Blindsided By Default

Have you ever been blindsided by default, is the question I've had for everyone I know as well as those that I don't every since the 2016 Elections in the United States of America. I have been trying to catch my breath every since that day because it was so unbelievable to most Americans regardless of their party affiliation. It was the most disturbing election that I have witnessed in my entire life of 60 years.  Even when we, the citizens of America elected the first black man, President Barack Obama to the Presidency it was not as divisive as this election. Actually the American people came together from all walks of life and cultures to make this historical moment a reality.


Looking back over this 2016 Election there is no way we will ever be able to tell the history of this event without saying that it was not about racism raising its ugly head once again in our history to say "It is alive and well in operation"...those of us in this country that have been at the forefront of the Race Unity work were not taken by surprise because we have been resurfacing this nations history every day through open discussions or just by the make up of our diverse families. Families all across this country that are made up by diversity are feeling the sting of this terrible disease. It has always been an open discussion in most of their homes due to daily conversations or assumptions by well meaning friends that thought they understood how they felt. No one can understand where they have never been. I can remember my grandchildren asking me questions about how people can have such hate because of the color of another's skin. I have tried to explain to them that there is no way they need to understand that kind of hate because it is based on the root of lies concerning the value or lack of value in equality between all cultures.


It is interesting that people want to believe that this is just like any other election and we will get over it in due time. However, a lot of people have been blindsided by default and are slowly waking up daily to the fact that just maybe, this was not just another election. I looked up the word default in order to understand what were they thinking...failure to act; inaction or neglect...yep, you read it right!


"Blindsided By Default" because they failed to act; because of their inaction or neglect to be responsible for protecting the rights of their children to be able to go to school without being bullied daily by tyrants. The bullies are allowed to do this by the establishment because they also was "blindsided by default" because they can't believe that other parents are teaching this nonsense in their homes. There are those of us out here that was NOT "Blindsided By Default" because we exercised our right to Vote against this kind of behavior. 


While those that were "Blinded By Default" slowly wake up, the rest of us will be still working on this Most Vital Challenge In America...The Healing of Racism by our actions... NOT neglecting to show up...we will be here when you are really ready To Make America Great Together!!!


Ask someone that knows...Together We Stand, Divided We Fall!! HUMANITY IS ONE...WE ARE ONE HUMAN FAMILY!!


   

The Silent Cry

Sitting in the dark staring out seeing nothing... waiting for the flicker of light wishing and hoping that someone would hear my silent cry. I think about my hopeless moments the fact that you could not hear my cry and still I shout out in silence for anyone that will embrace me... anyone that will hear me... anyone that will really see me. Then you came along and I wonder am I a burden to you with my song...The lyrics are harsh but they are my realities. I know you hear me but it's impossible for you to feel me...yet I keep sharing the melody...the melody that is within my soul...the imprint that makes me feel as though I will never ever move forward. Will there ever be anyone that can really know what it feels like to be in this darkness. The very essence of my soul cries out...where will I go...who can really feel that darkness in my soul? Then there is you...my hope...my light...the brightness that makes me smile. The question still lingers and there is a hole in my soul but you always reassure me that you're there... that you're listening and that you hear me...that brings joy to my heart to know that there is someone...in this darkness, hope...brings a tiny bit of light that makes my day seem a little brighter. There is hope and as long as I can maintain the understanding that hope will carry me one more day until eventually the pain will be less. I keep waking up in this darkness with that silent cry that through hope I will one day really see the light. The light will brighten up the darkness until my "Silent Cry" will become a "Beacon of Hope" for others as I am able to share my story, then others may be able to share theirs.




(This piece is dedicated to all the precious ones that have and are feeling pain from a traumatic experience in their lives. Suffering in the darkness with a silent voice has a debilitating effect on ones Soul growth and I hope that through my own sharing of writings it will encourage others to,"Rewrite Your Own Life Story". Constantly reliving the experience through replaying it out in your mind will keep one stuck in that moment. I would like to encourage others to write out your story and give the characters a different story line which will empower you to regain the fragments of your Soul, lost through the experience. Call the fragments of yourself "Home to your Soul" and slowly start the process of becoming whole again through the rewrite of your story toward a "New Beginning" and a continued journey towards brighter days! May Peace and Light lead you in the Process.)

Remembering A Great Brother...Truitt White

WOW...This kitchen has a few cob webs I discovered after checking in from a long break! One of my greatest passions has been on hold way too long...do I have to even say what that passion is? Just like some of you out there...I went on the back burner...for a long simmer! Well...here I am after a very painful day of laying one of the greatest loves of my life to rest...my Beloved Sistah, Behin White along with her two beautiful children Ruha and Jamal today, with great dignity temporarily let their husband, father and best friend take spiritual flight! With the utmost respect and admiration I could not sleep without saying my proper farewell to my spiritual brother who always encouraged me to keep on writing and keeping it real! With that said, I just wanted to remember a conversation that he and I had out of grave concern that my biracial son not getting lost in a sea of darkness whereby the world that we live in is so full of hatred. For those that knew Truitt...you could always expect him to explain with things being "part of the process"...:-)! We talked a lot about realities...his, mine, others...spiritual and physical. Sometimes those of us that consider ourselves spiritual look to "The Word" for that guidance...on realities. However, much of the truth is in the Word...I would say that we "The World" are not there yet in understanding how to make our spiritual realities our physical realities. Mostly because we all are not on the same page much less the same book. With much patience, we will get there...One Day! So...I asked Truitt, being a young black man in Los Angeles with all the racial tensions then, how did you become the loving, caring, sympathetic, most diverse, slow to anger man I have ever known? I ask this question of Truitt after 15 years of him knowing my soul...respectfully,expecting that he would be totally open with me because he knew my heart and current situation after filling him in. My heart burst into tears when he began by saying...my beloved sistah, it is because of who you are that I will share with you my deepest thoughts. I will never forget that conversation that day and his most loving support that whatever painfully memories it may have brought for him, his deepest concern was for the well being of my son and my family that he shared his story with me. For whatever reason that GOD granted me the favor of knowing this great man I may never know but what I do know IS that this Man was another example of the Angels placed in our lives exactly when we need them! For those that I left hanging in suspense on our conversation...just let me say that one of the greatest gifts that he said we can give our children is...exposure to diversity at a very young age because the World is really "One Human Family" but until you can really see that up close it will never be Your Reality! He said that was the gift of the Baha'i Faith to him...One World...One Family...His Reality...even though we have a long way to go...no greater place than right in the middle of "the work"...all "Part of the Process"! Thank you my brother...Truitt White (Behin, Ruha and Jamal...carry on the Legacy) Submitted 1/09/2014 11:30 pm

