Honoring the memory of those that came before us (UBWPS)

By "The Black Lion" Ultimate Lutalo

Growing up, my first her and the major influence in my life was my dad. My father was strong and silent, but full of life experience and wisdom. I was his youngest, as well as the fact he had me " much later in life" so I got so soak up so much history, lessons and knowledge. My dad was very straight laced and old fashioned, but surprisingly he was very open mined and understanding too, not rigid. Growing up a athlete, being a combat veteran and many other things, he had seen the world and did so much. His stories and struggles he overcame always served as a motivation to me. Anytime I faced challenges or felt like I was in a no win situation, I would think of the stories he used to tell me of his life. I would always say to myself, " if my dad could overcome struggles such as the ones he faced, then my struggles are small in comparison." This led to me being someone who thrived in adversity. The bigger the challenge I faced, the harder I would fight and the more motivated I would be to succeed.

From my own studies into spirituality, I gained a deep understanding of how important it is to honor the memory of those that came before you. From you ancestors and predecessors of your lineage and bloodline all the way down to your current generation. Keep their memory in your hear and mind. Do great works in their memory. Those that came before you, live on through you, so we must do them and our family lineages justice by being the best we can be as well an honoring them.

For my father, I strive to make some form of tribute to him. In the anniversary of his birthday I make it a point to visit him at the veterans memorial where he was laid to rest, and then pack my rucksack down heavy and go on a long hike on the trail in his memory. As I shoulder the load, I will think about all of the war stories he used to tell me and about all of the various skills and knowledge he used to impart to me about manhood, warriorhood and simply surviving. Any traits or anything positive anyone sees in me or my teachings come directly from the foundation of the knowledge he put within me. So through that, he lives on through me and my works, and all credit for what I do is owed to him, not me.

Honor your ancestors and those that came before you. do great works in their name and your name to bring pride and honor. The physical body is just one form and level of existence. The body dies and returns to the earth from which it came, ashes to ashes, dust to dust, but the spirit and spiritual energy never die.

Improvise, survive and thrive

Walk in peace, but be prepared for battle !