Also residing in Summerfield were the Callens family. Lucy Callens married Sol Green(e). The Green(e) family is cousins to the Martins. Other surnames related to both Martins and Green(e)s are: Ford, King and Phillips.
Isaiah 43:5-7 (Good New Bible), "..From the distant east and the farthest west I will bring your people home. I will tell the north to let them go and the south not to hold them back. Let my people return from distant lands, from every part of the world. They are my own people, and I created them to bring me glory."
Martin Families in the 1900 Census—Summerfield, Alabama
Jim Martin b. July 1872, farmer
married
Lucy Martin b. May 1880
children:
Frank b. Nov(?) 1896
Hubbard b. August 1898
Jordan b. July 1889
Next to
Julia Martin b. May 1882
Note: I also have an aunt named Julia Martin (born between 1881-1890). Julia Martin later married William Phillips and had a daughter named Sarah. Julia had a sister named Bama (I have not been able to find Bama in any of the records…it is possible that Bama is a nickname, and the name she was born with is Agnes?). Bama married a man with the last name of Dock and had a daughter named Jane. I am also related to a Luke Martin and a Jim (Martin or Greene).
----------------------------
Emanuel Martin (African-American family, father is from Alabama, farmer)
married
Laura Martin (father is from North Carolina)
children:
George Ann b. 1873
Mary
Mack b. 1874
Nannie b. 1876
Robert Lee b. 1878
Next to:
Jordan Martin b. 1846 (African-American family, father is from North Carolina, mother is from Virginia, farmer)
married
Jane (affectionately named “Judge”) Martin b. 1850 (both parents born in Virginia)
children:
Willie b. 1868
Sarah Jane b. 1871
James b. 1873
Agnes b. 1875
Note: Sarah Jane is the mother of my great-grandmother. She married Simon Robbins, a neighbor, and had a daughter named Mary Ella (also called “Mel”). My Martin relatives are buried at Wayman’s Chapel (near Four Mile Branch) and Elmwood Cemetery (Selma). Jordan Martin’s family and Emanuel Martin’s family are recorded as living close to each other in the 1880 census as well.
-------------------------
Henry Martin b. 1797 (Euro-American family, father born in North Carolina, farmer)
married
Amanda Martin b. 1832 (father from Alabama, father is from Kentucky)
---------------------------
William Martin b. 1843 (African-American family, father born in South Carolina, farmer)
married
Dosia Martin b. 1850
----------------------------
Bob Martin b. 1825 (African-American family, father from Virginia)
married
Rachel Martin b. 1835 (father from Virginia)
children:
Archie b. 1862
Mary b. 1866
Jimmie b. 1869
Bella b. 1874
------------------------------------
Joe Martin b. 1835 (African-American family, father from South Carolina)
married:
Caroline Eaves Martin b. 1835 (both parents from South Carolina)
Mother of Caroline Martin is Lucy Eaves (both parents from South Carolina)
Saturday, February 25, 2006
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Alabama Church Fires-- A Letter to the Arsonists
For those setting fire to Alabama churches…
Faith is forged by fire. One day you will be called to the very flames you have set. On that day of judgment smoke will fill your lungs until you speak the truth, and are held accountable for what you have done. Until that day, you will carry a legacy of pain and ruin. Your conscious is scorched by your acts of arson. The only way to be free of this legacy is to turn yourself in. For every church you have set fire to, for every tear that has been shed, turn to God and beg for forgiveness. No person is beyond redemption. Then turn to the police, and confess your crimes. You will never be free from the horror of what you have done until you take responsibility for your actions, and seek to heal the hurt you have caused.
The churches you have set fire to are more than buildings, they are places where the community has come together to find support in God and in each other. Our ancestors have built these churches as a reminder for the values we believe in, and as a visible way we can connect to our heritage. These churches represent our devotion; as places where were shared sacred experiences with God—in prayer, in confession, in worship, in celebrations that marked our lives with a marriage, a Baptism or a funeral. For a time we will grieve. For a time we will be devastated. But our faith is strong, and cannot be kicked in. We now stand as pillars amid the ruins. We will rebuild. But understand we are much more than the church. As Christians, our work, our spirituality goes beyond the walls of the church. As Christians, we believe in hard work, charity and sacrifice. Our faith is a blazing flame that will kindle the world with the hope and redemption of God’s love.
At times faith is tested so that we may grow and mature. Remember the lesson of King Nebuchadnezzar who tried to get the people of Babylon to worship an empty statue made of gold. When Shadrach, Mesach and Abendago refused to bow down to the statue, King Nebuchadnezzar ordered them to be thrown into a fiery furnace. These three brave men so believed that God would protect them that they did not fight, did not flee. King Nebuchadnezzar thought he would show God his might, and threw more kindling into the furnace so it burned seven times hotter. Then Shadrach, Mesach and Abendago where thrown into the furnace while still alive. The flames were so hot that they burned up the guards who threw them in, and their bodies writhed and turned to ash. Shadrach, Mesach and Abendago fell into the heart of the fire unharmed. They did not burn or even smell of smoke. God had sent an angel to protect them. Shadrach, Mesach and Abendago walked out of that furnace even stronger, filled with the fire of faith. King Nebuchadnezzar tore down all the idols and ordered that all the people of Babylon worship the one, true God. Many people have been hurt by the fires you have set. Many communities were devastated by the loss. What remains, untouched and pure, is our faith. With faith working through us, we will overcome this challenge. I believe that God will transform the hurt, anger and grief to serve a greater purpose.
The fires you set will not redeem you or ease your pain. Faith cannot be forced by kicking open doors or setting fire to churches. Faith is a choice, and the dedication to stick with that choice even when you are challenged. You are hiding now but God knows what you have done, and one day you will be held accountable. On that day of judgment you have two choices: to stand in fear or to stand strong, knowing that you have committed a terrible wrong but have taken responsibility for your actions, and worked to heal the hurts you have caused. You can spend the rest of your life lying and hiding. I guarantee that choice will not make you happy, and you will carry a terrible weight in your conscious. You will forever be alone because you will be hiding a secret that will keep you from getting close to anyone—not your family, not your spouse, not your children. Or you can make a change—starting now. Walk into a police station and confess your crimes. If you take responsibility for setting the churches on fire, and work towards justice, your life will be transformed. To take that step, you must confess your crimes—every fire that you have set. Turn away from darkness, from hurting others. Let the fire of faith light your life.
Thoughts on Fire & Faith:
“Let your fire feed on all my disbelief. Cause you are all I need. You’re contagious, like a blaze I can’t contain. It never fades away; it’s sunshine through the rain. That’s what your love is. “
– Krystal Meyers, Fire. www.krystalmeyers.com
Psalm 146:5-9 (Good News Bible),” Happy is the man who has the God of Jacob to help him and who depends on the Lord his God, the Creator of heaven, earth, and sea, and all that is in them. He always keeps his promises; he judges in favor of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets prisoners free and gives sight to the blind. He lifts those who have fallen and loves his righteous people. He protects the strangers who live in our land; he helps the widows and orphans, but ruins the plans of the wicked.”
“If you are a friend of God, fire is your water. You should wish to have a hundred thousand sets of mothwings, so you could burn them away, one set a night. The moth sees the light and goes into the fire. You should see fire and go toward the light. Fire is what of God is world-consuming. Water, world-protecting.” –Rumi, The Question.
1 Peter, Chapter 1:6-8 "In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials that the genuiness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith--the salvation of your souls."
Lynn Mari, ©2006
Update:
Matthew Cloyd, Russel DeBusk Jr and Benjamin Mosely have been charged with setting fire to several churches in Bibb County, Green County, Pickens County and Sumter County, Alabama. Charge two of the indictment deals with the arson of Ashby Baptist Church in Brierfield. Five of the churches that were burned were destroyed, four were damaged. All the churches had similiar patterns in how the fires were set around the alter. The three friends said they began to set fires as a "joke". When the arson investigation began to intensify Cloyd, Mosely and DeBusk set fires in other counties to divert attention, in an attempt to throw the investigation off their trail. Despite the attempt at creating a diversion, forensic evidence led ATF investigators to the culprits. Tire tracks from Cloyd's Toyota were found at the scene of six church fires.
Thank you to the ATF, police fire investigators and prosecutors who are working on this case! Also want to extend my thanks to those offering their prayers, and those who assisted this investigation with leads or information.
AOL News - Three Students Arrested in Alabama Church Fires
FindLaw: Federal Arson Charges Against 3 Suspects Accused of Setting Fire to Alabama Churches
http://news.findlaw.com/hdocs/docs/arson/uscloyd30806cmp.html
Faith is forged by fire. One day you will be called to the very flames you have set. On that day of judgment smoke will fill your lungs until you speak the truth, and are held accountable for what you have done. Until that day, you will carry a legacy of pain and ruin. Your conscious is scorched by your acts of arson. The only way to be free of this legacy is to turn yourself in. For every church you have set fire to, for every tear that has been shed, turn to God and beg for forgiveness. No person is beyond redemption. Then turn to the police, and confess your crimes. You will never be free from the horror of what you have done until you take responsibility for your actions, and seek to heal the hurt you have caused.
The churches you have set fire to are more than buildings, they are places where the community has come together to find support in God and in each other. Our ancestors have built these churches as a reminder for the values we believe in, and as a visible way we can connect to our heritage. These churches represent our devotion; as places where were shared sacred experiences with God—in prayer, in confession, in worship, in celebrations that marked our lives with a marriage, a Baptism or a funeral. For a time we will grieve. For a time we will be devastated. But our faith is strong, and cannot be kicked in. We now stand as pillars amid the ruins. We will rebuild. But understand we are much more than the church. As Christians, our work, our spirituality goes beyond the walls of the church. As Christians, we believe in hard work, charity and sacrifice. Our faith is a blazing flame that will kindle the world with the hope and redemption of God’s love.
At times faith is tested so that we may grow and mature. Remember the lesson of King Nebuchadnezzar who tried to get the people of Babylon to worship an empty statue made of gold. When Shadrach, Mesach and Abendago refused to bow down to the statue, King Nebuchadnezzar ordered them to be thrown into a fiery furnace. These three brave men so believed that God would protect them that they did not fight, did not flee. King Nebuchadnezzar thought he would show God his might, and threw more kindling into the furnace so it burned seven times hotter. Then Shadrach, Mesach and Abendago where thrown into the furnace while still alive. The flames were so hot that they burned up the guards who threw them in, and their bodies writhed and turned to ash. Shadrach, Mesach and Abendago fell into the heart of the fire unharmed. They did not burn or even smell of smoke. God had sent an angel to protect them. Shadrach, Mesach and Abendago walked out of that furnace even stronger, filled with the fire of faith. King Nebuchadnezzar tore down all the idols and ordered that all the people of Babylon worship the one, true God. Many people have been hurt by the fires you have set. Many communities were devastated by the loss. What remains, untouched and pure, is our faith. With faith working through us, we will overcome this challenge. I believe that God will transform the hurt, anger and grief to serve a greater purpose.
