Last night in a fit of tears and rage
calling out --
"If you are on my side, NOW is the time to show it."
Ready to drive
with a bottle of bourbon in one hand
the gear shift in the other.
Fast and Furious
real life drama
with a fiery crash ending, relieved.
You answered me without words;
but with something more--
falling asleep in a blanket of peace
Waking up with the taste
of You on my breath--
God is love.
#spirituality #dreams #God #suicidal
Showing posts with label peace. Show all posts
Showing posts with label peace. Show all posts
Jul 13, 2014
Mar 24, 2013
Domestic Partnerships for All
Face the Nation is talking about marriage equality this morning. The statistics they shared is that the United States is split almost equally down the middle (with a little higher number on the support for gay marriage side). And the statistics are in even higher support for same sex marriage when only people under 30 are polled. This issue is highly divisive, as many people are confusing the legalities of "marriage" with religion.
This is my proposal, and I wonder if it will make all sides happy: The states no longer issue marriage license to anyone; not even to a couple consisting of one man and one woman. The states will only issue a license for domestic partnerships. The couple (traditional, or same sex) goes to the courthouse and request a domestic partnership license to be afforded the benefits the states offers. That is the extent of the states involvement. The government is only involved on the business side of the union.
If a couple wishes a wedding, and a marriage to celebrate their union with their God or without a God... they do that in their churches; defining marriage how they deem appropriate. So, if a couple wishes to define marriage as birthing children, raising those children, and fostering the union between the couple under the laws of Christianity; that's their choice, and is the business of that family, their church and their God. However, if a man and a woman wish to join together, sharing their life together without having any children and they go to the Buddhist temple every Saturday; they will still be afforded the benefits the state offers to couples in domestic partnerships. --And of course, ditto for same sex couples.
This proposal separates the business side of marriage and the religious definition of marriage. And then perhaps same sex couples will not be cast as the deviants in a society, and if they choose so, they can legally adopt children, and love those children that no one else wanted to love... and life will go on! Everyone is treated equally under the eyes of the law; and everyone can define marriage the way they see fit within their religious establishments. What do you think?
This is my proposal, and I wonder if it will make all sides happy: The states no longer issue marriage license to anyone; not even to a couple consisting of one man and one woman. The states will only issue a license for domestic partnerships. The couple (traditional, or same sex) goes to the courthouse and request a domestic partnership license to be afforded the benefits the states offers. That is the extent of the states involvement. The government is only involved on the business side of the union.
If a couple wishes a wedding, and a marriage to celebrate their union with their God or without a God... they do that in their churches; defining marriage how they deem appropriate. So, if a couple wishes to define marriage as birthing children, raising those children, and fostering the union between the couple under the laws of Christianity; that's their choice, and is the business of that family, their church and their God. However, if a man and a woman wish to join together, sharing their life together without having any children and they go to the Buddhist temple every Saturday; they will still be afforded the benefits the state offers to couples in domestic partnerships. --And of course, ditto for same sex couples.
This proposal separates the business side of marriage and the religious definition of marriage. And then perhaps same sex couples will not be cast as the deviants in a society, and if they choose so, they can legally adopt children, and love those children that no one else wanted to love... and life will go on! Everyone is treated equally under the eyes of the law; and everyone can define marriage the way they see fit within their religious establishments. What do you think?
Mar 17, 2013
Be, Do, Embrace, the Different
I find it interesting how, as human beings we are so scared of change. But, the kind of change we are most afraid of is the kind of change that requires us to do something different. We pray, hope, dream, wish, (whichever word works for you) for change every single day.
"I wish I could have that."
"I pray tomorrow will be better."
"I hope I find happiness someday."
"I dream of the day life is kinder to me."
