Tuesday, January 13, 2015

I Wrote My Own Eulogy at the Age of 28 - It was Empowering !

Ok so - I know that may seem a bit bizarre but it was an assignment in one of my classes. As I started to write it became its own thing - thought I'd share. 


Ohhh Shekinah! Yes, I delight in her. I knew her before she was born, I set the whole thing up you know. I counted every hair on her head, she was created for my enjoyment. I gave her a little sas, mixed with a lot of drive, some compassion and purpose, dignity and she gave herself pride. I gave her endless hope in every situation and a heart to serve others. And yeah that name, I gave it to her mother. I think I over dosed on the friendly nature- the girl met no strangers! I gave her a precious heart which I guarded with my life, it was worth every sacrifice. I gave her my spirit to guide her way. I sculpted every limb to perfection, even the moles are my reflection. I sculpted that smile and yes I gave her the mouth too. It was all a part of my plan for her to do what I needed her to do. I gave her skin, eyes and my mind when looking for another you will not find. I was so proud of what I created I had to send her to you, so shed reflect me in everything that shed do. And her mere existence would cause you to seek me as much as I do you.

That name got her in some sticky situations. Not everyone understood kinda like condensation. They call her sha-neeka or even Sha-neequa but she would politely remind them, Yes this is Shekinah J.  She handled it with grace sometimes not so nice. When she came into the working world she told others, Miss Young will suffice. I gave her mom that name,  she’s like my name sake. It Hebrew you know, Google it, I’ll wait.

So Ive been watching since that warm day in June when I sent her to you. I watched her first steps , crawl and walk. I watched at 9 months when she began to talk. I watched her experience her first dosage of pain, I heard every prayer and time she called my name. She was introduced to me at a very young age and we quickly became friends, I told her I’d always be there and our bond would never end. That she could do nothing to make me love her less- All the while knowing some days shed be a “hot mess”. I watched her try to do her own thing! I softly pulled her chain to get her attention – I told her I’d forget those things, so I won’t mention. 

As a young child she was a blessing to her family. She reminded her mother of my promises when she would forget and held no grudge against her father for the things he’d omit. She equally gave both brothers a hard time. Raised as the only girl she felt they wouldn’t mind.

I remember when it was time for her to go off to school. She learned she had two other sister and a brother, how cool! There was no resentment or struggle to accept- them as family, never considering them half or even step. They were her kin and she was there’s – kinda sucked to build a relationship when you’re moving out to nowhere. But they did and that made my heart smile. She had a thing for bringing people together- yeah that’s my child !

She would cry out to me to tell her of her purpose. I whispered and said you’re already working it, trust me its worth it. She’d get frustrated and say I just want to know. I told her everything is going how it’s supposed to go. I don’t think she heard me but continued in her day. But I was pleased with her in every single way. Yes she’d get things wrong at times but I’d remind her she’s always on my mind. To let me handle what you can’t, then I’d listen to her long rant. Life is unfair I just want to know what I’m supposed to do. To that I’d reply just listen to me and follow thru. You’re doing just fine it’s all within you.

I watched when her college roommate was upset because her boyfriend lied. Shekinah lye in her bed with her and said its ok to cry. Or when she used her spring breaks to work with the underprivileged. They knew the real sense of community, kinda like a little village. She spread my love everywhere she went. This was everyone’s big clue she was heaven sent.

She had asked me to help her become the best attorney and more. I said, I was thinking a little different, I have so much more store. She took that silly LSAT twice and never got a score she liked. My girl was devastated but I told her it was alright.  She’d often ask can I now know your plan. I’d say Its to give you a hope and a future, rest assured I’m the man. Letting go of law school was hard to do, she was sure that’s what that big mouth was built to suit.

What’s your plan, what would you like me to do. Was what she’d ask daily and I’d say I have this for you.

They were small stones to get her to see. What was already inside placed there by me. One day she saw the light – ahhhh Communications, I see! It all made sense why the law school didn’t pan out. Why the reporter thing fell through and why she didn’t buy that Chicago house. Des Moines was where the plan was realized. Funny because she had chased these other options while communications was in her lap all along. Working in the field for 6 years and thought it was wrong. It opened up broadcast industry doors to encourage the world through the network and more. It was simply a platform to spread her gifts. All while she took a back seat and let me lift- all the weights and worries of the future. Im her life’s greatest producer.

The network was a dream come true. She inspired others to reach their goals on a daily too. It wasn't until she began to focus on others that she really began to live. Positive nature able to turn every negative into a positive. She poured out her heart to everyone she met. And hoped it helped if even an ounce that they wouldn’t forget. She wanted them to be empowered, unstoppable of sorts. She wanted them to be excited as they are about major sports. She wanted to ignite a fire in them, one they’d never forget. Leaving no stone unturned a life shed never regret.

She simply wanted it to matter that she was here. Not for money or fame but the people that needed her near. Her message of encouragement or friendly nature. To add an extra step in their walk or smile to their day. She wanted her existence to matter in any possible way. To leave the earth a little better than she found it. Shekinah tried her best to leave her mark around it. She travelled to Egypt to assist refugees, sites she saw in orphanages brought her to her knees. Their tenacity in faith taught her a thing or two.  It strengthen her own kinda made it new. She did it all in one leap bound and for that I say Shekinah here is your crown. She came to my home just last week. Last she remembered she layed down to catch some sleep. I assured her everything was in my hands and reminded her it’s all a part of my plan. Well done my good and faithful servant- you’ve done what was asked of you. Even when uncertain you pushed through.


So I’ll go down and let them know you’re chilling with me. Cause I’ve always had your back from now through eternity.  I know some of you may be sad but I urge you not to be, everything is alright and going accordingly.  You see everything has a time and season; even though we sometimes don’t know the reason. Snow comes in winter and it’s warmer in June. How’d you like snow in July is that too soon? Shekinah’s time has come and gone but your time is right now.  The question shouldn’t be what you are going to do but rather how. How to serve, how to lead. How to get over your pet peeves. How to see life as more than a service to you but to give God glory in everything that you do.