I was unable to put words to my emotion until I sat and tuned in to Black in America part 2.
FACT: Black students are 12% less likely to enter college than white students.
This evening my heart was set on going to Bible Study. In fact, there was disappointment that I was unable to be there and see a friend of mine get baptized. Instead, a telephone call from one of my mentees yesterday interupted my normal Wednesday worshipping experience. My mentee is one of the nation's small population of Black students to receive a way out of her current situation and is an entering freshman to one of the most prestigious colleges in the world. Her procrastination and anxiety hindered her from knowing how to register for classes, and she called seeking advice and assistance.
I picked her up this evening and we journeyed to one of the local libraries where we went through the course catalog and chose classes. I then took her and her sister across town to get money wired somewhere per their mom's request. They said they'd take the bus back home; the family has no personal transportation.
Few know that this young lady works hard to make ends meet at home. She is even going to continue working when classes begin for the fall.
I am grateful. I am grateful that this young lady came into my life, and I hers. I am grateful that she has maintained a desire to work hard despite the set-backs and challenges she has had to face. Her invisibility and characteristics that fit the stereotype have not held her back, stopped her, or made her give excuses.
Tonight she recharges me. I am fueled once more to touch as many lives as possible, not taking my place in this world for granted.
I do not know why I was born in America and not Africa. I cannot explain why I was born black and not some other ethnicity. I do not need to adopt or exhibit the lifestyles of majority of society to have culture or be validated. I love and embrace my blackness, but I'm also a love of humanity, common sense, and people trying to make positive change.
Leadership. I am a leader. I am influential. I am here to remind others that they have plenty to give to this world.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Summer Lovin'
I love summer for so many reasons. The days are longer. The weather is awesome to allow for outdoor fun. Warmth of the sun on my skin as I make runs around town give me great pleasure. Life slows down even with how quickly the days escape us during this time of year--definitely a paradox, but it is true.
This past week and weekend happened to be what I would deem the climax of summer. I am right at that midpoint, knowing that my days are numbered before Labor Day comes and goes with the start of another academic year. With Vacation Bible School going on this week, it definitely brought home the fact that summer is here. Then I had the chance to enjoy more amusement park fun with a dynamic outdoor gospel concert with some of my favorites. I slept in today and journeyed to the late service, which was awesome. I came home, napped quickly, and had a lovely outing with a friend.
I have to comment that the older I get the more awkward the dating scene becomes. I am picky, which I know tends to hinder my progress. Not to mention my busy schedule...Of recent, my love life could be described as busily complicated. I hate the term "complicated" and would refuse to ever title myself as falling into the category. However, I seem to attract the type who are not trying to fully commit. And, the ones that do, I tend not to share the same feelings.
Tonight as I post on summer lovin' I also have added a video of the late Marvelettes, singing "Please, Mr. Postman." In an age of texting, facebooking, email, etc., I think I am longing for the lost art of a "love" note or letter, reclaiming the beauty of courtship and showing some affection.
Smile. What would a blog post from me be without have the literal and figurative meanings to come shining through? I've never been one to put all of my business out there, but I will note that I'm appreciating the journey of my summer loves. We'll see where it all goes!
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
We Are the Warriors
Psalm 127:5 reads, "Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their enemies in the gate."
Every dedication ceremony held at my church, my pastor refers to the biblical passage above. He eloquently goes into the analogy given, breaking it down in such a way you just may want to go produce a baby...Okay. Okay. I think I went too far there, but you get my point (I hope)!
I'm always moved by the description and while I do not have children biologically, I am inspired to do and be more for the children I am around regularly.
The verse exposes us to the fact that children are like "arrows in a warrior's hand". This means they are WEAPONS to be used in battle. We, the warriors, have the ability to activate/put to use these arrows--our kids. Of that time, warriors sharpened and prepared the arrows. The more arrows a warrior had in in his quiver, the more prosperous and victorious he was said to be in the midst of a crisis.
I am not sure anyone reading this can or will understand the depth of these words and the phrase. Maybe it cannot be appreciated since a bow and arrow are antiquated items. My biblical surfacing of "gold" is a nugget of truth that makes me excited. I want to pour out this knowledge to anyone who will listen, has kids, teaches or is alive and passes a child daily.
Our generation is one where children no longer dream. They do not know how to set high expectations because this world is more and more squashing the concept. I miss the days of keeping children outside for exploration and fun instead of in front of a television or computer. I can accept the way and life of cell phones and texting; every teenager goes through the stage of hogging the communication lines in their households. I just caution that the family take time to pray together, live together and communicate.
This world is cold and real...Are you helping the children you are around daily? Do you remember the good and bad of your childhood?
