We all have fears typically designed to set us back or slow us down.
Post pandemic some students have been struggling with going to school. For parents, when we think about back to school, we often focus on getting our children supplies, books, and other material needs related to school. Too often, as parents, we forget about their psychological state. Rarely if ever, do we ask what are the fears, stressors or anxieties triggered by school for my child? How do I prepare him/her to face it?
First place to start is knowing some of their fears. I decided to google top fears for students returning to school. I was surprised to see quite a long list. At that moment, I decided to write affirmations to counterattack the mental, emotional and physical stressors that our kiddos go through, that are triggered on campus.
My new book Back to School Affirmations Journal for students: Kick your fears to the curb got featured on the morning show CVM Sunrise. Here’s the video:
We all have the propensity to think the worst before the best, negatively rather than positively. It’s just our human conditioning. Also subconsciously, there are messages already burned in our minds from childhood that drives our actions. That little voice that whispers doubts or possibilities. For me, sometimes I have to reprogram my negative self-talk and beliefs that brings feelings of limitations. I read that the average person has 60,000 negative thoughts a day. I’ve also read that negativity is so strong that it takes seven positive affirmations to reverse one negative belief. To shift my focus, I make it a practice to use affirmations.
According to KJV Dictionary online, the following defines affirmation.
AFFIRMATION, noun
1. The act of affirming or asserting as true; opposed to negation or denial.
2. That which is asserted; position declared as true; averment.
3. Confirmation; ratification; an establishing of what had been before done or decreed.
4. A solemn declaration made under the penalties of perjury, by persons who conscientiously decline taking an oath; which affirmation is in law equivalent to testimony given under oath.
Sometimes we’re looking to others to compliment, encourage, and cheer us on. I grew up cheering for others thank God, that I learned from an affirming mom and grandmother. Sadly, some students don’t have this. This book will equip them to find their voice and use it to shift them out of old negative belief patterns and cycles. Most importantly I intend for their voices to become activated with the power to disrupt the root of their fears.
So what are these fears? I found quite a lot but decided to focus on fourteen including the Fear of the Next Level, Fear of Large Crowds, Comparison Syndrome, Drama & Distraction and Mental Health to name a few.
My new book, Back to School Affirmation Journal for students: Kick your fears to the curb releases September 11, 2023. You can pre-order the ebook here.
Thanks for writing a review on Amazon. I would be honored if you shared this blog so all students can be equipped. As parents, what are the fears that your child has shared with you?
Many things are opening back up in Atlanta. Some companies are mandating a return to the office for three days a week. Although in the past two years, employees have shown that working from home is productive.
I must be honest. I am terrified about going back into a building with people. They come with energy— some good, but others are not authentic. Being around those negative, controlling, complaining, and even competitive people can be draining.
I’ve spent so much time elevating my energy to a place of calm that I simply, cannot afford for contrasting energies to shift my life force.
Believe it or not, when drama, chaos, unkindness, retaliation, bitterness, and dishonesty enters our space, it’s attracted to something that’s within us. If that is not the case, their mission is to drain & destroy. Too often, these external dysfunctions are simply a mirror of our hearts or joy killers.
In the book, the Game of Life and how to play it, Florence Scovel Shinn says, “The invisible forces are ever working for the man who is always “pulling strings” himself, though he does not know it. Owing to the vibratory power of words, whatever man voices, he begins to attract.”
I know this firsthand because it happened to me. When I exaggerate the truth, which is a lie, someone lies on me. When I’m selfish, fearful, and, worried, my money flow dries up. When I’m unforgiving, my life goes into complete disarray, my mind into anxiety, and my sleep disturbed. Like clockwork, everything is thrown off.
The hosts of the Beloved Queens Podcast, have made this our mantra, “Queens nuh do drama.” That’s Jamaican Patois, but in English, it means, “Queens do not engage in drama!” We’re allergic to it.
This became our anthem because up until the pandemic, Queen Trina & I were magnets for people and their problems. If we simply went out in public, strangers or friends would start dumping their issues on us. We, in turn, would take it on, and have sleepless nights over someone else’s problem.
