The Right to Be ME!

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I began the journey of life on the wrong foot

I got rejected for who I was when I was born

He didn't want me to be me - a girl

It took years and years for me to come to terms

with what happened the day I was born. 

 

Do people realize what their rejection of others 

does to them as persons? 

Do they stop to think that their words, their expressions

and actions or inactions are engraving sorrow on a soul? 

If they knew would they still do it? 

 

I didn't fight for myself, my life, my identity... 

I just fit in... became quiet, unheard and sat in a corner

Because I knew no one really wanted to know

what I thought or felt about anything. 

If they did, they would have asked. 

 

Quietness became a norm

Music became my friend

Pets the ones who really loved me

When I learned to write 

it became a lifeline to express myself. 

 

At every juncture in life

I had to struggle, I had to fight

just to hold on to my right

to be me, to be myself

Because I was what some people did not want me to be. 

 

I gave in a lot of times

Lived empty to fulfil their whims

moulding myself to be what they wanted 

Negating myself and who I was 

so I could live on crumbs that looked like acceptance. 

I didn't realize that I did not need 

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their approval to live, to exist

It was not their decision or choice to make!

My Creator chose to make me - me!

He designed me the way I am. 

 

After getting through many battles I learned

I was worth something, so my Maker saved me. 

The One Who created me, loved me 

He brought me out of the emptiness 

Touched me, healed me and spoke His love over me.

 

At times I felt an anger towards those who despise me

who do not accept me as I am

and want me to be less than what I was created to be

to satisfy their egos, their pride. 

Do they have the right to decide who I should be? 

 

They reject, they refuse to acknowledge or appreciate 

who I am and what I do

It used to hurt me, break my heart but not any more. 

Their unwarranted behaviour towards me

shows me how small, how petty they really are. 

 

Now I am in a better place

I realize there is one Person I need to think about

I must fulfil His purpose and plan for me

I must make HIM proud of me

I must live to the full and fulfil my destiny. 

 

If anyone has the right to be me - it is ME!

If anyone has the right to live - I do too!

If anyone tries to rob me of my rights I can fight!

If anyone tries to snuff out my spirit, I can reject them.

I belong where I am loved, accepted and celebrated for being me. 

~ Henrietta Decruz (C) 2020 

One Heart - a cry for the hurting

One Heart - by Henrietta Decruz

When we saw George Floyd die before our very eyes... something more died within us. We all cried for his loss and our loss. For something that hurts our brothers and sisters - hurts us too.

This is a song I wrote in 2011 but these words are so relevant now. I felt I must share it now.

If all of us human brothers and sisters can understand this... we could have peace on earth!

~ Henrietta Decruz



Credits for the Free to use image of the hand and the globe - pixabay
(pixabay world-3721301_960_720)

Come Back - The Father's Cry - A song

It is easy to hate God in a world that detests Him and believes what they want to about Him. I remember years ago when I was hurt about something I got angry with God and went away from Him. I just stopped going to church for some time and it took me a long time of suffering after that to turn back and seek Him. In fact, I hadn't even remembered that I had pushed God away until a prayer warrior reminded this fact. It was then that she led me to pray and ask Him back into my life and my life has never been the same since that time. 'Come Back - the Father's Cry' is a song that was born after I understood how much God the Father really loved me and the grief and pain I had cause Him when I was away from Him. He is the same Father in the story of the Prodigal Son and we are His prodigal children. This song is His love put into words... Even as I wrote it, it was overwhelming... and it has been intense as I sang it too. I am presenting it in its raw form as I would rather let the Father Himself do what He wants with this song which carries His heart and His love. The lyrics of this song are as follows: Come Back - The Father's Cry Chorus: Come back to Me, My child Come back to Me I've been waiting... For an eternity. I've seen you in your heartache I've seen all the tears you cried While you wandered away from Me Listening to those who lied.

Chorus I have a world of love I have the best for you Waiting for you to come Waiting for only you.

