I had a chance to hear Marion Jones on TV today. She was speaking at a ceremony honoring persons in the community called ‘Second Chance Tulsa’ through Tulsa Community College. Marion Jones IS my SHERO. I say “SHE IS” my shero, because sometimes sheroes are not what we see right away, nor do we have clear distinction about the role they play. In 2008, Marion Jones had to give back her Olympic gold medals after use of steroids . She handled this matter with complete integrity. And that.. is why she is my Shero. Marion is currently (right now) re-gaining her crown, in my home state, Tulsa OK.
I was sitting and relaxing after being home from work, today and I fell into a place of deep understanding and compassion. I have only been in Tulsa Oklahoma a short time; yet I have been sorely impressed by the lives of the oppressed here in this city. The work I do here – work with women in recovery and the stories that I hear here amaze and intrigue me. Truly, this is indeed a place of pride. I find yet another story of someone who now lives here in Tulsa who endured much and is attemping to find her pride once again. Her story, indeed helps me to see this city is yet another city in which the uncommon can be proud.
I found myself judging initally – yet several years later…being sensitized and even understanding of how someone like her could end up in jail.
As I listened to Marion’s story today… I heard her say three words that struck me well. Right in my soul. Those three words today were:
1. Freedom
2. Trauma
3. and Meaning.
4. Oh…and one more: Legacy.
These two statements alone today stuck with me:
” I made the choice to put my freedom in the hands of someone else.”
“Your life and your story MEANS something… Don’t let your past define you.”
These words alone… can change lives. LITERALLY CHANGE OUR LIVES. Although some experiences can even change our destiny.
I dont’t know about you, but I would want the life I live to change lives. And maybe…just maybe… that’s the life lesson Marion learned.
Oprah asks Marion…”Not questioning (others about the steroids given to her).. How has that changed you as a person?”
So my question : Is it possible then – to TAKE OUR DESTINY BACK??
Marion’s Answer: “Your life and your story MEANS something… Don’t let your past define you.”
“I dont want the legacy of Marion to be this.. I want something better.”