Until we fasted together. One morning during our meditation, the Holy Spirit said these words to us clearly. “You have a Savior Complex, and instead of running into burning buildings, you should point people to me, so that I can fix their issues!”
It was in January 2021, that we committed to leaving the drama in the rare view mirror of life. Here’s what we learned about drama:
Those who label others as dramatic are the ones creating a divergent to hide their flaws.
Drama Kings & Queens are masters of disguise, like Chameleons, they feel if I make you look bad, I will look good.
In the end, they’re pretending to blend in but all they want is attention.
In moments when the sky seems to be falling, I have learnt to keep focused on “the one” whose promises are consistent. This year my motto is this, “Whatever is meant for evil, will turn out for my good,” Nehemiah 13:2. I don’t care what it looks like, this is my resolve.
Here is the thing, God knows the good, the bad & ugly before it hits our lives. When He allows the ugly or the bad, we must pause and ask ourselves, “What overwhelming victory is the enemy trying to distract me from?
For me, I picture the enemy as a little spoiled brat seeking attention & when he cannot get his way with me, like a child he throws a tantrum. When I first became a mother, every book or article I read said, to ignore the Brattish behavior. Walk away from all that kicking and screaming, and when the child realizes that he’s not getting attention, he usually calms down. Unfortunately, some adults act like children.
We may be surprised at the actions of people. Our Father God is not. He created the chessboard of life and knows every single move, we could ever make. He knows the next move for your life, even when everything seems dark.
So if you’re worried about your next, talk to Our Father about it. The great Bob Marley says it best. “Don’t worry about a thing, because every little thing is gonna be alright!”
Meds on This
The waves of panic are rolling in on me. My heart is skipping several beats. My breath is quick and fleeting because trouble has visited me. What will I do? Who will I call? Everything is confusing, I cannot bear this at all. I weep. I worry. I’m pissed. God, how could you allow this? My child, as I calmed raging storms in the past. Watch me arise to work on your behalf. Follow me, listen & obey. I’m not a God that lies I mean every word I say. I am here. I will protect. I will provide. You’ve seen nothing yet! Keep your eyes on me like I told Peter during the storm. Soon the water meant to drown you, Will carry you safely home.
About us and the show
It is financial literacy month and the hosts of The Beloved Queens Podcast tackles all things money and relationships. The Podcast is a year old with two season for you to binge on. The hosts are Caribbean immigrants living in Atlanta. Our team consists of a journalist, finance guru and entrepreneur. All wives and mothers discussing the taboo topics in human relationships.
These Queens have the most authentic sauce for our everyday life! It’s the type of raw & unfiltered convo that we often times have with our best friends & sisters. Must listen! Start your week off right! (
— Jurmeine
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 5 out of 5.
This is a breath of fresh air, I love listening to you guys, it’s like a friend zone. Keep doing a wonderful job.
— Jahseiahe
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Where did all the money go?
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Money brings us security, opportunity, prestige but for far too many it’s associated with fear. In this episode, the Queens explore this fear, and also shines the light on Black Tax in America, money given to family out of a sense of obligation. It’s quite similar in immigrant communities all across America.
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Money & Relationship Real Talk
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How adults handle money in their present stems from what they learned in the past. Patterns of misuse can become cycles of mismanagement. Queen Vee will guide the listeners whether married or single through handling finances fearlessly.
Money Talks… Are you listening?
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Some women are terrified of talking about money. Too often the topic has both men and women feeling awkward, uncomfortable and some are even defensive when finances are brought into the picture. Far too many avoid discussing finances in dating and that only escalates after marriage. Queen Vee is schooling modern day women in how to tackle their fear.
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Sometimes our past can be so messy. Mistakes, misunderstandings or even mistreatment can scar us severely.
As we start this year, let’s dig deep. Ask yourself these questions.
Is there anyone who disappointed me that I’m holding resentment for in my heart?
Have I been holding on to painful memories for days or even decades?
Is the betrayal of trust too deep to let go? Are you asking, why should I be the one to forgive if they were the ones that betrayed me, or cheated on me?
