Ponderings: On Loyalty
My Inspiration
n 2014, Jo_Goldsmith11 took it upon herself to initiate the Light2Love Project Good Words.
Jo pledged to use good words and publish articles used to empower, encourage, support and defend those who need to be shown love.
Jo offered us a good word for each week to focus our thoughts, behaviors and actions on...In the 19th week, Jo wrote her perspective on the word loyalty.
However, as 2014 came to an end, Jo filed away her Good Word articles - as she begins the process of publishing it in e-book'. Shyron E. Shenko continues to write a beautiful poem to accompany each Good Word to inspire and lead us.
The ripple effect of the Good Words Project throughout the HubVille community has been heartwarming.
Please join me with some of my musical thoughts and reflections on the word loyalty...
Queen: Friends Will Be Friends
The Drifters: Stand By Me
For me, loyalty brings up a kaleidoscope of memories and insights from my childhood and professional / life experiences. My basic views on loyalty haven't changed over my life:'
Loyalty rules when the chips are down. Family and friends stick together.
Keep your word and only make promises you can keep.
A handshake is a sign of commitment.
Actions speak louder than words.
I entered adulthood with a strong foundation of ethics and moral principles thanks to my parents and early teachers.
I view loyalty as the decent and honorable way to behave in most situations, extending beyond the family into friend and work settings.
I have a need to protect those I care for in the same way I had been protected during my childhood.
Death Cab For Cutie: I Will Follow You Into The Dark
Ever Loyal
My Fur Angels...
In 1999, I had a long journey between trauma and recovery. My fur angels, Alvin and Aunt Baby, walked with me every step of the way with their unconditional love and loyalty.
After discharge from the hospital four weeks later, Alvin, my 5 yo Black Labrador, knew he could no longer dance with Mommy. He was, however, my constant companion during the recovery process. His facial expressions were so loyal and calming.
From the moment we brought Aunt Baby home as a puppy in June, 2004, she took on the role as Momma's loyal sidekick - always up for an adventure or just hanging out.
At times, we are at a loss for how to help someone we love who is going through something we cannot fix, whether a death, a divorce, an unspeakable trauma, rape, etc...
I believe, that to sit quietly with someone in pain, in the presence of a pet can offer more comfort than you can imagine.
Sometimes there are no answers. Sometimes we need to focus on the present and something that is all about goodness and acceptance. It reminds us that tomorrow will come.
And today Andy is ready to take over to provide the same loyalty and support whenever needed. He has a beautiful blend of protectiveness and affection - filled with a healthy dose of mischief. ♥
“Five Tufts” (of Hair)
... represents loyalty and adroitness.
I recently found this South African symbol, which promptly reminded me of my dear cyber-Sistas, Martie Coetser and Vicki Warner (who now resides in Canada) in particular...
“This symbol is said to be the hairstyle of joy. It also represents the devotion and faithfulness one displays when doing a task required of one. In addition, mpuannum means loyalty or the embodiment of lofty duty to a desired goal.” – W. Bruce Willis, The Adinkra Dictionary
Loyalty is but one of the many Good Words that Jo Goldsmith showcases in this project...but with the circle of support that is present in this HubVille community, word cannot help but spread.
What do you link, I mean think, ...(LOL)?!
© Maria Jordan (December, 2014)
on Loyalty
- Loyalty: The Invisible Bond by marcoujor
Invisible bonds of loyalty can go beyond trust, including a blind devotion with deep - seated feelings of guilt to keep family secrets according to Nagy's contextual approach to family therapy.
Comments
AUTHORHi Shyron,
The thought of your grandson singing "Death Cab for Cutie" is adorable and I would love to see him on American Idol...he has my vote for sure.
I agree that the feeling of loyalty in HubVille is awesome and so are you.
Love and hugs and blessings too, Maria
This is so awesome, the loyalty I have found among my hub family is the most beautiful feeling.
I love that you are still doing the Good Word musical challenge.
The song is perfect. I wish you could hear my grandson sing I will follow you into the dark. I have nominated him for American Idol.
My beautiful friend Maria, Blessings and Hugs always.
Love Shyron
- AUTHOR
Genna, I appreciate your beautiful and supportive comment - although it has taken me long enough to respond. Your insights on LOYALTY are wise and I happen to totally agree with you. Happy you enjoyed the videos.
Purrsngrrs, Thanks and good luck with your writing as well.
Jo, "You rock" as well, dear friend...I knew you would love the pictures of my fur babies and am thrilled you are enjoying the music. Thanks for your kindness, the votes and your support.
Wishing you all a peaceful day, Hugs, Maria
Again, this is so very cool. I am so glad I am able to catch up on all your beautiful good word musicals! Love the pictures of the dogs! awww. :-)
The songs are some of my favorites! I am enjoying listening to the Drifters as I share this on twitter and HP. Again worth the vote up! :-)
You Rock! ((((((( Maria )))))))) P.S. Thanks for sharing links to the others I have yet to enjoy reading. wow! :-)
Just started my own hub and landed on yours when I searched for pets. :) Nice work.
Beautiful thoughts and reflections, Maria. Loyalty, to me, is like love. It is either genuine, or a matter of convenience for those who do not understand its true meaning. It is not something one demonstrates only when the weather is fair. Loyalty is perhaps the most noble of in character. Our canine friends (like your beloved Aunt Baby, Alvin, and now Andy) know this so well. Your music videos embrace this wonderful hub so well! Hugs.
