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No Fear

Today is the day of my surgery. I’m not scared. I am a believer in Christ. I trust that all will be as it should be. God is in control. I am asking for your prayers. When prayers go up – blessings come down. I want to be blessed.

I wanted to share one of my favorite Psalms this morning:

A Psalm of David.

1 The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
2     He makes me lie down in green pastures;
he leads me beside still waters;[a]
3     he restores my soul.[b]
He leads me in right paths[c]
    for his name’s sake.

4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley,[d]
    I fear no evil;
for you are with me;
    your rod and your staff—
    they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me
    in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
    my cup overflows.
6 Surely[e] goodness and mercy[f] shall follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
    my whole life long.[g]

 

Want to keep in touch? You can find me on social media at the following links: Twitter @mskeeinmd, Facebook page A Thomas Point of View and my Instagram page https://www.instagram.com/mskeeinmd/.

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Xerarch

I remember sitting in church one day and hearing my pastor preach about the Myrtle tree and how strong a tree it was because it could grow in dark and xerarch places. It didn’t need much light. It didn’t need much water. It could grow anywhere. It could bear fruit for sustenance.

The thing is that story just popped into my head as I was searching for a word that would go with the letter ‘X’. I remembered that story and how it inspired me as I sat on the pew thinking about my life and my son’s life. The message was simple – Anyone can grow and shine on the mountain top, but when you’re in the valley will you still be able to grow?

The answer should be yes. Even when you are in a valley situation you need to be like the Myrtle tree and just grow. No matter what is going on around you focus on God and just grow where you are planted. Your tree will sustain the weather and you will bear much fruit.

Life is about sustaining in difficult storms and growing through what you go through.

X

This post was part of the A2Z challenge and the letter “X” is for Xerarch. My posts will be written as a journal style for the challenge and will be on the theme: Mothering While Black. I hope you enjoyed it.

Want to keep in touch? You can find me on social media at the following links: Twitter@mskeeinmd, Facebook page A Thomas Point of View and my Instagram pagehttps://www.instagram.com/mskeeinmd/.

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Unjust

April 24, 2018

Dearest Munch,

As you approach your 10th birthday in less than a week, I want to tell you that I love you more than words can ever express. You are an incredible young man with a beautiful spirit. I vow with all that I am and all that I have to always love and support you. But, son, I have to be honest about something…

The world is not as it seems. Life is unjust. Justice is not always given. Life may beat the heck out of you and sometimes it may seem as though you can’t catch a break. The enemies will rise around you at every turn whether it be personal or professional. Expect heartaches and setbacks. They are only temporary son. Don’t dwell in failure or swim in sorrow.

But, be encouraged my beautiful little boy. This life is the only one you’ll get. So, no matter what cherish it. Live each day to the fullest. Bring forth the best of who you are and whose you are to the world. Color outside the lines and always remember like it says in Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

U

This post was part of the A2Z challenge and the letter “U” is for Unjust. My posts will be written as a journal style for the challenge and will be on the theme: Mothering While Black. I hope you enjoyed it.

Want to keep in touch? You can find me on social media at the following links: Twitter @mskeeinmd, Facebook page A Thomas Point of View and my Instagram page https://www.instagram.com/mskeeinmd/.

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Saved

May 2015

I sat in church with Munch. It was first Sunday. We baptize on the first Sunday of every month in my church. Much had just turned 7 a few days before. We watched the members of the congregation who had chosen to dedicate their lives to Christ enter the baptismal pool. Munch looks at me and asks “Mommy, why am I not baptized?” I sat there stunned. I assumed that he would make the decision to follow Christ on his own one day.

I replied “Munch, getting baptized is not about getting in a pool and swimming, but agreeing to follow Christ much like you have to follow your parents. God is our heavenly father and you have to agree to follow Him.” He replied “But, I love God and Jesus and I want to follow Him. I will obey.” I sat there overwhelmed with emotion. I didn’t know how to explain this feeling that my child had expressed. Shocked. That sounds about right?

He had just turned 7 a few days before. Who decides at 7 that they want to follow Christ? Apparently Munch. I whispered to my mom and her friend that Munch wanted to follow Christ and get baptized. Mom whispered that we should wait until Youth Sunday. The last Sunday of the month. Her friend said “No, let him go now. He’s made the choice.” I did.

