"Weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning" [a friend texted me this 8/31/11]
IT is true, things will be better in the morning! However, right about now, I am not feeling it. God knows I so want to spill the beans and let the cry of my heart break loose and set it free...but I must be patient and wait upon the Lord to direct the words....
Please say a prayer for me, for my husband Daniel, who has been undergoing some very distasteful, stressful, very frustrating moments at his job. I cannot go much into detail, however, please pray that the narrow minded, that the racial profiling, and that the high egos will understand and simply let him work in peace.
These issues have been stressing me a lot as well. We are both loosing sleep and it is very frustrating to feel so vulnerable and not being able to do much.
"Equal employment laws" ...uhm....
We need prayers, we need the spiritual intervention of our Father because I just cannot think of any other means to make this situation come to a stop. Please, to all the believers, the faithful souls out there, say a prayer for us.
We appreciate your support in advance. I know it is difficult to set aside time to pray for someone you hardly know or don't see often. I will be forever grateful regardless.
Blessings to all and I am blessed to have friends in my life who regardless of the time have never abandoned me :) Am truly blessed to have you!
"And so, the heart whep...and the journey began on the road paved with glass and thorns....yet they kept going...pressing forward on the fight for equality.."
Folly Beach
1/23/11 - Maria
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Carrying the Cross...
"And as I glanced out of the corner of my eye, there stood the figure...the face...serious, but forgiving. He stood there setting aside his personal shame and embarrassment...waiting, simply waiting to be noticed...he stood there...so visible, yet invisible to the many hearts who simply glanced past him...and the humble heart, stumbled upon the symbolic object...."
It's Friday, 4pm somewhere in the middle of a hot-humid summer day. Kids are not in school, rather enjoying themselves at the local beach, rivers, or lakes. Everyone is unaware of the details that sorround our community.
Today, it is one of those Fridays, all entreprenurs, business folks, the typical or average worker is calling it the day. The typical paycheck to paycheck survivors are anxiously driving to their bank to cash in their weekly efforts to better their life. And yet, hidden behind this fast paced scenario is one man. A man, like a shadow perfectly standing there on top of the Montague overpass over the I-26 interstate. Quietly, so concentrated in just glancing through the windshields and into the minds of the unaware souls of his existence. Who is this man? And what is he doing there?
I am one of those passer bys, I capture his image out of the corner of my eye and he stands there, firmly. Lost in a world of his own, deep thought, slightly rubbing his well kept beard. Although it is a hot day, he is standing there with the Sun hitting behind him, making him the perfect invisible being to the eyes of the drivers passing underneath him. But faithfully, religously, he stands there every Friday staring into the distance of the long-rush hour traffic, hoping, and never loosing faith that someone out there will notice IT.
As he stands there so patienly, you can see he has labored so hard to be where he is. Although the Montegue passer bys get distracted, most have become acustomed to seeing him there. His attention however, is on those below him. As the sun blazes behind him, there IT stands, the CROSS. A wooden CROSS that he has so genuinly attached a wheel on the very bottom so that when he is carrying it, it becomes easier on his back and does not drag all the way up the ramp.
YES. He is carrying that cross with a purpose. Perhaps some may consider him a crazy old man. Someone who has nothing better to do, however, it is a simple reminder that regardless of where you are, what you are doing, even if stuck in a mad traffic such as I-26, that you should sit still for a moment and praise God for the wonders He is actively doing in everyone's life. He stands there, not asking for you to throw him money, nor for you to feel pitty or to show off his faith. He is there to give that symbol of peace and sanity.
As anyone who has ever driven on I-26 anytime and any day between the hours of 3pm and 6pm, you can expect to have some angry, frustrated drivers, yet they pause at the sight of such eloquent symbol.
"and so the figure who once had been invisible, the light finally shone upon the meaning of his presence...the light Reflected the one symbol the man was carrying...the CROSS"
Everyone has a cross of their own. We all have our daily struggles and we have to choose how we want to handle the daily tests of faith. Those sudden "burdens" often blind us from the real thing - the CROSS....and learning how to be still before our Maker.
*****this is an interesting note. I have noticed this guy before and always have wondered why he does it. I don't have a picture as there is no way to stop and take a picture because of the constant flow of traffic. However, he is always there. I always thought that he came long distances, yet although I do not have an answer for that, I can almost be certain he parks his car/truck not too far off. it takes true courage to do something that to others would look silly and embarrasing. I am not even sure I could do it....it looks a bit intimidating, but God knows this man is courageous. He might have his reasons behind this, but the most obvious point, he is reminding us of our cross and the True Cross that our father carried to forgive our own sins....it is a reminder that we need to trust on the Lord and let him pull the burdens off our shoulders and give us rest...it is a matter of learning to ask for that Help. It is very humbling seeing this act of pure unselfishness. That he takes his time to carry that huge cross and stand there amongst those many passer bys and their eyes heavily fixed on him and that object of his. IT is indeed a very humbling act.
