The most important elements of any relationship are trust and respect. When you trust someone enough to be honest with them, you grow to respect them and yourself. Where there is trust and respect, intimacy resides. When you are afraid to let others see you exactly as you are, you are bound to lack fulfillment and satisfaction.
-- Iyanla Vanzant
You laid your head on a welcoming lap for a tender hand to caress and comfort it and tell you the world isn’t such a bad place. You can lie there in that lap for as long as you want to and even cry if you need to. You can watch a soothing candle burning in your view and listen to the soft sounds in the background, the sound of guitars and waves on a breezy summer night along a secluded gulf bordering the shores of the Atlantic, or Pacific, or Mediterranean. You can rest assured under the touch of that hand that the world is not such a bad place.
Your favorite meal was prepared and dessert is just around the corner. There are no voices except that of the one caressing your head. In the peaceful quiet, the voice speaks softly to you, saying “I want always to know who you are at every change in your life. Even if who you are becomes someone I don’t understand. Tell me, show me what I need to do or be when you’re in a mood, any mood, when your moods change. Teach me how to love you during your changes.
“You’ve trusted me with you. You’ve put yourself in my hands. I pray to God each day that my hands remain strong so that I can care for you in the ways you need. I love you, every part of you, your habits, both the sane and the insane, your moods and melody. You are a beautiful song. I even love that you turn the toilet tissue this way instead of that way and that you put empty ice trays back in the freezer.
“I love your one hip that’s higher than the other and the stories you tell me about growing up belittling those hips. I love you even more as you share with me the woes of the bewildered journeys you’ve taken just to be the person you are today. I’m listening when you say it wasn’t easy so I can be sure you never have to experience those kinds of difficult times with me. I love laughing with you – remember when we did that crazy thing, how we laughed into the wee hours of the morning? I love you laughing.
“And thank you for not turning me away when I was hurting bad last week. Thanks for being available for me. That meant a lot. You know I’ve never felt at ease letting my guard down, I was always taught not to. You allowed me to spill my fears at your feet and you didn’t judge me or snub me, and you didn’t receive my stuff as though it were a burden to you or our life together. You were kind and open and willing to let me not have to be strong or tough at that moment in my life. You just took my stuff, helped me lay it at the altar, and you prayed for me. Thank you for the way you loved me, the way you loved me through that. It made me feel safe. I’ve never felt so free. Or whole. Or healed.
“This world is not such a bad place with love like this.
“Are you ready for dessert now?”
Sadiqqa © 2007
Nov 30, 2007
Nov 29, 2007
I don’t have to do it all. I just have to do my thing.
-- Esther Davis-Thompson, MotherLove: Reinventing a Good and Blessed Future for Our Children
Everyday we hear and see things that tug at our hearts and senses. The news headlines racial injustice throughout American cities; hate crimes; rising resentment against immigrants; war in Iraq and Afghanistan; conflicts in Rwanda, Somalia, and Darfur; failing peace talks in the Middle East; melting icebergs, rising sea levels, and global warming; abused children; achievement gaps; illiteracy; Wall Street surges and dives; recalled food; identity fraud; drug trafficking; fires; floods; HIV/AIDS; dirty water; kids in trouble; marriages in trouble; narcissism; and the list goes on. All of this circulates in our minds, gripping pieces and parts of our Souls, revving us to find the cure and solution for all of it. Unfortunately, we’re often left feeling tired, overwhelmed, and hopeless just thinking about it.
Well, you don’t have to do it all. You don’t even have to think about all of it. You are not required to solve all the problems of the world. You are only obligated to do what you can as best you can.
Hmm, that’s worth repeating - you are not required to solve all the problems of the world. You are only obligated to do what you can as best you can.
The key to not becoming overwhelmed and hopeless – sorry, you will get tired – is to take the piece of an issue that you can handle, the portion of it that speaks to you, and do with it what you do best. Use your time and talents to solve a problem in the way that works for you. Perhaps you are most passionate about ending global illiteracy but taking on this large effort is more than you can fathom doing alone. So join one or two of the many volunteer literacy programs in your community and teach a child or adult to read. One drop in the bucket may not seem like a lot, but it’s one more in the bucket toward ending one of the world’s problems.
Maybe world hunger breaks your heart. And just maybe you love to cook. Consider making a few meals for hungry families in your community over the holidays. You may not have fed the globe, but you kept a few people from starvation.
Maybe abused and abandoned children have a soft spot in your heart. Consider adopting or being a foster parent to a child who believes he’ll never have a safe place to call home or a family of his own. Perhaps that’s one less hurting child.
Maybe you sing. Consider using your melodic voice to raise the spirits of the “seasoned” in the nursing centers or teaching children to appreciate real music. Maybe you have the gift of gab. Consider teaching someone how to pray.
You don’t have to save the world. That’s what Jesus came to do. You only have to do what you can with what you have. You can only do what’s in your personal capacity.
This perceived little bit is your opportunity to serve. Serve as you can, who you can, and as best you can. That’ll make the biggest difference in the world.
Sadiqqa © 2007
-- Esther Davis-Thompson, MotherLove: Reinventing a Good and Blessed Future for Our Children
Everyday we hear and see things that tug at our hearts and senses. The news headlines racial injustice throughout American cities; hate crimes; rising resentment against immigrants; war in Iraq and Afghanistan; conflicts in Rwanda, Somalia, and Darfur; failing peace talks in the Middle East; melting icebergs, rising sea levels, and global warming; abused children; achievement gaps; illiteracy; Wall Street surges and dives; recalled food; identity fraud; drug trafficking; fires; floods; HIV/AIDS; dirty water; kids in trouble; marriages in trouble; narcissism; and the list goes on. All of this circulates in our minds, gripping pieces and parts of our Souls, revving us to find the cure and solution for all of it. Unfortunately, we’re often left feeling tired, overwhelmed, and hopeless just thinking about it.
Well, you don’t have to do it all. You don’t even have to think about all of it. You are not required to solve all the problems of the world. You are only obligated to do what you can as best you can.
Hmm, that’s worth repeating - you are not required to solve all the problems of the world. You are only obligated to do what you can as best you can.
The key to not becoming overwhelmed and hopeless – sorry, you will get tired – is to take the piece of an issue that you can handle, the portion of it that speaks to you, and do with it what you do best. Use your time and talents to solve a problem in the way that works for you. Perhaps you are most passionate about ending global illiteracy but taking on this large effort is more than you can fathom doing alone. So join one or two of the many volunteer literacy programs in your community and teach a child or adult to read. One drop in the bucket may not seem like a lot, but it’s one more in the bucket toward ending one of the world’s problems.
Maybe world hunger breaks your heart. And just maybe you love to cook. Consider making a few meals for hungry families in your community over the holidays. You may not have fed the globe, but you kept a few people from starvation.
Maybe abused and abandoned children have a soft spot in your heart. Consider adopting or being a foster parent to a child who believes he’ll never have a safe place to call home or a family of his own. Perhaps that’s one less hurting child.
