Date:  December 26, 2012
Name:  Nanette Buchanan
Title: When I Grow Up


The majority of the adult population over the age of forty can remember the days when every adult, family member or not, would ask “What do you want to be when you grow up?”  The younger the child the quicker the answer, usually based on what they had done or seen recently.  A teacher, fireman, police and doctor were the popular answers.  Some would be shy stating they didn’t know but the dream would build as they prepared their answer for the next one who may question them.  Often who we thought we would be was a part of our parent’s fantasy as they prompted the answers reminding us we would have to work hard and continue our education.  I don’t think any of us thought of ourselves as entrepreneurs or a CEO and if we did we had no thought of having employees working under us.  Our dreams were realistic, based on our upbringing and what was exposed to us in our younger years.

When I was a child, I wanted to be, or thought I wanted to be, a Pediatrician.  I’ve always loved babies and thought being a doctor, I would enjoy my job.  However, after seeing my first autopsy, while in high school, my vision of my white lab coat changed quickly.  I was informed that as a doctor I may have to deal with blood and needles.  No argument from me, I’d settle for my second choice.  Life shot me another dose of reality shortly after I found myself working to pay my rent and bills.  School took a backseat to marriage and raising my children.  It didn’t stop the desire and as fate would have it, today I am a writer of novels hoping to get them in film.  

I decided with all that had changed in my life, I would ask a few children about their future.  Would they think as I had?  When they grow up will they follow their childhood dreams?  What would or could change their minds?  Did they know what each career would require from them?  So, I simply asked the help of a few parents and here are the results.  

Nick who is now seventeen wants to be an EMT.  He understands he will need to pass a test and have a license, afterward he will have to have training.  However, his stumbling block may be his issues with anger and giving up easily.  Not to mention following rules isn’t his thing.

Jordyn’s parents may be her only obstacle.  She wants to be an artist and her tools include paint.  She knows it takes hard work but without enough paint she’ll never achieve her goals.  Her parents just want her to keep the paint on the paper.  Jordyn is seven.

Sky wants to be a teacher.  She realizes to teach others you’ve got to go to college.  There would be nothing to stop her unless she died and went to heaven.  At eight, it didn’t take long for her mind to change.  Just as the questions ended she thought a gymnast would be a better choice.

Gavin has his mind set on being a Scientist.  He understood that it would take hard work, studying and a lot of research.  Gavin is seven and he’s determined that if there are no asteroids invading earth, he could become a Scientist.

TyrRonn is eleven and being a professional athlete is his goal.  Practice is what it will take to better his Baseball or Basketball game.  He can’t foresee anything stopping him from reaching his goal.

Raquel is eight and loves the world of fashion design.  Her creativity will get her there.  As a free spirit she’s always creating things so there is no stopping her.

Rosalynn is five and loves animals.  She wants to be a veterinarian.  At five, I don’t think there is a thought of her being stopped.  After all if you love animals, you can take care of them.

DYandre’ knows his choices would all take hard work, dedication, practice and furthering his education.  “I can accomplish anything I put my mind to” was his concluding statement.  He wants to be a Chemical Engineer or a Chemist, but then there’s always dancing.

Loryn is fifteen and has a clear understanding that everything is not always easy.  His desire to become a professional Basketball or Football player will take perseverance; but so will becoming a Lawyer or a Teacher.  The influence of the environment gave him cause for concern….. “the effects of gangs and gang activity” but he’s determined to achieve his goals.

Zsakaiyah has her mind set on becoming Professional Dancer.  This nine year old recognizes she must be committed.  Her support from her mother and family is important.  She’s sure she will make it simply because her supporters are always there.

After gathering the information, thanking the parents, and reviewing the answers, I realized children still dream.  Although the world has changed for our youth, they still believe in reaching for the stars.  From the seventeen year old to the five year old, they didn’t hesitate to say “when I grow up”……  The first step to anyone’s future is to know where you are headed.  Even if there are a few detours along the way…… like these children, you have to have a destination.

