Author: sfarnoult

Sallie F. Arnoult is a lifelong native New Orleanian of French Creole descent. Sallie is a children’s book author, content creator, and blogger, writing from her own life experiences. Sallie has written her first children's book, Charlie's Daydreams, available on Amazon and Amazon Kindle. She is a graduate of St. Mary's Dominican High School and Loyola University of New Orleans. Sallie also writes under the trademarked moniker “NOLA Lady Knows.” Her Yorkie, Bella, is her muse.

A CALL TO VOLUNTEERISM: DO IT WITH KINDNESS

vol/un/teer/ism: (välənˈtirizəm) noun.
the policy or practice of volunteering one’s time or talents for charitable, educational, or other worthwhile activities, especially in one’s community.

THROUGHOUT THE COVID PANDEMIC, VOLUNTEERISM IS AT AN ALL-TIME HIGH IN THE UNITED STATES, AND US NON-PROFITS ARE REAPING THE ECONOMIC REWARDS!

Non-profits have shifted how services are delivered, volunteers are trained, and how volunteers can safely participate.  Volunteers sense they have participated in something at a time of crisis giving them a feeling of solidarity enabling them to muddle through the often-devastating news delivered routinely by the media and through their own personal losses.

WHAT WOULD MOST COMPEL YOU TO BECOME A VOLUNTEER?

• Personal development?
• Breaking free from negative feelings?
• Social interactions? Feeling of solidarity?
• Learning new skills? Career enhancement?
• Expression of pro-social values?
• Religiosity or spirituality?

Religiosity and spirituality have significant bearing on volunteerism. There is an emphasis on pro-sociality and the benefits of benevolence towards those less fortunate than us. Those who are religious or spiritual tend to volunteer at a higher rate than those who are neither religious nor spiritual in nature.

Hebrews 4:16
Let us then draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in the time of need.

IMPORTANCE & BENEFITS OF VOLUNTEERING:

• Nurtures an active body and mind
• Combats depression
• Counteracts the effects of anxiety, anger, and stress
• Strengthens self-confidence
• Bestows a sense of purpose
• Generates a sense of fulfillment and belonging
• Creates bonds to new friends
• Improves social and relationship skills
• Can facilitate career advancement by learning valuable skills or gaining career experience in a new field

Kindness:
From the Greek, Chrestotes (khray-stot’-ace), meaning, morally, excellence in character and demeanor; as well as gentleness, goodness, and kindness. Chrestotes sustains an extensive presentation of excellence in conveying gentleness and kindness in all interpersonal relationships, as in the kindness embodied by Christ.

Galatians 5:22
…the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patient endurance, kindness, generosity, faith, mildness, and chastity.

ACTION STEPS:

  1. Determine what would compel you to become a volunteer.
  2. Determine what kinds of organizations you may want to volunteer with in your community.
  3. Determine what are your strongest skills you bring to an organization.
  4. Determine how much time you have in your schedule to realistically commit to your volunteer efforts.
  5. Most importantly, do it with Chrestotes in your actions and your attitude!

Bella’s Journey

In Loving Memory 4 February 2011 – 27 February 2021

BLESSED

PSALM 103: 1-5

Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all my being, bless His holy name.

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits;

He pardons all your inequities,

He heals all your ills.

He redeems your life from destruction,

He crowns you with kindness and compassion,

He fills your life with good;

your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

Bella was my world… 7 pounds of pure love and affection.  She was a beautiful spirit, accepting of strangers as if she had known them for a lifetime, yet she was fiercely protective of me at all times. Not only my constant companion, but my sweet Bella was also a little angel sent to introduce me to one of the most influential friendships since my father’s death in 2002.