Chorus Don't mind the things you've done Don't fret for what you've lost I'm here to take you back Jesus has paid the cost.

Chorus Lyrics and song composition by Henrietta Decruz (Copyright 2020) Published on 22nd May 2020
If you know someone who has gone away from the Father, please share this song with them.

~ Henrietta

God has a plan for me - a Song

When you are going through tough times, it is very important to have a positive outlook and hope so you can overcome every problem. A person who doesn't have hope is one of the poorest persons in the world. The truth is if we have faith in God, we will always have hope, for He is always near those children who trust in Him! 'God has a plan for me' is a song that expresses trust and faith in God and reminds us that though tough times come, it is a passing phase and God will get us through the difficult time. Here are the lyrics of this song: God has a plan for me Chorus:
God has a plan for me I can see His love is in everything He does for me - 2 It may not be a sunny day It may not be a rosy way But I know that the Father's love is true And I know He an make all things new.

Chorus Though disappointments dot my way Though many people may turn away But I know this is a passing phase He will fill me with His love and grace.

Chorus So I will keep looking at my Lord So I will keep singing praise to God For only Jesus can bring me victory For only God knows the end of my story.

Chorus. Lyrics and song composition by Henrietta Decruz ('Copyright 2020) Published on 22nd May 2020

A Father's Love - a song by Henrietta Decruz

We all go through difficult times in our lives. During those times, we tend to think that God is far away from us. I have personally been through such trying times and as I got to know the Lord God better, I understood that during the hardest of times when I could not take care of myself, He was there with me! This song puts into words the way in which I could feel the Father's love for me. The lyrics of the song are as follows:

A Father's Love I was sad and crying But my Lord didn't leave me dying He comforted me with His love. Chorus:
He said, "Child, don't you fear! Your Father is near I love you You're the apply of my eye. I will hold you and shield you I will keep you from harm In the time of trouble I'll be by your side.

Chorus In your weakness in your need I'll be everything you need All you need to do is call on My name - 2

Chorus No matter what others say about you No matter if the tide turns against you

Chorus
~ Lyrics & song composition by Henrietta Decruz Published on 22nd May 2020.

To the Tired and Weary Soul

Get some rest

Be true to yourself
when everything around you
is falling apart
and things begin to look unfamiliar.
Sure the landscape has changed
people are scattered
and our hopes feel uncertain
shaken and dim.

People in your life may leave you
you may feel isolated and left out
but there is one person who's never left you
and that is the person within you.
You have been a good friend to others
you have been loyal and faithful to family
you could even be kind to a stranger
now won't you be good to your self?

When you begin to love who you are
you will begin to learn who you really are
the One who created you will come beside you
and strengthen you to complete your journey.
While the world spins out of control
in faith hold on to your Creator
have faith in the One who fashioned you
He will tide you through the storm.

Your journey doesn't end in this world
you are a rider destined to journey through eternity
you are a soul that has to weather ups and downs
in this life and you still have to learn some lessons.
If you get tired and break down now
you will lose your strength, your focus
you need to regroup and rebuild yourself
this world needs you that is why the Creator made you.

There is something very precious deposited in you
which no one else can give to this world.
Don't you believe those who only want to tear you down
their lies will grieve your heart and tear your soul if you let them.
If you cannot trust yourself, trust your Creator
He invested so much in you, He knows you and loves you
He will carry you when you are tired
and rejuvenate you when you need rest.

There are days written in your book by the Creator
He who planned your life knows when to call you home
Time in this body is finite
but time as a soul is infinite.
Live every day given to you with joy
For some given day each will leave this body
and fly away to meet their Creator
for everyone born must someday die.

The time you have on earth is precious
for you choose how to spend it.
It is a gift you give someone to treasure
so choose how you spend it with care.
Why stay in a prison of grief and sorrow
when every day invites you to smile?
Why cry for what has been when you can dream
and your dreams can make this world a better place?


