You know that all-encompassing “they” that direct and control your life course, your choices, your happiness?
The “they” in “what will they say?” or “what will they think?”
But, they don’t live your life, do they?
Then why should their opinion matter as much as they do, or at all?
‘Cause, the reality is this:
If you spent your entire life aiming to please “they”, you still could not accomplish the feat. “They” have an insatiable/unquenchable appetite of opinions that you will never satisfy.
So … how do you get around these notoriously-negative-opinionated “they”?
First, with knowing you are uniquely you.
The path you take will be influenced by what is intrinsically you—your internal compass.
Second, love and trust yourself and your judgment.
Operate from that intuitive knowledge about who you are (starting with you’re a child of the Most High God) and what you really desire, then live by those terms.
And to top it off, add a good dose of perspective on the opinions of “they” and …
Dress—for you
Post that selfie—for you
Do that workout—for you
You get the picture, right?
Do you, not “they”, ‘cause only you have to live with the consequences of your decisions.
There is one resolution that will be worth keeping
The gift to ourselves first then to others bestowing
Dedicate the new year to loving ourselves more
Seizing the 365 opportunities the New Year has in store
From my heart to yours sending joy and cheer
For a happy and love-filled New Year!
2025 All Rights Reserved
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stones listening, ancient and still at the summit, trees embracing pain inked on paper, jagged edges scatter, confessions releasing like small birds from my hands mountain listens, no judgment—only air receiving what no longer serves me I breathe, heart restored held by something vaster than fear ENOUGH cares left hanging in the thin mountain air
Some think I’m distant or aloof, others say I’m intimidating
Nothing is further from the truth
It’s likely that I’m deep in thought
Or that I’m observing the environment around me
My life compass—it’s a never ending 3-60-degree focus
Always listening, always planning, envisioning or writing
The endless balancing of mind’s up-down climb on the decision tree of “what ifs”
Shy, I’m not, reticent though—that would be quite fitting
I’m likely not the first to speak, or may not speak at all
When I speak it’s a decisive choice, a point most necessary for the making
Adding value, adding integrity, moving the needle on what’s being discussed
By the time I’ve made a decision there’s been a hundred thoughts ahead
Give me quiet spaces, time alone to just be
This is how I gather energy
Don’t mistake, then, my reservation for lackluster
I’m introverted and that’s just that
Sincerely, an Introvert
2023 All Rights Reserved
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She scrolled through her feed, surrounded by messages but feeling unseen.
Loneliness had crept in quietly, even in a world buzzing with connection. Life hadn’t given her a choice in what she was facing, but she realized she could choose who she faced it with.
Fighters have a corner; she needed one too.
She reached out—to a friend from her sorority, a mom from her kid’s class. They weren’t perfect. Conversations were awkward at first. But slowly, honesty grew. They showed up. They listened. They prayed.
A support system isn’t built in crisis—it’s built before, on shared ground. Yes, it’s risky. You might get hurt. But “to hurt is to steal” only when you let it keep you hidden.
She stepped into the light. And there, she found fellowship—not weakness. Just real, messy love from people who chose to go through life with her.
Afterword: We all need a support system—a circle of trust-worthy friends who can see us through the seasons of life.
This piece of prosery (prose story), limited to 144 words by Li over at d’Verse, is based on the line “to hurt is to steal” by U2, from “Mysterious Ways”.
George Floyd your life mattered. Your death sparked a movement. We will not forget. (Your sunset: 25 May 2020)
I CAN’T BREATHE His voice reached back over 400 years to the belly of slave ships Summoning the plight of fore-mamas and -papas Black bodies snatched from homeland stacked up for export Crammed in places too cramped for air Constrained. Pressed. Till urine leaked, undignified Shackled and restrained from neck to feet Black bodies stretched out beneath deck, unseen
Too dark to see Too constrained to touch Too dense to be heard Too putrid to breathe in
I CAN’T BREATHE His voice reached back 46 years to the belly of his mamma To summon the space he’s always felt protected, safer Invoking relief from the indignity of shackled wrists Pinned under the knee-weight embodiment of bigotry and racist hatred 8 minutes:46 seconds Breath. Of. Life … deliberately snuffed out, stolen Black body stretched out for the world to view
Too riotous not to see Too palpable not to touch Too loud not to be heard Too blatant not to breathe in
I CAN’T BREATHE Ricocheted off sidewalks from cities and towns around the globe Escaped the lips of mamas, papas, sistas, brothas of every age, color and creed Galvanizing protests undaunted by a pandemic Bodies of all races stretched out, collective voices shout Demanding revolution, transformation, radical alteration
Too multi-ethnic not to see Too seismic not to touch Too forceful not to be heard Too copious not to breathe in
I CAN’T BREATHE Ignite change … too enormous not to see Ignite change … too radical not to touch Ignite change … too disruptive not to be heard Ignite change … too transforming not to breathe-in
Change.
