Friends--Brothers & Sisters
Well, it's midnight in Arizona, and it's been a good day all in all. I spent my day reading my books on the Scriptures and hanging out on my computer, searching for inspiration from my friends here at Daily Strength and on the internet. I found lots of good food for my soul in both words and song, with a little video thrown in. Finding the song "Friends" took me back 25 years to a time when I was devastated by the deaths of my Mom & Dad in the plane crash that took them from me. I had not heard that song since it was sung at their memorial service, and while it brought me tears, they were not tears of grief, but more tears of joy. The song brought me sweet memories of the good times shared with them and the love that existed within our family. Funny how the bad times and the accident itself are a distant memory while the good times bring a smile to my heart. God I hope that time brings my sense of Barbara to this level of my consciousness.
I made some new friends here today, and I shared a little with my other friends as well. I eavesdropped on a few of their journals in the process. I cheer when they have a success, and I cry when they are hurting. It feels real good to know that I touched a few hearts today, as I am learning that reaching out to comfort others brings me a reward and a peace that I had not known before. I know that I have a penchant for quoting from songs, poems, and essays from others, but so much of what I am finding just cries out to be shared with my fellow grief wanderers, and the following inspiration struck another of my exposed, raw nerves:
Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow
Yesterday I met a stranger...Today this stranger is my friend. Had I not taken the time to sayhello, or return a smile, or shake a hand, or listen, I would nothave known this person. Yesterday would have turned into today, and our chance meeting would be gone.Yesterday I hugged someone very dear to me. Today they aregone... and tomorrow will not bring them back.Wouldn't it be nice if we all knew tomorrow they would be here?But this is not to be, so take the time TODAY to give a hug, a smile,an "I love you."JUST FOR TODAY,....smile at a stranger....listen to someone's heart....drop a coin where a child can find it....learn something new, then teach it to someone....tell someone you're thinking of them....hug a loved one....don't hold a grudge....don't be afraid to say "I'm sorry"....look a child in the eye and tell them how great they are....look beyond the face of a person into their heart....make a promise, and keep it....call someone, for no other reason than to just say "hi"....show kindness to an animal....stand up for what you believe in....smell the rain, feel the breeze, listen to the wind....use all your senses to their fullest....cherish all your TODAYS
Those words truly are words to live by, and I hope I am up to the task. We are all of us here at DS, brothers and sisters in our long journey to who knows where. So, my dear friends, let me leave you tonight with yet another lyric from a song that has been recorded by many people, my favorite being "The Hollies". The song was written by Bobby Scott & Bob Russell. The two had been introduced to each other by Johnny Mercer at a California nightclub. Despite the fact that Russell was dying of cancer and that the pair met in person only three times, they managed to collaborate on the song. The title of the song dates back a long time before and has become the motto of Father Flanagan's Boy's Town. But as I expressed earlier, since we are all brothers and sisters here, I believe the essence of the song describes my feelings for each and every one of you:
He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother
The road is longWith many a winding turnThat leads us to who knows whereWho knows whenBut I'm strongStrong enough to carry himHe ain't heavy, he's my brother. So on we goHis welfare is my concernNo burden is he to bearWe'll get thereFor I knowHe would not encumber me He ain't heavy hes my brotherIf I'm laden at allI'm laden with sadnessThat everyone's heartIsn't filled with the gladnessOf love for one another.It's a long, long roadFrom which there is no returnWhile we're on the way to thereWhy not shareAnd the loadDoesn't weigh me down at allHe ain't heavy, hes my brother
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1KtScrqtbc&feature=related
I wish you all a peaceful, blessed night, and the best that tomorrow has to offer you. And thank you for being here for me.....Joe...:-)
I made some new friends here today, and I shared a little with my other friends as well. I eavesdropped on a few of their journals in the process. I cheer when they have a success, and I cry when they are hurting. It feels real good to know that I touched a few hearts today, as I am learning that reaching out to comfort others brings me a reward and a peace that I had not known before. I know that I have a penchant for quoting from songs, poems, and essays from others, but so much of what I am finding just cries out to be shared with my fellow grief wanderers, and the following inspiration struck another of my exposed, raw nerves:
Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow
