tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82357536675283659712024-03-13T09:04:01.534-07:00The Journal Of A Black Mormon GirlBlack. Mormon. Girl. Here I will share my thoughts and beliefs about the spiritual chapter of my life. I will write of the things we do as a peculiar people as well as the experiences of being a Member of the Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter Day Saints. I want the world to know that I am not ashamed of that which guides me to be a better person and that which leads me to Christ. It's a great journey, I hope you'll enjoy the view from your seatShaBANGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12435939559462982820noreply@blogger.comBlogger171125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8235753667528365971.post-44366607509617310222016-01-03T14:41:00.001-08:002016-01-03T14:41:37.199-08:00ShaBANGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12435939559462982820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8235753667528365971.post-77970271652730206772015-09-06T22:24:00.002-07:002015-09-06T22:24:28.481-07:00EVERY HOME NEEDS A WAR ROOM!<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">
<br /></div>
<br />
I live in Utah. UTAH! Black People make up 1% of the population in Utah. Utah. That was when the last Census was taken in 2013. Although this place Is becoming more and more diverse we black folks in Utah are Pioneers. Most people with brown or olive skin in Utah are pioneers. We miss out on a lot culturally here. There just isn't the interest or the support from the majority of Utah Citizens to learn outside of themselves. That fact, for me is a breeding ground for racial and cultural biases, prejudices and bigotry. People tend to be afraid of what they don't educate themselves of.<br />
<br />
Recently (as in a week or 2 ago) 2 movies riddles in black culture with mostly black casts came to Utah. The more popular one is "Straight Outta Compton." The story of the rap group NWA. Although it is a true story, it also plays to the Stereotypes that most believe of black people, especially here in Utah. When speaking with most of my friends here, Majority of course white, they have seen and enjoyed Straight Outta Compton and are fans of the Rap group NWA. <br />
<a data-ved="0CAcQjRxqFQoTCOiiwsKV5McCFY8yiAod7aIGzQ" href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CAcQjRxqFQoTCOiiwsKV5McCFY8yiAod7aIGzQ&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.burkinaonline.com%2Fwp%2Fstraight-outta-compton-le-film-sur-n-w-a-bat-des-records%2F&psig=AFQjCNFEZbxzvNxVmKi1wa0sVqPgBYo5Kg&ust=1441689248870505" id="irc_mil" jsaction="mousedown:irc.rl;keydown:irc.rlk;irc.il;" style="border-image: none; border: 0px currentColor;"><img height="223" id="irc_mi" src="http://fr.trace.tv/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2015/09/straight-outta-compton-movie-2015.jpg" style="margin-top: 5px;" width="400" /></a><a href="http://nwamusic.tumblr.com/" title="N.W.A"></a><br />
<br />
The least popular movie is "War Room." About a family struggling to stay together and failing Until an Elderly woman takes it upon herself to mentor the wife on how to properly fight for you family and marriage through God. I know, I know you already feel the preachy and don't want any part of it. These movies tend to be boring and preachy with bad acting. NO worries! This is probably your que to leave. Everyone else YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.<br />
<br />
I have a new favorite movie! I loved it. LOVED IT<br />
<br />
I am so culturally proud of the movie War Room! You see, there's a part of the black culture that the media and entertainment field doesn't really delve into and that is out spiritual side. There is a black church culture like no other. And even as a member of the LDS Church I still say there is nothing like worshiping with Grandma and Grandma's church! I have heard many men and women of God around the world pray: LDS Prophets, Catholic Priests, TD Jakes and Joel Osteen. I've hear prayers in Temples and Cathedrals', Synagogues and Mega churches. But the prayers that strike me to the core are the one's I've heard at the knee of my Momma, Grandmama's and Great-Grandmama's , praying for their families, for their men and praising their God! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a data-ved="0CAcQjRxqFQoTCJvmtI6R5McCFZaciAoduloH5w" href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CAcQjRxqFQoTCJvmtI6R5McCFZaciAoduloH5w&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ladyofprayer.com%2Ftag%2Flydiacircle-for-christian-business-and-pofessional-women%2F&psig=AFQjCNE9ej670enjqGCQyvwmeLr3zLI8ew&ust=1441688150726131" id="irc_mil" jsaction="mousedown:irc.rl;keydown:irc.rlk;irc.il;" style="border-image: none; border: 0px currentColor;"><img height="308" id="irc_mi" src="http://ladyofprayer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/timewellspentfemale-300x231.jpg" style="margin-top: 165px;" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
As a Christian I am spiritually proud of this movie! I could relate to soo many scenes, from stanky feet to praying for my man (when I had one. Boy, that Alabaster Box Album and the song "He's Not Ready...He's not on his knees" had me on mine and in tears many nights) to walking through every room commanding in the name of Jesus that the Devil get up on outta my house!" Remembering the realness of struggling to submit to the will of the Lord and the final release when humbling myself to do so. And the faith and relief of knowing that God had everything under control. I find myself asking How did I manage to step so far away rom those moments? Now keep in mind this moments were accompanied by the relationship of a Wife who was angry and bitter with her husband and a husband who was angry and bitter at his wife with a daughter in the middle observing it all. <br />
<br />
What saddens me the most is when a Good Movie like WAR ROOM comes along it goes unsupported. We, the black community get caught up in Piss-off-city when white people want to see and keep us in stereotypes that reflect us negatively as Rappers, Thugs, and Mad Black people. Yet when something culturally reflecting our spirituality and ability to win a struggle legally, spiritually and morally we don't support it. If WE don't support it, how can we expect others to support us in it?<br />
<a data-ved="0CAcQjRxqFQoTCJeLqLGW5McCFQIpiAodJgYJtA" href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CAcQjRxqFQoTCJeLqLGW5McCFQIpiAodJgYJtA&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2Fwarroommovie&psig=AFQjCNHjdxX2ZMFQUx-nRT3x-YRWuoSbaQ&ust=1441689538396477" id="irc_mil" jsaction="mousedown:irc.rl;keydown:irc.rlk;irc.il;" style="border-image: none; border: 0px currentColor;"><img height="400" id="irc_mi" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/582953403749429248/3cvuu-Lj.png" style="margin-top: 80px;" width="400" /></a><br />
I have lost count of how many of my friends and family,black and white have seen "Straight Outta Compton." I Can count on 3 fingers how many of them have seen "War Room." That doesn't include myself. I'm not saying "S.O.C" is a bad movie or a bad movie choice. What I am saying is this: I know very few white people who are going to support a movie with an all or mostly black supporting cast. When they do, it will be something along the lines of Madea, or Kevin Hart, Or Martin Lawrence or Will Smith, action filled with swearing, killing and sex. Or the antics of a Big black man dressed up like an old black woman who is most outlandish to the white community. They're going to line up to see our antics in the form of court jesters or thug.<br />
<br />
Very few will go out of their way to see stories like SELMA or WAR ROOM. The films that WE Feel define us best to our core.<br />
<br />
I saw the Movie SELMA earlier this year. It came out about the same time as American Sniper. Once a gain my white friends/family felt they had to choose to watch SELMA or American Sniper. Not recognizing there didn't need to be a choice. One story was just as American and Patriotic as the other. One story was just as important to American History as the other. The reality of it is WE HAVE AMERICAN SNIPERS IN OTHER COUNTRY BECAUSE OF THE BULLSH*T THAT HAPPENED IN SELMA. Does anyone else find it odd that we have American Snipers "policing the injustices of civil humanities" in other countries, while we can't even get that same support in our own? <br />
<br />
<img alt="Image result for allies" class="rg_i" data-sz="f" height="469" jsaction="load:str.tbn" name="Q0tyeZ7af6LRSM:" src="data:image/jpeg;base64,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" style="height: 176px; margin-left: -3px; margin-right: -7px; margin-top: 0px; width: 240px;" width="640" /><br />
War Room set a fire inside of me that I haven't felt for year. It gave me the desire to get back on a plan with myself and with the Lord. In a time where "all lives matter" and people a going into jails and not coming back out alive, or getting stopped by the police and sharing their last breath in the company of those in uniform, it is Imperative that everyone home have a "war room." To deal with the battle that goes on around us every day inside our homes, on our streets and in our places of business. WE ARE AT WAR with Vices we don't even see. Homes are riddled and pocked with abuse, addiction, contention and so many other things tearing families away from each other and the Lord. We've grown to proud to call on Heaven when we are in too deep and have the audacity to wonder why this nation is going to hell in a hand basket when we hear the news of what goes on out in the street. War Room was like Black folks General Conference and if you are LDS that says a lot. Every family needs to see this. And urge your allies to see it as well. There is no reason why everyone regardless of color and culture can't see this film. <br />
<img alt="Image result for allies" class="rg_i" data-src="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRAcNFutinLrSNSEZOrx-nMuSeRzdi21WskjA55cEB-YlgPjPvF9g" data-sz="f" height="268" jsaction="load:str.tbn" name="MmrHrgMRwMc3EM:" src="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRAcNFutinLrSNSEZOrx-nMuSeRzdi21WskjA55cEB-YlgPjPvF9g" style="height: 184px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; width: 274px;" width="400" /><br />
<br />
It's taken me back to my black church roots! You know, the kind where you get that big white HOLY BIBLE with the genealogy pages for adding the names and birth records of all the family members. And you retire to that prayer room *war room* in the house where you pray in secret everyday and write out those special prayers for special people and situations and hand them on the wall. And you start to keep that Journal of all your answered prayers, so that when times of trouble and doubt creep in you refer back to it REMEMBERING all that the Lord has done for you and yours. This was a movie full of Gospel Principles. And I believe more people would enjoy it if they ventured out to see it. I will be owning this one.<br />
<a data-ved="0CAcQjRxqFQoTCND5kfCT5McCFUU7iAodVQIF6Q" href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CAcQjRxqFQoTCND5kfCT5McCFUU7iAodVQIF6Q&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Fsearch%3Fq%3Dheirloom%2Bbible&bvm=bv.102022582,d.cGU&psig=AFQjCNHt3GnMoXZX_ifQdEVLGU0lYjYM6A&ust=1441688900957961" id="irc_mil" jsaction="mousedown:irc.rl;keydown:irc.rlk;irc.il;" style="border-image: none; border: 0px currentColor;"><img height="270" id="irc_mi" src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/009/0/6674565/il_340x270.449780209_wnct.jpg" style="margin-top: 145px;" width="340" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://ktla.com/2015/09/06/box-office-war-room-pushes-straight-outta-compton-out-of-top-spot-over-labor-day-weekend/">http://ktla.com/2015/09/06/box-office-war-room-pushes-straight-outta-compton-out-of-top-spot-over-labor-day-weekend/</a>ShaBANGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12435939559462982820noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8235753667528365971.post-28740537662494019152015-05-29T20:46:00.000-07:002015-05-29T20:46:31.277-07:00ANGELS ARE PROTECTING....<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve have been given some amazing blessings during some amazing circumstances I remember rough time in particular when my daughter was 4 or 5 years old a huge cloud of depression came over me and would not lift for weeks. At one point I would send my daughter off to Headstart. From the time she got on the bus to the time she got off the bus would have bouts of crying for what appeared to be no apparent reason. But if there was a knock on the door or a phone call I could turn it off Just like that only to have it start up again when the visitor left of the phone hung up.<u></u><u></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One particular <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_8564763" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ"><span style="color: #222222;">Saturday</span></span></span> my daughter was spending the weekend with my sister. Although I was not crying I was in the thick of the depression.<span style="color: #1f497d;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://johnbalaya.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/emotion-child-cloud-rainfall.jpg" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2e7884; font-size: 13.5pt; text-decoration: none;"></span></a><span style="color: #1f497d;"><img src="http://johnbalaya.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/emotion-child-cloud-rainfall.jpg" /></span></div>
<span class="im"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="im"> At the time, I had a friend who flew out to different states and taught classes on the weekend and would fly back home. I was absolutely shocked when the phone rang and I heard her voice on the answering machine. She mentioned she was calling to say hello. A couple of hours went by and she called back. I, again, let it go to the machine? “Girl, What’s up! Im on my lunch break and wanted to see how you’re doing today!” That weird, and nice of her I thought. We were pretty good friends at the time and so it was nothing for us to call each other. However it was odd for her to call on a week where she was out of state. So Imagine my surprise when she called a third time and said… “Im not sure why I’m supposed to call you, but I’m calling to let you know that I’m thinking of you today and if you’re struggling I can feel it and I’m here if you need to talk or need anything. Love you, bye!” <u></u><u></u></span></div>
<span class="im">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="im"><u></u> <u></u></span></div>
<span class="im">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="im">I was shocked. Although I’m not sure why, because I get impression like to to call or go visit people all the time and it happens to be in a time of need. <u></u><u></u></span></div>
<span class="im">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="im"> I felt It was time I speak with my bishop and get a blessing. My Bishop was also my home teacher and our families were close. I was his wife’s visiting Teacher as well as a young women’s advisor for 2 of their daughters. And they just practically lived In the back yard where my apartment complex was so we were always visiting back and forth. I spoke to him about what was going on and agreed that it sounded like he should give me a blessing. He asked if we could do it the next day so he could fast and pray about it before hand. I have always appreciated him taking the extra time to prepare himself for giving a blessing. I’m not sure that I’ve ever had a bishop do things quite that way but It always made me feel extra special, him asking for time to prepare himself to be a vessel in my behalf. <u></u><u></u></span></div>
<span class="im">
<div class="MsoNormal">
We met the next day for my blessing which was AMAZING. <span style="color: #1f497d;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1f497d;"><u></u> <a data-ved="0CAcQjRw" href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CAcQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.funnydam.com%2Ftops.html%3Fi%3D124%26name%3DBlessing&ei=PRxpVZGkMoPFsAXC9oHIDQ&bvm=bv.94455598,d.b2w&psig=AFQjCNGqcSxQQvFv27xHjWMKpecmwjzqYQ&ust=1433038186669200" id="irc_mil" jsaction="mousedown:irc.rl;keydown:irc.rlk;irc.il;" style="border-image: none; border: 0px currentColor;"><img src="http://www.funnydam.com/uploads/blessing_stone_pictures_9202763019.jpg" height="278" id="irc_mi" style="margin-top: 0px;" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1f497d;"><u></u> </span></div>
</span><span class="im"><div class="MsoNormal">
I wont mention too much about it but I will mention this particular portion. At some point during the blessing he paused for literally a couple of minutes. That’s a long time to sit in silence. And his voice slightly changed when he spoke again he said “angels are protecting those who are close to you for your benefit…” And at the time that frightened me. My thoughts were… “what’s going to happen to me that those around me are going to need protection to help me??”<span style="color: #1f497d;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1f497d;"><u></u> <u></u></span></div>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<img alt="Image result for African American Guardian Angels" class="rg_i" data-src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRkhG0kYMQJ9k-BAtLNcS5CAFVgSevOnC4rsnuT1EsytR_9fPVw2w" data-sz="f" jsaction="load:str.tbn" name="mTpYrSUT2vs_fM:" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRkhG0kYMQJ9k-BAtLNcS5CAFVgSevOnC4rsnuT1EsytR_9fPVw2w" style="height: 176px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; width: 176px;" /></div>
<span class="im"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="im"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="im"> Truly limited vision at the time but I’ve come to know exactly what it means. When the blessing ended I felt exhausted. So I laid down to rest. When I woke a few hours later, I called the Bishop’s wife, and we’re close friends. I wanted to thank the Bishop. She said…. “I don’t know what happened in that blessing and I don’t need to know but He came home so exhausted he’s been sleeping for the last few hours. He felt so much of Heavenly Father’s power and love come down for you that it wiped him out!! That’s never happened like that before” We both laughed about how my electric personality and how it must have sapped his energy source and it and compared it to how Lehi was so caught up in the spirit that it exhausted him to his bed. Had it been more current I would have said… “THAT’S THE POWER OF PINESOL BABY!!” lol It felt good to find something to laugh about and in the day following I began to slowly come out of my Cloud of depression. <u></u><u></u></span></div>
<span class="im"><img height="299" src="https://destinyachievement.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/00018869_h.jpg" width="400" /></span></div>
<span class="im">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://www.google.com/url?url=https://destinyachievement.wordpress.com/2013/11/13/out-of-darkness-into-the-light/&rct=j&frm=1&q=&esrc=s&sa=U&ei=nKhoVe_wGoSYyQTS94D4Cw&ved=0CDYQ9QEwEA&usg=AFQjCNEpO5VQuF3-lkrBi_uVd7bD620tlQ" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1a0dab; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; text-decoration: none;"></span></a><u></u><u></u> </div>
<span class="im"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="im">What I’ve come to learn through the years is that blessings and promises like that aren’t really just for the moment or current situation. This happened 20 years ago and I can see, in the last 20 years how those close to me have been guarded and protected by angels for my benefit. <u></u><u></u></span></div>
<span class="im">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I had one such occasion <span style="color: #1f497d;">a few days ago.</span><u></u><u></u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Saturday June 20, 2008 I had a leadership meeting at the LDS genesis chapel. At that meeting I was asking the current Relief Society ( Women’s Organization) President for some advise on a an incident that happened the day before that could be a huge legal issue. The Relief Society President is an attorney so she was in the perfect position to help me with my concern. As I began relaying the experiences to her, my mind blurred and could not differentiate between me telling her the situation and me going through the situations and I began to relive the experience as I’m sharing it with her<span style="color: #1f497d;">. I couldn’t “connect the dots” </span> which resulted into a full breakdown.<span style="color: #1f497d;"> <u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1f497d;"><u></u> <u></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1f497d;"><img alt="Image result for nervous breakdown ecard" class="rg_i" data-src="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTu-rsHqV9vxIwEqaPOrQJ1wlYsMAAlKzlqTvJC25np9XBvSVjU" data-sz="f" jsaction="load:str.tbn" name="9T6hRTsdOtRUsM:" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTu-rsHqV9vxIwEqaPOrQJ1wlYsMAAlKzlqTvJC25np9XBvSVjU" style="height: 177px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; width: 252px;" /></span></div>
<span class="im"><br />
<br />
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="im">I couldn’t distinguish between reality and memory. Another of the sisters recognized what I was experiencing and suggest I needed to get to a crisis center. She recognized it because she has gone through it herself and was there available for my benefit. My sister and I had just moved to a new ward 2 months prior so I was not familiar with the name of the bishop. However our neighbor and friend, who also is a therapist was able to contact our bishop and explain the situation. The bishop called LDS Family services crisis line and was able to get me in immediately. I asked the R.S President to come with me. I don’t remember too much about the rest of the day… Or the 6 months after. I do know our new Bishop took great care of me and my needs. He was there before my benefit, before he committed suicide a month and a half after my crisis. I was a stranger and he took me in and made sure I had all the care needed, before he took himself out.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
<span class="im">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="im"><u></u> <u></u></span></div>
<span class="im">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="im">That was 7 years ago. Lately my mind has been fixated on June of this year, 2015. The body and mind remembers anniversary dates especially where trauma is concerned. On <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_8564764" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ"><span style="color: #222222;">Saturday June 20, 2015</span></span></span>. I will be at the LDS Genesis chapel in a leadership meeting. <u></u><u></u></span></div>
<span class="im">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="im">Eerily my mind has been fixated on the events of the same morning 7 years ago. Do I go? Do I stay away? What if I freak the freak out? <span style="color: #1f497d;"><u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
<span class="im">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a class="irc_mutl" data-noload="" data-ved="0CAcQjRw" href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CAcQjRw&url=https%3A%2F%2Fafoxstale.wordpress.com%2F2014%2F12%2F11%2Fi-cant-breathe%2F&ei=0SlpVf2-DcOTsAWdzIC4BQ&bvm=bv.94455598,d.b2w&psig=AFQjCNFY7dL4zOeDAOVmWDWvziaHzy9Qyw&ust=1433041684031071" jsaction="mousedown:irc.rl;keydown:irc.rlk"><img class="irc_mut" height="252" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR_zRwMhbCDqtiDl5L54n2wlKZti_xh2mkNwV7mxI4ivDohCZmjhg" style="margin-top: 0px;" width="400" /></a></div>
<span class="im"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="im"><span style="color: #1f497d;"><u></u> <u></u></span></span></div>
<span class="im">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="im">I was going over this with my sister. Who at one time was part of the Genesis Leadership. If I happen to get to a point where I am incapacitated, who then can help me? We went through our list of the current members of the Leadership. There would be 3 people there who were in the room the first time. However 1 of them panicked and couldn’t handle it then, it scared them to the point of not knowing what to do. The other 2 could possibly be there however one having PTSD herself and is currently going thru a rough time, may not be there the other being their spouse. Also they will be out of town hopefully holding the newest member of the family they are expecting. <u></u><u></u></span></div>
<span class="im">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="im"> <u></u><u></u></span></div>
<span class="im">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
And then I remembered.. . There is a brot<span style="color: #1f497d;">ha </span> in the leadership who is familiar with my situation. He will be at the leadership meeting. Next month. What I didn’t know until yesterday is that he was actually at the Crisis Center that day I arrived 7 years ago. <u></u><u></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u></u> <u></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m still trying to wrap my head around it. <span style="color: #1f497d;">I don’t remember too much about that day… or the next 6 months that would follow. Im told, and </span>As it appears I was taken to the Center and they were expecting me. <span style="color: #1f497d;"> My brotha </span> was in the front of the office and heard some of what the situation was. Upon hearing it was a possible issue with <span style="color: #1f497d;">sexual </span>harassment he returned to his office so as not to trigger or upset the patient coming in because he could feel the urgency of the crisis. I was brought in and whisked away to the back. When he came back out he recognized my friend and my sister. So when I mentioned to my sister this broth<span style="color: #1f497d;">a </span> would be there she said… “well he was there the day we took you in.” I told her she was mistaken. She said… She remembered seeing him that day, it was after I had been taken back to see the crisis therapist and he stepped back into the front of the office and there was my friend and my sister. MIND BLOWN!!!! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a data-ved="0CAcQjRw" href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CAcQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fimgur.com%2Fgallery%2FvVsI0Au&ei=SSppVYiPLsKSsAWKyoLYCg&bvm=bv.94455598,d.b2w&psig=AFQjCNFSdpp42GaV5eqJt2uOEhNRVzbAlg&ust=1433041848919723" id="irc_mil" jsaction="mousedown:irc.rl;keydown:irc.rlk;irc.il;" style="border-image: none; border: 0px currentColor;"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/vVsI0Au.jpg" height="333" id="irc_mi" style="margin-top: 138px;" width="500" /></a></div>
I immediately messaged him and he called me and confirmed the details of that day. He was indeed there 7 years ago. And will be there next month.<u></u><u></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u></u> <u></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“<span style="color: #1f497d;">You’ve got to take that day back! Y</span>ou’ll be in good hands, I got you covered..”<u></u><u></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u></u> <a data-ved="0CAcQjRw" href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CAcQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fterijohnson.com%2Fquotes%2F&ei=oC9pVY_bJMOusAW34IGADg&bvm=bv.94455598,d.b2w&psig=AFQjCNEhSydRF7CU2jPG11T-pCU18E-n8w&ust=1433042972054832" id="irc_mil" jsaction="mousedown:irc.rl;keydown:irc.rlk;irc.il;" style="border-image: none; border: 0px currentColor;"><img src="http://terijohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/DSCN4762.jpg" height="393" id="irc_mi" style="margin-top: 0px;" width="494" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Took me all day to get my head around<span style="color: #1f497d;"> that</span>. And my sister finally said to me… “angels are protecting those who are close to you for your benefit…” <u></u><u></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a data-ved="0CAcQjRw" href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CAcQjRw&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pinterest.com%2FTrionaabrown%2Fquotes-to-live-by%2F&ei=Vi1pVY2BOcmNsAWv04LoDA&bvm=bv.94455598,d.b2w&psig=AFQjCNHYx_5sCO8iADsS0kJTF_c5jVOc9g&ust=1433042595244486" id="irc_mil" jsaction="mousedown:irc.rl;keydown:irc.rlk;irc.il;" style="border-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="235" id="irc_mi" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/c9/a7/58/c9a758f9414e478bbfdd7f984f9f9610.jpg" style="margin-top: 187px;" width="236" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: none;"></span> </div>
<span class="im"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="im">They were being protected 20 years ago. They were being protected 7 years ago and they are being protected now, for my benefit. . I am truly blessed by those I choose to keep closely in my friendship and grateful to the Lord for that protection he provides them and me.</span></div>
<span class="im">
<br /><a href="http://e5ter.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/be-still-and-know.jpg"><img alt="Image" class=" wp-image alignleft" src="http://e5ter.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/be-still-and-know.jpg?w=390&h=390" height="390" id="i-1268" width="390" /></a></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I hope I can be the type of person who is always worthy of their closeness, their friendship and the protection the Lord provides them in my behalf<span style="color: #1f497d;">.</span><u></u><u></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u></u> <u></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><u></u> <u></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u></u> </div>
ShaBANGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12435939559462982820noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8235753667528365971.post-27051768474706879612015-02-15T16:02:00.000-08:002015-02-15T16:37:57.566-08:00CHURCH CONGREGATIONS : FAMILY, FRIEND or FOE?<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">
</div>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Image result for our church family" border="0" class="rg_i" data-sz="f" height="200" jsaction="load:str.tbn" name="mMSz4KFwPzm0bM:" src="data:image/jpeg;base64,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" style="cursor: move; height: 159px; margin-top: 0px; width: 318px;" unselectable="on" width="400" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
A part of me feels guilty when I hear of what many of my brothers and sisters go through in their wards. I've heard some ward members will actually snitch on others because they are not in agreement with a comment they heard in Sunday School or Relief Society or in our other meetings.<br />
<div class="irc_mutc">
<a class="irc_mutl" data-ved="0CAcQjRw" href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CAcQjRw&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pinterest.com%2Fpin%2F65443000807768468%2F&ei=kSDhVJagL9DxoAT2k4K4Ag&bvm=bv.85970519,d.cGU&psig=AFQjCNFmnX6k2YfhzBWYb7DBqDCIlIjUDQ&ust=1424126456547331" jsaction="mousedown:irc.rl;keydown:irc.rlk"><img class="irc_mut" height="362" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT7geEKMDHBjFSylnMNz_BgPuA1nrp2J7Kc6rFODAorgPoMo5oe" style="margin-top: 16px;" width="500" /></a></div>
"Bishop! Sister Blamwell said we shouldn't follow the prophet!"<br />
<br />
Sister Blamwell said "We shouldn't follow the prophet blindly without praying for our own confirmation of what the prophet speaks about, because that's how Hitlers come to power"<br />
Even Nephi asked his brothers if they Prayed for understanding and truth of what Father Lehi spoke to them about.<br />
<br />
Sometimes I feel this is the difference growing up LDS in Utah vs Outside of Utah.<br />
<br />
Which brings us to our ward Families. The beauty of our ward families is that they are compiled of members who come from different backgrounds, cultures, life experiences, countries and perceptions. The problem with our ward families is that they are compiled of members who come from different backgrounds, cultures, life experiences, countries and perceptions.<br />
<br />
Our church congregations and meeting houses should be considered a neighborhood home away from home and a place of comfort. Not just for it's members but for anyone who needs a place of respite and energizing and most of all love.<br />
I've heard and seen some horrific things at church. Things that come of a holier than though and elitist nature. Things that folks can leave at the country clubs and other "Society affiliates." Things that should definitely be spoken within the walls of the House of the Lord.<br />
<br />
It is hard to walk into a building with the purpose of learning the Word of God when those teaching it an have stewardship and fellowship over you aren't practicing what they're preaching.<br />
<img alt="Image result for our church hypocrites" class="rg_i" data-sz="f" height="280" jsaction="load:str.tbn" name="yUaRzH4gK9cMfM:" src="data:image/jpeg;base64,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" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" width="400" /><br />
<br />
<br />
We should all be able to go to church, stand in our truth, no matter how good, bad or ugly it is and feel the glory of God within ourselves and within others. Sinners don't need the judging eyes and pointing fingers of those within who have overcome sins of their own. They need the encouragement and the support of love and kindness. They don't particularly need to be reminded they smell like smoke, their clothes aren't clean, they haven't been their in years and suddenly they're here because they need help. <br />
I remember two distinct situations that solidified my idea of what a church congregation can and should be.<br />
<br />
I can remember one day when my daughter was younger I was in a depressed state for what seemed like months. She would go to preschool and I would spend my days just sobbing. <br />
<div class="irc_mutc">
<a class="irc_mutl" data-ved="0CAcQjRw" href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CAcQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mieranadhirah.com%2F2015%2F01%2Fabout-depression.html&ei=kCbhVNDdG4znoATmoIKoAw&bvm=bv.85970519,d.cGU&psig=AFQjCNG9SwyRmBLhgCJDZtPF-YCK1s6EgQ&ust=1424127971334330" jsaction="mousedown:irc.rl;keydown:irc.rlk"><img class="irc_mut" height="251" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQdb5XhpBDK2VJ5S3ux0d8KKqVNWEbsQ0dRud8skfI0zzbH2nqS" style="margin-top: 55px;" width="400" /></a></div>
I remember being able to turn it on and off if someone called, or came to the door or as soon as she came home. One particular Sunday I had determined I wasn't going to church. I didn't feel like it and I didn't want to. I spent the next couple hours cleaning the house and getting ready for the next week. I had missed our Sacrament meeting and it was halfway through Sunday school. The last meeting of the day would be Relief Society, which is the LDS Women's Auxiliary. So many sisters absolutely hate this meeting. I don't mind it. On this particular day I had no desire to partake of any of the services that day. I remember ignoring that "Still Small Voice.' that said... "Karyn, you should go to church." I shook of that voice 3 times that morning. And when it was about 10 minutes for the Women's Meeting to start I Hear a voice very audibly and powerful. "Karyn, you MUST get to church!" It was so audible I turned around to see who had come into my house. There was no one there that I could see. But the power and urgency I felt in the voice unnerved me.<br />
<div class="irc_mutc">
<a class="irc_mutl" data-ved="0CAcQjRw" href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CAcQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.resbalt.org%2Fres-blog%2Fdoes-god-really-speak-to-us&ei=CirhVOCaGMKvogTM54LgAg&bvm=bv.85970519,d.cGU&psig=AFQjCNHopyYtKSTTyhVfA7ZLMuhdd0sAlg&ust=1424128699703385" jsaction="mousedown:irc.rl;keydown:irc.rlk"><img class="irc_mut" height="300" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRPdxwbklUjBkZtnCqNuUqq7NX5KYaEJY7NiKFWq14s1AzEPm0x" style="margin-top: 47px;" width="300" /></a></div>
