Master
“You are the master of your destiny. You can influence, direct and control your own environment. You can make your life what you want it to be.”- Napoleon Hill
I think that sometimes we forget how much power we truly have. I think that we forget that we are created in the image of God. I think we forget that we are children of the King. I think we forget that a crown rests upon our head. We are the descendants of survivors. We are our ancestors wildest dreams. We are Masters, not slaves. We are royalty. We are a royal priesthood. We are influencers. We are trendsetters. We are chosen.
Lesson
I've been watching Black Love and Red Table Talk. If you haven't had a chance to tune in, it's worth the time. There are so many jewels about parenting, love, life, and relationships. Someone said, "I've learned as much from my failures as I have from my successes. Maybe more." Someone else said, "there are lessons to be learned from your pain." I began to think that maybe we don't learn the lesson from our pain. Maybe we get caught up in cyclic and toxic relationships because they are comfortable. Maybe we enjoy being a victim because there is less responsibility in it. Maybe it's easier not to learn the lesson.
Love
Love conquers all. Love is stronger than pride. Love is patient. Love is kind. Love covers a multitude of sins. Love casts out fear. Love suffers long. (That part). Love believes all things, hopes all things and endures all things. Love is an amazing force. Love crosses color lines. Love crosses political lines. Love never fails. Love is the way. Just in case you forgot.
Links to Michael Curry's sermon and why he went off-script:
https://amp-timeinc-net.cdn.ampproject.org/v/amp.timeinc.net/time/5288994/michael-curry-royal-wedding-sermon amp_js_v=a1&_gsa=1&usqp=mq331AQCCAE%3D#amp_tf=From%20%251%24s
https://amp-timeinc-net.cdn.ampproject.org/v/amp.timeinc.net/time/5288994/michael-curry-royal-wedding-sermon?amp_js_v=a1&_gsa=1&usqp=mq331AQCCAE%3D#amp_tf=From%20%251%24s
Keep
Remember what made you start in the first place. Brush yourself off and keep moving forward. There will be setbacks. There will be detours. There will be moments of doubt, but there will be triumphs. There will be victories. There will be joy. Persevere. Endure. You're closer than you know. Keep on keepin' on.
Jewels
I grew up in barbershops and salons. In the African American community, this is where uncensored conversations about sex, money, politics, current events and religion occurred. As a child, I knew better than to join the conversation, but I did learn how to listen and digest what I was hearing. I learned to see things from a variety of perspectives whether I agreed or not. I learned about consequences from foolish behavior. I learned about successes from hard work. I learned that relationships are complicated. I learned that marriage takes work. I learned what men want and what women desire.
I learned to respect these "jewels" that were given. I learned that everything did not have to be experienced, and that I could learn vicariously. These men and women gave me "jewels" I still carry. They gave me wisdom and insight. I thank God for all the lessons and all the love given to this "young buck." I thank God for the men who stood in the place of my father and all the "mothers" who raised me.
I was blessed to have a host of strong women around me. My grandmother dropped domestic jewels and was my first example of a wife and mother. My mother is an enduring example of strength and perseverance. My godmother is an example of what fortitude looks like and one of my earliest examples of what it meant to truly blend a family. I have a host of mentors, "aunties", play cousins and friends who constantly shower me with "jewels" from their joy, their pain, and their triumphs.
Thank you for your time, your tenth, and your talent. Thank you for showing me that marriage and motherhood doesn't look the same for everyone. Thank you for your jewels. Happy Mother's Day.
Ideally
In an ideal world, everything would go as planned. We would make plans and execute them and all would be right with the world. Not so much. Life is full of twists and turns, surprises, mishaps, and missteps. Truthfully, these things make life interesting and challenging. I can admit that I am usually the person with a backup plan to the backup plan. My life is full of unexpected obstacles and series of unfortunate events, but I am stronger for it. My faith is bigger. My heart is fuller, and I am wiser. Ideally, we all want things to go smoother, but our character is not forged in serene environments. There are lessons in our suffering. There are blessings in our redirection, and there is a purpose for our pain.
Happy
When was the last time you were happy? I'm not talking contentment. I'm talking unadulterated joy. When was the last time you smiled so hard your cheeks hurt? When was the last time you laughed so hard you cried? Be happy. Choose joy. Savor all those fleeting moments. Play that game with your kids. Have that tea party. Blow those bubbles. Run. Jump. Play. Fly that kite. Jump in the deep end. Enjoy Life. Do what makes you happy!!!