After living in NYC for several years mostly in my early twenties, I would often partake in the New York Art of "people watching". Unlike most cities large and small in the world, New York City is a place where people like to "stand out" and not fit in. It's fun to watch and also be one of them.
It was the perfect place for me to "find myself". By that, I mean allow my true self to blossom. Everyone should. Blossom.
"For I know the plans I have towards you declares the LORD, plans to prosper you not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" Jeremiah 29:11
Unlike so many others who struggle with themselves, I didn't come to New York to "come out". I didn't have any strange or sexual secrets. I was just a "normal" heterosexual girl with loads of gifts, talents, and intellect, that some people tried to suffocate by telling me I was odd.
Although I did well academically, I learned early that the education system was designed to make me (students) conform to the status quo. But I was bursting with ideas, innovative products, books, films, and fashion whose time had not yet come.... until now.
I was fortunate. I didn't conform. When I did, I stopped growing (developing).
Stagnation is the kiss of death for a gifted, talented, or brilliant person. Ultimately, we are all gifted, talented, and brilliant at different levels in some way.
Jeremiah 29:11 is one of my favorite scriptures. I embrace it like the subtle fragrance of a flower. Whenever I forget who I am, I recall the scripture and the flower within me blooms again.
Oh yeah, I do also have the added grace of speaking with GOD. Most gifted people do. But so do you. You just don't know it yet.
I've said it many time before, but I'll say it again. This is the Age where the LORD is opening the Door to "invite you back" into the "conversation". It's a real and authentic conversation with your soul. Everyone has it.
Unfortunately, well meaning parents, schools, education systems, and most pre-COVID-19 job environments taught cookie cutter conformity. However, we are all unique. There is no real progress with conformity. Each person learns differently. Laws are necessary. But conformity is not.
During the coronavirus pandemic, we learned that our current education system does not teach or display the spectrum of the worlds vast culture and history. It's massive! Children need to learn about themselves and the diversity of cultures (not various sexual options as they need to learn about themselves first and foremost not their "sexuality" which is what some organizations call diversity).
Cultural awareness gives youth a sense of confidence in themselves and respect for their fellow human who may come from a different cultural background. First and foremost, we all belong to the human tribe. Let's start there.
The human tribe is very complex. Though ONE tribe, we are a diverse and complex ONE. The Creator of the Universe, the Almighty God, created us that way.
First, we must see each other as you would a sibling. We come from the same Family but we are not the same.
Next, we each have certain emotional needs that must be met. We must learn how to #LOVE and respect ourselves before we can truly LOVE others.
The RESULTS of a written or oral test/exam does not define you. Memorizing information does not teach anyone how to THINK.
Many BRILLIANT people did not do so well academically. Some found an environment where they could BLOOM because just as the fish needs water, a gifted person must RELEASE (share) his/her gifts/talents to BREATHE. They MUST because that's what they were DESIGNED to do.
People are not ROBOTS. Your career/job or title does not define you.
We learned during the COVID19 lockdown that many people can work and be productive outside the confines of a 9-5. There will always be some people who need supervision because quite frankly, they lack discipline.
Others have shown they can work and even perform better unsupervised. They can complete their work, create, and thrive in a remote environment whether it be at home, while on vacay (vacation/holiday) or from a remote island on the beach. You get the idea.
If we learned one thing during COVID19, let it be that we need each other. We need to respect our fellow human(s). We need to respect and love ourselves.
Let's embrace CHANGE. That means changing school curriculums. There is no need to complicate what was never broken. 1+2=3 and 5x2=10 See? Easy.
Yes, they still need boundaries as well. I repeat. Children NEED boundaries. That's life in balance. If they break any rules later, it's really only an extension of what is. Just try not to intentionally break any hearts or hurt any living creatures along the way.
They are the future. Let them break your (adults/parents/teachers) mold. That's innovation.
They may not do it your way. Because it (their way) may be a NEW and better way. Sometimes you just have to let them figure it out and pray it turns out well. Just be there in case they fall. Sometimes they will.
Is it easy? No! Is it WORTH it? Yes!
Depression is a sign of regret(s) of the past actions/events that can not be changed. Anxiety is fear or lack of preparation for future events that may or may not come or are yet to be.
The Present is the only place where change can take place. Prayer and meditation calm the mind, increase faith and feed the soul.
Encourage them. Failure is part of life. That's where real learning happens. But get up and keep going.
They NEED to hear the Voice of Life's GREATEST Composer. GOD lives in EVERY heart.
Give it time. Trust. Have faith. Flowers need time to blossom.
Children also need fertilizer, water, and sunshine. That's real progress. Our (humanity's) survival will ultimately depend on their success/failure to recover and embrace that Super Nova Voice (purpose) within. Life moves forward.
LET GO, listen and TRUST the process. Try to remember, you were once a child and teenager too.
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Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5
LeTicia Lee is author of My Love is One (book) and producer of the documentary My Love is One TELL THEM!. Find both at TellThem.Live
SoRichIam Media
P.O. Box 20711
Rochester, New York 14602
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