We're born to battle (for good) and must be equip for it. As I prepare for another academic year, this will be my theme and message to all who are willing to hear it. I refuse to accept piss poor at the expense of another child's education. I'm reaching a new level professionally--an awakening...It's time to take back our youth to the foolishness and destruction the world has tempted all of us with...Too much of anything can be dangerous.
Every dedication ceremony held at my church, my pastor refers to the biblical passage above. He eloquently goes into the analogy given, breaking it down in such a way you just may want to go produce a baby...Okay. Okay. I think I went too far there, but you get my point (I hope)!
I'm always moved by the description and while I do not have children biologically, I am inspired to do and be more for the children I am around regularly.
The verse exposes us to the fact that children are like "arrows in a warrior's hand". This means they are WEAPONS to be used in battle. We, the warriors, have the ability to activate/put to use these arrows--our kids. Of that time, warriors sharpened and prepared the arrows. The more arrows a warrior had in in his quiver, the more prosperous and victorious he was said to be in the midst of a crisis.
I am not sure anyone reading this can or will understand the depth of these words and the phrase. Maybe it cannot be appreciated since a bow and arrow are antiquated items. My biblical surfacing of "gold" is a nugget of truth that makes me excited. I want to pour out this knowledge to anyone who will listen, has kids, teaches or is alive and passes a child daily.
Our generation is one where children no longer dream. They do not know how to set high expectations because this world is more and more squashing the concept. I miss the days of keeping children outside for exploration and fun instead of in front of a television or computer. I can accept the way and life of cell phones and texting; every teenager goes through the stage of hogging the communication lines in their households. I just caution that the family take time to pray together, live together and communicate.
This world is cold and real...Are you helping the children you are around daily? Do you remember the good and bad of your childhood?
We're born to battle (for good) and must be equip for it. As I prepare for another academic year, this will be my theme and message to all who are willing to hear it. I refuse to accept piss poor at the expense of another child's education. I'm reaching a new level professionally--an awakening...It's time to take back our youth to the foolishness and destruction the world has tempted all of us with...Too much of anything can be dangerous.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Boston "T" Party
Just yesterday I was in Boston, Massachusetts, where the air was crisp and cool. By evening, my flight had landed and I walked into the humid 75 degree weather of Virginia. I was happy for home...
I bring back with me a Boston state of mind. While there my colleagues and I had the opportunity to meet with 40 middle schoolers who are in a summer Rites of Passage program under the directorship of two of my good friends. The students were absolutely precious. They value education and understand the importance of learning all you can to get somewhere in life. These are students making As & Bs, yet some of them will never go to college given their home situations. The belief in their homes for some is women need to stay home and take care of the family. For others, it means falling into the same roles as those in the family, which would be blue collar work. We had a powerful session with the students, focusing on the world beyond school emphasizing preparation, determination, and reputation.
In the downtime we had there with our Boston family, my colleagues/friends and I were also able to have thoughtful conversations (as we always do when we come together). From relationships to education, and religion to headliners, the discussions always provide insight and motivation to do and be better.
I bring back the desire to be more in my current roles here...on the job, in my personal life, and (most importantly) for God. Even today, my pastor has just returned from a missions trip in Africa. He reminded us of how much we have and waste--we do too little and are given so much. He asked, "Why, God, was I born here in America and them here in Africa?" With so little, those in Africa are humble, happy and utilize the resources around them. They do SO MUCH with so little. Meanwhile, we worry about the things not going right that are truly trivial.
So, tonight I am excited about my sobering TRIP to Boston. I appreciate the TERRIFIC time given to be with my wonderful friends up in Boston; they're all wonderful and doing great things. My Boston TEACHING Party made remember how much I love to teach, how good I am at what I do, and how much I love touching lives in education.
Here are a few pictures from the trip...
I bring back with me a Boston state of mind. While there my colleagues and I had the opportunity to meet with 40 middle schoolers who are in a summer Rites of Passage program under the directorship of two of my good friends. The students were absolutely precious. They value education and understand the importance of learning all you can to get somewhere in life. These are students making As & Bs, yet some of them will never go to college given their home situations. The belief in their homes for some is women need to stay home and take care of the family. For others, it means falling into the same roles as those in the family, which would be blue collar work. We had a powerful session with the students, focusing on the world beyond school emphasizing preparation, determination, and reputation.
In the downtime we had there with our Boston family, my colleagues/friends and I were also able to have thoughtful conversations (as we always do when we come together). From relationships to education, and religion to headliners, the discussions always provide insight and motivation to do and be better.
