REMEMBERING THOSE THAT WE LOST

By Vernalee

Memorial Day is a holiday set aside for honoring the military personnel who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. The holiday is observed on the last Monday of May.

Additionally, on Memorial Day, we pay respect to loved ones whom we have lost. The cemeteries are full with sobbing eyes of those putting flowers on their loved ones’ graves. Remembering those who have gone home to be with the Lord and the memorable moments that we shared remain precious. Their memories, the time that we spent together, their love and ours - live with us forever and a day. To our loved ones, we say, "Rest in peace. You're gone but not forgotten. You are truly missed!" Though we placed flowers on their graves, prayerfully we showed them how much they meant to us while they breathed the fresh aroma of life! Hopefully, we can ”cast our nets in deep waters” knowing that “we gave them their flowers while they were living!”

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IT'S NEVER TO LATE TO FIND LOVE AND HAPPINESS

By Vernalee

Let’s change the pace today. Let’s talk about love.

To be loved is a desired emotion for most. For sure, “It’s never too late to find love!” Play it again Sam! Though love is a sought after emotion, finding true love may be difficult as we cannot read other people’s hearts. Complacency and the fear of rejection can become front and center and even convince us that we are happy when we are walking in a sea of loneliness. Our older wax filled ears become fearful of hearing unpleasant words. It’s easy to settle. It’s just as easy to find comfort in discomfort; to give up without really trying; to convince yourself that you are happy when you know that you are not. As the saying goes, ”Everybody needs somebody!” The older you become, your desire lessens to take risks. Age does not remove the prospects and exposure to being hurt. So now what? Do you do nothing and let the unhappy days become unhappy years? Or do you seek, search, and find love? What steps should you take as you look for love gingerly? How discreet should you be? It is not realistic for you to expect to open your front door and find your Prince Charming (for ladies) or Princess (for guys) standing there waiting with opened arms. It is highly unlikely that a scenario like that will play out. Looking for love and dating can be intimidating processes at any age. For certain, they are labors of work. Another job, you don’t need! Just ask Tina. Beautiful, successful, and in the spotlight was Tina Knowles, the Mother of superstar Beyonce. Then, after 33 years of marriage, she found herself divorced and all alone. “Where am I gonna find somebody at 59 years old? Where do you meet men? Where do you get them? They’re all gone.” If Tina asked those questions, multiply those from other middle aged women by 10. But then something magical happened. She took the initiative to find love and happiness. She was reunited with a man that she had known for over three decades. Actor Richard Lawson entered the picture and the rest is history. By her wedding day in 2015, Tina’s tone had change. “To walk down the aisle and see all my friends and family and to see my handsome man standin’ there, and to know that at 61 you can still find love and have a magical day like that … it was really beautiful,” says the bride as she walked down the aisle to India Arie’s “Ready for Love.” Yes, it takes courage. It takes tenacity. It takes not settling for someone who doesn’t make you happy. Wearing your singleness on your sleeves is not necessary; declaring your availability Is. Whether widowed, divorced, etc., sharing your life with the person that you love is a beautiful thing. Companionship is great! God knew that it was not good for man to be alone, thus he created woman. Love, companionship, eternal bliss of marriage ... will never grow old. Yes, loneliness is for the lonely; it is no fun! Here’s to finding your soulmate! Don’t be left out in the cold alone (Brrr!) lonely, and without the love of your life. Besides, love and happiness will never grow old. They will remain in style for years to come! Photo credit: www.people.com (Richard and Tina).

ARE YOU ON THE SAME PAGE?

By Vernalee

Are you speaking the same language? Are you listening to each other? Is what is being said matches what is being done? Why do you continue to ask certain questions when the answers should be obvious? In other words, is the person “walking the talk?” Comfortably, you should be able to take a colleague's or partner's word and vice versa at face value. Nothing beats a person doing what he/she said. Keeping your word and living up to your commitment are foundational principles. If you can’t satisfy those terms, you may as well close the book altogether. In order to make substantial progress and be in agreement, being on the same page is fundamental. If you have to see, discern, or ask what page you're on after a substantial period of time, there is undoubtedly a disconnect. Being on the same page may not be the right question; remaining where you are with who you are with may be a more suitable ask! This theory applies whether it is a personal or professional relationship. Trust is too essential!

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