Activity
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James/Maintain4life shared a letter in the
Surviving Addiction group 7 months, 2 weeks agoThis post is viewable by the Unsealed community only.
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singershayvogler submitted a contest entry to
Write a letter to your younger self about a. challenge you faced as a child but have since overcome 7 months, 2 weeks agoTrust Is Hard To Trust
Shay VoglerImagine this…You are a newly married couple and are told “You can’t have children. Everything we have tried has failed. There is one more option.” The young couple chooses the last option and it is adoption. They foster to adopt several children before being told in December of 1997, “There is a 4 day old baby that needs you.” They foster this baby and then, about a year later, are told “Hey, that baby has 2 older sisters you are bringing home too.”
Now imagine this. you are a 2 year old child who has endured more than a 2 year old should and you don’t trust anyone or anything.
That was me. It took me a very long time to earn my foster mom’s trust because of the physical and mental abuse and neglect I sustained before being removed from the home. I am so glad I earned my foster mom’s trust because she and her husband went on to become our adoptive parents and this past September, we celebrated 25 years of our adoption. Two of us kids have families of our own and me…well, let’s just say I am taking my time and spending as much time as I can with my parents. Just remember, trust is hard to earn, easy to lose, and easy to love.Voting is closed
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I am so glad you opened your heart and had a wonderful experience with your adoptive parents. What a beautiful story. Thank you for sharing. <3 Lauren
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Shay, it hurts my heart that you had such a challenging childhood. I am so glad that your wonderful adoptive parents brought you into their home and gave you the kind of life you deserve. You are so right that it takes a lot of work to build trust, especially when you’ve been hurt in the past. Thank you for sharing your experience!
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Darnel LaFrance shared a letter in the
Mental Health group 7 months, 2 weeks agoThis post is viewable by the Unsealed community only.
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freeindeed-biblegmail-com submitted a contest entry to
Write a letter to your younger self about a. challenge you faced as a child but have since overcome 7 months, 2 weeks agoI'm sorry, I can't - Because it hurts too much...
Timbonics' WillistrationsDear little me, I’m sorry I hurt you.
But I don’t wish to take it back-
Because God likes taking trash, and recycle/reform…
He Loves you more than ever. I do though wish
I could have told you that-
While you were still…A fine strapping-young lad!
You know what they say, A chip off the ol’ block…
You had no regrets…without even a pair of socks!
You were so happy! Please forgive me,
I’m 45 yrs. old now-but you’re still crying inside of me…
it’s kind of embarrassing sometimes young Timothy.
But it’s also ok, Because you’re facing all this
stuffed down in your past-where high enough couldn’t exist…
You know you can come out of the waiting room now young man.You now have gone, from beer, TV, and the old lady,
To Beautiful wine, woman, and song-Even though it’s really just grape juice…
On high demand at her command!
It’s ok, I got to get back to work-I’ll speak more when I’m done.
But yet till…Thank you for forgiving me…That’s your Super Powers!
And it’s all A-ok, Please believe me-that Super Power is in you!
You wouldn’t want doubt to steal it away from you, would you?
No way! for you’ve finally found your Savior, Shepherd, and King…
Jesus Christ the Holy Righteous One-never let your bad go to far,
in anything.Do wish though-I could of told you then,
But you know man…I knew not then myself.Love-your wife and kids’ hero.