~ Henrietta Decruz
© May 2020

You are a ripple. Your presence makes a difference in this world.

No More Chasing the Wind

 Blowing in the Wind - Image by Hartwig HKD

A lifetime of chasing the wind
Running after something or someone
Has finally come to an end.
I learned the truth
and it set me free
from all the incompleteness I felt.

Isn't it crazy that you seeks answers
all over the world
and finally find the answer is in you!
It's a relief
It's a joy!
It is final - I am home.

It is time to bid goodbye
to those who chose to bail out
to those who pushed me away.
It is time to acknowledge
those who chose to stay
those who stood by me through thick and thin.

We may be far away from a friend
But when we meet it's as though we met just yesterday
Time cannot separate those who belong.
Thank God for friends who by their presence
by their words or actions show us
that they really care.

There are enough empty words in this world
It's better to not speak what we don't mean
It's better to let go of those who have nothing to say.
Today I am thankful because I was overlooked
by some who were shallow
their truth so evident, so visible.

Everything we say or choose not to say
everything we do or choose not to do
reveals something about us.
What are our actions or inactions saying about us?
No matter how many masks you wear
The truth will show itself to the keen observer.

Lies have only so much life
When two and two are put together
Someone will realize it is four and not twenty two.
The truth no matter how sour
is the only best friend a person can have
Be wise, choose the truth, choose freedom from lies.

I AM FREE AT LAST!

~ Henrietta Decruz
   Copyright 2020

When the storm blazes all around you

When the storm blazes all around you
and things you were familiar with disappear,
When those you entrusted your faith and hope to,
turn out to be ravagers and betray you,
When human help is far and not to be found
then we turn, turn to God Who alone is just,
The all-seeing, all-knowing God Who doesn't need proof,
for He Himself has witnessed the losses you endured.

Call upon Him, Who has ears and will hear,
Ask Him to do justice, bring peace and comfort
for our hearts are all weary with grief and trauma.
Let Him decide what those men in faceless rioting mobs deserve,
those who orchestrated them and also those who condoned them.
Let Him find the solution to our perplexed minds and hopeless situation
Let Him save this land He loves from destruction by hate-mongers.

Rise up and pray dear people of our land,
Let every man, woman and child rise up from despair,
Let every state in our nation be established in peace,
Let the economy of our country rise up from uncertain times,
Instead of division, attacks and losses
may we hear of unity, growth and prosperity.

~ Henrietta Decruz

"Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened at all, that it cannot save, nor His ear dull with deafness, that it cannot hear." Isaiah 59:1

Wisdom says...

Time passes by

It floats when we don't know what to do

Slipping through some crevice or hole in the door

Before you know, it is gone

The clock ticks 

As though there was nothing else to do

Breathe in, breathe out

speak softly, be silent or let out a shout

Tell the world you live

Else how would anyone know you were around. 

I lived many years bound by musts and shoulds

Barely free to be myself

Telling myself to be this or that

To receive acceptance, understanding or love. 

That was the last chapter of my life. 

Standing at the threshold

Of a brand new chapter

I smile at the redundant and useless things 

That I allowed to affect me 

In years gone by.

I gave power to some to hurt me, use me or abuse me

No more! Not any more. 

I gave them power to suggest things I would never have done

Now I define what I do and do not do

I choose the principles I live my life by

Not the world, not the people, not the who's who

Not just about anyone... I decide!

I choose to be who I am fully and fulfill my destiny

God thought it necessary to create a person like me

Why should I fret? 

I cannot go back and retrieve lost energy or time

I cannot undo all that they did

But I have made a decision to not let them steal

One more moment, one bit of my precious time 

Or heart affection from me for I know I deserve better!

I forgive, I let go so I don't have to remember

What I don't want to remember

I let God decide what to do with the bygones

He was witness, He knows how to deal with it

I fully trust Him with my whole life. 

Some decades have been spent

How much life do I have left?

So much to do... so little is done

It is time to focus on the life left to live

What I can do and what I can give. 

