He is more….
Than communication sent over telepathic waves or digital paves we’ve come to know as our pathway to destruction….of harmonies never to be woven together in melodies that make this rather cold and lonely. I’ve gotten used to words on screen and touching things that remind me of screams we shared within the shadows of the wall. We encompassed the fall as summer nights led to cooler tones our foliage beaming the color of song. How do we say this is all? How do we besiege the tall……..sun that rays over my wonderland and tell me I’m yours for the taking…..automatically designed for His making…?
She is more…..
Than a maybe in another time we could rhyme on street corners somewhere between Jerstin and stop preachin what we should have been teachin’. Instead we’re only reachin’ for what seems to be leakin’ from the bottomless pit of our souls. Waters run over into what we thought could be close, but we found that the most was in the 404 we share in area code or really the 770…..but, how could a chance passing be worthy of grasping a delayed passing of space and time. Her passion says stop and his reason says go as we talk in circles and dream in utters of what could have been as the branches bend against the wind of tides. Silence lingers as her fingers trace the lines of his frame as we refrain from saying…….
They are more…..
Than a pretending that we’re into bending essence into the titles we hold and the lies we were told about how the joys unfold. Lies breed sighs and truths breed fools who can’t tell when they’ve been used to play by the adversary’s rules. Who are you to choose? Love over schools of perfect pictures and empty dinners lit by saddled tights of empty eyes and shrinking fights. To be a fly on the wall when Atlas Shrugs at scenes of ten men flocking to her at opposite ends of the room. Their eyes beam at the rise of her silhouette and the stride of her move. She’s pressing forward, striving further, reaching higher until their dimensions meet to say…..
There’s so much more…..
Friday, March 9, 2012
Friday, July 15, 2011
Turning the Page
I'm jumping off a merry-go-round into an elevator headed for the top floor. In the last few years, I have allowed myself to believe that it was possible to sustain efforts of elevation while co-existing with others who are content with the insanity of walking in circles.
I guess the one thing that I remember most about amusement parks is that while I had loads of fun; there is one thing that remained constant: a circle of Distraction. You're never content with riding one ride because there are many others to choose from that all seem to suspend you high, low, left, right, front, back in the parameters of a circle. Even the music plays in a sequential loop that plays over and over in your head long after the ride is over. I believe there is power in repetition when our minds haven't completely developed, but if our brains are not exercised and trained to explore new grounds, question our barriers, and allow our perceptions to bend our realities the space of consciousness will perpetually evade us.
When I imagine turning the page at the end of a chapter, there is a moment that freezes in my mind. This moment is the point at which the page is in a perfectly vertical position. It is the catalyst, the cornerstone, the path right before the fork in the road. In this moment, we are challenged to reflect on our pastlives as we make the choice to continue to read, to live, to fight, to hope, to dream, to G-R-O-W. This analogy was born from an intent I posted at Intent.com, a spiritual wellness social networking site: "Page turning--Saturday marks a vertical point reached when the previous chapter is finished and a new chapter begins...such a short, reflective Silence." When the music stops and the ride is over, we find that we are usually in the same spot that we began?
Ending where I began? I'm simply not satisfied with that....are you?
I guess the one thing that I remember most about amusement parks is that while I had loads of fun; there is one thing that remained constant: a circle of Distraction. You're never content with riding one ride because there are many others to choose from that all seem to suspend you high, low, left, right, front, back in the parameters of a circle. Even the music plays in a sequential loop that plays over and over in your head long after the ride is over. I believe there is power in repetition when our minds haven't completely developed, but if our brains are not exercised and trained to explore new grounds, question our barriers, and allow our perceptions to bend our realities the space of consciousness will perpetually evade us.
When I imagine turning the page at the end of a chapter, there is a moment that freezes in my mind. This moment is the point at which the page is in a perfectly vertical position. It is the catalyst, the cornerstone, the path right before the fork in the road. In this moment, we are challenged to reflect on our pastlives as we make the choice to continue to read, to live, to fight, to hope, to dream, to G-R-O-W. This analogy was born from an intent I posted at Intent.com, a spiritual wellness social networking site: "Page turning--Saturday marks a vertical point reached when the previous chapter is finished and a new chapter begins...such a short, reflective Silence." When the music stops and the ride is over, we find that we are usually in the same spot that we began?
