inner strength

Mark = Strong Defender

Posted by

I’m using the Word press prompt for the first time. The meaning of my name according to a bookmark I got in Sunday school as a child and still have in my Bible, is “strong defender”. I’ve seen variations of this in many different sources but that seems to be the general consensus.

I think it’s fitting because I’m blessed with an abundance of inner strength that has gotten me through many tough times and helped me be fiercely independent and relentlessly resilient. (a little alliteration, lol)

The defender part of the bookmark’s definition fits too because I’ve always been more prone to defend than to criticize. I’m also slow to be judgmental. ( Most of the time. I’m only human. ) I’ve often stood up for people when others are putting them down or even ganging up on one member of a group in fun.

I’m a very loyal friend/brother/son/classmate/employee/etc. It’s interesting that the Scottish coat of arms for my grandmother’s maiden name bears the motto “This I’ll Defend.” Another defensive strength reference.

I hope I can continue to find the strength to be positive and defensive of humanity these next few years. I’m definitely going to call out injustice where I see it but also keep seeing and writing about the good in this world. I promise to try. I hope that change and possible turmoil brings us closer together rather than further divide us, as we realize we’re all in this together. We’re all just trying to get by, to love and be loved and have a little fun when we can.

Let’s try not to lose sight of that.

Daily writing prompt
Write about your first name: its meaning, significance, etymology, etc.
View all responses

Sunrise, sunset

Posted by

A follow-up to Tuesday’s post: I was about to hit the snooze button the very next day, when I spotted a red glow through the closed blinds. A peek through revealed a gorgeous sunrise. I took it as a sign, and opened the blinds to enjoy a good long look at nature’s beauty. Then I went back to bed. Just kidding, I’m happy to say.  Did I get ya?

On the contrary, I turned the alarm off and got ready for work. I got there the earliest I have in a while. I quite accidentally overslept today, but still got to work a couple minutes ahead.  Momentum starting.

Then I was reminded by a news update that today was the first day of summer. It was a good day. Now, I’m watching the sunset on Midsummer’s Eve and enjoying the longest day of the year come to a close.

The lightning bugs rise up from the lawn to meet the day’s last light with their own. Earlier, my cat joined me in my chair on the deck, purring and padding my shirt. He has really soft fur, soothing.  I feel like I can do this. Working a lot, trying to write, keep house, take care of business, and myself.

I guess you have to find inspiration in the everyday beauty around you.  Find strength in the people around you, most of whom are dealing with the same things, or similar that you are. We’re all in this together. We can do it!

 

Photo credit: Eric Ritchey, Summer solstice sunset, 6/21/2018