The kids of today will never know the awesomeness of having payphones on every corner or record stores. Oh how I love the 80s and 90s they hold so many wonderful memories. Growing up I had so many cool things it was a blessing to be a kid without being rushed to become an adult. This generation of kids know so much but feel so little very desensitized. I loved coming home to my stereo record player, albums, cassettes, poster plaster walls and wall phone with it’s extremely long cord. Children of today will never know about Track, Sam Goody and Tower records stores being able to purchase a single on a cassette or a 45. The kids of today won’t ever know about getting ten cassettes for a penny from Columbia house in the mail. The kids of today will never know about having humongous posters that covers 1/4 of a wall. The kids of today will never know the joy of recording a song in it’s entirety from off of the radio it was like winning the lottery. Music made so much sense and it all meant something pride was placed into every song. In my day an artist hopes was to be beyond a one hit wonder. Everything was wholesome I want my MTV, my BET and my VH1, music videos 24/7 I was in heaven!!! Did I ever mention it was my dream to become a VJ on MTV? I loved reading Right On, Hit Parader, Tiger beat and Word Up magazines. One of my fondest memories is when my stepdad got soaked in the rain to get me a magazine featuring New Edition and not one page got wet (don’t ask me how he did it). I could go on and on about my memories growing up it was so fun. I feel so bad for this generation.
Life
Missing You Always
Some days are harder than others
Birthdays, holidays, a child’s birth
Wondering how it would be
If you were here with us
I really wish that you
Were on Earth
February 2nd is your birthday
February 3rd 1997 is the day and year
That you left from here
So many things have taken place
Both good and bad
No matter what
I miss seeing your face
It’s 2017
20 years have gone by
Even now I still cry
Memories help me to keep going
Like the circus blizzard of March 1980
5 months pregnant
Walking in the snow to
Come to get me off of the school bus
Millions of reasons why you have
And will always will be my hero
Hoping and praying that I am able
To be at least a fraction of
A person that you were
I miss you
Not just on Mother’s Day
Not just on Thanksgiving Day
Not just on Christmas Day
But every single day
There will always be
A huge hole in my heart
A band aid nor a first aid kit
Can fix the damage
It’s still hard to manage
Jesus has been my fence
Helping me with the healing
I feel so blue
Everyday that I live
I miss you mom
You instilled in me
So many things
That are very helpful
Right to this very day
Which have been blessings
I won’t deny my feelings
I am human
I don’t know every answer
I don’t always understand
All I know is everything
Works as part of God’s plan
Including those He chooses
To call home to Heaven
I continue to trust Him
Grateful for the time
We did spend
Thankful that you raised me
To know God Almighty
Because of that I believe and know
That I will see you again
Mom I miss you and I love you
Matthew 5:4
Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
Sexual Abuse in The Church
Bishop Eddie Long passed away today and there are mixed feelings about it. Let me start off by saying I don’t care about the denomination sexual abuse is wrong. Sexual abuse is deep beneath the skin it’s a sin issue. The church is a place where everyone is suppose to feel and be safe. Bishop Eddie Long molested young boys in his church. I pray that he got right with God and repented. The problem with the church is the wrong people are leading and people are following blindly.
We have to understand that no one is exempt from falling in our faith so we must remain humble always. We have to stay on fire with God it requires us to stay connected with those who are burning. I want people to let me know if I am doing wrong I want to be right for God. Back on topic there is a lot of perversion going on in the church but no one wants to discuss it. When Eddie Long victims spoke about the abuse they were treated like suspects. I watched his victims do an interview they were so broken. Sexual abuse causes a whole lot of damage not just to the ones who are abused. I feel sorry and prays for Eddie Long’s family. We must speak up about abuse it’s time to quit being silent.
Many people don’t speak up out of fear of being attacked. The words that I speak aren’t mine they are from the Bible. I am not judging Eddie Long only God can do that. Our children are innocent we must protect them it’s our duty.
