The past six days of my life has been interesting and challenging to say the least. Lucien and I attended the funeral of a beautiful little 6 year old girl name Jenna who earned her heavenly wings way too early. On Sunday we went to see my grandmother in the hospital because she had been having severe pain in her leg. On Monday one of my dear friend's husband was hospitalized for heart issues and to top off the week, we were uncertain (until tonight) as to whether my husband had a job or not due to layoffs. God is good because he is fine and has a job. Unfortunately a couple of my husband's co-workers were not so lucky and they were laid off. In between all of this there were little challenges here and there that tested my patience.
As I sit and ponder all of this, I'm humbled and amazed at the changes that life is constantly unfolding. Oftentimes it's so easy for people to succumb to the weight of life when tested. However, I have gained a new perspective on life in a positive way and I respect the power of God. The changes of the past 6 days has taught me several lessons: Always be humble, never take life or people for granted, be grateful for your blessings and live your life to the fullest because you never know what can happen day to day. Throughout this week, I decided not to avoid the trials and tribulations, but instead go forward with a steadfast assurance that God has my back. I decided not to fall into a corner and cry, but fall on my knees and pray and be thankful. We live in a world of abundance and many of us cannot cope when our financial security is shattered. Take for example the Lupoe family in California that killed themselves and their 5 children. The mother and father decided to take their lives and that of their children because they were both laid off. However, what this tells me is their control is material. We live in a country where they would've gotten assistance in so many ways, but they allowed their pride to manifest instead of their faith.
Life will always throw you changes and challenges. In order to live and travel through life's trials and tribulations you must have a belief other than material. If your security is shattered, this is only temporary because material things come and go, but our belief in ourselves and the God we serve carries on forever. I love the cliche` when life throws you lemons, make lemonade. However, I don't think you should just stop at lemonade, you can also make key lime pies, lemon bars and lemon cake...something sweet can always come from something sour! No matter what you are going through today, be confident in the fact that it wont last forever. If you stop and count your blessings you would be amazed at how much happier your life will be. Start out by making your list:
God, Thank you for:
my eye sight
my taste buds
hair on my head
arms, hands, legs and feet that work
a healthy body
roof over my head
a car to drive in
a job
family
friends
coworkers
husband
wife
children....
As you make a list of all the things in your life that is present, you will realize how much God is abundantly blessing you right here and now. When the chips are down, your list can be a guide to your blessings.
This week, choose happiness. Leave behind stress and embrace life and hold to God's unchanging hands.
Abundant blessings to you and your family!
Friday, February 13, 2009
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Black History Month
As an immigrant (turned citizen many years ago), Black History used to have a different connotation. I was partially raised in Jamaica West indies until I was 10 years old. The Caribbean was unique in environment, mentality and lifestyle. Government, poverty, anger and frustration existed but it was based on a class system and poverty in Jamaica was a lot worse than in the US. However, in the Caribbean one's survival instincts was constantly utilized which allowed people to oftentimes flourish even under the harshest of conditions. My grandmother used to have a saying "if it no kill you, den it wi fatten u!" Translation, if something doesn't kill you, then it will make you better! In the Caribbean you didn't get upset because you don't have the latest fashion, you were grateful for whatever roof you had over your head, food was an appreciated commodity and you were grateful for the necessities of life. Technology was rare and people craved education because they understood that it was a direct path to freedom. Back then and even now, Caribbeans have a unique art of truly making something out of nothing.
When I came to the United States I was thrown for a loop. The richness of this country can be overwhelming! I finally understood why so many foreigners get the impression that money is grown on trees and America is the land of abundance! However, In my over 20 years of residing in the US, I learned about another level of politics, greed, racism, anger, frustration and oppression. Although on the surface everything in this country sparkled with promise and flashed pseudo-riches, I learned that the mental and emotional bondage far outweighed the material wealth. I learned about the civil rights movement and all the deaths that occurred because people wanted their basic freedoms; I learned about people being spat on, called horrible names, burned to death, mutilated, hung in public, bodies dragged by a vehicle until it's pulled apart to pieces...some of the history of this country saddened me to my very core. I never understood the magnitude of oppression and suppression until I arrived in this country. I used to criticize Americans and felt in many ways that people here were shiftless and lazy. I wondered why so many African Americans seemed down and out...how could that be in the land of abundance? However, my own experiences over the years made me have a clearer understanding of why people in America have been so bitter and angry.