Trivial things will no more have centrestage 

Lessons learnt, heart prepared

Mind groomed, spirit ready

New Life beckons, time to move on

No, no more turning back! 

- Henrietta Decruz 

 

TIME FOR CHANGE! No More Rape in India!

Rapists roam free, rapes increasing alarmingly – Is the Justice and Law & Order system in India proving to be toothless? 

Hopes dashed to the ground

Reading the newspaper is turning out to be a distressing exercise everyday as we read about rape after rape, with some instances more ghastly and inhuman than we can come to terms with.

After the Nirbhaya case on 16th December 2012, there was nationwide uproar and everyone condemned the horrendous act. Many of us thought that things would change for the better where rape cases are concerned. We believed that there would be more convictions and rapists will receive severe and fitting punishment in order to deter more men from following their example and raping women.

It is to our grief that we have learned that no such thing happened. We have been shocked to see that a rape culture has emerged where even juveniles are involved in raping girls. Moreover, little babies and elderly women too have not been spared by these rapists. What is worse, we have not seen any worthwhile effort from the Law & Order Machinery and Judiciary to ensure that women in our country receive justice and do not have to live in fear of being raped. The pertinent question is why have the courts allowed rapist after rapist to walk free? 

The Wake Up Call: Will these rapists also walk free?

Have we learned from the past? 

We want to see factual figures of how many rapists were allowed to walk free after destroying the lives of our daughters by their evil act. Over the last 50 years, how many cases of rape have been reported. [We would have to presume that the actual figures of rape that occurred in our country were far higher because many women don’t have the courage to come forward to report after being raped.] Of these reported rape cases – how many rapists were convicted? We want to know the kind of punishment meted out to them and how many received life sentence or capital punishment. We want a government body to make these statistics public. We also want human rights activists to bring out their own report concerning this so that we can be aware of any discrepancy in reporting the true figure from the official end.

This report should reveal the number of men with a history of raping women and the effect it has had on the younger generation of boys and men who came after them. From the statistics collected we need to study the trends and mark the states and areas where rape has been rampant and justice was hindered. The law and order machinery would most likely be compromised in such areas and they would be more tilted to favor the rapists rather than the victims. 

The Wake Up Call: Will these rapists also walk free?

In the Hyderabad case of the 26 year old veterinarian, we have learned that the case has been assigned to a fast track court. While it is good that a speedy judgment will be given, it is now even more pertinent than ever that the judgment that not only deters but puts an end to the rising rape incidents in our nation. 

While we can see many people protest and those in authority support the cause and take a stand, this is not a matter that should die down after a few days of making noise. We have to take this as a national challenge. Can we change things and make it safe for our daughters to go out without fear? Will the parents of girls be able to live in peace without fearing the worst for their daughters?

Time for Action 

We certainly need action to be taken on a war footing in this matter. We need campaigns humanize men who secretly think it is okay to rape women. We need to sensitize men and boys and women and girls about this issue. Self defense for girls should be made mandatory in all schools. Self defense classes for women should be started in all neighborhoods, places of work and communities should begin to equip women to fight against their potential attackers.

We need special rehabilitation to be provided for women who have suffered rape since rape causes grave trauma that amounts to loss of identity, confidence and makes them powerless, robbing them of the chance to have a good future. Healing from such trauma can take several years and for some the scars are lifelong. In most cases in India, there are social consequences for the girl/women and her family too as a result of the rape. These issues need to be addressed and practical things have to be done to ensure the woman can have everything she needs to live a good life.

We need a National Sex Offender Registry just like the US and other nations have. This registry should be publicly accessible so that anyone in doubt can verify if a man is a sex offender.


Failure is not an option

The Supreme Court would do well to set up a special authority endowed with powers to investigate where the law and order machinery has compromised justice. This authority should be able to take action against the officials and departments concerned and provide the survivors and their family compensation and support to get their lives back on track.

