Lauryn Hill Featuring Carlos Santana – “To Zion”
Here are the complete lyrics, but here are a chosen few.
Unsure of what the balance held – I touched my belly overwhelmed – By what I had been chosen to perform – But then an angel came one day – Told me to kneel down and pray – For unto me a man child would be born – Woe this crazy circumstance – I knew his life deserved a chance – But everybody told me to be smart – Look at your career they said, Lauryn, baby use your head – But instead I chose to use my heart
Despite what some might say, you are never “stuck” with a child; children are this world’s greatest blessing. So, don’t forget to love them.
Have a meaningful Shabbat, and a wonderful weekend.
“Love Them” by Slovie Jungreis-Wolff
Here I am, basking in Jerusalem’s golden light. A magnificent orange sun is rising. I catch its glow as my airport cab enters the holy city. My heart is pounding. In just a few moments, I will be holding my newest baby granddaughter, just four days old.
After what seems like eternity, I finally reach my destination. Though it is early morning and the building is eerily quiet, I race up the stairs, luggage in hand. I knock, barely able to contain my excitement.
My daughter opens the door and we happily embrace. Gingerly, she places little Elisheva Shimah in my arms. I kiss her soft silken head and gently put my pinky into her hand. I smile as her fingers instinctively curl round mine. She breaths deeply and I take in this miracle called life. I try to absorb the newborn scent, the eyes that suddenly flutter open, the delicate toes, and the curl of her mouth that becomes a smile. It is overwhelming. I am cradling a precious life – a gift from the Almighty.
As our children grow, sometimes it becomes easy to forget how privileged we are to be called ‘mommy’ and ‘daddy.’ Carpools need to be driven, baths wait to be drawn, and hungry children clamor for supper. Our bills pile up as we try to deal with tantrums, mountains of laundry, homework sheets, and fighting siblings in the backseat of the minivan. The sacred mission of parenting gets lost in the daily shuffle.
…
As parents, we have an incredible opportunity to fill our homes with blessing. We can teach our children how to handle life’s challenges with faith. We can transmit to them the ability to stand up for truth and kindness. We can show them that one can go through adversity yet remain strong, and success does not have to breed arrogance. We can take the time to stop whatever we are doing, look at our children, and hear them. We can turn off our cell phones and blackberries and talk to our kids again. And then, we can proudly raise spiritual children who are morally anchored.…
No matter who you are, no matter your child’s age, keep close to your heart the message my father gave me when my youngest son was born. “This precious soul is a gift to you from Above. Watch over him. Teach him well. He is the purest of the pure; a gift from God Himself.”