And yet, when something, (or even someone) comes along that offers a resource to realize those changes... but it means that we have to do something different (change the way we act or think)... we close up tighter than Fort Knox. We want change, but only if we get to keep living in our same world of denial. It's a vicious cycle. How do we grow to understand that in order to get the change we want, we have to do something different? How do we get ourselves to eagerly embrace changing our point of view, or our way of doing things to foster the change that we are praying, hoping, dreaming, wishing for? It's interesting how we look at "so and so" and think to ourselves, or HELL! --we might even say it out loud, "Look how happy they are! I wish I could be like them!" But, we usually don't do what it is they do to be or do what they do. (wait... did that make sense??? HA!) In other words, we just keep doing the same ol' shit over and over again... Why? Because "My way is the best way! And if the universe really liked me, it would give me what I want because I want it without having to leave my comfort zone, DAMMIT!!!" Albert Einstein said my most favorite quote of all time. He said, "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results."
"We have to be the change we want to see in the world." Yea, that doesn't mean exactly what I'm saying here, but it's still true. If you like your life the way it is, keep on keepin' on. But, if you find yourself lost in a state of perpetual hope for something different, then you gotta be different, do different, embrace different. Stop bitchin' and change it up; it's as simple as that. -- I know what you're thinking. Since I'm on a quote roll, "it's easier said than done." Yea, I get that, I'm living that right this second. I said it for years (My wish, dream, hope, prayers to "save" the world --well, not really save the world, that's a different story for a different post. But, if you're a regular southern poetaster reader, you kinda know what I mean), but now I'm doing it! And you know what? I'm probably going to spend less time doing it than I spent saying it. You just have to get started! Now is as good a time as any!
"I wish I could have that."
"I pray tomorrow will be better."
"I hope I find happiness someday."
"I dream of the day life is kinder to me."
And yet, when something, (or even someone) comes along that offers a resource to realize those changes... but it means that we have to do something different (change the way we act or think)... we close up tighter than Fort Knox. We want change, but only if we get to keep living in our same world of denial. It's a vicious cycle. How do we grow to understand that in order to get the change we want, we have to do something different? How do we get ourselves to eagerly embrace changing our point of view, or our way of doing things to foster the change that we are praying, hoping, dreaming, wishing for? It's interesting how we look at "so and so" and think to ourselves, or HELL! --we might even say it out loud, "Look how happy they are! I wish I could be like them!" But, we usually don't do what it is they do to be or do what they do. (wait... did that make sense??? HA!) In other words, we just keep doing the same ol' shit over and over again... Why? Because "My way is the best way! And if the universe really liked me, it would give me what I want because I want it without having to leave my comfort zone, DAMMIT!!!" Albert Einstein said my most favorite quote of all time. He said, "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results."
"We have to be the change we want to see in the world." Yea, that doesn't mean exactly what I'm saying here, but it's still true. If you like your life the way it is, keep on keepin' on. But, if you find yourself lost in a state of perpetual hope for something different, then you gotta be different, do different, embrace different. Stop bitchin' and change it up; it's as simple as that. -- I know what you're thinking. Since I'm on a quote roll, "it's easier said than done." Yea, I get that, I'm living that right this second. I said it for years (My wish, dream, hope, prayers to "save" the world --well, not really save the world, that's a different story for a different post. But, if you're a regular southern poetaster reader, you kinda know what I mean), but now I'm doing it! And you know what? I'm probably going to spend less time doing it than I spent saying it. You just have to get started! Now is as good a time as any!
Apr 12, 2012
In Joining
Right smack dab in the middle of a patch of red clay,
one blade of grass dared to grow.
The mud hogged all of the water and reflected the sun away,
but still the blade of grass grew.
The summer remained hot and dry, her knees stayed locked.
She stood strong, becoming taller and greener with each passing day
while all the blades of grass in the neighborhood, laughed and mocked
at the lone blade with chants of withering away
all alone in the dried up mud pile. But still, she grew.
One morning in mid August when the sun rose,
in the middle of that patch, she found a crew
of ten had gathered with a pose
of unwavering strength. Being in cahoots,
they swayed in unison with each passing breeze,
getting stronger by joining at the roots.
That patch grew thicker and tighter, becoming greener than trees
and greener than any grass that ever grew.
All the grass in the all the world stopped mocking and
the most amazing thing ensued,
all the grass in all the world joined together by the hand
to fill the world with the warmth of summer,
all year long.
one blade of grass dared to grow.
