The struggle had raged on so long and though she implored her adversary for peace, she was repeatedly met with turmoil. Hurt masked her once beloved’s heart; anger and brutality were all she could find when she requested a fair and harmonious negotiation to end this struggle.
A battle was eminent; the freedom she sought would not be won without a war. Tears wet her eyes as she found herself on her knees yet again. Pleading for strength, wisdom and courage as well as the clarity to make the best choices; she begged for assistance. Stillness crept into her heart and calm fortitude washed through her being. With renewed faith, she rose from the floor.
“I may not win, but I will LIVE!” was her confident announcement!
Something larger than her had joined with her in this crusade. Warriors began to appear on her battle front, ready to wage whatever terror lay ahead. The clouds parted, the rain ceased, the sun shone on the freedom she would seek. A preview of the reward, she was given a slight peek. Diligence and virtue now garnished her sheath. The sword of truth, she did wield at her side. The shield of courage would gallantly cast off the slings and arrows of her enemy. One more uttered prayer, just under her breath, she lifted up before she charged in.
“Bless me dear Lord to fight a good fight but bless my enemy too, that peace may be ours before this day is through.”
Carefully she tucked this prayer into her heart and gripped the handle of her sword.
To win is to lose but in losing she gains freedom and re-discovers peace. Faith is built with each battle endured, even those surrendered. The end of the war is not as important as the spiritual strength being reborn.
It is done. Where there is great love, there are always miracles.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Monday, April 11, 2011
The Daffodil
Plunged into a hole, covered by dirt,
Temperatures drop and the cold winter sets in,
Chilled to the core, broken down to the last depths of life,
Shadows blanket the earth, the season moves on.
The ground thaws, the sun smiles upon the earth,
This warm kiss sparks hope for life, beneath the surface.
Pushing past the rocks and dirt that’s piled atop;
New growth expands and is sprung from near death, 
Breaking the surface, breathing new air,
Expansion accelerates, stretching forth to new heights
Rapid speed now to bloom, transform and be open,
Spring has sprung, the long cold winter is over,
Welcome dear flower ……….. this is your new life!
-Sheri Joi, April 2011
Monday, October 4, 2010
I Am You and You Are Me......
My Dearest Friends.......
I love you all and I don't care if you are green, blue, purple or yellow, I don't care if you have one eye, two eyes or three. I will not judge you if you live on the top of the hill or in the box at the bottom. You may decide to join the circus or become a prestigious lawyer, I will always love you. These things are not who you are and I know that who you are goes much further than the eye can see. You have a piece of my puzzle and I have a piece of yours, we are all connected in the great puzzle of this thing we call "Earth School". The piece of puzzle I carry of yours may be big or small, square or round, jagged edges or smooth curvy sides and yours may come in all shapes and sizes too. It may come in the form of a gift or a smack to the face, all are pieces that join our lives together. Because you have come into my life, you are a friend, your footprints are on my heart and I love you for being exactly who you are. You may come as a noble friend that is here to teach me patience, forgiveness and unconditional love. You may come as a needy friend, in need of some of my light. I want you to know that you are my friend nonetheless and regardless of how I behave, I will live each day to better let you know that you are my friend. The light within me honors the light within you. When you are healed, I am healed, when I am healed you are healed. We are all one. So find JOY in the journey, spend time in wonder...it is the beginning of wisdom, see with your heart, be grateful for grace and know what love means. I am you and you are me. Forever Love, Sheri Joi
I love you all and I don't care if you are green, blue, purple or yellow, I don't care if you have one eye, two eyes or three. I will not judge you if you live on the top of the hill or in the box at the bottom. You may decide to join the circus or become a prestigious lawyer, I will always love you. These things are not who you are and I know that who you are goes much further than the eye can see. You have a piece of my puzzle and I have a piece of yours, we are all connected in the great puzzle of this thing we call "Earth School". The piece of puzzle I carry of yours may be big or small, square or round, jagged edges or smooth curvy sides and yours may come in all shapes and sizes too. It may come in the form of a gift or a smack to the face, all are pieces that join our lives together. Because you have come into my life, you are a friend, your footprints are on my heart and I love you for being exactly who you are. You may come as a noble friend that is here to teach me patience, forgiveness and unconditional love. You may come as a needy friend, in need of some of my light. I want you to know that you are my friend nonetheless and regardless of how I behave, I will live each day to better let you know that you are my friend. The light within me honors the light within you. When you are healed, I am healed, when I am healed you are healed. We are all one. So find JOY in the journey, spend time in wonder...it is the beginning of wisdom, see with your heart, be grateful for grace and know what love means. I am you and you are me. Forever Love, Sheri Joi
Monday, March 8, 2010
The Guest House by Rumi
The Guest House.
This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness, some momentary
awareness comes as an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they're a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out for some new delight.
The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing, and invite them in.
Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent as a guide from beyond.
~ Rumi ~
This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness, some momentary
awareness comes as an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they're a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out for some new delight.
The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing, and invite them in.
Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent as a guide from beyond.
~ Rumi ~
Thursday, February 18, 2010
"Trop Rock Review!!"