I put on a Michigan Wolverine sweat shirt, jean skirt and my blue and white Reeboks as part of my Rebellion. I'll go but I'm going on my own terms. I pulled my hair back into a pony tail and walked across the street to the Chapel. <br />
<br />
I walked into the door and down the hall to the Relief Society Room. Ignored the greeter and sat in the 2nd to last seat in the 2nd to last row. Those who came in looked at me with a smile and a wave and I bushed them off with a "don't you dare talk, sit or even look at me today or I'll slap you!" Oh there was such an anger in me for having to come. I sat by myself with my arms and legs folded as if to close myself off from everyone else. I was clearly sending the message... "I Don't want to be here so pretend I'm not here.' <br />
The sister conducting stood up, made the typical announcements an turned the time over for the opening Hymn: <br />
<br />
Our Saviors Love.<br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUKrKIGkagg">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUKrKIGkagg</a><br />
<br />
<br />
I had heard the song for years. Decades. So many times. Something in me that day was so desperate it opened me up to receive that song in a way it never had before and I would never hear that song again without choking up.<br />
<br />
By the end of the first verse I felt a tear down my cheek. <br />
By the end of the second verse I was sobbing and recognized 3 sisters had come and sat by me. two on either side and one behind me and they were crying with me, for me. Holding me so tight so I wouldn't fall apart. I was so grateful for them in those moments. By the end of the 3rd verse most of the sisters in the room with crying. It was a great unification of Sisterhood that day. No body knew what was going on with me. Nobody asked me to explain what I was going through or why such a disruption. No body needed to. All they knew was that I needed solidarity of some kind and they did what they could even if it was just crying with me. And it pulled me out of a 6 week depression.<br />
<br />
It's literally 20+ years later and that experience lives permanently on my heart. And I share it when I can. Because it demonstrates to me the importance and difference a ward family can make in the lives of those in it. <br />
<br />
<br />
Another tough time I had been having in a different ward. I had to see the Bishop and his counselors o guide me out of this experience. It was difficult and humbling. I could have easily not confronted the situation but know I couldn't live one more minute in the truth of it. <br />
My ward leaders gathered around me. They acknowledged my fear and my desire to run away. They took me in and asked me to trust them, and to trust the Lord. They followed up with please don't run from us. Please let us love you and support you and keep you strong through it. Our purpose and the purpose of the ward is to love you through it all.<br />
<div class="irc_mutc">
<img alt="Image result for Strength in numbers" class="rg_i" data-src="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS7xPDVOKZFXU7zgEQdBOoGoCJks68Q8bRaJEeWlO99yRkAjS9Wvw" data-sz="f" jsaction="load:str.tbn" name="FeN5mHIwyzrUcM:" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS7xPDVOKZFXU7zgEQdBOoGoCJks68Q8bRaJEeWlO99yRkAjS9Wvw" style="height: 225px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; width: 225px;" /></div>
<br />
I was awestruck by this. The more I share this experience I find it to be a rarity. This particular ward couldn't give a rat's tail what you look like, how you smell, what you're wearing they would welcome anyone at anytime with open arms and smiles. And it wasn't just those who were assigned to fellowship your family it was everyone, even the children. When the president of the Women's Auxiliary asked you for a "Fast & Testimony Bingo Card." so she could play during sacrament you KNOW you are amongst good people. <br />
<br />
<br />
Just like any other family, Ward/Congregation family has all kinds. Gossips. Snitches. Liars. Beggars. Feminist. Abusers. Users. Manipulators. Praisers. Encouragers. Cheerleaders, those who strengthen. Followers. Leaders. This is why it takes us all being close to the Lord and working toward his spirit upon us to have that inspiration of how to create a loving and inspired ward family. <br />
Our attitudes towards each other in the ward can have a lasting affect on a person for the whole week. We can be so energized from our Church experience that it carries over into all areas of our lives. We can also be so traumatized by our church experience that it carries over into all areas of our lives. When Thursday come around are you dreading looking forward to Sunday or are you excited to gather again with your ward family? Are you the reason someone doesn't come? Are you the reason someone stays? Even though our Lord should be the number one reason we go to worship in these buildings with these people we would not be honest with ourselves if we didn't recognize that being surrounded by certain people does have an effect on if we want to be some place. <br />
<img alt="Image result for diversity in Church" class="rg_i" data-src="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTY6ScQxT7Xdrbfee7zQ-1jCdkixh1PaKJcG590sCmgEyox45xNNw" data-sz="f" jsaction="load:str.tbn" name="44Oxqbluz70l-M:" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTY6ScQxT7Xdrbfee7zQ-1jCdkixh1PaKJcG590sCmgEyox45xNNw" style="height: 107px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; width: 328px;" /><br />
Church is not the place to air your dirty laundry with your neighbor. It is not the place to voice or share your negative experiences with Sister Blamwell. It is not YOUR home and you shouldn't run it as if it is your home. KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT and accept anyone who enters into the House of the Lord. Our job is to make sure the all who enter feel the Love of the Father in Heaven through our interactions with each other. <br />
There's no better place to heal mentally, emotionally, physically or spiritually than a place where people are going to be loving on you. Church should be that place.<br />
<br />
Ain't no love like family love.<br />
<br />
<div class="irc_mutc">
<a class="irc_mutl" href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&ved=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kclanderson.com%2Fno-nonsense-no-drama-no-guilt-resilient-daughters-guide-2%2F&ei=GTDhVJjxOcq5ogSw5oKwBQ&bvm=bv.85970519,d.cGU&psig=AFQjCNF5d8KKNjwVcoyNHGCTqiugN0lwjg&ust=1424130458321326" jsaction="mousedown:irc.rl;keydown:irc.rlk"><img class="irc_mut" height="393" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS9i7XfWJF3u0FTuW0iwSW6soBS_T4-zROuAqrdcj_OCxXY2AJW" style="margin-top: 0px;" width="405" /></a></div>
Black Mormon Girl :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/16058566798499761771noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8235753667528365971.post-78093895650090263032015-01-18T11:58:00.000-08:002015-01-18T11:58:24.512-08:00When You Are GoingThrough Hell..... KEEP GOING!<div class="irc_mutc">
<div class="irc_mutc">
<a class="irc_mutl" data-ved="0CAcQjRw" href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CAcQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.chuckbauman.com%2Freal-flames-photos.htm&ei=OPy7VOvxB5H3yQSRpYHADA&bvm=bv.83829542,d.aWw&psig=AFQjCNEXJYTjiwDvGedb0-H64en04iVVuA&ust=1421692334392715" jsaction="mousedown:irc.rl;keydown:irc.rlk"><img class="irc_mut" height="425" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRyK9Fkb3WcMEFz_Eerg4ufGDxHIaJ329nL6wdbsvP7BgsAdb3M" style="margin-top: 189px;" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="irc_mutc">
</div>
<div class="irc_mutc">
First and foremost HAPPY NEW YEAR!</div>
<div class="irc_mutc">
We enter the new year with promises of a new life. We're going to get healthy. We're going to get out of debt. We're going to forgive and forget. We're going back to school. We're going to get organized. We're going to stop smoking. We're going to start going back to church. We are going to make it happen.</div>
<div class="irc_mutc">
</div>
<div class="irc_mutc">
I have some of those same goals. I made them early on and had already began to incorporate them so they would already be in play when the new year arrived.</div>
<div class="irc_mutc">
To make a long story short, I've been ill since the 2nd week of November.</div>
<div class="irc_mutc">
It will continue to recycle until I can get into a specialist. Plans to be back in school this semester have been moved to summer semester. I'm not going to be out of debt anytime this year and plans for doing all the 5k's I wanted aren't looking so great either. </div>
<div class="irc_mutc">
So I can either pout and go into being pissed and complain about it for the rest of the year or.... I can adjust the plan OR I can make a new plan. The point is if I sit and complain and poo poo about how the original plan is junked up and stay bitter about it then it's going to be a really bitter year. </div>
<div class="irc_mutc">
</div>
<div class="irc_mutc">
There have been many times when I have stopped progressing at the first sign of struggle or a challenge. I think we all have at some point. I've learned that those things are put in place to verify my strength, faith and perseverance.</div>
<div class="irc_mutc">
</div>
<div class="irc_mutc">
</div>
<div class="irc_mutc">
</div>
</div>
ShaBANGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12435939559462982820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8235753667528365971.post-62933837430921505312014-12-03T00:49:00.004-08:002014-12-03T00:49:43.932-08:00A THRILL OF HOPE<div style="text-align: center;">
<img class="rg_i" data-src="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRVMR0lLDX8C4q_eaqxI5HIM_RJB9NAC9iAAzEJ4BSO4radLhVS" data-sz="f" height="357" jsaction="load:str.tbn" name="k9tT36JhxpCl9M:" src="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRVMR0lLDX8C4q_eaqxI5HIM_RJB9NAC9iAAzEJ4BSO4radLhVS" style="height: 168px; margin-left: -3px; margin-right: -3px; margin-top: 0px; width: 301px;" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm excited for this holiday season. The national and local media are riddled with murder and missing persons, political wrong doing, war and rumors of war. Stepping out of our homes is like stepping into the pages of the book of Revelations. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sadly there are family members who will not make it back home at the end of the day due to some horrific incident. Others will be minding their own business and be acted upon in ways that will literally make the Lord shed tears for his children. We are living in dark and difficult times. And despite some of our best efforts it seems as if the world is not getting better. <br />
We are a wounded world. We are a world in need of healing. <img alt="" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-170" src="http://phileubank.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/wounded-and-weary_std_t_nv.jpg?w=1200&h=900" height="225" originalh="225" originalw="300" scale="4" src-orig="http://phileubank.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/wounded-and-weary_std_t_nv.jpg?w=300&h=225" title="wounded and weary_std_t_nv" width="300" /><br />
<br />
We are a world struggling to survive morally. We, as a whole, are weary. And when you are weary you do things at a point of survival, not living.<br />
<br />
The world is in Survival mode because we have forgotten how to live. The days go by slow but the years are flying before us. We are less than a month away from a new year. 2015 is upon us and are we better off than we have been spiritually? Emotionally? <br />
<br />
We've taken to blaming the President, Congress and local leaders for the weariness of our nation. They have very little to do with common courtesy, human kindness, manners, home training and good parenting. I truly believe the fate of our country lies within the household. Within MY house hold and within yours, and your family's and our neighbors. I can't control the world and it's attitudes and actions. But I can control my home. I have a say in my home. In my home I can get a handle on education and employment. I can discuss gun control and being for or against. I can teach about diversity, different cultures and races and their contribution to the world. I can reiterate my moral beliefs on what the media chooses to show and how they choose to spin it. And because I have the opportunity to parent and teach within my home, in this weary world, I have a thrill of hope! And with each new day is comes a renewal of hope!<br />
<br />
<img class="rg_i" data-src="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRZvIGcL6bja53JdcW09fzkbJlMJurMyFy-DNtgX7dHgyL4et975A" data-sz="f" jsaction="load:str.tbn" name="zyDKXWj_FTp5uM:" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRZvIGcL6bja53JdcW09fzkbJlMJurMyFy-DNtgX7dHgyL4et975A" style="height: 224px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: -3px; width: 225px;" /><br />
I have come to know that if you don't have hope, you really don't have anything. <br />
Home is where we first learn to deal in the world. We learn manners, obedience, hygiene, responsibility and accountability. Or that's what we should learn. We learn it in the home and with our families, how to treat others how to share and negotiate. How to love, fight and forgive. With a thrill of hope we take these thing from our home into the world with us and we use them properly. And when it's time to establish our own homes we plant these things into the foundation and pass them on to those in our own house hold. By teaching these things we cultivate that thrill of hope to our generations. And by being strong leaders we also become a sort of "thrill of hope!"<br />
There is nothing more hopeful then someone so motivated that their enthusiasm births a call to action! And when we put our hope into action we create change. <br />
<br />
I guess for me, this holiday season I have feeling the call to create change. To be so enthusiastic about change that I can create that hope in others. <br />
<br />
The birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is the most epic event to bring a call of action. A gift from God above he sent us a little baby who would create such a monumental change on the earth that 2,014 years later his life still motivates us to change the world for the better because his birth and death are THE ultimate thrill of hope. It is through him and his love and grace and mercy that we are able to experience the many miracles that come throughout our lifetime.<br />
<br />
If nothing more this holiday season I expect to experience that thrill of hope in the kindnesses we extend to each other. It's not a requirement to be friends with everyone. But you definitely don't have to be enemies eithers. Being able to have your differences and dislikes and still act civil brings hope that we can all get along. <br />
I'm excited this holiday season because I have such a welling of hope in my heart that I have a desire to find it. Create it. Share it. <br />
If you don't have hope then you've lost so much more than you'll ever realize. And as long at you wake up each day, even in our weariest state, each day brings hope for the better.<br />
<a class="irc_mutl" data-ved="0CAcQjRw" href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CAcQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.followthestickman.com%2F2012%2F04%2Fpage%2F8%2F&ei=b8t-VKHUFcTZiAKZmoHoCQ&bvm=bv.80642063,d.cGU&psig=AFQjCNEtWjzrMvJFFxdC0HdOSgddBedwIQ&ust=1417682142696442"><img class="irc_mut" height="303" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSEFrYgOp40359-c8sQjVdhgJsDjBCj2iUo1Zh8Suj86XZYrNXp" style="margin-top: 45px;" width="538" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
... Long lay the world in sing and error pining<br />
'til he appeared and the soul felt it's worth....<br />
<br />
<img alt="A Thrill of Hope Subway Art" border="0" class="largeimage1" src="http://vinyldesignsbycj.com/images/large/a-thrill-of-hope-vinyl-wall-design.jpg" title="A Thrill of Hope Subway Art" /><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong></strong><br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
ShaBANGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12435939559462982820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8235753667528365971.post-91571594600182730672014-10-02T05:40:00.000-07:002014-10-02T05:40:50.777-07:00AS SISTERS IN ZION....<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(249,246,237); line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 30.7pt 15pt 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(249,246,237); line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 30.7pt 15pt 0in;">
<span style="color: #2f393a; font-family: 'Poor Richard','serif'; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;">“THE ERRAND OF ANGLES IS GIVEN TO WOMEN<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(249,246,237); line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 30.7pt 15pt 0in;">
<span style="color: #2f393a; font-family: 'Poor Richard','serif'; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;">AND THIS IS A GIFT, AS SISTERS, WE CLAIM<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(249,246,237); line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 30.7pt 15pt 0in;">
<span style="color: #2f393a; font-family: 'Poor Richard','serif'; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;">TO DO WHATSOEVER IS GENTLE AND HUMAN<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(249,246,237); line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 30.7pt 15pt 0in;">
<span style="color: #2f393a; font-family: 'Poor Richard','serif'; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;">TO CHEER AND TO BLESS IN HUMANITY’S NAME..”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<img alt="In the history of Los Angeles is a list of diverse women" src="http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/image_content_width/hash/fe/b0/feb0e624f6828be3fef684195d856dce.jpg?itok=wg5RLvRO" height="333" rel="image_src" title="In the history of Los Angeles is a list of diverse women" typeof="foaf:Image" width="500" /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Last year I, along with a few of my other Black LDS Sister Bloggers, were asked to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>express why we felt<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the Struggle for being a Black Women in the church was not that of the same struggle as those who were looking to Ordain Women to the Priesthood or to petition to have more women in more visual leadership and speaking roles in the church. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Church has women of every kind from all walks of life, with different perspectives and working toward differing causes. However our Membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints should at least bring us to the common goal of <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>supporting, strengthening and cheering each other on in those appropriate times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No matter what else we do or what differing perspectives we have, if we can understand our differing struggles and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Support and Celebrate each other through them,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>then we, as Sisters In Zion, will always be unified<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and solid. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A mere six months ago Myself, as well as a few other<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Black LDS Female Bloggers were asked to submit Statements on our Perspective of why <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>we felt The Struggles of the Mormon Feminist Housewives and Ordain Women were not united with the struggles of the black sisters. Why was their not more support from Black sisters of these two organizations and causes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many of us felt those groups were more geared toward the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>White sister of the church because so little mention, if any, of the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>racial struggle in the church and how it effects the black sisters is a taboo issue. </span><br />
<div class="irc_mutc">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a class="irc_mutl" data-ved="0CAcQjRw" href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&docid=LxV66x1YIJ9pOM&tbnid=GmGguapIVcVEVM:&ved=0CAcQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.angelfire.com%2Fplanet%2Flds%2Fhomepage.html&ei=380sVPSVLaGO8gHUjYGACA&bvm=bv.76477589,d.b2U&psig=AFQjCNHxrFuFLMUN1VaPahEHrEic7ZE9PQ&ust=1412308706790185"><img class="irc_mut" height="382" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQR14Bl1L1uDzI_ogWRK4GVipFsqvEnOSVi1lGkablZdE0I8dlV8A" style="margin-top: 27px;" width="250" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By now almost everyone knows the History of the Church concerning it’s black members, and how<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>certain blessing on Earth and in Eternity were said to be withheld from the African/African American Race. Finding the true reasoning behind it is even more of a taboo conversation that, thank goodness, more people are now willing to have.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My black sisters and did our best to educate our bloggers, twitter followers and Facebook fans on things like Wearing Pants to Church and Speaking out about having a Women Pray in a more Popular Session of General Conference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even if we didn’t do it ourselves we spread the news, educated those around us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When General Conference came around last Spring and a Sister gave one of the Prayers, Social media lit up with<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>excitement and praise! I mean my phone, lap top, Tablet and every other gadget I own<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>that allows social media buzzed and beeped and sang and rang for days regarding this monumental occasion!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>PROGRESS, my sisters, and we all worked together!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">5 days ago <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>on September<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>27<sup>th</sup>, 2014 our General Conference Season started, as it typically does with our General Women’s session. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">For the most part it started as it typically does:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Prelude Music , Announcement of show is conducting,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>which Choir would be singing for that session and so on and so forth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Announcements are made The Agenda presented,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The opening hymn was sung and the announcement of the who would be opening up our World Wide General Conference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Unbeknownst to the majority of us was a Sister from South Africa who had taken her place in the Red Velvet seats reserved for those who<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>would have a part I that session of conference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><img class="rg_i" data-sz="f" jsaction="load:str.tbn" name="48UXsp_K5NCObM:" src="data:image/jpeg;base64,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" style="height: 169px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: -2px; margin-top: 0px; width: 138px;" /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sister <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span class="st1"><b><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Dorah</span></b></span><span class="st1"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;"> Mkhabela a member of the LDS Young Women’s General Board, is THE FIRST BLACK Sister to ever pray in a session of General Conference. Not the first Sister Of Color, but the FIRST BLACK SISTER, African Descent. She is also the first black women to be on any General Board of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="st1"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Given The History in this country and in the church. This is MOMENTOUS! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>THIS IS AMAZING. THIS IS HUGE! And <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>THIS IS HISTORY!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="st1"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">I was reminded of a time in<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1978 when I heard on the Radio that President Spencer W Kimball of the LDS Church announced that EVERY <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Worthy Mail would be able to receive the priesthood! Because this meant that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="st1"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So that you can understand the magnitude of this let me explain a few things from my point of view:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="st1"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Black families have been ripped apart since before they set foot on this land.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have been torn away from our families in Africa and brought to this country. Then while I this country stolen away and sold from the family. And after slavery, taken away to travels hundreds of miles and states away to find work to provide for a family many would not have the luxury of living in the same home, if the family were to survive. Degraded, demeaned and belittled in a place where thought to be less than human, yet still drafted to fight for the very country that held it’s thumb on their neck while they, trying to survive. This very country partially built with the blood, sweat ,tears and flesh of so many people of color. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="st1"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When my family joined the church back in<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1972… a church where black people “could never” excel to the point of the highest degree of Heaven, it was baffling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Until “Could Never”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>turned into… “in the Lord’s time.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And while we waited for “The Lord’s” time, my family pressed on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With the help and love of our ward family we pressed on in this church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="st1"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When it came time for my siblings in I to be baptized at the age of 8 we each, in turned, chose a brother from within the ward to guide us into the waters of baptism, while our father sat and humbling watched another man bring his children into the Gospel. He must have felt some kind of way! If I know my father, he was simply just grateful to those ward brothers for accepting the invitation and providing a way for his children, since he could not. I’m sure he felt the same way when having to call upon those men to come to his aide in blessing his family in times of illness and other hardships the family faced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had to go outside of he, who should have been partnered in spiritual authority in his own home, to seek out someone else and bring them into our home to partake of those blessings of the priesthood.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="st1"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Brethren in our ward and stake Did “</span></span><span style="color: #2f393a; font-family: 'Batang','serif'; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">whatsoever is gentle and human!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="st1"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I ask you as a member today, how willing would YOU be to bypass your husband or father to bring another man in your home to bless you and your family? How willing would YOUR husband or father be to do that? You’d probably do it, but I tell you eventually you would begin to feel some kind of way. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(249,246,237); line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 30.7pt 15pt 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1978 that long promised day arrived! My father and brothers would then receive the priesthood!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The phone rang off the hook FOR DAYS!! Those on the other line laughed and cried and shouted for joy. They blessed us and thanked Heavenly Father. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What did they care? They already had the gift of the Priesthood in their home!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These are the moments when you know you are loved. When you know you are heard. When you know you are supported because they<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“cheered and blessed in humanity’s name!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I still don’t think that in 36 years we fulfilled all of the dinner invitation we rec’d.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(249,246,237); line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 30.7pt 15pt 0in;">
<div class="irc_mutc">
<a class="irc_mutl" data-ved="0CAcQjRw" href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&docid=FCUKWehVYvSV3M&tbnid=BRIPrf4aQOa1QM:&ved=0CAcQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.huffingtonpost.com%2Fdarron-t-smith-phd%2Fthe-mormon-church-disavow_b_4440244.html&ei=RNEsVLkwxfLwAZ2KgcgH&bvm=bv.76477589,d.cWc&psig=AFQjCNEDmRa8E9EZK1odGKZhq8Ba1S3uCg&ust=1412309696731837"><img class="irc_mut" height="436" src="data:image/jpeg;base64,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" style="margin-top: 0px;" width="349" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(249,246,237); line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 30.7pt 15pt 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">5 Days ago on Saturday September 27, 2014. THIRTY-SIX YEARS after the first black man had the priesthood restored to him, a black woman opened up our General Conference Season with Opening Prayer!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How exciting to share this with my other brothers and sisters of the church!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I expected much like the celebrations of the church membership back in<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1978!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh, what a mistake that was!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course the my Black LDS Sisters would be rejoicing! It is the first time we’ve seen a representation of who we are in those red velvet seats.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What a POWERFUL IMAGE to see Sister Dorah take her place among the leadership.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She not only took her place… she essentially in doing so, RSVP’d a place for the rest of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And to those of who have been watching those red seat decade after decade fill with every face but your own, it was an overwhelming state of grace and redemption and Heavenly Father’s love. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><img class="rg_i" data-src="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRQH_eXPb-Jmuz3rZ84M9lh4SC1mktkFZxxObi0NBoOjGdPXa3Q" data-sz="f" jsaction="load:str.tbn" name="QsO3a8lTBQY4_M:" src="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRQH_eXPb-Jmuz3rZ84M9lh4SC1mktkFZxxObi0NBoOjGdPXa3Q" style="height: 176px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; width: 270px;" /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(249,246,237); line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 30.7pt 15pt 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">But wait…. My gadgets weren’t <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>buzzing and ringing or beeping or Singing. I went to my black Mormon blogs and they were all afire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I went to the Ordained Women and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mormon Feminist Housewives blog, and the places that sought us out 5 months ago to help rally their cause and there was a “woot or two.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think quite a few of my Black Sisters were in awe at the lack of support.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After all we had worn pants to church. We had blogged about the push to have women pray in conference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some are active on the Ordain Women cause.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So excuse when I ask… WHERE THE HELL ARE OUR WHITE SISTERS???? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(249,246,237); line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 30.7pt 15pt 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">**CRICKETS**<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(249,246,237); line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 30.7pt 15pt 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where is their Conversation and Dialogue? Where is their praise and excitement? Where is their sharing and educating of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our Moment the way we shared and educated theirs? Where is the “CHEERING IN HUMANITY’S NAME?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(249,246,237); line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 30.7pt 15pt 0in;">
<img class="rg_i" data-src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS3-1GlpOD7fyDM_OU8btT3mXXbuhPQAhc2fQuEmgTm0YEqmPGJnA" data-sz="f" jsaction="load:str.tbn" name="4dQIohiqjuZ-OM:" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS3-1GlpOD7fyDM_OU8btT3mXXbuhPQAhc2fQuEmgTm0YEqmPGJnA" style="height: 182px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: -6px; width: 186px;" /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(249,246,237); line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 30.7pt 15pt 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So we pumped the breaks on our celebration to ask them.. .HEY, where are you? Where is the “go tell it on the mountain” team that came to us six months ago and asked US to “go tell it on the mountain?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You invited us to help you host this party. And then you bailed on us after your portion of the Grandstanding was finished.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In essence it feels like the we were invited to the big house, only to be left there alone after the main party moved on to another house on the plantation and forget about us. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="irc_mutc">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a class="irc_mutl" data-ved="0CAcQjRw" href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&docid=GwWq_8EqojHT4M&tbnid=Hddzhz85XR0NdM:&ved=0CAcQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Frap.genius.com%2F2386885%2FUgk-feelin-you%2FWell-hold-up&ei=_t4sVOqZLIGjyAS_7oLYCA&bvm=bv.76477589,d.cWc&psig=AFQjCNG9j9uq3tP5Zh8q-VKtWZqm27u68A&ust=1412313102166018"><img class="irc_mut" height="334" src="data:image/jpeg;base64,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" style="margin-top: 51px;" width="547" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(249,246,237); line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 30.7pt 15pt 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Having to stop the celebration to educate others about it, turns less<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>into a celebration and more like the usual let me explain this so you’ll “get it.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did it dampen our<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Respect for the situation?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Absolutely not! Did it stop OUR celebrating? No, not at all. What it DID do was show us why truly why the Sister in Zion will probably <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>not be standing together in solidarity for a long, long time. It let us know that if we aren’t in a position to be our own champions or stand up for ourselves we just do not know that we can count on our white sisters to stand up in our behalf.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <br /><div class="irc_mutc">
