Moses Moment

For many years, I have had an insecurity about my speech. I sometimes cannot think of what it is I want to articulate.  When I get excited about something, I tend to stumble over my words and stutter. At times, I speak extremely fast. It was an ongoing joke in my family that my older sister was the only person who could understand me and she was needed to translate. I get very nervous when meeting new people. I'm talking about unbelievably uncomfortable. Because of this "impediment," I shy away from people and would much rather stay to myself or those closest to me.

I recently had a conversation with my sister. I explained to her that I had attended an important meeting.  I could not formulate the words that I wanted to say. I got so frustrated with myself. I jokingly told her how I feel like Moses. If you are unfamiliar with the story of Moses, read the book of Exodus. Moses was a Hebrew who was not only raised by an Egyptian, but by the daughter of Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt. Moses' own people, the Hebrews, were in slavery to the Egyptians. Many years later, God told Moses that He chose him to lead the Hebrews to freedom. Moses told God every reason why he shouldn't be the one to lead his people. After all, he had a stuttering problem and could hardly speak.

How could he be the one to tell people to follow him? Not only was he to find the courage to tell people follow him, he had to be bold enough to stand up to Pharaoh to tell him to let his people go! But what Moses was reminded of was God fully equips who he chooses to use. Just like Moses had to be reminded of God's abilities, so did I.

When I told my sister that I relate to Moses with his stuttering, she responded with, "Well, is that a bad thing? Do you remember what God used Moses to do?" Light bulb! I was so hung up on Moses' speech all while neglecting the fact that when it was all said and done, Moses had led his people to the Promise Land. Pharaoh and his army had been defeated. God had entrusted the people of Israel to Moses.

Could you imagine how scared Moses could have been? Here he is standing up to a dictator that could have him killed at any time. On top of that, there were some Hebrews that were so afraid to follow Moses, that they'd rather stay in bondage. If Moses had not done what God told him to do, the Hebrews would have never gained their freedom and Moses never would have fulfilled his purpose.

So I guess it's all about perspective, huh? I am like Moses, but not because of my speech. I have an assignment to be carried out. So do you! Do not be afraid to live the life God has for you. He has equipped you. Isaiah 41:10 says, "So do not fear, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my victorious hand." If that's not encouraging I don't know what is! You are able to do anything through Christ Jesus!

You are fearfully and wonderfully made! Always!

It's What You Do!

When I was growing up I remember my friends getting gifts for making good grades in school. I used to think that was the coolest thing. Unfortunately for me, marking period after marking period, there were never any cute little toys or trinkets waiting for me when I busted through the door with honor roll report cards. Finally, I asked my parents why was it that they didn't follow suit and do what my friend's parents were doing?! I deserved it!  My dad never looked up from what he was doing and said, "We don't reward you all for what you're supposed to do. Going to school and earning good grades is what is expected of you all. Our job is to work, provide and raise you right and your job is to go to school and bring nothing less than a B in this house." I was livid! I always had to get the last word so I remember mumbling something under my breath like, "Well at least yall get a check!" And then I blacked out from a beating. (Kidding...maybe!😏)  But that's not the reason for this post. 

Although I was perplexed back then as to why God blessed me with parents who didn't believe in blessing me with gifts for A's, I'm so appreciative of them now. I get it. You are not going to be praised for what is expected of you. It's what you're supposed to do! You want money? You go to work. You want a roof over your head? You pay your rent/mortgage. You love and cherish your kids (and don't want DHS called on you? Lol) You provide for the little cherubs.

2 Thessalonians 3:10 says, if you don't work, you don't eat. It's that simple. Do it and do it well. It's what is expected of you. 

Crop Top Frenzy

Crop Top Frenzy

If you're anything like me, you really don't take much notice to magazines anymore. I mean, besides leafing through one rather quickly while waiting in the checkout line at the market, there's really no need to pick one up. Everything is right at our fingertips now. But it just so happened that SOMEONE picked up Oprah's O Magazine and was furious at what she saw. Next thing I know, all up and down my news feed was a picture out of the magazine that reads..."Can I Pull Off A Crop Top? If and only if you have a flat stomach..." Le sigh. 

It comes to no surprise that I've been fat, big, plus size (whatever you want to call it...none of it offends me) all of my life. It also should come to no surprise that I haven't always exuded so much confidence. I wonder why?! Every which way you turn the media pushes their definition of beauty on you. It has taken me twenty-something years to be comfortable in the skin that I'm in. I don't want another young girl wasting so much time letting others define her. 

There are far too many issues in this world to let who wears crop tops become one of them. Of course, the problem is deeper than a mid drift top. I made up my mind a few years ago that I no longer care if my body and how I choose to dress it makes others uncomfortable. 

