tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11721636279350192382024-02-02T14:42:28.888-06:00Soul 2 Sole DoctorEmpowering, equipping, and walking (Sole) with you as you reconnect with your Soul on your journey inward.Dr. Sharri L. Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02364955132259567702noreply@blogger.comBlogger160125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1172163627935019238.post-89786243797551046152024-01-07T08:52:00.000-06:002024-01-07T08:52:35.597-06:00Exercising Discipline & Relying on Connection in 2024<p> Happy New Year!</p><p>I am reminded of the sermon I preached just one-week ago during Watchnight Service at the church. I exercised discipline yesterday, by not buying another pair of shoes and realized that I needed to share this to continually remind and encourage myself that I am on the right track. Perhaps this will bless you as well as you aim to transform your life this year.</p><p>**********************************************</p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999999999999998; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Have you ever found yourself stuck by limiting beliefs?</span></p><ol style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.7999999999999998; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">You do things the way that your Mama did things because of a limiting belief that her way is the only way for things to be done. </span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.7999999999999998; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">You don’t apply for certain jobs or positions due to a limiting belief that someone like you can’t have it all. </span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.7999999999999998; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">You never reach beyond your circle because of a limiting belief that you must act a particular way or just accept certain things.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.7999999999999998; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">You stop showing up for yourself because of one failure and now you're stuck in the limiting belief that you will never be any better or do bigger things.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.7999999999999998; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">You keep doing the same things, yet you’re perplexed that you keep getting the same results, because of a limiting belief that “this is how I’ve always done it…this is just me”</span></p></li></ol><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999999999999998; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999999999999998; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">All limiting beliefs.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999999999999998; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">But imagine for a moment and ask yourself.... WHAT IF?</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999999999999998; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999999999999998; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">WHAT IF…you tried something new?</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999999999999998; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">WHAT IF…you stepped out on faith?</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999999999999998; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">WHAT IF…you started believing God for the impossible?</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999999999999998; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">WHAT IF…you started believing in your own capabilities?</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999999999999998; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">WHAT IF…you let go of the way things were and embraced the possibilities of how things could be?</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999999999999998; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">WHAT IF… your unique skills and talents are exactly what the world needs to solve its pressing challenges?</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999999999999998; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">WHAT IF… the setbacks you've faced are just stepping stones to a remarkable success story that inspires others?</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999999999999998; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">WHAT IF…your potential is limitless, and the only thing holding you back is the belief that there are limits?</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999999999999998; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">WHAT IF… every failure or mistake was an opportunity to learn and grow, bringing you closer to your true potential?</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999999999999998; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">WHAT IF…</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999999999999998; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999999999999998; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It was early in the morning and I was still lying in bed thinking and talking to the Lord. The word that grabbed me and wouldn’t let go was DISCIPLINE. Why this word? It didn't make sense that this word would arrest me as I lay there rubbing my tongue across my fresh braces. I'd only had braces for 2-3 weeks after wearing Invisalign for about 18 months. Invisalign had been recommended by the boys' orthodontist after I noticed a ridge on one of my teeth, indicating that I had been grinding my teeth in my sleep. Week after week, I would insert a different clear tray that would hold my teeth firmly and settle in by the next week when it was time to change to another tray.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999999999999998; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999999999999998; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Week after week this pattern continued, but no one really noticed that</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> my smile had been slowly changing, because my teeth were quietly shifting. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Slowly, with each new Invisalign tray, my childhood smile was changing. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999999999999998; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">That smile from my 8th-grade graduation pictures in my off-white lacy dress and cat heel shoes was changing.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999999999999998; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">That smile from my high school graduation pics where I wore that yellow taffeta dress and had an asymmetrical hairstyle was changing.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999999999999998; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">That smile from my graduation from Spelman College with my Anita Baker haircut was changing.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999999999999998; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">That smile that beamed on my wedding day when I married my husband wearing microbraids was changing.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999999999999998; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">That smile that beamed in the yearly recreated picture of my boys kissing my cheeks was changing. Different hairstyles, same smile.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999999999999998; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I finally recognized the shift when I took headshots, rocking a newly shaved head, my smile had really begun to change after months of wearing Invisalign.</p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999999999999998; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999999999999998; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I was pleased because I had wanted braces since I was a little girl, but my parents could not afford them. When I became an adult, I had this limiting belief that I was too old to change my teeth. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>(Honestly, the ONLY reason that I really pursued braces was that the ridge on one tooth reminded me of my mother who, by the time she died 10 years ago, had ground her teeth almost to the gum line. I did not want this to be my fate, so I decided to step out and make a change.)</i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999999999999998; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999999999999998; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">After almost 2 years and several boxes of trays, the orthodontist suggested that we speed the process along because two of my teeth just wouldn’t budge. I’d been doing the same thing and been in the process for months, but these two teeth just kept hiding and playing peek-a-boo behind the front teeth. With all the shifting, rotating, and correcting of the cross-bite, two of these teeth needed something more.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Lying in bed I was reminded of the scripture in Matthew 17:19-21 when the disciples were with Jesus ministering in the crowd and a man brought his son to Jesus. He said I brought my son before your disciples but they couldn’t heal him. Jesus went on to heal the young boy and when the family had gone on about their business, the disciples turned and asked Jesus “ Yo, why couldn’t we cast him out?”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="vertical-align: super;">20 </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">So Jesus said to them, “Because of your </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><b>unbelief </b><i>[LIMITING BELIEF];</i> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="vertical-align: super;">21 [</span></span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2017&version=NKJV#fen-NKJV-23722f" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #4a4a4a; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="vertical-align: super;">f</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="vertical-align: super;">]</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><b>However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting</b><i> [DISCIPLINE]</i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999999999999998; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And that’s what the Lord showed me early that morning, laying in bed, rubbing my tongue over the back of my teeth, realizing that one of the teeth that had been hiding for years was actually shifting. The teeth that had been playing peek-a-boo were getting bolder and coming to the forefront. Just as Jesus told his disciples that some things require DISCIPLINE to change, the Lord was showing me that it was the guidance of the metal wire, attached to the brackets that were providing the DISCIPLINE for my teeth to come out of hiding. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999999999999998; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999999999999998; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">You see with the Invisalign,</span><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>I</b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">made all the decisions.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i> </i></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><i>I</i> </b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">took them out when I ate. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><i>I</i></b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> was able to remove them when</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b> <i>I</i></b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> got tired of them and needed a break. Sometimes,</span><i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>I</b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">would remove them for a little while, but other times </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>I</b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> would keep them out for hours, only putting them back on at night.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999999999999998; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">But something happened quickly when the orthodontist put those metal brackets in, along with the guide wire,…the shift was no longer determined by my will, but it was determined by that to which I was connected.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999999999999998; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999999999999998; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And that’s what God wants me to share with you as you enter 2024. You’ve been hanging out long enough playing peek-a-boo and hide-n-seek with your gift, waiting for something to happen and God says with a little DISCIPLINE you will see your change come.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999999999999998; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">~Coming to church in the building and online, week after week…you are in the right place but not seeing any lasting effects. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-weight: 700; white-space-collapse: preserve;">God says try a little DISCIPLINE in 2024 and stay connected to me.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999999999999998; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">~Giving an offering every week, yet not seeing any real changes or benefits. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">God says try a little DISCIPLINE in 2024</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">and stay connected to me...</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">give me a full tithe, just 10% of what you make, and watch that loan officer come back with a different story next time, allowing you to purchase your home or that car.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999999999999998; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">~Studying in school, but the GPA is not where it needs to be. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">God says try a little DISCIPLINE in 2024 and stay connected to me</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> talk to your professors and attend the study sessions.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999999999999998; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">~Desiring a promotion on the job </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">God says try a little DISCIPLINE in 2024</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">and stay connected to me </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">get there early, leave late, and make it so that the job can’t be done without you, then go in and negotiate your pay raise,</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999999999999998; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">~You say Lord I know that you have more in store for me</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">but I’m not quite sure what I should do</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> God says try a little DISCIPLINE in 2024 and stay connected to me.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999999999999998; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999999999999998; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Jesus said in John 15:5, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“I am the vine, you </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">are</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. It's all about staying connected as the branches are connected to the vine. Your sustenance comes from the power in the vine. The vine is your lifeline for growth and strength. You only grow because you are connected. So stay connected!</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999999999999998; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Stay connected to the one who loves you.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999999999999998; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Stay connected to the one who saved you.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999999999999998; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Stay connected to the one who delivered you and watch the shift begin to happen. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999999999999998; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Stay connected to the one who transformed you </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; white-space-collapse: preserve;">and watch the shift begin to happen. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999999999999998; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Stay connected to the one who redeemed you </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; white-space-collapse: preserve;">and watch the shift begin to happen. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999999999999998; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Stay connected to the one who gives new life </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; white-space-collapse: preserve;">and watch the shift begin to happen. </span></p><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999999999999998; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In 2024 as you approach your new beginning, try </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">a little DISCIPLINE and stay connected.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999999999999998; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999999999999998; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Btw, the orthodontist projects that I will only need to wear these braces for about 3 months. Another sign that as soon you take all of the decisions out of your hands and begin to rely on help from a stronger source, your time can be expedited. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999999999999998; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999999999999998; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Lord, please expedite our blessings in 2024 as we exercise discipline and stay connected to you.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: right;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: right;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: right;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Now walk it out....</i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999999999999998; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><div><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><p><br /></p>Dr. Sharri L. Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02364955132259567702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1172163627935019238.post-79691475278409859542023-01-03T11:39:00.001-06:002023-01-25T23:00:22.077-06:00Prelude to REST...I chose a pillow over a champagne toast<p>It is January 3, 2023, and I am extremely grateful to God for allowing me to see another year. </p><p>New Year's Eve has always been an event in my family. As a little girl, I entered the New Year praising God, we called it Watchnight Service. Growing up in a Black Pentecostal church, I thought it was just a religious service where we ended the year thanking God and began the new year thanking God. Every choir would sing, the praise dancers did their number, people gave testimonies and we'd have our revivalist close out the night preaching and prophesying. Then we'd go to someone's house afterward to eat and continue the celebration. Little did I know that my future husband spent much of his youth doing something similar in his Black Baptist context. After every new year, I quickly realized that none of my friends, from other cultures, brought in the new year quite the same way. They only partied! It wasn't until years later that I learned the historical significance of this "Watchnight" service.</p><p>History lesson time (<i>Come on,</i> <i>you know me)</i>:</p><p>When Abraham Lincoln <b>issued </b>the Emancipation Proclamation (September 1862) it was not <b>enacted</b> until Jan.1, 1863, New Year's day. The night before, enslaved Africans in Confederate states, stayed up all night in their homes or places of worship and 'watched the night' until dawn which marked their freedom. This night has also been called "Freedom's Eve". <i>(Note: The Emancipation Proclamation was intended to free only enslaved Africans in the Confederate states. It was not originally intended for those states who remained loyal to the Union. In 1865, the 13th amendment to the Constitution was signed by Lincoln in January and ratified by the states in December.) </i>We'll continue the history lesson later.</p><p>Fast forward...</p><p>Since my husband is a Pastor, we brought this tradition to our church. We would begin Watchnight service with praise & worship, listen to member testimonies, Byron would preach and we would close out at midnight "praying in" the new year. Then we would all enjoy food, in the fellowship hall, as a church family. This is all that our sons ever knew, until the pandemic. We strategically moved everything online to stay connected to our folk. The pandemic, however, has taught us that people move differently when it comes to church, which is totally fine. Our love for Jesus has not changed, but we have found other ways to stay connected and fellowship with friends and loved ones. This year, rather than do the same thing for tradition's sake, we created a church Zoom, where folks could jump on and give their testimony. #connection We held the Zoom call at 7pm to allow people to be with their church family before hitting the streets to go party or hitting the bed to sleep.<br /></p><p>I chose to sleep!</p><p>But there is a back story to my sleep choice and it's called REST.</p><p>**********************************</p><p>A couple of months ago, I began listening to an audiobook entitled, "Rest is Resistance". Each night as I prepared for bed, I would listen to at least 20 minutes until I dozed off. One of the things that kept coming up for me was the idea that <u>African American women have been conditioned to be bus</u>y. Michelle Obama, in her book, "The Light We Carry" <i>(I just finished the hardcopy.)</i> mentioned the same thing....the pressure to be at the top of your game because "all eyes are on you". Black folks are put under a microscope. Many times when walking in a room, people actually think, "I wonder how she got here...who does she know or what does she do?" Let's be honest, It can be a room full of white people, sprinkled with a few persons of color, and many of us will think, "hmmm, I've got to know who that person is...it's like having a mythical unicorn in a room". <i>(Deny it if you want to, but I know you've thought that at least ONE time in your life. It's okay, I'm not judging you, because I have fallen into the same trap and oftentimes I am considered the unicorn. Ha!)</i> Moving on...