The mud hogged all of the water and reflected the sun away,
but still the blade of grass grew.
The summer remained hot and dry, her knees stayed locked.
She stood strong, becoming taller and greener with each passing day
while all the blades of grass in the neighborhood, laughed and mocked
at the lone blade with chants of withering away
all alone in the dried up mud pile. But still, she grew.
One morning in mid August when the sun rose,
in the middle of that patch, she found a crew
of ten had gathered with a pose
of unwavering strength. Being in cahoots,
they swayed in unison with each passing breeze,
getting stronger by joining at the roots.
That patch grew thicker and tighter, becoming greener than trees
and greener than any grass that ever grew.
All the grass in the all the world stopped mocking and
the most amazing thing ensued,
all the grass in all the world joined together by the hand
to fill the world with the warmth of summer,
all year long.
Jan 16, 2012
Yea, I'm an idealist. So what?
On this Martin Luther King Jr. Day, I've been reflecting quite a bit on peace and what it means to us as individuals, as members of a group, city, state or Country and of course, as members of the human race. So, lets start with the basics, the definitions for each of these.
- Peace as individuals can simply mean that we are free of disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions. Or that we have harmony in our personal relations. Imagine that for a moment. "Every morning I rise, it is with the sole purpose of creating peace within myself and my family and my friends. Everything I do, work, cook, clean, commute is the means to that purpose."
- Peace as a member of a group, city or state can mean that we live in a state of security or order within a community provided by law or custom. "We expect the citizens of our community to live in a peaceful and respectful manner by obeying the laws that are written."
- Peace within our Country can mean that we live in a period of mutual concord between governments. Or, we desire a pact or agreement to end hostilities between those who have been at war or in a state of enmity. "I am Miss North Carolina, and I pray for peace on Earth." Well, you don't have to be a beauty pageant contestant to want that, they're just famous for it!
(above definitions are from the Merriam-Webster dictionary)
- Peace as a member of the human race can simply mean that we live with respect for others and their differences without judgement or ridicule. "I don't really understand why John sits in the backyard every night precisely at 9:10 pm with a lit candle, but I respect his commitment to this ceremony."
All of these ideals are fine and wonderful, and they are lacking in our world. But most of us sit on the sidelines as if we're spectators at a sporting event watching the events of the world unfold, and all we can do is cheer or jeer and wish or pray for a different outcome. We fail to realize or acknowledge that if every single human being on this great planet we know as Earth had peace of mind of knowing their family was going to have a nice warm supper and a warm bed to dream in, that would create peace. We fail to realize that if every single human being woke up in the morning at peace with themselves and with those closest to them, we would have peace on Earth.
If we want to make a difference in the world, a good place to start is to change ourselves. Instead of yelling at our kids, or the taxi driver, or the cashier... we stop, take a breath, and recite a prayer, scripture, or a poem to retrain our thoughts. When all of us live to create peace within our hearts, minds, souls and homes, then we can move onto creating peace in the world around us. (I dare not say greater and bigger things, cause I don't know about you, but damn it! I am, My family is, My friends are exceptionally great and deserving of my good deeds!) Donate to a shelter or volunteer time, anything that moves us to a greater peace within our own souls....
We do this, and I am most assured that by God, peace can and will prevail!!!!
G Henry January 16, 2012
- Peace as individuals can simply mean that we are free of disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions. Or that we have harmony in our personal relations. Imagine that for a moment. "Every morning I rise, it is with the sole purpose of creating peace within myself and my family and my friends. Everything I do, work, cook, clean, commute is the means to that purpose."
- Peace as a member of a group, city or state can mean that we live in a state of security or order within a community provided by law or custom. "We expect the citizens of our community to live in a peaceful and respectful manner by obeying the laws that are written."
- Peace within our Country can mean that we live in a period of mutual concord between governments. Or, we desire a pact or agreement to end hostilities between those who have been at war or in a state of enmity. "I am Miss North Carolina, and I pray for peace on Earth." Well, you don't have to be a beauty pageant contestant to want that, they're just famous for it!