Maybe you sing. Consider using your melodic voice to raise the spirits of the “seasoned” in the nursing centers or teaching children to appreciate real music. Maybe you have the gift of gab. Consider teaching someone how to pray.
You don’t have to save the world. That’s what Jesus came to do. You only have to do what you can with what you have. You can only do what’s in your personal capacity.
This perceived little bit is your opportunity to serve. Serve as you can, who you can, and as best you can. That’ll make the biggest difference in the world.
Sadiqqa © 2007
Nov 28, 2007
Call me the Pro-Black militant Grinch or the Ebony Ebenezer Scrooge, but I detest this time of year. This is the time of year that the whole world turns lily white and those that aren’t white wish they were. White Jesus, white Santa, white elves! What’s an Afrocentric brotha to do; pour myself a cup of eggnog and go off singing “I'm dreamin’ of a white Christmas?”
-- Min. Paul Scott
The minister makes a great point, albeit a bit cynical. But where do we African Americans find ourselves during this holiday season?
For starters, we find ourselves in the same places we do during the rest of the year – visibly absent from the mainstream of American life. Nary a commercial, a television show, or movie is about our lives. Okay, a few, but wouldn’t it be nice to see something all the time that has to do with us? If you didn’t know better, you’d think everybody in America was white!
But that’s not a bad thing. To be missing from the dumb stuff is good. To not be caught up in the tabloids, that’s good. To not have our laundry aired on national television, that’s even better. But to be overlooked and disregarded during this blessed time of the year, well, that’s just not cool.
But although it’s not cool, it’s okay. What’s important to us, to all, at this time of year are the blessings in the season – the opportunities to spend time with family and friends, giving gifts from the heart, thinking about a new year to come. Even bigger than all that is the birthday of our Lord and Savior who, without Him, we’d all be living under an old covenant, absent of mercy and atonement for the stupid stuff we do, which is the stuff that shows up on television. What’s most important about this season is not missing. Jesus is the reason for the season.
So no matter how many “white” Christmas we see on television, hear on the radio, or see walking down the street, remember the season is greater than what you see or who you don’t see. The season is bigger than all that. His name is Jesus.
Sadiqqa © 2007
-- Min. Paul Scott
The minister makes a great point, albeit a bit cynical. But where do we African Americans find ourselves during this holiday season?
For starters, we find ourselves in the same places we do during the rest of the year – visibly absent from the mainstream of American life. Nary a commercial, a television show, or movie is about our lives. Okay, a few, but wouldn’t it be nice to see something all the time that has to do with us? If you didn’t know better, you’d think everybody in America was white!
But that’s not a bad thing. To be missing from the dumb stuff is good. To not be caught up in the tabloids, that’s good. To not have our laundry aired on national television, that’s even better. But to be overlooked and disregarded during this blessed time of the year, well, that’s just not cool.
But although it’s not cool, it’s okay. What’s important to us, to all, at this time of year are the blessings in the season – the opportunities to spend time with family and friends, giving gifts from the heart, thinking about a new year to come. Even bigger than all that is the birthday of our Lord and Savior who, without Him, we’d all be living under an old covenant, absent of mercy and atonement for the stupid stuff we do, which is the stuff that shows up on television. What’s most important about this season is not missing. Jesus is the reason for the season.
So no matter how many “white” Christmas we see on television, hear on the radio, or see walking down the street, remember the season is greater than what you see or who you don’t see. The season is bigger than all that. His name is Jesus.
Sadiqqa © 2007
Nov 26, 2007
People (both black and white) feel as though black women can’t accomplish much because there is no father in the home. What American society fails to realize is that black women have led single households since slavery. Our families have been torn apart since our arrival here, but it hasn’t stopped us from producing senators, congressmen, presidential candidates, secretaries of state, doctors, lawyers, accountants, engineers, authors, internationally renowned artists, presidents of major American companies, and strong black women and men.
-- Dolly C. Turner
National statistics indicate that single-parent homes are increasingly on the rise and that by 2010, we can expect for most children to have lived in a single-parent home at least some part of their lives. These statistics also point out that many of the children living in lone-parent homes, particularly those led by females, suffer a grave injustice as they are more susceptible to poverty, school and health problems, and are more likely to not get along well with others. While these statistics and summations are generalizations, they are held as fact by most of America, even some of you reading this “Thought...,.”
But, and mind you that is one of the strongest buts you’ll read today, where love, loving discipline, structure, and unconditional regard for one another exist in a home – whether that home is led by one parent or two – there is a successful and thriving family, and family, whatever the make and number, is what sustains and protects any child.
Living in a single-parent household does not necessarily compromise how well prepared children are for school. Living in a single-parent household does not mean a child is destined for jail or a life on the streets. Living in a single-parent household does not mean a child or his or her parent is doomed to destitution, depravity, or cycles and repeat episodes of single parenthood. Sure, there may be days where there are only pennies to spend and bills piled higher than high because there’s only one income. There maybe reckless boy children who crave more attention of any kind so they act out in response, or girl children who have jagged edges that cry out to be shaped and covered by the presence and love of a father in the household. But where the loving arms of a family take over – where people are important to each other and offer each other love and support; where each member listens, observes, and asks questions; where everybody gets to share their fears, angers, resentments, joys, and concerns without fear of being ridiculed or rejected; where each person can reach out for support from extended family, friends, churches, and strong neighborhood networks; where each person knows and is regularly in touch with God and their spirituality – the greater the likelihood that a single family flourishes.
Look back at our history, even look as close as your neighbors or your own family. Single-parent families are not tragedies or examples for fatalistic statistics. They are families, families that are full of love, affection, and strong bonds that grow through and because of every glitch and hardship. Some single-parent households might even have the advantage of a grandparent in the household. How’s that for richness?
Certainly the statistics should not be denied. Some single-parent families do have more problems and are in need of more help. But, then, how does that make them any different from some two-parent families that also struggle to make the bills, put food on the table, and keep their kids from failing school?
Sadiqqa © 2007
-- Dolly C. Turner
National statistics indicate that single-parent homes are increasingly on the rise and that by 2010, we can expect for most children to have lived in a single-parent home at least some part of their lives. These statistics also point out that many of the children living in lone-parent homes, particularly those led by females, suffer a grave injustice as they are more susceptible to poverty, school and health problems, and are more likely to not get along well with others. While these statistics and summations are generalizations, they are held as fact by most of America, even some of you reading this “Thought...,.”
But, and mind you that is one of the strongest buts you’ll read today, where love, loving discipline, structure, and unconditional regard for one another exist in a home – whether that home is led by one parent or two – there is a successful and thriving family, and family, whatever the make and number, is what sustains and protects any child.
