Life is an amazing experience, period. No matter how yours plays out you are lucky to get to experience all the up's and down's that make up your life. Sometimes things happen that we can't control and at that point its easy to give up; but its during those moments when our lives are at their most trying times that beautiful stories are born. Today I want to share with you one of the most inspirational, beautiful and uplifting stories I've experienced in my life.
Recently one of my friends here was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma or bone cancer, and as you can imagine any news like that is heavy. I wasn't sure what to think when I found out and yet the first reaction I saw from her was "I'm a soon to be cancer survivor"--at that point I knew that this was gonna be a win for the SLU community and that I needed to be supportive. I found out a bit later than most people and so by the time all this came to my attention her facebook was riddled with support and love. It warmed my heart to know that someone who was already one of the most caring and compassionate people here at SLU would now have the chance to inspire everyone with her strength , hope and courage. Cancer is an ugly thing, but it takes a true hero to find a way to make the experience beautiful--Emily is a Hero.
Let me take you back to my first experiences with Emily, I met her in my Public Speaking class--one of the greatest classes in the history of the universe if I do say so myself. That class was amazing because all of us got along with each other and we were all supportive of everything we did. Normally speaking in front of people is hard no matter who you are what you are saying but in our case we all became friends so quickly that it was as if we were just having a conversation with our peers. Well as the semester progressed we all gave many speeches on many topics and our friendships grew closer; this was when Emily and I really became friends. Well by this point I had shared with Emily my dream of wanting to use my life to inspire others and she was nothing but supportive--in fact she was one of the reasons I started this very blog. Well anyway with the encouragement of Emily and our teacher Jasmine I decided to give my next speech in an inspirational manner, I gave a speech on how each day is a gift. I have to admit I was nervous and I may have messed up and bounced around a few times but at the very end of my speech and let a big sigh of relief and the was struck with happiness when looking at the first thing that met my eyes; Emily giving me a standing ovation. If it were acceptable to cry in Public Speaking I very well might have! For weeks to come she went out of her way to let me know how much she enjoyed that speech and how I have a gift; for that I owe Emily everything.
One of the best things you can do with your life is help give purpose to others, there are no feelings that rival that of affirmation. Nothing can make a person feel better than the support and love you can give them; and so I am here to return that favor to Emily now. If my speech was inspiring, her life is invigorating, motivating, influential, reassuring, and any other slue of words that you can imagine (and all those you can't imagine!) I want to share with you all Emily's blog: http://hashtagteamemily.blogspot.com/ because these words tell a story that no one else can.
Reading her blog brings me to tears each and every time, tears of joy knowing that I am part of history in the making. I won't tell you what it says because there is no possible way for me to phrase it that could be any better than the original.
After reading all this I want to let you all know that the most valuable thing in life is the love we have for one another. Time and time again Emily's family tells us that the support and love they get helps them so much. I want you all to be like Emily and her family; never give up hope, never let anyone knock you down. God only gives us that which we can handle and during the most difficult times in our lives it is then that he carries us. It's gonna be hard and there will be times when you want it all to just go away but remember that you are never in this alone, the one thing in life that never depletes is love.
In this spirit I want to ask a favor. It's a long shot but there is no harm in trying. If you know Emily and she has inspired you--or even if you don't know her--please consider filling out of these forms.
http://ellen.warnerbros.com/show/respond/?PlugID=433
http://ellen.warnerbros.com/show/respond/?PlugID=606
-These are links to The Ellen DeGeneres show's website. The first is for a monetary donation on her behalf to those who are deserving and the second is for those in your life who above all else are inspirational. It won't take long and it could possible help Emily and her family immensely.