Date: 12/21/2012
Name: Donnell Hicks
Title: A Family That Prays Together Stays Together

Families, whether big or small, are truly dynamic in all aspects - particularly within African-American families who have been a force to reckon with forever. Despite the fact that we were sold into slavery during the slavery area, African-American families stood strong, steadfast, and most of all united through tough times and the good times. Even following slavery, black families have been the cornerstone in American history. The seven facets that make black families unified are:

1. Traditional Sunday Soul food Dinners: African-American families started a tradition that would last for generations upon generations. That tradition would be called “Sunday Dinner.” The ritual dates all the way back to slavery days when black families would come together after church services to bond and eat over some delicious soul food dinner with “Big Mama” sitting at the head of the table. It is one time everyone in the family can come together as one to catch up on life.

2. Family reunions have been the solid foundation in African-American families as well. Family reunions are a time when everyone comes together in one location and meet extended family members who haven’t seen their faces in decades.

3. Another way black families can be unified as one is by showing love to each other all year round bonding over barbeque cookouts over the weekends or just calling up each other on the phone to say “I love you.”

4. Holiday gatherings are another way families can stay together and be unified. There’s not one single holiday like Thanksgiving, Easter, and Christmas. African-American families can come together in peace to enjoy each other company.

5. Family members can also support one another in special occasions such as sports, high school and graduation ceremonies, artistic crafts-writing a book, music, designing clothes, or painting. Family members giving their undying support to each other is another way an African-American family can stay strong and united.

6. Coming together on one accord when a loved one is deceased or down on his/her luck is also a way the bond in African-American families can be strengthened. When a loved one is gone onto glory, it is up to the rest of the family members to stand in valor by leaning on each other instead of outsiders.

Somehow over the last two decades, some African-American families have separated. What I mean by that, everyone has grew up, had children of their own and went their own way in life. Since some of the matriarchs and patriarchs within black families who kept their families intact have become deceased, the family  unit has become marred with arguments, jealousy, less affection, less support, more hate, less communication, and less phone calls of “I love you.”

And in some family units, you have that one family member believing he or she is bigger and better than the next; he or she is on an ego trip. African-American families aren’t the same anymore like how when “Big Mama” or “Granddad” kept the families together by showcasing unity. Families should and always stand with one another. For that reason alone, a family that prays together stays together.

Date:   December  21, 2012
Writers Name:  Rosey Denise White
Title:   Being Homeless is Not Only about Not Having a Home

 

Chances are you have never been homeless.   If this is true, consider yourself among a fortunate few because too many have experienced the ugly plight of homelessness.    Some may assume that homelessness is just about not having a place to stay but it really is about so much more than that.  Lacking a safe, stable home is just a fraction of the story for any homeless person.  Being homeless may mean lacking the skills necessary to get back on your feet.  Perhaps addiction isn’t the reason they are homeless but the experienced homelessness due to a job loss or abuse.   A homeless person might be able to find a shelter and food that supply their physical needs but what about the emotional impact?  Every homeless person you encounter on the street has a story.  Something tragic occurred in his or her life that lead them to be without a permanent home.  Very often those tragedies impact the ability to put their life back together in a positive fashion.

The best thing a person with a home can do is learn how to support someone who doesn’t have one.  This support does not necessarily mean opening your doors to strangers, although some may feel led to show compassion in this way.  The more important thing we can do to support the homeless in our communities is by first showing that we care.  Here are ten easy tasks we can all make an effort to do that will inspire the homeless in our neighborhoods.