The fires you set will not redeem you or ease your pain. Faith cannot be forced by kicking open doors or setting fire to churches. Faith is a choice, and the dedication to stick with that choice even when you are challenged. You are hiding now but God knows what you have done, and one day you will be held accountable. On that day of judgment you have two choices: to stand in fear or to stand strong, knowing that you have committed a terrible wrong but have taken responsibility for your actions, and worked to heal the hurts you have caused. You can spend the rest of your life lying and hiding. I guarantee that choice will not make you happy, and you will carry a terrible weight in your conscious. You will forever be alone because you will be hiding a secret that will keep you from getting close to anyone—not your family, not your spouse, not your children. Or you can make a change—starting now. Walk into a police station and confess your crimes. If you take responsibility for setting the churches on fire, and work towards justice, your life will be transformed. To take that step, you must confess your crimes—every fire that you have set. Turn away from darkness, from hurting others. Let the fire of faith light your life.
Thoughts on Fire & Faith:
“Let your fire feed on all my disbelief. Cause you are all I need. You’re contagious, like a blaze I can’t contain. It never fades away; it’s sunshine through the rain. That’s what your love is. “
– Krystal Meyers, Fire. www.krystalmeyers.com
Psalm 146:5-9 (Good News Bible),” Happy is the man who has the God of Jacob to help him and who depends on the Lord his God, the Creator of heaven, earth, and sea, and all that is in them. He always keeps his promises; he judges in favor of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets prisoners free and gives sight to the blind. He lifts those who have fallen and loves his righteous people. He protects the strangers who live in our land; he helps the widows and orphans, but ruins the plans of the wicked.”
“If you are a friend of God, fire is your water. You should wish to have a hundred thousand sets of mothwings, so you could burn them away, one set a night. The moth sees the light and goes into the fire. You should see fire and go toward the light. Fire is what of God is world-consuming. Water, world-protecting.” –Rumi, The Question.
1 Peter, Chapter 1:6-8 "In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials that the genuiness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith--the salvation of your souls."
Lynn Mari, ©2006
Update:
Matthew Cloyd, Russel DeBusk Jr and Benjamin Mosely have been charged with setting fire to several churches in Bibb County, Green County, Pickens County and Sumter County, Alabama. Charge two of the indictment deals with the arson of Ashby Baptist Church in Brierfield. Five of the churches that were burned were destroyed, four were damaged. All the churches had similiar patterns in how the fires were set around the alter. The three friends said they began to set fires as a "joke". When the arson investigation began to intensify Cloyd, Mosely and DeBusk set fires in other counties to divert attention, in an attempt to throw the investigation off their trail. Despite the attempt at creating a diversion, forensic evidence led ATF investigators to the culprits. Tire tracks from Cloyd's Toyota were found at the scene of six church fires.
Thank you to the ATF, police fire investigators and prosecutors who are working on this case! Also want to extend my thanks to those offering their prayers, and those who assisted this investigation with leads or information.
AOL News - Three Students Arrested in Alabama Church Fires
FindLaw: Federal Arson Charges Against 3 Suspects Accused of Setting Fire to Alabama Churches
http://news.findlaw.com/hdocs/docs/arson/uscloyd30806cmp.html
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
First Love, First Valentine by CiBelle
First Love, First Valentine
February is here and love is in the air.
Red and pink hearts showing up everywhere.
As I ponder on this coming valentine Day,
There are some things I just have to say.
You, Mama, were my very first love,
I was your daughter sent from God above.
It is important that I express my heart,
For that’s where you have been
right from the start.
I have spent sixty-one Valentines here on Earth.
The first was three months before my birth.
There was no pretty heart-shaped balloon,
For I was snuggled safe within your womb.
Our two hearts beat as one,
Your gift of love I had become.
Your eyes were the first I looked into,
As your arms held me close to you.
From the moment your eyes met mine,
Our hearts were forever intertwined.
Soul to soul our love did grow,
Beyond the depth either of us were to know.
They say wisdom comes with age,
As shown from the words upon this page.
Mama, my love for you will forever shine,
For you will always be my first Valentine.
Happy Valentines 2006
All My Love Now & Forever, Your “Sweet Glad”
GlaDienne “CiBelle of the One Heart” ©2006
Sunday, February 05, 2006
My First Christmas Without Momma
As the tears fell down
Like snow upon my face
No marker on your grave
As I stood in this empty place
Momma, if I could hold you now
As you once held me
A broken heart, a name up in lights
for the entire town to see
So alone, not invited to your memorial
By my supposed family
Momma if I could hold you now…
But am only comforted by memory
In your final days
There was so much pain
No food, no water
I begged for just a drop of rain
Momma, a dream has haunted me
Please help me understand
The images calling out to me--
My small hand held by a much larger hand
When the hand let go
I began to pray
I never have felt so alone
Two days later you slipped away
Momma, I searched for you
An unmarked grave buried in snow
Please help me forgive
So in spring my heart will grow.
Lynn Mari, ©2006
Like snow upon my face
No marker on your grave
As I stood in this empty place
Momma, if I could hold you now
As you once held me
A broken heart, a name up in lights
for the entire town to see
So alone, not invited to your memorial
By my supposed family
Momma if I could hold you now…
But am only comforted by memory
In your final days
There was so much pain
No food, no water
I begged for just a drop of rain
Momma, a dream has haunted me
Please help me understand
The images calling out to me--
My small hand held by a much larger hand
When the hand let go
I began to pray
I never have felt so alone
Two days later you slipped away
Momma, I searched for you
An unmarked grave buried in snow
Please help me forgive
So in spring my heart will grow.
Lynn Mari, ©2006
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Children and God
A little boy was attending his first wedding. After the service, his cousin asked him, "How many women can a man marry?" "Sixteen," the boy responded. His cousin was amazed that he had an answer so quickly. "How do you know that?"
"Easy," the little boy said. "All you have to do is add it up, like the Priest said, 4 better, 4 worse, 4 richer, 4 poorer."
?°'°??o,,,,o??°'°??o??°'°??o,,,,o??°'°??o??°'°
After a church service on Sunday morning, a young boy suddenly announced to his mother, "Mom, I've decided to become a minister when I grow up."
"That's okay with us, but what made you decide that?"
"Well," said the little boy, "I have to go to church on Sunday anyway, and I figure it will be more fun to stand up and yell, than to sit and listen."
??°'°??o,,,,o??°'°??o??°'°??o,,,,o??°'°??o?
A 6-year-old was overheard reciting the Lord's Prayer at a church service: "And forgive us our trash passes, as we forgive those who passed trash against us."
??°'°??o,,,,o??°'°??o??°'°??o,,,,o??°'°??o?
A boy was watching his father, a pastor, write a sermon. "
How do you know what to say?" he asked.
"Why, God tells me." the father replied.
"Oh, then why do you keep crossing things out?"
??°'°??o,,,,o??°'°??o??°'°??o,,,,o??°'°??o?
After the Christening of his baby brother in church, little Johnny sobbed all the way home in the back seat of the car. His father asked him three times what was wrong.Finally, Johnny replied, "That priest said he wanted us brought up in a Christian home, and I want to stay with you guys!"
??°'°??o,,,,o??°'°??o??°'°??o,,,,o??°'°??o??
Terri asked her Sunday School class to draw pictures of their favorite Bible stories. She was puzzled by Kyle's picture, which showed four people on an airplane, so she asked him which story it was meant to represent.
"The Flight to Egypt," was his reply.
Pointing at each figure, Ms. Terri said, "That must be Mary, Joseph, and Baby Jesus. But who's the fourth person?"
"Oh, that's Pontius - the pilot."
? ?°'°??o,,,,o??°'°??o??°'°??o,,,,o??°'°?
The Sunday School Teacher asks, "Now, Lisa, tell me frankly do you say prayers before eating?"
"No sir," little Lisa replies, I don't have to. My mom is a good cook."
??°'°??o,,,,o??°'°??o??°'°??o,,,,o??°'°??o?
A college drama group presented a play in which one character would stand on a trap door and announce, "I descend into hell!"A stagehand below would then pull a rope, the trapdoor would spring, and the actor would drop from view.The play was well received. When the actor playing the part became ill, another actor who was quite overweight took his place. When the new actor announced, "I descend into hell!" the stagehand pulled the rope, and the actor began his plunge, but became hopelessly stuck. No amount of tuggingon the rope could make him descend.One student in the balcony jumped up and yelled: "Hallelujah! Hell is full!"
??°'°??o,,,,o??°'°??o??°'°??o,,,,o??°'°??o?
A little girl was sitting on her grandfather's lap as he read her a bedtime story. From time to time, she would take her eyes off the book and reach up to touch his wrinkled cheek. She was alternately stroking her own cheek, then his again.
Finally she spoke up, "Grandpa, did God make you?"
"Yes, sweetheart," he answered, "God made me a long time ago."
"Oh," she paused, "Grandpa, did God make me too?"
"Yes, indeed, honey," he said, "God made you just a little while ago."
Feeling their respective faces again, she observed, "God's getting better at it, isn't he?"
??°'°??o,,,,o??°'°??o??°'°??o,,,,o??°'°??o?
Davin asked me why it seems like God doesn't answer all of his prayers. I explained to Davin that God does answer his prayers but that God also gives us room to make choices in life, and gives us room to do the work needed to make our lives better. I then asked Davin to imagine would happen if God answered everyone's prayers so well that no one would ever have to work. What would it be like if Bob the Builder (one of his favorite cartoons) said a prayer to help get a house built and then God came down and built the whole house for Bob. What would happen then, would Bob be a builder anymore? Davin thinks for just a second then replies,"Bob would sit in his underwear all day and watch TV!".
??°'°??o,,,,o??°'°??o??°'°??o,,,,o??°'°??o?
I always touch the top of her head, and then her toes. By the time I get to Jaelynn's heart, she is laughing and wriggling all over!
Special thanks to my dear friend, and adopted grandmother, Beryl, for passing this on. Sending LOTS of love your way!
Stolen Moment of Faith
I grew up in the Midwest, in a small town clustered on the bend of a river. I grew up with traditions that emphasized the importance of conformity. Within the church, it is believed that you were born a sinner and could only be saved with repentance, giving your life to the established doctrine, to become a "good Christian". Within the family, church values continue with an emphasis on showing a good face to the outside world. To avoid bringing shame on the family, you hide the sinful nature of your true self. Any difference of family or church values is dealt with in strict silence. Silence is used to smother the problem. Without oxygen the problem will slowly shrivel until it is forgotten. Without the energy of expression, the problem will atrophy like a useless limb, dejectedly hanging off the psyche. Traditions demand projecting a "good face" rather than admitting a weakness. Weakness will divide the family, bringing sin into its protective circle. Silence is a resilient buffer that serves to exile those who stray. Silence kept the outside world from penetrating the community circle. In this way, what is not acknowledged does not exist. Life is carefully constructed around an ideal that has been carefully maintained for generations.
