"Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds."-
Albert Einstein
9 October 2009
I watched the young man, literally, jog to the presidential podium and lay the, no doubt, leather-bound acceptance speech there and disappear back inside the Whitehouse. A moment later, President Barack Obama exited the door of the oval office, strode to the podium and read his speech. He had to.
How do you not make an acceptance speech when you've been "crowned" Nobel laureate? But the look on his face said he would rather be doing anything else. The look on his face was absent his usual good-natured grin. A somber Barack's demeanor said: "I wanted to sleep in. Not get up and put on one of these presidential ties and wrinklefree suits and shirts so white they blind your eyes. I wanted to sleep in and hold my wife and keep my kids home from school and play with that funny-looking, almost allergy-proof dog.
The Nobel Peace Prize, a coveted, lauded, elusive jewel had been awarded to the 44th President of the United States in a stealth-like manner - as he slept. When he awoke, he had been handed yet another challenge, another seemingly impossible task, another job for a supernatural human being. After the initial shock, I wonder if he laughed or scoffed and said to himself: "There is no peace on earth, no goodwill toward men."
Like most brilliant people who know "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People," President Obama has surrounded himself with the brightest and the best. His administrtion is burgeoning with the most talented, capable and probably loyal scholars, academicians, thinkers and persuaders in the country. He has a strong, beautiful, brilliant wife who is willing and more than capable of running the gauntlet with him. So why does Barack Obama feel so all alone? Because he knows. He knows because he didn't leave the Harvard Law Review and head to Wall St. He went through the revolving door that put him right back on "THE streets." He knows because he has seen too many times and experienced before how the prize we're urged to keep our eyes on is handed over only when it's too hot and stinky to handle. Then, we're expected to clean it up and make it right. It's well known that we will bring blood, sweat, tears and prayer -- anything and everything to bear -- to accomplish our goals. Too often if the cleanup is successful we receive a pat on the back and the reins are handed back to the "rightful owners." If we do not reach an acceptable (i.e. perfect) level of success, the reins are still snatched from our hands and we're ridiculed on top of it.
But there's a different punchline this time. There is no reward just inches from his reach. No brass ring swinging just a hair away from his fingertips. There is no symbol of humankind achievement that has eluded Barack Obama. The awards have already been handed out. After you've been elected President of the United States of America and awarded the Nobel Peace Prize -- then what?
"Commit your ways to the Lord; trust in Him and He will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret - it leads only to evil. For evil men will be cut off, but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land." Psalm 37:5-8 (NIV)
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Monday, October 18, 2010
GMA Advice Guru
16 October 2010
A longtime "sisterfriend" of mine was pronounced critically ill. Her daughter called to tell me the hospital was trying to convince them to give their mother some kind of Kevorkian cocktail and just "let her go." But the Lord said, "Not so." When I left my friend's bedside in Connecticut, plans were being made to transfer her to a rehab facility to restore the use of her right side from the ravages of this, her 6th stroke. What a mighty God.
When I returned to Ohio on 10/15, I rushed to complete my bid online for the position of Advice Guru for "Good Morning America." However, like Cinderella, the clock was striking midnight before I could finish and the GMA Web site went blank, where once was a golden opportunity. Have you ever felt you found your calling? (Or at least one of them). This was it for me. Here are my responses to the questions. You be the judge.
What is the best advice you've ever given? What was the result?
I told an ex-boyfriend NOT to wear one of his sport jackets to a job interview (because the circus had already left town).
Actually, my best advice may have been while substitute teaching middle school students. They were shocked when I told them they were experiencing the end of free education. They had no idea how much it would cost per credit hour, in college, to take the English, math and science they hated now. Jaws dropped when I put the cost of law school on the blackboard. Talk about crash courses.
Most important, I hope I changed their perspective about teachers. When I told them their teachers must really love them because they pay to work their jobs, that got everyone's attention. I explained that teachers' paychecks get taxed like everyone else's and some of those tax dollars go to pay their own salaries. A real "ah ha" moment.
When there is an issue between my mother-in-law and me my husband never takes my side. How do I change this?
You don't. The relationships are (or should be) entirely different and mutually exclusive. Been there, did this: Initially, I made demands for solidarity and support -- but they fell flat. I withdrew (sound like military strategy?) but continued to allow him as much time with his mother as he wanted. I remained respectful and absent. Eventually, Mom saw that she was hurting her son and she took her place in the line of succession. If you have a son, try to remember back to this time in your life when dealing with his wife.
