Suffered and Survived
Several weeks ago I attended an open house at the Underground Freedom Center featuring author Sharon Draper. She is a former CPS teacher and author of one of my favorite books to read with students, Tears of a Tiger. Once I received the invitation to this event I knew I would be in attendance. I really enjoy many of Sharon Draper's books and on this night she would be talking about Copper Sun and how we can use the book in our classrooms.I arrive at the Freedom Center and I am greeted by free parking and lite refreshments. Nice!!!! That was equivalent to rolling out the red carpet for me. Well maybe not the refreshment, I am working on taking somethings to the next level. As I am sipping on my soda and nibbling on my refreshments I can see the Ohio River and the hustle and bustle of rush hour traffic, all while the sun is setting. What a gorgeous scene. That moment was created just for me.
Awhile later we are encouraged to join Sharon Draper in the theater. Mrs. Draper is such a vibrant and interactive speaker and I felt like I had been on some of her journeys with her. During her talk with us there was a point that she brought up that has stayed with me. Often when we talk about our history we talk about those who suffered and died. Mrs. Draper stated that she is here because of those who suffered and survived. Wow!!!
Like many I have been blessed to know my grandparents on both sides and I can remember as a little girl spending time with my great-grandmother. The family gatherings at my great-grandmother's were always huge and eventful. Sometimes I think about what my family had to endure for me to be who I am today. Whenever I take on a great task I think about my mother and father, and their parents, and my great-grandparents. In that family tree are intelligent people of faith. There are teachers, my sister and I are 3rd generation Sunday School teachers, builders, nurses, and incredible thinkers in our family.
Opportunities are provided for me because someone paved the way for it to be possible. I know that there was a great deal of suffering also in that family tree and because they survived I can too.
Paying It Forward
Lindar
All I Need
I have been so fortunate to be exposed to music all of my life. I am even more fortunate that I have been exposed to gospel music, thanks to my mother. There is nothing like an amazing song to get me going through trying times. Here lately there is one song that tugs at my heart and forces me to stop and worship, at home, in my car, or wherever I am standing when I hear it. That song is "All I Need" by Brian Courtney Wilson.Lord I am standing in the need of prayer......when I call, Lord I know you're there....How many times have you been standing in the need of prayer? When you didn't know how a situation was going to work itself out? At 40 I can testify to staying prayed up when the doctor's said my children were sick at birth, when I couldn't I couldn't figure out the mortgage a couple of years ago, and when I was told time and time again that I was not cute enough, not small enough or simply just not enough.
But I was taught as a child to call on Him and He would make a way out of now way. He has proven that over and over again....in my family, personal, and spiritual life. I now count all things joy.
See I am at a place where I want God to take the wrong and make it right. I want God to touch me in an amazing way. I am ready to give to Him completely. You can get enough time to yourself and you reflect on how awesome He is and how faithful He has been and you have no choice but say I submit totally to You Lord.
We are on our 3rd set of snow days. Today I asked God what is it that you want me to do with this time? Did I miss something the 1st and 2nd set of days? I don't believe anything happens by accident. God works all things out for good. His response to me was simply realize that God is all that you need and that your prayers are already answered and your dreams have already been made true if you simply stay on the path of doing as I ask of you.
I have had pain and doubts about tomorrow. There were days when I just wished it would all end. But God....He had a plan. Has a plan. As a child I would hear my mother sing, in the church choir, I Know Who Hold Tomorrow... many things about tomorrow...I just don't seem to understand. But I know who holds tomorrow...and I know who holds my hand.
At the end of the day God's hand is All I Need
Link - All I Need by Brian Courtney Wilson
Happy Valentine's Day
Wishing everyone a Happy Valentine's Day. Whether you are married, single, or divorced believe me there is someone out there who truly and unconditionally loves you.
Remembering My Granny
It's interesting how God works sometimes. I have been avoiding this day all month. Six years ago today I was off work. It was the day that my grandmother passed. It is still so clear in my head. The last visit at the hospital, the last words she said to me, the call from my cousin.We buried Granny on Valentine's Day and it has forever changed how I view that day. It's not about candy, cards, etc. Instead it is family time. It's a time for reflection. It's a time to be festive. I probably didn't want a snow day today because I wanted to stay busy, hoping that less tears would drop.
But God has a plan that is bigger than mine. I guess in hindsight I needed today to let the tears drop freely.
Busy Boy
My child stays busy whether he is dismantling a tricycle or getting put in time out because he knows how to navigate between software he likes and dislikes. Here lately he has been using his photography skills. This is his lastest creation and pic.
Last night we were praying together. I prayed the prayer that begins "Now I lay me down to sleep..." When I was finished praying he looked me in my eyes and said, "Mommy, you want to die?" All I could do is shake my head. lol
Our Daily Bread
On January 4, I made a huge decision that on January 5 I would not eat any form of bread or anything with sugar for a month. They say that anything you do for 30 days becomes a habit. Most people ask me if I am doing the Atkins diet. I tell them no, because I am not following it completing. I created some modifications. I got a thing for pecans and whipped cream. ;)So on January 5 I began the task of saying no and looking at other alternatives. My scale doesn't work well so I can't tell if I have lost actual pounds but I can tell that my shirts fit a little different. I think I am off to a good start and I am eating a lot healthier. I am definitely not tired after I eat. Raising Kobe, Bill Gates, and Serena is enough to tire anyone out.
This morning I am searching for something to wear other than by normal black and white attire and so I reach for a gray pant set that I have not worn since I carried Ty. Needless to say today I was too cute in gray and black. I even had to step up my make-up game. Blush anyone??????
I look forward to the March 5 update.
Forever Blossoming
Lindar
I Don't Care If It Don't Rhyme
Click the link to read my latest writing.
http://www.poetry.com/poems/i-don%27t-care-if-it-don%27t-rhyme/14302969/
http://www.poetry.com/poems/i-don%27t-care-if-it-don%27t-rhyme/14302969/
Beautiful Distraction - Gabourey Sidibe
Recently at school we were preparing to watch "Glory". As we organized the room and got our students situated something caught my eye. It was the latest issue of Ebony Magazine with Gabourey Sidibe on the cover. Ms. Gabourey is the star of the movie "Precious", based on the novel Push. As of yet I have not seen the movie or read the book. Not because I don't want to or I don't find it interesting. Personally I feel as if I teach to "Precious" everyday. Many young ladies I know can relate to the main character in this story. I don't know if I am ready to see the story on the big screen or read the book. For then I will be alone and not have my assistant or my co-workers to run to, to help me figure it out and calm me down. I have always been an emotional soul. I think this movie and this book will tug at my heart in away that I am not prepared for.
While the movie was beginning, in our classroom, I flipped right to the story on Gabourey and I can truly say that this article was one of the most enlightening reads I have had in a while. Gabourey's confidence jumped off the page and it was totally in your face. Her pictures were stunning, almost as if she had been practicing and preparing for this moment. I would encourage everyone to pick up this issue and read the article. It is so inspiring and so motivational. What moved me the most about the article was that I was left feeling that I was on my divine path and that one day I will make the right turn to meet the right people to fulfill God's divine plan for my life. Ebony, Oprah, Monique......I am on my way!!!!!!
Below is a video clip containing Gabourey while on the set of her Ebony photo shoot.
http://www.ebonyjet.com/multimedia/videos/index.aspx
Getting Ready for My Close Up
Lindar
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