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…
It’s been a hard week. Truth is, it’s been a hard 400 years. I’m referring to the enslavement of Afrikans, kidnapped and brought to America. You can read the history books for the details, or trace the trauma in our lived experiences, but the remnants of the devastation are what you are bare witnessing to in the streets. Everyone has…
It’s Praxis, No Filter with my Mommy y’all! It has been an incredibly difficult week, witnessing and navigating trauma. Listen in as my Mommy, Altoria Helms shares sage wisdom on trusting God in troubled times.
Like countless others, I’ve been working from home for nearly nine weeks. Allow me first to insert a praise break, as I am grateful to the Lord Most for providing me with employment that has enabled such a practice. The reality that accompanies my new normal has involved participating in an endless number of virtual meetings. Now this is where…
This week’s. blog, entitled. “The Siri God,” explored how often we are more willing to put our faith and trust in technology, than in God. As a scientist, coupled with being a believer, listen as Dr. Katherine Jordan unfolds both her challenges and triumphs experienced along this dichotomy. She also provides sage advice in relation to honing your skills as…
I can’t tell you what version of iPhone I have nor when I secured it. Historically, I fail to read the manual or learn the commands. I know, pitiful, right? At any rate, as a previous iPhone owner of numeric identification, I used to know how to connect with Siri, the internal helper; but now, I find her when I…
Rev. Melcina White with husband, Rev. Johnnie White.
When I tell you this scripture stopped me in my tracks, baby!!!! During my devotion, I read Psalms 46:5. It reads, “God is within her, she will not fail; God will help her at the break of day.” The word “her” in the scripture actually is referring to the city of God, however, I couldn’t help but be drawn in…
“The reality is, my prayers don’t change God. But, I am convinced prayer changes me. Praying boldly boots me out of that stale place of religious habit into authentic connection with God Himself.” – Lysa TerKeurst Today’s episode is summed up in reference to the aforementioned quote. Listen to Shaniece Gamble unfold the power and transformation of prayer in her…
A week or so ago, the television was playing although I wasn’t paying too much attention to it. I heard, “When things are uncertain, we turn to the most certain thing there is.” I spoke aloud, “God!” Contrary to my response, the spokesperson said, “Science.” It was a commercial for Pfizer, a pharmaceutical drug company. I’m certain that made sense…
There are times in life when the prayers you’ve prayed for others become necessary for yourself. In this episode, I’m joined by my cousins, who reside in New Orleans and have been on the battlefield warring against COVID-19. Hear my cousin Cassandra, who just returned home after a month in the hospital share her experience and her daughter, Kyra, who…
Verna serves as the Social and Economic Vitality Program Manager with Wake County Government. The discussion involves the demonstration of what it means to operate as a disciple, not only during a pandemic, but daily.
A few days ago, someone reached out to me through a professional platform and asked if we could connect briefly for a 15 minute conversation. The person shared that they’d did a little exploratory research on me and found that I’d had some experiences by which they are interested in pursuing. I agreed. The invitation was extended and within a…
More from Patrick Oliver and Speak Loudly along with another powerful Sista author. Celebrating 23 years of literacy for our children. Today we welcome Arkansas’s own Dr. Stephanie Helms- Pickett to the show. Check out more from Black Focus Radio here.
The Women’s Ministry at my church hosts a “retreat-ish” experience each December. In the past, the decision to host has alternated between being held locally and out of town. I know of many, including myself that were super excited to be going away this year, to the beach no less. Unfortunately the difficult decision to cancel our beach getaway was…
Join me as I speak with the site creator, Courtney Moore, as we discuss website creation, branding and marketing and how she’s adjusting to sheltering at home and sheltering in God.
How y’all doing in this sheltered state? Lord knows my heart and soul are lending themselves to those being impacted the most, those on the front line, those in hospital beds and nestled inside their homes doing their level best to not infect others around them. Side eye to the folks who’ve decided to ignore social distancing recommendations. Perhaps a…
I hope that after this opening paragraph the members of the Beyhive hang on in here when they realize this blog is not an ode to their queen. Uh oh. I may have lost them after the first sentence. Nevertheless, for those that will survive, bring the beat in! LOL! Okay, here goes. I love Simply Lemonade. Wait. I love…
I don’t know where the practice emerged but when I was young, whenever I was experiencing sadness or disappointment, or I just wasn’t feeling myself, I dressed up to go to school. Basically, I would wear a dress, or do my hair differently, essentially wore something to look as though I was prepared for picture day. Because kids notice everything,…
I really cannot. What is cryping you ask? Well, it is my best and most accurate description of my action and expression to what we have experienced over the last two to three weeks. It is a combination of going in between praying and crying, more often than not, doing them simultaneously. As I look at the news, and settle…
No matter what symptoms we present, He remains the same God, who hears us.