Sunday, November 21, 2010

freedom to love...

Teach us love and loyalty on earth as it is in Zion.

JAH
my family
and lovely friends
my daughter's giggle
her soft kiss on my cheek
a warm hug from a friend
my NASCAR boy toys, drivers
sending some love in the mail
giving my time to others
helping a stranger...

~ ~ ~

...my only thought was getting home to my baby and my king; looking forward to enjoying a quiet moment, relaxing and doing absolutely nothing, but then i stepped outside and life intervened.  

He was stroking his cane from side to side, veering ever so close to the edge of the sidewalk.  I watched intently as he took each precarious step, my heart racing faster as each foot touched the earth.  Restraint abandoned my body.

Sir, you're getting ready to fall off the sidewalk, I said ever so eloquently.

Oh thank you, the man said with gratefulness filling his voice.  He paused for a moment, Are you by any chance going up the hill?, he asked.

Sorry, I am not.  I hope you have a nice day

As I turned and started walking away, I heard the click of his cane as it hit the pavement.  I glanced across the street at the Garden of Peace Memorial which always demands a moment of silence.  I exhaled, remembering those who lost their lives as a result of homicide (especially those whom I shared personal moments with on this plane).  I wondered if someone had had the opportunity to help them out, but instead had chosen not to.  My fleeting thoughts interrupted, I turned around, quickly caught up to the man, and extended my arm.  

what represents love and loyalty to you?

19 comments:

Cindy said...

What a beautiful post Se'lah, from your lovely painted rock, to extending your arm.....sometimes just a knowing glance is all that is necessary. I always feel your love,what represents love and loyalty is just that feeling that is so powerful. one love.

ELK said...

oh this is you .. you just inspire me so ... blessings friend

Anyes said...

How beautiful to be watching with intent and knowing when to extend a helpful arm.
You thoughtful heart is such a powerful guide.
Lovely rock art:-)

Birdie said...

Se'lah, this is RAK in action :-) as I was reading your lines I didn't believe for a second that you would have not helped the man ... I'm happy you did! lots of love, have a wonderful day!!

Elisabeth said...

The courage to say what you believe needs to be said, the courage then to follow it up with action. To me that signifies love and loyalty. Thanks for a beautiful post, Se'Lah.

Gail said...

Oh Se'Lah

this writing brought tears to my eyes. Such a beautiful sharing of kindness. I believe that forgiveness is the key - as we have all been harmed or hurt in some way - forgiveness heals the world.

Love to you always
Gail
peace.....

Kim Mailhot said...

simple grace.

Love to you, Beautiful Heart.

Kim Mailhot said...

Love your rocks, sweet Friend.

Darcel said...

Very nice post. You always make stop and think.

Sorry I haven't been by in a while.

margie said...

you my sister. you do. xo

A Box of Chocolates said...

Se'Lah this is why we love you. I love you for being you for putting yourself out for others for fighting for others who can't fight for themselves for being the strong and yet fragile mother that you are. I love you for your friendship and your being you. Always be.....

Anonymous said...

Lovely moment.

My 9-yr-old daughter and I went into the city at the weekend and she declared she wanted to help three people. We helped six! Most were street artists but one was really suffering out in the cold... so he got food and hot drink too from us.

Joanna Jenkins said...

That was kindness times ten! Good for you.
Cheers, jj

Tracey said...

Beautiful. I'm nearly in tears. This hit me.... in a good way :-)

Tracey said...

PS: LOVE the rock paintings!!! :-)

graceonline said...

Ah, it was just such a post that spurred me to follow you in the first place. Thank you for your kindness to this gentleman. Thank you for sharing the story, that we might all take heart and learn.

Elizabeth Halt said...

kindness in action. i am inspired anew.

Operaton You said...

You heard me yell out when you told him you weren't going in his direction...I should have known the moral of the story is to remember what Se'Lah means!

Beautiful story of listening within.

Marilyn Miller said...

Love your heart.