THE FIRST TIME

Listening to the Life Class the other night about the issue of vulnerability reminded me of the importance of choosing wisely who deserves to experience your vulnerability. For example; The First Time...Ladies, you know what I'm talking about. How many times have we ever allowed ourselves to be vulnerable with one another when we share our stories about, The First Time? How was your First Time...Seriously! Now, we all know that for most of us...it wasn't that great! I don't mean the story you told your partner or the story you told your best friend, your sister, your cousin or even your mama...when you thought you were old enough that you could keep it real! Now here lays the problem with not being vulnerable with the next generation of young sistahs as to the real story! As women trying to create authenticity with the next generation we have to be vulnerable in order for them to realize the importance of choosing wisely. It is time for us to open our hearts wide so that their experiences can be the best that they can be and if your story wasn't great...keep it real and share what maybe can be done differently but above all else...Keep It Real! What we want to do in sharing our vulnerability with our sistahs is to create a safe space to express the beauty of "The First Time", so don't try to sell the pipe dream. Instead, remind the young sistahs that by interviewing several and turning away many will help them to realize just how special they are and taking it slow will give them every opportunity to make their one and only "First Time", very special just like the very "Special Rose" that they are.

BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD

Watching out the window of the Photo Studio the tag on the front of the car had my favorite quote; "Be Still and Know that I Am God"! A smile formed across my face as I patiently waited on my daughter's arrival to take her family pictures. I had been thinking a lot about this quote recently due to the many exciting new events in our family of new arrivals. With another precious one on the way in our family I have been reflecting a lot of how powerful this quote is from the source of our very existance. This is a very intence statement that challenges everything in our busy world surrounding us and asks that we realize where we will find the Most Great Peace. Where is this stillness and how to get there is the question? When I realized that to experience this stillness takes more than just turning everything off, it was a great awakening. In beginning to appreciate this stillness I starting spending more time in nature and just focusing on the beauty of God in the most simple of lifes creation. When I began to experience God in the most simple smile and laughter of my grandchildren I started seeing the stillness of God within my very being. It has been through these simple "Aha moments", that I have began to appreciate this qoute even more. I wish this year, for all of you that I am able to share more in this reality so that I may serve up the great revelations that comes from being Still! May Peace come to you all and may the "Stillness of God", flow within your lives and experiences! Enjoy the serving up of lifes ingredients into your recipes!

Recipes of Life for Wellness

I have been pondering the idea of bringing more to the table from the kitchen @ The Writers Cafe and that is why I haven't had as much time lately to blog. I would like to apologise to my readers and writers for the huge break in servings here, however, I promise that the waiting has been for a great cause. I have been investing myself into the health benefits of adding probiotics to my regime of wellness and it has been a true positive for me. I will be sharing the benefits at a later date. I encourage all my friends here at the cafe to share your new experiences as they unfold in your lives because we all benefit when we share. The country is acheing for more ways to maintain our personal health and wellness through our many options. I think you all know how I promote "Bottom Line Eccentials for Wellness", so chime in and let me know what you are doing. I am working with a new Radio Program at Blogtalk and getting the word out...I also am traveling with the Yoga programs. I hope all of you are taking great care of yourselves and enjoying your newfound recipes of life! I will be checking back in with you soon with more recipes of wellness! Namaste Friends!!

WHAT NOW?

It's been a while since I've checked into my kitchen @ The Writers Cafe not for lack of anything to cook but out of sheer desperation for a new recipe with the outcome of a new experience.

For the past year I have been exploring the benefits of Yoga in my life...not the yoga that I see on every corner of America for exercise but the original experience of learning and practicing with a living Master. I have had that experience with partaking in the programs directed by a Living Master from India. The programs were directed by Sadhguru at the ashram in Tennessee and I experienced what I hoped for;an experience of a live transmission from a living Master. I have always wanted to just be in the Presence of a Living Master to experience what I have only imagined in my lifetime about spiritual practice;authenticity and realness about purpose in living.

This past year has caused me to question everything and it's purpose in my life. Several of the recipes in my kitchen for comfort are changing to a more natural approach.This part of my journey has been approaching me for a long time and now I understand what Sadhguru was talking about when he said that our Guru will find us simply by our desires rather than the other way around.

I am looking forward to the unfolding of my true talents that have laid latent within me for a lifetime.It is through the slow cooking processes of the great southern women I have known that I understand this part of my spiritual journey. I feel that the consistant practices that I have been given by my teacher, along with sincere purpose, will provide for me the most wonderful flavors just like what I have witnessed through my observations in my life with Master Chefs of the South. There are great mysteries to purposeful living and to recognize the purpose of the right specific mixture of ingredients toward a pleasurable experience is required for success. In sharing my recipes of life, I hope that others will do the same that we all may open to great possibilites.

The world we exist in today is calling all of us to give the most we can give to open the possibilities available to humanity. The giving of ourselves...our hearts and openness towards peace begins with the peace within ourselves to attain the peace we all desire outwardly. I hope all of you reach out in every possible way to find that peace for the sake of all humanity...I wish peace for you in your kitchens and ask that you share your recipes and ask the question..."What Now?"

