Very Blue Mondays

The most important time of life isn't the date of birth, but simply the time between birth and death called the dash. The dash is inclusive of how you lived, loved, and faired in this thing called life. 

Well, this Monday feels like a pivotal period in my dash. It's sort of like being in the middle of something, not quite at the end or the beginning but in the thick of it. Although there are a lot of uncertainties in the country right now if you had the choice you wouldn't choose to be on the front line, because it's the place of vulnerability. It seems as though a course of events and choices led me here today, however it was by divine design that not only does my career in public service mirror my calling in life it reflects my position in my spiritual relationship with the Lord.

Oftentimes we may feel as though the situation we find ourselves in is a set up to fail because of bad choices, born on the wrong side of the tracks or just hard luck when in actuality the situation you are in is set to run it's course because it's divinely appointed.  It was going to happen anyway and it's bigger than you.   

So in the event you find yourself in hard places, caught in the middle, in the thick of it hold on, don't despair and trust because who knows if you have come to the kingdom for a time such as this; meaning on your job, business, at that church ministry etc, for this particular reason than to lead. 

Women's History Month 2016

In honoring women today my awareness and proclamation is that women not only deserve, but have the right to Equality, the quality or state of having the same rights human, social and otherwise, the right to be treated equal as a gender of the human race. The message to the nation's today is exposing the inequalities of the injustices toward women everywhere and restoring paths to dwell leveling every playing field for all races of women and girls by reforming policies and holding world systems and organizations accountable that violate women and that do not show forth the progression from the 1848 unified demand for equality at the first Woman's Right's Convention in Seneca Falls, NY to the actual date that the Equal Rights Amendment was passed on March 22, 1972 to today March 8, 2016, 168 years later. The call is to not only celebrate the contributions of women near and far, global, ancestral to the present, but to embrace, acknowledge, and resolve the truth that women have natural abilities, capacities and capable, skills and a right to expose their personal power to give of themselves, which is a God given right to give of their time, talent, and expertise.

So, I affirm these words and share my thoughts that its really not about the gender its about the right to give, but some make it about the gender, because of discrimination and exclusion and the invisible man theory excuse me the invisible woman theory and because of this we have to advocate and use our voices to make a difference for women and girls in our families, communities, states, country, and the world. I am a woman, loving it and I approve this message as well as affirm you to celebrate your womanhood today its PowerFul.  What are your thoughts

All I can do is...

“All I can do is trust God” does this denote all I can do is pray and trust in a God, a divine deity that I cannot see, and rest assured that he hears me and will answer. Secondly, trust in God to leave my problems, my issues that he knows better than me or one that I have experience enough to know that when I was little I saw the hard times of my mother and how when we went to church that really was the solace apart from the living hand to mouth in the cold government housing I grew up in or how I have truly come to realize the difference between those with no faith and not to judge to those with faith in a power source greater than human and beyond this earth yet one that I don't sound to sure of knowing. This sound of the statement is one like I tried all else and failed or I've come to the end of myself and resources and ideas the only thing humanly possible is to seek counsel from God, which one are you?  Doesn't leave much for expectation of the imagination does it, or am I overthinking 

To ponder and amuse the curiosity of analysis  I saw a post on this week, stating "all I can do is to trust God" It reminded me of the statement that I often hear from others, "all I can do is pray now' and I thought, this is the best you can do is to trust and believe that a creator greater than your human capacity is able to do this thing, whatever it may be; not in human belief, but with the realization of your need and of Gods sufficiency. He is greater than the need. So, when down to our last no matter what "last" is referring to bit of hope, time on the clock you better go in trusting so that you may come out knowing that you will make it through this.

A message to mothers

It aint about you though mom and yes I said "aint." Your daughter is not you. Yes, what you went through growing up led us to where we are, but times are different now. She is different and we can be better because of the pain you endured.  So, when your daughter comes to you and says I have a problem, think twice before speaking and don't say, are you doing this because of me, are you in trouble and in pain because of me all I done for you, do you know what I went through growing up I worked while my mom didn’t know I existed, I had it hard or maybe not that dramatic, but you get the picture. Its the "me" syndrome. Lets not make her issue about us and lose the moment of open dialogue or just you listening and her sharing for once make it about her and not get so upset because this moment could be an interruption in your perfect world or could it be a mistake or bad choice and you think  how could she. Well I tell you mom it aint about you. She is your daughter and not you. Yes you were young once and this is your alma mater and you want her to attend. You wore those fashions that are back in style now and she should, but allow her to experience life and be a direct expression of her individual person; yes with your DNA and her fingerprint; indeed its a match, yet not the same. Teach, lead by example, and love, by allowing her to show you she was listening all of those years that you taught her.

