Proverbs31: #BULLYING

Proverbs31: #BULLYING: I debated on blogging on the issue of bullying, but it is unfortunately trending throughout the nation, our schools and local communities. W...

#BULLYING

I debated on blogging on the issue of bullying, but it is unfortunately trending throughout the nation, our schools and local communities. We hear of bullying often, but it hits home when it reaches your home. Kenzie has been dealing with bullying for a few months and we assumed it was "kids being kids," but over time it progressed severely and the aftermath of her mentally trying to filter and process the negativity overwhelmed her. Nobody desires or expects the call of your child being overwhelmed with grief and despair, but it happens. As a mother, I questioned my mothering skills and inability to see the weakness in a daughter who walks in such strength. How do you protect a child from the reality of the reality of not only her generation but the world collectively? How do you instruct a child to not return negativity to the culprit who disarms it without reproach? How can you explain to children that what they see adults play out on a national stage in the daily highlight reels of television, politics, news, in sports, etc... is unacceptable publicly although it is deemed acceptable socially... As I sat there in the residue of her pain, I consulted God for wisdom on how to assist her through this storm.  I share with you what I shared with Kenzie..."As long as you live, people will always seek wrong in you even when what you are doing is right. Always remember that you are fearfully and wonderfully made by God and hold on to the truth of who you are no matter how many lies they tell about you. Never apologize for being great. " Remind your children and all those in your sphere of influence to not internalize the jealousy of others and to always take the high road, no matter how lowdown they get. Remain blessed:))

#Chicago

It has been a long time since I've blogged, but I wanted to share a milestone of my 20 "Sweet" 16! Jason and I had the privilege of taking a road trip to see my brother and his family in July. The Bible reminds us in Proverbs 30:25 that the ant prepares for the winter in the summer. With that being said, we planned strategically on one income in advance with incorporating coupons for restaurants, we purchased our snacks at my favorite place in the world #Dollar Tree and we purchased gas using fuel points. Another traveling nugget we discovered was to bring coins for toll bridges and to get the free fuel point cards that gas stations in other states offer to new customers. In terms of traveling with money, we each carried a portion of cash and we only kept a small balance on our debit cards just in case heaven forbid we lost them or they were stolen. Upon our arrival into Chicago, we were engulfed with the dynamic melting pot of culture, food, and most importantly HISTORY! Our first day was spent touring the University of Chicago, famous architecture sites such as "Ebony" headquarters and an exhibit of the Great Migration of African-Americans from the South migrating to Chicago. I had a moment when I saw the Ebony building because my grandmother was a faithful subscriber and I grew up reading all of their issues. Such a special moment! The evening of our first day was spent on an architecture boat tour throughout the entire city where we had an architect retiree lecture us on every building on Lake Michigan. It was absolutely breathtaking and we were blessed to tour it for FREE! #Favor The next few days were spent attending the famous #TasteofChicago (taste-testing all of the local shops and restaurant foods) for very reasonable prices! My favorite foods were the #Giordano Pizza, jerk chicken and funnel cake. Delish! Throughout the week, we toured the exclusive malls and shops on Michigan Avenue and famous food places such as, Maxwell Street Polishes, Garrett's Popcorn and Harold's Fried Chicken. We also toured exclusive high risers and attended our very first #WhiteSox game! The people were very friendly and had a captivating contagious spirit for their love of Chicago. Having the privilege of staying in #HydePark  we were in walking distance to President and First Lady Obama's home as well as the homes of Muhammad Ali, Louis Farrakhan, and Roebuck (co-founder of Sears and Roebuck) who I also discovered was a Black man! We also saw Jennifer Hudson's home and Oprah's high rise building where she lived during her time in Chicago. We visited the beautiful famous landmark Navy Pier where my brother treated us to a two hour yacht tour and party on Lake Michigan that took us throughout the city at sunset! Our final days were spent eating and did I say eating...LOL and spending time with my sweet nephew Jameson and their neighbors who were also from the South. We ended the week in worship at New Life Covenant Church with Pastor John Hannah. I encourage you all to travel as your schedule permits and your finances allow. It was such an amazing trip and a lasting experience! To sum up my experience, Oprah Winfrey penned it best, "My first day in Chicago...I set foot in this city, and just walking down the street, it was like roots, like the motherland. I knew I belonged here."