IN HIS PRESENCE

This has been a Summer of great expectations! I have experienced the presence of a guru from India named Sadhguru. Being in his presence in McMinnville,Tenn where the Ashram is has been the experience of a lifetime. I have journeyed all over this country but nothing has met the experience of the realness of this Teacher. Oh yes, I can hear the voices already; she has lost it this time, however, I am not one to take this "Teacher" thing lightly!
For those that have known me, they know that I not only trust my intuition highly but I also do my homework. One of the things I like about Sadhguru is that he is upfront and real about "how to" get it! It is only by giving of yourself 100%(which is mostly what I have because it hasn't been finances this go around) into anything, that you will get your desired results. I have always known that when you sit on the bleechers watching the game, it is no where like being in the game as a participant. When you are actively involved it does take you away from the distractions of the goal.Even though you may want to win the game it isn't about the game. How you play the game to win is the mystery of winning because you have won when you participated. This is something I've always shared with my children...just play the game I will be your biggest cheerleader because I understand the power of actively playing. As a child my mother and I were always just trying to survive. There was no time to play and that is why it has been a tough road for me to see the value in playing. I think a lot of people are that way in our materialistic society, of course, how else could you pay for all our "toys"? The "toys" aren't the problem...it's the value we place on them in our lives and our obcession with them. When we have no time for joy, play and rejuvination then we are out of the delicate balance of wellness. When the di-ease of your body trys to alert you with the aches and pains to change direction are you too committed to the goal at hand or can you shift is the question? I've learned this summer that the shift may be the answer to many alerts I've been given to do more than just survive. With all the experiences I've had in my participation at Isha I am excited to welcome Sadhguru back to America that I may have the honor once again to be "In His Presence".

A Woman's View on Government Shutdown

Today I decided to chime in on another attempt of government to make a decision based on a few people's views (mostly men) about what they feel is the best interest of the country as to how our (my) tax dollars should be spent. Along with this decision they are willing to create more costly expences on our now recovering economy to satisfy their ego's based on a religious view of abortion.

Their lack of a bigger view of Planned Parenthood just troubles me because not one single man can experience the ramifications of giving birth to an unplanned pregnacy or delivery of a child that is not supported or wanted by it's mother. This is a view that is shared by a lot of women that can afford an abortion and would like other women that may not be offered the same choice. The reason a lot of women do not speak out is because it is a personal choice that can label one as heartless which is far from the truth. One's religious view about the subject is a freedom that we are afforded in this country and now is the best time that women can step out on their views as to how our tax monies should be best spent to serve all women regardless to their understandings or experiences.

It is time for the women of our country to speak out to stop the rediculous ramblings of government as to what rights we should be afforded through how our tax dollars are spent. This is an issue that pertains to the rights of every woman and that battle is part of our ancestry sacrifices of the brave women before us. We are the Masters of our body and our choices, not government. Just as all the other tax monies spent without our support or approval, this is just one more that is directed clearly at us and used by religous leaders to force women into submission to their rule.

I say it is time for the muzzel to be removed from all women, to be heard concerning the rights that have been afforded us through the sacrifice of others regardless to our financual standing. This is the hour that all women can make a stand to go forward by being heard and to unite to lift our voices together. Stand women...lift your voices to the Unity call of equal rights for all women to have choices. This is a call about opportunity...not right of life! Life is never-ending but opportunity can dissapper at the hands of a few when you allow it!

Now is the time to unite for opportunity to never be removed. Don't allow the smokescreen to blind your view as to what is the real issue. We shall not be blinded or used by the few we have placed into office to decide our fate without a good fight. Stand and be recognized...let those you supported hear your voice!!

I looked up the definition to government in order to understand who should decide what is right for the individual and that clearly helped me to decide...Me!

Main Entry:gov*ern*ment
Pronunciation:*g*-v*rn-m*nt
Function:noun

1 : authoritative direction or control : RULE
2 : the making of policy
3 : the organization or agency through which a political unit exercises authority
4 : the complex of institutions, laws, and customs through which a political unit is governed
5 : the governing body
–gov*ern*men*tal \*g*-v*rn-*ment-*l\ adjective

Then The Whole World Shifted

I could never have imagined that my life would change in such a way that I couldn't find words to describe the experience. It all began when I typed "yoga" into my Google search engine. I've always been the person that aspired to the saying; "when the student is ready, the teacher will appear". Mysteriously, the Indian Mystic, Sadhguru and his online Inner Engineering program came to my attention.

I have always been attracted to India and all her wonderful spiritual diversity. It has always amazed me that so many different viewpoints of spirituality can exist in one place and have such respect for one another. We cannot even master that in America in my opinion. We have a tendency to have to be right over the others in our society if it doesn't sound like Christianity and that has never sat right with me. Out of my respect for India and her history to expand I decided to investigate Sadhguru's vision for humanities expansion in the area of Inner Engineering through the path of yoga.

In my investigation through taking the online program I was amazed at the discoveries I was making within my own self. Sadhguru invited me metaphorically to get on the bus to enjoy the view from his perspective. I have to say that for me that was a challenge because I had to discern was he asking me to give up my "drivers seat". That had been the test in every religion I had investigated in this country led by men, soooo, was this going to be one more disappointment for me from my favored country, India. I decided not to pass a judgement until I looked upon his request with fresh eyes and experienced what he was saying. After taking a ride on this bus for a moment through the program, I'm beginning to relinquish my drivers seat long enough to see things from different viewpoints, however, the drivers seat is the best advantage point from my experience to see the "Big Picture".

