This Little Light

Finding oneself in the waiting place can be disorienting the first time.

Panic sets in as the shock of the situation becomes reality.

How did we arrive in this place?We....prepared. We...studied. We...won awards. We...?

Overachievers Are We is one of the secret societies of Sisters. OAW. Say that acronym out loud to get the effect. “OAW!” Again to get the release. “OAW!!”

We would never admit the weight of that pressure to anyone. I just freed you a bit.

Our mothers, in their wisdom, advised us that we must be overachievers to show ourselves and be heard, correct?

I propose that we misinterpreted the message and moved it out of the context of the wisdom imparted.

In your mind’s eye, conjure that image of one of those extraordinary, unbothered and together Mothers in all of her beautiful brown glory.

Remember that peace. Remember that warmth radiating from her soul.

Remember that love that was so powerful, you feel it now.

Yes. Should a tear form, release it. She is with you.

History tells us and family reminds us that there were many valleys and dark spaces that beautiful brown Mother encountered.

Her dignity spoke volumes even if she never uttered a word.

And when our youthful tragedies came, she was the beacon for our souls.

This presence surpassed education, home size, salary, ability and social climb.

OAW ! I know. She was (insert sorority, profession, position). The Overachievers want to present their credentials.

Laugh at your own Bourgeois veil. Because that’s what it is. A veil.

That peace was instilled by many Mothers before. And many of us do not have to go far.

Even if you did not meet her on this side, our ForeMothers lived on through their progeny and carried that peace all the way through to you.

We interpreted their advisements to put forth our best and push through the horrible to get to the possible as adding as many feathers as we could to our outside to shore up our insides to those who do not know what we bring.

We mastered the lingo to do the tango, professionally.

Oh, but just go back to remember that presence without a word. Mmm.

The lesson is to be the best we can be. Prepared. Capable. Dignified. Transcendent. Unbothered by the limitations of someone else’s vision.

There will be obstacles. “Boards torn up.” Places at the bottom of the stairs.

Just as when the lights go off and there is darkness, we may blink in the darkness and be startled for a minute. Blink, breathe, and surely, your vision adjusts. See? See.

In the waiting space, it is expected, dear Sister, to be stunned at first. But gather your wits you inherited.

Take stock of the room when your vision adjusts.

This may be the breather you did not know you needed.

Get your bearings — right brain bearing. Spiritual equilibrium. You are already well on your way.

Practice that presence of our Mothers, and the clarity that comes in peacefulness will come into focus.

Read the parts that speak to you here as many times as needed.

For additional support, I recommend a few things:

For your burst of joy, watch Dr. Maya Angelou perform, “And Still I Rise.” It is available at no cost on YouTube.

Print a copy of Dr. Angelou’s poem and place it where needed.

Establish a morning ritual to light a candle, breathe in and out deeply counting to 10, three times. Then close your eyes. Invoke your loved ones to embrace your spirit and lift your soul. Pray in a peaceful setting you visualize. Take this time each day. Set your phone for 10 minutes.

For the readers among us, check out Stacy Hawkins Adams‘s book, Who Speaks to Your Heart? You can find this book on Amazon.

Sign up for LifeUntapped @StacyHawkinsAdams.com. You will receive a regular message of inspiration and many tidbits about life, love and thriving.

Take a gander at NY Times Op-Ed piece, “The Moral Bucket List.” Listen closely to the message. If you protest too long about the writer and his differences to you, the message is not for you just yet.

These are but a few gifts to get you started. Remember —

We are our Sister’s keeper!