This day wasn’t meant for us
At least, we didn’t think so
This hate crime shouldn’t have happened
We didn’t do anything wrong
You didn’t even know us
Why did you take us away from our loved ones?
You ended our lives.
Our day had just begun
We all gathered for a meal
We didn’t expect it to happen in a temple
Your intrusion took us by surprise
We were not ready to go
You didn’t give us a chance.
You ended our lives.
For a while we were forced to watch our backs
We were threatened
We were victimized and terrorized
We lived in constant fear
Yet, we hoped still
For a change of some sort.
You ended our lives.
We had lives of our own
We were alive and happy
We had duties and responsibilities
We had families and friends
We had dreams too, you know
Which are now just memories …
You ended our lives.
We knew a day would come
A day chosen for us by our Creator
We didn’t expect it to happen today
We didn’t expect it to happen here
We didn’t expect it to be tragic
We didn’t expect it to end by your hand.
On this day fourteen years ago, my sister left the world of mortals.
Jacky was truly one of a kind. She was amazing, smart, available, funny, strong, gentle, kindhearted, open-minded, sensitive, forgiving, and true. She had beautiful big brown eyes and a smile that literally lit up a room. She was a people person and always fought the good fight.
From the moment I became aware, I claimed her as mine: my sister, my friend, blood of my blood. I wanted to be just like her. She was my role model. We prayed, shared, talked and laughed a lot. We fought and argued about everything (I fought just as much with my brothers). At the end of each day, we always remembered that we only had each other. All we had was each other. ‘I had her back and she had mine.’
1997 was a bittersweet year. It was just the two of us against the world and our bond intensified. In a series of letters, I told her how much I loved her and how much she meant to me. She was all I got. We were deeply connected as I could feel her emotions and her mine. She was truly a free spirit in the purest sense of the word. On a beautiful afternoon a year earlier, while conversing in her room, she told me about her past two lives and I was amazed at how much detail she recalled. She encouraged me to practice kindness, especially toward those who hurt me and never to seek vengeance, regardless of circumstances.
“She is clothed in strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.” — Proverbs 31:25 (NLT).
Though physically gone, she is closer than ever before. Her spirit has not left my side. Like a soldier, she’s on standby; patiently waiting for instructions. I have called upon her for strength and she has comforted me. In my times of anxiety she’s the second best thing after my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We’ve all heard of guardian angels and it is said that we each have one. I am grateful, blessed to have met and walked the Earth with mine. I claimed her with a pure heart and the Lord made her mine.
“To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for his own glory.” – Isaiah 61:3 (NLT)
“Claim your loved ones in Jesus name so that their path will be true and safe.” — Joan Ambu
When my husband and I were looking to buy a house, we both agreed on a small backyard (less maintenance). However, we instantly fell in love with a smaller house our realtor showed us. Five years later, living in the High Desert of CA, we have never loved having a huge backyard more and enjoy a quieter lifestyle.
Of course, we have a lot of Weeds growing and we also have to deal with Gophers and Ground Squirrels, which can be quite overwhelming. Thankfully with patience, available tools, techniques and a willing mind – we turned it into a fun, relaxing, beautiful and inviting space.I have a few criteria before I purchase plants. They have to be evergreen or semi-evergreen; adaptable landscape plants and definitely have to withstand heat/dryness and cold-hardiness. Last but not least, appealing to the eyes.
1. Red Autumn Sage – Drought resistant with long period of bloom.
2. Common Broom – Erect shrub with bright yellow flowers in spring and summer.
3. Lindheimer’s Beeblossom – Perennial with white flowers, light pink/pink.
Ornamental Grasses: Add charm to landscapes.
1. Purple Fountain Grass – Reddish leaves and colorful flowers.
2. Elijah Blue Fescue Grass – Remains blue throughout the year.
Nothing is as hard as letting go. Remember your past relationships? Whether they were stagnant, unhealthy or abusive; letting go seemed impossible and painful. The fear of the unknown often discourages people to let go, even when they know that they are unhappy or worst, that there is nothing to hold on to.
Before I befriend someone, I must meet their heart, too. I don’t care much about the mind because the mind, as we all know is a strange element. The heart on the other side is not dark by nature; we train it to be. People will always come and go, but memories will live on.
Prior to letting go of a relation that no longer serves me, I pray for enlightenment and I let the person know about my decision. I thank him/her for having been part of my life, for all the good memories and wish him/her well before my last goodbye. Going this route reduces misunderstandings and prevents hearsay. Parting is never easy; but letting go of a relation that no longer serves you is the right thing to do. The extra weight of an unhealthy relation is damaging. Once you let go of such a weight you can then move on and no longer have the burden to worry about that person. Expressing truth with love is liberating. It’s like inhaling a deep breath of fresh air.
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV)
You only have one life to live and you cannot reset time. Choose your relationships wisely. Be a good example to yourself and embrace life to the fullest.
Too often I have been asked about my beliefs and my answer remains unchanged: “I am a believer and I strongly believe in kindness, in everything good and true. I believe in my God, who has never left my side.”
A true Christian would educate, nurture, lend a hand or an ear; would council and be patient. True Christians should only judge others with love because we are all on a lifelong journey of discovery for truth and each one of us carries a personal sin. To the hypocrites the scripture commands, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” – Matthew 7:1-2 (NIV).
Belief in itself is not something we learn, but something we experience at a personal level. It’s like tutoring, a one-on-one experience that makes a difference and can be either good or bad. This is precisely why it’s so easy to judge others and hard to convert them. When you believe (or say you believe) you’re in; when you don’t, you’re out. Just like that.
Many things seem acceptable to people when they speak the same language. While some people lie their way into a circle, others get there righteously. It’s troubling to see how much some people sacrifice just to fit in.
Image Credit: Willow Tree.com
I am not without fault. I am a child of the universe and I have a profound respect for all living things, especially for those I do not understand. My quest for my knowledge of the Word is endless. I am a conscious sinner. I always say a prayer before letting go of that which no longer serves me. Not only do I seek daily salvation from my Savior, but at the end of the day I am not ashamed to ask forgiveness from those I offended.
I have learned that the best way to avoid being caught up in this masquerade is to practice kindness and stay true to oneself.
“Kindness is the catalyst that fuels our drive for love and compassion.”
― Joan Ambu
By JM Perez