After the online program with Sadhguru I decided to go to the Isha Institute of Inner Sciences in McMinnville, Tn. There was another program offered from the online program that I wanted to take at Isha. When I arrived on this beautiful mountain top of the spectacular Cumberland Plateau with it's setting of 1200 acres of beautiful forest land I had to take a step back to catch my breath. It was unbelievable that my whole life had come to this point...on this mountaintop. From this point everything takes on a different perspective. To come to a different perspective would not come from this trip, this was only the beginning. This was just my initiation into yoga and to learn that it was much more than an exercise, which is what I got from the American perspective. It was not until my next visit at Isha in Tennessee on January 23,2011 when I personally saw Sadhguru at Darshan that I realized just how much "keeping it real" has always meant to me. Sadhguru truly must have found me out of my own desires to meet a teacher that would keep it real.

I have to say that after seeing Sadhguru on Isha's campus doing the work that needs to be done to bring his vision to fruition and receiving Darshan that evening with him...then the whole world shifted!

The Question...Religious or Enlightened?

Recently I've pondered the question for myself...do I want to be considered religious or enlightened? The answer for me leads to another question...to be accepted or not within certain groups of thought.

I have pondered through the many paths of discovery on my spiritual journey as to how I identify myself and how others choose to recognize me. In this quest for my own truth I have become less and less identified with any one label. The more I step back away from the group analogy, I ponder more independantly. Personal investigation of truth for me has led me down many of the old trails of religious persuasion to be a part of one way of thinking or another. I have learned that thoughts are a powerful and controlling thing. The next question is...what conclusion do I want to be led by? The challenge for me is; to understand which thoughts are authentically mine and which ones are the shared manifestations of anothers dream. Am I having a shared experience of someone else's dream or am I my own dream manifestation? Do I want to religiously follow the steps of another or do I want to experience the unlimited myself?

The question that follows that thought is; what does it mean to be enlightened and can I get there? I've pondered certain statements over the years that convinces me that others also must have felt these same uncertainties. Statements like:

"To Be or Not to Be..."
"Many are called...Few are chosen" (or maybe few choose?)
"Be true to thine own self..."
"Ruin is the road to transformation..."

These words are just a few of many that have crossed my path to cause me to step back and question the idea of following anything religiously. I have had a drive and thrist all my life to touch the unlimited understanding that we all have equal access to the enlightened state of being. I also feel within my heart that there is no single instruction of how to get there because we all are unique and gifted individually. We all can be still in the presence of "Source" to recognize truth, is my understanding. The very essence of our existence is truth itself.

I don't think I am alone in this pondering of these questions and I think that is why today we all are evolving towards the destiny of enlightenment at a rapid speed. As to how and when we will know it, is all in the choosing to be in the very moment of all that there is...life itself is all there is and to detach from the illusion of what seperates us will bring us into who we really are. Life leads us to another question?

THE GREATEST JOURNEY

It all began when I was only twelve years old. I wondered if I was the only one that could possibly question this thing called racism. In the neighborhood where I lived I saw all kinds of people every day and never considered that there were rules of behavior that just could not be broken without great repercussions. It wasn’t until that awful day, April 4, 1968 in Raleigh, NC when I saw the Purina Dog Chow Plant burning on TV and heard about the curfew on the city that had everyone off the streets by nightfall, that caught my attention that something terrible had happened which would change my life forever.

The television was broadcasting on every channel that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. had been assassinated on a balcony in Memphis Tenn., where he went in support of striking African American sanitation workers. Dr. King was in support of equal rights for every individual was what I heard and this thought caused me to start noticing everything surrounding me that maybe I had not noticed being white and possibly sheltered from such actions that I was unaware of. I realized at that moment that everything is not as it appears or that just maybe one doesn’t even know what they are looking at until it is defined.

I began to question everything after this day of terror in America. As I look back this was the first terrorist attack on America for me. Up until this point the only terrorist I had known was the terror I had experienced from the men in my mother's life. I never realized that there were people around me that had a lot of terror going on in their life as well. From that point in my life I began to question truth and who was trying to tell it. I learned that the journey of truth can be the greatest quest one will ever take. When you hear ones such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Robert F. Kennedy, John F. Kennedy, Mahatma Gandhi, Jesus Christ, Muhammad, Baha’u’llah, and many others that I have studied along my journey in quest of truth for myself it leads one back to the Source of all truth that resides right where you are was my discovery. This “source”, is internal was my revelation and everyone has their own opinions of “how to” make the connection so that one can be directed in their steps. For me, the beginning quest was initiated when I experienced an untruth that was horrendous enough to make me question every thing I had known and experienced up to that point. I am eternally grateful that this awakening happened early on so as not to have so many layers to have to unfurl to be accepting to fresh new possibilities. Of course this wasn’t without consequences of being outcaste by all those that thought they knew me! However, looking back over others that quested for truth this seemed to be a pattern, so who am I for it to be any different. Forty-two years later and still counting I am not surprised that this has been the Greatest Journey ever!

I have always been one to enjoy history as a trail to pieces of the puzzle towards understanding how everything has come together up until this point. Of course, I also discovered that depending on who is telling the history and their freedom to do so as to how they processed it or interpredeted it, can alter the truth for those that follow. Again a little glitch in truth telling. Being a writer I quickly realized the power of the pen to alter people's minds as to the plot and purpose of a story. Investigating this thing called truth is not a task for the faint at heart but I have also learned that if your intentions is for your own personal freedom you will be guided by the mystical hand of inquisitiveness towards your liberation. This true found freedom is not something magical you can pass onto someone else however, when inquired upon one can toss out mere morsels to cause one to venture on their own inner journey towards their fates destination of enlightenment. This personal investigation of truth for me has led me on many trails of unchartered waters whereby, I have held on at times for dear life and at other times I have floated to bask in the sunshine. Every moment has been well worth the ride because ultimately, the journey has been where all the growth has been towards personal freedom.

