Color Me Butterfly

March is a time of nature and new beginnings.  Shaking off the cold and cinders of winter, many of us prepare for the promise of spring by cleaning and brightening our homes.  Ridding ourselves of clutter.  Repainting our walls.  Rubbing every windowpane until it and the light of sun are one. 
 
I suggest that we take spring cleaning to another level . . . 

Why not use this time to come out of hibernation about our wellness - body, mind, heart, and spirit?  Have you packed away healthy practices that you should have started months ago?  Are your thoughts stagnate and dusty with depression and worry?  Is your heart cluttered with old hurts and pains?  Are you neglecting the nurturing of your spirit?
 
No amount of cleaning, dusting and uncluttering can substitute for a healthy body, a clear mind, a peaceful heart, and a joyous spirit.  In fact, there are many who fool themselves into thinking that by making their surroundings pristine and decorative, that this somehow substitutes for something they are lacking in their lives.  Yet, I have met a lot of happy, healthy, welcoming people in humble and hodge-podged homes; and have met some of the most miserable, unwelcoming people in mansions.
 
As the colors of spring bloom around you, think about how precious life is and take care of YOU!  Begin to practice the very things you've been putting off.  When the warm sun comes, allow it to soak health and wellness into your body.  When the spring rains fall, allow past pain to be washed away from your heart.   When the glorious trees sprout, allow it to open your mind to the possibilities.  And, as the days become warmer, allow that warmth to enliven your spirit to dance anew.
 
Spring cleaning is not just about acting on the condition of our homes.  It's about acting on the promise of our best life.  A well kept home may have its place, but it is no substitute for a well kept life.  Know that you have the wisdom, willpower, and wherewithal to overcome and excel in any season!

Rediik Harris- Hubert
Hastings, Florida

I was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois – the last of the litter, and youngest of six girls. I grew up without a father, and with an alcoholic mother.  As a child, I would watch from the curb as my other sisters were picked up by "their fathers," leaving me behind to go back into the house with my usually intoxicated mother.  It was at this tender time, I came to understand that I not only had no father, but I was genuinely UNLOVED and unwanted by everyone in my little life.  

For a while, I excelled and over-achieved in everything I did with hopes that someone would notice me - and LOVE ME!  But more unfortunately at age 13, I began experimenting with drugs, booze and men, hoping once again to find my Prince.  Instead, I found alcoholism, rape, jail, and abuse by men, including the first man I married – a drug dealer.  After my "Miracle Child" was born, and much more abuse - including a gun held to my head - I left this unhealthy environment along with my child.  I was afraid for my life and for the life of my son.  Much struggle followed including a brutal custody battle, more drinking, and a DUI.  Through it all, I felt like a hopeless failure. 

One day, I wrote a poem to the "father I never had".  I realized that after all I’d been through – GOD was my Real Father!  Praying for His will each and every day gave me the strength to not only carry on but to become a sober, wonderful mother and a happy wife.  It's been 20+ years since my addictions and the abuse, and I am truly becoming the woman I believe God intended me to be. 

After reading more books like Color Me Butterfly and meeting L.Y. Marlow personally, she has inspired me to continue writing poetry and finish my book.  I quit my high paying corporate job approximately 2 years ago.  I now work for a non- profit organization helping battered women and their children.  I love what I do.  I am paying forward the support that was given to me to rise above my circumstances.  Without inspiration in my life, I might not have made it!  And for that, I express gratitude to all who continue to support and inspire me! 

From tears to triumph, I’ve come to learn that Life is a Precious Gift.  Embrace it, be grateful for it and Celebrate YOU everyday! 

As a child growing up in the south, I spent many hours in church.  My grandmother was a staunch Christian and insisted that we not only go to church but that we attend Sunday school and bible study.  My friends knew not to look for me until Monday morning as I would be in church all day Sunday.  An all day service had only one element I was interested in and that was the food.  We ate before service, between services and after service.  The tradition was that each household cooked something and brought it to church.  There were so many cakes and pies that I truly thought I was in heaven!

Each morning before sunrise, my grandmother could be found in her bedroom in a small tattered armchair and a large bible equally worn, opened in her lap.  The lighting would be so dim that I wondered how in the world she could see to read.  With her head bowed, you could just make out that her lips were fervently moving in muted prayer.  My grandmother called this her quiet time with God.  This routine never changed.  In fact, my grandmother often said that her whole day was off if she was unable to be still and connect with “her God” each morning.  But despite this strong example of faith, I distanced myself from my grandmother’s practices as I grew older.

Early one morning after a particularly difficult time with my spouse, children and my job, I awoke abruptly – my pulse racing.  I felt almost paralyzed by despair, loneliness and hopelessness.  Instinctively I went to a quiet spot and sat.  Before I knew it, I was praying.  Praying as I had never prayed before.  Then I sat still.  I’m not certain how long I sat before light from the sunrise brightened the room.  Everything I am as well as all the lessons I’ve learned was revealed to me that morning.  I emerged from that experience centered and rejuvenated. 

Thanks to the example of my praying grandmother, I never start or end my day without meditation and prayer. These are the anchors that now sustain, protect, comfort and keep me grounded.  All I have to do is be still and  know that there is something greater than I. 
  
Sherelle Isaacs
Long Island, NY.