There, he has made his point with me. I have noticed him and the cross and I have reached out everytime to my own. The man knows what he is doing, although it looks insanely ridiculous. I know where my cross is and I know WHO is in charge.
It's Friday, 4pm somewhere in the middle of a hot-humid summer day. Kids are not in school, rather enjoying themselves at the local beach, rivers, or lakes. Everyone is unaware of the details that sorround our community.
Today, it is one of those Fridays, all entreprenurs, business folks, the typical or average worker is calling it the day. The typical paycheck to paycheck survivors are anxiously driving to their bank to cash in their weekly efforts to better their life. And yet, hidden behind this fast paced scenario is one man. A man, like a shadow perfectly standing there on top of the Montague overpass over the I-26 interstate. Quietly, so concentrated in just glancing through the windshields and into the minds of the unaware souls of his existence. Who is this man? And what is he doing there?
I am one of those passer bys, I capture his image out of the corner of my eye and he stands there, firmly. Lost in a world of his own, deep thought, slightly rubbing his well kept beard. Although it is a hot day, he is standing there with the Sun hitting behind him, making him the perfect invisible being to the eyes of the drivers passing underneath him. But faithfully, religously, he stands there every Friday staring into the distance of the long-rush hour traffic, hoping, and never loosing faith that someone out there will notice IT.
As he stands there so patienly, you can see he has labored so hard to be where he is. Although the Montegue passer bys get distracted, most have become acustomed to seeing him there. His attention however, is on those below him. As the sun blazes behind him, there IT stands, the CROSS. A wooden CROSS that he has so genuinly attached a wheel on the very bottom so that when he is carrying it, it becomes easier on his back and does not drag all the way up the ramp.
YES. He is carrying that cross with a purpose. Perhaps some may consider him a crazy old man. Someone who has nothing better to do, however, it is a simple reminder that regardless of where you are, what you are doing, even if stuck in a mad traffic such as I-26, that you should sit still for a moment and praise God for the wonders He is actively doing in everyone's life. He stands there, not asking for you to throw him money, nor for you to feel pitty or to show off his faith. He is there to give that symbol of peace and sanity.
As anyone who has ever driven on I-26 anytime and any day between the hours of 3pm and 6pm, you can expect to have some angry, frustrated drivers, yet they pause at the sight of such eloquent symbol.
"and so the figure who once had been invisible, the light finally shone upon the meaning of his presence...the light Reflected the one symbol the man was carrying...the CROSS"
Everyone has a cross of their own. We all have our daily struggles and we have to choose how we want to handle the daily tests of faith. Those sudden "burdens" often blind us from the real thing - the CROSS....and learning how to be still before our Maker.
*****this is an interesting note. I have noticed this guy before and always have wondered why he does it. I don't have a picture as there is no way to stop and take a picture because of the constant flow of traffic. However, he is always there. I always thought that he came long distances, yet although I do not have an answer for that, I can almost be certain he parks his car/truck not too far off. it takes true courage to do something that to others would look silly and embarrasing. I am not even sure I could do it....it looks a bit intimidating, but God knows this man is courageous. He might have his reasons behind this, but the most obvious point, he is reminding us of our cross and the True Cross that our father carried to forgive our own sins....it is a reminder that we need to trust on the Lord and let him pull the burdens off our shoulders and give us rest...it is a matter of learning to ask for that Help. It is very humbling seeing this act of pure unselfishness. That he takes his time to carry that huge cross and stand there amongst those many passer bys and their eyes heavily fixed on him and that object of his. IT is indeed a very humbling act.
There, he has made his point with me. I have noticed him and the cross and I have reached out everytime to my own. The man knows what he is doing, although it looks insanely ridiculous. I know where my cross is and I know WHO is in charge.
Monday, August 8, 2011
There is a Way
"When all else fails, lean on Jesus, know that He is constantly listening regardless..."
It is indeed a test of faith having to constantly put up with the negativity behind you. Sometimes I feel as though I am drowning, the mountains become higher and fierceful with so many obstacles. The currents become so strong I can hardly manage to move or attempt to swim across. Sometimes, giving up sounds bitter sweet than to have to carry a load that does not belong to me. Or does it? Is this my greatest test?
So, then how to I manage all of this? Above all things, above all this, there is someone out there in the heavens above patiently thinking of me and prepairing the most beautiful gifts any woman could ask for.....
Oh, I must be patient and wait for all you have for me. I am running out of energy, I feel ready to surrender, I want to escape so badly the trecherous ways of this life. Lord will you hear the cry of my heart? Will you bring me the understanding and wisdom to become that woman of excellence, to be a sister to those in need, to be a mother to the motherless who so passionately sit and wait to feel that love?