Living in a single-parent household does not necessarily compromise how well prepared children are for school. Living in a single-parent household does not mean a child is destined for jail or a life on the streets. Living in a single-parent household does not mean a child or his or her parent is doomed to destitution, depravity, or cycles and repeat episodes of single parenthood. Sure, there may be days where there are only pennies to spend and bills piled higher than high because there’s only one income. There maybe reckless boy children who crave more attention of any kind so they act out in response, or girl children who have jagged edges that cry out to be shaped and covered by the presence and love of a father in the household. But where the loving arms of a family take over – where people are important to each other and offer each other love and support; where each member listens, observes, and asks questions; where everybody gets to share their fears, angers, resentments, joys, and concerns without fear of being ridiculed or rejected; where each person can reach out for support from extended family, friends, churches, and strong neighborhood networks; where each person knows and is regularly in touch with God and their spirituality – the greater the likelihood that a single family flourishes.
Look back at our history, even look as close as your neighbors or your own family. Single-parent families are not tragedies or examples for fatalistic statistics. They are families, families that are full of love, affection, and strong bonds that grow through and because of every glitch and hardship. Some single-parent households might even have the advantage of a grandparent in the household. How’s that for richness?
Certainly the statistics should not be denied. Some single-parent families do have more problems and are in need of more help. But, then, how does that make them any different from some two-parent families that also struggle to make the bills, put food on the table, and keep their kids from failing school?
Sadiqqa © 2007
Nov 21, 2007
You can’t ask to start over just because you’re losing the game.
-- Cynthia Copeland Lewis, “Really Important Stuff My Kids Have Taught Me”
It’s your turn to kick the ball. The bases are loaded, there’s one out, and your teammates are counting on you. The pitcher, the big burly kid from around the way, looks at you with a scowl, his most menacing scowl, the one that usually makes you flinch. Ah, but this time, you’re not giving his scowl any attention. This time you’re determined to kick that ball right over everybody’s head and bring your team home and to victory. This time, you’re going to kick that ball high and wide, not like last time 2 times when you kicked the ball directly behind your head then stomped off the kickball field and went home. No, this time, you’re going to kick that ball well.
Okay, so here comes the ball. Ooh, look at that spin on that red rubber ball! Look at the dirt and rock it’s kicking up! You can hear the rubber of the ball spinning and burning as it’s coming your way! The last 2 times the ball was coming at you like that, you called a time-out and swore you had a rock stuck in the bottom of your Chuck Taylor All-Stars that was making your foot hurt. This time, though, there are no rocks to give your attention to. You’ve got to kick the ball.
You set your eye on that fast ball, get your kick stance ready, and start a little run up on the ball, kicking up some dirt of your own. You position your body so that your aim is straight for the mean muggers head; you want to knock him out – even though the last 2 times you aimed at him, you ended up flat on your butt with dust circling your head. This time, he better be ready because the ball’s coming straight for him.
Suddenly the kickball spins on a rock that causes it to bounce and change direction. Good, you get another chance. This time you decide that instead of aiming for the scowler or kicking it in the outfield over everybody’s head, you’ll just make it a grounder, a fast one, that’ll burn anybody’s hand that tries to stop it. That’ll give you some time to at least make it to first base and send one of your teammates home. But then, the last 2 times you tried to ground the ball, one was bunt that mean menace caught and happily threw at your butt; the other landed in a muddy ditch which the team made you go get. This time, though, you’ll have more control with your grounder and make everybody have to jump over it until it slows down.
You’re back in kick position. Here comes the ball! You start your dusty run! POW! The ball flies way into the outfield! Everybody’s watching just where the ball will go, everybody except you. You’ve taken off. You touch the sticks at 1st base, the smashed tin cans at 2nd base, and just as you get ready to head for the bricks at 3rd base, the ball is back in the infield and you decide you better stay on 2nd. The last time you made it this far, you thought you’d chance it and make a run for 3rd, but you got caught in the middle of the 2 bases and burned for 20 minutes after the 2nd baseman threw the ball at your chest. This time you’ll stay on base until you’re sure you can make it to 3rd. At least you brought 2 of your teammates home.
The next kicker bunts the ball, gets a foul, then gets out and pouts back to the curb, cussing everybody that’s in his way. You know what he’s feeling. He hears the jeers and blame and feels really bad about himself. You know this because the last 7 times you did the same thing and everybody heckled you, you felt the same way. But you don’t have a lot of time to think on it because the next kicker’s up and he kicks the ball into the infield. You have enough time to run to 3rd base. You stop there, one foot on the bricks another headed in the direction of home. You can’t wait to make your grand entrance into the backpack that serves as home. The next kicker grounds it and mean mugger stops it with his foot, looks at you, and dares you to move. The last time you took the dare, you tripped over your shoe laces, scratched up both knees and an elbow, swallowed some dirt, and got out. This time, you’ll stay put.
The bases are loaded and there are 2 outs. The street lights begin to flicker so you know this is the last run of the game. The kicker eyes the bases. Scowler checks out the bases. You call a time-out to tie your shoes. When you finish and get back in position, scowler rolls the ball with as much force and fierceness as he can. The kicker sends it into the outfield, you take off to homebase and the other runners follow. You are overjoyed! You made it! This is the first time you’ve ever made it! You played a good game. You played with strategy, awareness, and thoughtfulness. You are very proud of yourself as you make it to your porch just as the streetlights come all the way on.
So, what’s the point?
Who knows?
But it was just a helluva kickball game!
Sadiqqa © 2007
-- Cynthia Copeland Lewis, “Really Important Stuff My Kids Have Taught Me”
It’s your turn to kick the ball. The bases are loaded, there’s one out, and your teammates are counting on you. The pitcher, the big burly kid from around the way, looks at you with a scowl, his most menacing scowl, the one that usually makes you flinch. Ah, but this time, you’re not giving his scowl any attention. This time you’re determined to kick that ball right over everybody’s head and bring your team home and to victory. This time, you’re going to kick that ball high and wide, not like last time 2 times when you kicked the ball directly behind your head then stomped off the kickball field and went home. No, this time, you’re going to kick that ball well.
Okay, so here comes the ball. Ooh, look at that spin on that red rubber ball! Look at the dirt and rock it’s kicking up! You can hear the rubber of the ball spinning and burning as it’s coming your way! The last 2 times the ball was coming at you like that, you called a time-out and swore you had a rock stuck in the bottom of your Chuck Taylor All-Stars that was making your foot hurt. This time, though, there are no rocks to give your attention to. You’ve got to kick the ball.
You set your eye on that fast ball, get your kick stance ready, and start a little run up on the ball, kicking up some dirt of your own. You position your body so that your aim is straight for the mean muggers head; you want to knock him out – even though the last 2 times you aimed at him, you ended up flat on your butt with dust circling your head. This time, he better be ready because the ball’s coming straight for him.