<a class="irc_mutl" data-ved="0CAcQjRw" href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&docid=u9Bu35OsXWIawM&tbnid=LW9KzWdzk4qSWM:&ved=0CAcQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dumbdrops.com%2Fratchet-memes%2F&ei=I-MsVPuyL4mryASMzoGQCw&bvm=bv.76477589,d.aWw&psig=AFQjCNGF_8PI11vDnwZC_RovTGlzfyDLDw&ust=1412314245669376"><img class="irc_mut" height="436" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT7UbZ0jnQDDq6Bh6MzJNRRkkQ3mFhEREwioOKKibtIbrsa5B-8RA" style="margin-top: 0px;" width="436" /></a></div>
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Until those sisters fighting for Equality in the church begin to SEE US and be included on our Turf, the way we took up their invitation our their turf and treat us as their equals and stand with us, the same way they stand with each other, we will have a difficult time seeing ourselves and benefactors for their cause. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><o:p></o:p>
</div>
Black Mormon Girl :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/16058566798499761771noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8235753667528365971.post-80898006065801868082014-09-17T14:50:00.000-07:002014-09-17T16:58:02.353-07:00Playing the Cards We Are Dealt...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijgc-1v9vL3qTage2WBPzbwV8ADwD1aDK1JxcAUsKBY5qy6PNEokDLbKqWFxpSDB4d6Ufe51SZ_M3vXvxLSn4uOVe7tpf-x3hjJBurF7zMWmnAnfUmPvTlHJuU8nJ2Zcvhk582kNmzNP4/s1600/Protective+mom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijgc-1v9vL3qTage2WBPzbwV8ADwD1aDK1JxcAUsKBY5qy6PNEokDLbKqWFxpSDB4d6Ufe51SZ_M3vXvxLSn4uOVe7tpf-x3hjJBurF7zMWmnAnfUmPvTlHJuU8nJ2Zcvhk582kNmzNP4/s1600/Protective+mom.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm not normally an overprotective mom. I'm a proud mom, but not over protective.<br />
<br />
And now that my Daughter is in a more secure situation I can Unleash.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Most of you know my daughter Graduated May of last year in early childhood education. She graduated from USU with honors. Some of you came to her Graduation Open house. She was hired immediately by a school who was excited to have her. Their first black teacher in a school with a very diverse student body. Her hard work has paid off. Her dreams were just beginning!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeV80tc-NMtNjCixeIdoqIqdhop2Ek_zTfQ6nNL8lhhF6tmkIpMzeLzk2vCywZGbpVdLKkvMRhVMeMETPCfWaaPmvhBUYYCs61BySbOyu6PD5eIXfMCWhNugDLz8pbzB1-bWu0mLscRAE/s1600/goal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeV80tc-NMtNjCixeIdoqIqdhop2Ek_zTfQ6nNL8lhhF6tmkIpMzeLzk2vCywZGbpVdLKkvMRhVMeMETPCfWaaPmvhBUYYCs61BySbOyu6PD5eIXfMCWhNugDLz8pbzB1-bWu0mLscRAE/s1600/goal.jpg" height="62" width="320" /></a></div>
Soon after the school year began she noticed that wasn't getting the support she needed by the very principle that hired her.<br />
<br />
She had a very difficult student who would throw chairs, desks, hit and spit at her and the other kindergartners. When she would follow protocol to call down to the office for help, the help would either never arrive or help would be delayed 20- 30 minutes. It got to the point where when this student was acting up, she would have to designate another student to lead the class out of the room to another location for their own safety, while she dealt with this child. It was difficult for her to teach a class that is constantly being disrupted and where kids are in fear of being hurt. <br />
<br />
When another child was hurt because of it, she would then have to follow protocol and notify the wounded child's parents and have to deal with them being concerned about the safety of their child. She would speak to the principle and vice principle every day about this student. She would speak to the student's parent about their behavior. Other teachers would speak to the Principle and VP about the disruptions in her class. They spoke in her behalf to which admin still did nothing or "assumed" it was an over reaction of a first year teacher, OR feeling the importance of it was not properly communicated. I'm not sure how " I have student throwing chairs, spitting and hitting other students and myself" could be miscommunicated, but then again, I don't know the kind of people she's dealing with. My daughter, being who she is, documented everything. Every time she called for aide, how long it took the to respond, when they didn't respond, and their resolution when they did respond, if there was one. <br />
It took administration from the district to come into her classroom on one of her observation days to jump into the behind of this principle to move her into action. They, were in shock at the constant disruption and the lack of support my daughter had in her classroom. <br />
<br />
She is good at what she does so she pushed through and the end of the year after having worked so hard on this child and his behavior it turned out he would listen and respond positively to only her. She then requested to have him in her 1st grade class to created and continue on with his progress and to give him that same stability for a second year in a row. The principle decided to not allow him back to the school because of all the "issues" he caused.<br />
<br />
She was inundated with communications from this principle and the other Kindergarten teacher that were labeled as "misunderstandings" and "miscommunication" and so on and so fourth. The other Kindergarten teacher would be upset with my daughter when my daughter wouldn't take her advise or or teach the same schedule. She would literally burst into tearful dramatics about it. My daughter was then requested and strongly suggested to take a personal interest in this other teacher. To "be her friend" and "have lunches together" and Spend time with her." Things that professionally shouldn't even be considered or asked of her. To the point where my daughter was no longer comfortable meeting alone with the principle or the other teacher. She then wanted to start requesting for her mentor or a member of her union to attend each meetings .She finished the year with high scoring evaluations, and comments to which the districts and her mentors were highly impressed with her. To which her principle would respond... 'you did pretty good for being a first year teacher.' By the time summer came she was stressed and exhausted. But she finished. She decided to take the 1st grade spot that opened up in her school for this next year so as not to have conflict with the other Kindergarten teacher who tried to push demands on her.<br />
<br />
At the end of the school year was also told by the principle if she didn't take a certain class over the summer she wouldn't have a job next school year. Being a first year teacher she didn't know any different so she took that class over the summer. Typically she has 3-5 years to take this particular class.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUvBgePRKFZRJmUscPlV9F17R7PgKPeUPI76F78qnOY-YCRWw12cPRVu5o-AQv98W6VJTGnzl0hiWd4m_ogN6wmpq8fvpYsn9gknhFUtzfdqrwXkvfnxihpVZMHxwzGW_0Fnno7XuUIEc/s1600/side+eye+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUvBgePRKFZRJmUscPlV9F17R7PgKPeUPI76F78qnOY-YCRWw12cPRVu5o-AQv98W6VJTGnzl0hiWd4m_ogN6wmpq8fvpYsn9gknhFUtzfdqrwXkvfnxihpVZMHxwzGW_0Fnno7XuUIEc/s1600/side+eye+3.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Turns out that was a lie. She had time to take that class(she had the typical time line for taking it) and her job was never dependent of her taking it this summer. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Last month she returned to the same school as a first grade teacher. On day one when she went in to set up her class room the principle let her know that her student numbers were low. And just about every day after that the principle let her know that their numbers were low. She wasn't too worried about it because she had 1 year seniority over the other 2 teachers who were just hired and she was a k-3rd grade teacher. While having lunch with the other teachers she mentioned about the numbers being low. None of the other teachers knew anything about it. Which apparently when this kind of thing happens the faculty as a whole should be notified and then they come together to discuss that solutions and then vote on it as a faculty. In My daughter's case, this didn't happen at all. She was being singled out and was encouraged to contact her teachers union. The numbers cannot be helped, that, she knew. But she actually had seniority over the 2 new teachers who just started. So she didn't really pay too much attention to the numbers.<br />
<br />
<br />
The 2nd week of school during a faculty meeting as the principle was addressing an issue and asked for questions or suggestions from the teachers. My daughter raised her hand and offered a suggestion to which the Principle angrily spouted back "YOU can do that if YOU want to...." or something to that effect. There was an audible gasp in the room from her coworkers and the teachers who had their hands raised to offer other suggestions, quickly put them down.<br />
When she privatley confronted the principle about afterwards, the principle was "shocked and horrified" that she came across that way to her. However the staff was receiving "a clue."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAk3YFyEcrmEulj1AA5mSmHngX3kzcJyXhwv_adtjWuqYVX2xW4PhZsa6oB5ujegYSReyqxGtRA3y7xCtfNVMqfsvtOjX_fO1wCF0xyRQFqwVWq8x8khKfFhop4DD2oT4unLCYEBDANH4/s1600/Discrimation,+not+ducky.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAk3YFyEcrmEulj1AA5mSmHngX3kzcJyXhwv_adtjWuqYVX2xW4PhZsa6oB5ujegYSReyqxGtRA3y7xCtfNVMqfsvtOjX_fO1wCF0xyRQFqwVWq8x8khKfFhop4DD2oT4unLCYEBDANH4/s1600/Discrimation,+not+ducky.jpg" /></a></div>
Discrimination IS NOT DUCKY!!!<br />
<br />
It was after that faculty meeting that the rest of the staff "got the picture" which then became so OBVIOUS to them. No less than 4 teachers came to my daughter afterwards and remarked on how looking back at the last year and how the Principle has treated her and has been treating her they believe my daughter to discriminated against and the principle and the only reason that made sense was because she was "brown". They began to tell her about little comments and disapproving looks "Daggers" they've heard and seen come from the principle within the last year regarding my daughter. One of them being "we have a brown teacher to go with all of little brown kids at this school don't we?" <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJC3TY7H72HJsH5RIBR8B9Q__TzbDzQTh07dvZ9FeTXzyX_TmGcE2kNw_26yHaXO1AJGYJulpAvP5dEUEjmdRe37KE2zhUlEmQJ6aZqGzDkEjDkR6diqJuUGpJvaZDtcECsJHfbwhbYWA/s1600/dumb+ass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJC3TY7H72HJsH5RIBR8B9Q__TzbDzQTh07dvZ9FeTXzyX_TmGcE2kNw_26yHaXO1AJGYJulpAvP5dEUEjmdRe37KE2zhUlEmQJ6aZqGzDkEjDkR6diqJuUGpJvaZDtcECsJHfbwhbYWA/s1600/dumb+ass.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
These teachers, so disgusted with the principle, started calling in to the district and their union in her behalf. My daughter was encouraged to call her Union by the other teachers, which she did immediately. Her union stepped in right away she described to them the situation and they recognized it to be discrimination. The Union rep flat out said.. "Oh, no, this is discrimination...." Interesting enough, the principle called that same day...a few hours after my daughter. Which the district agreed was suspect and suspicious. <br />
. In the end, my daughter could continue on at that same school in a different capacity that would be less than favorable for any teacher, not to mention a 2nd year teacher Or she could put her name in the district pool and be sent to another school while they determine what course of action to take with this principle. She only had about 24 hours to decide. Staying and battling and putting up with this principle who is now being looked at and reviewed by the district.<br />
<br />
I told her THIS is why we stayed in Utah, to be pioneers and to help pave the way for those who could come behind us and to help fight discrimination (race, gender, religious... whatever form it takes) even if just by being a presence to be seen. <br />
She volunteered as tribute to leave and will be moving to another school.<br />
<br />
Timeline: Last Monday was when she first called the Union. By Tuesday she had to make her decision. Last Thursday it was announced in their faculty meeting she would be leaving. She said everyone was in tears at the announcement and it felt like she was going to the Hunger Games.<br />
Even the principle pretended to cry. (Several teachers commented to her about the lack of sincerity in the principle.) Friday she was wondering what her next move would be. They spoke of sending her to Magna. However Magna has it's own issues with race. So she will not be going to Magna. <br />
She did finally receive knowledge of where she will be teaching, however, there is no classroom for her. She will be teaching in a portable. Which she has no problem with. Actually will welcome the isolation. The only issue is that her "RELO" (relocated classroom)will not arrive to her new school for another week. She starts teaching at her new school tomorrow..<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8yArXkLA54g24jyQ4-V8f0OoXA53ZPUCeJrLfJLIF4WRH1jd57lKli1HIFaD_rNDLOfJAmnNoL1TgjUsDCsfb6hDZwxZGGB-AieKAwuL6bHw-Jyp1pLhEVy-d8VfSLaQWYfGp71Z4HRQ/s1600/horrified.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8yArXkLA54g24jyQ4-V8f0OoXA53ZPUCeJrLfJLIF4WRH1jd57lKli1HIFaD_rNDLOfJAmnNoL1TgjUsDCsfb6hDZwxZGGB-AieKAwuL6bHw-Jyp1pLhEVy-d8VfSLaQWYfGp71Z4HRQ/s1600/horrified.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
3 days ago She had to tell her First grade students she was leaving them. They were scared and some cried. Yesterday she spent the day reassuring that change can be good. And she has to go be a teacher for some kids that don't have a teacher. And that it's ok to be scared about the change but they will be taken care of by their new teachers. Then at the end of the day she packed up her student and took them to their new classrooms. They were scared and confused as she dropped each one off and left them. <br />
<br />
I took the day off work today so I could help her pack her class room. Her former students would stop and peek in her door with sad faces and wave to her through the window of the class room door. <br />
It was really one of the saddest things I've seen.<br />
<br />
Several teachers came in upset and teary eyed with their desires for her to stay. They let me know how much of an asset she is and how she will be missed. They also let me know how they were about the situation. I assured them she was not happy either and as a mother I would rather have her leave then continue to be abused and mistreated. They all agreed. I'm also finding out that parents are ringing the phones upset about her leaving and the district is continuing to get calls and complaints regarding this principle.<br />
<br />
I have been silent waiting for her to be located to a different school so as not to make it more difficult for her.<br />
<br />
But now that she is off the clock today leaving that place I don't mind saying I AM MAD AS HELL!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0myZhynsgAKpnZ_Ktwjd5hSPZOIPY4R6SVoeDUCfyKl0vBq_vj_uo1543gm_0JuuJHbh-62cmuaAtFRy1WFlH193jT4c6ZJmLSyYJWr9TUSXUOOc-uVH1rkpHdkNRRem4ZbF220uHEyk/s1600/anger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0myZhynsgAKpnZ_Ktwjd5hSPZOIPY4R6SVoeDUCfyKl0vBq_vj_uo1543gm_0JuuJHbh-62cmuaAtFRy1WFlH193jT4c6ZJmLSyYJWr9TUSXUOOc-uVH1rkpHdkNRRem4ZbF220uHEyk/s1600/anger.jpg" /></a></div>
Why did this woman hire my daughter just to mess her around, make her experience as a first year teacher hell, full of frustration, tears, stress and discrimination? THIS is not what I wanted for her. THIS is not what she wanted for herself. THIS is not what anyone who knows and loves her wanted for her. People like that can only hide who they truly are for so long because truth speaks loudly in actions and in expressions. Truth will manifest itself always. ALWAYS.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJCwPjT9xXdwXc_Ez-MUEvJZTK8YsrE3rvn6022bDQHcELlxoogknTY0wN1lFG1oWV3absOO2UIetBxiWdMEry6crwV3YTMb2huJCDtpxQG86S7Uj-0RiJfZ-yOJYakklfBbCxFgNZiQ0/s1600/playing+cards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJCwPjT9xXdwXc_Ez-MUEvJZTK8YsrE3rvn6022bDQHcELlxoogknTY0wN1lFG1oWV3absOO2UIetBxiWdMEry6crwV3YTMb2huJCDtpxQG86S7Uj-0RiJfZ-yOJYakklfBbCxFgNZiQ0/s1600/playing+cards.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
We are told that in life to play the cards we're dealt. Except, when it comes to that Race card. It automatically makes you a victim, dramatic, one who antagonizes and is a hater. They say that black people are ALWAYS looking for a time to play the race card. MY daughter not once mentioned her race in all of this. She refuse to play all the cards she was dealt. People would have expected her to play it. However those who know her and the kind of person she was and the amazing teacher she is, they grabbed her hand and played that card for her. THEY recognized it. THEY saw it and THEY played it in my daughter's behalf. And it meant something to the district. It meant something to her as well.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWFITJXB1njvSFkSNAQPgMg3xAju2o44vGOlTxMnKNwulMqQ4cEFady-qCtOvJ4E3c1-Y3NODa6CtnLfysssNry-71XxEFiVABSTP0MnEkB2E2zL13N8_jjzy39txpF-C1ap0O3qEZH68/s1600/not+alone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWFITJXB1njvSFkSNAQPgMg3xAju2o44vGOlTxMnKNwulMqQ4cEFady-qCtOvJ4E3c1-Y3NODa6CtnLfysssNry-71XxEFiVABSTP0MnEkB2E2zL13N8_jjzy39txpF-C1ap0O3qEZH68/s1600/not+alone.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
I remember when she experienced something like this in high school and was so upset I got a call from the school to come right over. A student had singled my child out for bullying that day. And she stood up to this bully, but ended up in the office. Her Counselor asked if she was hurt or harmed. She wasn't. After speaking with her and her counselor for about an hour her counselor asked her what she felt was the worse part of this experience. <br />
My daughter said, "I don't care about the person who was trying to bully me. But, it was watching my friends sit back and do nothing at all, they didn't stand beside me, come to my defense or my aide. They just watched and did nothing." <br />
Her counselor asked her is she wanted to have her friends called down and have a discussion about that. Props to the counselor for allowing her to have that conversation with her and providing a teaching moment.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEzegY4nz4zB6q90109jDt7URf8Afu9FR20fysjDYN-D6roWP5WyHMmMIEBkTQmgabv-jnMlI2x6JDtLKuewNJmeVJMOImRDS9WaSjaaOyhG670eDyqmjF_gXF5R2JWskOXEkJv5nNjOk/s1600/Stand+alone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEzegY4nz4zB6q90109jDt7URf8Afu9FR20fysjDYN-D6roWP5WyHMmMIEBkTQmgabv-jnMlI2x6JDtLKuewNJmeVJMOImRDS9WaSjaaOyhG670eDyqmjF_gXF5R2JWskOXEkJv5nNjOk/s1600/Stand+alone.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
THE SADDEST PART ABOUT RACISM & DISCRIMINATION IS WHEN YOU ARE GOING THROUGH IT AND YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY STAND BEHIND AND WATCH INSTEAD OF STEPPING UP AND HOLDING YOU FIRM AS YOU GO THROUGH IT. Those in bondage can never free themselves, it takes those who are free to come in and assist.<br />
<br />
OH AND SERIOUSLY:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAprD4UxyVpJtOKHJbKiEIyJrp12dP_TA1WYW9mWQ-XqdxJ9sUeenm6PjnDkEsWtI14-ac6KJUS4sZ2kxg5WwWU9GkZR8n41iBg3PkCeFZL-Bqe9qqRnls-oRFy8On81L_y1s7-ABnPu4/s1600/Don't%2Bmess%2Bwith%2Bmy%2Bdaughter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAprD4UxyVpJtOKHJbKiEIyJrp12dP_TA1WYW9mWQ-XqdxJ9sUeenm6PjnDkEsWtI14-ac6KJUS4sZ2kxg5WwWU9GkZR8n41iBg3PkCeFZL-Bqe9qqRnls-oRFy8On81L_y1s7-ABnPu4/s1600/Don't%2Bmess%2Bwith%2Bmy%2Bdaughter.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
*drops mic, exits stage left*<br />
<br />Black Mormon Girl :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/16058566798499761771noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8235753667528365971.post-67749594346560255002013-12-14T19:26:00.000-08:002013-12-15T07:45:10.405-08:00Black Pearls Of Great Price <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img height="640" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTQ9ypkf6TnwP7PR9zUDi1iZjdEy1tGglh_YDz8Bd24U5Cmox6Y" width="640" /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
As far back as I can remember I've been taught that man is fallible, therefor making our prophets and church leaders fallible. Since the beginning of time God has allowed man the opportunity and the blessing of leading his church and his people. Since the beginning of time man has found a way to misinterpret, mislead, misrepresent, misjudge and mistake their own will to be that of the will of the Lord. Some succumb to weak moments, temptations and social pressures. There was never a time when men, leaders, disciples of the Lord haven't made mistakes. They've never been perfect.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
HISTORY LESSON TIME:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Abraham succumb to adultery.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
With King David it was adultery, murder, lying, polygamy</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Elijah was selfish, lacking faith and confidence in God</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jonah directly disobeyed and hung out in a whale for some time.</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Moses Murdered a man and ran from justice, Then disobeyed God in anger.</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Noah was intoxicated and physically exposed</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Paul had some adult language going on wishing people would "castrate themselves" and calling his troubles "dung" (aka Sh*t) </div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Peter Denied Jesus. Discriminated against the Gentiles</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
The brother of Jared Chastise for not speaking/praying to the Lord for years WHILE being prophet.</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
The stories of Alma the younger and sons of Mosiah.</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Joseph Smith had his many fallibility as well. </div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
As did prophets after Joseph Smith.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
None of this means it's ok to follow likewise. If a prophet makes a mistake he doesn't justify it making it ok for us to make it.</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
We claim these men as fallible yet justify their failings as some sort of inspiration to be held for a period of time and then lifted at another appointed time. </div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
Last week a statement shows up on the church website basically reciting the history of how black people were viewed in the eyes of the Church and it's doctrine. The article is on the church website www.lds.org. Thank goodness for the search option, because it's buried. Being the helpful sort of sistah I am I'll help you out. You can find it <a href="http://www.lds.org/topics/race-and-the-priesthood">right here!</a></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
Many of my white brothers and sisters were excited about the newly publicised history lesson on the church's past doctrines about black members being disfavored in the eyes of the Lord as well as the rest of the world and the denouncing of such teachings. I should be jumping for joy and singing the hallelujah chorus, right? Well, that's at least how I'm hearing I'm supposed to feel. We're not to look a gift horse in the mouth. We're to be thankful and grateful for steps moving forward into progress. And trust me I am.<br />
<br />
I'm so very grateful that the Church has acknowledged to the world that they have looked up and taught for centuries that black people were considered less than valiant, less than valuable in the eyes of the Lord and in their eyes as well. Because if we are to be Christlike and become as the Lord is, then that would surely mean if the Lord values black people less, then they, too should strive to be like him. <br />
Much like a married should be happy to know the truth about a cheating spouse. Overjoyed!<br />
<br />
OH, wait, I bet that doesn't sound right, does it? A little bitter to the taste?<br />
The information that came forth regarding the black members and the Church is not new revelation. It's not presented as a proclamation. For me, it was a history lesson, one we've been hearing through the years. It may be said a little differently but for me, it's a rerun. A review with a footnote included this time: Oh, by the way we don't teach that stuff anymore so all is well. Now back to your regularly scheduled program.<br />
<br />
Throughout the years we've read in the scriptures about 'white and delight some people and dark and loathsome people knowing these words will be ingrained into every member of the church. Subconsciously how will this play into finding an eternal companion for myself and my children. Would the church rather I marry someone outside of it to my own race, or does race matter. I will indeed matter to those who believe whats been ingrained through our gospel teaching.<br />
<br />
Today I find myself in between my black brother and sisters. There is an Old school set of black Mormons with old school patiences, tolerance and wisdom. With a calmness and an atmosphere that we are to be grateful for acknowledgments and blessings we've been given compared to those of say, Sister Jane James and Elder Elijah Able. They have adjusted and adapted and accepted old protocol. Protocol that may need to be replaced by a different strategy.<br />
<br />
The New School set of Black Mormon are younger, louder, more energetic, willing and able to move full speed ahead but are losing soldiers along the way due to spiritual supplies being withheld or lacking to hasten the work.<br />
<br />
I feel at the cusp of both teams. And am struggling myself with recognizing the balance between the two. Both sides are much needed in this spiritual battlefield.<br />
When people ask me why black members aren't accepting and satisfied with all the church has said and done about acknowledging the Priesthood ban and the devaluing of black members through out the history of the church, I take them on a quick trip.<br />
<br />
Imagine you are part of a struggling group, not of your own doing, but born into what is perceived to be an undesirable circumstance. You and your group leave all you know in search of a Paradise you've heard of where you well be nourished 100 percent body and soul, loved, accepted and flourish amongst all who are there, regardless of your "undesirably circumstances." So you all set out on this journey in search of Paradise. The trek is hard. It's grueling. Some have died an never reach paradise. It's a heartbreaking. And it's going to take years to get to the final destination. You soldering on for a few year and you scavenge and forage for whatever supplies you need. You have shelter and clothing and the essentials to be alive but you'll have to find a way to gain all you need to make it safely to the final destination. When you come to as Place where you are able to Rest, Eat, Drink, Mend and Restore and you praise the Lord and find joy in it and believe you've found your destination so you prepare to make your home. After a while you recognize this is not your final destination. You've been brought to this place and most of what you need to dwell here an make this your home But some of it is tainted and needing repair. The people are tolerant, some even loving. Others are aware of your "unfavorable" circumstances by birth and they hold it against you. They accept you being here, but not because they want to or believe you have a right to be since they're still being taught that you're still of less value which somehow taints this location. You and your group knows it's time to continue on.<br />
You've traveled many years in the elements and putting up with whatever comes your way and in the far distance you see a land with plush greens and blue waters so you hasten your travels and your body and soul are replenished with praise and energy knowing that soon the journey will be over. As you finally reach this paradise, you realise it's just a facade that you've been promised. You're tired. You're hungry, you're dehydrated in need of major rest and uplifting. You are welcomed to the facade and given a small piece of bread and a sacrament cup of water and sent on your way. Are you confused? Are you Grateful? Are you deflated? Are you nourished? Can you sustain your life on the respite and refreshment you've just received? And if so, for how long? You continue on your journey another few years and again see in the far distance a land that appears to be what has been described as the place of promise. Again your heart and spirits soar! This MUST be it you're finally arriving! Only got get closer and find another facade. Crust of bread, shot glass of water, and you're back on the journey. "<br />
<br />
The group is a group of Mormons.<br />
The Undesirable Circumstance is the Black skin (according to previous teaching)<br />
The trek is waiting for the priesthood.<br />
The first place mistaken to be Paradise is the Priesthood ban being lifted.<br />
The intolerance and tainted supplies are teaching materials of how black people are perceived in our scriptures and church history.<br />
<br />
Those who hold the intolerable circumstances against you are the generations of people tainted by those teachings. Because no one has educated them other wise. In Paradise the people will have a strong and unwavering knowledge that those teachings were incorrect and not to be indoctrinated again.<br />
<br />
The Facades along the journey are statements from the people in charge of paradise. They share little new information, some headway to announcing a strong unwavering knowledge but never strong and unwavering. This is your crust of bread and sacrament cup of water through out your journey.<br />
<br />
The land of Paradise will be when the People in charge of Paradise decide to just say. We devalued this people because of their undesirable circumstances. We should have never done that. We've taught that because of it they were less valuable in the eyes of God and in our Eyes. That was wrong as well. We no longer believe this. We no longer teach this and we need to do whatever we can to correct it and make sure everyone knows it.<br />
<br />
It really is that simple So we're waiting for people to die of from being in charge of the capital and new people to be called in charge of the capital so we can reach paradise with the other Mormons.<br />
We're not only battling forces outside of the church we're battling forces inside the church along with some others. But our battle is different, I feel.<br />
<br />
There was a time these teachings, talks and discussions were buried in the bowel of the churches historical archives where they could be silenced and put to rest. Perhaps if the church can stop talking about it and just focus on the here and now we, as a people can pretend it didn't happen and move forward. Direct questions to Official Declaration 2 in our continuing revelation set of scripture, The Doctrine and Covenant and keep it rolling. But you can't Silence Sister Internet Explorer and Brother "I'm Feeling Lucky" Google. Because they have access to and a willingly share all of their knowledge for those who seek to partake of it. </div>
<br />
As a Gospel Doctrine Teacher in my Ricks College Ward, now known as BYU-Idaho I remember when it came time to teach the "Blacks in the Priesthood" lesson. I threw out the book. Walked into the class room and announced..."Today's lesson is, ask me all your questions about me and my family being black members of the church. We're going to have a discussion, no books, no manuals telling me what I'm supposed to say and how you're supposed to answer." I'm not one to be uncomfortable in silence because that's where real conversations with the Lord happen and I couldn't find anything I should be uncomfortable about. But they looked like hell, scared to open their mouths. Hesitant in what they should say and how they should say it. Finally some one raised their hand, and I nodded to them.<br />
He said cheerfully and so happy for me and my family..."How did it feel when the church revealed that black people in the church were worthy enough to have the priesthood." <br />
Oh he was so happy for me and mine that we could finally enjoy the blessings of eternity.<br />
I laughed out loud and said... "IS THAT WHAT YOU'VE BEEN TAUGHT?? Because I heard it differently." I told them I've never heard of someone not being worthy of the priesthood to even be invited to be baptised. Why baptise someone unworthy of its priesthood, isn't that are requirement of baptism? My father wasn't being held accountable for Adam's Eve's or even Cain's transgression according to Article of Faith #two.<br />
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
As a primary child I knew and in hindsight understood some of these things. And it wasn't lost on me that if<br />
"We believe man should be punished for his own sins and not Adam's transgressions." </div>
Then my father, being punish for something Cain, or Ham or any other mans transgression didn't jive right with what "We Believe..." <br />
<br />
So the only thing I could really say...<br />
"See, I heard my father couldn't have the priesthood because your mother and father weren't worthy enough to let him have it. So we had to wait on church leaders and y'all. And what Y'all were waiting for... I don't know."<br />
<br />
Keep in mind this was mid 1980's in Idaho. I was the first real black person many of them had seen outside of a TV set.<br />
<br />
In our church the literature and doctrine has been so peppered with this teaching that simple lifting the ban is not going to flip the switch in the minds of those who are indoctrinated.<br />
Years and years, books and books, talks and talks over generations and generations have been impregnated into the minds of the members. And the members need books and books, talks and talks over generations and generations to repair the damage it has brought forth.<br />
In a short news cast the church divulged why they released the statement. You can find it <a href="http://kutv.com/news/top-stories/stories/vid_8607.shtml">here.</a><br />
<br />
Some of the younger generations is finding the "pocked" history of the church, questioning it, feeling deceived and leaving the church because of it. Others will say, if they truly believed in modern day revelation, they would not be struggling and leaving. I cry B.S. It's not a matter of Modern Day Revelation. <br />
It is a matter of believing that we preach that our prophets are fallible, but when it comes to their fallibility we justify it as new revelations and the field being ripe for the harvest..<br />
The Priesthood ban and views on black people were not in accordance to the Gospel of Jesus Christ that we've been teaching and learning about. Even as a kid in primary I knew that. And once you know something you can't "unknown" it.<br />
<br />
The news cast is very telling to me. It tells me that maybe families should be teaching in the home about diversity. Acceptance of it and tolerance of others.<br />
<br />
Gay members are surely speaking about how the church relates to them. But are they discussion on racism effects other members of the church and how we should be against it?<br />
<br />
Feminist are surely speaking about wearing pants and ordaining women in the home, but are they speaking about racism and homophobia.<br />
<br />
I know many black families that are teaching all of the above in their family. Some even go so far to say as I'd rather have a gay kid then a kid who committed suicide because of it. Sadly this is actually what's happening to our gay and black youth in the church. I've yet to hear about feminist suicides.<br />
<br />
Oddly enough the church has powerful, straight forward, stances on issues of feminist rights and gay rights. They have been addressed many times in our general sessions strongly, powerfully, forcefully. There is no misunderstanding past and present views on these issues.<br />
<br />
Blacks in the church is still a gray area. How fitting (black and white does create the color grey doesn't it?)<br />