Why should I trust anyone again,when the person I told everything, kept secrets from me?
I failed when I tried to follow my dream in the past, why should I even try again?
I grew up struggling, money was hard to get, so why should I believe that it won’t always be this way?
You have asked why so many times in your private thoughts and no one is there to give you an answer. Beloved, you are not alone.
In the first episode of Season 2, The Beloved Queens are diving into this topic. They started in episode 1 and will continue in episode 2 on letting go. Queen Trina’s most memorable issue happened at 14 years old. Listen to her discuss it here.
For black America to experience freedom, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. had to convince a severely mistreated group of people to choose love instead of taking revenge. He believed that without struggle, then there wouldn’t be progress. Anyone looking collectively at slavery, Jim Crow Era, Civil Rights Era, can identify mistreatment of all forms. The significant internalized trauma for people of color during those times was unbearable. Enough to mentally torment the ones who were directly affected by the abuse, and even their descendants. For black Americans to choose to free their own minds & emotions from rejection, abuse, disappointment, heartbreak, mistakes & mistreatment is indeed supernatural. As supernatural as Jesus being crucified and praying for his killers saying, “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.” It’s an absolute trust that surrendering the resentment to God will free them from a lifetime of mental slavery.
How to get free?
Ask the Holy Spirit to help you to do surgery. Ask him to expose the buried things if you are in denial. Acknowledgment is half the battle. This is no easy feat, but with God all things are possible. Some of these hurts are so deeply buried in our subconscious. We have killed off people and buried the painful memories. If you’re asking “How do I know if it’s still present?” Sometimes someone says a word and you get so tight inside. I heard Dr. Cynthia Thompson say, “The quicker you clean the mind, the quicker you hear from God. If you have forgiven them, why do you live at the scene of the crime? Why are your emotions so triggered?”
You’ve got to be ready to let the past go. It is absolutely your decision. If you’re not completely ready, you cannot be free. If someone forces you, you’ll end up worst than where you started. Letting go first begins in your mind and, if you really mean it, your words of release or any other action to cement your decision will free you of the weight you’ve been carrying. Start by asking the Holy Spirit to help you where you don’t feel you can let go. Next episode we’ll explore this some more.
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I do not own the rights to this music. I’m using it to encourage someone in my blog
This morning when I woke up, the first thing I heard in my heart was, “Get up and write.” My immediate reaction was to get overwhelmed, because I thought those instructions meant, write a book. So after I calmed down, I asked, what am I writing? The answer came back, “A blog.” I exhaled a bit but then came the next thought of fear, “You have not blogged in months, what are you writing about?” So I continued to listen. Next instructions I got was, “Make a cup of coffee.”
By the way, I have not drank coffee in months either. But obeyed. Then, I opened WordPress and stared at the empty page. I asked what do people need to hear from you today Father? I sat and waited. Still nothing.
Next instructions I got. Walk to the backyard, I did. I’d like to paint a picture of my backyard so you can imagine it. It has more than 20 very tall trees. Since it’s the fall the ground is filled with dead leaves. I found a paved spot and began using my feet to clear the pavement. As I kept looking down I’m noticing all the things in the backyard that need to be trashed, in addition to the leaves. All I wanted to do was cleanup.
I don’t remember why I stopped looking down and started looking up. My eyes followed the trees from the ground all the way up to the branches and then leaves. The leaves on the trees were alive, some yellow, some green, and some burnt orange. They danced in the wind. Once I changed my focus from down to up, all I could see is life and beauty. I felt the majesty of the trees and the glory of God’s handy work. I stood among these giant 30-year old trees and felt really small.
Then God’s spirit reminded me of this truth. “I made you too, just like those trees.” I felt this deeply, “It doesn’t matter how many giants you’re surrounded by today, understand you are my greatest masterpiece. In the physical, they may be older or taller than you, but with my favor you are a giant.”
