Pride and Prejudice...

With pride I watch my family move through the Christmas festivities focused on keeping the mood light for the children...despite missing an integral part of the family and still reeling from news of tragedy. The strength of each one, the compassion and kindness extended one to another a point of admiration and thankfulness. The quiet conversations in and amongst the gathering, the celebration of food and gifts, the coming together in love and solidarity.

With sorrow and truth sitting upon my lips I observe one single point of prejudice...one single point of expectation rather than love and understanding. With grace I pray for compassion bestowed upon this person, with dignity truth is spoken and unheard...for the moment.

The grace we extend to others will return a hundred fold...the simple choice of allowing each one to grieve in their own way...expecting nothing in return but the same grace and empathy, the same compassion and kindness.

If I could express one thought this morning it would be this...leave judgement behind...

Lead with love...lead with grace and mercy...lead with acceptance for where each one is at.

Your battle with actions of family, of friends...is a study in frustration, a study in control...a waste of precious time and space.

Love saves dear hearts...grace and mercy enfold in love and acceptance...compassion creates safe places and spaces...

If there is one thing I have learned over the many Christmases past, it is that the spirit of Christmas is sustainable throughout the year. The patience, the grace, the kindness and thought of others first abound during this festive holiday.

Dear treasures...love yourself this season...remember to be kind to you...take the time needed for grounding, for the continued healing journey...take in all the love, all the family time, soak it in and carry it with you wherever you go.

I sit this morning in gratitude...I sit and sip my hot cup of heaven and reflect on all that I have, all that I am thankful for and I am content. God is a god of miracles and of such I have been witness to...been a part of...making a way through the wildnerness, a way out of the pit of hell...miracles abound if we only look and perceive, if we only listen and receive...

Dear God, its me...still here...alive and well...

I would ask for comfort today...I would ask for compassion, for kindness...one day at a time dear friends...one minute, one hour, one day at a time...walk with confidence, with the knowing of your worth...stand tall and take back your life one step at a time...there is a way for each one of us. A path of our choosing, one away from abuse, away from constant sorrow and pain.

Walk it out dear treasures...you are worthy of so much...God bless your steps and watch over you each hour of every day....