Writer's Block Wednesday (#40)

Happy Wednesday! The word for this week is press. Here's what I came up with when I put fingers to keyboard. By the way, the art accompanying this poem is called Marron by Sandra Knuyt. As always, I pray you will relax, reflect and enjoy...

Can you handle that?

copyright 2012

gotta confess

you impress

me with your style

don't wanna cause no stress

turn this into a complicated mess

but i want you to be mine

simply stated, i am the best

it's obvious you deserve nothing less

so why don't we two become one

together our lips will press

what follows you don't have to guess

wanna get you alone and undress

take my hands and gently caress

your body in places you will never forget

this is how i boldly express

that being your woman is my quest

but the question is...

can you handle that?

Tuesdays with.... (#9)

This is the last Tuesday of February: Black History Month. I hope you have enjoyed our close look at some African American poets. I want to end this month with a poem by a well known poet: Langston Hughes. As always, I pray you will relax, reflect and enjoy:

As I Grew Older

by Langston Hughes

Copyright 1925

It was a long time ago.

I have almost forgotten my dream.

But it was there then,

In front of me,

Bright like a sun--

My dream.

And then the wall rose,

Rose slowly,

Slowly,

Between me and my dream.

Rose until it touched the sky--

The wall.

Shadow.

I am black.

I lie down in the shadow.

No longer the light of my dream before me,

Above me.

Only the thick wall.

Only the shadow.

My hands!

My dark hands!

Break through the wall!

Find my dream!

Help me to shatter this darkness,

To smash this night,

To break this shadow

Into a thousand lights of sun,

Into a thousand whirling dreams

Of sun!

Spirit Filled Sunday #14

My freshmen year of college, I came across this quote: "Excuses are tools of incompetence which build monuments of nothing..." Powerful and oh so true. Excuses get us nowhere and keep us stuck where we are. This morning my pastor, Sherman Fort, preached on the topic "No Excuses" and used Exodus 3:10-22 and Exodus 4 as the scripture reference. In these scriptures, Moses is talking with GOD and giving excuse after excuse as to why he can not do what GOD is telling him to do. This sermon pricked my heart and opened my eyes. Tonight, I would like to share with you my sermon notes.

#1 Excuse given to GOD

"Who am I that I should go?"

GOD's response:

It's not about who you are, but who I am.

#2 Excuse given to GOD:

"I don't know what to say."

GOD's response:

I will give you the words to say.

#3 Excuse given to GOD:

What if they don't believe me?"

GOD's response:

I will do the miraculous in order to make them believe.

#4 Excuse given to GOD:

"I'm not equipped to go."

GOD's response:

I have the power to do it all. I have equipped you and have the power to eliminate whatever problem you have.

#5 Excuse given to GOD:

"I don't want to go. Send Someone else."

GOD's response:

What I have for you is for you. No one else can do it like you can.

The bottom line is GOD can use you in spite of yourself. Stop making excuses and get to fulfilling HIS purpose for your life. Don't let excuses stop you for being all HE has destined and designed you to be.

God bless! Have a wonderful week!

Thought Provoking Thursday (#13)

Your thoughts?

Mildred Jeter, an African American woman and Richard Loving, a white man,were childhood sweethearts in Caroline County, Virginia who decided to get married. The marriage laws in Virginia said that no white person could marry a non-white person. Because of this law, the couple went to Washington in June of 1958 and were married. After they returned home, the local sheriff burst into their bedroom and arrested Mr. and Mrs. Loving. To avoid going to jail, the couple left Virginia and moved to Washington. They soon became frustrated that they could not visit their families in Virginia for fear of being arrested. 

In 1963, Mrs. Loving wrote the US Attorney General, Robert F. Kennedy, who referred her case to the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union). The case was taken all the way to the US Supreme Court. 

On June 12, 1967, the Supreme Court ruled that the laws forbidding inter-racial marriages were unconstitutional.