</p><p>So this idea of rest had been percolating in my mind for the past couple of months. Only in my mind, because physically I was not resting. Working the ministry with my husband meant that when the pandemic hit, we did not chill like many others, but we (our sons included) created a platform where our church family and people across the country could stay connected with us and be encouraged during times of uncertainty. <i>(For 2 years, our home was a production studio!)</i> Both of us have this crazy work ethic and hearts to serve, so it was instinctive for us to push harder, many times to the point of exhaustion. </p><p>Any time someone would ask what I did for a living, I would simply reply EVERYTHING.</p><p>On Monday, I was at one location. Tuesday and Thursday I was at another location. Wednesday was a totally different location. Friday was supposed to be my day of rest, but I was still corresponding with students, and organizations from the other days. I did all of this daily work, while still reading, studying, and writing as a Seminary student. <i>(What the what, and why?)</i> The weekend was not a reprieve for me because church work usually happened on the weekend, as we would prepare for the Sunday morning worship experience. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the chaos. (or at least, I had grown accustomed to it) I was able to compartmentalize everything. "If it isn't your day, you don't get any play" or "I'm off the clock" is how I navigated the various spaces. Oftentimes, when I arrived home, if everyone was home I felt like I had to keep moving. Only if I was home alone, I allowed myself couch time but jumped up when I heard the garage opening. I didn't want them to see Mommy or Wifey as lazy.....<i>it's that doggone Black woman societal conditioning again</i>. Ugh!</p><p>Back to the percolating...</p><p>These two books began to rearrange my thoughts and overall body chemistry. There was a slow and steady shifting of priorities that was taking place. I was becoming a bit more reflective and began to make decisions that made me feel better. I was still moving hurriedly from day to day, but I could feel something brewing inside of me. A prelude to REST! The week before the Thanksgiving holiday, one of my "days" asked me to commit to another day of the week. <i>(#ScheduleChange)</i> I went home, thought about it, prayed about it, and decided that NO! is a complete sentence. I tendered my resignation the following week. I didn't have things figured out yet, but as soon as I chose ME, I began to feel more grounded. Rather than continuously floating from day to day, job to job, I had begun the process of anchoring myself to REST and stability.</p><p>Even as the Christmas holiday approached, I told my husband that I did not want to travel, I simply wanted to be in my home to REST. I was content in being in the same place and space for a couple of weeks to give my mind/body a chance to recover from the chaos and busyness to which I had grown accustomed. I probably should have been a bit more specific! I was forced to REST because I ended one year and began a new one at home, sick with COVID. Ha! God has jokes! <i>(this is why the pillow was the best option for me)</i></p><p>So this year, my word is REST! By the way, REST does not equate to sleep!</p><p>I am currently listening to an audiobook, "Sacred Rest" by Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith<i> (Come on Sis...an African American female internal medicine physician. She speaks my language!)</i> She writes about seven components of REST.....mental, spiritual, emotional, social, sensory, creative, and physical. Finding this book, after the other two, was a Godsend! This is the perfect way for me to begin the year. I had already told my family that I was going to take FB and IG off my phone for January. <i>#SocialMediaSabbath</i> so that I was not inundated with other folks' stuff before I could even form my own thoughts. <i>(I will be intentional as to when I engage on social media platforms and not look at every notification.)</i></p><p>I declare REST in my mind....think higher thoughts of myself and others. I am worthy!</p><p>I declare REST in my body...actually listen to what my body is telling me. Know when to get up and exercise, but know when to take a seat.</p><p>I declare REST in my daily work activities...I begin this new year with one job where I show up Monday-Friday, in a sunlit office, still helping students, but differently. <i>(Okay... I'm still an adjunct professor, so 1.5 jobs. Ha!)</i></p><p>I declare REST and restoration in my finances...make more mindful, budget-friendly purchases.</p><p>Oh and by the way, in the middle of my REST revelation, I was invited to speak at a women's conference in May... "Embracing the Sabbath as Sacred: Leaning into <u>Rest</u>, Restoration, and Rejuvenation". <i> </i>The conference will be in Cancun, Mexico. Now that's some REST right there. (L<i>ook at God!!! </i><i>Ladies, as soon as I get the registration information, I'll share it with you</i>.)</p><p>My REST revolution had been brewing for months and I wasn't even aware of it. God was orchestrating things behind the scenes because I have always tried to remain open to the possibility that God was going to blow my mind. In this instance, God was shifting things strategically, working behind the scenes, and causing unrest in my spirit so I could be open to the idea of REST. </p><p>******************************</p><p>So, what God has God been showing you? What has your gut been telling you to do? That uneasiness that you feel could be the Holy Spirit telling you that there is something more. I say trust your gut, trust your instincts, trust the Holy Spirit.....even when those around you do not understand your reasoning for switching things up. This is your narrative...your testimony...your blessing! </p><p>I choose REST, what do you choose?</p><p style="text-align: right;"><i>Now walk it out...</i></p><p style="text-align: right;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqBD3xp5Ya_pZdvYOD8PHDQXpAX2VYecDDOe5UNFNYJEZVV3xrZr4gEKBVO7Wcr3IopalIANb06a9EiDmWVlAEKxyjRyIQFBNoxOy1-vnUUHE92b3-QS1H6UVd9W69lX4ox4XbTgflJrIx13GMEPCe3jcqi4peWxjFdO_kIj30aR7Uwss1M3oSxxUdYQ/s1080/REST%20Motivational%20Quote%20Instagram%20Post.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqBD3xp5Ya_pZdvYOD8PHDQXpAX2VYecDDOe5UNFNYJEZVV3xrZr4gEKBVO7Wcr3IopalIANb06a9EiDmWVlAEKxyjRyIQFBNoxOy1-vnUUHE92b3-QS1H6UVd9W69lX4ox4XbTgflJrIx13GMEPCe3jcqi4peWxjFdO_kIj30aR7Uwss1M3oSxxUdYQ/w249-h249/REST%20Motivational%20Quote%20Instagram%20Post.png" width="249" /></a></div><br /><i><br /></i><p></p><p><br /></p>Dr. Sharri L. Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02364955132259567702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1172163627935019238.post-6377402701709983452022-12-11T18:40:00.000-06:002022-12-11T18:40:37.704-06:00Spectrum of Allies - Education is a Social Justice Issue<p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I am currently a student in Seminary working on a Master of Theological Studies. One of my courses this semester is "Theology and Social Justice." Each of us had the opportunity to determine which social justice issue mattered most to us. My social justice topic of choice is education.</span><em style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> (If you know me, you ALREADY knew this.) </span></em><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Throughout the semester, we discussed social strategies, including Saul Alinksy's Rules for Radicals, The Six Steps for Nonviolent Social Change based on Dr. King's nonviolent campaigns and teachings, and Mutual Aid. We furthered the conversation by identifying the tools that best address our social justice concern. </span></strong></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Two strategies discussed were Pillars of Support and Spectrum of Allies.</strong></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The Pillar of support is a tool to assess the power structure and the organizations that support them. The Spectrum of Allies is a strategy tool that examines the range of social groups and forces from active supporters to most vigorous opponents. I chose the Spectrum of Allies because, with the correct information, we can convince local churches that every Black and Brown child is our mission. Before we try to get kids to live right, I want to ensure that every child can read, write, and have a positive self-image.</strong></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">**********</span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Equity and access to a good education are social justice issues. During the pandemic, we realized the importance that local agencies, churches, and community centers could play in ensuring that no child went without access to Wi-Fi and learning capabilities. During the Fall 2020 school year, I served as a site coordinator of one of the Community Hope Centers, where local churches partnered w/ Urban League OKC. We ensured that students received daily affirmations and support before starting their studies. Posted around the facility were quotes of promise, determination, pride, and power meant to encourage and strengthen every person who entered the facility. We recognized that Social Emotional Learning was imperative for each young scholar's success. Research shows that when a student feels supported emotionally, it directly affects how the child learns.</span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Since my husband pastors a local church in Oklahoma City, I have access to knowledge regarding how the church functioned during the pandemic and how it reemerges post-pandemic. From 2020 to early parts of 2021, most of the local churches closed to their congregations, except for Sunday morning worship. Many of the local churches owned a dormant fellowship hall or community room for much of this time. Our church partnered with the local Urban League through the Cares Act funds, called Community Hope Centers, served families and proved the value of churches partnering to meet the community's needs.</span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I can love the church and criticize the church at the same time. Too many local churches are more concerned about church membership, viewership, and getting people to "get right" to enter heaven. We miss the importance of meeting the needs of families and children now. Many of our Black and brown students in OKC attend schools with low reading and math scores, and we expect them to grow up and compete with kids with access to more resources. </span><em style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">What could this mean to students when this becomes important to ALL of us in the community?</em></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">During and after slavery, Black folks were not allowed to read. They understood the importance of education, so they formed their schools.' Religious institutions established schools or provided general education in Sabbath schools, which often supplied the only educational opportunity for African Americans. It was here that students learned the academic fundamentals. Yet, it was also where they received emotional support and an expectation for excellence.</span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I contend that local Black churches need to be concerned with the educational success of our Black and Brown students. Most recently, OKC passed one of the most significant school bonds designed to take care of the building and grounds. Most local schools that educate Black and Brown students received refurbished gyms or walking paths. We can agree that newer facilities are valuable to the student's physical abilities. Still, the community needs to invest in students' academic success.</span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">This is where the Black church comes goes into action!</span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">What would it look like for EVERY local Black church surrounding the nearest school with support? What if we opened our fellowship hall doors twice weekly to ensure children had snacks, free Wi-Fi, and a place to complete their homework? How could weekly tutoring help our students? We could enlist retired or senior members to work in the reading room, where they read a book for 20 minutes. High school and college students could serve as tutors or mentors while gaining community service hours. I can imagine looking around the room and seeing positive statements to keep our young scholars engaged and motivated.</span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">An African Proverb says, "It takes a village to raise a child." The goal of community partnerships is for everyone to participate in the process of building a stronger, more productive community. Whether it be churches, synagogues, mosques, or community centers, I believe every child would benefit by having the community invested in their education. We are all stakeholders in the education of our youth. </span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">So, where do you stand? What is keeping you or your church from partnering with the local school? Come a little closer to the action and help join this education revolution.</span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Education is a social justice issue!</span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: right;"><em style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></em></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: right;"><em style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></em></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: right;"><em style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Now, walk it out.</em></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: right;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPxTvKBbZoLJ9sBLCGx5YCpiDleYNzyO5nbgcZeDdNeSg72NtG-42ZIb_NhbrTbnvFXgVysIRehZoFvU9tumi8AMaoO1hnwgt_Uxe1A6HnrxWb_qxJ3G0K09OIeKXG_LgdnsQ9TXDuVREFcPVmlBNwEvX-7FI2qXsnG1Luuc5I2sGWBrB4Bb-jGk5TaA/s1080/Spectrum%20of%20Allies%20Educational%20%20Instagram%20Post.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPxTvKBbZoLJ9sBLCGx5YCpiDleYNzyO5nbgcZeDdNeSg72NtG-42ZIb_NhbrTbnvFXgVysIRehZoFvU9tumi8AMaoO1hnwgt_Uxe1A6HnrxWb_qxJ3G0K09OIeKXG_LgdnsQ9TXDuVREFcPVmlBNwEvX-7FI2qXsnG1Luuc5I2sGWBrB4Bb-jGk5TaA/s320/Spectrum%20of%20Allies%20Educational%20%20Instagram%20Post.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><em style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></em><p></p>Dr. Sharri L. Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02364955132259567702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1172163627935019238.post-50251405381940855782022-12-05T10:06:00.003-06:002022-12-05T10:06:54.285-06:00Redecorate your room with a YES and a NO!<p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Wow! It is already
December 5th! </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The year 2022 has been a
year of growth for me. I have learned the power of my Yes AND the power of my
No. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Oftentimes we miss
opportunities because No is our default response. Either we do not view
ourselves as capable or we are held captive by the familiar. We say things
like, <i>“this is just the way I am” </i>or <i>“this is how I have always done
it.”</i> Just like that favorite chair that you have which has the
indentation of your back side, after years of sitting in the same spot. You
enjoy a good cup of tea, while sitting in the chair. When you sit down to enjoy
a movie, you can swing your legs to the side, curled up underneath a
warm blanket. This same indented chair cradles you every time you take a seat,
at the end of a long day. It still matches the room decor, so it is not out of
place. It is simply comfortable. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Then one day, you happen
upon a furniture store and realize that there are so many other chairs that could match your room decor. Some of the chairs are shaped differently and have
different textures or features, but you get a glimpse of the potential of
taking one of these new chairs home with you. You even get excited because you
imagine how this chair could brighten the space at home and give it a fresh
look; until you look at the price of the chair and realize that it costs to
take that chair home. Being the cautious individual that you are, you quickly
talk yourself out of it and go back home. <i>No impulse shopping today!</i> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">You are proud of
yourself because you dodged that bullet and saved money! Kudos to you <i>(and your
financial planner)</i> because that new chair was not in your budget. As you drive
back home, the thought of those new chairs quickly leave your mind, and you
move on to the next thing. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Everything is fine,
until you go back, sit in your familiar chair, and realize that the groove fits you a little differently. Although still perfect for the space, you notice that it
leaves your posture tilted just a tad. You realize that you must kick your legs
up to build enough momentum to work your way out of the well-worn indentation. <i>“Hmm,
I hadn’t noticed this before”</i> you say to yourself as you remember the
plethora of chair options in the furniture store. Night after night, you go
back and sit in the same comfortable chair, but you begin to imagine what one
of the newer chairs could add to this room. You wonder, <i>“if I say Yes to
this new chair, what will I have to say No to?</i>” You even begin to count the
cost of how much those furniture store chairs might set you back. You start
calculating how you can save money by not eating out as much, instead deciding
to make morning coffee at home or by packing your leftovers for lunch. In your
mind, you begin to move the existing furniture around to see if you can create a
fresh look for the room. You can hang pictures on a different wall and
rearrange the existing furniture to set a different tone for this space. You
oscillate between should I or should I not, until you finally take the leap and
say Yes.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">***<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When I said Yes, at the
beginning of the year, I did not realize that I was saying Yes to thinking and
moving outside of my comfortable chair. With that Yes, came a renewed
confidence and the power to change, control my narrative, and rearrange my
entire room decor. My Yes allowed me the ability to not be afraid to stand on
the wall and speak truth to power for myself and others.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Yes, to embracing the
kids of color in the community, who are lagging academically, and creating
programs to help parents who need an advocate.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Yes, to calling our
legislators and legislation to the carpet when their policies do not support
the well-being of children. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Yes, to speaking up for
myself even when others did not understand my moves.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Yes, to self-care which
in some cases involved sitting outside soaking up the sun’s rays in stillness.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Yes, to not being ruled
by fake fears.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Yes, to trying new
things. <i>(Go with your knees knocking, but by all means…GO.</i>)</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Yes, to trusting my gut!
<i>(You never lose when you bet on yourself and God.)</i></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But with that Yes, it
was also imperative to recognize when saying No was expedient.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I said No to being
defined by others.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">No, to being paralyzed
by fear.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">No, to simply going with
the crowd. <i>#IndependentThinker</i></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">No, to viewing myself as
small and insignificant when I KNOW that I am greater than my wildest
imagination.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">No, to allowing the
expectations of others dictate my actions or decide my outcome.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">No, to allowing the
enemy to wreak havoc over my mind, my family, or my circle of friends.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">No, to looking outside
of myself to confirm my worth.<i> (I am more than enough and so are you!)<o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">***</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">There is power in your
Yes AND power in your No!</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When you tap into your
light and allow it to shine brightly, it will illuminate your path and guide your
forward movement as you begin the redecoration process.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">No to fear and Yes to
faith.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">No to mediocrity and Yes
to marvellousness.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">No to the opinions of
others and Yes to the omniscience of God.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">No to insecurities and
Yes to your imagination.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Throughout this year, I
have rearranged the furniture in my room several times. Last year, I sat
comfortably in my chair with the familiar indentation, simply happy to be alive
and surrounded by the people I love. But this year, I began counting the cost
of what saying Yes AND No could mean to the decor of my life. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Even as we began rearranging
furniture to make room for this years' Christmas tree, I realized that I must let go of
some things to make room for the new. There are two pictures that I took down off
the wall by the tree and I have already decided that when Christmas is over and
the tree is down, I will not put them back on the wall. I think I will leave it
bare until I have a different vision and new direction for the wall space. I
want to cultivate an area that suits my new mindset. <i>(Someone else might
call this decluttering.)</i></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I invite you to take
this last month of 2022 to be reflective and reevaluate the decor of your room(s).
What have you closed yourself off to because you have become so comfortable
with the familiar? What opportunities have you missed out of fear of making a
difficult decision? There are some things to which you need to say NO
immediately because they will not serve you. Yet there are plenty of options to
which you should just say YES, trust your gut, and grow with God. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Recognize your genius
and the light you possess inside and allow that to be your guide. Redecorating
your room does not mean that the old furniture is bad or of inferior quality,
it just means that you have a new vision of how you choose to navigate your existing
space. Your Yes has opened you up to more options! </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">You cannot say that you
want more out of life, yet keep relegating yourself to the mundane out of fear.
