Blinded by Love

Like today, the sun’s heat reflected on all the people that stretched out on the lounge chairs, stood in long lines at the water park, and popped in and out of the water like dolphins in the ocean.  My sister, Landy, and I picked the perfect day to take our children and niece to the water park.

One of the children’s favorite activities is the Lazy River, which is water current that pushes you in one direction without any effort on anyone’s part.  I listened to the interruption of laughter as the children dived and splashed under water.  My daughter, who I feel is more comfortable in water than walking, scurried along without any fear.  I, on the other hand, tried not to have fear; let’s just say I felt better being close to her.  She acted as if I were a net holding her back!

I saw a young man grab Landy's arm as I watched her grab my daughter for me.  They continued to move, of course, but Landy seemed to slow down some in the water.  I caught up with her, my nieces, my daughter, and this man holding on to her arm.   I yelled, “I’m coming, hold on!”  As I approached, my sister said, “This is my sister, Vickie.”  And Jannah, my daughter said, “And I’m her kid.”  He said, “Hello.  I’m Trevor.” 

Trevor reached out to hug me in the water, but in his effort, he missed my body totally and slightly pulled away from Landy’s arm, which he scurried to get back.  I looked at my sister with a “what’s-up-with-this” look, and she had this big Kool-Aid smile on her face. I thought he had a crush on her.  I then noticed he had a white-folded stick in the water, one that is used by blind people as a guidance tool when they walk.  Well, it explained why he totally missed hugging me.  The water current had moved me so quickly from the spot where he first heard my voice.  I touched his arm and shoulder in my attempt to hug him in moving water.  I said, “I think it’s cool that you are in here by yourself hanging out.” He said, “Your sister is taking me to the waterfall. I keep missing it because I can’t see where to go.  I said, “OK then.  Let’s go.”

As we moved along in the warm water heated by the sun, I thought this young man could not have chosen a better person to get him to his destination.  Landy is such a nurturing, caring, and beautiful Being.  She guided him in and out of the waterfall area and back to the main part of the Lazy River.

Trevor glowed with gratitude!  Not only is he a brave young man, he is a strong force of love waiting to share with whomever allows it.  It is evident that he is "blinded" by love.  I don’t see his blindness as a handicap; he reminded me on another level to look pass size, shape, race, weight, attitude, smells, and uniqueness in every way.  This young man made sure he touched or hugged everyone who had any affiliation with Landy.  Trevor, nineteen-years-old, left me and my family speechless.  We just smiled at each other.

I saw a bright-red patch across Trevor's back, where the sun had made its mark on his pale skin.  I wondered if the patch would burn him later that day.  He held onto the metal banister, once he released Landy's arm to leave the water, and I moved along in the water, watching him until he disappeared into the bright sun.

Trevor had such a warm and beautiful presence; his gentleness was such a sweet force.  I could feel the love radiating from him.  You know, there is always so much talk about handicaps, race relations, and social inequalities in our society.  For a moment on this day, I could only think about how my family and I had been marked, blinded by love.

Coming Out

I first visited Unity North Church in Marietta, GA about a few months ago for a funeral of a dear friend who I hadn't seen in several years.  The tears in my eyes made everything seemed blurry on that day.  Once my tears dried, I looked at the beautiful cloths hanging from the ceiling over the stage, which were symbols of all the recognized religions.

When I picked up one of the song booklets and flipped through the pages, I recognized several songs by Rickie Byars Beckwith.  Excitement filled my body; it became a matter of time before I returned for my first visit.  Keep in mind, I haven't been in a church building for several years.

I walked in the doors ten minutes late after getting somewhat lost.  Surprised that I had a wide selection of where I could sit, I sat closer to the back of the sanctuary, at first.  Normally, I would have sat there careful not to stand out among the congregation.  No, I moved closer to the front.  Why not?  I wanted to see and feel everything during my first visit of being with like-minded, soul-like, beautiful people!