While cleaning my son's room I saw what appeared to be bullying remarks on his Facebook page. What should I do?
First, take measures to physically protect your child by notifying school authorities and law enforcement, if necessary. Most important, however, is protecting your child from harm she or he may be contemplating doing to themselves, which is so prevalent now. Go through your yearbooks and point out the bullies and troublemakers to your child and tell them which cemeteries and prisons those people reside in now.
It's time to find out who your kid is and what their dreams are and begin to act on a future that they probably feel is too far away to hope for. Get them involved and get involved with them -- whatever it is.
Then, enroll your child in a good marital arts school, not to become a fighter -- but to acquire discipline, confidence and the ability to protect themselves. Hey, Sensaa (teacher) welcome only those kids who would use their powers for good.
My boss is always stealing my ideas and taking credit for my work. What should I do?
"Success is preparedness meeting opportunity." Or something like that. Most supervisors/bosses have 2 to 4 weeks vacation each year. You should be readying your greatest ideas and presentations for the higher ups or anyone who would welcome and not be threatened by your contributions and advancement. Get copies of the movies "Working Girl" and "9 to 5." Don't plan to break your boss' leg or kidnap him or her, like in the movies, but do study the strategies and be entertained at the same time.
Keep this in mind. Someone is always watching you, obviously your boss thinks you have a great mind and potential; rest assured he or she is not the only one. So, "don't grow weary in well doing." Keep up the good work your reward is around the corner.
Bio
CiajDiann Harris, a paralegal and former state law enforcement officer and mental health tech also worked in journalism as a staff writer for a newspaper. She received her bachelor's degree in business administration from Tiffin University and attended Cleveland-Marshall College of Law before being called into ministry.
In 2005, her work was published in "Surviving in the Hour of Darkenss: The Health and Wellness of Women of Colour and Indigenous Women" edited by Sophie Harding and published by University of Calgary Press. She's currently working on the stage adaptation of "When I Stepped Out on Faith..." and documenting her breakthrough weightloss strategy for her next book titled: "Last Seen Running Toward the Light."
Born in Lorain, OH, also the hometown of Toni Morrison and Michael Dirda, Ciaj says: "Seeing similarities to my early years written on the pages of novels written by those Nobel and Pulitzer Prize winning authors -- infused my possibilities with the power of probability. It was much more than Lake Erie that we had in common. We shared a culture and values that stood the test of time -- for a long, long time. I grew up in the same neighborhood as Morrison, a couple decades after she did, but we had many of the same teachers, who challenged our minds, encouraged our achievements and were instrumental in shaping our futures.
Why me?
I bring a lot to the table: diversity, vast experience, insight, humor, compassion and a no-nonesense approach to reaching logical conclusions.
A longtime "sisterfriend" of mine was pronounced critically ill. Her daughter called to tell me the hospital was trying to convince them to give their mother some kind of Kevorkian cocktail and just "let her go." But the Lord said, "Not so." When I left my friend's bedside in Connecticut, plans were being made to transfer her to a rehab facility to restore the use of her right side from the ravages of this, her 6th stroke. What a mighty God.
When I returned to Ohio on 10/15, I rushed to complete my bid online for the position of Advice Guru for "Good Morning America." However, like Cinderella, the clock was striking midnight before I could finish and the GMA Web site went blank, where once was a golden opportunity. Have you ever felt you found your calling? (Or at least one of them). This was it for me. Here are my responses to the questions. You be the judge.
What is the best advice you've ever given? What was the result?
I told an ex-boyfriend NOT to wear one of his sport jackets to a job interview (because the circus had already left town).
Actually, my best advice may have been while substitute teaching middle school students. They were shocked when I told them they were experiencing the end of free education. They had no idea how much it would cost per credit hour, in college, to take the English, math and science they hated now. Jaws dropped when I put the cost of law school on the blackboard. Talk about crash courses.
Most important, I hope I changed their perspective about teachers. When I told them their teachers must really love them because they pay to work their jobs, that got everyone's attention. I explained that teachers' paychecks get taxed like everyone else's and some of those tax dollars go to pay their own salaries. A real "ah ha" moment.
When there is an issue between my mother-in-law and me my husband never takes my side. How do I change this?
