The Perfect Gifts by Pamela Francis
When I was a little girl my grandparents on my mom’s side used to take me to the mall around this time of year and let me do some Christmas shopping for my mom. Whatever little allowance I had built up, my grandfather, whom my mom’s mother had married and brought into our lives when I was a grammar schoolkid, would add to it as needed and I’d wander up and down the aisles of places like Alexander’s and Bamberger’s in the Bruckner Blvd area of the South Bronx, circa 1977, picking out pot holders, potted plants and slippers to bestow as gifts upon my mom and two grandmothers.
No one has taken on that beautiful and crucial tradition with my own sons. Without throwing shade on my wonderful mother I have to say that grandparenting has changed so much from my childhood to now as to be almost unrecognizable, but I’ll save that lament for a future post. No, my children will not remember to, think to, nor be prompted to think of what Mom might need or want this Christmas.
But I’ll be ok.
Because the gifts I’ve been given — the ones I’ve most appreciated and enjoyed — don’t fit under a tree or into a stocking. And no, they are not my kids. I’m not that much of a sap, ok? LOL
Herewith… Best Gifts I’ve Been Given That I Can Recall And Which I Now Bestow Unto You Because They Are Globally Available and Free:
‘} Introduction to Deepak Chopra as a spiritual mentor
From “The Path to Love” to “The 7 Spiritual Laws of Success” to these 21-day meditation challenges he does with Oprah every quarter, this man — who would be God’s doctor if God ever needed a doctor — has been a gem in my spiritual development since 1996. His voice alone can heal a thousand wounds.
‘} Introduction to Michael Beckwith and Rickie Byars Beckwith as Pastor and 1st Lady of an online congregation
Also available to experience in brick ‘n’ mortar if you’re ever in Culver City, CA, the Agape International Spiritual Center is fit for every denomination and belief. Their new thought / ancient wisdom celebrations of life, the Universe, our Creator, and all of man/womankind will rocket you to bliss without fail on every encounter. Guaranteed.
‘} Introduction to Hay House Radio and its founder Louise Hay
Phenomenal mental, spiritual and physical medicine for every soul and earth experience. If they’re still handing out sainthood, she will be in that number.
‘} Introduction to Davidji as a meditation guru
Yes, Virginia, there IS a Santa Claus. Google him immediately.
‘} Introduction to Scientology and its founder L. Ron Hubbard
You can read my book “Get Back With Your Ex: The Testimony of a Prodigal” by Pamela Ann Francis, available at Outskirtspress.com, for a rollicking ride through my experience as a Black Scientologist. I wrote this in 2005 to set some things straight about this very intriguing and often misunderstood “religion”.
Tags: #21-day meditation challenge, #7 Spiritual Laws of Success, #Agape International Spiritual Center, #Black Scientologists, #Davidji, #Deepak Chopra, #Get Back With Your Ex: The Testimony of a Prodigal, #Hay House Radio, #L Ron Hubbard, #Louise Hay, #Michael Beckwith, #Outskirtspress.com, #Rickie Byars Beckwith, #Scientology, #The Path to Love, christmas gifts