• Don’t ignore them.  The most disrespectful thing we could do to a homeless person is treat them like they do not exist - as if they are beneath us or aren’t deserving of basic human compassion.  How many times have you turned your nose up at a homeless pandhandler? Be honest.  Often we form opinions about the lives of strangers we do not know. Be considerate because one day you could be in their shoes.
• Volunteer.    If we can spend time engaging in social media activities, just an hour of sacrifice from this could be diverted to volunteering at a homeless shelter, soup kitchen or providing a service.  Teach someone who is homeless how to read. Help them with a resume etc.  Not only are you helping others, you can also get a fresh perspective of the plight of those without permanent places to lives.
• Considering hosting your own soup kitchen.  It is not hard to get a temporary food handlers permit in your local state. This is generally all that is required to serve food to the homeless.  Check with the department of health and human services for further information.
• Donate.  Many of the shelters and soup kitchens are non-profits where the demand is greater than the resources. Just $20 can go a long way in helping someone who is homeless.
• Buy a stranger a meal.  I know many times we are reluctant to give money to strangers. The next time a panhandler asks for spare change, ask him or her if they are hungry.  Offer to buy them a meal instead. I’ve personally done this a few times and I know the feeling of helping another will last you a lifetime.
• Speak up!  Sometimes people think that only homeless persons are out on the street.  This is a myth.  Chances are someone you know (a co-worker, friend, neighbor) is on the verge of being homeless right now. 
• Devote your craft to their need.  Are you an author, singer, poet, musician etc.?  Consider donating a portion of your show and proceeds to a homeless shelter or other organization.
• Blog about homelessness.   Write about the plight of homelessness of not only those in your city, but the plight that affects so many worldwide.  This brings an overall awareness to homelessness and may encourage others to get involved.
• Hold a free garage sale.   Need to get rid of a few things?   Instead of focusing on the money you could earn, think about the people you could help.  Put up signs offering FREE clothes, shoes or whatever you have.  Give it away to someone else who really needs it.
• Make helping others a regular task.  Don’t wait until seasons change, or holiday time to get in the spirit of giving.  Develop a conscious effort to help at least one homeless person a month in your area.  It doesn’t have to be elaborate…a cup of coffee goes a long way for someone who doesn’t have anything.

Date:   December 13, 2012
Writers Name:  Rosey Denise White
Title: The Street Game Has an Expiration Date

 

The following is true story.

How does a drug dealer adjust to normal life after years on the block?  Is it even possible?   The honest answer is: it depends.   It’s not an easy thing to do.  Just ask my friend who we will call “Billy.”   Billy was once a big timer on the streets of Detroit.  He was known for fast money, faster cars, beautiful women and a stylish wardrobe unlike any other.   Pretty much everyone in the city knew who Billy was and that his job was narcotic distribution.  He was heavy weight.  Far from your average nickel and dime man, he was a major hustler who made big money doing the things he did.  Like most street pharmacists, after years of selling dope his hustler ambitions came to an end.  Billy was spared though, sentenced to only twenty years for his crimes.  At the age of 50, Billy was reintroduced to society as a free man.

With a drug felony on his record, the adjustment to normal life was far from ordinary.  Even though it was years later and he had served his time, Billy’s mindset remained the same.   He was still obsessed with living the good life and at a lost for a legit way to get it.  I asked him a few times what he was doing for income in order to survive.  He explained how his family and friends were helping him out.  Many of whom had benefited from his choice of lifestyle while he was at the top of his game.  I admit, Billy was very lucky because he still had the appearance of a major player on the streets.  He had a nice car, nice clothes, and a decent home in one of the city’s affluent neighborhoods.   Because of these luxuries, Billy did not care to think about how he would survive in the near future. He was fully dependent upon others for every bare necessity in life.

When Billy and I talk about his life today, I often ask him what his next steps will be.  I remind him that his friends and family won’t be able to take care of him forever.  I tell him his life is all based on an illusion that no longer exists.  He speaks of getting a job, but he and I both know it is very difficult finding work especially with a federal felonious record for drugs.  Certainly, he has had subprime job offers at local food restaurants, cleaners, or other local businesses who are willing to help him get back on his feet.  But he does not want this type of life.   Billy is used to fast money and has no desire to start his life from scratch the right way.  He doesn’t want to put in honest work to rise up like everyday people do.  Billy’s mind is still stuck on how things used to be; he has not adjusted to the realities that are before him.  Although he has stayed clear of drug dealing since being released, for the last ten years, Billy has no clue of how to go forward with his life.  He isn’t interested in being rehabilitated and it’s unfortunate that he is not alone in his way of thinking.  A lot of former felons have a hard time adjusting to life because they are still stuck in past living.  There are numerous programs available for people like Billy but they have to be willing to work toward good living on an honest level.   Billy knows the street life for him has expired, but despite the consequences he would still rather live the good life in his head.

