I dislike so many things about so many things, but I do love so many things about so many things more than I dislike so many things about so many things. And with so many things on my mind I must pace myself slowly to a halt and remember that without all these things, I’ll still have God & that I am alright.

To a friend by circumstance, I thank you. You are an artist never able to find perfection in words unless you are alone. At night or early in the morning no one faces that pillow but you. Why it hardens when you turn to face the day, I don’t judge. In a world where ambivalence seeks love, we are only true to the present mind yet the soul breathes no worry for it will remind our heart to risk. Our time, growth, worry, stress, love, and passion is worth more than any material possession we’ll ever own, even our pillow. RH 4/8/14

Today’s poem/blog is called, “The Right Thing To Do.” It goes like this:

I often ask myself, “What have I accomplished?” And so often more than not, my answer leaves that void associating with that empty space in my heart, in my soul. So I give what remains deep down. In thought, reflection, and prayer I wait for this void to be filled, but this image has yet to form its mold and leaves my heart cold. How could it be so cold when summer is nearly here? Maybe the summer in me is far from here. Maybe I should go grab a jacket for my snow angel watching over me. It’s the right thing to do.

Most of you will understand this in your own way. Interpret it to your desire of lack of desire. Please take this time and think of ways we all can fill this void together. Thanks for listening.

…I wrote a letter to a friend and wanted to share these words because it relates to our random acts of kindness where it’s stated, “it is of absolute necessity that people are grateful for your efforts. I am a strong believer in charitable deeds and giving freely. We don’t do this expecting anything in return but somehow it does anyway. By not letting the left hand know what the right hand is thinking, everything we seek, deep into our souls, will be found. We are all connected. By fate, religion, ‘coincidence,’ circumstance, or serendipity, we are endlessly bound. That still void of silence provokes answers that we’ve sought for so long, and that stillness was needed now more than ever. For us or for our loved ones, this space we fill needed to be filled by no one else but our character. The story will always be ours and no one else’s. Stay inspired. People of your caliber motivate me to be strong in my purpose in my life. The quote that we are merely prisoners of our own minds is rather true. And characters like you create this opportunity for others to see this as well.” written 4/4/14

I thank you all who pay it forward and give your time & effort to those in need each day. Pay attention to the blessings you receive by mere “circumstance.”

As me and my cellmate sit across from each other playing chess, he reminded me a few words I expressed with a fellow inmate regarding the strength in our struggles. And as I was pondering my next chess move, I responded instantaneously that he was the strongest person I knew. We shared a great laugh but only because that’s all there’s left to do at the end of a long day’s struggle. We go about our day so often not appreciating the blessings, but this week’s insufficient summer weather came to a halt & compelled me to re-open my study Bible. In the scriptures I was reminded of my purpose. I was reminded not to fuss or fret in this wilderness of distraction. I was reminded to give freely and extend love to those in need. I was reminded so much of my own struggles and my family’s struggles. Although now, as I’m sitting here post-chess-loss, writing my brother and sister a letter calms the day considerably because I am reminded that I am loved and that this struggle of life makes us all stronger. What’s our next opening chess move?