Writer's Block Wednesday (#39)

On Monday when my friend Whitney texted me the word for this week, my first response was "ouch". It was not a word that immediately inspired me. BUT I came up with something...the word for this week is CROW. As always, I pray you will relax, reflect and enjoy...

Yellow Brick Road

(inspired by Ntozake Shange)

copyright 2012

Easing down

life's yellow brick road

in my red bottom heels

Stumbled across

a young fella full of charm

hung around for awhile

only to discover

he didn't know me

as well as I thought he did

Bumped into

a striking gentleman with a solid build

spent some time

only to discover

his heart wasn't in it

Ran up on

a strong man with rugged good looks

lingered for a moment

only to discover

he was afraid of commitment

Easing down

life's yellow brick road

in my red bottom heels

Came to end of the road

to find a mister

who I thought had it all

stayed too long

only to discover

there was nothing real about him

Moved from the road

slipped off my heels

stepped barefoot

onto the dirt path before me

Following the path

full of twists,turns

bumps and bruises

Came face to face

with a man

pierced in His side

a crown of thorns on His head

planted myself at His feet

only to discover

LOVE, GRACE, MERCY, FORGIVENESS

Following the path

full of twists, turns

bumps and bruises

I found GOD

and

I loved HIM

fiercely

Tuesdays with.... (#8)

Happy Tuesday! About a month ago, I was approached by a member of my church, who is also a high school counselor, to help her find some poems for her school's Black Student Union to perform for Black History Month. In my search, I found this poem and was introduced to a new poet: Haki R. Madhubuti. He published under the name Don L. Lee until 1972.So ladies and gentlemen, I present this poetic piece by Haki R. Madhubuti...

Is the TRUTH Liberating?

By Haki R. Madhubuti

if it is truth that binds 


why are there so many lies 


between lovers?

if it is truth

that is liberating 


why are people told: 


they look good when they don't 


they are loved when they aren't 


everything is fine when it ain't 


glad you're back when you're not.

Black people in america 


may not be made for the truth


we wrap our lives in disco 


and sunday sermons 


while selling false dreams 


to our children.

lies are refundable, 


can be bought 


on our revolving charge cards


as we all catch truth 


on the next go round


if it doesn't hurt.

Spirit Filled Sunday #13

Yesterday, I along with many others, sat in front of my TV and watched the Homegoing/funeral for Whitney Houston. I was touched by the outpouring of love for Ms Houston, but most importantly, I was thrilled that GOD was an invited guest. HIS presence was in that church and HIS love, grace and mercy was overflowing. As Whitney Houston was laid to rest this morning, my prayer is that her family has peace.

Last week, I prayed for Bobbi Kristina, the only daughter of Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown. Tonight my prayers go out to Bobby Brown. It is my opinion that he is getting so much negative attention due to his past relationship with Whitney. In many reports and blogs I have read recently, he is being blamed for Whitney's past drug abuse and in some reports, her untimely death. I have also read reports that the family of Whitney Houston is keeping Bobby from seeing his daughter and were less than welcoming to him and his family at the funeral, thus causing him to leave minutes before the funeral began. I don't know if any of this is true, but the situation has caused me to think and reflect and thus today's post....

I believe we are tested every time we feel someone has hurt us, did us wrong, talked behind our back or wronged our family. I understand there is hurt and pain. How could there not be? But in the midst of the pain, we must remember that GOD's love never fails. It is HIS love that will carry us through the hard times and pick us up when we stumble. Placing blame only puts hatred in our hearts and that hatred does not make room for love and forgiveness. We block our blessings when we hold on to spitefulness. And the truth is, by doing so, we are not following the Word of God. The Bible says "Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you." Matthew 5:44. The Reverend Jerry Carter stated "When you pray for somebody, the poison is taken out of your attitude".

Tonight, I ask you to release any poison in your attitude and any hatred that has taken residence in your heart. I encourage you to reconcile with those you feel have mistreated you and wronged you in any way. It is then that you will find peace.