Friends, all you need to do in this moment is change your focus. What are your eyes on that is keeping your spirit down? What habit are you engaging in that is not life-giving? Who are you spending time with that takes more from you than they give? What cycles do you find yourself in that is sabotaging your purpose? Is your life-goal momentary happiness or finding and following the predetermined plan for your life?
The time for deep introspection is now, because the clock is ticking for all of us.
MUSING: I’ve heard it many times that God, you have already ordered my steps. What does that look like on a daily basis? Keep my heart and actions from evil. Show me, how my life will help my fellow man. Help me not to be afraid to move forward in your plan, instead of mine. Guide & remind me every day that I have you in me, and like my grandma would say “Little is much when God is in it!”
The Beloved Queens Podcast returns…
Thanks to everyone who supported Season 1. We’re grateful God lead you to partner with him as we followed his call for our lives.
We welcome new supporters to walk alongside us again. This new season will be fire!!!🔥🔥🔥
Women are indeed an awesome creation. I’ve been raised by two, and I promise you, you’ve never seen so much ingenuity at work. My mom and grandmother didn’t have it all. They started with very little, a bare foot walking girl and woman. Grandma, her sisters, and their mother and father carried sugar cane on their heads and walked bare feet for miles to the boiler building. They slept on the floor of that hot place all night until the sugar cane became crystals of sugar.
That is my history, and as we exit black history month and embark upon women’s history month, my heart flutters with gratitude and honor for black women, period. Those in my life today and the ones who came before me are simply extraordinary!
My Prayer Queens
You see black women cry silent tears and, we have suffered long and learned to bear it– get used to it– lived with it.
Our nurturers tell us to be strong and work twice as hard — a mantra too many black girls live by when we should not have to. First-world societies expect us to be the brainchild but not the one in charge. Like my grandma, we still carry the world on our shoulders and the basket on our heads. Meanwhile, we worry about our babies, our men, with too little attention given to our mental health.
So beloveds today breathe. Right here, right now.
If you’re a woman
If you’re a wife
If you’re a mother
If you’re a boss lady
If you’re a stay at home mom
If you’re a single mother
If you’re trying to figure things out alone
If you’re starting in a relationship
If you’re a grandmother
If you’re a godmother
If you’re an aunt
If you’re a sister
If you’re a daughter
If you’ve been in a relationship for a long time
If you’re someone’s maid of honor
If you’ve had your heartbroken
It you messed up
If you’ve been abused
If you feel lost
Lady, you are a hero and, you are valuable. Do you know how much you matter? So stand in the light, like my sister-girlfriend.
Queen Trina
We rise to applaud you! For everything you do in the shadows. For loving hard, for working hard, and for crying when you feel invisible.
Today, I boldly proclaim, I see you! You’re doing amazing things, I am proud of you my sisters. Your smile lights up a room. Your aura is powerful and purposeful. Guard it!
Queen Veronica
Your brilliance is brighter than the noonday sun on a summer day. You care deeply. Your passion is powerful, so focus it on the right things. Your skin, your eyes, your nose, your complexion, your inner self & soul, all of you, is beautiful!
From women gone before to the ones here now, blessed are you for the Creator has made you a Black woman.
Tell another black woman today, you SEE her, you SALUTE her and are so, so, so PROUD of her.
This relationship podcast takes you into the lives of wives who are willing and open to share their raw journey to a healthy relationship. Come for stories, encouragement, tips, and laughs. Subscribe and like on Apple, Stitcher, Google, iHeartMedia, or your favorite podcast platform. Please don’t forget to follow our FB page, Instagram and Twitter.
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New Release Book
QUEEN SHOUT OUT
Giving a round of applause to Annissa Morgan, who published her 2nd book. We salute you for teaching kids about money.
NEGATIVITY IS POISON TO THE MIND AND A PERSON’S ESSENCE. It can become a 2-way channel, it enters by who we listen to before we make decisions, and then it’s cemented when we act based on the advice. It is really easy to become a host of negativity and not realize it.
With so much negative energy in the world, we must be intentional about injecting some positive energy into our life.
