Thanksgiving

Gratitude is something of which none of us can give too much.  For on the smiles, the thanks we give, our little gestures of appreciation, our neighbors build their philosophy of life.” ~ A. J. Cronin - 

The holidays are approaching, and everyone is beginning to be come lighthearted, even in the midst of the tragedies that have been affecting people in various countries. Lovers hold hand, gaze a little longer, seasoned relationships bask in the memories of the wonderful years together that have past and the hope of many more to come.

 Holiday music fill the malls, and restaurants...there is a peaceful note that lingers. Houses of Worship welcome the faithful , the curious, the unfulfilled, the hopeful.  Strangers smile as they pass one another, children dream of gifts, sweets, gifts, no school, gifts. 

But there are many that cannot find a reason to smile, rejoice, celebrate or have hope. Many are alone, chronically or terminally ill, depressed, heartbroken, homeless, helpless. Remembering them in prayers is very thoughtful, however remembering them in deeds is  also a wonderful and tangible option. 

That person who has no family, stop by, a conversation and smile only costs time. Visit someone that is shut in, encourage a group of co-workers, friends, or  acquaintances to make a small sacrifice and consider putting together some small care packages for the undeserved. A shoe box filled with toiletries, or  a book or socks or even a warm hat or blanket is something that children and adults can enjoy. Lets put more value on what really matters.

Volunteer, there is always someone that can use your services, take the children to a homeless shelter and let them help others that are not blessed to have their own home. Imagine how many people are in assisted living or nursing homes who have nothing but memories of past holidays with family and friends. A card, homemade treat, smile and friendly face can  make a difference.

Be grateful for the blessings you have and be sure to let those you treasure know how grateful you are to have them in your life. Find a way at least once a week to show your gratitude and share the gift of yourself.

This summer I attended a political poetry workshop which was facilitated by Amanda Johnston, an amazingly gifted and insightful poet and a Cave Canem Fellow.  This was my outcome from that experience, and I was recently given the opportunity to present this prose to Bree Newsome , while she was visiting my Alma Mater. What an honor indeed

For Bree Newsome:

The symbol that provokes angst, fear, hatred and oppression

to MANy,

A banner of historical significance, honoring  “ confederate forefathers”

met an unlikely opponent.

A petite, black woman , climbed up - not danced or gyrated on that pole,

risking danger, and jail, removed something  probably better suited

in a museum along with a dead, dry cotton boil.

Than to unfurl and glide weightlessly- bearing the painful weight of subjugation,

misery, and injustice

In front and above a government building.

Just as Maya Angelou proclaimed. “ And Still I Rise...”

comes to mind, inch by inch as she made this historical ascent.

Fully aware, moving purposefully higher,knowing that upon her descent she could face scrutiny,incarceration, indignation.

Thighs squeezing, heart pounding, breath quickening.

Up, up, muscles tighten, reaching up,

she snatched it down.

She snatched Mammy nem from Massa’s kitchen and washroom,

She snatched Uncle nem from the cotton fields,

She snatched Sista nem from the Massa’s bed…

Degradation replaced by  deliverance from oppressive dispensation

An Original Macawa Creative Expression

History Lesson, up close and personal

I have been so blessed. In the past four years I have completed my AA with honors in journalism and my BA with double major in English Creative Writing and Africana Studies. I have walked the warm sands of the beaches of the Atlantic Ocean on the coast of West Africa, and tasted the sweetness of Mother Africa from the bounty from her earth and sea. I have walked the trails that captured Africans walked, bled, cried and even died on. I have smoothed the rich shea butter and bathed with authentic black soap. I have met African chiefs and their families. I was even given the name Ama Dzifa meaning I was born on Saturday, and  " my heart is at peace, or serenity. 

I have even walked to cobblestones streets of Madrid, and Oviedo Spain. I excitedly ventured into a land and culture that I was unfamiliar with. I walked into towns  It was exhilarating and a totally awesome experience. I am forever grateful to be able to have been afforded these opportunities. I dined on delectable regional dishes and walked into architectural masterpieces, some built in the year 848. I was so high in the Pico de Europa mountains that I believe that I could have reached up and touched Gods toenails. In hindsight if I was still tied down to a low paying grueling job, I would have missed out on these opportunities. 


