03/02/2021
It's my dad's birthday today.
My dad inspired me. To find peace within. And to help others do the same.
I wrote a blog about him this past 4th of July that I've copied some of here. I'd be -- HE'D be -- honored if you read it.
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My dad loved fireworks... But today I've been thinking about how completely free he was — on the inside.
Dad was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at the age of 29. By the time he was 36 or so he had retired from his growing law career and was confined to a wheelchair, with eventual total paralysis. For the rest of his life, until his death at age 71, he had to depend on someone else for even the smallest movement.
Can you imagine having to ask someone to scratch your nose when it itched?!
And yet.
He was … joyful!
My dad was able to find a way to accept his circumstances, to find humor in so much of life, even to feel “blessed” thanks to his relationship with God and his family’s love. So many people spoke at his funeral, but one person summed up his life well, saying:
“whenever I spent time with Hank I left feeling like I got more than I brought.”
I want to be that kind of person. Don’t you? I think it only comes if we’re free. Free of worrying what the future holds. Free of worrying what other people think of us. Free to be completely ourselves – and let others be completely themselves. Free of trying to measure up, be perfect, meet expectations (our own or others’). Even free of worrying about what GOD thinks about us (because thanks to Jesus, he is head-over-heels about us!).
Dad was able to find that freedom out of necessity – either that or go crazy I guess. But we don’t have to experience such challenges to find our own freedom.
We can start today.
Declare a revolution!
Fight the old way of thinking.
Shout the battle cry with me:
I AM ALREADY ENOUGH!!
(yes, we can change our behaviors, our looks, our careers, our relationships, etc. but NONE of those define us).
LET YOUR FREEDOM RING!
Commit today to yourself – and those whom you love – that you will seek out tools to grow in self-acceptance, even love for yourself JUST AS YOU ARE. That’s the first step in making any changes you’re hoping for in life and it’s the only way you’ll be able to truly – and FREELY – love others.
As always, if I can help in any way, reach out!
Standing with and for you,
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Thanks for celebrating my dad today with me, friends. ❤️