Masterpiece

Hello wonderful people,

Most important news is that we have found a tincture that is helping Libby stay more calm and rooted.  For the most part she’s made it through the last few days with limited wailing. This is the best news. 

I have a super power.  It’s not even a secret.   It’s not anything that will help others.   It’s really not healthy. 

I have a Bruce Banner level need to second guess almost every conversation  I have.  I play the conversations over in my head and know I was too open. Too honest.  Too awkward. I have done it for as long as I can remember.  Once I am comfortable with someone I relax and my replay super power gets much weaker, but it’s still there.  

That’s just one of the flaws I have. One of many.  And that’s okay.  It’s something I recognize as human and keep moving forward. 

We have some flaws. Even the greatest paintings have flaws. Check out this cool article I found: https://brightside.me/wonder-curiosities/8-art-masterpieces-with-hidden-imperfections-352960/amp/

We all have flaws and differences, but that’s okay. They make us more beautiful.  

One area that is NOT a flaw is the spectacular sexual spectrum in humans: LGBTQIA and others not identifying yet. 

We are all loved. Loved and accepted for the perfectly imperfect people we are.  You are a masterpiece as you are.  You are loved as you are.  Flaws and second guessing aside. You are loved.  

Please do not ever allow yourself to consider your sexual identity as a flaw.  Do not allow other people or society to tell you it is a flaw.  I think our sexual identity is part of our own super powers.  

The God of my understanding loves us and wants us to love and be loved.  The God of my understanding knows each of us, knows you, and considers EACH one of us to be a masterpiece.   We may have flaws, but this isn’t one of them. 

And if you find yourself not being accepted for who you are, I will accept you. And I know many others that will as well. 

For so many people, sexual identity has stigma and shame.  There shouldn’t be stigma or shame where love should exist. 

You are a David level  masterpiece and you are loved.  

Please listen to this if you are even in doubt: https://music.apple.com/us/album/masterpiece/1174317441?i=1174318362.

Beautiful testimony from some youth: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/queerology-a-podcast-on-belief-and-being/id1241721675

Happy end of Pride Month 2021.  

Ubuntu

“Hello!  I love you.” 

Summer is a special gift every year.  This year I am especially grateful. Having more opportunities to be with my community is a blessing I have yearned for, plus time to be at home and revel in the rest. 

 I needed to share this with you all before I offer a Libby update.  Now, more than ever we need Ubuntu. I certainly need it.  I AM able to continue on because We are.   

Please play this song: 

“Crowded Table”

https://music.apple.com/us/album/crowded-table/1472976734?i=1472976739

Opening prayer/thoughts:

Our Loving God, 

You have taught us to love our neighbors as ourselves. Help us to do that within our church, familial, and neighborhood communities.  Help us to understand the struggles and problems our fellow people are going through and guide us to find ways to help them in the ways they need it most.  Help us to love others regardless of our differences- because of our differences. Help us to see one another as the divinely created and beloved spirits we are. Help each of us to help others grow and thrive as we wish to grow and thrive.  Help us to love our community as we love you.  Gratefully in your grace, we pray, Amen.  

Ted Talk Link:  https://www.ted.com/talks/boyd_varty_what_i_learned_from_nelson_mandela?utm_campaign=tedspread&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=tedcomshare 

Some days we are the matriarch and some days we’re Elvis.  Sometimes we maybe the crocodile hunting and other days we’re Sully. Having the support and strength of our extra family is vital. May you have the awareness of Ubuntu as you strengthen your community through serving and accepting of service. 

I am ever so grateful for our community.  

****

We’ve had some fun adventures including Libby and I took on grocery shopping and the Mall!  We’ve enjoyed the Wednesday evening gatherings at church and a scholarship race.  I think she’s enjoying the time at home and getting to go run around as well.   And all the movies we’re watching.  Yay for summer. 

(I am continuing to share our journey with Liberty and her illnesses. Please don’t be sad.” 

Libby has started some thing new: crying and fussing for hours every evening.  Every. Evening.  She cries. This is not a kid who cries very often until recently.  This is week four for the beginning of the cry hours around 6:00.  

I’ve rocked her in her little chair.  Sat with her perfectly still. Rocked her outside.  Played her favorite music. Held her in my lap.  Given her extra shower.  Rubbed her legs and feet. Etc. and she still cries.  

I took her to the local Clinic and we did full blood panel and urinalysis along with a abdominal Sonogram.  Nothing abnormal. 

We’re now trying a more stringent evening routine involving repetitive relaxing music.  Also added an additional relaxant to our nighttime routine.   So far, there is not a rhyme nor reason that I can find. 

I know we will figure it out.  Just hope I don’t lose my mind before then.  ;). Bless Rachael who is having to tag in a lot more when Libby is wailing.    I believe this is part of our learning curve and we will figure it out.  I know we don’t want Libby to be hurting or unhappy EVER.   Ever.  We choose quality for her life at all times.  I have faith that we will find the magic whatever to make her return to comfort and happiness.  

My mom has been in ICU in Garland for five days.  She is on a ventilator. There are multiple systems not working proficiently.  Her body is trying in her own way.   Prayers and good vibes appreciated.  Prayers for my brother, David and his beautiful wife, Mirtha.

--Closing Blessing:

Our loving teacher, 

Crowd our tables and guide us as we welcome more in.  

Show us how to see one another as the vitally important pieces in our community we are.  Protect us from anything that could slow our growth as a community.  Allow us to be uplifted as we grow and strengthened through good works in your name.  When we are weary may we be sustained by the faith surrounding us. Remind us that I CAN because WE Can.  Remind us that we ARE because You ARE.   We ARE because I am.  Help us to love our community as we love you.  In your grace, we pray, Amen.