So my answer to O Magazine's question, is...Hell yea I can "pull off" a crop top...I already have! Didn't  I look fab?! *wink*

As always remember, you are fearfully and wonderfully made!

Psalm 139:14

Look Up

Today was such a beautiful day so I had to take advantage. I decided to put on my sneaks, wireless headphones and head on down to Kelly Drive for a nice walk. The sun was shining, bikers were riding and runners were running (...right past me! Lol)! I walked for awhile and once I decided I had enough, before I turned back to head to my car, I took a seat on a bench to take it all in. 

As I sat to enjoy the breeze, I got distracted by my phone. I got a text, then I decided to check my Facebook, Instagram, SnapChat and Swarm. (Oh yea! Like I'm the only one on every social network out there!) Something (more like SomeONE) told me to "Look Up!" Before I knew it, 20 minutes had passed. I quickly realized that my phone took me away from the beauty that was right before my eyes! I hurriedly put my phone away and focused on what was all around me. Families were enjoying their time together, geese were swimming and yes, the sun was still shining. 

Often, this exact scenario happens in life. We tend to get distracted by our situations and don't focus on the beauty that is all around us. We all have situations but we can't let it consume us so much that we miss out on all of the greatness that is happening everyday. When life becomes too much to bear and you can't seem to keep focused, look up! He's there!

So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.

Deuteronomy 31:6

As always, remember, you're fearfully and wonderfully made!!! 

The Thirst

Have you ever been so thirsty that you had to dig at the bottom of your pocketbook for change? I've done it plenty of times...but this time was different. I looked in the fridge and the only thing to drink was water. Tired of water, I rolled my eyes and slammed the door. With no extra ones laying around I was forced to search the bottom of my bag for a $1.25.  Found some change but I had to still look around my place to get the full amount I needed to get what I wanted. Once I finally got my coins together I took the elevator ride upstairs to the 11th floor. I went to the vending machine and pressed E7 for my cold Crush Orange Soda. By the time the elevator opened on my floor I had gulped half the soda. As I walked toward my apartment God spoke to me and said, "And you still thirst!"

Now...this amazed me for two reasons. I've NEVER heard God's voice so clear!!! I am definitely the person who feels as though in order for God to talk to me He has to speak in a booming voice and speak straight from the King James Version of the Bible. I was so elated to finally hear His voice and without a question knew it was Him speaking to me. 

The other reason I was amazed is because I understood exactly what He was saying to me in that moment. I searched everywhere for something I thought I needed. I finally got what I wanted and it wasn't enough. In order to quench my thirst I needed water. The same water that had been sitting in my fridge the whole time I longed for this orange soda. Jesus is the Living Water. 

The soda represents everything we THINK we need...the job, the relationship, the car, etc. But all of that is not at all what we need. So we get all of these things only to find out we are still missing what makes us whole. We still thirst. Jesus said, "But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life." John 4:14

You may think you have it all! But if you don't have Jesus, you have nothing. With Him you'll have ETERNAL life. I don't know about you but I need some WATER! Ahhh!!! Refreshing!! 

As always, remember, you are FEARFULLY and WONDERFULLY made! :)

Dear Educators...

Dear Educators,

We are ready to embark on another academic year in the name of education. We have spent many of nights preparing and spent plenty of money ensuring that our incoming students will have the resources and tools needed to succeed.

If you know some people like I do, they say, "You have the sweetest job! All you all do is color!" (I teach Kindergarten!) Or "Every time I look up, you all have off for something and let's not forget the 3 month vacation in the summer!" I use to defend it but now I simply say, you try it! Try grading papers, keeping up with data, holding IEP meetings, being a mother/father, counselor, and spirit lifter. Don't forget about being a performer because you have to make sure that the kids buy into what you are teaching. You can't forget about making copies, tying shoes, wiping noses, calling parents all while trying to move your kids and teach from not so up to par curriculum only for students to be tested on standardized tests that align with the common core standards (Yes, Kindergarten!)


We dare not complain. This is what we signed up for. This is our passion.
Always remember you inspire. You are valued. You are great at what you do. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

Yes! You will be frustrated with administration, parents, students and yourself more times than you can count. But it will be all worth it. Don't give up on you but most of all don't give up on your kids.

Educators change the world! Without us, there will be no other profession! Take pride in what you do because it matters!

"The people who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world are the ones who do." Steve Jobs

Sincerely,
A Fellow Inspired Educator

School Look

I'm trying to dress a bit more professional this year! Here are my first week's fits! What do you think?!