Ending where I began? I'm simply not satisfied with that....are you?
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Grassroots Movement: Are we present?
I have recently started working with a local non-profit organization, Midtown Assistance Center. MAC offers various services to the working poor as well as the homeless. Yesterday, I had the pleasure of attending my first HAG (Homeless Action Group) meeting; an organization designed to bring various service providers together on a monthly basis to collaborate and discuss different services, programs and special events to serve the working poor. Interestingly enough, the mayoral candidates for the upcoming election were there to address the ineffectiveness of the system that is known for misappropriation of funds, degradation and demeaning of the homeless and a lack of resources.
As my colleague and I listened to each candidate share their vision as to how they will fix what's been broken; we couldn't help but notice that one candidate continuously praised a shelter that is known for its deplorable conditions, poor client relations and management. In his defense, I must say that I was impressed by the fact that he let it be known that he is not well versed on the specific issues and would be open to sitting at a round table to discuss how we can find the best solutions. The one thing he continuously praised is their mission and the philosophy behind their vision. What would resonate more with me and the city of Atlanta are his personal encounters with the homeless who are pleased with the services provided by the shelter. Unfortunately, this is not the case.
The questions that I kept asking myself were: Are we present? Are we making our assessments based on information we read on a website or a handbook? Are we speaking with the homeless? Are we relating to the homeless? Are we reaching out to the homeless?
I would like to start initiatives where we allow the working poor and homeless to give feedback on the services provided. Most people may feel that the poor and homeless should be thankful for anything they are given, but anyone of us could lose our homes or jobs and be in the same position. Would we not want to be treated with dignity and respect despite the nature of our circumstances? I believe that the most effective way to repair the system is from the inside out by getting a broad look into the operations from the experiences of the clients served. From here, we can set new standards and goals in public interest training, cultivationg partnerships and alliances and fighting for the representation of the working poor and displaced.
It's important that we have faces, names and stories to represent the homeless of America so that we can understand that they are not all addicted to drugs, suffering from mental illnesses and too lazy to find a job. In many cases, they are people who work minimum wage jobs, but can't afford the costs for housing or people who have been displaced due to losing their jobs and homes in these turbulent times, and people who made poor decisions in their past but are looking to pull themselves up by their own bootstraps to make a living.
I invite you to get the inside scoop on Atlanta's homeless:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15Nryl_Bbqw
May we all be present in the grassroots movement of serving others....
As my colleague and I listened to each candidate share their vision as to how they will fix what's been broken; we couldn't help but notice that one candidate continuously praised a shelter that is known for its deplorable conditions, poor client relations and management. In his defense, I must say that I was impressed by the fact that he let it be known that he is not well versed on the specific issues and would be open to sitting at a round table to discuss how we can find the best solutions. The one thing he continuously praised is their mission and the philosophy behind their vision. What would resonate more with me and the city of Atlanta are his personal encounters with the homeless who are pleased with the services provided by the shelter. Unfortunately, this is not the case.
The questions that I kept asking myself were: Are we present? Are we making our assessments based on information we read on a website or a handbook? Are we speaking with the homeless? Are we relating to the homeless? Are we reaching out to the homeless?
I would like to start initiatives where we allow the working poor and homeless to give feedback on the services provided. Most people may feel that the poor and homeless should be thankful for anything they are given, but anyone of us could lose our homes or jobs and be in the same position. Would we not want to be treated with dignity and respect despite the nature of our circumstances? I believe that the most effective way to repair the system is from the inside out by getting a broad look into the operations from the experiences of the clients served. From here, we can set new standards and goals in public interest training, cultivationg partnerships and alliances and fighting for the representation of the working poor and displaced.
It's important that we have faces, names and stories to represent the homeless of America so that we can understand that they are not all addicted to drugs, suffering from mental illnesses and too lazy to find a job. In many cases, they are people who work minimum wage jobs, but can't afford the costs for housing or people who have been displaced due to losing their jobs and homes in these turbulent times, and people who made poor decisions in their past but are looking to pull themselves up by their own bootstraps to make a living.