Before the pandemic, I began meditating by using a podcast called Encounter. The goal is to help to shift minds to encounter the divine world. I started listening to it and when the world turned upside down, it provided an alternate space for my mind to exist. A place of less fear than normal. A place of love and acceptance, a safe space, a place where the Father, Son and Holy Spirit were my daily entourage.
Let me tell you a story. One day I shared my meditation episode with my 8-year old son. The theme that day was love. He was downstairs and his dad and I were upstairs. After 15 minutes, I heard his little feet, hurrying up the stairs. He had exciting news for mom & dad. He said, he imagined himself floating through the clouds, and at the end of his journey, he came face to face with a man surrounded by light. He heard him say, “I am pleased with you my son, I love you and you will have a great day!”
Jon Jon’s masterpiece
That story brought tears to my eyes because my Heavenly Father had made a divine connection with my baby boy. Here is the picture he crafted of his vision.
If you’re looking for a way to connect or reconnect with God, try this podcast. It will help you to channel your positive inner images and open your awareness to the spiritual world.
Testing testing 1.2.3.
It’s important to make self-checks. Tuning in to your thoughts & feelings will help you to access where you are mentally and emotionally. That way you can process and release anything painful, frustrating, worrisome, and fear-filled. How? Sometimes it’s necessary to journal. Writing it out on paper will help you release all that venom from inside to that sheet of paper. Just writing it out raw with no edits, can be the best medicine. It is truly cathartic. Growing up, I felt abandoned for a long time by my father. As an adult, I remember writing a letter to him, not to send it, but to get rid of everything that caused me pain. At some point, I realized that had my father been present, I would not have learned to depend on God for everything. This scripture anchored me. “When my mother and father forsake me, the Lord will take care of me.“
So many of us have abandonment issues because a dad left, a spouse left, a lover left, or a dear friend walked away. For me, the big lesson behind a human being walking away from me is this– if a person rejects me, then supernaturally that gives God more room to take residence in my heart–to love me, and show me real, true adoration. He becomes larger in my life than any human being ever could.
Living better, not bitter
Now those first things are first, let us examine personal forgiveness. Have you ever made a decision and it turned out to be the wrong one? Or how about feeling like a complete failure? It’s time to stop holding yourself hostage. Think about five things to forgive yourself for today, and if you have a journal write them down. Then look yourself in the mirror, and say them out loud.
_____________ (Your name) I forgive you for
_____________________________________.
GOD FORGIVES. NOW FORGIVE YOURSELF AND WIPE AWAY THOSE MISTAKES. 🙏🙏🏽🙏🏼🙏🏿 This scripture is a prayer of forgiveness. “How happy and fulfilled are those whose rebellion has been forgiven, those whose sins are covered by blood. How blessed and relieved are those who have confessed their corruption to God! For he wipes their slates clean and removes hypocrisy from their hearts. Before I confessed my sins, I kept it all inside; my dishonesty devastated my inner life, causing my life to be filled with frustration, irrepressible anguish, and misery. The pain never let up, for your hand of conviction was heavy on my heart. My strength was sapped, my inner life dried up like a spiritual drought within my soul. Then I finally admitted to you all my sins, refusing to hide them any longer. I said, “My life-giving God, I will openly acknowledge my evil actions.” And you forgave me! All at once the guilt of my sin washed away and all my pain disappeared! Pause in his presence. This is what I’ve learned through it all: All believers should confess their sins to God; do it every time God has uncovered you in the time of exposing. For if you do this, when sudden storms of life overwhelm, you’ll be kept safe. Lord, you are my secret hiding place, protecting me from these troubles, surrounding me with songs of gladness! Your joyous shouts of rescue release my breakthrough. Pause in his presence” Psalms 32:1-7 TPT
Erase the hurt you’ve caused
Have you ever been busy and a loved one came up to you to ask a question, and you responded harshly? Did your words wound them? Or maybe you dismissed them? I am guilty of that! Working from home can do that to you when you are trying to be focused. In the moment of exchange, your whole body language communicates stop bothering me! But later as you thought about your actions you felt so guilty for unintentionally disrespecting and dismissing that person’s essence–especially kids. The Bible calls that sinning against your brethren. Sin is a reaction that when acted out, automatically like a bot, the consequences instantly activates. Once it’s activated, it takes you on a destructive route. It’s cause and effect. But if you realize the err of your ways quickly, and ask the Lord to forgive you for hurting that person, it brings the consequence to a halt. Here’s the simple prayer:
Prayer
Lord I repent. I now activate the law of forgiveness, to neutralize the pain I have caused to my loved one. Help them to find the grace to forgive me. I give thanks that I am under grace and not under law. They have your divine breath & I’m sorry for dismissing their presence. Therefore, I cannot lose (insert their name) love and friendship, which is mine by divine right.
