-
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…
-
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…
-
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,…
-
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…
-
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.…
-
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…
-
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.…
-
The Waiting
One of the worst parts of the day that Tomica died was the waiting. We waited all day for an update. I am not being dramatic or drumming up the suspense. I mean that we sat together in a family room close to the ICU all day long. They needed to run more tests. And those tests took time. Four bland walls, some chairs, random end tables, lamps, a TV, and tissues. I do not remember if the TV was on or off. I do not remember what we talked about, but I so clearly remember the waiting. I remember silent prayers and hope. Hoping beyond hope that it all…
-
39 for 39
Folks have lots of sayings about time. Like it flies when you’re having fun or that it heals all wounds. In my experience, time flies whether you’re having fun or not and it hasn’t healed my wounds. I would say that I’ve just grown accustomed to the pain. In any event, time keeps rolling without any regard for our feelings, wants, or desires. And time rolled all the way to my 39th birthday. I started a bit of a tradition where I generated a list of activities that I wanted to do. A bit of fun to inspire me to really seek out new adventures as my birthday rolled around.…
-
A New Season
The season is changing. Winter is giving way to spring in unpredictable weather mood swings. One day, I need my ear warmers and hoodie, and the very next day, I can wear flip flops (which I happily do). I toggle back and forth between heat and cool on the thermostat. I remember to flip my porch sign to the side that says “He is Risen” to signal the beginning of Lent. The signs are all around that a shift is in process. The thing that sucks about the changing seasons is the uncertainty. I cannot just exit the house before checking the weather forecast. Well, I could. But doing that…
