Greetings!
What is your reaction to the recent Terrorists Shooting in France? Do you feel you have changed in some ways because of what happened?
If we pay attention to our thoughts, we will realize we easily react and form an opinion to the circumstances that happen around us. With dramatic events such as the recent Charlie Hebdo Shooting in Paris and the 2001 9/11 Terrorist Attacks in USA, some of us may react strongly to what happen. Consciously or inadvertently, we may form a view that may affect how we conduct ourselves from then on.
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On Sep. 11, 2001, I did not learn of the horrific terrorist attacks until later in the morning. That morning, after my husband went downstairs to the family room, I stayed in our bedroom. Somehow, I decided to sit on bed and pray. I prayed for quite a while. Then I took a shower. When I came downstairs, I was shocked at what I saw on the television. My husband who spoke very little English did not know something huge had happened. I almost wanted to stay home to continue watching the news, but we had to take care of the restaurant. For weeks, I followed the news at night after we came home from work. Many times tears filled my eyes as I listened to people talking about their loved ones who died in the senseless killing. At night, I prayed with all my heart especially for the families that lost their loved ones.
After the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks, many charity organizations including firefighters set up donation collection booths or buckets in front of big stores to collect money for the victims. Below was a letter I wrote to a firefighter. As you read the letter, you would know what happened.
Dear Mr. Firefighter,
I got out of my car. I saw you stood in front of (name of the store) holding a boot* to collect donations. (*At that time, a firefighter boot was symbolic to those heroic firefighters and policemen who risked their lives to save others during the terrorist attacks.)
There were not many shoppers this afternoon. A woman, white, walked to you. You greeted her as she put money into the boot. You saw me walking towards you with money in my hand. When I was just a few steps from you, you suddenly turned to face the other side. With your back facing me, you stood very still. I walked forward. I stood right behind you waiting for you to turn around. You stood that way for quite a while. When you finally turned around, I could see the surprise in your eyes. You probably thought that I should have been gone by then. I put the money in. Sorry, I could not put more money in. I looked at you. I said, "Thank you for what you do." For a brief while, you did not know what to do. Then you said faintly, "Thank you."
Mr. Firefighter, I may look different to you because I am a Chinese woman. However, please understand that those of us who may look different from you have a heart just like you. We care and love our fellow human beings too.
Mr. Firefighter, your job is very important. I meant it when I said, "Thank you for what you do." May God bless you and protect you.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The incident happened not long after the 2001 9/11 Terrorist Attacks. I wrote the letter simply to express how I felt. Of course, I never sent it out for I knew neither the name of the firefighter nor where he worked. It was obvious I found what happened somewhat troubling. Most of us reacted to situations from where we were at. At that time, I released my reactive emotion by writing a letter. In a way, I hoped the words I wrote were received. If similar situation happened today, I probably would not pick up a pen and write.
Life is a journey. Over the years, I learn to pay attention to my thoughts and views. Sometimes I form an incorrect assumption too, but I always know it is never too late to adjust or correct my view. (Next post Racism and Discrimination - Story 3 )
Peace,
Q of D
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
Racism and Discrimination - Story 1
Greetings!
As I began to write this post, I thought of a teacher whom I had not met. He was my younger son's high school teacher.
One day in class, the teacher told his students that he was born in a family that held strong discriminating views against other races. He grew up hearing his parents and some relatives making racist remarks. He went to school and then college. He met people outside of his family. His circle of friends expanded, and he worked with people of other races too. He realized his family was wrong. It was a long soul searching process, and this courageous teacher shared it all. He went on to give his students a heartfelt talk on racism. He told them it was wrong to discriminate others based on our differences such as races, appearances, and beliefs.
My son liked to keep things to himself. He seldom talked about what happened in school. When he came home that day, he shared with me his teacher's story. Obviously, his teacher's truthful talk had touched him and some of his classmates deeply. My son said, "Mom, you had taught us not to judge or discriminate others since we were small. I cannot imagine how difficult it must be for my teacher to turn around completely and love all people as he does. My teacher is married and has his own family. He said he had talked to his parents and relatives about racism. At first, he tried to correct them whenever they made racist remarks in front of him. However, he has learned old habits die hard, and people would only change when they are ready. When his visits, his parents and relatives still say those offensive racist words, but far less than before."