This law rubs out mistakes, and the consequences that follow.
Creative Consciousness
A friend of mine asked me to write an apology to all children who have been wounded by the words of an adult.
So my conclusion is this scripture. Many are the sorrows and frustrations of those who don’t come clean with God. But when you trust in the Lord for forgiveness, his wrap-around love will surround you. So celebrate the goodness of God! He shows this kindness to everyone who is his. Go ahead—shout for joy, all you upright ones who want to please him!” (Psalms 32:1-11 TPT)
Taping into your creativity by writing sometimes brings beauty that was buried inside. My friend did just that, and out of her came a spring of beautiful words flowing out. This is her poem to her daughters.
First Step – Tiviene Smith
You sat up on your own; we clapped
All in good cheer
You held on objects, fell, oops ,the tears
But we hushed and cuddled you
All in cheer
You never gave up; you tried again ; amidst the tears
We nurse the bruises encouraged
you along
All in good cheer
You crawled to us with a grit of purpose ;We jumped with glee
All in good cheer
And on that memorable day you ran to us with a wide smile on your face
We know you are meant for greatness
And we are running beside you
All in good cheer.
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Can you believe we made it? We’re still here my people, alive! January, February, March, April, May, June, went by slowly. Here comes July 2020. What a whirlwind! First, the world went on lockdown. Now America feels like it’s going through a metamorphosis. The racial divide, which has always been a burden for black people, is now on display for the world to see. Like a boil has popped and the contents are draining out.
Black people have been here since 1916, and think about this truth for a minute, all that time, they’ve been carrying the weight of not being accepted as humans. From men marching with “I AM A MAN” signs to black women reciting “Ain’t I a woman” poem, begging to be seen. Suffering through national indifference when it comes to basic rights. Yet, it’s sad to see that their white counterparts who have lived in the same country with them, are suddenly surprised about the inhumanity, fear, and trauma that categorizes a black person’s way of life in America. Every. Single. Day.
Here’s the thing, as a black person from the Caribbean, living in America, I understood the burden of being black in America. Things are just not equal. But I must admit, being shut in safely inside and having to deal with back to back murders of black men and a woman, that I’ve felt the collective, compounded suffering and trauma of my black brothers and sisters, born in America. I discussed it in my last blog. Like Buja Banton an acclaimed reggae artist sang in his iconic song, It’s not an easy road ,“He who feels it knows.”
To be born in a place, where boys, men, and even women, are killed so unnecessarily often, is a lot to bear. Where just because of skin color, these people are chained to a history where white folks deem black folks as semi-human. Not just you, but your parents, grandparents, and great grandparents endured great suffering. Overt violence and fear unleashed on them, from slavery to Jim Crow Era, and even the Civil Rights Era. These people tried to tap into their natural ambition to get ahead. The obvious way is to get educated. Starting from nothing, they built their livelihood and began to see shadows of progress, then success, like Black Wall Street and 9th Street in Little Rock. Soon a begrudging, evil mob, burns down the businesses in it’s prime. Constantly harassing and lynching their men. Two steps forward, ten steps backward, economic dependence for blacks is far too often the rule, not the exception. At this point, as the cycle of inequality continues they should all now be traumatized. And like a soldier coming back from war, they can’t just get over it.
Look at the next video where white Americans are giving an apology prayer to black Americans. Begin watching from 10:10.
I do not own the rights to this video. This is for educational purposes only.
