Back to the past

If you could go back and witness any historical event, which one would you pick?

If there were even a remote possibility that I could travel to the past and witness a historical event, I honestly would not know which one to choose.

I was never a good student of history. I never really paid attention in class, and I did not do particularly well in my exams. The one time I managed to pass, it was by a single mark, which probably says everything that needs to be said about my knowledge of the subject. So when people ask what moment in history I would want to witness, I struggle to come up with an answer.

It is not that I have never heard of important historical events. I know there are countless moments that changed the course of humanity. The problem is that when I try to think of one, nothing comes to mind. My mind simply goes blank.

I also think there is another reason I hesitate. Whenever I imagine visiting the past, somewhere in the back of my mind is the reality of what life was like for women during much of history. No matter how fascinating an era may seem, that thought always makes me pause.

On the other hand, if I were choosing an event based purely on something that would make me happy, my answer would be completely different. I do not know if it would be considered a historic event, but I would want to attend the very first BTS performance. Not when they were already famous, but when they were still a rookie group performing in front of a small audience that had no idea what they would eventually become.

It may be a cliché answer, but like many others, BTS’s music healed me in ways I never thought possible. Their songs found me at the right time, comforted me when I needed it most, and continue to inspire and encourage me even today. Maybe witnessing a world-changing moment would be incredible, but there is also something special about being present at the beginning of something that would later change your own world.

Not Enough

Patriotism… The word in itself invokes feelings to the land to which you were born.

Am I patriotic? Now that for that I need a minute to consider it. Do I love my country? Of course yes! Without a doubt. I have lived abroad so I know what it means to come home. It mostly noticed that the ones that do not get to live in their home country are the ones that appreciate it.
Given that, I know my country has it’s flaws it is still will be my home and I love my home.

When I think of true patriotism I think it stems from working for your country. I have a brother in the military and when he speaks about our country I see his eyes sparkle. I see true pride in his eyes and I don’t think the country is ever on the back burner in his mind. For him country and it’s people are first. To him, the whole nation is his family. He would give up everything if it meant the country could get better.

In comparison, I think I am a passive patriot. I have feelings of pride at the Olympics and International sports events or when the anthem is played. However, that is the limit to which I understand the patriotism feeling. But maybe someday, I will do something that will bring pride to my nation.

Daily writing prompt
Are you patriotic? What does being patriotic mean to you?

Divine Grace

From my childhood I was fascinated by my name. Unlike most of my friends and my spelling was derived from French and most of the people I met always found it difficult to pronounce my name. Initially, I used to get easily frustrated and angry because it seemed like they were butchering my name. But since then, I have found the meaning of my name and the roots of it’s pronunciation I figured that there is a high chance that people won’t get it.

My name is a derivative of the name Anne which means favor and grace and is found in The Bible. My mother said I was named after Samuel’s Mother who found favor in God’s eyes and had Samuel. The name also represents a person who is strong-willed, funny and has compassion.

I think true to my name my whole life is by the Grace of Jesus. Even when I am broken and alone in my most darkest place He has taken care of me. Even without me asking He has done everything for me. If today I am still alive it is because of His continuing mercy. I hope one day soon I can be worth of the Grace He has bestowed on me.

Bloganuary writing prompt
Write about your first name: its meaning, significance, etymology, etc.