Suddenly the kickball spins on a rock that causes it to bounce and change direction. Good, you get another chance. This time you decide that instead of aiming for the scowler or kicking it in the outfield over everybody’s head, you’ll just make it a grounder, a fast one, that’ll burn anybody’s hand that tries to stop it. That’ll give you some time to at least make it to first base and send one of your teammates home. But then, the last 2 times you tried to ground the ball, one was bunt that mean menace caught and happily threw at your butt; the other landed in a muddy ditch which the team made you go get. This time, though, you’ll have more control with your grounder and make everybody have to jump over it until it slows down.
You’re back in kick position. Here comes the ball! You start your dusty run! POW! The ball flies way into the outfield! Everybody’s watching just where the ball will go, everybody except you. You’ve taken off. You touch the sticks at 1st base, the smashed tin cans at 2nd base, and just as you get ready to head for the bricks at 3rd base, the ball is back in the infield and you decide you better stay on 2nd. The last time you made it this far, you thought you’d chance it and make a run for 3rd, but you got caught in the middle of the 2 bases and burned for 20 minutes after the 2nd baseman threw the ball at your chest. This time you’ll stay on base until you’re sure you can make it to 3rd. At least you brought 2 of your teammates home.
The next kicker bunts the ball, gets a foul, then gets out and pouts back to the curb, cussing everybody that’s in his way. You know what he’s feeling. He hears the jeers and blame and feels really bad about himself. You know this because the last 7 times you did the same thing and everybody heckled you, you felt the same way. But you don’t have a lot of time to think on it because the next kicker’s up and he kicks the ball into the infield. You have enough time to run to 3rd base. You stop there, one foot on the bricks another headed in the direction of home. You can’t wait to make your grand entrance into the backpack that serves as home. The next kicker grounds it and mean mugger stops it with his foot, looks at you, and dares you to move. The last time you took the dare, you tripped over your shoe laces, scratched up both knees and an elbow, swallowed some dirt, and got out. This time, you’ll stay put.
The bases are loaded and there are 2 outs. The street lights begin to flicker so you know this is the last run of the game. The kicker eyes the bases. Scowler checks out the bases. You call a time-out to tie your shoes. When you finish and get back in position, scowler rolls the ball with as much force and fierceness as he can. The kicker sends it into the outfield, you take off to homebase and the other runners follow. You are overjoyed! You made it! This is the first time you’ve ever made it! You played a good game. You played with strategy, awareness, and thoughtfulness. You are very proud of yourself as you make it to your porch just as the streetlights come all the way on.
So, what’s the point?
Who knows?
But it was just a helluva kickball game!
Sadiqqa © 2007
Nov 20, 2007
Surviving is important. Thriving is elegant.
-- Maya Angelou
Each of us is a survivor of something. Our forebearers, be they Africans, Italians, Cubans, Jews, Mexicans, Native Americans or whomever, survived the ride to and/or living in this country. Daily we survive bigotry and racism, media slander and outright abuse. Every day women survive misogyny, men survive misandry, and all of us survive misanthropy. Each of us has endured hurtful relationships, betrayal, dishonesty, anger, and loneliness. Some of us have lived on through bad or missed medical and emotional diagnosis; others of us have lived on through miseducation and faulty information. Each of us has survived the passing away of loved ones. We’ve each survived an overabundance of stuff that had the potential to stain our souls and break our backs. We are, no doubt, survivors.
But after we survived, we did even more – we lived to tell about it. And each time we told our story, we grew, blossomed, peaked, shined, and matured.
Think on the slave and holocaust narratives that provide first-hand accounts of the experience of bondage and genocide, and how each of these stories acquaints us with unimaginable struggle and torment. Imagine that each time a story was told, its teller found solace, rest, and peace as they released the words and memories of their experiences and that each narrative told was purposefully shared to implore and instruct us to live free and well. Each storyteller lives on as we read and reflect on their chronicles and gain or renew our strength and courage to do just what they hoped for us. Through us, they not only survived, they thrived.
After surviving the Jim Crow era, living through inferior treatment and accommodations, we prospered, owning our own homes and businesses and teaching our children more than survival ways of thinking and behaving. And though we’ve sweat and oftentimes gotten off center, possibly our ancestors are proud of and avenged by our increase. Likewise, despite our disheartening efforts at love and relationships, despite the emotional bashings we’ve received by trusting in one another, we’ve remained steadfast in our attempts to find and be in love. We’ve suffered disappointing experiences and their fateful aftermath, yet we’ve not given up on love because we knew to do so would be a casualty, an act of unmitigated personal and communal betrayal, an overthrowing of the resilience within us. Instead, we’ve trusted and given of ourselves again, each time growing a little more, shaking off the bruises, and rising a little higher.
We’re thrivers, not just survivers. We haven’t just lived to see another day and whatever that day brings. We know how to find the joy and blessings in that day because survival taught us there was more to living than just getting by, that there was grace when we got over the hump, and the lessons to be learned and taught would sustain and perpetuate us and those we touched. At this very hour, each of us can shout and sing for not only making it through, but for flourishing after the fires and storms of our lives. We are even more beautiful because we survived.
Sadiqqa © 2007
-- Maya Angelou
Each of us is a survivor of something. Our forebearers, be they Africans, Italians, Cubans, Jews, Mexicans, Native Americans or whomever, survived the ride to and/or living in this country. Daily we survive bigotry and racism, media slander and outright abuse. Every day women survive misogyny, men survive misandry, and all of us survive misanthropy. Each of us has endured hurtful relationships, betrayal, dishonesty, anger, and loneliness. Some of us have lived on through bad or missed medical and emotional diagnosis; others of us have lived on through miseducation and faulty information. Each of us has survived the passing away of loved ones. We’ve each survived an overabundance of stuff that had the potential to stain our souls and break our backs. We are, no doubt, survivors.
But after we survived, we did even more – we lived to tell about it. And each time we told our story, we grew, blossomed, peaked, shined, and matured.
Think on the slave and holocaust narratives that provide first-hand accounts of the experience of bondage and genocide, and how each of these stories acquaints us with unimaginable struggle and torment. Imagine that each time a story was told, its teller found solace, rest, and peace as they released the words and memories of their experiences and that each narrative told was purposefully shared to implore and instruct us to live free and well. Each storyteller lives on as we read and reflect on their chronicles and gain or renew our strength and courage to do just what they hoped for us. Through us, they not only survived, they thrived.
After surviving the Jim Crow era, living through inferior treatment and accommodations, we prospered, owning our own homes and businesses and teaching our children more than survival ways of thinking and behaving. And though we’ve sweat and oftentimes gotten off center, possibly our ancestors are proud of and avenged by our increase. Likewise, despite our disheartening efforts at love and relationships, despite the emotional bashings we’ve received by trusting in one another, we’ve remained steadfast in our attempts to find and be in love. We’ve suffered disappointing experiences and their fateful aftermath, yet we’ve not given up on love because we knew to do so would be a casualty, an act of unmitigated personal and communal betrayal, an overthrowing of the resilience within us. Instead, we’ve trusted and given of ourselves again, each time growing a little more, shaking off the bruises, and rising a little higher.
