The O-town Scene

the DIVERSITY SCENE Keep Up Now! |by Terry Ludwig Have a little faith in everyone else "My intent is true. In me, where there once was disconnect, I now feel a part. To that I share, as is the essence of our existence." _ Rob Ludwig You know how good it feels during the early stages of a new love relationship? An amazing sense of self confidence encompasses every step you take. Each time you looked into the eyes of your beloved, the message is reaffirmed; you are perfect, you are magnificent, you are loved. You can move mountains! If someone should fall, don't dwell on his or her shortcomings, instead see that person's perfec- tion, and hold that flawlessness in your mind for that person until he or she can join you there. You don't have to be in love to have perfect faith in other people. That faith allows others to accept their perfection and greatness. If someone should fall, don't dwell on his or her shortcomings, instead see that person's perfection and hold that flawlessness in your mind for that person until he or she can join you there. I had a doubles partner in volleyball. He was much better than I was, but he assured me I was an accomplished player. I had good days and bad, yet he kept assuring me how great I was, even when I was awful. He would say, "You're the best," even when I'd completely miss. His faith in me made me stronger and better than I was. I started believing I was a great volleyball player … we became a dynamic team. If someone does not live up to your expectations, you begin to lose faith. When lovers enter relationships out of "need" and not of "love," they lose faith when their needs are not met. The relationship dies, and they seek to fulfill their needs from somewhere else. However, if you are filled with self love and enter a relationship with no expectations, you will be more able to share the abundance of your love with another, truly and completely. There is a light in you that shines bright. You cannot accept your greatness for yourself until you share it with others. And you cannot share it with someone else until you accept it for yourself. You are your brother's gift, and your brother is yours. You light your mind and all minds, which were created from love. It is like a torch that is passed from one to another, never losing the fire, only growing and creating more fire as it is shared. The universe longs to behold your perfection. Keep up Now! with the flow of higher consciousness, and stay connected to your Source. Terry Ludwig's brother, Rob, passed away in 2004 after battling AIDS. Before he passed, he shared his message. "Keep Up Now!" is the result of that communication. She can be reached at keepupnow@gmail.com, and followed on Twit- ter and Facebook. Our contributors talk about different aspects of diversity, from LGBTQ issues to questions of ethnicity and more. To submit a column or event, email editor@otownscene.com. LGBT History Month Calendar In honor of LGBT History Month and Coming Out Day, which is Oct. 11, the Gender and Sexuality Resource Center at SUNY Oneonta is sponsoring the following events that are open to the public: Drag Ball, Friday, Oct. 7, 8 p.m. to midnight, Hunt College Union, Waterfront Room. National Coming Out Day, Tuesday, Oct. 11. Same-sex Marriage Panel, Monday, Oct. 17, 7 p.m., Hunt College Union, Union Square Room. 'Gender Outlaw' presentation, by renowned transgender activist Kate Bornstein, Wednesday, Oct. 19, 9 p.m., Hunt College Union, Waterfront Room. Don't Ask Don't Tell Panel, Tuesday, Oct. 25, 7 p.m., Center for Multicultural Experiences, Lee Hall. The Scene is looking for guest writers to contribute columns on issues dealing with DIVERSITY. Those interested should contact Scene Editor Cassandra Miller at editor@otownscene.com with an idea for a column. 20 O-Town Scene Sept. 29, 2011

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