Saturday, November 30, 2013

Let It Go. ©

Let It Go
We are not created to hold onto stress, misery, pain. Our very being rejoices in times of love, peace and joy. It's our natural state. So why do we choose to harbour so much pain? Is it because we believe we don't deserve joy in our lives? I know this was the case for me. For years I struggled with understanding my Creator's purpose for me, or rather his lesson plan. I've endured some pretty tough scenarios - no tougher I'm sure than anyone else but during those times that perspectives was, seemingly, far from my understanding. One particular set of happenings really tore me apart. Choices I made led to a demise within me of a part of me and I didn't share that with anyone so it rotted inside of me. I began to hate myself for the pain I'd caused both to others and to myself - ironic I know. I was headed for a crash and it seemed inevitable. Until I found the wisdom in three words: Let It Go.

Let it go. Three words with a huge impact. Three words which when habitually acted upon create the space for love, for freedom, for peace, for joy. Let it go. Whatever is holding You hostage from the past, let it go. Whatever fears grip Your ability to believe in a joy filled future, let it go. No matter the pain, no matter how long it has been with You, know that You no longer need it, gives thanks for it's service and then let it go. Let it go right now. In this very moment. And then again, and again. Letting go isn't a single action or a single decision but a constant one, a habitual one. That excuse? Let it go. That feeling of anger? Let it go. That belief that You aren't spectacularly made in You Creator's image. That thought that no one loves You. That You'll never be forgiven. That thing for which You've never forgiven Yourself. Let it go. Let it go. Let it go. Today allow Yourself to be filled with the wonder that comes from being free. Today, give thanks and practice being aware of Your feelings and being able to then simply let it go.

Today I am again filled with joy. With hope, faith, peace & purpose. I am no longer routed by regret. I no longer hold myself hostage in the pain of my past. I now know - or rather understand, acknowledge and accept my humanity, how far I am from being perfect. I am thankful for grace, for forgiveness and for another opportunity to utilize all the lessons I have learned from the missteps in my past. Each day, it's with a heart of gratitude that I say thank You and I continue to till my heart, mind & soul each day by remembering & actively utilizing three words: Let It Go.
Bless
 
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Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Remember, a Knight in shining armor has never been to battle. ©



Love is a war. At least I think it is. So much so I've written about it on more than one occasion (click here to read the poem, thanks), yet I always hear people looking for untested fighters. And by untested I mean warriors not seasoned by battle. Anyone who has been in a relationship realizes that they - like most everything worth having - have to be fought for..

"I'm waiting for my knight in shining armor," is a popular phrase I hear women say, but a knight in shining armor is a warrior without merit where it matters most - in the battlefield.
When a knight was knighted he was sent into battle to nobly defend. He was expected to give everything he had - including his life. And not only in death but give his life in service of something greater than only himself. Even though a knight was seen as a superhero of sorts as he left to battle he would endure great pains in order to win. His shield would get dented and scuffed, his armor worn and tarnished, his very body would betray signs of his humanity in the fresh cuts to go with the scars he wore not to mention the unseen scars on his spirit. Even with all these he went on passionately, dutifully, courageously. He continued to serve. He would continue to fight until death parted him from his oath, from his duty.

In love we as men learn on the fly - even more so than women because, well there are very few forums for us to openly & honestly discuss the "how to's" of relating. Women have groups, talk shows, magazines & each other while we are most often left to learn in the battlefield how to navigate this war we call love. We make mistakes, we get hurt, our armor looses its luster but somehow - and I'd attribute it to the grace of God - some of us make it back alive. Not just with breath in our lungs but alive, with a renewed sense of purpose and love. The ones of us who survive, coming back with our spirit intact and our souls yet again ready to serve, those are the lads who a Queen should seek to enlist the service of. Those are the gentleman who's armor no longer shines in a way recognizable to the eyes.

Ladies, You can keep looking for the knight in shining armor but remember, a Knight in shining armor has never been to battle.
Is that who You want fighting for You? With You?
Bless,
M.

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Monday, November 11, 2013

Lest We Forget (So just shut up & remember). ©

I grow tired each year when Remembrance Day (Veterans Day) rolls around and brings with it all those folks who are ready to be up in arms about the idea of war. I also find it interesting that on this day most of the people who choose to share their anti war stance as the reason they do not 'celebrate' Remembrance Day can do so because of the freedom allotted them from those same wars that they don't believe in. Let's be clear, we do not celebrate war anymore than we celebrate a young man or woman dying in their prime. What we do respectfully acknowledge is the fact that people OTHER THAN OURSELVES put themselves in death's way to uphold an idea of freedom - not just for themselves but for those who came after them (ie us). Have we accomplished that idea yet? No, but we are much closer because of those who did what they had to do so we could do what we want to do. Sure we have a distance yet to travel but we build on the shoulders of the giants who've come before us, who fought before us. That is what we 'celebrate' so take a moment today to be grateful that You don't have to choose death or freedom. Take a moment today and remember.
That's it.

Bless,
M.