We’re thrivers, not just survivers. We haven’t just lived to see another day and whatever that day brings. We know how to find the joy and blessings in that day because survival taught us there was more to living than just getting by, that there was grace when we got over the hump, and the lessons to be learned and taught would sustain and perpetuate us and those we touched. At this very hour, each of us can shout and sing for not only making it through, but for flourishing after the fires and storms of our lives. We are even more beautiful because we survived.
Sadiqqa © 2007
Nov 19, 2007
Can’t sleep? Try counting your blessings.
-- Author Unknown
Not that counting your blessings would put you to sleep. As a matter of fact, you may find yourself getting up from the bed to do a halleluiah dance!
First, that you have a bed to lay your head in is a blessing in itself. The National Coalition for the Homeless estimates that there are more than three million homeless people inAmerica
What about the meal you ate for dinner. It may have been from the greasy fast food joint down the street; it may have been leftovers; it may have been gourmet. Whatever it was, you had a meal that many didn’t have. According toAmerica
And, speaking of making enough money, you do, don’t you? Okay, at least enough to handle the necessities, maybe even buy and save a little extra. You have a job, maybe it’s the one you want, maybe it’s less than to be desired. Nonetheless you have income. Count the fact that you have choices – you can choose to stay at your present job or you can find a new one, possibly create your own job. And you can do that because you have the skills and knowledge you need to find the information and resources to make that happen. As a matter of fact, you have blueprints of an idea that could work if you would take it off the paper and go with it. The fact is you have options that make never being penniless feasible for the rest of your life. Wow, count that blessing!
Most importantly, count the fact that you have life a blessing, and that with this life you can do anything you desire. Anything! You can climb a mountain. You can teach a kid. You can clothe a nation. You can sing butt naked in the park on a sunny afternoon. You may be stared at, chased, or arrested but you can do it if you want to. You can do whatever you want. And by now, you’ve counted so many blessings, those named here and those between the lines, that you’re either sleepy from thinking, tired from all the energy you expended in your prayer dance, or Jesus has stroked you to sleep in preparation for another day of blessings to come. Whatever your state, you’ve been blessed. Go ahead and sleep now.
Sadiqqa © 2007
-- Author Unknown
Not that counting your blessings would put you to sleep. As a matter of fact, you may find yourself getting up from the bed to do a halleluiah dance!
First, that you have a bed to lay your head in is a blessing in itself. The National Coalition for the Homeless estimates that there are more than three million homeless people in
What about the meal you ate for dinner. It may have been from the greasy fast food joint down the street; it may have been leftovers; it may have been gourmet. Whatever it was, you had a meal that many didn’t have. According to
And, speaking of making enough money, you do, don’t you? Okay, at least enough to handle the necessities, maybe even buy and save a little extra. You have a job, maybe it’s the one you want, maybe it’s less than to be desired. Nonetheless you have income. Count the fact that you have choices – you can choose to stay at your present job or you can find a new one, possibly create your own job. And you can do that because you have the skills and knowledge you need to find the information and resources to make that happen. As a matter of fact, you have blueprints of an idea that could work if you would take it off the paper and go with it. The fact is you have options that make never being penniless feasible for the rest of your life. Wow, count that blessing!
Most importantly, count the fact that you have life a blessing, and that with this life you can do anything you desire. Anything! You can climb a mountain. You can teach a kid. You can clothe a nation. You can sing butt naked in the park on a sunny afternoon. You may be stared at, chased, or arrested but you can do it if you want to. You can do whatever you want. And by now, you’ve counted so many blessings, those named here and those between the lines, that you’re either sleepy from thinking, tired from all the energy you expended in your prayer dance, or Jesus has stroked you to sleep in preparation for another day of blessings to come. Whatever your state, you’ve been blessed. Go ahead and sleep now.
Sadiqqa © 2007
Nov 13, 2007
Here’s the horse – what happened to the prince?
-- Mother Love, “Listen Up, Girlfriends”
A long time ago, most of us – at least the ladies – heard about the tales of the knight who would ride in on his white horse to rescue us from the evil queen, place a jeweled crown on our head, then lead us into happily ever after. Sometimes we heard that tall, dark, and handsome would come along and sweep us off our feet giving us the world in return for simple affection. A few of us were told that after we kissed a few frogs a prince would surely appear and be forever indebted to us for helping to restore his true greatness.
Well, somebody lied ‘cause it’s a whole bunch of us just sitt’n on the curb, wait’n. And most of us been doused so badly in frog juice that even if tall, dark, and handsome did show up, he wouldn’t stay long ‘cause of the stench stuck to us. Even the evil queen left us alone!
What in the hell happened?! We fell hook, line, and sinker for the Cinderella and Snow White dreams, didn’t we? We really thought our private dick, oops, detective Shaft was going to show up in his ‘71 Plymouth Satellite Sebring and whisk us off to wherever our hearts desired.
Now, that’s not to say that some of us didn’t find our prince charming. As a matter of fact, quite a few of us reading this “Thought...” have sought and found a few jewels and those of us still holding out hope applaud you in your feat and want to know where we need to go to get our treasure.
Oh, and brothers, don’t think you are exempt from the tales. Somebody – that same somebody who sold us ladies on the fairy tales – told you that the love of your life would be less than 130 pounds, have long flowing hair, and should defer to your demands and requests. You got jacked, too!
Okay, so what’s real? Listen up, girlfriends – your man may ride in on a horse and provide the things your heart needs and desires. What if his horse comes from his farm? At least you know he’s relatively self-sufficient – he can grow and raise his own food.
And brothers, listen up – what if she weighs more than you do, has hair shorter than yours, and walks to the beat of her own drum but makes you feel like you always knew you could feel about love and life? Would she be your queen?
Get real, let go of the fantasies ‘cause they keep tripping you up. Pay attention to the guy down the street who may not have a corporate job and may not exercise the social graces or sophistication you think he should. He has a heart of gold and treasures every breath you take. So what if you can’t carry her across the threshold without losing your balance. It’s a guarantee you’ve got someone to stand up with you when times get tough. Perhaps once you’ve let go of the fairy stories you may find that you have standing next to you your noble knight or beloved queen.
Sadiqqa © 2007
-- Mother Love, “Listen Up, Girlfriends”
A long time ago, most of us – at least the ladies – heard about the tales of the knight who would ride in on his white horse to rescue us from the evil queen, place a jeweled crown on our head, then lead us into happily ever after. Sometimes we heard that tall, dark, and handsome would come along and sweep us off our feet giving us the world in return for simple affection. A few of us were told that after we kissed a few frogs a prince would surely appear and be forever indebted to us for helping to restore his true greatness.
Well, somebody lied ‘cause it’s a whole bunch of us just sitt’n on the curb, wait’n. And most of us been doused so badly in frog juice that even if tall, dark, and handsome did show up, he wouldn’t stay long ‘cause of the stench stuck to us. Even the evil queen left us alone!
