“Thank you for who you are.”

Glimmers March 7, 2023

Dear Friends,

A long-time friend of mine died last month, she was a year younger than me and faced multiple health issues. Her soul, though, was (is) one of the healthiest and dearest that I have encountered. She touched people’s hearts with deep faith, humor and kindness, but mostly by being herself. My heart is broken open.

Her last words to me were, “Thank you for who you are.” I don’t know about you, but I’m more aware of my flaws, not my “okness,” so I pause in response to her gratitude. In my time of grief, I choose to reflect on her message to me, her prayer for me.  What if someone said this to you? Would you receive it? Are you willing to be thanked for being yourself?

Years ago, I came across this video of Lana Wachowski as she is being given the Human Rights Campaign Visibility Award. Lana is a transgendered woman, formerly Larry, and one the creators of “The Matrix” series and the movie, “Cloud Atlas.” I was transfixed by her courage, as she shared her most personal and unique journey of being who she is. At the 6:35 mark in the video, she tells a story about the upcoming award to her hairdresser. He asks, “Award for what?” She replies, “Well, I guess, kind of, for being myself.” Imagine that? I’m often moved to tears by this exchange, Lana’s journey toward authenticity inspires me to hang in there, to accept who I am with a little more compassion and patience.

My last words to my dying friend came in the form of a song, “How Could Anyone” by Shaina Noll. Oh, I so hope you click the link and listen to it, friends. It so happened, she had told me years ago of this song’s significance to her. Gratefully, I remembered and shared the gentle tune and message with this sweet soul as she traveled into the arms of her God. May we all truly receive this reminder of our intrinsic beauty as children of God. May we all hear these words and believe….

How could anyone ever tell you
You were anything less than beautiful
How could anyone ever tell you
You were less than whole
How could anyone fail to notice
That your loving is a miracle
How deeply you’re connected to my soul

God’s peace to you this day, Lisa

6 Comments

  • Reply Lorraiine March 12, 2023 at 11:30 pm

    I heard that song during a healing time for me. about 35 years ago. It has been around for a long time and I believe that is because it is as true today as it was the first time I heard it. Thank you.

    • Reply Lisa Irish March 23, 2023 at 6:23 am

      You are welcome! I’m so glad you know it – so touching and dear. We all need to be reminded, eh?
      Peace…..

  • Reply Lorraine March 12, 2023 at 11:32 pm

    So sorry for your loss. I to lost a friend last month. She was 93 years old and what an amazing spirit she had.

    • Reply Lisa Irish March 23, 2023 at 6:26 am

      Thank you, I appreciate the kindness. And to you, too Lorraine, I am sorry to hear of the loss of your friend. How blesses you are to have shared time with such a soul. Do take the time you need to process this sacred friendship and love. We are companions in the Land of Loss.

  • Reply Susan Gilman March 22, 2023 at 9:21 pm

    This is just perfect. Thank you for sharing the video and song. Your writing is so moving.

  • Reply Lisa Irish March 23, 2023 at 6:29 am

    Thank you, Susan,
    I appreciate your kind and encouraging words. And SO glad you listened to them both, they are touching in special ways and hopefully, affirm our relationship with those we lost that is part of who we are.
    Peace to you.

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