Today I decided to chime in on another attempt of government to make a decision based on a few people's views (mostly men) about what they feel is the best interest of the country as to how our (my) tax dollars should be spent. Along with this decision they are willing to create more costly expences on our now recovering economy to satisfy their ego's based on a religious view of abortion.
Their lack of a bigger view of Planned Parenthood just troubles me because not one single man can experience the ramifications of giving birth to an unplanned pregnacy or delivery of a child that is not supported or wanted by it's mother. This is a view that is shared by a lot of women that can afford an abortion and would like other women that may not be offered the same choice. The reason a lot of women do not speak out is because it is a personal choice that can label one as heartless which is far from the truth. One's religious view about the subject is a freedom that we are afforded in this country and now is the best time that women can step out on their views as to how our tax monies should be best spent to serve all women regardless to their understandings or experiences.
It is time for the women of our country to speak out to stop the rediculous ramblings of government as to what rights we should be afforded through how our tax dollars are spent. This is an issue that pertains to the rights of every woman and that battle is part of our ancestry sacrifices of the brave women before us. We are the Masters of our body and our choices, not government. Just as all the other tax monies spent without our support or approval, this is just one more that is directed clearly at us and used by religous leaders to force women into submission to their rule.
I say it is time for the muzzel to be removed from all women, to be heard concerning the rights that have been afforded us through the sacrifice of others regardless to our financual standing. This is the hour that all women can make a stand to go forward by being heard and to unite to lift our voices together. Stand women...lift your voices to the Unity call of equal rights for all women to have choices. This is a call about opportunity...not right of life! Life is never-ending but opportunity can dissapper at the hands of a few when you allow it!
Now is the time to unite for opportunity to never be removed. Don't allow the smokescreen to blind your view as to what is the real issue. We shall not be blinded or used by the few we have placed into office to decide our fate without a good fight. Stand and be recognized...let those you supported hear your voice!!
I looked up the definition to government in order to understand who should decide what is right for the individual and that clearly helped me to decide...Me!
Main Entry:gov*ern*ment
Pronunciation:*g*-v*rn-m*nt
Function:noun
1 : authoritative direction or control : RULE
2 : the making of policy
3 : the organization or agency through which a political unit exercises authority
4 : the complex of institutions, laws, and customs through which a political unit is governed
5 : the governing body
–gov*ern*men*tal \*g*-v*rn-*ment-*l\ adjective
Friday, April 8, 2011
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Then The Whole World Shifted
I could never have imagined that my life would change in such a way that I couldn't find words to describe the experience. It all began when I typed "yoga" into my Google search engine. I've always been the person that aspired to the saying; "when the student is ready, the teacher will appear". Mysteriously, the Indian Mystic, Sadhguru and his online Inner Engineering program came to my attention.
I have always been attracted to India and all her wonderful spiritual diversity. It has always amazed me that so many different viewpoints of spirituality can exist in one place and have such respect for one another. We cannot even master that in America in my opinion. We have a tendency to have to be right over the others in our society if it doesn't sound like Christianity and that has never sat right with me. Out of my respect for India and her history to expand I decided to investigate Sadhguru's vision for humanities expansion in the area of Inner Engineering through the path of yoga.
In my investigation through taking the online program I was amazed at the discoveries I was making within my own self. Sadhguru invited me metaphorically to get on the bus to enjoy the view from his perspective. I have to say that for me that was a challenge because I had to discern was he asking me to give up my "drivers seat". That had been the test in every religion I had investigated in this country led by men, soooo, was this going to be one more disappointment for me from my favored country, India. I decided not to pass a judgement until I looked upon his request with fresh eyes and experienced what he was saying. After taking a ride on this bus for a moment through the program, I'm beginning to relinquish my drivers seat long enough to see things from different viewpoints, however, the drivers seat is the best advantage point from my experience to see the "Big Picture".
