Tag: inspiration

Refrigerator Wisdom #3

by 8hummingbirdway

This third and final piece of refrigerator wisdom that I have to share is the words of a song I learned in my late 20s.

I attended a weekend workshop with my first husband. It was a workshop that facilitated emotional healing. I think it was called “Opening the Heart.” It was excellent, and was a good first step in sorting myself out. I learned a few songs that stuck. Here’s one:

It’s in every one of us to be wise

Find your heart

Open up both your eyes

We can all know everything without ever knowing why

It’s in every one of us

By and by

Just writing these word on this page is very powerful for me. This is a core song for me. It sing it every time I go to my altar, which has been every morning for quite a few years.

These words have been reassuring to me over time. They tell me that I will get to a better place “by and by.” They tell me that wisdom is available, and also simply “knowing” – that it’s in every one of us!

I fully believe the words.

This song has been a beacon of light for me for 40 years.

The Hollies sang this song, a longer version, but this is the part I hold sacred.

Private sessions are offered in person and remotely by phone or video conference. Contact Annie to book a session, host a workshop, for sliding scale rates or to discuss barter arrangements.

Being the ‘Momma’ in Africa

by 8hummingbirdway

The Africa Posts

While in Africa on this journey with my son, as he attends to his missions (the non-profit groups he founded and co-founded), I have the status of “the Momma.” Sometimes I hear “Hello Mommy” in a restaurant, a park, or informal gathering mostly from a woman. But in formal groups where my son has provided support and funding, I am clearly recognized in an official capacity as my son’s mama (or “Momma”, as I hear it).

This status of Momma is definitely an honor, especially when I am recognized as the mother of my respected son. I am 2nd in order of respect in any of these groups, including head teachers and others of status. I am introduced after him and given substantial credit for the man he is and his good work. They want me to say a few words to the captive audience. And I do. In educational groups where Literate Earth Project is the group represented I say how important books were in our family, how I read to my son from early on. That’s about it, I’m no orator. It was uncomfortable the first time, but I appreciate the recognition that his background and mother are an aspect of who he is, what he does. And I get to express warmth to a group in just a couple of sentences, where I may have only had a chance to speak personally with 2 people.

In DRC (Democratic Republic of Congo) there has been less call to talk. When I did speak, I said a few words about love – and especially honoring all children – in my broken French.

Interested in learning more about Remember Youth for Change, the local nonprofit group in Goma, DRC? https://www.facebook.com/rememberyouthforchange

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