Luke 9:23 – And he said to [them] all, If any [man] will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me
Culture Awareness
Recently I finished a course in Intercultural Competence and it taught me a lot of new things when it comes to interacting with different cultures. In order to become aware of other cultures it helps to become aware of your own. I have learned that once we understand others cultures; we can then appreciate them, establish a relationship and build an alliance. To build a strong community it takes a large number of people to make it work. Each culture is unique and has perspectives and strengths that any community can benefit from. Having an understanding of every culture can help us to overcome as well as avoid ethnic and racial divisions. A community can win when people don’t struggle with the vision of what a fair, moral and harmonious society is. There are many cultures and of course many of us would like to know about them all a good way to start is finding out about who lives in our community, the kind of diversity that already exists, the struggles that exist between the cultures, the struggles that are openly recognized and the kinds of issues that the different cultures have in common.
When it comes to having a community that is united there certain steps that should be taken and there are things that should not be done as well. Let’s use the African-American culture as an example there has been a lot of bad things that have taken place. There is still a lot of hurt that has turned into anger which is present in America to this very day. Even though I am an African-American one thing is true making people feel guilty for what their ancestors have done hundreds of years ago will not help diversity to become effective. People tend to change when they don’t feel condemned or guilt tripped. One day I saw a post from a Facebook friend she actually apologized for what her ancestors had done hundreds of years ago and I commented telling her that it was unnecessary. It may come as a shock to many but I get called names a lot like sellout and even accused of not being true to my culture. I have gotten slammed on several occasions all because of my views. My Christian beliefs help to keep me hopeful no matter how a situation looks like. In my opinion when it comes to bring cultures together everyone must be included, a solution of what can be done to solve the issues with hope of getting it done together is a huge step into the right direction. Having a strong community can only happen by people working together from every culture this will help to build a strong relationship that has a core.
As I have written in the beginning getting to know one’s own culture and other cultures builds bridges that can connect people in addition recognizing the differences is important too. Many times people don’t want to recognize cultures differences out of fear that it may cause division however it’s actually on the contrary. Learning about other cultures can actually bring people closer together. When people are aware of other cultures they learn how to interact without negativity happening. A mind closed mind is not open to knowledge and so ignorance grows. It’s important that we all keep in mind that regardless of our cultures being different we all have feelings,we are human beings and we are all God’s Children.
Galatians 3:26
For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
Why Wait?
Happy New Year!! Blessings to All!!
Yaaaaaaay!! It’s 2017 so now what? I know that some people somewhere have made New Year resolutions but why wait on a new year to make goals? Everyday that we are blessed to see is a blessing. We have to take the limits off of God so that we can have what He has for us. Many times the things that God sends our way we never see coming however we can be ready for when He does.
One thing that I saw in the news that is making waves Serena’s engagement. Why is there so much hate? She has the right to be happy. The one thing that should be a requirement daily is the company that we keep. Everyone that we have on a team should celebrate us and God is number one. While I am on the subject about love a man knows his intentions when he comes in contact with a woman. A man knows if he wants to marry a woman or not it doesn’t take him years to figure it out. I’m not judging however if a woman wants marriage and if he doesn’t pop the question in a year he probably won’t. Men don’t always communicate how they feel but they will show you. Actions speak louder than words. When a person shows you something don’t be blind to it just because it’s something that you don’t want to see. No matter how much it may hurt let it go because nothing hurts more than prolonged hurt. Let go of everything that hurts and Let God!!!
Life is short and it’s ours; we deserve the best don’t settle for less. Compromising should only happen once one is married not while you are searching for a lifetime partner it’s a huge decision. I pray that everyone receive the desires of their hearts, that they pay attention to what God is telling them and showing them as well as much much more! Remember with God on our team we don’t have any need to worry but we must be in tune with His voice it’s vital when it comes to life choices. Make the choice to have God in your life daily not as a new year resolution, not just during bad times but allllll of the time.
Psalm 37:4 Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
Do Nice Guys Finish Last?
Recently I watched a video and the guy was saying that nice guys always finishes last that mean guys get the beautiful girls. Immediately it got me to thinking about last according to whom? Who’s race was he watching? We all have hopes, dreams and wants I get it. But we cannot get caught up in man’s race. If we look at others as competition and try to keep up with what they are doing then of course you will come in last. When we try to race in someone’s else race we will always finish last in someone else’s race; it’s not our race.