Recently I have embarked upon the adventure of internal Yoga. I don’t consider myself by no means to be an expert on anything however, I do see the value in experience for oneself, rather than riding on the stories of others. This journey so far has reminded me much of the necessity of stillness to appreciate the miles traveled. Through my many travels I have been able to truly appreciate the exposure to others experiences and stories attained. It takes a willingness to be still in the task of integrating these experiences with your own to figure out what it all amounts to . Over the many years of observation I’ve come to realize that to see life bigger than your own takes great courage. Now, as I begin to see life all over again through the new fresh eyes of my grandchildren life brings on a whole new perspective. Being entertained by their drive to be creative, is a joy within itself because as we mature we have a tendency to forget the power of the imagination and it’s ability to create whatever you can imagine. I am blessed to be surrounded by so much expressive energy to create, create, create new beginnings!

This is a whole new chapter of my life to take part in the “New Beginnings” of a whole new society of fresh new possibilities and to accomplish the dream that so many others have resonated with. This “World Family” that has been spoken about for centuries is upon us, passed down for us to embark upon it’s possibility and all we all have to do is get out of the way for it’s unfolding. I am so excited to be a part of The Greatest Journey!

When You've Got Faith

There have been many times in my life when the conversation around the table has been about, "when you have faith". However, the most profound times have been when my children remind me of the journey we all have experienced and recognizing that it has been because of our faith that we have much to be grateful for.

This year has been one that I would like to send out with this message of, "When You've Got Faith". My daughter reminded me the other day that when people are broke, faith is the only thing that they have to hold on to. I had to laugh, thinking to myself that I've known lots of people in these past few years that have had to depend on their faith and they don't think of themselves as broke. However, my other daughter reminded me that "broke" wasn't just in a material way, OK, I get that!

That brings me to the thought of what out faith is made up of. For me, it's all about the experiences in my life whereby there is no other explanation for my very existence other that something much bigger than me carrying me through it all. There has always been moments in my daily life that bring me to constant confirmation that I have so much to be grateful for. I do have to admit that because of my brokenness starting out in this life it created the environment for me to quest for answers from a much higher source. I learned to trust my inner GPS system early on in life and I am guilty for encouraging my children to do the same based on the great results I experienced. I also felt a great freedom within myself to experience this sincere connection to my faith.

Faith for me is very tangible because it's such a powerful part of my personal story. I hope that for every person that has had to trust their faith this year, it has been a powerful experience and will empower each of you to trust, dream, hope and believe in yourself that you can reach all of your dreams. May every day bring you closer to the reality of the power of your faith and I look forward to many "recipes of life", that you offer up to all of us from your "Writers Cafe" within. May the blessings of this season of gifting bring you all the joy of your hearts as you share the gifts of your spirit with others.

Remember, when you've got faith, you've got the best gift that anyone can possibly receive.

THE POWER OF THE FLAME AND IT'S HOLDER

When one has grown up very close to the flame and what causes it, it's very hard not to get burnt; from time to time.

I remember the flames of the fires in Raleigh, North Carolina after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. I realize now over fifty years later, that was the turning point in my life for the journey I would travel and the near consuming moments in time at the nearness to the fire. I was eight years old at the witness of the injustice in Raleigh at the time and I wondered what was going on but there were injustices of another kind going on in our house. The dysfunctions of our society as a whole was what I was feeling and there was nothing I could do about it but just survive and grow up;quick.

I began to realize that as I became an adult there were a lot of decisions that I would have to make that would define who I was and what I really believed. I couldn't depend on Society to define that because the color of my skin in the time I was growing up said something different was expected than what I was willing to abide by. I realize now that I made the right choices concerning where I stood on the issues of racism, sexism, classism, and every other label that seperates us from one another by definition. It is by the definitions of someone else's value system established by one group or another that keeps us in turmoil and indicisive as to our own opinions.

In deciding one's own opinion one must step outside of an established set of rules and do their own research through their own experiences to recognize their own truth. To try to apply that experience to every situation or group of people is as wrong as the sterotypical information we already have. I am proud to see that with each new generation they are becoming less likely to just be part of the status quo.

It is because of the brave souls that step outside of the status quo that pave the way for those that follow. Every time one chooses to do ,say or think a little differently, it is a step forward in evolving and elevating our awareness toward the Unity of Humanity in Oneness. There are still a lot of things in our Society that give individuals a step up because of the color of their skin or their gender but it is up to each one to do whatever they can for the next generation with what they are given.

When any one of us gets close to the fire we have to ask ourselves if it will consume us or will we use it's flame to see what we need to see within the dark spaces to forge ahead with the torch for those that follow.

Fire can warm and enlighten or consume and destroy. It is the intention of the holder of the flame that makes the difference. The question is; when you are passed the torch...what will your intention be and how will you use it's power?

A RIDE DOWN MEMORY LANE

Turning onto the boulevard the rushing memories came flooding back to my memory of blasting radios and filled sidewalks of men and women letting off steam from months of the life they were trying to escape by fleeing to the beach. It was an exciting time back in the 70's and 80's at Atlantic Beach, S.C. The beach was better known in South Carolina as the "Black Beach" among the locals. As I reflect on my memories while driving down the dying out of yesterday to make way for another tomorrow, it was like stepping back into time. My stories, I'm sure would be quite different than my daughters family who still operate one of the few business' left standing from years gone by of a more flourishing time economically.They are still standing amidst the transition of the inevitable which brings a smile to my face as I approach the waterfront property. Where once their view was obstructed by surrounding buildings, they now can open the side doors from their club to look directly to the wonderful oceanfront. What a blessing I shared with my daughters aunties to have this magnificent view. I was thinking to myself that their tenacity has paid off to just be able to wake up in the mornings to this site. There are so many people that would die for it and some have. I am grateful to have shared memories with these wonderful souls that have encouraged my spirit to never give up.

