SHINE BRIGHTLY

Hello my friend. I take it that you, like most of us, are going through something. I’m here today to share a bit about adversity: you know, those challenges that seem to turn us every which way but loose…

We hate to see it coming, but come it must, if we are to evolve as people. There is much to be learned and gained by adversity. Just look at a baby learning to walk; it’s the falling down that teaches the babe to balance and hold on to support. Likewise, we find our truest strength in adverse situations: overcoming and persevering teaches us to trust ourselves and the wise counsel of others. We experience growth from pushing through the pain and we gain stability and greater self-reliance.

Most of us love to shine. We brush and polish our hair, teeth and skin into a state of radiance. But when it comes to our souls, we resist the abrasion, the heat, friction and pressure that fashion us into better human beings, enabling us to shine brightly for Christ.

MADAM HERO

Say the word HERO and most brains form images of Caped Crusaders, Crime Fighters, Super-Powered Beings and Civil Servants. And though Teachers, Soldiers, Civil-Servants and countless others do save and changes lives, the World is filled with Unsung Heroes  & Heroines who pour out themselves to those around them, daily. 

Moms & Dads top the list as such and are seen as Heroes to the children that honor them, often later in life, after becoming Parents themselves and fully grasping the true depth of sacrifice their own parents made to ensure them the best quality of life possible.

Today I pay Tribute to My Aunt Ruth, who has been a Genuine Heroine to Generations: and though I’ve been Blessed by Many Beautiful Women in my Family & throughout Life, especially after My Mother passed on from this mortal realm, it was My Aunt Ruth that chatted with me daily, before she fell ill, Always offering encouragement, wisdom and insight.     

There’s not a female child born into Big Mama Ruth’s family (however extended or removed) that has not donned one of her Authentic Crochet Masterpieces: mittens, hats, scarves, ponchos, vests, afghans, skirts & skirt sets. She believes in dressing well & bade us all, likewise.

Aunt Ruth’s Community, Church and the Many Civic Organizations, to which she belonged (Lifetime-Easter Star) have been Blessed by her loving dedication to improvement, literacy and beautification. 

She never went anywhere without touching hearts and lifting lives. Aunt Ruth’s motto “ Do & Be Your Best,” has helped many to reach higher and achieve more. 

Born in Mississippi, she has traveled the entire globe many times. She’s volunteered to feed the hungry and clothed the less fortunate. GIVING is her mission. 

                            LOVING VIDEO

From all who have been touched and loved by You, Aunt Ruth…Thank You, Madam Hero. 

SEEING LIFE WITH NEW EYES

I’d been looking at my situation as one of dire straits because it was uncomfortable and amazingly challenging. There were times when I thought walking away from it all would afford me, at the very least, a bit of R&R. 

Truth be told…despite the dreadfulness of it all, I am simply not a quitter. I’m tenacious and once I sink my teeth into and idea I’m not easily dissuaded. I have to live with my choices and that gives me more courage; puts for bite into my fight. It’s not that I don’t know how to let go, I simply choose not to be intimidated into letting go. And when I do walk away, it’s because I have calculated the value of doing so. 

That said; Satan took it upon himself to challenge my stance on this issue and to present me with the most difficult question I’d ever had to ask myself…

“Should I continue to fight for my home?” 

Of course, Satan was there at every turn with opposing views and indecision. But it was I - Me, who had to make the choice and to  not allow emotion or interference sway my judgment. People and their opinions often came into play. But again, I was the one living this nightmare and I knew that it was not an accident that Jehovah, in all His infinite wisdom, had allowed me to come to this place in my life. So, being the adventurer that I am, I sought to find out what I was that I was positioned to learn and how it might help others facing a similar plight. 

It didn’t take long for me to realize that our darkest days are the ones that prepare use to rejoice in the brightest light - like the storms that cause us to appreciate the calm after it has pasted. 

I’m still in the midst of this storm. But I’m in a stronger boat now. A boat made of appreciation. From the portholes of this vessel I see my situation and life in general in a new light. One of brilliance and Glory, because I’m so grateful to be so Blessed. It’s not about what happens to me or even how I fare as a result of the outcome. It’s all about what I’ve been fortunate to learn and how my experience might inform and encourage someone else who has found themselves in a similar predicament. 

I believe that all will turn out rosy and rewarding. But right here - right now, all is well with my soul. I know unequivocally and unquestionably that this experience, like all others, is shaping me and my life to be more efficient, effective and infectious when I tell people about the Glory of Christ and what He has done in my life. 

I have human eyes to see and appreciate all the beauty that is everywhere around and about me on this lovely, green earth. But I also have spirit eyes to see that which is less visible, obscured by the clouds of trials and tribulations. It’s through these spirit eyes that I view my situations and place merit on all the lessons learned by going through them. The pain and heartaches are not in vain and I strive to share these lessons with any and all who would take something away with them and put it to good use. 

I’m sharing this with you because I know that you too may be going through a painful time that has caused you to question…

“What did I do to deserve this?”

“Where is God now?”

“Why me?”

Or any of the other gazillion retorts that we spout when we hurt.  

I am not here to make light of my situation, because it is a mess. I simply want to convey that there is nothing that I can not handle because I know that I not in this by myself and I and not doing all this for myself. There’s a bigger picture. I see it far more clearly now…with my new eyes…SMILE*

ROSES

 

“Give me my roses while I can yet appreciate them…” my Mother would say, and so do I. Let me enjoy them as I live. Witness their beauty, caress their silken petals and smell their sweet perfume. I am not royalty, yet, no queen pageant winner has known more pride than I for all the praise and accolades given me.

 

I ask only that you heed my sage advice and follow not the tawdry paths that I have taken, for they have taken their toll. Choose you paths of your own; and not for fame or folly-but the path of enlightenment due all those who would seek the truth. I have lived long and seen much, and this much I know…Your life is your’s and you must live it for you.