After the online program with Sadhguru I decided to go to the Isha Institute of Inner Sciences in McMinnville, Tn. There was another program offered from the online program that I wanted to take at Isha. When I arrived on this beautiful mountain top of the spectacular Cumberland Plateau with it's setting of 1200 acres of beautiful forest land I had to take a step back to catch my breath. It was unbelievable that my whole life had come to this point...on this mountaintop. From this point everything takes on a different perspective. To come to a different perspective would not come from this trip, this was only the beginning. This was just my initiation into yoga and to learn that it was much more than an exercise, which is what I got from the American perspective. It was not until my next visit at Isha in Tennessee on January 23,2011 when I personally saw Sadhguru at Darshan that I realized just how much "keeping it real" has always meant to me. Sadhguru truly must have found me out of my own desires to meet a teacher that would keep it real.
I have to say that after seeing Sadhguru on Isha's campus doing the work that needs to be done to bring his vision to fruition and receiving Darshan that evening with him...then the whole world shifted!
I have always been attracted to India and all her wonderful spiritual diversity. It has always amazed me that so many different viewpoints of spirituality can exist in one place and have such respect for one another. We cannot even master that in America in my opinion. We have a tendency to have to be right over the others in our society if it doesn't sound like Christianity and that has never sat right with me. Out of my respect for India and her history to expand I decided to investigate Sadhguru's vision for humanities expansion in the area of Inner Engineering through the path of yoga.
In my investigation through taking the online program I was amazed at the discoveries I was making within my own self. Sadhguru invited me metaphorically to get on the bus to enjoy the view from his perspective. I have to say that for me that was a challenge because I had to discern was he asking me to give up my "drivers seat". That had been the test in every religion I had investigated in this country led by men, soooo, was this going to be one more disappointment for me from my favored country, India. I decided not to pass a judgement until I looked upon his request with fresh eyes and experienced what he was saying. After taking a ride on this bus for a moment through the program, I'm beginning to relinquish my drivers seat long enough to see things from different viewpoints, however, the drivers seat is the best advantage point from my experience to see the "Big Picture".
After the online program with Sadhguru I decided to go to the Isha Institute of Inner Sciences in McMinnville, Tn. There was another program offered from the online program that I wanted to take at Isha. When I arrived on this beautiful mountain top of the spectacular Cumberland Plateau with it's setting of 1200 acres of beautiful forest land I had to take a step back to catch my breath. It was unbelievable that my whole life had come to this point...on this mountaintop. From this point everything takes on a different perspective. To come to a different perspective would not come from this trip, this was only the beginning. This was just my initiation into yoga and to learn that it was much more than an exercise, which is what I got from the American perspective. It was not until my next visit at Isha in Tennessee on January 23,2011 when I personally saw Sadhguru at Darshan that I realized just how much "keeping it real" has always meant to me. Sadhguru truly must have found me out of my own desires to meet a teacher that would keep it real.
I have to say that after seeing Sadhguru on Isha's campus doing the work that needs to be done to bring his vision to fruition and receiving Darshan that evening with him...then the whole world shifted!
Sunday, January 16, 2011
The Question...Religious or Enlightened?
Recently I've pondered the question for myself...do I want to be considered religious or enlightened? The answer for me leads to another question...to be accepted or not within certain groups of thought.
I have pondered through the many paths of discovery on my spiritual journey as to how I identify myself and how others choose to recognize me. In this quest for my own truth I have become less and less identified with any one label. The more I step back away from the group analogy, I ponder more independantly. Personal investigation of truth for me has led me down many of the old trails of religious persuasion to be a part of one way of thinking or another. I have learned that thoughts are a powerful and controlling thing. The next question is...what conclusion do I want to be led by? The challenge for me is; to understand which thoughts are authentically mine and which ones are the shared manifestations of anothers dream. Am I having a shared experience of someone else's dream or am I my own dream manifestation? Do I want to religiously follow the steps of another or do I want to experience the unlimited myself?