I was one of the few Caucasians that braved the imaginary barriers erected by our society back in the day to frequently visit this blast of the past location. Little did I know at the time; to experience memories that would prepare me to survive many storms. There were some really tough experiences as well, however, through prayer and releasing of old energies by continuing to visit the area, I still come back to the admirable memories. What I really admire the most is one of my daughters aunties that in stature is no bigger that a minute but she has remained an icon in her own right as a survivor of every storm that has come her way. Her dreams of hanging on, "No Matter What", has paid off. She is still standing and as I drive up to her establishment the memories come flooding back. I have always admired her stamina when everyone else gave up, she was still there with a smile. She has never changed in that and has always been ready for business. Over the years I have rode down this fading beach memory but she has always still been here with a loving smile and embrace to remind me that she is still standing. There have been many ones over the years that have tried to trick or connive their way into her space and heart to cause her to fall but she always manages to come through it all. It is because of her wisdom and strength that we all can ride back down "Memory Lane" to see she is still standing strong, waiting for us to arrive and with her warm smile to welcome us. She'll have good food, drinks and music to take us away from our cares temporarily while we reflect on yesteryear's gone by that few of us shared in memories of this ole beach with her in our memories but she also inspires each of us to be strong,to have tenacity in achieving our dreams and to move on them when the timing is right is a major key but most important in this wisdom message is , to never give up! I appreciate this fact the most; that it is her tenacity that has always inspired me every time I've came back for a visit to this wonderful place in my memories here at Atlantic Beach, S.C.

I realized as I walked the beach that the only thing in life that holds us back from our dreams is our fears but when we have the faith of our ancestors to still have vision for our tomorrows and tenaciously not give up, we can attain those dreams step by step through moving forward in our minds. After returning home I had a dream where I was on the beach inviting a group of young people to come over the sand dunes to visit the historical "Atlantic Beach" and as we crossed the dunes there were business' everywhere on this small piece of "The Strand", booming with excitment! Just like it was when I was a young teenager of only 16, with the patio open to a new generation of dancers enjoying the outdoor sounds of music and there amidst all the excitment was my daughters auntie, still standing, still smiling! I woke up knowing that everything is ok, everything is in Divine order and I am blessed to have shared the memories.

WHAT CAN YOU IMAGINE

Well friends, here we are again sitting at the writer's Café. Just thought I would order up a cup of my favorite coffee, kick back and do a little chatting with you. There's been a lot going on around the world recently and in our own small little communities. Even in some of our small little worlds. As I listen to the conversations of those that I come in contact with, not only do I recognize tremendous issues of fears around everything from the escalating cost of gas, the oil spills in the Gulf or anywhere else that the horrendous acts of exploiting others can take place. The questions of how much more can mother Earth take before she will finally get us all back, never ceases to amaze me. Are we so small minded, that we can not see the harm that we're not only bringing to others, but that we're bringing to ourselves because we’re not willing to stand accountable individually or collectively for the acts that take place around us. Even our own very thoughts dictate the outcome surrounding us. But do we take responsibility for those thoughts, and the power that they hold as we exclaim them to the world?

Recently I have been paying attention to what my intentions are for my life as well as for the entire humanity around me. As I take the time to reflect back on my life, I realize how many things I manifested into my life simply by the way that I believed and what I spoke about. I know that there are those that are skeptical about this kind of observation. However, it is an honest observation that I have made of me and for me. There is no denying that, because it is my story. I do believe that everyone has to write their own life story and that is the reason that I created the Writer's Café. My intentions were to encourage others to do the same. I have come to realize that it takes great introspection into your life and your surroundings to be able to tell your story, separate from the beliefs that bombard you every day in the media and your families and the stories that surround you along with your spiritual communities. However, it is a task that you have to take upon yourself, I believe, in order to truly find your authentic self.

There is a lot of talk going on about discovering your shadows and what affect they have on you and all those that surround you. This is not a new psychology. However, I do believe that it is about timing, that it has become so popular. I also do believe that there is a time and place for everything. I have quite often myself felt at many times that I was born before my time, as people would say back in the day.

There is a lot of talk going around about creating a new world attitude. Well in my original business of cosmetology, I can remember many times creating new attitudes of those that sat my chair, simply just by creating a new do! Trying on something new certainly caused a many client to "high step" out of the door with courage and a sense of new purpose. Just by trying on something new the clients got what they needed to get out of their ruts. Just maybe that's what our society needs; to try on, a new do! I've been thinking a lot about what it would take to really turn things around and I think if we are willing to dig around in the dark to face our deepest fears and our shadows it would surely be a good place to start. Our country as a whole has a lot of shadows, which causes us as individuals to also had shadows from being a part of its history. Accepting the responsibility for our part in that legacy is a place where we can begin. It is not a place whereby we have to end.

Creating a new paragraph in history, to not only think differently, but to act differently is an individual’s responsibility of process. Forgiveness is a good place to start, because until we can forgive ourselves and others we cannot move forward into new thinking. What will happen is the same old story will keep popping up its ugly head to ask the question, “whose fault is it?” If we're always focused on “whose fault is it”, there will be much valuable time lost in working on the solution towards greater unity. Life is about relationships, yours, mine and everyone around us. In order to understand relationships, we have to understand ourselves. I don't know about you, but the more time I spend on trying to understand myself the less time I have to worry about others and their shadows. I have been learning that the more I pay attention to what affects me and in return, how I affect others has caused me to care more about why I think the way that I do. I ask myself constantly, is my thinking productive for my highest good and for those around me.

This process for me not only begins at home, but it carries over into the workplace and into the larger community of where I live with the people I come in contact with, be they friends or strangers. I'm discovering that when people conform to their fears, they stop living. It's like holding your breath, nothing else happens. Fear causes us to not see possibilities. When we cannot imagine possibilities we can not create and if we do not create, we die. Death is not something to fear when you are finished. I don't know about you, but I definitely know that I am not finished. Therefore, if our hearts desire is for things to change, we have to get back to imagining. A lot of us have forgotten; what the mind can conceive and the heart can believe the body can achieve. The mind cannot conceive anything it cannot imagine, so, my question for you, as I sip the last drop from my cup is;

“What can You imagine that your GOD can imagine for You and all those You love?” Then, IT IS SO!!

