None is freer than the one who needs little to be happy. - Nathan Stone
Hello to all of you-
The title of my blog says it all really. I really need not expound on that thought, but since all of you are so good to keep up with me, I will try to do my best to summarize my thoughts and feelings these days.
The more I learn about this society that I am living in, the deeper I get into the issues at hand. It is only natural that it takes a while to start to put the puzzle pieces together to make them fit. The same thing here, it has taken me these almost 5 and a half months to gather enough information to make sense out of this complicated battle. Some people here seem to not be in the least affected, others still are dealing with not going out of their house in fear of being blown up or shot. Others have had the worst of the worst happen to them and still seem to get by, doing what they can, with quite strength and grace.
I had to write an essay for a masters program that I am applying for recently and one of the questions was what social issue would you change if you could, and how would you go about doing that? With such a vast question I found myself sitting in front of my computer completely blank at times thinking...what can we do? Then something hit me the other day as I was walking to work. You just do. Simply that, do what you can. The world is not going to change overnight. N. Ireland is not going to wake up tomorrow and decide that there are not hurt feelings anymore, that there is no difference anymore. It is so hard to think about what a happy medium between respecting difference and also wanting there to be no division in this world. We live in a world of difference, labels, Black, White, Gay, straight, right, and wrong. The fact is that it is OK to accept that we can be both right and be wrong in our lives. No one is perfect. No one way will work for everyone. We have got to find a way to live in peace with ourselves and then, maybe then, we can live in peace with one another.
I see division in the most stunning and real ways here in Belfast. They may be in the form of peace walls and flags flying high, but that division is everywhere in this world. It may not be so visual, but it is there. I personally am learning to love myself, hopefully I then can love the people on this earth as much as I should, no division needed.
None is freer than the one who needs little to be happy.
Peace and blessings friends-
Melissa
posted by Melissa Wheeler @ 7:27 AM
5 Comments:
You are such a wise soul darling and I learn so much from reading your posts and talking to you.
I am so impressed with your spiritual growth and your willingness to explore different ways to help others.
I love you so much honey,
Dad
What a beautiful blog, sweetheart. I look forward to every one of your posts! You've done more deep thinking in the past 6 months than I think most people do in their lifetime.
I love you so much, sweetie,
Wawees
When I get Belfast-sick I browse the YAV newsletter site and tonight I found your blog for the first time. It is awesome to read what you are doing and know that YAVs are still falling in love with the city I still call home (my parents are still bitter when I slip up- determined that NC is my home....) I also read your bit about reading my blog and the iceberg analogy. It is classic- please don't be disillusioned that I came up with it! it was Ken Newell at Fitzroy....- But I am glad that it has stuck with you as it did with me when I heard it and still today... KEEP playing music! oh how you will miss the nights of cider and four green fields (although insanely nationalist...) and check out the band at Kellys Cellar, keiving and sharon were friends of mine : )
live it up- it goes oh so fast from here on out!!
Best Wishes
Libby
Hi Melissa,
We are glad your adventure in Ireland is so awesome. The pictures make it seem like a dream. They are almost as pretty as west Texas. :) Love what you are doing.
Take care!!!!
Love Therman, Kim, Ross, and Ty
Melissa,
You are right the picture says it all. Seeing that smile and you playing you guitar is what I miss most about you. Each time someone brings up your name that is what I see. Hearing your laugh on the video just made my day. There is no more infectious laugh than that one. Oh by the way this is the first time I have gotten to see your 12 string. SWEET instrument!!!! Know that we miss you here in Amarillo and I pray for you daily. God is blessing you as you are blessing him in your life. Have a pint for me and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
We love and Miss You,
Tim, Kim, and Brayden Lacey
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