The question that follows that thought is; what does it mean to be enlightened and can I get there? I've pondered certain statements over the years that convinces me that others also must have felt these same uncertainties. Statements like:
"To Be or Not to Be..."
"Many are called...Few are chosen" (or maybe few choose?)
"Be true to thine own self..."
"Ruin is the road to transformation..."
These words are just a few of many that have crossed my path to cause me to step back and question the idea of following anything religiously. I have had a drive and thrist all my life to touch the unlimited understanding that we all have equal access to the enlightened state of being. I also feel within my heart that there is no single instruction of how to get there because we all are unique and gifted individually. We all can be still in the presence of "Source" to recognize truth, is my understanding. The very essence of our existence is truth itself.
I don't think I am alone in this pondering of these questions and I think that is why today we all are evolving towards the destiny of enlightenment at a rapid speed. As to how and when we will know it, is all in the choosing to be in the very moment of all that there is...life itself is all there is and to detach from the illusion of what seperates us will bring us into who we really are. Life leads us to another question?
I have pondered through the many paths of discovery on my spiritual journey as to how I identify myself and how others choose to recognize me. In this quest for my own truth I have become less and less identified with any one label. The more I step back away from the group analogy, I ponder more independantly. Personal investigation of truth for me has led me down many of the old trails of religious persuasion to be a part of one way of thinking or another. I have learned that thoughts are a powerful and controlling thing. The next question is...what conclusion do I want to be led by? The challenge for me is; to understand which thoughts are authentically mine and which ones are the shared manifestations of anothers dream. Am I having a shared experience of someone else's dream or am I my own dream manifestation? Do I want to religiously follow the steps of another or do I want to experience the unlimited myself?
The question that follows that thought is; what does it mean to be enlightened and can I get there? I've pondered certain statements over the years that convinces me that others also must have felt these same uncertainties. Statements like:
"To Be or Not to Be..."
"Many are called...Few are chosen" (or maybe few choose?)
"Be true to thine own self..."
"Ruin is the road to transformation..."
These words are just a few of many that have crossed my path to cause me to step back and question the idea of following anything religiously. I have had a drive and thrist all my life to touch the unlimited understanding that we all have equal access to the enlightened state of being. I also feel within my heart that there is no single instruction of how to get there because we all are unique and gifted individually. We all can be still in the presence of "Source" to recognize truth, is my understanding. The very essence of our existence is truth itself.
I don't think I am alone in this pondering of these questions and I think that is why today we all are evolving towards the destiny of enlightenment at a rapid speed. As to how and when we will know it, is all in the choosing to be in the very moment of all that there is...life itself is all there is and to detach from the illusion of what seperates us will bring us into who we really are. Life leads us to another question?
Saturday, December 25, 2010
THE GREATEST JOURNEY
It all began when I was only twelve years old. I wondered if I was the only one that could possibly question this thing called racism. In the neighborhood where I lived I saw all kinds of people every day and never considered that there were rules of behavior that just could not be broken without great repercussions. It wasn’t until that awful day, April 4, 1968 in Raleigh, NC when I saw the Purina Dog Chow Plant burning on TV and heard about the curfew on the city that had everyone off the streets by nightfall, that caught my attention that something terrible had happened which would change my life forever.
The television was broadcasting on every channel that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. had been assassinated on a balcony in Memphis Tenn., where he went in support of striking African American sanitation workers. Dr. King was in support of equal rights for every individual was what I heard and this thought caused me to start noticing everything surrounding me that maybe I had not noticed being white and possibly sheltered from such actions that I was unaware of. I realized at that moment that everything is not as it appears or that just maybe one doesn’t even know what they are looking at until it is defined.
