Anchors Aweigh

Of this we can be certain, Life will challenge us to the "nth" degree. Over the course of our lifetime, we will be rocked to our core. How we respond to these difficulties determine the quality of life that we experience. It would behoove us then, to establish "core values" to see us through the tempests that are sure to come. This will provide an "anchor" so that we aren't blown upon the rocks or run aground. How do we go about forging this anchor? Link by link, that's how.

The best way that I found constructing each individual link in the chain is to ask myself; "who am I?" There are obvious answers for most of us; I am a ________ (lets fill in some blanks. Male, female, mother, father, wife, husband, son, daughter, sales rep, church goer, volunteer, etc etc). However, I don't believe we will achieve the tensile strength we desire in our chain if we stop there. These descriptions often become "roles" we play rather than a genuine expression of "who am I." Let me give a personal example. I could say, I am a writer; I am a poet. Or I could say, I am creative. The latter example removes the "role-defining" a. There is an inherent, self-imposed limitation to having that "a" there.

So this is my suggestion; boil your descriptions down to there absolute essence. Rather than saying, I am a caring, concerned individual; say, "I am empathetic." The links forged will be a series of "I Am's" that reveal exactly who you truly are. Knowing who you truly are is the anchor that will see you through the most violent storm.

*Josephine Gay

Reflection

If you do not go within,
You go without.

~Neale Donald Walsch 

*Olivia Engel

Saint Francis

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love
Where there is injury, pardon
Where there is doubt, faith
Where there is darkness, light
And where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled
As to console; to be understood as to understand
To be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned
And it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.

*Daniel Barden

Amazing Grace

I received the most beautiful gift today. I suppose at some level it was necessary to adequately prepare myself to receive it. Perhaps yesterdays post was the groundwork needed to insure I was aligned properly to handle so unique a gift. Something so radiant. I won't trouble you with the number of coincidents that had to happen for me to see it (seems it aired a week ago). I will let it speak for itself.

http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2012/12/18/mcdonnell-parents-live-through-grace/

It was never my intention to single out a child or teacher. I'm sure each has astonishing aspects to their life's. Still, the dignity on display insists on being shared. While Chris and Lynn McDonnell allow the children to "guide them," I will allow Chris and Lynn to guide me. How could I do less?

* Grace McDonnell

Do Not Pass Go

I have been locked in my own limitations. Overwhelmed by the magnitude of Newtown. Challenged by previous posts (12-10; 11-2; and 10-10). What I had misplaced was the reality of the end of John 14:10; "...but the Father that dwelleth in me, He doeth the work." Because simply put, this is a national issue that isn't going away anytime soon. And it is going to take the efforts of millions of Americans. I can only play a small part. But what part I can play, I can do "better than my best."

One of my tasks is to pray for Wayne LaPierre (CEO-NRA) and those who share his views. To meet fear with love. To be as inclusive as I suggest. Respect opinions that I vehemently disagree with. To look at inane comments from the likes of Mike Hucklebee and accept his intentions as legitimate, no matter how misguided. To realize it will take more involvement in the political process that I detest.

Another task set before me is to remember. Each and every one of you who were taken too soon. To that end, the next 26 posts will end with a name. I will try and honor your memory.

* Charlotte Bacon

Newtown, Ct.

The first post on this blog was about Aurora, Colorado. Now Newtown, Connecticut. It is debilitating. The senseless, horrific killing of 20 children and 7 adults leaves me distraught. I am caught up in the evil of the event. Something I perceive as so preventable just occurred and I feel the urge to lash out. Condemn. Point a finger. I want answers from gun advocates explaining semi-automatic assault weapons being protected under the 2nd Amendment. And 30 round clips.

Dan Holmes, owner of Fine Gardens (a landscaping firm) knew and spoke to Nancy Lanza. He said she was "very proud" when she revealed she had purchased a "high end rifle" (perhaps the Bushmaster .223 used in the killings). Dan is quoted as saying; "she loved her guns" (she owned at least five, including a Glock and Sig Sauer). I honestly wonder how Nancy feels about guns now. She was the first victim of her son Adam's killing spree.

Exactly one week ago I posted (Joy To The World) that negativity was evident at a "jaw dropping level." Four days later it was taken to another level. At this time I am incapable of moving through, past, or around, Sandy Hook. Evil very much works in this way. It (Evil) wants nothing more than to leave utter despair and hopelessness in It's wake. It wants a withdrawal from the battlefield. It wants capitulation. Understanding that, I won't. But give me a moment of weakness while I grieve with mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles, grandmothers and grandfathers, nephews and nieces, friends and neighbors...

Adam Lanza was an awkward, socially inept 20 year old. They say he had Asperger's or autism. These are different ways of saying he was awkward and socially inept. By all accounts, he wouldn't look people in the eye. He kept to himself. In the hallways at school it was said he "hugged the wall." I understand shyness and acute sensitivity---as well as being traumatized. I think something horrific happened to Adam when he was 6 or 7. I don't think he was ever able to speak of it until last Friday. The choice he made giving voice to it was cowardly and craven.

There is no going back. Whats done can't be undone. I only ask that if you should stumble upon this blog to honor those who won't: (The Children) Charlotte Bacon--Daniel Barden--Olivia Engel--Josephine Gay--Ana Marquez/Greene--Dylan Hockley--Madeline Hsu--Catherine Hubbard--Chase Kowalski--Jesse Lewis--James Mattioli--Grace McDonnell--Emilie Parker--Jack Pinto--Noah Pozner--Caroline Previdi--Jessica Rekos--Avielle Richman--Benjamin Wheeler--Allison Wyatt.

(The Teachers) Rachel Davino--Anne Marie Murphy--Lauren Rousseau--Victoria Soto--Mary Sherlach--Dawn Hochsprung.

Rich As I Could Be

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HziUgo9qZM4

Emmy Lou Harris sings the lyrics of Dolly Parton. A remarkable life lesson made all the more so for being true.

Update 7-24-13 Original link was removed and I have replaced it with (alas) an inferior.