So.
I.
Can.
BREATHE.
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it showed up on a Wednesday after dark—knocked knocked with determination on the entrance entrance of her mind awakened awakened from stupor gathering gathering her wits about her down down the stairs across the hall meandering meandering through the passage way she she peers through the peep hole of the door door to her mind and she sees—it it—is sinister sinister a force forces its way in uninvited uninvited into the deepest recesses recesses of her mind cobwebbed cobwebbed like a closet blacker blacker than the darkest night night formed from childhood hurts grown grown-up disappointments her mind now mildew mildew-stained of if-only-could-o’-been-not-enough-what-if if her mind now molded-grief from loss loss from betrayal from rejection in those those dusty crevices resides a familiar familiar stranger her thoughts redirecting redirecting her emotions orchestrating there there staring right back at her—it it showed up on a Wednesday after dark—knocked knock knock
Afterword: Darkness can be from issues that you dare not let anyone see or know about, the issues you struggle with alone and silently … it’s time to open the door, let in the light, you’re not alone!
First published 2022 All Rights Reserved GIF powered by Tenor
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Heart’s rhythm beats steady for love For a love that shields, creating a safe space— Unafraid to be vulnerable, wholly free To exist just as we are, completely
You and I—broken in different ways Fragmented pieces from separate days Yet together, we synchronize in all the right places Restoring like ancient art, our brokenness erases
A love created like poetry in motion Like rivers conjoined, flowing to the ocean A journey crafting healing for you, for me Reconciled in the embrace of love’s harmony
We move by love’s essence, a force so pure— Healing in its touch, a bond that will endure Endure through time, a rhythm unexplained A love that eclipses logic, heart over brain
Sometimes being strong is just surrendering beneath the weight of it all letting go of the armor we’ve worn for too long allowing the tides to carry us unresisting, into the unknown
Strength isn’t in clenched fists but in open hands palms upward, accepting the rain that falls the winds that howl without warning
Surrendering to the fragility of flesh the vulnerability of hearts to whisper yes to the darkness trusting in the stars hidden behind clouds
It’s in the moments of release that we find our authentic selves unencumbered by the need to control to dominate to stand unyielding
Strength is the breath we exhale when the storm presses close the quiet embrace in acceptance of what we cannot change the silent nod in surrender to the mysteries of life
Sometimes being strong is just surrendering to the passing of time to the ebb and flow of emotions to the gentle acceptance of our place in this vast, uncharted thing called “life”
Mental health encompasses our emotional, psychological, and social wellness, impacting our thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and influencing our stress management, relationships, and decision-making.
Threads of thought convene
Labyrinth of mind and soul
Inner world whispers
Afterword: A haibun is composed of two stanzas. The first stanza is a prose paragraph, and the second stanza is a haiku.
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Beforeword: This is week 4 of the series on eros/romantic love. We started with “love beginning”, then on to “love from two sides”, “love don’t die easy” and concluding the series with “love affirmation”.
Love is never done or lost
Protected, it will survive at all cost
From the highest height, to the deepest depth
Love grows in affirmation step by faithful step
***
One.
Release expectations, just let love flow
Two.
Criticism and judgment, you must forego
Three.
Love you, fully, let doubts and fears leave
Four.
Hold, not to control but with space to receive
Five.
Find space in your heart to just be—in love
When love needs affirmation, start from above
***
Repeat steps one through three
That’s when you’ll see
If ever you believe that love is done
That’s when you’ll start again at one
***
Release expectations, just let love flow
Criticism and judgment, you must forego
Love you, fully, let doubts and fears leave
Hold, not to control but with space to receive
If ever you believe that love is done
That’s when you’ll start again at one
First published 2022 All rights reserved Designed by Canva Photo: Pexels
After word: You know that moment when you’re in your feelings, and the right song starts playing on the radio?! One of my go to love crooners is the indomitable-musical-genius, Brian McKnight. So, it’s no wonder his chart-hitting “Back At One” influenced this R&B collab. Take a listen and you’ll agree he’s one of love poetry greats!
