Bible Translations

My husband and I are going deeper in the Word....

Hosea 4:6

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you, that you may be no priest to me. Because you have forgotten your God's law, I will also forget your children.


my people are silent because they have driven off Information and skills acquired through experience or education; the theoretical or practical understanding of a subject.(from or of God),I will reject you,and remove you from office as my priests.Because you have forgotten me,I will forget your children.

II Corinthians 4:8-9

In all things we are exposed to grievous trouble but we are not  in acute physical or mental suffering,  we are not put into difficulties,  and we are not destitute. We are exposed to persecution but not forsaken cast down but not destroyed.

Isaiah 61:1

The spirit of the LORD is over me because the Lord has anointed me to be sent to the meek and the contrite of heart and proclaim to the captive their indulgences that the opening is closed.


The office of Christ was given a special mission to the meek, people hurting in their hearts in order to close the wounds opened by their indulgences. Christ will identify the area so that it can be dealt with.

African Pride, standing on Maya's shoulders
Writings Inspired by life growth
©2011- Broken Wings Publishing

The New Me

I realized that my love and passion for writing is yearning to be satisfied almost as equally as my call to teach.... Could it be that they are one in the same? Yes! As I look for the reading materials to give my newborn daughter, ones that elevate and teach her purpose, I am hit with the reality that there are none.  None to speak to her African roots, none to speak to her father's rise to a middle class lifestyle as an African-American male, none to reinforce her faith in something other than fairy tales.

The things I want her to see, I must create.
The New Me is satisfied in my role of teacher, writer, creator, inventor.
Look out world, I've had my aha moment!


African Pride, standing on Maya's shoulders
Writings Inspired by life growth
©2011- Broken Wings Publishing

Since I learned I'll b having a child, life makes sense in a way only the Bible explains

My husband is the bomb!!!

I stood up for myself

image retrieved from:
http://visualphotos.com/photo/2x4740455/semi_nude_black_woman_standing_by_sea_27mt0019rf.jpg

I stood up for myself

I am realizing that when God has promised you something, anything,  the spirits of strife, contention, anger, sabotage, and jealousy, begin to activate themselves inside of others near you. It is as though your progress literally pricks their hearts and causes them to "speak" out loud against your growth, creating an environment in which the Believer must fend for him/herself. Many times those intensely negative people justify their demons (which are really hidden pains, fears, and trauma manifesting themselves in the unenlightened mindsets) describing themselves as personalities. True they are acting in their self seeking personalities intending to preserve their familial lines, but if and when you cannot tap into what it is that Lord has for you to better the earth and submit yourself to that mission, you kill the dreams, ideas and intents of those fighting to preserve the will of God.

Amidst all of the painstaking events on the ascension to education, socioeconomic liberty and gender equality, I dreamed a dream of progress and emotional prosperity and the immense freedom to pursue the Lord's good pleasure. Interpreting its symbolic nature, I recognized the LORD. And I began to fight for myself: studying, improving time management, creating periods of deserved rest, speaking up for under-served populations against moral violations and enforcing boundaries.  I have begun to pick up my cross and fight unequivocally and unapologetically.


 I have begun to use my discernment in hopes to keep my faith in tact and blame the personalities and not God for all the trouble. I have learned to curse the "selfish, sheltered mindset" (flesh) and not blame the intent of the Lord.  There is such a thing as a pure and holy personality. A true personality given from the Lord is insightful, caring, and interested in more than one persons view.  A true personality is gifted in introspection and locating any selfish or ignorant weed seeds and trimming their roots. An irreverent personality shows fruits of emptiness, greed, and massive circular arguments geared towards winners and losers.


But, I reached into my educated, unprejudiced spirit and said, "un unh," "not today," "and not ever!"  It was Maya herself that shared that words have power, piggybacking the message of the Christ. Life and Death is in the Power of the tongue,love is shown in sacrifice coupled with a renewed mind, and I have stood up for myself!








African Pride, standing on Maya's shoulders
Writings Inspired by life growth
©2011- Broken Wings Publishing

Tornadoes

I am on edge.

