church · donald trump · faith · hope · humility · Hurricane Maria · kindness · legacy · Looking For America · mercy · NFL · politics · Politics · pride · Puerto Rico · racism · Repentance · Resilience · Testimony

WWJD in a Divided America, an Exhortation from James 4

It looked like nothing but a doodle. If you were paying close attention, Jordin Sparks’ hand conveyed a powerful message for ALL Americans. Millions may have just tuned in just to see how the NFL was going to handle President Trump’s unnecessary, divisive, and petulant remarks in such a delicate time as this. I had been struggling to write what I’m about to write because I don’t want to be misconstrued and I certainly do not want to be taken out of context.

adoption · church · courage · faith · family · God · godliness · hope · humility · inspiration · leadership · legacy · Love · motherhood · Ode · redemption · Resilience · service · Sisterhood · Testimony · Waiting · wisdom · Worship

when her name is Courage (an ode to a friend for mother’s day)

I do know a friend whose name is actually Courage.

I thought she was kidding at first,

anyone would merely dream of displaying such formidable surname.

It was 2013 when I met her and became friends

as we served together in a restaurant at a church.

#WriteHopeFWD · cancer · easter · faith · family · fear · God · Grief · hope · legacy · Memorial · mom · Nostalgia · Ovarian Cancer

This Easter 2017: When Death Defers Hope, Remember He is the Resurrection & the Life

Last year’s April 16th wasn’t Easter or any major holiday, it was just an ordinary Saturday. Before that day, there were plenty of other days, ordinary days, I chose not to think about death. Every time I did think about death, fear would invade every aspect of my life. Whenever I think about death, it becomes an obsession. The what, when, where, why, how questions would flood my brain to the point of keeping me idle and isolated as to avoid anything that could possibly kill me. So, I did my best and I deferred.

But April 16, 2016 was one of those days I didn’t think I’d remember, but one picture brings a plethora of memories and emotions.

Because for the first time in my mother’s diagnosis, I thought of death. Her death.

cancer · faith · family · fear · Forgiveness · God · Grief · humility · inspiration · legacy · Love · mom · Nostalgia · Ovarian Cancer · pride · redemption · Resilience · this is us · wisdom

Dr. K’s Best Medicine: Take Your Own Advice & Make Lemonade

NBC’s This is Us has been renewed for two more seasons! (Yippee!). But there’s a reason why this show has captivated the hearts of many, including my own. Here’s my take on the latest episode “The Big Day,” although I really missed the grown up Big Three, this prequel to the pilot episode gave us a window to peek into the depth of Dr. K’s grief over the death of his beloved while further explaining to us his “when life gives you the sourest lemon” philosophy.
**Spoiler Alert** Don’t read if you haven’t watched the episode and don’t want to know what happens!**

God · godliness · hillary clinton · humility · leadership · legacy · Looking For America · Love · Patience · Politics · Presidential Elections · Switchfoot · Where The Light Shines Through · wisdom

Looking For America: Our Purple Nation

You want love, love first. You want to be heard, listen up! You want to be respected, show respect. You want to win the war, learn to lose battles. You want freedom, fight fair. You want the right example for the next generation, it starts with you at home and in serving selflessly in our communities. You want empathy and compassion, be empathetic and compassionate towards your enemies. You want grace for yourself, be ready to give it.

You want forgiveness, forgive those who trespass you even when they are not apologetic for what they have done.

LEAD BY EXAMPLE in everything you do. Work harder than anyone without always expecting anything in return.

Our reward isn’t here, but in His Kingdom.

faith · family · fear · God · inspiration · legacy · mom · motherhood · Story-telling · Testimony

For He Who Promised Is Faithful: The Story of Joshua Isaac

**This story is the inspiration of this blog**

It’s been written to give you hope when you feel forgotten.
It’s been written to inspire you to be open for God to change your heart and transform your mind.
It’s been written to remind you that what you want isn’t always what you need.
It’s been written to encourage you to stay the course,
for He who promised is faithful!

faith · God · humility · legacy · mom · motherhood · prayer · Resilience · SAHM · stay at home mom · success

When God Says NO…

Communication is one of the most important foundations in the formation of human relationships and prayer is the only way to reach our Heavenly Father’s heart. Our prayer life progresses the further we walk with the Lord and it is perfected through practice.

As I grew in my faith, there was a deep concern I had about prayer. I simply didn’t want to be rejected or be told NO. Oftentimes, we don’t pray as much as we should because we don’t want to be told no.

faith · Friends Tv Show · God · humility · inspiration · leadership · legacy · perfection · success · Switchfoot · Travel · Where The Light Shines Through · wisdom

How to Travel Light in a Heavy World: Wisdom and Worldly Success

I told myself in order to be successful, I had to be perfect.

But that was a lie. In order to be successful, I must be wise.

Joey Tribbiani (Matt LeBlanc, Friends) once said,

When the package is this pretty, no one cares what’s inside.

I know one person who cares.

His name is Jesus.

911 memorial · family · friends · inspiration · legacy · New York · Nostalgia · Resilience

9/11: It’s Been Fifteen Years…

For me, it was another day being a sophomore in high school. It was the start of the school year in a new private school. I didn’t speak English very well, but that didn’t stop me from excelling in school. This language barrier, however, did stop me from making friends.

I was sitting in English class when the second plane collided with the South Tower.

cancer · legacy · mom

her legacy

About two weeks ago, I received some serious news. After a long day at work on a Saturday night, my mother called me to let me know she’s on her way to the emergency room. I didn’t think it’d be anything to be concerned about because she’s a strong and healthy woman. I look at her and I still see her in her 30’s, raising me and protecting me from evil. The next day, I had a conversation on the phone with my father. In tears, he informed me that my mother might have pelvic cancer. My mom? Cancer?