Sunday, July 23, 2006

Sunday Scribblings - Theft


I could write about the time I stole candy from a grocery store and mom had laryngitis, so I was spared the yelling. I was, however, given the evil glare and humiliated with a tearful apology to the store manager. No, I won't write about that, because I learned not to take what was not mine.

I should write about the obscene phone caller who said he had my mom and would kill her, if I would not let the man outside in to rape me. He didn't have my mom and there was no one outside. He was later arrested, but my view of a safe world at 12 was stolen. No I won't write about that, because I learned to be vigilant and that trust must be earned.

I might have written about my fairytale dreams stolen by addiction and a man who will haunt my nightmares as long as I live. No, I won't write about that, because I learned courage and strength.

I thought about writing how the ocean stole my mother's young life at 44...about cancer taking the life of my favorite aunt and cherished grandma...about my grandfather's mind, stolen piece by piece by dementia until he died as a homeless man in his own home. Or I could write about my only brother taken away from his family by his addictions. Or about the ALS that will someday take my life. No I won't write about any of those, because I learned life is a precious gift... that God has a plan for each of us.

What I really want to write about is the loss of mankind and the security of the future for our children. War, illness, corrupt governments and global warming have never made me feel more helpless. I have learned many things in my darkest hours, but what of the innocents who will be left to inherit the evil threatening this planet? Will they have learned to be vigilant, strong and courageous? To grow in faith, reaching out to others in need? We can teach these things by example and not give up on the world crumbling around us. But will these lessons be learned in time?


"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, concerned citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." -----Margaret Mead

12 comments:

Star said...

Excellent post, Tammy. You inspire me with each post you write.

This is especially close to my heart right now "about my grandfather's mind, stolen piece by piece by dementia until he died as a homeless man in his own home" as my mother will finally be placing my father for long-term Alzheimer's care this coming Tuesday if all goes according to plan.

Thank you for your call for each of us to beware, to not allow others to steal from us the things over which we have control.

Madeleine said...

these are such valid concerns, and ones which do make us feel helpless and vulnerable. we are at the mercy of the power-hungry.
we all worry about the future of our children and how life wil be for them in the future.

thanks, Tammy.....x

paris parfait said...

Tammy, you write so beautifully about the obstacles you've overcome in your own life and your hopes for our children. The world seems like a dangerous place these days and it's easy to despair. But I still believe that good will win out and triumph over all the bad. There are more thinking, feeling people in the world than bad and love is stronger than fear.

betty said...

Tammy; very well written; sorry about some of the things you have had to deal with in your life; scary things, sad things, etc. I worry about our world but I worry more about people's eternity and reaching the lost for Jesus. I'm hoping zeal for the Lord catches on like a wildfire in the hearts of men to reach those who still need to hear the saving grace of the Lord.

betty

Rebekah said...

Such a poignant recounting of theft at the deepest levels and of redemption in each case. And then the call, the challenge. Thank you for pricking my conscience.

Amber said...

Very thought provoking, for sure! I'm sorry about all the loss you have had. :( And how scary that phone-freak was!!
Great qoute in the end...

:)

Mimey said...

I like how every avenue for possible self pity is turned around, taking responsibility to do better. I'm sure there's a lesson in it somewhere.

Deb R said...

"I have learned many things in my darkest hours, but what of the innocents who will be left to inherit the evil threatening this planet?"

That's a very sobering thought, Tammy. Excellent post.

Bedazzzled1 said...

What a powerful post, Tammy. The way you have of viewing the negatives in a positive manner is astounding. You amaze me.

Oh...and have faith in the children. They are more aware of the ills of the world than I think we realize. Their time is coming to make their mark and leave this world a better place.

::hugs::
Nikki

Becca said...

What a very thought provoking post, and so very true. Sometimes it's hard not to "give up on the world that's crumbling around us."

You always remind me of the power of positive thinking, for those illnesses that afflict my body and my world!

Thank you for sharing your beautiful thoughts with us.

Joyce Ellen Davis said...

Great post! Oh, I hope Margaret Mead's quote turns out to be true.

V said...

Tammy, what a blossoming I see here! I love your work!
Hugs,
V