Tis Spring! It’s not my favorite season, but I welcome it with open, pollen filled arms. Yes, the only season that I hold love and dislike in close community. I appreciate and welcome the songs of the birds, the blooming of flowers and warmness of days, but I detest the itchy, watery eyes and everything covered in yellowish-green, spurring coughing…
While we’ve been wearing face coverings, I’ve lost a few earrings. Somehow the process of attaching the stringed loops behind my ears has resulted in me loosing my jewelry. Often when I’ve realized it, I’m no longer in the space that my items were lost. I’ve been disappointed a little, but I’m not at a loss for my obedience. Since…
When I tell you God is up to something, believe me. However, I’m certain that I don’t have to remind you. When our God is in the neighborhood, go ahead and make sure you are prepared to receive. I’ve both witnessed and experienced conditions that suggest that God is not on the throne, or concerned about us, or fighting on…
I’ve danced for as long as my memory can recall. In high school, creating a formation with some choreographed movement with a portion of the team being on their knees was always a go to move and a show stopper. Later in life, when I transitioned to leading praise and worship through dance, I found myself again creating movement that…
Folx are getting the vaccine to fight against COVID and feeling a little less frightened about being in public spaces. I’m folx, although I am still very much committed to wearing a face covering, and actually curious as to why we never did – but that’s a different story. Last weekend, I connected with a soror for a pilgrimage to the nail salon.…
Marian Wright Edelman said, “Service is the rent we pay for being. It is the very purpose of life, and not something you do in your spare time.” Sarah Crawford embodies this sentiment. On the second episode of Praxis, No Filter, Season 2, the newly minted North Carolina State Senator for District 18 discusses service, faith, servant leadership, parenting amidst…
I know. After a week like we witnessed, it’s a little jarring to consider that God causes us to triumph. Watching humanity scale a wall to intentionally cause disruption and destruction and demise was unsettling and terrifying. As I sat at my desk in our home working, the news played in the background on one of the monitors I use,…
Welcome to Season 2 of Praxis, No Filter, the message behind the blog. Dr. Stephanie recounts the unimaginable year that shall forever be known as “The 2020” and discusses the lessons learned expanded from the blog, Hindsight is well…2020.“
I’ve heard the sentiment for decades, “Hindsight is 2020.” It erupted a sense of eye rolling in my spirit, that is because I was once told by my opthamologist that my eyesight was about 20/400. Talk about shade. Tis true, however. So the consideration of someone having perfect vision, being able to read the very bottom of the eye chart,…
Coming Spring 2021: All too often we terminate in advance of the manifestation. What would happen if we remained the full term? This devotional implores us to push to our purpose. Set in the conception of 40 weeks, filled with daily devotions, deep reflection, action oriented directives and designed to commence whenever you are aligned to begin – and even…
Y’all recall how many were declaring the year 2020 as “perfect vision?” Well, I don’t know about perfect vision in the natural. Your girl has been wearing corrective lenses since she was four and her eyesight is a bit troubling without the utility of her contacts. But I digress. In December 2019, I scrolled and listened to message after message…
A couple of weeks ago I found myself navigating territory that was unexpected and honestly, in my little opinion, unwanted. I was working on a project with a few other folx. One person in was disturbed about a particular direction we were taking and made it vehemently known. The person felt their work wasn’t being honored. After several apologies and…
I traveled recently. While on the plane, the flight attendant prepared to give their instructions. If you’ve flown quite a bit, one begin to feels like they could give the spiel in their place. However, out of respect, I typically stop what I’m doing, and give my attention to the individuals providing directives for my safety. I sat tall (or…
If 2020 has taught me nothing, I’ve surely learned that I have little to no time to be entangled in foolishness. God has been too good to accept the limitations of others as permanent fixtures in my life. I simply don’t have the energy to act outside of the will of God. As I was attempting to clear out my…