December 17, 2012
Charlotte Marshall Templeman
The Littlest Victims, Our Children

With the horrific events of this past week in Newtown, Connecticut, namely the killing of twenty children and six adults, we as Americans, parents, neighbors and citizens ask the question, why?  Violence in our neighborhoods and schools has become too rampant and the scenes of sadness, destruction and pain have become too much to witness. We ask ourselves how do we as communities and a nation prevent such tragedies as this. As parents we become more fearful of sending our children to school because we wonder will they be safe. We wonder as we put them on the school bus and kiss them goodbye will we see them again.  It has become an all too often thought that one can never get used to. How do we protect our children?

There has been debate about gun control laws, mental illness and prayer in schools. Republicans, Democrats, Christians and the average American all have their own idea of what could have prevented the tragedy in Connecticut.  As a parent who has three children in school I do not know what could have prevented the killing of such innocence. I believe however, that all three issues that are currently up for debate have their own place in the prevention of such tragedies as the Newtown killings. When it comes to gun control laws I believe they need to be stricter as to who is allowed to purchase a firearm, especially a firearm meant for hunting. There should be an extensive background into the person life such as background checks through the FBI and local police. Some may think that is a violation of a person’s privacy but we as a country are experiencing too many senseless acts of violence with the choice of weapon being a gun.

When it comes to mental illness we have to begin to address the issue as if it was not taboo. Resources and insurance for those suffering from mental illness should be readily available as well as treatment. Families who know they have someone suffering from mental illness should ensure they are getting the help they need. If a person is not sure if their loved one is in fact suffering from mental illness then the family member needs to seek professional help to find out if that is the case. Being silent and embarrassed will not get the person who needs help any help. No one should be ashamed of what society or their family members will say if it is learned that a loved one is suffering from mental illness. Being proactive about getting help can mean the matter of saving that person and possibly others. I am not at all implying that everyone with mental illness is violent but we all know that treatment is the most important thing that they can receive to help themselves.

Prayer, too many people, is a pivotal part of their lives. It is the catalyst that gets them through rough times, unbearable times as well as the good times. Believing in a higher being and all the blessings that are bestowed on one is part of why people pray. Prayer truly changes things. At one time prayer was a part of the daily school day in many public schools. Prayer was done in the morning once children arrived to school. Once prayer was concluded then the day could begin.  Many believe that the climate of the school was much different because of prayer and if I had to comment I would agree. Prayer is such an important aspect of our daily lives whether it is done at home, in school or the workplace. We all know that there are many different religions and some people pray at different times of the day. Whatever religion one follows there should be time set aside for prayer each day.

Because we have not made God our focus anymore in this country, our homes, our schools and communities we are seeing more destruction of humanity. Whether you agree or not with prayer we all should agree that keeping our schools and children safe should be our priority. We should never have to turn on the television and see the senseless massacre of innocent people, especially children. Our children have to know that their homes as well as their schools are safe. As a country we have a lot to deal with and change in order to protect our children. Whatever your stand is on who or what is responsible for the violence in our schools we all should agree it needs to end today.  The change has to begin with us as individuals. Let’s make our world safe for our children. God bless the families and victims of Newtown, Connecticut. Let’s never forget.

Date: 12/14/2012
Name: Donnell Hicks
Title: Stop the Urban Community Violence

Crime and violence is evident around the world and here in America. Crime and violence in the urban inner cities throughout America has been the focal point for local and state government officials to combat and somewhat a focal point for the federal government to get involved. Little do these government officials know, youth who are involved with gangs, dealing with record high unemployment, and less socioeconomic opportunities have spawned a plague in the African-American communities nationwide in the worse way possible.

There are so many important factors one can say that will lead to high violence within urban communities, particularly upon black youth that range from ages 12-17 years old. A common example is the child who is raised in a single parent household where there’s no positive male role model in his life, media violence, rap music, high unemployment, less education, hanging out with delinquent peers, and drug activities. There was once a moment in time when children played outside all day and all night long without any gun violence happening. Now, children cannot play outside at parks or in the backyard of their homes, because they’re more prone to be in the line of fire.