I began to question everything after this day of terror in America. As I look back this was the first terrorist attack on America for me. Up until this point the only terrorist I had known was the terror I had experienced from the men in my mother's life. I never realized that there were people around me that had a lot of terror going on in their life as well. From that point in my life I began to question truth and who was trying to tell it. I learned that the journey of truth can be the greatest quest one will ever take. When you hear ones such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Robert F. Kennedy, John F. Kennedy, Mahatma Gandhi, Jesus Christ, Muhammad, Baha’u’llah, and many others that I have studied along my journey in quest of truth for myself it leads one back to the Source of all truth that resides right where you are was my discovery. This “source”, is internal was my revelation and everyone has their own opinions of “how to” make the connection so that one can be directed in their steps. For me, the beginning quest was initiated when I experienced an untruth that was horrendous enough to make me question every thing I had known and experienced up to that point. I am eternally grateful that this awakening happened early on so as not to have so many layers to have to unfurl to be accepting to fresh new possibilities. Of course this wasn’t without consequences of being outcaste by all those that thought they knew me! However, looking back over others that quested for truth this seemed to be a pattern, so who am I for it to be any different. Forty-two years later and still counting I am not surprised that this has been the Greatest Journey ever!
I have always been one to enjoy history as a trail to pieces of the puzzle towards understanding how everything has come together up until this point. Of course, I also discovered that depending on who is telling the history and their freedom to do so as to how they processed it or interpredeted it, can alter the truth for those that follow. Again a little glitch in truth telling. Being a writer I quickly realized the power of the pen to alter people's minds as to the plot and purpose of a story. Investigating this thing called truth is not a task for the faint at heart but I have also learned that if your intentions is for your own personal freedom you will be guided by the mystical hand of inquisitiveness towards your liberation. This true found freedom is not something magical you can pass onto someone else however, when inquired upon one can toss out mere morsels to cause one to venture on their own inner journey towards their fates destination of enlightenment. This personal investigation of truth for me has led me on many trails of unchartered waters whereby, I have held on at times for dear life and at other times I have floated to bask in the sunshine. Every moment has been well worth the ride because ultimately, the journey has been where all the growth has been towards personal freedom.
Recently I have embarked upon the adventure of internal Yoga. I don’t consider myself by no means to be an expert on anything however, I do see the value in experience for oneself, rather than riding on the stories of others. This journey so far has reminded me much of the necessity of stillness to appreciate the miles traveled. Through my many travels I have been able to truly appreciate the exposure to others experiences and stories attained. It takes a willingness to be still in the task of integrating these experiences with your own to figure out what it all amounts to . Over the many years of observation I’ve come to realize that to see life bigger than your own takes great courage. Now, as I begin to see life all over again through the new fresh eyes of my grandchildren life brings on a whole new perspective. Being entertained by their drive to be creative, is a joy within itself because as we mature we have a tendency to forget the power of the imagination and it’s ability to create whatever you can imagine. I am blessed to be surrounded by so much expressive energy to create, create, create new beginnings!
This is a whole new chapter of my life to take part in the “New Beginnings” of a whole new society of fresh new possibilities and to accomplish the dream that so many others have resonated with. This “World Family” that has been spoken about for centuries is upon us, passed down for us to embark upon it’s possibility and all we all have to do is get out of the way for it’s unfolding. I am so excited to be a part of The Greatest Journey!
The television was broadcasting on every channel that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. had been assassinated on a balcony in Memphis Tenn., where he went in support of striking African American sanitation workers. Dr. King was in support of equal rights for every individual was what I heard and this thought caused me to start noticing everything surrounding me that maybe I had not noticed being white and possibly sheltered from such actions that I was unaware of. I realized at that moment that everything is not as it appears or that just maybe one doesn’t even know what they are looking at until it is defined.
