What do I do? Where do I turn? Many times in life we pray for the answers to these questions when faced with a major crisis. In a moment of despair, we find ourselves at a loss for direction and reach out to anyone willing to help us. But rather than from out, the answers usually come from within.
I like to refer to these as our Scarlett O'Hara moments. Recalling the scene where Scarlett, broken and exhausted from fleeing Atlanta, suffering from the shock of finding her mother dead, the family plantation fleeced and her father in a state of dementia, attempts to find nourishment from the garden where she wretches over a forgotten radish. At that 'last straw' moment she vows to "never go hungry again", to take care of her family and to not be beaten down. She draws on her inner strength. And her life changes forever.
Though this fictional catharsis was created in the mind of Margaret Mitchell, it was, no doubt, drawn from personal experience. The enlightenment that comes from these moments sets us in a new direction of growth and gives us a renewed spirit of strength. Suddenly we know what we have to do. In time, we become a better person because of this experience.
It's these moments that remind me of the presence of God in my life. Guiding my soul when my mind and body are at an impasse. Preparing me to face the road ahead with a stronger spirit. Opening a door when I find another has closed.
These defining events are the ones that will be our times to lead the journey by example. To show God that we are listening. To re-enforce our faith. The road to enlightenment and peace is a journey of learning, growing and teaching. Those who travel with blinders on will miss the lessons and find themselves walking in circles and getting nowhere. A well nourished spirit will prove to be a worthy guide.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Sunday, May 30, 2010
The Greatest Americans
They didn't get to come home to put the horrors of combat behind them. Never had a reunion with loved ones. Never got to revel in the freedom they valiantly fought for. This weekend we honor their sacrifice by placing flags on the ground where they came home to rest. We remember them in prayer. We show our pride in their service by flying the flag that represents what they stood for: Red for VALOR. White for PURITY and INNOCENCE. And Blue for VIGILANCE, PERSEVERANCE and JUSTICE.
I never met my Uncle Leonard. He died over twenty years before I was born. But he was always a part of our large family. His picture hung in the living room of Grandma's home next to the letter from President Harry Truman, "In grateful memory". Grandma always looked at it lovingly and with pride as she mourned her eldest son. It stirred emotion in his brothers, who probably wondered what life would have been like had he come home. In us, his many nephews and nieces, it provoked questions about Uncle Leonard, and it also reminded us of the sacrifices so many have made to keep us safe, and free from tyranny here at home and around the world.
When I go to the cemetery on Memorial weekend, I place a flag on Uncle Leonard's grave. An honor I have proudly taken over from his friends and fellow veterans of the "Greatest Generation". I am reminded of all that we are blessed with in this country. Especially in the fact that we have had succeeding great generations who have enlisted in the service of our nation to preserve, protect and defend the principles that so many before them have given their lives for.
Memorial day is for the greatest Americans. Fly your flag to remember the fallen soldiers, to support those who currently serve and to show their families that they are in your thoughts and prayers.
I never met my Uncle Leonard. He died over twenty years before I was born. But he was always a part of our large family. His picture hung in the living room of Grandma's home next to the letter from President Harry Truman, "In grateful memory". Grandma always looked at it lovingly and with pride as she mourned her eldest son. It stirred emotion in his brothers, who probably wondered what life would have been like had he come home. In us, his many nephews and nieces, it provoked questions about Uncle Leonard, and it also reminded us of the sacrifices so many have made to keep us safe, and free from tyranny here at home and around the world.
When I go to the cemetery on Memorial weekend, I place a flag on Uncle Leonard's grave. An honor I have proudly taken over from his friends and fellow veterans of the "Greatest Generation". I am reminded of all that we are blessed with in this country. Especially in the fact that we have had succeeding great generations who have enlisted in the service of our nation to preserve, protect and defend the principles that so many before them have given their lives for.
Memorial day is for the greatest Americans. Fly your flag to remember the fallen soldiers, to support those who currently serve and to show their families that they are in your thoughts and prayers.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Prescription for Healing
It was a gray, rainy Sunday morning. And a bit early for a family gathering. But it was an important milestone. As much as it was a sad anniversary, it was a celebration of us using what we learned to face what we had been dealt.
Excusable tears occasionally swell up. Momentary reflection is marked by a brief, blank stare. In the two years since Mom's passing, we have each traveled our own path out of the darkness of grief, toward the rising sun of a new day. And we did it by following the path Mom cleared for us. Following the example she set. Mom's journey led us to prayer and faith, to the arms of our family members and to discovering our own inner abilities to overcome whatever we are dealt, knowing that God doesn't give us anything he hasn't prepared us to handle.
While we follow our Mom's example of how to get past the loss of your mother, Dad has followed his Mother's path for grieving the loss of the love of your life. Moms have a way of making sure you have what you need.
Looking back at the past two years, we can compare the before and after and find that we are more appreciative of one another. We find more time to spend with each other. Are more observant of each others struggles. Our large family is a blessing that we all realize every day. We pray more, giving thanks for what we have and putting ourselves in God's hand to guide us through difficult times.
The prescription for our healing included faith, family and following the journey of our Mother. The healing process resulted in us being stronger as a family. Finding our untapped talents. And it put us on a course of setting precedent for the younger generation. A path they will one day follow in search of answers, when we are no longer there to give them.
Excusable tears occasionally swell up. Momentary reflection is marked by a brief, blank stare. In the two years since Mom's passing, we have each traveled our own path out of the darkness of grief, toward the rising sun of a new day. And we did it by following the path Mom cleared for us. Following the example she set. Mom's journey led us to prayer and faith, to the arms of our family members and to discovering our own inner abilities to overcome whatever we are dealt, knowing that God doesn't give us anything he hasn't prepared us to handle.
While we follow our Mom's example of how to get past the loss of your mother, Dad has followed his Mother's path for grieving the loss of the love of your life. Moms have a way of making sure you have what you need.
Looking back at the past two years, we can compare the before and after and find that we are more appreciative of one another. We find more time to spend with each other. Are more observant of each others struggles. Our large family is a blessing that we all realize every day. We pray more, giving thanks for what we have and putting ourselves in God's hand to guide us through difficult times.
The prescription for our healing included faith, family and following the journey of our Mother. The healing process resulted in us being stronger as a family. Finding our untapped talents. And it put us on a course of setting precedent for the younger generation. A path they will one day follow in search of answers, when we are no longer there to give them.
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