You don't. The relationships are (or should be) entirely different and mutually exclusive. Been there, did this: Initially, I made demands for solidarity and support -- but they fell flat. I withdrew (sound like military strategy?) but continued to allow him as much time with his mother as he wanted. I remained respectful and absent. Eventually, Mom saw that she was hurting her son and she took her place in the line of succession. If you have a son, try to remember back to this time in your life when dealing with his wife.
While cleaning my son's room I saw what appeared to be bullying remarks on his Facebook page. What should I do?
First, take measures to physically protect your child by notifying school authorities and law enforcement, if necessary. Most important, however, is protecting your child from harm she or he may be contemplating doing to themselves, which is so prevalent now. Go through your yearbooks and point out the bullies and troublemakers to your child and tell them which cemeteries and prisons those people reside in now.
It's time to find out who your kid is and what their dreams are and begin to act on a future that they probably feel is too far away to hope for. Get them involved and get involved with them -- whatever it is.
Then, enroll your child in a good marital arts school, not to become a fighter -- but to acquire discipline, confidence and the ability to protect themselves. Hey, Sensaa (teacher) welcome only those kids who would use their powers for good.
My boss is always stealing my ideas and taking credit for my work. What should I do?
"Success is preparedness meeting opportunity." Or something like that. Most supervisors/bosses have 2 to 4 weeks vacation each year. You should be readying your greatest ideas and presentations for the higher ups or anyone who would welcome and not be threatened by your contributions and advancement. Get copies of the movies "Working Girl" and "9 to 5." Don't plan to break your boss' leg or kidnap him or her, like in the movies, but do study the strategies and be entertained at the same time.
Keep this in mind. Someone is always watching you, obviously your boss thinks you have a great mind and potential; rest assured he or she is not the only one. So, "don't grow weary in well doing." Keep up the good work your reward is around the corner.
Bio
CiajDiann Harris, a paralegal and former state law enforcement officer and mental health tech also worked in journalism as a staff writer for a newspaper. She received her bachelor's degree in business administration from Tiffin University and attended Cleveland-Marshall College of Law before being called into ministry.
In 2005, her work was published in "Surviving in the Hour of Darkenss: The Health and Wellness of Women of Colour and Indigenous Women" edited by Sophie Harding and published by University of Calgary Press. She's currently working on the stage adaptation of "When I Stepped Out on Faith..." and documenting her breakthrough weightloss strategy for her next book titled: "Last Seen Running Toward the Light."
Born in Lorain, OH, also the hometown of Toni Morrison and Michael Dirda, Ciaj says: "Seeing similarities to my early years written on the pages of novels written by those Nobel and Pulitzer Prize winning authors -- infused my possibilities with the power of probability. It was much more than Lake Erie that we had in common. We shared a culture and values that stood the test of time -- for a long, long time. I grew up in the same neighborhood as Morrison, a couple decades after she did, but we had many of the same teachers, who challenged our minds, encouraged our achievements and were instrumental in shaping our futures.
Why me?
I bring a lot to the table: diversity, vast experience, insight, humor, compassion and a no-nonesense approach to reaching logical conclusions.
I'll See You in the Mornin'
(Let this be a lesson in always backing up your work. I lost this post while trying to copy and paste it into the manuscript for my upcoming book titled: "Through the Glass." While I can never duplicate the piece, exactly, I have to give tribute to a really great lady, whom I loved -- and always will).
Today, a great friend, confidant, mentor, church mother with the perpetual grin and my sister-in-Christ, Clara Ella Ward, went home to be with the Lord. We read and hear that phrase: "Went home to be with the Lord" quite a bit. But too often deep down inside we're not all that sure where that person has gone. I know where Clara has gone.
I don't know who she was before I met her -- and I don't much care; because like all of us her life experiences culminated in creating the person that she was. A Black woman of substance and character who loved people. Now, wait, it wasn't always sweetness and light. Clara had no problem telling you, in a caring yet firm way when she thought you needed to give a matter a little more thought or when she thought you were just plain crazy and wrong.
She had only an elementary school education but one of her most fervent prayers was that all people should reach their highest possible level in education, career and in Christ (but not necessarily in that order). And she dedicated herself to the task of helping anyone who wanted to achieve their goals. When I entered law school at the age of 53, Clara bragged about her "friend" and was one of the few people, including a lawyer she knew and some of my law professors who didn't think I was crazy for trying. Her limited formal education in no way presented itself in her character, speech, thought or actions. She was informed on so many levels and combined with her "mother wit" she was a formidable opponent on most subjects.
