-
Thoughts from the Road: Created in Violence
We are created in violenceBirthed in painOur only constantsConflict and struggleWhat can we possibly Ever know of nonviolenceWhen even our peace is achievedWithin storms turbulentEnough to alterThe landscape of our lives
-
Thoughts from the Road: Purifying Change
Since mid-March, I’ve been traveling across the country. I hit the road after selling my home in Southern Arizona. There were no immediate thoughts on where to pitch my tent next, so I decided to roam a bit and see where the Spirit led. Before Covid-19, I thought I’d travel abroad for a few months to a year. But even…
-
POEM: I Am from…
I am LaShawnda, sister of Kim and Nicolette. We are daughters of Terry Ann, the daughter of Bessie Mae, The daughter of Lizzie, the daughter of Mae Emma, the daughter of Many Unknowns. I am from coconut oil and bergamot grease From pinto beans and bananas. I am from the light. From home-cooked meals and shadowy corners, From Thanksgiving feasts…
-
Give Yourself Permission to Be Uncertain
This is about fragility, vulnerability, uncertainty, poor decisions and giving yourself permission to do things over when you're in a better mental state.
-
Be Your Own Best Present
2020 year-end reflection and message for those of us used to putting everyone else first and feeding into situations that don’t nourish us. Just as we try to be available supportive and our best selves for others, we should be equally, if not more so, for ourselves. Related posts: Everything I Thought I Knew About Diabetes Was Wrong The…
-
Virtual Bible Study: Marriage & Relationship
This is a follow-up to You’re Invited: Virtual Bible Study. The first discussion has been scheduled. Yay! It will be a recorded Zoom call on Tuesday, October 20, 2020 at 9:00am Central Time. The topic is Marriage & Relationship: Modern Concepts vs. Biblical Principles. Text: Book of Ruth: Naomi, Ruth and Boaz Text: Genesis 29-31: Jacob, Rachel and Leah Zoom…
-
Everything I Thought I Knew About Diabetes Was Wrong
Did you know diabetes mellitus is a term for a group of disorders that cause elevated blood sugar (aka glucose) levels in the body? Known by it’s first name, diabetes is a chronic (aka long-lasting) condition that affects how your body turns food into energy. Glucose is a critical source of energy for your brain, muscles, and tissues. When you…
-
Poem: Be Anything
I had such bright hopes and dreams when I believed I could be anything I tried strived over-achieved if thoughts manifest reality the American Dream wouldn’t be unreachable and life would be different all I truly wanted was freedom to be me without threat, violence shame or compromise how tragic being me proved to be the hardest thing ~ LaShawnda…
-
Terry Ann: Woman. Seed. Fertile Ground. Inspiration.
In the summer of 2018, I began working on a portrait and prose book project about womanhood. That summer I returned to my hometowns Gary and Milwaukee and asked friends, family and old connections to pose and share some words about their womanhood experiences. When I began sketching out the project my mom was not top of mind. As the…
-
Living without permission
Choosing to grant myself permission to live on my own terms. Deciding to embrace the fear of doing such even as I continue to forge ahead. For a spell now, I’ve been bombarded with examples on why living without permission is so important for our overall well-being.