CROSSROADS

I've chosen again to feature one of the pieces my friend "Sam" wrote this month titled "Crossroads". During all the business of summer and my writing assignments it is a blessing for some of you to share your recipes of life from your kitchens. I truly appreciate your servings and that is our purpose here @ "The Writers Cafe"...sharing the love of recipes. Please enjoy the servings and offer up your encouragement to others.


We've all been here
or one day will be
A crossroads in time
is looking at me
Where did it all go
the time that's behind
How did i get here
what will i find
From the past and the present I hear them say
you can do anything only you stand in your way
Leaving from here the path that I'm on
the past is my bedrock it's all that I've known
I can see the future
and I know where I've been
I stand here today with only a grin
A cross roads in time yeah that's where I'm at
going to step off that ole beaten path

Samantha McBryde

Riding With Jesus

This is a story submitted by a good friend of mine whom I have always admired for her courage in speaking her mind. Thank-you Sam for being YOU:-)


It was a beautiful winter morning; you could see spring around the corner. I had started feeling a little sick. I thought to myself, this can’t be your too young. Even though I had taken the precautions I had failed, I was pregnant. Scared and not knowing what to do, I called my mother. Together we decide the best thing is, go to California to be with her till the baby is born. She sent me a Greyhound ticket and off I went.
Dazed and not knowing where life would take me from here I showed my ticket and boarded the bus. Looking out the window, watching the scenery go by like clips from a movie, it was like I was hypnotized. We came to the first stop in Charlotte, North Carolina. One of the last people getting on the bus was this man, and my first thought was he looks like Jesus. He looked and was dressed in what my mind’s eye had always pictured Jesus to look like. He had cloth wrapped around his feet for socks under his sandals and homemade clothes of the same material. Sitting in the seat next to me he looked over at me and said, “Hello my child, how are you today?” I could tell right away he was a very spiritual person.
“Where are you going?” he asked.
“California.” I answered.
“This will be a good trip that’s where I’m headed too. Most of the time I ride my bicycle but I have been blessed with enough extra money to get a ticket this time, so I will do my work this way,” he tells me.
He started talking about how he travels the county visiting his brothers and sisters. I didn’t understand then that he meant people that believed in the lord as he did. Never once did he push his beliefs on me or even talk about them really, he just had this air about him and you just knew he loved the Lord. The fact that I had started calling him Jesus to myself might have helped too.
Somewhere around Nashville these two little old women got on the bus. They set right up front with Jesus and me. From the minute they got on the bus they were fun, the ladies Jesus and I talked about any and everything. Somehow we got on the subject of home cooked food. We talked about all the things from out childhoods, there’s being much longer ago than mine, to things we still love to eat today. The conversation had taken us all the way to Oklahoma, by now we were all getting hungry talking about all that food. One of the ladies said, “Boy it will be a long time before we can get good food like that.” Jesus told her, “We never know what the lord has in store for us.” It was about an hour later we pulled into the parking lot of a weather beaten cinderblock building. Busses will stop almost anywhere to pick people up. We were told that we would be at this stop for about forty-five minutes so we could all get off and stretch our legs.
The ladies left the bus first with me right on their heels; Jesus was coming out behind us. As soon as we stepped on the ground all three of our noses went straight into the air. The smells of all the home cooked food we had talked about wrapped around us like a warm blanket. Jesus was stepping off the last step as the wonderful aromas found him. His arms went into the air as his head tilted to the sky, “Thank you!” he said. Then he looked at the ladies and myself and said, “See my children ask and you shall receive.” We all walked into the building and before us were all of the foods we had talked about for the past few hundred miles. I couldn’t believe it! I looked at Jesus with a look of wonder and he just nodded and told me to enjoy the harvest of plenty God had put here for us.
I did a lot of thinking the rest of that bus trip and had many more conversations with my wonderful companions. The man I called Jesus living up to my thoughts of him as the miles rolled by.
We arrived in Baskerville, California to have our last breakfast together before we all went our separate ways. Like the many stops before we walked into the bus stop to the smell of wonderful food. We had our last meal together and said our goodbyes. The ladies went there way to catch the next bus and Jesus and I went back to ours. He was getting his bicycle from the luggage compartment as I was waiting to board. We said our goodbyes at last and as I was boarding the bus he tells me, “take care of that son you have with you.” My thoughts went crazy, as I claimed my seat for the last leg of my bus ride. I had never spoken of being pregnant and I wasn’t showing so how did this man know?
Still to this day as I travel the roads in this country I look for the man I called Jesus knowing I will see him somewhere one day showing his kindness that he had shown to me so many years ago.

For the Love of My Cat..."Spirit"

When my daughter told me her story of her cat "Spirit" crossing over I encouraged her to share this story with the world because I just knew that it would touch so many "Souls". I always ask others to share their "recipes of life" with others so that it can carry us all over the threshold of sharing so as to connect our souls to one another. We all are only one story away from one another...please share your threads of life to this wonderful Web of Light:

Kisha's Story:

ok so here goes the story...I got up as usual....Jasmine and I en route to school and work....when I noticed a cat in the turning lane ...dead...omg ..got closer...it's my cat, Spirit...Jasmine sees Spirit lying lifeless...she immediately goes into denial..."that's not him" she keeps saying...we get to her school...she said...mom you are going back to ck right? txt me and tell me..ok?...this is my daughter ...I didn't want to break her heart, but said ok baby...I went back to the spot where my beloved cat of over 12yrs laid lifeless...I went back to the truck got my black ski jacket and a shirt I had n the truck...wrapped him(Spirit, the cat) inside...cried and saying prayers as I put him in the truck...upset and stressed...drove to my job...walked up to the office and told my boss and coworkers what happened....I was a mess..trust me...Melissa said.. go take care of your family...I never buried a animal before and not one I loved dearly...so I went to the only person I knew who could help me in this situation...my cuz Colleen...crying ...I told her everything...I moved my cat to the back seat..she got her shovel and we went to my house...she dug a hole ..while I prayed over my cat some more..then I went out and cleared out the hole from roots,debris...just making sure Spirit would be comfortable you know...then we buried him...I took her home...called my job and gave an update...went and got Jasmine out of school to break the news to her..she knew and fell silent...we went to Lowe's and got some planters to mark the spot...went home ..talked ..cried..then a couple hrs went by ..I'm on the ph with my friend Shannon when I hear my cat say MEOW...I told my friend maybe it wasn't a good idea to bury my cat so close by..then I heard it again..oh yeah..I have two cats by the way...so then I realized it was my other cat Scooter..so I went to let him in...opened the door and there was my cat, Spirit!!!!! I buried the wrong cat!!!!