After we have suffered losses in our lives, we often become introspective, looking inward for answers to long held questions.  With a family history of addiction, mental illness, trauma, and psychological abuse, I had many unresolved issues following the death of my father.  In many ways, my father was kind, loving, and generous.  Pops, whom I dearly love, had a gregarious personality and could be great fun to be around. However, if you did not comply with his wishes failing to do what he told you to do, he could be quite indifferent towards you to the extent of being sometimes unfeeling in his attitude and abusive with his words.  That left many scars on me personally resulting in two bouts with cancer since his death.  In 2003, I had Thyroid Cancer resulting in chronic hypothyroidism from a thyroidectomy which fortunately is a manageable situation that I can live with for many years to come.  However, in 2010, there could have been a completely different outcome to my Ovarian Cancer diagnosis.  The tumor I was carrying around grew to be 22 pounds before it was discovered that I had Ovarian Cancer after having complained of the same symptoms to my doctors for over 2 years: bloating; constipation; feeling full quickly at mealtime despite consuming very little food; lower back pain; and pressure in the pelvic area.  My OB/GYN at that time said that my ovaries were “pooping out” and my Endocrinologist saw those symptoms as vague relating to a multitude of health issues.  Ironically, my father would repeatedly say that I would not have treated my brother on drugs with “tough love” the way I did if he had had cancer and neither of them lived to see me go through cancer twice.  Today, I am blessed to say that I am over 10 years clear of Ovarian Cancer, but it was indeed a rough road at first.

The Lord blessed me by sending this little angel into my life on April 2, 2011, on the night of Mom’s 81st birthday.  Bella was an 8-week-old Yorkie weighing only 2 pounds who won our hearts over immediately. She helped me recover from chemotherapy and subsequent abdominal hernia surgery.  Bella has also assisted me to where I am today with generalized anxiety and a major depressive disorder in addition to inattentive ADHD.  Ultimately, Bella would introduce me to one of the most influential people of my life: Mr. Calvin “Cal” Moret.

Mr. Cal, as he would become affectionately known to me in a fatherly way, was a genteel Creole man who lived two doors over from us with his loving wife, Mrs. Berenice.  He frequently worked either in his woodshop on all sorts of projects or in his yard when Bella and I would go out for walks.  Bella would always find him to tell him hello and we would begin conversing.  He was a most interesting man, like a Renaissance man with a host of talents and expertise.  Mr. Cal, in his younger years during World War II, had served as a training officer for the Tuskegee Airmen, an accomplishment that had gone completely unacknowledged until his sunset years when President Obama awarded the Tuskegee Airmen the Congressional Medal of Honor in 2007.  Throughout his life, Mr. Cal perfected his woodworking skills, writing skills, and was a member of a Barbershop Quartet in addition to many select Creole social organizations.  After Katrina had decimated Moret Press, his family business, leaving him feeling much like a shell of his former self, his faith in the Lord and the recognition he received for his service in World War II ignited a new purpose in his life: delivering inspirational talks to students and young professionals on the importance of keeping the focus of God, family, morality, human dignity, and respect in their lives.  My many long conversations with Mr. Cal helped him develop the focus of his talks and he unknowingly aided me in resolving many of the issues I had with my father.  I knew deep down inside that these issues needed to be resolved or they would only continue to be burdensome to me not my father.  When we lost Mr. Cal, I continued to enjoy my friendship with his wife, Mrs. B, until her death this year.  I will always treasure my memories of Mrs. B and Mr. Cal.  Bella will forever be tied to these cherished memories.

Sadly, I had to put Bella to eternal rest on February 27, 2021, because she was going into kidney failure.  She had developed diabetes and Cushing’s Disease of the pituitary gland becoming increasingly sick.  I did not want to see her suffer any longer than she already had, but if love alone could have saved her from what she had already been through, Bella would have never suffered a day in her life.  Mrs. B went into kidney failure from hyperglycemia as well and passed into eternal rest on July 7, 2021.  My relationship with the Mr. and Mrs. Moret went full circle within 130 days of the 3,619 days Bella was such an integral part of my life.  When I lost Bella, I did not know how I was going to move forward.  It is my faith in the Lord, my devotion to the Blessed Mother, and my appreciation for all the gifts He has given me that gets me through each day with courage!  There will be no other Bella, but Bella’s journey has fortified in me that I have an enormous capacity to love and be loved. I feel Bella still watching over me!