What in the hell happened?! We fell hook, line, and sinker for the Cinderella and Snow White dreams, didn’t we? We really thought our private dick, oops, detective Shaft was going to show up in his ‘71 Plymouth Satellite Sebring and whisk us off to wherever our hearts desired.
Now, that’s not to say that some of us didn’t find our prince charming. As a matter of fact, quite a few of us reading this “Thought...” have sought and found a few jewels and those of us still holding out hope applaud you in your feat and want to know where we need to go to get our treasure.
Oh, and brothers, don’t think you are exempt from the tales. Somebody – that same somebody who sold us ladies on the fairy tales – told you that the love of your life would be less than 130 pounds, have long flowing hair, and should defer to your demands and requests. You got jacked, too!
Okay, so what’s real? Listen up, girlfriends – your man may ride in on a horse and provide the things your heart needs and desires. What if his horse comes from his farm? At least you know he’s relatively self-sufficient – he can grow and raise his own food.
And brothers, listen up – what if she weighs more than you do, has hair shorter than yours, and walks to the beat of her own drum but makes you feel like you always knew you could feel about love and life? Would she be your queen?
Get real, let go of the fantasies ‘cause they keep tripping you up. Pay attention to the guy down the street who may not have a corporate job and may not exercise the social graces or sophistication you think he should. He has a heart of gold and treasures every breath you take. So what if you can’t carry her across the threshold without losing your balance. It’s a guarantee you’ve got someone to stand up with you when times get tough. Perhaps once you’ve let go of the fairy stories you may find that you have standing next to you your noble knight or beloved queen.
Sadiqqa © 2007
Nov 12, 2007
No matter how challenging our lives may seem, life will never be as tough for us as it was for our parents and the preceding generations.
-- Susan Taylor
Few of us reading this “Thought…,” had to ride the back of the bus or drink from the “Negroes only” water fountains. Fewer of us were denied the right to vote, deprived of a fair and equal education, or had to sharecrop to live. None of us experienced the back-breaking, mind-stealing reigns of slavery, or traveling prostrate in chains and our own feces from one continent to another against our will. None of us can even imagine carrying a big-a crucifix on our backs that is at least twice our weight then hung from it and left to die for somebody else’s wrongs.
So what’s our problem?
Well, yeah, we’ve still got other issues. We live with a justice system that levies penalties and punishments on us like the sun rises and sets. We depend on an educational system to teach our children and that system doesn’t even tolerate or accommodate the viewpoints, perceptions, or special needs of our children. And we are bound by a flawed political system, a democracy that ignores and discounts the unprivileged and disenfranchised people it was established to serve and protect. But if we keep the irons in the fire and our Selves at the altar, we can manage, change, or overcome all that.
So, what’s our problem? Most of us have access to healthcare that can save our lives. Most of us make enough money to take care of ourselves and our families. Most of us work at jobs in which we are competent and that provide some sense of satisfaction and pride. Most of us lay our heads down each evening in a safe and comfortable domicile.
Face it, we’re privileged. We don’t have to march and picket and boycott too much these days. Most of the time if we just vote or visit the capitol hills, union halls, or NAACPs of our cities, we get what we need. Sometimes we have to do a little bit more to be heard or taken seriously but, for the most part, we’ve pretty much got it made in the shade.
But while we do enjoy some privileges, and even though we don’t have the same challenges our parents endured, we can’t sit on our laurels and think that we’ve so got it made that we forget how far we’ve come and then fail to teach and prepare our children to make things better than they are. We’ve got to teach our children to require more, to expect the best when they do their best, and to keep a fighting spirit alive within. We’ve got to be sure our babies find their voice and know how to use it for the maintenance and progression of our community and the world at large. Each of us must be sure our children understand who they are, why they are, and what they are expected to return to the earth. These things we must teach for it was these things we were taught by those who came before us.
So while we are much better off than our parents and their parents, to rest now, kick our feet up, and teach no more is suicide and a slap in the face to our foreparents.
Sadiqqa © 2007
-- Susan Taylor
Few of us reading this “Thought…,” had to ride the back of the bus or drink from the “Negroes only” water fountains. Fewer of us were denied the right to vote, deprived of a fair and equal education, or had to sharecrop to live. None of us experienced the back-breaking, mind-stealing reigns of slavery, or traveling prostrate in chains and our own feces from one continent to another against our will. None of us can even imagine carrying a big-a crucifix on our backs that is at least twice our weight then hung from it and left to die for somebody else’s wrongs.
So what’s our problem?
Well, yeah, we’ve still got other issues. We live with a justice system that levies penalties and punishments on us like the sun rises and sets. We depend on an educational system to teach our children and that system doesn’t even tolerate or accommodate the viewpoints, perceptions, or special needs of our children. And we are bound by a flawed political system, a democracy that ignores and discounts the unprivileged and disenfranchised people it was established to serve and protect. But if we keep the irons in the fire and our Selves at the altar, we can manage, change, or overcome all that.
So, what’s our problem? Most of us have access to healthcare that can save our lives. Most of us make enough money to take care of ourselves and our families. Most of us work at jobs in which we are competent and that provide some sense of satisfaction and pride. Most of us lay our heads down each evening in a safe and comfortable domicile.
Face it, we’re privileged. We don’t have to march and picket and boycott too much these days. Most of the time if we just vote or visit the capitol hills, union halls, or NAACPs of our cities, we get what we need. Sometimes we have to do a little bit more to be heard or taken seriously but, for the most part, we’ve pretty much got it made in the shade.
But while we do enjoy some privileges, and even though we don’t have the same challenges our parents endured, we can’t sit on our laurels and think that we’ve so got it made that we forget how far we’ve come and then fail to teach and prepare our children to make things better than they are. We’ve got to teach our children to require more, to expect the best when they do their best, and to keep a fighting spirit alive within. We’ve got to be sure our babies find their voice and know how to use it for the maintenance and progression of our community and the world at large. Each of us must be sure our children understand who they are, why they are, and what they are expected to return to the earth. These things we must teach for it was these things we were taught by those who came before us.
So while we are much better off than our parents and their parents, to rest now, kick our feet up, and teach no more is suicide and a slap in the face to our foreparents.
Sadiqqa © 2007
Nov 7, 2007
What are you waiting for? With all you say you want, there is a dream for you to follow; a goal for you to set; a plan for you to make; a project for you to begin; an idea for you to act on; a possibility for you to explore; an opportunity for you to grab; a choice for you to make. If not, you shouldn’t have anything to talk about.
-- Iyanla Vanzant
In other words, pee, or get off the pot! Don’t just think about what can happen, what needs to be done, or what you figure you can do. Do it!
So there are obstacles that seem larger than life. Analyze them. Break them apart little by little. Climb and conquer them one by one. Move on.
So you’ve got naysayers in both ears. Hear them. Hear them not. Weigh what they say. Squash them and prove ‘em wrong. Shut them up.
