
Handouts

A Good Word
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There is nothing in a caterpillar that tells you it's going to be a butterfly. ~ R. Buckminster Fuller
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Are you holding yourself in a caterpillar state? Afraid that the butterfly in you will never flutter free? I know the feeling. Why is it so easy to hold back, to discount dreams and talents because others have surged ahead of you? Thoughts of how others have better credentials and are more qualified keep us grounded.
That was me until a butterfly friend, who had heard enough of me putting myself down, literally got up from the table, shut the door to the room, stalked back, and pointed her finger in my face. Then she listed off all I have to offer because of the experiences in my life. What she said made sense. Sure, I may not have a Ph.D or a B.A. after my name, but I have lived life. It is what Tom Bodett once said, “In school, you're taught a lesson and then given a test. In life, you're given a test that teaches you a lesson.” Well, we’ve all been taught at the knee of life. We’ve all learned lessons. Now, we have to value those lessons that are unique to us and share what we’ve learned to help others as they travel through life.
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I may not be a butterfly yet, but I can say I’m in the chrysalis preparing to fly.
How about you? Are you ready to redefine yourself? It’s time to fly!
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JUNE 30, 2024
GIVING OUR EULOGIES TO THE LIVING
Present your family and friends with their eulogies now - they won't be able to hear how much you love them and appreciate them from the grave. ~Unknown
Have you ever had a dream so vivid and emotional that you woke up crying? Just the other night, I dreamed about my mother, who passed away in 2020. In the dream, I was struck with the realization that I had never fully expressed to her how much she meant to me, how deeply I loved and appreciated her. I tried desperately to tell her, but she was gone. I knew the moment had slipped away.
I woke up in tears, bewildered. This dream puzzled me because, during her final months, my mother came to live with me after her terminal diagnosis. I had time to share my love, gratitude, and appreciation for her. So why did I have this dream?
As an inspirational writer, I often reflect and ask God what messages He wants me to convey. The dream carried a powerful message about regret. Among all emotions, regret is the one that lingers most painfully because it cannot be undone after death. We cannot seek forgiveness from someone who has passed away. Words spoken over a coffin cannot reach ears that no longer hear. Our good intentions, left unfulfilled, die with those we love. Regret is a bitter weight.
I’m grateful for the chance to tell my mother how much she meant to me before she passed. I’m also thankful for the courage to seek forgiveness from those I may have wronged, even when forgiveness was not guaranteed. Inspired by this dream, I’ve been reaching out—I knew who I should call. My mother’s sister, Aunt Peggy. She is dear to me, my closest touch point to my mom. I shared with her how she has blessed my life, my appreciation, and my love. I have sent texts and written messages to my loved ones, asking forgiveness from those I’ve offended and sharing my appreciation with those dear to me. I’m giving roses while they are still here to receive them.
I encourage you to do the same. Speak your heart. Give those in your life their eulogy while they can still hear it. Forgive freely, and don’t hesitate to seek forgiveness yourself. Don’t allow regret to cast its shadow over your life. Let love and reconciliation light the way.