I don’t think that I dream often while asleep, or rather if I do, I do not recall the dream when I wake up. However a couple of nights ago was certainly the exception. Not only do I recall the dream, but I woke up immediately pondered the message. In the dream, I was walking outside, seemingly from a building…
Let me offer the caveat. If blue was not your color, you might elect to check in next Monday because this blog is centered on the magnificent declaration that occured over the weekend in the Biden Harris camp. The Peanuts gang told us over 50 years ago, that people shouldn’t discuss, “politics, religion and the great pumpkin.” Lucky for you,…
I didn’t understand as a child when I overheard the elders saying, “I need a hymn.” I just assumed it was yet another tactic to hold us hostage in the sanctuary as opposed to sneaking to the nearby candy/liquor store. However, I grew up in a church that required us to learn hymns, and the words were far from my…
About three months ago, a friend shared a link to a song that continues to bless me to this very hour. It is entitled, “That’s the Story I’ll Tell,” by Maverick City. The words ministered to me so deeply, particularly amidst one seemingly insurmountable challenge I found myself navigating. The psalmist articulated not only what I was experiencing, but every…
Since we’ve been sheltering in place and managing our current situation, I’ve heard the slogan, “We’re in this together” repeatedly. I guess while I am struck by it, I’ve never quite drank the kool-aid. Why? Because every demonstration seems to mock this consideration. Folx won’t wear masks, folx won’t stay home, and folx won’t refuse to gather. Folx somehow forgot…
Do you have them? Do they overwhelm your peace? Do they thrust you into a sunken place? Do they attempt to rob you of the abundance of God? I suspect each of us, as holy as we are, can answer yes, at some point in time, or perhaps even earlier this week, this day, this morning, or even right now.…
Over the weekend, I was cleaning out a closet. Allow me to be a bit more specific. I was cleaning out my mom’s closet, which houses all my dance ministry garments. To be honest, it takes up the majority of her closet. My mother has always been a minimalist, and I perhaps operate as the polar opposite. Funny still is…
If ever there was a time to rest in God, I would suggest that the time is now. Over the last nearly seven months, we’ve witnessed lives lost to a virus associated with a medical diagnosis, as well as lives lost to a virus associated with hate. I shared in my personal social media that the narrative of Brianna Taylor…
What does it mean to hold your peace? It means to keep quiet, or how God would have me to understand, “to shut up.” Don’t laugh. Like I’m the only one He speaks to like that. Tis true. Last week while navigating a couple of opportunities to put my mouth on something, I was led to Exodus 14:14, which reads,…
Put your thinking caps on! Actually, you should already have it locked atop your head. We are a little beyond Labor Day, which means everyone should be in school – those in the South, midwest, out west and the northern states as well; in addition both traditional and year round calendar students. And, please allow me space to introduce the…
My mother and I have assumed a walking challenge for the month of September. We walk out of our neighborhood and onto the sidewalk of a busy street. The speed limit is 45, although one would never assume that from the indication of travel. Often the cars are going so much faster. Mom and I walk to a particular street…
I’m emerging from a tough weekend y’all. The death of Chadwick Boseman hit me tremendously hard. I didn’t know him, nor am I a graduate of an HBCU (although I attended one for one year, and worked at another for four); but my complete awe was in relation to his sheer, unassuming talent. I spend an inordinate amount of time…
Y’all, pray for your sister. I’ve been on the verge of speaking in other languages – and I don’t mean tongues. I have been experiencing problems with my internet provider essentially since we’ve been sheltering in place. I’ve recognized that the systems are overwhelmed, so I’ve attempted to maintain – but as of late, it’s been acting ridiculous. I had…
During my early years, the teachers at my elementary school had an obsession with instructing us to sit up straight. Posture is what they called it, was important, and just like everything else they taught, it would be important and serve us well “later.” Later I did appreciate posture, when I ministered in dance and as of late, from sitting…