Munch made his choice. I had to listen. He got up and I held his hand as he walked forward and chose to accept Christ as his Savior. It was a feeling like no other that I had ever experienced. The church had been a bedrock to many blacks throughout history. It was still a bedrock to my family and I. Munch had listened and learned that God hears all and will provide. He chose to serve Him.

He got saved. He was baptized the following month. His choice to be a follower of Christ.
Dear God – Let it be you who He follows for the rest of his life. Protect him O’Lord. Let him not be ashamed to tell others that he knows where his help comes from. Be a fence around him all the days of his life.

S

This post was part of the A2Z challenge and the letter “S” is for Saved. My posts will be written as a journal style for the challenge and will be on the theme: Mothering While Black. I hope you enjoyed it.

Want to keep in touch? You can find me on social media at the following links: Twitter @mskeeinmd, Facebook page A Thomas Point of View and my Instagram page https://www.instagram.com/mskeeinmd/.

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Motivational Monday Moment – 04.09.18

Happy Monday folks!

I pray that this day is amazing and that this week brings out the best in you. I saw this quote and thought that I wanted to use it in my Motivational Monday Moment.  It says “There’s going to be very painful moments in your life that will change your entire world in a matter of minutes. These moments will change YOU. Let them make you stronger, smarter and kinder. But don’t you go and become someone that you’re not. Cry. Scream if you have too. Then you straighten out that crown and keep it moving.”

Don’t you love it? How true is that? We’ve all been through some things that were designed to break us, but they didn’t. We kept moving. We learned to put our crown on and not let the events change us. I have to remember this. I have to remember that no matter what the enemy does to break me – I’ve survived.

1960e73edca64ac05b49b63fd93704bf

I’ve cried, screamed and cursed until I lost my voice. I still kept moving. The situations/circumstances are not going to be the end of my story. It shouldn’t be the end of yours.

I was on Facebook when this woman was asked about generational curses and how to break the cycle. For those of you unaware, generational curses are simply curses or bad things that are passed down in generations: alcoholism, drug abuse, teenage pregnancy, incarceration, etc. They are things that many black folks don’t want to speak of but they are real. The Bible talks about them in Exodus 34:7:

Exodus 34:7  (NRSV)

7 keeping steadfast love for the thousandth generation,[a]
forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin,
yet by no means clearing the guilty,
but visiting the iniquity of the parents
upon the children
and the children’s children,
to the third and the fourth generation.”

 

She wanted to know how to break a generational curse of not having men in the family. It was divine intervention because it was like I had to respond. I explained that she just needed to make a conscious effort to do better. That she had a choice. When Christ died upon the cross he gave us free will. We all have it.

I explained that I understood about her concerns because many of my traumas ever experienced were caused by boys and men. Yet, God saw fit to give me a son to raise. You see how I thought God had a sense of humor right? He gave me a son to raise in spite of the trauma that man put up on me. But, with that decision He allowed me to know love and to pour in love so pure that my son won’t want to inflict trauma on another woman because his momma raised him right.

By living, learning and understanding the pain that I experienced and asking God to heal and love me, it allowed me to know love. A healthy love. I didn’t let my traumas break me. My pain had a purpose. A purpose to know love and a purpose to show love.

So, my Motivational Monday Moment is about getting up and not letting the pain distract you from your purpose. It’s okay to be emotional about your situation and your set back, but you have to know that it is only in your comeback that you show your true strength. Just keep getting up and moving.

 

 

Want to keep in touch? You can find me on social media at the following links: Twitter @mskeeinmd, Facebook page A Thomas Point of View and my Instagram page https://www.instagram.com/mskeeinmd/.

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God

July 2013

God! God help me! I can’t breathe God! The pain is insurmountable. I feel like I’m struggling. The devil is on my heels and I can’t seem to shake him.

God I know that I haven’t been faithful in following your lead. I know that I have chosen to live a life that you didn’t want. I know God. I know.

But, God! This pain is smothering me like a wet blanket on a hot fire. Take it away God! Please! I’m walking around like a zombie. My son is holding me as I cry myself to sleep.

God, I never knew life after wanting peace could hurt so much. Help me God! Help me move past my pain so that I can be strong. Munch needs me. I need him. You have never forsaken me God.

I must keep pressing on. You saved me God! Do it again!