*The glory of children are their fathers*
*And a Virtuous wife is the crown to her husband*
…Holy BibleVoting is closed
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Aww Tim, I know you have been through so much. I know the younger you would be so proud and amazed by the man you’ve become. You are now able to live life in a way that all those around you can see what a beautiful heart you have and have always had. Thank you for sharing and thank you for being such a wonderful part of The Unsealed. <# Lauren
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Miss Lauren,
Your comments and replies are always so very inspiring and encouraging! You have such a gift as to be the great motivator you are. God bless you so very much and it is such a privilege and honor to be a part of something that you started to help others…
You’re truly an amazing woman!…read more
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Benjamin Fuller shared a letter in the
Current Events group 7 months, 3 weeks agoState Of Our Union
Donald M. ClydeLately it’s like everything in government is abortion, extortion, and distracting the masses, while the leaders take a portion of the proceeds they send overseas. Doing whatever they please, while ignoring those on our own shores who have needs. There’s nothing I abhor more than to watch our nation bleed, as our leaders continue to bite the hand that feeds… No taxation without representation. A term which should be so ingrained in us, it shouldn’t need explanation. Our forefathers found the only solution, was to rise up in revolution. They made their declaration known, and fought to create this once great nation. Yet here we are today dealing with inflation, moral deprivation, an over run border, and everything we were founded upon in disorder…
The heart is wicked and full of deceit. For a moment of comfort during distress, we’ll lay our rights at another man’s feet. Selfish, self-centered, self-righteous beings who are lovers of themselves… it’s funny how quickly others we’ll forsake. To take all that they have to take. Until the will of that person finally breaks… Even an honest and pure man given power, can have these thoughts start to bloom until they flower. One will seek to further his control over his brother’s soul. Even if they’re from the same mother, and their corpses both lie in the same hole. For pride is their father. And to truly care for another, to them, is really quite a bother. They only seek to further their own gain. Meanwhile doing whatever they need to do to keep hold of the reigns. No matter the sorrows nor the pains. They care not as long as they still carry their title tomorrow…
The whole situation leaves me grieved. To see that our streets aren’t the only places flooded with thieves. As a kid I never would’ve believed that we’d be in the state that we’re at. It’s as if we’re divided more than ever, over everything, especially between republican or democrat. Has this thought ever occurred to anyone else? That maybe, just maybe, the left wing and right wing belong to the same bird? That maybe we’re just pawns in their game? I’m not the type to be given to conspiracy, but it’s like slowly we’re slipping back into a state of tyranny. Where are the ones who care about the common man’s well-being and security? Instead our leaders create bills with their agendas written in obscurity. Where are the ones who walk upright, and in purity?
I’ve witnessed first hand with my own eyes
just how our government and media lies.
Feeding us bits and pieces of truth and misinformation, leaving us to have to follow the clues…
I still remember a Russian man telling me “if you want to know what’s going on in your own country, watch foreign news.”
Or going to a far less wealthy country, and found it quite bizarre to see their currency was worth more than ours…
I’m not saying that I’ve seen the writing on the wall…
But I fear if things don’t change soon, our once great nation will fall -
Shay Vogler shared a letter in the
Health, Wellness and Chronic Conditions group 7 months, 3 weeks agoLife As A Spoonie
Shay VoglerDearest Readers,
When was the last time you were told “this is what’s wrong with you” and you believed it? For me? I have yet to believe what doctors tell me. Ever since I can remember it has always been “Oh, this is what is wrong.” or “you’ve been walking on a broken ankle for a week.” I am almost always misdiagnosed or told “it’s nothing. Don’t worry about it.” I was born 3 months early with a hole in my heart, a heart murmur and severe lung issues. 3 months later, I contract viral meningitis and the child abuse begins shortly after. I was adopted and raised on a farm, but oractically lived in hospitals and doctor offices. I have 4 different types of migraines that took several years to diagnose because “You don’t have the typical symptoms so it can’t be that.” I was misdiagnosed with POTS disease when in fact, it is a congenital heart defect. I also have brittle bones, an undiagnosed hypermobility disorder, osteoarthritis, Hashimoto’s disease, healed skull fractures from the child abuse, scarring on my brain from the meningitis and a benign brain tumor that no doctor will touch because “it is in a vital area, but it’s not causing any symptoms.”
The moral of this story is, do not ever accept a diagnosis first thing. If your gut is telling you “something is wrong.” please get a second, third and fourth opinoion. It may just save your life! -
James (Jim) Kellogg shared a letter in the
Poetry group 7 months, 4 weeks agoi am released from the shark tank
James KelloggHard and painful work have brought me to this point in time — of my journey. Thank you to those who have loved me into being.
i am released from the shark tank
By: Jim Kellogg
(The Queer Poet)
10-21-24last night
i put down
the stuff –
the weight on my shoulders –
following a short respite
i will try my best
to leave it there
it…
a story of many twisted chapters
a warning to the masses
a memorial to a highjacked past
i am walking again
the uncertain path
the mysterious path
the exquisite path
one step in front of the other
i am certain to
once again
stumble
fall
rest
regenerate
but for now
i am reclaiming
my emancipation
from the imaginary chains
of your twisted and demented desires
i have removed my portrait
from the landscapes
of our shared story
i will tuck it away
to keep it safe
to keep it free
the past was stolen by you
the future is mine
the remanence
of your insane acts
for now
will no longer live in my head
i have survived
i have told the story
i have been believed
the raindrops of my soul
water the flowers of a fresh spring
a growing season
an awakening
a thrust forward
i am released from the shark cage -
shianajasmine submitted a contest entry to
Write a letter or poem of gratitude to yourself 8 months agoThis post is viewable by the Unsealed community only.
