As I sat with my daughter this week looking across the Hudson River at Ellis Island and Lady Liberty, I could not help but to reflect on the bravery and passion represented by so many of our family members. How their sacrifice and passion for a better life for their families carried them to a new world. I am so thankful for their love for me and for seeing the future for family.  They have allowed all of our dreams to come true!  They have allowed our children’s dreams to come true!  This is for those who loved us before they knew us. Reflect on your loved ones who sacrificed for you.

Passion Through Purpose

Let us be as immigrants-

As we know, love, and honor from where we came.

 

His short pencil, knife-sharpened, and pad in pocket,

Scribbles on paper.

Some words with patterns,

Some words with loss of letters,

Yet the model of my life.

His valor through the $1.50 work weeks.

His respect from all of those who shake his hand,

The sparkle in his blue-green eyes.

Pride for the one who he had given life.

 

With one by his side,

Together and young as their school days ended.

Celebrating life as change made its way.

 

She continued to work as the child grew to her heart,

Miles from the 260 acre farm.

Her soul never met a stranger.

Her heart fed them all.

She was real.

 

It is my purpose that stands through these words.

For and through this man and woman-

I celebrate the hope that my pencil and soul holds.

That my hand and heart reaches out to each child.

For each child has a pocket to fill and a soul to satisfy.

Will it be you or I?

No matter.

Let us all be as immigrants with passion

As we share, grow, fill, and satisfy where we go.

 

Lori Rennae Hickman Chapman

 

 

Don’t let those down that sacrificed for you—go out this week with passion and a greater purpose!

Love,

Rennae

 

 

 

Family and Traditions

 

 

 

 

At this time of year many families and family members are traveling away from home. This writing was for my daughter as she ventured out into the world last summer. This week I am so blessed to be with her in New York! As we travel, we will carry our families and family traditions with us no matter where we go. These memories and rituals allow us to be at home no matter where we travel!

 

Always At Home

This is your journey.

You are afraid and it is ok to be afraid.

Do not let that fear stop you.

Many have sacrificed for you to be able to go this path.

 

Em, Jim, Great Grandmothers, Great Grandfathers, and Great Greats!

They have not sacrificed money or finances,

But they have sacrificed in order that you can make the journey.

Making the journey further than they ever did.

 

Remember where you have come from .

Remember how you have been raised.

Never lose yourself or give yourself away.

Deep inside you know who you are.

Although new relationships will be made and new environments will be in your life.

Stay true to you.

Stay true to the soul God made.

 

See, this journey is not just for you.

It is for those whose lives you will change.

You are going to be God’s servant to someone else.

Even though you do not know who this is.

 

Experience and live and sing and dance.

Take all that you see with you.

Carry it on to the next part of your travel.

When you stand at the Statue of Liberty-

When you see the sun set behind the Brooklyn Bridge –

When you present your work to others,

You are not standing alone.

 

I am beside you.

Dad is beside you.

All that have struggled, lived, and learned are beside you.

Everyone is standing with you to triumph.

You will be someone else’s experience, joy, and light.

Someone else will be blessed to have known you.

 

Just know when you cross the porch leaving to travel.

You can always come home.

Come home not to hide from the world,

But come home to rest from the world.

 

Then you can go on to your next path .

You can go with confidence, security, and hope.

But you can always come home.

Don’t forget you are always at home wherever you are.

Why? Because we are with you.

God will always make sure that you are always at home!

 

Lori Rennae Hickman Chapman

 

Happy trails for the summer!

“Home Sweet Home” is only a moment away!

Love,

Rennae

 

 

Family and Traditions