Clara had one quality that, to me, exceeded all others because it is so rare. She lacked the spirit of jealousy. This is rare in most people but particularly in women. Clara, with her impeccable sense of style and quality clothing, bought clothes, donated clothes, collected clothing and dressed women as a part of her ministry. She visited and cared for the sick, handled their business and protected their rights -- because she knew everyone who was anyone and they were only a phone call away. She was the ultimate resource person and if she didn't have an answer she knew someone who did.
Clara, who was raised as an only child by her grandmother and great-grandmother, had only one half sister who predeceased her. So Clara made every woman, particularly every black woman, her sister. However, that didn't stop her from turning up her nose and tsking at "slouchy" dressing and "hootchie" behavior. If you wanted to get straightened out she was the one to go to because she cared, really cared about us. And felt we should all rise to the top like the cream of the crop that we are.
I love Clara and I will miss her until I see her again. Or as the old folks used to say: "I'll see you in the mornin'."
Today, a great friend, confidant, mentor, church mother with the perpetual grin and my sister-in-Christ, Clara Ella Ward, went home to be with the Lord. We read and hear that phrase: "Went home to be with the Lord" quite a bit. But too often deep down inside we're not all that sure where that person has gone. I know where Clara has gone.
I don't know who she was before I met her -- and I don't much care; because like all of us her life experiences culminated in creating the person that she was. A Black woman of substance and character who loved people. Now, wait, it wasn't always sweetness and light. Clara had no problem telling you, in a caring yet firm way when she thought you needed to give a matter a little more thought or when she thought you were just plain crazy and wrong.
She had only an elementary school education but one of her most fervent prayers was that all people should reach their highest possible level in education, career and in Christ (but not necessarily in that order). And she dedicated herself to the task of helping anyone who wanted to achieve their goals. When I entered law school at the age of 53, Clara bragged about her "friend" and was one of the few people, including a lawyer she knew and some of my law professors who didn't think I was crazy for trying. Her limited formal education in no way presented itself in her character, speech, thought or actions. She was informed on so many levels and combined with her "mother wit" she was a formidable opponent on most subjects.
Clara had one quality that, to me, exceeded all others because it is so rare. She lacked the spirit of jealousy. This is rare in most people but particularly in women. Clara, with her impeccable sense of style and quality clothing, bought clothes, donated clothes, collected clothing and dressed women as a part of her ministry. She visited and cared for the sick, handled their business and protected their rights -- because she knew everyone who was anyone and they were only a phone call away. She was the ultimate resource person and if she didn't have an answer she knew someone who did.
Clara, who was raised as an only child by her grandmother and great-grandmother, had only one half sister who predeceased her. So Clara made every woman, particularly every black woman, her sister. However, that didn't stop her from turning up her nose and tsking at "slouchy" dressing and "hootchie" behavior. If you wanted to get straightened out she was the one to go to because she cared, really cared about us. And felt we should all rise to the top like the cream of the crop that we are.
I love Clara and I will miss her until I see her again. Or as the old folks used to say: "I'll see you in the mornin'."
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Your Wheels are Up!
(Written to a friend whose 44 year marriage ended with the death of her husband who had been confined, by a stroke, to a wheelchair for the last 14 years).
21 June 2010
Dear Corliss,
I'm sorry it took this long to get the copy of Richard's obituary that was in the Chronicle to you. I've been trying to find something I wrote about you a long time ago -- but I don't have it anymore. That's strange because I always have copies of everything. Years ago I sent it to Linda (yes, I'm going to incriminate her) because I didn't have your address. I think she held onto it so long that she misplaced it.
It was one of those personal essay, walk-down-memory-lane kind of things that you never forget because it impacts your life so greatly. I know you probably don't remember but I had the only 26" bike on the block with training wheels! I was always afraid of falling -- that's why I never learned to skate either. I would go to skating parties and stood there watching and letting the breeze from all the Richard McGees and JoJo Moons whizzing by blow my hair back. I got laughed at about having that big, shiny new candy apple red Schwinn with those little training wheels on it. I would go up and down 22nd Street leanin' to one side or the other depending on one of those little wheels to keep me from falling over. Then, one day you decided enough was enough. You kept telling me I could ride without the training wheels and you stood in front of our house and watched me go back and forth -- all the time giving me encouragement: "OK. They were both up for a minute. Lean more the other way. Straighten up. You got it!" You'd yell at me as I flew by. I thought you'd get tired pretty soon but you kept watching me and finally I heard you holler: "They're up! They're both up! You're doing it! Your wheels are up!"