From the time I was a young girl, I was very independant. Left on my own, I liked to venture in the woods or could be found with my nose in a book. The neighbors were wary of my family, we were poor and living in public housing: a sure sign of "trouble". I did not like their prissy daughters who kissed trees as their "boyfriends" and played with expensive dolls with fish eyes. My clothes were hand-me-downs. With a mighty exhale I could pop the button of my too-tight jeans. My scrawny arms stuck out of the scant sleeves of my shirt like a palm tree reaching for the sun. My hair defied bows and barrettes by sticking up; I am "different". My childhood memories are conflicting images: of my inner world and the façade I was expected to show.
I was so proud to receive my First Communion, yet had many questions as to who this All-Powerful, All-Knowing, All-Seeing-God-guy was. Bible school was interesting, but I wasn’t satisfied with what I was learning. I vividly recall walking to the front of the church, where the pews and somber stained glass windows were clouded by spicy scented smoke rising from censers. Under the flickering candles, I knelt before a priest who whispered words in Latin; words I did not understand but I felt a sacred rhythm spiral around my body. I tilted my head to receive the Communion wafer, a dry circle upon my tongue. I was careful not to bite into the wafer, not to swallow. Instead I carried the wafer on my tongue, back to the hard seat of the pew, and spat it into my upturned palm.
As my finger traced the lines of the delicate cross cut into the wafer, Reba Jeanne hissed at me, "You're not supposed to take that! I'll tell!" Reba Jeanne was named after a Country music star and a Saint, as a result she prayed in a nasally twang, and her conscious two-stepped between purity and rancor.
Reba Jeanne became my enemy when she kicked my brother between the legs with the pointed, metal toe of her Patsy Cline-wanna-be boots. My brother did not fall to pieces. Instead, he became a man in the eyes of schoolyard boys because he withstood the lethal blow without shedding one tear.
" What's the use in telling? ", I taunted, "God already knows what I've done!"I saved the wafer until after mass. I then took the wafer outside church, holding it up to the sky, in all of its paper-thin glory. I wondered if God would strike me down, or if He would send Reba Jeanne to finish me off. When nothing happened, I was convinced that God was not sitting on a throne in Heaven judging people, and weighing sins on a gilt scale. As I closed my fingers over the wafer, warmth filled my palm.
From that moment on, I began to trust in my spiritual sense. The warmth of the wafer in my palm was so reassuring. Instead of damnation I was met with a sense of peace. The turmoil I felt was lifted away. As a child, I reasoned that God gave people a spiritual sense (or intuition) to reward faith, to reward the hard work of going beyond fixed traditions. Intuition provides a connection to what is not readily seen. I wondered if people were not meant to see everything. With sight comes the impulse to judge, to measure, to sell a new product displayed by a bony model in a string bikini. By not seeing, we question, search, and are led into vast horizons.
Lynn Mari, ©2006
From the time I was a young girl, I was very independant. Left on my own, I liked to venture in the woods or could be found with my nose in a book. The neighbors were wary of my family, we were poor and living in public housing: a sure sign of "trouble". I did not like their prissy daughters who kissed trees as their "boyfriends" and played with expensive dolls with fish eyes. My clothes were hand-me-downs. With a mighty exhale I could pop the button of my too-tight jeans. My scrawny arms stuck out of the scant sleeves of my shirt like a palm tree reaching for the sun. My hair defied bows and barrettes by sticking up; I am "different". My childhood memories are conflicting images: of my inner world and the façade I was expected to show.
I was so proud to receive my First Communion, yet had many questions as to who this All-Powerful, All-Knowing, All-Seeing-God-guy was. Bible school was interesting, but I wasn’t satisfied with what I was learning. I vividly recall walking to the front of the church, where the pews and somber stained glass windows were clouded by spicy scented smoke rising from censers. Under the flickering candles, I knelt before a priest who whispered words in Latin; words I did not understand but I felt a sacred rhythm spiral around my body. I tilted my head to receive the Communion wafer, a dry circle upon my tongue. I was careful not to bite into the wafer, not to swallow. Instead I carried the wafer on my tongue, back to the hard seat of the pew, and spat it into my upturned palm.
As my finger traced the lines of the delicate cross cut into the wafer, Reba Jeanne hissed at me, "You're not supposed to take that! I'll tell!" Reba Jeanne was named after a Country music star and a Saint, as a result she prayed in a nasally twang, and her conscious two-stepped between purity and rancor.
Reba Jeanne became my enemy when she kicked my brother between the legs with the pointed, metal toe of her Patsy Cline-wanna-be boots. My brother did not fall to pieces. Instead, he became a man in the eyes of schoolyard boys because he withstood the lethal blow without shedding one tear.
" What's the use in telling? ", I taunted, "God already knows what I've done!"I saved the wafer until after mass. I then took the wafer outside church, holding it up to the sky, in all of its paper-thin glory. I wondered if God would strike me down, or if He would send Reba Jeanne to finish me off. When nothing happened, I was convinced that God was not sitting on a throne in Heaven judging people, and weighing sins on a gilt scale. As I closed my fingers over the wafer, warmth filled my palm.
From that moment on, I began to trust in my spiritual sense. The warmth of the wafer in my palm was so reassuring. Instead of damnation I was met with a sense of peace. The turmoil I felt was lifted away. As a child, I reasoned that God gave people a spiritual sense (or intuition) to reward faith, to reward the hard work of going beyond fixed traditions. Intuition provides a connection to what is not readily seen. I wondered if people were not meant to see everything. With sight comes the impulse to judge, to measure, to sell a new product displayed by a bony model in a string bikini. By not seeing, we question, search, and are led into vast horizons.
Lynn Mari, ©2006
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Follow Our Hearts: The Spiritual Legacy of Family Bonds
“The knowledge of what has always been remains in us, as part of his (God’s) plan for us. Sometimes we call it intuition, at other times we call it inspiration. When we follow our hearts, when we are in tune and balanced, and when we listen to the still inner voice within us…we ‘know’. These gifts and abilities are stored in our cells—our cellular memory—and they include the experiences and lessons learned by our ancestors, which are also imprinted in every cell of our body. We pass those memories to our children and then to later generations; these include both genetic and spiritual memories...” Betty J. Eadie, The Awakening Heart (p. 53).
In researching my family history, and collecting these stories, I often felt that I was guided to learn something. Sometimes I received a message from a dream. Sometimes an unusual “coincidence” revealed something, or led me to a place important for to my work. Sometimes, through extraordinary events people were brought into my life to provide help, an insight or an answer. This could all be just chance or perhaps there is something more…a spiritual purpose unfolding?
In The Awakened Heart, Betty J. Eadie (who writes about what she learned from a near death experience, and how it changed her life) theorizes that all people are spiritual beings living a physical life on Earth. As part of the human experience, a person has a “veil” placed between the spiritual and earthly worlds so that person is able to experience free will, and other lessons presented in the earthly world. These lessons are provided so that the spirit will mature and fulfill a special purpose here on Earth. Though the “veil” exists, if a person freely and consciously chooses they can tap into their spiritual gifts and abilities. I believe that just as you can choose to tap into your spiritual gifts, and inner power, you can open the “veil” to connect to your ancestry. The experiences and connections of family leave a lasting imprint on our identity, even if we are not aware of this imprint. When you choose to connect to your family (by conducting family research, practicing family traditions, or passing down a family legacy, etc.) or your heritage, a part of the “veil” is lifted. A part you is brought closer to the distant past, and the people whose lives shaped your own.
These are a few stories of interesting events that brought me closer to my family, not only in a physical reunion but also by revealing a more significant message.
My Guardian Angel
As a little girl, I knew I had a special guardian angel watching over me. I didn’t know her name but I felt her presence from time to time—gentle, reassuring. She saw beyond my rough exterior—buckteeth protruding from a belligerent smile, wild hair curling in all directions, faded jeans splotched with mud. I really think if she could get hold of me I would be tied to a chair and scrubbed clean. I would imagine the sharp bristles of her brush tearing through my hair then the steady tug and pull of my hair being smoothed into braids. I imagined being dunked into a tub of hot, foamy water as she scowled over the state of my clothing. She would know how to sew the hand-me-downs into new condition. I might even be scolded for the way I presented myself. She saw the best of me—the little girl I was afraid to be. Throughout my life I would feel her presence or have dreams of her, my guardian angel.
Who was this guardian angel? She was revealed to me as a real person when I was six years old. In one of the most vivid memories from childhood, I remember visiting with my father (who was separated from my mom) and showing him a flyer printed on purple paper from the YMCA. The flyer announced a father-daughter event, which had a Native American theme. People of color were definitely a minority in the town I grew up in; I was probably one of the first racially mixed children born in this town. I don’t recall any Native American families living in this town. The only time I would see Native American people come to town would be once a year, when a pow-wow was held at the campground, which used to be a Dakota settlement. So, of course, this event hosted by the YMCA symbolized a stereotypical portrayal of Native Americans—a romanticized version where little girls could be Indian princesses and their fathers, brave warrior chiefs. At the time I didn’t care about anything of that, I just wanted to hang out with my father.
My father almost never spoke about his family or what his life was like growing up. I can only remember two or three occasions that my father ever mentioned anything to do with family. On this special occasion, my father looks at the flyer and says to me, “I have a picture of my mother and father that I am going to show to you.” I felt a tingly feeling—a really strong feeling. Something inside of me just connected with the word “mother”. I knew then that my guardian angel was my grandmother, though I didn’t know her name. My father never did show me that picture, never did take me to the father-daughter day at the YMCA. What he gave me was unintentional, yet profound—I knew who my angel was.
Nile: Sista Gal & the Sight
My cousin Nile is like a sister to me. We have been separated all of our lives because we live so far apart, and a series of events kept our two families separated. Nile’s father, Uncle Roo is my father’s oldest brother. Uncle Roo was raised in Alabama while my father was raised in Indiana with his other seven siblings. My aunts and uncles in Indiana made an effort to reach out to Nile and I, to include us in the family circle (thank-you so much…my life is truly blessed!). After an uncle told Nile about me, and gave her my
e-mail address, we connected over the internet and our bond began from there. Eventually I was able to visit Nile in Alabama, but that’s another story…
Nile grew up hearing old gospel songs sung to her by Big Momma (our great-grandmother), Aunt Julia and other older relatives. Nile told me that these songs were passed down from generations of our family, that they were sung as our ancestors picked cotton in the fields. Nile has a strong sense of faith; it has been the one constant in her life. Nile also believes in what she calls “the sight”—intuition. Nile experiences “the sight” as a strong feeling, sometimes a dream or brief vision, sometimes a voice talking to her. Since I also believe in intuition, its one of the things that has brought us closer together as sisters.