Did you feel the pain of that one lady as she cried out? It hurt didn’t it? Like she’s been carrying decades of oppression. Now, fast forward to today, in 2020 a recent study shows, there is a 50-year wealth gap between them and their white counterparts. For a college degree black family, a white family without a high school diploma still earns more.
When you hear an African American say the words, “I am tired.” They have been carrying these burdens of alienation for over a century. Emotions always on edge, in the only place they know as home. Then to have a very basic livelihood in a place like Atlanta or cities outside the perimeter, it tells a dismal story. A story of haves and have nots. I read somewhere that the top 5 percent of people living in Atlanta earn 20 times more than the bottom 20 percent. Let me write that again and bold it. The top 5 percent earns 20 times more than the bottom 20 percent. I’m not sure what is the racial makeup of that 20 percent. It’s any body’s guess.
Then I saw another thing, many Atlanta families don’t have $400 on hand for an emergency. Out of a job could mean out of your business, or out of your home. That’s the case for minorities across the country. One large group of people living on the edge and the other comfortably coasting.
I live about 45 minutes outside of Atlanta. One day just driving around, I decided to drive into a random neighborhood. I turned off the main road and drove up the hill and all I saw ahead of me were homes on a lake with boats in the backyard. The very next thought that popped into my mind is this, “Where do the people that live in this neighborhood work?” And there are neighborhoods like that all over Atlanta, some very affluent, some average and others downtrodden, on the same street or just one street over.
To wake up to inequality every day that isn’t a secret– inequality in living quarters, inequality in pay scale, inequality in how they are treated, and inequality in how they are judged. Our black American friends are mentally, physically, emotionally exhausted, and traumatized. So if you are black from the Caribbean, Africa, and any other part of the world, let us join our hearts and pray for them, starting today and continue for the next two weeks.
PRAYER
Lord you are close to those with a broken, weary, tired soul.
So we present our African American brothers and sisters and their children to you.
We feel their burden, and their alienation and according to Isaiah 61,
Lord set the captives free today, heal their broken hearts today.
Let them know in a tangible way that if you are for them, who can be against them?
As they mourn, comfort them for the generations of sorrow they have been carrying.
Cloak them in praise instead of a heavy spirit.
Lord, rebuild and restore everything in their lives that have been destroyed.
For their shame, bring them a double portion of blessing.
Stand up for them and bring them favor, bring them equality, do something brand new that has never been seen in the history of this country.
Anoint them Adonai to live your written plans for their lives.
Root out every counterfeit contrary plan that goes against your will for them.
For God’s sake prosper them, with good health and wealth.
Release the wealth of the wicked into the hands of the righteous.
For the generations going forward, break every chain connected to slavery, & oppression.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord.
FEATURE VIDEO
I do not own this rights to this video. It’s for educational purposes.
ACTION CHALLENGE
I have a mentee. This week she shared something with me that I want to try and hope you can come along as well. Exercising when you’re stuck in the house can be challenging. For me, I don’t do crowds, so going outside is just to grab essentials. But if you don’t move, the pounds will come piling up. So, some people go for walks, some do youtube classes, and my mentee started jump roping, for 30mins. So while others are packing on pounds, she’s losing them. When was the last time you jump roped my lady? I don’t remember, so today I’m starting. Can you join me?
HUMAN ACTIVISM
In January, an idea came to me to design a shirt for black teens. Since I have a teenage son, born in America, I didn’t want people who don’t know him to judge him as dangerous, just by looking at him. Instead of accepting him as simply, a teenager, with toss salad for hormones, not 3-4 years older. Mothers you understand my plight. Maybe it will give the aggressor pause, before inflicting harm on teens. Just maybe. My son and his dad designed the shirt, and we’re taking pre-orders in the No DangerZone! Simply order by Venmo (rtv.publishing@gmail.com). There’s another surprise there as well.
FRIENDS HELP FRIENDS
Help 1
My friend lost her hubby unexpectedly. This man was her best friend. Their kids lost their daddy. This loving couple was only a few years older than I. I cannot imagine the grief. If you can help, please do.
