'OKLAHOMA TORNADO'
As I have shared in my blog that 'Life is a wonder to me', the Oklahoma tornado speaks volumes today. There is no way to relate to the people that are experiencing this terrible tragedy in Oklahoma. What does it mean to every person there in Oklahoma and across our land. The 'message' is in the process and the 'teacher' is silent or is HE? To seek, discern, pray, hope, trust and cling to ones' faith is vital at this time, indeed.
Our minds kick in gear as to what would we do, how would we feel, what if it happens to us, how can we protect ourselves and our children. It is not so much adverse events that make us anxious as it is our thoughts about those events. We have a tentative to want to control or fix things. We quickly forget who is in charge when an act of God is allowed to unfold.
Where is our trust and faith in all things during times as these? What can we do to help so far away as we hear about this tornado. Is this event only speaking to those in Oklahoma?
Today, my thoughts are all over the place as I watch and read about this terrible tornado in Oklahoma this morning. We all know that there isn't a single soul that could have prevented this tornado.
I read recently from a reading of Graham Cooke these words: "God allows in HIS Wisdom what HE could easily prevent in HIS power." WOW! How does this settle in our hearts? Are we back to choices and how we view the 'whys' of life? Are the 'wonders of life' about something deeper than what we want to feel this morning as our hearts break. This might be a time to reflect in a deeper level as to the 'whys' of real life lessons of this tornado. This tornado might change persons lives in a way that brings them a new awareness of life and living.
I have chosen this morning to share this poem that I have penned as I reflect, ponder and pray for the many hearts that are hurting so badly in Oklahoma and around our world.
REFLECTION ON THE OKLAHOMA TORNADO EVENT
May 19, 2013 was an ordinary date, sending children to school.
By the end of the day, it was similar to 1999's memory of a 'Howling Gate'.
Before the tornado sweep through this day,
folks' memories had faded and they didn't think of this date.
For some, time allowed for nothing.
Much more than seconds, minutes of whirling winds and rain were released.
The boldness of disaster took, homes, businesses and lives.
The results of the tornado is beyond human belief.
Folks are supporting all means against the wicked winds of speed.
More than neighbors and families, are ready and standing tall.
Homes, trees, vehicles, and people were tossed everywhere.
Life seems more precious - the mission to help is their 'call'.
Loving people are coming from near and far.
They want to join this mission in resolve for a common cause.
They are mixing their sweat with other peoples' sweat, dirt,
mud, rain; still, they haven't paused.
Yes, awakening calls roar through disasters.
Courage, compassion, empathy flows across our land.
People helping carry their burdens, as in: 'you ain't heavy, your my brother'.
It is priceless and precious in giving and extending a helping hand.
'May god's guidance, love and grace' overshadow all people.
Abolishing all differences, with harmony to give and receive.
Let us hear with our hearts and not our ears only.
May God grant us a willingness and compassion to perceive.
copyrighted by Doris Swertfeger
05-21-2013
'LOVE' is one of the most powerful forces in the universe.
Until next time
God Bless
Doris
Sunday evening
Hi Friends,
I am sharing with anybody that wants to read my posts. Some of the things that I write is positive and some is just reality that I feel is important to reflect on and learn how to cope and accept in our life and living.
I am sure we all have heard the statement: It doesn't take long to look around us and see somebody worse off than we are. Have you ever heard this? I have and I have felt this.
I am grateful for what RSD has taught/is teaching me. I feel that I have learned volumes about life and living and if RSD had not crossed my path, I wouldn't be the person that I am today.
I can honestly say that I enjoy my life and living and from hence I have come. Pain, sorrow, lessons, setbacks; yes, but I am a more rounded, deeper caring, spiritual person now.
I read somewhere that if you walked into a place and there was a huge table with crosses all over it and each cross represented your burdens/crosses to bear in life, that you would most likely pick up the one that was your cross/burdens in the first place. It is good that we have no control of what comes our way. I feel and believe that there is a 'higher power' greater than ourselves that knows what is best for our journey in life.
Now, perhaps, what we can do to make those burdens/crosses lighter would be to reflect/focus on what they might mean to have crossed our path and learn from them. Just maybe, they were put in our path for us to slow down and listen within as to what it is that this 'cross' is trying to teach me. Sometimes we need to refocus and go down a different path on our journey.
I remember many years ago now when I was diagnosed with RSDS/CRPS that I was just doing my thing. I didn't think too much about what was going to be happening in the future. Just living my life and enjoying most of it, with my ten year old daughter. I was a single parent with a good job and enjoying my work.
And, than one day, it all changed. Trauma from a previous surgery started to tailspin and that is when RSDS/CRPS entered my life and living. The only thing that I really knew that I wanted was to survive as a good mother for my daughter for I was a single parent. I HAD TO WORK AND I HAD A PURPOSE BESIDES MYSELF. After crying the 'why me' and started focusing through support. The 'Why Me' changed to 'Why Not Me'. My family, neighbors, church family and my work family were awesome!
I just want to say that I would never have made it to where I am now if I would have tried to handle RSD on my own. EVERYBODY NEEDS SUPPORT. RSDS/CRPS persons need support when all that they feel is PAIN. Empathy from another is the first step in healing. Sympathy got me nowhere. I wanted somebody to understand me and NOT feel sorry for me. And, if they haven't experienced RSD, they can still be there in love, caring and allowing you to just 'BE in the Moment'. That heals and comforts pain.
You know, sometimes it is hard to cope and share and even get up in the mornings but if we don't keep trying we cannot help ourselves or anybody else.
So, on those days that we find it so very hard to move, move anyways! Yes, call somebody and share ANYTHING with somebody. This is the first thing that I found that helped me the most from going into a depression. And, even if you don't say a word other than, "Hi, this is ______, I am not having a good day." And, your friend or whomever you have chosen to call will take care of the rest for awhile. BUT, WE HAVE TO START TO MOVE AND TRY TO REACH OUT. The rest will follow. Believe me, I am not sharing anything that I haven't experienced myself. I didn't/don't want to just hear stories that sound good. I always wanted to hear the truth even when it hurt.
If I could wish anything today that I could say or do to help any person in pain but especially, to RSDS/CRPS persons since having RSDS has inspired me to start my blog; it would be to first and foremost, search for a purpose to live for, look for a passion to fulfill and keep your focus on something that is bigger than you are and/or your pain. Take up a hobby and/or do something that fills your head/heart and life. And, secondly, KEEP MOVING!
I was told if I ever sit and did not move, I would be in a wheelchair the rest of my life. I truly believe this because if I get the flu or I am off of my feet for days, I hurt and I know and reflect on what I was told. WE MUST KEEP MOVING.
I worked for several years after my diagnosis of RSD. The only reason that I could do this was because I had an awesome employer and I worked with some awesome co-workers. I will never forget their support. They allowed me to be an equal in the midst of my struggles and treated me the same as before I was diagnosed with RSD. If any of you are reading this post, thanks, once again. You all know who you are. You're the best!
I remember having a button attached to the wall of my cubicle. The button had a picture of a penguin on it. The reading on it read: I can't fly but I get around just fine! And, so DID I!
Most importantly to remember, we can't go it alone. It's ok to ask for help and than we all win.
Until next time,
God Bless!
Doris