Daddy was home so I flew back to the garage and proudly told him: "Daddy, you can take my training wheels off. Corliss told me they were both up!" He got his wrench and took the training wheels off and you went home. Your mission accomplished. Why do I remember that day so clearly? There's only one explanation. It meant alot to me. I grew up some more, I got freedom from my fear [of falling off a bike] and a friend looked out for me -- she had my back.
I wish I could do as much for you today. You may not feel it but other eyes have seen it. The most important eyes being God's. Eyes have seen you grow up, take charge and persevere in the face of your doubts and fears. Now, a friend would like you to know: "They're up! You're going to do it! Your wheels are up!"
I love you with the love of Christ
21 June 2010
Dear Corliss,
I'm sorry it took this long to get the copy of Richard's obituary that was in the Chronicle to you. I've been trying to find something I wrote about you a long time ago -- but I don't have it anymore. That's strange because I always have copies of everything. Years ago I sent it to Linda (yes, I'm going to incriminate her) because I didn't have your address. I think she held onto it so long that she misplaced it.
It was one of those personal essay, walk-down-memory-lane kind of things that you never forget because it impacts your life so greatly. I know you probably don't remember but I had the only 26" bike on the block with training wheels! I was always afraid of falling -- that's why I never learned to skate either. I would go to skating parties and stood there watching and letting the breeze from all the Richard McGees and JoJo Moons whizzing by blow my hair back. I got laughed at about having that big, shiny new candy apple red Schwinn with those little training wheels on it. I would go up and down 22nd Street leanin' to one side or the other depending on one of those little wheels to keep me from falling over. Then, one day you decided enough was enough. You kept telling me I could ride without the training wheels and you stood in front of our house and watched me go back and forth -- all the time giving me encouragement: "OK. They were both up for a minute. Lean more the other way. Straighten up. You got it!" You'd yell at me as I flew by. I thought you'd get tired pretty soon but you kept watching me and finally I heard you holler: "They're up! They're both up! You're doing it! Your wheels are up!"
Daddy was home so I flew back to the garage and proudly told him: "Daddy, you can take my training wheels off. Corliss told me they were both up!" He got his wrench and took the training wheels off and you went home. Your mission accomplished. Why do I remember that day so clearly? There's only one explanation. It meant alot to me. I grew up some more, I got freedom from my fear [of falling off a bike] and a friend looked out for me -- she had my back.
I wish I could do as much for you today. You may not feel it but other eyes have seen it. The most important eyes being God's. Eyes have seen you grow up, take charge and persevere in the face of your doubts and fears. Now, a friend would like you to know: "They're up! You're going to do it! Your wheels are up!"
I love you with the love of Christ
National Poetry Month
1 April 2010
I was sure I'd written at least a kazillion poems over the years; but looking through my stash I couldn't find anything profound enough to memorialize this auspicious occasion. Nevertheless, I'll heed the words of Henry Van Dyke: "Use what talent you possess. The woods would be very silent if no birds sang except those that sang best."
Rhythm of Life
If you're pleasin' and pleasant
and like this and like that
and you're goin' Uptown
in your Saturday hat,
then the whole world will like you
and they'll be your friend.
But if it ain't like that,
oh well, here again...
They'll taunt you and tease you
right to your knees.
Lock up your spirit
and throw out the keys.
They'll make sure you know
your stuff ain't no good.
"Don't come in our space
with no attitude!"
Your job is to make sure
the sun makes it in.
Come slippin' and slidin'
and make sure you grin.
Don't have the nerve
to not feel OK
And let the world know it?
And mess up their day!?
Don't let on for a minute
you're not on your game.