I began to question everything after this day of terror in America. As I look back this was the first terrorist attack on America for me. Up until this point the only terrorist I had known was the terror I had experienced from the men in my mother's life. I never realized that there were people around me that had a lot of terror going on in their life as well. From that point in my life I began to question truth and who was trying to tell it. I learned that the journey of truth can be the greatest quest one will ever take. When you hear ones such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Robert F. Kennedy, John F. Kennedy, Mahatma Gandhi, Jesus Christ, Muhammad, Baha’u’llah, and many others that I have studied along my journey in quest of truth for myself it leads one back to the Source of all truth that resides right where you are was my discovery. This “source”, is internal was my revelation and everyone has their own opinions of “how to” make the connection so that one can be directed in their steps. For me, the beginning quest was initiated when I experienced an untruth that was horrendous enough to make me question every thing I had known and experienced up to that point. I am eternally grateful that this awakening happened early on so as not to have so many layers to have to unfurl to be accepting to fresh new possibilities. Of course this wasn’t without consequences of being outcaste by all those that thought they knew me! However, looking back over others that quested for truth this seemed to be a pattern, so who am I for it to be any different. Forty-two years later and still counting I am not surprised that this has been the Greatest Journey ever!
I have always been one to enjoy history as a trail to pieces of the puzzle towards understanding how everything has come together up until this point. Of course, I also discovered that depending on who is telling the history and their freedom to do so as to how they processed it or interpredeted it, can alter the truth for those that follow. Again a little glitch in truth telling. Being a writer I quickly realized the power of the pen to alter people's minds as to the plot and purpose of a story. Investigating this thing called truth is not a task for the faint at heart but I have also learned that if your intentions is for your own personal freedom you will be guided by the mystical hand of inquisitiveness towards your liberation. This true found freedom is not something magical you can pass onto someone else however, when inquired upon one can toss out mere morsels to cause one to venture on their own inner journey towards their fates destination of enlightenment. This personal investigation of truth for me has led me on many trails of unchartered waters whereby, I have held on at times for dear life and at other times I have floated to bask in the sunshine. Every moment has been well worth the ride because ultimately, the journey has been where all the growth has been towards personal freedom.
Recently I have embarked upon the adventure of internal Yoga. I don’t consider myself by no means to be an expert on anything however, I do see the value in experience for oneself, rather than riding on the stories of others. This journey so far has reminded me much of the necessity of stillness to appreciate the miles traveled. Through my many travels I have been able to truly appreciate the exposure to others experiences and stories attained. It takes a willingness to be still in the task of integrating these experiences with your own to figure out what it all amounts to . Over the many years of observation I’ve come to realize that to see life bigger than your own takes great courage. Now, as I begin to see life all over again through the new fresh eyes of my grandchildren life brings on a whole new perspective. Being entertained by their drive to be creative, is a joy within itself because as we mature we have a tendency to forget the power of the imagination and it’s ability to create whatever you can imagine. I am blessed to be surrounded by so much expressive energy to create, create, create new beginnings!
This is a whole new chapter of my life to take part in the “New Beginnings” of a whole new society of fresh new possibilities and to accomplish the dream that so many others have resonated with. This “World Family” that has been spoken about for centuries is upon us, passed down for us to embark upon it’s possibility and all we all have to do is get out of the way for it’s unfolding. I am so excited to be a part of The Greatest Journey!
Saturday, December 18, 2010
When You've Got Faith
There have been many times in my life when the conversation around the table has been about, "when you have faith". However, the most profound times have been when my children remind me of the journey we all have experienced and recognizing that it has been because of our faith that we have much to be grateful for.
This year has been one that I would like to send out with this message of, "When You've Got Faith". My daughter reminded me the other day that when people are broke, faith is the only thing that they have to hold on to. I had to laugh, thinking to myself that I've known lots of people in these past few years that have had to depend on their faith and they don't think of themselves as broke. However, my other daughter reminded me that "broke" wasn't just in a material way, OK, I get that!