On one final note I want to say to everyone that life is a gift, and gifts of for giving. Just as Emily has given us all her story and a new outlook on life, we too need to remember to give as much of ourselves as possible to others.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
I Wouldn't Know What To Do I'd Be Lost Without You
Today was an emotional day, after watching a heavy episode of Glee that dealt with suicide I was confronted with the news that one of my floormates lost his best friend in car accident. The news hit me like a punch to the face, of all people why him? He is one of the nicest and most down to earth people I know, on top of that he goes out of his way to let others know he cares for them. My only hope is that he knows that his friend passed knowing how loved he was and that he is now enjoying God's endless grace. I hope my floormate can find comfort in the thought that his friend will know eternal happiness and look over him for now and forever.
These events got me to thinking, how often do we stop and realize just how sacred life is? We have this limited time on earth to connect to and love each other and yet we waste so much of it in hate. I want to urge you all to realize that life is a one time thing and when you look back you don't want to know you hurt someone. What is the point in all this anger and hatred? What do our harsh words do other than come full circle? Hate is just another fight leaving both parties with scars.
Every moment we have we need to use to let each other know that love is too small a word to contain all the feelings we have for each other. We need to build a culture of compassion, a culture that values affirmation and not destruction. We need to build each other up, strengthen our bonds, solidify our defenses so that when we get cut we don't bleed so much. Unfortunately our pain is a lot easier to remember than our healing, just as the hate others have for us is much easier to remember than the love. Sometimes we don't realize how much our actions can hurt others; one insult can be the one that plays endlessly in someones mind, ignoring just one person in their time of need can make them feel terribly alone, standing on the sidelines can be the last act that you do before you see someone disappear from your life entirely. Never allow yourself to come to this point, if at any moment you find your self in a position like this don't second guess yourself stand up for what is right no matter the cost. Nothing you sacrifice can be more important than the value you give to the life of another.
You never know when those who mean the most to you will be taken away from you, so make sure than they know they do in fact mean the most to you. No one should leave this planet feeling alone whether it is by their own doing or not. So this year for lent I've decided to take each day to let at least one person know that my love for them knows no bounds, that their life inspires me and that the world is made a better place because of them. I also vow to make an active effort to let everyone around me know that I will be here to support them in every way possible if ever anyone is in need of anything. It doesn't matter what you are going through or what you are scared of, that doesn't change the facts; love is love no matter what. So please if you need help and don't know where else to turn I am here. I know also that I am not the only option and so I encourage that you talk to someone, anyone, when you feel alone or scared because I know they will want to help. Fear may be loveless but love is fearless.
These events got me to thinking, how often do we stop and realize just how sacred life is? We have this limited time on earth to connect to and love each other and yet we waste so much of it in hate. I want to urge you all to realize that life is a one time thing and when you look back you don't want to know you hurt someone. What is the point in all this anger and hatred? What do our harsh words do other than come full circle? Hate is just another fight leaving both parties with scars.
Every moment we have we need to use to let each other know that love is too small a word to contain all the feelings we have for each other. We need to build a culture of compassion, a culture that values affirmation and not destruction. We need to build each other up, strengthen our bonds, solidify our defenses so that when we get cut we don't bleed so much. Unfortunately our pain is a lot easier to remember than our healing, just as the hate others have for us is much easier to remember than the love. Sometimes we don't realize how much our actions can hurt others; one insult can be the one that plays endlessly in someones mind, ignoring just one person in their time of need can make them feel terribly alone, standing on the sidelines can be the last act that you do before you see someone disappear from your life entirely. Never allow yourself to come to this point, if at any moment you find your self in a position like this don't second guess yourself stand up for what is right no matter the cost. Nothing you sacrifice can be more important than the value you give to the life of another.