Lately people have negative things to say about President Obama. A large portion is coming from right winged individuals. Then there are those who think that he is way over-exposed and cannot understand all the praise and attention he is getting! In very short order the novelty is wearing off for many because of the severity of our economy. However, I'm holding on to what has happened in recent history near to my heart because from the view where I'm standing, an African American President was needed in this country. The Obamas reign in this country is a healing that Americans needed...black, white and otherwise. Black people needed the opportunity to hold their heads high; caucasions needed the relief of the guilt they have been carrying from their ancestor's narrow-mindedness and hate and foreigners needed to feel like this is a place where they can belong and be respected for their hard work. January 20th this country came full circle and now the healing process can begin for many. We have created a demarcation line of boundaries that has to be respected. How exciting!
This month celebrate the Rich Black History we all should be proud of. The African American heritage in this country is filled with GREATNESS. We have overcome and surpassed major obstacles set before us and we should be truly proud. Look at what The Obamas have brought back - the example of a true genuine, loving marriage, a family that put each other first (especially their children), a curriculum vitae that one can be proud of and a true relationship with the general public while understanding their needs. There is movement happening, people are waking up and taking charge of their lives!
Celebrate the lives of those who paved the way for us, many are gone, but some are still here. There are many that fought alongside Martin Luther King just as hard and was paving the way before him, during his reign and after him, those people should be held in high esteem. I'm honored that we have a month dedicated to us where we can learn more, teach our children and reflect on how far we've come.
I'm proud to be an American and I'm grateful that my family and I have gotten the opportunity to be a part of this wonderful and rich American history. One of my favorite hymns says it all....
“We’ve come this far by faith, leaning on the Lord; trusting in his holy Word, he’s never failed me yet. Oh, can’t turn around, we’ve come this far by faith.’’
Happy Black History month!
When I came to the United States I was thrown for a loop. The richness of this country can be overwhelming! I finally understood why so many foreigners get the impression that money is grown on trees and America is the land of abundance! However, In my over 20 years of residing in the US, I learned about another level of politics, greed, racism, anger, frustration and oppression. Although on the surface everything in this country sparkled with promise and flashed pseudo-riches, I learned that the mental and emotional bondage far outweighed the material wealth. I learned about the civil rights movement and all the deaths that occurred because people wanted their basic freedoms; I learned about people being spat on, called horrible names, burned to death, mutilated, hung in public, bodies dragged by a vehicle until it's pulled apart to pieces...some of the history of this country saddened me to my very core. I never understood the magnitude of oppression and suppression until I arrived in this country. I used to criticize Americans and felt in many ways that people here were shiftless and lazy. I wondered why so many African Americans seemed down and out...how could that be in the land of abundance? However, my own experiences over the years made me have a clearer understanding of why people in America have been so bitter and angry.
Lately people have negative things to say about President Obama. A large portion is coming from right winged individuals. Then there are those who think that he is way over-exposed and cannot understand all the praise and attention he is getting! In very short order the novelty is wearing off for many because of the severity of our economy. However, I'm holding on to what has happened in recent history near to my heart because from the view where I'm standing, an African American President was needed in this country. The Obamas reign in this country is a healing that Americans needed...black, white and otherwise. Black people needed the opportunity to hold their heads high; caucasions needed the relief of the guilt they have been carrying from their ancestor's narrow-mindedness and hate and foreigners needed to feel like this is a place where they can belong and be respected for their hard work. January 20th this country came full circle and now the healing process can begin for many. We have created a demarcation line of boundaries that has to be respected. How exciting!
This month celebrate the Rich Black History we all should be proud of. The African American heritage in this country is filled with GREATNESS. We have overcome and surpassed major obstacles set before us and we should be truly proud. Look at what The Obamas have brought back - the example of a true genuine, loving marriage, a family that put each other first (especially their children), a curriculum vitae that one can be proud of and a true relationship with the general public while understanding their needs. There is movement happening, people are waking up and taking charge of their lives!
Celebrate the lives of those who paved the way for us, many are gone, but some are still here. There are many that fought alongside Martin Luther King just as hard and was paving the way before him, during his reign and after him, those people should be held in high esteem. I'm honored that we have a month dedicated to us where we can learn more, teach our children and reflect on how far we've come.
I'm proud to be an American and I'm grateful that my family and I have gotten the opportunity to be a part of this wonderful and rich American history. One of my favorite hymns says it all....
“We’ve come this far by faith, leaning on the Lord; trusting in his holy Word, he’s never failed me yet. Oh, can’t turn around, we’ve come this far by faith.’’
Happy Black History month!
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