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shianajasmine submitted a contest entry to
Write a letter to your younger self about a. challenge you faced as a child but have since overcome 8 months agoThis post is viewable by the Unsealed community only.
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James (Jim) Kellogg shared a letter in the
Mental Health group 8 months agoGET OUT OF MY HEAD!
James Kelloggget out of my head
By: Jim Kellogg
(The Queer Poet)
10-19-24tears…
raindrops of my soul
offer silent words
words of…
pain
misery
GET OUT OF MY HEAD!thoughts…
turning gears
of you
a weight on my shoulders
of me
trapped in the shark cage
GET OUT OF MY HEAD!why can’t i be alone in my thoughts
why do you always have to invade them
i’ve peeled back the layers
the stench of you
left behind
makes me shed tears
an endless springi no longer wish
to be a kettle boiling over
i wish
for comfort and peace
to allow little boy blue
to rest
at ease with his… my… thoughtsin your countless acts of rape
you tried to take away my identity
you created an imbalance of power
you bound up my dreams
you held a gun to my head
who would have believed me
who will believe methey said they were sorry
sorry for what happened
they don’t need to be sorry
you need to wipe-away
the cloudy skies
bring my darkness
into the lightbut…
you don’t have the guts
you don’t have the capacity
you wallow in your own confusion
…your own sense of misguided despair
be a man (whatever that means)
stand-up for what you have doneGET OUT OF MY HEAD!
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jamesrkellogg submitted a contest entry to
Write a letter or poem of gratitude to yourself 8 months agodearest me
James Kelloggdearest me
By: Jim Kellogg
(The Queer Poet)
10-17-24dearest me
thank you for…
showing me compassion and clarity
the gifts of understanding and patience
aiding me to uncover
the dirty little secrets
assisting me to repair the anguish
(defying language and raising philosophical questions)
showing kindly regard to my little boy blue –
my damaged and bewildered little soul –
helping me to move on byyour generosity of unconditional love –
a bottomless well –
has moved me to hug
the willow branches of sorrow
has empowered me to express
pride in holding my head up high
has given me bravery to stand-up
to be heard
to be counted
to be understoodbecause of you and
your captivating power
i have pulled the sharp and jagged knife
from my hemorrhaging heart
i have extinguished the blazing fire
ending the seemingly terminal pain of…
humiliating shame and
prosecuted guilt
i have reclaimed my glorious worth
gracefully facing the storms of lifewith love,
meVoting is closed
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James! This is absolutely amazing! What a beautifully written piece, so vividly describing how you have strongly and bravely faced life’s adversities. It is personal but also relatable. I truly love it. Thank you for sharing and thank you for being part of our Unsealed family. <3 Lauren
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James (Jim) Kellogg shared a letter in the
Mental Health group 8 months agocrossroads
James Kelloggcrossroads
By: Jim Kellogg
(The Queer Poet)
10-15-24love is just one loop
in the emotional
and mental tapestry
that makes up
a romantic connection –
intimacy
passion
commitment –let us not forget eros
love and desire
the opposite of cupid
arousal
getting turned on
an overpowering craving
safety
and vulnerabilitysex is…
hunger
energy
excitement
openness
transparency
a way of giving love
pleasure trumping performancegrowing apart
responsibilities
and commitments
yanking in opposite directions
drifting
juggling
obligations
timein conflict
turmoil
unrelenting
a few minutes
not enough
stuck with the unresolved
unfinished business
seeking permission to grievesaying goodbye
looking for courage
to end it
to savor it — what was
looking forward
phases
changes
a rich and varied crossroads -
otherlover submitted a contest entry to
Write a letter to your younger self about a. challenge you faced as a child but have since overcome 8 months agoThis post is viewable by the Unsealed community only.