You never know when those who mean the most to you will be taken away from you, so make sure than they know they do in fact mean the most to you. No one should leave this planet feeling alone whether it is by their own doing or not. So this year for lent I've decided to take each day to let at least one person know that my love for them knows no bounds, that their life inspires me and that the world is made a better place because of them. I also vow to make an active effort to let everyone around me know that I will be here to support them in every way possible if ever anyone is in need of anything. It doesn't matter what you are going through or what you are scared of, that doesn't change the facts; love is love no matter what. So please if you need help and don't know where else to turn I am here. I know also that I am not the only option and so I encourage that you talk to someone, anyone, when you feel alone or scared because I know they will want to help. Fear may be loveless but love is fearless.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
So Why Don't We Go Somewhere Only We Know
Lately the experiences I've been having have taught me an amazing lesson; that I have the right to be whatever I want to be however I want to be it. There is not a single thing you can do to stop me; you can't tease or bully or even judge the Firework out of me anymore than I can punch the Dufus out of you. What I want you to know is that our society places entirely too much emphasis on labels, since when is it okay to throw a couple words together and decide that is what defines you? There is only one word to describe me and that is George! Besides that, I am always growing and evolving, you may have defined me as "a kid with a spark" 2 years ago and now you could say I am a "firework" (This analogy will never grow old for me) So don't waste time putting me in your box because before you know it, I'll be the Fourth of July!
Life has no formula. I can't throw "loud" and "fun-loving" into an equation and expect to get an accurate picture of myself. I'm not telling you to stop using words to help express who you are to others--that would be not only impossible but also no fun at all! What I am saying is you don't need to use a series of letters to describe every difficult and confusing moment in your life. Let me give you a prime example of this: If you have struggles with your faith, and feeling like you are letting God down (you may be calling yourself a doubter or even weak) remember God is not restrained by words--God does not read the mind but rather the heart. Even the word "Faith" is not a good enough word to describe the connection we have to God, because faith only means trust or confidence in God and I'd be willing to lay down my life to say there is alot more we offer to God that just faith.
Have you ever been asked the question, if you friends were to use three words to describe you what would they be? Have you ever then realized that your friends wouldn't use three words , they'd use memories, gestures, phrases that mean nothing unless put into context, inside jokes, countless quotes. So why on earth is it that when I am to describe myself I only get three words? It should be more like three hours, at least one to explain that time I pooped ON my pants, oh and a good half hour to talk about Musical and being able to pay for a cell phone, not to mention the hour long impressions of Mrs. Young and her typos, and all this doesn't even take into account the good times at choir or the amazingness of Kairos (and I know somewhere someone is double fisting the dittos to that right now!) With all that in mind, you want three words!? How about: I Love Me!
These memories I referenced above they take us to a place that no one else but our friends can! A place only we know and only we can understand...a place that can't be put into words. But it isn't only our friends who take us to a place like this; all those times you have been moved by amazement, or joy, or beauty, that is when God is taking you to a place only you and He can understand. That to me is a glimpse of Heaven
Life has no formula. I can't throw "loud" and "fun-loving" into an equation and expect to get an accurate picture of myself. I'm not telling you to stop using words to help express who you are to others--that would be not only impossible but also no fun at all! What I am saying is you don't need to use a series of letters to describe every difficult and confusing moment in your life. Let me give you a prime example of this: If you have struggles with your faith, and feeling like you are letting God down (you may be calling yourself a doubter or even weak) remember God is not restrained by words--God does not read the mind but rather the heart. Even the word "Faith" is not a good enough word to describe the connection we have to God, because faith only means trust or confidence in God and I'd be willing to lay down my life to say there is alot more we offer to God that just faith.
Have you ever been asked the question, if you friends were to use three words to describe you what would they be? Have you ever then realized that your friends wouldn't use three words , they'd use memories, gestures, phrases that mean nothing unless put into context, inside jokes, countless quotes. So why on earth is it that when I am to describe myself I only get three words? It should be more like three hours, at least one to explain that time I pooped ON my pants, oh and a good half hour to talk about Musical and being able to pay for a cell phone, not to mention the hour long impressions of Mrs. Young and her typos, and all this doesn't even take into account the good times at choir or the amazingness of Kairos (and I know somewhere someone is double fisting the dittos to that right now!) With all that in mind, you want three words!? How about: I Love Me!
