Hope in a Bathroom Stall

The bathroom stall is probably one of the last places one would think to find hope. Relief, yes. Entertainment even, as one reads through the lines written on the walls. But hope?

Yet, in the women's rest room at a University, one person was kind enough to take the time to thoughtfully consider what she read and wrote a heartwarming note of encouragement.

The note, pictured to the right, reads as follows:

To the girl who was raped: You are so strong. I cannot fathom the pain you must have gone through. The fact that you have the bravery to write it (even on a bathroom wall) gives me hope.

To the girl with eating disorders: I promise you, although I don't know you, you are beautiful, you deserve your health. You deserve freedom from that hell.

To the girl with the alcoholic father: I am so sorry for the agony it must cause. Again, such courage is remarkable you must be such a strong person to see such pain.

To the girl whose father died: Missing them never goes away. The ache of their absence never goes away. But the love they had, the memories you share surely must last. I am sure, out of the bottom of my heart, the people who have left you in this world are exceptionally proud of the person you are.

Everytime(sic) I see these walls, these confessions, I feel so blessed to know I have the priviledge(sic) of seeing them. Your moments, these secrets, are all precious even though they are sad. To all of you (including those I did not mention, and those who have not yet written)
-You are worthy.
-You are strong.
-You are brave.
-You are loved.
-Somebody cares.

This makes me sit back and realize how many opportunities I have to touch another heart likewise. I could write an encouraging comment on a blog or video. I could stay and listen when someone needs to talk. I could respond to all the emails and letters I have waiting.

There are thousands of opportunities, but I need to be willing to take the time to respond with my heart.

Sometimes that makes all the difference.

~ ESA

News story: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/15/girls-bathroom-stall-note-university_n_2482082.html

Pottie Poet

This Friday, I met a sister that connects with both my Spirit and my heart.

At the Big E, the ladies rooms are kept by attendants who clean, decorate and stock them from their own pockets... for tips they receive. With my IC/PBS, I need to go -- often! So I tend to hit practically every rest room there. One is filled with Halloween decorations, others are beautified with flowers and scents. Another is managed and maintained with military precision.

One... took my heart away.

The walls, both inside and outside the stalls, are covered with hand-written poetry, sweet simple lyrics reminding us to flush and help keep the place neat. Each was signed, "The Pottie Poet." Any of these lines would be a breeze to tweet, even from a bathroom seat.

Each time I went in to... well you know, I would sit a moment and listen to the lines she belted out non-stop all day. Every third or forth rhyme she shared was a Blessing. I was touched and moved.

In the Northeastern US, too often we avoid mentioning the word "God" in public, in our attempt not to offend anyone who may not believe as we do. Here in a very public place, where we take turns in mostly private stalls, was a woman sharing it with all the Joy in her heart.

Each time I left that restroom,

To continue with my day,

I gave her a hug and a rhyme:

God Bless the Pottie Poet I pray.

~ESA

PS: For those in New England (or the Northeast) who attend the Big E, she's in the Better Living building. :D

PPS: A little bird tipped off the news crews, who shared the story and their views. Please see this link.

Images: Top from Improbable Research and bottom from VinceHuston.org