I encourage you to stop by a furniture store this week, find a chair, close
your eyes, and dream a new vision for yourself.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: right;"><b><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Now walk it out…….…2023 is on the way.</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: right;"><b><i></i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnZ74tBRgiMo_dEEnNt9DTm7l7zvMJu6QEdSgPu1CGepOiT4rH_DTOcl7V4WmiCJ_S2wVpVdMMiHVXEuqlho-ROtgG1yjSE7-80Gag1Pdb07ollMTyRdx7J6w3m3FepX6z6FtWYCfELJ--qQRa9_-hRyYKj7J5O9SjFXOErV42ZPeZDghk9yIqf_ohJA/s936/Screenshot_20221205-095123_Google.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="936" data-original-width="846" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnZ74tBRgiMo_dEEnNt9DTm7l7zvMJu6QEdSgPu1CGepOiT4rH_DTOcl7V4WmiCJ_S2wVpVdMMiHVXEuqlho-ROtgG1yjSE7-80Gag1Pdb07ollMTyRdx7J6w3m3FepX6z6FtWYCfELJ--qQRa9_-hRyYKj7J5O9SjFXOErV42ZPeZDghk9yIqf_ohJA/s320/Screenshot_20221205-095123_Google.jpg" width="289" /></a></i></b></div><b><i><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></i></b><p></p>Dr. Sharri L. Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02364955132259567702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1172163627935019238.post-34438512451191652472022-06-21T11:10:00.006-05:002022-06-21T13:09:55.221-05:0015 by 51<p>I know you are wondering; what does 15 by 51 mean? </p><p>If you divide 15 by 51 it's a rather small number, 0.2941176471. If you multiply 15 by 51 it equals 765. Someone might try to figure this out and say, "Maybe she is building something with total square footage of 765. What could she be doing?" </p><p>Ha, I know you are trying to figure this out. Let's explore...</p><p>Last year, during my 50th Birthday gala, "Celebration of Sisterhood", I encouraged the sisters to "be the light". That means showing up in a room, not intending to change or convince anyone to do anything differently, but your mere presence shifts the atmosphere. The light and aura illuminates the room without you ever having to open your mouth. But Baby, when you do open your mouth, you speak truth to power and bring light to every situation. That has been my mode of operation over the past year. </p><p> And here's what I really like about shining your light...<br /></p><p>My light doesn't put your light out. It merely accentuates what you already have inside of you. We shine together!!! This is why I am very intentional about encouraging other Sisters. I am neither threatened nor am I discouraged, by noticing the accomplishments and growth of other women. And if they are younger than I am, I really want to pour into them by modeling authentic celebration of another woman.</p><p>Because I was intentional regarding shining my light, doors opened for me this past year that allowed me to have a lived experience. I've been asked to preach in some great pulpits, speak up for others on various platforms, ran for office and I've been engaging with others on so many fronts just because I dared to shine my light.</p><p>Well now it's time to set another intention, as I make my way to 51 in August.</p><p>Have you ever complained sooooo much that you have grown tired of hearing yourself talk about it? No one else is talking, but the voice in your head just complains on loop. You understand, right?! Well, it's time to finally shut this voice up! <i>(it's so unnecessary)</i> You have seen me this past year cruising on my bike or walking around the neighborhood <i>(RIP Arby)</i>, I have slimmed down a little and my legs are pretty strong, but tthefat has shifted in my upper body. Go figure! My belly and doggone back fat have appeared with a vengeance and they are quite proud of themselves. Ha!</p><p>I know that maturity has a way of slowing down metabolism and raising cortisol levels that help us to store fat, but <i>(geesh!)</i> that doesn't mean that I have to accept it! This sister is not going down without a fight. The fight is first in my mind, then it will reflect itself in my actions. In fact, the shift happened this morning. I found an exercise program/ channel that I like on YouTube and I made myself get up and go to the "workout room" that we created during COVID. <i>(Yes, I have everything I need in my own house. Don't judge me. Ha!)</i> I can literally go to the other room in the morning and do a 20-minute workout without even thinking about it. If I go to the gym, swim, ride my bike or go for a walk, that should be the added gravy to my exercise intention. The next step is to champion my nutrition; not with a diet but with intermittent fasting and eating more REAL foods, as opposed to junk food fillers.</p><p>So I am calling on my fitness and nutrition oriented Sisters to shine your light this way. I'm going to need encouragement along the journey!!! You are my accountability partners. <i>(Don't bash me or I will mysteriously delete your phone number. Ha!)</i> Know that I have seen your social media posts and YOU have already encouraged me to strive for better in this area. Thank you!</p><p><i>So back to the 15 by 51...</i></p><p>I am setting the intention to round out year 50 by losing 15lbs by my 51st birthday. (August 15th) I already know that I CAN do it... ability is never the question. The concern is whether or not I will make the necessary changes to meet my goal.</p><p> Today, I have already made a few very important steps: </p><p>1. I got up and exercised,</p><p>2. I drank plenty of water,</p><p>3. Fasting until noon, and</p><p> 4. I put my business in the street by informing you... now I have to be accountable. Ha!</p><p>Share with me what your intentions are for the rest of the summer. You may have set a different goal for yourself, but I'm sure that you can always use a little encouragement. Let's keep each other lifted in this journey, we call life.</p><p style="text-align: right;"><i><b>Now walk it out....</b></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO2_hqdJC_e5pmFYayrpY8Q16Tips6eIo6CFHPkNt4nxY19vNC6vhy6JeP_0RTTZ8tMXuSc5sz5IiqERCDfTiofUVfPxXOBNugYL-wlu4gfLkFTpzAIgEw8Ml1DXYwIE56z4HcqsyxQZtFzcEBSTswKD2Hj_UNUGn1gAgrOuLF51RIPSFSx7udJjSZLQ/s398/c15d3ba7e94c1fcb7e53161e50630aca35a1f05d41a3aba1b0606cff139ea34e.0.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="398" data-original-width="398" height="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO2_hqdJC_e5pmFYayrpY8Q16Tips6eIo6CFHPkNt4nxY19vNC6vhy6JeP_0RTTZ8tMXuSc5sz5IiqERCDfTiofUVfPxXOBNugYL-wlu4gfLkFTpzAIgEw8Ml1DXYwIE56z4HcqsyxQZtFzcEBSTswKD2Hj_UNUGn1gAgrOuLF51RIPSFSx7udJjSZLQ/w154-h154/c15d3ba7e94c1fcb7e53161e50630aca35a1f05d41a3aba1b0606cff139ea34e.0.png" width="154" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Dr. Sharri L. Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02364955132259567702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1172163627935019238.post-87535783540050649312022-04-20T06:43:00.011-05:002022-04-22T04:24:43.385-05:00Could this be a prime example of voter suppression and the disenfranchisement of Black citizens? <p><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-style: italic; white-space: pre-wrap;">THESE ARE MY NOTES OF REFLECTION AFTER CAMPAIGNING FOR OKCPS BOARD OF EDUCATION, </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-style: italic; white-space: pre-wrap;">DISTRICT 5. THERE IS POWER IN TELLING YOUR OWN NARRATIVE. NEVER ALLOW ANYONE TO WRITE YOUR STORY FOR YOU! BE BOLD, BE COURAGEOUS AND SPEAK TRUTH TO POWER!</span></p><p><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-style: italic; white-space: pre-wrap;">Please note that I didn't write this to say that I deserve the Board seat over my opponent. Mr. Anderson is the new OKCPS Board of Education District 5 member, </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-style: italic; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and I called immediately to congratulate him.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-style: italic; white-space: pre-wrap;"> In fact, I intentionally waited to publish this information until he was officially sworn in, so that he and his family could enjoy the process. I wish him nothing but success moving forward! </span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-a481ad9b-7fff-91ca-5d0b-3d5dc485bb62"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">****************************************************************************</span></p><br /><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My name is Dr. Sharri L. Coleman <i>(you already know me)</i> and this has been an amazing 4-month journey. I have been in education and have served the OKC community over the past 20 years. When introduced to the idea of serving on the OKCPS Board of Education, representing District 5, I LEAPed with anticipation. It was an opportunity to have a seat at the table to ensure that the majority of Black & Brown kids who make up this community would have someone who could articulate their needs and the needs of the schools they attend. When I learned that the district lines had moved 3 blocks east of my primary residence, I obtained a lease on a second residence that was within the lines of District 5, where I am a registered voter. It is legal to have multiple residences in the State of Oklahoma. Thus, I filed, knowing that my opponent would have an opportunity to contest my candidacy. He did not. Therefore, I proceeded with my campaign.</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For months, I raised funds and campaigned prepared to serve the eleven schools within District 5: </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">M</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">artin Luther King Jr. Elementary, Thelma R. Parks Elementary, Rogers Elementary, Shidler Elementary, Spencer Elementary, Willow Brook Elementary, FD Moon Middle School, Wheeler Middle School, Classen School of Advanced Studies High School at Northeast, Douglass High School and Star Spencer Mid/High School.</span></div><br /><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Note: Only an opponent has the ability to contest candidacy within a certain time frame. </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">(2022 Board of Education Candidate Filing Packet: Contests of Candidacy.)</span></p><br /><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">However, Rebecca Budd, who is not a resident or registered voter of District 5, disagreed with my decision to run and rigorously worked to end my campaign. Ms. Budd was elected to the OKCPS Board of Education in 2017. In October 2021, the State Superintendent of Public Instruction announced that this individual would serve as Chief of High Performance Systems and Operations for the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE). However, none of her current professional capacities include certifying the eligibility of candidates.</span></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Timeline of events for my campaign</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">:</span></p><ul style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px; text-align: left;"><li aria-level="1" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When I announced my candidacy via Facebook in November, Rebecca Budd messaged me and questioned my District residence.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There was no need to respond to her, because she was not an opponent. (I received numerous messages via social media that my campaign team advised me not to respond to.)</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I learned that she called both the Chair of the Board and another School Board member regarding my residency. She was told by both individuals that they would allow my team to take care of any issues and not get involved in this matter.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I publicly shared my candidacy filing at the County Election Board on Dec. 8</span><span style="background-color: white; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="vertical-align: super;">th</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> via FB Live.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The County Election Board informed me that my residence could be contested.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My opponent had until Friday, December 10</span><span style="background-color: white; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="vertical-align: super;">th</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> at 5pm to contest the filing.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">He did not contest.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I persisted, campaigning effectively throughout January and February.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">At the beginning of March, I received a call from Jessica Sherrill, the General counsel for OKCPS. She left a message stating there were questions regarding my candidacy. This is not in her job description. On OKCPS website, Ms. Sherrill has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies and discrimination complaints of students and personnel. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">(Who had given her, an OKCPS staff member, the authority to call an OKCPS Board candidate? Isn’t this considered unethical?)</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Due to what I considered an improper request, I chose not to respond and was advised to save the voice message.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">One week later, the same individual called again and I saved that recording, as well.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I continued working the campaign by fundraising, canvassing and connecting with the community.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">One of my LOKC classmates had plan</span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">ned to host a fundraiser for the campaign, but was discouraged after receiving a call from Rebecca, the State Board of Education staff member. </span></p></li><li aria-level="1" style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Another classmate, </span><span style="background-color: white; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">who did not learn of these inquiries from me,</span><span style="background-color: white; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> sent me an email suggesting that I respond to the inquiries of the OKCPS General counsel. <i>(Apparently, I'm a popular woman. Ha!)</i></span></p></li><li aria-level="1" style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In mid-March, I was informed that someone from the Oklahoman newspaper was writing a story questioning my residence. She went </span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">to both of my legal residences, talked to neighbors and contacted my leasing agent. </span></p></li><li aria-level="1" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">After a week or so, I received a phone call from reporter Nuria Martinez-Keel. We </span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">had an interview regarding my platform and I shared with her how much I wanted to be of service to the students in District 5.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">On Tuesday, March 29th, I made the front page of the Oklahoman, not regarding my platform, but questioning the legitimacy of my candidacy based on residence. Later, I was informed that this same State Board of Education staff member made the call to the Oklahoman.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Knowing the rules, I chose not to respond to the article.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">That same morning Barry Mangold, of Channel 9, reached out for an interview. </span></p></li><li aria-level="1" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">By 5 pm, Barry was at my doorstep. He spoke to my husband who told him that we had multiple residences and advised him to watch the forum, hosted by the Urban league of Oklahoma City, later that evening.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Barry watched and reported on the 10 pm news. </span></p></li><li aria-level="1" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Questions, innuendos and rumors initiated by Rebecca Budd and generated by the news media continued to circulate about my candidacy eligibility.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">On Saturday evening, another digital article from the Oklahoman came out regarding my residence, again authored by Nuria.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Saturday, Sunday and Monday during canvassing, I repeatedly had to defend myself and explain to the constituents who read the article or saw the news report that I was indeed a registered voter and resident of District 5. They didn’t understand why I hadn’t responded to the story, at which time I explained that there was no need to give an account to individuals outside of our community. </span></p></li><li aria-level="1" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">On Tuesday, April 5, 2022, I lost the election by only 58 votes due to low voter turnout.<i> (There were 2 or 3 precincts that had no voters. Ouch!)</i></span></p></li></ul><br /><br /><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The goal in writing this timeline is to showcase the unethical behavior surrounding this election from outsiders. Although my actions were called into question by the State Board of Education employee, I followed the necessary steps to ensure that I could serve the 11 schools within District 5, none of which was contested by my opponent.</span></p><br /><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The unethical behavior of the State Board of Education staff member and the OKCPS general counsel member must be addressed by the State Superintendent of Education, Joy Hofmeister and the OKCPS Board of Education. On the morning after the election, Nuria wrote yet another article NOT simply congratulating my opponent for winning, but glorifying the misinformation provided by Rebecca Budd. The skewed nature of Nuria’s reporting confirmed a serious agenda to block my campaign or to disparage the reputation that I established not only in my community, but throughout the City, over the last 20 years.</span></p><br /><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I am not concerned about the election loss personally, but we all must recognize that this behavior is a prime example of voter suppression and the disenfranchisement of Black citizens. The failings of this campaign cycle are not a reflection of the two candidates. We were amicable and competed honorably to win the votes of the people. This campaign was about ONE white woman who attempted to control the narrative of an entire Black community and students within the eleven District 5 schools. </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Now, the time calls for someone to investigate the intentions and actions of Rebecca Budd and those who aided her.</span></p><br /><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Questions to address:</span></p><ol style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px; text-align: left;"><li aria-level="1" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: decimal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Is it common practice for a State Board of Education employee to interfere with a local school board election by contacting individuals to question the current candidate? </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">(i.e. newspaper, LOKC members, and school board staff) </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">In an official election, does the Oklahoma School Board of Education override the procedure of the Oklahoma County Board of Elections?</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: decimal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Is it common practice for general counsel of a local school board to reach out to a candidate running for school board? Did she contact both individuals campaigning?</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: decimal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Under whose authority did general counsel act? </span></p></li></ol><br /><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There are upcoming local elections in June, August and November and all of us must be certain that this type of questionable behavior is not able to continue, especially when it impacts communities of color.</span></p><br /><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I will continue the work of educating our community and serving students. </span></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">***************************************************</span></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><i>Isn't it funny that you never know what's really happening behind a beautiful smile?! I wouldn't change this campaign experience for the world. I have learned so much and gained greater insight into what makes me tick, so I can appreciate how I have been called to navigate the space that I now occupy. I'm reminded of Mordecai's words to Queen Esther, "You have been called to the kingdom for such a time as this". A reminder to her to complete what she was placed there to do. </i></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><i>Today, I fully understand that <b>I wasn't called to this position, I was called to purpose!</b></i></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><i>Now walk it out....</i></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1zly-_nRqR9XVoeUuLX_FfFgrMPjTUvwblzfQA5z3-PDvGnvQ0F1eM2mb-xfTP35N2CTtFNAJ9zJdMsonaE_o802reQrXuvnXqeWlKk6wsdqRU7zPo1P2RHiDO0WViKPgs_MReQ32tNelxuUXaDFtCXmW4nwZHgo1A1FLEKFXOda8i1vA2VjB7IENJw/s6619/850_4993-Edit-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6619" data-original-width="4977" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1zly-_nRqR9XVoeUuLX_FfFgrMPjTUvwblzfQA5z3-PDvGnvQ0F1eM2mb-xfTP35N2CTtFNAJ9zJdMsonaE_o802reQrXuvnXqeWlKk6wsdqRU7zPo1P2RHiDO0WViKPgs_MReQ32tNelxuUXaDFtCXmW4nwZHgo1A1FLEKFXOda8i1vA2VjB7IENJw/w148-h196/850_4993-Edit-Edit.jpg" width="148" /></a></div><br /><i><br /></i><p></p></span>Dr. Sharri L. Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02364955132259567702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1172163627935019238.post-23371815252275103262021-10-06T23:12:00.000-05:002021-10-06T23:12:22.215-05:00October 6th is Mommy's birthday<p>Today, Mommy would have been 83 years old. </p><p>This summer, I purchased an airline ticket to go to Philadelphia just so I could place flowers at her graveside. Daddy used to always take her flowers on their anniversary, her birthday and at least every other month. After he passed, I was able to go back that first summer and give them both flowers. Well, the pandemic shut all of that down, so I was excited about having an opportunity to travel again and pay my respects to both Mommy and Daddy.</p><p>After purchasing my ticket, something happened with the flight schedule and Southwest changed my airline ticket. I wouldn't have arrived until late this evening and it would have been too dark to navigate through the City and a cemetery. I wrestled with it and finally cancelled the flight since the purpose was to be there on her birthday. So today I can't say that I was sad, but I was disappointed and just felt slightly off. I just wanted to be quiet and reflective. I got up and rode 5 miles on my bike this morning, but outside of that my energy level was not where it usually is. </p><p>The year Mommy transitioned, she would have turned 75 years old. That year on her birthday, I mourned the fact that I didn't have the chance to celebrate such an important milestone in her life. I felt like I had waited for the 'big' number to celebrate her, but was heartbroken when I couldn't show her how much I appreciated her. I'd waited too long! (<i>Don't get me wrong, I loved on her everyday and she knew it, but 75 is just so huge that I wanted to express how I felt in front of everyone</i>. ) I would have wanted her to feel like a queen on her special day. I believe that's the reason why it was so important to put together a team and plan my own 50th birthday celebration this past August. I didn't want to miss another milestone or to leave it up to someone else to plan. I did for myself, what I couldn't do for her.</p><p>My Celebration of Sisterhood 50th Birthday Gala was about me, Yes......but it was also about Mommy. She loved to encourage women and my goal was to make certain that EVERY woman felt special that night in August. She was a church girl, but she loved to see others have a good time; so the African dance segment would have made her smile and shake her tail feathers. My mother was pure joy! She would pray with and for you, laugh with you, give you great big hugs, and call you Shuga. I am blessed to have been born to the wonderful, Nelda J. Mattison. These days whenever I pass a mirror, I see her profile. When I look back at footage of myself leading praise & worship, I get tickled because I notice her mannerisms. (<i>Mommy was smooth with hers though, she could have been a lounge singer. Daddy used to say that she crooned.</i>). In my encouragement of others, I can hear her whispers in my ear. That woman was my #1 cheerleader!!! </p><p>If she were here today, she would make sure that I was taking care of myself and not doing too much. If she were here, she would cry and praise God with every one of my accomplishments. In fact, she'd probably go crazy every time I went LIVE on a social media platform. "Look at you Baby, you are doing it. You sound like you know what you're talking about". (<i>I'm sniggling & giggling right now, as I'm typing.</i>)</p><p>As I look back at my birthday photos, I see Mommy strutting her stuff (<i>in high heels, of course</i>). The joy and sense of freedom I felt was a result of years of her pouring into me. She made certain that I didn't allow my insecurities to keep me fearful and unable to move forward. In fact, around her I had no insecurities. I was free to be my authentic self! Honey, if she could see my bald head today, she'd kiss it, anoint it with blessed oil and say "get it Girl". No mother-daughter rivalry here, just love and respect!!!! You may have never met my Mommy, but as I get older, I am meeting her again for the first time. I am Mommy and she is me! Happy birthday Mommy! I didn't make it to Philly to give you flowers, but I can smell the flowers in my garden bed and think of you!</p><p>I'm sharing my entire birthday photo album with you so you can see the joy of the women and my own joy as we celebrated one another. My joy is her joy, which boils down to the joy of the Lord!</p><p>So to all of you reading this, don't wait until the 'big" milestones to celebrate, learn that every DAY is BIG and worth celebrating.</p><p><i><br /></i></p><p style="text-align: left;"><i>Now walk it out....</i></p><p><i><br /></i></p><p style="text-align: right;">Click <i><a href="https://gallery.jalecciaatesphotos.com/50thbirthday/" target="_blank">HERE</a> </i>to view my full BD photo album.</p><p><br /></p>Dr. Sharri L. Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02364955132259567702noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1172163627935019238.post-36764430467573401072021-07-16T21:20:00.004-05:002021-07-16T21:20:57.829-05:00I am not my hair! BUT at the same time, I am.<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: #252525; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">A few months after Daddy
died in January 2019, I noticed that my hair stopped coiling the way I liked. There seemed to be breakage or damage at one spot.
