THE CANDLE SERIES: Collateral Damage

When one candle lights another, it doesn't lose any of its power, in fact power is intensified~ Unknown

This week I've invited guest blogger, Patricia Haley to share her beautiful take on what Collateral Damage really means to her.  This post is taken directly from an entry she shared with us on Facebook 9/12/14 and is reproduced with her permission.



Patricia Haley
Author-Blogger

Collateral damage is unintended damage caused by a particular operative or action. Although generally utilized in military activities, it can also be used metaphorically with personal transformation.

When we realize our footsteps are ordered and are compelled to discard the layers that have been building up through our lives, there will be collateral damage. We will lose some or most of what we've known to gain clarity and perspective. That very well could mean: A fixed way of being, friends, possessions, and other things which may fall by the wayside. I'm not speaking about turning inward and being disconnected to others; in fact, the more you understand your connection to the human condition, your projectile should point outward.

Keep in mind this is not a classist statement... 

Take Inventory OF Your Wealth

A wonderful evening with a good friend after seeing Think Like A Man 2, appetizers and adult beverages, culminated with a deep discussion about work and purpose.  By the way, the movie was delightful. 

Think Like A Man 2

This friend has worked in Corporate for twenty-plus years.  Recently she was blessed, when her request to take a rest from Corporate America was granted.  Married, with no children, owns her own home with a low mortgage, no car note and an Executive for a husband, my friend fretted the end of her vacation.  She was down on herself about needing to do something, to get back to work.  She spoke of how although she worked grueling hours for so long, she felt guilty about not going back to work and/or getting her resume together.

I listened intently and thought of my situation.  Often God gives us what we ask for and what we need.  It doesn't always look like what we expect it to look like. 

MY FEET IN THE SAND: This Is Real

For the first time since being diagnosed in September, the thought of my possible death because of this disease, etched an imprint in my brain.

As I deal in truth, I admit to having conversations with God...."I'm not asking to go but if you decide that my time is now, I won't be mad at you...."  Yes, the pain I was experiencing in those moments warranted that sentiment.  I also had fleeting moments of ending my life which will be discussed in detail in a later post, concerning the necessity and shamelessness of therapy.

But today, this is (got) real.  I saw a Facebook post from a friend announcing the death of Meshach Taylor, Designing Women--because of Cancer.  At this writing, he has been proclaimed on his deathbed at 67 but not deceased.

Meshach Taylor, Designing Women
 

My friend, hearing her distress for my condition as well, exclaimed how she hates Cancer and wishes it be gone.  Well at this writing,  Urban Daily Taylor's death was refuted and corrected to show that he is on his deathbed, none-the-less because of Cancer.  Two weeks ago, Joan Lunden, Good Morning America announced that she has been diagnosed with Breast Cancer.  And today it hit me, with all of the awareness and research, people are still dying from this disease.

In my pain, I was okay with dying if I had to.  I'd made peace with it.  After all, should it be my time, it is God's will and I will (I hope) have fulfilled my purpose in God's will for my time here on earth.  As I began to emerge from the illness and recovery, I've discovered that my purpose is still being revealed and I'm gaining strength and confidence in what I was put on this Earth to do.  In other words, I'm not ready to die, I don't want to die. 

Today, fear of the possibility of death flooded me.  I allow the thought to flow through me for a limited time. 

My thoughts now, not rest with 'I don't want to die' but I want and choose to live.  And while I live, I strive and work and joyously fulfill my God given purpose for my life for however long God wills me to do and be. 

My sincere prayer is that I hear God say, "With you my child I am well pleased..."  And when that time comes, it will come.  Until then, I am rejoicing in the land of the living, grateful to God that He is giving me another chance to get it right in Him.

Time To Say: Purpose, An Evening With Wincey

Have you ever been ostracized, felt like a misfit, out of sorts or misunderstood?  Have you ever been told you can't when you know in your heart of hearts you can, but still ask the question of when or better yet, will you?  Many of us can identify with these thoughts and feelings.  However we know that God is the Conquerer And we know that all things work together for good to them that love the Love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.....Romans 8:28 kjv

This night is where the journey began, An Evening With Wincey.

Time To Say by Wincey, CD www.winceycomusic.com

This anointed woman of God took us through a journey of her life through song.  If you think a young woman of her stature doesn't have enough experience for a compelling story, not only do you under-estimate her with gravity, you are flat out wrong.

Peter Cottontail foreshadowed this musical starlet.