I thought my period of mourning was over.

[Sannum]

Until I was listening to my ipod and ""Beautiful Day" followed by "No Surrender" came on. Now I am a basketcase again:(

[umtalal]

1. I hear ya. I can't stop the pain. I really can't Hate, hate, hate this n/t

[Maat]

2. Oh, you poor thing!

If I heard 'No Surrender,' I'd be balling like a baby.

I'm not sure why the Great Spirit (or Great Spirits, if you prefer) is asking us to go through these most horrible times.

[knight_of_the_star]

4. I think of it this way

Iron that is passed through the fires of the forge that is not then beaten by the hammer upon the anvil will not be able to withstand the rigors of battle.

Pottery that is not fired in the kiln will return to being clay when put in water.

Glass does not become glass unless it is subjected to great heat.

A diamond is only a lump of coal without time, heat, and pressure.

Phoenix must destroy himself completely before he can arise from the ashes, but when he does he does so in greater splendor than before.

It is not in times of peace and tranquility that the true measure of a person can be shown. The true measure of a person is shown in times of struggle and sacrifice, for the true character of an individual is shown by what they are willing to put on the line and why. Heroes emerge in times of great sacrifice, not in times of plenty.

We are approaching an age that will be soon known for great heroes. The battle is lost, but the war has just begun. All looks bleak, yet in the growing darkness I fear no enemy, for the light does not lie on some distant horizon teasing me with its promise of far-off hope. No, the light is inside me, and I will let it pour forth and drive back the darkness from whence it came.

Do not lose hope, for though all seems lost, without hope all will be lost.

[WildEyedLiberal]

5. That's the most inspirational thing I've read all day.

Thank you so much for that.

I too feel like we are in a period of strange, unnatural calm... a calm before the storm, the "long deep breath before the plunge," as Gandalf said (yes I'm an LOTR geek). And when the war begins, I want to be ready to do my part, to help drive this darkness from the land.

Heroes are forged in the fires of trial and suffering, and I am ready to pay any price, bear any burden, to end this reign of terror, because it must be done. It is my duty.

I actually listen to Springsteen and U2 for inspiration. Yes, it is bittersweet and more often than not chokes me up, but I must remind myself of what we have lost, and what is worth the fighting for. The words "no retreat, no surrender" now have an even greater significance for me. Though the battle is lost, now more than ever do we need that message. No surrender.

[knight_of_the_star]

6. Thank you

I'm personally more partial to ACDC, Metallica, and Black Sabbath, but that's just me. "For Those About to Rock" does me good, makes me think of what I'm going to do to those people.

[umtalal]

7. NO SURRENDER AND THANKS TO ALL OF YOU MY FRIENDS.

[slay]

3. I've found a good temporary fix to be

Elephunk by Black Eyed Peas. Hands Up, Let's Get Retarded, etc. That album makes me remember what we are fighting for. Freedom, love, friendship, and having a good time! :smoke: :)