The last few months have been a difficult time for me. People I care for turned away from me, and those I thought were friends cast themselves against me and sought to harm others I care for.
When we are beset by hurtful words and harmful actions it is easy to respond in kind. You see the enemy charging towards you and draw your sword, ready your shield. Your blood starts pumping as you reach deep into your self-righteous anger to unfurl a battle cry.
Yet with any battle the outcome is certain - both combatants will be wounded, the body and heart forever scarred through the altercation. And when the fighting is over and the righteous anger has cooled even the victor will be haunted by ghosts of their aggression.
Indeed battle - especially with those you once cared for - can only end in defeat.
This morning I was listening to a song by Sidewalk Prophets called ‘Live Like That’. In the chorus they sing these words as they refer to a radiant and perfect creator:
I want to live like that
And give it all I have
So that everything I say and do points to you
Whether or not you believe in a god, or a Christian God this is a powerful exhortation to our better nature. That our thoughts, and words, and actions point to something more glorious, offer a glimpse of something more perfect.
I want to live like that.
At times in our community we come across others we disagree with - those who despite walking the transgender path are different from us. It can be appealing to cast them as an enemy to be defeated. Even as I bring my former friends in the transgender community to heart who wish us harm, it is tempting to feel ill will towards them.
I encourage you, as I encourage myself, to find love and compassion. The transgender journey is hard. One of the hardest I know. They bear hurts, and challenges, and scars too. Even amidst hurtful words and hurtful actions, they are still our family.
I pray their path is blessed.
Vanessa, it has been a very long time since I have heard more truer words spoken.What you speak of love and compassion, are themselves swords and shields. But not for harm, but for good. The sword of love and compassion will only be used to cut down the hate and derision that seems to be rampant these days.The shield of love and compassion will be used to shield the more vulnerable from that same hate and derision. We pick up those tools of love and compassion each and every day; in the solemn hope that one day, we can put them in the ground, forever, with the knowledge that hate and evil no longer roam the world unfettered. It is an undaunting task, one that may never be accomplished; but one, nonetheless must be undertaken. If we succeed in changing one heart, one mind, or help protect one person, then we have succeeded, if only for that one day. Knowing that tomorrow will require that same resolve.
What lovely words Vanessa. I must add that God also teaches us to forgive and forget. That means forget and move on with your life looking into the future with the love of God on your side. So many times we get stumped on and the hurt makes us hardened to the extend that we don’t look the other way. Like the saying goes. Two wrongs don’t make a right. To be the best you can be is to let go off those things and those who hurt you in the past. They have no remorse or feelings about what they did and holding on to revenge ghoughts just cause yourself inner harm. There’s a lovely song that I know from my school days - Tomorrow the sun will shine again.
What I wrote here is not aimed at anybody at all. It is my general feeling and opinion about your feelings and how you’re coping with difficult situations. Just know there are many in our family here that look up to you and are loyal to you to hhe end.
You are Blessed and you are a true indperation!
Love and Hugs!
Catherine
Sometimes I wish I could just grab them all up like a mom who has heard enough of the squabbling and love them into a peaceful state. Thank you for providing a safe haven for us all who find CDH and TGH a place to share our lives and find support among peers.
Vanessa , Hi , and thank you for your sweet words of encouragement . We are all pretty and wonder people to get to know . I feel sorry for those blinded by hate that they can't see the beauty around them . I bet they only have black and white tv's don't you ? Bless you Vanessa , and thank you for this and CDH as a home of peace and love . Your friend , Leslie
Thank you, just the inspiration I needed
I'm here to embrace you all. I'm just A CD wanting to know and understand you wonderful people... Hope no one minds!
One day if the wild world of ares were accepting... I'd have implants... 44J CUP. If that even possible.