If it weren’t for the grace of God, I would loose my mind. Amidst a pandemic, civil unrest in response to systemic and systematic racism, and less than 24 hours ago, an earthquake, I feel as though we are awaking to witness which one of the plagues we are to experience in a similar fashion to the daily special at…
Growing up, I loved commercials. Now I revel at the opportunity to DVR a show and furiously fast forward pass them. But in the early 70s, I recall the slogan, “You’ve come a long way baby.” It was an advertisement for cigarettes, marketed toward women – more specifically tall, slender, White women, marking a cultural shift, so to speak at…
Years ago, one of my cousins worked for one of the major airlines. She had a plethora of “buddy passes,” whereby one could fly without paying any funding. Needless to say, she was a big hit in the family. However, most folx who could potentially benefit from her perk were unable to use it. The advantage leaned most toward people…
It’s difficult to believe that half the year has passed. Many of us have pretty much remained in our homes, limiting our contact outside as we follow the recommendations for public health professionals. While some have relished in this gift, others like myself have ebbed and flowed. I am grateful to have a place of shelter, and relative access to…
I’ve tried to tell y’all that Diamond is a prophet. I tell you I loose count at the number of Godly lessons and parables she has modeled for me over the last 16 years. She is the truth! LOL! But in all seriousness, I love how God uses His creation both human and furry to provide guidance and example. Diamond…
God always sees and He always sends. However, it may not appear in the method by which we anticipate. Check out this episode with my daughter, Niani Ameh. What a blessing to experience her brief, but impactful appearance.
I was lured to order something online. Hey, I’m not alone. In fact, there must be a support group for those who are a bit “click happy” since we’ve been sheltering in place. While browsing, I found a gift that I absolutely knew someone in my life would love and appreciate. I didn’t go for it immediately. I clicked on…
Shirnetta Harrell is wife, a mother, a clinical social worker, and CEO of her own brand, but the most important title that she doesn’t take lightly or for granted is that of a worshipper. In this season, as we navigate difficulty, challenge, sadness and in need of encouragement, allow this episode based upon the blog post, “He Is the Ultimate…
Like many others in a means to maintain some sort of connection with people while observing social distancing, I’ve come to the realization that a great deal of engagement happens via social media. It’s through this utility that I learn of good news, not so good news, partake in a little political debate, receive encouragement and enjoy a healthy dose…
All food discussions lead to God! Seriously though, where’s the lie? And when you consider this episode of Praxis, No Filter, you will devour every morsel and grain of wisdom KS Lewis shares. We discuss the ingredients to love, faith, hope and all that is good for the soul. Check it out, you will no doubt be filled and still…
Over the weekend, I prepared crab legs over the weekend. It’s been a minute. I honestly believe the last time was years ago, when the graduate candidate was an adolescent. My mother and I still laugh to this day about an encounter with her. One day, I inquired, “What do you want for lunch?” She responded, “Crab legs.” I was…
Full disclosure. I write for first my own healing and reckoning and secondly for yours. After all, we must be first partakers (2 Timothy 2:6). Friday was my first day off in three months since we began sheltering in place. I opted to stay in the bed the entire day, minus bio and food breaks. The graduate candidate hung out…
What happens when the host of Praxis, No Filter gets ambushed by Verna Patryce Best, episode two’s guest? Well, let’s just say an intersection of holy and hood! On the eve of Dr. Stephanie’s 51st birthday, her sister in Christ turns the table and nothing is off limits. This episode is one for the books.
I absolutely love this time of year. The birds begin their concerto around 4:30ish in the morning. The sun lovingly sends her brilliance through our blinds shortly after 6am. The days are longer and the warmth envelops me in a manner that is unexplainable. Accordingly, I love sitting outside, to write, do other work, participate as of late on Zooms…
The United States of America is experiencing a pandemic amidst a pandemic. Over the last week, the reality of the devaluing of black bodies set in in a way that we are still attempting to reconcile. On this episode of Praxis, No Filter, we speak with Dr. Shae Grays, Associate Director of Diversity and Inclusion with the College of Natural…