Saturday, February 7, 2009

Being on Fire

"Fires can't be made with dead embers, nor can enthusiasm be stirred by spiritless men. Enthusiasm in our daily work lightens effort and turns even labor into pleasant tasks."

--James Baldwin

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Judith this is so true...but sometimes we let the fires within us die. We stop fueling the flame because either we are tired of hauling wood or because we don't see the benefit. We lose track of who the heat from our fire affects and if the answer is truly no one, then we do feel it pointless. But we should remember, that maybe our paths will one day cross with someone who needs a fire and if we don't keep ours going, maybe someone else out there will lose the will to fuel theirs?

I know, I think too much these days.

Judith Ellis said...

YDear Meena - You can never think too much and I am always appreciative of your words. Thank you. The smoldering process is a process too. From it flames are often re-ignited. The key maybe to never withdraw completely, to never give in wholly. A simple word could re-ignite the fire again and before we know it there is a raging flame. We are helpers one to another. Keep the faith, my new friend. Keep the faith! Your flame burns bright, Meena!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the encouraging worlds, I will try.

Judith Ellis said...

You're doing it already, Meena. Best!

Opaque said...

Ah, this is powerful!!! Allow me to ask you to visit my blog for your award Judith. I strongly believe you deserve it. Congrats!!!

Mark Prime (tpm/Confession Zero) said...

Lovely quote...and quite true.

Judith Ellis said...

Thank you, Brosreview, for the award--much appreciated. I too think that these words are powerful. James Baldwin is one of my favorite authors. He was the anthithesis of what some perhaps perceive as powerful: male, sensitive, and effeminate. He was an incredibly powerful intellectual whose work and actions were very real and action-oriented. His power lay in his love for others and continual search.

Judith Ellis said...

To thepeotryman - I'm glad you like the quote. I had hoped that others would see the beauty and truth therein. By the way, I like your name.

Cynthia said...

So true and so very good to
be reminded of this Judith.

Judith Ellis said...

Yes, I thought so too, Cynthia.