THANKS FOR READING MY BLOG POSTS.I am grateful you keep coming back.Please like, subscribe, share, always leave a comment.I enjoying engaging with you and will read them and respond.
Post pandemic students have been struggling with going to school. My own included. One day I decided to google top fears students have returning to school. I was surprised to see a long list.
At that moment, I decided to write affirmations to counterattack the mental, emotional and physical stressors that kiddos go through on and off campus. It became a book to empower students to use the power of their voice and thoughts to activate the greatness within themselves.
Students are you struggling with Self Doubt, Learning New Things, Time Management, Fear of Large Groups, Comparison Syndrome, Bullying, Your Safety and protection and your Mental Health? This is the book for you. It will help you to encourage yourself out of the myriad of fears bombarding your mind. It will remind you of how uniquely wonderful and important you are in this world.
This Back to School Affirmation Journal for Students, returns the power to thrive back to our students and releases them from feeling helpless. Negativity, criticism, complaining, gossipping and judgmentalism can derail the brightest star. This gives you the ability to take back your power, focus and winning mentality.
I’m a list person. I like to write a list and check things off one by one. I have journals, notebooks with a list of things I would like to do. From Outcome lists to Grateful lists to Project lists to affirmations etc.
There are no words to describe how 2020 has slapped us silly. Yet, with just one month left, here is the good news. We are still here. I’m so grateful for that.
Over a month ago, I felt so down. Let me correct that there were multiple moments of sadness and loss. Mental Health has been under assault. The human race has had to fight to maintain our mental and physical health.
Let me get back to my story. One of the moments that I felt myself slipping down the low slope of sadness, I took up a workbook, and the exercise for that day was as follows:
Make a list of as many things as possible that you appreciate about your life.
So I started the list.
I’m grateful there have been no school shootings this year.
I’m grateful my children are safe and alive.
I’m grateful for our income.
I’m grateful for the good health of my mom and grandma.
I’m grateful for a contented and caring husband, who makes me happy.
Girl friends that listen to my rants, and at times are like therapists.
Grateful for prayer partners.
Always grateful for you readers.
As I wrote each sentence to recall the good, positive things that came into my life in 2020, I could feel a shift in my emotions. Before long, the list grew from one to forty-five. Although nothing had changed on the outside, the happy hormones inside were doing summer salts.
Now you do it, stop and think. Since 2020 rolled in, what has changed for the better in your life? Make a list and notice the euphoria that comes by the time you get to the end of the list.
With that dopamine high, I notice that the fog cleared from my mind. I had an idea, acted on it, and saved $250.
Now that your mood has changed for the better, it’s vital to keep tabs on your joy level. Is it full, halfway, totally empty? Well, you can do something about it. You must!
For starters, be mindful of your Joy Killers — and give them no power!
Laugh more. Find a reason to just laugh as hard as possible. Laughter shifts every single dull mood. Remember a funny moment. Sometimes watching cartoons brings you back to happy childhood memories. Songs can uplift your mood. Watching beach videos on Youtube can do the trick as well if you cannot travel. Deep breathing. Meditate on goodness, including dreams for your future, and not the stuff falling apart or filled with limitations.
Strive to intentionally shift your mood, as soon as you feel the sad fog rolling in. Read this great quote. “You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.” ― Maya Angelou
Make a list of what makes you happy, so you can reach in your tool kit and flip the switch as soon as you need it. If you are happy, then you can share it with others.
Now you can speak appreciation to those in your life. If this year has shown us one thing is that we’re here today and gone tomorrow. So in closing, protect your joy, activate your joy, count your gratitude moments, daily. Then share it.
UMMM
My world, my home, my relationships are infused with pure light.
I welcome gladness and gratitude to enter my heart
Joy in my face.
Joy in my mind.
Joy all around.
Today I’m filled with the light of joy.
Happy Thanksgiving everybody!
Offering of Help
Can you help a young mother who lost her job? I asked her to write her gratitude list and after she did, she thanked me for helping her to do the exercise.
