50 States Of Pray

Today is the 50 States of Pray event, hosted by Mark Koopmans.

All that’s required is to take a moment and about 100 words. Then, on Dec. 24, 2013, please share a prayer, a thought, a memory, a hope and even a regret about the past and/or a wish for the future.

                                      FOR MY COUNTRY

I'd like to dwell on the words of this famous poem.

Invictus

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll.
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.

"In Africa there is a concept known as ubuntu – the profound sense that we are human only through the humanity of others; that if we are to accomplish anything in this world, it will in equal measure be due to the work and achievement of others." – Nelson Mandela.

We are bound by a common humanity. If I am to accomplish anything on this literary journey, it will in equal measure be due to your achievement, input and generosity. I thank God that I've been privileged to meet you all, such a fantastic and generous bunch of people, from all different walks of life. God bless you.

                                       FOR MYSELF

"If I can stop one heart from breaking, I shall not live in vain. If I can ease one life the aching, or cool one pain, or help one fainting robin unto his nest again, I shall not live in vain." – Emily Dickinson.

                                          SO…

39 Comments

  1. L. Diane Wolfe on December 24, 2013 at 12:43 pm

    The huma spirit is the strongest thing on earth, especially with the strength of God within us.

     

    Merry Christmas!

  2. Susanne Drazic on December 24, 2013 at 1:14 pm

    Hi, Michelle.  Thank you for sharing the poem.  I like the Emily Dickinson quote.

     

  3. Alex J. Cavanaugh on December 24, 2013 at 2:31 pm

    Human through the humanity of others – that is awesome.

    Merry Christmas, Michelle!

  4. Mary Aalgaard on December 24, 2013 at 3:51 pm

    All your quotes and words are comforting and encouraging. I love that Invictus poem, and I enjoyed the movie about the soccer team and Nelson Mandela. What an incredible person and leader. Your greatest gifts are music, writing, and connecting. Many blessings to you in the coming year. I'm so glad we met "in the clouds."

    <a href=http://maryaalgaard.blogspot.com>Play off the Page</a>

     

  5. Bish Denham on December 24, 2013 at 4:12 pm

    These are wonderful quotes and expressions of what Christmas means. Merry Christmas from Texas!

  6. Donna K. Weaver on December 24, 2013 at 4:29 pm

    Beautiful! Merry Christmas.

  7. Tyrean on December 24, 2013 at 4:34 pm

    Thank you for these quotes and your thoughts.

    Merry Christmas!

  8. Elsie on December 24, 2013 at 4:50 pm

    I have the Serenity poem on my other blog.  It's such a powerful piece and I try to live it daily through God.  Merry Christmas to you!!!

  9. Hilary on December 24, 2013 at 6:09 pm

    Hi Michelle – what a wonderful posting – I need to come back to read properly .. great you've incorporated so much … and it means so much to me – after my Nelson Mandela recent post ..

    Definitely we need to remember everyone … with thoughts – and have a peaceful and blessed time – then happy 2014 – Hilary

    • Hilary on December 26, 2013 at 7:18 pm

      Hi Michelle – I have returned and re-read … and then remembered your .. Quote – "God Grant Me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change …." – such powerful words … 

      Thanks and for reminding everyone again about Ubuntu .. cheers Hilary

  10. Miranda Hardy on December 24, 2013 at 6:14 pm

    Beautiful pieces, as well as great reminders. We should always remember that we are the people we are because of the people we know/knew, and the same for our accomplishments. Have a great holiday! 

  11. Robin on December 24, 2013 at 6:34 pm

    This is a lovely reminder to be encouraging to others so that they may dig deep and find the success within themselves.  That is community.

    Merry Christmas, Michelle!

  12. Huntress on December 24, 2013 at 7:54 pm

    "I am the master of my own fate."  Beautiful. Love it.

    A Blessed Day to you and yours.

    Author of Wilder Mage at <a href=http://spiritcalled.blogspot.com/>Spirit Called</a>

    Facebook <a href=https://www.facebook.com/cdcoffelt?ref=hl>Wilder Mage</a>

     

  13. Arlee Bird on December 24, 2013 at 8:16 pm

    Blessings in this Christmas season and in the year to come.

    Lee

     

  14. Sue on December 24, 2013 at 8:41 pm

    Thanks for commenting on my post on Sue's Trifles.  I really like your post.  Happy Christmas!

  15. Julie K Pick on December 24, 2013 at 10:53 pm

    Thanks for the meaningful poetry and quotes. Michelle, I'm also grateful for your "input and generosity." Wishing you a very Merry Christmas, and a fabulous New Year!