The news reporters are saying that Joplin was pulverized today because homes/business were not built with stable basements, though that area is a known tornado one. They said legislation could not demand that homes be built in a manner that might have offered more protection. I just get upset because the people of Joplin have now been reduced to nothing ( in the sense of their material possessions). They're in a place where money doesn't matter and they are just happy to be living. Between this and the False Prophet about May 22, this is the MOST I'VE SEEN THE COUNTRY ALLOW GOD AND REFERENCES ABOUT THE LORD ON PUBLIC MAINSTREAMED TELEVISION.

All of a sudden God matters? And all of a sudden we're human?
It has always been true but we seem to forget it when we get a couple of months of finances and paid vacation (it seems).

image retrieved from:http://www.desktoprating.com/wallpapers/nature-wallpapers-pictures/lighting-and-tornado-storm-wallpaper.jpg

I'm disappointed in what we've become sometimes.... now that we're in the rebuilding mindset post Katrina, post Earthquakes- Japan, Post-Tsunami,post- Grimsvotn, Post- Bashing an American President for unfounded reasons, etc WILL WE NOW get back to the things that matter? Recognizing that God is totally real, building appropriate infrastructure, educating all students, and rebuilding people in our own country that were just a couple of generations ago slaves??? Will we keep building cities in the worst zones ever without proper footing, irrespective of nature's path? Will we?



African Pride, standing on Maya's shoulders
Writings Inspired by life growth
©2011- Broken Wings Publishing

Stress

"Stress"- written during High school finals

I've got a Physics test
And a Math test too
And besides my English is due.
I started at five
And it's half past nine
It's Monday night
And my show is on.
I'm a wreck
And my mind is gone
My hair ain't done
I almost fought someone
My eyes have bags
My clothes are rags
I need an iron
I need an "A,"
a hair stylist,
an aspirin,
a clothespin,
a tutor,
new friends,
Timberlands,
 a dress,
a shirt,
some pants and a skirt,
money,
a car,
a job,
tuition for college,
a sudden burst of knowledge,
I need to get rid of my stress.
The Academic meet
is in two weeks.
First my head hurt,
now my feet.
The Science league
 is pressuring me
The Honor Society told me
My grades must stay up
I'm sleepy, and tired,
I know I need rest.
How can I get rid of my stress




African Pride, standing on Maya's shoulders
Writings Inspired by life growth
©1999- Broken Wings Publishing

Sorry

Sorry- written for a college love

I can't wait to see your smile each day

And since you went away,

All I want to say

Is how you make make me feel.

Because I know my love is real

and now all I seem to do

Is sit there thinking of you.

And I know you miss me too.

Now that you're gone I see

How much you meant to me.

So, read this carefully

I'm so sorry.

I never knew a love that tore my world apart

And left splinters in my heart.

Now I realize,

I needed you in my life.

So with every tear I cry

I apologize

This time I will try

To keep our love alive

I  made a huge mistake

And when we're face to face

I'll be the first to say

I miss you.

I love you.

I don't want to say goodbye

I'll make it right this time

I should have never lied

Now I feel all hurt inside.

I'm sorry!

African Pride, standing on Maya's shoulders
Writings Inspired by life growth
©2003- Broken Wings Publishing

People's Words to Me (I)

I  have decided to catalog about 12 yrs of poetry, letters, and thoughts that I have in various safe places around the house. Some were written by me, while others were written to me.  I wanted to spend some time highlighting the importance of the kind words that were given to me.  Many times, they were all I needed to push myself to the next level.  The words of these special individuals in text really helped me to see myself the way God might.  I'm definitely my own worst critic when I'm working, but it's good to look back and see some things are fine about me the way they are.  I've been having some rough seasons attempting to live out my own unique path.  And so I figured if I put those words and accomplishments in a digital space, they can live forever and I can no longer forget who I am.  Growing up extremely intelligent, creative, talented, humble, but shy, I learned the ability to camouflage myself for fear of labeling or wanting others not to feel "inferior" near me, but I fear it may have been at the expense of losing me.

Thank God for these so far I was able to type. And thank God for the people that weren't afraid to let me be me!

 (NO particular order other than how I found them)

From E and S

We appreciate your friendship.

