Out of all the scoops that are out there -- from oil coming down to the market being all over the place, from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac still finding themselves in trouble to Lehman being rumored that it may be a hostile takeover candidate -- the following e-mail I received today actually holds the real scoop that I would like everyone to get. The scoop is that we have to be involved with our money and not let someone else do it for us. You never know what can happen in life, so don't take anything for granted and know that nothing ever just happens by chance.This e-mail is being reprinted with permission from Sade Lythcott who wrote it. I hope it creates a smile in your heart as it did in mine. By the way, as you read this letter please keep in mind that I did not know Sade, her mother, or any of the people at this memorial service. A friend of mine from overseas was in town for just one day and invited me to meet with him at an address in Harlem. When I got there, I discovered that he was conducting a private memorial service for a family that had lost their mother just one month ago on July 21st. Imagine the surprise when I walked in the door. Why was I there? Again nothing that happens in life is accidental.-------------------------------------------
Dearest Suze,
I wanted to write you a note to say thank you for your presence yesterday at my Mama's service. I know you might think it rather odd that I am thanking you, but the truth is, the entire day and all of its components were such an auspicious gift of Grace. Your presence in particular was for me the articulation of my Mama's love and her unwavering concern for her 'babies'. So I thank you from the bottom of my heart for that.
This last month has been a world wind of tears & laughter; lessons and lesions for my brother and I. Bombarded by a barrage of condolences and concern, a girl can get a bit dizzy. But you asked a specific question and with specific questions come clarity. You asked how we were doing with our money & I coyishly responded in the way I often do; with some quick retort about how my brother handles those things, followed by a veiled rationalization of why that's OK. You then relayed a story about how female elephants are always the ones that make decisions. Wow! What an eye opener when the story and the question are placed side by side for contemplation.
My whole life I have held the belief that money is bad. That it is money that starts wars and ends marriages. Money, the culprit of big business & even bigger egos. My Mama taught me that Love is the only currency you can take to the bank. That Love was the currency of great leaders & 'herstory' makers. I have lived my entire life from that principal. Always with very little money in the bank, but with a surplus of faith that the universe is abundant, But now my mom is gone and I'm left with so many unasnswered questions...
Though our conversation was brief, it triggered a deep contemplation that has been brewing inside of me for a while. I now realized that one does not negate the other. That one's 'house' must be in order (and the knowledge of all of its nuances) to fully experience all of the blessings that God has to offer. That my power is inherently my birthright & that it is my responsibility as both a woman & my Mama's child never to give that away (not even to my brother). So another heartfelt thank you for awakening this lesson of both love & money.
Lastly, you said you had wished that you had known my Mama when she was alive, so below is a link to the New York Times coverage of her memorial celebration in case you would like to find out more about her. You really get a nice sense of the lady & the warrior that she was & is.
With great respect & deep deep love yours,
Sade Lythcott
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/29/nyregion/29funeral.html?hp 