These memories I referenced above they take us to a place that no one else but our friends can! A place only we know and only we can understand...a place that can't be put into words. But it isn't only our friends who take us to a place like this; all those times you have been moved by amazement, or joy, or beauty, that is when God is taking you to a place only you and He can understand. That to me is a glimpse of Heaven
Sunday, February 12, 2012
A Love Without End Amen.
Today one of my best friends here made a comment about communion and the sign of peace. It came to my attention that I didn't really understand why we gave each other the sign of peace just before receiving the Eucharist and he helped clarify that. He said that the sign of peace represents the action that we are about to partake in--communion or community. Amazing huh? That something so deeply tied to our faith in God isn't just about the bond we share with him but the bond we share with each other. That speaks volumes to me that even such a simple act was meant to unify us all in God's eyes. This to me is what it means to be loved this is what it means to have "peace". Such a great feeling needs to be spread beyond the three minutes or so we have at mass to recognize it--it needs to be brought into everyday life.
This brings me to the idea of our next major holiday!
When we think of being single we think of being alone, or incomplete, or even not loved, and yet we are none of those things. How come there isn't a word that describes someone who isn't in a typical "relationship" but still commits to a loving relationship with their friends, family and God? Facebook may not list me in a relationship but who is Facebook to judge my relationships? I AM in a relationship; with my wonderful mother, my outstanding best friends, my life-giving Lord, even you who are reading this we are in a relationship--there is love in these words! So where does this tie in with Single Awareness Day? Well I will celebrate this year not by buying a diamond necklace or going swing dancing but rather by letting all the people I love know that I am in a relationship with them!Take a moment to think about it, how ridiculous is it that we define our selves as single? At no point in my life have I been single, I have been blessed enough to be surrounded by extraordinary people all my life.
Then that leads us to love. If I am not single then obviously I am in love right? You got it! I live and breath love like my life depends on it--because it does. To be in love I don't need flashy gifts or extravagant outings all I need is commitment, the ability to put those I care about before myself when the time comes. I think Nat King Cole put it best in his song L-O-V-E when he said that "love is more than just a game for two"--how awesome is this thought? That are love is meant for more than just our selves, that is is meant to spread beyond us to others? That kind of love will lead you to a successful "relationship"--maybe you could even make it Facebook official. The best relationships are between two people who want to give and don't expect to receive, those who offer to other endless and unconditional love. If that is the kind of relationship you are in you wont need flowers or expensive dinners all you need is each other.
So then this Valentines Day/Singles Awareness Day I encourage you to go out and let everyone know what their love means to you. The ability to care for others so deeply is one of the best gifts God gave us so it would be a real shame if you didn't use it!
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
I've Heard it Said that People Come into Our Lives for a Reason
College is but another experience that we enter completely and totally unprepared. Really. No matter how much we say, "I am so ready to get out of the house" or "I am so done with high school", college is still something you simply can't understand until you get there. This may sound conceited or arrogant, but I don't mean to make college students sound like they're "cooler" or "more mature". I simply mean that college is an experience one can't truly create a mental image of. Speculating about what will happen to you and your friends is not worth worrying about in high school. There is no way to tell where your lives will lead - so don't waste time worrying!
I have been blessed to meet people here at SLU who are much better people than I deserve to know. People who genuinely know and understand themselves. People who offer me so much by simply being my friend. If that wasn't enough, I still have one of the greatest and most amazing support groups back home. I know I have talked about them countless times, but I would do anything for any one of them. Yes, we slip up, we have times when we prefer not to talk, we even ignore each other sometimes - but at this very moment, I would sacrifice anything and everything for them.
I want to address the fear of growing apart, and say that, well, it is just that - a fear! All you have to do to quell that fear is actively be aware of it. Make it a point to realize your friends are there even if you haven't talked in a week. Make an effort, and I promise it will all work out. We are creatures of habit - we will have our differences, but love in each other and in God will continue to pull us together... and we will be stuck like glue!