We're lucky to have a friend with a warm heart that gave us good laughs. We're looking forward to the years of good times ahead of us.l We wish you lots of happiness on your 21st birthday and hope that youll have many many birthdays to come

Someone's watching over you with the greatest love.

Someone wants you to be happy, safe, and secure.

Someone considers you a wonderful individual and cares about your needs.

Someone's making blessings for your benefit right now- like sunshine for those rainy days

and rainbows to remind you of the promise up ahead

Someone is watching over you, especially today.

I know because I've asked the Lord to take good care of you

Written by Barbara J. Hall

From E:

You're too smart not to be in grad school. I'm just calling you to let you know that. Go back to school.

From Carl:

 Baby girl, you're too nice. You're so nice. I know I've hurt you in the past but I called to let you know how worth it you are. I don't want you to let people take advantage of you.

From Vivian:

People like you are rare. You don't often find someone who would willingly dedicate time, effort, and all her talents into leading God's Children. You work so hard and sacrifice everything to make sure Higher Ground moves to where God wants us to be.l Thanks a million for not being the normal president, who would only serve a term and resign. Thanks a million for being our spiritual leader. You are a wonderful role model. So kindly do you advise, you are more than a friend.

You have opened your arms and accepted the groups with all its reality. Even when you think that everything has gone wrong or that no one is fulfilling their part, you never give up. Not many of the the members could say the same about their friends or even close relatives. Your presence is impacting not only Higher Ground members, but everyone who ever comes in contact with you. When you smile or say, "Hello" to people, rays of God's light beams from you. You bring day light ot many who come sad and gloomy.

I can say these about you, " Manejay" because youhave helped me to have a closer relationship with My God, the Alpha and Omega; to who I am learning to give my all.

Thanks for secretly praying for teh Group inside your closet. Thanks for the times you act as if nothing is wrong and just take the burden for the group. Thanks for the beautiful smile you put on people's faces. Thanks for being proud of HIgher Ground, and know this; every member of HIgher Ground is proud of you.

I am sorry I did not send this earlier when the Spirit asked. I cannot ignore it anymore. I just need to comply. I am not the one saying these words. I believe they were put in me for a reason.

I think that if you had lived in the old biblical time, you would be like the second Moses. You have done all you could Manejay. You deserve "A Standing Ovation." Your angel smiles each time you pray. And yoru treasures increase by tenfold every day by day.

Thank you for being Manejay, sister sacrifice, and for being YOU.

But, most importantly, thank you for being God's chosen.

From My Brother:

I don't even know where to begin... I pray as I move this pen- God guides my words because I know not a feeling to express my love for you. How can I really describe what you have been to me? What you have meant to this family??? Where would we be withour you????? When I look at you I see an individual who is capable of anything; whose character serves as a model for all to follow; and a woman that exemplifies wisdom, beautiful, and strength (both inside and out). Enjoy this day forever because it is youw who worked so hard. Let this serve as a stepping stone as you continue toward a meaningful future. The way you work, success cannot be denied. Good luck and God Bless.

From Mommy:

Thank God for giving me [you]!

From Then boyfriend, now Husband:

I would never have imagined I would be in the presence of someone so grate, God has truly blessed me indeed to have a sister, friend, confidante, and love in you. You are the most magnificent woman I've ever known and will know. I'm so proud and honored to be in your life. You possess so many wonderful strengths and traits that I admire and I aspire to be all I can be due in no small part to you and your influence. God Bless you(us) in all you(we) do.

From Sister:

[My  name]You stand true to the meaning of it; "For the sake of you"

You did it, and even though I'm younger, I can truly say I"m proud of you. You are such an inspiration- fighting the system, gaining knowledge, all the while maintaining your composure. I just wanted to let you know that throughout all the time we couldn't be with you, you were never alone. Your best friend, God was always by your side giving you help when you needed it most. I was and still am blessed to have a sister like you to look up to!

From Gregory S.

I want to thank you. Thank you for always being there for me. For times I am lost, for times I was lonely and depressed, the midnight, midday, early morning anytime talks when others thought I was crazy. Though I know you AND I are not perfect, you have been my role model and I thank God every night that you have been a friend for me.