COURAGE

DEUTERONOMY 31:6

Be brave and steadfast; have no fear or

dread of them, for it is the Lord, your God, who

marches with you; He will never fail you

or forsake you.

LAGNIAPPE: Greet each day with gratitude in your heart, a smile on your face, and kindness for others.  Live each day enthusiastically, with passion!

RACISM IS PERPETUATED IN AMERICA

FEAR AND HATRED FUEL RACISM

I recently went through the pharmacy pick-up window at my local CVS pharmacy where my mother had her prescriptions filled regularly. On this particular day, there were 5 cars in line, including mine, (for descriptive purposes only) the 4 other cars were inhabited by black people and we were the only white people in line. The young pharmacy technician, who was also black, asked my mothers name and date of birth but the waiting began. She then proceeded to wait on every other car in line, including the car that had been in line behind us. They had gotten agitated and moved to the other line for faster service. When I realized that even the car that had been behind me had been waited on, I drove around to the front and went inside the store. As I approached the pharmacy counter, I excitedly asked, “Am I the wrong skin color to get waited on in the drive-through lane?” The pharmacy manager, a young white male shouted at me, “YOU’RE ACCOSTING ME! YOU’RE RUDE! AND YOU’RE RACIST! THIS CONVERSATION IS OVER! YOU’RE DONE!” In that moment, he would not listen to a word I had to say (not even if it was an apology) and my mother could no longer have prescriptions filled at that particular location. You can get cancelled by standing up for yourself in an instant! What these young people do not understand is that they are perpetuating racism, not eradicating it, and through their vindictiveness, they are spreading hatred along with fear. The type of action that young man took was much like the actions taken under the National Socialist Movement in Nazi Germany. ALL OF THIS WAS DONE IN THE EMPLOY OF CVS PHARMACY! I called and reported this incident to the corporate office when I returned home. I have not heard a single word from the CVS Corporate Office since I notified them of what had transpired. However, when I returned to that same drive- through today, I was notified by the pharmacist my mother could no longer have her prescriptions filled at that particular location. I asked her to kindly have her prescriptions transferred to another location which she politely agreed to and for which I was relieved. I do not want to be a party to that kind of hatred, however benign it may appear on the surface. That young man was so righteous but what he was doing was the wrong thing for what he thought was the right reason. Incidences like these collectively perpetuate racism and divisiveness in America. They will not be eradicated until we all truly understand what racism and division are doing to our society.

I have always been taught that racism is discriminatory or abusive behavior towards members of one race by members of another race. Racism cannot be eradicated by laws. However, minds can be changed and do change about individual beliefs of differences among humans based upon skin color and culture through studies of history, language, culture, arts, music and food. Everything in society can and should be used as a teaching moment because we should use historical markers as what should or should not be repeated from history. When we understand where we came from as a community, how our community as a whole developed (including the ugly parts of our history), then we can move toward a more forgiving, harmonious future. Forgiveness includes: 1) asking for forgiveness from the person you have offended; 2) forgiving others for their transgressions against you; and 3) asking for forgiveness from the Heavenly Father for your trespasses. All 3 elements must be present to be truly forgiven. Matthew 6:14-15… “If you forgive the faults of others, your Heavenly Father will forgive you yours. If you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive you.”

ST. ELIZABETH OF THE TRINITY:

”During painful times, when you’re feeling a terrible void, think of how God is enlarging the capacity of your Soul so it can receive Him. Look upon each pain as a love token coming directly to you from God in order for you to unite you to Him.”

Then find forgiveness in your heart towards your transgressors so as not to harbor hate and hostility. Pray for your own forgiveness for those you have sinned against. It has been scientifically proven through DNA testing that we all originally descend from one woman. Until 7000 years ago when people began to migrate North, we were all people of color according to genome studies. Because of the climate differences, pigmentation began to lighten in order to absorb the sun through the dense clouds and precipitation. Race and culture are man-made institutions. We have far more in common than that which has been designed politically to divide us. Trust in God’s mercy! Keep praying always…

GROWING IN FAITHFULNESS THROUGH PRAYER & PRAYER JOURNALING

I read on Facebook:

DO YOU PRAY?

