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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
The photo attached to this blog entry was from a few years ago as I participated as a panelist. I was demonstrating my superhero pose that I was encouraged to enact when I’m preparing to embark upon a situation that would attempt to undermine my purpose, my confidence, my truth. It’s been a minute since I’ve had to pull the…
A few weeks ago while visiting family, I noticed something quite peculiar. There was a tree that appeared to be uprooted from the ground, yet the leaves were green and it was apparent that fruit was forthcoming. I was in awe. I was told that the tree was knocked over during the fall from a storm and no one disturbed…
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…
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’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,…
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,…
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’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.
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…
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.
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…
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…
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.