When you place the focus solely on yourself you give your daughter the extra pressure of living up to your expectation and thinking what would mom do instead of what do I do and form her own decision by what you have taught her. Allow your daughter to be who she is and form her own identity and validate that. Many of us as as women are still doing clean up from damage done to us or by us way back when, because of the struggle with the illusion of not being perfect, perceptions of not being enough, and the expectations to be all things to everybody. We can just let go by acknowledging where we are and declaring that there are no perfect people yet we mature to be better humans.  We can declare "I am enough" by learning to see what we can do and grow in that instead of focusing on barriers and limitations. We can declare that "I will" revisit my expectation of myself and that of others by raising my standard of living and knowing that I have the power to say no and the responsibility to make better choices and live my best life for myself. You see to become a better version of ourselves is not to slight anyone but in fact it sends a message that mothers rock, because of the seed mom placed in us through life. Mothers realize that after a seed breaks through the ground it goes through all of the elements on its own even though there are other plants and living organisms all around until the beautiful plant, tree or flower blooms there is an individual process of growth. Truth is I'm a daughter and a mother to a beautiful daughter and somethings that she's said to me comes to mind such as mom I don't like that I like this, mom I did finish it as you said but I did it this way and no one was hurt, and mom let me do it.  A message to mothers from the heart of a daughter today is "let me grow'  You cannot change yesterday, but you can make it a better day by accepting responsibility for your life today. Be intentional about helping yourself so that you may allow your daughters to live their best life. Believe her life will be better than your worst and best days because she has her purpose, heart and your tools for living that you gave. Now watch her grow.

The Dash

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I had an aha moment when viewing a video by author Farrah Gray about the two most important dates in a persons life birth and when we find out why were born. What are you put here to do?  I thought about a headstone and a grave marker with the date of birth, date of death, and most importantly the dash between the two dates. When we learn why we were born then and only then is death not vanity, its purpose.

I always wondered about the story of King Solomon who had everything said, "all is vanity" or meaningless. He had to have been speaking of those of us who work hard all our days and store up with no purposeful living.  This is sad to go to the grave with purpose, dreams not pursued, books not published, and work left undone; this is vanity and the dash meaningless. We have to finish what we started and what were called to do in life.

I remember reading an article recently that talked about people in hospice care and their main concern before transition being regretting not taking the time to do the things they were passionate about more and using time more wisely, because its precious.

My encouragement on today is to start now with what you have where you are and embrace the fire filled thing that burns within you no matter how old you are if it makes you smile chances are it will bring hope and joy to the world around you.  Know that it's not too late as long as you have breath, just start where you are and live your best life on purpose from here on out.

Faith, the unseen thing

Faith is the real thing. Faith becomes tangible when you believe.  Faith defies senses and you can see it,  hear it, and taste it, before what you're actually hoping for manifests. Have you ever wanted something so bad that you almost could taste it? You have to go from just hoping you get something or becoming the person you desire to believing it and being it. No matter what you are believing for God will meet you at the point of your need. Don't give up give in to a power source greater than yourself.  By exercising your faith you strengthen your confidence. If you have issues financially continually being around those in poverty will not help you to see your way out you have to surround yourself with the picture of what you desire to become.  

See what you say by faith. Obtain a vision of the job, the building you need for business, healing and wholeness,  renewed marriage. Use your imagination as more than just fantasy or fantasizing, but to picture what you are hoping for as though you already have it.  

Let it rip

We don't have to ask for bigger faith. If we just exercise the faith we have.  I constantly hear prayers of increase my faith in my organizations of affiliation. When a body builder works out during weight training, weight is increased on the bar to build muscle mass and increase endurance, but not until the first reps are mastered. The problem is not a lack of faith at all. If you can only believe all things are possible. Secondly if you dont put in the work to achieve your desired goal you wont obtain the desired results. So, not only do you need faith, but you have to put feet to faith or meaning exercise your faith, your belief.