Yesterday I met a stranger...Today this stranger is my friend. Had I not taken the time to sayhello, or return a smile, or shake a hand, or listen, I would nothave known this person. Yesterday would have turned into today, and our chance meeting would be gone.Yesterday I hugged someone very dear to me. Today they aregone... and tomorrow will not bring them back.Wouldn't it be nice if we all knew tomorrow they would be here?But this is not to be, so take the time TODAY to give a hug, a smile,an "I love you."JUST FOR TODAY,....smile at a stranger....listen to someone's heart....drop a coin where a child can find it....learn something new, then teach it to someone....tell someone you're thinking of them....hug a loved one....don't hold a grudge....don't be afraid to say "I'm sorry"....look a child in the eye and tell them how great they are....look beyond the face of a person into their heart....make a promise, and keep it....call someone, for no other reason than to just say "hi"....show kindness to an animal....stand up for what you believe in....smell the rain, feel the breeze, listen to the wind....use all your senses to their fullest....cherish all your TODAYS
Those words truly are words to live by, and I hope I am up to the task. We are all of us here at DS, brothers and sisters in our long journey to who knows where. So, my dear friends, let me leave you tonight with yet another lyric from a song that has been recorded by many people, my favorite being "The Hollies". The song was written by Bobby Scott & Bob Russell. The two had been introduced to each other by Johnny Mercer at a California nightclub. Despite the fact that Russell was dying of cancer and that the pair met in person only three times, they managed to collaborate on the song. The title of the song dates back a long time before and has become the motto of Father Flanagan's Boy's Town. But as I expressed earlier, since we are all brothers and sisters here, I believe the essence of the song describes my feelings for each and every one of you:
He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother
The road is longWith many a winding turnThat leads us to who knows whereWho knows whenBut I'm strongStrong enough to carry himHe ain't heavy, he's my brother. So on we goHis welfare is my concernNo burden is he to bearWe'll get thereFor I knowHe would not encumber me He ain't heavy hes my brotherIf I'm laden at allI'm laden with sadnessThat everyone's heartIsn't filled with the gladnessOf love for one another.It's a long, long roadFrom which there is no returnWhile we're on the way to thereWhy not shareAnd the loadDoesn't weigh me down at allHe ain't heavy, hes my brother
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1KtScrqtbc&feature=related
I wish you all a peaceful, blessed night, and the best that tomorrow has to offer you. And thank you for being here for me.....Joe...:-)
Replies
You are good man my friend Joe. It is a joy to read about your journey and how your life is growing in grace, knowledge and strength. Without the knowledge that my life is in His hands and the faith to know that He knows why this sadness and loneliness have hit us - it would be too hard. Bless you my friend! John
yes you are Good genuine soul , my very first friend ,I also think when we give helpful support someone else it like ripple on tide as so many others may gain as if they feel then hopefully it spreads I am honoured you on my list
oh my goodness Joe, what a beautiful journal entry. it was a wonderful way to start my day. i am always so apprectiative of the motivational entries on this sight. the beauty of this DS family is that as much as we travel this road together, we all hit are ups and downs at different times, there is always someone to catch us on the days we are \"falling\". i am quite sure that a number of us woke this morning to memories of past labor day events, and the tears flowed! i ran to ds and here you were!!!!
thank you so much Joe.... it is just 8 a.m. here and you already helped someone.... i think your work is done for the day!!
huge hugs,
judi
Such an inspirational entry! I have always loved \"He Ain\'t Heavy, He\'s My Brother\" and in fact we used it for the theme of our literary magazine back in high school (yep, that\'s how old I am!). Thank you for sharing and particularly glad that all of these friends are being helpful to you.
Hugs, Gail
Okay, Joe..so your music isn\'t something I know, but I am used to that on DS. You have been very inspirational, and....I now sport a pic of a Marine...mine..on the avitar. The killer was this Pakistani guy with some terrorist site that would message me about the Marines. I ignored him as lomg as I could anf finally messaged him that he isn\'t good enough to wipe a Marine\'s boots. I told him to bring it on....he has now disappeared. OOOO-RAH. peace...Kaaren
Joe - your presence at DS is a wonderful, uplifting addition. Thank you for the quotes, song, etc. Just think -- you were seeing encouragement - and now you are offering it to others. I\'m so glad to be your \"Friend.\"
Doye
Joe -- What a wonderful way to start my day by reading your post. I love that song and brings back a lot of good memories of hanging out with family when we used to hear tha song. You truly you a wonderful addition to our \"family\" here at DS. May you have a blessed day.
Carla
Another delightful read, dear friend ~ you never fail to bless my heart and my spirit with your postings...I believe God has gifted you with the gift of encouragement...Thank you & Bless you for allowing Him to use you... Hugs from Texas :) ~E~
What a beautiful journal entry. Thankyou for your words of inspiration and encouragement.