I have worn a teeny-weeny afro (TWA) for
years, AND I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT, so my hair has been short for quite some time. I thought the hair breakage was just due to stress
and grief, until I noticed periodic itching and burning of my scalp. After
visiting a beautician, who specializes in natural hair, she parted through my
hair and discovered little white bumps all over my scalp. It looked like a
teenager with bad acne, but on my scalp instead of my face. </span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: #252525; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">She mentioned that it
was probably folliculitis brought on by hair products which attract dirt and
then styling it with a sponge used to separate into coils. So, I changed hair
products and began to finger coil instead. It offered some relief, but the symptoms
eventually came back. I transitioned
into a protective hair style for 6-9 months, which helped me to keep my fingers
out of my hair. In April 2020 of the pandemic, when everything was shut down,
including all the beauticians, I took the protective hairstyle down myself and dyed
it a strawberry blond color. You could
not tell me anything! The lack of hair manipulation had been good for growth, and I
loved my new length, but again I noticed a small bald spot smack dab in the middle of
my head. I thought perhaps I had cut my
hair by mistake when taking down the hairdo.
After only a few weeks, the strange coil pattern and
thinning resumed. Ugh!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: #252525; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">In February of this year
(2021), I visited a black, female dermatologist who specializes in ethnic hair.
She performed two biopsies of my scalp and the results confirmed that I have Central
Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia (CCCA). </span><span style="background: white; color: #202124; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">CCCA is a disease characterized by permanent hair loss in the
crown region of the scalp, inflammation, and scarring. It occurs almost
exclusively in black women aged 30 to 55 years. What the what?! She mentioned that once a scar forms there is
permanent hair loss in that specific area. So, what is a girl to do? Dr. Allen believed that we caught it in the
early stage, so we began treatment immediately. <i>(Please note there are different types of
alopecia, so it is best to have a dermatologist diagnose it to begin the appropriate
treatment.)</i></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: #252525; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">I am currently taking an
antibiotic for acne and using a specially
formulated prescription strength Minoxidil cream that comes from a pharmacy in Florida. I
have also endured two series of steroid injections throughout my scalp and along
the hairline. So, now we are just play the waiting game.</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
</span><span style="color: #252525; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">I became so frustrated recently because it appeared that the initial spot seemed to be filling in, just as another bald spot developed in the front. Even as I type, I can feel my scalp
itching in certain areas, due to scalp inflammation.</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: #252525; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">For the past two weeks,
I have wrestled with the idea of getting braids, but that's not the best option right now. Although braids
are another type of protective style, if braided too tightly can cause a
totally different problem, namely traction alopecia. Although I am NOT my hair, I must admit that
my coiled hair is a major part of who I am; and when that is not right,
feelings of insecurity creep in.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: #252525; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">It is the craziest
feeling. Insecurity that is!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: #252525; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">I do not care how
confident you are, when there are issues with your crown, you tend to feel just
a little different. I considered the
song by Indie Arie, <b>“I Am Not My Hair”</b>.
<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #252525; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #252525; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">She said it like this: <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; color: #202124; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Does the way I wear my hair make me a better
person?</span></i><i><span style="color: #202124; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br />
<span style="background: white;"><span jsname="YS01Ge">Does the way I wear my hair make me a better friend? Oh</span></span><br />
<span style="background: white;"><span jsname="YS01Ge">Does the way I wear my hair determine my integrity?</span></span><br />
<span style="background: white;"><span jsname="YS01Ge">I am expressing my creativity</span></span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i><span style="background: white; color: #202124; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I am not my hair</span></i><i><span style="color: #202124; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br />
<span style="background: white;"><span jsname="YS01Ge">I am not this skin</span></span><br />
<span style="background: white;"><span jsname="YS01Ge">I am not your expectations, no </span><br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span jsname="YS01Ge">I am not my hair</span></span><br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span jsname="YS01Ge">I am not this skin</span></span><br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span jsname="YS01Ge">I am the soul that lives within</span></span></span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="background: white; color: #202124; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">But honestly, you do not come to this
conclusion and assuredness until AFTER you have dealt with the insecurity that
accompanies bald spots or thinning or whatever the hair issue.</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
I decided </span><span style="color: #252525; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">rather
than cover my spots by getting braids or another “protective” style, I would focus
on getting my scalp healthy devoid of underlying inflammation. <i>(I told my
husband that he might have to get used to seeing his wife bald, if I actual decided to
shave it off.)</i> Well, a sister did
it…. I SHAVED MY HEAD TODAY! My beautician said
that the thinning spots actually had hair growth/peach fuzz, but it just looked like a
major bald spot because the hair around it was full. So, I told her to give me a buzz cut and a
little bit of color…. And just like that, I decided to start over. No more unnecessary
manipulation of my hair; just time to let it rest and grow back evenly.</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: #252525; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">I could not hide from
the reality that my body had given me messages that something was not quite
right internally. Rather than run and hide from the signals, my aim is to be
consistent at tackling the root cause.
That means that I must increase my water intake, keep taking the acne
antibiotic as prescribed, continue using the prescription cream and cut my hair
short to cut down on hair manipulation. I think I might even do a 3-day cleanse,
beginning Monday, to rid my body of toxins. The body is a magnificent machine
that gives you warnings that it wants better. My scalp wanted better, so I decided
to respect her needs so my hair can come back stronger and healthier. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: #252525; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">When I began
twisting my hair many years ago, my grandmother said to me, <i>“Oh baby, I like that…you
have such a nice, shaped head”</i>. Well
Granny, everyone will now have the opportunity to see this awesome dome for a
while. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: #252525; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">As I approach 50 years
of age (August 15), all the words of affirmation that I pour on others, I will bathe
in as I allow myself grace to change and grow.
For now, I am bald and beautiful! If/when my hair fills in, I will still be pulchritudinous. My beauty does not originate from external
factors, but the very core of my existence is light and beauty. Fifty is coming in like fire, because I have
set it ablaze! <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: #252525; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">So, embrace ALL of you
are with or without make up; with or without hair; lean or fluffy; short or
tall. You have such a beauty that beams
from the inside and lights the path of everything and everyone around you. Alopecia
cannot and will not define me. I will continue
to strut my stuff with a bald head, a good pair of earrings and a bold lip.</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7F0hhpBTOCSf3skvGHBIwb4Ny9_kOet6BndN1HMLMNUOR-iZY-7ihDt87I8dhMwPdg9fbTyo5DA9U58VDjSfqqnG9N_uVnK5h-hOVuTWb25zINZ-Tn_wPVavwT2ixwOkxg-QfOtbDeAgQ/s1080/210716080904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7F0hhpBTOCSf3skvGHBIwb4Ny9_kOet6BndN1HMLMNUOR-iZY-7ihDt87I8dhMwPdg9fbTyo5DA9U58VDjSfqqnG9N_uVnK5h-hOVuTWb25zINZ-Tn_wPVavwT2ixwOkxg-QfOtbDeAgQ/w160-h160/210716080904.jpg" width="160" /></a></div><i><div style="text-align: right;"><i><span style="color: #252525; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">Now
walk it out… </span></i></div></i><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></i><p></p>Dr. Sharri L. Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02364955132259567702noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1172163627935019238.post-36545440099750986352021-07-03T19:59:00.008-05:002021-07-03T20:03:37.019-05:00It's a Celebration of Sisterhood!<p>I'd like to invite you to celebrate with me. My 50th birthday is in August and I'd love to share an evening with 100 amazing women. Please enjoy the digital invitation below and then register on the the Sign Up Genius. It's about to go down!</p><p>Please watch and enjoy my <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=giB0NKHc_q4" target="_blank">Digital invitation</a> to you.</p><p>Click <a href="https://www.signupgenius.com/go/805094da4aa28a4f94-drsharris" target="_blank">HERE</a> to register for Dr. Sharri's 50th Birthday Gala $50forFifty</p><p><br /></p>Dr. Sharri L. Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02364955132259567702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1172163627935019238.post-11879080026377292302021-05-31T22:54:00.004-05:002021-05-31T22:54:44.179-05:00Spiritual Connections in the Kitchen<p></p><p><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">When was your last spiritual encounter?</span></p><p><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Were you in church? Were you
sitting on a park bench? Were you laying in a hammock? Were you enjoying
nature? Were you on a run? </span></p><p><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">My most recent spiritual encounter was in my
kitchen!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Today, Byron and I had just
returned from Tulsa, Oklahoma commemorating the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre.
Immediately following church yesterday, we set off with our sons to Tulsa to
participate in some of the weekend activities with the Legacy Fest. To
see Black vendors, sample from Black food trucks, sway to Black music, listen
to Black spoken word, people watch beautiful Black people as we all thought
about the lives of Tulsans that were forever changed in 1921 was enlightening
and invigorating. It took us back to our Lower Manley Fridays at Spelman
College, when all the AUC came together. We were happy to share this
experience with our sons and to broadcast LIVE to our church family from
Greenwood.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">We returned to Oklahoma City
early this afternoon to enjoy the rest of the day and prepare for the
week. Byron mentioned a food show on Netflix, and we decided to watch the
first episode. The name of the show is <i>"High on the Hog: How African
American Cuisine Transformed America"</i>. The documentary story line is
about food, community, culture, and resiliency. It is narrated by Stephen Satterfield, who describes how American food culture has its roots
in African culture. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">And when I tell you that I was
in tears by the end of the first episode...HONEY! Even now as I am
typing, I am full of emotion. Earlier this year, I had a DNA test to
discover my ancestral origins. I learned that I am 42.5% African: Yoruba People
(13.1%), Esan People (11.2%), Gambians (8.9%), Mende People (8.4%) and Luhya
People (0.9%). In the documentary today, they talked a lot about the
country of Benin, their culture and food traditions. I was immediately
intrigued because the Yoruba people could have originated from these countries:
Nigeria, Niger, Chad, Cameroon, BENIN, Togo, Ghana, Ivory Coast or
Portugal. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">I was like..."yo, they are
talking about MY people". Satterfield interviewed one of his idols,
American culinary historian, professor, cookbook author and journalist, Jessica
B. Harris. Together they walked through the various markets of Benin
visiting food stands, clothing stands and talking with the natives about the
foods that were traditional to their people. Okra was mentioned as a
staple in Benin cuisine and how it made the journey to the Americas. She
dispelled the myth between the sweet potato and the yam. <i>(Note to self:
we are buying sweet potatoes in the supermarket. If it does not look like a
hairy elephant's foot, it is not a yam.)</i> As I watched them
discuss food and sample various delicacies, my stomach started to
growl. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">What was intriguing about the
show was how they made the connection between the African people and American
cuisine. They talked about Abomey, Benin and the long dirt road that led many
of the Africans right into slave ships. Even today, that road is unpaved.
The gentleman being interviewed said that they had no idea that this road would
lead them either to their death or their enslavement. He also posited that you cannot
erase the past and walking that same road is a reminder of the ancestors who
traveled that way before. #goosebumps <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Intermingled throughout the
episode was food, culture, and memory. It was impactful because it
demonstrated how African people showed resilience by bringing their food
traditions to America. For example, Byron used to tell me how Friday
night dinner was often fried fish and spaghetti in his family; to which I
always swore that those 2 things should NEVER go together. Oddly enough,
one of the meals highlighted was fried fish and some type of African dish that
was tomato-based. Satterfield mentioned that growing up in Georgia,
Sunday meals were fried fish and spaghetti that fed the community. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">What, the what?! Byron was not
crazy after all. Ha!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Though the specific
tomato-based dish was not an American food tradition, the African palate
survived the journey. <i>(We simply used an American substitute, but the sentiment
in the pairing was the same.) </i> Another piece of African culture
survived! The final story was told where the Satterfield and Harris stood
on hallowed ground to venerate the ancestors. Below their feet, underneath a statue were the remains of those Africans who never made it to the ships.