The light and spaciousness of the sanctuary helped me to feel relaxed, and I looked around at the faces that had once walked in the doors of Unity North for their first time.  Were they, too, ready to come out and just be?  Did they, too, ask how can they be of service?  I sat there feeling love and gratitude because I knew the time had come for me to live out loud.

To my amazement, the message:  “Coming Out – Authen-City vs. False City,” by Rev. Jeanie Ward, hit me like the sun hovering over Mother Earth.  She told her story of how she lived a life of different faces making sure to use them when she needed to cover up that she was gay, unhappy, and terrified of life.  I could identify that same pain in Rev. Ward that had drove me to deep depression.
 
After years of uncertainty, sickness, and dealing with obesity, she came out.  She said, “I am unique and so is everyone else.”  Rev. Ward’s coming out was not only about her sexuality, it was about living up to her true potentiality—her unique expression of God.  I sat in my chair, closed my eyes, breathed deeply, and said, “Yes” – Yes, to living out loud – Yes, to living my true potentiality. “Where do I start?” I asked.  I heard Rev. Michael Bernard Beckwith’s words, “Right where you are.”

Unity North Church seems to be somewhat reserved in terms of movement and dance during service, unlike what I’m use to growing up in a Penecostal church or what I’m used to seeing at Agape Spiritual Center.  So, as I listened, I said out loud, “Yes!” during Rev. Ward’s message several times; my words echoed toward the cathedral ceiling, alone.  When the awesome duo, kRi & hettie, sang, I felt the need to stand, sing, and sway with them. I love their music, their voices, and their message! The words, “Everyday is an opportunity to forgive myself, re-invent myself, and fall in love with myself,” touched my heart.  I am the only one who stood in the entire sanctuary.  Normally, I would feel embarrassed, and I would wonder what people thought or even asked after service, “Do you think it was OK that I stood when no one else stood?”  Not this day; I AM coming out!

The old will leave to make space for the new.  Thoughts and feelings of insecurity, self-doubt, fear, and lack of worthiness had crippled my potentiality. I know I’m evolving each day; like an onion, I continue to peel back layers of deep, negative thought patterns.  I’m ready.  I accept.  I’m available. I can do it.  I will do it, and I give deep thanks.  Use me, Lord.

How about you?  Are you ready to come out about something, anything?  Come on and join me.  Peace and Blessings!

Celebrate Knowing!

(Photo taken by Se'Lah)

I've often heard that we are connected and really never gave much thought to what that meant. I believed it as the truth, and I assumed we were all connected since we are here in this space and time. Yesterday, and this morning during meditation, I've visited this idea as more than a thought; I experienced it.

My husband, Raheem, and I had to take care of some business that could have been perceived as unpleasant, and I must admit, I marched forward after recognizing a negative thought within me about the situation.  Somehow, I just knew that everything was working for our good, regardless of my mind chatter.  So, I took a deep breath, ignored the mind chatter, and focused on knowing that every move I made (walking – talking – smiling – interacting with others – driving – listening) was Divine Source moving as me.  Raheem wasn’t as confident, but I told him, “The Universe has our back!  Let’s do this."

When we walked out of our attorney’s office, Raheem could only say, “All praises be to God!”  I couldn’t say a word; I felt the gratitude, and it covered every aspect of my Being. I blessed everything within my eyesight and heart-sight.  Raheem had to walk prior to getting into the truck; he needed to be and feel the energy and the love first.  We weren’t expected to meet with this particular attorney, the owner.  However; spiritually, he knew we needed his help beyond the physical realm, and he chose to be with us.  I, too, knew to expect my good beyond the physical realm.  Together, the attorney, Raheem, and I danced in Spirit!

Dr. Reverend Michael Bernard Beckwith said:

…And we always know it’s transformation because it surprises us – and if it doesn’t surprise you, it’s not transformation. It could be something that you’ve expected and put together in a nice, little, neat package.