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“I wish that I’d have noticed all those cracks in your smile. I wish you told me how you felt that night. But you’re conditioned to believe it only makes you weaker. ‘Til it chokes you and you’re barely breathing. But you’ll always be part of me.”
2024 All rights reserved Designed by Canva
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In the quiet moments, we wait, Patiently, for our hearts to see To witness the unveiling of our true selves Layer by layer, unfurling Like petals reaching for the sun
No masks, no facades, just raw authenticity We lay ourselves bare Revealing the treasures hidden within Defined not by society’s standards But by the essence of our being
In the brokenness, there is beauty A mosaic of scars and imperfections Each telling a story Each contributing to the masterpiece of our lives
For it’s in the revelation of our true selves We find freedom To live boundlessly Embracing every facet of who we are With courage and grace Knowing that true beauty lies In the authenticity of our souls
Afterword: Up until the end of the Civil War, more than 200,000 ads to recapture enslaved people who walked away from slavery were published in American newspapers.
I said walked away and not run away.
Why?
It’s about the state of mind.
Running away from a situation is not having the courage or resolve to address it. Walking away from a situation is to think through and coming to an informed conclusion that you cannot change someone’s thought, opinions or beliefs and you choose to walk away.
I chose this ad because the slave owner’s name is Burke. My family name is Burke.
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Gifts carefully selected, wrapped, topped off with bows
Placed under trees anticipating the glee they’ll bestow
Menu of your favorites selected, guest list in tow
It will be a celebration, fingers crossed—there’ll even be snow
***
You left without a warning, there were no clues
You checked out of life, broke my heart in a million twos
Every year will be a blue Christmas without you too
No hugs or kisses lavished, forever gone the YOUnique you
***
Gifts wrapped in love, left unopened under the tree
Like the sorrows that plagued your heart, too deep, I couldn’t see
You smiled and laughed, you danced with me
All the while masking the darkest parts of thee
***
Those on the outside looking in, contemplative wonder
You seemed to have it all, what could have been the matter?
All is incomplete when it’s devoid of the Master
Empty longings run deep, gifts are but a temporary plaster
***
In the shopping, the decorating we’ve nearly forgotten too
He’s the reason for this season, like at His birth, too little ado
The meaning of life lost outside of the One who created you
It will always be a blue Christmas—Jesus—without You
Afterword: On the eve of Christmas, this tribute poem was influenced by the reality that the holidays are the hardest when you’ve lost loved ones.
2022, Republished 2023 All Rights Reserved
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Before-word: With the advent and dominance of social media has been the rise in social posts or STATUS updates which we use to let our friends know what we’re doing or to say what’s on our minds. Whether a tweet or a pin and way beyond catchy one liners on time-elapsed stories, your status is and forever will be:
CHILD OF GOD!
From A to Z you are:
Accepted just as you are
Beautiful in every way
Child of God
Destined for greatness
Exquisite
Fearfully-wonderfully-made—perfect in every way
Good-good creation
Harmoniously aligned
Image of God bearer
Joyful
Kaleidoscopic
Loved to the width and depth of God’s heart
More than a conqueror — that’s who you are
Never defeated — that’s what you are
Overcomer
Purposefully ordered
Quintessential, the God-image bearer
Redeemed—no shame, no guilt, no fear
Sufficiently sufficient
Temple-of-God-abiding
Unequivocally—YOU ARE, child of God
Victorious
Worthy
eXalted-cannot-be-duplicated masterpiece
YOUnique
Zany—amusingly-unconventional, distinctively—YOU!
From A to Z
You are a child of God
Luxuriate in this truth
2023 (republished) All Rights Reserved
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You’re a woman of faith, said he Refusing to join the party of “woe is me” Standing at the crossroads of hyphenated identity Straddling the fine line of conjoined affinity The shortest distance connecting divergent words Yet the greatest distance between colliding worlds
Wrestling within with identities, two Pondering which is the true you Is it the half that doubts and frets Filled with sadness and regrets? Is it the other that’s thrilled with hope and wonder Scavenging life’s downs—a fortune hunter?