They died right there at that port because they REFUSED to give in. Many Africans were brought to the port to await transfer and they were given
specific foods that were from their villages. The goal was to keep them eating
and full so they could maintain their energy to survive the journey.
Rather than giving in to the slave masters, many of them refused to eat. So,
they died right there... They practiced resistance even unto death!
#goosebumpsagain<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">I was moved to tears and got up
immediately to cook. I had no idea what I wanted, but I felt the urge to
connect to my heritage. Byron began to ask questions of what I was going to cook and I simply
informed him that I did not know, and could not take suggestions. I
just went to the pantry and refrigerator and was moved by the spirit as I pulled
out the onions, peppers, cabbage, okra, and pigeon peas. I was having a
spiritual encounter connecting my present to my past. When I saw the
frozen okra in the freezer, I immediately thought of Mommy and how she would
make okra patties for Daddy. <i>(It was never for the kids; it was only for
Daddy; his own special treat.)</i> But today, I was determined to feed my
husband with this meal. In complete silence, I created a meal that took
elements from my African heritage mixed with my own American traditions. I
tasted and seasoned until I was satisfied with each dish, as the flavors burst
in my mouth.<o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ptfTA-1uXAMiUf4ioOZa6NNE1-vrOsV2DO0No3th5e6gKPC_X0RN37G0en1e-cXKx-dRFXNKETg36efDIw9W0GpyZWIN8j2tuCxz2nmCqD8gZfau6t5aC6K6vs8INIDa8HLyt_Vuyvoc/s2048/20210531_160941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1946" data-original-width="2048" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ptfTA-1uXAMiUf4ioOZa6NNE1-vrOsV2DO0No3th5e6gKPC_X0RN37G0en1e-cXKx-dRFXNKETg36efDIw9W0GpyZWIN8j2tuCxz2nmCqD8gZfau6t5aC6K6vs8INIDa8HLyt_Vuyvoc/w200-h190/20210531_160941.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /></div><p></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: -.25in; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"></p><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Sautéed
cabbage with onions, garlic, red, yellow, and orange peppers</span><div><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: -.25in; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Pigeon
peas with tomatoes, seasoned with a medium yellow curry powder<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: -.25in; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Lightly
fried okra patties <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">The flavor profile was treacherous,
and I felt like I had grabbed my Benin ancestors and my own parents tradition to make the perfect meal. No bread and no meat, yet I was completely satisfied! (<i>Byron liked it too.)</i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Today was a spiritual moment of
connection for me....<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">My past informed my present and
will ultimately influence my future. I learned to always be proud of
where I come from. I learned that refusing to give in is a sign of
resilience and resistance. I also learned that I could control the
narrative that will lead to better health decisions and a more sustainable
life. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Today, I met God in the kitchen!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Be mindful and open to each day's powerful lessons...</span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; text-align: right;"> ~</span><i style="font-size: 13.5pt; text-align: right;">Now walk it out</i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; text-align: right;">!</span></p><br /><p></p></div>Dr. Sharri L. Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02364955132259567702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1172163627935019238.post-8837231624335029272021-02-27T02:13:00.001-06:002021-02-27T02:13:51.580-06:00The church vs. God? Who wins?<p> Who told you women should be silent in the church?</p><p>Who told you pants were unacceptable attire in the sanctuary, but wearing skirts and dresses somehow meant you were holy?</p><p>Who told you that women were not allowed or should not have equal footing in the pulpit?</p><p>Who told you how a "good girl" should conduct herself?</p><p>Who told you that living right was better than living well?</p><p>Who told you that sacrifice down here would get you a reward up there?</p><p>Who told you that position squashes passion?</p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">THE CHURCH.</span></p><p><br /></p><p>Who is telling you that your inner voice is piercing to the status quo, if only you are brave enough to allow it to be heard?</p><p>Who is telling you that your attire is not an indicator of your worth, but simply an expression of your beauty and personality?</p><p>Who is telling you that the passion, the cries, and the groans of a woman cannot be contained in a pulpit, classroom or any other space?</p><p>Who is telling you that being chaste does not a good girl make; but a woman who is in touch with all of her being: mind, emotions and sexuality, is powerfully boundless?</p><p>Who is telling you that entrepreneurship, forward thinking and independence are tools to living well in the here and now?</p><p>Who is telling you that every day you can experience a little bit of heaven as you walk along the earth?</p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">GOD IS. </span> <i>In all of her splendor.</i></p><p><i><br /></i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Ponder that!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i>Now walk it out</i>...</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1fCpycgPR1Z708r0VXOyS1zwW51cx5dOLTIq5rrASXD2jiDgj-j4wv21oSTtdx-sP2Vn3pR22xM7dxKXUcVAjEls-Jdm733zTH6arcEesqPDowMmX2UWx3hmdJaEh8qpyWSB7F5Vb77ja/s473/good-vs-bad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="254" data-original-width="473" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1fCpycgPR1Z708r0VXOyS1zwW51cx5dOLTIq5rrASXD2jiDgj-j4wv21oSTtdx-sP2Vn3pR22xM7dxKXUcVAjEls-Jdm733zTH6arcEesqPDowMmX2UWx3hmdJaEh8qpyWSB7F5Vb77ja/w320-h172/good-vs-bad.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><b><br /></b></span><p></p>Dr. Sharri L. Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02364955132259567702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1172163627935019238.post-67435074469040459482021-01-31T15:22:00.001-06:002021-01-31T15:22:40.410-06:00Give yourself a little grace: the best form of #selfcare<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Give yourself a little grace: the
best form of #selfcare.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We have all shown kindness to
someone and told them how things will turn out fine. We have helped to
quash their fears and anxieties. Many of us have become the biggest
cheerleaders for other people. However, when it comes to forgiving
ourselves for mistakes or misjudgments, we tend to speak self-doubt. As kids we
used to make mistakes and keep on playing, quickly moving on to the next thing.
However, as adults, we have developed an amazing sound system in our heads that
continuously repeats the same soundtrack. The track replays words like, “You
should not have done that.” ;“You know better.”; and “What will THEY
think?” We repeat our sorrows, our mishaps, our missteps, our troubles only to
end up back where we started, in regret. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Today, I invite you to learn a
different mechanism and play a different soundtrack. Trust me, you
deserve it. My mother-in-law used to always tell me that “you can’t
give from an empty cup”, which was always my signal that I was running too much
or being too hard on myself and just needed to sit down for a moment to catch
my breath. On the last day of January, here are five easy steps to continue
the year and jumpstart your latest “self-care” regimen. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">#1 – PAUSE</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When you notice that you have lost
your center, simply pause. Sometimes we are so busy helping others that
we fail to realize that we have reached our limit and need help. Ask
yourself some questions:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -.25in;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">v<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">How do I feel?<o:p></o:p></span></li><li><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">v<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What are my thought patterns?<o:p></o:p></span></li><li><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">v<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Why am I snapping at people?<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><!--[if !supportLists]--><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pause for a moment to place yourself
at the center of YOUR world. Be
concerned about what is troubling you. Just PAUSE for a moment to prepare
yourself to learn something new about yourself and your current situation.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">#2 - BREATHE</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Deep breathing resets your internal
system and triggers your body to act differently. Put one hand on your
chest and the other on your belly. Breathe in for a count of 4 and exhale for a
count of 8. The goal is to rid the body of any negative feelings and
thought patterns that have invaded your body.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -.25in;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">v<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Inhale peace, exhale pain<o:p></o:p></span></li><li><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">v<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Inhale serenity, exhale sorrow<o:p></o:p></span></li><li><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">v<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Inhale calm, exhale chaos<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><!--[if !supportLists]--><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">You have the power to shift the
perception of any situation simply by taking a deep breath. Every morning and evening, I pause to listen
to my “Shine” app, which was created by a group of multicultural women. There is a soothing calmness about their
insights and one of the main features is learning to BREATHE. When you place one hand on your chest and the
other on your belly and focus on how your body feels as your chest cavity and
diaphragm rises and falls with each inhalation and exhalation. When your focus is there, your cares melt away
for that moment in time. I have found
that now that I practice deep breathing daily, I am able to calm myself at any point
throughout the day.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">#3 – RECENTER</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">People who talk to themselves are
oftentimes seen as crazy or delusional. I would like to change the
narrative in this instance. Sometimes it is absolutely necessary to
encourage yourself by speaking out loud. Negative thoughts are usually
the things that run around in our heads and keep us in silent pain.
Positive self-talk shifts the atmosphere. The air changes around you when
you speak encouraging words aloud. As the atmosphere shifts, your body
shifts simultaneously and you begin to regain your center.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Come on, give it a try…<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -.25in;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">v<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I am beautiful. <i>#shiftandrecenter </i><o:p></o:p></span></li><li><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">v<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I am powerful. <i>#shiftandrecenter</i><o:p></o:p></span></li><li><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">v<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Everything that I need already lies within me. <i>#shiftandrecenter</i><o:p></o:p></span></li><li><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">v<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I am worthy to put myself first. I am a priority! <i>#shiftandrecenter</i><o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><!--[if !supportLists]--><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Do you feel it? The shift is
happening right there in your at the cellular level.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">#4-INVITE</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Only invite people to be into your
space who understand that your peace is paramount. Invite only those
things that feed your soul. Fill your space with positivity and do not
feel bad if you must leave some family or friends behind. The pandemic
has shown us so much. The fact that we
have been isolated and away from many of our friends as actually been
liberating for so many. Even as we
recently went through the holiday season, if we followed CDC recommendations,
we could not have those big family gatherings.
If you are to be honest, you have allowed too many individuals to sit at
your table and you all have outgrown the space.
Still good people, but no longer in your circle and THAT HAS GOT TO BE
OKAY WITH YOU. Now you have the leisure
and pleasure of inviting ONLY those individuals back into your circle who feed
your soul. I am reminded of the
scripture that many quote out of Genesis, “May the Lord watch between me and
thee while we are absent from one another”.
Well Ma’am and Sir, the Lord will continue to watch between us while we
are absent, which will be forever. Love
you, but no longer invited into my space. Say it with me people, “I have grown”.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">#5- RESET</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> & Move Forward<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Oftentimes, we have situations that
keep us bound. We focus on the wrong things in the past and simply cannot seem
to start over. It is alright to begin anew. Even as we have entered
the year 2021, we can reset as we leave some of those hurts, fears, and pains
behind us in 2020.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -.25in;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">v<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">New mindset<o:p></o:p></span></li><li><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">v<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">New determination <o:p></o:p></span></li><li><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">v<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">New outlook<o:p></o:p></span></li><li><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">v<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">New goals<o:p></o:p></span></li><li><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">v<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">New dreams<o:p></o:p></span></li><li><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">v<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">New peace<o:p></o:p></span></li><li><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">v<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">New joy<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><!--[if !supportLists]--><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Self-care is what is needed
today. Give yourself a little grace for what you did or did not do or for
what you may have missed. You deserve the same grace that you freely give
others. So, as we continue to move throughout this year, practice #selfcare by
showing yourself a little grace. It is time to hit the reset button and begin
anew. Extend grace to yourself and keep
it moving.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">~PAUSE-BREATHE-RECENTER-INVITE-RESET~<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Now walk it out…<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Dr. Sharri L. Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02364955132259567702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1172163627935019238.post-43483797528805317152021-01-01T10:29:00.001-06:002021-01-01T10:29:37.683-06:00Blanketed by snow, Covered by God<p> Today is January 1, 2021. New Year's Day.</p><p>This day signals a day of new beginnings. One finally gets a fresh start. The time is yours to seize, with the latest resolutions in hand.</p><p><span> </span>We can all attest that 2020 has been a doozy! The year began as a normal new year: people planned trips, began diets, promised to exercise, determined to make better grades, planned to save/ invest more money, desired to start businesses, and so much more. New year...fresh start! All seemed to be going well until we heard a scattering of news stories mentioning a virus that was sweeping across the world and taking people out of here. Here, in the United States, we weren't initially alarmed due to a false sense of security, a belief that nothing could really hurt us and the bumbling idiot in government. The beginnings of a coverup that would soon be uncovered by thousands in New York becoming ill. When the lies could no longer be swept under a rug, the government finally began shutting States down, in order to save lives and get a handle on this virus. It finally had a name the corona virus or COVID-19 and we were all warned to "shelter in place", stay home, wear masks, hand sanitize and clean surfaces. Day by day, week by week, month after month we learned more and developed more safety precautions to keep our families safe. Schools went online, Zoom became the formal meeting place and hang out spot, drive-by birthday celebrations were all the rage, and we noticed more people walking and exercising in nature. Unfortunately, many people lost wages and more disturbingly, lost loved ones. Yes, 2020 has indeed been a doozy!</p><p><span> </span>At another glance, 2020 has taught us so much about ourselves and how to determine what is truly necessary to survive. Churches realized that the building was ONLY a building and that most of the things that had taken place there previously were unnecessary. Many of the individuals who held these coveted positions of leadership, were actually there for the title, not for the people. The quarantine forced churches to take the saying "beyond the 4 walls" and put it into action. My husband and I, along with our team, were determined to stay connected to our members and gained virtual members along the way. Ministry became international in an instant. Those churches who made the shift and focused on the virtual space are doing strong ministry today, still mostly virtual.</p><p><span> </span>Schools were exposed during this time. Those schools who truly embraced the virtual platform continue to thrive today. Those who were focused on returning to buildings, which were not safe, teeter back and forth between brick & mortar and virtual, due to increasing COVID cases. On a personal note, we had to make a family decision for our 16-year-old not to play basketball this season. #heartbreaking This was most devastating to have to tell him that he could not experience the camaraderie with the team this season, because there were so many uncertainties about the virus. He was disappointed, but quickly realized that all we aim to do is to keep him safe. I am so glad that we made that decision because every sport has been interrupted this season, due to exposure and infection cases on the team or in their families.</p><p><span> </span>This time has taught us to look at society and recognize the real MVPs. The healthcare workers never stopped sacrificing their time to care for so many sick individuals. They had to also become social workers and counselors, as families were separated from their loved ones. But this time has also shown us another group of real MVPs: grocery store employees, who NEVER stopped working and stocking shelves to keep our families fed and those truck drivers who supplied those markets. We can honestly say that many of us increased our online shopping, whether we need to or not, so big shout outs to the shipping companies and their drivers who delivered all of those packages. Postal workers continued to walk the neighborhoods delivering mail, as well. Whether you are the head of a company, in a position of power or in a high paying job, you still need essentials and that only comes through many of these individuals. Even the CEOs use toilet paper! So, ALL of us are necessary. #eyeopening</p><p><span> </span>Many of us have truly learned the meaning of #selfcare. What small things can you do consistently each day to pour into your mental, physical, and spiritual well-being? We have all begun to figure that out. When my husband and I contracted COVID-19 after the City ice storm in October, we had to sit back and reevaluate what we truly needed for ourselves and our family to thrive. Half of the things we used to worry about were a waste of time. We are learning daily to appreciate each other's company and conversation more and more. He makes me laugh, between the times where I want to choke him (ha), but I love every minute of it. Even in close quarters for the last 10 months, we appreciate together time and know the importance of quiet, individual time. After 23 years of marriage, almost 30 years of being in relationship, we still give each other grace to grow. </p><p><span> </span>Our sons, make us so proud! Watching how they have both pivoted during this time and are truly becoming young leaders, who are embracing their passions makes me anticipate the future. They will be fine! Yes, the pandemic has forced them to stop some things, but I believe this time has forced them to wrestle some questions about what they want to do with their lives. My 16-year-old still has time to find his passion and we will give him space to do that. Our goal is to make sure that he is getting a good education and to keep exposing him to different things, although much of it is still virtual. My 20-year-old, who was already "Mr. Hospitality" has walked into what makes him happy. He has developed his company website and is building relationships through photography, videography, and production. We recognized a long time ago that he was not a 9 to 5, cubicle type of dude; he needed to move around and make his own way. Quarantine showed him what he was really good at and what passions drive him. God is faithful and has blessed our boys! #grateful</p><p><span> </span>Last night was the first time in my entire life that I was not physically in the church house for Watchnight service. Growing up, I spent every New Year's Eve in worship and that only continued when Byron and I moved to OKC. Our church was the Watchnight service hub, where anyone who came (before or after the party) ended the old year and began the new year praising God with church members, which usually ended with a full breakfast in the fellowship hall. Again, due to the pandemic, virtual worship has become our method of ministry. We prerecorded the service on Tuesday, people sent in their video clips and our production team performed a miracle which we presented to the people with excellence. To God be the glory! Well, when it started raining and icing after 10 pm, I was so glad that we were not in the building. Had we been there, our people would have been traveling in rainy conditions and icy roadways. By the time the clock struck midnight, I was lying in bed and knew that the rain had quickly turned to snow.