If
you are lucky in your life, you will run across many sages who impart
information that helps you get through life without having to attend the
academy of Hard Knocks. They speak of words that have been passed to them of
The Great Spirit or the higher power they worship. You never get too old or
too wise to be taught as life is a learning experience until the day you
cross. They do not have to dress in long white robes or have visible wings
upon their backs. My spirit has met such a messenger, at a crucial point in
my life.
A
wonderful wise woman of Catawba decent shared some words of wisdom with me.
As I have stated, life is a continuous learning experience and sometimes it
is a pleasant one and at other times, it is quite harsh. As I sat and
listened to the wise woman whom is referred to as a Mud Puppy, I found that
this was to indeed be an enjoyable learning experience. Her official name is
Alice Ray, however, I believe most call her “momma”. Alice speaks with
gentle swaying words, you can sit for hours listening, and being entranced
with the lessons, she shares.
With a voice ever so soft and gentle, Alice said, “Rhia, while you teach
people many things, you must remember one thing for yourself. You can share
your knowledge but you cannot make them listen and you cannot make them make
use of it. You squander your time when you keep going back and repeating
yourself to those to whom you speak. Share your knowledge with much love but
do not waste your energy retracing your steps, and trying constantly to set
them on the right path. It is up to them to use or cast away what you
impart. You cannot make their life easier for them; they have to do this on
their own."
I
sat back and thought about this, because as the sweet Catawba Mud Puppy
shared this with me – a light went on and a door opened that would never
close again. I had exhausted so much of my life teaching to some that did
not want to be taught! I had depleted a large amount of energy repeating
myself and running back trying to get them on their feet. The energy I had
spent doing this, I could have spent on others who truly
wanted to enhance their life!
One could ask, why at this point in my life that these doors were opened to
me? Why did the light come on at the age of 46 as I sat listening to Alice?
I believe the light came on
because Alice not only believed in me – but also loved me. The Great
Spirit’s force flowed through her as she helped me on my quest to enlighten
others. She gave a gift beyond monetary value by sharing the Great Spirits’
message to me.
Looking back on my own life with the new insight I just attained, I realized
many times I had tried to help those who did not want to help themselves. I
had so many times spoke to people that had deaf ears, and because of this,
missed the ones wanting to learn.
Alice grew up on the Catawba River banks, playing in the red Mud that
grounded her. South Carolina could never produce any finer spirit then it
did the day they brought her to this world. Remember the lesson that was
taught through this. Give the message to those who will listen. When it is
time, a door will open that once was closed.