But, when you throw yourself open by asking empowering questions and by willing to be more than you’ve ever thought you could be, you get surprised by the depth of what’s inside of you!

It’s so potent that it’s oftentimes shocking.

I didn’t know what to expect at the attorney’s office, but I knew it was Good.  I just didn’t know how Good!

This morning during meditation, I celebrated life, and I danced with those who were willing to dance with me in Spirit.  I felt each and every one of them. I joined in with the celebration of infinite love, peace, and joy.

Celebrate in knowing that everything you are, everything you desire, your purpose, is here and now.  Open and accept in your heart that celebrating Good is you activating your faith.  Know.  Trust. Accept.  Rejoice.  Celebrate simply in just knowing, and accept your joy!  We don’t need to have or see something in order to know and celebrate; we just need to feel all that we are grateful for.  All is well.  Life is Good.

Hop in Gratitude

To express her gratitude, my daughter, Jannah, gave me this sweet drawing that she colored. Isn't it fun?

When she gave me this drawing, her large eyes stretched even bigger. She couldn't contain the excitement she felt when giving it to me, and that's how she is when she gives me or anyone anything. It is so beautiful how she hops when she talks to me, or when she is doing something that makes her feel good. Her enthusiasm is contagious! In return, my voice goes an octave higher, and I respond with the same enthusiasm. It's not forced; her energy transfers to me, reinforcing the truth that we are all connected.

So, today, for my gratitude practice, I am going to give of myself anyway I can with such enthusiasm that I hope to transfer it to all I come in contact with today. This light energy is infinite. Here are a few areas that first comes to mind based on the errands and tasks I need to do today: buying groceries - writing a resume for someone today as a form of service, not pay - paying a couple of bills - reading and critiquing other's writing as a source of encouragement.

The power to give is the same power in which we receive things. As I read somewhere, it's one running faucet, steadily moving and powerfully providing. There is no separation. All we need to do is move with the harmonic flow of the Universe, transferring all the love-thanksgiving we can hold in our hearts. In this type of living, we have no attachments to expectations.  We let things be as they are.  Yes, go with the flow in gratitude and thanksgiving, and watch how beauty manifests in your life in a variety of forms. Will you be enthusiastic and hop in gratitude with me and Jannah today?

Love, Liberty & Light

Pass the Rock

Recently, I went for a walk in the park.  White Oak Park is such pretty scenic view.  It has rolling hills, but you can see over them, as far as your eyes will take you.  I walked admiring this view, blessing each person who passed me.  I like to walk against traffic so that I can look into the faces of the people I bless. 

On this day, I saw an elderly man walking, leaning to one side.  He had a good stride going.  We greeted each other with a head nod.  Immediately, I thought he had such kind eyes.  I said, "good morning."  He stopped, and I had to back up a few steps to face him.  He gave me a rock, and said, "I'm passing this rock to you.  We don't have a torch so I'm passing this rock."  I said, "OK."  I held the rock in my hand.  It was dirty, a black and grayish color.  I looked for a sign or something that I should know about that rock, turning it around and around.  He laughed, and said, "I'm leaving now.  So, be sure to pass it along. The rock is what you put into it."  I smiled at him, and my heart danced at the thought.  I said, "I will definitely pass it along."

During my last lap around the dirt trail, I felt it was time to release the rock to someone else.  I held it, blessed it, and allowed my entire body to fill the energy of love and gratitude.  Then, I saw Rebecca.  I stopped her and explained the rock to her.  The feeling and words came through me like a burst of energy.  My enthusiasm was contagious; she squeezed the rock as I told her how she is the Divine expression of love, and that her life is hers to live to the fullest.  I said, "You have a purpose.  Listen to your heart and soul, and go for it." Her head moved up and down while I spoke to her, as if she were drinking a love potion.  She gave me a hug, and I thanked Divine Source for that elderly man and Rebecca.  It had been my first time ever meeting them both on that trail.

