Hi, Beautiful One,
I'm sure you know by now I am always thinking about the "career" I want, contrary to the one I have. I am self-centered in my desires. I mean, who isn't? This year, I got a lot of what I wanted. The current season has been a good one. So much so that I stopped thinking about what else I wanted. My thoughts went from what I wanted for myself to what I wanted for my loved ones.
My Grandmother left me life lessons. She still teaches me from the grave. She has been gone for almost two decades; I'm still learning from her. I watched her live her life free to choose. She determined where she went. It was her path. She knew how she could walk it. There was something special about how she lived. Her faith, no, her trust in God, was remarkable. I used to think that was her legacy: live free, it's your world. I was wrong.
A flood of memories took over me this week. The memories of her prayers in the middle of the night flashed before my eyes. Her words were never about her. The prayers were always about us. She wanted us to be a family that trusted each other and God. Her outreach was to the people she cared for and the ones she couldn't reach. She stood in the gap when we wouldn't stand for ourselves. That was her legacy. And because of this, her life was always a full one. No matter how many haters she had. No matter how many naysayers surrounded her, she lived for her family. She understood who she was and how vital her prayers were. These memories made me wonder about my own legacy. What am I leaving behind? What lessons have I taught that will speak years later? How do I instill something worthwhile?
Trust Who You Are
You are to be who you are. Your strengths and your weaknesses are a part of the package. Your words carry on in the hearts of those who care about them. You are where you're supposed to be. I struggle with circumstances as if I don't have what it takes to win. Why?
Stand For Something
"Stand for something, or you'll fall for anything." That was one of my Grandma's favorite sayings. She lived what she taught. I respected her for that; others did as well. I think this is the best way to stay true to yourself. Lines are blurred when you have defined them.
Welcome The Naysayers
"Dogs don't bark at parked cars." Another great saying of hers. I used to (and still do sometimes) get so bothered by those who didn't like me. I never wanted to cause trouble, but I didn't want to be a pushover. You are going to ruffle some feathers, that is okay! You're allowed to be you!
Don't stop being who you are because others want to dim your light. Burn hotter! Burn brighter! Intensify your shine because you pierce their darkness! You can free others or join them in bondage. Just know this: your choice will be your legacy. What will you leave behind?
I love you!
G.E.M. Stone
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