Journey To The Promised Land

Life is filled with trials and tribulations. Some are pleasant, other not so pleasant. Whatever lessons we glean from this trials will serve us in the future.

I listened to a sermon yesterday touching on this subject. Trials are like studies in school; they are the basic training that we receive before going on our own in the world. Afterwards that training is put to the test. We all travel on our own roads in life. Sometimes we may have to go it alone. My road to self-discovery was one that no one else could travel for me.

There may be detours along the way that serve us and help us to embrace new things in our lives. We may discover that there are some things that we can do without. People who mock and ridicule us because we're different, who desire to keep us from being the people we know that we are and need to be. We wrestle through seasons of doubt. Are we on the right path? Are we what people say we are? Can I be a Christian and transgender? There are so many other doubts that we may need to wrestle with.

It is alright to have trails and tribulations. It is alright to have doubts. This is a part of our growth and education. There have been times in life I needed to research, to pray, and question my belief system. 

We do not have to receive and accept other people's negativity no matter how well meaning others claim to be. Being what God created you to be makes life worth living in contentment and happiness despite what others think or say. That feeling is priceless. 

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

LIFE'S MANY ROADS

I have traveled along many roads.
Some were smooth and straight;
Others were crooked and rocky.
Some roads were winding and wooded;
Others were barren and empty.
Each road brought me somewhere.

RETIREMENT DINNER

Last night my wife and I attended a retirement dinner honoring the senior minister of our church. Many people came to pay their homage to a man whom they loved and cherished. We dined at an Italian restaurant in the Bronx. There were coctails, a five course dinner, music, a skit, and words of praise.

When we arrived at the church nearly two years ago, we felt at home when we walked through the door. That has never happened to me personally. I learned much later that Pastor Charlie was instrumental in the congregation being opening and accepting a few years earlier. What he did took courage and coviction. Some folk left while many stayed. I have noticed that more young people and families have filled the pews and become members.

When I shared with him that I was transgender, he welcomed me with open arms. Later, I came out to the whole congregation as Gennee. At the end of the affair, I shared with him how much I appreciated him and making my wife and I feel welcomed.

Transgender Day Of Remembrance

With the murder of Islan Nettles last month I am thinking what to say at Transgender Day of Remembrance in November. Recently transgender women were murdered in Los Angeles and Baton Rouge. Islan's murder happened a mile or so from my residence. While I'm not afraid I am wary.

There have been a number of transgender women of color killed this year. With transgender visibility on the uptick, I'm not surprised by all the transphobic vitriol being spewed out. I also see transgender people standing up, not going to take all this junk anymore.  I'm not taking any of it either. I am out in my neighborhood and in other parts of New York City. Been so for over eight years now.

 I encouragetrans people to be who they are and be bold. We are on the right side of history. I have dedicated TDOR to Islan.  

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

DREAMS
by Langston Hughes

Hold fast to dreams
for if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.

Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow.

My First Gay Wedding

This past Saturday I attended the marriage of two gay friends. It was a grand affair with families from both sides present. At the reception the mood was festive with great food, drink, conversation, and plenty of music and dancing.

What I was impressed with was the hearfelt love everyone had for Thos and Joe. One of the best men confessed that he had received quite an education and understanding about his gay relative. To me,that made everything worthwhile. I paid for my festive time the following day with sore legs and tired body. I never danced so much in my life. I have to remind myself that my 60+ body isn't as young as it used to be.

TOUGH LOSS

It was a tough grinding game. The Jets had opportunities to win the game but were sabotaged by dropped balls and Geno Smith's three interceptions in crunch time. The Jets lost a tough 13-10 game. He made some rookie mistakes and made some plays. Smith looks like a promising quarterback.

 My Jets were supposed to be blown out but the defense stuffed Tom Brady and stood their ground. Special teams, ususally a Jets strength,was nonexistent. The offense didn't do its part, either. The Jets have 10 days  until the next game against the Buffalo Bills.    

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

When you rise in the morning, give thanks for the light, for your life, for your strength. Give thanks for your food and for the joy of living. If you see no reason to give thanks, the fault lies in yourself.

~Tecumseh

J-E-T-S JETS! JETS! JETS!

I am a rabid fan of the New York Jets. I was happy when they beatthe Tampa Bay Buccaneers 18-17. Tonight they are playing the New England Patriots, a whole nother animal. As I post, the Jets are trailing 13-3. Don't think they'll win this game but I hope that it's not a blowout.

Pemaquid Point Lighthouse

Located in Bristol, Maine,this structure went into service in 1827. A second structure was built in 1835 because of poor workmanship on the original structure.

Pemaquid was Maine's first land based lighthouse opened to the public and draws over 100,000 visitors annually.

Remembering 9/11

I viewed the 9/11 memorial service on tv this morning. I listened to all the names being read and kept thinking of all the folks lost that fateful day. After twelve years the feelings still resonates with many people.

I can remember that day as if it just happened. I was supposed to be in the north tower at precisely the time the first plane hit but was delayed.  While lives were affected negatively there were many positive aspects also. One is to settle any issues you may have with others. Be a positive influence on another person. Live life with passion and joy.

This day we honor those who were lost on 9/11. Say thank you to the police/firemen/EMS personnel.Their jobs are thankless, dangerous at times, and stressful but where would we be without them.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

What we need is people who specialize in the impossible.


~Theodore Roethke

Active Start to September

Well, September is here! Today is a cool day but I prefer cool days. I have been out since last Friday. My wife and I took my sister out for her birthday. It was a surprise fo her and she realy had a great time. My little granddaughter also came along.

On Saturday, I went to see a documentary about the 2008 economic collapse. THe reporter doing the interview really turned up the heat on the players responsible for it. Some of the other players refused to be interviewed (surprise!). Alan Greenspan, Paul Voelker, Timothy Geitner, Obama, the Bushes, Clinton and others were all responsible for the collapse. ALL should be brought up on charges and prosecuted.

On Sunday, we attended services at our church. Later, we ate dinner at a Dallas BBQ, a popular rib joint here in New York. I was a little buzzed by the pineapple dacquari I ordered (I neglected to tell them no alcohol).  

We went to a local shopping district downtown on Labor Day. It rained much of the time but it didn't deter us.We purchased a few things then ate dinner out.

Can't remember the last time we were out this much but we enjoyed it.