Open Door



Sometimes doors close for redirection! Sometimes you just got to take another route. All roads may not lead to where YOU need to be. Take it like a champ turn around, take the exit, or wait its straight ahead. Pray, Prepare, and Wait until your change comes. Daniel prayed while he was in captivity; Esther prepared for the king, self sacrificing herself for her people, and Joseph waited for 2 years in prison for something he did not do. Oh but one day Joseph was promoted all because he did not become bitter and get distracted by how he got there.  Pharoah needed something, a dream interpreted and Joseph had the gift of interpretation; know one could interpret the dream, but Joseph.  Wait on God and the door will open for you.

The simple formula for loneliness not what you think



On Huffington Post I read one of the most touching stories about a concerned parent named Glenon Melton. Her son Chase assured mom that the confusing looking subject matter was Math that he was bringing home and to confirm that an email to the Math teacher went out. The teacher a former employee of NASA replied in the affirmative while also volunteering to tutor Chase anytime after school; no not him, mom replied me. Finding herself in 5th grade again and after school Glenon had one of the greatest revelations any parent can have.  It was'nt the fact that she spent an hour on one problem at the chalkboard, but it was what came next that struck her to encourage others. The teacher explained the importance of math in her classroom however something far greater helps her students. Each day she asks her students to pull out a piece of paper and write down 4 students name they think should sit out, and name one exceptional citizen for the week. After taking up the papers she looks for patterns of some of the following:

Who is not getting requested by anyone else?
Who doesn’t even know who to request?
Who never gets noticed enough to be nominated?
Who had a million friends last week and none this week?

She praises and encourages the star students, but she also looks for the lonely, the looked over and at risk children needing to be found, needing connection, whose bullied or bullying. You see none of us come here knowing it all even as adults were a work in progress.  So why do we oftentimes put so much expectation on our children to know how to speak up and to get the grade, but not take time to look closer or listen? I agree our children should not be measured solely on standardized tests or seen as numbers to meet the grade for our state. They're not just our future they are our legacy. What are we leaving? This story is a message of love and hope for the lonely. 

Dont you love this, I know I do, wow this gives me chills and many applause to this teacher, all teachers that not only teach subject matter content, but life skills and love, and mom Glenon who is challenging us to spread the word. Her January 30th 2014 post reads "Share This With All the Schools, Please." I accept the challenge wont you. I know you're still wondering about my picture that I shared with you. Well, just as Glenon's expression I make a choice to pay it forward. It only takes one person to make change and to show love in the world around them and to bring a smile, be a voice to a child that's been told not to tell, to even stop a suicide attempt only one. One person can reach one and the challenge continues. Dont think you cant make a difference you just did by reading this post. I think were responsible for what we know. Show love its just that simple it's not the hard math that you think.

Do you have any stories to share

We each have stories that we can share with someone else that may be going through something that they may depict as some sort of hell and you have made it through or overcome that same thing. Today's encouragement is for those that share their stories when deemed necessary and may be reluctant and those that need to desperately hear a word of hope. Lets share our stories of heaven divinely intervening for us over the years. Many of us have been healed from what those in cancer rooms wait for or have moved on to gainful employment after receiving termination or layoff notices. There is hope and you just may be it.

Walk with me...

How can two walk together except they agree? First there is a decision to go on the journey with the company or companion. Secondly, its not all about the destination, but about the journey. You actually take the time to make the most of the company you keep by intimate communion. Communication goes two ways its the act of talking and listening. Often times we want to be heard, to get our point across, but do we actually listen? If were truly listening it will reflect in our actions, decisions, and behavior. Lastly, in order to have a productive experience focus is key. Distractions will surely come, however the question is do we allow them to keep us from the matter at hand? Sometimes when on the journey with someone we come to realize whats important and whats not, as well as the decision to let somethings go that keep us from that precious time shared by prioritizing. 

The thought of a journey with someone came to me on this morning when reading about Enoch in the bible. Enoch walked with God until he was not for God took him. Just the thought of he walked with God is a powerful statement. When you're walking with someone it means you are not alone. Let that sink in for a moment, in walking with God we are not alone. There are many scriptures recorded in which God promises his people that he will never leave and he pledges his undying love which shows his commitment to relationship, because relationship is important to God.

