The week began at church with a community Thanksgiving dinner. A number of folks who are struggling were fed. On Monday, it was Transgender Day of Remembrance ceremony at SAGE senior center. Thanksgiving on Thursday and the craziness that is called Black Friday(I wasn't out there).
Common threads were the range of emotions from gratitude to sympathy and celebration to madness. Another is the people who were part of this. Many have fared well. Others are still struggling. In the TGLBQI community loneliness and estrangement is magnified even more. The sense of no one caring and vilification can make daily life a living hell.
During my annual time of reflection, I think about all the tumultuous events that have happened. I am reminded that people are my fellow human beings, my neighbors. I have experienced highs and lows, lack and plenty. I am thankful to God that He has sustained and kept me up to this point. I wish the best for my neighbor whether or not I know them.
Showing posts with label reflection. Show all posts
Showing posts with label reflection. Show all posts
Saturday, November 24, 2018
Monday, August 15, 2016
Spoke At Evening Church Service
Last night I was a reflector at our evening service at church. I spoke about my life journey and how God has been there. I mentioned that journeys are unique to each individual and that there are many twists and turns. I shared the poem below at the end of the 3 minute reflection.
I NEVER TRAVELED THIS ROAD BEFORE
I never traveled this road before
Lined with thick brush and boulders
It looks strange and forboding
There's nothing familiar here to guide me.
Each step forward is a step closer
To an unknown destination.
What awaits me, I know not
But I trek on.
I'm nudged ahead
By an unseen hand.
I turn around and
The footprints of my life are gone.
I NEVER TRAVELED THIS ROAD BEFORE
I never traveled this road before
Lined with thick brush and boulders
It looks strange and forboding
There's nothing familiar here to guide me.
Each step forward is a step closer
To an unknown destination.
What awaits me, I know not
But I trek on.
I'm nudged ahead
By an unseen hand.
I turn around and
The footprints of my life are gone.
Monday, November 30, 2015
Post-Thanksgiving Thoughts
I trust that your Thanksgiving holiday was a joyous affair. Mine was a quiet one spent with my wife and son. Didn't overdo it with the turkey but enjoyed it nevertheless. Hard to believe that tomorrow will be December 1st.
This is also a time of reflection for me personally. I'm thankful for many things; family, friends, God, and the history that transgender people are making. There's been some harsh backlash but we keep moving forward and I'm happy to see that.
This is also a time of reflection for me personally. I'm thankful for many things; family, friends, God, and the history that transgender people are making. There's been some harsh backlash but we keep moving forward and I'm happy to see that.
Tuesday, December 04, 2012
December
December is here (so fast). This is usually an active month for me. Gatherings, a little shopping, sharing the joy of the season. This past Saturday, there was a Christmas Tree lighting celebration at church. Estimates of how many people came range between eight hundred and a thousand people.
This is also a time of reflection. I'm thankful about the many blessings bestowed on many folks and on me.Many people will be alone. Some will be depressed. This is particularly true in the LGBT community. Many are estranged from loved ones and families. Bringing joy can be as simple as a smile, a card, a meal, or an invitation to a concert.
As the years pass I am reminded of the many people would have passed through my life. I have been enriched by them and share some of the good tidings with others.
This is also a time of reflection. I'm thankful about the many blessings bestowed on many folks and on me.Many people will be alone. Some will be depressed. This is particularly true in the LGBT community. Many are estranged from loved ones and families. Bringing joy can be as simple as a smile, a card, a meal, or an invitation to a concert.
As the years pass I am reminded of the many people would have passed through my life. I have been enriched by them and share some of the good tidings with others.
Friday, December 12, 2008
GENEVIEVE'S GEMS
Reflection can illuminate the many blessings that have been showered on us.
The holiday season has been a time of reflection for me for fifteen or twenty years now. I remember as a young person I looked forward to receiving gifts, go to parties, and a festive atmosphere. Now I just reflect on what has happened in the past year.
This year I thought quite a bit about my mom. I thought about how I was raised and the lessons that were taught to me and my younger siblings. There's the saying that no one ever really strays away from their roots and that's very true. I realize how my feminine inclinations were formulated. I enjoyed learning fashion and color schemes because I wanted to be coordinated. Some of the chores associated with women I learned to do. Cleaning house, cooking, sewing (a little bit) were chores that never phased me as a male.
I am a transgender individual today and I suspect that I was always trans. This year I was out in public quite a bit. Wearing women's clothing feels natural to me. My parents were not around when I came out as trans but I have no doubt that they would have loved me regardless. My mom respected other people's opinions even if she didn't agree with them. I remember most when she would invite people over to her home who were alone during the holidays. Many times they expressed their deep appreciation for her hospitality. This is what I'll always remember about her.
Upon reflection this is what I wish to emulate; a hospitable and friendly spirit. I think about many of my transgender brothers and sisters who may be lonely or depressed during this time. I pray that they will be reminded that they are special and appreciated. I appreciate all of you who came before me. Most of all, I thank my parents for instilling in me the values that I follow today.
Gennee
The holiday season has been a time of reflection for me for fifteen or twenty years now. I remember as a young person I looked forward to receiving gifts, go to parties, and a festive atmosphere. Now I just reflect on what has happened in the past year.
This year I thought quite a bit about my mom. I thought about how I was raised and the lessons that were taught to me and my younger siblings. There's the saying that no one ever really strays away from their roots and that's very true. I realize how my feminine inclinations were formulated. I enjoyed learning fashion and color schemes because I wanted to be coordinated. Some of the chores associated with women I learned to do. Cleaning house, cooking, sewing (a little bit) were chores that never phased me as a male.
I am a transgender individual today and I suspect that I was always trans. This year I was out in public quite a bit. Wearing women's clothing feels natural to me. My parents were not around when I came out as trans but I have no doubt that they would have loved me regardless. My mom respected other people's opinions even if she didn't agree with them. I remember most when she would invite people over to her home who were alone during the holidays. Many times they expressed their deep appreciation for her hospitality. This is what I'll always remember about her.
Upon reflection this is what I wish to emulate; a hospitable and friendly spirit. I think about many of my transgender brothers and sisters who may be lonely or depressed during this time. I pray that they will be reminded that they are special and appreciated. I appreciate all of you who came before me. Most of all, I thank my parents for instilling in me the values that I follow today.
Gennee
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