So you’re afraid of failing, succeeding, losing, being wrong, getting hurt. Acknowledge your fear. Feel it in your bones. Pick it apart, douse it with water, smother its fire. Ride with your fear, ride it out of here, then do the damn thing anyway.
In other words, pee, or get off the pot. What are you waiting for?
Sadiqqa © 2007
-- Iyanla Vanzant
In other words, pee, or get off the pot! Don’t just think about what can happen, what needs to be done, or what you figure you can do. Do it!
So there are obstacles that seem larger than life. Analyze them. Break them apart little by little. Climb and conquer them one by one. Move on.
So you’ve got naysayers in both ears. Hear them. Hear them not. Weigh what they say. Squash them and prove ‘em wrong. Shut them up.
So you’re afraid of failing, succeeding, losing, being wrong, getting hurt. Acknowledge your fear. Feel it in your bones. Pick it apart, douse it with water, smother its fire. Ride with your fear, ride it out of here, then do the damn thing anyway.
In other words, pee, or get off the pot. What are you waiting for?
Sadiqqa © 2007
Nov 6, 2007
Each of us has the right and responsibility to assess the roads which lie ahead, and those over which we have traveled, and if the future road looms ominous or unpromising, and the roads back uninviting, the we need to gather our resolve, and carrying only the necessary baggage, step off that road into another direction. If the new choice is also unpalatable, without embarrassment, we must be ready to change that as well.
-- Maya Angelou
If you don’t like where you are, there’s no reason you have to stay there, right?
Okay, how about this – if you have no idea where you want to go or what you want to do, you don’t have to stay confused. Right?
Yes, that’s right. But then, the question becomes how do you go about figuring out what you want and what road you take to get there. How do you sift through all you think you want, through all you know to find an answer? Is it okay to put some of what you want and know on the shelf and just go for this one thing right here right now? Then, are you abandoning some stuff? What if you shelve the wrong thing? What if later you take something off the shelf, will it still be okay? Or will it have expired and no longer be of use?
How do you rattle through your everyday routine of making this end meet that end, caring for yourself and your vast responsibilities, and move beyond what’s comfortable, stable, dependable, and ordinary to step off the road to another direction? How do you wake up from a long, monotonous slumber? By an alarm clock that signals boredom and fatigue? One that rings loudly to tell you your life is passing you by? An alarm clock that rings the same way it did yesterday morning and the sound you hear is the wake up call that says your comfortable life is a downer and you’re just as dull as your life?
How so you move forward without grasping at straws, trying this thing, spending that time and that dime, taking 2 steps back for every chance you take? Or, how do you move forward without doubting and finding every reason to stay put? How do you take a chance, even when you’re afraid? Do you dissect and face every thing you fear, or do you chalk the panic and apprehension up to commonsense and sanity? Do commonsense and sanity then keep you stagnant and stuck where you are?
Or do commonsense and sanity make you ask yourself right and righteous questions and help you keep all that’s important to you in perspective while you seek new directions and opportunities? Do you resolve that just because you prefer reason over spontaneity, it doesn’t mean you don’t want excitement?
Do you then define excitement as enthusiasm, enthusiasm about something more than what you already know, something out of the ordinary, something off the beaten and worn path, and then determine that some area of your life will be immediately submitted and exposed to excitement, enthusiasm, adventure, and inspiration and that there’s nothing stopping you at this moment from finding it and doing whatever the thing is that can bring you joy or difference or positive change in your life? Don’t you then, at that very moment, no longer feel stuck? Less confused?
Then, it is right. You don’t have to stay where you are.
Sadiqqa © 2007
-- Maya Angelou
If you don’t like where you are, there’s no reason you have to stay there, right?
Okay, how about this – if you have no idea where you want to go or what you want to do, you don’t have to stay confused. Right?
Yes, that’s right. But then, the question becomes how do you go about figuring out what you want and what road you take to get there. How do you sift through all you think you want, through all you know to find an answer? Is it okay to put some of what you want and know on the shelf and just go for this one thing right here right now? Then, are you abandoning some stuff? What if you shelve the wrong thing? What if later you take something off the shelf, will it still be okay? Or will it have expired and no longer be of use?
How do you rattle through your everyday routine of making this end meet that end, caring for yourself and your vast responsibilities, and move beyond what’s comfortable, stable, dependable, and ordinary to step off the road to another direction? How do you wake up from a long, monotonous slumber? By an alarm clock that signals boredom and fatigue? One that rings loudly to tell you your life is passing you by? An alarm clock that rings the same way it did yesterday morning and the sound you hear is the wake up call that says your comfortable life is a downer and you’re just as dull as your life?
How so you move forward without grasping at straws, trying this thing, spending that time and that dime, taking 2 steps back for every chance you take? Or, how do you move forward without doubting and finding every reason to stay put? How do you take a chance, even when you’re afraid? Do you dissect and face every thing you fear, or do you chalk the panic and apprehension up to commonsense and sanity? Do commonsense and sanity then keep you stagnant and stuck where you are?
Or do commonsense and sanity make you ask yourself right and righteous questions and help you keep all that’s important to you in perspective while you seek new directions and opportunities? Do you resolve that just because you prefer reason over spontaneity, it doesn’t mean you don’t want excitement?
Do you then define excitement as enthusiasm, enthusiasm about something more than what you already know, something out of the ordinary, something off the beaten and worn path, and then determine that some area of your life will be immediately submitted and exposed to excitement, enthusiasm, adventure, and inspiration and that there’s nothing stopping you at this moment from finding it and doing whatever the thing is that can bring you joy or difference or positive change in your life? Don’t you then, at that very moment, no longer feel stuck? Less confused?
Then, it is right. You don’t have to stay where you are.
Sadiqqa © 2007
Nov 2, 2007
The essential message of unconditional love is one of liberation: you can be whoever you are, express all your thoughts and feelings with absolute confidence. You do not have to be fearful that love will be taken away. You will not be punished for your openness or honesty. There is no admission price to my love, no rental fees or installment payments to be made. There may be days when disagreements and disturbing emotions may come between us. There may be times when psychological or physical miles may lie between us. But I have given you the word of my commitment. I have set my life on a course. I will not go back on my word to you. So feel free to be yourself, to tell me of your negative and positive reactions, of your warm and cold feelings. Unconditional Love means that I cannot always predict my reaction or guarantee my strength, but one thing is certain: I am committed to your growth and happiness. I will always accept you. I will always love you!
-- Anonymous
I give you me, for I shared my hopes and my joys with you and you listened. I shared my sorrows and my fears and you didn’t taunt me or turn away. My secrets stayed between us, my fantasies were not bantered. When my moods were sour and my tongue curt, you waited. When I clawed and kicked at you, you waited again. When I ignored you or searched for something I thought was better, you waited, and waited some more. Thank you, thank you for waiting for me.
