I believe it’s human nature to gravitate towards people we identify with. It’s not always physical characteristics; it can be beliefs, political parties, tax brackets, age groups, etc. This is what has prompted me to consider #NoLivesMatter closely. Some may hate the very thought of such a concept but the issues that we are seeing today present all the facts. Based on my observation, everyone wants to be acknowledged. There’s nothing wrong with wanting acknowledgment. It becomes problematic when one group (or person) cannot allow another group (or person) to “be great.” There is a growing controversy between #BlackLivesMatter and #AllLivesMatter. In the wake of cries for justice, some believe that identifying the significance of black lives is an attempt to omit the importance of other lives. The very fact that lives matter has to be mentioned should raise concerns. Our society is self-centered. It seems that no life can matter without being interpreted as a threat to another. The problem with “lives mattering” is the absence of balance and consideration for others. As long as humanity continues in self-centered perspectives and actions, no lives will ever matter except for an individual’s own. We were prepackaged to love and be loved. Here’s my take:
Read MoreMay 31, 2016, will be a day that two worlds collide. I tried to keep them apart as long as I could but this moment was imminent. The fact that there will be no casualties is a bonus, but it doesn't make me any less anxious. On May 31, 2016, my first book entitled "Beauty for Ashes: The Introduction" will be released. I use the phrase "two worlds collide" because it means my world of semi-introversion will collide with the world of others: family, friends, colleagues, consumers-everyone. Quite a few people ask me what I like to do "after hours;" my response is always the same: "writing and sharing poetry." This project will allow people into my journey, one that was well guarded. Make no mistake, my book is not a "tell all" but, it shares my thoughts, my heart, life's lessons of tough love, my observations, and plenty more. I've gone through multiple cycles of giving myself the third degree: "Am I ready?" "Am I dope enough?" Of course, the "What if's" have a series of their own.
Read MoreDear Marisha,
You’re such a sweetheart… I wish you would allow more people to see it. Imagine how different things would be if people knew how much you laugh and joke behind closed doors and circles! Sometimes life has a way of hitting hard. Don’t lose that smile. Don’t lose the life in your eyes. We both know that parents don’t know everything, but they know a great deal. Listen to them. It will keep you out of harm’s way. It’s imperative that you get to know and accept yourself as soon as you can.
Read MoreIt's impossible to dig into this post without revisiting the ugly scars of slavery; the primary concept in this context is Willie Lynchism. For those who are unfamiliar, Willie Lynch constructed a letter to other slave owners that provided insight to ensure division among the slaves by using their complexions, hair texture, and other factors. This may have been one of the most influential implementations as it is a form of slavery that continues to exist. There's nothing wrong with preference. However, there is something wrong when a person's physical appearance causes personal bias. I have dark skin. Throughout my 30 years, I have experienced the transition from being a "dark-skinned girl" to "being cute for a dark-skinned girl." Now, being "cute" for a dark-skinned girl is a much more pleasant experience than just being dark-skinned. Frankly, some other complexions make it seem as if being dark-skinned is a curse or misfortune. Neither of which is so.
Read MoreI've been mentally vacillating on this topic for some time. Although I believe it is intended to be simple, somehow, I find it multifaceted. I understand it to mean being open (to some degree) and honest about what may be occurring or has occurred in one's life. It's a form of keeping things 100. I have a theory that everyone has been a criminal at some point, it’s just that not everyone has been caught (littering, dishonoring the speed limit, whatever it may be. Everyone has done something). Nevertheless, sin is the same way. Everyone has been a sinner at some point. I take issue when some present themselves as they have always been "spotless." because there will never be a time in this life that any of us are completely clean.
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