Friday, October 11, 2019
Friday, June 8, 2018
On a recent sunny mid winter day I ventured outside to twist, leap, smile , and dance with my shadow. I visited one of my alma maters where I studied journalism and slipped into the massive library and nestled among the students and books. I inhaled the fragrances of histories, romances, wisdom and mysteries.
I found me a comfortable seat and starting reading. Later as I prepared to leave I met a lovely salt and pepper haired woman who had recently started to work at the library. We struck up a conversation about writing and getting works published. It is difficult to get good info that doesn't cost the price of your first born. I promised that I would send her some of my stories, its always good to have another unbiased opinion of your works in progress. A couple of days later I received an email from her with this message "Thanks for sending the sea-shells kicked-up from what is no doubt a constant current of writing in your life." Immediately I imagined our lives as vast as the sometimes turbulent, or sometimes calm ocean, warmed by the sun, our tears as wind blown spray from the salt tinged ocean.
It is my sincere desire to try to positively influence others lives, in word or deed. I know that it is not all about me , that if I am to love my neighbor as myself, I will have to put my faith in action.
" If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? 18 Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth." 1 John 3:17-18 NIV
I found me a comfortable seat and starting reading. Later as I prepared to leave I met a lovely salt and pepper haired woman who had recently started to work at the library. We struck up a conversation about writing and getting works published. It is difficult to get good info that doesn't cost the price of your first born. I promised that I would send her some of my stories, its always good to have another unbiased opinion of your works in progress. A couple of days later I received an email from her with this message "Thanks for sending the sea-shells kicked-up from what is no doubt a constant current of writing in your life." Immediately I imagined our lives as vast as the sometimes turbulent, or sometimes calm ocean, warmed by the sun, our tears as wind blown spray from the salt tinged ocean.
It is my sincere desire to try to positively influence others lives, in word or deed. I know that it is not all about me , that if I am to love my neighbor as myself, I will have to put my faith in action.
" If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? 18 Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth." 1 John 3:17-18 NIV
Fresh
Fresh flowers, freshly showered, rain fresh air, fresh vegetables and fruits, and freshly prepared foods-all enjoyable to me. In our world of immediate gratification, we often forget that good things comes to those who wait. We grab fast food, live fast lives, and seek fast solutions. We miss the enjoyment of picking a plump tomato off of the vine, washing it off and biting into it; its sweet juicy goodness sliding down our throats, leaving traces on our chins. Or grabbing a firm green one, slicing it and seasoning it and in minutes watching it sizzle in its puddle of hot olive oil, dusted with a little flour or cornmeal. Fried green tomatoes are so much more than a popular movie. I had a close cousin, Eric who loved the way that I prepared them. All I had to say was that I was about to fry tomatoes and he would rush over to my house. Even after many years I still get requests from friends far away as South Korea wanting to know if when they come back to Georgia, would I fry them some green tomatoes.
Early in life I learned about enjoying the fruits of the earth and my labor when helping my family in our gardens. Nothing was sweeter or tastier than going in the backyard and retrieving the selection of the day: squash, cabbage, cucumbers, fresh spring onions, garlic, broccoli, and sometimes even sweet corn. Fresh picked was the very best. We had apple and pear trees in our yards, grape vines, mulberry bushes, and wild strawberries that we raced against the squirrels and birds to enjoy. Nowadays, you just don't see many of the fruit trees, grape vines, and vegetable gardens like there used to be. No one takes the time. Instead, they rush to the store or market; instant gratification, but not nearly as satisfying as home grown. There are many days that I gathered fresh vegetables and herbs to prepare like crisp and curly kale, bold garlic, radiant red and golden peppers, and fragrant rosemary. After the harvest, ripe purple eggplant, tender asparagus, baby portabellas, sweet vidalia onions, and crunchy carrots were washed and spritzed with olive oil and laid upon the grill to roast. Delightful. I suppose I just love being fresh.
Are you an absorber or exuder?
Are you an absorber or exuder?
Some times we are so self absorbed and self centered that we are unable to see past our own nose or reach beyond our own grasp. We grow mentally and spiritually when you give the gift of self.
It is my sincere desire to try to positively influence others lives, in word or deed.
I know that it is not all about me , that if I am to love my neighbor as myself, I will have to put my faith in action.
" If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth." 1 John 3:17-18 NIV
Sunday, April 17, 2016
Seek and you will Find....
Its funny how sometimes we are subconsciously looking for guidance, and answer, direction, hope and it smoothly slides within our grasp. While riding down Allgood Road in Stone Mountain one day, my mind was chasing numerous "needs to be done, attended to, prayed about " projects I concentrated on the traffic and music that was playing. Would not let those thoughts consume or distract me. We all encounter "peace stealers " occasionally. A song came on and the singer said " If I was just anybody I would say its all good, but I know better , its all God..." How ironic.
The following morning while sipping on a cup of coffee and taking time to actually relax and enjoy it, I read an article in a newspaper entitled " God provides peace as we face life's trials" , a commentary by Patricia Holbrook. It touched me profoundly at that moment and saturated my soul. It reinforced my belief that God gives peace, peace that surpasses all understand despite all. Its the kind of peace that possessing an abundance of worldly treasures cannot equal or provide, its the peace attained when one sees Gods hand at work in our circumstances, and feels his presence in the the darkest days and deepest valleys. It may be quite difficult for someone to understand, unless they have actually experienced it. I think back over the years, I recall my grandmother clutching her Bible and praying each night, my elderly Godparents kneeling beside their bed, fervently praying.That meant a lot to me. They simply believed. My friends that had experienced that level of maturity seemed always confident and peaceful and had such a calming effect on those whose lives that they touched. As I grew older I yearned to have that same experience.
God is real. I can earnestly say that I too seek his wisdom and will daily and find it in various places. I stand on His promises through trials, and circumstances beyond my control. We are comforted as we walk closely with God, trusting and knowing that He has our back, and will take care of us and our circumstances in His time. I simply and surely believe. I continue to seek and know that I will find.
The following morning while sipping on a cup of coffee and taking time to actually relax and enjoy it, I read an article in a newspaper entitled " God provides peace as we face life's trials" , a commentary by Patricia Holbrook. It touched me profoundly at that moment and saturated my soul. It reinforced my belief that God gives peace, peace that surpasses all understand despite all. Its the kind of peace that possessing an abundance of worldly treasures cannot equal or provide, its the peace attained when one sees Gods hand at work in our circumstances, and feels his presence in the the darkest days and deepest valleys. It may be quite difficult for someone to understand, unless they have actually experienced it. I think back over the years, I recall my grandmother clutching her Bible and praying each night, my elderly Godparents kneeling beside their bed, fervently praying.That meant a lot to me. They simply believed. My friends that had experienced that level of maturity seemed always confident and peaceful and had such a calming effect on those whose lives that they touched. As I grew older I yearned to have that same experience.
God is real. I can earnestly say that I too seek his wisdom and will daily and find it in various places. I stand on His promises through trials, and circumstances beyond my control. We are comforted as we walk closely with God, trusting and knowing that He has our back, and will take care of us and our circumstances in His time. I simply and surely believe. I continue to seek and know that I will find.
Saturday, November 21, 2015
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.
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.
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
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
An Original Macawa Creative Expression
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
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