This is a true essence of a love offering. You are probably thinking of giving it back, but I won't take it. Why? Because I love you too much and just a reminder that no matter what, I will always be there. You keep me grounded in the Word, spiritual and on point (mostly so I won't get punched in the stomach or something.)

Stay strong because just as God always keeps me going forward, He will keep you going too. Keep that wheel turning.

African Pride, standing on Maya's shoulders
Writings Inspired by life growth
©2011- Broken Wings Publishing

He is

My husband is the quintessential black man....
Saturday morning breakfast in bed,
makes me feel rich like what we have should be called "black diamonds."
Its rare and amazing.
He makes me believe in God's love over and over and over again....


African Pride, standing on Maya's shoulders
Writings Inspired by life growth
©2011- Broken Wings Publishing

Poetry

You read me like I’m poetry, 
Decode all of my heart wants, 
Enjoying the beats of my needs 
Even edit my mistakes like you’re Nikki G 
Dotting my every “i,” and crossing every “t” 

Baby, my thoughts just make sense 
And it’s no longer just to me… 

Whether they’re in rhythm like a rhyme 
Or rambling like some prose 
You turn my pages 
And let the messages just flow into 
Mental pictures of 
A cohesive structure 
I add one piece 
And you definitely build another 

My brother, 
I’m smothered by your intimacy… 

See it’s like when fiery trials hit temperatures of 202 

We get down low and 
Find life’s escape routes 
Push past the pain, 
All the hurts and wounds to 
Indulge in a safety 
Only free people can know 
I’m not a fire fighter but you’re making me show 
My Courage 

See, I’m driving this thing called life and you’re my radio station search 
Cause sometimes I’m lost but, you always work to 
Keep my mind soothed 
Locate my signal 
And play the right grooves 
So much so, and so on time that 
You move my very being 

Am I seeing double? 
I know you’re my equal 
My pages are being written, and I know you’re my sequel 
Things are in the way, you know I can see straight through 
To the moment in time where we’ve both won 
Simply 
Because 
We’re 
Just 
One 
Love 


African Pride, standing on Maya's shoulders
Writings Inspired by life growth
©2009- Broken Wings Publishing

Free

To me
You're still a stranger
Though you held me
Much longer than anyone I've ever known
Though you've touched me in places I didn't even know existed
And you make me melt like icicles on the tongue

It's even stranger how you could possibly know
How to make me smile non-artificial smiles
When I know you couldn't handle the real me
It's like I'm happy I met you that day
And I'm happy I let you that night

Or Maybe
You can explain the strange feelings
That posses me
Capture and trap me
When I feel you're in the vicinity of the room
I am about to be in

Man, you gotta know me
Maybe I was your chocolate Cinderella
And we made love in unconscious worlds
Where fairies exist in multitudes
And whispers were interludes between each thoughtless breath

It's strange how you warm me
Like grandma's quilt or grandma's tea
Or maybe I find it strange
That you're the man I needed you to be
For just that night,
to feel open
to feel free.

African Pride, standing on Maya's shoulders
Writings Inspired by life growth
©2001- Broken Wings Publishing

Puzzled

Puzzled

I W I S H

Y O U R E

A L L Y K

N E W H O

W M U C H

YO U S U

R E D I D

P U T M E

T H R O U

G H I C O

U L D N E

V E R H A

V E D O N

E T H A T

T O Y O U

I T S R E

A L L Y G

O T M E P

U Z Z L ED

© 1999 Broken Wings Publishing

African Pride, standing on Maya's shoulders
Writings Inspired by life growth

The Expedition

The Expedition

(For the Devico Cancer Project)

Life

Is like

A Hiking Trip

There are Mountains

Of Situations

To Conquer

Elements of Emotions

To Brave

Moments of Mental Anguish

To Walk Out

With the fear of the Unknown

At stake

But somewhere towards the Middle we Realize

The Security of our Certainty is just Miles ahead

And the time is here

Where we must choose to Persevere

Because

It's all worth the Journey!

