When the Star of Hope Becomes the Song of Hope

Dear Reader:

Ever since I told the story of Archibald Rutledge’s memory ( as a teen) of being caught in a terrible thunderstorm that threw him out of the buggy as his horse bolted when lightning struck a nearby pine tree… I have been absorbed in the ” Ah-Ha” life mystery that was revealed to him. Subsequently he revealed it to us ( years later) as a famous author and poet laureate.

As Young Archibald picked himself up ( after being thrown out of the carriage leaving him stranded in the dense woods) he tried to pinpoint his location in connection to home-Hampton Plantation. Suddenly the dark heavy clouds broke just enough that Archibald (holding his hand up and out) saw one star beaming down and this boy of the woods knew which direction to go.

He was suddenly aware of an universal truth unveiled to him… as terrifying as the massive thunderstorm had been as perceived on the ground… it was temporary and looking at it from above the storm…were the stars and moon… serenely gazing comfortably far away from any storm.

He realized that every time he ran into personal turbulences – he would remember that storm and know that the spirit of God was with him …yet far enough away to see a whole new perspective on his problems… infusing peace and serenity within him to restore emotional and spiritual balance.

Now, I too, understand that the storms around me are temporary and above them, shining brightly, is the Star of Hope.

Many years later, after this adolescent incident… the wise, aging, poet laureate, Archibald Rutledge, recalled this life-altering benchmark in his spiritual growth… through prose. ( Life’s Extras)

A SONG OF HOPE

O gallant Heart, defeated

Now gazing toward the West

Where this day’s splendor crumbles

Disastrous and un-blest –

Look, till the deathlike darkness

By stars be glorified

Until you see another dream

Beyond …the dream that died.

So until tomorrow… Like the stars that remain beyond the clouds… new dreams await beyond old endings and new beginnings…

Today is my favorite day-Winnie the Pooh

Yesterday I was all over the Lowcountry running errands… that included getting my flu shot… so glad I made myself go-the flu is spreading like wildfire in South Carolina.

Another reason for playing ” Check-Off” yesterday is that the temperatures dropped and fall fell with late afternoon clouds growing darker and heavier.

So last night I built my first fire of the season-have missed it so! ” Serenity Now!”

**Jake was the hero who discovered this lost dog hiding in the bushes… shaking** with mobility issues-had fallen in mud swamp-Mandy and Jake finally managed to pull her out and send out neighborhood search information. She was reunited with her family/she was named Muffin and was 16 years old!

Susan was on the move yesterday-going to Charleston to keep Rhea-look how our adorable latest family addition has grown! Happiness is…

Rutledge has more versatility than ever… besides playing football and lacrosse… he was asked to model for Free Fly ( and a gift certificate)… fishing merchandise company…

Rainy day… Boo is having a reading day today…So Happy!

**Vickie’s camellia bush … of abundance**!!!

**Fresh Flowers**! **Reading Day! Rain against the window pane… sheer contentment!**

About Becky Dingle

I was born a Tarheel but ended up a Sandlapper. My grandparents were cotton farmers in Laurens, South Carolina and it was in my grandmother’s house that my love of storytelling began beside an old Franklin stove. When I graduated from Laurens High School, I attended Erskine College (Due West of what?) and would later get my Masters Degree in Education/Social Studies from Charleston Southern. I am presently an adjunct professor/clinical supervisor at CSU and have also taught at the College of Charleston. For 28 years I taught Social Studies through storytelling. My philosophy matched Rudyard Kipling’s quote: “If history were taught in the form of stories, it would never be forgotten.” Today I still spread this message through workshops and presentations throughout the state. The secret of success in teaching social studies is always in the story. I want to keep learning and being surprised by life…it is the greatest teacher. Like Kermit said, “When you’re green you grow, when you’re ripe you rot.”

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