I have decided to catalog about 12 yrs of poetry, letters, and thoughts that I have in various safe places around the house. Some were written by me, while others were written to me. I wanted to spend some time highlighting the importance of the kind words that were given to me. Many times, they were all I needed to push myself to the next level. The words of these special individuals in text really helped me to see myself the way God might. I'm definitely my own worst critic when I'm working, but it's good to look back and see some things are fine about me the way they are. I've been having some rough seasons attempting to live out my own unique path. And so I figured if I put those words and accomplishments in a digital space, they can live forever and I can no longer forget who I am. Growing up extremely intelligent, creative, talented, humble, but shy, I learned the ability to camouflage myself for fear of labeling or wanting others not to feel "inferior" near me, but I fear it may have been at the expense of losing me.
Thank God for these so far I was able to type. And thank God for the people that weren't afraid to let me be me!
(NO particular order other than how I found them)
From E and S
We appreciate your friendship.
We're lucky to have a friend with a warm heart that gave us good laughs. We're looking forward to the years of good times ahead of us.l We wish you lots of happiness on your 21st birthday and hope that youll have many many birthdays to come
Someone's watching over you with the greatest love.
Someone wants you to be happy, safe, and secure.
Someone considers you a wonderful individual and cares about your needs.
Someone's making blessings for your benefit right now- like sunshine for those rainy days
and rainbows to remind you of the promise up ahead
Someone is watching over you, especially today.
I know because I've asked the Lord to take good care of you
Written by Barbara J. Hall
From E:
You're too smart not to be in grad school. I'm just calling you to let you know that. Go back to school.
From Carl:
Baby girl, you're too nice. You're so nice. I know I've hurt you in the past but I called to let you know how worth it you are. I don't want you to let people take advantage of you.
From Vivian:
People like you are rare. You don't often find someone who would willingly dedicate time, effort, and all her talents into leading God's Children. You work so hard and sacrifice everything to make sure Higher Ground moves to where God wants us to be.l Thanks a million for not being the normal president, who would only serve a term and resign. Thanks a million for being our spiritual leader. You are a wonderful role model. So kindly do you advise, you are more than a friend.
You have opened your arms and accepted the groups with all its reality. Even when you think that everything has gone wrong or that no one is fulfilling their part, you never give up. Not many of the the members could say the same about their friends or even close relatives. Your presence is impacting not only Higher Ground members, but everyone who ever comes in contact with you. When you smile or say, "Hello" to people, rays of God's light beams from you. You bring day light ot many who come sad and gloomy.
I can say these about you, " Manejay" because youhave helped me to have a closer relationship with My God, the Alpha and Omega; to who I am learning to give my all.
Thanks for secretly praying for teh Group inside your closet. Thanks for the times you act as if nothing is wrong and just take the burden for the group. Thanks for the beautiful smile you put on people's faces. Thanks for being proud of HIgher Ground, and know this; every member of HIgher Ground is proud of you.
I am sorry I did not send this earlier when the Spirit asked. I cannot ignore it anymore. I just need to comply. I am not the one saying these words. I believe they were put in me for a reason.
I think that if you had lived in the old biblical time, you would be like the second Moses. You have done all you could Manejay. You deserve "A Standing Ovation." Your angel smiles each time you pray. And yoru treasures increase by tenfold every day by day.
Thank you for being Manejay, sister sacrifice, and for being YOU.
But, most importantly, thank you for being God's chosen.
From My Brother:
I don't even know where to begin... I pray as I move this pen- God guides my words because I know not a feeling to express my love for you. How can I really describe what you have been to me? What you have meant to this family??? Where would we be withour you????? When I look at you I see an individual who is capable of anything; whose character serves as a model for all to follow; and a woman that exemplifies wisdom, beautiful, and strength (both inside and out). Enjoy this day forever because it is youw who worked so hard. Let this serve as a stepping stone as you continue toward a meaningful future. The way you work, success cannot be denied. Good luck and God Bless.
From Mommy:
Thank God for giving me [you]!
From Then boyfriend, now Husband:
I would never have imagined I would be in the presence of someone so grate, God has truly blessed me indeed to have a sister, friend, confidante, and love in you. You are the most magnificent woman I've ever known and will know. I'm so proud and honored to be in your life. You possess so many wonderful strengths and traits that I admire and I aspire to be all I can be due in no small part to you and your influence. God Bless you(us) in all you(we) do.
From Sister:
[My name]You stand true to the meaning of it; "For the sake of you"
You did it, and even though I'm younger, I can truly say I"m proud of you. You are such an inspiration- fighting the system, gaining knowledge, all the while maintaining your composure. I just wanted to let you know that throughout all the time we couldn't be with you, you were never alone. Your best friend, God was always by your side giving you help when you needed it most. I was and still am blessed to have a sister like you to look up to!
From Gregory S.
I want to thank you. Thank you for always being there for me. For times I am lost, for times I was lonely and depressed, the midnight, midday, early morning anytime talks when others thought I was crazy. Though I know you AND I are not perfect, you have been my role model and I thank God every night that you have been a friend for me.
This is a true essence of a love offering. You are probably thinking of giving it back, but I won't take it. Why? Because I love you too much and just a reminder that no matter what, I will always be there. You keep me grounded in the Word, spiritual and on point (mostly so I won't get punched in the stomach or something.)
Stay strong because just as God always keeps me going forward, He will keep you going too. Keep that wheel turning.