We hear things like...' The theory of why the ban was put in place was wrong" or " Policy upheld due to it just not being the proper time."<br />
Amongst my white brothers and sisters in the church I hear, "But that's over now, we need to forget about all that." Why do you choose to focus on the past and revisit old spiritual wounds?" From some of my black brothers and sisters I hear.. "I don't choose to focus on that past history, I choose to move forward."<br />
To my fellow black members: You must know your passed so it doesn't repeat and become your future.<br />
<br />
To my white brothers and sisters: Yes, it's over now. Until your cousin approaches my daughter, niece or nephew and call them a nigger. Or tell them they were playing basket ball in the pre-existance, Or tells them "I can't date you because you're black, and my family wouldn't understand or support it."<br />
Happens quite often for black members.<br />
<br />
How can WE forget about it when your generations are finding ways to remind us? Black youth are becoming inactive before some of them are out of primary. Even more so for black youth with white parents.<br />
At one point I had stewardship of 100+ LDS youth at one time, 90% of them black or biracial. All are now reaching their mid twenties most finding fault with church beliefs being in aligned with church teachings. I can count on 1-1/2 hands how many of them are still active. (I try and keep and touch, they know I love them no matter what they determine their truth is.)<br />
<br />
As many come to understand the newly disavowed teachings and beliefs they're finding what mom and dad are saying about the church not believing this anymore isn't reflect outwardly or publically.<br />
Scriptures are starting to be changed to reflect it. Church media, art and local leadership doesn't reflect it. We don't hear it on a consistent basis in Sacrament talks, Stake Conference, Primary lessons, General Conference, like we hear other things. Why?<br />
<br />
We don't "choose" to relive passed wounds. Passed wounds continue to fester because they haven't been properly cared for.<br />
<br />
I can cut my hand deeply on a rusty piece of metal run some water over it and put a bandage on it. I may wince a little as it heals. It may even scab over and heal on the surface and feel better. But every couple weeks or so it festers up again and I have to keep bandaging it. Because I've put a bandage on something that needs stitches. And if I don't properly take care of it, reopen the wound, properly clean out the infection and bacteria that's living in the wound, medicate it stitch it, back together and THEN bandage it, it will create a permanent seal that will heal.<br />
<br />
The teachings of the church and it's views on black members is a rusty nail that has pierced the black membership of the church. It is a wound that we go to our Church leaders and white brothers and sisters for healing. All they can offer to us is a bandage to cover the wound and maybe some soothing words to take away the immediate sting. But the main pain and infection remains. Because the church has not come out and given them the tools needed to properly clean the wound and medicate it so true healing can begin. <br />
<br />
<br />
As a member of the church when I do something that jeopardizes my standing in the church. I am asked to ponder and pray, take responsibility, confess and repent, seek council and make amends to get back in good standing. I've been taught all my life that this process is a divine principle. I believe it is. So where is the accountability? Not just for those who lead but for those who allowed themselves to be lead these now disavowed teachings.<br />
<br />
I was listening to Sistas In Zion radio show last week when mentioned maybe the church needs to apologize for being misleading. <br />
<br />
The serpent beguiled Eve and she did eat, but Adam partook of his own free will. There's accountability on both sides of the fruit.<br />
<br />
Prophets, leaders and disciple's of the Lord have, do and will make mistakes. To ignore that is even a bigger mistake. Even those who feel they've been mislead need to take accountability for not seeking out their own personal revelation and petitioning to The Father to confirm unto them the truthfulness of what we are taught and what we hear from our leaders. That personal revelation is the point of what fast and testamony meetings are all about.<br />
<br />
We are promised that if we petition the Lord for the truthfulness of what the leaders present to us that we have a right to receive that personal revelation.<br />
<br />
And if something is out of line then we petition to the Lord for direction.<br />
<br />
I've heard recent interactions with my feminist sisters who parallel the church race issue with inability for women to have the priesthood as well. I applaud any group of people who stand up for whatever they believe. <br />
<br />
I don't see the connection. A white woman, feminist or not was not being denied entrance into the temple, her endowments, and a temple marriage to her husband solely on the merits of a feminist. She, like us have access to the priestood blessings They were never with held from her. A woman can change her mind, her thoughts her view to be or not be a feminist. I can stand next to a white sister of the church with either of us not saying a word. She could keep her mouth shut and not choose to divulge she is a feminist. When I keep my mouth shut, you still know I'm black. If a sniper was going to come into relief society and shoot black sisters and feminist and wasn't told which sisters were feminist. Well we know I'm getting shot. How many feminist would survive and why? Even with Ordained Women and the priesthood they aren't going without the blessings of it. <br />
The Blacks in the church have very little to do with the feminist of the church. I can think of one of my feminist sisters who has invited me to see what they are about so that I could have a greater understanding of where she comes from. I've yet to have others come to me in conversation try and understand my struggle and share it with their others. <br />
<div>
<br /></div>
For some reason black women realize and are empower by the priesthood even with not having a man in the home. Many are too strong and have done so much along we LONG for a man to come in and take over. WE ARE TIRED!!!!<br />
<br />
I dare anyone to tell a black woman she can't call down the power of the Lord because she's a woman. We've been doing it for years. This is what makes us Black Pearls of Great Price<br />
<br />
I've never thought that I COULDN'T pull down the power of heaven and ask a special blessing upon my sick child and not have it happen because a man wasn't around to do it. I've never felt that I COULDN'T petition directly to the Lord for anything and have it withheld because i didn't go through a member of the priesthood. I've always known I've had a direct line to the Lord. And isn't it he who gives his power to those worthy of it to go forth and bless others? Don't get me wrong I would LOVE to have a husband who can handle those things for me, cuz I'm a busy woman. But I know that I will never be withheld the blessings of the priesthood because I don't have certain anatomical body parts. That, to me is a little frightening and I'm not sure why other women don't know it either. <br />
What I do know is that my truth is not in wearing pants or baring myself to the public. We have generation of leaders who need to have a strong foundation of knowledge and not one full of "pocked" marks and cracks from an unresolved and unhealed past.<br />
Until then we still remain strong, faithful Black Pearls of Great Price In the Mormon Church. <br />
<br />
<br />
To read more on *Being Black in the Mormon Church* follow the links below.<br />
<a href="http://alifediasporatic.wordpress.com/2013/12/12/addressing-the-black-elephant-in-the-room/">Janan Graham: Addressing the Black Elephant in the Room</a>ShaBANGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12435939559462982820noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8235753667528365971.post-3654174765971874802013-09-17T16:43:00.000-07:002013-09-17T19:40:34.175-07:00SOUL 2 SOUL ! For the SOUL SISTAHS OUT THERE!I'm excited to launch my first Tee-shirt design! It's called "SOUL SISTAHS." <br />
<a href="http://www.booster.com/soulsistahs">http://www.booster.com/soulsistahs</a><br />
<br />
<img alt="SOUL SISTAHS Women Supporting Women Fundraiser - unisex shirt design - front" height="305" src="http://www.customink.com/designs/big_proof/35416929/front" width="320" /> <img alt="SOUL SISTAHS Women Supporting Women Fundraiser - unisex shirt design - back" height="305" src="https://www.customink.com/designs/big_proof/35416929/back" width="320" /><br />
I designed this Tee in the spirit of sisterly love and support. We currently live in a world of House wives, basketball wives and desperate Wife Behaving Badly for Ratings, Bad Girls Clubs, Baby Mamas and Cat fights. As women we tend to be our own worse enemies.<br />
When I think of Relief Society and how as women, not just LDS Women but women in general we could be a powerful Sorority for Positive Decent Change! How different would the world and our lives be if decided to bind ourselves in this Sorority of Sisterhood and offer to uplift, magnify and support each other in love? Soul Sistahs are those women who show up before you recognize you even need them. They're your confidants. They tell you thinks you need ot hear when you need to hear it, and then hang around to support you through whatever you're going through. Soul Sistahs are your best friends. Your Mother, Your Aunt, cousins, neices. It's your sisters. Your Visiting teachers. The Ladies you spend girls night out with every night. You can go to your Soul Sistah in any condition and know you will be safe, supported and loved.<br />
<br />
My Design is to unit women together in solidarity in the Beauty Intelligent, Strength and Confidence of being connected SOUL 2 SOUL! <br />
<br />
My tee ships directly to you for the cost of $25. YES! This includes the cost of shipping! And for a limited time. Promotion ends October 11, 2013. Don't wait til the last minute!<br />
<br />
Consider for your besties, your bridal showers and bachelorette Parties. Your Women's and Young women's organizations. Relief Society and Primary Presidencies. family reunions. This would make great Gifts for the women in your family for the holidays. Show your support for your sistahs and do it in SOUL: Spirit Of Unlimited Love! Thank you Soul Sistahs!<br />
Be sure to spread the word and Unite!ShaBANGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12435939559462982820noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8235753667528365971.post-51394051624919573262013-09-15T23:29:00.000-07:002013-09-15T23:29:41.696-07:00National Come Back To Church Day***A LITTLE BACK HISTORY***<br />
<br />
I've talked a few times before about living with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder aka PTSD. It comes from living through a trauma and various things can contribute to triggering your body and mine to feel as if it's going through the trauma all over again. In the military is used to known as SHELL SHOCK, however it happens to many people outside of the military as well. To make a long story short, I'll just speak in generalities.<br />
My trauma came to a head June 20 2008. The next day I had the breakdown in a leadership meeting at one of the local ward houses. About month later the bishop who took me in, got me the help I needed, checked up to make sure I had access to the people, resources and tools I needed, took his own life behind our home ward building. This added another layer to the disorder. Because I'm necrophobic. I have a hard time dealing or seeing the body of a person after their spirit had departed. A couple of months after that one of the women I visit taught had a family member committed suicide. Needless to say I lost a huge block of life between June 2008 and now. The things that trigger and relapse me back into PTSD: Older White Males (ESPECIALLY in Suites or business attire) The Month Of June, and Church Buildings. <br />
<img height="300" src="http://vvbs.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/LDS-Chapel-Sample.jpg" width="400" /><br />
Some of the physical effects of PTSD:<br />
<br />
<img src="http://www.brainlinemilitary.org/images/military/course2/tbi_ptsd_ven.jpg" /><br />
<br />
Nausea, blurred or foggy vision, sweats, rapid breathing & heart beat, over anxiousness, nervousness, body aches, forgetfulness, unclear thinking. I go through the first 5 of these when I go to church. The symptoms don't last just a few hours. They last for days at a time. Even writing and talking about it brings on the physical and emotional repercussions of the issue.<br />
<br />
However, telling your story helps to heal you and it helps to heal other people..<br />
<br />
<br />
Now On with the Show!<br />
<br />
Today, Sunday September 15,2013 is National Come Back To Church Day!<br />
<br />
I've been on Hiatus Off and on for 5 years (Since 6/23/2008.) Sometimes I've been every week for several months in a row and sometimes I've not been in over a year. Sometimes I got to different wards other than my own. I've moved 3 times. The last time I moved I purchased a Condo cuz I got sick of moving. My Sister moved in with me and she is currently the Primary President in our ward.<br />
Today was my first time in our ward. I've been psyching myself up for WEEKS to make sure I'm in the state of mind to make it to church today. I was actually going to go last week because it was stake conference and I would be a little less "zoomed in on" and could disappear into the crowd. Well, I mean as much as a black member in a predominantly white congregation can "blend." I would probably make more of an attempt in the passed to make into the building but being black and LDS we are those rare Pearls of Great Price<br />
<img height="400" src="http://e-blackpearl.com/images/gallery/pearlshell.jpg" width="328" /><br />
<br />
and being "Incognegro" in Utah is a chore.<br />
<br />
When I got up this morning the Nausea wasn't so bad. I made sure to eat something just in case.<br />
About an hour before church I started getting dressed. I was talking to my sister about our puppy Jake Dude-Action not getting to the dog park enough so I'm sure she thought I was getting ready to take him to the park. Being Primary Prez she took off before I was dressed. <br />
I got dressed, threw on some make up. I looked at my reflection in the mirror and took a deep breath. The nausea set in so quickly so I ran and found a piece of peppermint gum. (The times I do go to church I take mints. Most of the time it keeps my stomach soothed enough to keep e from vomiting at church.)<br />
I went back to the mirror and gave myself "THE TALK:"<br />
You are safe. You have the knowledge to take charge of any situation. You have the tools to cope with whatever comes your way. No matter the outcome of your experience take pride in knowing you made the steps to break down another wall. NOW GO, YOU"RE LATE!"<br />
<img alt="Photo: I was trying to be sneaky. Does it look like I'm up to something?" src="https://scontent-b-pao.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/p480x480/1238364_10151646948618017_820548973_n.jpg" /><br />
<br />
I put a smile on my face, grabbed my purse and scriptures and out the door I went. <br />
The Relief Society Presidency can to visit with my sister abt 7 months ago when she left the singles ward and started going to our family ward. I spoke with them about my situation and they were very understanding and compassionate to my situation. I wondered how they would handle the situation A couple of weeks after their visit I got a call from a Visiting Teaching companion I didn't know that I had. It was actually a bit too much not having stepped foot in the ward building or knowing anyone from the ward. I felt a little bit like Katniss at the reaping in hunger games just expected to do what I was told or called to do. This didn't work for me and I silently protested by not accepting the calling. <br />
<br />
The goal was to attend 1 hours of church. The reason I'm going with 1 hour for now is because when I go for more than that, which I have before, I get SO sick that it's that sick feeling that I'm stuck with each week. It's not how I want to remember each Sunday. When I do 1 hour I leave just as I being to feel ill but it doesn't over power the great things about being there for 1 hour. Thank goodness our first hour is Relief Society. A sorority of Sisters, THANK GOODNESS!!!<br />
<img src="http://ldshomedecor.com/images/relief_society_stonewash.jpg" /><br />
I accomplished my goal. And it felt good. It's 6 hours later and I'm still nauseated, but it's not so overwhelming that I'm fixated over it. It should subside about Wednesday, just in time to start pumping myself up for next Sunday.<br />
It sounds bad, having to pump myself up for church. Those looking for ways to bash our church, any church or organized religion in general will jump all over that. Meh, find something better and worth while to do. Because for a while I had to make the same kind of baby step goals just to get out of bed in the morning. In the early weeks of the breakdown I couldn't even step out of the house to get the mail. I had goals that were just to get out of bed and eat. Then get out of bed, shower and get dressed and eat. I freaked out on the Greeter at a Walmart 2 weeks after the initial break down. So I've come a long way, baby!<br />
I know I've build up a safe little community with walls a mile thick. 5 years later only certain people are allowed into that community. People have taken it upon themselves to "help" break down my walls. Perhaps in other situations help is needed and welcome and expected. PTSD is so delicate. Many of us don't need the attention or the focus on us. This is one wall I need to being to break down myself and if others try to do it, it leaves me exposed. We need to talk about it when we're ready to talk about it and step back out into the world when we're ready to. For some it's easy for others it's a prison.<br />
<br />
Part of the issue with me going to church is having to explain the issue. Telling the details of the story and triggers is sometimes a trigger itself. I felt my Relief Society President and my Bishopric needed to know. They need to know why a male home teachers would probably not get into my home. Or if the Bishopric just shows up why they aren't getting in my home.<br />
<br />
Telling the story causes your mind and body to go back through the actual events of the trauma. Even though it's a healthy thing and needed thing, you have to go through all the coping skills for days sometimes weeks to feel safe and secure again. The more you do it the easier it gets So I know the more I make these goals the better it will. One truly never is healed from PTSD our coping skills just strengthen. In my situation the very people and place most turn to happens to make me sick.<br />
I have to laugh at the situation sometimes because in reality CHURCH MAKES ME SICK!!<br />
<br />
<img height="400" src="http://th03.deviantart.net/fs70/PRE/f/2012/195/6/5/feeling_ill__by_xiao_feng_fury-d5780dv.jpg" width="317" /><br />
One of the most priceless things about today was the look on my sister's face when she happen to look out in the foyer and saw me standing there waiving at her and making funny faces. SURPRISE!! She came out and greeted me and walked me too Relief Society. She didn't need to. I didn't particularly want her to but I got the feeling that she needed to do it more than i needed her to.<br />
<br />
The Relief Society President was pleasantly surprised and she did come and speak with me after. She address the Visiting Teaching situation and apologized for assuming I was willing and ready to be a visiting teaching with where I'm at. She was gracious and apologetic. Everything she should have been and that will help a great deal in my comfort level of being IN the building. <br />
<br />
For the most part I'm feeling accomplished.<br />
I'm grateful for having access to all the learning materials and lessons online. The church is brilliant that way for those of us who can't or are unwilling to get to an actual building and deal with the members, because lets be honest, there are times when we love the church and hate the members in it and some days it's the opposite. One thing I've learned from this is you can never judge a person as to why they do or do not attend church meetings. If our goal is Zion, Zion has to be born internally in our hearts and minds before it can be achieved externally. Be kind to those who come back to church. Don't be over bearing. A smile and a hand shake is just enough. Some people need to be zero'd in on and others just need space to get used to the atmosphere and marinate for a while to get comfortable. Take ques from them and don't be afraid to offer what you think may be needed. Always offer. .What they do with that offering is up to them. Some will use it, some will not. If you offer be genuine and you better make time and effort to fulfill your offering. Things I mostly don't like are when people are so quick with their mouths to offer time, talent and service and then 95% of the time have some excuse or crisis as to why they can't fulfill their own offer. If you don't mean it don't say it. Don't let your mouth write checks that the rest of you aren't willing to cash.<br />
<br />
I'm thankful for National Come back to Church day. It game me more of a goal and a kick start to something I wanted to do but wasn't quite sure of doing. I hope that next year those who are looking for a way to go back to church, Whichever church that may be, that they take the opportunity to use National Come Back To Church as a guiding tool if you need to. <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin30EjP4BhrQzNXKd0TK2djfL_BGn34jXIgnlZ6zDfIaAZM8P9NbDIGSc8vPyASDjjaNyo1dOx_342Uyk_hcw8mUxsTY4aBx9UrFy_QrGq2lmOQS1Zpikw4Nr7Ve4aj_BAcBVjCspT4_ve/s1600/i+did+it+steps.jpg" /><br />
<br />ShaBANGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12435939559462982820noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8235753667528365971.post-63736225435643994312013-09-11T19:50:00.001-07:002013-09-11T19:50:07.765-07:00Not Just Remembering 9/11. Remembering Our Country As A Whole.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">September 11, 2001, my daughter comes running into my bedroom, “MOM! The news said a plane hit one of the big sky scrapers in New York!” I sort of just rolled over and said…”oh, that’s messed up. I kind of just rolled over and went back into a slight Doze. I’m not sure how long it was but she came back into my room “Mom another plain just crashed into the other sky scraper. The news things it’s an attack on America!” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"> I jumped up and went to the T.V watching the towers burn. </span><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">"Hmm…” </span><br />
<br />
<img src="http://michaelbrowntoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/93814-september-11-2001.jpg" height="300" width="400" /><br />
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"> I didn’t really say too much after that. What was there to say?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14px;"></span><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">This should have been a frightening experience. Was I in shock? Was I numb? Was I de sensitized? I don’t know what I was. But I know what I </span></span><span style="line-height: 18.18181800842285px;">wasn't</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">I </span></span><span style="line-height: 18.18181800842285px;">wasn't</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"> too shocked. I was a little worried at how shocked and surprised I </span><span style="line-height: 18.18181800842285px;">wasn't</span><span style="line-height: 18px;"> I got dressed and went to work but there was very little work goin on. I can remember with each phone call it was so little about business but more bout how we, as Americans need to pull together and unify. That whole work week was more of a reassurance that hey, I may be across the country from you, but I’m here I share the same pain and sorrow and let’s love and respect our country and support our countrymen.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">For week, we as Americans, begin to see things differently. Tolerated violence less in hour homes, hour neighborhoods’ and even in our entertainment. Do you remember there were certain scenes cut out of Movies and T.V shows because it was too close to the situation of 9/11? I can remember saying to some of my friends… “I think it’s funny that we as Americans were ok with TV. And Movies that showed war and terrorism in other countries, but since it’s happened on this soil we’re suddenly cautious and sensitive to it? </span></span></span><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTkHL86IuxnDx5lnkBqTDi3KNhMXE2gc6rpmSYAvgckYu6uXJ4U-HRLKLcizdYcxtte270YbW923lDTq0qtGcMnunVenmAHNM_4sKLWw_TgAQCkXCg_471TYu8q3RQq-FNHdm3yjlgkTE/s1600/Title.sex.jpg" /><br />
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">It’s the same Production but different stage. In reality it </span></span><span style="line-height: 18.18181800842285px;">shouldn't</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"> be the stage that matters it should be the production itself.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">One of the first things that came to my mind during 9/11 and the weeks after was… WHY IS EVERYONE SO SHOCKED AND SURPRISED? As I watched the T.V as the events unfolded I remember a time years ago where my mother gathered me and my sister together each week and we read the book of Revelations. I’m not sure why she felt compelled to do it. I thought it was odd at the time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"> Being the artistic child in the family when I read things they would play out in my mind very animated and full of color and drama! So for me, it was like a page out Revelations being scene on TV. And then I thought… THE WORLD </span></span><span style="line-height: 18.18181800842285px;">AIN'T</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"> SEEN NOTHING YET! This is going to be tame compared to what else is to come in our lifetime. I don’t recall being fearful. I grew up in Michigan. The state of Michigan has the highest concentration of Muslims out side of Muslim countries. Detroit has the country's largest concentration of Arabs (mostly Lebanese, Iraqis, Palestinians, and Yemenis), a legacy of the days when Henry Ford employed Lebanese laborers. They were my co-workers, school mates and friends. I remember in the days after on the new they showed where 3 business men were asked to leave a flight because the other passengers </span><span style="line-height: 18.18181800842285px;">weren't</span><span style="line-height: 18px;"> comfortable with them being on it.</span></span></span><br />
<img height="295" src="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQdtYKjVX9SpvE0Y0n9LeNM1JVKSo33IvjyRnsaPpvB5HeyaQqYpw" width="400" /><br />
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"> How sad it was to have such “justified” paranoia toward the stereotype.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"> I experience PTSD Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Now those in the Military will recognize it and most people will recognize is as the term “SHELL SHOCK.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">It comes from traumas that we encounter. When we don’t deal with the trauma properly, any situation that shows up in our lives resembling that trauma will cause the mind and body to think the trauma is happening all over again causing you to go into an irrational Fight or Flight mode. The tricky thing is that anything can trigger this reaction: A smell, a phrase, a song on the radio, a T.V Show or movie, the way someone looks or acts, an article of clothing…. If you don’t know the proper steps to take when the triggers happen then your reactions can be more damaging to you and those around you. I haven't even mentioned the PHYSICAL effects it has, headache, nausea, blurred vision... </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><o:p></o:p></span><img src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/cc/2e/34/cc2e346bf959bf16f27c5d0d60d4a280.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.center4mh.org/sites/default/files/resize/8/images/PTSD%20knight%20armor-574x729.png" height="320" width="252" /><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">I have come to determine that our Nation suffers from PTSD Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and we suffer on all levels: Religiously, Politically, Financially, Racially Civilly and Socially.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">We Are A Wounded Nation.</span><br />
<img src="http://blog.americanhistory.si.edu/.a/6a00e553a80e1088340134873754c5970c-250wi" height="208" width="320" /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">We are a wounded nation and it effects us all on a personal level. How do you heal a nation? It begins on a personal level. It begins with our own issues. It begins with us recognizing our own truth and owning it. It begins when we decide to live in our truth or change it because we don’t like it and then doing the work to create a better truth. We will never begin to truly live our lives as long as we expect others to do the work to repair it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"> My generation will either be the generation that makes it better or makes it worse and begins with something as simple as teaching our children and grandchildren within the home. We are a nation who </span></span><span style="line-height: 18.18181800842285px;">doesn't</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"> mind lying down and doing what it takes to bring children into the world. But somewhere along the way </span><span style="line-height: 18.18181800842285px;">we've</span><span style="line-height: 18px;"> stopped parenting and teaching them. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; line-height: 18.18181800842285px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; line-height: 18.18181800842285px;">We've</span><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; line-height: 18px;"> put them in front of TVs, Computers and iPads and allowed for those things to take our place in their education.</span><br />
<img src="http://hothardware.com/newsimages/Item15043/kids-tv.jpg" /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"> I can remember being in Kindergarten, knowing my ABC’s and how to count to 50 and knowing how to spell my name and yes…. Reading. Small simple books. I address my teachers and my parent’s friends as Mrs., Miss or Mister, not by their first name, because we were not contemporaries. We were taught to look people in the face when we spoke to them and speak loudly and clearly and with confidence. These were some of the things that would make us successful in life.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><img src="http://www.cvcny.org/images/uploads/images/1252366715_ABC's.jpg" /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"> The home is our first school of learning: table manners, common courtesies how to get along. If two or more of us wanted to watch different shows at the same time there was no 2<sup>nd</sup> or 3rd TV we had to learn how to compromise and negotiate with each other. Sometimes the negotiation was to digress and give in. Other times it was to strike a deal and go after what was worth it to you. All skills you need to learn to have a successful life. We had to pick our battles. If I get mad and hit my brother, how will he retaliate, will I be strong enough to deal with it? Will whatever happens after be worth the shot I took? We had to think things through and live with consequences and be accountable for our actions. If we stole something we were marched right back into the store and had to confess what we did to the people we did it to. There’s very little accountability for choices these days. Bad behavior and disrespect is excused because it’s funny or because it’s done in truth or because it’s none of our business. As a child even if we were brutally honest as children are we were schooled on the appropriateness, attitude and disrespect we presented that truth. We learned when truth should be brutally honest, when it should set you free, and when it came with gentle correction and strong love. </span><br />
<img src="http://reliableadoptioninfo.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/4-disciplining-children-450a032108.jpg" /><br />
