Tuesday, May 17, 2011

The Beauty of it All

You say to…I say too

You say potato I say potato (pa-tat-o)

We both agree to disagree

But the adage is still the same to some degree

We have our own thoughts, dreams and visions

But how we choose to say or act on them determines our provisions

Differences in race, up bringing, culture and gender come into play

Still we ignore the fact that we all have commonalities, so we say

So what is it we all believe?

That someday we all will be free?

You go your way and I’ll go mine

Meeting up in the medium , well that’ll be just fine

Silence

I’ve never been gifted in the art of keeping silent. Growing up, my mama used to say…”do you always have to speak your mind?” My reply was always the same, “yes.” A mentor in undergraduate school once said to me right in the middle of me making what I thought was a valid point, “you are too cut and dried.” Not only was I “cut and dried,” I was ignorant so much so that when the mentor walked away, I remember asking those around me, “what’s cut and dried?” I laugh now because I realize how green I was back then, but time, life and education has a way of catching up with your desire to speak truth intelligently as so moved by the Holy Spirit.


This gift was given from above and is a banner that I am not ashamed of adorning because it has made a difference in countless ways. I write about this gift as a badge of honor. Fearless to some, extreme to others, but no doubt a characteristic if honed produces fruit for generations to come. Ordained and order by God to speak against injustice and inequality; and for peace and love. One that at times is a lightening rod, but soft as a cloud if understood from whom the message is conveyed.

Where would the world be if people like Gandhi, Abraham Lincoln, Sojourner Truth and others had remained silent? Many think that silence is golden and can be, as Rosa Parks only spoke a few words, but her actions spoke louder than her words. As I meditate on silence as an option, I respect the ability to have the choice to speak out or act upon and I say let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable and pleasing unto you Oh Lord!

Sunday, May 1, 2011

I miss you Edie...Happy Birthday!

It’s been seven months and it feels like yesterday. My heart is still broken because God took you away. In my heart I know you are in the Lord’s hands, and for you my dear, you deserve such a resting place. I long for our conversations, your guidance and prayers. I miss you telling me to not look at my problems, but to call one of my friends who needs encouraging. You always knew what God would want me to do. But you're not here anymore to tell me those things and I miss you so much.

My tears are a constant reminder of a love so true, so dear and so pure. I love you mommy and I wish you were still here with me. My faith has only grown stronger on each passing day. It has too as you were the greatest example of long suffering I’ll ever know. Your triumphs and trials were a blessing to so many and showed us how to remain strong through it all. Your heartaches and pains were vast and many, but you always remained in the admonition of God who comforted you.

You expressed and loved unconditionally and only wanted the best for not only your children but for everyone. I strive to have the faith, love and charity you exhibited throughout your lifetime.

You left behind many people who love, adore and prayed endlessly for you and who miss you greatly. The grief is unbearable sometimes, but we still continue as we know that we all will have to go someday, but pray that we too will be in heaven where you eternally rest.

I love you Edie, yearn for your guidance, but know for myself that God is my light and in him shall I trust. Happy Birthday, I miss you so much.