God Bless!

Thought Provoking Thursday (#12)

In honor of Black History Month and the upcoming Oscar's.....

Hattie McDaniel (shown receiving her Academy Award from Fay Bainter) is the first African American to receive an Oscar. In 1939, she won Best Supporting Actress for her role as "Mammy" in Gone With The Wind.

Writer's Block Wednesday (#38)

The word for this week is drawn. As always, I pray you will relax, reflect and enjoy...

The Line

copyright 2012

we became friends out of convenience

we remained friends out of necessity

but now

the battle lines have been drawn

pride resides in the middle

"Red rover, Red rover"

will not send either one of us over

crossing the line

can not erase time

won't take us back

to how we use to be

laughing, gossiping

sharing, depending

we gotta decide

both you and I

if our friendship

is worth it...

Tuesdays with.... (#7)

Happy Valentine's Day! I pray that you were able to spend some quality time with that "special someone" today... yourself! I have heard it said that "learning to love yourself is the greatest love of all." Prayerfully you also gave some time to the One who is the definition of love: Jesus Christ.

With all that said, tonight's post is not your typical Valentine's Day poem. It is written by a poet named Mari Evans. Google her and gain some knowledge....

Where Have You Gone

by Mari Evans

copyright 1967

Where have you gone 


with your confident walk 


with your crooked smile 


why did you leave me

when you took your laughter 


and departed 


are you aware

that with you 


went the sun all light

and what few stars there were?

where have you gone 


with your confident walk 


your crooked smile


the rent money 


in one pocket 


and my heart in another . . .

Spirit Filled Sunday #12

Yesterday on February 11, 2012, pop music diva Whitney Houston transitioned from this world. At the time of this post, the cause of her death is unknown. What is known is that she leaves behind a large list of musical hits, tons of adoring fans, loving friends and family and a daughter...a young woman with a full life to live... this one is for her...

For Bobbi Kristina

copyright 2012

Pain strong

hard hitting

in places

you never knew

pain could dwell

Sleeping doesn't ease the blow

'cause even your dreams

are filled with the reality of what is

the talking

gossiping

speculating

wondering

assuming

prying

opinions flying

voices carrying

rumors soaring

about the tragic death of a pop icon

with the voice of an angel

and with demons...

demons that do not give you peace

until they take your very soul

But who is praying

praying for a young girl

who has lost so much

her idol

confidant

friend

Mother

God knows the pain of losing one so dear

HIS arms are

open

ready

wanting

to take you in

hold you

rock you

comfort you

Run to HIM

Look to HIM

Lean on HIM

Your lost is beyond measure

but HIS love will cover you

HE will give you peace

Let your tears fall

Let your anger rise

And when you are all cried out

Let Jesus be your strength

Let God be your safe place

Know that although you may feel alone

HIS word says

HE will never leave you nor forsake you

I am remembering your mother

but most importantly

I am praying

I am praying

I am praying

For you

Thought Provoking Thursday (#11)

your thoughts?

This image shows two African American athletes (Tommie Smith, Gold medalist and John Carlos, Bronze medalist) who placed in the 200-meter dash at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico. They took their place on the podium wearing black socks to represent black poverty, standing to empower the African American community, wearing Olympic Project for Human Rights badges and raising both of their fists in the air in the Black Power salute.

Writer's Block Wednesday (#37)

This word for this week is trial....

Wrote a poem about it. Wanna hear it? Here it go...

Our Love Story

copyright 2012

Our love is not a fairy tale

Reality check :

Do I look like Snow White?

