Reflections in the Middle East: Opulent Blessings
As night fell in the Middle East, I found myself sitting on the top level of a hop on/hop off bus with a relaxing breeze hitting my face, I took a moment to reflect on the events that brought me to Dubai. Like a lot of folks, I work really hard to give my best effort in hopes that I will leave behind a legacy that my family and my future generations can be proud of. Like a lot of folks, sometimes I allow social events (racism, microaggressions, the election, politics, injustice, police shootings etc) to consume me.
Most of the time, because of my size and color, I choose not to express the full range of emotions that run through me so there is a quiet rage that runs deep within. I have enough self-awareness to understand that the latin blood that runs through my veins is part of the reason why I am so passionate/emotional about the things I care about. My parents instilled in me a work ethic that for as long as I can remember has been affirmed by their peers and friends. They taught me that when you work hard and trust in the Almighty, good things will happen in His time. What I am learning is that there is A LOT of depression, disappointments, and sometimes tears in that dark waiting room.
While broken and sometimes battered Still I Rise to push that proverbial plow, time and time again, for me and those that came before me. While I'll never take for granted the holistic journey, sometimes, I'll admit it, I get overtaken with despair in that room. But it's in these moments of escape as I explore the various nooks of this planet that I find my joy and energy.
There's a spiritual healing balm in getting on a plane to a new foreign land, experiencing their culture with no set agenda, knowing you won't run into anyone you know while disconnecting in another time zone to quietly reflect on life's blessings. Away from the pressures of responding to emails, dealing with the impacts of abysmal leadership, and the latest breaking news and/or headline; there is peace and oneness with myself. My spirit awakens, my soul is energized and I am nourished in the company of my own thoughts. It's a feeling that I hope you can all regularly experience. I am grateful to the Most High for granting me the opportunity to mend my wounds in these blessed moments on strange land. Peace 🙏🏾 ❤️ ✊🏾