I don’t know about man’s race but I know that God keeps His promises every last one of them. God does not lie because He can’t lie!!! God’s timing is perfect. It’s okay to glance at other people’s blessings as an inspiration only not as a competition. Everything that God does is incredible especially His blessings. If we stare at other people’s blessings like driving on the road staring at another car we will miss our turn. If we keep our eyes on the road that God has destined for us only we can win. No one can finish last in their own race. Being in competition with others is very unhealthy anyway we need to focus on the road that God has already mapped out for us individually.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 – To every [thing there is] a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
Last Month of the Year
My, My, My this year sure went by really fast. The year 2017 will be here before we all know it. I have to say that I am pretty content with the way my year went. I’m very thankful for the things that happened and the things that didn’t. I am thankful for the people who came, went, and the ones who stayed it was all apart of God’s plan. There have been situations that have gotten me to think about what took place throughout my life. I’m taking a new course called Intercultural Competence it’s fascinating so far in the class we had to write about an experience in our lives that impacted us. The life experience that came to mind immediately was being a single parent. I am so thankful for having a relationship with Christ if it wasn’t for Him, not sure what my life would be like.
When I think of single parenting, I reflect on the way I was raised. I grew up in a single parent home for a short period which is sadly the norm in the African American community. I’m used to getting slammed for my views; however, I don’t care someone has to speak about it. I have numbers to back up what I say African Americans are a minority yet 57.6% of fathers are absent from the home 31.2% of Hispanic fathers are absent from the home, and 20.7 white fathers are absent it’s a cold situation. Something has to be done; I am not sure exactly I have three sisters, and every one of us is single moms; it’s worth thinking about. I care about the children my mother was blessed to have someone special to come along; unfortunately, not everyone is. I would like to see a positive outcome, not sure how it will happen all I know is God can do anything. I’m stay prayed up; it’s all we can do when there are no other solutions in sight — just looking forward to having a stronger relationship with Christ so I can continue to weather any storm that comes along.
This month I believe in Christ doing something big, being an incredible mother, lasting relationships, success in my education, being a blessing to others and for God to use me anyway that He can. Lord, I’m ready to do Your Will and what You want me to do. I realize it took a certain situation to happen to help me to become a better person. Whether we want to believe it or not making us better may mean some not so good things were happening. December may be the last month and cold too; however, one can still look on the bright side new beginnings are on the way.
Happy Thanksgiving 2016
Thanksgiving is not just about the turkey being that I am Vegan there will be no turkey at all. Besides too much gobble gobble will make you wobble wobble and I don’t mean the dance either.LMBO!! I am thankful for so many things number one my relationship with Christ Jesus. Thankful for my two sons and life lessons. Thankful for my family and friends. No matter what occurs good or bad they both work together for good. Just thankful for everything it’s all a blessing in one way or another. Happy Thanksgiving to all! Blessings!
Tameeka Simply I
Regardless of the number
Of the number of ladies
Who share my name
There’s only one with my
Personality and identity
I embrace my traits
The positive ones
And the negative ones
Negative things I
Give them antonyms
The positive things
I multiply with synonyms
Possessive becomes protective
Stubborn becomes determine
Weak becomes sensitive
Odd becomes unique
Passive becomes tolerant
Strict becomes punctilious
Old fashioned becomes standards
God made me
Who I am
And I say it proudly
I’m intelligent and funny
I’m heroic yet humble
I’m selfless and passionate
I’m skillful and helpful
My favorite thing prayer warrior
Daily I grow
I’ll let it all show
Not being boastful
As long as God knows
That’s all that matters
He made me to be awesome
I’m aware of my strength
And weakness too
Never am I ashamed
To admit to the truth
My spirit is beautiful
I stand by the people
Who I care about
Love ones as well
I love everyone
Anyone can tell
My passion everyday gets bolder
Standing tall like a British soldier
Always fighting for what
I believe in
Even though I am human
I don’t looks for rewards from man
Because I understand
That Jesus can
Do anything for me
He’s all that I need
With Him in my corner
I’m not afraid to be vulnerable
After all kindness in my nature
When you have the understanding
Of who God has called you to be
You know who you are
You then can fulfill your purpose
Which is to help others
I’m ready to do my job
In God’s kingdom
Be Lifted 