When I reached out to my professor that gently guided me through my journey of " finding your niche and value through knowing your history" because I was considering grad school, she made a wise and insightful observation/comment:
"Of course you know that I am your biggest supporter as it relates to grad school, but I wonder if your desire to go back has more to do with the fact that you are used to being busy all the time and you are energized by staying busy and active?  I think you will find your niche, but it may just take you a moment.  Remember, you were the one that taught us all about "age-ism!"  

When The Hourglass seems to be running out,Turn it over!

When I  recently reached out to my professor that gently guided me through my journey of " finding your niche and value through knowing your history" because I was considering grad school, she made a wise and insightful observation/comment:
"Of course you know that I am your biggest supporter as it relates to grad school, but I wonder if your desire to go back has more to do with the fact that you are used to being busy all the time and you are energized by staying busy and active? I think you will find your niche, but it may just take you a moment. Remember, you were the one that taught us all about "age-ism!"

Ahhh yeah the dirty A word. The very thing that thrust me from corporate America, from being a productive working taxpayer and homeowner. It is so sad that people continue to deny its existence. I know it does, it has tried to cover me like the dew covers dixie, but like the the bright and warming sun, I am continuing to cause it to evaporate. I initially was told when seeking work that I didnt have a degree for higher paying positions and my experience was so varies that it confused the HR people. I simply knew how to do so many things that I was "overqualified. " Funny, overqualified and under educated in the same body.

My faith is so much stronger than my detractors. This is but another hiccup . I am so glad that I am among Gods favored. I know that He knows each hair on my head and each step that I will take.

Jeremiah 29:11 says:

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

So with faith and hope at my side and 'thus sayeth the Lord" I move forward, expectantly into the next phase of this life that He has blessed me with. Just because we grow older, we don't need to give up on life, our abilities, or opportunities.  I pause to consider whether I really want to pursue grad school, or polish my writing abilities and crank out something of substance to share with other. If it is His will I will go to Grad school, in His time. If not I will continue to follow whatever path that He has for me. Either way it will be fulfilling.Trust in the Lord above, He will guide you according to His will. When you think the sands of time are running low in the hourglass, turn it over, that's what I do.

A Beautiful Journey

I am humble and my heart is filled with praise. I got an email today with my official transcript and was told that my degree will show that I graduated Magna Cum Laude. I am not bragging, simply explaining that when you walk with the Lord, all things are possible in His time. I started college in the 1970's and was unfortunately diagnosed with an Crohn's disease. I struggled, I was is more pain than imaginable. I endured so much more than need be shared here, but God bought me over so very many mountains. I lost close friends, family members and my husband. I lost my home, my car broke down and at times didn't know where my next meal was coming from or where I would lay my head down.I endured personal tragedies that tore my soul apart. I couldn't do this by myself.I have walk in lands that I never imagined I would see, communed with people of many lands and tongues. But not for God... I don't know what tomorrow holds,but I trust that He continues to hold me in His hands and I will be blessed once again. All Glory to God.
One can never tell what another has been through. Thank God I do not look like what I have gone through. I wear a smile of triumph, joy, gratefulness. My heart overflows with love, compassion, mercy and grace. When I recall the physical discomforts, fear, abuse, unhappiness and shame that reared in my life at various stages. I am so blessed to be alive and I have learned so very much. I know that there is also so much more for me to learn as well.I have seen so many changes in the world during my lifespan, so simple amazing, others sadly disappointing. I still believe in treating people with the utmost respect and kindness, and lending a hand to those who need it.I believe in love, children's giggles, and innocence. I believe that everyone has the right to a decent life, and I have learned to be content in whatever circumstance I am in. That doesn't mean that I decide to stop trying to live a good life, make someone smile by a simple, visit or gift, a meal. A sincere smile and reassuring hug can warm the coldest, loneliest  heart. I have learned that the accumulation of a vast amount of material things are not what will ultimately bring you the most joy, they are just 'stuff'' , stuff that sometimes have you shackled to jobs, situations, and people that are just not the best for your situation. It distracts you from what is freely available to you; peace of mind, freedom,  joy,contentment. We never know what tomorrow hold or whay journeys are before us, but we should take time to relax, rejuvenate and rejoice that we are alive and the journey can be as beautiful as you make it.