to stand up...become accountable...spread love and joy...for only then can peace prosper.

The Reason For The Season

 

  I think that sometimes we can get lost in the commercialization of things this time of year. The proof of that is everywhere we look. Every store or shop seems to have their own idea of how to make the season more festive and memorable than the year previous.

  This year, however, has been a little rougher for me than most have been...which I believe is a test of my strength and willingness to submit to the will of our Creator. So I have sat and endured every Christmas cartoon known to man...I have watched store Santa’s posing with pictures of children who would rather be ducking and weaving in and out of a four lane highway. I have watched retailers attempt to make their sales and “bargains” look like what we might want Christmas to be. All of this, isn’t always a bad thing...it’s always nice to see the excitement of children and the hidden secrets that this particular holiday seems to bring.

  This year was completely turned around for me...I was all ready to become “Scrooge”. And in my mind, I had reason to. Then something wonderful happened in my life...I experienced the love of God through the heart of my daughter.

  First you must understand, she is a teenager...not unlike most teenagers. She wants things, and she knows that there will be things that no matter how much she wants them, or how much I wish I could get them for her...she just won’t receive them. But this brown eyed beauty decided that this year for Christmas she wanted to play Santa Claus for a child on her school’s “Angel Tree”. Keeping in mind that she knew that by us buying for another child meant that her lean Christmas list...just went on a diet. She didn’t care. I remember the day that she was talking to me about it...tears in her eyes. She just wanted to make a child happy for Christmas. And so we went shopping for this sweet 2 year old boy that she didn’t know and would never meet. We got him a few things...which she picked out. She went home and wrapped them and placed them in a giant gift bag and took them to school.

  I can not even begin to express to you the joy that I felt through her at that moment. But I can only really think of one comparison which may assist in my lack of descriptive prose. Watching her was like the feeling I would get as a young child coming in from the cold. I would get to drink this giant coffee cup filled with creamy Hot Cocoa...you know the kind I mean...with the foam on the top from the giant melted marshmallow that used to be there. When you drank it, it was like your body was literally thawing out. There were parts of my body that were coming to life that I didn’t even realize were frozen.

  My daughter became that for me...a sweet, warm, smiling example of that chocolaty goodness. And the real magic was...she made everyone feel that way. We all laughed and sang songs and smiled at everyone today.

  All of this made me think about the saying...the reason for the season; it was like a light bulb came on. The reason for the season...is to give to others that in which we are given. It isn’t about video games or wish lists. It is about reflecting the love that God has given us...and sharing it with everyone else.

  It may be true that we don’t have as much as the next person, but what we have is intended to be shared. I always try to remind others of our blessings, because we can get caught up in what we don’t have and we forget what we do have. We may not have tons of presents under the tree, and as true as that is...there will be people who not have a home to put a tree...never mind the presents underneath. We may not have a huge Christmas feast, but there are people who will not have food to eat on Christmas at all...or any other day. We will miss those we lost this year and our hearts may weep for them...but there are people who will spend this holiday all alone. Can you imagine living on this huge planet and feeling like you are all alone?

  Today my daughter warmed our hearts...by simply opening hers. I hope it is an example that is set not in vain. Reach out for someone today, touch their hearts and don’t be afraid to warm their souls. God only asks that we give to others what HE has given to us...HIS LOVE. It costs nothing to love one another. If the only present you give to someone is your time...it is time well spent. Shine on one another...the reflection is that of our Creator.

Prevalence of Peace

Prevalence of Peace

  I often write and refer back to the fact that we are supposed to be peaceful with one another; and often I remind us that peace is what God wants for us. However, what is meant by “peace on earth”? What is peace? If I do not speak to you, if I ignore or avoid you...in the name of peace...is it actually peace? If we elude, evade, or dodge people are we giving them peace?

  Let’s us look at it this way...if I ignore you...do you feel warm? This can not become a matter of “If you can’t say something nice than say nothing at all”. What have I given you to pass on to another person...silence? In the quiet, are you reflecting? In the avoidance, are you contemplating how to show your love to another person...or managing a wartime strategy? Peace is not quiet time. Peace is not obtained through a spiritually motivating conversation...unspoken. Peace does not exist when there are guns going off...on the battlefield or in our minds. Peace is destroyed when we are developing ways to divide and conquer for our own personal or professional gain. Peace can not be developed when we are allowing people to dictate who we should love and support. Peace does not exist when we allow violence to touch the hearts and minds of our children.

