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"THE PEOPLE THAT COME THROUGH YOUR LIFE"

My Morning Devotional Reading

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I have been blessed to meet many people in my lifetime. From the time I was old enough to recognize the likeness and differences in people I have charted a course for the way I live, move and have my being. I am inquisitive and a thinker. Everyone I meet has value to me and teaches me something. 

 

As much as I consider myself to be a loner, I enjoy meeting and holding friendships with many individuals. While working on my D.Min I was able to travel to the Motherland (Africa),  and there I met people with whom I continue to be in contact; however, certain people in my life are a guiding light. They give me something that makes our friendship/relationship whole.

 

I met a womyn from the United States 43 years ago who was genuine, curious, insightful, professional and honest with a personality that pulled me to her. We met in the summer of 1982 and immediately became friends. We enjoyed each other's company and vowed to be friends for life, without ever saying it to each other. I often think that being raised with all males that in my heart of hearts I wanted a sister or womyn who were like sisters to me. My grandmother once told me that God would send me many sisters as I grew older.

 

I kept in touch with the womyn I met in 1982, She moved out of the country and pursued her dreams, and although we lost track of each other for several years, we found each other again. She wrote to me recently to say she was visiting her family in the states and thought (at our age) maybe we could share some time together. She came in from Switzerland, visited her family and then made her way to see me. 

 

Seeing her took my breath away; and took me back to when I was around 32 as I remembered the friendship and camaraderie that we shared. We loved music, dancing, singing, shopping and sharing ideas.

 

We spent 8 days remembering when we were young and full of vibrant energy and enthusiasm (which by the way we never lost). We talked about our past that gave birth to a friendship that will live on forever. While she was here we laughed, talked, ate great meals, listened to great music, drank fabulous wine, took walks, exercised and caught up on each other's lives. For a moment it was like we were never separated! It was wonderful!

 

The last thing we did before she left was go to the African American Museum, and there we shared time and tears and we looked at history. I realized during our time together, that nothing could separate us or hinder our friendship.That our racial differences would never hinder this friendship that we have. There are people in our lives that are closer than family. You can tell your secrets and desires without judgement. This womyn is more than a friend or sister, she falls into a category that I have yet to name. She is beautiful, honest, caring, brilliant, funny, a fashionista, and someone I will love as long as my heart beats. She is a real friend, and I love her very much!

 

When she got into an Uber and drove off to Dulles, there was a void in my heart. I found a  big tree in a park close to the museum and  cried both tears of joy that she is in my life forever and tears of the void that she left as I knew there was a chance I might not physically see her again.

 

I have just a handful of "close" friends, so what she and I have is so special to me. My suggestion to each of you is to hold onto those who feed you good energy without drama or confusion. I love this womyn with a massive part of my heart. Even my pup "Duchess" fell in love with her!

 

If you are reading this Kris, know that you mean more to me than you will ever know. You have accepted me just as I am, not everyone can do that! People are forever trying to change each other. We have had a wonderful friendship, without drama, anger, or any foolishness, and that I am grateful for.

 

To those of you I have chosen to share this light with, take a minute to think of those individuals in your life who have been incredibly wonderful friends. If you haven't seen or talked with them in years, reach out. If you loved them then, you probably love them now.

 

"Friends Forever" is my closing thought! Who knows, maybe one day I will just pack up and move to Switzerland to live out my life. And if I do, I am comfortable knowing that I have a special friend there! Who are you're special friends?

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Namaste'

Elder Akosua McCray

Founding Pastor of UFCDC