India had the shameful distinction of being the most dangerous nation for women in 2018. ThomsonReuters Foundation released a study that ranked India as the most dangerous place because of its high incidences of sexual violence, lack of access to justice in rape cases, child marriage, female feticide and human trafficking. It is time these rankings made us angry enough to change things for good permanently.

The little girl asked them, "What kind of world are you leaving behind for me?" 

Wake up Daughters of India!

"Wake up from your sorrow O sister of mine,
Look up to a morrow that is yours and mine,
We'll fight with society, we'll strive for our rights!
And never cease striving though we give up our lives."

These are lyrics of a song I wrote and composed some years ago - it was specially written to represent a women's project of the College of Social Work for a special programme. Today those words represent the cry of my heart too... for the daughters of our land - India!

You can find the song here... 

https://soundcloud.com/henrietta-decruz/wake-up-my-sister-henrietta-decruz

You are a Ripple!

Did you know...

You are a ripple

You can make a difference

You can change things

For better or for worse.

The crown is for those who choose to be

A change maker for good

The good of all,

Not just themselves and their circle of few.

Each of us have power

Realize that power

Realize your worth

Stand up and be counted

Make a difference in this world!!!

~ Henrietta Decruz (C) 2019

Live a Mindful Life

Who holds the most important place in your heart?
Who holds the most important place in your life?
We tend to think that the person we love most will not hurt us
Chances are that person will hurt you and hurt you really bad.
Human beings are imperfect.
To expect them to never turn against your or hurt you is not practical at all.

Is there a way to guard our heart such that no one hurts us?
Is there a way to find true peace and happiness?
We spend so many years chasing dreams and all that we want
Yet never really get to a place of peace or happiness.
Is peace a mirage? Is it possible to be really happy?
Is genuine love and a lasting relationship a myth?

Many chase fame, fortune, wealth, power, status and reach a dead end
There is no happiness or peace at the end of those roads
For when they get there, they find themselves alone, very very alone
as no one is truly happy for them.
What is success if you have no one to celebrate it with?
What is fame if you are just person of interest for yellow journals.

When you look behind what do you see?
When you look in the mirror who do you see?
Do you feel good about the years gone by?
Are you happy you made it this far?
Do you have something to achieve in your life?
Do you have a goal that is bigger than your self?

These questions will determine your life
and if you can finish the race of this life well.
Maybe you have a great talent and it will help you be rich
Would you be happy if you accomplished it?
Maybe you have an ability that will help you change millions of lives
You life will then have much more value than if you lived for yourself.

Someday we will have to move out of this body we inhabit
Someday life will be a thing of the past
Those who love us will learn to live without us
Those whom we helped may live better lives because of us
When we crossover to the other side where will we be?
What will the world say about us when we are gone?

Think about it...
This life that is passing by one day at a time,
It has value and worth.
It is not to be frittered away on worthless things
You have worth and timeless value
Know your value and live a mindful life.

~ Henrietta Decruz (C) 2019

 

☝ Thanks to the contributors from Pexels.com for the pictures used in this blog. 

I am ABBA's child - a song

This is a song I wrote and composed for children. They assert their identity of being a child of God, the Father in this song.

The tune of the song can be heard at this link
https://www.reverbnation.com/henriettadecruz/song/30256947-i-am-abbas-daughter-son-henrietta 

If any of you would like to teach children to sing this song, you are free to do so. I'll be happy to hear any audio or video recordings of this song

Song:       I am ABBA’s Child! 

Chorus: I am my ABBA’s daughter/ son (2)

               May I be more like Him!

                    I want to be more like Him!  

I want to learn, I want to walk

I want to talk like Him!

I want to work, I want to care

I want to be like Him!

          Chorus

He game me hands so I can help

He gave me lips so I can speak

A helpful word to those in need

And sing my songs of praise to Him!

     Chorus

I want to be all I can be – fulfill my destiny!

I want to see His will for me and do my best for Him.

