Author

Hebrews 12:2 (KJV)Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

I've written two books which are a collection of my anecdotes about life, love, and wisdom. I started writing poems when my grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's and interesting enough, I find it difficult to find the words to write about my mother's diagnosis. Maybe its the irony of it all. Maybe its the fear that I may join their ranks. Maybe its the hopelessness or vulnerability I feel every time I'm around my mother. Maybe its the doubt that God really is in control. In all of that, as a writer, I find comfort in thinking of God as an author. I don't have to be in control of this story. I don't have to make sure that the plot doesn't have holes. I don't have to create full characters. I'm not writing this story. I'm not in control. There's some comfort in not knowing the ending, and being genuinely surprised by life's turn of events. There is a peace in looking to Jesus, the author and finisher of my faith.

Relax

One of the first things I was told in premarital counseling was "take time to take of you." Imagine my surprise. I thought marriage was all about turning my "me, myself, and I's" into "we, us, and ours." Don't get me wrong, it is definitely about that too, but our counselors wanted to stress the importance of self-care. If you do not take the time to take care of yourself, you are no good for anyone else. So, you need to relax. You need to go to the gym. You need that time in the barbershop or the nail salon. You need that girl's trip. You need that fishing trip. All of your responsibilities will still be there waiting on you. The laundry pile will be waiting, and the to-do list might be a bit a longer. Relax. Take a moment. Breathe. Chill. It's ok. I promise. 

Rest

The storm clouds have passed. The damage is being assessed. There are still some lingering effects. As crazy as it sounds, the rain battering on the window lulled me into a deep sleep. I slept through the storm. Others slept through the storm because their power was out, and there was nothing to do, but sleep. What if you were able to sleep through the storms in your life? What if you had enough faith to say, "I've done all I could do, it's up to you God." What if you trusted enough to rest in peace, to rest in God and know that it's out of your control. I've learned that I'm not in control. There are circumstances that are simply above my pay grade, that is when I've learned to let go and let God. Have faith and rest on his promises. This too shall pass. 

Peace Be Still

Today is the 16th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. It's hard to imagine that it's been 16 years. I remember sitting in my apartment with my college roommates waking up to chaos in my house. We were glued to the tv. Classes were cancelled. People were trying to get in touch with loved ones. Phone lines were busy. There was a combined feeling of panic, fear, sadness, and disbelief. 

Today is almost Day 4 of Irma watch. As a New Orleans native, we have a love/hate relationship with water. We love its gifts ample fresh seafood, but hate its destructive power of hurricanes and floods.  It's easy to be reminded of Katrina or more recently Harvey. It's easy to let fear and anxiety set in. However, as a woman of faith, I am reminded that God has not given me a spirit of fear. I am reminded that even in the midst of a storm, with rain battering my window, God is still in control. My life and times are still in his hands, and I will remain in perfect peace. Peace doesn't mean nothing is going on. Peace doesn't mean that the storms of life won't rage around us. Peace is a choice. Peace is acknowledging that same God that allowed the storm to rage can cause it to be still. 

 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. Mark 4:39 (KJV)

Perfect Peace

I've probably had more conversations about race in America more this week than I have had in a long time. I've been reminded of America's dark history that we still refuse to confront. I've seen pictures that resemble the lynch mobs of 1919. I've seen things reminiscent of Jim Crow and Reconstruction, and it saddens me. In 2017, we are seeing the same racial atrocities that occurred centuries ago. It seems like we are moving backward. We cannot afford for history to repeat itself.       Peace usually follows war. There is no need for peace when there is no violence and chaos. As much as we may not understand why all these things are happening, maybe this is necessary for us to finally address America's original sin; not greed, but racism. Maybe this is the catalyst for the change we want and desire. Maybe this is America's necessary evil to achieve perfect peace. 

Beacon

When life gets dark, we need something to help us navigate through our circumstances. We need a flicker of hope, a clarion call, motivation, or a beacon of light. This beacon can come in many forms. It can be an encouraging word, a smile from a stranger, a hug from a loved one, or even a sign that confirms you're on the right path. If you feel lost or tempted to give up, look for a beacon. You are not alone in this journey, there will always be something or someone to remind you that you are closer than you think. You are almost there. Just a little while longer. You are stronger than this. You are better than this. You are loved, and most importantly you can do it! 

Get Your Shine On!

The year is 1985. Berry Gordy produced a urban martial arts film entitled, "The Last Dragon." Bruce Leroy was in search of "The Master," who can help him unlock the power of "The Glow." Needless to say, I loved Bruce Leroy and despised Sho'Nuff. I still have an affinity towards fortune cookies and Vanity because of this movie. 

The year is 1988. Eddie Murphy starred in a romantic comedy entitled,"Coming to America." It was the 80's and Jehri curls, wave nouveaux, and texturizers were the latest craze in African American hairstyles. My mother and father both had curls. There was a commercial in the movie for a "jheri curl- ish" product called Soul Glo. I used to sing this jingle at the top of my lungs to my mother's chagrin.

The year is 2004. Jill Scott dropped her third studio album, Beautifully Human: Words and Sounds Vol. 2 with the first single, "Golden." I bumped this album so hard from beginning to end. It is still one of my favorite Jill Scott albums. 

The year is 2017. The beyhive is buzzing. Beyonce and Jay-Z have released a new duet entitled, "Shining." I'm sure it will be one of this summer's anthems.

From 1985 to 2017, there has been a constant theme of shining. From Berry Gordy encouraging us to find that "glow" to Eddie Murphy beckoning us to let our "Soul Glo" to Jill Scott telling us to "live our lives like its golden" to Beyonce telling us to keep "Shining." Even Birdman told us to "get our shine on!" We have something inside of us that needs to be seen. We need to let our little light shine. We need to let our soul glow. So, get your shine on! I'mma get mine on!