As parents, we might try to instill in our children values and virtues (our wrong views in some cases). However, I agreed with Abraham - Hicks that 'words don't teach; it is life experience that teaches'. In other words, life experience had a greater impact in our lives than simply words. For example, a man got a call from the manager of a convenient store. His teenage daughter and a few of her friends had been detained in the store for shoplifting. After all the parents arrived, the manager gave the girls a stern warning. He told the girls that shoplifting was a crime, and they could go to jail for what they did. He assured them he would call the police if they did it again. The father of the teenage girl was ashamed and heart broken. He said he had taught his daughter values and honesty. He gave her more than enough allowance weekly. He did not understand why it happened. His daughter said she did it because she was bored. When one of her friends suggested to run out of the store without paying, she thought it was exciting. Therefore, words were just words when the teenage girl did not take what her father taught to heart.
Despite of how he was raised, the teacher did not grow up to be a racist. My son said he was a very good teacher. Many students loved and respected him. This teacher did not have to share his racist upbringing, but he chose to. As he shared his story with emotions, honesty, and sincerity, he connected with the students from the depth of his heart. It was the teacher's story. However, for those students whose hearts were open to receive that day, they had an experience that would affect them for the rest of their lives. They knew and agreed it was wrong to discriminate others based on our differences. In time, they would pass that to their children too.
Our voice is a gift. There is power in the words we speak. It is especially powerful when we speak from the depth of our hearts with love and compassion. The teacher has taught high school for decades. I believe he has shared his story with the students many times over the years.
Thank you, Teacher, for making a difference in our world. (Next post Racism and Discrimination - Story 2 )
Love,
Q of D
As I began to write this post, I thought of a teacher whom I had not met. He was my younger son's high school teacher.
One day in class, the teacher told his students that he was born in a family that held strong discriminating views against other races. He grew up hearing his parents and some relatives making racist remarks. He went to school and then college. He met people outside of his family. His circle of friends expanded, and he worked with people of other races too. He realized his family was wrong. It was a long soul searching process, and this courageous teacher shared it all. He went on to give his students a heartfelt talk on racism. He told them it was wrong to discriminate others based on our differences such as races, appearances, and beliefs.
My son liked to keep things to himself. He seldom talked about what happened in school. When he came home that day, he shared with me his teacher's story. Obviously, his teacher's truthful talk had touched him and some of his classmates deeply. My son said, "Mom, you had taught us not to judge or discriminate others since we were small. I cannot imagine how difficult it must be for my teacher to turn around completely and love all people as he does. My teacher is married and has his own family. He said he had talked to his parents and relatives about racism. At first, he tried to correct them whenever they made racist remarks in front of him. However, he has learned old habits die hard, and people would only change when they are ready. When his visits, his parents and relatives still say those offensive racist words, but far less than before."
As parents, we might try to instill in our children values and virtues (our wrong views in some cases). However, I agreed with Abraham - Hicks that 'words don't teach; it is life experience that teaches'. In other words, life experience had a greater impact in our lives than simply words. For example, a man got a call from the manager of a convenient store. His teenage daughter and a few of her friends had been detained in the store for shoplifting. After all the parents arrived, the manager gave the girls a stern warning. He told the girls that shoplifting was a crime, and they could go to jail for what they did. He assured them he would call the police if they did it again. The father of the teenage girl was ashamed and heart broken. He said he had taught his daughter values and honesty. He gave her more than enough allowance weekly. He did not understand why it happened. His daughter said she did it because she was bored. When one of her friends suggested to run out of the store without paying, she thought it was exciting. Therefore, words were just words when the teenage girl did not take what her father taught to heart.
Despite of how he was raised, the teacher did not grow up to be a racist. My son said he was a very good teacher. Many students loved and respected him. This teacher did not have to share his racist upbringing, but he chose to. As he shared his story with emotions, honesty, and sincerity, he connected with the students from the depth of his heart. It was the teacher's story. However, for those students whose hearts were open to receive that day, they had an experience that would affect them for the rest of their lives. They knew and agreed it was wrong to discriminate others based on our differences. In time, they would pass that to their children too.
