Half Way Submerged
Have you ever experienced moments where you felt like you were barely keeping your head above water? Those times when you are fiercely dog pedaling under the surface just to stay afloat? You have to keep moving. You have to keep going because if you don’t you will sink into the oblivion of whatever you’re submerged in (debt, a bad marriage, troubled teenagers, depression, etc.) Well, that’s not what I’m talking about today. Those times happen for all of us. Hopefully, we have a solid support system to throw us a rope, a lifesaver, or just direct us to shallower waters where we can stand firmer. Today, I’m writing about…
The Lie of Superwoman Syndrome
Part II: Grace and Gratitude Series. Adapted from an article that first appeared in CBE’s blog, Mutuality, on 10/15/2020 (www.cbeinternational.org). Grace. That supernatural favor, help, or enablement. We can receive it and we can extend it. I’d like to begin this Women’s History Month with an eye towards grace. Because ladies, let’s be honest, we don’t give ourselves enough grace. We have embraced the societal, generational, and cultural LIE that demands that we swoop in and “save the day”. This doesn’t mean that we can’t – we know we can because we’ve done it time and time again. But, just because we can, doesn’t mean we should. “Super Woman Syndrome”…
The Remarkable Women of Azusa Street
I’m honored to share this article I wrote for Christians for Biblical Equality (CBE International). Please share with your circle as we amplify the voices of black women in ministry. https://www.cbeinternational.org/resource/article/mutuality-blog-magazine/why-we-cant-forget-women-leaders-azusa-street?platform=hootsuite
BHM2021: Black Poets – Gwendolyn Brooks (1917- 2000)
truth BY GWENDOLYN BROOKS And if sun comesHow shall we greet him?Shall we not dread him,Shall we not fear himAfter so lengthy aSession with shade? Though we have wept for him,Though we have prayedAll through the night-years—What if we wake one shimmering morning toHear the fierce hammeringOf his firm knucklesHard on the door? Shall we not shudder?—Shall we not fleeInto the shelter, the dear thick shelterOf the familiarPropitious haze? Sweet is it, sweet is itTo sleep in the coolnessOf snug unawareness. The dark hangs heavilyOver the eyes. Gwendolyn Brooks, “truth” from Blacks. Copyright © 1987 by Gwendolyn Brooks.
Embracing Grace & Gratitude in Hard Times
Part I: Grace & Gratitude Series As 2020 was winding down, I was preparing for a speaking engagement that focused on embracing grace & gratitude. These particular topics are near and dear to me. However, when we think of 2020, being grateful may be the last thing that comes to mind. The above picture lists a few of the crazy things that happened last year. We were isolated, scared, having to learn new ways of working and living, all while reassuring our spouses, kids, co-workers, bosses, and ourselves that things would be okay. I wish we could relegate this to a year, but the truth is it is still going…
Wonder Woman Syndrome
Hello beautiful readers! I know it’s been a while. I am still writing though. Check out this CBE article that was released today. https://www.cbeinternational.org/resource/article/mutuality-blog-magazine/confronting-wonder-woman-syndrome-female-pastors-and
Embracing Uncertainty
I don’t know. These three anxiety producing words are ringing loudly in the stratosphere right now. I-DON’T-KNOW when it will be safe to travel. I-DON’T -KNOW when we will physically be able to worship together in a church building. I-DON’T-KNOW when we will be able to go outside without a mask. I-DON’T-KNOW when I’ll be able to sit in a restaurant and enjoy a nice meal with friends. I-DON’T-KNOW when I will receive a steady paycheck again. I DON’T KNOW. These three words require vulnerability on the part of the speaker and the hearer. For the speaker, saying “I don’t know” implies that you are ignorant of what is to…
We will not be reduced: A response to the murder of Ahmaud Arbery & the innumerable others
Decide not to be reduced. . . Mother Maya penned these words that serve as a battle cry of resistance. They act as a mantra for a people who refuse to be reduced by the reality of being black in the land of the free and the home of the brave. Since we arrived on these shores the demand on our bodies has been taxing. For decades we have paid the black tax to occupy the green space we call home. Too many others to name have paid the tax. . . Some in blood, some in tears, all in toil. The land of the free and the home of…
Deadlines
Yes, I am a master procrastinator. There – I admitted it. I wish I wasn’t. I plan not to be. But, somehow I always end up here. At the last minute, trying to pull a rabbit out of a non-existent hat. AGAIN! Here’s the thing. I’m GOOD at producing magic at the last minute. It’s high-quality – grade A “never would have guessed you just came up with that” work. That’s part of the problem. I’ve developed a habit of producing under pressure. So, I try to give myself “fake deadlines”. You know the ones you establish months/weeks before the actual deadline. In fact, I have multiple “self-imposed deadlines”. Such…
Build: Bridges
It is amazing how many people get nervous when crossing bridges. I was in sunny Jacksonville, Florida last week and was reminded of this by two relatives. These two individuals do NOT like bridges at all. Whether it is due to past trauma, fear of heights/falling, or simply not liking the fact that you are crossing a body of water on a manmade structure – bridges are problematic for a LOT of people. I happen to like bridges. I think they are remarkable symbols of reconciliation. The fact that I can leave one landmass and travel to another landmass that is separated by water fascinates me. Two things separated by…