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Rest in Peace
Last Wednesday at church was dedicated to mental health. We could choose from classes about grief, Young Adult issues, family trauma, etc. You already know I strolled straight into grief class. It is the elephant in the room for me. It takes up so much room. It’s bigger than me. It’s the hot-button issue in my life. I was late because I got caught by the train close to my house. So, I missed the opportunity to speak the name of the person or persons that I was grieving. Honestly, that is probably for the best for the class. My list isn’t short and who knows if I would have…
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Time for a Trim
Cats are peculiar. Yes, I am generalizing and advocating the stereotype. I did not grow up wanting to be a cat owner. My childhood dream was to have a dog. I was a teenager before that dream became a reality. And I loved my dog. Queen lived up to her name. She was regal and fiercely protective of me. We got along well. But cats….nah. I could not see myself being a cat owner. Fast forward twenty years, and here I sit typing while this weird guy looks on. Fitz, my cat, has given me a crash course in the life of a cat owner. He enjoys windowsills tremendously. Napping…
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The Power of a Wounded Worshipper
And He entered the synagogue again, and a man was there who had a withered hand. So they watched Him closely, whether He would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse Him. And He said to the man who had the withered hand, “Step forward.” Then He said to them, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or evil, to save life or to kill?” But they kept silent. And when He had looked around at them with anger, being grieved by the hardness of their hearts, He said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And he stretched it out, and his hand was…
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Living the Dream
Sometimes I go down rabbit holes. Not literally. Ya’ll know I’m too big for that. What I’m saying is that I start off doing one task and get sidetracked. I was looking at old videos and came across a video I shot in my house before the remodel. My home was fairly new when I bought it, but the previous owners and I did not have the same taste. We also did not have the same level of care. There were holes in doors -inside and outside- of the home. There was mold in the master bathroom vanity. But past all of that, I saw a vision of my dream…
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The Great Flood
Remember when Noah was on the ark with all the animals because of the great flood? The people had no clue what was really about to go down. It was just raining all the time. Eventually, they caught on that this was not just a downpour. I imagine they were quite terrified. And felt helpless and hopeless. Now, my situation is not nearly as dire as theirs. But when I tell you I felt terrified, helpless, AND hopeless, I mean it. It was a typical evening in my home. I was probably watching a true crime show and trying to figure out who did it and why. I put a…
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When Strong People Break
Strong people can…and do…break. Ask me how I know. If I had a dollar for each time I heard about my strength, I would be writing this from an overwater bungalow in the Maldives. I don’t disagree with the notion that I’m strong. I know that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I mean, intellectually I know that. But when pressed hard enough, I broke. Can I be honest? There is a shame that came with breaking. I look at other Christians who have wrestled with hard blows and did not allow it to flatten them. They seemed to be doing just fine. They worshipped, sang,…
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We’re Cooking Now!!!
Do you remember how old you were when you were allowed to use the stove on your own? I vividly remember. I was 10. I had been chomping at the bit for ages. I wanted to be unleashed and let loose in the kitchen. After years of helping around with meals, I was ready to set out on my own. LET ME LOOSE PEOPLE! Of course, my grandma is the person that let me off the leash. My summers with her were epic and include some of my favorite memories. My first solo cooking adventure was a classic meal. I was making hamburgers. And she was my sous chef. And…
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A Better Way
Writing has not always been a form of release for me. I grew up watching soap operas with my great-grandmother, Ma Patra. I do not really recall the actors sitting down to write heartfelt letters each time they felt something strongly. I remember them screaming. I remember them yelling and speaking passionately about whatever was on their mind. Honey, we watched our stories religiously, and I soaked it all in. By the time I moved in with my mom and stepfather, I had a million ways to express my emotions. I stepped into my new home fully locked and loaded. Now, please do not get the wrong impression of me.…
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Treasure Hunt
Does anyone have a physical copy of the Bible anymore? Technological advances have made access to the Bible literally right at your fingertips. We can download apps that have tons of translations of the Bible. And I’m talking translations that I never knew existed. My Bible app has been my go-to for so long that I wondered what I even did with my physical copy of my Bible. I decided it was time for a treasure hunt. The hunt didn’t last long. My Bible was on my bookshelf nestled comfortably in its carrier. You read that right. Back in the olden days when we actually brought our heavy Bibles to…
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He’s Maximizing My Life
Then He commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass. And He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke and gave the loaves to the disciples; and the disciples gave to the multitude. Matthew 14:19 NKJV One verse has the power to break heaven wide open for you. One verse can let you know that God sees you, hears you and is concerned about you. One verse can give you the push to go into your next phase. Well, let me be clear. One verse did it for ME on Sunday. I pray it does the same for you.…