</p><p><span> </span>Well praise be to God, when I opened my eyes this morning EVERYTHING outside was covered by snow. There was a beautiful blanket of fluffy snow in my backyard. Wow! I opened the blinds in the mancave and enjoyed my hot water, with lemon, watching the flurries still blowing through the sky. What a beautiful sight! The thing that kept resonating in my spirit was "I've got you covered". <i>(On our thanksgiving Zoom call, my eldest brother shared with us that God had our backs. #greatreminder)</i> But as the snow blanketed the ground this morning, my heart sensed God's covering over every area of my life. Last night, there were stormy conditions that could have been dangerous to traverse. Those of us who were affected by October's ice storm were a little scared when the meteorologist mentioned icy conditions. The cold weather prompted many of us to turn the heat up in our homes. I am reminded of the scripture, "weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning". My joy this morning was seeing the snow and experiencing nature. Again, I felt completely surrounded and covered by God.</p><p>So regardless of the heartache of last year, recognize that you are "covered by God".</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Fears and anxieties, "covered by God"</li><li>Depression and isolation, "covered by God"</li><li>Lots of money or no money, "covered by God"</li><li>Sickness and even death, still "covered by God"</li><li>A break in the normal, "covered by God"</li><li>Stretched to the limit, "covered by God"</li><li>Friends lost and true friends found, "covered by God"</li><li>Ups & downs, twists & turns, "covered by God"</li><li>Haven't figured everything out yet, "covered by God"</li><li>Losses & gains, "covered by God"</li></ul><div><span> </span>No matter what we have all experienced in 2020, we are yet "covered by God". I am grateful for every hard lesson learned this past year and for every new way forged. I rest in the knowledge that whatever may come my way in 2021, I am covered by God.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you believe you, too, are covered, put on some snow boots and ..........................<i><b>walk it out.</b></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Happy New Year 2021, you are already covered by God!</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4JpIi3Iym0G4qvb5maxLzK3yzrgdBxcn3D5PE2niwjWmxfso28CRayMnkW6ZwdQldEqnYDEEvb5lB7qXikOZJIHKvwuZ2Xd3KkFacc8cUVCHBS_RkblvwqkFi41C8zRLvBx3TjhR-8vaa/s2048/20210101_101227+%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4JpIi3Iym0G4qvb5maxLzK3yzrgdBxcn3D5PE2niwjWmxfso28CRayMnkW6ZwdQldEqnYDEEvb5lB7qXikOZJIHKvwuZ2Xd3KkFacc8cUVCHBS_RkblvwqkFi41C8zRLvBx3TjhR-8vaa/s320/20210101_101227+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIreETjEwoDhfNOM1FBgRjRCgTT4maWpPdOE-3dCnC_E743IlJbs6VMtx4uO9NiGRqx-naw33F1cFaeK_pKH61WEa7twsvjSZ_FI86P_5M7vy_DKTK8Poao-VLdl325dOyWYqIGzlccf_A/s2048/20210101_101235.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIreETjEwoDhfNOM1FBgRjRCgTT4maWpPdOE-3dCnC_E743IlJbs6VMtx4uO9NiGRqx-naw33F1cFaeK_pKH61WEa7twsvjSZ_FI86P_5M7vy_DKTK8Poao-VLdl325dOyWYqIGzlccf_A/s320/20210101_101235.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><i><br /></i></div><p></p>Dr. Sharri L. Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02364955132259567702noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1172163627935019238.post-72189920958227834442020-09-02T07:55:00.000-05:002020-09-02T07:55:00.265-05:00It's time to replant!This semester in seminary, I am taking a writing course. I'm a blogger and like to tell narratives that come alive on paper. Academic writing is an entirely different ballgame, so I'm excited about the opportunity to increase my writing skills. One of the writing prompts this week was to share one of our earliest memories of writing.<div><br /></div><div>This is what came to mind...</div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><i><span style="background: white; color: #565656; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I am not quite certain that I remember in detail my first
writing experience, but I do know that I was a letter writer. I used to
write my mother little notes to express my feelings. Wait, I do remember
something!</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: #565656; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i>My mother loved plants and in front of the back-glass patio door
was her table full of different types of plants. Each day, I watched her
talk to them, water them, pick off dead pieces and just smile as she watched
them grow. One evening, while my parents were out, my little brother and
I were playing around and I fell on the table, knocking one of the pots to the
floor. The plant came unrooted and one of the branches snapped. I'm
pretty sure horror was plastered across my face! I scrambled to pick it up and
clean up the mess. I tried to pack the dirt back down and stuffed the
broken limb back into the dirt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: #565656; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i>For the rest of the evening, I watched the plant table to see if
anything would change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Would anyone
notice that it looked different?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Would
the other plants on the table expose my clumsiness?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My stomach was in knots! After giving the
plants the ‘side-eye’ for the rest of the evening, it was time to go to
bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My older brother coaxed us into
going upstairs and getting in the bed before Mommy and Daddy returned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But something was not right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had a nagging feeling in the pit of my
stomach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What was worse, breaking Mommy’s
plant or acting as if nothing ever happened, which was really lying about
it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, what did scary Sharri do?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: #565656; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 14.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i>I went back in the den, picked up the weary plant, placed it on
the kitchen table and wrote Mommy a note of apology before going to my room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do not remember the exact words, but I can
feel the sentiment even now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I expressed
in the letter how sorry I was to break her plant and I would pay for her to get
another one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After having bared my soul in
the letter, I went to bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The next
morning, when I came down to the breakfast table, the plant was gone, the note
was gone, and no one ever mentioned a word about it. It was at that point that
I realized to always be honest, not just in my behavior, but honest in my
writing as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thanks Mommy!</i></span></p><div>First of all, kudos to Mommy for giving me the space to be a kid. Retelling this story makes me think about how important grace is. She could have responded in so many different ways, but maybe my authenticity connected with her spirit and she already felt my repentant nature. I hope that I have been able to show this type of grace to my children.</div><div><br /></div><div>This also showed me something about opening your heart to people and being authentic. At my core, I wanted Mommy to not be hurt that her beloved plant had been uprooted. But she probably looked at me as that little plant that would be uprooted time and time again throughout my life. She knew that the plant wasn't dead, it just needed to be replanted. Of course, I didn't know that. Maybe that was a lesson in life that what appears to be broken, really isn't. Yes, the foundation may have shifted, but it can be replanted and the dirt gently packed around the roots once again.</div><div><br /></div><div>What you thought was lost and over, is not. The dirt has only shifted, go back and replant it another way.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Now show yourself some grace, start replanting, and walk it out....</i></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtLRvFofMDAOmvm_EnLWVIWdiFAx1dvfK_PCc8lkXJH2M7U1JTEPT6mYPLPZcBxqLLGcwO3IBa42ODEfIYBBeO-AxQ-z79UWZJNVRpxJVsdIc-oAr6l7aFO3qseDacMKd2nQmGVND69s1m/s1698/broken-pot-plant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1131" data-original-width="1698" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtLRvFofMDAOmvm_EnLWVIWdiFAx1dvfK_PCc8lkXJH2M7U1JTEPT6mYPLPZcBxqLLGcwO3IBa42ODEfIYBBeO-AxQ-z79UWZJNVRpxJVsdIc-oAr6l7aFO3qseDacMKd2nQmGVND69s1m/s640/broken-pot-plant.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><i><br /></i></div><br /></div>Dr. Sharri L. Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02364955132259567702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1172163627935019238.post-72347896226864321212020-08-15T20:57:00.002-05:002020-08-15T20:57:34.224-05:00Surrounded by Love<p> <span> </span>Last night, I began to anticipate the morning when I would turn 49 years old. My mind went back in time and I immediately thought of my mother. Had she been excited knowing that she was about to deliver a baby who almost didn't make it here? This bundle of joy, ME, who was probably kicking around trying to find some more space in the womb was the same little surprise which kept my mother from having surgery 9 months earlier. She was scheduled to go in for a procedure, because she had a history with female reproductive issues. However, as they were prepping her, they took another blood test and said "Mrs. Mattison, you will not be having the procedure today BECAUSE YOU ARE PREGNANT". I can only imagine how my mother prayed over me for the next 9 months, waiting for the day that we would meet face-to-face. In fact, it was a Sunday morning that she would miss singing in church, because I was ready to make my entrance into the world. Today, I thought about her. Oh, if she could see me now! She'd probably look at me and start crying as she retold this same story. Her baby-girl was a fighter and was meant to be here. Thinking of her, as my introduction into and the guide through this world makes me smile.</p><p><span> </span>Another thing that makes me smile is the love of my husband and my boys. Earlier in the week, Byron mentioned that he would put me up in a hotel so I could do my nails, read or sleep without any disturbances. Just kick back and enjoy my birthday in solitude. I did not reject the idea because honestly I had already had a thought of doing a solo 'stay-cation'. <i>(Mama just needed a moment.)</i> He booked the reservation, but I wasn't as excited as I thought I would be. I woke up at 5 am and was happy to clean my house, while everyone still slept. I ran out to a store for what I thought would be a quick trip and stayed too long. Ugh! All I wanted to do was go home, to my people and my own bed. The longer I remained out of the house, the stronger the urge was to just get back home. When I made it back to the house to pack for my overnight stay, I had to tell Byron that I no longer wanted to go. He was baffled, but I was resolute. I cancelled the reservation. What made me happy was that he felt me, he heard me and just wanted to do something nice JUST FOR ME. However the urge was to spend MY day with MY family. Once I decided to stay home, Byron and Courtland immediately left home to pick up an ice cream cake <i>(a childhood favorite) </i>and some goodies. I did my own manicure and pedicure in the living room, while watching a silly movie. We ordered take out and just enjoyed a nice afternoon/evening together. As the evening comes to a close and I sit in bed typing this, I realize how blessed I am. I was loved immensely when I entered this world and at the tender age of 49, I'm still surrounded by love. I'm grateful!</p><p>Now when they get the call one day next week that I'm not coming home, it's because I decided to go for my one-night stay-cation after all. Ha! On that note........<i>let's walk it out</i>.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Dr. Sharri L. Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02364955132259567702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1172163627935019238.post-78886499308652660742020-03-21T05:41:00.000-05:002020-03-22T02:01:23.914-05:00Center yourself When was the last time you noticed the ground under your feet and how your feet rested on top of the ground? When was the last time that you felt the chair supporting you? When was the last time that you sat so quietly that you could hear the tiniest gnat flutter past your ear? When was the last time that you recognized and acknowledged that as you take oxygen into your body, your rib cage actually expands; and as you exhale, your chest once again falls to resting position? When was the last time that you were so in tune with the earth that you could hear the steady rhythm drawing you to your center?<br />
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If you don't remember the last time, then I invite you to pause now to feel, recognize and acknowledge all of those things aforementioned.<br />
<br />
Go ahead...it's your time. Take a few moments to engage with what you've just read.<br />
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Nope, not ready; you haven't done it yet!<br />
<br />
Pause......<br />
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Breathe in for 4 counts & breathe out for 8 counts.<br />
Again, breathe in for 4 counts & breathe out for 8 counts.<br />
And again, in for 4 counts & breathe out for 8 counts.<br />
Last time, breathe in for 4 counts & breathe out for 8 counts.<br />
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Now take time to notice how you feel.<br />
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Feel calmer? Heart rate slow down a tad? Do you feel a little warmer? Feel lighter?<br />
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If you said yes, to any of these questions then you have probably begun to move back towards YOUR center. If you answered no to more than one, then repeat the exercise.<br />
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During this tumultuous health crisis in our country and around the globe, it's easy to simply lose yourself in the news and hysteria. You see people running to the store and hoarding and suddenly the fight or flight system is activated in you and you find yourself acting out of character. When this happens, it's time for you to center yourself.<br />
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This is not an exercise intended for you to extract yourself from the world and forget about all of your problems; but it is a time to say "I will create a space for myself in this world to recognize and appreciate that I am here and fully engaged".<br />
<br />
Just a brief pause...<br />
A moment of recognition...<br />
A glimpse of gratitude...<br />
A time of solace and stillness..<br />
A meditative moment...<br />
A time of tranquility...<br />
<br />
And if ever you feel yourself over-stimulated by the latest news reports, repeat this exercise and choose: Faith over fear, Peace over panic and Harmony over hysteria.<br />
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God sees, God knows, and God loves...now take comfort in that and <i><b><span style="font-size: large;">walk it out...</span></b></i><br />
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></i>
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<i><b>Not too far left...</b></i><br />
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<span style="text-align: right;"><i><b> ...Not too far right</b></i></span></div>
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<i><b><br /></b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><u>CENTER</u></b></i></div>
<br />Dr. Sharri L. Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02364955132259567702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1172163627935019238.post-76171844875373457072020-01-08T22:26:00.004-06:002020-01-08T22:29:39.553-06:00Not so easy todayToday was my first day back at work and Courtland's first day back to school, after the Christmas break. We got in late last night because he had basketball games yesterday evening. It ended with all of us falling over in the bed last night. So my morning quiet time was cut short because we woke up running and on a mission today.<br />
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I worked all day, had to do after school pick-up, grabbed dinner for the family, went to Bible study and had a staff meeting afterwards. <i>Umm, I think home-girl is a little tired.</i> But as soon as I walked through the door, I realized that I had not completed my 21 minutes of exercise today. "Let's go Arby...time to get your leash and go for a moonlit stroll".<br />
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And so Arby and I set out at 9:21pm ready to get our exercise on. I turned on my gospel music station, put the phone in my pocket, with a leash in one hand and a golf club in my other hand. This was my "quiet" time with God. For those 21 minutes, I was able to pray and talk with God; such a beautiful time alone, yet together. There were a couple of things that I needed to leave at the feet of Jesus. I prayed "Lord take this anxiety away" and as quickly as I said it, I had to rephrase and say, "Lord, I give you my anxiety". At that moment I realized that the power was in my hands. If I don't want it, it's up to me to LET GO OF IT. <i>(I swear, I'm trying not to pick it back up again. Ha!...pray for a Sista.)</i><br />
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Today was not a perfect prayer time, but it was still meaningful because I had an opportunity to share my heart with God, knowing that I had been heard. Whether you are riding in your car, lying in your bed, walking across the street or sitting at a table, your life can always be a prayer. Your prayer life doesn't have to be hard, just open your mouth (and heart) and begin talking with God.<br />
