I've been blessed to have so many wonderful souls reach out to me to offer prayers, love, support, good energy, spiritual vibes, a beat of a Djembe drum, or a call to the ancestors on my behalf. Whatever your method, style or spiritual belief, I THANK YOU ALL for considering sending me a part of yourselves, even if only through words, and actions from your part of the global consciousness.
I've been struck particularly by the many from around the world (Facebook is an amazing tool in this regard) who find amazement and inspiration through my own journey. What a blessing for us all..
I had been laying in the bed thinking about INSPIRATION and people who SUFFER IN SILENCE. My approach is one of many ways to cope, it's my way, and it's certainly not the right way or the wrong way. There is no script to dealing with adversity. What I do know and have witnessed over the years in my work as a photojournalist and humanitarian, is that many people actually do SUFFER IN SILENCE. This particularly plagues the black community as we are taught to keep "secrets" out of shame, fear, and embarrassment. If cousin Tookie age 13 got pregnant, she was sent away down south to further embrace her shame, until she had the baby or aborted. If Uncle Willie developed AIDS, the pink elephant would be everywhere, crushing people's chest in between helpings of ribs at the summer family reunion. Of course, shame is not a condition solely ascribed to people of color, but I'm just sayin... And if Sister Carlotta from the church had cancer and became symptomatic, she would be prayed for under a watchful eye of concern from the congregation. Stay with me....
Not everyone who develops an ailment has a bright story of championship and LIVING OUT LOUD to share, but still, many do. This is where I think about INSPIRATION. It's humbling to know that many are inspired by my journey, and all the love and support really does help carry me through! "You're an inspiration Ocean." This simple statement brings so much warmth to my heart....
So as I lay in bed between fevers and chills, i ask that anyone reading this REACH out to someone who you know may be SUFFERING IN SILENCE. There are no shortages of ailments going around. We are all afflicted by something; some worse than others. REACHING OUT in the course of my life, LOVING our brothers and sisters, neighbors and even strangers, widens the heart to receive and give and it makes a BIG DIFFERENCE in those people' live's as I can testify to. RIDE THE WAVE OF INSPIRATION to share a kind word, a loving thought, AND YOU RECEIVE IT TEN-FOLD when you need it the most. I can almost guarantee it!
With so much pain and indifference in the world, we ought to nurture that part of us that has the capacity to LOVE in big and small ways, and be TRUE to ourselves and others because WORDS CARRY IMMENSE POWER.
YOU ARE THE PERSON SOMEONE SUFFERING IN SILENCE IS WAITING FOR....
Love, LIGHT AND PEACE to YOU and to EVERYONE!
Ocean
5 comments:
You have stated so beautifully why we are all are placed on the journey we're on - whatever that journey is... To share the gift (insight, love, experience) with others but don't underestimate how extraordinary you are. When faced with the journey you're on, people have a choice to make. The easiest road to take is to become bitter, angry & resentful at the world - all out of fear. Fear of the future, fear of pain, fear of change. But when the second road is consciously chosen it brings healing - not just physically but more importantly emotionally, mentally, spiritually, not just to the individual, but to all that are touched by the ripples of that one life. You, my friend, have chosen the road less traveled but also the road most rewarding. You've chosen well - thank you.
Most beautifully said my beautiful brotha. Bless you!
Thank you and abundant blessings to you all!
Being HIV+, I have tremendous empathy for your experience. I send my spirit guides praying and singing in their divine tongues to warm your chills and cool your fevers...as you are healed in both body and spirit, so is humanity.
You are an unique expression of spirit having--and making vital contributions to--this human experience. There is no wasted time or life as each moment is recognized as whole, perfect and complete. Be well.
People fear the sick and infirm because they don't understand so Please Live your life loud! Your story gives everyone hope !
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