Still I Rise...

Although I have been extremely busy, I had to log-on to post one of my favorite poems as a child-"Still I Rise" by The Honorable Maya Angelou. Enjoy!


Still I Rise
by Maya Angelou

You may write me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I'll rise.

Does my sassiness upset you?
Why are you beset with gloom?
'Cause I walk like I've got oil wells
Pumping in my living room.

Just like moons and like suns,
With the certainty of tides,
Just like hopes springing high,
Still I'll rise.

Did you want to see me broken?
Bowed head and lowered eyes?
Shoulders falling down like teardrops,
Weakened by my soulful cries?

Does my haughtiness offend you?
Don't you take it awful hard
'Cause I laugh like I've got gold mines
Diggin' in my own backyard.

You may shoot me with your words,
You may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I'll rise.

Does my sexiness upset you?
Does it come as a surprise
That I dance like I've got diamonds
At the meeting of my thighs?

Out of the huts of history's shame
I rise
Up from a past that's rooted in pain
I rise
I'm a black ocean, leaping and wide,
Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.

Leaving behind nights of terror and fear
I rise
Into a daybreak that's wondrously clear
I rise
Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,
I am the dream and the hope of the slave.
I rise
I rise
I rise.

A Steadfast Journey: Week 5 of Lent

It seems as if the days have been passing by quickly. With only ten days of lent left, I reflect on my decision to fast for lent. Knowing, that God has truly favored my family and me this year, (as well as last) I wouldn't start my day without giving him thanks as I strive to live accordingly to his teachings.

Here is a scripture that has really helped me during my Lent Journey 0f 2010. It represents my goal for this fast and what I would like to have accomplished when completed (or at least a few steps towards accomplishing it).

"Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me." Psalm 51:10-12

At the end of this journey, I want to continually improve my relationship with Christ, to better following his teachings, and to resist temptations and distractions that may take focus from Him. I can only go forward from here as he directs my path. Along with faith, I will take my experiences along the way to serve as lessons learned. Enjoy your week!

Follow Jesus, He will direct your path

With the season finale of some of my favorite shows this week, I was very tempted to watch TV (including the final episode of the Niptuck series). However, I did quite well in my fight against temptation.

This week's scripture has to be my favorite Bible verse:

Trust in the Lord with your heart and lean not unto thine own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy paths. -Proverbs 3:5,6

This is my favorite verse because only God knows His plan for us. He sent his son to teach/guide us to paths of righteousness. Even though sometimes we may not understand it, he would never steer us wrong. I often get frustrated when things don't seem to go right, or as planned. (I am a bit of a control freak when it comes to certain situations)

One thing I need to learn to do is "Let go and Let God". When I do put all of my fears, ambitions, issues, etc. I am overwhelmed by a feeling of relief because I have faith that he will take care of it.

This week, I want to focus on putting it all in God's hands and letting Jesus lead the way. Enjoy your weekend!