What comes in the hyphen is the interval Whether left or right it’s a fight for survival Too deep under there’s no indicator light No redirection to the surface, a frightening plight Release air, bubbles of self-assurance forming Follow bubbles—rise always toward surface soaring
Identity is who you are despite the circumstances Who you are is not a game of luck or chances Whether in the good times or in the bad Whether the situation makes you happy or makes you sad You are betwixt and between the hyphenated you Grab ahold of the purpose of what you’re born to do
Child-of-God/child-of-human—interconnected being One you—living duality inward refereeing You—the image of God, a god-given soul Yet you—locked in a body of skin and bone The paradoxical self—looking out through eyes Visions of living hyphenated—the you to harmonize
2023 All Rights Reserved
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Afterword: traditional Senryu is 3 lines with 5 syllables in the first line, 7 syllables in the second line, and 5 syllables in the last line (5/7/5) for a total of seventeen syllables written in the present tense with no rhyme, metaphors or similes.
2023 All Rights Reserved
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When you’re losing your focus And you feel too exhausted to pray Don’t get lost in the moment Or give up when you’re closest When you’re down and you feel ashamed All you need is somebody to say It’s okay not to be okay
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Believe you can and you’re half way there!Believe in yourself and all that you are. Know that there’s something inside greater than any obstacles. Believe.
The week is long. The weekend is short. Midweek is a good point to recharge to get over the hump believing in yourself! Happy hump day!
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The week is long. The weekend is short. Midweek is a good point to recharge to get over the hump—PERSEVERE! Happy hump day!
2024 All Rights Reserved
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On this the anniversary of my birth I pronounce this affirmation: I’m not too much, I’m enough!
2023 All Rights Reserved
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As the world’s attention is focused on this day of love—Valentine’s Day—sending out a prayer that we outdo each other in/with LOVE.
Happy Valentine’s Day!!!!
2023 All Rights Reserved
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When I first moved to NYC I was told NY’s fashion color—its unofficial uniform—is head-to-toe black!
I love the color black (in fact it’s one of my favorite colors). But, like my wardrobe, sometimes you gotta add splashes of color to brighten up the dark patches in life.
The week is long. The weekend is short. Midweek is a good point to recharge to get over the hump. Happy hump day!
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Some kings rule from iron thrones Disconnected from community reality You’re the King who served from humanity’s throne Who dreamed not in black or white Who envisioned instead a world inclusive Your voice, your vision a great void filling Speaking the language of the unheard Inspiration to persevere, to never stop dreaming Summoning collective longings and eternal hopes For a nation by its noblest ideals is truly living Fighting back against injustice Rallying the call — equality for all Your dream though deferred lives on In a people, like you, souled out for change
In exactly 94 words in honor of Dr King’s 94th birthday—born January 15, 1929
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As I’m on the final-final days of leave and the NY weather has been unseasonably mild, I decided to take my reading to the outside.
I strolled to my favorite park, just across the street from home, and chose a bench facing the river to perch. I perched because much of the bench remains wet from the recent rain and the driest part of the seat is wide enough for just perching. So I’m precariously perched with book in hand.
I’m reading. Every now and again I look up to smile or mouth “hi” to neighborhood folks walking by. Some taking health break strolls like the healthcare workers who work at the nearby hospital. Others pushing baby strollers. Couples strolling hand-in-hand. And others walking with or being dragged by their dogs. So I’m looking up from my book a few times but still getting a good bit of consistent reading in.
There’s a dog approaching. His master has him on a long leash so I turn my smile to him before his master arrives. She talks first:
“What’s that in your hand,” she asks.
“This?” Closing the book and extending it for her to see I continue, “a book.”
“We don’t see too many of those these days,” she responded.
“So true. And this one is about “Small Talk”, go figure”, I smiled with a lift of my brow.
We chatted for a little bit. Small talk in practice.
“Have a great day,” she semi-shouted, turning her head back in my direction as her dog had tire of our conversation and was now dragging her away.
And just like that I got the chance to practice, “The Fine Art of Small Talk” in my favorite park, perched on a bench, across from the river, alongside the hospital on a beautiful weather day in winter.
Ciao beautiful WP people 👋🏾 rain drops are spattering on my phone. Running home.