A Few Jewels…for Relationships

I went to a dear friend with a list of questions that get posed quite often in my “Women’s Groups” considering relationship issues and personal development. In this discussion with her I discovered her own challenges with life and development. This caused me to respect her even more as a woman of wisdom when I would look back over her composure as she traveled her own road of personal discovery. Again I was empowered from a sistah sharing her story by focusing on the power of experience and moving on.

These questions get posed quite often when people’s lives change from different lifestyles for the better with partners, but don't know where to go from there.

A few jewels to share with those that wonder about building healthy relationships; from this Sistah Friend:


Although I do not feel qualified to address the questions, I’ll give it a go! As with any relationship, it takes two wanting it for the relationship to develop, grow and last. One cannot make it happen, no matter how badly they want a particular relationship. I spent 18 years in a relationship because my partner had the “potential” to make me happy. I love her with every fiber of my being and thought she could love me in the same way if only I was patient enough, strong enough, loving enough, understanding enough, accepting enough. I invested and invested but was never able to withdraw anything from that investment. In fact, I felt as though I did not even earn any interest on my investment. Finally I decided I would never be “enough” to get what I was seeking from this person. I had to accept she was probably giving as much as she could and it was not enough for me. In therapy I learned what could have been, was. If it could have been any different, it would have been. I also learned unrealized “potential” “ain’t worth horse shit” (quote from my therapist).

When my current partner and I were in crisis, I learned another valuable lesson, this time from a sermon. The Pastor knew nothing of the difficulties so the message was not intended for us. It was a God-thing for me. My partner was out of town with her mother for several weeks (another fall and subsequent injury). She decided that she needed to stay there permanently as things were not good with us. I felt betrayed (we had promised each other we would work things out some way, some how) and hurt beyond words. I was pretty raw but went to church anyway. The sermon that day was about relationships. The words that resulted in my epiphany were: “If someone you love can walk away from you and out of your life, let them.” It took every ounce of strength I had in me that day to stay seated and not run out bawling.

I emailed my partner and told her I would put one of the houses on the market but buy her out of the other one as I wanted to keep it. I told her to decide what she wanted from either house and to make arrangements to have it shipped or come pick it up. There would be no more requests for couples counseling or guilt trips about broken promises coming from me, I said. I wished her well but stated I could not maintain a “friendship” with her as she requested.

She came home “to discuss the division of property”. We spent hours talking, crying and being honest about issues. Although we did not officially agree to work things out, we did. Since that time, there has been no mention of “divorce” and we have worked to make sure that there is no need for that discussion.

I guess my point is, any relationship is difficult sometimes, even loving ones. Thus, one needs to decide if they want to invest the time and energy necessary to maintain a relationship before they jump into one. And they need to be prepared to let go if their partner no longer wants it.

Anyway, based on my own experiences, I am offering the following:

1. Developing healthy relationship suggestions:

a)Listen without preconceived notions.
b)Think before speaking.
c)Don’t commit to a relationship based on one feature, idea or value.
d)Find commonality and focus on that.
e)Make sure you like the person.
f)Realize differences are good, not bad.

2.Suggestions for things to do that would be conducive to maintain healthy, committed relationships:

a)Laugh together often.
b)Don’t take yourself or your partner too seriously.
c)Develop relationships, hobbies and interests independent of your partner.
d)Respect even if you don’t agree.
e)Accept arguments are inevitable and don’t take criticism too personal.
f)Commit to fairness.

3.How to develop healthy friendships with other couples:

a)Seek friendships that compliment your own relationship.
b)Resist comparing other couples to you and your partner.
c)Show genuine interest in developing a relationship.
d)Allow relationships to develop over time.
e)Pick folks who share some of your interests, values, morals.
f)Invest of yourself.

4.Venue for meeting new friends:

a)Participate in a variety of events, i.e., festivals, productions, parties.
b)Blogs, Facebook, Linked In
c)Professional groups/meetings
d)Churches/Spiritual Meetings
e)Social groups/meetings
f)Through other friends

5.What to do when there are different interests between mates:

a)Accept some difference as healthy.
b)Allow space and time for each to pursue their own interests.
c)Decide if your differences are more important than your shared interests.
d)Always, always communicate without judgment.
e)If your different interests bother you, look within to seek why.
f)Different interests do not mean rejection.

6.How to introduce partner to new ideas when they have no interests in anything; burnout:

a)Find out why they have no interest, i.e., depression, stagnation, needing
time to regroup.
b)Make a deal. If they will try thus and so and you will return the favor.
c)Bring what you can to your partner if you cannot persuade them to seek
anything new.
d)Continue to seek your own interests and allow time for healing.
e)Invite friends to spark a lively conversation or introduce something new.
f)Pray

Thanks for giving me the opportunity to share.

In Sisterhood, love and blessings





I truly appreciate my relationships with my sistahs, worldwide and the opportunity to hear their stories via the “Pen” is a bounty beyond measure. I am always seeking ways to better connect us on our heart levels because I feel that it is through our relationships and choices that we heal not only ourselves but the World, “One Heart at A Time”. May we continue to share our stories knowing that therein lays the power that we all seek, to heal the wounds of humanity. May this shared story open new ways of building and preserving relationships that are developing you more towards your own authenticity.