I love this interpretation of Prayer. What is Prayer? Prayer doesn’t only happen when we kneel or put our hands together and focus and expect things from God. Thinking positive and wishing good for others is a prayer. When you hug a friend. That’s a prayer. When you cook something to nourish family and friends. That’s a prayer. When we send off our near and dear ones and say, ‘drive safely’ or ‘be safe’. That’s a prayer. When you’re helping someone in need by giving your time and energy. That’s a prayer. When you forgive someone, that is a prayer. Prayer is a vibration. A feeling. A thought. Prayer is the voice of love, friendship, genuine relationships. Prayer is an expression of the silent being. Keep praying always…

I think this is a brilliant reminder that prayer is so much more than a solemn request for help, an expression of thanksgiving, or an expression of praise to the Lord. We are called to honor the Lord through our actions as well.

In Greek, the word “pistos” means to be faithful, trusted, reliable, believing; to be always counted on; of a firm persuasion.

There are many synonyms for faithfulness: adherence, constancy, allegiance, dependability, fealty, duty, fidelity, loyalty, adhesion, piety, ardor, trustworthiness, truth, attachment, care, steadfastness, devotion, tried, reliable, unwavering, resolute, honest, punctual, and steady.

To be faithful is to put your faith into action

Your faith in God is the foundation of your beliefs.  Faith is an ardent belief in God and the assurance that the Lord is working in our lives, even though we have no visible proof that God truly exists.  Through our belief system, we worship Him, we praise Him, and we give Him thanks for all the blessings He has bestowed upon us.  It is through our faith that we believe that all things are possible with God.  When we live in faithfulness to our family, friends, and fellow man, that is an extension of our faithfulness to God.

Colossians 3:23-24

“Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being.  Do it for the Lord rather than for men, since you know full well you will receive an inheritance from Him as your reward.  Be slaves of Christ the Lord.”

Romans 2:6

God “will repay every man for what he has done.”

Galatians 6:9

“Let us not grow weary of doing good; if we do not relax our efforts, in due time we shall reap our harvest.”

ACTION STEPS:

  • PUT TOGETHER A PRAYER JOURNAL

Our relationship with God should not become unnecessarily complicated.  As we journal our prayers and grow in intimacy with God, we can voice our needs and wants freely and openly.  As we become aware that our prayers have been answered, we can record praise and thanks to the Lord. As we read back over our journal, we can see how God is actively working in our lives without us “seeing” His presence in our lives which is the basis of our faith.  We grow in faith and confidence that God is always listening to our prayers.

  • FOCUS ON A SAINT’S LIFE AS INSPIRATION BEFORE YOU BEGIN WRITING YOUR PRAYER JOURNAL
  • FIND A BLANK JOURNAL OR NOTEBOOK TO BEGIN YOUR JOURNEY

Write a letter to yourself on the 1st page explaining why you are embarking on this prayer journal journey.  At the end of each month, reflect on your spiritual growth and progress.  Create an ongoing prayer list whereby you continually pray for the needs of others.  You can be as creative as you want to be and personalize it in your own special way.  God created the world in a glorious multitude of colors with spectacular images so it is only proper that we praise Him in as creative fashion as we are capable of to celebrate His glory.

WHAT IS YOUR CODE OF ETHICS?

WHAT IS ESSENTIAL TO YOUR BEING FOR YOUR CONSCIENCE TO BE CLEAR AND YOUR HEART TO FEEL FREE TO LOVE?

We all need a code of ethics to act as a compass to guide us through everyday life. We are given free will to choose our own path, to choose right from wrong. It is when we choose right over wrong that we achieve good things in our lives and our lives go well. God has a plan for each of our lives, and when we choose to follow His plan for our lives, right over wrong, our lives work out as they were meant to work out. However, we have much hardship, sorrow, and pain in our lives when we do not follow the path God has planned for our lives.