Or the way the world treats you
will not be the same
Ciaj 1997
Monday, March 15, 2010
National Women's History Month
8 March 2010
'Scuse me. Idon't think I've ever heard of National Women's History Month -- but it's all over the papers this year. A nationally syndicated columnist said she'd love to hear "our" stories -- so I sent her mine:
My first inclination was to write about the amazing women who were my foundation. First and foremost, my mother. Then, the teachers in the Lorain public schools who patrolled the aisles and stood in front of the class almost the entire day--in sensible shoes. And not least of all, every woman who was a friend of my mother, or lived in my neighborhood, or attended my church. They all had parental authority over me and wouldn't hesitate to exercise it, judiciously, if necessary. They were women of valor and integrity and their word was some sort of gospel that would never be questioned by my parents. All these women are part of my personal history--my sheroes--and they challenged my mind, encouraged my achievements and were instrumental in shaping my future.
But history is being made with every tick of the clock and we're all a part of it. In 1990, I wrote in Sisters: We are ever changing and standing fast/and moving forward and reaching back./ We are the Eighth Wonder, lost treasures and sweet memories...
If we're wise, we will take from our past, bring it into our present and send it forth into the future adding to it our measure of wisdom, skill, knowledge and love.
So I decided to pay homage to the women of today--the history makers of right now, who have survived and triumphed over insurmountable circumstances. Some of them I know, personally: Norma, a 2-time cancer survivor. It's nothing short of miraculous how both times it was, literally, the hand of God that directed her hand and that of her doctor to the cancer that the tests missed.
The x-rays showed the bones in Mary's arm had turned black due to the systemic infection and she was threatened with having her arm amputated. Sondra's arm was almost completely severed when a woman on a cell phone ran a red light, T-Boned Sondra's SUV and flipped it over. "I praise You [God] because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Psalm 139:14 (NIV). Sondra says: "The human body is amazing. Here I was conscious and sliding down the road with my arm caught beneath a truck that weighed nearly two tons-and I felt no pain." Both Mary and Sondra still have their arms.
And Teresa has an incredible testimony about forgiveness that can't help but make one feel foolish about the unforgiveness we harbor over petty things.
There was a picture of General David H. Petraeus, Commander of the United States Central Command, in the newspaper the other day. (I really don't think I've ever seen that many medals on one person in my life). I stared at the picture for a long time and then looked away wondering if I would know him out of uniform. The moment we see him in it, there is no doubt about his courage and achievements. That's not true of the Teresas, Normas, Sondras and Marys and the countless number of other women who have endured, cured, and reassured as a normal part of their daily lives. And they've done this while simultaneously fighting their own battle of the bulge, crashing through glass ceilings, escaping abusive relationships and giving unconditional love to a child whose autism often keeps them at arms length. Some of these women wear uniforms but most have no medals, braid or stars on their 80s fashions, Chanel suits or mom jeans. We don't know who they are by looking at them. We have to get to know them as part of our personal history--and then we can tell the world about them.
Excerpt from "When I Stepped Out on Faith...True Stories That Prove God's Word & Miracles Still Work Today" copyright 2009.
'Scuse me. Idon't think I've ever heard of National Women's History Month -- but it's all over the papers this year. A nationally syndicated columnist said she'd love to hear "our" stories -- so I sent her mine:
My first inclination was to write about the amazing women who were my foundation. First and foremost, my mother. Then, the teachers in the Lorain public schools who patrolled the aisles and stood in front of the class almost the entire day--in sensible shoes. And not least of all, every woman who was a friend of my mother, or lived in my neighborhood, or attended my church. They all had parental authority over me and wouldn't hesitate to exercise it, judiciously, if necessary. They were women of valor and integrity and their word was some sort of gospel that would never be questioned by my parents. All these women are part of my personal history--my sheroes--and they challenged my mind, encouraged my achievements and were instrumental in shaping my future.
But history is being made with every tick of the clock and we're all a part of it. In 1990, I wrote in Sisters: We are ever changing and standing fast/and moving forward and reaching back./ We are the Eighth Wonder, lost treasures and sweet memories...
If we're wise, we will take from our past, bring it into our present and send it forth into the future adding to it our measure of wisdom, skill, knowledge and love.
So I decided to pay homage to the women of today--the history makers of right now, who have survived and triumphed over insurmountable circumstances. Some of them I know, personally: Norma, a 2-time cancer survivor. It's nothing short of miraculous how both times it was, literally, the hand of God that directed her hand and that of her doctor to the cancer that the tests missed.