A couple of years ago in Miami, a sweet, innocent six year old girl named Sherdavia Jenkins was shot and killed by a stray bullet while playing outside her home in the inner city known as “Liberty City.”  Sherdavia Jenkins was caught between two rival gang members who had hatred towards one another. The grim news shocked local officials to do all they could to stop the violence in the streets. We same the same reaction for many other African-American youth who have lost their life, caught in the line of fire.

Clearly, violence has become a national epidemic as well as a major public issue. Homicide rates soar where unemployment rate is high, a poor educational infrastructure exists, and when there’s a pure lack of social connectedness. Homicide continues to be a major cause of death amongst urban cities.  It is evident among young black men the homicide rate is 29.3 and 2.5 for white young men. The symptoms of violent crime African-American youths are:

-Loss of temper

-Frequent physical violence

-Significant vandalism

-Detailed plans to commit violence

-Announcing threats for hurting others

(Source: www.aachae.org)

According to the Urban Newsletter and the Heritage Foundation, homelessness, violent crime, unequal access to quality schools, and a shortage of affordable housing plague urban cities throughout America. The following is a list of violent cities where youth reside:

            -Baltimore, Maryland

            -Brooklyn, New York

            -Chicago, Illinois

            -Detroit, Michigan

            -Los Angeles, California

            -New Orleans, Louisiana

            -Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and

            -Washington, D.C.

Based on eight community studies, “a 15 year old urban black male faces a possibility every day of being murdered before his 45th birthday”. (urban.org and heritage.com)

Still to this very day, violence in the African-Americans community is extremely high. It is a daunting reality that must be solved immediately on all levels. Local, state, and federal government officials needs to step in and help lower the crime rate in these urban cities listed above by giving urban youth more adequate jobs, better schools, and more socioeconomic chances to develop their talents.  

“Nothing can be done unless; we raise our voices as one.”~ Michael Jackson

Date: December 16, 2012
Writer’s Name: Lorraine Elzia
Title: Sexual Abuse: A veil of silence

 

A veil of silence

Their lips are sealed in most cases. Shades of chocolate that run the extreme ends of the rainbow of their shared kinship. It’s a rainbow of affinity rooted in abuse. For those affected, a heritage rich in strength against all odds teaches them that dirty laundry does not get aired in public; especially in any manner that will bring shame upon the family or against its people in general. So they suffer mentally in silence; under the umbrella of obligation and shame which molds their speech, dictates their actions, and not only teaches, but demands that they put forth a façade of innocence concerning any violation or first-hand experience of the snatching of their sexual innocent virtue. 

Violation is not exclusive to just them, but in the scheme of things, the way “they” deal with it is. Sexual abuse is taboo in general; but speaking of it can be almost sacrilegious in the African American Community.

We…don’t like to accept that it happens.

We…don’t like to acknowledge that it exists.

We…like to think that we are stronger than allowing an infiltration of something so ugly to make its ways into our family boarders or our bloodline.

We…are in denial and subconsciously impart a trait of, “secrecy of the sin” upon our s      pecies when it comes to sexual abuse.

A generation of people who have found a way of claiming victory from slavery to a point of soaring to presidential heights, has a tough time recognizing, accepting and dealing with the fact that that crazy, drunken uncle that every family has…stepped over the boundaries and laid hands and other body parts on the children in the family.  Or that innocent play between cousins became more than a “kissing cousin” game and resulted in incestal rape. Or the fact that momma’s boyfriend, Aunt Agnus male friend, or Millie’s occasional houseguest, took liberties on the body of a child; but not before threatening that child to keep quiet of what transpired.

That same generation can’t swallow the fact that as we aggressively push forward in all aspects of life to show that we are not only equal – but superior in some aspects when it comes to our line of thinking and in our actions as a people – and still accept that our skeletons still have a bit of flesh and bone to them. Those skeletons are alive and kicking, even if we choose to put them in a closet and pretend that they are dead and don’t exist.

