The Unknown Woman

She sits on the black metal bench, her legs crossed at the ankles. Her head is buried beneath a multi-colored knit hat... in the middle of July!

Tears for...YOU

Today, I shed not one, not two, but buckets filled with tears... for you.
I shed tears for you, the infants who've been plucked like rotten fruit;
I shed tears for you, the toddlers who are denied the warmth of their mothers' arms and the softness of their bosoms.

My Son--While You Were Sleeping

My son, as your sweet breath caressed my face and your tiny fingers spread open on your pillow, for you I said a prayer.
I prayed that you would grow up to be a champion.
I realize the magnitude of the responsibility placed upon me to ensure that your place in this world is well defined.
As you grow up to be a young boy, a young man--a man who will one day raise his own family,
I prayed that you will be strong, be courageous, and be brilliant.

Mom, for all the Times…

For the time that you carried me,

For the times that you cared for me,

For the times that you’ve nursed me,

For the times that you’ve nurtured me,

My Son

My son,
Your smile melts my worries
Your baby talk softens my heart
Your presence reminds me of the precious gift that you are.

My son,

What Do You Do?

When it seems like all hope is lost,
And your every move takes you back to your past
What do you do?
How do you begin to move forward when every step you take pushes you back?

What do you do when you can't breathe and there's no one around to give you air?
You reach out! You grasp! You choke!
You get slapped right where it hurts!

I can't breathe

I can't breathe 

The mother who struggles with two or three jobs trying to keep food on the table for her children;

I can't breathe

The child who tries to do good but is constantly being bullied;

I can't breathe

The father who struggles to find his place in a world that does not value his humanity;

Loie Writes: Beautiful Butterfly

Loie Writes: Beautiful Butterfly: You are beautiful, your colors are vibrant. You have so much life. I saw you flutter, I saw you spread your wings and fly away But then yo...

Beautiful Butterfly

You are beautiful, your colors are vibrant. You have so much life.
I saw you flutter, I saw you spread your wings and fly away
But then you crashed in the wall, you fell to the floor,
I reach out to catch you, my fingers couldn't hold you
Oh beautiful butterfly!

You perched on my deck, I slowly come to you,
You flapped your wings, you refused to stay
Beautiful butterfly let  me catch you,
Beautiful butterfly let me hold you.

If You Love Me

If you love me you would:
Do as I say;
Meet my every need;
Take what I give you;

If you love me you wouldn't:
Complain when I hit you;
Question my every move;
Doubt that I love you;

If the shoe was on the other foot

One morning last week I was walking through a certain neighborhood that at a glance was not an inviting or stop-and-look-at-the-architecture type of neighborhoods. A few feet ahead was a bus stop that seemed to have provided housing for the four men who perched on its metal bench. They were dressed in black T-shirts dotted with holes, and black trousers that were now fading to grey. Without rhyme or reason, I instinctively clutched my purse. I squared my shoulders. I held my head up. I was not about  to show fear as I walked by these rough and uncouth looking dudes.
I pasted a smile on my face.

A lonely place to be

Recently I have been confronted with a discussion that keeps ringing in my ears. It's a discussion that has left me wondering about life and what matters most. Let me ask you a question: Have you ever felt lonely in a big city? How about feeling lonely in a crowd? Or lonely at home? You get the idea!

Well, what do you do to shed the weight of loneliness? Do you join a club, a gym,  do you go shopping, or do you message one of your 700 friends on Facebook or any other social media?

How is your Savor?

For anyone who lives near or in a community shrouded in thick woods or forest it is not uncommon to pounce upon a four-footed animal--the victim of vehicular assault. Most recently, I had the strangest reaction to the sight of a deer that had seen better days. To add insult to its injury, a ferocious and hugh black crow was enjoying an all it could eat buffet. That got me thinking!

How did the crow know where the carcass was? Do they have spy crows who survey the land for such opportunities? Or did the deer's savor-- its distinctive scent--provided enough clues?

Childhood Obesity: A community issue

It was 7:30 a.m., and bus loads of children from Atlanta’s Boys and Girls Club, neighboring high schools and local churches had already gathered at Piedmont Park. A cool breeze wafted over the eastern side of the park. The sky was overcast. Grey clouds threatened to rain. The rhythmic sounds of Michael Jackson’s “Beat It” vibrated through the park. Vendors and healthcare professionals had tables lined with pamphlets and various paraphernalia. Fulton County Sheriffs were on hand.  

On Sept. 29, 2012, the City of Atlanta celebrated the fourth anniversary of “Walk it off: Communities Fighting Childhood Obesity.” The event included a three-mile walk around the park and several performances from two local churches’ youth groups.

Have a nice day!

As I sped along through my busy day,

 I tripped over an old lady in the way,

I swore at her as I pushed ahead.

She turned, smiled and said,

“That’s alright. You have a nice day.”

A Day Like No Other

Roosters crowed. A dog barked. A car horn honked in the distance. A thick, white blanket of fog hugged the town. Everyone was asleep. Well, except for the six bright-eyed, anxious, excited yet nervous children—four boys and two girls. Today promised to be a day like no other. Hurriedly, they jumped in their Sunday best, washed down an egg sandwich with some hot cocoa that their step-father had fixed. A white taxi pulled up. They piled in and gave the cabby instructions to go to Kingston International Airport. They were on their way to the United States of America. And mamma would be waiting with open arms.

           

You Don't Have The Right To Remain Silent

The biggest stages in political history. Star-studded, bright-eyed up and coming political stars; bright lights, Teleprompters prepped and speakers chomping at the bit. Spectacular speeches; hopeful speeches; speeches that inspire; speeches that made you scratch your head. Well, you were there. You know what I am talking about. The Republican and Democratic National Conventions were worth listening to, I guess. The players played a great game, the captains did their jobs. Regardless of which team you are on, no doubt you believe your team was the better of the two.

For Today

For today Lord, help me to be thankful
---for my family,
-------my friends,
-------my job,

-------my life.

Can you hear me now?

There are days when it seems that all we hear are complaints, woeful stories and sighs of frustrations. During those times if we are not careful we find ourselves being active participants. Oh it's too hot! The work load is too much! The baby cries too much! The dog barks too loudly! Why is the cat licking herself again?

Surprise Yourself

A few days ago I overheard my husband telling one of our daughters to surprise herself. With question signs splashed across my forehead, I turned to him and asked for clarity. "well, you should try and do something that you never thought you could do, exceed your own expectations," he explained.