The woman works at my favorite grocery store, her eyes every day sagging with exhaustion. “No, you can’t return that. No, there is no discount for three. No, I don’t know the answers to any of your questions.” I look into her ‘go away’, ‘leave me alone’ face—her nose, her mouth, her delicately sculpted eyebrows. And then I dare to look into the eyes that invite my heart to see.
So I do. I open my heart. To hear her speak, speak without her voice. A tenor only an open heart can hear.
My brother. He is disabled. My mother abandoned us. I care for him all night, every night. I love him more than I love myself. I give him more than I give myself.
I see a crown atop her head. The skin on my arms shivers with the beauty this young woman hides, hides inside her deepest self, inside her heart.
* * *
The elderly man reeks with anger. As he walks by they turn their faces away in disgust. He is spoken to with disrespect, with foul flavor, with ugliness.
I don’t want anyone to talk to me. I don’t want to go on. There is nothing worth living for anymore and I don’t want anyone to try to change my mind. I love my wife. I miss my wife. My heart is broken without her. And then quietly, ever so quietly…..I wish someone could see me. I wish someone still loved me.
I see him draped in garlic from his garden, his aura shrouded with stench. A stench so strong it wards off his heart’s ache and soothes his mind’s demand. I give him a hug. He weeps and holds on for days.
I’m a gang member.
But I love my son with a passion I have never, ever known.
How do I turn my life around?
How do I become the hero my son already knows me to be?
Will anyone ever give me a chance?
Another chance…
The only chance that really matters now?
Will anyone ever be able to see me for me…
For who I really am?
* * *
If I make myself wings, will I get to heaven any sooner?
But you already have wings, my dear.
Yes?
Yes. The problem isn’t you.
It’s the rest of us who forget to remind you that you can fly.
We look with our eyes.
We see with our hearts.
For more breathtakingly beautiful pictures created by a man who 'sees',
please visit Russell's world.
22 comments:
Beautiful words and amazing photos! Thank you once again for sharing your lovely heart with us, Brynne :)
Thank you, dear Samantha. Your heart brightens mine every time we cross paths :)
What a lovely post. Reminds me of the movie "Wings of Desire" which I saw long ago. This is a scene that stayed with me, though, and I think you'll enjoy it. If we listen, we hear. :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2izlo8UX_PA&feature=related
Thank you for this, and for always reminding me of my wings.
What an inspirational post. My kids used to make fun of me, because I was always making them try to see things from another person's perspective, and to consider what was going on in that other person's life before they jumped to rash conclusions. Too often, we rush to judge, based on a single snippet of someone's life. We have little control over someone else's behavior or life, but if we treat others with kindness and understanding, the returns are immeasurable, and we may give their hearts ... and ours ... those wings you describe.
Welcome to the blog, Tracey! And thanks for the video! I *did* enjoy it! I hadnt ever heard of 'Wings of Desire' before! Its really true, isnt it...there is soO much to hear if only we just listen....open ourSelves in ways we seem to forget we can.
Dear, dear Erika...I can see your wings from here, bright soul. And did you know, they flutter kiss my forehead alllllll the time.
I love what you taught your children, Susan. What a beautiful gift you gave them, continue to give them even when you arent around. Thank you for being here. I always love your comments.:)
Brynne, when you named your blog, you couldn't have chosen a more perfect name! Every post I read of yours is like walking in a magical place that inspires me to dream; that encourages me to believe that not everything in the world is bad. I read this post and thought, wouldn't it be beautiful to live in a world where we wouldn't judge, criticize, alienate, and ignore? I'm humbled by your ability to see the beauty in others. I too aspire to see the positive; the God-given grace that all of us possess. Thankfully, your posts make this endeavor so much easier!
Gosh, Bella. What a comment:) You know...when we shed our gunk I think we all find magic bubbling up like a natural spring from within. My greatest joys come from tapping into that spring and then, from drinking together with others who, like me, thirst for its flavor. I will be here for a long time, always happy to see your sparkling eyes, dear Bella. Thank you, beauty.
Beautiful, Brynne. Every one needs to take a little time out to look beyond what they see at first glance when it comes to people. There is so much more worth seeing.
Thanks, Amber. You are right. I, too think the most beautiful nuggets of life aren't visible at first glance. One of the easiest ways to see beyond...for me, anyway...is to slow down.
Thanks for this post. The pictures are amazing. And thanks again for your comment on my blog!
Thank *you*, Muriel!:)
Brynne,
Beautiful...really! Did you take those photos? Are they really the people you describe? I love the plan to see with the heart, and I am inspired by how well you do that! MMF
This is very moving and causes the reader to look within themselves and to use their hearts in matters and not be so quick to judge from appearances alone. There's always a reason for someone's unhappiness or even happiness. We can add to it or alleviate or assuage in some ways.
I am glad it moved you, Mimi. Thank you for your words and thoughts.
Absolutely beautiful and artfully done. It reminds me of a post I did a while back, although mine pales in comparison. http://journeytoepiphany.wordpress.com/2011/03/26/jesus-loves-the-person-you-cant-stand/
Thanks for the link! Yours was beautifully done, too! Glad to have you here, JTE:)!
Oh Brynne,
Where do I begin?
This is the most moving piece i have read in all my life. I can barely breathe.
"If I make myself wings, will I get to heaven any sooner?
But you already have wings, my dear.
Yes?
Yes. The problem isn’t you.
It’s the rest of us who forget to remind you that you can fly."
WOW - WOW
Powerful - beautiful - touching - amazing.
Did your heart connect with mine? Or did we just puff the dust away so we could see what was there all along? Thank you, Jo. Your words mean so very much.
Thank you for these amazing images you paint. :)
There is a message for you from someone else on my blogpost - they had trouble leaving one here.
I first want to thank Jo for bringing me here. Next, your writing is absolutely glorious! I truly agree with Jo on those lines she highlighted. Incredible!
I am sOO glad you visited! And I'm happy you enjoyed the post:) Thanks for brightening my day with your kind words, CIinM.:)
Post a Comment