***REPUBLISH***
This piece...ohhh, this piece!!!
This piece was written to pay tribute to those that comprised my village.
Even though I am the author, listening to it causes emotions to well up inside that are really too hard to describe with mere words.
As I reminisce about the respective impact of each person, a specific story oftentimes comes to mind. From the Sunday school teachings of Mrs. Tony, at Greater Fairview Baptist Church, who recognized and highlighted God's gifts in each of the rambunctious youth within her charge, to the teachings by example from my father to never leave a project undone, to the quiet love heaped upon me and my siblings by our mom as she prepared daily breakfasts -oftentimes enduring excruciating pain. The foundation set in place by those mentioned, and others, as a part of my village, has proven to be critical in the development of who I am.
All of their teachings, their experiences, and more importantly, THEIR UNFAILING LOVE prepared me and left me...
"Grounded"
I encourage each listener of this episode to " play it " and then "play it back" and think of those who were instrumental in your development. In addition, think of the many things that were imparted unto you that can prove to be a vital cog to the many persons, known and unknown, that are dependent on you for their personal development.
Our Spirit Lives!!
PEACE!!!