In the season of thanksgiving, there is much for which to be thankful
A Life With Meaning
©copyright 2005 Bonita M Quesinberry, R.C.
MS Musings Magazine, Nov. Issue
There are so many things for which I am forever thankful. I choose to start with my mother, though not at the top of my list. Despite emotional and physical abuse she regularly dished out upon me, Mother taught excellent things— what it means to be a lady; how to behave, talk and dress like one: she exemplified this teaching in public.
Mother taught organization, how to keep a clean home, how to cook and more. Despite abuse and demeaning criticism, which could have rendered me incapable of thriving, she always said my brother and I could do anything we set our minds to and demanded we excel in school. By the grace of God, I chose Mother's verbal teachings.
I am eternally grateful for my biological father, who left me with memories of a very loving Dad. Without those memories, I might have hated men; considering sexual abuse by my stepfather and a violent date rape when sixteen. Instead, I adore men, finding them to be exceedingly fascinating pillars of strength: when they discover it within themselves.
Also, there are the many lifelong and new friends God has placed in my life, each one bringing such valuable lessons to my dinner table as well as being there for me in times of trouble: illnesses such as the recent brain aneurysm, death of kids, divorce, sharing my love for our Lord. The list endlessly details how each of them lifts me up, encourages, even directs me when necessary. We ALL need friends; for, if we allow them, they will enrich our lives, making it better: and, if we allow ourselves, we can enrich their lives.
More importantly, Mother had us in church by the time I was five. It was there I met Jesus and truly learned what love looks, acts, sounds and feels like. From the Lord I would learn what true inner strength is all about and how to achieve it: how to pass through adversities with grace and come out even stronger each time. I am most grateful, however, for Christ's lessons in forgiveness: being forgiven of my own sins and finding the personal compassion to forgive others who have sinned against me in some way. It is this one act that truly sets us free of deadly baggage, sets us free to love unfeigned.
Naturally, at the top of my list of things for which I'm grateful are the heavenly Father, His Christ, and His Holy Spirit. Without these three, my life would have absolutely no meaning and my death would have even less. Without them, I could never have seen the good amidst my childhood; for I would have seen with my own eyes a vile illusion. And, I'd never have been able to forgive those who sinned against me; thus, I'd never have been forgiven of my sins. With these three powerful sources, my life not only has meaning but also purpose; therefore, my ultimate death will have meaning.
God and His Christ are everything to me, for I am pitiful without them: God being the only true parent as well as Christ being the best husband one could ever have. And, the Holy Spirit is an incredibly thorough teacher of Father's Word as well as His secrets and mysteries, without whom I'd be even more pitiful. I've been extraordinarily blessed!
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very well written
You have written this so eloquently. I share a lot in common with you and your childhood experiences and being taken to church very young. I really think that was the most important thing that my family ever did for me. Thank you for sharing this beautiful writing.
etherealforu
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We have much to be thankful for, no matter how tough our lives are. It's not what happens to us, it's how we react to what happens to us that shapes our lives. Your positive outlook despite what you've been through is an inspiration to me.
Thank you!
Love and Hugs,
♥ Maureen
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We grow through challenge, we learn through mistakes, we love
through giving and we live through compassion...me
Hugs...Eddy -
Thank you for sharing so much of yourself with us. It takes a lot of courage to show others our true reflections. People are all of their experiences combined to make the image you see. Thanks for showing us the combination of experiences that made you the great person you are today. Much love to you and yours,
Nicole
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excellent
Dear friend BonnieQ
what u have written, has touched my inner most being. It so painful what u went through in life. I cant imagine your stepfather raping u. This is being more than the devil himself. This pained me. I am touched by your great love for your mother. I do love my mother so much. I am what i am today because of her. I even dedicate my book i am looking forward to publish now to her. She is a friend and companion. U can check on my poems, u will find the ones i wrote about her especially(Mother's Last Wish and THE DAY DADDY DIDNT RETURN...) Thanks for showing a great ability to forgive. U have forgiven yur stepfather, that is good. U see my dear Bonnie, our life should be centered on forgiveness. I believe, this is a wonderful moral u are giving to all who are going to come across this poem. Keep this up. I am so glad when u expressed your love to the HOLY TRINITY(The Father, Son and Holy Spirit) oh, this is where our christian faith is based. U are a good Christian, a Christian who is able to share her faith. I congratulate u my dear friend. I am touched by yur use of simple language. This made your poem flowing. U have the potential dear friend, Keep writing. I love this piece. It is a rich Christian teaching. Good day. -
Thank you.
I LOVE this animated picture. I'm missing my mother and she used to sing "Zippidy doo dah. Zippidy Ay. My oh my what a wonderful day. Plenty of sunshine coming our way. Zippidy doo day. Zippidy Ay. Mr. bluebird's on my shoulder. Its the truth it's acutal. Everything is satisfactual. Zippidy doo dah. Zippidy Ay. Pleanty of sunshine. Wonderful day. I hope your days are filled with blessings.
Missing my mother as her birthday was Sunday and mine is this week and she always said I was her birthday present. God rest her soul.
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What a lovely column Bonnie! So genuine and straight from the heart! You are truly a bright light in this darkening world!! You as my friend and source of inspiration are one of the things I am very thankful for!!!!!!
Karen
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Bonnie, you are beautiful, inside and out! When I talked to you, I could hear the love of God and man in your voice. The glow of your spirit just radiates. Thank you for sharing your gratitude with us. You bless me with such a loving heart!
Karen -
Beautifully expressed straight from the heart with complete sincerity. Anyone who reads this will surely be touched by the mercies God has poured out on you. Your words compell me to love Him more and more. Blessings, dear Bonnie.
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Truly, you have been blessed, Sis. I find myself more blessed every day, and I continue to find more and more blessings in my life as well.
Your column has such love and strength in it, and I am thankful to read it. Love, Patricia ♥
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This is an awesome column!!! It shows some of the stuff you've been through and what has made you into the strong, beautiful woman you are today!!! Keep up the good work!!!
Hugs,
Beth
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