God Made Moms to Teach...We All Have Imperfections
In the world of photoshop and the mental cities of pretense we can easily erase or cover up imperfections. But in the real world we all are walking, talking, and breathing imperfections. There is no perfect woman, man, child, body, or lifestyle. If we would only listen when we interact with others who we have labeled as perfect individuals they voluntarily air all their imperfections. But by no means does this change the look of the person(s) we are now just privy to seeing them in a different light. We all are flawed individuals and we all have our imperfections. We only fool ourselves when we walk around thinking we are not. We are flawed both in and out. To make a point, most of the models and actors/actresses we see on television or on magazines are airbrushed and made up to cover flaws that our eyes would so easily detect but there is always more to what we see. We don't see the whole picture. We don't know what is going on with them when they are not in front of a camera. Even with ourselves, we spend a lot of time and money on hair, clothes, and makeup not just to make ourselves feel good but sometimes to make others think good of us. In hopes of making them think we have it going on as well. Now ladies, can we be described as being superficial or what? The main point I want to drive home is that we all are imperfections wanting to reach perfection and nothing we do on the outside is going to change what's on the inside unless we accept our imperfections along with the grace of God. It is because of imperfection that we are able to receive God's grace and mercy through His son Jesus Christ. God's grace is and always has been sufficient. And one more thing I want to share is that I found out while watching America's Next Top Model that many models are paid top dollar for some of their imperfections, imperfections that make them stick out from other models. Those imperfections don't always make them the best or worst model choice, it just means they may be paid a little more for what makes them different from the rest.
Be blessed and encouraged today, it's a choice. ~ Delphine
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Good Read of The Month
A wake-up call to the black leaders and citizens of America."" -Chicago Defender In The Reckoning, Randall Robinson examines the crime and poverty that grips much of urban America and urges black Americans to speak out and reach back to ensure their social and economic success in this country. With insight, compassion, and unflinching honesty, Robinson explores the twin blights of crime and poverty-the former often a symptom of the latter-and asks questions that are critical to the rebuilding of black communities: How do we create awareness of the heroic efforts already being made and how can we bring our troubled youth to safety? A product of Robinson's work with gang members, ex-convicts, and others who have been scarred by the harshness of life in our inner cities, The Reckoning is certain to be as important and controversial as his earlier books."
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Tuesday Tidbits
God Made Brown Moms To Teach....Not To Give Up
"People Don't Fail They Just Give Up", I saw this on a bank posting this morning and it has stayed with me. There is much truth to the posting because most of the success stories that we hear speak on perseverance and how perseverance brought about the successes. We've all heard Donnie McCurklin's song "We Fall Down But We Get Up", this song encourages us to keep it moving even if we fall. It's focus is on repentance and moving forth in repentance. We encourage smokers and drinkers not to give in to the temptations of smoking or drinking when they are trying to quit because we want to see them successful in their attempt. We tell women in intense labor to keep pushing even when their bodies are exhausted because the baby they've been waiting nine months for will soon be here. Even with the economy, we all are being encouraged to keep spending and investing to push us pass this recession. Pushing past the recession requires us to keep spending and investing but to do it more wisely. Everything surrounding us shows us or tells us that perseverance will pay off. Let's not fail ourselves by giving up on ourselves, our spouses, our children, our goals or dreams. We can do it! Take a note from history. Look at how far we have already come in comparison to the brown folk that came before us, they did not work, slave, save, or sacrifice just for us to give up on our dreams of success.
