The Fall of the Dark Period... A Rise of the Renaissance

(Courtesy: Wikimedia - The Roma Gianicolo Tempietto de Bramante)

Hello,

Florence, Italy, also known as "Firenze" to the Italian folk was known quite well as the birthplace of the Renaissance period. Scholars were given new text and new plans were drawn up for new architecture in the land. There wasn't much of a feudal system but merchants reigned supreme.

(Courtesy: Wikipedia - Lorenzo de ' Medici)

Let's take Lorenzo de'Medici for example. He's credited with restoring the fragile peace of the nations in the Italian Republic. He was also apart of the mature phase of the Golden Age of Florence. Not to mention, he was extremely rich, with over 125,000 florin to his name. However, his fortune plummeted to 58,000 because he was better suited as the politician over the banker. Yet he is credited as face of the maturation of the Italian Renaissance. It was certainly a renaissance for Italy with him around.

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Now, we all have periods where we are just questioning and doubting ourselves. Take Thomas for example, he was called doubting Thomas because he did not believe that Jesus Christ was alive and well. It was said in John 20:25 - "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe."

John 20:26-28 writes: "A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe." Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!""

Doubting Thomas had a renaissance, he believed because he had touched the hand of the crucified lord himself.

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Baseball players can have a down year one year and then a great year the next. Take Nelson Cruz for example. Last year, he was slammed for the biogenesis scandal, despite which, he still hit 26 home runs in 72 games and was on pace for about 41-49. Next thing you know, he's suspended for 50 games and pretty much the rest of the season.

No team wanted to go near him except the Baltimore Orioles who came a-callin' saying "Hey Cruz, c'mon over."

This year, he hit .271 with 40 home runs and 108 knocked in. He's also cleaned himself up mightily after his long suspension and has helped the team to the Eastern Division Championship.

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Celebrities see the resurgence if they have a bomb at the box office. They may come out with even better movie that gives them a lot of money. It's also revitalized their careers. Take Betty White for example. She went into sort of a "silent period" before that Super Bowl commercial came out. She's experienced quite the renaissance of her career well into her 90s.

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From 2008-2013, I called it the dark period... a lot of things didn't go correct and I was still having trouble even picturing my future it was that dark. Also I was incredibly angry with the lack of support I was getting for the pursuit of my dreams.

A renaissance year can happen in so many ways, take me for example. In August 2013, My slump was continuing... My work was being overshadowed by so many things that happened over the time period, not to mention the fact that I was still seething at a job that gave me no respect even though I busted my tail. I did get a promotion, but I was still incensed that something was wrong.

(Cue Holst's Jupiter: Bringer of Jollity) 

But then in August of 2013, the Rise of the Renaissance began. I was singing a lot better in choir, have a new girlfriend (who I am getting married to now. :)), began to be brash and berating my co-workers for continued failures and laziness, went to more classes, got more involved with church, and the period was just beginning.

The renaissance for me seems to be still going on. I also remember coming full circle with Joanna's family. Just the fact that I was around with all the periods that Nansy was around, that was great. Renaissance over right? Wrong. It only continued after I got a new car, blasted through my 5-year checks, found my purpose in life, and got a new job.

The renaissance of Joshua was coming full circle and it wasn't over yet as I took to Ocean City, New Jersey and had myself a grand time with her family and friends.

And life couldn't be any better as I proposed marriage to Joanna and she happily accepted after the "WAIT A MINUTE, DID YOU ASK MY FATHER FIRST!?"

Yep, November 7, 2015... Get ready for "THE EVENT"

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Speaking of: Looks like things are finally in full swing with "The Event", the parents are on board and they still got to meet. Once we get things together, we're good to go.

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You know, come to think of it, people are going to start thinking I am a philosopher with that title.

Don't judge a book by it's title or cover. Just because the title looks bad or the cover's ugly, doesn't mean it won't be a great book.

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To me, the Dark Period is coming to an end and the Renaissance period has begun and may it continue. 

~ Joshua