Nile and I would often practice using our intuition. One of us would ask the other a question and we would answer—using only what intuition provided us with. When I visited Nile in Alabama, we were sitting on her coach, asking questions in this way. Nile asked me if I believed that spirits of loved ones who passed away would watch over us. I replied “yes”. Then Nile asked who her spirit guides were. I settled myself and focused on her question. What came to me was the name “Jane” then I saw a big, white house that looked worn down. Wood was exposed in some places. I saw a gathering of all these people coming forward—and I knew these people were our ancestors. Nile said she never heard of a “Jane” and didn’t like the idea of people coming to her! Through a remarkable “coincidence”, Nile and I would later connect with an older cousin who told us about our family history. I then began to search for the names he mentioned by using the Ancestry census. I was able to trace our family tree to 1870, to the grandparents whose roots we all sprung from: Jordan and Jane Martin. In our family, my grandmother Jane was never called by her birth name, instead a nickname—“Judge” was used. We also found the white house at a site where our family worked as croppers. I can’t say for sure if our ancestors are guiding our genealogy work, and giving us help when we need but I would like to believe this is true.
About a year later—in 2002—I was talking with Nile on the phone. We were giggling like girls, and rolling our eyes at the latest antics of our children. Out of nowhere, Nile shouts, “I smell a baby!” I had no idea what she was talking about. My first thought was to make sure my son was not getting into trouble. Looking all over the house, I saw nothing amiss. Nile was so insistent, “I smell a baby!” I just couldn’t convince her that what she was saying didn’t make any sense. It would be another year before I would understand what Nile was telling me…
Coming Home: Uncle Lee
When I visited Alabama for the first time, in May 2001 I really felt “at home”. As I drove away from the Atlanta airport, and headed into the countryside, a part of me felt so excited and yet so at peace. There was so much I wanted to see and do to catch up on the all years I had been away. My family was gathering for the annual Ford-Morton reunion and I looked forward to getting to know my relatives. The heart of the reunion was Uncle Lee, who had a gift for bringing people together. Uncle Lee helped reconnect Nile and I, and when I would have questions he was the once I would call first.
Uncle Lee is a tall man, who wears a jaunty driving cap. He has a smile that lights up his whole face and a deep, rumbling laugh. He likes to golf and though competition can get feisty, the game is always played in a fun spirit. Uncle Lee’s wife is my Aunt Rae. This year, Aunt Rae did not attend the reunion due to illness so Uncle Lee would not be staying in Alabama for very long, he wanted to get back home to her. Uncle Lee is the second oldest of the Ford children, he knew where the places important to our family are located. There was a small farm near Brent where my grandparents lived for a time; my grandfather kept hogs and cattle there. Uncle Lee, my father and some of their siblings also lived on this farm for a time. I think the farm was near a railroad tracks. The farm is gone now but the brick chimney and part of the foundation is said to remain. There is the Cooper cemetery outside of Centreville where my grandmother is buried. And, of course, all the stories Uncle Lee would tell on the way… I told Uncle Lee that I was having dreams about my grandmother and he replied that Aunt Rae was too. Uncle Lee told me how to get to the Cooper cemetery and said he was sorry that he could not travel with me this year because he had to get back home. Next year, Uncle Lee promised, we will go to all of those places.
Next year I was in Indiana attending the funeral of Uncle Lee—who died suddenly of a heart attack. Uncle Lee died in Centreville, not too far from all the places we were to visit. He died on July 7th, one day after his birthday (Uncle Lee was born in the home of his maternal grandfather, Big Poppa, who worked for the Coopers). The farm he lived on, as a boy was not too far away. The cemetery his mother is buried in is also not too far away. And ironically, Uncle Lee was attending a family reunion for his mother’s side of the family when he died so suddenly. Family had been so important to Uncle Lee; I couldn’t help but to think that he had come home.
In Indiana, the funeral for Uncle Lee was festive, a celebration of his life and all the gifts he had passed on. I was raised Catholic and never seen such a warm, joyous funeral. I had never seen all-out singing and dancing in a church. I had never seen the preacher leave the pulpit to shout his praise to the crowd. To be honest, I was ready for a change—the service was deeply moving. Family gathered at Aunt Rae’s house, her kitchen was stacked floor to ceiling with food. The neighbors were so sweet to do the cooking. The funeral brought us together as a family, and many memories were shared. It truly was an honor to Uncle Lee to celebrate his life in this way.
A year later, our family would be blessed with the birth of my second child. My daughter, Jaelynn was born on July 7th—the anniversary of Uncle Lee’s death and later, I found out, also to be the birthday of a very special uncle. I had reconnected with this uncle through the efforts of Uncle Lee, who, before his death, made sure that I would know the elders of the family. I can only hope to carry on the legacy he started with my research and this web page. And Nile—I believe you now—grin.
Lynn Mari, ©2006
More on Betty J. Eadie: Embraced By The Light: The Official Betty J. Eadie Web Site
The Family Quilt- Ford, Martin and Green(e)
Welcome to Alabama!
Spanish moss offers momentary shade from the relentless heat, the red earth is warmed by the blazing arrows of the sun. I am invited into my cousin, Nile's kitchen, we are wild and sassy together causing much embarassment to our children. The kitchen is heavy with the aroma of macaroni baking in the oven, a layer of cheese bubbling on top. Ribs sizzle in rich BBQ sauce. Nile and I playfully argue about the secret to good BBQ (I use vanilla in mine). Having been separated for so long, Nile and I have much to discuss.
Eventually our talks lead us outside to the rugged backroads, overgrown cememtaries and ghostly auction block of Cahaba. We find relatives who are generous with stories, talking until our voices are but a whisper. We search the internet and historical records, the connection to family guides our every step. Too late we realize the food has been left behind, the kids are throwing a house party, and in the middle of nowhere is not the place to be when the needle is on empty. If you have ever felt the connection to family you will understand the pull of blood and spirit is powerful. We moved on currents to find each other, and in our reunion is the greater purpose to honor our kin--to record their lives and stories. There are still unanswered questions, and relatives lost to time and distance. When Nile and I find our way back to the table, I hope to see many faces. I hope the warmth in the room is more than the food baking in the oven but the warmth of pride from our ancestors watching over us.
FORDS IN PERRYVILLE:
There are three main groups of Fords in the area of Perryville and Sprott, this is my line-
Caroline Ford b. 1825, both parents from Georgia. Had 15-18 children, and began a line of Fords living in Perryville. Was widowed.
Her son, Paul Ford m. Laura Radford on Feb. 8, 1878. When Laura died, Paul Ford married a woman named Lucretia.
Children of Paul Ford and Spouses: Johnie D, Allie D, Arthur, Genie, Willie, Bettie, Joe, Columbus, Jesse, Millie.
FORDS IN DALLAS COUNTY:
Several Fords moved to Dallas County (Summerfield, Valley Creek, Selma, Pleasant Hill)including Willie and John Ford. Much later, some of these Fords from Perryville and Dallas county moved to Indiana. Many Ford are buried in College Hill in Summerfield.
Of my Ford relatives in Dallas County are Pettus Ford, a farmer. Pettus Ford married Mary Ella Martin and in Jan. 1910, my grandfather Robert "Bud" Ford was born. Other children of Pettus Ford are Herman and Annie (Jug) and possibly a daughter named Sylvester who worked at Sears. Herman disappeared, and may have moved to the Birmingham area. I have many Ford relatives who live in Birmingham.
THE MYSTERY OF CALLIE MARTIN:
I have found a 1910 Census record for Selma that lists a Callie Martin as living with Mary Ella, Robert, Herman and a Hubbard and Earnest...all her children. The coincedences between these names is strong but who is Callie Martin? The Martin clan is large, is she kin? Mary Ella was orphaned as a child, did Callie take her in? What happened to Hubbard and Earnest? My great-grandmother Mary Ella also worked as cook. She was very young when she gave birth to my grandfather, Robert. Was she taken in with her baby by a relative?:
FORDS, MARTINS AND GREEN(E)S:
An older relative told me that the brother of Pettus Ford married into the Green(e) family. The Greens are also cousins to the Martins. John Ford married a woman named Ola and had several children who lived on a farm in Valley Creek. One of his sons married into the family of Sol and Lucy Green. The children of Sol and Lucy Green are also first cousins to Mary Ella Martin. One of their children, Ms. Hollis helped with this research, and to her I will be forever grateful.
IMPORTANT PLACES
*Slave auctions were held in Cahaba, once the capitol of AL.
*The largest Martin plantation I have found is the estate of AJ Martin, a resident of Orrville. He held 79 slaves. There were an estimated 15 Black families living on the plantation of AJ Martin.
*The Martin family lived in Woodlawn and Summerfield. The grandparents of Mary Ella Martin were Jordan and Jane (Judge) Martin. They had many children including Sarah Jane, Willie, James, Agnes, Bama, Luke and Julia.
*Some of the Martins ground corn, as slaves, in Keenan's Mill.
*Some of the Martins are buried in Wayman's Chapel near Four Mile Branch or in Elmwood Cemetary in Selma.
*Mary Ella Martin worked as a cook for the James Crawford family, living on Rangeline Road in Valley Creek. As a child, Robert was called "Spicey" or "Bud/Buddy".
*Later Mary Ella worked the Stringer Place in Pleasant Hill.
*The Greens worked the land of the John and Vesta Morgan family. They lived on Summerfield Road in Valley Creek.
Lynn Mari, ©2005
DOES THIS SOUND FAMILIAR?Drop me a line! I am still doing research, and look forward to hearing from you. THANKS FOR STOPPING BY!
My Geocities Page: http://www.geocities.com/graceofwynn/ALgenealogy.html
Spanish moss offers momentary shade from the relentless heat, the red earth is warmed by the blazing arrows of the sun. I am invited into my cousin, Nile's kitchen, we are wild and sassy together causing much embarassment to our children. The kitchen is heavy with the aroma of macaroni baking in the oven, a layer of cheese bubbling on top. Ribs sizzle in rich BBQ sauce. Nile and I playfully argue about the secret to good BBQ (I use vanilla in mine). Having been separated for so long, Nile and I have much to discuss.
Eventually our talks lead us outside to the rugged backroads, overgrown cememtaries and ghostly auction block of Cahaba. We find relatives who are generous with stories, talking until our voices are but a whisper. We search the internet and historical records, the connection to family guides our every step. Too late we realize the food has been left behind, the kids are throwing a house party, and in the middle of nowhere is not the place to be when the needle is on empty. If you have ever felt the connection to family you will understand the pull of blood and spirit is powerful. We moved on currents to find each other, and in our reunion is the greater purpose to honor our kin--to record their lives and stories. There are still unanswered questions, and relatives lost to time and distance. When Nile and I find our way back to the table, I hope to see many faces. I hope the warmth in the room is more than the food baking in the oven but the warmth of pride from our ancestors watching over us.
FORDS IN PERRYVILLE:
There are three main groups of Fords in the area of Perryville and Sprott, this is my line-
Caroline Ford b. 1825, both parents from Georgia. Had 15-18 children, and began a line of Fords living in Perryville. Was widowed.
Her son, Paul Ford m. Laura Radford on Feb. 8, 1878. When Laura died, Paul Ford married a woman named Lucretia.