Be blessed and encouraged today, it's your choice. ~Delphine
Psalm 112:7 He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD. NJV
1 Peter 5:10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. NJV
"People Don't Fail They Just Give Up", I saw this on a bank posting this morning and it has stayed with me. There is much truth to the posting because most of the success stories that we hear speak on perseverance and how perseverance brought about the successes. We've all heard Donnie McCurklin's song "We Fall Down But We Get Up", this song encourages us to keep it moving even if we fall. It's focus is on repentance and moving forth in repentance. We encourage smokers and drinkers not to give in to the temptations of smoking or drinking when they are trying to quit because we want to see them successful in their attempt. We tell women in intense labor to keep pushing even when their bodies are exhausted because the baby they've been waiting nine months for will soon be here. Even with the economy, we all are being encouraged to keep spending and investing to push us pass this recession. Pushing past the recession requires us to keep spending and investing but to do it more wisely. Everything surrounding us shows us or tells us that perseverance will pay off. Let's not fail ourselves by giving up on ourselves, our spouses, our children, our goals or dreams. We can do it! Take a note from history. Look at how far we have already come in comparison to the brown folk that came before us, they did not work, slave, save, or sacrifice just for us to give up on our dreams of success.
Be blessed and encouraged today, it's your choice. ~Delphine
Psalm 112:7 He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD. NJV
1 Peter 5:10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. NJV
Thursday, March 19, 2009
He Leaves His Mark -- Footprints
I found this clip on the BBC News website and found it to be a interesting story. This monk as been diligent in his practice of prayer. He's created a mark in the floor. I hope I can be as diligent in the years to some. Enjoy!
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Tuesday Tidbit
God Made Moms To Teach...Don't Be Fooled By Appearances.
My girlfriend and I shared a conversation this morning which started out as common chatter on the economy. But after a comment was made on how much athletes and entertainers are paid our conversation evolved into a deeper discussion on how we allow society to shape our minds and therefore our actions. For example, we want to live and act like the entertainers we see and hear on TV. We want everything their lives have afforded them. We want the homes they live in, the cars they drive, the designer clothes they wear, and sometimes their looks. We forget or don't dare to think that it could be an illusion in itself - a misrepresentation of their real lives. We are only seeing what they put out there for us to see. As our conversation continued we spoke on things that we all can relate to like men and how we choose to live our lives. We discussed choices of men we've seen friends or other women make based on the jobs they have or don't have, the cars they drive or don't drive, and sometimes the people they know or don't know. We agreed on how frequently good men are passed over because they don't meet the current status quo. We asked, why are the men who work as grocery store managers or construction workers looked over by women who desire a decent life or a decent future for their families? These men work hard at what they do and could very well end up as construction company owners or even owners of top named grocery stores or food chains. Better yet, we don't even give thoughts on them being patient or devoted enough to work these jobs that they may every well be just as patient and devoted to their families. We talked about how we try and impress others with what we have even when we know good and well we can not afford it all. The points we were getting at are that we need to understand that we are only seeing and hearing portions and that if we don't go any deeper we all can be fooled by appearances. Like the proverbial saying goes, you can't see the forest for the trees. Ladies, I'm using the conversation my girlfriend and I shared on men and lifestyles choices but this can include any and every area of our lives. Don't get caught up in details that would keep you from seeing the whole picture.
Be blessed and encouraged today, it's your choice. ~ Delphine
My girlfriend and I shared a conversation this morning which started out as common chatter on the economy. But after a comment was made on how much athletes and entertainers are paid our conversation evolved into a deeper discussion on how we allow society to shape our minds and therefore our actions. For example, we want to live and act like the entertainers we see and hear on TV. We want everything their lives have afforded them. We want the homes they live in, the cars they drive, the designer clothes they wear, and sometimes their looks. We forget or don't dare to think that it could be an illusion in itself - a misrepresentation of their real lives. We are only seeing what they put out there for us to see. As our conversation continued we spoke on things that we all can relate to like men and how we choose to live our lives. We discussed choices of men we've seen friends or other women make based on the jobs they have or don't have, the cars they drive or don't drive, and sometimes the people they know or don't know. We agreed on how frequently good men are passed over because they don't meet the current status quo. We asked, why are the men who work as grocery store managers or construction workers looked over by women who desire a decent life or a decent future for their families? These men work hard at what they do and could very well end up as construction company owners or even owners of top named grocery stores or food chains. Better yet, we don't even give thoughts on them being patient or devoted enough to work these jobs that they may every well be just as patient and devoted to their families. We talked about how we try and impress others with what we have even when we know good and well we can not afford it all. The points we were getting at are that we need to understand that we are only seeing and hearing portions and that if we don't go any deeper we all can be fooled by appearances. Like the proverbial saying goes, you can't see the forest for the trees. Ladies, I'm using the conversation my girlfriend and I shared on men and lifestyles choices but this can include any and every area of our lives. Don't get caught up in details that would keep you from seeing the whole picture.
