Thank you for that post. Sherry -----Original Message----- From: Renae !! [mailto:renaedc@hotmail.com] Sent: Wednesday, February 09, 2005 10:49 PM To: CHEROKEE-SURNAMES-L@rootsweb.com Subject: [CHEROKEE-SURNAMES] answers and questions I seldom ever reply to anything on this list, and I won't now except to enclose the following found in a Native American newsletter I receive. It says all I need to say... I Feel Cold By Ellen Edwards Copson I feel cold, though like you, I too am born from the belly of Mother Earth. I too came from the fire within her…I feel alone and reach out my hands to join the circle that is sacred, Those around me close their fists. Their eyes tell me to go away. Tears come to my heart but war is what I show. Their circle is not my place to be vulnerable. Now I am in my own circle, Alone with the spirit that accepts me. The birds sing songs of comfort to me as the earth and air surround me reinforcing Spirits love. And I wonder about my “indigenous” relatives. Was I not born from the same womb of life? Was I not clothed in skin with a heart and bones well placed like every other woman? I too am of this earth, sky, fire and water. My grandmother and grandfather speak to me sharing their wisdom of the path. I was born here along side my brothers, sisters and cousins. My skin is the color of clouds, and my eyes are the color of sky. My hair reflects the glow of earth’s precious gold. I am here as the circle dictates! Everyone’s ancestors hold their own sin. And they have been dealt with by the all powerful spirit like we will when we cross thru. Now, once again, I look to my brothers, sisters, and cousins to return my unending love and respect. I know we are all in the great family. I know fear makes enemies. But if you must be my enemy do so because of my actions, not my color or my ancestors actions! I have love to share within this heart. Please take that love and share yours. We all came from the same place, and we all live in the same place and we will all go to the same place when we die. I too am indigenous. I was born here. "...in all of us there is a hunger, marrow deep, to know our heritage - to know who we are and where we have come from." - Alex Haley _________________________________________________________________ Don’t just search. Find. Check out the new MSN Search! http://search.msn.click-url.com/go/onm00200636ave/direct/01/ ==== CHEROKEE-SURNAMES Mailing List ==== Indian Histories by Tribe: http://www.accessgenealogy.com/native/tribes/index.htm ============================== Jumpstart your genealogy with OneWorldTree. Search not only for ancestors, but entire generations. Learn more: http://www.ancestry.com/s13972/rd.ashx