As my mother would say, “Y’all have to hold my mule for this one.” The Holy Spirit has been downloading this blog post in my spirit throughout the week. I believe it’s baked enough to share it with you. Six weeks ago, I posted a picture of a nest that birds built in one of the hanging baskets on our…
Therein lies evil in the land. Some folx carry it around with them. Others have power and influence to cease it from going forth, but instead perpetuate it through silence or rhetoric. Still others spew it in their words and deeds. We don’t always know the reasoning, but perhaps we can agree that it operationalizes without seeking the assistance of…
A week ago, I answered a call. I think at first I thought it was spam. Admittedly, I may have ignored the call – dare I say even blocked the beckoning. But God. God has a way of interrupting. He knows how to get around the noise and the barricades that we erect. God sent a message of confirmation to…
I’ve shared on many occasions my love of watching programs on television. My daughter recommended that I check out First Ladies on Showtime. It did not disappoint! The acting and the manner by which the writers wove together narratives decades upon decades apart was remarkable. As I binged the show to catch up to where my daughter was, I noticed…
I had so much fun during the course of last week watching Dillon. Apparently, people associated with Dillon’s mom think more highly of Dillon’s behavior. The mother elected to record Dillon being placed in time out. While recording, Dillon pulled a large what appeared to be tortilla chip from underneath her shirt. Dillon had prepared in advance for her staycation…
It’s been a month – negate that, it’s been a year, but we’re not delving that deep today. While traveling to New York to assist the young professional settle in her new apartment, my Aunt Eloise, my mom’s sister passed. She’d been ill for a number of years, but experienced a decline over the last four to six months. Our…
Two weeks ago I was tasked with contacting the gas company for a refill for our propane tank. Unbeknownst to me, we were strikingly low, impacting our ability to have hot water or use the burners on the stove as they are powered by gas. At any rate, before I realized how low we were, I checked the unit outdoors.…
I may have shared before, but until I moved to the south, I’d never heard of Easter Monday. My friend, Dr. Savitri, schooled me and shared that one not only had an Easter Sunday outfit, but an Easter Monday one as well. I don’t know about outfits, but I do know that every year, I regret that I haven’t taken…
I can’t recall the exact time frame, but I believe it was early in the pandemic (think summer 2020) when a friend and colleague visited a plant sale and dropped off a bit of his spoil. He chose her because she was pink and green and he understood my affection to the colors. He also jokingly said, “She’s been in…
I was blessed to attend a professional conference last week. First in person experience in over two years. Suffice to say, I was excited and nervous. Being in a room with hundreds, even thousands made me a little queasy. However, I’d committed myself so, I got myself under subjection and went. I had a nice time overall, yet something was…
A classmate of mine responded in the comment field to last week’s blog. Check it out if you haven’t. He commented that the post was a gentle reminder that “if” we listen closely, God will speak to us. I couldn’t agree more. I replied, “I agree wholeheartedly! A lot of weight in that “if.” Shortly thereafter, I entered into my…
Whew chile. Less than one week with our rescue. Hold up. Going too fast. We had our beloved Sweet Diamond for 17 years before she crossed the rainbow bridge. We got her at four months old. Our daughter was 10 and I was…..17 years younger. 😂 I recall training and adjusting, but obviously, like childbirth, I recall it being painful,…
Over the weekend I was blessed to celebrate a sisterfriend on the 1st anniversary of launching her business (https://work4changellc.com/). It was an intentionally intimate gathering of friends and family who she wanted to honor and thank for supporting the vision God gave to her. At some point during the evening, she said, “God is in the everythingness” of it all!”…
While binging on a show recently (Sweet Magnolias – you’re welcome), I noticed that as a new episode aired, there was an option to “Skip recap.” In other words, one could enjoy a synopsis of what happened on the episode prior (sometimes even further back). It encompassed memorable scenes, action and/or dialogue. Sometimes I’ve found this option helpful if I’ve…
As the preacher would say, I won’t be before you long; but I actually mean it. Sometimes a lot of words are not required because the message may be ascertained quickly. A soror of mine shared a post regarding over 700 and some odd days in this pandemic, and navigating the virus with her child who is quarantining. She ended…
This feels like the longest January on record. LOL! I mean, I really did not arrive in 2022 with high expectations. After all, we’ve been duped for the last two years. I made certain to sit still, not touch anything and behave to the best of my ability. However, as my mother used to say, “everyone doesn’t have home training.”…