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<i>Now walk it out....</i>Dr. Sharri L. Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02364955132259567702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1172163627935019238.post-15788689227251040872020-01-07T13:18:00.003-06:002020-01-07T13:22:43.560-06:00Work on YOU!Welcome Bac<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">k Friends.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Two nights ago, the Golden Globe Awards Show was on the television. I was doing something else, but I remember looking up periodically and the movie 'Marriage Story' had been nominated in several categories. Because my hubby and I host an annual marriage retreat, I was intrigued.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Last night after running around together as a family, we decided to go to our own corners of the house and watch whatever we wanted to watch on television. I'm really not an action flick chic...I am more the romantic comedy or sappy love story, so I chose the movie, " Marriage Story" and no one dared to bother me. Ha!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I hadn't watched the trailer, so I really didn't know what the movie was about. I just turned it on, and sat down with a bowl of cheerios, ready to be entertained. I was surprised after the first scene that this movie was not about a happy, loving marriage building and growing stronger together; but rather it is described as an "<span style="background-color: white;">incisive and compassionate look at a marriage breaking up and a family staying together".</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Break up?! Umm...not quite was I was looking for, as the co-host of a marriage retreat where our goal is to strengthen marriages...BUT IT SPOKE TO ME.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The movie is poetic as it begins from the viewpoint of each spouse writing down and telling why they fell in love with the other individual, then the rest of the movie away from that. I won't give it away if you haven't seen it, but I will share with you the lessons that were learned. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Number one lesson: Be true to who you really are.</b> This can apply to your marriage, friendships, family, workplace interactions, etc... So many times we enter relationships and because we've been together for a long time we think that one must begin compromising oneself away, so as not to ruffle any feathers. Initially, you may have set out building relationship and trusting one another, then you hit a bump in the road and realize that "<i>I don't want to do it like that anymore</i>". Speak up! Not to hurt the other individual, but rather to let them know what s going on inside of you. You are cheating the other individual out of getting to know and love the real you.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Number two lesson: Give grace to allow others to grow.</b> First of all, I hope you are engaged in relationships where you can be authentically open and honest with one another. Relationships are not static, but dynamic and ever-evolving and we must allow grace for the other individual to grow. Who they were 20 years ago is probably not the exact replica today. Heck, depending on what happened 2 weeks ago, they have already begun to shift just a little bit. Take a deep breath.....it's going to be alright. Change is inevitable...the key is giving grace and allowing that change to take place. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Number three: Be clear in your expectations and check in periodically, when you are not in crisis mode. </b> In the movie, there was a scene where the individuals started out having a cordial conversation, then it shifted totally when they began to share what their experience was within the relationship. Each one of them had their own version of what had happened in the marriage and they spoke to the other person with such vitriol. Uh, it was so painful to watch!!! But when it was over, they both stood in heartache, tears, regret and yes, even forgiveness. If you work a 9 to 5 job, at some point you've had a quarterly or yearly review. This is the time when a supervisor has an opportunity to review your work and share </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>(hopefully positive</i>) </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">feedback with you. It is difficult not to fight back, if the supervisor disagrees with your work; but it is necessary to receive the comments so you can grow and become a better employee. (<i>Side note: If you don't like the review system, you might want to start your own company and be your own boss. Ha!</i>) This extremely difficult conversation was the shift for them and they actually began building and working together to create the best environment for their son. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">You might be wondering, "so what are you saying Sharri?' This is not 'happy new year' language!". But I beg to differ....</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>The beginning of a new year is the perfect time to reevaluate ALL of your relationships.</b> Have discussions with your people to make sure that you are being authentic and bringing the best version of yourself to the table. If you are not being true to yourself, how in the world can you be true to others? Take a moment to get away and spend quiet time with yourself, then go back and check in with those with whom you are relationship. When Mommy transitioned in 2013, I began to see life a little differently. But Baby.....when Daddy transitioned (almost a year ago), my entire universe <i>sHiFtEd</i>. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I'm so grateful to those around me who have given me grace to hurt, stretch and evolve. But I'm also patting myself on the shoulder for not allowing myself to become stagnant, but rather giving myself an opportunity to experience new things and take flight.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Do the self-work this January! S</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">et yourself up for authenticity and success, by digging deep and uncovering the better version of yourself. You are worth it and all of your relationships will be better because you've done the work.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">During these 21 days, dig deep and get ready to emerge so you can..... <i>walk it out</i>.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>Dr. Sharri L. Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02364955132259567702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1172163627935019238.post-24961229289684370562020-01-06T08:22:00.003-06:002020-01-06T08:51:56.203-06:00It's a 21-day Journey: Time to Recharge<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">It is 2020 and I am so grateful to be alive and well. As my 15-year old would point out to me, "this is your 1st blog of the DECADE Mom". Everything is monumental with that kid. Ha!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The New Year brings about a fresh start and new beginnings for everyone. A new resolve to eat better, exercise more, pray more consistently and spend less time wasting energy on unnecessary things and inconsequential people. Even our church family begins the new year with a 21- day fast, a reminder to put God first. I'm excited for this time because it's a continuation of something that I actually began at the end of 2019. This fast will allow me to retune and refocus some of the things that I decided to do a little differently.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I came across this quote yesterday and it just centered everything for me. Theologian Barbara Brown Taylor said, "<i>I have a number of different callings. And I think it's possible to be called away from things I have been called to in the past. There are goodbyes as well as hellos in our callings. Because a calling doesn't have to be for a lifetime"</i>. This resonated with me because I KNOW that God's favor and anointing rests on me and over the years God has gifted me to do numerous things. But I also recognize as the Bible says in Ecclesiastes 3, <i>"<span class="text Eccl-3-1" id="en-ASV-17361" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;">For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven: </span><span class="text Eccl-3-2" id="en-ASV-17362" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;">a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;..." </span></i><span style="background-color: white;">What you did last year may not be what you're called to do THIS year, but you will only recognize that if you stay connected to the power source. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Have you ever needed to recharge your cell phone? If you know the charger is already plugged into the wall and all you have to do is walk over and plug the source into the phone, wouldn't you look ridiculous if you stood at the opposite side of the room just looking at the charger and wishing that the phone would miraculously regain its power? Instinctively, you know to walk your little happy tail over to the socket, plug the phone in and wait for time to pass so your phone can work efficiently. Standing there hoping and wishing for the phone to charge sounds absurd, yet we do that when it comes to spirituality and plugging our souls back into its true power source. I invite you to take this journey with me for the next 21 days. Consider this your opportunity to recharge your battery! It's been a while since I've blogged consistently, but I am feeling CALLED to do it for the next 21 days.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I'll share that I've also been called to walk my dog for 21 minutes for the next 21 days. (<i>Arby and I started last night and he was soooo happy.)</i> I've also been called to pray with my kids for the next 21 days. (They pray first, then I close out our prayer.) This will give me an opportunity to hear what's on their hearts and for them to hear what's on my heart for them. So yes, the family-focused journey that I began with them years ago, when I wrote the book, continues. But rather than just praying OVER them, I am praying WITH them. (<i>No longer babies.... but young men.</i> <i>They are 19 and 15 years old now....a totally different calling. My God today!!!</i>)</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Each day, my goal is to check back with you and share with you the latest revelations resulting from my own plug-in. It is my prayer that this will encourage you to reconnect to your power source as you meet me here daily.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Be well, be intentional, get plugged in and <i>WALK IT OUT</i>....</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span>Dr. Sharri L. Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02364955132259567702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1172163627935019238.post-84301690693401521202019-10-06T16:31:00.000-05:002019-10-06T16:38:03.950-05:00Happy Heavenly Birthday to Nelda J. MattisonToday, October 6th, Mommy would have celebrated her 81st birthday. Though I miss her like crazy, I do realize that she IS STILL WITH ME and in me. I am her legacy!<br />
<br />
When she didn't trust her own abilities, she kept telling me that the sky was the limit. I do big things, because she told me from Day 1 that I could do ANYTHING!<br />
<br />
I am Nelda's babygirl and together, we still have things to do.<br />
<br />
Here's a <a href="https://youtu.be/rW6ZQkv-P-Q" target="_blank">video</a> describing the work that she and I are doing today.<br />
<br />
Let's go Mommy, we still have things to accomplish. Love you so much and Happy birthday pretty girl.Dr. Sharri L. Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02364955132259567702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1172163627935019238.post-59284813803553766682019-03-13T09:07:00.001-05:002019-03-13T09:22:33.751-05:00Teaching is a MINISTRY....a letter to my students<i>This morning after opening my emails, I realized how many of my students were simply STRUGGLING as they were dealing with life issues. They are trying to handle the rigors of college, while simultaneously trying to navigate the vicissitudes of life. The spirit was heavy on me to not only be their teacher, but to offer the healing power of compassion and a hug.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>This is the email, I sent both of my classes a few minutes ago. Please know that my goal is to be your "safe space" if you ever need one, as well.</i><br />
<i>Be blessed!</i><br />
____________________________<br />
<br />
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<br />
I am writing this letter to both my Intro to AFAM class and my Gospel Music class...<br />
<br />
In the last few days, I have received several emails from your classmates about life struggles. Many of us are dealing with the hardships of life: the death of a loved one, sickness of family members, your own illness, high stress levels and the list goes on and on.<br />
<br />
I want to stop for a moment and encourage you. Life is going to happen and sometimes those happenings really STINK! The challenge is knowing how to come back after a setback. Do you isolate yourself, stay in your dorm room and cry OR can you recognize that your classmates are struggling with their own life issues and are not scared if you need to leave class for a few moments to catch your breath?<br />
<br />
When my father passed in January I told my Gospel music class (no problems), but by the time I told my Intro class, I was in tears. UGH!!! I didn't mean to "lose control" in that moment, but it happened. What was so comforting was your classmates (MY students) were so loving and comforting in that moment. Many stayed to give a hug, to offer "I'm praying for you" and others sent me an email message. What a blessing!<br />
<br />
Why do I mention this? I want you to know that throughout your college career and life, you will experience hardship, struggle and loss BUT you don't have to run from it. Share your feelings with someone you can trust and KNOW that you don't have to go through it alone. I'm not afraid of tears and I won't run away if you choose to share that with me.<br />
<br />
I mentioned, at the beginning of the semester, that my class is always intended to be that "safe space" where we can talk about 'race & class' without feeling judged or ashamed. That's my job as a teacher.....to be a "safe space" for students as we navigate difficult topics in class. But my job as a human being is to be a "safe space" for anyone who needs my help. If I can't help you, I can definitely refer your to professional counselors.<br />
<br />
So don't run from life, run towards those who can help you navigate life. <br />
<br />
Tomorrow is our last class before spring break.... Woohoo! At the end of class tomorrow, I am available for a hug. I just want you to know that you don't have to be depressed over spring break, but that someone cares for you. So don't miss class tomorrow, bring your tissues if you need to and recognize that your classmate is going through their own life challenge, so there is NO time to judge you. <i>(Now, if you're sick.......keep your nasty germs at the house. Do not bring them to class. I'm just sayin'......Ha!)</i><br />
<br />
Blessings and enjoy the balance of the day.<br />
Dr. C<br />
______________________<br />
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<i>Now walk it out...</i></div>
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Dr. Sharri L. Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02364955132259567702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1172163627935019238.post-72826402060013451652019-03-02T09:00:00.000-06:002019-03-02T13:22:46.031-06:00I’ve reclaimed February 28th!<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">This has been a
physically exhausting and mentally draining week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last month, January 18<sup>th</sup>, Daddy
took his last breath and life changed forever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Although it may sound strange but, for a while, I felt as if I was alone
in the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The 2 individuals who
shared a love, which ultimately produced my 3 brothers and me, were both
gone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s an interesting feeling to say
the least.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I was speaking with one of
my brothers, who shared the same sentiment, I realized that we received such a
strong foundation from Mommy and Daddy that we had only ONE option….</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">It is now up to
us to use THEIR foundation as OUR launching pad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I attempted to encourage him, I was
actually encouraging myself and giving myself a “call to action”.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">So my week went
like this…. I had a cold when I led praise and worship, at my church, last
Sunday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By Sunday evening, the mucus had
settled on my vocal cords and I was hoarse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Monday morning, I caught a 5am flight from OKC to Philly to begin
settling Daddy’s accounts and getting the rest of the furniture out of his
apartment. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(Praise God, we were able to
bless people by GIVING Daddy’s items away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>No estate sale; just giving in LOVE.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></i>It was stressful, because the apartment needed to be cleared so we
wouldn’t be charged for another month.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Although my aunts wanted me to stay with them, I needed to be at Daddy’s
apartment to give myself closure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the
apartment emptied, I realized that Daddy’s physical body was just a shell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His spirit is what gave it life and I know
that I carry a part of him with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Nevertheless, it was quite surreal to lock the apartment for the last
time, to walk down the Parkview apartment hallway for the last time, to catch
the slowest elevator (ever) for the last time, to check his mailbox for the
last time and to turn his keys into the office.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This was it, but it wasn’t the end of the story!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">My return flight
back to Philly was leaving Wednesday, Feb. 27<sup>th</sup><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>at 6 pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I needed to get back to OKC because the next day I had been invited to
audition for a musical show (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>I shall
not say the name</u></i>.) and Byron and I had to drive out of town to make the
audition appointment.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">So let’s go back</span></i><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">….</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Just a few weeks
earlier, I’d heard a commercial on satellite radio about auditioning for a show
that we love to watch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know when
you’re watching shows like that and people say “ you should be there”, I would
always brush it under the rug because I was simply afraid to put myself out there. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>This year, I reminded myself what I’d been
preaching all of 2018….my one word…..FEARLESS.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So I opened the website and immediately began the online
submission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I answered questions, had to
record myself singing, upload another video and choose an audition city.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well of course I chose the City closest to
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What was funny to me .... the
date of the audition was Feb. 28th. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">February 28<sup>th</sup>, 6 years ago, my
mother died.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>February 28<sup>th</sup> is
also the last day to get Daddy’s things out of his Philadelphia apartment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>February 28<sup>th</sup> ; Really?!….<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I JUST HAD TO DO IT!</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">There was still
no guarantee, but I was proud of myself for putting myself out there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I honestly didn’t think I’d advance because I
was sick when I recorded my video.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
then last week, I received a call from a casting agent inviting me to go to the
next step…<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">the live audition. </i><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Oh my!</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">So here I was
landing back in OKC @midnight on Wednesday (still hoarse), greeting my family,
washing a load of clothes, repacking my suitcase and waking up at 4am Thursday
so Byron and I could drive to the audition City. What a crazy 24 hours!!! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">We arrived in the city an hour before my audition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
went in Target to change into my outfit and to get a medicine ball tea from
Starbucks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>#stillhoarse Ugh!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">This whole
thing is just so funny to me!</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I walked
into the hotel, got my legal packet, and sat and waited as I talked to other
individuals who would be auditioning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
smiled, I talked, I laughed, I COUGHED, I listened and watched the other contestants
either talking nonstop out of nervousness or sitting quietly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I listened to stories of how some of them had
auditioned in previous seasons or had gone to other musical shows to
audition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In my group, they were so much
younger than myself and had this youthful bravado (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">remember, I am 47 and fabulous</i>).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They talked about warming up and doing vocal acrobatics that morning and
I’m laughing to myself....<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Geesh, I’m just
trying to clear this crud off of my vocal cords</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was so far out of my element, but I was
meant to be there!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Anyway, they
called me back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would have under 60
seconds to sing 2 songs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wait, WHAT?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It usually takes me a whole verse to even feel
the song.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyway, I walked into the room,
stepped into the green box, stood on the yellow square and introduced
myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nervous yes, but before I sang I
said, “<i> Six years ago today my mother transitioned, I know she is right here
with me and I’m going to sing one of her original songs”. </i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One lady at the table asked the name of the
song, I told her ”So glad He came” and began to sing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Y’all when I started the 1<sup>st</sup> line,
I knew I was off…I trembled and then cracked twice throughout the
delivery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But a sista kept going. Ha! I
recovered and finished the song, but I knew that when you made it to this
level, there was NO room for any flaws.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I stepped out of the room quickly and they called me back in to say
graciously, “thank you, but not at this time”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I smiled, said thank you and proceeded to grab my things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I was about to leave the room, the same
woman who’d asked the title of the song said, “I’m sorry for your loss, it must
be difficult for you”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thanked her,