That brings me to the thought of what out faith is made up of. For me, it's all about the experiences in my life whereby there is no other explanation for my very existence other that something much bigger than me carrying me through it all. There has always been moments in my daily life that bring me to constant confirmation that I have so much to be grateful for. I do have to admit that because of my brokenness starting out in this life it created the environment for me to quest for answers from a much higher source. I learned to trust my inner GPS system early on in life and I am guilty for encouraging my children to do the same based on the great results I experienced. I also felt a great freedom within myself to experience this sincere connection to my faith.
Faith for me is very tangible because it's such a powerful part of my personal story. I hope that for every person that has had to trust their faith this year, it has been a powerful experience and will empower each of you to trust, dream, hope and believe in yourself that you can reach all of your dreams. May every day bring you closer to the reality of the power of your faith and I look forward to many "recipes of life", that you offer up to all of us from your "Writers Cafe" within. May the blessings of this season of gifting bring you all the joy of your hearts as you share the gifts of your spirit with others.
Remember, when you've got faith, you've got the best gift that anyone can possibly receive.
This year has been one that I would like to send out with this message of, "When You've Got Faith". My daughter reminded me the other day that when people are broke, faith is the only thing that they have to hold on to. I had to laugh, thinking to myself that I've known lots of people in these past few years that have had to depend on their faith and they don't think of themselves as broke. However, my other daughter reminded me that "broke" wasn't just in a material way, OK, I get that!
That brings me to the thought of what out faith is made up of. For me, it's all about the experiences in my life whereby there is no other explanation for my very existence other that something much bigger than me carrying me through it all. There has always been moments in my daily life that bring me to constant confirmation that I have so much to be grateful for. I do have to admit that because of my brokenness starting out in this life it created the environment for me to quest for answers from a much higher source. I learned to trust my inner GPS system early on in life and I am guilty for encouraging my children to do the same based on the great results I experienced. I also felt a great freedom within myself to experience this sincere connection to my faith.
Faith for me is very tangible because it's such a powerful part of my personal story. I hope that for every person that has had to trust their faith this year, it has been a powerful experience and will empower each of you to trust, dream, hope and believe in yourself that you can reach all of your dreams. May every day bring you closer to the reality of the power of your faith and I look forward to many "recipes of life", that you offer up to all of us from your "Writers Cafe" within. May the blessings of this season of gifting bring you all the joy of your hearts as you share the gifts of your spirit with others.
Remember, when you've got faith, you've got the best gift that anyone can possibly receive.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
THE POWER OF THE FLAME AND IT'S HOLDER
When one has grown up very close to the flame and what causes it, it's very hard not to get burnt; from time to time.
I remember the flames of the fires in Raleigh, North Carolina after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. I realize now over fifty years later, that was the turning point in my life for the journey I would travel and the near consuming moments in time at the nearness to the fire. I was eight years old at the witness of the injustice in Raleigh at the time and I wondered what was going on but there were injustices of another kind going on in our house. The dysfunctions of our society as a whole was what I was feeling and there was nothing I could do about it but just survive and grow up;quick.
I began to realize that as I became an adult there were a lot of decisions that I would have to make that would define who I was and what I really believed. I couldn't depend on Society to define that because the color of my skin in the time I was growing up said something different was expected than what I was willing to abide by. I realize now that I made the right choices concerning where I stood on the issues of racism, sexism, classism, and every other label that seperates us from one another by definition. It is by the definitions of someone else's value system established by one group or another that keeps us in turmoil and indicisive as to our own opinions.
In deciding one's own opinion one must step outside of an established set of rules and do their own research through their own experiences to recognize their own truth. To try to apply that experience to every situation or group of people is as wrong as the sterotypical information we already have. I am proud to see that with each new generation they are becoming less likely to just be part of the status quo.
It is because of the brave souls that step outside of the status quo that pave the way for those that follow. Every time one chooses to do ,say or think a little differently, it is a step forward in evolving and elevating our awareness toward the Unity of Humanity in Oneness. There are still a lot of things in our Society that give individuals a step up because of the color of their skin or their gender but it is up to each one to do whatever they can for the next generation with what they are given.