Our voice is a gift. There is power in the words we speak. It is especially powerful when we speak from the depth of our hearts with love and compassion. The teacher has taught high school for decades. I believe he has shared his story with the students many times over the years.
Thank you, Teacher, for making a difference in our world. (Next post Racism and Discrimination - Story 2 )
Love,
Q of D
Tuesday, January 6, 2015
I appreciate the gifts and wonders in my life
Greetings!
I went out to check the mailbox. When I returned to our apartment, I happened to see the thick book in the bookcase that was by the wall near the door. It was 'The Edgar Cayce Collection, Four Volumes in One - Edgar Cayce on Dreams, Edgar Cayce on Healing, Edgar Cayce on Diet and Health, and Edgar Cayce on ESP'. Holding the book in my hands, I realized I was exceptionally lucky when I took a step outside of my comfort zone to go among people.
One night, I went to a small psychic fair. It was probably my first step or one of my first steps to mix with people. It took place before I joined the Thursday Circle at the Center. Upon entering, a woman asked me to write down my name and put it in a cloth pouch. Before the fair was over, the woman announced there were three door prizes. When my name was drawn, I was surprised and overjoyed that I had won the Edgar Cayce book.
After I joined the Thursday Circle, the Center organized two holistic festivals in 2005 and 2006 in a big hall. Names were randomly drawn for prizes. I won a beautiful crystal in one festival, and the grand prize of a $100 gift certificate in the other. Hundreds of people came to the festivals. I must be very lucky that my name was drawn. Please click to view The Grand Prize ($100 gift certificate) and the 2nd Reading. It was an amazing experience.
When we moved to another state, I was happy to find out we lived about 30 to 40 minutes away from a big spiritual research center. In the years we lived there, I went to their Forum 5 or 6 times. It was held once a month at night, and many people attended. Again, I was very lucky. One time I won a $15 gift certificate, and another time I won a beautiful deck of angel cards. (See my post My Three Decks of Angel Cards )
I never thought about winning any prize, and was nicely surprised repeatedly.
God or Source of my being, I really appreciate these gifts and wonders in my life. Most of all, I am now at ease sitting among people. I love people. I love who I am. I love my guides and angels. I love nature and Mother Earth.
I love you. It is nice connecting with you through my blog. Thank you for reading my posts.
Many blessings,
Q of D
I went out to check the mailbox. When I returned to our apartment, I happened to see the thick book in the bookcase that was by the wall near the door. It was 'The Edgar Cayce Collection, Four Volumes in One - Edgar Cayce on Dreams, Edgar Cayce on Healing, Edgar Cayce on Diet and Health, and Edgar Cayce on ESP'. Holding the book in my hands, I realized I was exceptionally lucky when I took a step outside of my comfort zone to go among people.
One night, I went to a small psychic fair. It was probably my first step or one of my first steps to mix with people. It took place before I joined the Thursday Circle at the Center. Upon entering, a woman asked me to write down my name and put it in a cloth pouch. Before the fair was over, the woman announced there were three door prizes. When my name was drawn, I was surprised and overjoyed that I had won the Edgar Cayce book.
After I joined the Thursday Circle, the Center organized two holistic festivals in 2005 and 2006 in a big hall. Names were randomly drawn for prizes. I won a beautiful crystal in one festival, and the grand prize of a $100 gift certificate in the other. Hundreds of people came to the festivals. I must be very lucky that my name was drawn. Please click to view The Grand Prize ($100 gift certificate) and the 2nd Reading. It was an amazing experience.
When we moved to another state, I was happy to find out we lived about 30 to 40 minutes away from a big spiritual research center. In the years we lived there, I went to their Forum 5 or 6 times. It was held once a month at night, and many people attended. Again, I was very lucky. One time I won a $15 gift certificate, and another time I won a beautiful deck of angel cards. (See my post My Three Decks of Angel Cards )
I never thought about winning any prize, and was nicely surprised repeatedly.
God or Source of my being, I really appreciate these gifts and wonders in my life. Most of all, I am now at ease sitting among people. I love people. I love who I am. I love my guides and angels. I love nature and Mother Earth.
I love you. It is nice connecting with you through my blog. Thank you for reading my posts.
Many blessings,
Q of D
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