How I Live

I believe in Love.

Therefore, I put all others first.

I help them, even though it hurts.

I seek to share the things I learn

Of that Beauty from Above.

I am a citizen of the world.

I value American Freedoms--

Mine, paid for with others’ blood

And fortunes, calling me to

Honor that flag unfurled.

I believe in Humility, Respect, and Truth:

In looking at Content of Character,

Not wealth, weight, clothing, or color.

Accepting others as they are,

Not disparaging, gossiping, or being uncouth.

I am a sister of the earth.

Obliged to Care for her

And Heal her so she may thrive,

Inspiring Creation to sing

In laughter, joy, and mirth.

I believe in Education

Empowering all people to rise up and escape

Pain, oppression, poverty, and hate.

I must use my Gifts to change the world

And achieve abundance in every nation.

I am the daughter of all generations.

Poppa Tom, PopPop, Gigi, and Mimi,

Mother Theresa, Mandela, Malala, and  Gandhi,

Curie, Lincoln, Pasteur , and Bach,

Tubman, Ten Boom, MLK, and St. Francis.

Too many to list who lived to serve

The people around them with integrity.

They taught me of Love and Joy and Peace,

Of Sweet Patience, Great Kindness, with Oodles of Goodness,

Of Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-control.

I must live to fulfill the call from Above,

Change the world with a strong, humble courage,

Be brave and strong and full of knowledge,

Honor those around me and help lead the way

To an absence of poverty and an abundance of love.