I fell victim to an ad on Instagram. Deep sigh. I know. I purchased some foundation. The shade did not match. I sought instruction on returning the item, however I attempted to do so out of the window of opportunity so to speak. Unbeknownst to me, the foundation was a huge cost, and coming up at the end of a…
I may have shared that I’ve been walking daily over the last three months. I have a curiosity about looking at how people elect to decorate their homes, inside and outside. The choices, selections, colors, make me happy. Their artistic expressions and how they came up with something so polar opposite from me is fascinating. However, I just don’t do…
While on a walk a few days ago, I listened to a sermon by Bishop T.D. Jakes. I can’t recall the full context of the content, but I do recall that He admonished us to ask God for revelation. As I walked, I followed his instruction. God’s response was not only instantaneous, but overwhelming. Everywhere I looked, I heard the…
Happy New Year! Praying God’s abundance over your life, which includes your mental acuity no matter what you find yourself navigating. I know this is the time where folx are declaring and speaking into existence. I stand in agreement with you for your petitions unto God and I desire for your wellness and well-being to remain centered as you move…
I would say during the last quarter of the year while listening to a sermon by Pastor Steven Furtick, I took notice to the words, “You will survive the sifting.” If you’ve never been in a season whereby everything you encounter seems to attempt to snip a little peace or piece out of you, just move along – nothing to…
I had one of those sleepless nights. I think my mind was focused on the fact that I needed to arise early in the morning for service. I went to bed with it on my mind and perhaps my intention awoke me – or so I thought. A few hours after I laid my head down, I awoke. At first,…
Dr. Seun Bello Olamosu has worked in higher education for more than 20 years. Dr. Seun identifies as bicultural, having been raised in Nigeria but living in the U.S for most of her life. Seun joined the Office of Undergraduate Education at Duke University in June 2019 as the Assistant Vice Provost. Seun earned her Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership, Policy…
A few years ago, my cousin in the ATL shared that she used Waze to navigate traffic. God knows you need Waze and a staff like Moses to move about that place. It’s busy beyond measure. I didn’t find it of use to me in North Carolina; but since y’all opened up the city and keep placing the Triangle on…
This episode of Praxis, No Filter: The Advent Edition features, Monica Moody. She is a certified life purpose and career coach, spiritual writer, trainer and facilitator. Monica is also the founder of Owning Change, an organization aimed at supporting the world with shifting towards love and grace. Most recently, she authored a book entitled, “Be Yourself to Free Yourself: Awakening…
I should have known it to be a set up. Our Pastor, who also happens to be my Soror (skee-wee), posted on social media, inviting folx to join her in reading the Book of Luke during the month of December; essentially a chapter per day chronicling the birth of Jesus. She requested those who were interested to post a “yes”…
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16). Donna Sherrie understands this verse and is a living example of the love of God! Self-worth coach, author, mentor, minister of dance and believer of second chances joins Praxis, No Filter and unpacks…
I was on a zoom call a few days ago (original, right). While I was speaking and referring to something, I searched for the document which provided the explanation that my memory failed to recall. I searched and searched but to no avail, I couldn’t find the information I was seeking. I had no less than 20 tabs open. With…
We are in the season of Advent. A time of reflection as we not only celebrate the birth of Christ, but also the second coming of Christ. To begin our Advent Edition of Praxis, No Filter with our first tenet of Hope is Minister Mary Jane Jackson Palmer. She is a graduate Mississippi Valley State University with a BA in…
It’s a new dawn. I have been wrestling with a sinus infection this week that has interrupted my sleep, and I ain’t happy about that at all. On last evening, I suppose the medications aligned and allowed me to slumber until around 5:30amish. I elected to hop on the “30 Days of Thanksgiving Prayer Call” by Pastor Arlene Mitchell of…
I went and got my Covid booster y’all. I hope you can say the same. I was tickled after it was over as I examined my adhesive bandage. I didn’t particularly care for it; there was no catchy saying or a beloved character on it – but I do recall a time that no matter what accident or incident preceded…
A month or so ago, I shared in a Facebook post about an experience on Zoom. Apparently, a person on the call elected to perform a little bit of google snooping about me. Hey, I’ve partaken in said activity a few times as well, but when it was time for them to speak, they shared their screen to accompany their…
A few days ago, I agreed to update my phone. I felt like I was being propositioned so much to the extent that I might need legal representation to ward off the insistency that I cosign to a process that I wasn’t clear about. The history I had with such an agreement posed problems. One time I recall the “update…