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A well-lived year is like well-worn boots Filled up with memories grounded in roots Sprouting, growing in all the right places Changing, evolving, transforming spaces
Boots worn laid in waste Till nature took ‘em over Unexpectedly
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‘Twas the night before Christmas that Jesus returned All through the universe, not a sound was heard Not a creature stirred, not even a mouse There was half-an-hour’s silence in the Father’s house (Revelation 8:1)
My children reluctantly crawled into bed I tucked them in snugly with a kiss on each head No one said a prayer, and no one was aware That the second coming of Jesus was awfully near
I sat on the sofa, exhausted and tired My favorite show I must watch before I retire As soon as it’s finished, I’ll read the Bible And say a quick prayer, if I’m still able
When out from the east arose such a clatter I sprang to my feet to see what was the matter I raced to the window in a lightning flash Tore open the louvers, and lifted the sash
When what to my wondering eyes should appear But ten thousands of angels proclaiming: “Jesus is here!” Jesus is here? In spite of myself, fear drove me away I wasn’t prepared for this to be the day
Jesus had the Book of Life held in His hand With a thundering voice He called the name of every redeemed one: “Now Mary … now Joseph … now Ruth … where’s Esther? And David … and Dorcas … come on John …where’s Peter?”
No! That can’t all be You still haven’t called me I cried, and wept, and pleaded with Him “Look again—please—my name must be within”
I looked into His eyes, how they narrowed with pain and sorrow As His nail-pierced hand pointed me to my darkest tomorrow “Depart from me, I know you not”, I heard Him sadly say Condemned. No more time to seek forgiveness, I sadly walked away
Then I saw the condemned running to and fro To hide from Him seated upon the majestic throne Their horrid screams penetrate the hollow night They were caught in a dreadful, inescapable fright
Had I not been told, I would not believe The looming, ghastly and frightful scene The whole earth began to heave and shake Great mountains moved by a mighty quake
The bowels of the sea moaned and groaned Sending shivers through an already petrified crowd The lost continued to curse their plight As one by one they were slain by the radiant light
They slept engulfed in death’s deep slumber Undisturbed by the trumpets and a voice so tender It was the voice of Jesus as He summoned the just: “Awake! Arise My children! Time to shake off the dust!”
Into their tombs glorious beams find their way Awaking each with a gentle touch and a sway And one by one they came up from the grave Standing face to face with their Savior of Grace
As quickly as a wink they were all changed Up, up and away they swiftly flew out of range Then I heard Jesus exclaimed ere He rose out of sight: “I’m taking My children home where there’ll be no more night!”
His children. His children did not include me For I had practiced “religion” to a T Squandering salvation gift He gave on the cross And now my soul was eternally lost
I cried in despair as Christ disappeared from my sight If only I knew this would have been the night I would have let go of religious obsessions And brought before the Lord all my sins in confession
If nothing else from this poem fell on your ear Believe me Jesus’ coming is quite near NOW is the time for you to walk in His way Not sooner or later, but right now—today!
Though this poem was a dream, soon it will be The day when Jesus’ return we’ll see Repentance then will be too late Won’t you enter now through mercy’s gate?
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Let everything Let everything that has Let everything that has breath
Breathe Breathe in gratitude Exhale praise
Life Life can play hard sometimes Sucker punches of sickness, hurt Pain that cannot be covered with bandaid or fixed with poetry And just when you think you’re in the game of better plays Life knocks the wind out of you leaving you gasping Making your lungs appreciate the taste of air And it’s precisely on those days when you should
Breathe Breathe in gratitude Exhale praise
So Come along with me on a high climb Up the limbs of life’s “poetree” Sit high upon its lofty branches See above the strife See life See life the way the Creator intended
For He could have painted our home black and white and we’d have never known A shack for a home would have been just fine Instead He gave us a mansion—a globe—wrapped in splendor
With just the bat of His eyelashes, nature jumped in place He suspended the sky like a curtain, secured stars in their sockets, ignited the sun like a fire-ball and told the ocean you can only come this far
Did He have to give the flowers fragrance and the mountains lofty peaks? Was He required to put stripes on the zebra, hump on the camel or make the parrots speak?
No But He did it So my heart stops My jaw drops in awe And my soul erupts like a volcano Lava of praise cascades from within Release Flow Let go, and
Breathe Breathe in gratitude Exhale praise
True There aren’t enough words I can recite to heal all the pain you feel But welcome the rain of surrender, it will wash away every pain, every hurt, if you let it Then bask—bask in the sunshine of God’s favor Sing aloud His praise Raise high His beautiful name
And The next time a sunrise steals your breath or a meadow of flowers leaves you speechless Remain that way Say nothing Listen as He whispers: “Do you like it? I did it just for you”
So Come along with me on a high climb Up the limbs of life’s “poetree” In gratitude let the depth of your soul rings the refrain
And Let everything Let everything that has Let everything that has breath
Breathe Breathe in gratitude Exhale praise
Afterword: My church commissioned a “thankful” piece for thanksgiving service and this was what I wrote and recited. It’s a miracle that we BREATHE!