Just as the songs says, "who am I?" what purpose do I serve here and how do I continue with such low doze of energy? I need a fresh renewal, a new me, a new person that can step forward and walk through the fierces of storms...to be that person to stand proud and strong...
this is the song of my heart. The cries as I continue to press on forward getting stabbed left and right. Get attacked by the most ferocious of beasts, the meaningless words, and the desperate cries of the sharpest tongues at their best...spilling their every bit of energy and "luscious" words of wisdom.
And thus, I sit up, lift my head up high and continue to walk through the thorny fields of excellence...passing through the vineyards of torment, yet I know that they are mere statues, pillars standing firm as a remnant of those tests of faith, they sit still watching me go and I continue on forward and not looking back.
***
Another note I had accidentally saved on the drafts a long while ago. So here it is...sometimes it does some good to the heart to release the inner bitterness....we are all human beings and for as much as anyone seeks to be a perfect person, we have this part of our heart that needs to be unleashed....set it free...and don't allow for build up.....
peace everyone.
It is indeed a test of faith having to constantly put up with the negativity behind you. Sometimes I feel as though I am drowning, the mountains become higher and fierceful with so many obstacles. The currents become so strong I can hardly manage to move or attempt to swim across. Sometimes, giving up sounds bitter sweet than to have to carry a load that does not belong to me. Or does it? Is this my greatest test?
So, then how to I manage all of this? Above all things, above all this, there is someone out there in the heavens above patiently thinking of me and prepairing the most beautiful gifts any woman could ask for.....
Oh, I must be patient and wait for all you have for me. I am running out of energy, I feel ready to surrender, I want to escape so badly the trecherous ways of this life. Lord will you hear the cry of my heart? Will you bring me the understanding and wisdom to become that woman of excellence, to be a sister to those in need, to be a mother to the motherless who so passionately sit and wait to feel that love?
Just as the songs says, "who am I?" what purpose do I serve here and how do I continue with such low doze of energy? I need a fresh renewal, a new me, a new person that can step forward and walk through the fierces of storms...to be that person to stand proud and strong...
this is the song of my heart. The cries as I continue to press on forward getting stabbed left and right. Get attacked by the most ferocious of beasts, the meaningless words, and the desperate cries of the sharpest tongues at their best...spilling their every bit of energy and "luscious" words of wisdom.
And thus, I sit up, lift my head up high and continue to walk through the thorny fields of excellence...passing through the vineyards of torment, yet I know that they are mere statues, pillars standing firm as a remnant of those tests of faith, they sit still watching me go and I continue on forward and not looking back.
***
Another note I had accidentally saved on the drafts a long while ago. So here it is...sometimes it does some good to the heart to release the inner bitterness....we are all human beings and for as much as anyone seeks to be a perfect person, we have this part of our heart that needs to be unleashed....set it free...and don't allow for build up.....
peace everyone.
Foreigner wearing the Wrong Shoes
"We are all foreigners of this world, our life is a temporary life here on earth...we strive to survive, we acquire our worldly acomplishments, yet it will all come to past...."
I am now 27 years old, soon to be 28. For the last 14years or so, I have been a stranger, a foreigner of this land, I am stranger of culture, language, and beliefs. I am that individual like most foreigners of this Great Country - USA, I am just as much of a foreigner as anyone. However, I have spent most of my life adjusting and although I will never complete the cycle of conformity and be 100% accepted by those "judgementally" folks out there; I continue to strive forward.
Lately there have been series of events taking place of acts of discrimination, haunting looks, vicious words of anger and poisenous stabs towards those of us that regardless of inmigration status, will forever carry that label in our foreheads. The "Promised Land" to those who cross the border has turned the honey into a bitter tar of death, judment, and a hunt for survival all over again. The Land founded by inmigrants even those who traveled by the Mayflower and landed in this Northern territory were as we are today, inmigrants. They came and took the land of the true American Natives...all those wars, the deaths, the tears shed....yet it is beginning to repeat itself.
I know most will not jump into agreement, neither am I looking to have anyone agree in any way shape or form. We are the land of Christianity, we are those who call ourselves true followers, yet when one sheep falls short, I see no one running out to try and help this sheep out. We are always trying to be so politically correct that we forget the true meaning of Following our Father.
It is very ironic how a native of an inmigrant signs into Law a law that is designed to potentially corral all undocumented workers out of the fields, out of the construction sites, out of the dirty labors that no one else wants to do. There is a HIKE of unemployemnt, however, no one is running out to get the jobs that those foreigners are willing to do...Sure, agriculture giants are at fault for hiring low wage workers.
