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If you’ve ever seen the Wizard of Oz, surely you recall the scene when Dorothy encounters Glinda, the Good Witch of the North in downtown Munchkin Land. She asks Dorothy, “What the Munchkins want to know is: are you a good witch or a bad witch?” Shocked by the accusation that she was anything less than angelic, Dorothy declares, “But, I’ve already told you, I’m not a witch at all! Witches are old and ugly.” Like Dorothy, most of us are convinced where we stand on the good to bad spectrum. If you profess to be a believer, you might even think you’re off-the-scale goodRead More →

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In: Easter Sunday
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Have you ever messed up so badly or maybe you just know someone who has messed up so badly that you wonder: who in the world is going to clean up this mess? My girlfriends and I have this expression when talking about the debris left in the wake of some of our trials. We say, “Ewww! That’s messy.” Your sin, your past, your mistakes, your failures, your poor choices can be so rank that it stinks to high heaven. Who’s coming to fix it, dress it up and leave you and those involved with an ounce of dignity? This Easter Sunday don’t let aRead More →

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In: Don't Give Up
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The balancing act between my cellphone, handbag and a food tray had failed. As items went flying, leaving my clothes soiled and my attitude on acid, it occurred to me at that exact moment that this was indicative of my entire day.   Earlier, the copier at my job had failed as I worked under deadline followed by a malfunctioning iPhone that froze on the voicemail screen. Medicine for an illness was providing little to no relief, making it difficult to perform even the slightest physical task. Hence, the reason why my earnest attempt after a long, trying day to “get somewhere and sit down,” asRead More →

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In: Who's Behind You?
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Live long enough and you’ll lose a friend or two—maybe even three or four along your journey. Just like the fickleness of children at recess, people grow in different directions; they have a right to change. Sometimes friendship just comes down to a reason and a season. But, then there are the reasons that lead to an unfortunate outcome – the breaking of a bond with someone you once considered a best friend. More so than disappointment, there’s that undeniable sting that comes with the feeling of betrayal. After a fallen friendship, I’ve taken great comfort in Psalm 55, and these honest verses that acknowledgeRead More →

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The enemy doesn’t like agreement (Matthew 18:20). But you know what he dislikes even more than people praying together in the presence and the power of God? He is afraid of your contentment. When your happiness is greater than any challenge it sends out a strong signal, an unforgettable fragrance, a beam of light that says –no matter what— your soul is not for sale. The price for your life has already been paid. That’s why contentment is powerful; it’s a statement of faith. Instead of carefully crafted words and speeches, the contented person’s actions speak louder than any eloquent orator. Make no mistake, though.Read More →

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In: It's Your Season
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Love, love, love North Carolina in the spring! I know, we’re not quite there yet, but when bags of mulch and topsoil start to pile up at the store, my green thumb gets excited.  Maybe it’s because it’s a season of both promise and risk that can reap great rewards. Seeds may or may not grow where they’re planted.  Even if they take root, they may or may not bloom. Depending on the elements and a host of other variables, the avid gardener may not reap a harvest. Isn’t that life? Our plans, our efforts and our prayers sometimes don’t yield the desired result. But,Read More →

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Doctors tell us at least 30-minutes of exercise a day can keep cardiovascular disease away. Dieticians urge us to eat plenty of salmon, walnuts and berries to ward off heart disease as well. The prescription for treating the greatest muscle in our body seems simple with the onus on us to do our part. But what about the remedy for a heart that has weathered many storms? A good friend often says, “I’ve got a grown woman’s heart. It’s been duct-taped, super-glued, rubber-banded, paper-clipped and stapled.” Her wit and candor about relationship trials always solicit some good laughter. In all seriousness, what she means is:Read More →

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In: Selfie: Authentically You
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My hair hasn’t seen a pressing comb in six weeks. For those unfamiliar with the straightening of curly hair, it’s the process of using heat to get a smooth texture. But, this isn’t a blog about natural hair and feeling free so much as it is about authenticity. Did you know more than a million selfies are captured on mobile devices every day and shared online? Researchers say the psychology behind this amateur photography is quite simple: praise and approval. This means self-esteem and the carefully manufactured appearance projected in the lip-puckered self-portrait go hand in hand. That’s not always a bad thing. It’s OKRead More →

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In: Single Serving Valentine's Day Edition
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I love that final scene in Sixteen Candles when Molly Ringwald’s character Samantha has just emerged from inside the church to retrieve her sister’s wedding veil, only to discover that she’s missed the newlywed’s sendoff. Her heart sinks, her head drops in disappointment.  Her family has already forgotten about her–again. It’s at that moment, on the church steps that she resigns herself to being a castaway. But there, in the distance with cars slowly driving away, a teenager’s answered prayer is serendipitously revealed. It’s Jake, leaned against his red Porsche. He’s been waiting for her the entire time. We don’t know if Jake is coming,Read More →

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It’s 1986 and it’s a thirteenth birthday party. The space my junior high classmate’s mother rented for her big celebration has plenty of room for dancing. The cake, the balloons, the table decorations and the most popular boys in our class are strategically placed throughout the venue. On this particular night, I’ve abandoned my ponytail and I’ve taken the risk of sweating my hair back by wearing it down. I had planned my outfit days before in anticipation of my friend’s party. I’m on the sideline of the dance floor like a lot of other girls as the music plays. Then that unforgettable opening guitarRead More →