More like Princess Tiana

but I ain’t interested in kissing anymore frogs

And truth be told

I've never dabbled in voodoo cause I know

JESUS is the way, the truth and the life

Our love is not a classic romance

Cause although you are fine and speak serious game

You are no Romeo

And I am certainly not Juliet cause

I refuse to sacrifice my life for your love

Our love is not a storybook love affair

I'm not a damsel in distress

waiting for prince charming to rescue me from the tower

Cause as you can see, I no longer wear a weave...

so climbing up my hair is out of the question

Our love is indeed a tragedy

But a wicked witch is not the villain

I blame myself

Cause I gave you all of me

and only got about 1/3 of you

Sharing you with those other 2

was not in my storyline

But I failed to turn the page

And stayed

bookmarked

right there

If this was a trial

my friends could bare witness

and the jury would declare me guilty

Guilty of not believing in fairy tales

But wanting one all the same ....

Tuesdays with.... (#6)

It should come as no surprise that in honor of Black History Month, I plan to honor African American poets in this Tuesday blog. As James Brown would say, "I'm Black and I'm proud!" Today's poem was one I discovered at least 15 years ago. I loved it so much back then that I made a copy of it from a book and glued it onto construction paper to display. About 3 years ago, I put that same display onto a magnet and now it finds it's home on my refrigerator. At the time the poem was written, the poet was around 6-7 years old. She published a book of her poetry in 1970 entitled Poems by Kali. The poetry found in this book relate her experiences of being Black. Ladies and gentleman, I present to you Kali Grosvenor. As always, I pray you will relax, reflect and enjoy...

Black Is

By Kali

Copyright 1970

Black is something is laugh about

Black is something to cry about

Black is serious

Black is a feeling

Black is us the beautiful people

Thought Provoking Thursday (#10)

In honor of Black History Month, all the images for this Thursday blog for the month of February will feature moments in Black History. Now more than ever, I pray you will truly think and reflect on what you see...

Writer's Block Wednesday (#36)...sorta

For tonight's post, I wanna stray away from my original plan for Writer's Block Wednesday. There is no special word tonight. Instead, this post will honor a special occasion: February... Black History Month. So here is a piece I wrote a few years ago. I pray as always you will relax, reflect and enjoy.

Rest in peace Don Cornelius. I'm sure there is a SOUL TRAIN line in heaven...

Do You Know?

Copyright 2007

Do you know?

I don't think you know...

My beautiful sistas and my fine brothas

I don't think you know.

It's time that you knew

and since knowledge is power

allow me to push your buttons.

There's a blessin in every lesson

so allow me to educate, emancipate, communicate and prayerfully motivate

We are quick to go to the club and

get our groove on

Run down to the college campus and

stomp the yard

Hit the concert venue and

find ourselves caught up in song

But it's time...

It's time that we make our presence known in the boardroom

Not the mailroom, the break room and dare I say, the bedroom

Stop putting those dolla dolla bills in the next man's pockets

and put some in ours

Follow the examples of

Jay Z...

CEO, HNIC, H to the O- V to the A...

Roc-a-Fella records ya'll

And what about John H. Johnson

founder of the world's largest African American owned publishing company

breaking us off with Ebony and Jet and

Fashion Fair Cosmetics

"Girl your hair looks good!"

Better give thanks to Sarah Breedlove

better known as Madame C. J. Walker

Pioneer of modern Black hair care

And lest we forget

"Harpo....who dis woman?"

That's Oprah Winfrey

Producer, magazine publisher, book critic, philanthropist, billionaire

most influential woman in the world

and a sista

Do you know?

I don't think you know.

No more excuses.

Excuses are tools of incompetence

and we are NOT incompetent.

Bust through the window of opportunity

Take your place among

Bob Johnson, Clarence Otis Jr., Raven Symone, Will Smith, Spike Lee, Shonda Rhimes, Tyler Perry, Susan L. Taylor, Linda Johnson Rice, Sylvia Rhone, Magic Johnson, Chris Gardner, Russell Simmons, Tracey Edmonds and yes

even Sean "P.Diddy" Combs

"I thought I told you that we won't stop. I thought I told you that we won't stop..."

And the list goes on and on and on

So now you know

My beautiful sistas and my fine brothas

School's over.

Handle your business.