I bring back the desire to be more in my current roles here...on the job, in my personal life, and (most importantly) for God. Even today, my pastor has just returned from a missions trip in Africa. He reminded us of how much we have and waste--we do too little and are given so much. He asked, "Why, God, was I born here in America and them here in Africa?" With so little, those in Africa are humble, happy and utilize the resources around them. They do SO MUCH with so little. Meanwhile, we worry about the things not going right that are truly trivial.
So, tonight I am excited about my sobering TRIP to Boston. I appreciate the TERRIFIC time given to be with my wonderful friends up in Boston; they're all wonderful and doing great things. My Boston TEACHING Party made remember how much I love to teach, how good I am at what I do, and how much I love touching lives in education.
Here are a few pictures from the trip...
Saturday, July 4, 2009
do i do
On this July 4th weekend, I decided to exercise my freedom by letting the hair have some freedom. It's been a minute since I've done the curly look. Anyone who knows me from back in the day will recall that I did the curls for my senior pictures. And, once in a while I'll pop up to work with the curly do...
My stylist was a bit questionable with where I was headed with the request; however, I think she was just elated and relieved that I wasn't bugging her about having my hair cut, which has been a topic of debate between us now for the past six months. As she pulled the rollers from the set out and began playing with my hair, she said, "oooooh kswann, i think i am feeling this sultry look." lol.
Anyway, this may be the summer look & then we'll work in the cut for a fresh look in the fall!
I'm super excited about the free time I have from work over this long weekend. And, I was diligent to get my hind parts up bright and early for corporate prayer at church. Once I retire from the day's blog, I'm going to get me in a little nap and get the day up and poppin'. I have a big week coming up: Boston, baby!!!
Happy July 4th -- have you appreciated your freedom today???
A little music for your listening pleasure as you read!!! ENJOY.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Remembering a Star
In my lifetime, I have heard dialogue about where people were when Rev. Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. and John F. Kennedy were assassinated. People recall when Ronald Reagan was shot. Of course, we spring forward and there were the deaths of Princess Diana, Luther Vandross, Tupac and Notorious...I vividly remember being in my dorm room when news broke on the terrorist acts with the Twin Towers on 9-11...and, I still can see myself sitting on the steps at the age of six saying goodbye to my father and not realizing it would be the last time...
Death is never easy. Tragedies and crises shake us; life is interrupted. So, is it a shock that for the past week the television and radio stations have had a consistent flow of tributes to the late great King of Pop, Michael Jackson?
His death was tragic and came way too soon. News of the sudden heart attack quickly took the spotlights off of Ed McMahon and Farrah Fawcett...and even Billy Mays...No one was ready for this genius of an artist to expire. It hit like when Elvis died. Most thought it was fake or not so serious when the first reports came out.
Where was I? In my office finishing up work for the day. I had the t.v. on behind me as I worked with low volume. Oprah was finishing up and the 5 o'clock news popped on and gave the breaking news that Jackson was being rushed to the hospital for cardiac arrest. I paused, turned and looked...I then went back to my work; however, in moments my phone was sounding off with text messages about the news from friends. We joked and gave the "stop playing"/it's all good, comfort phrases. By the time I was packing up, I was then seeing reports that he had slipped into a coma. And, by the time I reached home L.A. Times confirmed his passing. Once in, CNN and other stations were on their jobs. Facebook was busy with posts. And, I prayed for that moment that maybe it was folks moving too fast and this was all just a huge mix up. That was not the case.
It is sad, and we Never Can--or Will--Say Goodbye. His impact on music culture is impossible to ignore. And, for the African American community, he paved the way in breaking down color barriers that exist. He is an icon, but his mysterious ways, terrible childhood, yet amazing hits, kept us glued.
Stop, Drop & Pray? Okay. Okay. I know that I should not put a "shameless" plug in there for getting our lives right. It's cliche-ish, old, played out? I wouldn't be me, though, if I didn't. I think that I want to take a different route and consider the type of impact Jackson had in the world. He could have focused on self, but this is someone who clearly allowed his talent to be used to its capacity in order to reach multitudes. Is there something in your life you've buried because you've given up on the possibility of it ever coming to be? Why not pray and allow God to fully be in control of getting you to that place? Faith. It's not as easy as it seems, but it is what separates the doers from the wishers.
Tonight I am praying peace for the Jackson family and those who have been greatly touched or saddened by this musician's death. I am also praying for a greater awakening to hit our world, which was something Jackson constantly sang about doing. Healing the World, remembering We are the World, knowing we can do because Who's Bad?, and Talking to the Man in Mirror...We all have a little Michael in us; we all have the power to live up to greatness.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Next paragraph...