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There’s a popular TV ad in the US for the campaign of an accounting network, BDO, which has a tagline: “People who know, know BDO”.
Catchy, isn’t it?
This may be true for being in the know about accounting. But, if you want to be in the know about LIFE, where do you go!?
Where do you go in this age of distressing global events, reactive media conversations, alternative facts, misinformation, and gaslighting?
Where do you go when lies are elaborate while truth is disputed—being bracketed and experienced in questioning “air quotes”.
Where do you go when lies trump facts?
Through it all you may be left cynical. You may be wondering what and who can be trusted to guide your life’s course.
There is a book that is specifically designed to provide basic, yet essential, instructions for living life in-the-know, life in-the-now, and life-in-the-forever.
Yes, there is such a book!
It’s written in love, by Love—a love letter from a Lover to His beloved.
It’s a compilation that contains promises for every situation we may encounter as we do life.
It’s also a guide, and a treasure trove of hope, love, and comfort.
It’s relevant in every season, in every century, in every generation—it never gets old, it’s always trending.
It’s been tested, tried and proven to be history’s most powerful, relevant and life-changing collection—66 books, yet all interlinked as one.
It’s a world-best-seller filled with intriguing miracles, scary prophecies, and real-life compelling stories of soulmate love, redemption, deception, family drama, civil unrest, war, reconciliation, world leaders’ rise and world leaders’ fall.
It’s classified in two periods marked by the life and death of its protagonist who just happens to also be its mastermind—it was all by design—divided in the Old Testament, that’s the period before Christ; and the New Testament, the period after Christ.
Its basis is to reveal His character—God—the Way, the Truth, the Life.
Its raison d’être is to give us Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth.
It’s God’s Word—the B.I.B.L.E.!
If you are seeking to distinguish what is truth and what is true—what is true about you, true about people, true about the world, true about the past/the present/the future, and true about God—give the Bible a chance or another chance.
It will reveal that truth is not “what” but “Who”.
And Truth/God is immutable—He’s neither susceptible to or capable of change. (Malachi 3:6) You can trust the never changing God to guide your life course, and you can get to know Him and His life instructions through His word—the Bible.
So, along the lines of BDO’s tagline: The people who know God, know life!
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And I will add unto thy days fifteen years; and I will deliver thee and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria; and I will defend this city for mine own sake, and for my servant David’s sake.
This verse pertains to Hezekiah. Hezekiah was a king over ancient Israel. He was king David’s great-great- great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great grandson.
By the time Hezekiah assumed the throne as king, 13 kings had already reigned for a period of 294 years. In other words, David was dead for almost 300 years. However, when Hezekiah was sick unto death and the Assyrian army was about to invade his kingdom, he prayed to God for good health and deliverance. God responded by adding 15 additional healthy years to Hezekiah and gave him victory over the invading forces. [This whole saga can be read in the Bible, in the 20th chapter of the book of 2nd Kings.]
What resonated with me when I read this was God’s emphasis that He acted not only for His sake, BUT for David’s sake as well.
You may recall, I wrote a bit about David in a previous post and how God testified of David that his heart was like God’s heart. Yes, David had a special relationship with God. But this story goes beyond that to show that God not only treasures relationships, but that He recalls them and will even extend the benefits of those relationships to descendants for years to come.
So when I read the text that started this post I was absolutely fascinated! You may not see immediately why, so let me paint a picture of how my imagination envisioned what transpired when I read this text.
Go with me on your mind’s eye:
The prophet had just delivered the news to Hezekiah that he was about to die and departed from the bedroom of the King.
Hezekiah immediately falls prostrate at his bedside beseeching God for healing and deliverance. His prayer is one of billions ascending to the throne of God, but when Hezekiah’s prayer reached God’s ears it immediately triggered the memory of God who recalled David.
God recalled a man whose heart resembled His; a man who worshipped Him with such reckless abandon and intensity that there was leftover worship, praise, love and adoration stored up in heaven.
And immediately God pulled down on David’s blessings stored up for almost 300 years and credited it to his offspring removed by 12 generations!
How do I know it was immediate? Because so instant was the response, it came between the time the prophet left Hezekiah and reached the courtyard. God instructed him to return to Hezekiah with the counter message of good health and deliverance.
This ability to call down credit from blessings stored up in heaven by an ancestor is not just Bible-relevant.
