B is for Bonnie  

According to Merriam-Webster, the word inspire means to fill with enlivening or exalting emotion; to affect, guide or arouse by divine influence; to stimulate energies, ideals or reverence.  That’s a powerful definition for a seven-letter word.  But what inspires you?  Is it a person or a place?  Your minister, priest or rabbi?  The message you received from Sunday’s sermon?  A meal prepared by your favorite chef?  A painting or poem?  A book or movie? 

We are all inspired by one thing or another, but are you aware of how you inspire others?  Your acts of kindness, your smile or your words of wisdom can inspire profoundly.  In many cases, you may not be aware of the depth in which your actions inspire.  The gift of inspiration is a beautiful thing…especially when it’s acknowledged.    

The next time someone inspires you, reciprocate the gift with the joy of acknowledgement. 

The candy maker stained the candy cane with red stripes.  He used the three small stripes to show the stripes of the scourging Jesus received, by which we are healed.  The large red stripe was for the blood shed by Jesus on the Cross so that we could have the promise of eternal life, if only we put our faith and trust in Him.

Always remember the reason for the season...

Avoid negative sources, people, places, things and habits.
Believe in yourself.
Consider things from every angle.
Don't give up and don't give in.
Enjoy life today, yesterday is gone and tomorrow may never come.
Family and friends are hidden treasures. Seek them and enjoy their riches.
Give more than you planned to give.
Hang on to your dreams.
Ignore those who try to discourage you.
Just do it!
Keep on trying. No matter how hard it seems, it will get easier.
Love yourself first and foremost.
Make it happen.
Never lie, cheat or steal. Always strike a fair deal.
Open your eyes and see things as they really are.
Practice makes perfect.
Quitters never win and winners never quit.
Read, study and learn about everything important in your life.
Stop procrastinating.
Take control of your destiny.
Understand yourself in order to better understand others.
Visualize it.
Want it more than anything.
Xccelerate your efforts.
You are unique of all of God's creations. Nothing can replace you.
Zero in on your target and go for it!

Guided by an unfamiliar cane, I test the ground to feel where the dirt ends and the lawn begins.  Continuously bumping into my visually deprived comrades, I brush against what I believe to be a bush, so I reach out to touch the leaves with my fingers. The sound of birds chirping and the smell of grass indicate I’m in a park.

I follow Jody’s voice - he is our visually impaired guide - through the park and suddenly hear the sounds of traffic rushing by on a busy street.  I stop and use my cane to find the curb, but find myself bumping into a bicycle and car bumper before I reach the solid pole holding what I’m told is the traffic light.  Jody then assures the group it is safe to cross… 

What am I doing, you ask?  I am learning to navigate Dialog in the Dark, an exhibit in which visually impaired guides lead sighted visitors through totally darkened, yet multi-textured environments inside Atlantic Station in Atlanta, Georgia.  Andreas Heinecke, a German philosopher, designed the exhibit to increase awareness of the challenges of disability, while demonstrating the world is not "less," just different for the disabled.

In addition to the park and busy street, the exhibit includes a grocery, a kitchen, a boat ride and ends in a café.  In the café, you are given the opportunity to blindly purchase beverages and chat with your guide about the experience.

If Dialog in the Dark comes to your city, I highly recommend the experience!