[NFBOH-Cleveland] Gratitude is my word for you, you and you!

Fri Nov 22 18:56:52 UTC 2024

Dear Cleveland, Friends and Others,

Here is a speech that I made two years ago, and I wanted to share!

May you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

//

Gratitude

I am an individual Who is always learning and doing diligence to improve my
craft. I follow several life coaches and female ministers. Priscila Shire is
my new spiritual leader, But lately Oprah Winfrey and Victoria Olsten has
also become motivational speakers that feed me. So, I have become a follower
and have been provided with great wisdom for my purpose in life.

Therefore, my talk to you today is about "Gratitude." 

In an excerpt of a speech Given by Oprah, She explained gratitude, which
resonated with me.

Often, we do not think about how grateful we are, in life's moment, during
the good times And just in our leadership, service or as we advocate. Oprah
says that she believes that "grace is a direct response to gratitude. The
more grateful you are the more grace steps in and shows itself, it mirrors
the gratitude you have for life, yourself, others in leadership, and in
purpose."

She goes on to say, "because there is no such thing as failure. What others
may label as failure, keep it positive, Because it Is God's way of pointing
you in a new direction."

I had a revelation when I heard this. My understanding is, Whatever you may
be going through, keep it positive and use it to your advantage. As I
pondered her words, I have a better understanding of my purpose. It is to
take my passion, my ministry, my ability to a higher level. Thus, it is to
"SPREAD My WINGS OF UNITY FROM VILLAGE TO VILLAGE"! Often, we think "Wo is
me" when going through a trial. But, as okra says it changes your direction,
and it is up to you to build and see positivity in it.

Let me explain! 

A few weeks ago, I experienced an encounter that left me with a sense that I
failed. I thought that I was untouchable. After all, I thrive on excellence,
I pay attention to detail, I am a college graduate, I have accomplished much
in life. As an African American blind female, I have achieved great
economically, I have worked successfully in various arenas. Again, I am
untouchable. Although, I thought! 

You see, People and life situations have no respect of persons and most of
the time, They are not of our doing.. We are all subject to negative
experiences. But, at all times be grateful for everything. There is growth
and power that you have within you. Only you can make lemons out of
lemonade!

But after a few days feeling this way, I concluded that this encounter was
not directly about me, but the others who did not count their blessings, nor
grateful for being present in the moment. Thus, holding on to difficulties
Only delays your grace and purpose. 

Consequently, I am here to let you know that I am so grateful.

Grateful for people around me who showed me grace, interceded on my behalf
and showed unconditional love to me. These are the people who pray when you
cannot. These are the people who sit with you in silence. These are the
people who pick up the phone and care that you're breathing. And these are
the people who listen. You may not know them, but they are working on your
behalf.

The word gratitude Means, "The benefit received, being appreciated, giving
thanks, showing kindness."

We all want to be appreciated, because it feels so good! Doesn't it?

Well, think about the person who has everything but is not happy. However,
others can have the bare minimum, but they are so incredibly grateful. 

It is that grace that gives them peace, humility and happiness. Where does
my since of gratitude come from? It comes from my since of awareness of
appreciating others and knowing who I am as a person, a leader and someone
who wants to ensure that my legacy is bright by being a bucket filler.

What is a bucket filler?

I am glad you asked. 

A bucket filler is someone who is willing to make positive deposits in the
life of others with words and actions. And this is someone who is willing to
give. These individuals are not followers, but leaders. They build people up
and do not tear down spirits. And they are grateful with their giving of
time, talent and service. Essentially, they are a builder of people with
grace. They help you reach your fullest potential.

I implore you to make sure that your daily attitude is filled with love and
gratitude. You may not have the finances you need; you may be having a
strained relationship with a family member, or life just seems hard. Give
thanks that you are seeing another day. Another day to share your love,
wisdom and space with others.

You are need it!

Give thanks and appreciation for another day for the opportunity to get
things right, to seek the job you want, another day to mentor people in
distress or despair. Thus, Weathering the storm only makes you stronger and
will become a testimony for sharing with others. We must have a grateful
spirit and give thanks! Be grateful for grace, be grateful for mercy, be
grateful for being in this space today! We could have been anywhere, the
hospital, in jail, even Out of our minds, not knowing where we are or who we
are.

Just be grateful and give thanks, for who God has made you to be, and that
is wonderfully made! 

You do not have time for that! Whatever that is pulling you away from
positivity!

You have a purpose and mission to carry out! Take hold of it and go forward.

So be grateful that you can turn things around in life! Be grateful that
others are praying for you! Be grateful that you are breathing! I know I am.

Lastly, speak life into others. Use civility in everything you do. Serve
others and reach back and bring others along. Walk with them and not in
front of them. We are stronger together. Also allow God or your higher power
to bring positive and good people into your life. Take a risk and step into
purpose. most of all, start working on building your legacy. so, when you
transfer from this earth only "good" will be what is remembered.

Suzanne M. Hartfield Turner

National Federation of the Blind of Ohio

Executive Board of Director

Ohio Legislative Director

Cleveland Chapter, President

(216P: ) 990-6199

W: NFBOhio.ORG

Facebook:  <https://www.facebook.com/ohiosblind/photos/>
https://www.facebook.com/ohiosblind/photos/

Together, with love, hope, and determination, the members of the National
Federation of the Blind transform dreams into reality. You can live the life
you want, blindness does not hold you back.

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