Have you ever felt like you’re blessed in ways you don’t deserve, partly ‘cause you didn’t pray for it or request it but it seemed to land on you in just the right way at just the right time?! It happens so seamlessly that unless you’re cognizant of being in a state of gratitude, you may just miss it and instead chalk it up to ‘just life’.
For me, Hezekiah’s experience mirrors my mom and me. You see, long before I knew how to pray I had a prayer-warrior interceding on my behalf, storing up blessings in heavenly places that when needed God could redeem by claiming: “for the sake of Agnes, my servant”.
I never take it for granted when my mom says: “I’m praying for you” or “I pray for you every day” because I know—as confirmed by the Bible—God can move on my behalf based on the stored up prayers my mom deposited on my behalf. And not only my mom because I come from a lineage of people who love God and I believe the blessings they have stored up have been sustained over generations. For in the same way there are generational curses and traumas, there are generational blessings.
Shabbat Shalom! Don’t forget to remember—God doesn’t forget. And He’ll bestow blessings on you that’s been stored up at the request of others on your behalf.
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Bell Rock butte beckons Grand Canyon adventure Hike Bright Angel Trail
…Bell Rock, as seen from helicopter
Up, up and away Fear aside, enjoy the ride Soaring in the sky
…first helicopter ride
Nestled in red rocks Chapel of the Holy Cross Shrine providing peace
…this chapel is Sedona’s most powerful vortex site…art in the chapel—God’s Mercy in His Son: James Muir, Sedona, corpus of the cross installed Nov 2016
Sedona vortex Concentrated energy Rise from earth to heal
… meditation, surrounded by cairns
Bye Arizona From rise of sun to setting Soul healer you are
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Today I started my day in a bathtub No water No bubbles Just me, elongated legs and arms, stretched out A fluffy pillow cushioning my back against hard porcelain Sun beam piercing through the blinds bathing me in warmth There’s a stillness in the air Except for the steady second-hand chime of the clock on the adjacent wall Each tick-tocking reminiscent of time’s certain passing Thoughts free flowing like rain Drip-dropping to my fingertips Transforming into words Transferring from mind to paper I write Words of gratitude and appreciation Of thanksgiving and forgiving Words to heal, to restore to empathize I write: “Today I started my day in a bathtub”
After-word: When was the last time you nestled in a bathtub, just because…? Allowing it to envelope you for no other reason than … ‘cause you wanna?! I wrote this piece at a time of uncertainty and unrest and found solace in the sturdiness of the bathtub, in the strength of its curled-down edges and the confinement of its length and width (just enough room to snuggle you in protective-like)
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On my walk, I came across this lone tree, amidst green, transitioning into her season of change
‘Tis the season, autumn’s change ’bout to begin Even in the “death” of trees there’s beauty within Packed with lessons sublime, if we but only see Rebirth comes after dying, letting dead things be
Some times change is designed just for you You can’t imitate what others might do When it’s your season, let things go It’s in the letting go that you will know
What waits for you on the other side Remains unknown till you cross the divide Change is scary, so much to go through The journey is worth it, trees testify this to be true
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From the source of spiritual cosmology Conceived in rhythmic movements Birthed through pulsing pushing Punctuated by intermittent pain and joy
LIFE
Giving leaning into the ineffable Obscured in allusions Developed in plots Composed in stanzas
LIFE LIVED
In fragmented syntax of challenges and victories Linguistic coding lyrics of uninhibited joy with unimaginable sorrow Alliteration of life’s idioms of transformation Reciting poignant epigrams of wondrous elocution
LIFE LIVED IN
Meters to know and be known Evolving through spiritual healing Resolutely declaimed—live in the everlasting now Climaxes in all that was created
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Well … it’s a rainy rainy day in my part of the world then I got this from a friend that literally made me bust out laughing so loud it drowned the showers away.
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For your needs left unmet in a world of wealth immeasurable
For all the times you were abused, your rights taken or violated
For the times when you’ve been let-down, and treated as undeserving
For all the years that’s passed your dreams unfulfilled along the way
For all the times you tried and tried, repeat, repeat but failed
For all the unrecoverable time of days and years bygone
For all the times your voice was silenced, screamed but no one heard you
For all the times like a ‘thing’ set aside,obsolete, no longer needed
You—the left-behind, the marginalized, the abused and oft forgotten
For all those times, keep up your fight, there’re others in your corner
This poem was first published July 5, 2021 under the title “Fight”. Republished today to mark International Day of Peace. The 2022 Theme: End racism. Build peace.