Children of Paul Ford and Spouses: Johnie D, Allie D, Arthur, Genie, Willie, Bettie, Joe, Columbus, Jesse, Millie.
FORDS IN DALLAS COUNTY:
Several Fords moved to Dallas County (Summerfield, Valley Creek, Selma, Pleasant Hill)including Willie and John Ford. Much later, some of these Fords from Perryville and Dallas county moved to Indiana. Many Ford are buried in College Hill in Summerfield.
Of my Ford relatives in Dallas County are Pettus Ford, a farmer. Pettus Ford married Mary Ella Martin and in Jan. 1910, my grandfather Robert "Bud" Ford was born. Other children of Pettus Ford are Herman and Annie (Jug) and possibly a daughter named Sylvester who worked at Sears. Herman disappeared, and may have moved to the Birmingham area. I have many Ford relatives who live in Birmingham.
THE MYSTERY OF CALLIE MARTIN:
I have found a 1910 Census record for Selma that lists a Callie Martin as living with Mary Ella, Robert, Herman and a Hubbard and Earnest...all her children. The coincedences between these names is strong but who is Callie Martin? The Martin clan is large, is she kin? Mary Ella was orphaned as a child, did Callie take her in? What happened to Hubbard and Earnest? My great-grandmother Mary Ella also worked as cook. She was very young when she gave birth to my grandfather, Robert. Was she taken in with her baby by a relative?:
FORDS, MARTINS AND GREEN(E)S:
An older relative told me that the brother of Pettus Ford married into the Green(e) family. The Greens are also cousins to the Martins. John Ford married a woman named Ola and had several children who lived on a farm in Valley Creek. One of his sons married into the family of Sol and Lucy Green. The children of Sol and Lucy Green are also first cousins to Mary Ella Martin. One of their children, Ms. Hollis helped with this research, and to her I will be forever grateful.
IMPORTANT PLACES
*Slave auctions were held in Cahaba, once the capitol of AL.
*The largest Martin plantation I have found is the estate of AJ Martin, a resident of Orrville. He held 79 slaves. There were an estimated 15 Black families living on the plantation of AJ Martin.
*The Martin family lived in Woodlawn and Summerfield. The grandparents of Mary Ella Martin were Jordan and Jane (Judge) Martin. They had many children including Sarah Jane, Willie, James, Agnes, Bama, Luke and Julia.
*Some of the Martins ground corn, as slaves, in Keenan's Mill.
*Some of the Martins are buried in Wayman's Chapel near Four Mile Branch or in Elmwood Cemetary in Selma.
*Mary Ella Martin worked as a cook for the James Crawford family, living on Rangeline Road in Valley Creek. As a child, Robert was called "Spicey" or "Bud/Buddy".
*Later Mary Ella worked the Stringer Place in Pleasant Hill.
*The Greens worked the land of the John and Vesta Morgan family. They lived on Summerfield Road in Valley Creek.
Lynn Mari, ©2005
DOES THIS SOUND FAMILIAR?Drop me a line! I am still doing research, and look forward to hearing from you. THANKS FOR STOPPING BY!
My Geocities Page: http://www.geocities.com/graceofwynn/ALgenealogy.html
Special Thanks to Tom Blake, your Slaveholder & African-American surname page is a treasure: Slaveholders and African Americans 1860-1870
http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~ajac/Monday, December 19, 2005
Inspirational Quotes, Compiled by CiBelle
Self Reflection
1. “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” Gandhi
2. As the plant springs from and could not be without
the seed, so every act of a man springs from the
hidden thoughts and could not have appeared
without them. James Allen
3. As a man thinketh in his heart so is he. Proverbs 23:7
4. A man can be either a Buddha or a beast within
his own mind. The Book of Buddha
5. I’ve known countless people who were reservoirs
of learning yet never had a thought. Wilson Mizner
6. But the counselor, the Holy Spirits, whom the father
will send in my name he will teach all things. John 14:26
7. Liberty of thought is the life of the soul. Voltaire
8. A man who reforms himself has contributed his
full share towards the reformation
of his neighbor. Norman Douglas
9. The only conquest which are permanent and leave
no regrets are our conquests over ourselves. Napolean Bonoparte
10. And be renewed in the spirit of your minds. Ephesians 4:23
11. Our opinion of people depends less upon what we
see in them than upon what they make us see in
ourselves. Sara Grand
12. I shall understand fully even as I have been fully
understood. 1 Corinthians 13:12
13. Do not be conformed to this world but be
Transformed by the renewal of your mind… Romans 12:2
14. The door to the human heart can be opened only
from the inside. Author Unknown
15. Anger ventilated often hurries toward forgiveness
anger concealed often hardens into revenge.
Edward G. Buliver Lipton
16. Hearing is one of the body’s fine senses, but
listening is an art. Frank Tyger
17. I have never met an aggressive person who wasn’t
a fearful person. John Bradshaw
18. A gentle tongue is a tree of life… Proverbs 15:4
“Oneness” The Human Race
1. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither
slave nor free, there is neither male nor female,
for you are all one in Christ.
This is the way Christ and God sees all of his
children, not just Christians. Galatians 3:28
2. Are you looking for the Holy One? I am in the
Next seat. My shoulder is against yours. Kafir
3. If God is thy father, man is thy brother. Lamertine
4. Maturing is the process by which the individual
is conscious of the equal importance of each of
his fellow men. Alvin Goeser
5. … All of you are children of the most High. Psalms 82:6
6. The law says “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God
with all thy heart and with all thy soul and with
all thy strength and with all thy mind… and
thy neighbor as thy self." Luke 10:27
Compassion Loving Kindness
1. Loving kindness gives birth to a natural compassion.
The compassionate heart holds the pain and the
sorrow of our life and of all beings with mercy and
tenderness. It is the tender heart that has the
power to transform the world. Chögyam Trungpa
2. Embracing both joy and sorrow, our heart can
remain tender and wise.
We can walk through the darkest night with
the radiant conviction that all things work
together for the good. Martin Luther King Jr.
3. I always felt sorry for people afraid of feeling,
of sentimentality, who are unable to weep with
their whole heart. Because those who do not
know how to weep do not know how to laugh
either. Golda Meir
4. The meeting of two personalities is like the
contact of two chemical substances: if there
is any reaction, both are transformed. Carl Jung
5. ….Comfort one another… 1 Thessalonians 4:18
6. We are all so much together but we are dying
of loneliness. Albert Schweitzer
7. You give but little when you give of your
passions. It is when you give of yourself that
you truly give. Kahlil Gibran
8. The point is this: He who sows sparingly will
also reap sparingly and he who sows bountifully
will also reap bountifully. 2 Corinthians 9:6
9. … Having compassion one for another… 1 Peter 3:8
10. The only gift is a portion of thyself. Ralph Waldo Emerson
Making Judgments
1. Judgments are our personal ego reactions to the
sights, sounds, feelings, and thoughts within
our experiences. W Timothy Gallway
2. First take the log out of your eye and you will
see clearly to take the speck out of your
brother’s eye. Matthew 7:5
3. Judgments block learning from and acceptance
of what exists and create emotional reaction
that have consequences in themselves: guilt,
defensiveness, immobility. To become
nonjudgmental as I’ve come to understand
it, is to see clearly and add nothing to the facts.
It does not mean ignoring flaws, errors and
mistakes; it simply means not adding
anything to them. Bobbi Sims
4. Judge not that you be not judged. Matthew 7:1
5. Examine the contents, not the bottle. The Talmud
Peace
1. God did not play dice with the universe. Albert Einstein
2. Do not be afraid to take a chance on peace, to
teach peace, to live peace… Peace will be
the last word of history. John Paul II
The True Teacher
1. If he is indeed wise he does not bid you to enter
the house of his wisdom, but rather leads you
to the threshold of your own mind. Kahlil Gibran
2. In this passage Christ was speaking metaphorically
about meditating on the word that you may come
to the fullness of your understanding.
3. And when he had ceased speaking, he said to
Simon, “put out into the deep and let down
Your nets for a catch.” Luke 5:4
1. “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” Gandhi
2. As the plant springs from and could not be without
the seed, so every act of a man springs from the
hidden thoughts and could not have appeared
without them. James Allen
3. As a man thinketh in his heart so is he. Proverbs 23:7
4. A man can be either a Buddha or a beast within
his own mind. The Book of Buddha
5. I’ve known countless people who were reservoirs
of learning yet never had a thought. Wilson Mizner
6. But the counselor, the Holy Spirits, whom the father
will send in my name he will teach all things. John 14:26
7. Liberty of thought is the life of the soul. Voltaire
8. A man who reforms himself has contributed his
full share towards the reformation
of his neighbor. Norman Douglas
9. The only conquest which are permanent and leave
no regrets are our conquests over ourselves. Napolean Bonoparte
10. And be renewed in the spirit of your minds. Ephesians 4:23
11. Our opinion of people depends less upon what we
see in them than upon what they make us see in
ourselves. Sara Grand
12. I shall understand fully even as I have been fully
understood. 1 Corinthians 13:12
13. Do not be conformed to this world but be
Transformed by the renewal of your mind… Romans 12:2
14. The door to the human heart can be opened only
from the inside. Author Unknown
15. Anger ventilated often hurries toward forgiveness
anger concealed often hardens into revenge.
Edward G. Buliver Lipton
16. Hearing is one of the body’s fine senses, but
listening is an art. Frank Tyger
17. I have never met an aggressive person who wasn’t
a fearful person. John Bradshaw
18. A gentle tongue is a tree of life… Proverbs 15:4
“Oneness” The Human Race
1. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither
slave nor free, there is neither male nor female,
for you are all one in Christ.
This is the way Christ and God sees all of his
children, not just Christians. Galatians 3:28
2. Are you looking for the Holy One? I am in the
Next seat. My shoulder is against yours. Kafir
3. If God is thy father, man is thy brother. Lamertine
4. Maturing is the process by which the individual
is conscious of the equal importance of each of
his fellow men. Alvin Goeser
5. … All of you are children of the most High. Psalms 82:6
6. The law says “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God
with all thy heart and with all thy soul and with
all thy strength and with all thy mind… and
thy neighbor as thy self." Luke 10:27
Compassion Loving Kindness
1. Loving kindness gives birth to a natural compassion.
The compassionate heart holds the pain and the
sorrow of our life and of all beings with mercy and
tenderness. It is the tender heart that has the
power to transform the world. Chögyam Trungpa
2. Embracing both joy and sorrow, our heart can
remain tender and wise.
We can walk through the darkest night with
the radiant conviction that all things work
together for the good. Martin Luther King Jr.