" Love Letter to Paris"

2 Thessalonians 3:3, "But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one."

We are living in perilous times where the people's hearts towards God has shifted to despair and destruction. When acts of terror and everyday discretion towards humanity takes place, we ponder the question, "What would make a person do such a thing?" The lack of God on the inside shows the manifestation of Satan on the outside. In times such as these, it's quite easy to want to dismiss the destruction as a hopeless situation that we have no power to control or prevent in future occurrences, but let us hold fast to the Word of the Living God. God has and will always be faithful and the beauty in the ugliness of destruction is He will establish us and guard us even in the midst of trouble from the evil one. Although the events that have taken place locally and globally throughout the nations have been tragic and disheartening, there is still some GOD to be found in the BAD. Events such as Paris, gives us insight on how we can refortify our walls from the enemy, how to restrategize security measures and strengthen  high traffic locations of vulnerability throughout the nations. Many lives were sacrificed, but ultimately more lives will be saved from the ashes of this disheartening event. May our hearts be softened towards each other and ultimately towards humanity after the residue of this heartless event has ceased. Apostle Paul said it best, "Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ" (2 Thessalonians 3:5).

THANKS-GIVING

2 Corinthians 10:12, "For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise."

Blessings!! The holiday seasons are approaching us once again and the anxiety and pressure of trying to keep up with our perception of those who are ahead is contaminating our perspectives of what the season is truly all about. I challenge you in your thinking, spending habits and in your personal life to redefine what Thanksgiving means to you and how you display your personal beliefs to the world. In 2 Corinthians, the Apostle Paul challenges us to not class ourselves or compare ourselves with others because the aftermath leads to us not walking in wisdom. The danger in comparing your seed to someone else's harvest is you don't know if what you perceive as a harvest as being an actual harvest or the fruits of someone behind the scene labor. Everyone who appears to be rich are indeed not wealthy. A person who appreciates every blessing is indeed a wealthy individual. As Thanksgiving approaches, let us be mindful to not only be thankful, but to give liberally. A person who has an attitude of thankfulness often have giving at the core of their service. Re-establish tradition this year to ensure you are not only speaking thankfulness. but are living in a spirit of thanksgiving not just seasonally, but daily. As a child, we song a song in the youth choir called "Count your blessings." The lyrics stated, "Count your blessings, name them one by one, count your blessings to see what the Lord has done!" I admonish you to count your blessings on today, you too would be amazed to see what the Lord has done not only in you, but with you. Have a blessed harvest season and remember that God doesn't run low in resources, He has enough supplies available to fulfill each of our needs.

#Charleston

Psalm 122:1 "I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord."

From the age of 5 years old, going to worship in the House of The Lord has been one of my most sacred experiences. I found great joy on Saturday evenings getting my attire out for my grandmother to "press" for Sunday morning worship. The Church has historically been the hallmark not only for African-Americans, but for most Americans. The tragic events that transpired at Mother Emanuel in Charleston, SC, was the culmination of hatred and pure ignorance. With all that has happened, as followers in faith, let us not allow the act of one person to define our relationship with God. He is still all knowing and encompassing. He is not responsible for what happened, but He will hold those who did it accountable.  Stay grounded in your faith and in the author and finisher of your faith. 

"Pieces to Peace"

May 2015 has forever changed my perspective on life and living. I said farewell to my 20s without knowledge of knowing that I would not experience my 30's without the woman who I have loved with every fiber of my being my entire life-my GRAND-MOTHER Emma. The greatest gift I received on Mother's Day-30th birthday was her singing Happy Birthday to me. 3 days later I was left in pieces seeking peace. As you go through life, if you're not willing to grow through living it can be difficult to understand God's peace that surpasses all of your understanding. I've learned through this season, that nobody is immuned to pain and suffering and weeping may only endure for a night-God has ordained joy for every person who loves Him. No matter what you've experienced in this season of your life know that your best days are your ahead days. Go in peace and grow through the pieces!