The x-rays showed the bones in Mary's arm had turned black due to the systemic infection and she was threatened with having her arm amputated. Sondra's arm was almost completely severed when a woman on a cell phone ran a red light, T-Boned Sondra's SUV and flipped it over. "I praise You [God] because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Psalm 139:14 (NIV). Sondra says: "The human body is amazing. Here I was conscious and sliding down the road with my arm caught beneath a truck that weighed nearly two tons-and I felt no pain." Both Mary and Sondra still have their arms.
And Teresa has an incredible testimony about forgiveness that can't help but make one feel foolish about the unforgiveness we harbor over petty things.
There was a picture of General David H. Petraeus, Commander of the United States Central Command, in the newspaper the other day. (I really don't think I've ever seen that many medals on one person in my life). I stared at the picture for a long time and then looked away wondering if I would know him out of uniform. The moment we see him in it, there is no doubt about his courage and achievements. That's not true of the Teresas, Normas, Sondras and Marys and the countless number of other women who have endured, cured, and reassured as a normal part of their daily lives. And they've done this while simultaneously fighting their own battle of the bulge, crashing through glass ceilings, escaping abusive relationships and giving unconditional love to a child whose autism often keeps them at arms length. Some of these women wear uniforms but most have no medals, braid or stars on their 80s fashions, Chanel suits or mom jeans. We don't know who they are by looking at them. We have to get to know them as part of our personal history--and then we can tell the world about them.
Excerpt from "When I Stepped Out on Faith...True Stories That Prove God's Word & Miracles Still Work Today" copyright 2009.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
God is Still in the Miracle-Working Business
18 February 2010
My husband had a heart attack on Sun. Feb. 7th. It's still hard to say, much less write about. But yes, he had a heart attack. The miracles actually began one week earlier, the Sun. before. He had a "strange" feeling in his chest and just didn't feel well but it passed so quickly that he got in the shower and went on to work. In retrospect, how could we have been so stupid? But even when we know better -- sometimes we just don't want to believe the truth of a matter. So, that was miracle No I. A week later, same symptoms but now the "strange" feeling was pain. When my husband (Michael) who never complains said: "Call 9-1-1," I went into action. Long story short, he went by ambulance to one hospital where they attempted to stop the heart attack from occuring. He was flown by helicopter to another hospital where he underwent an angioplasty and a stent was placed in a major coronary artery.
Miracles 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6: GOD woke Michael up @ 6:15 a.m. and didn't allow him to die in his sleep as so many people do in situations like this. He made it to the 1st hospital where they were successful in stopping a massive heart attack. One of the best surgeons around "fixed" his heart and there is minimal damage, which is expected to respond and come back to normal. God, who holds time in his hand, held it back for Michael and allowed us to get where we needed to be in order to save his life. Jesus, do you know Him?
My husband had a heart attack on Sun. Feb. 7th. It's still hard to say, much less write about. But yes, he had a heart attack. The miracles actually began one week earlier, the Sun. before. He had a "strange" feeling in his chest and just didn't feel well but it passed so quickly that he got in the shower and went on to work. In retrospect, how could we have been so stupid? But even when we know better -- sometimes we just don't want to believe the truth of a matter. So, that was miracle No I. A week later, same symptoms but now the "strange" feeling was pain. When my husband (Michael) who never complains said: "Call 9-1-1," I went into action. Long story short, he went by ambulance to one hospital where they attempted to stop the heart attack from occuring. He was flown by helicopter to another hospital where he underwent an angioplasty and a stent was placed in a major coronary artery.
Miracles 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6: GOD woke Michael up @ 6:15 a.m. and didn't allow him to die in his sleep as so many people do in situations like this. He made it to the 1st hospital where they were successful in stopping a massive heart attack. One of the best surgeons around "fixed" his heart and there is minimal damage, which is expected to respond and come back to normal. God, who holds time in his hand, held it back for Michael and allowed us to get where we needed to be in order to save his life. Jesus, do you know Him?
Saturday, January 30, 2010
My 1st Day on the Job
Mon. 1 February 2010
Happy Birthday Kameron (2 yrs. old).
I'm feeling my way through this whole process -- no longer willing to be technologically "left behind."
Stay tuned.
Happy Birthday Kameron (2 yrs. old).
I'm feeling my way through this whole process -- no longer willing to be technologically "left behind."
Stay tuned.
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