I invite you to get the inside scoop on Atlanta's homeless:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15Nryl_Bbqw
May we all be present in the grassroots movement of serving others....
Monday, September 28, 2009
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Love is Everywhere, Love is Nowhere, Love is Me with You
Love is like an hourglass, with the heart being filled as the brain is emptied-Jules Renard
Jules Renard, an 18th century wordsmith, captures my discovery of love best with this quote. I am no expert on finding love, but my experiences may qualify me to share a thing or two on matters of the heart.
From the moment we are born, women are conditioned to believe that we will be swept away by our "knight in shining armor;" and, together we will live "happily ever after". After my first real date in college, I realized that my "knight in shining armor" was a bit nervous and socially awkward. He forgets to pull out the chair at dinner, doesn't have much conversation unless I'm asking the questions and seems to be daydreaming about whether or not he will get a goodnight kiss. At different points in our lives, we realize that "love" may mean different things to different people. For me, two hearts coming together in Love should be exciting, euphoric, romanitc and most importantly an opportunity to grow together in ectasy.
After a few disappointments in dating, I decided it was time to take a little self inventory. I discovered that my heart and mind were in conflict over what the act of "love" means. My mind says that a man should only court me with the intentions of getting married. But, our courtship allotted him just enough time to prove whether he's the "best" man for the job. If he doesn't prove worthy enough; I shall move on to the next potential suitor. How selfish the mind can be?
However, my heart knew better. It knows that love is best experienced when two people are fulfilled; not limited by responsibility, flowers, candle lit dinners and exotic trips to show their love. All of these things can be flattering; however, they mostly appeal to ego and pride rather than the heart. I feel the most loved when my lover tells me the truth I need to hear, makes me laugh on those days when I can hardly break a smile and celebrates my "flaws" because they have and continue to make our love stronger. In short, the love I deserve can not be expressed with temporal, feeting forms of affection because the love I give is worth much more than the treausures found in my jewelry box.
It's the "branding" of love that makes us feel lonely and unwanted as we sit on the couch watching "The Way We Were" drowning in our own tears.The more we fall out of love with "love" and fall in love with ourselves, we begin to see that love has been there all along: uplifitng, nurturing, strengthening, inspiring and preparing us for its reflection in another. Love is not necessarily found; It graciously becomes clearer over time.
Unconditional in acceptance and admiration.....
Love is Everywhere, Love is Nowhere, Love is You....
....with Me....
Jules Renard, an 18th century wordsmith, captures my discovery of love best with this quote. I am no expert on finding love, but my experiences may qualify me to share a thing or two on matters of the heart.
From the moment we are born, women are conditioned to believe that we will be swept away by our "knight in shining armor;" and, together we will live "happily ever after". After my first real date in college, I realized that my "knight in shining armor" was a bit nervous and socially awkward. He forgets to pull out the chair at dinner, doesn't have much conversation unless I'm asking the questions and seems to be daydreaming about whether or not he will get a goodnight kiss. At different points in our lives, we realize that "love" may mean different things to different people. For me, two hearts coming together in Love should be exciting, euphoric, romanitc and most importantly an opportunity to grow together in ectasy.
After a few disappointments in dating, I decided it was time to take a little self inventory. I discovered that my heart and mind were in conflict over what the act of "love" means. My mind says that a man should only court me with the intentions of getting married. But, our courtship allotted him just enough time to prove whether he's the "best" man for the job. If he doesn't prove worthy enough; I shall move on to the next potential suitor. How selfish the mind can be?
However, my heart knew better. It knows that love is best experienced when two people are fulfilled; not limited by responsibility, flowers, candle lit dinners and exotic trips to show their love. All of these things can be flattering; however, they mostly appeal to ego and pride rather than the heart. I feel the most loved when my lover tells me the truth I need to hear, makes me laugh on those days when I can hardly break a smile and celebrates my "flaws" because they have and continue to make our love stronger. In short, the love I deserve can not be expressed with temporal, feeting forms of affection because the love I give is worth much more than the treausures found in my jewelry box.