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"> Lack of these things add to the PTSD of our Nation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Failing to take advantage of our education and knowing the importance of it adds to the PTSD of Nation. For some of it, it was our only way out of breaking a cycle of poverty and negative environment. School is where we learned to be part of a team, cheering and encouraging other and being a part of a group (instead of a gang) that set goals and accomplished them. Almost most every kid was in cub scouts, boy scouts, Brownies or Campfire girls. Boy and girls clubs flourished with positive activities for community and person growth. Weekends were spent at the</span></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"> YMCA or the Rec Centers with friends and we played basket ball, Volleyball, Softball, Baseball, hockey and learned to swim. And when it was nice outside we rode bikes and skate boards, made jumps and forts and go-carts or played baseball in the vacant fields. Our Asses were healthier and smaller because we moved them and </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; line-height: 18.18181800842285px;">didn't</span><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"> need them for a cushion all night and day.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">Things were rarely just given to us frivolously. We had to earn money through cutting grass, raking leaves, shoveling snow, helping the neighbor do chores if we wanted a new bike, roller blades, skateboards, action figures, radios or walkie talkies. Feel free to replace that with Scooters, cars, clothes, cell phones, ipods/pad or xbox’s.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<img src="http://www.freeprintablebehaviorcharts.com/images/washcar.jpg" /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">We </span></span><span style="line-height: 18.18181800842285px;">weren't</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"> afraid to Say Grace or reference scriptures or any other book that might lay some kind of moral foundation. It was cool to hang out with parents and grandparents and they knew our friends and their family members for a couple of Generations.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"> People </span></span><span style="line-height: 18.18181800842285px;">weren't</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"> offended when you corrected their children for doing the wrong thing. As a matter of fact they called you and thanked you for setting them straight and looking out for them in the absence of their parent. And the parents had the courage to be embarrassed by the actions of the offending child and reinforced that correction. We lived in the village and tolerate the village fool and the village idiot because even they have a value, even if it was to be an example of what not to do and how to be better. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">It was ok for our sons to play with girls and our daughters to play with boys because they were appropriate, we taught them how to be.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"> We didn’t separated them until the age of 16 and then expect them to automatically know how to deal with each other. We grew them up together, watched them fight as kids and learn how to settle it without parents getting too involved to the rescue. We sent them on activities together with our families and their families so if they could date at the right age they had a foundation of friendship and familiarity. They curiosity of each other didn’t get the best of them and carry them away to unknown and pent up curiosity.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<img src="http://recreationxleisure.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Fun-Summer-Holiday-Activities-for-Teenagers.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">We are in a day and age of exceptions. Everyone man woman and child I know and their situation is the exception to some kind of rule making us all JUST AS SPECIAL AND IMPORTANT as everyone else. The agenda of some is to push the exception to be the rule. Putting the needs of the one above the needs of the most or not accepting that which is “just as good as” the rule.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">We’ve turned into a nation of selfish untrusting control freaks. We want power and control over people and thing but aren’t willing to do the work to accomplish those things. We tell folks what we want and expect everyone else to do the work to accomplish it. And become upset when they don’t do it right or how we want it done. Not recognizing it just may not be what they want.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"><span style="line-height: 18.18181800842285px;">We've</span></span><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"> come from a nation of loving Shirley Temple to Loving Honey Boo Boo.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14px;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<img src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/92/3e/39/923e39cc6c990ea3033d69eadea6c0b5.jpg" /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14px;"></span><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"> </span><a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?sa=X&biw=962&bih=541&tbm=isch&tbnid=JryXXDBd-gZ6uM:&imgrefurl=http://www.fanpop.com/clubs/here-comes-honey-boo-boo/images/33664107/title/alana-photo&docid=QR-bAMxtLb46zM&imgurl=http://images6.fanpop.com/image/photos/33600000/Alana-here-comes-honey-boo-boo-33664107-252-200.jpg&w=252&h=200&ei=dO4wUqb2BYGQiQKq_YGYCw&zoom=1&iact=rc&dur=360&page=4&tbnh=144&tbnw=181&start=52&ndsp=20&ved=1t:429,r:70,s:0,i:304&tx=83&ty=69"><span style="background-color: #cccccc; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 20px; text-decoration: none;"></span></a><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"> From loving the Mickey Mouse Club to Loving the Bad Girl’s Club and from watching the Honey Moon game to watching the Bachelor and Bachelorette. In a diverse nation it takes all kinds to strengthen and weaken it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"> Our country is wounded, our pride is wounded and we are becoming weaker each year, not recognizing that the strength of the Nation is dependent on the strength of the home and family. It thrives off the working man doing the manual labor to make things happen, more than the man up in the office on the phone. It thrives on the teachers who educate our kids, the police and firefighter who put the lives on the line each time they go into work, not the pro athlete, the actress or </span><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">the rap artists making a million and using it for multiple cars, houses and jewelry.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"> It thrives on the Mothers and Fathers who support each other and their children, not the playa’s and the baby mama’s who can’t afford to live by themselves, let alone take care of someone they’ve brought into the world. In the Animal world, A baby penguin will die if both parents don't work together.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><img src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/11/23/article-0-162CF704000005DC-733_634x705.jpg" /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"> We’ve jump to become offended first instead of allowing common sense, or even the Holy Spirit of God to discern if offense was intended. We fight and disagree trying to see eye to eye instead of understanding that it’s more important to see heart to heart. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"> The state of the Nation is in some way no better or worse off then the state of our homes and family. We’ve lost focus. It is us who heals and strengthens the Nations. The Nation doesn’t heal and strengthen us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1556756845096352998" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1556756845096352998" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1556756845096352998" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><img src="http://wholles.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Statue-of-Liberty-and-American-Flag.jpg" height="225" width="400" /><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"> Let us take this opportunity to look back at 9/11 and remember and in that remembrance let us remember how we used to be as a country and Let us also take this opportunity to begin to heal our Nation on a more personal level. We can’t control our Government or our neighbors. But we can go back into our homes as parents and families and begin to heal within the safety of it’s walls, How knows maybe the generation behind us will become the generations that brings it all back together. God Bless you. God Bless the USA.</span></div>
ShaBANGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12435939559462982820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8235753667528365971.post-58809868266800854602013-09-06T02:19:00.000-07:002013-09-06T02:19:44.544-07:00 When The Flowers Have Wilted and The Leaves Have Dried....<br />
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img src="http://www.sunflowergallery.net/photos/funeral/gracefulvaseof24redroses_s.jpg" /></div>
<br />
When you're in the midst of a tragedy do you ever feel betrayed that the world doesn't recognize? Even if it's just for 5 minutes. Do you sometimes wish you could flip a switch and stop the world with it's hustle an bustle so it can surround you in your sorrow or heartbreak or whatever it may be? <br />
<div>
It's times like these as Christians we rally around each other because it's the CHRISTIAN thing to do. Our Christian Duty. Hopefully we also do it because it's the HUMANE thing to do.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
During those immediate times we gather together for support and strength. Bringing meals, sending cards and donations and flowers. We rally around for a week or two with "If there's anything I can do or if you need me call me." as our theme. </div>
<div>
After a week or two we get back to our own lives and allow them to try and get back into theirs. </div>
<div>
Getting back to a routine helps to bring back the normality. Getting dressed, going to work, socializing with co-workers keeps our minds and bodies busy as we slowly heal. We find ways to fill our days so we can feel again. We appreciate and depend on those who surround us. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
What happens in the weeks and months to come. Do you often feel yourself 2 or 3 months down the road into a relapse saying to yourself </div>
<div>
"where is everyone? I still need your strength and support..." </div>
<div>
Only to find that the world is now over it, and why aren't you?</div>
<div>
You look around and find yourself alone, lonely and wondering if you'll ever stop hurting. And try and focus back on the time when you were surrounded by people and cards and Tupperware after Tupperware of Lasagna and chicken and rice casseroles. You look on the shelf and notice the beautiful bright cheery flowers have wilted and the leaves have dried and fallen off the stem.</div>
<div>
<img src="http://www.booksforbetterliving.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Wilted_Roses_Photo_Credit_Illusive_Photography.jpg" /> You can see the beauty of them and their previous existence. The memory of what they used to be pales in comparison to the realty of what they have become. You could create something beautiful with it but the truth is your inventory of time, energy and creativity is in short supply and you can't find your reserves. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
When those we care about have an immediate need we often rush to their side and bombard them with support. We make the time to care and comfort. 6 months later where are we in our caring? Do we visit often? Make a phone call or extend and invitation to get away from it all? Or as we wondering if we'll ever get that favorite piece of Tupperware back? Are we avoiding those calls that turn into 2 hour depressing conversation where you basically want to tell someone to "get over it and get on with life?" Because you have things to do and places to go and people to see?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<img src="http://www.ihtiyacodasi.com/FileUpload/bs27136/File/zaman_planlama.jpg" /> </div>
<div>
As we all go through this life together I think it would be fitting for us to not just remember those who are going through hard times but to reach out to them...after the flowers have wilted and the leaves have dried. How often to we think of others but never let them know? Only to find out they've been struggling and could have used some support. How often have you been on the other end of recognizing you could fulfill a need, hand you only taken the time to recognize there was a need to be filled. Are their times when you've marketed the burden or pawned and pimped it off on someone else because you've been too busy or unwilling to help carry it? </div>
<div>
I'm often reminded of a church meeting from long ago where a sister stood up and mentioned how she prays everyday for the homeless people in the park w/o food or shelter. Sometimes all we can do is pray. </div>
<div>
I recall saying, </div>
<div>
"Prayer is great. It's a beautiful thing. But there are times when it just may not be enough. Sometimes we have to be the answer to the prayer we're offering up." </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We need to be the blessing in the lives of others. When I say be a blessing i don't mean that in arrogance. I mean there are things people in the community need and in some ways I can provide that need. Because I have been given much, I too, must give. I believe these days it's called "Paying it Forward." Often times we use Prayer as a crutch or an alternative to service. Imagine how the World could be if , with each prayer, there was an intent to somehow act upon it? </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I hope we will often consider using these hands:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<img src="http://linhthao.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Praying-Hands-Bible.jpg" /> </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">like these hands.</span></b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<img src="http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/media/640x360/GHANA2.jpg" /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
A good friend walks in when others walk out. A good friends arrives when others have left and their need to feel important has gone with them. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I leave you with one of my favorite quotes</div>
<div>
<img alt="Marjorie Pay Hinckley" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/authors/1250494999p2/226482.jpg" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">I don't want to drive up to the pearly gates in a shiny sports car, wearing beautifully, tailored clothes, my hair expertly coiffed, and with long, perfectly manicured fingernails.</span></div>
<h1 class="quoteText" style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;">
I want to drive up in a station wagon that has mud on the wheels from taking kids to scout camp.<br />I want to be there with a smudge of peanut butter on my shirt from making sandwiches for a sick neighbors children.<br />I want to be there with a little dirt under my fingernails from helping to weed someone's garden.<br />I want to be there with children's sticky kisses on my cheeks and the tears of a friend on my shoulder.<br />I want the Lord to know I was really here and that I really lived.”</h1>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">― </span><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/226482.Marjorie_Pay_Hinckley" style="background-color: white; color: #666600; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;">Marjorie Pay Hinckley</a><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Be the one to show up after the flowers have wilted and the leave have dried.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
ShaBANGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12435939559462982820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8235753667528365971.post-4539430983727868122013-08-23T22:30:00.000-07:002013-08-23T22:41:23.633-07:00 Is "All Are Alike Unto God" A Facade??<div class="MsoNormal">
<img height="640" src="http://images.fineartamerica.com/images-medium-large/1-many-masks-of-god-joyce-small.jpg" width="521" /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">As long as </span><span style="font-size: 21px; line-height: 24px;">I've</span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"> been reading the Book of Mormon I, just as you, have read about being cursed
with skins of blackness as well as dark and loathsome, filthy people etc. Recently, thank the Lord; the contexts of
these scriptures have been changed to the true meaning, speaking of demeanor
and attitude. Ironically enough, a YW
leader in my ward in Michigan way back in 1982 made sure she taught us, it </span><span style="font-size: 21px; line-height: 24px;">wasn't</span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"> truly skin color, but the dark
and heavy nature of being without the light of Christ, not the color of our
skin. And I believed and trusted her judgment….and
ran with it. It seemed obvious that what
she veered away and taught was more conducive</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"> to the gospel than the separation
of white skin good, dark skin bad. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">They say in the Gospel of Jesus Christ all you need is love. To love one another.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<img src="http://data.whicdn.com/images/27771855/black-and-white-love-people-Favim.com-413552_large.jpg" /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Part of love is communication. If you truly love, then you will communicate.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> I"ve heard many people accuse the LDS Church of preaching "All Are Alike, Unto God" and then practicing elitism. Calling our church a Facade. Asking me if I agree. I don't agree. I believe that for the most part we Brothers and Sisters of the church truly believe everyone is the same in the eyes of the Lord. I do think we need to be more outspoken, direct, and vocal about interracial relationships withing the Gospel. Sometimes actions don't match the preaching. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">I wonder how
many LDS families have communications/discussions regarding these things. We used to have them all the time. I'm
finding that among my friends not too many families, other than those of colors,
have these discussions. We teach our children that “All are alike unto
God.” And that everyone should be
treated equal regardless of skin color, culture etc. But just chanting these mantras a couple of times during the elementary
school years and Jr. High school years </span><span style="font-size: 21px; line-height: 24px;">aren't</span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"> quite enough. Just like
tithing, prayers, faith, scripture reading, I believe accepting of the races
and diverse cultures needs to be a regular part of teaching our children the
gospel ESPECIALLY because of some of the
previous wording of our scriptures. No matter what the new changes are and how
they come about, there have been generations </span><span style="font-size: 21px; line-height: 24px;">ingrained</span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"> and indoctrinated with
the “white skin good, dark skin
bad" theory. I'm sure it's confusing. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<img src="http://img.wikinut.com/img/25.cgjnanar14l8u/jpeg/0/good-vs-bad.jpeg" /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Teaching this new generation a
different perception of it may be easy because of the changes, however I can see
it being like Moses in the wilderness for 40 years waiting for the old to die
off because they </span><span style="font-size: 21px; line-height: 24px;">couldn't</span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"> learn, comprehend or grasp the new thinking of what
to them, has always been. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"> Like the old dogs and new tricks </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<img src="http://tamuccresearchdev.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/old-dog-new-tricks-rdo-blog.jpg?w=500" /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"> We need
to speak of these things more in our congregations and home. Not just during that annual “priesthoods
being restored to the Black Brothers’ Sunday.
We need to be vocal about these things and speak with our families
forcefully, honestly and upfront about where we stand. My growing up and dating
in the 80 my LDS friends were saying I love very one . The Lord </span><span style="font-size: 21px; line-height: 24px;">doesn't</span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"> see
color, my parents taught me to love everyone equal. But the minute I became the person their son
was dating, their son </span><span style="font-size: 21px; line-height: 24px;">wasn't</span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"> so sure about where their parents stood
either. These are conversations we as
family members and saints need to have.
We need to have them as congregations, ward members, neighbors and
children of a most high Heavenly Father</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<img src="http://fitsnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/race-relations.jpg" /><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"> Does your family truly know your
stance on possible interracial relationships? Or do we assume they already
know? Will you be caught in an awkward
situation if a white boy shows up in you house, or a black girl comes to
dinner? Many of my friends have been
caught off guard. Some have had to really dig deep and recognize how they truly
feel about the situation. Others without any doubts are business as usual. If we </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 21px; line-height: 24px;">aren't</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"> teaching our families these
things then who is? And if you don’t know who is, then you truly don’t know
exactly what is being taught. I try and
take the opportunity when applicable in reminds others that these types of
subjects are not sort of hit and miss type of subjects. It should be like
teaching the law of morality and our stance on premarital sex. Parents assume kids know the standards and
the teachings and how they feel about the situation. But when asking the kids,
they refer to a couple of sentences from an FHE lesson from years ago or a
Sunday school lesson where the teacher was so embarrassed and afraid to truly
teach. If we don't teach our children these things. The world will do it in a manor that may not be conducive to your beliefs.</span><br />
<img src="http://demonayumi.webs.com/photos/Ayumi/1224494253134.jpg" /><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"> In order for thought processes, changes and true brother and sisterhood to come about in the gospel, we need to have these real conversations with ourselves, family and friends. It doesn't have to be long. It doesn't have to be difficult. It doesn't have to be drama.</span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"> But it, indeed, has to be.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">*get to talkin! Say it loud and proud*</span></span>ShaBANGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12435939559462982820noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8235753667528365971.post-7611630335712158602013-08-23T01:18:00.000-07:002013-08-23T01:20:21.692-07:00I Hope All White Mormons Read This! I debated on the title of this post because I've had about 7 friends come across my news feed with the same link about a black politician in Louisiana moving from being a Democrat to becoming a member of the Republican party. Urging people of color to please read. As if all people of color are democrats and "one of our own" has seen the light so we should take a moment and contemplate his testimony of it. And it's followed up with how Republican want people of color to have a slice of the American Pie and truly live the American Dream and how being a Republican is the way to prosper and succeed.<br />
<img height="256" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSLkz8m4dwsIf_NYf1thxn8ImkeRzVsRU8OpjRktQ9RGHwSQXfN" width="400" /><br />
It's time like these where you have to ask the Holy Spirit to calm your soul....and your nerves and to please discern, what the hell they're trying to say because they said wrong and pissed a bunch of people off.<br />
When I saw the link the first time, I just sort of *sighed* and rolled my eyes. Oh the do gooders are hear to save the black folks again. They saved us from kidnapping us from Africa and bringing us to America so we could know and learn of Christianity and save our souls. They, not knowing that<br />
1. Christianity was already introduced to Africa<br />
2. It's Universal, it travels with you where ever you go.<br />
<br />
But when it showed up 6 more times...I kinda got ticked off. But you can't really go after those who truly in their hearts believe that these kinds of messages will reach those who they wish would read this, whatever this is.<br />
<br />
Why aren't they directing these messages to their white country men who are democrats or who may have voted for a black president? Is it that they are "educated enough to make the decision" and black country men are uneducated and just following some sort of tradition?" If black people had enough power to put whomever we wanted into office all the time, it would really be a different country.<br />
<br />
It took more than just black people to put President Obama in office. And since we're assuming all democrats are black and all republicans are white, what about the republicans who switched up and voted for President Obama? I don't see them being petitioned either.<br />
<br />
Sometimes it feels like Black vs White all the time because of assumptions.<br />
<img height="299" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR5mUiztvRQHcnoVw9GDU8R2EBCmNQAbiAxLIumoNnvGgtPqbKlsQ" width="400" /><br />
<br />
Nothing ticks me off more than generalities and stereotypical assumptions. <br />
Race relations and politics seem to go hand and hand these days. Especially since the country put a black man in office. I, for one, am tired of being blamed for the state of the country. <br />
<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPQfIhNIZWU2KQhKtQKusFXuH8ixt9NYwDE56-xnPC_FeEaBjP-C_W8dbhk1-SHyy-CQeAu5jrm8RwtmmR8R9lCq2-ExbRTJPC7JR74PJ25YwoiKEsXCJqNaYMDl6s2pOUHNxc5p-Vd30/s400/Black+Tuesday+Grave.bmp" /><br />
(I ran across this photo after President Obama won in 2008 and before he raised his hand to take oath in 2009)<br />
<br />
What most of what most other American doesn't realize is that for Black Americans, having a black president is a double edged sword. WE know that just by having lovely velvety chocolate or caramel skin we are guilty by association. If he fails, it's our fault because we're all democrats and we all voted for him.<br />
<br />
There are so many facets to this I cant even begin to mention them all. But I can bring to surface the one's that stand out the most to me.<br />
We, the black people of the United States were once considered the lowest form of human life in this country. So YES! WE CAN rejoice in the knowledge that the same country has elected a black man to be the President of the United States...Twice. And YES! WE CAN stand in solidarity of the amazing history of being kidnapped, shipped, sold, beaten, worked to death, raped, and sold again, withheld of basic civil rights that should be afforded to every human, killed in the process of making a stand for those rights.<br />
Why can't it be understood that we can appreciate the history of the situation without agreeing with his politics? And even if we don't agree with what he's doing as the President there is still going to be a respect and a line we don't cross because of being the first in that position and because of what it means to us as black Americans. That respect I believe is what has the world assuming that black people are democrats and voted for him. Unlike our White countrymen, they have no need to or desire to respect any part of that history. they are very vocal about their disdain for "OBAMA" and his politics. I've heard him called many things in the last 5 years: Racist, Flip Flopper, liar etc. <br />
To me its maddening to hear these things, ESPECIALLY from Members of the church. Through out my Mormon life I've heard... "We should always pray for our leaders." I have been taught that to mean Country, State and City leaders also, not just church leaders. Maybe others are biased and take that to mean only church leaders.<br />
I'm about to make a parallel of sorts and it's going to piss some people off. *welcome to my world.*<br />
<br />
Bruce R. McConkie made the following remarks <i style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple;"><b>"Those who were less valiant in the pre-existence and who thereby had certain spiritual restrictions imposed upon them during mortality are known to us as the negroes. Such spirits are sent to earth through the lineage of Cain, the mark put upon him for his rebellion against God and his murder of Abel being a black skin.... Noah's son Ham married Egyptus, a descendant of Cain, thus preserving the negro lineage through the flood....The negroes are not equal with other races when the receipt of certain spiritual blessings are concerned, particularly the priesthood and the temple blessings that flow therefrom, but this inequality is not of man's origin. It is the Lord's doing, based on His eternal laws of justice, and grows out of the lack of spiritual valiance of those concerned in their first estate." </b></span></i><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;">To black member's it's always been OBVIOUS that this was not the case. Matter of fact many of us who were members at the time were waiting for the white members to "figure it out" so this "policy" would change.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"> Article of Faith #2 dictates to that. The scriptures indicate there were no "fence sitters' in the first estate. Matter of fact it goes against The Lord's eternal laws of Justice.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"> In 1978 when Elder Mcconkie admits:<span style="color: purple;"><i> <b>“Forget everything that I have said, or what President Brigham Young or President George Q. Cannon or whomsoever has said in days past that is contrary to the present revelation. We spoke with a limited understanding and without the light and knowledge that now has come into the world. We get our truth and our light line upon line and precept upon precept. We have now had added a new flood of intelligence and light on this particular subject, and it erases all the darkness and all the views and all the thoughts of the past. They don't matter any more.”</b></i></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"> I get that The Lord only has us humans to work with, that we will make mistakes, man will make mistakes, the Lord will hold us accountable for what we do to verify mistakes and the actions we take to correct them. That does not diminish my faith or belief in the church because I KNOW the Lord's work will move forward regardless of the mistakes of men, even men of God.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<img height="544" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRsMfPfOUbrsxVckG9bSvWyuR21w8jqPeLhu_xlecm2BPMrElmh8A" width="640" /><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><i><span style="color: purple;"> </span> </i>I still hear member defending the policy instead of recognizing and admitting that " hey our leaders, who are men of God, Human and privy to mistakes and circumstances surrounding the country and atmosphere messed up. THANK GOODNESS It's been fixed!" These were racist moves. The motives may not have been but the act of withholding them were. Yet these are men who are still honored and respected. They were acting out of what they thought was best, regardless of if it was or not. I don't hear them being called Liars, Racists or Flip Floppers. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;">When Ronald Regan supported the apartheid regime, It appeared to be ok because it was in a different country. Even Congress overrode a veto imposed on by president Reagan about South African Sanctions. Remember when he was caught selling illegal weapons to Iran? I don't recall such blatant disrespect of him being called a racist, a liar or a flip flopper.</span><br />
<div align="justify" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.890625px; margin: 0px 0px 0.75em;">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh-7-Vf5tu8vRVo9qF3pA29YEvYqnlXx8R57FAPrGK6Xg56JhZ3fxB1DqhvnbF-rQTEwbUep3b1pJ_ncPV9XhklV3sPOKfLAG_6dyXNGaKN-ZWVqiSIzT1h8dofdK7hf-rKTsey2xx-kUz/s1600/reagan-ears2.gif" style="background-color: white; color: #336699; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.890625px;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570269553417869570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh-7-Vf5tu8vRVo9qF3pA29YEvYqnlXx8R57FAPrGK6Xg56JhZ3fxB1DqhvnbF-rQTEwbUep3b1pJ_ncPV9XhklV3sPOKfLAG_6dyXNGaKN-ZWVqiSIzT1h8dofdK7hf-rKTsey2xx-kUz/s400/reagan-ears2.gif" style="border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); display: block; height: 307px; margin: 0px auto 10px; padding: 4px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<div>
[the current president would be crucified for pulling a stunt like this]</div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;">What about the infidelity of the President's in office? Kennedy? Clinton? Shall we go into the Nixon administration? People still have more respect for all of these men. Then our Black President of the United States. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"> It's hard to determine if the Disrespect is because of his actions or his color or both. It's true he's doing things in office that have never been done before. But it's also true he's a man of color and we would be crazy to not acknowledge that it could be a possibility as well.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;">I've heard people say nothing about President Obama is good or positive. I beg to differ.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"> It's nice to see a family in the office where the Husband and Wife are focused on maintaining a family life, the father is home and involved and making it a priority to be a part of. Long after he is out of office, all he may have left is his family. Good to hear a President compliment his wife and show a true desire to be with her and support her while not cheating or hoeing around on her. It's good to see him be a great father to his daughters and not allow them to fall by the wayside to baby sitters and house keepers and secret service folk. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<img src="data:image/jpeg;base64,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" /><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
Some of the comments and remarks I've seen from church members cause me to wonder. Are you praying for your leaders, Church, Country, City/Civic? And if you truly are how can you ask the Lord's Blessing be upon them in one breath, while blatantly disrespecting them in the next?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<img alt="I Disagree, But I Respect Your Right To Be Stupid T-Shirt" src="http://imgc.allpostersimages.com/images/P-488-488-90/59/5951/9KNRG00Z/posters/i-disagree-but-i-respect-your-right-to-be-stupid.jpg" /><br />
I read something from a woman who did the exact opposite of something because the first Lady was encouraging it. This woman wrote: That Michelle Obama was going on an on about eating healthy and putting healthier foods and snacks in schools lunches and vending machines. I sat all of my kids down in front of the TV with candy, cookies, ice cream and all the junk food i could find. They're messing up the country so badly I refuse to do or support anything that comes out of her or her husband's mouth. <br />
WHAT THE HELL? What kind of anger and hate causes that kind of a reaction that folks wont even do the good and positive things that may come from President or First Lady Obama? Is it Racism? Is it Anger? Crazy Coincidence? Does it make logical sense to any of you? <br />
<br />
<br />
<img height="148" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/p480x480/3559_484366398303330_146791906_n.png" width="400" /><br />
Not to push this upon anyone else, but I've been "commanded" to support my leaders. Church and "otherwise" in my Patriarchal blessing. Even I recognize that if I cannot in good conscious support the actions of them, I can dang sure support them in prayer. What would the country look like if instead of being so quick to criticize, judge, belittle and disrespect our leaders we spend that time petitioning to the Lord in their behalf. I'm not saying agree with them and their actions, I'm saying to stop the madness of the public land-blasting and act productively in the things or ways you can support.<br />
<span style="background-color: white;"> The scriptures let us know the state of the country is less about the chosen Leader of the country and more about OURSELVES</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: justify;">2 </span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=14&chapter=7&verse=14&version=9&context=verse" style="background-color: white; color: #336699; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;">Chronicles 7:14:</a><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; text-align: justify;">If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple;"><i>How about a little less bitching about who is in office down here and a little more petitioning to who is in office up above.</i></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple;"><i><br /></i></span></span>ShaBANGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12435939559462982820noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8235753667528365971.post-68102710154051774172013-06-29T05:08:00.001-07:002013-06-29T19:15:53.246-07:00 NOW I Know Why The World Is Round.... Cuz we keep going in circles..<br />
<img src="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/735067_156613007823516_44579155_n.jpg" /><br />
<br />
<br />
I've come to the conclusion that the world goes round and figuratively, because we push it round and round. I'm probably going to say a buncha stuff that people don't wanna here. Feel free to exit stage right at any moment, it truly won't hurt my feelings.<br />
<br />
This week in our nation has truly made me recognize, we haven't come as far as we thought regarding how to be good countrymen, citizens and neighbors. This week has been an incredibly eye opening and it feels, to me, as if we are taking steps backwards instead of forward while going in circles at the same time.<br />
<br />
I tell you one thing... I WANT OFF THIS CRAZY RIDE!!!<br />
<br />
Just like in school, if we don't learn the needed things to move on with life, we keep repeating the same mistakes and it turns into a vicious cycle and eventually you learn and progress or get dizzy and quit trying learning to be blissful in the ignorance. Is our nation to the point of being blissful in the ignorance?<br />
<img alt="3d people- human character going in circles 3d render illustration Stock Photo - 14767501" src="http://us.123rf.com/400wm/400/400/coramax/coramax1208/coramax120800319/14767501-3d-people-human-character-going-in-circles-3d-render-illustration.jpg" /><br />
<br />
3 items of note have come to the forefront of the news.<br />
<br />
Texas abortion Laws<br />
Trayvon Martin Murder Case<br />
Paula Deen, fallen from grace.<br />
<br />
<br />