  When we allow the growth of drugs, gangs, and domestic bloodshed within our neighborhoods...how can peace prosper? How can we expect our children to thrive in conditions that are indicative of hate? Yet, we send our children walking through these neighborhoods to school...which is similar to sending them marching through a mine field. How can we lead other countries into peace...if our own backyards are combat zones? Don’t our children deserve peace of mind? We typically want the very best life has to offer, for our children. Yet we turn a blind eye to the harsh conditions that they are met with...simply by walking to a friends house.

  How do our children learn about peace...if no one even taught us about it? Is peace...quiet? Absolutely not; peace is loud, boisterous, receiving, participatory, and Godly. I will yell...scream...stomp and point at any and all injustices. Until we make changes in our world...there can be no peace. Peace is not nodding and smiling. Peace is not stifling oppression. Peace means change.

  Peace is only obtained through understanding and love. We can stop war...but if we still have hate and indifference in our hearts then peace can not survive. Please understand that indifference is worse than hate...because it implies that we have no concern one way or another, for another human being.  Reflect on that statement for one moment...it means we do not care about a being that was created by God. Is that what we have become? Peace is obtained through consideration of others, kindness and compassion toward our fellow man/woman. We must learn the ways of our Creator, by becoming accepting, kind and considerate of our brothers and sisters under Heaven.

  Peace is not silence. Peace happens when we learn how to live in harmony...when we start caring about other people as much as we do ourselves. Peace is the practice of out stretching our arms to those in need. When we become God’s life raft...and put ourselves second to the needs of others...only then can the quest for peace begin. Remember that if we only show love and concern for ourselves...one day we will look around and see that we are all that is left.

  We should look around at the world we live in...God has populated it with beings that are intended to help uplift us and others. Our true path is found when we start doing God’s work...by nurturing other beings.

  Peace can not be obtained by waiting for lightning to strike in an unusual place. Peace is what we strive for...it makes us better people. It changes those around us. It stops wars and builds bridges. It does not cause separation due to some boundary or limit that man has selfishly created himself. It is the understanding that without it...we have no hope of survival.

  I pray that each of you finds a way to make peace with everyone you touch. May this circle of hope...go unbroken and stand the test of time...because time is running out.

Hidden Heredity

Hidden Heredity

  November is Native American History month. I am always prompted to write about my heritage during this month specifically because I don’t think that enough is widely known about this beautiful group of people, which are my family.

  My teenage daughter has never, been taught anything about Native American History in her school system; in fact the only information she has...comes from our conversations. I, of course, do not mind telling her about my heritage...as I find it to be the most significant thing about me. This week, however I posed a question to myself and did some research to try and understand why we don’t hear anyone speak in a Native American tongue. I wanted to understand what happened when Native children were placed on reservations. The information I found was startling and disturbing.

  It all started with something called “Kill the Indian and save the man”. The title alone left me in chills. How does one separate the two? What I learned brought me to tears. Native American children were placed in boarding schools, under the guise of giving them the benefit of an “American” education. Their culturally significant hair was cut, so the children wouldn’t stand out. The children were also told that if they spoke in their native language or spoke of their culture, they would be punished. And, dear readers, they were severely punished. The children that attended the boarding schools were as young as 6 years of age. The children who had difficulty remembering to not speak in their indigenous language were beaten and made to eat soap. I even read about an incident where a young boy died from choking on the soap. As a result of this conditioning the children and later adults became afraid to speak or participate in their own culture. The way they dressed was changed, as it was part of the Americanization process which was started by George Washington.

  These indigenous people were forbidden from participating in their traditional dances and feasts, polygamy, funeral practices and the “medicine men” were prohibited in the ways of their culture. The people of the United States also felt that it was the responsibility to convert the indigenous culture to Christianity and suppress the native religions and practices that had been a part of their culture. This practice was referred to as “making apples”; where the man would be red on the outside, yet cultured to be white on the inside. In fact, if a Native American was found guilty of practicing “heathen rituals” it was punishable by serving up to 30 years in prison, until the law changed in 1978.

