Gratitude

“There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but he must take it because conscience tells him it is right.” Martin Luther King Jr.

Doing the right thing....it's not always easy. In fact....sometimes it's darn hard. But not doing the right thing is worse.

Erin Brokovitch took a stand for what she knew was right even though at first she stood alone against the bullying and intimation of those she opposed. Erin knew the truth and she cared enough about others to fight for it.

Truth is a weird thing....sometimes I know the truth but something in me wants to turn away. I don't want to become caught up in disagreements or fights. But there are things way too important to sit back and pretend I don't know about, especially if it's something that hurts others. 

This week I"m grateful for people who took a stand for 'right' and refused to back down. Reading about these people.....the courage they had...the backbone to stand against powerful forces....I'm not sure I could do a fraction of what they did. These people totally inspire me.

-Martin Luther King, Jr. - the man had guts. He stood for truth... fought for equality...no matter what they did to him.  
-Erin Brokovitch - Those she opposed tried to silence her voice but truth pushed her to stand strong.
-Irene Sandler - She put her own life at risk to protect so many Jewish lives.
-Harriet Tubman....she knew the truth that God created everyone equal. She defied everything to free slaves again and again and again.  
-My faith in a God who gives me courage to do the right thing even when I'm afraid. And even when I stand alone.....I'm never alone. He's there always.....standing with me. 

Integrity

 Linking with Charlotte at Spiritual Sunday and Laura at Faith Filled Friday

“One person of integrity can make a difference.” Elie Wiesel 

Integrity - I never thought about that word before. I just assumed most people had it...especially anyone who claimed faith.  

Integrity....I've learned a lot about it these last few months. How important it is....it's what creates safety...compassion....respect....and mostly Truth.

Integrity...saying what you mean. Living honest.  

The news is full of people who are shown to lack integrity in sports....in business....and in life itself. Some people sound so right and honest and good. Their words are perfect but their actions reveal later on something entirely different.....in their hearts they had motivations and goals contrary to truth. 

Integrity...It's how I want to live my life. I never want to show something I'm not. I think a person of integrity is someone whose words can be trusted....someone who shows compassion and respect. I want people to see me that way....to know that what I say is who I am.....

Integrity...it means looking inside my own heart and changing those things in me that aren't right.....

Father...forgive us....drive out the blinding darkness once again

When I feel like I can't go on

Linking with Charlotte at Spiritual Sunday & Laura at  Beholding Glory
 

“Faith doesn't come in a bushel basket, Missy. It comes one step at a time. Decide to trust Him for one little thing today and before you know it, you find out He's so trustworthy you're putting your whole life in His hands.” Lynn Austin

Yesterday I heard that the man who decided it was right to take my writing and claim it as his own without paying anything for the work - printed up a bunch of copies, put his wife's name down as the author and is selling them at his church. His church knows he's been told by lawyers to stop infringing on copyright yet they've decided to ignore that. 

Yesterday I was angry....really angry....at the man, his wife, their church and especially God for letting this happen. But when I finally got quiet....I heard it...that quiet whisper...reminding me.... He's in my corner...fighting this battle...He's got my back. 

So today....I choose to trust what I can't see and believe that good will come from bad and truth will trump lies. 

When I feel like I can't go on...when the road is winding way too long...You deliver me......

This Journey to be Strong

Linking up with Charlotte at Spiritual Sunday and Laura at Faith Filled Friday

"I knew I was sitting in the right seat. It was time for someone to stand up – or in my case, sit down. I refused to move" Rosa Parks

Taking a stand...making a difference...sending a strong message that something's not okay. Heart pounding....knees shaking.....But knowing a thing is wrong and doing nothing is more wrong. 
And if that wrong is allowed... others get hurt. Lies corrupt everything it touches. 

I picture armed cops standing over her...and imagine Rosa Parks...intimidated...afraid...wondering if she should give in.....do what they wanted...do what was expected. But something in her locked in a determination to stay put....to not move...to stand her ground.