Sen. Wendy Davis of Texas attempted to stage a filibuster to block the vote on new Texas abortion law. The new law would<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 21.99652862548828px;"> ban abortions after 20 weeks and effectively close most abortion clinics in Texas by requiring tighter medical standards for the facilities. I see at least two things minimally wrong with this. First let me state the I am wholeheartedly 100% PRO LIFE. I usually don't refer to my political preferences here but feel the need today. I fully understand a women's right to want to abort a child because it's her body and her business. And I understand the desire to abort in cases medical necessity or rape or torture. However it's our bodies not minding it's own business that gets us pregnant.</span></span></span><br />
<img src="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQpSQJcz-KuK19DEgMgxvyv0715lXYX9B7VaNip8e0Y83HdcrjZnA" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 21.99652862548828px;"> Anytime we women make the decision to have sex we know the risk of getting pregnant, even if we use birth control. Carelessness is not a justification for selfishness and selfishness is not a justification of carelessness. Neither are grounds to kill the potential of human life. Yeah I said kill. If it's living regardless if it's inside or outside of your body (which in my mind is a technicality) it's murder. Consider this freaky imagination I have.... if children could be conceived and incubated outside of the body would it not be murder to terminate it's life, regardless of the life's origins? In my eyes, yup, it sure is. So many families want and can't have children, why is adoption not a stronger option? Is it ego? Shame? Embarrassment</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 21.99652862548828px;"> of whats done in the dark coming to light? some say it's not wanting to mess up their body. You'd think that there would be that kind of care taken in the beginning to protect the body if you didn't want to mess it up. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 21.99652862548828px;"> Again I fully Understand the desire when tragedy such as rape, incest or any other trauma may be concerned . There are medical measures to insure one doesn't get pregnant, give those a try. In the mean time expect it can happen when ever you lie down for sex. This is a Fetus at 20 weeks old. It breaths. It moves. Being inside a sac of fluid inside another body doesn't make it less alive or less human. </span><br />
<img src="http://www.embarazopasoapaso.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/20_semanas-embarazo.jpg" /><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 21.99652862548828px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 21.99652862548828px;"> The next thing i see wrong is....If you're the type to get an abortion... wouldn't you want to have it done in a facility with tighter medical standards? Seriously who wants to go to a substandard medical facility to have a procedure done? The tighter the better and healthier. I'm not sure what the problem is of raising health facilities to a tighter medical standards. It would scare me more that most places offering abortions would have to "step it up" to meet that standard and they should. Hopefully with that higher standard their would be less chance of complications in the procedure and treatment. It's almost as if those seeking to get abortions would rather go through some back door in an ally and have it taken care of as if it were a dirty little secret. Oh wait.... I guess in reality for some, it is like that. Perhaps we should fight to have better education on how to not get pregnant. Or at least take responsibility for our actions for those who behave so selfishly..and then take it out on an innocent life by discarding that life.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 21.99652862548828px;">I've been watching some of the Trayvon Martin hearing. </span></span><br />
<img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/d/df/TrayvonMartinHooded.jpg/220px-TrayvonMartinHooded.jpg" /><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 21.99652862548828px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 21.99652862548828px;">Its been painful to watch the start witness take the stand. It's been painful to hear her speak and see her attitude knowing that it has confirmed what parts of the country believe about all black people: uneducated, mad as hell and justified in racial speech.</span></span><br />
<img src="http://images.latintimes.com/data/images/full/8066/george-zimmerman-trial.jpg?w=650" /><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 21.99652862548828px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.666666984558105px; line-height: 21.97916603088379px;">What some people aren't putting into perspective: She is a young adult that's put under so much pressure right now. While this defense </span><span style="font-size: 14.399999618530273px; line-height: 21.975000381469727px;">attorney</span><span style="font-size: 14.666666984558105px; line-height: 21.97916603088379px;"> is smirking and displaying her lack of </span><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.96875px;">articulation</span><span style="font-size: 14.666666984558105px; line-height: 21.97916603088379px;"> experience and attitude about the situation, all while she is face to face with the man who killed her childhood/boyfriend. It doesn't appear she was properly prepped for court or her case and almost as if they picked her up from the local hang out spot and took her to court unprepared. </span></span><br />
<img src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/7168_629263740418947_1843471119_n.jpg" /><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.666666984558105px; line-height: 21.97916603088379px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.666666984558105px; line-height: 21.97916603088379px;">I couldn't do it. However the most painful thing, to me is the lack of support and overwhelming criticism of her by the black community, the very community who should be surrounding her lifting her up and carrying this </span><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.96875px;">burden</span><span style="font-size: 14.666666984558105px; line-height: 21.97916603088379px;"> with her. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.666666984558105px; line-height: 21.97916603088379px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.666666984558105px; line-height: 21.97916603088379px;">But we did the same thing with Olympic Gold Medalist Gabby Douglas didn't we:</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.666666984558105px; line-height: 21.97916603088379px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.666666984558105px; line-height: 21.97916603088379px;"> The child was out of the country winning gold medals under enormous pressure and competition...and all black folks did was talk about how badly her hair was did. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.666666984558105px; line-height: 21.97916603088379px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.666666984558105px; line-height: 21.97916603088379px;">This girl!.... Yeah... THIS GIRL RIGHT HERE... Who can do this move..</span></span><br />
<img src="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m86llmf1UZ1qebvqa.jpg" /><br />
<br />
And and the move below:<br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.666666984558105px; line-height: 21.97916603088379px;">can wear her hair however she want. Yeeuuh.. Im pretty sure she was working all day...and all year while we sat on our butts hoping she would do her best no matter what she looked like.</span></span><br />
<img src="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/s720x720/488289_401250416606196_1298324924_n.jpg" /><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.666666984558105px; line-height: 21.97916603088379px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.666666984558105px; line-height: 21.97916603088379px;"> Only to pull this kind of Crap:.</span></span><br />
<img src="http://jmuwomensstudentcaucus.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/hair-1.png" /><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.666666984558105px; line-height: 21.97916603088379px;">WHO THE HELL DOES THAT?</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.666666984558105px; line-height: 21.97916603088379px;"> To which Little Sister Gabby Said: "I AM NOT MY HAIR!!" Amen to that. But what you truly are is a Two time Gold medal Olympian. And I hope one day you get the chance to slap all the haters with that gold!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.666666984558105px; line-height: 21.97916603088379px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.666666984558105px; line-height: 21.97916603088379px;">BLACK FOLKS, HEAR ME</span></span><br />
<img height="303" src="http://images5.fanpop.com/image/photos/25200000/Say-one-more-thing-Smart-to-Me-madea-25222414-1000-760.png" width="400" /><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.666666984558105px; line-height: 21.97916603088379px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.666666984558105px; line-height: 21.97916603088379px;">...and hear me good:</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.666666984558105px; line-height: 21.97916603088379px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.666666984558105px; line-height: 21.97916603088379px;"> WE CAN'T EXPECT WHITE PEOPLE TO RESPECT US IF WE DON'T EVEN RESPECT OURSELVES!. We can't expect them to live to a higher standard of respect when we aren't even willing to step up to that higher standard either. It will NEVER happen if we don't get there ourselves. When we show the world we don't like each other, why should they have a reason to like us? All things begin within. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 21.99652862548828px;"> Non black people already see us as having a double standard racially assuming "we can say what we want about other races but nobody better not EVUH, EVUH say anything about a black person. Don't even Say the word black when mentioning my name."</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 21.99652862548828px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 21.99652862548828px;"> We cant even discuss racial matters without someone assuming the race card is being played in a victimizing way. If I hear ONE MORE TIME..."Why is it ok for Rappers to Say Nigga in their songs but white people cant say it...AT ALL?"</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 21.99652862548828px;"> The Lead witness in the trial didn't feel the word "Creepy Ass Cracker" was a racially motivated phrase or slur. I feel she's brought up in a place </span><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21.984375px;">t where this kind of speech is so common and tolerated that the ignorance of it all is lost on her. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 21.99652862548828px;"> Point number 1: America, not all black people Appreciate Rappers singing it or other black folks saying it. When i hear young people say it I let them know HEY... if you say it then white folks thinks it's ok to day it. And it's not ok for them OR you to be throwing it around. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 21.99652862548828px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 21.99652862548828px;">Point Number 2; If my mama calls me chubbs cuz I was a chubby baby... I know it comes from a place of endearment. She's cared for me, she know my struggle, she loves me on conditionally and I hear it from the place it was intended. Same with the rest of the family. Outside of the family, if you call me chubby, it's going to be a problem. I don't know you, you don't know me. you don't know my struggle and I don't know your intention or the place from which if comes. There's a difference in "the family" using an endearment and a stranger just Seeing a difference and throwing it out there. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 21.99652862548828px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 21.99652862548828px;">Point Number 3.Although some words are the same they have distinct meanings. I know it's an oxymoron and probably didn't make sense.so let me try to explain with a few examples</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 21.99652862548828px;"> Naked:: you don't have clothes on. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 21.99652862548828px;"> Nekkid: you don't have clothes on and you're up to something. </span></span><br />
Gay: Happy<br />
Gay: Same sex orientation.<br />
Gay: Lame or stale.<br />
Bitch: Hey girlfriend!<br />
Bitch: Female Dog<br />
Bitch: Evil woman i just cant stand.<br />
Negro: Uh oh, black man in trouble with a family member usually wife, mama or grandmama<br />
Nigga: My Brotha!<br />
Nigger: Ignorant under class/privileged black person needing to put in their under classed place or hung like back in the day.. (racial slur. themz fightin words)<br />
Fag: Cigarette butt<br />
Fag: a Drudge, someone less privileged in british culture *but we ain't in Great Britain, are we?*<br />
Fag: Freak who has sex with the same gender. (homophobic slur, themz fighting words too)<br />
White trash: Good ole' down to earth white folks living the simple easy life<br />
White trash: Same definition as Nigger except with white folks.(for me these would be fighting words)<br />
Personally Im good eliminating all of the above from my vocabulary. I'd like to think Im intelligent enough to express how I feel without the passive aggressive invitation to figure out what I mean by saying any one of those phrases. Yet, on the other hand, people say they're just words, which is true. However we used words to bring across particular meaning. So they aren't just words. Words have meaning and evoke intention and action. If someone can't read your meaning or intention, THAT'S A PROBLEM!<br />
The U.S.A has a history of races struggling when discovered or brought to this country Starting with the colonial times. We hear all the time about "well American had white indentured servants who acted as slaves for time." There is a HUGE difference in putting yourself into a life of servitude knowing that in a few years you'd be free and being captured and born in captivity with a nothing but a life ahead of you of servitude and you having no say or other options, except to try and escape and likely be injured for life or killed doing so. The word Nigger serves a a reminder of actual family members who endured that life. When white people use it, It makes us think you'd put us back to lifestyle in a hot second if you had the chance.<br />
<br />
Is that so hard to understand?<br />
<br />
<br />
Last but not least... need I say it?<br />
<img src="http://home.lifegoesstrong.com/sites/default/files/gallery/photos/pauladeen.jpg" /><br />
<br />
The Queen of Butter is having a melt down. You know this whole Paula Deen issues didn't even really start out about Race. The media grabbed that part of her deposition and ran with it. Paula Deen is an old southern white woman who has used the word Nigger in the passed. What old southern white woman hasn't? Not excusing it. Not condoning it. And sure don't feel like it's Justified. I'm not surprised by it either.<br />
Hell, at least she's honest and you know where you stand with her. But this is where Paula got herself into trouble: <br />
Here is a summation of her <a href="http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2013/06/19/paula-deen-uses-the-n-word-7-shocking-details-from-her-deposition.html">court deposition.</a> The link gives you the source. Below are the "low"lights of the summation.<br />
<br />
<div class="text parbase section" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">1. She refused to have her empire destroyed by “a piece of pussy.” (Also, she uses that word!)</b><br />
Former employee Lisa Jackson said that she was hired to replace a general manager at the restaurant Uncle Bubba’s who was fired for having sexual relationships with underage servers. While demanding the manager be fired, Jackson says that Deen told her brother, “If you think I have worked this hard to lose everything because of a piece of pussy, you better think again.” Asked in her deposition whether she actually said it, Deen responded with an abso-friggin-lutely: “I said that day and I would say it again today if it applied.” She then repeated the sentence, making not being in that room a regret we’ll all have to live with for the rest of our lives.</div>
</div>
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8235753667528365971" name="body_text_2" style="cursor: pointer; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; visibility: hidden;"></a><br />
<div class="text parbase section" style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">2. She really wanted to stage that Southern plantation-style wedding. But she didn’t because the media wouldn’t understand.</b><br />
Jackson said she was put in charge of arrangements for Bubba’s wedding, which Deen apparently said she wanted to have a “true Southern plantation-style theme.” What, <nobr><a class="FAtxtL" href="http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2013/06/19/paula-deen-uses-the-n-word-7-shocking-details-from-her-deposition.html#" id="FALINK_3_0_2" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(243, 91, 0) !important; border-bottom-style: solid !important; border-bottom-width: 1px !important; color: rgb(243, 91, 0) !important; cursor: pointer; display: inline !important; padding-bottom: 1px !important;">pray</a></nobr> tell, does that mean? “Well what I would really like is a bunch of little n----rs to wear long-sleeve white shirts, black shorts, and black bow-ties, you know in the Shirley Temple days, they used to tap dance around,” Deen reportedly elaborated. Alas, the wedding Deen envisioned never came to be. “We can’t do that because the media would be on me about that,” she reportedly told Jackson. In her testimony, Deen said that she actually was referencing the “beautiful white jackets with a black bow-tie” she saw the wait staff of “middle-aged black men” wearing at a restaurant she visited “in Tennessee or North Carolina or somewhere.”</div>
<div class="text parbase section" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">3. She did not use the N-word to describe the waiters.</b><br />
Deen objected to the accusation that she used the N-word to describe the waiters. Asked whether there was any possibility that she may have slipped and use the word, she said, “No, because that’s not what these men were. They were professional black men doing a fabulous job.” Still, when asked why nicely dressed black men would be a part of a “Southern plantation wedding,” she said it reminded her of southern America “before the Civil War.” After being reminded that black men serving people in the South before the Civil War were slaves, she agreed, but said she “did not mean anything derogatory” by her comments.</div>
</div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8235753667528365971" name="body_text_4" style="color: black; cursor: pointer; visibility: hidden;"></a></div>
<div class="text parbase section" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">4. She doesn't think that watching porn or being racist at work makes you a bad boss.</b><br />
In her deposition, Deen was asked whether the fact that her brother admitted to watching pornography and using the N-word at their restaurant caused her to have concerns about him running their business. She responded, “just because he’s got a sense of humor does not make him a bad person or incapable of running a business.” Questioned as to whether jokes of a sexual or racist nature are in poor taste at a place of work, she responded, “We have all told off-color jokes … Every man I’ve ever come in contact with has one.”</div>
<div class="text parbase section" style="border: 0px; font-size: 14.399999618530273px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">5. But she does use the N-word!</b><br />
Deen admitted to using the N-word in her life, after a “black man” put a gun to her head at a bank where she was working. She said she used it because she “didn’t feel real favorable towards him.” She also said she’s sure she’s used the word since, “but it’s been a very long time” and guessed that she probably used it when quoting “a conversation between blacks.”</div>
</div>
<div class="text parbase section" style="border: 0px; font-size: 14.399999618530273px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">6. She doesn’t think the N-word is bad, as long as it’s used in a joke. </b><br />
Deen said that she and her husband taught her children not to use the N-word in a mean way. Asked when exactly that word be used in a not-mean way, she said either when repeating what you may hear “black people” say in the kitchen or when used in a joke.</div>
</div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8235753667528365971" name="body_text_6" style="color: black; cursor: pointer; font-size: 14.399999618530273px; visibility: hidden;"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8235753667528365971" name="body_text_7" style="color: black; cursor: pointer; font-size: 14.399999618530273px; visibility: hidden;"></a></div>
<div class="text parbase section" style="border: 0px; font-size: 14.399999618530273px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">7. She sees nothing wrong with watching a little porn at work. </b>A major point in the suit is that Deen’s brother, Bubba, was accused of looking at pornography at work and showing it to employees. Asked whether she has any problem with such practices, Deen said, “If somebody sent him something and he pulled it up and looked at it, no, I would not persecute him for that.”</div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">
Paula Deen is mostly guilty of Bad People Management in her business. Knowing these things went on in her place of business and omitting to do anything about she has put herself in a position of concern. She has put her self in a position to be sued for sexual, racial, religious and gender harrassment. She is therefore a liability to those who have invested in her, her brand and her business practices. Were I a business partner, I would drop her on her butter too. So, to some extent, it's about race and her desire to play out some twisted good ole boys pre civil war plantation wedding. But for the most part. Her business practices in regards to her working staff cannot be trusted. And her sponsors are saying 'Aint nobody got time for that." Now the "Deenies" are coming out of the woodwork to those who are dropping her and protesting. But I ask you.would you want an impressionable young adult child of yours, say age 20-21 work in that kind of environment? And do you want to be subject to that in your place of employment? Some of you actually would, but I bet the majority of her sponsor would not. </div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">
I was reading an article in<a href="http://entertainment.time.com/2013/06/20/less-than-accidental-racist-why-paula-deens-comments-insult-her-fans-too/" style="font-size: 14.399999618530273px;">Time Entertainment Online Magazine</a><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit;"> that put race portion of the it so well....</span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: baseline;">
"<strong style="color: black; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; line-height: normal;">Deen made a pile of money off a certain idea of old-school southern culture.</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; line-height: normal;"> In return, she had an obligation to that culture–an obligation not to embody its worst, most shameful history and attitudes. Instead, in one swoop, fairly or not, she single-handedly affirmed people’s worst suspicions of people who talk and eat like her–along with glibly insulting minorities, she slurred many of the very fans who made her successful.</span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Paula, Much Like the star witness in the Trayvon Martin trial are both Products of their Environment and surroundings. Are they racist, the old white woman from the south and the young black woman from the hood? Possibly. Is there a difference in Using the word Nigger as long as it's in a joke, or not recognizing that Creepy ass Cracker is just as much of a slur? Quite possibly. While being a product of your environment is typically not your own doing, but how you hold yourself and serve in that community is the difference. The affect you have on others and the example you become when you're a Popular Star or on a platform where the world can see you. How you uphold or betray the trusts and efforts of those who put you in the place and path of success, makes a world of difference in how the world will see you when you make mistakes. I feel for Ms Deen, I really do. I've never been a real fan. Never made one of her recipes, used her cookware (which I understand you can get a great deal on while supplies last) and never read a book of hers.) I know she's been paid millions for it all. And now, unfortunately she's paying the price of her actions (or lack of them.)<br />
<br />
These are not new experiences and situations we're having where we don't know how to act toward's our brothers, sisters, neighbors, community and countrymen. I feel like we took steps backwards this week and truly haven't come as far as I thought we have. Why are we not learning from these situations so we have to keep on peddling in circles like some crazy carnival ride that just wont stop. I don't know about y'all but.. I'm tired and tired of it. It's time to stop the madness and get out of the circle that is doing nothing but making us Sick...and dizzy.<br />
<br />
<img height="263" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSdJFVzgkfOVamN8jzUhF3LgFdpRswKbD_5VOFz2KSt4GfJiE6r" width="400" /><br />
<br />
Peace out....ShaBANGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12435939559462982820noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8235753667528365971.post-36840440394334034102013-06-26T19:54:00.002-07:002013-06-26T19:54:16.897-07:00Will Your Perceptions of Perfection Mess With Your Salvation? Many folks of the world are under the impression that men of God are perfect, their teachings are perfect, their knowledge is perfect, their execution of it all is perfect and they are beyond mistakes. Forgetting that A man of God is only a man of God when they are acting and speaking that which is of God and that as a mortal man he is subject to his own thinking, thoughts and agenda's as part of his temptation. Were men of God always perfect there would be no need to have faith in God, we could just have faith in those "perfect" men. (I was going to post a pic of the perfect woman but doesn't exist, not even in cookie form.)<br />
. <img src="http://cdn.buzznet.com/assets/users16/zuuzia/default/the-perfect-man--large-msg-122390260234.jpg" /><br />
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Prophets have been making mistakes since the Old Testament right through to our current times. And they will continue to do so. But that's when a certain beauty of it all comes into play. When our faith and knowledge is questioned we have an obligation to get our booty's into prayer with Heavenly Father and seek that personal revelation and practice our faith. <br />
<br />
I had a conversation with a friend of mine. Actually a sister. Cuz now she's considered family. She's not a member of our church but has spent time with church members. She, like myself, is secure in her faith and is therefore not timid or afraid to venture out and learn, study and enjoy other churches. She could get behind many of our teachings, however one of her biggest issues is that we, as LDS are not of one accord. I had to bite my tongue and listen...and I mean REALLY HEAR what she was saying. And when I finished listening to her and her experiences... I determined she was absolutely right We LDS ARE NOT OF ONE ACCORD in our teachings and even living the Gospel. <br />
<br />
For example.... Seven Day Adventist, all of them that I know don't celebrate holidays. While we, LDS some of us don't shop on Sundays, don't drink caffeine, believe the woman should be given the priesthood, believe priesthood ban on blacks was Policy, others stick to it being doctrine and on and on and on. Sometimes if does feel like a crap shoot or a gamble depending on who one might ask about the Gospel & the Church. (I separated the two because they are different and also not always of one accord.)<br />
<img src="http://www.mrm.org/files/images/not-official-cards.jpg" /><br />
, When she asked members in Idaho why the singles had their own ward, she was told it was because there was so much adultery going on that the church removed the single adults so as not to be a temptation to to those who are married. When the missionaries came to her mother's house, her mother was ignored and treated like a 2nd class citizen in her own home and the missionaries only address the male friend she had invited over. And SHE was the actual investigator. (well not anymore) When her male friend asked the missionaries if he could one day qualify a Bishop in the LDS church as a black man, the missionaries said... "we don't know how to answer that." WHAT THE HELL? If my younger brother, who currently IS a bishop has the potential, than any righteous LDS man can "qualify" to be a bishop." I had heard enough.<br />
I must have looked at her like she had two heads. Then I started laughing. The singles explanation was a trip. I'd never heard it before.<br />
<img src="http://images.hellokids.com/_uploads/_tiny_galerie/20130521/p6y_how-to-draw-terri-and-terry--terri-and-terry-from-monsters-university-tutorial-drawing.png" /><br />
<br />
And then the question of if a black member could ever be a Bishop, in the church, well I know primary kids who can answer THAT question. I had to let her know, I thought she was right, we aren't of one accord how we should be. I got to thinking... What the hell are they doing up the in Idaho, trying to run black folks away from the church cuz this is some new doctrine I've never heard. Nor had my sister or daughter who live with me. I liked the perspective it gave me on another way we are perceived by others. We LDS need to get our crap together. Sometimes we get so busy trying to prove each other wrong with links and quotes and scriptures that can and cannot be taken out of context that we forget to nourish each other in the things we do believe. One of the Saddest things about being LDS is seeing how the saint tear each other down. Like some misguided dysfunctional sibling rivalry on crack. We get so caught up in trying to be right that we fail to remember the importance of WHAT is right instead of who is right.<br />
There were PLENTY O MISTAKES made by Prophets in the scriptures: Abraham, Balaam, David, There was a reason Jonah was swallowed by a whale,<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA2NRB356SqCHNgEQDqGQbNy43j7tPsajQNTCMZQ6gXVO9-PKNMc9anyYjXGQyGytGmMfLZkLmTaDgOtYZaWtqNYv-M-sxBqMthoVOLjMLUwD5x8HI0rFuZAQ35jAH0gByZKXnZhW6gR0/s1600/jonah%252520vine.jpg" /><br />
even in the end he sat on a hill waiting for the destruction of Nineveh even after the people repented.<br />
<br />
Moses didn't even make it to the Promised Land and not because his GPS ran out of juice.<br />
<br />
The brother Of Jared was called up into a cloud and chastised for not praying or talking to the Lord for 5 years. Can you imagine a Prophet not seeking guidance of the Lords people for 5 years? Yet he worked it out and ended up seeing the finger of God.<br />
<br />
I could go on but I think you get it: Men of God screw up just like regular people. Oh, wait...they have some regular in them too. I don't say these things to justify those mistakes I say them so as not to be disillusioned when it happens because it will happen. <br />
God made one perfect man, Jesus Christ. And as long as the rest of us have agency there will be mess ups, even in the Church. And Every church has them. Well then if every church has them, why stick with the LDS church? That's for you to figure out. I'm not in the business of convincing anyone that my Church is the church to belong to. I leave that to The Lord and his Holy Spirit of promise.<br />
Even member from time to time need to take a time out to come to the conclusion of what they really believe and stand for. I've had non active members come up to me and say "Because the blacks couldn't have the priesthood I left the church." Um... Ok. or "I'm leaving the church until.....(fill in the blanks)" Alrighty... see ya. Just as there is a difference of being in the world and not of the world, there is a difference of being In the church and not of the church. Or even of being in the church and not in the church building.<br />
Confession: Lately I have been on to be in the church but not in the building. Some consider me less active and that's fine. Because my membership is in my testimony not the pew. And when I do make it to the building it's my own desire and thirst that gives me the strength and desire to want to be back in the building. Sometimes when I do go I'm sick to stomach, and popping mints and anxious. And other times I'm fine. Right now it's a crap shoot, but it's MY crap shoot and I can't succeed if I don't try. <br />
For those of us who are conditional members I say this:<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 13.600000381469727px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Part of being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is Sticking with the Gospel </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 13.600000381469727px;">and the Church Through it's growing pains, struggles, weaknesses and awakenings and strengthening and Joyful times. If we believe this is truly The Lord's Church, then we truly believe that He is going to make the needed corrections and adjustments when we, the people of the church are ready to abide. If we don't believe it's truly the Lord's church, then personally, i think it best to leave, then to wait for it to be 100% correct because it will never happen as long as man lives to make mistakes. But that's also part of our Faith and Testimony... Hang around until we get it right. </span><span style="line-height: 13.59375px;">I'm</span><span style="line-height: 13.600000381469727px;"> reminded of our parenting. We can't just throw away and turn our back our children as they learn and grow only to reconnect with them years later down the road when they have come to proper light and knowledge. The reason we're asked to ENDURE is because it can and will get tough and ugly before it is blessed with the full perfection of the Lord. * and yea it sucks. But so does life sometimes and many of us aren't trying to opt of of life... so get a helmet*</span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 13.600000381469727px;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
ShaBANGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12435939559462982820noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8235753667528365971.post-75476247444946015062013-06-09T19:49:00.000-07:002013-06-09T21:42:13.918-07:00Restoration of the Priesthood to the Black Men of the Church; 35 years Later.<br />
<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">
<img height="214" src="http://img2.etsystatic.com/010/0/5825905/il_fullxfull.443617410_ku4e.jpg" width="320" /></div>
<br />
<div>
My family and I are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Yes, we are Mormons and Yes we are black. </div>
<div>
As long as I could remember my mother read to </div>
<div>
<div>
us from the bible. She would gather us around bedtime and read bible stories from her big heavy white HOLY BIBLE. You know, the kind your grandma has with all the family names in them. </div>
<div>
Some of the first stories I ever heard were about Noah and Moses and Daniel in the Lion's den. And of course the Christmas Story and the Easter story, all at the knee of my mother. </div>
<div>
My earliest memory of going to church was being outside playing one Sunday morning and seeing all of our friends in the neighborhood get on a bus and be singing songs while being whisked away as my siblings and I would be playing out side. The bus would come back through the neighborhood a couple of hours later and the kids would get off the bus and then join us at playing about the neighborhood. </div>
<div>
One day my siblings and I decided to jump on the bus with them. We never really told our parents. Back in those days kids would disappear in the early morning and play all day. Occasionally we would wander home in the middle of the day for a peanut butter and jelly sandwich but for the most part we were out all day long and then be home by the time the street light came on.<br />
<br />
My father said these days they'd have been in jail to let their kids jump on some random bus and disappear for hours at a time.<br />
