Stating Our Union

On this edition of “Becoming Today” we’ll continue our discussion that began with me asking you to assess “The State of YOUR Union”. Yesterday I asked  you to consider some questions, which in case you missed them, I’ll post them at the end of today’s discussion.

I requested you answer these questions, sincerely. Noting you will only be lying to yourself if you don’t.Then think about and write a summary statement of your declaration of what the State of YOUR Union is.

I’ll share mine in a moment and we’ll look at some strategies for implementation.

I like declarations. They are simple, decisive, action oriented statements in which we can empower our beliefs and hopes, while simultaneously sending a clear message as to our intentions

To boldly declare is not to be loud, obnoxious or obstinate.

 It is to let ourselves be understood, firmly yet calmly. 

Our words have power. The power to uplift and create or to destroy. Our declarations should be bold enough to inspire creation from a palace of humility.

I’ve shared some of this concept before in “Becoming: Meek -The New Bold”. 

To summarize, too ofen the world uses meek focusing on being submissive and equating that to being weak. However, that couldn’t be further from the Truth. Yes Truth – with a capital “T”. 

In the Scriptures we learn about the strengths of being meek, and the rewards we can be expectant of for our obedience. 

In Matthew 5:5, you can read, “Blessed are the meek for they will inherit the earth”.

Taken from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, this verse is one of the Beatitudes. Simply defined beatitude as an extreme form of happiness. “The noun beatitude refers to a state of great joy. Being blessed, or at least feeling blessed, is often linked to beatitude.”

Beatitude comes to us from the Latin word beatus, defined as being both “happy” and “blessed.” In the Bible, the Beatitudes are a series of eight blessings.” Some sources indicate that in the late 1950’s writer Jack Kerouac came up with the nickname “The Beat Generation ” because he felt its members, referred to as “Beatniks”  were individuals seeking beatitude.

Jesus used the term meekness in the Beatitudes, as a description of those who were blessed, not those who were timid, weak or push overs. His use of the word was in line with the term-gentleness, and used as an impetus for trusting God to win the battle instead of taking extremes into our own hands to attempt to win on our own terms. 

The concept of being meek is often described as “strength under control”. 

Having the ability to temper our emotions, remain patient, steadfast in our faith and trust. Now that’s extremely bold behavior given some of the tests we face on a daily basis. 

That’s why I’m willing to declare that Meek is the new Bold.

Bold does not have to be loud, obnoxious or in their face. Bold can be realized, renewed, revitalized as being an active proponent of right. “Becoming” one who is willing to firmly stand their ground, with resolve, empowering the courage of conviction as our strength, supported by faithfulness and trust. 

Therefore be it declared that with purpose and resolve sustained by faith, my report is that:

The State of Rochelle’s Union is Becoming.

I am stronger and more Becoming than I was a year ago.

I am Becoming stronger day by day and as such will be exponentially stronger a year from now.

Now is my moment to meet and overcome the challenges of this time. 

And I will always be Becoming.

Praying and trusting that you will too.

So how can we begin to implement our declarations?  By being honest with ourselves and committing to them by living authentically and expectantly.

Always be expecting, and expecting nothing less than the best. Earlier I shared the results of a 16-day contemplation, I did to determine the authenticity of the life I am living. You can find it in the archives. For now, here are some highlights:

Let go of habits, routines and people that no longer serve you.  

Speak your truth.

Learn to trust your intuition. 

Celebrate Life.  Live it. Feel it. Be it. Honor yourself by living every day to the fullest.

Empower Yourself 

Dive into your strength. You were intended to be joyful, successful and confident.  You’re only limited by your own thoughts. 

Create a shift in your thinking;  empower yourself to live the life you want. Ask for ( and receive) the support of your higher power. Can we get another Amen! Here? I ask ceaselessly and it is granted.

Practice Forgiveness. You can not create a state of “Becoming”, if you aren’t willing to let the former or current  realities go.This is a vital part of “becoming”. Not only forgiving others for perceived wrongs, and asking for forgiveness from those you may have hurt but also forgiving yourself.

Hmmm… forgiving myself. That was a hard lesson for me.

More on that tomorrow, here on “Becoming Today”. 

In case you missed them or want to reconsider them here again are the questions I left you with yesterday to ponder:

What makes it truly exciting for you to get out of bed each day?

What three things in your life have made you the proudest?

Can you describe what and when have been the most defining times or events in your life?

What makes you truly feel like yourself? 

Are you living an authentic life?

Is there something you are believing that others don’t understand? Do “they” really need to?

What is the one thing you absolutely would do, if you knew you could not fail?

Do you understand who it is you truly, honestly want to “Become”?