WHAT DO YOU CARE MOST ABOUT?

I personally care most about my Mother and my family. They are the VIPs in this world in my view. My dog, Bella, fell into this category too because we are the stewards of our pets. They become our family and are dependent upon us for everything they need for their care. God is also paramount in my life. Prayer is part of my daily life, not only the recitation of prayer but also by doing random good deeds for others and spreading joy wherever possible.

WHAT HAVE YOU INVESTED THE MOST TIME, ENERGY, AND EMOTION IN?

Beyond my family, I have invested the most time, energy, and emotion in my volunteer work. I believe that volunteerism in our community is extremely important and that more people should become invested in volunteerism. When you give your time, energy, and emotion to something that strikes a chord with your code of ethics, your guiding principles, you receive so much personal satisfaction in return.

WHAT GIVES MEANING TO YOUR LIFE?

For me personally, it is my faith that gives meaning to my life. I pray for people who do not have faith and choose evil over good. No single race of people throughout history has had a monopoly on pain and suffering. All of mankind, at one point in time or another, has been persecuted for a political or religious belief as well as the color of their skin. There has been so much evil throughout history and is among us today. I pray for protection of the faithful and urge the faithful to pray their rosary daily as our Lady of Fatima has instructed us to do through little Jacinta. According to Saint Jacinta Marto, “If man only knew what eternity is, they would do everything in their power to change their lives.”

WHAT GIVES YOU DIRECTION AND PURPOSE?

My faith and my sense of duty give my life direction and purpose. I am secure in my beliefs and am not shaken by naysayers. I have an honest, straight-forward approach to all aspects of life. If I realize I am in the wrong, I am quick to make it right and apologize for my actions. Never do I try to cover up a wrong doing… I own it, make it right, and make my apologies where they are due. Why? It is the right thing to do. We all make mistakes, and do the wrong things for the right reasons, but that does not make them right. Then, pray for forgiveness. Be the best version of yourself at all times! ####

I Know What it Means to Live in New Orleans and Love It

… this mysterious and curious place along the Mighty Mississippi River, which drew us all here.

When I read the stories I reposted by Our French Oasis, I saw in them the roots of New Orleans culture.  Couple that with Spanish culture and Afro-Caribbean culture, and you have the foundation of our Creole heritage.  Later came Cajun, American, Italian, German, Irish, Jewish, Latino, and other influences.  I do not think others realize it but French, Spanish, and Afro-Carribean languages were spoken here long before English was our native tongue.  English was made the official language after the Americans made the Louisiana Purchase in 1803.#cafedumonde

Peoples of African ancestry have made the most profound and lasting influences on our culture.  Initially brought to Louisiana as slaves, there were also Free People of Color of mixed ancestry, known today as Creoles.  Although slavery is a hot button political issue today, it was the foundation for the economic engine that ran our state in the beginning of our existence. They gave their lives for the place we call home.  The women who worked in the plantation homes had a greater influence on the residents of those homes because they reared the children and cooked the meals, much like housekeepers throughout the ages.  These women introduced ingredients from Africa and African dishes to our tables while using native ingredients as well.  Our music was born out of the pain of these people.  Worship is elevated to another level with this music.  Many of the glorious structures around us were built by slaves and their descendants.  Most of the masters of the trades were once of African descent.  Folks would have to move around with blinders on not to see all of the Afro-Carribean influences on the development of New Orleans… this mysterious and curious place along the Mighty Mississippi River, which drew us all here.

Before we were all drawn here, this area was inhabited by Native Americans.   The Mardi Gras Indians were born out of the inter-relationship of these natives and the slaves.  The costumes of the Mardi Gras Indians take a year and many beaders to construct.  Each year these costumes have a different theme and are expertly designed.  They embody the profound and lasting influences people of Native American as well as African ancestry still have on New Orleans today.

#mardigrasworld