step from the darkness

a step from the darkness

captives that are free
finally going home
so much to see
the sun is bright

the doors are open
pale faces emerge
the keys are broken
find where we belong

no more fear
of echoing steps
wipe your tear
WE are free

can I learn to cook?
if I have a chance
maybe read a book
so many choices

say goodbye
to cold showers
releaving sigh
away from icy stares

say goodbye to life in prison
say goodbye to 'us' and 'them'
say goodbye to abuse
say goodbye my friends

say hello to choices
say hello to life
stepping from the darkness
into the light


Written March 31, 2009

Today is monumental.
Maybe or maybe not for you but for my friends I am honoured to support, today is a BIG day.

Today, this day right here, all the institutions(prisons) for people with developmental disabilities close their doors. FOREVER!

I have heard horror stories, so many to count and they aren't mine to tell anyway. I have been traumatized by listening to those stories, I couldn't imagine living them.

But I am feeling so thankful for this huge step in our world.

A step from the darkness into the light of community.

I luv Spurgeon!

Ripples

"11 You have turned for me my mourning into dancing;
you have loosed my sackcloth
and clothed me with gladness,
12 that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent.
O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever!"
Psalm 30 11-12 ESV Bible

I just found out the news on Tuesday in the middle of a meeting at the organization I work for.

It hit me like a punch to the stomach.

One of my dear friends had passed away.

She had many accomplishments to her name.

She had been a very valuable member of her community.

She had been and dancer and had even danced in front of Pope John Paul II and millions of people at the World Youth Days.

She had been a public speaker, helping to bring many people into our organization.

She had been a friend and a sister and a great aunt!!

It's so hard to write the "had been" parts of those sentences.

Tracy was a light to many many people....and she never spoke a word but had eyes that went directly to the core of your being.

Tracy couldn't walk but she danced in front of millions with the dance troupe from Toronto called the Spirit Movers. She did more than shine when she danced, she glowed! The joy she felt was very evident and she shared it with everyone!

It was in the small moments with Tracy, not the big events, that you would catch a glimpse of her sense of humour or her sense of fun, the truly magnificent spirit that God had given her.

Tracy loved having her nails painted.

She loved chocolate.

She loved cute delivery boys.

She loved life.

When I first met Tracy, I was a little scared of her I have to admit, she had such "high needs" but when she leveled those beautiful eyes on you, or when she laughed, it put you at ease right away. Her house she lived in was seldom serious (except during prayer times) and I remember 2 of us supporting her on another persons back and having wild "horse" races up and down the hall. I'm smiling through tears just thinking of that. We were all a bit young and crazy.

I remember Tracy's reaction if you even mentioned her friend Jane Powell. Might as well hand the woman the phone and start dailing. She loved to hear Jane's voice. Jane loved to hear hers.

I remember the last time I visited, I had brought Chocolate Gelato and Sparkling Grape Juice (the kind that tastes like champagne). Tracy wasn't so sure about the Champagne but she kept trying it a few times til she knew she liked it, but she made some pretty great faces and we all laughed quite a bit, Tracy included. She was never afraid to try new things.

She was an example of living life fully, with joy and love. I will carry her example with me through my life.

I thank God for the experience of knowing this most wonderful person.

We are all but a drop in the ocean, some of us just make bigger ripples.

Tracy made HUGE ripples.


Soli Deo Gloria
REformed Girl

Disability and God by Joni

This is all I want to say today.
Thanks Bud for bringing it to my attention.
Joni (pronounced Johnny) is an amazing woman! She echoes my ideals about disability and theology.
I am speachless, really. She is amazing, to God be the glory.
Soli Deo Gloria
REformed Girl