Life & Death

"Death gotta be easy, cuz life is hard-it'll leave you physically, mentally, and emotionally scared."

Life is not something anyone of us asked for; but rather it is given. No one opts into this world. To be given life, someone else makes that decision or carries out plans that result in your conception.

In almost the same way, most do not chose death either. There are some individual choices that can be made which can increase the likelihood of death or decrease the longevity of life; but typically- death comes upon you and only some are prompted before the inevitable.

Life is a gift that is given. And death is the conclusion to your lifetime. All this information is logical and common knowledge- it is no mystery. But the struggle is making your life worth while- better stated, it's in truly living!  Living life to the fullest in spite of everything else: overcoming obstacles, enduring growing pains, making goals and reaching them or at least trying, being better than those who came before you, and leaving a legacy for those who come after.

So I challenge you to live long and prosper ( as cliche as that sounds). But know that daily there will be struggles and understand that doubts will cross your mind- but let these doubts fleet by leaving little to no trace and not swaying the journey ahead of you; let each struggle you overcome  strengthen and teach you for the next. And I challenge you to share these experiences- good and bad- with family and friends to help them through their lifetime as well.

Some things are obvious like life and death as well as; the idea that life is hard and dealing with the death of others is too. But while you're living, get strong: mentally, physically, and emotionally. While you're living, be joyful, loving, and free-spirited.  Empower yourself and those around you. And hope for the best, look forward to longevity and in the event that life is cut short or the result is a long fulfilled life - one thing will be for sure: YOU WILL HAVE NO REGRETS!

** This is dedicated to and inspired by Beulah Smith: my great grandmother who passed away Monday- February 23, 2014; after truly living her life of 90 years. As a mother of 12, she always made due with what she had and was always willing to share with others. She laughed often and loved hard. She brought out the best in those around her and stayed strong until she was called home by The Lord. May she rest in peace and never be forgotten.**