WORD FOR THE DAY Monday, May. 11 (gratefulness.org)
In a world so torn apart by rivalry, anger, and hatred,
we have the privileged vocation to be
living signs of a love that can
bridge all divisions
and heal all wounds.
Henri Nouwen
What is Real Privilege?
Recently, I left my status as a "privileged" person, as normally seen, in this society.I was almost completely left out of my Mom's will. There were lots of reasons, even though, I was the "familycaregiver", I was also resented for being a "liberal" (really more "conscious") here in the South.To a family, who woke up every morning and went to bed in the evening to Fox News, I was scapegoated for "scolding and satirizing" them for that. I was the traveler, the adventurer, and the one who respected Eastern Religions, and liberal theology. I was the one who warned them that they could not take their possessions to their graves. I was the one who went to California for grad. school and stayed out there for 14 years.I came back and saved my Brothers' life., three condemned houses and then my nephews' life. I found out later that Mom was "humiliated" because I choose to do that. Somehow, it made her feel "less than".
Yet I was shocked to be virtually left out of the will, and I realized then what a "priviliged" lifestyle I had been living. I had the financial security that enabled me to travel to be an adventurer. I did not feel like I had to save an nest egg, to work to retirement. I did it all while I was young. I was fortunate to have that feeling of security.Now, that the security blanket is gone, I have been really doing what it takes to feel really secure inside - meditation, prayer, groups, intense study of more liberal theology, etc.Here is what I have found that is "Real Privilege" to me. It is called Divine Inheritance!
We have so many journey's in this lifetime, unfortunately most of us go through them with our eyes closed. I am so glad you have realized the beauty in your journey & what "real privilege" truly is. Very inspirational. Love, RC
Blessing must arise from within your own mind. It is not something that comes from outside. When the positive qualities of your mind increase and the negativities decrease, that is what blessing means. The Tibetan word for blessing … means transforming into magnificent potential. Therefore, blessing refers to the development of virtuous qualities you did not previously have and the improvement of those good qualities you have already developed. ― Dalai Lama XIV
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