Be blessed and encouraged today, it's your choice. ~ Delphine
Thursday, March 12, 2009
I finished the book PUSH by Sapphire
Ladies, it was a rough short read but a story that had to be told. Several times I wanted to go in to the story and kick some tail but than I come back to reality, realizing I am only reading a story of many :) Now I am anxiously waiting for the movie to hit local theaters. I want to see how these actors are going to play out this story on film. So if any of you have read the book and want to discuss it, send me an email.
New Music from Chrisette Michele and India Arie
I'm posting these two vidoes from two artist that I really like. The first is Chrisette Michele's new video from her upcoming album "Epiphany", it hits stores March 31st. The second video is India.Arie's "Chocolate High" featuring Musiq Soulchild off of her new album Testimony: Vol. 2 Love & Politics, it's in stores now. Two ablums you may want to add to your music selections.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
This is Hilarious! Reminds Me of My Kids
Ladies, peep this video clip out. I saw it on one of my facebook friends page. Her daughter sent it to her. I thought it was hilarious. Because I can relate to this momma. Shout out to Ronda's daughter Ashlei!!
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Tuesday Tidbit
God Made Moms To Teach Children...HIS Definition of Love
Since Chris Brown and Rhinanna's domestic dispute/battle last month everyone is addressing domestic abuse. I decided to jump on the bandwagon as well. To start, I am not going to criticize Chris or Rhianna for the choices they have made because they both are really young and they both have witnessed abuse involving their parents. But I will say love starts within. And until you are able to love yourself, you can not give love to someone else. I know many of us suffer in relationships because we grew up witnessing parents, family members, neighbors or friends being abused in relationships. I'm not saying we should excuse abuse because it's always been around us but because we have continued to function in abuse, this dysfunction has become the norm for many of us. So the cycle of abuse continues. I am a byproduct of an abusive marriage. I witnessed my dad abuse my mother for years. In my late teens and very early twenties, I too was involved in abusive relationships. You would think witnessing abuse for so long, I would have recognized the signs or the tendencies of an abusive person right away. But not all cases of abuse are that cut and dry. Emotional abuse is just as harmful or more harmful, the abuser plays on the emotions. The abuser has a way of making the victim feel like they are the abuser, one of the worst forms of manipulation and abuse there is. I learned early in my marriage that I had the desire to manipulate my husband. I would want to curse or fuss at my husband if things didn't quite go my way. Well thank God for grace and mercy because Olajide wasn't having it. He didn't even remotely entertain my need to manipulate or my desire to abuse him in any fashion. He shut it down by basically saying, if that's what you want out of a man, I ain't him. Ladies, I share this to say that abuse works both ways. And I am not saying by any means that Rhianna asked for or deserved any form of abuse because neither does Chris. I was not there, I don't know what transpired between these two. I do know that women who have experienced abuse have the tendency to be abusive as well. We don't necessarily have to have the physical strength that a man has. We abuse with our mouths. These jabs don't necessarily fade away either, they can leave painful marks just like physical abuse can. So in my addressing of domestic abuse let's check ourselves and let us teach our children that love isn't suppose to hurt them or any one else. Love does not cause you to want to punch some one out, anger does. Love builds up a person, not tear them down. Let's teach our children the Bible's definition of love. Teach them that by holding themselves accountable to God's ordained definition of love they should rarely feel the need to hurt those they claim to love.
One of my goals as a parent is to break some of the generational curses that I know to exist in my family. And based on those goals, I've decided to live and teach my children by example, in hopes of leaving a better legacy for those who follow.
Be blessed and encouraged today, it's your choice. ~ Delphine
1 Corinthians 13: 4-7 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Numbers 14:18 The LORD is slow to anger, abounding in love and forgiving sin and rebellion. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation.'