  I found these facts to be very unsettling. I was upset by this because these practices are just another way for man to try and control another group of [people...using fear.

  Please understand that we were not placed on this earth to manipulate or control anyone else. It is our nature to be loving...we were created to do so. It is never okay to degrade or tear another person or group of people down. One culture, religion or race is not better than the other. We are one group of beings...always created to be ONE with our Creator. It does not matter by what name we refer to Him. We are supposed to find peace and give it others. We are supposed to love ALL people, not just those who we understand or those who have an understanding of us. It is our job to promote the love of God, who is the Creator of all things. We have no right to restrict, ban, isolate, or segregate people from their way of life. It is not fair nor is it GODLY of us to say that a group of people must adhere to our culture...or else.

  I am of Indigenous descent...I am proud of my culture. Unfortunately, this blog is necessary. It is necessary because if we do not change our way of thinking...we will continue to hold back entire groups of people. We are brothers and sisters under God’s Heaven...we should start behaving as such.

To Thine Own Self Be True

To Thy Own Self Be True

      I wish I could show you, When you are lonely or in darkness, the astonishing light of your own being. ~Hafiz

  I pray that today can be the beginning of a new tradition...a tradition of love and peace. Don’t worry we will not need to travel to a foreign land, or learn a new language. Today we will start the change within ourselves.

  I want to spend some time reminding you about how precious and necessary you are in this life. Often we may feel that our place in this world is so minute that it is insignificant. We may feel like if we can not have things the way that we think they should be that we have no reason to go on. I promise you the only reason that you feel this way is because you are not seeing life clearly, right now.

  We are often tested...pushed to our limits. While this may seem unfair or harsh...it is the same principle behind letting go of our child when they are learning to ride a bicycle. We are pushing them beyond their conceivable limits. We are teaching them that if they believe in themselves that they can overcome adversity. Can you remember the first time that you rode a bicycle without your mom or dad holding on to you? I know that I felt like I was soaring with eagles...and in my mind I probably was.

  The thing to remember is that our limits or adversity do not own us. We are tested to show us that we can move past a certain level. Often the pain that we feel is placed there so that we will move on...not give up. Giving up means that we were defeated...but it doesn’t have to end this way.

  I understand what it is like to have to deal with real problems head on...I have struggled with my limits also. I always kept in my mind, however the issue that I was facing...was also facing me. I did not have to overcome it...it had to overcome me.

  I am not suggesting that the struggle is an easy one...or it wouldn’t be much of a struggle. However we can rein supreme...I just had to keep telling myself that I alone am enough. I can face my demons...I can walk out of the darkness; I only need to decide to do it. I also am not saying that it is something that needs to be done alone. Reach out to the positive people in your life. Talk to people who are interested in uplifting your spirit and soul. Seek support for your particular demon, it is out there. No matter what issue you are up against, I promise you that some one else has also gone through it.

  You are loved. It can be difficult to see that when it feels like the scales of life seem unbalanced. However the fact that you are here...breathing in and out every day...means that your path is still unfinished. God created you out of love and peace...it is up to you to find your way back to that place.

  I want to help you understand that you never have to struggle alone. The world doesn’t have to be a lonely place. You are a child of God and because of that fact...I love you unconditionally. Your life is very important.

  Treat your body and mind with the respect that you would a temple, church or masjid. You are a temple of God...you hold all His love and peace within you. Love your body; fortify it with the wholesome goodness that you would a sacred shrine. Give your inner self the same love and care that you would your outer covering.

  Fortify your mind with educational, spiritual and emotional love. And spread all of your love to those that you touch every day. You are a vital presence in every one’s life that you come into contact with...from the cashier at the grocery store to your family. We touch others...by just existing. Often we may feel that we do not matter to anyone...but have you ever felt the love of a complete stranger? Love can be transferred through a smile or handshake; we can spread God’s love with a kind gesture or comment. This is the true purpose of our existence...to keep the free flowing love of God all around us.

  My message to you is simple...don’t allow adversity to be the most important thing in your life. The most important thing in your life is to spread the message of our Creator...love all things. Just as I am giving you this message from God...I beg you to give it to others. We are not alone...we never have been...and we never will be. Love yourself...inside out; be true to yourself...and spread His truth in all you say and do.