COMMITMENT, DETERMINATION ...
Last year's Super Bowl held personal significance for me. At first, I didn't have a pig in the poke, but as the media moved to annoit the 'Evil Empire' of the New England Patriots, they overlooked another story, another fate that was there to be fulfilled. Hardly anyone spoke of the unique destiny that awaited Eli Manning and the New York Giants. And indeed, the scarcely observed underdog, won the game in a sweeping triumph.
Because of where I was at, spiritually and emotionally, the Giants win would be something I latch onto, like a floation device as though I was out on the ocean adrift.
This year, I really, really don't have anyone to 'pull' for, because I wouldn't want to be against either side. The Pittsburgh Steelers have '...been playing the same kind of football for the past 40 years,' as one sports guy said on ESPN. They have had only three coaches in that span, and though they way they have actually gotten 'it done', has the individual stamp of the coaches, but the essentials are the same. In short, the Steelers 'are who you thought they were'.
My heart has a place for Kurt Warner. He was on the reality show, 'The Biggest Loser', and he told the contestants that he got to where he was, because of 'a little commitment, a little determination, and a lot of faith.
I generally save conversations about 'faith' for a 'boots' discussion. There is so much to it, that I don't write about it often. I don't want to have to explain in my journal about something that I need to know and understand. A lot of my 'how and why's' are aptly covered by Nietzsche, and I leave it at that.
Besides, 'faith' is a big word, and it is applicable to me and this entry, according to my trusty American Heritage! One of the definitions reads as follows: 'Confident belief or trust in a person, idea or thing. Loyalty, alliegence.'
And that, like 'Hooked on Phonics', works for me!
I LEARNT THIS FROM MY MOMMA ...
... so please, respect my style!
Since I have only ever always woke early, whether it is to run or to deliever newspapers, it couldn't have been easy for my Mom to sit in church with only 4 of her 5 minor children, but she did it. We had our 'talk' about that, and that was that with that. I wonder only now, how much that grated at her. But like with some choice she made that I never got the chance to question, it means nothing, if I don't find myself comfortable with it. And I am.
The understanding I got from that conversation (of which, we would have several more times) was that I was going to have to accept the consequence of my actions, emphasis on the bad. Because I wouldn't be able to blame anyone but myself, because there was a choice and I used that choice to go in another direction.
So I don't do a lot of whining, and reg'lar readers know that I get upset at myself when I think that I am doing it. Like Flav said, 'it was YOU who made your due, YOU built a maze you can't get through' ...
... 'tried to help you all I can, but now I can't do nuthin' for you man.' That is deep, if you let it sink in.
IT AIN'T ABOUT ME
There has not been a time when I have been conscious that there has been an abscence of faith in my life. It has always meant a lot to me. It is important that you have the trust, the belief, in yourself, before you can have it in anyone else. And in many ways, I don't see enough of that in AKA to suit me. Period.
She went through some 'stuff' at the start of the week, and IMO, a large part of her problem would be the Einstein statement about 'insanity being defined as doing the same thing and expecting different results (which has made the rounds, lately!)' You could also apply that to the city of Detroit and how it is governed, but I should remind you, that this isn't 'that blog'.
I wonder if she really wants a different life? I mean, she talks a good game, knows the layout and all, but when it comes to moving her pieces across the board, she is clueless, and that is too kind a word for her. I can compare her with a lot of women in the Metro Area ... and Mookie too, and it is unfavorable assesment.
Tried to listen to her, and be there the way that girls like her, 'The Sisterhood of Unhappy Single Women in the League of Bad and Broken Relationships' want you to be there for them, with ice cream and sympathy. You could put the Einstein line about 'insanity' on their coat of arms.
Because many people choose to be 'insane', I place a premimum on faith. It takes a lot of work and optimism to want something different. It means you will have to venture into the unknown, and wander out in the unknowable ...
...there are a few constants that deal with faith. First, you have to believe you can. Otherwise, your venture is lost at the very beginning. And if you have to lean on someone, and usually you will have to at some point, you need to be able to have complete and absolute trust in these people. If you can't, then why bother with them?
I know 'why' I am wanting, planning and hoping for what I want. Right now, I am working on the 'how'.
4 comments:
I really WANT to root for the Cardinals because they are the underdogs, but I can't really abandon the Steelers since I do live in PA. However I'll be secretly happy if the Cards win.
xo
MJ
Steeler fan here.....been like that for close to 30 years......Chargers first, then Steelers.....so rooting for them, but if they lose, so be it, won't lose any sleep over it
I think we all have to come to our own conclusions about faith/beliefs. We can't rest on the laurels of someone else's or expect our kids to have our faith or our parents to have our faith; I'm sure your mom wanted you there on those church mornings, but I'm sure she was realistic too in expectations and other demands on your time
betty
I think I have to go with the Cards, because like you, I admire Warner's comeback. They also have Edgerrin, and I'm still a fan even though he doesn't play for the Colts anymore. He's one of the reasons the Colts turned into winners!
Great thoughts on faith, relationships, etc. There might be some women that would be offended by some of what you wrote, but I get it. We all have a certain amount of baggage we haul around with us, but you can't let it take control of your life or make you bitter. You see that all too often, in women AND men, and it's just not attractive.
The truth is that if we want things to change, part of that involves taking a good look at ourselves and seeing if our behavior has anything to do with some of the things that happen to it. Chances are good that there is something there. My ex-BF that was a whoredog? Deep down I knew it all along, and it was confirmed later. So why did I put up with that? What was it in me that allowed me to limp along in this unfulfilling relationship that was going nowhere?
When you start asking yourself those kinds of questions, start to change your behavior and outlook, then you can start to have faith in yourself, and know that there is something worthwhile in you, something good that you have to offer someone else.
I believe you have that faith, my friend, and never ever doubt it. I see it.
Love, Beth
Cards, but think it will be an uphill battle for them.
Behavior change requires immediate, certain, and positive feedback. Otherwise we rely on avoiding the negative.
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