Who are you walking with? I encourage you to take inventory of your relationships. Develop, maintain, build, and cherish the time that you have with your companions including husbands, wives, children, siblings, friends, all walks of life, and most importantly with the Lord. Allow your relationships to exemplify the love of God. It's not easy, however it's necessary and well worth the work. It is possible to walk with God and maintain wholesome and healthy relationships, because knowing and acknowledging that the relationship within is an extension from God is the key to maintaining.  Go with God in 2014!

Lord give me a sign...



When you are not sure about where you are trust that God knows all things, call on him in the day of obscurity and he will direct your paths. Have you ever been driving along and suddenly realize you may be going in the wrong direction?

Well my friend called me the other day on her way to an interview and after we had been on the telephone for about 15 minutes she said Oh I think I may have missed my exit, this does not look familiar. While getting her bearing and continuing on slower than before she checked for direction and said here is the exit coming up, I'm going right. It's ok to check for directions and to ask somebody for help when you are unsure. Its best to make sure than to get up ahead 2, 5, 10 miles and realize you could've saved time by turning around way back there.

Oftentimes circumstances can cause you to question where your friends are because you feel alone especially where God is and am I on the right track, because the surroundings dont look familiar or things feel off. We should slow down and check our position through meditation and keeping the lines of communication open with with those that  have shown to give wise counsel and who can help guide us back. Just because things dont always look familiar it does'nt mean you're going the wrong way. Many may be questioning now because you've been looking for a job and no word back or just I'm sorry you were'nt selected. You may be trying to sell property to move on to the next chapter and the contracts have been falling through. You could be a single mom or dad and waiting on someone special to come into your life for companionship or because you think you cant raise your children alone, and children reach age 5, 6, 10, 15, 18 and you did it with the help of a community around you. You may even feel now I have a teen on your hands and still no companion, no husband.   Look at it this way, wow you're doing it when you thought you could'nt go it alone in your singleness. Look at whose there instead of what you dont have as of yet and focus on  the beautiful gift of today. Before you know it those things that you have been looking for, those things that you need, and those things that you want will find you, because you are in the path and position to receive them.

Seasons change





Spring is the season after winter and before summer. We've had a long cold harsh winter, freezing temps and icy roadways, but spring is on the horizon.

The season is changing and spring is in the air.  The giver of life has not failed us and he still allows the sun to shine. Take courage and hope in God. You will spring forward on Sunday March 9th by moving your clock forward an hour before going to bed. Spring forward from your long winter season remembering that sometimes things have to die before new life can bloom

Best supporting actress is...

When I heard the speech of Oscar winner lupita nyong'o for 12 Years a Slave at the 7th Annual Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon  my heart leaped, because I've heard it before, but as I watched again I listened. Go on now I say, so that other black girls can see it before they see it, meaning see themselves achieve limitless heights in their hearts before they see it manifest in mainstream sources. 

My daughter is a dark skinned girl and oftentimes I've been asked, "mommie how do I bleach my skin, why am I so black, and the kids pick on me." I always sway the conversation to black beauty while working tirelessly to build her self esteem through healthy activities that reflect her gifts and make her proud to be the who that she is skin deep. 

The media has shown a depiction of what beauty should be from the long hair, to the slender build and the very fair skinned hues well it's a new day black, browns, and yellows arent shadows that lay waste they fill our skies and embrace our skin bringing color to our world again and again just as white is not the sum but apart of the colorful whole.

Lupita said she wrote her speech without practice, which was not hard to believe, because anything from the heart dont need practice, but preparation and that she was prepared. 

Her first words were "I want to take this opportunity to talk about beauty. Black beauty. Dark beauty." This line had me sold to continue to listen as she went on to take the time to address a young girls letter that shared issues of dark skin and how she was on the verge of bleaching her dark tones for a lighter result. 

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She expressed her story of growing up with similar challenges of self acceptance and loathing until hearing the affirmations of Oprah and seeing the example of Alek Wek until her mothers continual ringing that beauty is not a sustaining source nor can we attain it as a marker of success we have to just be the beauty that we are and embrace that. Now the irony is her voice extends beyond the states for young girls to see.  

You cannot just see beauty as exterior adornments but as things that  we each feel when we reach out to those that may not be able to return the favor or give us anything but a thank you or a smile.