I attended a program on the campus where I am employed a few nights ago. In an effort to follow Covid protocols, the program organizers made consent wrist bands available. Program attendees were asked to wear the consent wrist bands to communicate nonverbally and visually, how they desired to engage with others. Red signaled that one maintains a strict six…
If you are serious about connecting daily with the divine, you need this book right here. In need of space to process your thoughts that aren’t always Godly? You need this book right here. Seeking practical application of biblical principles into the regularity of life? Consider this book right here. this book right here: a 40-week devotional to manifesting your…
I believe God has us deeply connected with one another. I am not suggesting through our shared bloodlines in the natural, but instead the bloodline of faith. Even if I am unaware of what you are experiencing, my faith can impact your navigation and subsequent victory. That is one lesson that I pray that we never forget as we continue…
I’m not employed by any GPS navigation company, yet somehow I still believe (or at least attempt) to think that I can track the timing of God. I know, you are thinking, “bless her heart.” Truth is, as crazy as it sounds, I know that I am not in the club by myself. We receive a word of confirmation from…
One of my favorite movies is the Temptations mini series. It chronicles the narrative of one of the most influential music groups in history. Comprised of many famous “one liners,” one that I find ways to incorporate often in conversation is that of David Ruffin when he utters, “Ain’t nobody coming to see you Otis!” I holler every time. Essentially,…
Last Sunday a glorious thing happened! My dear friend was ordained as a Minister. I was so excited and blessed to be in the number to witness the public acknowledgement of such an enormous responsibility. I was adorned in a dance garment because I was to minister in dance. As I sat in the sanctuary considering that on more occasions…
The most curious thing continues to happen. Each time I attempt to type God on my phone or tablet, the autocorrect kicks in and replaces God with Hod. At first it was only a minor inconvenience, but after a while, it become seriously annoying – such to the extent, I paused, reflected and realized that perhaps the Holy Spirit, who…
Anything in the book of Revelation was scary to me as a kid (low key I’m still a little shaken). I am a visual learner, so the imagery in the book was enough to cause me concern. Yet, one verse always gave me comfort. It was Revelation 3:20, ““Look at me. I stand at the door. I knock. If you…
The elders would often say, “Keep on living.” I had no clue as to what it meant – actually I had no clue to many of their euphemisms. I failed to understand their meaning, and if I’m honest, I often assumed whatever they said didn’t pertain to me, and was leftover language from the land before time (y’all remember that…
My mother detests heat. She grew up in rural Arkansas, so she’s definitely familiar with it, but seriously miss her when the temps hit high. She has to go inside. Funny enough, I’m quite the opposite. I spend so much time being cold that I appreciate the warmth of outside. I don’t like to necessarily perform activity in the heat,…
Growing up, I liked sitting in the back of the bus. Sidebar: I know, it’s what Sister Rosa fought against, but the fun happened at the back of the bus, on field trips, on the way to Lindblom (#SWOOP) to pom pon competitions and other events. While sitting in the back provided entertainment, one also missed out on critical information…
Have you ever gotten the plans of God confused with the preparation in God? I know, we’re off to a quick start here. But tis true – at least for me. I hear the voice of God providing His syllabus but I skip over the details to seeking the last date of class – missing the assignments, pop quizzes, papers…
I am uncertain as to how much handwriting I did prior to COVID, but it appears as though I didn’t do any. Even when others couldn’t understand my “unique” script, I could. I mean, my handwriting was definitely something yet to be desired, but now I cannot even read my own handwriting. It looks like what we used to call,…
Even when it feels as though the rug has been pulled out from under you, there is a structural foundation holding you up – ensuring your safety, ensuring your resolve – that is God! He will never leave you without a “leg” to stand upon. He will uphold you with His right hand! He will come to see about you,…
A few days ago I participated in a professional development opportunity focused on leadership. One of our facilitators shared that they were a big rugby fan and desires folx to respect the game. As you may know, rugby is not as popular in the United States, so unless you are a rugby fan or player, you may not be aware…
I don’t know about you, but when I am in a wait season, I can over time go silent. Sure in the beginning, I’m loud and demonstrative to the enemy, declaring my allegiance to God and my great expectation that He will come through. However as time goes on, I feel like Sally waiting with Linus for the great pumpkin…
One of my favorite narratives in the Word of God is that of Moses. Moses’ beginning was rough. Imagine being terrified of death for your child. Moses’ mother was so desperate to ensure his safety that she placed him in a basinet to sail upon the water in hopes that his life would be spared. Thankfully, a daughter of the…