 The
night after I returned home from my first tour, an unusual messenger
visited me appearing in his spirit. He spoke to me using a language
that I recognized as Lakota Sioux, my Native tongue. Although I had
not used this language as a child I had heard it spoken before. Other
than a couple of derogatory words I remembered often being used at
the Indian schools by the students, I would not have been able to
understand this language if it were spoken to me under any other circumstance.
We had not been allowed to speak in our native tongue, and my family,
being half white, did not practice the language at home. It was clear
to me that I was intended to understand the message I was given; as
the messenger spoke it in spirit, and I understood him completely.
"Betty, you are in your awakening," he said. I couldn't see his face
or his body, but his presence was one of great strength. He represented
himself as a Native American. I felt that he was somehow a part of
me or perhaps of my purpose; the nature of the connection wasn't clear,
but the power of the bond between us was.
"And, as a part of your awakening, and your protection," he continued,
"you will need to wear your Native dress." This was said to me as
though I owned and was accustomed to wearing such clothing. I responded
that I didn't own anything like that, and I didn't know where to get
a dress, thinking too that I'd be the last person to wear it if I
did. I had not been involved in my Native culture, and would have
a hard time explaining my sudden change of heart. I wanted to argue
these points, but the messenger was gone as quickly as he had arrived.
My book was selling rapidly, and I felt a responsibility to it. The
message I was given to share in Embraced was as sacred as it was urgent
to me. It was important that I avoided doing or saying anything that
could be used to discredit that message--which is what I thought critics
and nay-sayers would try to do if I started to wear a Native dress.
I immediately prayed about it, and prayed again, because this was
something that I was reluctant to involve myself with. I received
no direct answer back, but I didn't expect one; I had come to realize
that God would give me all I needed when it was time, and I had to
trust that. Now I simply needed to do my part: to walk by faith. Without
mentioning this to anyone for fear of their thoughts on the subject,
I waited until the Lord sent me further guidance. |
|
With Chief Arvol Looking
Horse
Anchorage Alaska, September 2001 |