"according to the psalmist (34:14b), we have to seek peace and pursue it...so i'm in pursuit of nothing but peace today [and everyday]." (THANKS, MO!)
So, I haven't had the opportunity to really take the time to blog. Life got hectic at work and my evenings consisted of me crashing on the bed, the couch, the floor...wherever I could rest my head. Finally, though, things are beginning to come back to normal and I need to re-establish my routine of taking the time to catalog the precious moments of life (haha).
Anyway, so much is going on and I hope that in the month of July I will really be able to remember and take the time to highlight some...
Today I am focusing on the next "paragraph" in this chapter of my life. Often people discuss reaching a new chapter. I wouldn't call where I am a new chapter: so much is the same. However, I suppose it is best captured in the description of finding one's self in a rut or the same routine. I often have this happen where I am just going through the motions without really taking too much time to experience change, fun, or anything meaningful.
In the past week, a lot has happened in the world and personally, so it was a comfort and awakening to see the words I led off with above as my friend's status when I logged in...If I am choosing to maintain where I am, I will have to choose peace. This will mean having to rid my life of clutter or those things taking up space. Her words have echoed all week in other ways, which only solidifies the words were meant for me.
The greatest blessing came in a deacon from my church last night being a blessing and coming directly to me. I've managed over the last six years to be a pew sitter. I attend church, tithe, worship and go home. I am quite supportive with my presence, but I've not given much of my time to volunteering or really finding a place. I was with the choir for a hot minute. I then worked with the athletic ministry, but just kept finding conflict with things, which made me not want to come out...My work schedule really helped me to not have to come for things, so I really was unable to hang. This deacon has been observing me for a while. She always makes it her business to greet me, offer a hello, etc. Her approach was casual yet planned/strategic. When I came in, I saw her and reached out to hug her. She said she wanted to see me and handed me a cute tote bag that quoted Proverbs 3:5. I THANKED her, and she said, "I'll be seeing you on Thursday at 7:30." LOL. She has recruited me for one of the ministries, and while I could be upset or feel like this was a set-up, I'm actually kind of thankful for the push. I've been fighting this for so long and think I'm ready to step out there and try again.
My ministry has always been important to me. And, while it is not dead, I feel I have kind of buried it in this heap of other priorities and excuses that keep me from having to address it. My hope is that this push forward will allow me in the remainder of this chapter to finish off the paragraphs that will move me into the next phase. I am excited!
So, I haven't had the opportunity to really take the time to blog. Life got hectic at work and my evenings consisted of me crashing on the bed, the couch, the floor...wherever I could rest my head. Finally, though, things are beginning to come back to normal and I need to re-establish my routine of taking the time to catalog the precious moments of life (haha).
Anyway, so much is going on and I hope that in the month of July I will really be able to remember and take the time to highlight some...
Today I am focusing on the next "paragraph" in this chapter of my life. Often people discuss reaching a new chapter. I wouldn't call where I am a new chapter: so much is the same. However, I suppose it is best captured in the description of finding one's self in a rut or the same routine. I often have this happen where I am just going through the motions without really taking too much time to experience change, fun, or anything meaningful.
In the past week, a lot has happened in the world and personally, so it was a comfort and awakening to see the words I led off with above as my friend's status when I logged in...If I am choosing to maintain where I am, I will have to choose peace. This will mean having to rid my life of clutter or those things taking up space. Her words have echoed all week in other ways, which only solidifies the words were meant for me.
The greatest blessing came in a deacon from my church last night being a blessing and coming directly to me. I've managed over the last six years to be a pew sitter. I attend church, tithe, worship and go home. I am quite supportive with my presence, but I've not given much of my time to volunteering or really finding a place. I was with the choir for a hot minute. I then worked with the athletic ministry, but just kept finding conflict with things, which made me not want to come out...My work schedule really helped me to not have to come for things, so I really was unable to hang. This deacon has been observing me for a while. She always makes it her business to greet me, offer a hello, etc. Her approach was casual yet planned/strategic. When I came in, I saw her and reached out to hug her. She said she wanted to see me and handed me a cute tote bag that quoted Proverbs 3:5. I THANKED her, and she said, "I'll be seeing you on Thursday at 7:30." LOL. She has recruited me for one of the ministries, and while I could be upset or feel like this was a set-up, I'm actually kind of thankful for the push. I've been fighting this for so long and think I'm ready to step out there and try again.
My ministry has always been important to me. And, while it is not dead, I feel I have kind of buried it in this heap of other priorities and excuses that keep me from having to address it. My hope is that this push forward will allow me in the remainder of this chapter to finish off the paragraphs that will move me into the next phase. I am excited!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)