  16. Mark Koopmans on December 25, 2013 at 1:07 am

    Aloha Michelle,

    Wow, that was awesome and you so nailed it addingthe Serenity Prayer – my arms got all goose pimpled when I scrolled down and saw it there.

    THANKS for posting your thoughts and prayers and I wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a very Happy and ubuntu-filled New Year 🙂

  17. Susan Gourley on December 25, 2013 at 1:38 am

    All my wishes to you to find the peace and humanity in others. Merry Christmas.

  18. Philip V Ariel on December 25, 2013 at 8:13 am

    OMG!!

    I visited this and read yesterday, but sorry today when I re visited i couldn't see my comment, sorry I forgot to drop a comment. This is really a well thought out piece, the picture speaks volume. May this be our prayer in the days ahead. 

    Have a Blessed Day.

    Happy Holidays. 

    Best Regards

    Phil

  19. Michael Di Gesu on December 25, 2013 at 1:27 pm

    Merry Christmas, Michelle!!!!

    That was so beautiful thank you for sharing with us. Your presence in our wonderful community is blinding. Major hugs for this special day!!!!

  20. suzanne on December 25, 2013 at 5:56 pm

    Such profound words and thoughts Michelle, thank you. Hope you have a peaceful and blessed Christmas 🙂 xx

  21. c on December 25, 2013 at 11:03 pm

    Michelle: Your post is very creative and has touched me. Blessings to you and yours into the new year.

  22. Mildred R Holmes on December 25, 2013 at 11:04 pm

    Merry Christmas.  Words to think on, to live up to.

  23. PK Hrezo on December 25, 2013 at 11:19 pm

    Beautiful, Michelle! We are all priveleged to know you too! Merry Chritsmas, sistah! ((hugs))

  24. Gary Philip Pennick on December 25, 2013 at 11:24 pm

    Dear Michelle,

    A profoundly thoughtful posting.  And may this community continue to show humanity at its finest.  Together, we share such hopes and dreams.  

    I hope you have a peaceful, positive Christmas, dear friend.

    In kindess and hope,

    Gary 🙂 

  25. Nancy LaRonda Johnson on December 26, 2013 at 4:32 pm

    Lots of nice tributes and prayers from different perspectives. Thanks for the reflections Michelle! Wishing you a blessed, peaceful and prosperous new year!

  26. Denise on December 26, 2013 at 8:39 pm

    Hi Michelle. Merry Christmas.
    I am the captain of my soul…powerful words.

    Denise

  27. M. J. Joachim on December 26, 2013 at 8:41 pm

    It's one of my favorite prayers! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

  28. Robyn Engel on December 26, 2013 at 10:31 pm

    Thanks for such a beautifully profound mix of sentiment. It's especially poignant that you included Nelson Mandela's words.

    Blessings for all good things, Michelle.

    xoRobyn

  29. Misha on December 27, 2013 at 6:14 pm

    Beautiful words, great advice and excellent lessons for us to take into the new year. May your 2014 be blessed beyond belief. x

  30. S. Katherine Anthony on December 27, 2013 at 7:20 pm

    Oh my goodness, so beautiful. Loved the poem and quotes so much <3

    Have a Happy New Year, Michelle!

  31. Madeline Mora-Summonte on December 27, 2013 at 11:01 pm

    I hope you had a nice Christmas, Michelle, and I wish you all the best in 2014! Oh, and you might want to check out my Thursday post about the 'Tis More Blessed Giveaway winners…. 🙂

     

     

  32. krystal jane on December 28, 2013 at 7:00 am

    I've loved that poem from the first moment I heard it. ^_^ Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! Thanks so much for sharing all these quotes. 🙂

  33. Elizabeth Marro on December 28, 2013 at 9:02 pm

    These poems are so powerful and perfect for this time in the year and in our lives. Perfect, actually, for any day. I wish you a wonderful new year. 

  34. Donna on December 28, 2013 at 9:13 pm

    Thank you for sharing your prayer this Christmas season.  I am slowly making my way through the list of 50 States of Prayer.  Have a wonderful 2014!

  35. deniz on December 30, 2013 at 3:14 pm

    Lovely poems and messages to choose! Hope you have a wonderful New Year 🙂

  36. Nicole on December 31, 2013 at 2:20 am

    Beautiful sentiments! Hope you had a wonderful Christmas, and Happy New Year's!

  37. Michelle Wallace on January 4, 2014 at 10:43 am

    Thank you to everybody who popped in and left a comment! I appreciate it! 🙂 🙂

  38. Beverly Fox on January 7, 2014 at 1:41 am

    What beautiful thoughts and prayers to share for such an occasion!  I am joyful to have you in my community, Michelle!  our spirit can drive me to do great things!

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