posted June 25, 2004 07:25 AM
Have you ever heard of Mattie J.T. Stepanek? Maybe you've seen him on talk shows, the young boy who had a rare disease, but wrote some of the most beautiful poetry I've ever read. Have you heard of "Heartsongs"? That's what he called each of our unique callings and purpose in life. Our Heartsong...After a long fight for many years, and after publishing several books, he passed on at the age of 13. He had incredible wisdom and a special gift, inspiring so many people in his young life, to be the best they can be. He left us on Tuesday, June 22, 2004.
He was born July 17, 1990, in Washington, D.C. He was a Cancer with Moon in Taurus, and Mercury in Leo.
Here's one of his simple beautiful poems:::
"FOR OUR WORLD
We need to stop.
Just stop.
Stop for a moment…
Before anybody
Says or does anything
That may hurt anyone else.
We need to be silent.
Just silent.
Silent for a moment…
Before we forever lose
The blessing of songs
That grow in our hearts.
We need to notice.
Just notice.
Notice for a moment…
Before the future slips away
Into ashes and dust of humility.
Stop, be silent, and notice…
In so many ways, we are the same.
Our differences are unique treasures.
We have, we are, a mosaic of gifts
To nurture, to offer, to accept.
We need to be.
Just be.
Be for a moment…
Kind and gentle, innocent and trusting,
Like children and lambs,
Never judging or vengeful
Like the judging and vengeful.
And now, let us pray,
Differently, yet together,
Before there is no earth, no life,
No chance for peace."
September 12, 2001
© Matthew Joseph Thaddeus Stepanek
Used with permission from Hope Through Heartsongs, Hyperion, 2002
If you want to know more, or pay tribute, go to:::
www.mattieonline.com
Lindaland
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posted June 25, 2004 07:25 AM
posted June 25, 2004 05:28 PM
posted June 25, 2004 06:30 PM
There`s a tribute string in FFA too with a wonderful link to his accomplishments.