Who I Am - April 5, 2003

I am not my hair, my eyes, my nose or my mouth.  I am not my skin nor the
shape of any body parts. I am not my IQ.  I am not the sound of my voice
nor the volume of my laughter.  I am not my strengths nor any of my
weaknesses. I am not the level of my skills.

The temple of my physical makeup is a culmination of genetics. It reveals
nothing about the person who resides within. I take no credit and point
no blame for the way I look. My temple is perfect, as is. This body is
not who I am. It is an exquisitely perfect dwelling for my soul.
Everything about it is exactly as it should be. No other, anywhere, ever,
could serve my soul as well. I am not anything you can see with your eyes
or touch with your hands. Should you judge me by that criteria, you will
never know me.

I am not a dumping ground for biases based on a man-made standard, and I
do not accept the prejudice such biases create.

I am a union of body, mind and spirit, a trio, not a solo.

To know me, is to know yourself.

Those who hear the voice of their soul, recognize the song in mine. They
do not stop at the front door and judge me by the dwelling in which I
reside. With a humble sense of honor, they knock upon the door and ask to
come in

The judgment of others does not change who I am. Quite the opposite is
true. It reveals who they are. Those who deem me unworthy at a glance and
pass me by, have my blessing to keep walking, for they have a long way to
go. They have not reached the point where they are able to see and
appreciate me for who I am.

I will accept no less.


Contributed by Terri McPherson