PAIRINGS - The Power of One Person

The power of one person... do we really understand that? Do we understand that our words can make a difference in the lives of others? Do we understand that how we make others feel is what's remembered over our words and our accomplishments? Do we understand that each of us has the power to make a huge difference in this world?

Today a candle flickered out here on earth. And, I believe, a torch was lit in Heaven to shine a path to God. The life of Maya Angelou made a difference in this world. 

Upon hearing of her passing, I paired one of her quotes with a picture from 2008. I took that picture of my own footsteps in the snow on a cold, yet beautiful, winter day as I went on a walkabout. That day & that walkabout marked the change in the life of my dear friend (and me in many ways) forever! That post is still in progress...

"Listen to yourself. And, in that quietude,
you might hear the voice of God."
Maya Angelou

Today, I celebrate the life of Maya Angelou... who was a well of wisdom. The POWER of ONE person... ONE WOMAN... can be eternal.

Today Girlfriendology shared a link to a video of Maya reciting her own words. We all share sorrow, shame, loss, fear, etc.  We each have the choice to RISE ABOVE it all! Maya chose to RISE!

And Still I Rise!

Never underestimate the power from within! I believe that power is planted within by a loving God... for each of us to call upon and for each of us to share with our world.

Linking with Ann Voskamp - A Holy Experience today... 

Friends Don't Let Friends...

We've all heard the saying, "Friends Don't Let Friends Drive Drunk." And, that makes perfect sense, doesn't it! It's been proven that driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs judgement.  We don't want our friends injured and, we don't want our friends injuring others.

Friends don't let friends...
end a vacation time without planning the next one :)

Some other thoughts I've had along the path of life have been FRIENDS DON'T LET FRIENDS...


When I was a young child...

• ... be left off their invitation list for a birthday party or sleep over.
• ... walk home alone or get in cars with strangers.
• ... be mean to other kids - especially the new kids.
• ... watch a scary movie by themselves.

In my teen years & college years...

• ... ride home with guys they don't know.
• ... find out that their boyfriend is cheating on them by way of "school gossip".
• ... be in dangerous situations.
• ... continue to go out with someone who treats them horribly.

In my young adult years & into the present years...

• ... try to hide the hurts & struggles either are facing.
• ... miss out on sound counsel they have to offer.
• ... lose the memory of who they really are.
• ... sacrifice their goals to fit in with the world.
• ... walk away without a goodbye.

Today (as I was working on this post!!!), I totally screwed up on being a friend... when I spaced a lunch date with a very, dear friend (and extremely busy business woman)... because I thought of it early in the morning & didn't double check the time AND set a reminder alarm!

NOTE TO SELF:  FRIENDS DON'T LET FRIENDS... SIT ALONE AT RESTAURANTS WONDERING IF THEY HAVE BEEN STOOD UP!

Will she forgive me? Yes.  

Does that make what I did alright? NO.  

Have I apologized? Yes.  

Did she accept the apology? YES!!

Do I feel better?  Only a little bit :/

Each day brings new challenges to be the friends that we ought to be.  My saving grace is that I seem to have a lot of friends who understand my craziness. But, beyond that, I recognize the responsibility to try DAILY to be the best friend that I can be... in spite of my limitations.


Some great truths about friendship are below...

• A friend is always loyal... and born to help in time of need. Proverbs 17:17
• The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense. Proverbs 27:9
• There are "friends" who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother/sister. Proverbs 18:24

Friendship is not a right... it's a responsibility & a privilege!  It's not fleeting or based upon what the other person can give to you. Good friendship will improve both people in the friendship and can last for eternity :)

Stalking My Sister

I have a sister who, if not already famous in the social media circles, is on her way to fame!  She's an entrepreneur... the creator / founder of Girlfriendology ... and the energy behind it!!  Here's her welcome statement on the Girlfriendology site:

Welcome Girlfriend! Girlfriendology is the online community for women based on inspiration, appreciation and celebration of female friendship. Basically it’s an inspiring, positive, supportive community of women who are or may become girlfriends.

Women ‘get it.’ We need our girlfriends. Best friends, sisters, neighbors, coworkers … we‘re blessed with wonderful women who inspire, admire and care for us. They bring us joy, love, laughter, a shoulder to cry on and a hand to hold or help when we need it – and more.

In fact, female friendship makes women healthier, happier, less stressed, live longer and feel more beautiful. (See! We do NEED girlfriends!)

So, welcome to this community of wonderful women – just like you! Together we will learn and grow stronger and, dang it!, have fun with fabulous female friends!

In addition to loving her & trying to support her on a personal basis... I follow her on Twitter & like her on Facebook. You should check Girlfriendology out too.  We all need our girlfriends - don't we!!  We all need reminders of how to celebrate our girlfriends too!

I guess I don't really STALK my sister but, I do keep track of what she's sharing on Facebook & Twitter & through her site.  Hop over there & check her out sometime :)

I love you sister!!  I'm proud of what you do in this world!