stepped out of the room, called Byron to pick me up and walked back to the
faces of the group that I’d just sat with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I told them I didn’t advance, but blessings to them.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">I replayed the
words in my head<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">….“I’m sorry for your
loss, it must be difficult for you”.</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And I thought to myself, ma’am you don’t know the half…I’d mentioned my
mother in the audition, but I hadn’t told them that I had just buried my father
6 WEEKS ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The funny thing was……I
wasn’t struggling at the moment!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stood
in my agency and sang a song of Mommy’s and did something that she would have NEVER
thought she was good enough to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Auditioning that day was not about making it to the final stage (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">although it would have been pretty cool… I’m
not gonna lie</i>); it was about me reclaiming February 28<sup>th</sup>, not as
a day of mourning BUT rather a day of celebration as I stood in my own
truth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was fearless, confident, calm
and yes, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">hoarse</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I cracked and recovered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I exited with my head up and wished others well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then Byron and I went shopping. Ha! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">I am grateful
for the experience!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stepped out of my
comfort zone to do something that, before last year, would have never had the
guts to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I put Mommy’s music out
there into the atmosphere and I’m sure she smiled and nudged Daddy, saying,
‘look out our girl…I always knew she was pretty gutsy’.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Why do I tell you this? </span></i><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">……………to encourage you of course.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Death of a loved
one is a funny thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You go through so
many emotions and sometimes, if you’re not careful, you get lost in your
loss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have realized that with the
transition of Mommy, 6 years ago, and Daddy, just 6 weeks ago, I can’t allow it
to swallow me up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, I miss them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, I love them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, I’m tripping because I can’t pick up the
phone and call them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Especially with
Daddy! I think I had pretty much accepted Mommy’s death after all of these
years; but I was just in Philly with Daddy flying back and forth making sure he
was doing alright.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In just 2 1/2 months,
he was gone; now I was left with the honor of settling his affairs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just crazy!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Many of us are
in this sandwich generation and realize that our parents will not be here
forever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We know that is true, but now I
KNOW it as a reality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It stinks and
stings, but it’s part of the circle of life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We can choose to crawl up in a corner, shrivel up and die, trapped in
the sorrowful memories of death OR we can use the strong foundation and leap,
celebrating the memories of a life well lived.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I choose to leap and I invite you to do the same.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">The audition
wasn’t the beginning for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Filling out
the online application was my #SHIFT.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Making myself vulnerable for a few moments has bolstered me into going
after even bigger things in the future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I am no longer afraid!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My parents
prayed too much, fasted too long and cried too loudly for me to just sit here
and become immobilized by grief or fear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The farther I go, the more I bring honor to their names.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t get here alone….James and Nelda
Mattison submitted themselves to God and sacrificed for Dr. Sharri Lor Mattison
Coleman to walk in her truth and be the ‘bomb-dot-com’(<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">oh yes I am</i>).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know I will
have moments of sadness and might cry when I talk about them, but I will not
crumble.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will stand in my truth and
honor them as I honor the God in me.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">February 28<sup>th</sup>
and January 18<sup>th</sup> are still great days on the calendar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I invite you to reclaim whatever your date
is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do something you’ve never done
before. Go somewhere you’ve never been before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Allow that day to be the beginning of a new YOU!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk70V0K2NttjP-iFxBZOjBu1sRsVu2gkOq3mgFaQuaGSOXJda24rcWf5L-sRu9O9QpJG6P9Hww8_u2R5kzNOf7xF4UzEt1I-wbFip4NXG2edWXcGK1Fda20fUUKjUvO-dypyiP3oQa3NEX/s1600/soul2solelogo.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="571" data-original-width="800" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk70V0K2NttjP-iFxBZOjBu1sRsVu2gkOq3mgFaQuaGSOXJda24rcWf5L-sRu9O9QpJG6P9Hww8_u2R5kzNOf7xF4UzEt1I-wbFip4NXG2edWXcGK1Fda20fUUKjUvO-dypyiP3oQa3NEX/s200/soul2solelogo.png" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><i> <span style="font-size: large;"> Now walk it out... </span></i></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><br /></span></div>
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</style>Dr. Sharri L. Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02364955132259567702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1172163627935019238.post-67709846563319516732018-10-22T22:00:00.001-05:002018-10-22T22:00:20.189-05:00Are you living on cruise control? And how's that working for you? Have you ever felt like you were living your life on cruise control? You set a certain speed a while ago and now you are moving aimlessly throughout life, trying to keep up. Cruise control, in a car, works best when you're on the highway traveling, if it's a pretty simple terrain and not too many other cars around. It works best when everyone is traveling at a similar pace. As long as you keep steering and the car is under control, you are moving along just fine. Let's say that you set the cruise control to 70mph, the car takes over. and operates at that speed. If the terrain shifts and you now hit an upward hill, the car senses it and begins to accelerate temporarily in order to maintain an average speed of 70. In like manner, if you are now traversing a downward hill, the car will decelerate accordingly. Again, this works on the highway when you are alert and able to flow with traffic. But cruise control is not your friend if you're tired or if there's too much traffic on the highway.<br />
<br />
Each year there are so many automobile accidents because the driver set the cruise control, but fell asleep at the wheel, rendering them unable to give the car a different command. So the car simply continued cruising and the lulled driver never realized that the traffic had slowed, there was a sharp turn was ahead or that the terrain had changed. Before you know it, the car and the driver have gone off the road. The reality is most of these accidents end tragically and take out more than just the driver of this car. This type of tragedy occurs not because the driver was intoxicated or was a distracted driver, but simply because the driver was comfortable and allowed the car to operate on cruise control.<br />
<br />
But how many of us have set our lives up like this? We've been following the same patterns day in and day out and not much has changed over the years. The kids are fine, the marriage is fine, the job is fine so we keep doing the same things over and over again. We 've grown accustomed to operating out of habit, rather than moving with a set goal or purpose. We missed the exit or the opportunity to get off and travel on a more scenic route a long time ago. We opt to stay in the center lane and keep up with the moving traffic, even though we know that there is an exit ahead that will allow us to slow down and enjoy the sites. We know that we need to pause for a moment and refuel, but now we're moving at such a pace that we're afraid to brake and signal that we'd like to get off the highway to take a different path. I must admit that in my own experience with driving long distances, one of the passengers will say that they need to use the restroom and the driver will drive past a few exits, in an effort to make good time. It's usually not until the passenger has stated several times that they REALLY need to use the restroom that the driver will finally slow down and pull off the highway. Now everyone inside of the car is stressed and it usually ends with the passenger jumping out of the car trying to make it to the restroom without embarrassing him/herself. (<i>Yikes...I've been both passenger and driver in this situation. Now that I stop and think about it....that's not cool at all.)</i><br />
<br />
We've gotten so used to doing things a certain way that now it's hard to admit that you really would like to change things up a bit and move at a different pace or pull off the highway temporarily. So the family keeps moving in the same direction, the marriage is maintained, the job is adequate but not meaningful, the finances never change (operating in lack) and relationships don't evolve. Don't misunderstand me, life is good and manageable, you're still relatively happy, but you've also hit a place of stagnation. The people (traffic) around you is dependent upon you not braking nor breaking the cycle. Everyone has gotten so accustomed to you moving, acting, existing at a certain pace that it might be uncomfortable for both you and them to slow down. You're so fearful to "keep up" that you missed the exit because you were moving too quickly. You feel the cars behind you bearing down on you and the cars on either side, keeping you boxed in. You are traveling in the middle of the highway, many times feeling helpless because you feel like you are 'stuck' with no where else to go.<br />
<br />
Well I've got good news for you....<br />
<br />
It takes one decision, one signal, one action to end this trajectory and for you to regain control of your situation. One pause, one idea, one act of bravery to keep from traveling at a speed that could potentially harm you and those around you. It's time to brake! I didn't say stop, just tap on the brakes. In your car, if the car is on cruise control, a gentle tap of the brake pedal signals to the car computer that YOU have now regained control of the vehicle. This gentle tap forces the car to yield to the decisions and directions of the driver once again. You can now safely move through traffic at a speed determined only by the driver.<br />
<br />
I believe that's what most of us need....a gentle tap on the brakes to break the cycle. It's okay for you to want more out of life. It's alright for you to want to slow down and take in the scenery. It's time for you to regain control of your life and operate accordingly. You think that by braking, you might miss something and will mess up the flow of traffic. But the truth is, you're probably headed for a crash or burn out because you've been lulled to sleep by operating on cruise control. You're only doing it because you are afraid to drive purposely again. In fact, you've been operating like this for so long that you are now fearful of braking and breaking the cycle. It's time to make a change.<br />
<br />
When you signal that you are changing lanes and moving, it also serves as a wake up call to the people around you to be more alert. Don't be lulled by the status quo, the normalcy or the expectation of reaching your destination at a certain time. Take charge and tap the brakes! Slow down, be deliberate, be contemplative, be mindful and operate with intention, purpose and passion. You don't want to miss this particular rest stop exit because the next one might not come for several miles. Don't cheat yourself by going with the flow. You're destiny is waiting for you! Your intended purpose is coming up ahead. Your life's work is calling your name just around the bend, so prepare to exit the busy highway and regain control of your life. In this instance, cruise control is NOT your friend. Grab the steering wheel, tap the brakes and regain complete control of your car and signal for the next exit. Your life depends on it! The future of your family is wrapped up in it! Your peace of mind is inextricably bound to it!<br />
<br />
<i>Now tap it out...</i>Dr. Sharri L. Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02364955132259567702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1172163627935019238.post-81850807772490696092018-10-10T16:27:00.000-05:002018-10-10T16:35:01.822-05:00Fearless is more than my "one word"; it's a journey.<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> I may have mentioned previously that FEARLESS is my word for 2018. And Baby when I say that God has been giving me so many opportunities to practice using this word. I'm being stretched, but not to the point that it hurts though. I'm being stretched, muscles lengthened and I'm learning how to breathe in all situations, just like yoga. It's a slow steady stretching in my mind and in my heart. I am learning to hear my own voice and not the voices of others who have good intentions, but don't know what God said to me.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> I am excited because I'm beginning to trust ME! How can I solely rely on others who have never done what I'm thinking about, but have an opinion as to how I might execute? In all honesty, it's not really about what others have said, it's more about the little voice that plays in my head that projects my own insecurities onto the situation. They NEVER said that I couldn't do it or won't achieve it, but that voice of #littlemissinsecure has a funny way of showing up, which makes me talk myself out of the situation, based on the idea of what someone else <i>might</i> say. Isn't that the dumbest thing you've ever heard? Just foolishness! (Afraid of a <i>might.</i>...HA!)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">You're shaking your head because you know what I'm talking about!!! You've been afraid to move because you're waiting for "all the stars to line up" or waiting to "get all your ducks in a row". Well SugarPlum....it's time to let that mess go. I'm about to share an excerpt of my sermon that I preached 3 weeks ago. Here it goes...</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 200%;">~We’ve
been stuck in a precarious situation because we expected someone else to get
something accomplished for us. </span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 200%;">~We
have been caught waiting on a person to act, when we carry the responsibility
to do it ourselves. </span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 200%;">~We
have been left on the side of the road, watching others pass us by because we
weren’t prepared to go any further. </span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 200%;">Not prepared to write the book…waiting
on someone else</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 200%;">Not prepared to start that
business…waiting on someone else</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 200%;">Not enjoying your single life… waiting
on someone else</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 200%;">Not experiencing joy in your marriage…
waiting on someone else</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 200%;">Not applying for a new position, when
you know you hate the job… waiting on someone else</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 200%;">Not going back to school to finish your
degree… waiting on someone else</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 200%;">Sitting on the side lines complaining, & not jumping in the arena….waiting on someone else</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 200%;">Not ready to market your own ideas…
waiting on someone else</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="line-height: 200%;">Someone
else</span></i><span style="line-height: 200%;"> to make us happy</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="line-height: 200%;">Someone
else</span></i><span style="line-height: 200%;"> to bring us joy</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="line-height: 200%;">Someone
else</span></i><span style="line-height: 200%;"> to help us out of our financial
situation</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="line-height: 200%;">Someone
else</span></i><span style="line-height: 200%;"> to raise how kids</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="line-height: 200%;">Someone
else</span></i><span style="line-height: 200%;"> to motivate us</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="line-height: 200%;">Someone
else</span></i><span style="line-height: 200%;"> to cheer us to greatness</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="line-height: 200%;">Someone
else</span></i><span style="line-height: 200%;"> to drop everything to tend to our
needs</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="line-height: 200%;">Honey,
there is no “someone else”…GOD IS WAITING ON YOU! </span></b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="line-height: 200%;">(GOD IS WAITING ON ME)</span></b></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 200%;">God is so funny, because I really thought I was given that word to bless the people, but I was really preaching to myself the entire time. When I went back and listened to the sermon on Youtube, I realized that I was preaching myself into a frenzy, speaking my way into my NEXT and preparing myself to walk through the many doors that God has with MY name on it. God be praised!</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 200%;"> I am really learning to trust God with whatever is to come next. I'm not rushing anything or trying to please anyone. I simply want to move and watch God unfold the path direction with every step that I take, without even knowing where the step is. (<i>I'm envisioning Micheal Jackson in The Wiz, when he is traversing the yellow brick road and the cobblestone blocks light up as he steps on them.)</i> <u>Yeah, just like that!</u> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 200%;">The path won't light up unless YOU MOVE. The path won't light up unless I MOVE! Let me just sprinkle a little word on it.....J<b><i>oshua 1:3 says "EVERY place </i></b></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 200%;"><span class="text Josh-1-3" id="en-NKJV-5855"><b><i>that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you, as I said to Moses".</i></b> Or like Martin would say, while stomping his feet around in a circular pattern, "<i><b>GET TO STEPPIN'</b></i> ". (<i>Y'all sometimes I crack myself up. Ha!</i>)</span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 200%;"><span class="text Josh-1-3" id="en-NKJV-5855">Anyway, let's go through this season of shifting and just be FEARLESS. Your knees might be knocking as you move, but do it anyway <i>afraid</i> and watch God translate that into <i>Fearlessness</i>. Let's stay committed to the process as we advance for the Kingdom. God will get the glory and he'll just give us the opportunity to tell the story. I'm excited, aren't you?!</span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; line-height: 200%;"><span class="text Josh-1-3" id="en-NKJV-5855"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So get to stepping and <b><u>"<i>Walk it Out</i>"</u></b>..........God's been waiting on yo</span>u!</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; line-height: 200%;"><span class="text Josh-1-3" id="en-NKJV-5855"> </span> </span></span><span style="color: purple;"></span>
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</style>Dr. Sharri L. Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02364955132259567702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1172163627935019238.post-34231282469715600742018-08-23T22:28:00.000-05:002018-08-23T22:28:38.231-05:00Right where He wants meHave you ever been somewhere and had no idea why you were there, other than the fact that you believe God intended for you to be there?<br />
<br />
That's where I am right now. I'm here, in a place where I am currently anonymous, yet God knows my story and has set me apart. I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be.<br />
<br />
Strange.<br />
<br />
I didn't fully prepare to be in this space, but I feel like I'm sitting at the precipice of a breakthrough, in spite of me.<br />
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My job is simply to be open. Open to the idea that God wants to blow my mind. I will not allow my fears to block what God has in store for me.<br />
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Ready.<br />
<br />
Willing.<br />
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Open.<br />
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<i>Now I must...walk it out....</i>Dr. Sharri L. Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02364955132259567702noreply@blogger.com0