He and my mother recognized that us kids were singing bible songs and songs about that Jesus loves us, yes we know, cuz the bible tells us so....<br />
<img height="270" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRTxSo8S5F5XXyQ1gLo5H1I0Iz5qucfW7rnlB6lXOvz1zOznSuYhQ" width="400" /><br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">
</div>
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</div>
<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">
</div>
<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">
</div>
and songs about letting lights of ours shining. LET IS SHINE! LET IT SHINE! LET IT SHINE!<br />
<br />
My father said eventually he followed the little Sunday bus and found out we were HOLY ROLLIN' with the Pentecostals!!! I don't think he had that much of a problem with it until they required the congregations to burn their TVs, Radios, Certain books, reading materials and such. He felt is was time for to pull us out and to really research how he wanted his family to grow and learn about the Lord.<br />
<br />
My parents were into a well known MLM these days and spent a lot of time in meetings where they drew a lot of circles on a chalk board. One circle would have arms like a spider that would attach to others circles with arms of a spider connecting a whole spider community. (well in my little 4-5 yr old mind they were drawing spiders on a chalk board)<br />
<img src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ_Qj_hoNhqdXplqcJhjsyZdJtw6NEgjBqkyJD4m3xiDhN7EOMaKA" /> I can still picture the circles being drawn on the chalkboard to this day. Some of my parent's business partners invited them to hear a message about their church and my parents agreed. My dad speaks of the weird preacher boys with the same first name of Elder. My p parents took the discussions provided by the church. And were baptized February 1973 by Elder Baniah and Elder Clausen. My parents were the first black LDS members in a huge radius. The church was packed, even the Mission President attended. It was a huge deal. The mission at the time covered a 3 state Radius and we would be members of the Battle Creek Ward in the Lansing, Michigan Stake. I remember having dinner at the Mission home with the Stake President, President Hansen and his family. That was 40 years ago this year.<br />
<br />
Being Black members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is a rare thing. Being Black Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints before 1978 is a Pearl of Great Price! We have been dubbed pioneers which I didn't recognize or appreciate until years later. But that's another story for another blog.<br />
<br />
I'm often regarded as the poor little black girl that grew up Mormon and doesn't know anything else. I shall beg to differ: My mother grew up in the A.M.E church. Very much of what her father taught her as a child was familiar and comfortable for her while joining the LDS church. Much of what was taught to her by the missionaries she said felt "familiar" to her, although she'd never heard it before. For those not familiar A.M.E stands for African Methodist Episcopal Church. And were mostly All black congregation. The history of the A.M.E Church goes back well into slavery and was formed out of how badly treated and restrictions placed on black members or members of African descent. Feel free to study more on the <a href="http://www.10thdistrictame.org/amecHistory.html">History of the A.M.E Church</a>.<br />
<img height="400" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR1iBBYXqTgbJK-eK7-CE9dJcne5XQzFo1iO-BekEd8bp6f1FKB" width="395" /><br />
<br />
My father was a Jr Pastor in High School. Back in the day they actually had school clubs like that involving church. They did quite a bit of service in the community and lived a certain standard as Jr pastors. His Grandfather, Henry Flowers was a Reverend for St Mark's Colored Methodist Episcopal Church in Battle Creek, Michigan. This is the site and what's left of the church. <img alt="Churches" src="http://www.willard.lib.mi.us/historical/bcphotos/churches/images/r07_0699.jpg" /><br />
<br />
After my Grandfather married my Grandmother, the preacher's daughter, My grandfather then became a deacon in my Great-Grandfather's Church. Later, after my Great-grandfather passed on and my grandparent's moved from Michigan go Arizona, my Grandparent then became Baptist. As it is I'm very familiar with other religions and have been to several churches other than my own. Much of the changes our family experienced were enhancements. The parent's stopped smoking and drinking. From my point of view that's what changed the most, not seeing my father with a pipe. We spent more time together at a family including family night once a week and daily family prayers. At night before bedtime the family prayers would take some time because we would break out in giggle fits. I don't know what it was about family prayer that would throw us kids into laughing fits, but i know there were times we were on our knees till they hurt trying to get out a family prayer. They were fun times of laughter and family togetherness.<br />
<br />
<img height="287" src="http://www.happyhomesecrets.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Family-Prayer.jpg" width="320" /><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Family nights were usually a lesson from the scriptures, a family activity and then family treats. It was fun. I can remember my father telling stories from the scriptures and embellishing them. He's quite the master story teller and I, for one, was always captivated. I recall stories about Moses ditching the people and they "throwing all their golden jewelry in the fire and suddenly a calf came up" cuz they needed to see some sort of God to believe in God so they made a gold cow. And then there was the story of 3 dudes in a fire named Shadrak, Meeshak and To-bed-we-go." My father was and still in BIG into community service so it was easy to be our brother's keeper and to help those around us. LDS Church believes in God and Jesus First and Family next. Family is always the priority after The Lord and our Savior Jesus Christ<br />
.<br />
<br />
Being so young when the family joined the church I didn't really understand what it meant when my father didn't have the priesthood. The only thing I recognized was that he and my older brother didn't bless or pass the Sacrament and that was actually an after thought. Our ward never treated us any different than any of the other members. Our family gave talks and sung with the choir. My father and mom had ward callings and did home and visiting teaching. They got their Patriarchal Blessings and worked and served like the rest of the ward members. When it became time for us kids to be baptized we were told we could pick anyone we wanted in the ward to do it. I picked the father of my best friend in the ward. Brother Donald R. Leslie We were never told our father couldn't do it so i didn't occur to me that he wasn't able to. We, as a family were never lacking for what we needed spiritually. We believed as long as we lived the Gospel the Lord would not leave us hanging in any way shape or form. We believe that Jesus Christ compensated for all that mortal man lacked in our behalf and no blessing would be with held. This is the building where we were baptized and went to church growing up. This is the building where my father and brother received the priesthood.<br />
<img src="http://www.jjpaintglass.com/images/portfoliopics/253-church%20of%20jesus%20christ-later%20day%20battle%20creek.jpg" /><br />
<br />
I remember mid morning of June 8,1978 We had an intercom system in the house and you could play the radio on it as well. I remember the radio being on and I heard something about "President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints President Spencer W. Kimball announced <span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.571428298950195px; line-height: 19.196428298950195px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.571428298950195px; line-height: 19.196428298950195px;">all worthy male members of the Church may be ordained to the priesthood without regard for race or color"</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.571428298950195px; line-height: 19.196428298950195px;"> Within minutes our phone started ringing off the hook: Sister Morse Called inviting us to dinner that Sunday. Sister Barnes called sobbing, asking to speak to my mom. Brother Johnson called wanting so speak to my father.... the phone was going BIZURK! I remember when my parents got home I told them what I heard on the radio and gave them the phone messages and left to go out an play . When I returned home my father wasn't there. He heard the news and left the house. None of us knew where he went.. Later we found out he went to the church parking lot and just sat there for hours, marinating in it all. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.571428298950195px; line-height: 19.196428298950195px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.571428298950195px; line-height: 19.196428298950195px;"> I'm often asked most what changed in our family after my father was ordained to the priesthood. For the most part, he and my brothers were able to pass and bless the sacrament. And he was able to give us blessings and we were working towards going to the temple to be sealed. Unfortunately we never made it to the temple. My parent would divorce a few years later. I am proud of them for being fully active in the church because I've since learned that for many LDS divorced couples fall away and become inactive. Strange to me. I'm grateful they clung to the things that gave them the strength and faith to be strong and carry on. When i think of the foundation they laid for us to have the option of growing strong in the gospel I'm grateful for their efforts. Unlike many our ward was PHENOMINAL, loving and inclusive. In the times my parents divorced no one felt they needed or had to choose sides, both parents were loved and supported equally, not one against the other. When our ward split in half my father was in the 1st ward, my mother and us were in the 2nd ward. My parents ended up being the Singles rep in each of their wards and working together on the singles level. *God has a sense of humor, y'all know it!*</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.571428298950195px; line-height: 19.196428298950195px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.571428298950195px; line-height: 19.196428298950195px;">I appreciate the time my parents took to share and study church history with us. Within a couple of years of our family joining the church we traveled with the ward to the Washington D.C open house:</span><br />
<img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2705/4397920131_c2e8e935ed_z.jpg?zz=1" /><br />
<br />
<img alt="Spire - DC" height="200" src="http://templesinbloom.com/images/temples/lds_temples_washington_dc01.jpg" width="160" /> The Sacred Grove:<br />
<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2002/2078277302_d87cbfe91c.jpg" /><br />
<br />
<img height="240" src="http://static5.businessinsider.com/image/50042fae69beddb627000012/mormon-sacred-grove.jpg" width="320" /><br />
<br />
And the Hill Cumorah Pageant:<br />
<img height="240" src="http://restoredtruth.files.wordpress.com/2010/07/dsc00953.jpg" width="320" /><br />
<br />
That same trip we visited the Nation's capital and the many historical treasures there.<br />
Although I was young at the time and didn't understand too much, These images stayed with me. What I remembered of the Pageant was a bunch of colorful costumes beating the crap out of each other and then it going totally dark. Suddenly a bright white image was dropping from the sky with a booming voice all around us. It was in my Rick's College Book of Mormon class as my professor was reading the passages of the 3 days of darkness after the Crucifixion that the image mentioned above came to mind and joined a bond in my mind to seal a testimony on me of the Book Of Mormon. He was narrating from the Scripture that scene I watched in my mind for years.<br />
<br />
I'm grateful for what my mother sacrificed to allow us to go on youth conferences to Carthage Jail:<br />
<img src="http://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/01/9c/e5/6d/carthage-jail.jpg" /><br />
<br />
Nauvoo:<br />
<img alt="Emma And Joseph Smith In Monument To Women Statue Garden Nauvoo, Illinois. Best LDS History & Historical Travels & Tours Pictures, Photos, Information, Images, & Reviews." src="http://www.delange.org/Nauvoo6/Dsc00150.jpg" /><br />
<br />
These are the things that give us strength in our testimony and endurance in our resolve as members of the Church.<br />
<br />
We were laid with a foundation of the History of the Church and with the knowledge that no blessing would be withheld from us as long as we lived righteously in the Gospel. My family was fortunate enough to be seen and treated with respect and love from not just our Ward but our Stake as well. We were appreciated, valued and love as Children of God and siblings of equality. I do recall. discussing it as a family to which my mother said.. "it's not that the blacks were unworthy to hold the Priesthood. Perhaps is the majority of the white members weren't worthy enough to accept us as equals." The folks are a product of their time, environment and social mediums. Men of God have gotten it wrong before: Moses, Daniel. Even the Brother of Jared was called up and chastised for being the Prophet and not communicating with the Lord for a number of years. He has righted them before and will continue to do so as needed.<br />
<br />
I don't feel the need for an apology from the church regarding the Priesthood Policy toward the blacks. I know it was an unjust policy and more of a Tradition. One of my favorite Bible stories is the story of Abigail. If you've never read "The Peacegivers" find it and read it.<br />
<img src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRcCSepMmGKmK9pn8TYMqQiAcNTidzGCaoWRgujTxfAdfQ8WVaD9Q" /><br />
It gave me such a stronger testimony of the ATONEMENT and less of a desire of feeling offended and needing people to be accountable to me for trespasses against me. I need no apology from the church because just as Jesus Christ died on the cross for me, my short coming and failings he also did the same for those who upheld the policy and tradition. They are accountable for how they did or did not work to resolve the situation. And just as I feel no need to stand up in General Conference and apologize for my short comings and misconceptions I feel I don't need that from them because THE LORD HAS IT TAKEN CARE OF! I need to be more about my father's business than chasing a ghost of an apology that may hinder my desire and responsibility to built up the kingdom. I have taken it upon myself to own my Testimony and how it is strengthened or weakened. I and I alone am responsible for maintaining my relationship with God and what I allow to effect it.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://cdn.blog.mrm.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Priesthood-ban.jpg" /><br />
I don't think it was a Coincidence that President Kimball was called to be the Prophet the same year my Parents Joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. We was like the Abraham Lincoln of the LDS Church. He had a desire to seek out the truth bring it forth and defend it. It took him 2 years of fasting and prayer, much to the determent of his own health. A majority of it was fasting and praying for the brethren he worked with to open their hearts and minds and petition the Lord for the light and knowledge he had come to know. <br />
<br />
Just like other churches The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has growing pains, failings and short comings. Some churches resolved their issues sooner than others. Just like the people of the Earth. As black members of the church it is time for us stand up and prepare to pave the way. And move forward with a greater understanding and resolve to be a powerhouse in the Gospel<br />
<br />
"<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 1.1em; line-height: 21.109375px;">Let us rise up tonight with a greater readiness. Let us stand with a greater determination. And let us move on in these powerful days, these days of challenge, to make America [and the church] what it ought to be.</span><br />
<div class="rteleft" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 1.1em; line-height: 21.109375px; margin-bottom: 1em; padding-left: 0px; width: 410px;">
We have an opportunity to make America a better nation.... </div>
<div class="rteleft" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 1.1em; line-height: 21.109375px; margin-bottom: 1em; padding-left: 0px; width: 410px;">
I want you to know tonight that we, as a people, will get to the promised land!"</div>
<img height="133" src="http://wp.patheos.com.s3.amazonaws.com/blogs/welcometable/files/2013/01/Genesis-562.jpg" width="200" /> <img height="200" src="http://www.the-exponent.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/mormon-flag.jpg" width="150" /><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
*Below are a couple of various writings on the Blacks and the Priesthood ban.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://timothyrberman.newsvine.com/_news/2012/08/27/13512376-mormonism-and-the-priesthood-ban">http://timothyrberman.newsvine.com/_news/2012/08/27/13512376-mormonism-and-the-priesthood-ban</a><br />
<a href="http://www.juvenileinstructor.org/gender-and-the-priesthood-ban-some-scattered-thoughts/">http://www.juvenileinstructor.org/gender-and-the-priesthood-ban-some-scattered-thoughts/</a></div>
</div>
ShaBANGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12435939559462982820noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8235753667528365971.post-12137067375961940492013-05-01T23:31:00.000-07:002013-05-01T23:41:40.692-07:00 LOOK OUT WORLD... HERE SHE COMES!!!<br />
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</div>
<img height="420" src="http://www.collegeshade.com/images_products/utah_state_aggies_big_blue_logo_flag_69306sma.jpg" width="640" /><br />
In 3 Days on May 4, 2013 My daughter will Graduate from Utah State University. GO AGGIES! I could not foresee this day 23 years ago when she was exactly the age of age of 3 months and four days (and 9 minutes) old. I was barely used to the idea of being a mom and in charge of another life be sides my own. It feels like a hundred years and another life time ago. <br />
<br />
Random memories come flashing through my mind at different stages of her growing up. She was just as brilliant and genius as every other kid on the planet. At the age of 2 when she was playing reverse peek a-boo by herself by putting a blanket on her head, pulling it off and saying… <br />
“boooooooooooo!” <br />
Or running into the living room and say…<br />
”mommy? What time is it? Eight Firty!!”<br />
and run out of the room laughing out loud. <br />
We used to pass a gas station with a sculpture of a dinosaur next to it. One day, when she was the age of three, while I was pumping the gas she said…<br />
“Mommy… look at that tremendous dinosaur! Have you even seen a tremendous dinosaur like that before? I like tremendous dinosaurs!” <br />
<img src="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQqEj8nAKoBGDq2bc7gYS9Jrf4RzAsJdZntxHn3L-a8TxsXHBQ0jg" /><br />
<br />
Which prompted me to take her to the local museum to look at more dinosaur stuff. That was the beginning of our discovering the world together. If she had an interest in some thing I would find way she could explore it and learn about it. Sometimes she was just ok learning a little more and other times she would delve into it with curiosity until the hunger for knowledge was explored and then we were on to the next thing. In elementary school she liked to do cartwheels so I put her in Gymnastics class. One time she was in the yard until dark trying to get that stupid cartwheel down correctly. When she sent her mind to something. She did it. We determined she was just too tall for her age and too young to coordinate her body to do gymnastics. So it was on to the next things<br />
She had an interest in music and liked to play around with piano and key boards and sing. So I put her in music lessons.. Since her Aunt had a key board she liked to play with. In Jr high school she fell in love with the violin and began lessons and learned to read music. This was the birth of her being as she calls herself and “orch dork” (orchestra dork) She may not remember but with her learning to play music we got her a keyboard and a self teach piano program so she wouldn’t be so board in the summer. She could go at her own pace. She finished the piano program in less than a week. so she began put some of her poetry to music. When she got bored with that, it was on to the next thing. She became a crafty sort of person. I taught her how to make bath salts and she had beads and string and elastic and started making wooden bead bracelets. She sold them to the ladies at my sister’s office. I thought “hey, this kid can make money…” <br />
When her 1000 colored wooden beads were all gone… she was on to the next thing. I kept her off of computer games and video games, which meant a lot of her entertainment, would come from good ol’<br />
mom. It was a love hate thing. When her friends were grounded or playing their video games, good ol’ mom would grab the tennis rackets or the roller blades and off we’d go. One day is was raining and we were bored so for 2 hours we just walked the neighborhood with the purpose of jumping into every mud puddle we could find. Who ever was dirtiest was the winner.<br />
<img height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikP0rjGnfPNMqpRuyQ-XzqdoX9SCzsLXHfdVNYOwD6sr-iadDYpz-kI38TzD2tL-Ngam_5bzmkmKSsBj5Cowp3x5Qil-f2NfnSi4mWCiYTvX_OjCaDSMFtQyu_Dgd0jsOIIMuu3TCLmLI/s320/Mud-Puddle-Jumper2.jpg" width="320" /> (I won )<br />
<br />
I made sure that anytime she committed to something that involved other peoples time and money, she would commit to one year. If she was grounded it wouldn't be from a rehearsal or a practice where she was part of a team because the team would then suffer at her expense which is unacceptable. I hope this is what helped her to be a team player and hold her end of responsibilities where other people were involved. The sad thing is… while I was teaching my child these things, many of her friends were not learning the same things: being responsible, accountable, team players, following through with commitments and obligations. She doesn’t deal well with people who don’t have these same principles and ethics. She has learned to tolerant them while keeping them at arms length. <br />
I taught her to drive at age 11. Shoot! She was tall enough and pretty mature for her age. So I would let her drive 2 blocks to where my sister worked, or 1 mile to church and back on Sundays. Teaching her things and watching her figure things out was fun. <br />
Since the age of six she always said she wanted to be a “premature baby Dr.” By Sixth Grade I was informed the correct verbiage was a Neonatalogist. (exxcuuuuze me!)<br />
<img src="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTzvGaW3GxqZZHtfyaUMdCZVkvqbu34QusknuW-TOk3fVJJkr_T" /><br />
<br />
When she entered JR High I only had 3 class requirements of her: She had to choose 1 instrument, 1 language and 1 sport and maintain it through High School. She chose the violin, Spanish and basket ball. When she didn’t make the basket ball team she started throwing the discus for track. Either way those things along with her various church activities kept her busy, out of trouble and entertained enough for her various interest. I made deals with her that if her GPA didn’t drop below a certain point, she could skip school 2 days a semester, Which she never did because she hated missing school unless she was sick. (who does that? “hates missing school mess…”) On her birthdays I would send flowers and balloons. A couple of times I showed up on her lunch break with a few pizza’s, balloons and cupcakes. Yeah, I would just “show up” and not tell her. I’ve done it since she was in elementary school. To make sure she wasn’t screwing around in class and to make sure she wasn’t being screwed with in class. And my parents did the same thing to me and my siblings. I remember feeling horrified one day in 3rd grade looking up and seeing my father talking to the teacher. I remember thinking…<br />
“uh ohh was I just asking a fool or was I in behavior mode..?” It’s a good strategy. Every parent should do it. <br />
My daughter was set on going into the medical industry so she took a field trip to the medical lab at the University when she was 16. It was cool, but the reality of having someone else’s life in your hands was a bit more than she felt she could take. So after all these years of wanting to be a “premature baby dr” she needed to find another career path. So she chose engineering. As long as I can remember anytime something broke, she wanted to tear it apart, look inside and see how it worked. This kid has asked me for old TV sets, phones, radios, VCR’s, walkmans, etc. “Mom, can I tear it apart and look inside??” Even now every once in a while she’ll ask to destroy something. The fun thing is…<br />
she figures out how to fix a bunch of things too, like her car radio. Her next thing is to figure out how to change her own breaks. Excellent, because then she can change mine too! <br />
She was accepted to USU her senior year of H.S as an engineering major. She also rec’ a four year tuition scholarship for Academics. She took the ACT’s twice. USU wanted her BYU and U of U didn’t want her until after she took it the second time and increased her score. She chose USU saying… <br />
“IF USU wants to take credit for educating me to be the amazing person I'm going to be, who am I to stop them?” (Go ahead on baby girl!). <br />
The more she was getting her General Education done and working toward the Engineering major the more she recognized how difficult it would be for her to have a family and be an engineer. She also had a desire to help children and thought. She had many friends who were caught up in the foster care system. Eventually she changed her major to Something I can never remember, but it had to do with being a family home therapist and dealing with families before they get to the point of sending children to foster care. I have a few friends who work with Child welfare here in Utah so I sent her to work with one for the day. She said it broke her heart but she hoped she could be of some help to these families.<br />
My daughter has been fortunate to find scholarships, grants, internships and work study that pays for her other expenses. She entered a work study program called “read America” where she helped tutor 3rd graders how to read. This is where she fell in love . Soon after she was wanting to change her major again. She was reluctant because she felt she let the family down by not being a Doctor or Engineer. I told her we don’t care what she graduates in as long as she graduates and can make a living. She changed her major for what would be the last time. She is good at what she does no matter what it is, but teaching children, she is excellent. So much so that as a student, her professors have asked her to speak at Teacher conferences. The dean of her college tracked her down at her job to tell her if she goes to graduate school is has to be a USU and they offered her a paid apprentice position and internship to help with expenses. She put a pause on that situation just tying to get through getting her bachelor’s degree. To which she will be getting in 3 days. 3 days! <br />
<br />
<br />
<img src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT_ukwvbDf2na68k_1ICaqublIroeLxyCDW35VW98bmnTi4u20L" /><br />
I have received conformation that before my daughter was born, she was on the other side of Heaven hanging out with my Grandmother.<br />
<br />
My grandmother went to Lane College ( Same Time as Alex Haley I believe) and got a Degree in Nursing and Nutrition. But since folks weren't hiring black Nurses or dietitians she ended up being a kindergarten teacher. As a matter of fact many of my friends from JR High and High School were taught by my Grandmother . So my family is well known in the area for her, and my grandfather. What’s even more amazing is my daughter is a Grandtwin. She looks like my grand<img height="320" src="http://thumbnail.myheritageimages.com/483/842/67483842/500/500023_963468f41g125e89122cty_C_128x128C.jpg" style="text-align: center;" width="320" /><span style="text-align: center;"> Alieshia: daughter @ H.S Graduation</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyp5W4MOdZBfHRacwsYlP1E0Sa0HiIZSBn-s-cPcQh1pIzaQ3cyWJ0haCRLOZPzo3DV5Tcewy_qPYCEW4Y5JCyYFTjq1nG40yYRQAnzP0QRpZcYhy5l76AcJPgjpkL-Q3zwo-qVgB5b14/s1600/Alieshia+HS+Graduation+2008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyp5W4MOdZBfHRacwsYlP1E0Sa0HiIZSBn-s-cPcQh1pIzaQ3cyWJ0haCRLOZPzo3DV5Tcewy_qPYCEW4Y5JCyYFTjq1nG40yYRQAnzP0QRpZcYhy5l76AcJPgjpkL-Q3zwo-qVgB5b14/s320/Alieshia+HS+Graduation+2008.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Pearl Dryden (Flowers) Dudley: Grandmother <br />
<br />
(try punishing your 12 year old grandmother when she does something you want to smack her for…Not so easy!) <br />
<br />
<br />
I believe the 2 of them were thick as thieves before my daughter was born because there's soo much of my Grandmother in her. She was born 4 years after my Grandmother passed away. There was a lot of education going on up there. Primed and ready for the world.<br />
I don't think it's just coincidence that my child is following the footsteps of my Grandmother. I believe she listened to the whisperings of her ancestors and followed the path they created for her. So many doors opened when she was placed before them as if waiting for her to walk in. For some of us it just happens that way. Her whole life has been that way and I had to make her brave, strong and independent enough to walk through them with or without me.<br />
<br />
When I think of my daughter and her education, 2 images come to mind.<br />
One you will know of:<br />
Ruby Bridges. Every time I think of her story the first black child to integrate public schools. I cry. She was six years old. SIX YEARS OLD. What a heavy, heavy load for such a little girl.<br />
Six years old!!! To be threatened and told her food was poisoned. How scary it must have been to face vicious hostile, white crowd just to get an education. Escorted by state Marshall's to keep her life intact. I can't Imagine. I'm so grateful for her strength and for her pioneer spirit that allowed her to march forward in paving the way. Even her name, Ruby Bridges... a visible symbol in bridging racial gaps and standing out like the jewel she is. So strong in faith of her God in asking the father to "Forgive them, for they know not what they do.." What an honor. I weep for the six year old who was brave and scared and did it anyway. I stand in awe of her courage.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh96_9UO5mG1TbOIh3sMywEa06AUGh2UPRSrBz49nGXykccXKIGWJN4mBIT6xAfjAelodh-Fe-uy6ytSixOVHcgXASJCskvHAwJkIyKem16GeiCRnoL9XHjmj067_TJAxtwd2ZcODyx84s/s1600/Ruby+Bridges.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="521" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh96_9UO5mG1TbOIh3sMywEa06AUGh2UPRSrBz49nGXykccXKIGWJN4mBIT6xAfjAelodh-Fe-uy6ytSixOVHcgXASJCskvHAwJkIyKem16GeiCRnoL9XHjmj067_TJAxtwd2ZcODyx84s/s640/Ruby+Bridges.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: start;"> I weep for the six year old who was brave and scared and did it anyway. I stand in awe of her courage. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This other image I'll be almost no one recognizes. I went to the Civil Rights exhibit and the Leonardo last February. It was UH-MAY-ZING! I saw this photo. I don't recall who the photographer is so if anyone out there knows, please tell me so I can give credit. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The story behind this photo was about the first "HEAD START" and the sadness of how the black schools and student didn't have even the proper materials to learn with. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlr1bME4jCXuO_5k83opzxcAoy0XnODZkSZA4yR2Fj6i8MebOG888M_4bEFewXMZ4Uq0MFX1q0cjtQWqYzONvdTn-4cPxcBLptiajEEAPRWS4qnlK8uJ4lvZGrqrUSTA_evOtvDKu0Xgg/s1600/Black+PreSchools.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlr1bME4jCXuO_5k83opzxcAoy0XnODZkSZA4yR2Fj6i8MebOG888M_4bEFewXMZ4Uq0MFX1q0cjtQWqYzONvdTn-4cPxcBLptiajEEAPRWS4qnlK8uJ4lvZGrqrUSTA_evOtvDKu0Xgg/s640/Black+PreSchools.jpg" width="382" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"type":45}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; outline: none; width: auto;" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">The black preschools didn't have materials so butcher paper was hung on the brick walls since tables and desks were non existent for them. I saw this photo and immediately wanted a picture of it for my Daughter to one day hang in her classroom. I wanted her to continue to be inspired to teach. I also want to get this picture of Ruby Bridges...</span></span><br />
<img alt="The problem we all live with - Norman Rockwell" src="http://uploads1.wikipaintings.org/images/norman-rockwell/the-problem-we-all-live-with-1935.jpg!Blog.jpg" /><br />
<br />
<div class="fbPhotoPagesTagList" id="fbPhotoSnowliftPagesTagList" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.199999809265137px; line-height: 11.199999809265137px;">
</div>
<div class="pts fbPhotoLegacyTagList" id="fbPhotoSnowliftLegacyTagList" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.199999809265137px; line-height: 11.199999809265137px; padding-top: 5px;">
<div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="fbPhotosPhotoOwnerButtons stat_elem" id="fbPhotoSnowliftOwnerButtons" style="background-color: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.199999809265137px; line-height: 20px;"> So she won't forget the road that was paved for her to have these graduating moments and so she will instill in her student this legacy (which actually belongs to us all, Black, White, Latin, Asian and </span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">everything</span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.199999809265137px; line-height: 20px;"> in between) and desire to grain knowledge, and to fight the good right to pave the way for those who will come behind us.</span></span></div>
<div class="fbPhotosPhotoOwnerButtons stat_elem" id="fbPhotoSnowliftOwnerButtons" style="background-color: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.199999809265137px; line-height: 20px;"> So my family has come for the graduation. And when I say family I mean those who walk the Earth and those who dwell on the other side. I can see and hear them. ' My parents flew in today, my mother from Michigan and my Father from Arizona. Their parents have already been here for a week. My daughter was wondering why the dog has been flipping out. I didn't really tell her because these things tend to freak her out sometimes. But she has been surrounded by Dudley's and Gambles and Jordans and Flowers and Warfield's for the last week. </span></span></div>
<div class="fbPhotosPhotoOwnerButtons stat_elem" id="fbPhotoSnowliftOwnerButtons" style="background-color: white;">
<img height="400" src="http://twincityapostolic.tripod.com/InJesusName/Black_Angels_on_the_steps_of_Heaven.jpg" width="336" /></div>
<div class="fbPhotosPhotoOwnerButtons stat_elem" id="fbPhotoSnowliftOwnerButtons" style="background-color: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.199999809265137px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="fbPhotosPhotoOwnerButtons stat_elem" id="fbPhotoSnowliftOwnerButtons" style="background-color: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.199999809265137px; line-height: 20px;"> She is their legacy and they are here to support and cheer her on to victory. I hope somehow she gets a small glimpse of who is here in her behalf. And I hope she knows they pleased with choices she made, the hurdles she's crossed and the accomplishment's she's achieved. She is their success and the example of her family members who follow behind her. The Lord has paved her way with blessings all her life and will continue to do so. </span></span></div>
<div class="fbPhotosPhotoOwnerButtons stat_elem" id="fbPhotoSnowliftOwnerButtons" style="background-color: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.199999809265137px; line-height: 20px;"> Many of my friends have looked at me with a saddened face and said... "She's all grown up now and startling life on her own don't you want to just hold her back for a little while, it's all moving so quickly?" </span></span></div>