Have mercy on me God! Have mercy.

G

This post was part of the A2Z challenge and the letter “G” is for God. My posts will be written as a journal style for the challenge and will be on the theme: Mothering While Black. I hope you enjoyed it.

Want to keep in touch? You can find me on social media at the following links: Twitter @mskeeinmd, Facebook page A Thomas Point of View and my Instagram page https://www.instagram.com/mskeeinmd/.

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I Know My Type – Now What?

In last week’s post entitled Is He My Type? I discussed how you had to figure out who you are and what personality and love languages you had in order to figure out whether or not you are dating people that you are compatible with. Have you taken the test? Done the research? What happens next?

I’m ready – Now What?

Date and date some more. I’m a big proponent of dating multiple people at one time. I dated about three other men while dating Mr. C. Dating. Not sexing. I think it is important that you really get to know yourself and know what you like. Just like in a job interview process, Mr. C was the top candidate. He had transparency, values, goals and things that made him stand out. He also knew his love language. That was a big deal for me. He actually believed in that process.

Once you find the person that you want to date more than others, really spend time evaluating them. This is part of the getting to know you phase. Ask questions. Lots of questions. If something they say doesn’t put you in a good place, ask them to clarify. You need to find out the essence of who they are before you move to the bedroom and before going to the next level.

Have the conversation about whether or not you’re going to date exclusively. This is a conversation requirement. I was dating Mr. C exclusively about month 6 and I wanted to know what’s next? Did he want to date me exclusively or was he still openly dating other people. These are questions that you need to ask your partner. Mr. C stated up front that he only dates one woman at a time because he can’t afford to date multiple women and provide for his child. I liked that answer.

If they don’t want to move to the next level and be exclusive, it is up to you to decide if you want to continue to stay in this situation. Do you see the benefits of continuing to date the person or do you want to scrap them or keep dating other people? You have a choice to make. Always remember that you don’t have to stay in a situation that you don’t feel will benefit you.

It took Mr. C and I almost a year to be in a relationship. It was part of the process. You don’t know everything about everyone and it takes time to get to know people. We’ve been in a relationship for the last 18 months and dating in total 2 1/2 years. We’re still learning things about each other. I’ve learned that he is consistent. I like that. I trust that.

I can always depend on him to call me the next day no matter if I’m upset with him or not. He ignores, loves and continues to be the same man that he was the day before. He knows that sometimes I will be frustrated with him and get off the phone, it doesn’t mean that I don’t love him, but it means I need time. He gives me that.

I want you to recognize that if your end game is marriage there are steps that you need to take in order to get where you want to go. It means that you need to know who you are, what you want, what you need and what you’re willing to accept. You have choices. Don’t limit yourself or settle for less than what you want.

I just watched this video last week and it moved me so much because I think it applies to many of us with our own goals, visions and in dating and your relationships. Check out Pastor Gray on the Sister Circle. I hope it blesses you:

 

Want to keep in touch? You can find me on social media at the following links: Twitter @mskeeinmd, Facebook page A Thomas Point of View and my Instagram page https://www.instagram.com/mskeeinmd/.

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Motivational Monday Moment – 03.05.18

It is the first Monday in March. How are you surviving? I decided that this month I wanted to find a quote that stood out to me and motivate you in this journey called life. Give you nuggets of wisdom that will help you get through the week.

So, every Monday going forward I will try to find a quote that speaks to my spirit of where I am and encourage you. I aim to be as transparent as possible with my readers and I just want you to know that even if you see a smile, sometimes I’m going through hell just like you. Being a Christian ain’t easy and staying motivated is sometimes harder than you can imagine.

First up is this quote that I saw last week. Please bear with me if I can’t remember the blogger that shared this quote first, but I saw it a couple of times. It was as if God was speaking to me. To remind me that the things that I’m going through are only temporary. I must keep moving forward. To not let the pain or anger weigh my spirit down.

This quote “Ships don’t sink because of the water around them; ships sink because of the water that gets in them. Don’t let what’s happening around you get inside and weigh you down.” How true is that? How many times have you let the water of your circumstances weigh your spirit (ship) down? Umm, let me raise my hand.

ships-dont-sink-because-of-the-water-around-them

See, I’ve been going through some things and I reached out to a friend who reminded me of the space that I need to get too. To remember that the enemy is always trying to attack, but stay steadfast in protecting my ship (my mind and life). Why is that so difficult to do?

