by Annette Hatton

Created on: August 14, 2010

Road Walker

One says, “I walk the Red Road,” another says, “I follow the Zen,” and still another says “I am Christian.” In the world this is how people speak of themselves, it is natural for like minds to congregate together. On the other hand, is this not a way to give yourself an identity, a way to wear a badge of belonging, a way to become one of a group of people? The danger is following different leaders then taking their teachings as yours without examination. That is when you cease walking your path and put on their moccasins. You wear their badge and walk your path wearing their shoes.

Shortly after my son was born I met my biological father, a Native American warrior who served in the South Pacific WWII. At the time I did not know he was my father and I did not realize how much he risked so he could see his grandson. He refused to call me by the white name on my birth certificate using instead the name he said he gave me when he saw me the first time, Little White Bear. That day he held his infant grandson and we talked of life. Well, he talked I listened. This is part of what he told me.

There are many names for Great Spirit and many ways to show reverence, but when all skins and coverings are removed truth remains. All creation is an expression of Great Father Great Spirit Creator. In the entire universe within every animal, plant, rock, mountain and heart is the Great Spirit. Honor Great Spirit by giving thanks for all things, the sun's rise and the sun's set, your best friend and your worst enemy, the strongest of the strong and the weakest of the weak.

Give Mother Earth the simplest of pleasures, honor and love. Mother Earth is part of us as we are part of her. All things, animal, vegetable or mineral were created from her; all breathe her air, drink of her waters and take nourishment from her. From what we sow she returns abundantly then gives us her healing herbs. Be mindful to take only what you need; use all that you take. Nothing, not even the vilest of creatures, deserves to be destroyed or wasted for human convenience or inconvenience. Destruction and degradation of a people for differences in ideology, skin color or because of ancestral bitterness is the wrong way to honor Mother Earth and Father Creator.

Daughter, make yourself who you are accepting yourself for who you are. In this you are responsible for who you become. Cultivate within you love of people

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