(above definitions are from the Merriam-Webster dictionary)
- Peace as a member of the human race can simply mean that we live with respect for others and their differences without judgement or ridicule. "I don't really understand why John sits in the backyard every night precisely at 9:10 pm with a lit candle, but I respect his commitment to this ceremony."
All of these ideals are fine and wonderful, and they are lacking in our world. But most of us sit on the sidelines as if we're spectators at a sporting event watching the events of the world unfold, and all we can do is cheer or jeer and wish or pray for a different outcome. We fail to realize or acknowledge that if every single human being on this great planet we know as Earth had peace of mind of knowing their family was going to have a nice warm supper and a warm bed to dream in, that would create peace. We fail to realize that if every single human being woke up in the morning at peace with themselves and with those closest to them, we would have peace on Earth.
If we want to make a difference in the world, a good place to start is to change ourselves. Instead of yelling at our kids, or the taxi driver, or the cashier... we stop, take a breath, and recite a prayer, scripture, or a poem to retrain our thoughts. When all of us live to create peace within our hearts, minds, souls and homes, then we can move onto creating peace in the world around us. (I dare not say greater and bigger things, cause I don't know about you, but damn it! I am, My family is, My friends are exceptionally great and deserving of my good deeds!) Donate to a shelter or volunteer time, anything that moves us to a greater peace within our own souls....
We do this, and I am most assured that by God, peace can and will prevail!!!!
G Henry January 16, 2012
Jan 1, 2012
Dec 27, 2011
Sep 11, 2011
tuesday mourning
The following poem was written many years before 9-11-2001. 3 years or so after 9/11 I was cleaning out my desk drawer and came across an old notebook with notes in it. When I used to be an avid writer, I kept a notebook with thoughts and ideas that would come to me so I could later write a poem or story. You can imagine how I must've felt when I found the skelton of this...
late summer morning
tuesday, like any other.
sun shining...
suddenly
CRASH, CRACK, BURN
FRANTIC FAST FEET RUN,
SCREAMING ALL ABOUT
people stop, stare...
CRASH, CRACK BURN
again
FRANTIC FAST FEET RUN,
SCREAMING IN DISBELIEF
GASPING
CRASH, CRACK, BURN
again and again
lives lost
souls torn
heroes made
we’ll never forget
that
late summer morning
sun shining
stillness
gasping
disbelief
in one moment
UNITED WE STAND
HAVE WE FOGOTTEN?
late summer morning
tuesday, like any other.
sun shining...
suddenly
CRASH, CRACK, BURN
FRANTIC FAST FEET RUN,
SCREAMING ALL ABOUT
people stop, stare...
CRASH, CRACK BURN
again
FRANTIC FAST FEET RUN,
SCREAMING IN DISBELIEF
GASPING
CRASH, CRACK, BURN
again and again
lives lost
souls torn
heroes made
we’ll never forget
that
late summer morning
sun shining
stillness
gasping
disbelief
in one moment
UNITED WE STAND
HAVE WE FOGOTTEN?
Sep 16, 2008
the focus
Three Piles Of Rubbish,
To Three Black Crows
One, A Treasure
Worth Fighting For.
That One Pile
Their Only Focus,
They Peck
They Claw
Spreading Their Wings,
They Look Like Giants
The Battle Of One
Against The Others
Rages On
Moving Further Away
From The Treasure
Winning, Now
The Only Focus!
waiting patiently
in the distance
a flock of dove,
swoop in
sharing all
until the last one
has its fill,
full with their treasure,
together
they fly
never losing
the focus
To Three Black Crows
One, A Treasure
Worth Fighting For.
That One Pile
Their Only Focus,
They Peck
They Claw
Spreading Their Wings,
They Look Like Giants
The Battle Of One
Against The Others
Rages On
Moving Further Away
From The Treasure
Winning, Now
The Only Focus!
waiting patiently
in the distance
a flock of dove,
swoop in
sharing all
until the last one
has its fill,
full with their treasure,
together
they fly
never losing
the focus
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