Opinion/Musings

Lessons in Courage

/ Sheila McIntrye Good, Author / 9 Comments

Easter is one of the most beautiful times of the year. Spring is in the air, our hearts are filled with hope, thanks to our Lord and Savior,  and everyone seems to have a lighter step. But, this Easter my heart and my steps were heavier.

After fighting one of the most aggressive forms of breast cancer for an astonishing nine years, my niece lost her battle. I’ve never seen such a fighter.  When life handed her lemons, she served lemonade.

Our hearts were heavy, but as one person after the other shared their stories, our hearts filled with inspiration and hope. Her generosity, tenacity, determination, compassion, humor, and courage left us with the desire to live like Lori.

Lori refused to let her disease define her, rob her of the joy of life, or the pleasure of raising her sons. She didn’t fear death, she feared not living. Lori looked fear in the face stared it down, and kicked!

Lori Caulder Crooke

Bravo Lori. You will forever be an inspiration of strength and courage.

Courage is more exhilarating than fear and in the long run, it is easier. We do not have to become heroes overnight. Just a step at a time, meeting each thing that comes up, seeing it is not as dreadful as it appeared, discovering we have the strength to stare it down. – Eleanor Roosevelt –

I’d love to hear your comments. Talk to me. Tell me your story. I’m all ears and look for me on Facebook at SheilaMGood,  Pinterest,  Bloglovin, Twitter@sheilamgood, Contently, and Instagram. You can follow my reviews on Amazon and Goodreads.

 

Communicating the Old-Fashion Way is So Much Better

/ Sheila McIntrye Good, Author / 9 Comments

If you read nothing else, read  Duck-Face for the Deceased by kalanleitch.

A Friend and often guest blogger here in the Cow Pasture takes an honest look at how we communicate condolences on the day of tragedies, whether a local, state or worldwide event.

I realize people mean well, but so often we get caught up in the social media bombardment of the moment. We feel bad. We want to do something, offer our expressions of concern, sympathy, or comment on the “trending sentiments”.

But, stop for just a moment and think before jumping on the bandwagon. Is there a better way? Could you send a personal, hand-written note? Call and ask what they might need? Donate? Send flowers? Take a dish by, or call and have a real conversation?

Social media has taken the place of personal interaction, real communication, and emotions. It becomes so easy to hide behind an emoji, Twitter handle, or other distance and impersonal handle. So, take a second, check out kalanleitch‘s post, Duck-Face for the Deceased and rethink that next social media “Like,” condolence, or Tweet.

We are first and foremost people who thrive on personal interaction, touch, eye-contact, the much-needed shoulder or a hug.

Just my two cents and thanks to kalanleitch for sharing.

I’d love to hear your comments. Talk to me. Tell me your story. I’m all ears and look for me on Facebook at SheilaMGood,  Pinterest,  Bloglovin, Twitter@sheilamgood, Contently, and Instagram. You can follow my reviews on Amazon and Goodreads.

This Too Shall Pass

/ Sheila McIntrye Good, Author / 12 Comments

Brutal, cold winds have blown across the Cow Pasture. Scattered patches of dry, brittle grass crunch beneath my feet of a once glorious green landscape. The cows, their heads bent linger underneath trees stripped bare of beautiful canopies, and drink from the trickling frozen stream. Strong and resolute they huddle together and wait patiently for a Spring they know will come.

It has been a difficult month for me. As one of the millions who suffer from a chronic disease, pain has been as much a part of my daily life as brushing my teeth. Unable to take pain medications I’ve had to learn to live with it – most days. Unfortunately, the cold, brittle winds of Winter have taken its toll. Pain once managed have taken me to my knees, robbed me of my daily routines, sleep, mobility, and worse, joy. At times, it’s made me question medicine altogether, my sanity,  and God; but, I am not alone.

“According to data from the 2012 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), 11.2 percent of American adults (25.3 million people) have experienced some form of pain every day for the past three months. The study also found that even more people — 17.6 percent ( 40 million ) of American adults — suffer from “severe levels” of pain… Whether the pain originates from an injury or an infection (or some unknown cause), chronic pain often lasts far too long — and can impair a person’s ability to function in and enjoy their daily lives.”

“The number of people who suffer from severe and lasting pain is striking.” Dr. Josephine Briggs, director of NCCIH

I have always been a strong and determined woman. From the time I was a girl,  I looked adversity in the face and kicked. My mantra became, “this too shall pass,” and I persevered.

I am just one of the millions and I’m certain others fare far worse than I. Perhaps, you are a kindred spirit or know someone close to you. If so, I offer my prayers for comfort, relief, and compassion.

“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”  Ian MacLaren  – Click to Tweet

It has been a cold, brutal Winter in the Cow Pasture, but I shall not let this define me. Like my gentle companions, I know a new Spring is on the horizon. I will find my reserve and kick.

“This too shall pass.” Click to Tweet

I’d love to hear your comments. Talk to me. Tell me your story. I’m all ears and look for me on Facebook at SheilaMGood,  Pinterest,  Bloglovin, Twitter@sheilamgood, Contently, and Instagram. You can follow my reviews on Amazon and Goodreads.

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I Believe

/ Sheila McIntrye Good, Author / 13 Comments

       The Daily Post Prompt –  Believe

After years of writing and hiding my words by a stream in a cow pasture, I have found my voice, and I know what I believe.

I am a conservative, southern woman, a mother, grandmother, and a retired nurse, having served in the nursing profession from 1972 until 1995. Reading, writing, family, and friends are my passion, not necessarily in that order.

  • I believe in God, that He is in control, even when I’m not.
  • I believe knowledge is power and investing in the future of our country is not only my duty but also an honor. I believe in standing.
  • I believe in honoring every man and woman who rises each day to protect family, my country, and me. They are far braver than I.
  • I believe our history, the good, bad, and the ugly, is worth remembering.

“I did then what I knew how to do. Now that I know better, I do better.” ― Maya Angelou – Tweet This

  • I believe family is the foundation in which our country will either succeed or fail and being a mother is my greatest accomplishment and responsibility.
  • I believe we all must be kinder than necessary to others. Everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.
  • I believe satisfying a short-term goal, on an impulse, at the expense of a long-term goal; will cost you something, which matters much more in the end.
  • I believe we would be better off if we returned to practicing the values of honor, respect, integrity, hard work, gratitude, and appreciation.
  • I believe in friendships that last a lifetime and laughter the best medicine.
  • I believe books open more hearts minds and the doors to a world of imagination better than any device we possess.
  • I believe learning to lose graciously is more valuable than a trophy.I believe it is not our mistakes or failures that define us, but what we do with them.

“When you come to the edge of all the light you know, And are about to step off into the darkness, Faith is believing one of two things will happen, There will be something solid to stand on, or you will learn to fly.” Patrick Overton – Tweet This

What do you believe?

I’d love to hear your thoughts on the subject. Join the conversation. Talk to me or tell me your story. I’m all ears.