The Courage to Live by Faith

Musings of a Writer

Sometimes inevitable things happen. We struggle with extreme loneliness and feeling of dejection; taking care of sick parents, partners or children, coping with loved one's death. On top, ourselves may be faced with financial bankruptcy that has drained us to the limits of our resources. Or just coping with serious illness and chronic pains and trying to survive each moment. Or dealing with a difficult spouse. Or raising a family as a single parent. Many more of these terrible 'or...' 

For those who have strong faith in God or a higher power, there's always a verse to hang on to that says, "My yoke is heavy but my burden is light" (Matthew 11:30) which means that no matter what befalls, we are in partnership with our divine rock and strength, a courage to carry on.

Have your friends, business partner or people you've trusted forsaken you? Then trust your God for that source of strength in sorting out your life.  Pray for courage and clear mind to be able to work things out.

Carrying a heavy load that you can no longer dismiss? Let's ask ourselves and ponder a moment why our load is so heavy and if there's anything we can do to lighten it.

Remember J.M. Barrie, the Scottish novelist and playwright who created the fictional character Peter Pan? Here's my favourite Barrie quote: "The reasons why birds can fly and we can't is simply that they have perfect faith, for to have faith is to have wings." How inspiring and motivating.   

I thank God for the gift of writing, pen and paper always at hand to rescue me to provide a fulfilling companionship from worthless wondering.  I thank God for music that soothe the sorrowing earthly woes, and even when my muse refuses to write, occasionally.

How about you?

Living Fully - a Paradox of Time

What sadness can we turn into a song when we are having our low moment?  Someone once said, "If your heart catches in your throat ask a bird to sing." 

Why?  Well, birds sing almost everyday, and their songs are warmhearted if not playful.

Speaking of living - I've just been tempted to share below something I've received more than a dozen times as a chain email. I love the message:  It's all about living. Live!

Before posting it here I wanted to be sure, so I checked and searched online if this message was indeed written by George Carlin on the occasion of his wife's death and his commentary after the September 11 attack on America. I'm glad I found this site --  Truth or Fiction ("The Paradox of Our Time".)



According to TruthOrFiction.com,  the message is actually written by Dr. Moorehead, minister, author and former pastor of Overlake Christian Church in Redmond, Washington.  Dr. Moorehead wrote it in 1990, later published in 1995, included in his book Words Aptly Spoken.

"AFTER THE DEATH OF HIS WIFE!

GEORGE CARLIN POST 9-11 (His wife recently died...)


Isn't it amazing that George Carlin - mouthy comedian of the 70's and 80's could write something so very eloquent ...and so very appropriate post 9-11.

A wonderful Message by George Carlin:

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints.We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time.We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.

We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values.We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.

We've learned how to make a living, but not a life.

We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor.

We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things. We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul.

We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships.These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes.These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill.It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom.A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete.

Remember, spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.

Remember,say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side. Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.

Remember, to say, "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of  you.Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.Give time to love, give time to speak, and give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind."

(Note: Below,  have been added further in some of the chain letters I've received.  The message is profoundly inspiring that I just have to share it to readers - whether you are familiar with it or not.)

HOW TO STAY YOUNG

1.  Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight and height. Let the doctors worry about them. That is why you pay them.

2.  Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down.

3.  Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever.  Never let the brain idle. " An idle mind is the devil's workshop."

4.  Enjoy the simple things.

5.  Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.

6.  The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on.The only person who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. Be ALIVE while you are alive.

7.  Surround yourself with what you love, whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever.Your home is your refuge.

8.  Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it.  If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.

9.  Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, to the next county, to a foreign country, but NOT to where the guilt is.

10.  Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.

And always remember:   Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.