It's the "branding" of love that makes us feel lonely and unwanted as we sit on the couch watching "The Way We Were" drowning in our own tears.The more we fall out of love with "love" and fall in love with ourselves, we begin to see that love has been there all along: uplifitng, nurturing, strengthening, inspiring and preparing us for its reflection in another. Love is not necessarily found; It graciously becomes clearer over time.
Unconditional in acceptance and admiration.....
Love is Everywhere, Love is Nowhere, Love is You....
....with Me....
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Prayforkate.com
Natalie Grant (the Christian pop artist for those who aren't familiar) tweeted a prayer request that every mother must answer to. She drew my attention to a beautiful little girl, Kate, who has a brain tumor that has drastically shaken the lives of her and her family. Her story is not too unfamiliar as my husband and I know the uncertainty that the McRae's are feeling at this hour.
Born on October 29, 2007, our newborn babygirl was the light of our eyes. As far as we knew, she was as healthy as could be and we would be taking her home in just a day and a half. Unfortunately, October 30th hit us with a disheartning reality, the nurse detected that Saadia was seizuring during her 24 hr. check up. She was immediately sent to NICU and after running a few tests, drawing blood and adminstering antibiotics; we found out that our babygirl suffered a mild stroke during labor. As the doctor gave me vague details about my daughter's condition, tears ran down my face and my mind raced with questions that only time would answer.
After a week and a half, Saadia proved strong and healthy enough to be released. Finally, our daughter was able to be home with us!! She was prescribed medication for a month and a half (as a preventative measure for the seizures) and we scheduled a follow-up visit with her neurologist. We were pleased or shall I say relieved to find out that the blood clot was in a region of the brain that "could possibly" afffect her motor skills on the left side of her body. I am proud and thankful to report that Saadia has since outgrown the seizures and her motor skills are on target.
Needless to say, our prayers are with Kate and her family. As parents with a child who may have known a childhood filled with surgeries, therapy and neurological treatment; we know and can appreciate the pain the McRae's are going through, the prayers that they need and the encouragement we can give them. Only by faith, prayer and support were we able to get through this scary time. I ask that you give Kate and her family the strength to do the same.
Pleas visit prayforkate.com to learn more about the McRae's and their special little girl. Your support means more than you can imagine. Their hearts may be weary and their minds may be fearful, but the Spirit is resilient and ever healing.
Born on October 29, 2007, our newborn babygirl was the light of our eyes. As far as we knew, she was as healthy as could be and we would be taking her home in just a day and a half. Unfortunately, October 30th hit us with a disheartning reality, the nurse detected that Saadia was seizuring during her 24 hr. check up. She was immediately sent to NICU and after running a few tests, drawing blood and adminstering antibiotics; we found out that our babygirl suffered a mild stroke during labor. As the doctor gave me vague details about my daughter's condition, tears ran down my face and my mind raced with questions that only time would answer.
After a week and a half, Saadia proved strong and healthy enough to be released. Finally, our daughter was able to be home with us!! She was prescribed medication for a month and a half (as a preventative measure for the seizures) and we scheduled a follow-up visit with her neurologist. We were pleased or shall I say relieved to find out that the blood clot was in a region of the brain that "could possibly" afffect her motor skills on the left side of her body. I am proud and thankful to report that Saadia has since outgrown the seizures and her motor skills are on target.
Needless to say, our prayers are with Kate and her family. As parents with a child who may have known a childhood filled with surgeries, therapy and neurological treatment; we know and can appreciate the pain the McRae's are going through, the prayers that they need and the encouragement we can give them. Only by faith, prayer and support were we able to get through this scary time. I ask that you give Kate and her family the strength to do the same.
Pleas visit prayforkate.com to learn more about the McRae's and their special little girl. Your support means more than you can imagine. Their hearts may be weary and their minds may be fearful, but the Spirit is resilient and ever healing.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
What is your "Approval Rating?"