- AUTHOR
Good morning, dear friends,
Faith, As I have a little more time with semester's end, I am looking through my room to organize. I am finding beautiful cards galore from you, signs of your friendship, love and loyalty. Thanks for the note I got yesterday and your beautiful remarks here as well.
Gail, You know me so well as a certain furry black heartthrob lies peacefully by my side sleeping...all is right in my world.
Randi, I hope by now you and your kitties have had a chance to enjoy this week's selection of music...yes, I recognize a Sista Perspective here in you, dear friend! I have to say the gals in our group were tighter and continue to be to this very day... :))
Alicia, Your comment is beautiful and I very much appreciate you stopping by - as well as your loyalty to this series.
Have a peaceful day. Love and hugs to you all, Maria
I love the fact that you've described the loyalty of pets as well as the importance of loyalty in people. The loyalty of a pet can be truly awesome. I'm glad that you have experienced it with your lovely dogs.
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Maria, I couldn't agree more. Pets are our must loyal companions. I'm pretty sure you already know how precious my kitty girls are to me and vica versa.
What a great idea to revisit the perspectives and your beautiful, loyal sistas! I look forward to reading them again!
I also look forward to your musical treat. It is almost 12 here and I don't want to wake anyone.
Thank you, Maria for this hub and fit being the loyal person that you are.
Dear Maria,
You are the most loyal of friends, but I don't think any human's loyalty can compare with the love and unconditional support your beautiful Fur Angels have given you!
Sending Blessings & Love,
Gail
YOU, my Dear Maria, are a most loyal friend, and you always go above and beyond to care and love on all of your Sistas and all those with whom you come into contact ... I have no doubt.
I know when my precious Momma's health started to decline in November of 2012 and she went on to be with the Lord in December that same year, your genuine compassion you had shown to me was so powerful and blessed me. Your prayer cards, notes, and all else you sent to me during that time and since that time, have meant the world to me.
You are certainly one loyal follower and supporter of other writers here in HP Town by always highlighting them and making all shine by showing your support in words of praise, linking and sharing our hubs. If anyone is unsure of what the true meaning of loyalty is, they need to follow your lead!
Beautiful choice of music here. Thank you for highlighting these special women here and, especially linking their wonderful hubs on their perspective of this Good Word ... Loyalty. I am so glad you have known such loyalty from all of your sweet fur babies, and now sweet Andy boy. A lot of us humans can learn a lot from them.
Up ++++ tweeting, pinning, G+ and sharing
Hugs
- AUTHOR
Bill, I agree that dogs are as loyal as they come...always so good to see you here, my friend.
Sha, You are 'true blue too' and so sweet about your kitties and their loyalty to you. Sending you peace today as we remember John Lennon.
Martie, Love the wisdom in your comment and you have my five tufts as well, always and forever.
"LOYALTY might best be shown by silent presence." That might be the best present of all, dear Car51...good to see you.
Mike, "one of the most difficult traits to develop and once developed can be severely tested"...that is a truth, if ever there was one. Thank you for your insights and ongoing support.
And thank you for being my friend, sweet Ruby...so pleased you enjoyed this music.
Love and hugs to you all. Have a peaceful evening, Maria
Beautiful Mar, I love the video, ' I will follow you into the dark. ' Loyalty is a precious trait and you have that, along with others I've been blessed to know here in our little Hubville community. Thank you for being my friend. Love and hugs..
Hello mar. Loyalty is such a scarce commodity. It is not often seen. It is one of the most difficult traits to develop and once developed can be severely tested. You have selected some interesting songs to decorate this hub. You have also highlighted some talented writers with their take on ‘Loyalty’
Beautiful reflection on LOYALTY! Sometimes we want to DO something and there is nothing that can be done except to sit quietly nearby. LOYALTY might best be shown by silent presence.
My dearest Maria, your musical hubs in this project of Good Words are excellent as they touch the core of one's soul. Like ants teach us about diligence, dogs indeed teach us about loyalty.
Thanks for the links to our previous 'discussions' about loyalty.
And thank you for being one of my most loyal friends.
Sadly, loyalty is as tender as love and trust. Like love needs love in order to survive, and trust needs trust, loyalty needs loyalty. We can walk the extra mile, loving and trusting, loyal as a dog, but without receiving it back, we may decide to project all of it on someone/something else.
You have my five tufts :)
Maria, you are the epitome of loyalty. When you find a friend - a true blue - you're always there. You pop in with words of encouragement, a funny video, appropriate song, or a surprise shows up in the snail mailbox. You are a rare one, my friend!
Humans can and should learn from our pets. They are the most loyal beings on the planet. They love us unconditionally and know when we need quiet comfort. My cats don't leave my side when I'm down or sick. One of my cats, Sheba, has a human face. Her eyes ask questions all the time. It's amazing to see the expressions on her face. I can almost hear the words behind her eyes.
Great post, once again. I must say I've never heard that Queen song, nor the last one. I'm not familiar with that band. I loved what the lyrics had to say about Catholic school. Brought back memories!
Is there a more loyal animal than a dog? I think not, and in many cases, I'm including human beings in that question. I know you are loyal, Maria, and I know I am...we'll build from that. :)
blessings and love always
bill
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