When any one of us gets close to the fire we have to ask ourselves if it will consume us or will we use it's flame to see what we need to see within the dark spaces to forge ahead with the torch for those that follow.
Fire can warm and enlighten or consume and destroy. It is the intention of the holder of the flame that makes the difference. The question is; when you are passed the torch...what will your intention be and how will you use it's power?
I remember the flames of the fires in Raleigh, North Carolina after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. I realize now over fifty years later, that was the turning point in my life for the journey I would travel and the near consuming moments in time at the nearness to the fire. I was eight years old at the witness of the injustice in Raleigh at the time and I wondered what was going on but there were injustices of another kind going on in our house. The dysfunctions of our society as a whole was what I was feeling and there was nothing I could do about it but just survive and grow up;quick.
I began to realize that as I became an adult there were a lot of decisions that I would have to make that would define who I was and what I really believed. I couldn't depend on Society to define that because the color of my skin in the time I was growing up said something different was expected than what I was willing to abide by. I realize now that I made the right choices concerning where I stood on the issues of racism, sexism, classism, and every other label that seperates us from one another by definition. It is by the definitions of someone else's value system established by one group or another that keeps us in turmoil and indicisive as to our own opinions.
In deciding one's own opinion one must step outside of an established set of rules and do their own research through their own experiences to recognize their own truth. To try to apply that experience to every situation or group of people is as wrong as the sterotypical information we already have. I am proud to see that with each new generation they are becoming less likely to just be part of the status quo.
It is because of the brave souls that step outside of the status quo that pave the way for those that follow. Every time one chooses to do ,say or think a little differently, it is a step forward in evolving and elevating our awareness toward the Unity of Humanity in Oneness. There are still a lot of things in our Society that give individuals a step up because of the color of their skin or their gender but it is up to each one to do whatever they can for the next generation with what they are given.
When any one of us gets close to the fire we have to ask ourselves if it will consume us or will we use it's flame to see what we need to see within the dark spaces to forge ahead with the torch for those that follow.
Fire can warm and enlighten or consume and destroy. It is the intention of the holder of the flame that makes the difference. The question is; when you are passed the torch...what will your intention be and how will you use it's power?
Sunday, September 26, 2010
A RIDE DOWN MEMORY LANE
Turning onto the boulevard the rushing memories came flooding back to my memory of blasting radios and filled sidewalks of men and women letting off steam from months of the life they were trying to escape by fleeing to the beach. It was an exciting time back in the 70's and 80's at Atlantic Beach, S.C. The beach was better known in South Carolina as the "Black Beach" among the locals. As I reflect on my memories while driving down the dying out of yesterday to make way for another tomorrow, it was like stepping back into time. My stories, I'm sure would be quite different than my daughters family who still operate one of the few business' left standing from years gone by of a more flourishing time economically.They are still standing amidst the transition of the inevitable which brings a smile to my face as I approach the waterfront property. Where once their view was obstructed by surrounding buildings, they now can open the side doors from their club to look directly to the wonderful oceanfront. What a blessing I shared with my daughters aunties to have this magnificent view. I was thinking to myself that their tenacity has paid off to just be able to wake up in the mornings to this site. There are so many people that would die for it and some have. I am grateful to have shared memories with these wonderful souls that have encouraged my spirit to never give up.