He gave His best for me

So I’ll give my life to Him!

     Chorus

Modified Chorus:  

              We are our ABBA’s children! (2)

              May we be more like Him!

                   We want to be more like Him!  

~ written and composed by Henrietta Decruz 

                                       (Copyright 2018)

Tell Me More About Christmas - A song

Christmas is coming once again. I felt it was time to write a new song about Christmas. I thought it would be great to have a song that is a conversation between friends? The idea clicked and this song 'Tell me more about Christmas' was born! 

I am sharing the lyrics here, it would be great if someone adds music to it and would like to use it. Feel free to visualise the four characters who are part of this song. Make a creative presentation that people can relate to well. All I would ask of those who use this song is to remember to give credit to me for the lyrics.  You could share a link to the audio/video of your presentation with me on Twitter - @henrietweets  

Here are the lyrics of the song. 

Tell me more about Christmas

1.      Voice 1 (non believer's question):

I heard about that silent night

I heard about the bright new star, the mistletoe

The reindeer and Santa Claus

Oh won’t you tell me more about Christmas…

Why do we celebrate this ‘so-called’ happy day?

Oh tell me, tell me – more about Christmas

I want to know!

2.      Voice 2 answers: (believer's answer)

Oh! Haven’t you heard the Christmas story?

How the angels sang on that blessed night

Sharing the good news of God’s glory

To some shepherds on a hill faraway

They shared that the King of kings was born tonight!

And they could go and see Him – He’s a baby in the manger

So the shepherds rushed to see the sight

And they found baby Jesus – with Mary and Joseph!

3.      Voice 1: (non believer) 

I have some more questions…

Why would the King of kings be born in a manger?

And why would shepherds rush to see a stranger?

Why do you rejoice at Jesus’ birth

When you know He later died on a cross?

Oh tell me more about this mystery

Cause when I think of it, I’m at a loss! 

Tell me tell me more about this mystery

For when I think of it, I’m at a loss! 

4.      Voice 2 answers: (believer)

Oh! That’s the reason that we all rejoice

You see the King of kings He had a choice

He could have chosen a palace but He chose an inn –

He could have lived as a king and sat on a throne

         but He gave it all up for me!

You see He did these things to set us free

From the sorrows that rob us of life!

He could have stayed in heaven on the throne

But He came as a babe just for you and me!

5.      Voice 3: (curious to know more) 

Hmmm… Your Jesus seems to be a wonderful guy

And you talk about Him as though you’ve really met Him!

I hear you pray a lot in Jesus name

Could you tell me more about Him?

The truth is I’ve been searching all my life

For the answers to some questions

You seem so happy ever since you found this Jesus

I really wish I could know Him too….

6.      Voice 4 answers: (happy 2nd believer) 

Wow! Sure! Let me tell you first that Jesus loves you!

When He left His throne – He was thinking of you!

He chose to give up everything He had

So you could find true peace and happiness too!

No matter what you did wrong in life                  ]

He was happy and willing to pay the price         ]           2

To set you free so you can enjoy                        ]

All the best in this life and eternity!                     ]

7.      Voice 2: (believer) 

Oh I’m so glad that we celebrate Christmas!

Wouldn’t you love to receive the gift of brand new life?

Oh how I thank Him for thinking about us

When He left His throne became a human for us!

So come let’s celebrate Christmas

For Lord Jesus became a baby for us

He lived His life on earth and then He died

To wipe away the tears we’ve cried!

Together

So come let’s sing –

Joy to the King!

Glory to God in the highest

Angels & saints

Sing praises to God

For giving us Jesus

The most wonderful gift of all!!!

I’m so glad it’s Christmas

I wish you a Merry Christmas!

Come let’s celebrate Christmas

The happiest birthday of all!!   

We’re so glad it’s Christmas

We wish you a Merry Christmas!

Come let’s celebrate Christmas

The happiest birthday of all!!  

Written by Henrietta Decruz (Copyright 2018)