Knowing that their children might not survive the journey during the Trail of Tears in 1838, the mothers grieved and cried in sorrow. One night the elders prayed for a sign that would lift the mother's spirits and give them strength. The next day a beautiful flower, the Cherokee Rose, began to grown where the tears had fallen. To this day, you can see the wild Cherokee rose growing along the route of the Trial of Tears into eastern Oklahoma. The white color of the rose represents the tears that were shed; the gold center symbolizes the gold taken from Cherokee lands; the seven leaves on each stem stand for the seven Cherokee Clans.

The children are the hope of any nation. With the blue memory circle of the Trail of Tears behind her, the Cherokee mother lifts her child up out of the depths of red clay of Oklahoma. The red clay pot is decorated with blue tears, black for the 4000 that died, and white for the hope of the new land. The golden Phoenix bird represents the strength and courage of the Cherokee to rise above tragedy to make opportunities and to become strong again.




The two beautiful pieces of art, Cherokee Rose Legend
and the After the Tears image were both done by a
Cherokee Artist. Please click on her name and visit her site.
Dorothy Sullivan {Cherokee}

WHAT DO YOU HEAR?

A Native American and his friend were in downtown New York City, walking
near Times Square in Manhattan. It was during the noon lunch hour and
the streets were filled with people. Car horns were honking, several
taxicab's tires were squealing as they rounded a corner, sirens were
wailing, and the other sounds of the city were almost deafening.

Suddenly, the Native American said, "I hear a cricket."

His friend replied, "What? You must be crazy. You couldn't possibly hear
a cricket in all of this noise!"

"No, I'm sure of it," the Native American said, "I hear a cricket."

"That's crazy," said the friend.

The Native American listened carefully for a moment, and then walked
across the street to a big cement planter where some shrubs were
growing. He looked into the bushes, beneath the branches, and sure
enough, he located a small cricket.

His friend was utterly amazed. "That's incredible! You must have
superhuman ears!"

"No," said the Native American. "My ears are no different from yours.
It all depends on what you're listening for."

"But that can't be!" said the friend. "I could never hear a cricket in
this noise."

"Yes, it's true," came the reply. "It depends on what is really
important to you. Here, let me show you."

He reached into his pocket, pulled out a few coins, and discreetly
dropped them on the sidewalk. And then, with the noise of the crowded
street still blaring in their ears, they noticed every head within
twenty feet turn and look to see if the money that tinkled on the
pavement was theirs.

"See what I mean?" asked the Native American. "It all depends on what's
important to you."

What's important to you? What do you listen for? Some people say that
there is no God, and that He never speaks to us anymore. But perhaps
they can't see or hear Him because they aren't listening for Him. They
are living for themselves, not for Creator.

If you are in tune with Creator, you will be able to notice Him at work in
your life and in the world. And you'll be able to hear Him when He
speaks.

All My Relations




Prayer to Great Spirit

Oh mighty Great Spirit of all two legged,
four legged and winged ones.
Please hear my prayer, and grant that
I shall receive that which I need.
Thank you for dry moccasins you
place around my feet.

Thank you for my robe and blanket you
covered me for warmth.
Thank you for my lodge to shelter me
From the coldmaker, and the rainmaker
Thank you for the meat you have
given me to cook over my fire.
Thank you for clean fresh water to quench my thirst.

Guide my mind, spirit and soul down
the red path facing the white direction
Guide me in my judgement
as my decisions may affect the lives
of many people within my tribe and family.

Thank You O mighty Great Spirit
for all that which you have given me today.

~*Author unknown*~





Dreamcatcher/Pipe, courtesy of Greasy Grass Graphics
They have some beautiful Native Graphics
Click on their button to go and see! *S*



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The song playing is Amazing Grace, sequenced by Brighteyes*~*






 



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