"DON'T BE A VICTIM"

Tragedies do happen, and in some cases, we are powerless to avoid them. and yes, we can blame ourselves, blame others, or imagine how wonderful our lives would have been without them. But that would be fruitless thought, because they did occur, with or without our approval or sometimes, recognition. So, get over it, and be the best you're capable of being, today, right now, regardless of the situation in which you find yourself. Create something positive so that one day, your children and their children will know that tragedy could not defeat you. They'll know your heart and your mind through your words, and know mine through my art, and from this knowledge, they'll see that life's unavoidable tragedies can be overcome. They'll see that it is the struggles in life that define us, bless us, because when life strips you bare, that blank backdrop becomes the canvas upon which we pour our creative energy into painting a new landscape for ourselves. They will understand, through our work, that it's the refusal to be dormant, which gives positive thinkers the strength to grasp at the opportunity proffered by the extremity of tragedy. And in the worst of times, when most fall by the wayside, our children will remember and they will persevere, and THEY will overcome because we, you and I, have shown them the way.

In these times of extreme tragedy come the moments when one chooses to become a warrior or a victim. Tragedy is but a test, a challenge to ones self to rebuild the walls which have fallen to the ground, or to die within the rubble. It is the gift of calamity that creates opportunity, and it is opportunity that creates warriors not servants. It is opportunity that turns servants into kings. In the overcoming of adversity is the acquisition of power. Believe me, victory in the face of all odds is the sweetest fruit upon the vine of life. So, Take advantage of your misfortune, and know that most could not overcome it. Most would quit...just look around you.

This my friend, is the challenge. Can you dig peace from within this mountain of unrest? Can you remain intelligent when all about you have succumbed to ignorance? Can you create freedom of the mind, when that which you see in the mirror is held captive?

Excepts from my book, "A Poet Dreams"

Peace be with you. Mayor Mark

 

 

FCI Bastrop, Texas 6-20-2026