We Shall Overcome

Butterfly Festival at Powell Gardens, in Missouri

Three simple words with a wealth of meaning. My definition of being able to overcome life's obstacles is to count my blessings. They far outnumber the gloomy black clouds that have threatened my sense of peace and well-being from time to time.

I am not sure about anyone else, but my life's journey has not been flat like Nebraska, nor has it been peaceful green valleys or gently rolling hills. I rather think that some points of my life have been like those steep mountain passes with hairpin turns that seem to go on forever.

WE SHALL OVERCOME:

If we can just keep doing the next thing; a light will eventually appear at the end of a very long dark tunnel.

This past few weekend, an entire town disappeared off of the face of the map due to a natural disaster. The courage and determination of those who survived is breathtaking.

Fathers have wedged themselves between a doorway and a closet door to keep their families safe in the midst of tornado. People have risked their lives in many many ways to help their neighbor.

There are so many people in the world today, who want to make a difference. Children who save their pennies in an effort to provide wells for those in Africa who need clean drinking water. Or raise funds to help military families and have food drives.

Doctors and Nurses who visit underprivileged countries to provide medical care or volunteer their services when a disaster strikes.

Possessing the determination to overcome life's obstacles is a daunting task some days. As the John Denver song says, "Some Days are Diamonds, Some Days are Stones. Some Days the Cold Winds Won't Leave Me Alone."

All is not lost when you have lost it all. It is only the beginning of something different. We cannot replace pictures, but we can keep our memories. Bridges may collapse, but newer and stronger ones can be rebuilt.

This past weekend, our nation has seen yet another natural disaster in the Midwest. Tornadoes have torn through several states leaving a path of destruction beyond belief.

I count my blessings today because I can reach out to each of my loved ones every day. Our humble little abode is not very fancy, but we are warm and well-fed. I have a job to go to and a wonderful husband who loves me.

For every minute of sorrow we experience, there are 10 minutes of joy that will surely follow.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the families who have experienced loss over the weekend. And I respectfully salute our young men and women in the military who keep us safe at home.