3. I always felt sorry for people afraid of feeling,
of sentimentality, who are unable to weep with
their whole heart. Because those who do not
know how to weep do not know how to laugh
either. Golda Meir
4. The meeting of two personalities is like the
contact of two chemical substances: if there
is any reaction, both are transformed. Carl Jung
5. ….Comfort one another… 1 Thessalonians 4:18
6. We are all so much together but we are dying
of loneliness. Albert Schweitzer
7. You give but little when you give of your
passions. It is when you give of yourself that
you truly give. Kahlil Gibran
8. The point is this: He who sows sparingly will
also reap sparingly and he who sows bountifully
will also reap bountifully. 2 Corinthians 9:6
9. … Having compassion one for another… 1 Peter 3:8
10. The only gift is a portion of thyself. Ralph Waldo Emerson
Making Judgments
1. Judgments are our personal ego reactions to the
sights, sounds, feelings, and thoughts within
our experiences. W Timothy Gallway
2. First take the log out of your eye and you will
see clearly to take the speck out of your
brother’s eye. Matthew 7:5
3. Judgments block learning from and acceptance
of what exists and create emotional reaction
that have consequences in themselves: guilt,
defensiveness, immobility. To become
nonjudgmental as I’ve come to understand
it, is to see clearly and add nothing to the facts.
It does not mean ignoring flaws, errors and
mistakes; it simply means not adding
anything to them. Bobbi Sims
4. Judge not that you be not judged. Matthew 7:1
5. Examine the contents, not the bottle. The Talmud
Peace
1. God did not play dice with the universe. Albert Einstein
2. Do not be afraid to take a chance on peace, to
teach peace, to live peace… Peace will be
the last word of history. John Paul II
The True Teacher
1. If he is indeed wise he does not bid you to enter
the house of his wisdom, but rather leads you
to the threshold of your own mind. Kahlil Gibran
2. In this passage Christ was speaking metaphorically
about meditating on the word that you may come
to the fullness of your understanding.
3. And when he had ceased speaking, he said to
Simon, “put out into the deep and let down
Your nets for a catch.” Luke 5:4
Holiday Blessing & Prayers from CiBelle
Holiday Blessing
Today, is the Day, Now is the time,
To live in joy and let your life shine.
Open your heart and do your part,
Let your compassion flow,
Like a love-filled dart,
Sent from the Divine archer’s bow.
We are all “One,”
But humanity has remained undone,
Let your being fill with “Light,”
As you sing the carol “Oh Holy Night.”
In doing this we shall be,
The heaven on Earth we wish to see.
Our hearts shall sing with love,
As we are blessed from above.
Gods love-filled “Lights” we shall become,
Upon the tree of life as “One,”
Peace, Love, & harmony will be the norm.
Our Beautiful Planet shall be free from harm.
Manifesting, “As above so below,”
Holiday Blessings will continue to flow,
Long after the ground is free from snow.
“CiBelle of the One Heart♥”
©2005
THE DIVINE PLAN
Violet flame burning bright
Transmuting all into light.
Accepting both the light
And the dark, merging
Them into the human heart.
I walk the middle way. In
Gods power day by day.
Accepting all that “IS”
Being in the present where
God lives.
All that I have and all that
I am are manifestations of
God’s divine plan.
I am balanced, healthy, wealthy,
And whole, manifesting God’s
Great promise as Christ foretold.
Today, moment by moment
I lovingly will, to will, My will
To Thy will. Allowing God’s
Divine plan to fulfill…. NOW!
Master Kumara & The Brotherhood
Channeled by
GlaDienne “CiBelle of The One Heart♥”
© 2000
Daily Prayer Know Thy Self Along With the Divine Plan
Dear Lord give me your Grace to look within. Help me to
watch my thoughts, words, and deeds for they will be my
guide within on this journey. All these are but a mirror to the
darkness that lives within me. All these things are things that
I want to forgive and love. Only then will I be set free to see
the light within myself and others. Only then will I have
your Joy, Love and Peace. Amen.
GlaDienne “CiBelle of the One Heart♥”©2004
One Love in Christmas, from CiBelle
(Continued from CiBelle's Christmas letter)
As my gift, my love in action, I compiled these “Devotional Quotes” along with wisdom
from my reflection on the events of this year. The “Devotional Quotes: have been taken
from two of my favorite books.
“Making a Difference In Your World" by Bobbi Sims.
"The Art of Forgiveness, Loving Kindness and Peace" by Jack Kornfield who
authored “A Path with Heart”
All that I create, poems, affirmations and writing are inspired. They come through
me but not from me for I am but a part of the “One.” I am a spark of the Divine
working moment by moment to manifest The Divine here and now upon Planet Earth.
In sharing with you the poem “Holiday Blessing,” “The Prayer,” or affirmation
“The Divine Plan” I invite you, the reader, to draw personal growth from these
words as you travel along your own path or journey. Each of us can only be
brought to the dawning of our own understanding. Wisdom and enlightenment
is a journey not a destination. As a Christian the gift of Christ to me was his
manifestation of “The Will of God”, Love, even for those who killed him,
his acceptance of everyone, his forgiveness for those who persecuted him,
his obedience to the Will of God. All of these gifts were made manifest in
his non-judgment.
May the gifts of “The Christ” Light your hearts now in this Blessed Season
and in every moment of your lives Now and Forever More.
P.S. As most of you know “we teach what we came here to learn.” I have been
waiting all this time because I didn’t want to lead someone the wrong way. Every
moment I am looking back at what I think, say or do. Then I ask for “Grace” to
change-“recalibrate.” If we were perfect, we would not be walking on Earth.
We don’t have “Ascension Sandals On.” Being human and knowing keeps our
“Ego” in check. But, if we don’t look at ourselves, be honest, and continue to
grow, our personality will be in control, not our soul. Until both totally become
one, “As Above, So Below” we will continue to struggle.
In The Heart of The One With Love
GlaDienne “CiBelle of the One Heart♥”
©2005
As my gift, my love in action, I compiled these “Devotional Quotes” along with wisdom
from my reflection on the events of this year. The “Devotional Quotes: have been taken
from two of my favorite books.
“Making a Difference In Your World" by Bobbi Sims.
"The Art of Forgiveness, Loving Kindness and Peace" by Jack Kornfield who
authored “A Path with Heart”
All that I create, poems, affirmations and writing are inspired. They come through
me but not from me for I am but a part of the “One.” I am a spark of the Divine
working moment by moment to manifest The Divine here and now upon Planet Earth.
In sharing with you the poem “Holiday Blessing,” “The Prayer,” or affirmation
“The Divine Plan” I invite you, the reader, to draw personal growth from these
words as you travel along your own path or journey. Each of us can only be
brought to the dawning of our own understanding. Wisdom and enlightenment
is a journey not a destination. As a Christian the gift of Christ to me was his
manifestation of “The Will of God”, Love, even for those who killed him,
his acceptance of everyone, his forgiveness for those who persecuted him,
his obedience to the Will of God. All of these gifts were made manifest in
his non-judgment.
May the gifts of “The Christ” Light your hearts now in this Blessed Season
and in every moment of your lives Now and Forever More.
P.S. As most of you know “we teach what we came here to learn.” I have been
waiting all this time because I didn’t want to lead someone the wrong way. Every
moment I am looking back at what I think, say or do. Then I ask for “Grace” to
change-“recalibrate.” If we were perfect, we would not be walking on Earth.
We don’t have “Ascension Sandals On.” Being human and knowing keeps our
“Ego” in check. But, if we don’t look at ourselves, be honest, and continue to
grow, our personality will be in control, not our soul. Until both totally become
one, “As Above, So Below” we will continue to struggle.
In The Heart of The One With Love
GlaDienne “CiBelle of the One Heart♥”
©2005
Merry Christmas 2005!
Merry Christmas to You!
Mick and I are happy to have found The Creek Church and made new friends there. During one sermon, a pastor was talking about how Jesus often performed miracles among ordinary events—that people don’t need to look far, or search for thunderbolts crashing in the clouds, because God is with us always. In this way, I look to Jesus during different points in life. Sometimes Jesus is handy with a plunger. Yelling “Stop! Stop!” didn’t do any good because Davin shoved something in the toilet anyways. Sometimes Jesus is the friend, at the other end of the prayer, whose shoulder I can cry on. Sometimes Jesus is the cheerleader (really cool how he can set those pom-poms on fire with just a wiggle of the eyebrow) giving me encouragement or hope. But right now, Jesus is a toddler. Watching Davin and Jaelynn grow so much during the year, literally taking leaps and bounds with each step, has made me wonder what Jesus was like as a child. My thoughts about Jesus as a child are endless… What were the first words Jesus spoke? Did Jesus ever get into trouble, and how do you give the Son of God a spanking? What kind of toys or games kept Jesus entertained? Did Jesus even feel like a child? These questions led me on a journey, both in motherhood and in faith.
Quite unexpectedly, I received an insight. One night I put Jaelynn to bed, and cuddled next to her. The winter sky was clear with moonlight shimmering through purple clouds. As I said a “good-night” prayer to Jaelynn, she lifted a small hand and tugged at my hair. The answer seemed so simple—unconditional love. Throughout his adventures, mischief and growth—Jesus was learning. All of these experiences, beginning in childhood, became the foundation for which Jesus would reach out to humanity through his ministry. Unconditional love guided Jesus to walk on this Earth, embody the human experience, and through his death, receive salvation for all. Our children are a blessing, to open our hearts to give and receive unconditional love, and through love gain a deeper connection to God.
I wish all of you a Merry Christmas! My gift to you is the following verses, which I found to be very inspiring. May your heart and home shine with love, happiness, and the grace of God.
Lynn Mari, ©2005
____________
Love With All My Heart: Inspirational Verses About God’s Love
John 1:16-18, “Out of the fullness of his grace he has blessed us all, giving us one blessing after another. God gave the Law through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. The only Son, who is the same as God and is at the Father’s side, he has made him known.”
Rumi, A Just-Finishing Candle. “ A candle is made to become entirely flame. In that annihilating moment it has no shadow.”
Isaiah 40:26,” Look up at the sky! Who created the stars you see? The one who leads them out like an army, he knows how many there are and calls each one by name! His power is so great—not one of them is ever missing!”
Rachel Naomi Remen, MD, Kitchen Table Wisdom, p. 118. “ Suffering shapes the life force, sometimes into anger, sometimes into blame and self pity. Eventually it may show us the freedom of loving and serving life.”
(Psalm 139 was read at Jaelynn’s Dedication in July 2005) Psalm 139: 13-16, “ …You created every part of me; you put me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because you are to be feared; all you do is strange and wonderful. I know it with all my heart. When my bones were being formed, carefully put together in my mother’s womb, when I was growing there in secret, you knew that I was there—you saw me before I was born. The days allotted to me had all been recorded in your book, before any of them ever began.”
Khalil Gibran, The Prophet, p. 26. “And all work is empty save when there is love; And when you work with love you bind yourself to yourself, and to one another, and to God.”
Isaiah 66:12-13,” The Lord says,’ I will bring you lasting prosperity; the wealth of the nations will flow to you like a river that never goes dry. You will be like a child that is nursed by its mother, carried in her arms, and treated with love. I will comfort you in Jerusalem, as a mother comforts her child.”
Jewel, Spirit. “We are loved beyond our ability to comprehend.”
