The Elusive "Aha Moment"

Let's talk about a not-so easy thing to do-not wait for an "aha moment".  When it comes to finding solutions to problems, dealing with particular issues or even finding oneself, there's sometimes an expectation that the aformentioned will come in the blink of an eye. Call it the "aha moment". In the instance when it doesen't happen (or at least happen when you want it to), the canvas is primed for disappointment to set in. Understandable. However, it seems that it is in the realization that the "aha" may be more gradual or may not come in the form of the proverbial lightbulb turning on where peace lies.

Think back to an occasion when the answer to a life dilemma came in the form of a decision or action resulting in a feeling of calm. That's not to say that "aha moments" never happen-just that the expectation of them can lead to frustration. On top of that, it could result in wasting energy that could be used to find the solution to the problem. Ask youself: "How much time have I spent frustrated about not immediately realizing what my vocation is or how to deal with xyz issue?"

That being said, don't wait for the answer to life's questions to come to you. Of course it won't be a walk in the park. Find ways to get to the solution.

Sometimes Words Fail

Ironic title, right? Be honest, though-there is a lot of truth to it. Sometimes words do fail us.  There are moods, moments, and feelings that cannot in any way, shape or form, be communicated in a coherent manner through spoken or written word. The prime example is during moments of loss. In such times, nothing can fully convey the myriad of thoughts, emotions, and feelings that the person experiencing the loss is going through. Everyone's been there-that instance where nothing but a good scream session or crying spell to a favorite emotional song will do. Contemporary society seems to privilege "talking it out" or journaling. They do have their place. However, sometimes it's ok to express emotion not through writing or speaking, but just being. Wether releasing through that "good cry", dance, song or scream (preferably not AT someone), allow yourself-and others the space to express themselves if such methods are the best suited for the occaision.

"...Sudanese and Congolese who put the roll in the rock..."

(Photo from AmericanCatholic.org)

Today, the Catholic Church celebrates the feast of St. Josephine Bakhita. Enslaved as a young girl in late 1800's Sudan, she went on to gain her freedom in Italy and become a nun devoted to faith and service. That faith and service lead to Pope John Paul II cannonizing her in 2000.

The best article about her life can be found  at the link below:



http://wau.org/resources/article/re_from_slave_to_saint1/

There is a line in a song that goes as follows:

    

"...frozen, they were stolen,all the kings and the queens- Sudanese and Congolese who put the roll in the rock...".

 Such words couldn't ring truer in Bakhita's life. The "rock" was her faith and her Maker. The "roll" was her steadfastness. Hers is a true freedom fighting story.

Trailblaizer: Mother Mary Lange

Photo: Courtesy of the Mother Lange Guild Website

To celebrate Black History Month, your humble blogger would like to introduce to you Mother Mary Elizabeth Lange, foundress of the Oblate Sisters of Providence, the first religious congregation of women of color in the Universal Church. Why Mother Lange, you ask? Hers is a little known story within Black, Catholic, and American history as a whole. Here is her story:

/biography.html

For more information on the Oblate Sisters of Providence, go to http://www.oblatesisters.com

Investigation into cause for Mother Lange's beatification and cannonization has been opened. Information is available at http://motherlangeguild.homestead.com

To Michigan on it's 175th Birthday

Dear Michigan,

Given your name comes from a Native American word meaning "turtle", it's probably no coincidence my first pet was a turtle. Maybe it was your way of instilling a sense of place within me during my formative years. You raised me and the majority of my family. You welcomed my father and grandparents, who came from the South. I was blessed to walk through the hallowed halls of your University in Ann Arbor for four years. You put the world on wheels. You have birthed a plethora of figures who have impacted the country and the world. Recent years have been rough for you, however. Many have left you and others negatively comment about you. Despite this, you are always home to those who have resided within your borders. From Ann Arbor to Zeeland, there is no other place quite like you. May you be blessed this and many years to come

With love,
Rana Dianne Irby
A Michigander born and raised.

On Traveling

So it looks like your humble blogger has been initiated into the world of the traveler. It began this past September with my first stay at a B&B. Today's adventure includes a stay at the Chicago Parthenon Hostel (310 S. Halsted) in the Windy City. So far, so good. Clean, fancy, no frills-good bang for the buck at $40 a night for a private room. There are some common-sense rules that have to be abided by here, but it goes to show the extent to which the hostel goes to keep the place nice, spiffy, and safe. On a related note: the staff-quite friendly and down-to-earth! It seems like one can truly call themselves a traveler until they've experienced stays at hostels and B&Bs. Until next time!

"...and we PAINT!" cont'd

It wasn't my intention for this to be my first blog post of the year, but the paintings said it was time. Ladies and gentlemen, presenting "The Metropolis Series"


The Metropolitan



and

Lead Us All Back to One

Each of these have very layered meanings. Hope they bless you, everyone!