I travelled to Seattle last weekend and experienced a fabulous concert. It was a "house concert", which I had never experienced or even heard of and I loved it! Hugo Duarte was the performer, he sings what they call "Trop Rock" much like Jimmy Buffet. It was such a great experience. He walked around chatting with all of us and then sang for us with his best friend Emily as back up. Hugo is living on purpose and the passion overflows from his heart as he shares the songs in his soul.. His music spans all the emotions from the fiery hot Cajun song of passion about a woman in the south titled "Native Tongue" to the depths of his soul poured into "Hidden River". His ballads about learning about love with a few scars brought tears to all our eyes and his "Modern Day Buccaneer" had us all on our feet dancing. His beautiful song about a son and his mother's relationship and his song about a "Daddy" also brought rain from the heart once again for his entire audience. Hugo surprised many when he was asked what his all time favorite song was and he rendered a beautiful portrayal of Don Henley's "Heart of the Matter". Since the word "Forgiveness" has taken on such greater meaning for me, this was a beautiful tribute and we all felt an incredible spirit. Hugo! Thank you for sharing, connecting and bringing your music to this world. To borrow a phenomenal line from the latest Hollywood hit "Avatar" Hugo Duarte.....I See you!!!............. and I feel your soul. Hugo is performing in Portland this evening and then again in Seattle on Friday and Saturday. Check his website for more info at http://www.hillbillybeach.com/ and click on the guitar. Thanks again for an amazing evening!
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Preface for The Dark Knight
Dear readers......
Most of my posts are from the light I have experienced after a "Dark Knight". I questioned whether I would ever post the writings that I have from the shadows of my journey but I trust that the inspiration that I have felt to post this will be to help others find the Light during their own dark night.
Love and Light!
-Sheri Joi
Most of my posts are from the light I have experienced after a "Dark Knight". I questioned whether I would ever post the writings that I have from the shadows of my journey but I trust that the inspiration that I have felt to post this will be to help others find the Light during their own dark night.
Love and Light!
-Sheri Joi
The Dark Knight
The air feels heavy and closes in slightly,
Nervous anticipation grips my insides even more tightly.
Shadow's befall me all around;
Eve creeps in, the sun goes down.
Two steps ahead I've stayed his grip,
Persistence has pursued me on his evil trip.
The large black stallion gallops through the dark,
Loud heavy hoof beats I feel in my heart.
The beating goes silent as footsteps approach the door,
Two steps overtaken, The Dark Knight is in store.
The lights all dim, the candles all quiver,
The hardwoods go icy like a cold winter river.
The door swings open with the cutting wind of night,
A black hooded figure steps in through dim, hazy light.
Entry is his, at last The Dark Knight has arrived.
Exhaustion grips my small frame, anticipation tells me I'll never survive.
Fists clenched tight and pulse running wild,
Sobs overtake me, I cry out as an abandoned child.
Wrestling for hours through terror and fears,
Surrender is mine, I let go of the tears.
A warm air floats in and blankets around me,
Feelings of hope and renewal melt into my being
Sunshine floods in, the new rising dawn,
Silence and stillness speak, a new cloak puts on.
The shadows begin to scurry astray,
Light is the answer to push darkness away.
The Dark Knight must leave when I enter the Light,
Ironic surrendering dis-spells the Dark Knight.
The fight only weakens the spirit within.
The surrender to peace empowers with love, the world to live in.
Turn not away from the love that is there in the Light,
The Light is what will carry you away from your own Dark Knight
He can only linger and play,
As long as you allow him to stay
We must remember to invite in the Light,
By surrendering to this we'll dismiss all of the Dark Knights.
Nervous anticipation grips my insides even more tightly.
Shadow's befall me all around;
Eve creeps in, the sun goes down.
Two steps ahead I've stayed his grip,
Persistence has pursued me on his evil trip.
The large black stallion gallops through the dark,
Loud heavy hoof beats I feel in my heart.
The beating goes silent as footsteps approach the door,
Two steps overtaken, The Dark Knight is in store.
The lights all dim, the candles all quiver,
The hardwoods go icy like a cold winter river.
The door swings open with the cutting wind of night,
A black hooded figure steps in through dim, hazy light.
Entry is his, at last The Dark Knight has arrived.
Exhaustion grips my small frame, anticipation tells me I'll never survive.
Fists clenched tight and pulse running wild,
Sobs overtake me, I cry out as an abandoned child.
Wrestling for hours through terror and fears,
Surrender is mine, I let go of the tears.
A warm air floats in and blankets around me,
Feelings of hope and renewal melt into my being
Sunshine floods in, the new rising dawn,
Silence and stillness speak, a new cloak puts on.
The shadows begin to scurry astray,
Light is the answer to push darkness away.
The Dark Knight must leave when I enter the Light,
Ironic surrendering dis-spells the Dark Knight.
The fight only weakens the spirit within.
The surrender to peace empowers with love, the world to live in.
Turn not away from the love that is there in the Light,
The Light is what will carry you away from your own Dark Knight
He can only linger and play,
As long as you allow him to stay
We must remember to invite in the Light,
By surrendering to this we'll dismiss all of the Dark Knights.
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