We all have our cross to bear. That statement seems to reign over our logic sometimes.

A cross to bear?  Is the loss of a child’s innocence the cross that a generation bears as part of a bigger sign of advancement and growth? Is the sad reality of a few casualties of innocence along the way a bitter necessity and ultimately ignored as we press toward the higher mark?

The problem in our community does not come in the form of taking a stand and trying to rectify a crime as best we can once we are aware of it. In most cases, the African American Community will take on that cause, as it has done with most others against our society, both individually and as a race. We respond, once attacked, with an unrelenting vengeance once the perpetrator is known. So the problem is not in what will we do once confronted with a violation; the problem comes in our sense of comfort in not wanting to know of the violation in the first place.

We are much more content, as a people, to act like we are ignorant that it may be happening than we are with being forced to take action. We’ll act when forced to; our bloodline dictates we are strong in that regard, but we just would rather not have anyone twist our arm to act.

There lies both the problem and the cure.

In order to stop the abuse, our community needs not only to have its arm twisted by the fact that sexual abuse is running rampant; but we need to have our arms broken, and ultimately put in a cast of undeniable pain before we will be prepared to take it seriously. In order to help our children, we need to pull off our, “ignorance is bliss veil” and be more proactive than reactive.

When it comes to reporting sexual abuse, race does matter.  African-American women are less likely than white women to involve police in cases of child sexual abuse. Their need to remain behind a veil of secrecy is based upon fears about betraying the family by turning abusers into "the system" and a distrust that they have of institutions and authorities. So often, they just remain silent, being faithful to their “cross to bear.” That silence results in perpetrators remaining free to assault again.

Once an abuser, always an abuser.  The only way to stop that vicious cycle is to bring the abuse to light.  The only way to make shades of chocolate victims cry out and bring their abusers to light is for the African American Community to raise their veil of “ignorance is bliss” and instil within its children that they do NOT have a “cross to bear” for their race.  We need to be more forceful in allowing them the freedom to not see their selves as a representative of their race and its cause.  We need to teach them that they, as individuals, are more important than the big picture. We need to stress that although we will fight to right any wrong that we perceive, it is very important for us to have knowledge of the wrongs in order for us to battle them.

The veil of silence is not golden. If we want to put an end to sexual abuse in our community, we must take the time to instil in ALL of our people that they are not a martyr for a bigger picture of racial advancement or for the removal of generational shame.

Date:  12/10/20
Writer’s Name: James W. Lewis
Title: Tips on Strengthening the Family Bond

It doesn’t matter how far you travel, how much you change as you grow, how successful you become in your chosen profession, or the decisions you make (good and bad), family is family, and that will always be the case. Family knew you when you needed your diaper changed. Family witnessed your awkward teen stages. They stood front row at your graduation, their screaming, clapping, and stomping sent shock waves through the auditorium as they cheered on your achievement, probably embarrassing you. They saw it all, and they know all the secrets. They know you like no one else.

That biological link between members of “one blood” can be comforting and aggravating at the same time. No one can make you feel like a little girl like Daddy, even as a grown woman. And only your little brother can push the right buttons that make you want to stuff him in the dryer. Aw, yes, the family. They may get under your skin in the worse way, but that’s only because you love them so much.

Still, we are human and we make mistakes. People say and do hurtful things, especially to a family member. Sometimes, the bond cracks. Soaps like Dallas showed just how deep that crack can get, to the point repair may seem improbable. The goal is to never reach that point. Random people come and go, but family is blood.

So how can we avoid those deep cracks between family members? By staying involved, learning from one another, and simply enjoying each other’s company! Here are a few tips:

Have a family tradition. It can be something that only the family does on a set basis, whether weekly, monthly, or yearly. Maybe you have movie night every Friday in the family room or a family reunion every year. Family get-togethers are great ways to stay connected and have fun with each other. 

Dinner together. Way too often, families disperse and do their own thing at dinner time. One person may eat in the den, while others may go to their bedroom or office. Having the entire family at the dinner table is a great way to catch up with each other, discuss current events, and have family discussions or debates.

