Native Tribes DNA

All the world listens for the voice that speaks with its heart. How important is the tone of the voice, no matter what position we hold in life. The voice of authority, the demanding, commanding and authoritative voice has little lasting effect upon its audience. But the voice of kindness, the cheerful and friendly voice creates receptivity that few can resist. In the words of Longfellow, "How wonderful is the human voice! It is indeed the organ of the soul. The intellect of man sits enthroned visibly, on his forehead and in his eye, and the heart of man is written on his countenance, but the soul reveals itself in the voice only." The voice on the telephone creates a picture for the listener. With the business of the world being run to a very great extent by telephone, it is of the utmost importance what sort of picture that should be. No matter how sharp, strong, hard, flat, weak or soft, that voice creates an impression. If only we could have our voices played back, we would hear ourselves in one of those categories. Even animals and children respond to voices as they truly are. All the actions in the world speak loudly, but the voice of love, the voice of friendship, and the voice of encouragement are the sweetest of all sounds. The truly sincere quality on the voice is from the nature within, springing from concern for those about us, the divine love, the deep feeling for all of life.

Until you've walked in the rain, you cannot truly appreciate the protection of shelter. Unless you've felt the heat from a sweltering sun, you cannot fully enjoy the coolness of shade. Only after the clatter and bang of crowded places can you find quietness and solitude so soothing to the nerves. Before you can stop worrying and start living, there must be an elimination of fear which is the cause of all worry. Sometimes, unfortunately, we must collide with the bad before we can totally appreciate the good. It is said that we too often must be reminded of our obligations before we take charge of them. Frequently it seems we must have our freedom threatened before we muster enough patriotism to defend it. Too many shoulders are bowed by our thoughtlessness before we finally learn the key to real success is kindness. We never know how truly wonderful it is to be loved until we are loved when we've failed to deserve it. M.R. Smith's words, "God's plans, like lilies pure and white untold - We must not tear the close shut leaves apart - Time will reveal the calyxes of gold," reveal, after all, that patience does its perfect work.

First things and first times....the newness of the present moment holds such a breath of youth, such a challenge, there are moments in everyone's life they wish they could relive. Just to recall those times when the newness, the memory of first things were beautiful and exciting. But life never stands still. It moves forward or it decays. It cannot hold on to the past in any way. If the newness of first things has not grown into finer and more beautiful moments, then it cannot go on. Everyone can recall something so dear that it becomes new again just by thinking about it. Courage, love, joy, contentment, all these can call to mind the special moments that were beginnings of new eras, new times in living. The scales of life tip this way and that to make those times full of meaning and sometimes vividly painful. And then sometimes it takes a season to mend the heart and spirit. When they are ready, the experience of new times and new beginnings and first things will bloom once more and the youthful challenge again enchants.

SHEEPHERDER, 1939. Posing for photojournalist Arthur Rothstein was a lone, unidentified shepherd in Southwest Montana. After the winter of 1886-87 killed the majority of Montana’s cattle, many ranchers turned to sheep. For a few decades, the total dollar value of Montana"s cattle and sheep remained about equal. Later, synthetic fabrics slashed the demand for wool.

The lace boots and riveted denim pants were not surprising; likewise the saddle’s cord cinch. The canvas water bag brought back memories. The tongue of the herder’s wagon was in view. Another Rothstein photo showed the man riding, again using only the rope halter. A bridle with metal bit was behind the rider’s leg. Text and a bit of digital sharpening of image by Gary Coffrin.

Other people's opinions are simply a view, not a verdict. A certain type of personality wants his view to be the effective one - the one that says what should be valid and what should be invalid. But even if he was right for the moment, does he have to be right forever? Listen, we can change. Any of us. It is our privilege to put down the old nature and to take on the new. It will be suspect - things like that always are. But St. Paul was a rascal until he made a change one day. We can do that - and we can move out of range of those who will not accept the change. Seems that it would be the best revenge to be good even though the skeptics raise their eyebrows. ~ We want to know whether you are going to fight the Sioux or not. We want to know. ~