Rosa knew she had the right same as they....to be treated with dignity and respect. She was a woman...tired from a day's work...and more so...tired from people treating her less than human. She stayed in her seat. She refused to move. And things got worse. They slapped the cuffs on and threw her in jail.

Bullies....they come in all sizes, shapes and forms. They wear suits and ties....jeans and t's....They're in our schools....communities, even the pulpits. 

Taking a stand...in the face of overwhelming odds....walking into darkness armed only with 'Truth and Right.' 

It's the way I feel about the so called 'preacher' who refuses to back down from infringing copyright.  Some things are just wrong. Some things demand a stand be taken. I've questioned what I'm doing....wondering if I'm just being stubborn. But something in me is realizing it's not just a case of copyright...or him encouraging others to follow his lead, it's about deception. 

The power to be strong, and the wisdom to be wise...all these things will come to you in time 

Thankful Thursday

Linking with Cami at Thankful Thursday

"The first question which the priest and the Levite asked...if I stop to help this man, what will happen to me? But the the good Samaritan reversed the question...if I do not stop to help this man, what will happen to him? " Martin Luther King, Jr. 

I've always told my girls....there are more good people than bad in the world. Sometimes that doesn't see to be true....but than someone happens into my life and confirms that it really is.  

I'm grateful for those who shine light...hope and compassion in my world...especially in this situation with the preacher man who took what doesn't belong to him....and who, using faith, is promoting himself as someone he's definitely not. I've learned that it's living the truth with kindness that speaks the loudest. I'm grateful for....


-The lawyers....I'm humbled by their kindness. Yesterday they said they're behind me 100% and are worried for my safety and they'll do whatever I want. They've been love in action....and their kindness feels like God's hugs to me.
-Roger....I was introduced to him b/c of his knowledge of the film and writing industry. His constant support, wisdom and friendship reminds me there really are more good guys than bad. Rog...if you're reading this....thank-you. You're the absolute best and preacher man was a definite incidental bridge that connected me with you. Thanks for being in my corner. 
-S....she's become a mentor and friend.....an older woman who shines light and love and wisdom. She' helped me stay focus through this whole thing. Her words, her heart have shown me that kindness is the truest form of wisdom. 
-R...M...and K...who have told me if this goes to court they're there...They'll do whatever I need. They've listened to my rants...and always directed me to look up and trust Him with the final outcome. 
-And mostly for Him...I think He knew this would happen. And if He knew....then He's in it and if He's in it...the ending is going to be totally awesome. It doesn't matter that the winds are whipping around....I'm standing on the rock....and that rock is gonna smash this thing wide open into something amazingly beautiful. I know that b/c He promised...and His promises are right on true. 

Spiritual Sunday "Snakes"

Thanks Charlotte and Ginger...Love that you guys host Spiritual Sunday every week.

“A snake deserves no pity” Yiddish Proverb

We live in an awesome area......right next to a bird sanctuary. We're there a lot...hiking the trails.....feeding the birds.....breathing in the beauty of plants, flowers....streams.

There's one downside....'snakes.' I've seen two in the last year. Before I knew about them...I moved freely....now I tread cautiously when walking those trails. The first time, one slithered right across our path. I screamed and jumped into the arms of my terrified ten yr. old. My oldest killed herself laughing.

Now I know snakes live somewhere on the trails. I'm not sure where exactly......but they're out there. Knowing that makes me move differently....I''m always wondering if I'll bump into one.  I watch the ground...especially where we saw those two snakes. 

They're harmless. Still....something about them creeps me out. The second one didn't freak me out as much....I think because I was prepared for it.  I realize there's a few things I can do....step back....wait until it slithers by and keep moving forward. 

It's sort of like that on the faith trail.....I know there's a 'snake' that wants to trip me up...make me afraid....He's out there.....I don't know where exactly....nor do I know when he'll show himself.  But he's real.... and can appear on the scene at any time. 

I know he can't hurt me.....he's been defeated...but he creeps me out like the snakes in the bird sanctuary. And with him too...I've learned a few things I can do....Stay strong in my faith....hold tight to the Truth and keep moving forward.


Ladies and gentlement let me introduce to you the father of lies....