Colossians 1:20,” Through the Son, then God decided to bring the whole universe back to himself. God made peace through his Son’s death on the cross and so brought back to himself all things, both on earth and in heaven.”
_________________________
*Bible verses from the Good News Bible, American Bible Society, 1976.
______________
Visit The Creek:
The Creek Community Church - Maple Grove, MN
www.thecreekchurch.com
Sunday, December 11, 2005
Food for Thought, Inspired Writing from CiBelle
CiBelle and her husband, JD, are two of my closest friends. The Christmas letter and devotional thoughts they worked on are really beautiful, and inspiring so I thought I would share this with you. I have separated the Christmas letter into two entries so it is easier to read. The first part is "Food for Thought" and the second part is "Devotional Quotes for the Heart". The funny thing is that I was thinking about adding an entry on food, and how friend & family developed celebrations, recipes, and traditions from food. Then CiBelle calls me and asks to add "Food for Thought"--what a "coincedence"! Enjoy!
_______________________
Food for Thought
and
Devotional Quotes
For The Heart
Compiled By
“CiBelle of the One Heart♥”
“CiBelle of the One Heart♥”
©2005
Table of Contents
Topic Page
Introduction 3-7
Holiday Blessings Poem 8
Affirmation/Divine Plan 9
The Prayer 10
Self Reflections 11-12
“Oneness The Human Race” 12
Compassion Loving Kindness 12-13
Making Judgments 13-14
Peace 14
The True Teacher 14
Introduction
Greetings Dear Ones,
Many of you may know that I was ordained as a Non-Denominational minister in 1994.
I rarely tell people because I believe titles and the way we define ourselves can separate
us rather than unite us “All” as One.
For over 30 years I have been on a deeply spiritual and very personal path surrendering
my will to the will of God and being His instrument upon Earth. Also, balancing my own
negative and positive sides bringing them to the Neutral Position where the Divine dwells
manifesting the Grounded Ascension “As Above So Below.”
The only person we can change is ourselves by allowing the Divine Healer/Teacher to
work in our lives. We were given the Divine Gift “Free Will.” No one can take away
this God-given gift as long as we continue to use this gift, we are left to our
own devices. God wants us back out of love not fear. If in our desire to unite with the
Divine-All- Oneness, we gladly surrender our will to the will of the Divine, then we will
reside in unity with the Divine-All-Oneness.
Years ago a minister asked me, “what does being a Christian mean to me?” I said “it
allows me the Grace of God to see my shadow side, my own ugliness whether it is in
thought, word, or deed.” It is only by being aware that I can ask for Grace, be
transformed and brought into balance. This is truly a gift. Everyday we see people
justify their actions from the Words of a Holy Book. As we transform ourselves, our
darkness, the light goes out to transform the world. This is the greatest gift
you can give humanity and the planet Earth.
Thoughts and words are real; they have a vibration, usually negative or positive. They
go out and combine with the Collective Unconscious. The Collective Unconscious
eventually becomes conscious and from that all becomes manifest. “As a man
thinketh in his own heart, so he becomes” Proverbs 23:7. I personally know
someone who is unkind to everyone. What they have said to justify their actions is “I’m
just hard hearted.” It is no wonder that this person is alone, dying from COPD, has lost
five inches in height, and has Osteoporosis giving them a hump on their back. They have
congestive heart failure and are on full Oxygen. As this soul thought and acted, they
manifested as this has become their final days. This soul has lived their life as an angry
person. Before we can love and forgive others, we must love and forgive ourselves as we
look within and ask for Grace to recalibrate the negative vibration- fear or shadow side-
to neutral- “All Oneness.” Only when we can see the God or Light within ourselves can
we see God in the rest of humanity.
2005 has been a devastating year around the world. There has been so much suffering
be it by war or terrorism the unworthy deeds of humanity towards their brothers and
sisters. Or be it by Mother Earth “Heaving” trying to cleanse and balance through natural
disasters.
As I traveled this year I was amazed to hear people voice ugly, negative opinions and
judgments toward those suffering. There is no such thing as “Those People.” We live in
a time of mass communication. Even though it is hard, we can choose to watch the
suffering of others, let it pierce our hearts, expand our compassion or we can remain
closed-off because it is too painful to look at the suffering and truly feel their pain in our
hearts. Or, we can try to place judgments on their suffering. If we choose to do either of
the last two choices, we will have to experience it first-hand. I teach through examples or
parables. Two examples are as follows:
Example One:
When Hurricane Katrina brought so much devastation the terrorists
were celebrating in the streets “Allah had punished the United States”
they said.
“What you sow, so shall you reap.”
It wasn’t long before there was a devastating earthquake in the predominantly Muslim areas in Pakistan, Cashmere and Afghanistan. God returned their ugliness to them quickly. Many innocent people suffered for the actions of a few.
Example Two:
When I was in Naples, one of the richest counties in Florida, a
woman said some awful judgments about the people in New
Orleans to me. I will not repeat them because of their negative
vibration. I told my dear friend of 34 years that I was worried
for her because this woman is her friend. If the rich do not have
compassion for the poorest of the poor, God will teach them first
hand. We are “All One.”- no one is higher or lower. My darling
friend does not feel like her friend, but all of us who know better
need to speak up or we will be held responsible for not speaking
the truth- sowing seeds of goodness and light on the ground of
darkness.
BEING CAREFUL NOT TO JUDGE THE WORDS OR ACTIONS
BUT- JUST STATE SEEDS, TRUTH AND COMPASSION.
Within days Hurricane Wilma was heading her wrath on Naples.
I prayed and anchored the light before I left to drive home to St.
Louis. The storm moved slightly south, Naples was spared the
worst part but South Florida where the wealthiest live was
devastated. Many suffered for the thoughts and deeds of a few.
To give of our money and goods is wonderful and needed. We can choose everyday to
give of ourselves by keeping our hearts soft, open, non-judgmental, compassionate and
loving in our thoughts, words and deeds. God always hears the prayers from our hearts-
Light begets Light. As you give, so you shall receive.
John and I are a part of a World Wide organization to bring light, peace and above all,
“Oneness,” to the Earth. It is called "Nvisible" and is comprised of all faiths, all people,
all paths. Did you know there are over 3,600 known Religions on Earth? 99% of all the
brutality is brought by the three major religions which are from the children of Abraham.
The Christians, Muslims and Jews. Because Abraham and Sarah did not believe what
God said, they used their “own free will” not the will of God. Hence, mankind was
destined to fight over who was the rightful heir of Abraham. “The sins of the fathers
shall be visited upon their children.” Humanity was scattered with different languages,
different faiths or beliefs, different features, and different colors.
The “Differences” become our separation from God’s Truth and Grace. “What you
have done unto the least of your brother so you have done unto me.” Our challenge
is to will our will to the will of God. To know our brothers and sisters “Are Ourselves”
past, present and future.
Now, became my time to step out. Stand in my Integrity. To live the truth I am
learning every moment of every day. Gandhi said “be the change you wish to see in
the world.” Ralph Waldo Emerson said “the only gift is a portion of thyself.”
As my gift, my love in action, I compiled these “Devotional Quotes” along with wisdom
from my reflection on the events of this year. The “Devotional Quotes: have been taken
from two of my favorite books.
“Making a Difference In Your World by Bobbi Sims.
The Art of Forgiveness, Loving Kindness and Peace by Jack Kornfield who authored “A Path with Heart”
All that I create, poems, affirmations and writing are inspired. They come through me
but not from me for I am but a part of the “One.” I am a spark of the Divine working
moment by moment to manifest The Divine here and now upon Planet Earth.
In sharing with you the poem “Holiday Blessing,” “The Prayer,” or affirmation
“The Divine Plan” I invite you, the reader, to draw personal growth from these words
as you travel along your own path or journey.
_________________________
Please continue the journey in "Devotional Quotes For the Heart"
Thursday, December 08, 2005
Did You Know? Connections Between Land & Kin
Martin
A.J. Martin, of Orrville, once owned a plantation and kept 79 slaves on it. J.D. Campbell was the overseer of the plantation. In 1860, A.J. Martin’s real property was valued at $44,400 and his personal property was valued at $95,200.
The land my Martin relatives is said to have farmed is outside of Selma, near Walter Craig’s gun shop. Some of the land is still farmed, most of it is a housing development.
I learned from an older cousin that, when kept as slaves, the Martins were farmed out to work as laborers at Keenan’s Mill. Their work involved grinding corn to make meal out of. Keenan’s Mill is in Dallas County, Alabama.
With the help of an older cousin, I was able to trace the beginning of the Martin family to 1880 with our grandparents Jane (“Judge”) and Jordan (b.1833-35) . They lived in Woodlawn and in Summerfield. Jordan was a farmer.
The Robins family next door to the Martins, also were farmers, in Summerfield. Simon Robins married Sarah Jane Martin (b. 1871), and had one child, a daughter named Mary.
My great-grandmother, Mary (nicknames were “Mel” and “Molly”) worked on several farms. She worked the Crawford Place on Rangeline Road in Valley Creek as a cook. When she married Percy Morton, she lived on the Stringer Place on Marion Junction Road in Union.
Mary’s oldest child is my grandfather “Bud”. The same older cousin shared with me that he often rode his bicycle to the country to visit Mary, and thus grew close to her son. When Bud was an infant, Mary fashioned a sling on her hip, and carried Bud in it, so her arms were free while she was working in the fields.
As an adult, Bud married and lived on a farm outside of Brent. The farm is no longer standing but once was near some railroad tracks. Hogs were kept on this farm. Bud was also known for being very good in handling and training dogs.
Green(e)
The Greens are cousins to the Martins (any help on making the connection to the Greens and Martins or making a family tree would be much appreciated!). The Greens also married into the King family, the Ford family and the Phillips family. One of my older Martin aunts, Julia (b.1881), married William Phillips (b. 1861). Mary Martin, first cousin to the Greens, married Pettus Ford.
Many of my Green relatives lived in Summerfield or Valley Creek. Others worked the Morgan Place.
Ford
My Ford relatives originated in Perryville, Alabama then migrated to Dallas county and elsewhere. There are three main families of Fords living near Perryville.
I have traced the beginning of the Ford family to Caroline Ford (b. 1825) who had 15-18 children born in slavery. I believe this branch of Fords is my kin, because of information given from an older relative. I would appreciate help with any information about these Fords, as I know very little.
I am related to a Paul Ford who married a Laura Radford and lived in Perryville. When Laura died, Paul married a woman named Lucretia. There were 11 children born between both of these marriages.
A son of Paul Ford, Columbus, continued to live and farm in Perryville.
I have heard that some of the Fords moved to Pleasant Hill (Dallas County).