As an at home audience I went away with a message to share with my dark skinned daughter and with my soul that we can come out of the shade and walk in the glory of the sun, because there is nothing more beautiful than confidence in the skin you have no matter your race or hue. This is her story and legacy to all young girls of color and I salute her.

Let's Get it Done!

While listening to the Yolanda Adams Morning Show here in Atlanta on 102.5 FM this morning I got a sweet epiphany if you will, #Revelation. Minister Lonnie Hunter, radio host of WGCI AM in Chicago on the Lonnie Hunter Show and  Pastor of worship of Bethany Baptist in Lindenwold NJ was the special guest of the hour. He started a T-shirt line, which then grew into a sports clothing line called "Get it done." After encouraging the congregation to Get it done someone said I wouldnt mind having that on a t-shirt and the next chapter was born. Gross sales have far exceeded his margins from the many bulk purchases by something so simple as a revelatory phrase that encourages others to move. I thought about my bucket list of things that I have to get done and one being completing the establishment of my  business, as well as helping my daughter with her vision of entrepreneurship and etc., I know that countless others like us will follow as well.

What's holding you back from realizing that vision or that dream? Mantras have come and gone like Just start somewhere, Just do it, Starting is half the battle. Well in this hour the word at hand is completing the matter before you or first things first or Lets Get it Done! When we get whatever our it is done then the more will follow. Increase will come and it is inevitable, because of the law of sowing and reaping. whatever we put out into the universe it will come back.  A man reaps what he sows. There is a natural consequence from our actions, which is relative to the law of cause and effect.

Above all..

Newton Career Academy STEM currently accepting applications. Go team Newton! Let's support our students through education. A good education is essential now. I attended an informative open house on last night at the Career Academy and impressed at the presentation and overview of the STEM curriculum.

http://www.covnews.com/section/1/article/49552/

Shine I'm gonna let it shine!



Rihanna sings it best when she so eloquently says 'shine bright like a diamond were beautiful like diamonds in the sky." Were displayed for all the world to see shining in all the glory that God made and intended. When you walk in your purpose, see it, accept it, and embrace the who that you are peace will come and prosperity wont be far behind. What do you love to do? What would you do without getting paid? Do it and yes you can. Passion draws you and passion draws crowds.

There are no glass ceilings over you change your mind

According to Forbes currently Oprah is worth a whopping 2.9 billiion. She is quoted in the top 32 quotes every entrepreneur should live by as saying:  "Every time you state what you want or believe, you’re the first to hear it,  it’s a message to both you and others about what you think is possible and don’t put a ceiling on yourself.” In other words the only ceiling over you is the one you put there. Change your mindset and change your world. When people say you cant well dont believe them. Surround yourself with "yes you can" team mates and accountability partners that will speak truth when you are too far out at the wrong time, most importantly stop sabotaging your opportunities by lack of preparation talking yourself out of going all the way in midstream, because you face a challenge in career, education, leadership, whatever role youre in just stand and take the limits off.

Just start somewhere

Sometimes we spend and waste a lot of time trying to perfect that dream or that vision that we have and it never gets off the ground.  If you are anything like me analytical is the middle name and perfection is key.  I have boxes of journals and manuscripts never been published, but what good are they for my eyes only.  There is a 5 year old out there that does not have the voice that I have, but our stories relate, and she's waiting on me to release; Someone else may need what I call "a tide me over" which is just a word of inspiration to tide me over so that I can run on and see what the end is gonna be; could be a single mother down on her luck as you say, just aint enough to make it til the end of the month, but somehow here we are almost through another year and last but certainly not least if youve ever walked through the valley with someone facing the dis-ease of Cancer you know a word means more in those times than money dont get me wrong money helps, but at the end of the day money cant buy me peace!

During trying times of misunderstanding, death of loved ones, the burden of debt  there is relief in you... So, lets dust that box off, take those journals out, dust that instrument off, get your resume out and your interview suit ready and dont you quit just yet and lets not give up on the faith that we know to be true, remember it was good for my dear mother it's good enough for me. Now if truth be told you have seen it for yourself if it had not been for the Lord on our side where.... Now let the ink go from your mind, to your paper and from your voice where it makes a difference, we each need what the other have and thats the gift of purpose. Lets just start somewhere