Because we are human. But, my ship is full. Part of that ship is counting the blessings that are on board. My family, my friends and my love. All things that matter to me. I’m staying in the moment of gratefulness and trying to not allow those situations to dissolve and change me. I am bigger than my problems.

That’s my Motivational Monday Moment. Remember to not let what is happening around you weigh you down. You are stronger than you know. Remain unmovable and steadfast. This life is the only one that you’ll get, so don’t let your problems overtake your boat.

 

Want to keep in touch? You can find me on social media at the following links: Twitter @mskeeinmd, Facebook page A Thomas Point of View and my Instagram page https://www.instagram.com/mskeeinmd/.

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Motivational Monday Moment – 02.26.18

It’s the last Monday in February. Today’s Motivational Monday Moment is from the movie Kingdom Come which was horrible. I really couldn’t stand this movie. I think it had too much going on and it never seemed realistic. But, the music was good in the movie. The song that I chose was God’s Got It All In Control. This song reminds me that even when I can’t see God, he’s still working it out in my favor.

How awesome is that? He knows and sees all that is happening around us and He’s still got it under control. That’s reason to praise His name.

A sample of the lyrics to the song are:

If you can just hold on my brother
Just be strong my sister, God, oh God
God’s got your problem all in control
He’s working it out, it’s all in control

So just hold on, God will be there
In the midst of your storm
So dry your eyes
God’s got your problem all in control

He’s working it out, He’s working it out
He’s working it out, it’s all in control

I’ve been there. I’ve been wracked with pain thinking that no one can see me out this storm that I find myself in. I’m struggling to stay afloat and the winds keep bashing and trying to break me, but God. God is still in control. He’s got it all in control.

We need to remember that our faith is being tested and we need to dry our eyes and give it to God. He’s working it out on our behalf. He’s going to bring us through it, we just need to believe that we’ll get through it.

So, my Motivational Monday is about remembering that God’s got it all in control. You need to hand him the wheel of your life and trust that He will guide you to safety. Keep your eyes and heart turned to Him.

Be blessed loves!

Want to keep in touch? You can find me on social media at the following links: Twitter @mskeeinmd, Facebook page A Thomas Point of View and my Instagram page https://www.instagram.com/mskeeinmd/.

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Motivational Monday Moment – 02.19.18

Today’s Motivational Monday Moment comes from the movie Black Nativity starring Forest Whitaker, Angela Bassett, Jacob Lattimore and Jennifer Hudson. The song that I chose from that movie was “Be Grateful”. This song was originally sung by Walter Hawkins and released in 1978. The original is magnificent, but this is a great rendition.

This is one of my favorite gospel songs. It reminds me to be grateful in all circumstances. Even when you are going through hell you should be grateful because God didn’t promise only sunshine. Every now and then we will get rain.

Some of the lyrics to the song are:

God desires to feel your longings
Every pain that you feel, he feels them
Just like you
But he can’t afford to let you feel only good (only good)
Then you can appreciate the good time

Be grateful(2x’s)
Cause there’s someone else who’s worse off than you
Be grateful
Cause that someone else who’d love to be in your shoes

Great huh? It reminds you that there is always someone off worse than you. Isn’t that what life is about? Being grateful.

If you only knew what I was going through, you would wonder how I have such a positive attitude. Let me tell you how and why? God. That’s it. Simply because I trust in the Master’s plan to see me out of each and every situation.

It’s Lenten season and while there are many people giving up things during this time, I’m asking you to not give up on God. See, we all get busy and we forget to thank and just pray to God every day. We forgot that His will never ends but we push him to the side.

We worry. We struggle to get through our trials and tribulations. We talk to our friends and family. We suffer in silence. Tears running down our face. We forget to give it to Him. Don’t give up on God, love. Be grateful that you have that relationship and count it all good.

So, my Motivational Monday Moment is about reminding you to be grateful no matter the circumstance. Know that trouble don’t last always. He’s working it out on your behalf. Remember that and be blessed.

Want to keep in touch? You can find me on social media at the following links: Twitter @mskeeinmd, Facebook page A Thomas Point of View and my Instagram page https://www.instagram.com/mskeeinmd/.