I read somewhere that incredible stories happen everyday, all the time.  By being in the present moment, a wonderful miracle happened to me, the elderly man, and Rebecca; our kindred spirits accepted that rock on that day in our lives, which allowed us to recognize that we are one.  Rebecca said, "I don't know what I will say or who I will give this rock too, but I can't wait."

The rock represented living in the moment to me.  I am grateful to have shared this miraculous moment with the elderly man and Rebecca.

The Dancer

When you feel like you can't move, dance.  When your heart is occupied with pain, dance.  When you are in doubt or feeling worried, dance.  Dance because you are celebrating your life; you are the perfect divine expression of peace, greatness, love and joy!

(Jannah striking her pose before she went off to her dance recital.  The theme: "I wanna dance."  It was such a fun and exciting day with the family!)

Love Is What We Are

"Love is neither learned nor taught.  We are created in and of love.  It is what we are." - Eric Butterworth

Sometimes I don't feel like I am love; sometimes I don't feel like loving, especially when I'm faced with a perceived challenge.  I feel irritated and frustrated, and I think I know why at the time.  But then, I sit in the reality--what is real to me.  I look within, only to find out that I am actually irritated with the idea of the challenge; so, I pull the challenge apart, piece by piece, in my thoughts, deciphering it.

You know what I find?  I find that I'm attached to a specific outcome of the perceived challenge. When I release and let go of the attachment, I feel free.  When I open my mind and heart--relaxing my shoulders, my back, softening my heart and mind, and letting go of expectations--love shines through; I feel Divine Presence all around me, in me and through me. 

I feel my light shining; I feel the love glowing.  Even in perceived darkness, I see the light.  How?  I am carrying it with me, lighting my path, and for this:  I AM grateful to be love.  Love is what we are.

Asking for prayers...

I am asking for prayer for my friend, Selah, who is on her healing journey.  Please pray today and affirm your prayer on tomorrow.  Thank you!

We know that her mind and body are ONE, whole, complete, and the perfect manifestation of Divine Presence. Her breasts are the breasts of God; her body is the body of God. Therefore, any outside interference can be removed by simpling speaking, knowing and feeling the truth! It's our power. The truth is that Selah is the image and likness of God. She is the invisbile and visible; and we are grateful for her perfect healing and for her life. And so it is. Amen.

Healing Project for SeLah - Can you help?

Peace and Blessings!

Do you know of anyone in your life that has shown deep, unwavering love for God’s Creation?  I do.  Her name is Selah.  She is my wonderful friend, my true sister, and a passionate supporter of humankind; now, she needs our help.

Selah has used her blog, Necessary Room, to help hundreds of people in need.  She has brought people together from around the world, allowing people to use Necessary Room as a platform to give, to love, to heal, and to establish beautiful friendships.  “Practice Kindness” is how Selah explains her online projects to uplift the sick and love the forgotten.   One of my favorites is, "Selah’s Angels", a project established to send an anonymous card to encourage those who are battling cancer. 

Now, it is time to help her; Selah has been diagnosed with breast cancer.  Because she believes in natural healing, she has decided to attend the Hippocrates Health Institute in Florida. Total cost is $5,000.00.  Her health insurance will not cover the cost.

Will you help Selah continue to help others, by helping her?  If everyone can give a little something, it will go a long way. 

You may send electronic donations via www.paypal.com to:  Roxannbc@aol.com or you can mail donations to:

72 Fairview Oak Place

Dallas, GA  30157

Will you post this announcement on your blog?  Thank you.

Thank you, in advance, for your love, support, and prayers.  I started a non-profit organization for people who want to heal mind, body & soul; It is called Light, Liberty & Love, Inc.  Stay tuned…

Have questions?  Email me at vickie.mujahid@gmail.com or call me at 678-478-0777.

Light, Liberty & Love, always.