Psalm 37:8 Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper— it only leads to harm.
Since Chris Brown and Rhinanna's domestic dispute/battle last month everyone is addressing domestic abuse. I decided to jump on the bandwagon as well. To start, I am not going to criticize Chris or Rhianna for the choices they have made because they both are really young and they both have witnessed abuse involving their parents. But I will say love starts within. And until you are able to love yourself, you can not give love to someone else. I know many of us suffer in relationships because we grew up witnessing parents, family members, neighbors or friends being abused in relationships. I'm not saying we should excuse abuse because it's always been around us but because we have continued to function in abuse, this dysfunction has become the norm for many of us. So the cycle of abuse continues. I am a byproduct of an abusive marriage. I witnessed my dad abuse my mother for years. In my late teens and very early twenties, I too was involved in abusive relationships. You would think witnessing abuse for so long, I would have recognized the signs or the tendencies of an abusive person right away. But not all cases of abuse are that cut and dry. Emotional abuse is just as harmful or more harmful, the abuser plays on the emotions. The abuser has a way of making the victim feel like they are the abuser, one of the worst forms of manipulation and abuse there is. I learned early in my marriage that I had the desire to manipulate my husband. I would want to curse or fuss at my husband if things didn't quite go my way. Well thank God for grace and mercy because Olajide wasn't having it. He didn't even remotely entertain my need to manipulate or my desire to abuse him in any fashion. He shut it down by basically saying, if that's what you want out of a man, I ain't him. Ladies, I share this to say that abuse works both ways. And I am not saying by any means that Rhianna asked for or deserved any form of abuse because neither does Chris. I was not there, I don't know what transpired between these two. I do know that women who have experienced abuse have the tendency to be abusive as well. We don't necessarily have to have the physical strength that a man has. We abuse with our mouths. These jabs don't necessarily fade away either, they can leave painful marks just like physical abuse can. So in my addressing of domestic abuse let's check ourselves and let us teach our children that love isn't suppose to hurt them or any one else. Love does not cause you to want to punch some one out, anger does. Love builds up a person, not tear them down. Let's teach our children the Bible's definition of love. Teach them that by holding themselves accountable to God's ordained definition of love they should rarely feel the need to hurt those they claim to love.
One of my goals as a parent is to break some of the generational curses that I know to exist in my family. And based on those goals, I've decided to live and teach my children by example, in hopes of leaving a better legacy for those who follow.
Be blessed and encouraged today, it's your choice. ~ Delphine
1 Corinthians 13: 4-7 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Numbers 14:18 The LORD is slow to anger, abounding in love and forgiving sin and rebellion. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation.'
Psalm 37:8 Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper— it only leads to harm.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Tuesday Tidbit
God Made Moms To Teach Children....Not To Be Afraid of Change
Change was the winning slogan for the Obama campaign and everyone was hyped about change but not too many people want to make the necessary changes to benefit from making the change. Too many changes they say. Change became or becomes a problem when your the one being asked to change or the one being held accountable for the change. We are so comfortable in being who we are and what do, we some times don't see the need for change in ourselves. A small change here and there develops into a big change down the road. I dare you to give some serious thought on change. Better yet ask someone close to you about small changes you can make that will create a big and positive difference in you. That is the change we need today because real change starts with you/us.
Be blessed and encouraged today, it's your choice. ~ Delphine
Matthew 5:14 You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
Romans 12:2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Change was the winning slogan for the Obama campaign and everyone was hyped about change but not too many people want to make the necessary changes to benefit from making the change. Too many changes they say. Change became or becomes a problem when your the one being asked to change or the one being held accountable for the change. We are so comfortable in being who we are and what do, we some times don't see the need for change in ourselves. A small change here and there develops into a big change down the road. I dare you to give some serious thought on change. Better yet ask someone close to you about small changes you can make that will create a big and positive difference in you. That is the change we need today because real change starts with you/us.
Be blessed and encouraged today, it's your choice. ~ Delphine
Matthew 5:14 You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
Romans 12:2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Monday, March 2, 2009
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