After-word: Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on 21 September. The UN General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, through observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire.
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Not every opportunity is a blessing. Not every open door is for us to walk through. Not every closed door is a missed opportunity.
When we come to know, understand and accept that our lives are not a game of luck and chances but rather the accumulation of decisions and choices, then we want to be careful, thoughtful and prayerful about the decisions and choices we make.
Amen!
Shabbat Shalom! May you be observant and discerning of the circumstances of your life, and be open to hear God’s leading and be willing to follow.
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One of the benefits of writing is that words live on in perpetuity and can be revisited.
This week was very trying for me with some heavy emotional moments on issues that will deeply impact my future. By the end of the week I was emotionally spent. The week also concluded a month of intense immersive learning in a “new land” as I’m trying to improve my competency in Spanish. As I sat in tears (literally) before my teacher feeling utterly bewildered that I hadn’t learned enough, she hugged and calmly reminded me that I need not worry but to find peace, God’s peace.
As I do when my emotions/mind run higher than my body can cope—I slept. Twelve hours later I’m rejuvenated (because I was also extremely tired) and I reflected on the day. I heard my teacher’s voice—I need God’s peace. So I returned to my own words: Jehovah Shalom that I’m re-sharing here. Maybe you too need to be reminded that God’s peace is FULL & COMPLETE peace!
Shabbat Shalom!
The name of the LORD is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe (Proverbs 18:10). While we are climbing our way out of this current …
… enslaved Africans kept at this holding dungeon were taken through this door, loaded to ships and taken across the Atlantic never to see home again
Lest we forget:
Retraced ancestral path
Standing in the “door of no return”
The beauty of the vista before me obliterated
I see instead anguish of fore-parents
Shackled, stolen into slavery
“Ark of Return”—a sculpture commissioned by the United Nations to commemorate the end of slave trade (UN NY Headquarters) to coincide with the International Day of remembrance for the victims of slavery
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It’s coming up to 78 degrees Celsius. It’s HOT! It’s HUMID!!
This drink is offered to you from under the shelter of a beach umbrella, a cool wind picks up off the ocean waves, you take the first sip and you say: ________________ [fill in the blank]
Drop your “fill in the blank” comments below 👇 and help me build a poem. I’m excited to see what magic we co-create. Let’s go …
UPDATE: The co-created poem can be seen and heard, just click here 👉 “That Drink”
Word of the day: STORY—telling an account of imaginary or real people and events
What is the story you’re telling yourself? Whose story is it anyway?
As the day unfolds, inevitably we’ll tell ourselves stories about what’s happening around us—in our own lives, about people we’re interacting with, and about ourselves. The story or narrative we construct is based on how we are experiencing the world around us in that moment, it’s an interpretation of facts as we see them. The narrative may not necessarily be false, but a version of the truth as we see it—from the perspective and experiences of “I”.
I’m a classic storyteller, mostly because I live so comfortably in my head. So, how do I manage?
Awareness is key. To recognize when you’re in story and when you’re getting stuck and ruminating particularly if it’s negative and making you unhappy.
Not judging yourself is important. Lean into the narrative you’re spinning, stay aware including how it’s making you feel—physically and emotionally—without judging yourself.
Best not to act, at least not in the immediate. You know that email you write and let it sit for a few hours then re-read it to your own horror at the content and tone of what you’d written? Yes, best not to act in the immediate.
And, it’s okay to tell your story as it really is.
Word of the day: INTROSPECTION— to observe/examine your own mental & emotional processes
You have a voice—not just the sound you utter through your mouth; but the power to express your opinion and attitude. Be bold and confident and own that voice in your head. Your voice is the embodiment of who you are—your voice is your YOU. Speak up and speak out. Your opinion matters and it doesn’t matter if it’s from a unique perspective. You don’t live in the world the exact same way everyone else does, then why would your opinions and viewpoints be exactly the same?
Speaking your truth means first knowing your voice. It requires introspection—to examine what’s going on in your mind (mental check-in) and the emotional processes you go through. It also requires respecting your voice by not allowing yourself to be silenced or intimated; but, to instead speak your truth with confidence and grace.
Your voice is also your attitude and self-expression—the way you dress, your gait, the way you style your hair and even the way you gesticulate. Speak/dress/wear/express your truth boldly and with confidence.
A collection of writing by Dominic Riccitello — intimate conversations, personal essays, and poetic reflections on relationships, loss, and self-discovery.
Poems & More 