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Rachel Milligan shared a letter in the
Poetry group 8 months agoSmile
Rachel MilliganRemember to keep smiling
Keep smiling even when you don’t want to
When the world won’t stop spinning till you can’t breathe
When everything is fighting againist you
When the tide is pulling you down
When you can’t see the life cycle your in
Remember to keep going everyday
Chasing the simplest things
The sunsets keeping you moving
The way a stranger will compliment you today
The new friends you will make
The new memories you will create
The way someone will laugh around you
The moon shining bright
The way someone will treat you right
The deer that you saw on the way home
The way your dog licked you this morning
Snuggling up against you
The way they look at you
Loving every part of you
Keep smiling like there is no tomorrow
Keep smiling to make someone else’s day
The way you inspire the people around you
The way you lift someone’s spirt
Be someone’s whole world
Be the light in someone’s darkness
Remember to continue being you no matter what-
Beautifully said and received Rachel. I genuinely FELT this. Choosing to Be The Light is challenging because there are moments where I want to step away from that in which I create my own anguish and exhaustion from, but I also know of the consequences in making such a decision; I become a being fueled by affliction rather than Love. And that’s…read more
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remcreatives submitted a contest entry to
Write a poem (or letter) about a turning point in your life 8 months agoBirds Aligning
Rachel MilliganDear Monday the 14th, 2024
The moment you figured out you were happy
The moment you have peace in your life
The moment you have been dreaming and waiting for
The days leading up to that, finally paying off
The medicine finally working
Means looking forward to the future
Knowing everything will be okay
Seeing the stars align for me
Getting excited about life again
Feeling the joy in the world
Wanting to be alive again
Trying to extend the moment as long as I can
Trying to not to blink
Only going up from here
Finding the strength within myself
Fighting everyday for happiness
No one or nothing taking away your smile
Becoming nothing but yourselfVoting is closed
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Rachel, I love the positivity and hopefulness in this poem! It is so wonderful when everything aligns for us after a period of chaos or unhappiness. We all have to find an inner strength to guide us to this ultimate goal and then we have to fight to stay there. Thank you for sharing this positive outlook. I really needed it today!
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I am so glad you are feeling better, and happy and hopeful. You deserve all the joy in the world. Thank you for sharing, and thank you for bringing all your kindness to The Unsealed. <3 Lauren
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freeindeed-biblegmail-com submitted a contest entry to
Write a poem (or letter) about a turning point in your life 8 months agoRerouted attitude from a friendly paragraph...
Timbonics' 101In a sober group on Facebook-
My friend Lynn had to say,
From a good report God gave…
“The Lord closed your last chapter,
He knew you deserved a better life.
Things happen for a good reason,
Never look back at that chapter,
It’s closed and should always remain closed.
Keep moving forward.
Your future will be fantastic!!!
God Bless”
Again this makes me cry inside,
Knowing people cared,
When all’s I did was hide.
But she’s right and I believe in her-
Words of wisdom for sure do merge…
My direction too where I’m going,
So much love from and for others-
God is surely showing!
My past is gone and the door is closed,
And thanks to her I’ll open it no more!
Creative excitement doing the right thing..
And the only indictment is to live great dreams!
Of course the good Lord is making life better-
For He cut the cords of my chains and feathers!
God gave so much in Bible, Church, and Prayer-
And His great recovery with you I will share!
A wife, a family, and a living society
God had all along, because He always loved me!
Jesus is the door of life and faith He gave is key!
For life is so beautiful, and almost too good to believe!
Therapy even to the young child within,
This mortal body who thought he’d never win!
But He’s made me a winner, and He’s made me free…
Breakfast at his table, lunch, and dinner He feeds!
He lets me go about and do good works…
Sharing with others that have doubt because of pain and hurt!
I get to go to jail and walk right back out,
Telling them of the God who cannot fail, so they can find His route!
I get to go to juvenile and teach them teens how-
To live this life before death bites, and they can see no way around!
Around the Bends that life throws at them-
They can walk straight through- on the path that mends…
Mercy and Truth leading all the straight way,
By God and for you-to see the light of day!
The same Light that guides, leading freedom-forgiving hearts…
To walk right alongside of great living and new starts!!!
… Friends and brethren, mothers, and fathers-and yes of course sisters too…
Go with the light of the right examples…
That God has shown them the way through!
And Yes, God- is Always with you!!!Voting is closed
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I love the positivity in this poem! You are so right that God is always with us, even when we feel less-than-deserving of his love. There are times in my life when I feel hopeless, but when I give it to God everything seems lighter. God’s love is truly the answer to all our problems. Thank you for sharing…I needed to read this today!