<div class="fbPhotosPhotoOwnerButtons stat_elem" id="fbPhotoSnowliftOwnerButtons" style="background-color: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.199999809265137px; line-height: 20px;"> I say to them as a proud mother. Hold her back? NO WAY! I didn't do all this to hold her back. How will I ever know what kind of mother I truly am unless I give her to the world and see what she can add to it? I"m excited to see her go. I'm excited to watch her fly. I'm excited for the world to be blessed with all she has to add to it! i can't wait to see her in action!" I thank All who encountered my child through education whether it be in the class room or outside of it. As a Single mother I was NEVER a single mother. So this is an accomplishment we share with many! I thank USU for taking her, guiding her, nurturing her, calling her and letting her know there were scholarships and grants she qualified for and having her come in and apply for them. I thank USU for including health care cost into tuition so that was one less thing as a student she had to worry about. I thank USU for having a Black Student Union to give minority kids like mine a place to come together and socialize in a safe environment focusing on academics and community. I thank My Daughter, Alieshia for putting in the work to reach those accomplishments that many who come from single parent homes don't end up reaching.</span></span></div>
<div class="fbPhotosPhotoOwnerButtons stat_elem" id="fbPhotoSnowliftOwnerButtons" style="background-color: white;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.199999809265137px; line-height: 20px;"> As she puts on her cap and gown and walks with her Tassel and her Cum Laud cords.... I'll be saying Watch out World... There's an Aggie in the house about to change the world in her own little way. </span></span></div>
<br />ShaBANGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12435939559462982820noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8235753667528365971.post-24648304174045910172013-04-06T01:25:00.000-07:002013-04-06T01:25:56.605-07:00Link the chain... LINK IT!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBZ6EqQX6X8TCMOOEIvnfjLBOsoSZTPD5jtly5FNODy8o5qo0-gVVEQ8EZ1AZ8Pw_gDc7JW1xP_XtCQwc6lfCSl3sELZvyq9k8Eko5F23paDkcLlIIFRj-p-klWNS_v2xpsvGUrFwNHPA/s1600/482302_586877017990652_162995489_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBZ6EqQX6X8TCMOOEIvnfjLBOsoSZTPD5jtly5FNODy8o5qo0-gVVEQ8EZ1AZ8Pw_gDc7JW1xP_XtCQwc6lfCSl3sELZvyq9k8Eko5F23paDkcLlIIFRj-p-klWNS_v2xpsvGUrFwNHPA/s400/482302_586877017990652_162995489_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Great-Aunt Alice (Warfield) Darby and My Dad! </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Tomorrow is my Great-Aunt Alice's funeral. She passed into the next chapter of her transition at the Age of 95. Let me tell you there is LONGEVITY in my family on both sides. My Great Grandfather Asa Dudey, lived to the age of 99. My twin Grandma Evelyn (Jordan) Gamble (Mom's mother) is almost 95. Each time one passes I wish I knew them better and spent more time with them. Such is the case with Aunt Alice...and so many of the others. There were some who were gone too soon. Papa, John Gamble, my mother's father passed away when I was only six.. My Grandma has been without her beloved spouse for 40 years. My Grandmother Pearle (Flowers) Dudley, (father's mother) passed away my 2nd year of college. Her mother, Johnnie Melba (warfield) Flower Worrell passed away a year before. Johnnie Melba was Aunt Alice's oldest Sister. My Great-Grandmother Johnnie Melba was the oldest of 13 children. She had 1 child, Pearl Dryden (Flowers) Dudley. My daughter is her twin great-grand child, they look so much alike sometimes it freaks me out when I look at my daughter. (Have you ever tired to ground your Grandmama's face on a 9 year old misbehavin child? yeah... it ain't so easy)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img alt="file1 - Karyn Dudley" height="240" src="http://www.myheritageimages.com/K/storage/site67483842/files/00/00/02/000002_767296cdd1d7a4pafkla94.jpg" width="320" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Norman Donald Dudley Sr & Pearl Dryden Dudley</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Grandpa & Grandmother on their wedding day</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img alt="IMG_0641 - Karyn Dudley" height="225" src="http://www.myheritageimages.com/S/storage/site67483842/files/50/00/21/500021_868352228ad7a4op2t0108.jpg" width="400" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Alieshia Dudley, Great-Grand daughter to Pearl D Dudley. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Yeah, see what I mean? Twins run in our family even if they're generation apart.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Actually Alieshia is a triplet... My Grandmother Pearl looks just like one of my Great-Grandmother's sisters, Aunt Florence. Aunt Florence and Grandmother were only a couple of years apart in age, i believe. It used to trip me out to see them together. My grandmother was a great educator in the Battle Creek School systems for many years. Most of my Jr High and High school friends had her as a kindergarten teacher. My daughter will be Graduating from College May 4th, exactly a month from today getting her Bachelors in Early childhood education. she wants to teach kindergarten and will be taking after her great-grand mother Pearl. None of us are at all surprised!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My family is well known where I grew up. I call it cheers, because sometimes if definitely feels like everybody knows our name. It made it difficult to act a fool and get away with anything.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I didn't know my great-aunt Alice well at all, and yet tears well up and spill over just at the loss of knowledge I failed to seek out in her and her siblings. She, I believe was the last to return. She has completed the family in more ways that ever imagined.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My daughter is a jr Genealogist and had a big hand in doing family history. She has reunited and connected quite a few family members. I think as African Americans it is detrimental to the future of our children to reconnect those family members that are lost. Our African men and women were kidnapped from their native land and brought to another only to be sold off. Our father's were , beaten into submission and treated as ox mules and other work animals.. Our mother's were raped and bred as domestics, wet nurses and baby mills all for the love of greed and power. Our families were ripped apart, some being snatched up on the middle of the night and sold off as property to pay debts or given as gifts to others. Imagine your family waking up together, in tact but going to bed at night with missing members never to be seen or heard of again. I believe our worth and esteem are wrapped up in the generations that have gone on before us. They have suffered, bled and died and paved the way so that we can walk the paths they never had the opportunity to enjoy or indulge in. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
They look behind them through the veil at us and cheer us on moving forward to accomplish those great things to add to the legacy they presented before us. It is for us to look forward in strength and and perseverance to continue on in their legacy. Each of us should strive to full the family chain with the links that bind us together through eternities..</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My daughter found some families names and gave them to my sister a few (5) years ago to have them added to the family temple work we do through our church. My sister misplaced the names. and have not been able to find them for years. Aunt Alice passed away 8 days ago on March 25th. The Morning of March 26th my sister wakes me up by busting into my room announcing she's found the missing names. I sleepily said to her ... "Oh, that was all Aunt Alice, she found them and let you to them.." Most of the missing names were those of her direct siblings as well as my grand parents.. It was almost as if she was sayin...."not without me you don't!" I'm happy to report we will be joining all of her sibling and her to their parents, along with any spouses the siblings may have. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I can almost hear them congratulating each other on the fine job what their family is doing now. Oh how I envy those reunions on the other side of the veil</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img height="512" src="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/2654_1028724645458_2873987_n.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
THE WARFIELD FAMILY (most of them) All on the other side hangin with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
To MyAncestors by Carol Lynn Pearson:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"<span style="background-color: white; color: #555544; font-family: tahoma, 'Bitstream Vera Sans', 'Trebuchet MS', 'Lucida Grande', lucida, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">I wonder-</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #555544; font-family: tahoma, 'Bitstream Vera Sans', 'Trebuchet MS', 'Lucida Grande', lucida, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Did I peek through the veil impatiently,</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #555544; font-family: tahoma, 'Bitstream Vera Sans', 'Trebuchet MS', 'Lucida Grande', lucida, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #555544; font-family: tahoma, 'Bitstream Vera Sans', 'Trebuchet MS', 'Lucida Grande', lucida, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">While you slowly forged the bonds that brought me to mortality?</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #555544; font-family: tahoma, 'Bitstream Vera Sans', 'Trebuchet MS', 'Lucida Grande', lucida, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #555544; font-family: tahoma, 'Bitstream Vera Sans', 'Trebuchet MS', 'Lucida Grande', lucida, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">And do you now stand where I stood</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #555544; font-family: tahoma, 'Bitstream Vera Sans', 'Trebuchet MS', 'Lucida Grande', lucida, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #555544; font-family: tahoma, 'Bitstream Vera Sans', 'Trebuchet MS', 'Lucida Grande', lucida, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Yesterday,</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #555544; font-family: tahoma, 'Bitstream Vera Sans', 'Trebuchet MS', 'Lucida Grande', lucida, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #555544; font-family: tahoma, 'Bitstream Vera Sans', 'Trebuchet MS', 'Lucida Grande', lucida, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Your cheeks against Heaven’s curtains</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #555544; font-family: tahoma, 'Bitstream Vera Sans', 'Trebuchet MS', 'Lucida Grande', lucida, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #555544; font-family: tahoma, 'Bitstream Vera Sans', 'Trebuchet MS', 'Lucida Grande', lucida, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">and pray-</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #555544; font-family: tahoma, 'Bitstream Vera Sans', 'Trebuchet MS', 'Lucida Grande', lucida, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #555544; font-family: tahoma, 'Bitstream Vera Sans', 'Trebuchet MS', 'Lucida Grande', lucida, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Pray fervently for me to forge the bonds,</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #555544; font-family: tahoma, 'Bitstream Vera Sans', 'Trebuchet MS', 'Lucida Grande', lucida, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #555544; font-family: tahoma, 'Bitstream Vera Sans', 'Trebuchet MS', 'Lucida Grande', lucida, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">that bring us to eternity?"</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
*Link the chain...people. LINK IT!!! And bring the family together again!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
ShaBANGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12435939559462982820noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8235753667528365971.post-63562507338055737512013-03-31T01:38:00.001-07:002013-03-31T01:39:57.039-07:00Why Weepest Thou?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw8ENMT9heK2SGKhv8xfnTxonH5TwtMLRgaFwYGGfbrKOeDZtEIXEGRcwLC1GW5dPlogf7VS57MNE43UPH5g5lJlEgXOywYsYQTaftBJ2xo69HYxGePC6CxGXtT1K656hVTe939Fsqz3U/s1600/564632_10151677407972355_403380024_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw8ENMT9heK2SGKhv8xfnTxonH5TwtMLRgaFwYGGfbrKOeDZtEIXEGRcwLC1GW5dPlogf7VS57MNE43UPH5g5lJlEgXOywYsYQTaftBJ2xo69HYxGePC6CxGXtT1K656hVTe939Fsqz3U/s640/564632_10151677407972355_403380024_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #4c1130;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="poetry" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana; font-size: small; line-height: 15.85069465637207px; margin-bottom: 10px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="color: #4c1130;">1. I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me,<br style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px;" />Confused at the grace that so fully he proffers me.<br style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px;" />I tremble to know that for me he was crucified,<br style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px;" />That for me, a sinner, he suffered, he bled and died.</span></div>
<div class="poetry" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana; font-size: small; line-height: 15.85069465637207px; margin-bottom: 10px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="color: #4c1130;">2. I marvel that he would descend from his throne divine<br style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px;" />To rescue a soul so rebellious and proud as mine,<br style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px;" />That he should extend his great love unto such as I,<br style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px;" />Sufficient to own, to redeem, and to justify.</span></div>
<div class="poetry" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana; font-size: small; line-height: 15.85069465637207px; margin-bottom: 10px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="color: #4c1130;">3. I think of his hands pierced and bleeding to pay the debt!<br style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px;" />Such mercy, such love and devotion can I forget?<br style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px;" />No, no, I will praise and adore at the mercy seat,<br style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px;" />Until at the glorified throne I kneel at his feet.</span></div>
<div class="poetry" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana; font-size: small; line-height: 15.85069465637207px; margin-bottom: 10px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="color: #4c1130;">[Chorus]<br style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px;" />Oh, it is wonderful that he should care for me<br style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px;" />Enough to die for me!<br style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px;" />Oh, it is wonderful, wonderful to me!</span></div>
<div class="poetry" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana; font-size: small; line-height: 15.85069465637207px; margin-bottom: 10px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="color: #4c1130;">Charles H. Gabriel, 1856–1932</span></div>
<div class="poetry" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana; font-size: small; line-height: 15.85069465637207px; margin-bottom: 10px; padding: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="poetry" style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 10px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 15.85069465637207px;"><span style="color: #333333;">*</span><span style="color: #741b47;">*ON this day we celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.. Although religion has changed in the passed years to accommodate every interpretation, thought process and way of life, 2 things remain constant to me: God the father allowed his only begotten son to be born into this Earth so he could one day be the sacrificial land for all who would live here. PERIOD. It didn't matter their race, stature, weight, gender, or gender preference. He didn't care if they were Republican, Democrat, Liberal. You didn't have to be right wing, left wing or enjoy chicken wings. Any who possess a physical body would qualify for this sacrificial love. When the children of the world turn on each other in anger, I can't help but wonder how much the Lord weeps in our behalf and in behalf of the wasted efforts of the Sacrifice of his son. Ours is not to judge but to accept and allow God to use judgement</span><span style="color: #333333;">. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="poetry" style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 10px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 15.85069465637207px;">**THE GREATEST GIFT WE CAN GIVE HEAVENLY FATHER IS TO LOVE EACH OTHER**</span></span></div>
<div class="poetry" style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 10px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 15.85069465637207px;">*we must do better at loving each other*</span></span></div>
ShaBANGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12435939559462982820noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8235753667528365971.post-43642402703375681812013-03-16T15:32:00.003-07:002013-03-16T17:36:35.255-07:00Do You Need A Release From Relief Society?<br />
<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfQG6Zkprep-TCenhKxeUtoMs8PR_bfrfTFgG1r5BX94sxn6fyyvpbg5rkGZpcNuqQsVVI9ATkE1AnajTX7WgxLKqOfrdU9Ra94D-MKX94C-PSD2Rf5ypWF-OSWzYbwCC0pnexdziEf6tQ/s1600/LoveHate.jpg" /><br />
<br />
For some sister in church, Relief Society is just what the Dr ordered: A way to reconnect as a women with women who understand the everyday trials of being a wife and mother and running a house hold. We talk about frustrations of husband and kids and what works in dealing with them. Some of us a crafty and sew, cook, tole paint scrap book, do photography and even offer to share the pattern for how to created a cool interactive family home evening lesson or create the latest tu-tu for our baby daughters to wear when they have their 1 year old photography session next month. We find encouragement and uplifting messages that strengthen us and prepare us to carry on in faith another week "til we meet again." We Love It! <br />
<img src="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/9534_129187901737_7207179_n.jpg" /><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
OR ...<br />
<br />
For some it's a lecture on how much we're lacking or falling short in areas. We listen to the "Uplifting" messages only to recognize we argue and nag our spouse too much, we're much to embarrassed to accept visiting teachers because the house is too messy and the thought of sitting in church with 3 screaming babies and their autistic toddler is too much to even think about. We find ourselves being preached to and chastised for not being patient enough, loving enough, giving enough and frankly too tired to really care that Sister Perfecto has won this months Better Homes and Garden award for being Superwoman once again. We Hate It!<br />
<br />
<img alt="[funny-pictures-humor-snow-white-costume-wife-mother[3].png]" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_-2EsA9Y_K9A/StlSGbPQarI/AAAAAAAAB_Q/LhJuRTu-7Ac/s1600/funny-pictures-humor-snow-white-costume-wife-mother%5B3%5D.png" /><br />
<br />
OR<br />
<br />
For some of us we show up because we're supposed to. This weeks lesson was AMAZING. But Sister Lack-luster is teaching next week and since she just reads right from the book I can stay home and do that myself so I'd rather sleep in. How exciting the ward is having a Date night for all the married couples with a guess speaker focusing on finding intimate moments in a house full of chaos. Can a single sister come and bring a date, oh wait... we're staying way from intimate moments until marriage. Shoot, I wanna go cuz I may be single..BUT I CAN GET A DATE...! Oh I was so excited to hear about the ARM activity! (For those who don't know what "ARMS" are they are Additional Relief Society Meetings. that should be tailored to the needs of the ward.) Until I realized it was the pattern for the "Holiday Quilt" the honeymoon sisters are making or the Fall page for the "quiet books" the new mothers are making. Or the Family Personal Care list the wilderness sisters need to catch up on their food storage disaster kits. We love it!...AND We hate it! <br />
<img src="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/650_56016458016_1213_n.jpg" /><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I recognize myself in the 3rd Category. Let me first say it's taken me 27 years to get to this category. I've been through them all! I was relief society preparedness specialist at the same time as being Pack Committee Chair for Cub Scouts, Girls Camp Director and Beehive Advisor and of course the auto-calling of visiting teacher to 1 active and 3 inactive sister. All of this was going down at the same time my daughter was in elementary school, having music, voice and gymnastic lessons while working a full time job. Did I also mention I'm a single mother. You can't do all of this as a single woman an not experience it all.<br />
<br />
Currently, though I'm identifying with the Love/Hate relationship. A part of me calls Bull Crap on the Relief Society "Arms!" Does a ward really need to know how to make little baby tu-tu for all holidays and seasons? Sure it's fun and cute and we need those types of things. But I dare say most if not all sisters could benefit more from learning how to change a tire or spark plugs. Or weatherize the house. And I swear we've mastered the one dish : Insert " hamburger/chicken, frozen vegetable creamy soup" here and sprinkle with crunch breakfast cereal topping back at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Or throw 1 can of everything in the crock pot cook all day and throw it over some rice recipes. I know some of the latest fads are belly dancing classes (LDS Sista's all over the world are letting their inner eroticism out by belly dancing and disguising under Aerobics.) Zumba (a great way to release the energy of wanting to smack your teenager for the blatant disrespecting they did of you in the store earlier.) and the ever popular wall crafts reminding friends, family and neighbors that it's Easter, or July 4th or Halloween. And as of late, extreme couponing! How to greedily clear the shelves, take more than you need in this lifetime for free and the store ends up owing YOU money. I know some career couponers who do it for sport, not out of necessity. <br />
<br />
Again, these things are awesome and needed. But times are tough! Where are the REAL needs like How to change a belt on my washing machine or vacuum cleaner? How to budget for emergencies. Or how to keep my kid from knocking out your kid for calling them a slur, racial, gender, physical or otherwise. Bullying is also the latest fad... but I don't see anyone teaching classes on how to stop your kid from bullying the kid next door while at school. are THESE things we should be using our Relief Society Arms for also? To strengthen home and family is to strengthen the community. SO while we're being all nice and cozy playing Dr Phil, Dr Oz and Oprah (I'd say Ellen too, but some don't see her being a role model, being gay and all. Which I don't have a problem with I think she's an Excellent Role Model but I am sitting here in Mormon Utah ...) the rest of the world is not really giving a rats tail that the Wilson's changed their Holiday Wall hanging to St Patricks Day, or that Baby Emma's spring tutu is ready for her next photo opp or that the Newly wed Sister Blissful just mastered her first loaf of homemade all wheat and honey bread. Perhaps we ought to look at what the sister's really need.<br />
I use visiting teaching as an example. We all do it. We all have them. After giving the lesson 4 times, I get tired of it. 1 Because I know my sisters are giving it also and they know it. 2. They may not want or need the monthly thought. They may need me to pick up little Joey from Soccer or fold the sheets that have been sitting in the dryer for 2 days because she can't get to it. Too many of us are going by the book and not by inspiration. We do this a lot as LDS member... we have manuals to keep track of manuals. I've come to the point of "whats the point of going to church if we all have all the books and everything is being taught from the books?" The point is... I would be afraid to live and learn of this world just going by my perspective. What I'm learning is.... most people aren't this way. Most people are happy with the Text book learning and the text book answers and are fearful to deviate from it. I find this attitude boring and lazy. It is possible to be unified and united in our diverse lives and situations. THAT is one of the beauties of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. That should be the beauty of Relief Society<br />
<br />
<img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/3fuy1t6UGUA/0.jpg" /><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
. Perhaps if when we did come, we came with our unique individual talents and perspectives and added to what's already there instead of passively seething inside while waiting for the time to pass we might love it a little more. I say we each enter into Relief Society with a goal to at least once a month share a unique perspective to the Relief Society experience. Mix it up a little and don't settle for the cookie cutter answers in the book. NOW GET OUT THERE AND RELEASE THE RELIEF IN OUR SOCIETY!<br />
<img height="640" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT-rz6nSxbWGbJwfsEqKsUVrEN9codzB9tzvzFMfSSHBvf4nlh96w" width="490" /><br />
<br />
Did you Identify with any of the situations? I'd love to hear from you!ShaBANGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12435939559462982820noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8235753667528365971.post-4299690907543712202012-12-16T14:54:00.001-08:002012-12-16T14:54:31.699-08:00I'M NOT WEARING PANTS TO CHURCH ON 12/16/12!<div><p>I'm not sure whose "brilliant" ideah it was to make today "wear Pants to church day" for the Mormon women but I'm not following "suit." <br>
This may very well be a black thang.<br>
     I guess thousands of Mormon women are feeling oppressed in their dresses and pressured to conform to what they call social norms.<br>
        I have never felt this way. I think sometimes Mormons folks get confused as to what is doctrine, what is opinion and what is tradition. You would think after reading and knowing the Book of Mormon that we'd recognize the possible harms of following tradition as doctrine.<br>
And be more inclined to seek answers for ourselves. <br>
    The greatest examples are those things such a withholding the Priestood from worthy black members or not being allowed to drink caffeine. These practices went on for years I believe mostly due to traditions passed on and not questioned til years later.<br>
    I've been LDS 40 of my 45 years. I know this makes me a Black Pearl of Great Price!<br>
Some feel that its all I know. But I remember going to the neighbor Penticostle church. It was fun jumping on the Sunday school bus with the rest of the kids in the neighborhood and singing songs about how Jesus Loves me. My Great-grandfather, Reverend Henry Flowers had his own Baptist Church back in the day. I've frequented several of friends and family members and in doing so I am not afraid or pressured into wearing a dress to church. Quite the opposite! I am honored to do so and do it freely by choice. <br>
I come from a strong black heritage, a strong southern heritage, and a strong Mormon heritage. Two of those heritages trump the one on this 'wear pants to church day'.<br>
     I can't imagine having the conversation with my Mama:<br>
" Mama they wearing pants to church today...."<br>
"Who is they?"<br>
"Well its wear pants to church today for the women.."<br>
"What women? Not for no women in MY house. Cuz we don't dress for nobody but the Lord on Sunday. When we enter His house the women of THIS house will give him our best.<br>
I dont know a black woman alive who wears pants to church.  I don't know a southern woman alive who wears pants to church. I'm not saying their aren't any I'm just saying I am not aware of any. <br>
We black folks love dressing up for Jesus!!!  And other important occasions.</p>
<p>We don't all dress to be part of or to go against social norms. We black folks "DRESS" out of respect and Love for Jesus and Heavenly Father. <br>
I'm not surpised to see this sort of thing come about in the church...after all it comes from s place where people would rather dress up for a daily paycheck and show up in jeans and shorts or business casual for your wedding reception. (Yes Mormon folks...weddings and funerals ARE formal or. Semi- formal occasions.) <br>
When I walk into the Lord's house for worship I want to present my best self in attitude, actions and appearance.<br>
If it were a pantsuit Damn skippy I'd be wearing one.<br>
I have 6 days a week to make political statements and market whatever agenda I believe in. However, Sunday is not the day and my Father's house is not the place.<br>
I'm not concerned about feeling oppressed or inferior in church. I was taught the Lords house should be the one place every person should know or feel like they belong no matter their station in life. No matter their appearance. I choose to wear my best. I don't care if you come in boxers and wife beaters or halter an mini skirt I'm just glad you came. Sad to say most do not and may never feel they way.</p>
<p>I'm not saying anyone can't properly worship and learn about the Lord according to the close I wear.  My personal reasonings on wearing my dresses and skirts is I act more appropriately when dressed this way. I'm more readily available to put off the things of the business of the  world and focus on spiritual things of the world.  <br>
    If dressing and presenting ourselves properly weren't so important  I wonder if these same women wearing pants to church would make the same statement of wearing pants  instead of a wedding dress??  Why not do  "not wear a bra to church" day? NOW THAT I can get into. I'd say pantyhose and slips but I stopped Wearing those 10 years ago. (Don't tell my mama)  I don't see the point in this wearing pants movement. I've always felt I could wear what I want...and I have for the most point. </p>
<p>I think people put boundaries on themselves due to traditions because they haven't the eggs or esteem to dare to be their own kind of beautiful. They're too worried about what the ward busy body is thinking or what the ward gossip is spreading or disapproving looks from the pastor, priest, elders or bishops. If I felt I were  properly presenting my self in slacks at church on Sunday no one could stop me from wearing them. But I dress my best for Jesus. And even though I dress my best for Jesus, he will take me as is. Hollaluyer!!!</p>
<br/><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZRXr4SZmq-O1SANfsSjtn-Wn3v3ntiW9qRY_8dm88HgB-JDIkPovabqZdZpA3WHUhoH2hOQ5ZLPT7wPDIArDEysCLYf3vCe9rYzcr88Y97yHF2ayJrODjGrXJ1zNmSfXj_CafBJx0W2I/' /><br/><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-fqkN9Awa8iGQQ5rGVVbkNtsNNSh3UEh-hQFGEhyVy4PvoNRPhp7fNjiUuumiHSrtFyrZBlYn7CE2RuFdllMVRb1PzigNQScfch_SV9dGEBhxG85CifrDuz3GXDvZ4yN_reFPi_CqXis/' /><br/><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIAidXKIYWFjC9BSDY7PtvVFG6MSCjcbqc2wpn5ewM3552DG_zeIi9bfuCsrHVPo6DlMhh7ev0aGsHqcb1mweo40unklbiSs_fZLkdXOnC9DIynAe8KoCxo7Ol_lLiPMTuuYP9IiKm-rU/' /><br/><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7XUMsXhrviH3CSRhBxmmlEmP73PpM5RLcYC02q44cJcVuhhTeHaAxe24PUevY7YDp8QLIFY1Zh8vksvPhWXzRTwIBnKrijyYcNPHu5VddsC90suBa0unoxSWsNzcMk4Pds5iEVx1oRBk/' /></div>ShaBANGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12435939559462982820noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8235753667528365971.post-67370626867925669242012-11-10T21:19:00.001-08:002012-12-08T00:54:38.953-08:00<div>
</div>
Black Mormon Girl :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/16058566798499761771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8235753667528365971.post-78501041747847544532012-11-10T21:16:00.000-08:002012-11-10T22:02:53.940-08:00IF YE ARE PREPARED YE SHALL NOT FEAR!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJrfP8hrmJ7HQPNlagkWeuo3z16enHdkpMOD2AaqtP6ZeDL9IxCcQ-l5zV6IzdDLNC68KNAUUgsvjoFcL1z06pVP2LDQ3vkTZjjRXjqu19zr1dB11EbUd3vQoSGQJbp8r6rh7pTGDXEbA/s1600/Idiots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJrfP8hrmJ7HQPNlagkWeuo3z16enHdkpMOD2AaqtP6ZeDL9IxCcQ-l5zV6IzdDLNC68KNAUUgsvjoFcL1z06pVP2LDQ3vkTZjjRXjqu19zr1dB11EbUd3vQoSGQJbp8r6rh7pTGDXEbA/s320/Idiots.jpg" width="317" /></a></div>
<br />
Final words regarding the 2012 election. I am deeply saddened at the
realization of who some people truly are. This election has separated,
the nations, friends and family. Which says more about the people, then
it does about the Presidency. I've been instructed to always respect
and pray for those in leadership positions regardless of how I
personally have felt about them because they will always need guidance. I
have been given this counsel from my parents, church leaders and even
educators. THIS election I am ashamed to admit who I know. Not by how
they voted and who they supported. But by the verbal vomit they display
upon the victory or loss of who they supported. I have heard and seen
people who call themselves Christians display so much hate and
intolerance and even a refusal to pray for the aid of our nation's
leaders for being the anti Christ and followers of Lucifer. It amazes
me that it comes to that depth hate and negativity as to say THIS
election is the door that opens up the Second Coming. If I could throw
a reality slap across the United States right now, I would. WHY does
it have to go THAT FAR? Why does the President Re-elect have to be an
Anti-Christ? A devil worshiper? The reason the 2nd coming will come upon
us more quickly? Why can't he just be "one more president I didn't
vote for who won the election?" Why are those who did vote for him
"Ignorant freeloaders who want a hand out?<br />
IS GOD NOT IN CHARGE?
I believe he is. He was in charge during slavery. He was in Charge
during the depression. He was in charge During the Hitler Years....and
he is in charge now. He has a plan. Regardless of how we humans may
mess up, HE HAS A PLAN. AND HE IS WORKING THAT PLAN. I believe the
plan wont a minute before it's supposed to. I have a hard time
believing most of the comments about the election and president re-elect
are inspired or prompted by the Holy Spirit of Promise. while we
point the finger, stand in judgment and wade in hate and negativity WE
do more damage to our country than any one president could ever do. And
if you do feel "prompted and inspired" to continue to spew such hatred,
negativity, judgement, toward Our President Re-elect and anyone who may
have supported him I plead with you to get down on your knees and pray
for tolerance, patience, and direction as to what YOU can do in your
homes, lives, churches and communities to help get this country back on
it's feet. Talks is noise. Complaining about it to each other doesn't
help. Being angry at anyone who voted and supported differently than
yourself...is a waste of time. It is costing people family members and
friendships.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgLv2TXefLljWeP0HATA-D1DBt1gGSsoXiUD4zsscDldd2-VRwwiO8CpwZOmOM4Dod4AXMK4Ukgkaw2A070G2GuqLDqDdWWagqdhz618Jv0vWnLu83AeZchJWMWIhfSzZ36wt7HxlnlJE/s1600/Love-one-to-another.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgLv2TXefLljWeP0HATA-D1DBt1gGSsoXiUD4zsscDldd2-VRwwiO8CpwZOmOM4Dod4AXMK4Ukgkaw2A070G2GuqLDqDdWWagqdhz618Jv0vWnLu83AeZchJWMWIhfSzZ36wt7HxlnlJE/s320/Love-one-to-another.png" width="320" /></a></div>
If we truly have faith that Heavenly Father is in
charge...and nothing man can do can halt the work of the Lord... then we
ought to be ashamed of ourselves for the treatment of those having a
differing opinion. Jesus is not coming back before he is supposed. In the mean time. We still have much work to do. IF YE ARE PREPARED YE SHALL NOT
FEAR. I'm not scared.... ARE YOU? ShaBANGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12435939559462982820noreply@blogger.com1