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…
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…
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”…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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.…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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.
“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…