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Joe Byrd



Last Updated: 9/23/2009

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Status: Single
City: Los Angeles
State: California
Country: US
Signup Date: 2/4/2006

Who Gives Kudos:


Thursday, October 16, 2008 

Current mood:  intense
Category: Life

One morning you'll wake and go through the normal functions that begin your day, unaware of an unavoidable event that may alter your life or perspective. The sudden death of a friend, family member or acquaintance, a hurricane, a flood, a fire, an earthquake or maybe an accident or diagnosis you've been waiting for will be the turning point in your life.

 

Ready or not, some uncontrollable circumstance may be in a direct trajectory headed for you, which will force you to digest and live with the circumstances. We know this is just called "LIFE."

Maybe a positive event such as a promotion, sudden financial windfall or resolution to a prolonged life challenge will be the turning point and add a new lens to your life's view.

 

Depending on how we view and process any sudden or unexpected event that directly impacts our lives, it will have to be seen as either an "End or a Beginning."

 

When faced with a potentially terminal illness, the choice becomes, preparation for the end of life or the beginning of a phase to extract as much as possible from the remainder of your life.

 

The loss of a job or the demise of a successful career may be an end to a lifestyle or may be the beginning of a new direction.

However these circumstances are viewed, we are ultimately left to deal with the matter alone at some point. All of the encouragement, well wishes, condolences or whatever the outward response might be will eventually fade and will be replaced with an inevitable and needed, solitary reckoning.

 

When we are left to ourselves, at the end of "OURSELVES", and all else is put on the shelf, the process dealing with our "Stuff" begins…

 

Today, I am at the end of myself (a good thing), forced to reposition myself! Where are you today?

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Berry-fine

 
I am embracing the newest of my "life" understanding that God is sufficiant. All the things that I thought had to be in place for me to be happy, no longer hold such value. I am really, for the first time in my life, understanding God and his goodness and mercy! When we get that dreaded call, that diagnosis or hit with the infamous pink slip...God's goodness and mercy shows up and covers us in ways we could never have imagined. Thanks for this soul food Joe, there is so much more I want to say, another time, another place.

Have a God filled day!
 
Posted by Berry-fine on Thursday, October 16, 2008 - 3:48 PM
[Reply to this
Joe Byrd

 
Sharon, I recently discovered that writing and sharing my thoughts is a great therapeutic process for me. I also realize that the gift of people like you, willing to share in the dialog, give added perspectives that help all of us who participate.

This adds proof to the fact that we are all connected and need each other. Another expression of the love God intended all of us to share!

Thank you so much!
 
Posted by Joe Byrd on Thursday, October 16, 2008 - 4:06 PM
[Reply to this
Jennifer
Jennifer Pollard

 
Hello Joe

I relate to this so very much and thank you for sharing your thoughts. This is a very well expressed and on-point blog.


I will not ever forget the time, when I felt ruined and robbed of purpose. It was a time when I was abroad, working in what at first seemed to be a good situation and I was full of hope. That work situation was grossly unhealthy and had a most devastating impact on me. There were points in the aftermath where I felt like I didn't even know who I was anymore and worse, far worse than that.


Returning to the place of my birth, and finding that my ailing grandmother needed my support (as did my mother who was looking after her), caused me to have a reason to get up in the morning even when I didn't feel like it. Oftentimes, people around us diagnose us, tell us we need to be on medication, thrust us into unhealthy "medical scenarios" when what we need is so far from that. No medication can give us purpose or a sense of connectedness (although, yes, there are cases where it is needed). One of the other things that helped me was talking to my little sister about her work on a daily basis. Even though I am not a science person and she is a vet I was able to engage in discussions with her, which were mentally stimulating. Such interactions were empowering. Later on, I was able to negotiate small bits of freelance work and on and on - a teaching opportunity which allowed me to use music to facilitate discussions on values, human development and the like. Thereafter I found another job which directly involves expanding and growing human potential.


Things are by no means perfect but I am so grateful for a sense of purpose. There is so much more that I believe is in me to do, outside of my day job, but I trust that the sense of knowing (which we all have inside of us) will sharpen (itself) and beyond that sharpen my focus and provide a clear sense of direction.


Dear Joe, I wish you God's grace in your process of repositioning. For me the road seemed long but I am grateful for His grace and the love and support of friends and family. He has blessed me to be a blessing and I know that He has done and will continue to do the same for you. He is true to His Word although it seems at times as if nothing is happening. Believe me, I have had those times as well. You will have the victory. Your sharing this is an act of love.



So grateful for your loving sharing through this blog and more.



Best to you,

Jenn
 
Posted by Jennifer on Thursday, October 16, 2008 - 3:52 PM
[Reply to this
Joe Byrd

 
You have the ability to see the nuances or details in many things. Its revealed in how well you expand and articulate on subjects that provoke you. Beyond that, your kindness and encouraging nature is a ministry unto itself!
Your anecdotal and "real life" shared experiences, have healing power!