I give you my heart, the place where you’ve lived; my mind, the place that you work. I give you my ears to hear all that you say. I give you my eyes to take in all that you present. My hands will forever be held out to you, and they will forever care for you. I will walk in your direction as you lead us through our days, and I’ll show you the way when it’s my time to navigate. I’ll be your advocate, your audience, your devotee.
I give you me for I trust you with me. I feel safe in your care and completely loving in your charge. I embrace the freedom of loving you for I am free to love you and you only. I am free to express the extent of my love for you. I am free to dig within the depths of my love and bring out its treasures just for you. I am free to uncover my veiled passion and shower you with its effects. I am free to love you because you’ve loved me openly, patiently, slowly and endlessly. I promise you the same time, patience, gentleness, and devotion you’ve given me. For you, I am wholeheartedly and unconditionally yours.
I give you me to understand and accept our differences. I accept them and grow into them, expecting that we will have uncomfortable moments, and we’ll probably retreat into our separate worlds. But we’ll be okay and return to one another. I acknowledge that we have independent lives, our own friends, our own ways of viewing the world. But we’ll be okay and we’ll always return to one another. I’ll return to you each day so that we can begin a new day of understanding and acceptance together.
I give you me, unconditionally.
Sadiqqa © 1998
-- Anonymous
I give you me, for I shared my hopes and my joys with you and you listened. I shared my sorrows and my fears and you didn’t taunt me or turn away. My secrets stayed between us, my fantasies were not bantered. When my moods were sour and my tongue curt, you waited. When I clawed and kicked at you, you waited again. When I ignored you or searched for something I thought was better, you waited, and waited some more. Thank you, thank you for waiting for me.
I give you my heart, the place where you’ve lived; my mind, the place that you work. I give you my ears to hear all that you say. I give you my eyes to take in all that you present. My hands will forever be held out to you, and they will forever care for you. I will walk in your direction as you lead us through our days, and I’ll show you the way when it’s my time to navigate. I’ll be your advocate, your audience, your devotee.
I give you me for I trust you with me. I feel safe in your care and completely loving in your charge. I embrace the freedom of loving you for I am free to love you and you only. I am free to express the extent of my love for you. I am free to dig within the depths of my love and bring out its treasures just for you. I am free to uncover my veiled passion and shower you with its effects. I am free to love you because you’ve loved me openly, patiently, slowly and endlessly. I promise you the same time, patience, gentleness, and devotion you’ve given me. For you, I am wholeheartedly and unconditionally yours.
I give you me to understand and accept our differences. I accept them and grow into them, expecting that we will have uncomfortable moments, and we’ll probably retreat into our separate worlds. But we’ll be okay and return to one another. I acknowledge that we have independent lives, our own friends, our own ways of viewing the world. But we’ll be okay and we’ll always return to one another. I’ll return to you each day so that we can begin a new day of understanding and acceptance together.
I give you me, unconditionally.
Sadiqqa © 1998
Nov 1, 2007
If we all did the things we are capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves.
-- Thomas Edison
Ever wonder where you’d be and what you’d be doing if you didn’t doubt yourself so much, punch holes in your every idea, or second guess yourself in every other breath? Do you think if can’t, won’t, and shouldn’t weren’t the main characters of your conversations or in your mind, maybe you could move beyond stuck?
What if you really believed in yourself, in your capabilities, and you could cheer yourself on even when the tasks felt too big or too difficult? What if you trusted yourself enough to exercise and stand on your abilities and resources, moving about this life with certainty and confidence, only hesitating to make sure you had everything you needed to make it all go well? What if you loved yourself over your questions?
What if you could see yourself the way God sees you?
If only you could give up comfortable or doing just enough to get by. If only you could give up being afraid to live on the radar. What if you could give up living in the box, going with the flow, following the routine, doing it the way it’s always been done, and living another day just like yesterday? What if you weren’t so afraid to allow others to see the real you?
What if you weren’t afraid to speak up? Of not having all the answers when asked? Of losing? Of not having enough? Of being alone? Of looking stupid? Of all that would be asked of you? What if you weren’t afraid of working hard and long only to get tired and disappointed?
What if you actually talked with the scary looking kids standing on the corner? What if you went ahead and took that test you’ve been putting off to go back to school? What if you told her you love her and want to spend the rest of your life with her? What if she then said “yes?”
What if you just trusted that when you gave all you had it would all be alright?
The truth is there’s nothing stopping you from doing any and all of what you’re capable of doing. That is, nothing but you. You’re the one standing in your way. Now, granted, someone or something may have thwarted your confidence long ago with their pessimism and disapproval, and they made you believe you couldn’t accomplish anything you set your mind to. But now, you have the power to erase that and move on. You may need to seek professional assistance and enlist the help of Jesus when your doubt is too cumbersome and back-breaking. But, certainly if you want to do better than just the little bit you’ve done, you’ve no choice but to get rid of the doubts and move out the way.
Are you living your life halfway? What’s the point of that?
Sadiqqa © 2007
-- Thomas Edison
Ever wonder where you’d be and what you’d be doing if you didn’t doubt yourself so much, punch holes in your every idea, or second guess yourself in every other breath? Do you think if can’t, won’t, and shouldn’t weren’t the main characters of your conversations or in your mind, maybe you could move beyond stuck?
What if you really believed in yourself, in your capabilities, and you could cheer yourself on even when the tasks felt too big or too difficult? What if you trusted yourself enough to exercise and stand on your abilities and resources, moving about this life with certainty and confidence, only hesitating to make sure you had everything you needed to make it all go well? What if you loved yourself over your questions?
What if you could see yourself the way God sees you?
If only you could give up comfortable or doing just enough to get by. If only you could give up being afraid to live on the radar. What if you could give up living in the box, going with the flow, following the routine, doing it the way it’s always been done, and living another day just like yesterday? What if you weren’t so afraid to allow others to see the real you?
What if you weren’t afraid to speak up? Of not having all the answers when asked? Of losing? Of not having enough? Of being alone? Of looking stupid? Of all that would be asked of you? What if you weren’t afraid of working hard and long only to get tired and disappointed?
What if you actually talked with the scary looking kids standing on the corner? What if you went ahead and took that test you’ve been putting off to go back to school? What if you told her you love her and want to spend the rest of your life with her? What if she then said “yes?”
What if you just trusted that when you gave all you had it would all be alright?
The truth is there’s nothing stopping you from doing any and all of what you’re capable of doing. That is, nothing but you. You’re the one standing in your way. Now, granted, someone or something may have thwarted your confidence long ago with their pessimism and disapproval, and they made you believe you couldn’t accomplish anything you set your mind to. But now, you have the power to erase that and move on. You may need to seek professional assistance and enlist the help of Jesus when your doubt is too cumbersome and back-breaking. But, certainly if you want to do better than just the little bit you’ve done, you’ve no choice but to get rid of the doubts and move out the way.
Are you living your life halfway? What’s the point of that?
Sadiqqa © 2007
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