angels

What if we all treated other people like they were angels blessing us with their presence?
An author I love , Sobonfu Some, writes about her village in Africa and how they believe that everyone has a gift. It is the job of the people in the village to help each person remember their gifts. They also see conflict as a gift.
"Without conflict to crack open hidden thoughts, meanings, and energies, and without the means of dealing with conflict, a community is bound to stagnate and eventually cease to exist."
quote from her book "Welcoming Spirit Home"

Like I was mentioning in the last post, I have a hard time letting other people see when I am not at my best parenting. Although I believe in this idea about conflict, it is very hard for me to feel 'wrong', or to feel judged by outsiders. I am doing better and trying different things. If Ama has an outburst in public, I do my best to just sit with it... patiently... and try to listen to her needs.... and not feel the need to hide.
Today some angels visited us.
A tantrum on the street turned into a power struggle. I did my best, and I really wanted to get out of the cold, and I wanted to eat.. and honestly, I needed to win this battle.
but thats not the point
2 people came by to help
1 lady came by and said the hospital might be able to help us ... :/
another lady came by on her bike and asked Ama about her needs... offered her hat if she was cold, offered her mittens, offered a ride since she didnt want to walk...
It is difficult for me to fully accept help sometimes, yet I do want it. I did my best to accept the gifts these angels brought to us today. Ultimately the 2nd lady helped end the 20 minute stand off debacle on 21st and Division this afternoon.
I hope we all can do this more often.
No matter how difficult or uncomfortable it may be, this is how we can end oppression, abuse, bullying, and even prevent kidnapping. We have to speak up, we have to help each other.
I am so thankful.
My heart is so full tonight.
I was told that I was angel. Within an hour of the debacle, I ran into a lady I worked for last month. I was her angel :)