Family that plays together. Take a trip to the park. Go on a hike and explore nature. Throw the football or baseball around. Ride bikes, from the parents on down to the 8-year-old. They say, “The family that plays together, stays together.” That statement holds a lot of truth.

Reading to your child. Experts have shown reading to a child develops a deeper relationship to the parent, influences better communication and basic speech skills, and makes reading fun well into adulthood.

Active involvement. In the pass-and-you’ll-miss-it world we live in, everyone’s busy. The schedule gets clogged up, and sometimes, we skip the important things. Staying involved helps strengthen the bond between family members. Attending PTA meetings, a game, or any other event important to that particular person shows you care and builds self-esteem.

Share duties. One person can’t do it all. Housework alone can be a full-time job, so everyone can help out. Taking turns washing the laundry, washing cars together, or doing yard work together can take the pressure off one person and can even be fun.

Show affection. No words are stronger than “I love you.” Showing affection to your closest loved ones reminds them how much you care and that they are extremely important in your life. Sometimes, we get so caught up in our own lives, we forget the people around us. We should always take care of number one, but we should also never neglect the ones we love the most. A “love you” and hug goes a long way. 

The long awaited autobiography of Danielle Leach, founder and CEO of Dream Pathways, Coach Me to Publish, and UBAWA, is finally on its way and coming to a bookstore near you. Its malleable tone invites the reader to digest a memoir that is filled with gratifying ingredients of hope, inspiration, and truth. It tells the story of a college grad whose emphasizes the importance of having faith and hope in spite of the many denials and trials we come to face. While on her way to achieve the American dream, she discovered something vital to her existence and the well-being of all people that she shares within the pages of the book. Though she’s reached insurmountable heights and accomplished many great things, she asserts “Success is not measured by what you have done, but is attributed to who you will become.” Her story is a true success story. Learn more about her book and her journey to becoming an author by clicking here.

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Date: 12/11/2012
Writer’s Name: 0rnitha Danielle
Title: In Perfect Tune



My body knows not the emotional course that it will take, but it builds up a wall that won’t shake. The keys play the perfect tune, although my heart sings out in imperfect tune as when roses are in perfect bloom. For my slender hand caresses the ivory keys, inside my inner soul bleeds.
Dressed in red, jewelry picked to fancy any guy that has been caught in my perfect sight. Will I whisper my dreams, my goals, my darkest secrets to his ear that he must go to God, so that he can see me ever so clear? Night has come, as the day is no more, the love that I’ve dreamt was knocking at heaven’s door.

My God sees me with all my flaws, and knows the day I desire to come home. For this life has become too hard, too painful to endure, the more I cry, the afraid, insecure woman in me dies. Longing to be understood, but often times very misunderstood.  With her eyes closed she thinks of walking the streets of gold. She knows she’s far more worth than any material things that are placed on this earth.

Does she know who she is? She realizes she’s worth more to God than to any man, because He’s the one with the master plan. For He, my God meticulously, created her with every single curve that would desire man, her personality and the swag too. She’s the daughter of a King; that is waiting on her King.

Knowing that her body, mind, and soul will be treasured like pure gold.  Why would she continue to sing songs in the imperfect tune, when she desires the love of a man to bring her to knees, as she prays for him, they are tired by the soul.  Her heart no longer beats to that off key tune, for she listen to his heart praying that it never parts. Joy rings down in her soul as she lays still and dream of them as they grow old.  She loves him although at this time she sings again out of tune, but to God that is a wonderful sound in His ear. As her tears hit the musical instrument it too plays a sweet melody, for every tear she cries again… it has been lifted up like a mighty fortress. For father in Heaven the King that still reigns on the throne collects all when they fall.  Can a woman’s heart be in perfect tune? Sure it can if she allows the Most High to perform open heart surgery to correct the past hurts, the broken promises, shattered dreams, and the lonely nights that are spent in darkness crying as the little girl within. The little wants to free so that woman can come to the forefront and be all she can be. But before she can know her worth, she has to allow her heart to be In Perfect Tune.