Still Curious? Check Out These Links:
http://www.english.uiuc.edu/maps/poets/a_f/brown/sharecropping.htm
Black Families of Alabama's Black Belt
http://www.prairiebluff.com/blackbelt/
Alabama State Black Archives & Research Center, Campus of A&M University
About.com: http://www.aamu.edu/archivemuseumcenter/
A Place Called Home: A Return to a Lost Past
Amos 9:14-15 (Good News Bible, American Bible Society, 1976), “’… I will bring my people back to their land. They will rebuild their ruined cities and live there; they will plant vineyards and drink the wine; they will plant gardens and eat what they grow. I will plant my people on the land I gave them, and they will not be pulled up again.’ The Lord your God has spoken.”
I trudged out in the snow today, making my way to Davin’s Christmas program at Teddy Bear Pre-School (in First Lutheran Church). It was so cold outside, that any exposed skin would crack and redden with instant frostbit once exposed to the frigid temperatures. So cold that when a glass of milk spilled in the car, it instantly froze and formed a kind of crystallized ice cream. I made sure to buy Jaelynn’s “Dora the Explorer” jacket one size too big, so she is insulated in warmth. As an added bonus, the jacket almost reaches her knees. Last year, I bundled Jaelynn up in a jacket with a fuzzy sleeper over the top, may have to do that again this year so Jaelynn doesn’t turn into a snow baby! My arms are piled high—a trademark of motherhood—with a diaper bag, two loaves of warmed corn bread (one loaf is topped with my special honey-brown sugar mixture), my purse, and my video camera bag. Mick is trudging behind with Jaelynn, morning coffee has not quite kicked in and he is half-asleep, stumbling around like a frozen caveman. The warmth is immediate as we open the door to First Lutheran, the laughter of children rings through the hallway. Jaelynn squirms out of Mick’s arms, her chubby legs race towards the festivity.
The theme of the Christmas program is “Christmas Around the World”. On the cover of the brochure is a picture of a globe surrounded by children, of various ethnicities, who hold hands, dancing around the world. I am touched by the words written on the back of the program: May your Christmas be bright with promise, warm with love and blessed with joy from JESUS whose birthday we celebrate. Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift…Jesus. I don’t understand the people who try to make Christmas a controversy, when the majority of people in America celebrate Christmas. When all of us share in the blessings from God, whether you are religious or not our very freedom, our very intelligence is bestowed from a Higher Power—is not of a human invention. I am so thankful for the celebration of Christmas at Teddy Bear Pre-School, as truly being a celebration, and a time for coming together. My soul felt deeply nourished by the warmth, the love so fully present in the room. Davin’s teacher, Mrs. Betty began with a short introduction then opened to the floor to Pastor Jan, who said a prayer. So sweet, the children then chose a prayer in which they all participated. After praying, the families flocked to a buffet table loaded with Mrs. Betty’s home-cooked Italian dinner—a sumptuous feast! When the Christmas program began, the children walked around the dining room, waving flags that represented many countries. The children also celebrated their heritage by dressing in costumes that represented their nationality. There was a little girl who dressed in a beautiful lavender silk tunic embroidered with flowers, and wore loose pants underneath—dressing in the traditional garb of India. There was little boy with a green vest decorated with shamrocks who wore a bowler’s hat that had a ribbon it that said “Kiss Me, I’m Irish!”. There was a little boy who dressed as a knight wearing a long tunic with a cross on front, and carrying a sword to represent his English heritage, another that dressed as a Native American in a buckskin vest, beaded moccasins and a colorful bandana. A sweet little girl stood next to Davin, wearing a Christmas dress trimmed with white fur. The little girl was so proud of her shiny, patent leather Mary Janes which, she said “Are just like Grandma’s shoes!” The Christmas program was unique in that the children sung Christmas songs from around the world—Germany, America, Italy, Sweden/Norway. So cute, when the children sung “Feliz Navidad”, the little girl in the flowery tunic, who had been hanging back during the entire program suddenly lost her shyness. As the piano belted out the notes, she swayed from side to side rhythmically. Her smile lit her whole face with radiance. In her smile, I felt the Spirit of Christmas was best represented—a carefree joy, a celebration, a playfulness that lightens the body to move with ease.
Designing Davin’s costume for “Christmas Around the World” was more than picking out clothing from the closet or encouraging Davin to smile really cute for the camera, it became a time to reflect on my family’s past, and an opportunity to pass some of those memories down to Davin, and to you. I jokingly told my Dad that Davin has such a diverse background that we could dress every part of his body in a different costume. Davin’s mixtures include: African-American, American Indian (Black Sioux, Bear Creek, Cherokee), German, French, Polish, Czech, Yugoslavian, Lithuanian, Norweigan and Finnish. The common thread between all of these ancestors is the land—most of our ancestors worked on or lived on farms. I also struggled because I knew the hardships, the oppression my grandparents faced working as sharecroppers. Family research—listening to the stories, seeing the places my family came from, reading historical documents—gave me a glimpse of those hardships. I often sense or feel the pain, the frustration, even fear that has lingered in our family memory. At times I have to stop my research because those feelings get so overwhelming. I strive to heal those feelings, to seek resolution for the pains of the past. Prayer has offered comforted, and a sense of release. I also feel a strong purpose in giving voice—in acknowledging my grandparents for all they have done to build the foundation of the life I now enjoy. I work to find their names, to walk the land they lived on, to ask the tough questions because when I can call my ancestors by name, I can hold them up in prayer, lift their memories up in love.
Many of my relatives chose not to talk about the past, so their lives were lost to the next generations. Or, the younger generations did not ask their elders questions about their past or family history so the knowledge was lost. Another scar on my family memory is racism. I will never forget the time I was looking through a slave census on the Internet, in neat cursive the name of each slave was written in a column. The column included the estimated age of the slave and a description of their complexion (the terms used most often are black, yellow, mulatto). I was startled to come across an entry, that clearly was a person and written next to his name was “Worthless”. My mind screamed as I read that entry—a primal scream of anguish. I wanted to take “Worthless” into my arms, and kiss his brow, and tell him I had found his shame, and would give him a new name. I imagined giving him a strong name like “Honor”, or “Isaiah” after my favorite book in the Bible, or “Kayin” an Yoruban name meaning "celebrated child". Worthless was the attitude, the injustice that the older generations of my family faced every day of their lives. In an era where racism guided social norms, Jim Crow laws kept Blacks not only segregated but perpetuated cycles of poverty and despair. Lynching and beatings were justice for Blacks who stepped out of “their place”. Black mothers gave birth to children they could not protect, children who were told where to take their first steps—and where not to; children who were often exploited for labor and denied an education. The world for these children was so much smaller—within the confines of family, church and community was the only real sense of belonging. I cannot imagine the pain, the horror, the helplessness of being a mother who has to see her children suffer in this way. So many sacrifices had to be made—children were sent to work in the fields and were denied an education, self-respect meant making yourself small and unseen in the face of torment, those who worked the hardest were denied the most. I noticed that a pattern has emerged in my family—you either found a source of strength, something to keep your spirit alive or you turned to anger and bitterness, and lost your life in the struggle. A cousin who remembers my older family members, Nile, once told me that a source of strength in my family is the church. Many of my older aunts were known for singing spirituals, and using those songs to soothe their hurts. Food has also brought family together. The simple act of cooking became a sort of ritual to bring people together. The satisfaction of a good meal became more than just feeling full in the belly but feeling full in the spirit as well. The act of cooking became a gesture of comfort in which emptiness was symbolically filled.
As I helped Davin dress this morning, I thought of how blessed I am to have so many freedoms and so many opportunities in my life, and in the lives of my children. I thought of how much better life in America has become for all people. For a moment, I closed my eyes and imagined how my ancestors would have begun their day, centuries ago…how it would feel to stretch in the morning after sleeping on a straw pallet, how the hard packed dirt floor would feel beneath my bare feet as I stood and moved towards the pot bellied stove, how the kitchen would be warmed with grits simmering in the pot, how it would feel to eat in semi-darkness knowing I would greet the first light of day while stooped over a row of cotton…. The truth is, I could imagine but never could I really comprehend; my life is too far removed from the world my ancestors lived in. I am humbled by this realization. As Davin begins to dress, I silently say a prayer of thanks. As I exhale, I imagine the shame and hurt being of the past being washed away. As I take another breath, I whisper my gratitude. Davin dressed as a farmer today—representing the very people on whose sweat, whose faith, whose dream built what America is today. Davin wore denim overalls, a plaid shirt passed down from his cousin, Elijah; a handkerchief, a straw hat with a blue star on front and black cowboy boots Mick wore as a child. In Davin’s pocket, I tucked a piece of cotton and flower, in remembrance of my ancestors, my grandparents. I watched Davin sing today, joining children from a variety of backgrounds. I watched Davin play, romping around without fear. I watched Davin walk with confidence, a twinkle in his eye. I watched Davin help “Sissie” out of bed after a nap, hold her small hand as her unsteady feet wobbled towards me. Once Jaelynn was settled in my lap, Davin stroked her hair tenderly. He left the room for a moment to return with “Bob the Builder” coloring sheets, which he was so excited to show her. I don’t take any of these acts for granted, they are small freedoms but freedoms that grant each one of us to create a life that is uniquely our own. I am living the dream that has been denied to generations of my family. In living that dream I feel a responsibility to honor the memory of those who made this life possible. Through memory, I have returned to the land of my ancestors. My children are the seeds they have turned the earth for. Though the years have been rough and tears have been shed, hope has given new life to the buds of the next generation. I may not be able to gather all the memories, but I will pass down what I know. I will pass down the hope that connects us, invisibly, one generation to the next. In this way, a garden has been planted, a land we can finally call home.
Lynn Mari, ©2005
Friday, December 02, 2005
Christmas Around the World
Hello Friends and Family,
On Thursday, December 8th 2005 Davin will be having an Italian Dinner (I will be baking my special recipe of cornbread for the event, too!) and presentation of "Christmas Around the World" at Teddy Bear Pre-School. Davin has been asked to represent his nationality in dress or costume.
Davin wants to share with you that he will be singing "Feliz Navidad", "Jingle Bells" and a song that sounds "Bon be tow wee-means Merry Christmas to You". Davin also wants you to know that the Christmas presentation "is going to be w-eally big!" Side note: When discussing Santa Claus with Davin, he has informed me that Santa brings beer to children who are naughty. So please try to stay on your best behavior!
Question: How do you think Davin should dress for nationality day?Davin's lineage is pretty colorful he is: Finnish, Czech, German, Polish, French, African-American, and Native American. Or maybe, we could dress Davin up in the style from the past?
Side Note: Did you know that adding a mixture of honey and brown sugar makes a crunchy topping for cornbread? Add this mixture to the cornbread in the last 10 minutes of baking for best results, and let it cool because the sugar will be hot!
Holiday Blessings, Lynn
Special Thanks:
Religions Art Gallery, J. Dominguez, M.D.
http://www.religion-cults.com/art.htm
An Interesting Christmas Link:
Merry Christmas in 350 Languages
http://www.flw.com/merry.htm
Update:
Davin dressed as a farmer for "Christmas from Around the World". You can read more about this exciting day at school in the December 8th post titled "A Place Called Home: Return to a Lost Past".
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