Nudges from Above

I received an email from a family friend that contained a selection of inspirational thoughts that are more than apropos in these trying times. Some of them were corny or grin inducing, others had me co-signing in agreement out loud. Then there are the ones that were so on point it was scary.

“You can tell how big a person is by what it takes to discourage her.” I like this but one of my issues is weight so I really wasn’t feeling the size reference.

I fancy myself as a humorous person so this one hit home: “When you get to your wit’s end, you find that God lives there.” Yep, this is worthy of me. However, given my story-line of late, I’m glad God is at my wit’s end. It could been really ugly.

“The task ahead of us is never as great as the Power behind us.” This is a necessary reminder as I muddle through the madness of my life.

Coping is a skill I really need to get a better grip on, so this one really resonated: “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning to dance in the rain.”I’ve being so busy dodging raindrops; this could be one of those signs that I need to embrace.

Now this one brought me to a complete stop: God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage. I thought I deserved a smooth ride; especially since I’m a chronic good-deed doer. Although I could have managed without all of the drama and uncertainty of the past few years, I should take my own advice: if it doesn’t kill you it will make you stronger. A lot easier said than lived.

This next one is the one that I’ve missed for quite a while. “The Will of God never takes you to where the Grace of God will not protect you.” Exhale.

I chuckled to myself as I thought it was a neat coincidence to receive these messages. But I was wrong:

“Coincidence is when God chooses to remain anonymous.”

Please continue to pray  for Haiti

C. Denise Johnson can be reached at cdenisejohnson@gmail.com

The story continues...

Originally posted Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Decades come and go as countless people pass through our lives. Each one touches us for a specific reason, known or unknown. I've been privileged to have many incredible people to contribute to my worldview and I'd like to think they all have in some way made me a better person. This has not been the smoothest ride but it has definitely been an adventure. I've been blessed to  experience incredible highs and to crawl up from some very deep depths. Although I have no idea of what is ahead or how it will end, I thank you for your participation in my storyline. 

There have been some sections and paragraphs I'd love to delete, but they  add to the structure for the the rest of tale. As I begin Chapter 53 please know that every phrase you've said, every laugh we've shared and every spoken word will contribute to make the narrative of my life fuller and richer.

(c) C. Denise Johnson

Do we get it now?

Originally posted on Tuesday, January 11, 2011

So much to consider - the death of an innocent child born on 9/11/01, the anniversary of the police beating of Jordan Miles and the anniversary of Haitian earthquake. With all the vitriol, fear, ignorance, intolerance, violence and uncertainty we must remember that we are all in this together. As one goes, we all go. 

NOW, this is time to stop the madness and let the healing begin. We don't exist to hurt, maim or kill one another, otherwise the human race would be extinct. If we can't make things right for ourselves, let's make it right for our children and their children and their children's children.