© 2007 Broken Wings Publishing

African Pride, standing on Maya's shoulders
Writings Inspired by life growth

New Friendship

NEW Friendship

NEW Friendship

sometimes feels

C L U M S Y

like 2 young girls

dancing at a party

But

Lasting Friendships

Always

feel comfortable

like

2 MATURE WOMEN

having a good laugh

for the first time

in years...

© 2003 Broken Wings Publishing

African Pride, standing on Maya's shoulders
Writings Inspired by life growth

Entering with a New Mind

     I had a break down the other day. Me, yes superwoman, couldn't fly! Can you believe it? It was my birthday and I still had to help others.  But, who rescues me? When the energy pack is down, where do I go to recharge it?  I admit, I never interviewed or applied for the superwoman's job.  But, destiny with God's hand saw fit for me to have the position. Who can say no to God's calling?- No one.  But a manual would definitely be nice!

     I looked at all of the roles I fulfill and almost lost my mind. I wondered, when did I acquire all of these new responsibilities, and how do I deal with the learning process to make it work? I realized I am climbing up the socioeconomic/cultural ladder, but when I look back on the rungs, I am unsure if I'm leaving behind things that make me, me. And, I find I'm troubled with the ascent of more knowledge and peace.

Cultural Perspective
I didn't know I'd be the resident minority speaker on fashion, culture, music, food, and recreation in my circles. No one likes labels but for the sake of writing and being clear, I have to use it. As an African woman, in a leading tech field the emotional toll is heavy. Superwoman has to transcend cultural bounds. If I'm in  majority American (non-immigrant or voluntary immigrant) groups I have to explain my hairstyles, eating preferences, musical tastes, etc, as its not "Black or African-American."  So I have to share or keep getting put in this horrible stereotypical box. Without a comment here or there, the most ignorant, insensitive people prevail.  I decided to wear my hair purposely in a curly afro style, make up and accessories as an honor to my people.  I will say though, that I'm tired of code-switching. With the wake of new American conditions here, when will the grand conversation on acceptance and tolerance occur?


Grad School
This step of my life brings me sweet days and miserable ones.  Yet, again the emotional toll is bananas because I've gotten to a place where I must speak up.Superwoman is in grad school too. As a matter of fact, it was probably a feat to get in grad school in the first place.  I struggle sometimes because my counterparts live in these cozy bubbles where only things they do and like are wonderful.  What a handicap! It bothers me because when we get to the subjects on reaching minority children many are clueless.  And why? Why is it so hard when minority children are simply children? They too are children with interests, strengths, and multiple intelligences, but now that broken families are across cultures and economic status, perhaps there can be a little more understanding since the Black home has long since been attacked and broken.  What the problem is for my fellow instructors is the lack of understanding about diverse thinking styles, expressions, opportunities due to historical constructs, etc. My take on it is that more minorities need opportunities to lead in fields directly related to their progress or we'll forever be trying to convince other groups how to help us. We need to lead in the sciences, education, arts and entertainment, sports, medicine,business, etc..  American mainstream needs to check the current measuring standards and make sure its proportionate/equal with ample affordable resources for minorities to be able to achieve more, or at the Grad level, we'll keep having to "perform'the 'majority group' standards alone" at a certain alien capacity instead of "excelling with respect to our diversity reaching both majority and minority, or excelling at working with minority populations" Enough said.

Marriage
I have learned that everything superwoman needs is connected to her superman if she has one. I was listening to Oprah and she said that her producers and staff can only do what they do because they have exceptional spouses. Some spouses able to handle all the requirement for superwoman to fulfill all of the roles assigned to her outside of the home keeping her at homeostasis.  My husband helps me streamline the procedures for laundry, cooking, business, work, and school with regard to opening up past cultural perceptions about what a husband and wife should/shouldn't do. And how much technology should be implemented in the home.

Work
I thought I would sit back and learn valuable lessons from my coworkers. But, superwoman appears there too.    Work is where I feel all the cultural, socioeconomic, and marriage differences.  As I work diligently to sharpen my superwoman vision in grad school, I have to apply it to my work because there are many girls  and minority students needing my assistance in technology education.


Luckily,
My husband has been putting it down for me, and I'm becoming refreshed again to fight on.





Inspired by life growth....

New Mentality