Bald Is Beautiful by Susan L.

The turkey vultures have returned. There has been a pair which nest across the road at least as long as I've lived here. I don't know much about them, how long they live, whether or not they mate for life, what noises they make. They aren't the prettiest birds on the planet but when they fly, it's a sight to see. They surf the wind, swooping and spiralling among the thermals. Massive, barely moving wings sensitive to the unseen currents. Their tails make minute changes to make the best use of air flow. It's a subtle ballet of motion and awesome to watch. Cartoons often portray them as the bad guys. Rather unfairly I think but I suppose their dining habits turn us off. Too bad. I mean similarly feathered wild turkeys are central to a major North American holiday. It must be the chest puffing,tail fanning thing they do to woo the ladies. The epitamy of pride but nevertheless something wonderful to see. Redeeming qualities. I think the Lord in His generous way gave us all some didn't He? "So God created great sea creatures and every living thing that moves...and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good." Gen 1:21

Restoration, Inc. by Susan L

I was in the local office supply store yesterday. To my delight they restocked the ink refills for my fountain pen. Today's blog is like being in touch with an old friend. The act of writing is once more enveloped in artistic pleasure. We've covered many pages, my pen and I. Thousands of words in prayer, in repentance and forgiveness as well as gratitude offerings have filled several spiral bound notebooks. It was this pen that began my recovery journey when I submitted both it and the page before me to God. I knew nothing of the terribly dark times that lay ahead but Jesus had met me in my own garden of Gethsemane. I chose to submit to whatever God's will was for my life. When I was hospitalized and feeling suicidal, they took my pen from me for a while. It broke my heart.The nurses were afraid that the steel point could be used as a weapon to hurt myself. Nothing was farther from the truth although my pen has been a mighty weapon. Eventually they returned it but only while I was in the common room. Things I was unable to vocally articulate poured out. Another layer of healing began. Thankfully, a change in medications got rid of the suicidal ideology. "Then He said to the woman, "Your faith has healed you. Go in peace."" Lk 7:50

Squeaky Wheels by Susan L.

At Wednesday's meeting our coffee break conversation revolved around the difficulties of being a peer support worker in a medical/clinical organization. And, yes, even those at the forefront of radical change are hampered by prejudice and language. Not swearing but labelling, derogatory comments, and low expectations aimed at the people utilizing their services. There are frequent, unacceptable tresspasses against basic human rights. My question is: how do we support the support workers? They/we are the vanguard of a movement which is geared up to change a system that is in contact with people who happen to have mental health challenges. How do we make sure their/our voice is heard above the medical rhetoric and diagnosis? How do we change centuries old language and understanding without judgement? Like us, clinicians, doctors, nurses, only know what they've been taught. As peer support workers in a fledgling movement we cannot afford to be silent in the face of discriminatiin and prejudice. We need to be the squeaky wheel because our silence is a tacit approval of the status quo. The status quo has to go. It simply isn't good enough. "The people of the land have used oppressions, committed robbery, and mistreated the poor and needy; and they wrongfully oppress the stranger." Ez 22:29

Pathways Training by Susan L.

We got word yesterday that there were two cancellations for further training in the PREFER program (Peer Recovery Education for Employment and Resiliency). This group is one of the three sessions my friend and I have left in order to become certified peer support workers. This is where we begin to learn how to facilitate groups. In this case, Pathways to Recovery. I'm glad we got in although it's going to make next week rather hectic. Three days training, 9:30-5, followed by the Alliston Home Show on Friday to Sunday. Far more than I like to have on my plate at any one time. It is only one week and both experiences will be invaluable. My excitement about the show is building because it is such an amazing out reach opportunity. I just pray that the people who would benefit from what we have to offer will cross paths with us. I also pray that shame be silenced. I pray that hearts and minds will be opened and the truth about mental health challenges be accepted. In Jesus' name, Amen. "Let no one seek his own, but each one the oher's well being." 1 Cor 10:24

Threads of Mirth by Susan L.

In a word, it's absurd, Laughing moments, helpless facial orifices running in a flood soaking fingers no longer able to hold What's left of a Royale three ply tissue. It happens but nothing particular comes to mind. Hysteric grab rib, tummy torture roaring, Run-to-the-bathroom-quick-fear-filled-I-won't-make-it! I did! Hilarious play with words, the puns that stun the logical and the stern. It happens, alright, but nothing exactly comes to mind. Man o man! You-should-have-been-there scenarios when nose blown Cheerios and milk christened the kitchen table, Silly nonsensical, giddy whimsical childish delight. Remember when? But nothing precisely comes to mind. Ah...the irreverant giggles. Worst possible moment explosions: body jiggles, everything wiggles in a silence that rocks the pew and the one or two on either side whose down the nose looking only makes it worse! That's happened more than once I'm afraid, but nothing specific comes to mind. The startled burst has to be the worst! Under table crawling more desirous than to be the only one whose amputated "Ha!" echoes round the room...the room...the room. Face flushing betrayal gives away the fact that it was you, uncontrolled. That's happened more than once, if I recall. Circumstance of mis-chance, convoluted happenstance, the jaw-dropped question, "What just happened?!" followed by an incredulous snort making its report, the starter's pistol for breath stealing gales just waiting to run. There was this time...I remember it well. I confess only I was laughing about boot sucking mud and stocking feet and a rather crazy cow. It's a long story from long ago but one that still makes me smile. Thank You Lord for the good times. "Is any one among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms." Jas 5:13

Beneath the Every Day by Susan L.

The word "Redemption" is rattling around my head this morning but I have no idea where this is going. Or, maybe I do after all. I'm thinking of my little house. It was a party house before I moved in and sadly in need of TLC. Redemption. I had the skills to do 99% of the work my self. Learned during the latter, unhappy years of my marriage. Redemption. The yard was just as neglected. Most of my landscaping has been done using found objects, other people's discards or half dead plants. Like the house, they only needed TLC to bring them back. Redemption and redemption. These are tangible symbols, small examples of what God does within us. He takes the abused, the neglected, the discards, the hidden talents. Under His Tender Loving Care (no abbreviations for Him) they bloom and grow. We often only see the finished product, the manicured pristine garden. The public face. I forget how much weeding, soil preparation and plant relocation has taken place. It takes time to find the right spot for a plant to thrive and blossom. Yah...Redemption is a beautiful word for a work in progress. "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer." Ps 19:14

He Is Risen! by Susan L.

Yesterday's blog was missed. Easter Sunday ended up being a day of "Selah" and reflection, church and a meal of leftovers shared with a friend. I had mine, she brought hers. We've done this many times. A spur-of-the-moment dinner together. It makes reheated food taste so much better. We season it with good conversation and I am always blessed by her presence, her insights and knowledge. She is an avid reader who brings a buffet of spiritual topics to the table. Meat and potatoes ideas that we chew on for a while. Ideas that even though our hearts and minds are filled, we are left hungry for more. More Jesus. More faith. More wisdom. More patience. Well, more of the good things our Lord and Saviour offers us. That list would fill, not just a few lines in a blog, but notebook after notebook after notebook...the Divine inheritance Jesus left for us on the cross. "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you shall ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you." Jn 15:7