Rise

What does it mean to rise? There is the simplistic definition of increasing in altitude. The Pedestrian definition of waking up in the morning. And last but not least there's always the religious definition, of ascending to a higher level. So what does it truly mean to rise?

For me the word rise alone is infused with power. I have a friend who's going through a family crisis and everytime I think about him I think the word Rise. And just the resonance of the letters leaks out and I can feel it. I envision the family going through this tough time and as each one of them come together the power grows. And although the sadness does not dissipate their ability to wade through it infuses them.

To rise to meet the opposition. To put on the armor of your faith. To stand in determination against the waves that would slam us to the rocks. To face the storm in defiance! Not for victory, not for defeat. But to say, I make my stand here! I see the family Rising! Through the tears. Through the pain. In spite of the heartache. Facing forward not collapsing backwards. This is what Rising is to me.

Everyone doesn't agree on how the battle should be fought. Everyone doesn't agree on how many weapons are to be brought to bear. There is no unilateral agreement where to strike the blows and make the stands. But retreat, surrender, or capitulation to the darkness and despair is never parts of the equations. This family will rise!

Maya Angelou wrote "Still I Rise". Her words were moving. I look out over the roofs of the town. I know I won't see the family ascending to the heavens. Nor will I see any of the townsfolk who are rising to meet their challenges. But I know as I speak the words, I can feel what they are feeling. So I Rise. So I survive. I fail. I fall. I cry. I hurt. But still I rise.

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For my friend Leslie he too shall Rise!