Deja Vu
I don't know how to start this post; I don't even know what to say. The events of the last month compounded with the atmosphere of this entire year have made my soul restless. As I watched the stories unfold and the riots ensue, I was filled with tremendous sadness. George Floyd could have been my husband, brother, or cousin. That could be my son in 20 years. A few weeks ago, I stared at a blank screen, trying to string words together, and I had nothing. I remembered the riots in LA surrounding the Rodney King case-- could we
Speak in Love. Speak with Courage.
When my husband was a newborn, the umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck. It had been so tightly wound that he came out blue. It was a frightening moment for everyone in the room, to say the least. But the staff moved expeditiously to unwrap the cord and slowly, but surely, my husband’s voice was heard and color returned to his body. During a birthday celebration a few years ago, he had shared that story with everyone and expressed gratitude for his life and for the voice God gave him to use for His purpose. What a testimony of
New Beginnings
Fresh out of my training, I started a new job with much anticipation. After getting over feeling nervous, I caught onto my new routine. I couldn't have asked for better colleagues. Since I was the youngest one on the team, they obliged every time I needed help and took me under their wing. We had such great rapport that ten years later, they still feel like family. But we haven't worked together for ten years. Four years after I worked with that team, I took a similar position elsewhere so that I could get some loans paid off. I remember
20/20 – Seeing Marriage More Clearly
Twenty years. Who are those kids in that tux and wedding gown? It’s hard to believe but tomorrow, Lance and I will celebrate our 20th anniversary. It’s been a good 18 years (that was not a typo - :-)). We are like a lot of couples who went through the typical newlywed adjustments … and then some. But thankfully, we finally figured some things out. Is our marriage perfect now? Nope but we’re a long way from where we were. Here are 20 things I’ve learned in my 20 years of marriage: My husband can’t read my mind. Still. If
It Begins at Home
With all that is going on in our nation, the question many of us find ourselves asking is: WHAT CAN I DO? While contemplating such, I have been feeling overwhelmed and powerless. After all, what can someone like me possibly do to change years of injustice from racism? However, I recognized that was the voice of the enemy trying to make me feel discouraged and defeated. As I have been seeking the Lord in prayer, He has reminded me that action begins with me, my heart, and my home. So we have been intentional to sit around the dinner table
Healing Will Arise
Covid19 was insane & uncharted territory for all of us, but at least I understood my role in slowing the spread of the virus. Wash my hands. Wear a mask. Social Distance. Plus, as an “essential worker” (I’m in healthcare and I work at a grocery store), I felt like I was doing my part to help my community. But since last Monday, it felt like another virus erupted...and this time, I was given no guidelines to follow and I have been at a TOTAL LOSS for words or action. The death of George Floyd is horrific and the aftermath
Moms and Their Sons
A conversation about raising African-American sons and how we as a community can support them https://youtu.be/xwx9ycNC9xk
The Time Is Now
I watched the video of George Floyd today. Tears flowed. My heart hurt. This man was somebody’s father, somebody’s son, somebody’s brother, and somebody’s friend. But his life was not deemed precious enough to uphold. And it was callously and carelessly taken, while onlookers watched, and others pleaded for justice. This is one more tragedy in the long line of tragedies that have occurred over the past several years. And it is only because of cell phone cameras and social media, the world is seeing first hand what has been occurring for years and years behind the scenes. For years,
Uncertain Times
It was a milestone birthday for me. My husband tried to keep the details as much of a surprise as possible. Family and friends were called, the food was ordered, the house was impeccably clean, and of course, the special cake was ordered. The party never happened. The morning of the event, my husband's father became ill, and an ambulance was called. Completely unexpected, we were in for a shock. As we made plans to follow him to the hospital, we quickly called the guests to update them. I remember sitting in his hospital room later that evening while he
Sibling Tricks
My brother and I used to do this to each other all that time... We would do something mischievous, get caught, and get a one on one lecture from one of our parents. If we felt like the other deserved a lecture, in passing, we would say "Mom wants to talk to you." And send them her way. MOST of the time, my mom (or dad) wouldn't have even requested the other offender, but we would want the other sit through the same speech that we just did. In John 11, when Lazarus dies, Martha runs out to meet Jesus
