I Seek Truth and Wisdom

DuyugodvAyosdi · **Joined:** Tue Jul 13, 2010 7:29 pm **Posts:** 4

Hello everyone. The name given to me is Lindsey Elizabeth. I have been raised white although I have Cherokee blood. I have just recently come in contact with others from my tribe, one in particular who is a mentor to me. He is teaching me the history of our people and of my heritage. Before I met him I didn't even know what Wounded Knee was. It was a vague phrase that meant nothing to me. Having seen the things I have seen, I do not understand how people can know the conditions others live in and do nothing about it. I have always wanted to help people but never really knew what i wanted to do specifically until now.

I have decided that I want to spend the rest of my life learning the old ways, living them, and passing them on. I want to raise awareness and help fight against the terribly low standard of living so many people are forced to suffer through. I'd like to help combat the desolation and sorrow. And I want to move close to a reservation to do it. I have no set plan, no money, and no familial support, but the pull within me is so strong to do this that I simply must. There is no other way for me to live, nothing else I could do that would bring me any fulfillment.

I have joined this forum to learn...to gain perspective and a deeper understanding.

A burden is growing deep inside my heart.
One without form or a name.
A label evasive and source too obscure to pinpoint the root of such pain.

It's hard to describe as it comes and it goes,
Each new wave a bit more intense.
Though I try to hide it, the weight of it shows.
A reson somewhere must exist...

Deep within the recess, where my life was forged, something inside has awakened.
A strong pull my spirit can never ignore:
Must try hard to restore what's been taken.

And the source doesn't matter
Just what I will do
Tears of shame run away from my eyes
As I feel all the pain and despair and I know
That my fathers cause my family's cries..

ndnhorseman · **Joined:** Mon May 24, 2010 7:12 am **Posts:** 78

an Elder once told me.... to learn your language, you will learn about your people .... to learn about your people, you will learn about your culture .... to learn about your culture, you will learn about your Nations songs and ceremonies .... and when you have learned all these things, you will be able to pass them on to a child , so your Nations ways shall never be forgotten. Remember.... each Nation was given thier own language to communicate with the creators .... when you speak your own language, you strengthen your Nation .... hope you continue on in the Cherokee way

DuyugodvAyosdi · **Joined:** Tue Jul 13, 2010 7:29 pm **Posts:** 4

Thank you. I have never heard that, but it makes perfect sense. I really appreciate that response. I'll remember those words.

LostWhiteBrother · **Joined:** Sat Jul 25, 2009 5:49 am **Posts:** 903

It is a firm belief of mine, that ancestral memory walks hand in hand with language. When the language is lost to you, most cannot understand properly.

I am cherokee as well, and i am beginning to find my way back as well. I recognize many of the things you speak of.

The best advice i know to give, is continue doing what you have been doing. Learn the ways of our people, and the answers will come.

There is a post titled the tether in general discussion, i think you would benefit from reading it.

LostWhiteBrother · **Joined:** Sat Jul 25, 2009 5:49 am **Posts:** 903

I would also add that it is my belief that you are born who you are. Sometimes we can lose site of that.

But who you are you will always be, even after death.

You carry yourself through life, all the answers are in your own heart. Listen to it, understand what you hear, and live it.

I don't have wisdom, but i have that. I hope it helps

I Seek Truth and Wisdom

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