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Thank you Emmy so much 🌹 I promise all of you beautiful people make me cry all the time because of your appreciation. Happy tears sad tears confused tears sympathetic tears etc but they’re all true tears. My dad used to say tears wash the windows of the soul, I suppose he may have been right. So Emmy thank you for helping me clean my soul it…read more
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otherlover submitted a contest entry to
Write a letter or poem of gratitude to yourself 8 months agoThis post is viewable by the Unsealed community only.
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Sarel Hines shared a letter in the
Race and Diversity group 8 months agoCage of Life Where Our Lives Matter
S. B. HinesCaged
The Ancestral Forge
In the crucible of history, our ancestors toiled, their sweat and blood melding the earth, forging a land where dreams and nightmares entwined, where freedom’s fire flickered, yet shadows loomed.
They built with hands scarred by the lash, their backs bent under the weight of injustice, yet their spirits soared, defiant and unyielding, for they knew the cost of silence was too high.
Echoes of Chains
Generations passed, but the chains remained, not of iron, but of prejudice and fear, The legacy of bondage etched into our souls, as we tread the same soil our forebears bled upon.
“N***,” they spat, a venomous echo, A word that seared like branding irons, yet we rose, our voices a chorus of defiance, Demanding recognition, dignity, and change.
The Battle Within
We fight not with muskets or bayonets, but with words, with ballots, with resilience, our bodies still battlegrounds, bullets flying, silenced for speaking truth to power.
False accusations pierce our hearts, yet we stand, unyielding, unbroken, for survival is our birthright, our legacy, and we will not be erased.
Tears of the mothers
Mothers weep for sons lost to the void, Black holes masquerading as protectors, their uniforms stained with our blood, their oaths forgotten in the heat of hatred.
When will it end? When freedom’s song Rings louder than the gunfire, the sirens, when we pledge allegiance not to cloth and color, But to justice, compassion, and shared humanity.
The Fifth Amendment’s Whisper
Our minds, forever pleading the Fifth, Silent witnesses to centuries of struggle, yet within that silence lies our strength, The power to reshape the narrative, to break free.
So let us write a new chapter, inked in hope, where cages crumble, and freedom soars, Where the echoes of our ancestors guide us, And the scars become constellations of resilience. -
londonpoetenane submitted a contest entry to
Write a poem (or letter) about a turning point in your life 8 months, 1 weeks agoDEATH OF THE QUEEN, OFF WITH YOUR HEAD
London Poet EnaneThe pandemic hit
I quit
All went south
Forever broken, I frown
Should have believed her
Setting the featuresYour what drove her
I thought it was over
I gave up on trying
Day after day I lie here dying
This is my life
Just give me the knife
Trapped in a loup
Someone remove this Damn Hula HoopWe move and move and moved again
Oh God, please tell me when
Strapped
I find myself trapped
Her world stolen
Lifeless in motion
Ripped from the streets
I will not be beatI run and hide
This is no fun, she cried
Locked up
Corrupt
Confined
Is this what you had in mind
Stories over, the end
My life, where I shall spendNever getting out
My veins a drought
Sweet and naive
Kidnapped, I believe
What right do you have
Attacked
Soon you will feel the impactThis insane world
Flipped and swirled
Pinned down
Should have never moved to this Godforsaken TownMother
I will not suffer
I will not die here with you
I know the truth
Forgotten
We shall not be in here rotting
Left behind
This is not what I designed
Unfound
I will rise from underground
Not a sound
Silence
My guidance
A protector
I Am Now the DirectorI will scream and shout
Whale my hands and feet about
Bring the world down with me
Open your eyes you shall see
For you will pay too
Your time is due
I will show you well
Oh boy am I gonna tellWho knew
The me that was me
I will forever be
This clock has awakened
Tick Tock Taken
My innocence
I am Magnificent
I will not bow
This is not allowed
My future scene
For I am QueenVoting is closed
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London, I love this. Control is everything and when we lose it, it can be terrifying. I am glad that you regained the strength and control you felt was gone. I love that you said, “I Am Now The Director.” You have the power to achieve anything you put your mind to! You are confident and brave and you can do anything!!
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Thank you for your kindness and thoughtfulness! Much appreciated!
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I am glad you have risen and you see that you are Queen! Keep shining, London. <3 Lauren
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Thank you, will do! Only uphill battles left in my story!!
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Darnel LaFrance shared a letter in the
Poetry group 8 months, 1 weeks agoThis post is viewable by the Unsealed community only.
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