Let's just say, I am highly disappointed that because I am different in every way than a tradicional "North American" I am now facing racial profiling. Regardless of my education, my "status," my apparance will be sufficient in order for an officer of the law to question me.
I am disappointed that no matter what we do, how much contribution we give our goverment, we are still at the lowest of the pit. Mind you, I know nothing about politics, but enough to have a common sense that we are driving our economy down, we are not getting our money back because of all the drug lords in Mexico, central, and South America are pulling the money down....
This life is a temporary life, our life is barrowed for us to show our hearts for others, to reach out and help the helpless...to provide comfort, shelter, feed those less fortunate than us. We condem those who "reproduce" regardless if they have the means to provide for their families or not, we condem those and take the frustration as an obligation to do something about it...we also condem those who actually work hard in order to sustain those in their family. We sit back and talk about ways that "those" people should follow, that they should have more education, we sit back and talk....yet we don't take initiative to take a step forward and say, I will be that difference, I will help this community out and give them a piece of my knowledge....we simply sit back, relax, and let other's put their grain of sand and hope that it counts for all.
********
I apologize if anyone disagrees, feels offended, or simply thinks I have no idea of what I am talking about. Take the time to ask me and I will share. I have lived through it all. And yet, I sit here and continue to experience every bit of that in a different time, culture, and from those whom I would've never thought I would receive such treatment.
I mean no harm, and I am simply speaking out my disapointed heart. I had been meaning to finish this draft, however, I know I will not get any further. SO here is what I have so far....I might return and talk abit more, however, I have no energy nor time to complete this.
God bless everyone, God Bless this Country for we need it....we are the GIANTS of this world, yet we are falling...
I am now 27 years old, soon to be 28. For the last 14years or so, I have been a stranger, a foreigner of this land, I am stranger of culture, language, and beliefs. I am that individual like most foreigners of this Great Country - USA, I am just as much of a foreigner as anyone. However, I have spent most of my life adjusting and although I will never complete the cycle of conformity and be 100% accepted by those "judgementally" folks out there; I continue to strive forward.
Lately there have been series of events taking place of acts of discrimination, haunting looks, vicious words of anger and poisenous stabs towards those of us that regardless of inmigration status, will forever carry that label in our foreheads. The "Promised Land" to those who cross the border has turned the honey into a bitter tar of death, judment, and a hunt for survival all over again. The Land founded by inmigrants even those who traveled by the Mayflower and landed in this Northern territory were as we are today, inmigrants. They came and took the land of the true American Natives...all those wars, the deaths, the tears shed....yet it is beginning to repeat itself.
I know most will not jump into agreement, neither am I looking to have anyone agree in any way shape or form. We are the land of Christianity, we are those who call ourselves true followers, yet when one sheep falls short, I see no one running out to try and help this sheep out. We are always trying to be so politically correct that we forget the true meaning of Following our Father.
It is very ironic how a native of an inmigrant signs into Law a law that is designed to potentially corral all undocumented workers out of the fields, out of the construction sites, out of the dirty labors that no one else wants to do. There is a HIKE of unemployemnt, however, no one is running out to get the jobs that those foreigners are willing to do...Sure, agriculture giants are at fault for hiring low wage workers.
Let's just say, I am highly disappointed that because I am different in every way than a tradicional "North American" I am now facing racial profiling. Regardless of my education, my "status," my apparance will be sufficient in order for an officer of the law to question me.
I am disappointed that no matter what we do, how much contribution we give our goverment, we are still at the lowest of the pit. Mind you, I know nothing about politics, but enough to have a common sense that we are driving our economy down, we are not getting our money back because of all the drug lords in Mexico, central, and South America are pulling the money down....
This life is a temporary life, our life is barrowed for us to show our hearts for others, to reach out and help the helpless...to provide comfort, shelter, feed those less fortunate than us. We condem those who "reproduce" regardless if they have the means to provide for their families or not, we condem those and take the frustration as an obligation to do something about it...we also condem those who actually work hard in order to sustain those in their family. We sit back and talk about ways that "those" people should follow, that they should have more education, we sit back and talk....yet we don't take initiative to take a step forward and say, I will be that difference, I will help this community out and give them a piece of my knowledge....we simply sit back, relax, and let other's put their grain of sand and hope that it counts for all.
********
I apologize if anyone disagrees, feels offended, or simply thinks I have no idea of what I am talking about. Take the time to ask me and I will share. I have lived through it all. And yet, I sit here and continue to experience every bit of that in a different time, culture, and from those whom I would've never thought I would receive such treatment.
I mean no harm, and I am simply speaking out my disapointed heart. I had been meaning to finish this draft, however, I know I will not get any further. SO here is what I have so far....I might return and talk abit more, however, I have no energy nor time to complete this.
God bless everyone, God Bless this Country for we need it....we are the GIANTS of this world, yet we are falling...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)