My Red Tree

How long must we continue dear world in the present state in which we are in? Crimes of ignorance and hate surround us and with innocent blood on our hands we turn our backs. Because the ugly truth is too much to bear and voice is silenced in fear that consumes and threatens to swallow the very existence of our lives.

So I tell you this, I am not afraid. Because no matter how we endeavor to smudge the truth from our sight it will remain to rise up and haunt future generations. You cannot deny what is. Your guns are powerful, your hate is worse, and your inability to accept truth condemns you.

For all our power we have learned nothing. We still are unable to see past race, class, gender, or religion, to the heart that lies within, the heart that beats the same as yours the same as mine. How simple is that?

For all our denominations and faith, or lack thereof, and all our so called liberation we yet remain the faithful slaves of a cruel and unmerciful world. While everyone is preoccupied contending so loud for themselves and this country’s due them the pitiful cries of true suffering is obscured and the plea for mercy remains unanswered.

Comprehend this, every race, every religion, and gender has been devoid of rights at one time or another throughout the course of history. The very same history we so strive to ignore and change. And reversing this plight to better our own circumstances only causes us to make the same mistakes we were meant to better ourselves from.

So let us pass the chain to our children to the future. How easy it is, to become the cowards of our own creation. And how difficult for us to stand up and say ENOUGH. So explain to me, after we have all finished doing ourselves in from blind rage, ignorance and fear, what then? What then?

In memory of the innocent, for you I weep.

Bearers of Light

Psalm 29:11 (NIV)

11: The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.

The magi were led by faith, in search of peace. Over two thousand years later, we are still seeking the same gift. It comes in many forms, and is the subject of many debates, but above all it is one of our greatest hopes.

It may feel an endless search, but what we seek at times in desperation is already close at hand. Unlike the magi, we do not need to travel great lengths to find this gift. Because inside each, and every one of us, it is already there. Slumbering waiting for the day we realize and awaken that promise.

It comes in many forms, forgiveness, understanding, acceptance; these are the bearers of peace. As through faith, we draw strength to achieve these goals, which will awaken our hearts to renewal. Granting a greater understanding of peace, of the life we truly seek. Bathed in the glorious light of that lone star, that shines on, even to this day, to help us, to guide us, so we may once more find our way, back to the stable. Once there, let us lay down all that keeps us from embracing the peace that is ours. That He may mend and purify, heal and make whole. So we are better able to share the light, the precious gift, with those around us. May they see in us a difference, a hope, so they too, one day, might find their way back to Bethlehem, where it all began.

In our own way, let us be bringers of peace, to a world so in need of light, that the darkest corners may be illuminated. We cannot begin to help others, until we first are able to see, let our hands light the candles, which are inexhaustible.

May we learn to forgive ourselves, as God had already forgiven. To forgive others, as He would have us do. Let us come to understand, that though life may not always make sense, we may not always know the answers to the questions we ask, but still we can believe, that it is all a part of a far greater plan.

We have been called, as the wise men. To travel each day, through this world, to work, school, or fulfilling our daily tasks. But we are able to make a difference when we let peace reign within our hearts.

Lord grant us faith that we may find peace. Guide our paths so we are able to walk according to your wishes, and hopes for our lives. That through each season, each year, we will be bearers of your light. As we rejoice over the blessed promise that spans all time, all lives, and all circumstances. Enable us to embrace this gift, which you gave so very long ago.

I do not have a great understanding of what we cannot see. I accept with faith as I diligently cling to hope. If we create through passions, dreams, and vision, letting it become a part of us, or rather what makes us who we are, like love, how could this die? For I believe, I may be wrong, or I may be right, but I believe as we carry on the love of our ancestors, as we inherit their characteristics, why then can’t we inherit their dreams, their memories?

For I may not comprehend the science of it all, but I do know there are many things in this world, that science cannot explain. For I have been places, and seen, as well as felt, I have known, what I have never learned. I believe the soul is an intricate piece of work, fashioned by our Creator. So if we give our lives for a purpose, if we hold to the hope, the faith, if we pass on a dream, how could something that brilliant die?

So this is for you, my ancestors, for you are my people, as I am yours. Be proud for yourself, if not yet for me.

I am not turning on the news today. I am not reading the news today. For a change I am going to believe, just this once, that there is something more to this world, and to life.

I want to look up and see the clouds. Instead of reading about terrorists. I want to feel the sun, and touch the grass, and not think about the graves or the people dying. For today I am free. Free of my responsibility to this world, to humanity. Free of the burden the lack of hope.

Tonight, when I lay my head on my pillow. I want to dream, of birds singing, and the simple joy of setting beneath a tree with a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. The peace of heaven touching down, as a crescent moon bathes the sky. I don’t want to hear the screams, or see the hurt. For just one day, I want to believe. Believe that there is so much more. Found in the simple things, that we pass by each day.

For tomorrow I will hear it again, see it, and feel it. It will be a part of my life, of all our lives, as always. But maybe, if we just take some of that simple peace along with us, if we let it walk hand in hand. Just maybe someday, it will become stronger, and far outweigh the rest.

The other day while running a few errands in a torrential downpour, I stopped by my local post office to send off some packages. While racing to the door I nearly collided with a small child about five or six years old. She had a little red umbrella and looking up at me she smiled and said “look it’s raining” as if it was the first time, and something to be enjoyed. I pushed past in my hurry, and waited in line to reach the counter. In my opinion random children were always a nuisance, and behaved terribly in public places, it never ceased to amaze me how some of them will wail for a simple candy bar, or just throw a fit all together for no apparent reason. I had made it a practice long ago to simply ignore them all together.

Tapping my foot as I waited for the clerk to pound the postage on my packages, I looked down, and there she was again. Nerve-racking little thing I thought to myself. But then I noticed what she was doing. There was a bowl of candy on the counter, and she was reaching to take some. I was surprised to see she helped herself to only one, and as she walked away, there beside the bowl remained two small, somewhat crushed, wild flowers. I’m not usually sentimental, but that was sweet.

As I pulled out of the parking lot, there she was splashing in the puddles, twirling her little red umbrella. A child’s philosophy on life is truly something to marvel at. Here she was enjoying the rain, that I was loathing, and in her way, she taught me something, that I took home with me. You can take, from this crazy mixed up business we call life, by all means, but you must also give. If only we all could be that innocent, or at least not be afraid to get our feet a little wet.