Thanks again Jenn!
 
Posted by Joe Byrd on Thursday, October 16, 2008 - 4:18 PM
[Reply to this
Madalana

 
My Dear Friend Joe...Funny you ask (smile) Where am I today? the very same question I asked myself when I woke up this morning.


After four months of planning and execution my long desired and success fashion show, it seems strange that the question should even have crossed my mine. It's strange that before, during and shortly after the show was over, there was anticipation, and excitment coming from all direction. Then you wake up one morning alone..and realize that part of your life for the moment or however long is gone.


All who had jumped on the band wagon have now jumped off returning to the place they have always been. It's like your excited and at the same time saying d___! what happened...where did everyone go.


My intentions were not selfish ones, they were for the most part an opportunity to bring people together and show how great it is to enjoy life simply by supporting each other, not just for the ,unfortunate times. I just don't get it? Are they just not ready for what I have to offer or just content in the everyday ordinary, feeling its enough to step out of the box for a breif time period out of respect.


Don't get me wrong I am not complaining...its just you work so hard at what you love and try even harder to share it with others...only to, like you said, have to deal with it yourself, by yourself in the end.


So you see, you are not realy alone i hear you...there are many who must respostion themselve today, there will be more doing the same tomorrow, the next day and probably till the end of time. We have no choice but to continue on no matter what life puts before us. It is our stuff and our stuff is our responsibilty. Life goes on and we must just do our best to keep up the pace.


I truly beleive the place to be is where your heart is....even when forced to resposition..follow you heart.


Its 1am on the east coast...time for me to call it a day...May God by with you...Until........................Madalana

Thank you for the confidence...I felt was slipping away from me...what a difference a day.

 
Posted by Madalana on Friday, October 17, 2008 - 5:35 AM
[Reply to this
Joe Byrd

 
Yes, when the balloons have withered and the confetti has been swept up, the silence starts and we are left with the memories. But then, somewhere in the process you made a new aquaintance or friend. That is an extra benefit that keeps on giving back.

I'm certainly glad that you allowed me to share in the show you put together. More than that, I'm glad that we are friends that will stay in touch!

Many of us are actually in a similar place in our lives or processing our way through...

Thanks Madalana!
 
Posted by Joe Byrd on Friday, October 17, 2008 - 4:01 PM
[Reply to this
Ms. Taylor

 
I'm stuck somewhere in the middle....
 
Posted by Ms. Taylor on Friday, October 17, 2008 - 3:20 PM
[Reply to this
Joe Byrd

 
As it is said, " we are either headed for, in the middle of or coming out of something"
Funny thing is, you can go through one thing and find yourself in the middle of another! Lol
I don't necessarily mean bad things, but just in the middle of a fork in the road, thinking about what may be ahead...

Thanks Ms. Taylor

As always, you have a provocative view point!
 
Posted by Joe Byrd on Friday, October 17, 2008 - 4:23 PM
[Reply to this
SHEILA-SHEEB

 
What a great guestion to ask Joe! Im at the Beginning of the End of my Sons Life...I have to now start not were I left off at! But it seems like from scratch! (like the episode from Martin, he was at the DMV, and the clerk told him he would have to start from scratch..and he asked were is scratch!..and everybody pointed back there, were a sign said SCRATCH!) Its amazing how a parent built everything, their whole being, around their children..even when they grew up, out your house, have a spouse etc...your life was still about them!..And now my them (Son) has passed away...I have to reposition myself! I am ready to begin again..so for starters I have to redirect my mind! Im giving God my all!
He is my only way to start over without my Son. And I give praises to God, even though bittersweet!, that this is the Beginning of my Sons everlasting Life!.


You are a great Friend my Joe!
Thank you for this avenue,
Hugggss ~Sheila~

p.s.
I give you 10 kudos:))LOL!
 
Posted by SHEILA-SHEEB on Tuesday, October 21, 2008 - 3:12 AM
[Reply to this
Joe Byrd

 
Just when we thought that we have experienced most of what life can throw at us, something either wonderful or devastating as losing a child crashes into your heart and challenges every part of your understanding!
As a believer, you know that your child is in a magnificent place, no worries, no pain and complete peace!

As a parent, we want our children to be safe and have peaceful lives. In that respect, your worries are over. You have entered a new chapter, with unknown events waiting for you to experience. You also know that even in the darkest and most painful stuggles in solitude, we are never alone. Remember the footprints in the sand are not your own...you are be carried by someone who loves you more than you can love yourself!
 
Posted by Joe Byrd on Wednesday, October 22, 2008 - 4:32 PM
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