I haven't felt compelled to blog about Healthcare Reform or Obama's plummeting "Approval Rating" until today. You see, I believe that when we elect officials, Representatives, Speakers, Senators and even our President we assume responsibility for our choice. Once the choice is made, we can not only sit back and let the plot unfold; we must join in the movement to have our dreams realized. Suffice to say, we don't live in a perfect world and we don't elect perfect politicians, but we must make our best choice with hopes that our best will become better still.
The fact of the matter is that we live in a society, a capitalistic society, that operates on a barter system. There can be no progress without coming to a consensus where both sides, big business and government, feel like they are gaining a little more than what they came to the table with. Although this may not be the reality we want to face, it is indicative of a quote we can all relate to: "If you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours..."
In this democratic process, there has to be a space where we respect, appreciate and sympathize with the needs of at the very least our children, if not our overall society. Although, we may not have the perfect solution to a quite stinging problem; we have to start somewhere and sometime. Fortunately, that place is America and the time is now.
How can we call ourselves the leader in societal, political and economic standards when we continue to fail in making domestic advancements that have been ignored for far too long? I find it interesting that most people are bound by lies, fabrications and manipulations concerning the details of Healthcare Reform and that some liberals, who were hoping for immediate gratification, are plastering conspiracy theories all over the internet.
In this country, we all have the right to our opinions and the Freedom of Speech; but, when do we start to tally our own "Approval Ratings?" Have we thought about how we can help accomplish the needs of our communities, our society, our country? Have we taken the time to inform ourselves on the details and intricacies of our Healthcare proposal? Are we open to the possibilities of a movement that will set us out in a brighter direction? Have we assumed responsibility for our personal healthcare? Our children's healthcare?
Too often, we find ourselves waiting, wishing and hoping for Change; as we eagerly submit our votes on how well or not so well our elected officials....our bosses....our teachers.....our community organizers....our pastors.....are doing. Over the last few years, I've come to appreciate that it is the individual parts that make up the whole; and, each part should be a reflection of the whole. Now that we have agreed that reform is needed, the work must begin to make this vision our surmountable destination. Is it not the results that judges one's action? It's unfortunate that the results of Obama's "Approval Rating" have already been tallied.
Are we playing our part?
Are we seeing the results? Or....
Are we sitting in judgement as we watch someone else be a-part of the solution?
The fact of the matter is that we live in a society, a capitalistic society, that operates on a barter system. There can be no progress without coming to a consensus where both sides, big business and government, feel like they are gaining a little more than what they came to the table with. Although this may not be the reality we want to face, it is indicative of a quote we can all relate to: "If you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours..."
In this democratic process, there has to be a space where we respect, appreciate and sympathize with the needs of at the very least our children, if not our overall society. Although, we may not have the perfect solution to a quite stinging problem; we have to start somewhere and sometime. Fortunately, that place is America and the time is now.
How can we call ourselves the leader in societal, political and economic standards when we continue to fail in making domestic advancements that have been ignored for far too long? I find it interesting that most people are bound by lies, fabrications and manipulations concerning the details of Healthcare Reform and that some liberals, who were hoping for immediate gratification, are plastering conspiracy theories all over the internet.
In this country, we all have the right to our opinions and the Freedom of Speech; but, when do we start to tally our own "Approval Ratings?" Have we thought about how we can help accomplish the needs of our communities, our society, our country? Have we taken the time to inform ourselves on the details and intricacies of our Healthcare proposal? Are we open to the possibilities of a movement that will set us out in a brighter direction? Have we assumed responsibility for our personal healthcare? Our children's healthcare?
Too often, we find ourselves waiting, wishing and hoping for Change; as we eagerly submit our votes on how well or not so well our elected officials....our bosses....our teachers.....our community organizers....our pastors.....are doing. Over the last few years, I've come to appreciate that it is the individual parts that make up the whole; and, each part should be a reflection of the whole. Now that we have agreed that reform is needed, the work must begin to make this vision our surmountable destination. Is it not the results that judges one's action? It's unfortunate that the results of Obama's "Approval Rating" have already been tallied.
Are we playing our part?
Are we seeing the results? Or....
Are we sitting in judgement as we watch someone else be a-part of the solution?
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