I was one of the few Caucasians that braved the imaginary barriers erected by our society back in the day to frequently visit this blast of the past location. Little did I know at the time; to experience memories that would prepare me to survive many storms. There were some really tough experiences as well, however, through prayer and releasing of old energies by continuing to visit the area, I still come back to the admirable memories. What I really admire the most is one of my daughters aunties that in stature is no bigger that a minute but she has remained an icon in her own right as a survivor of every storm that has come her way. Her dreams of hanging on, "No Matter What", has paid off. She is still standing and as I drive up to her establishment the memories come flooding back. I have always admired her stamina when everyone else gave up, she was still there with a smile. She has never changed in that and has always been ready for business. Over the years I have rode down this fading beach memory but she has always still been here with a loving smile and embrace to remind me that she is still standing. There have been many ones over the years that have tried to trick or connive their way into her space and heart to cause her to fall but she always manages to come through it all. It is because of her wisdom and strength that we all can ride back down "Memory Lane" to see she is still standing strong, waiting for us to arrive and with her warm smile to welcome us. She'll have good food, drinks and music to take us away from our cares temporarily while we reflect on yesteryear's gone by that few of us shared in memories of this ole beach with her in our memories but she also inspires each of us to be strong,to have tenacity in achieving our dreams and to move on them when the timing is right is a major key but most important in this wisdom message is , to never give up! I appreciate this fact the most; that it is her tenacity that has always inspired me every time I've came back for a visit to this wonderful place in my memories here at Atlantic Beach, S.C.
I realized as I walked the beach that the only thing in life that holds us back from our dreams is our fears but when we have the faith of our ancestors to still have vision for our tomorrows and tenaciously not give up, we can attain those dreams step by step through moving forward in our minds. After returning home I had a dream where I was on the beach inviting a group of young people to come over the sand dunes to visit the historical "Atlantic Beach" and as we crossed the dunes there were business' everywhere on this small piece of "The Strand", booming with excitment! Just like it was when I was a young teenager of only 16, with the patio open to a new generation of dancers enjoying the outdoor sounds of music and there amidst all the excitment was my daughters auntie, still standing, still smiling! I woke up knowing that everything is ok, everything is in Divine order and I am blessed to have shared the memories.
I was one of the few Caucasians that braved the imaginary barriers erected by our society back in the day to frequently visit this blast of the past location. Little did I know at the time; to experience memories that would prepare me to survive many storms. There were some really tough experiences as well, however, through prayer and releasing of old energies by continuing to visit the area, I still come back to the admirable memories. What I really admire the most is one of my daughters aunties that in stature is no bigger that a minute but she has remained an icon in her own right as a survivor of every storm that has come her way. Her dreams of hanging on, "No Matter What", has paid off. She is still standing and as I drive up to her establishment the memories come flooding back. I have always admired her stamina when everyone else gave up, she was still there with a smile. She has never changed in that and has always been ready for business. Over the years I have rode down this fading beach memory but she has always still been here with a loving smile and embrace to remind me that she is still standing. There have been many ones over the years that have tried to trick or connive their way into her space and heart to cause her to fall but she always manages to come through it all. It is because of her wisdom and strength that we all can ride back down "Memory Lane" to see she is still standing strong, waiting for us to arrive and with her warm smile to welcome us. She'll have good food, drinks and music to take us away from our cares temporarily while we reflect on yesteryear's gone by that few of us shared in memories of this ole beach with her in our memories but she also inspires each of us to be strong,to have tenacity in achieving our dreams and to move on them when the timing is right is a major key but most important in this wisdom message is , to never give up! I appreciate this fact the most; that it is her tenacity that has always inspired me every time I've came back for a visit to this wonderful place in my memories here at Atlantic Beach, S.C.
I realized as I walked the beach that the only thing in life that holds us back from our dreams is our fears but when we have the faith of our ancestors to still have vision for our tomorrows and tenaciously not give up, we can attain those dreams step by step through moving forward in our minds. After returning home I had a dream where I was on the beach inviting a group of young people to come over the sand dunes to visit the historical "Atlantic Beach" and as we crossed the dunes there were business' everywhere on this small piece of "The Strand", booming with excitment! Just like it was when I was a young teenager of only 16, with the patio open to a new generation of dancers enjoying the outdoor sounds of music and there amidst all the excitment was my daughters auntie, still standing, still smiling! I woke up knowing that everything is ok, everything is in Divine order and I am blessed to have shared the memories.
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