One of my friends, who is a couple of years younger than I, is incredibly inspiring to me. He is an amazing example of this. He makes it a point to take the time to let people know that they are always on his mind, especially when he hasn't seen them in a while. He expresses such excitement whenever he gets back together with a friend he hasn't seen in a while. I cannot express in mere words how much I respect him, which is odd, because I used to think of him as bit of a child. Yet people grow right in front of our eyes. I encourage everyone to try to be like him - someone who recognizes the good in everyone, someone who knows that life is for living and not hating. There is a lot to be learned from our friends, and even more to learn from those who we taught in the past. A person who sees people through the eyes of friendship and compassion, and not jealousy or anger, will get a lot more out of life than the rest of us who don't. Still, he, like anyone else, may slip up and go awhile without staying in touch with friends, or even say something or act in a way that totally goes against his normal behavior. And yet - that is okay! Can we really expect each other to be flawless? I always say: do not throw away a lifetime of good memories over a minor dispute. Why is it that one fight overrides countless good memories? Even if a whole year passes with only small talk and text messages, there is still hope - time will go on without us, but memories are our own to keep!
This leads me to my last point: love. That is it: LOVE. With Valentine's Day on the horizon, this should not be hard to understand. We have so little time our lives to do the things we love, so why waste time with anything else? Be with the people you love and love them regardless of - no, because of their flaws. Let them know that maybe things didn't go the way you planned, but there is no point wasting time being angry when it can be better spent utilizing the gifts God gave us, like each other, our families, our memories, or... maybe, just maybe, like JUST DANCE!
I have been blessed to meet people here at SLU who are much better people than I deserve to know. People who genuinely know and understand themselves. People who offer me so much by simply being my friend. If that wasn't enough, I still have one of the greatest and most amazing support groups back home. I know I have talked about them countless times, but I would do anything for any one of them. Yes, we slip up, we have times when we prefer not to talk, we even ignore each other sometimes - but at this very moment, I would sacrifice anything and everything for them.
I want to address the fear of growing apart, and say that, well, it is just that - a fear! All you have to do to quell that fear is actively be aware of it. Make it a point to realize your friends are there even if you haven't talked in a week. Make an effort, and I promise it will all work out. We are creatures of habit - we will have our differences, but love in each other and in God will continue to pull us together... and we will be stuck like glue!
One of my friends, who is a couple of years younger than I, is incredibly inspiring to me. He is an amazing example of this. He makes it a point to take the time to let people know that they are always on his mind, especially when he hasn't seen them in a while. He expresses such excitement whenever he gets back together with a friend he hasn't seen in a while. I cannot express in mere words how much I respect him, which is odd, because I used to think of him as bit of a child. Yet people grow right in front of our eyes. I encourage everyone to try to be like him - someone who recognizes the good in everyone, someone who knows that life is for living and not hating. There is a lot to be learned from our friends, and even more to learn from those who we taught in the past. A person who sees people through the eyes of friendship and compassion, and not jealousy or anger, will get a lot more out of life than the rest of us who don't. Still, he, like anyone else, may slip up and go awhile without staying in touch with friends, or even say something or act in a way that totally goes against his normal behavior. And yet - that is okay! Can we really expect each other to be flawless? I always say: do not throw away a lifetime of good memories over a minor dispute. Why is it that one fight overrides countless good memories? Even if a whole year passes with only small talk and text messages, there is still hope - time will go on without us, but memories are our own to keep!
This leads me to my last point: love. That is it: LOVE. With Valentine's Day on the horizon, this should not be hard to understand. We have so little time our lives to do the things we love, so why waste time with anything else? Be with the people you love and love them regardless of - no, because of their flaws. Let them know that maybe things didn't go the way you planned, but there is no point wasting time being angry when it can be better spent utilizing the gifts God gave us, like each other, our families, our memories, or... maybe, just maybe, like JUST DANCE!
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