R.I.P. Alexa

 

Raise your hand if you are free from sin? I am not even going to be a hypocrite because I know my sins far too well. I ask that we pray for Puerto Rico, those affected by the death of Alexa, and humanity as a whole. We as people are quick to judge and condemn one another for either our beliefs, our sexual preferences, how we choose to identify, our religion, our race or even for looking different.

I was raised to love everyone.
Regardless of who they are, where they come from or who they love. The Bible says to love one another to God has loved us.
He loves us despite our flaws and imperfections.
He loves you. He loves me and he knows what we do when no one else is looking.
Alexa should not have died this way.
Alexa is a transgendered woman (man-woman) who was at a McDonald’s in Toa Baja, who used the bathroom associated to their gender identity (woman’s). This post is not for us to debate.
This post is to ask…: is this life really worth killing because she used a woman’s bathroom?
You don’t have to always agree with everyone’s lifestyle choices.
But I will stand up against injustice.
I will stand up against racism.
I will stand up against discrimination.
I will stand up against religious discrimination.
I will stand up against able-ism.
I will stand up against trans-phobia.

I will stand up against xenophia.
I will stand up.
I will stand up against any unjust behavior.
I teach my children to love.
I teach my children to respect.
You don’t have to agree.
But we are called to make a difference.
We are called to love.
We are called to respect.
We are called to educate.
We are called to preach.
I don’t agree Alexa’s punishment for using the bathroom was warranted with death.
Now I might get ish for what I just wrote.
But this is who I am.
I am a Christian who wholeheartedly believes that love can trump hate.
That love help save lives.
That love can make a difference.
Alexa could’ve been any one of my cousins, could’ve been any of my loved ones or any of my friends, whether or not I agree or disagree with their lifestyles is irrelevant. …. because I love my people…. Because we are people.
I am not perfect.
I repent from my sins daily.
Love, for we are called to.
Who am I to judge?

 

Last night Bad Bunny was on Jimmy Fallon.  For those of you who don’t know Bad Bunny is a Puerto Rican Artist.  Ever so often he publicly speaks against any of the injustices that are faced against the island.  Because of his creative differences in how he expresses himself; many shun him.  Today Even as I shared my words; members of my own congregation shunned his artistry as far as mixing worldly and religious events.  Now, I for one will not shun anyone for as I started to state early on; I have my imperfections just like everyone else.  One of my sisters shunned him, because he wore a skit during his performance.  Yet His outfit had nothing to do with him being a man wearing a skirt.  He wore the skirt as a symbolism to the hate crime which happened earlier this week in Puerto Rico.  A Trans woman (man-woman) was killed as mentioned before.  Bad Bunny stood in solidarity with the Trans community because of this hate crime.

His shirt says:  They Killed Alexa not a man wearing a skirt.

 

Check out the Video of the performance.

My personal opinion on his attire is irrelevant.

What is relevant is the mere fact he used this moment, this platform to bring awareness.

A transgender woman, Neulisa Luciano Ruiz, better known as Alexa, was shot and killed early Monday morning in Toa Baja, Puerto Rico, officials confirmed on Tuesday. She was killed hours after someone called police to report that Ruiz was using the women’s bathroom at a McDonald’s restaurant.

A video that appears to show Ruiz’s killing was uploaded to social media. At least two voices can be heard in the disturbing video, which was still on YouTube as of Tuesday afternoon

What is unjust is unjust.

We are called to Love and respect one another.

We are not here to judge nor condemn others.

This is a real tragedy, Bad Bunny wasn’t cross dressing out of a fashion statement nor to show preference or identify himself as one thing or another. Bad Bunny Makes Statement About Trans Woman Killed in Puerto Rico During Tonight Show Performance.

 

“Mataron a Alexa, no a un hombre con falda,” which translates to: “They killed Alexa, not a man in a skirt.”

On Monday, Alexa was shot dead hours after police were called on her for using the women’s restroom at a McDonald’s.

Cops purportedly received reports of someone “peeping” on people using the restrooms; however they found no proof, and the complainant didn’t try to press charges after learning Alexa was homeless.

 

San Juan-based LGBTQ activist Pedro Julio Serrano condemned the attack as a hate crime, but also criticized the police for exacerbating the problem by misgendering Alexa, after they reported that “a man dressed in a black skirt” had been killed.

 

 

We need to pray for our nations.

We need to pray for each other.

We need to pray for all of humanity.

We need to pray for our hearts.

We need to not be so quick to Judge.

We need to not be so quick to shun.

We need to love as we were called to do.

Our job as Christians is to pray,, love, care, and be examples of Jesus.

Jesus did not love the sin, but loved the sinners.  We are all sinners.  Let your examples and actions be of an example to others.  Let you actions be what motivates someone to their walk with Christ.  let your words be of love and peace.  I am not saying to be of the world, that is not what we are called to do, but to teach the world.

 

Father God thank you for Loving me and all of us unconditionally. Thank you for always providing for us. Thank you for your mercy.  Lord in this day and age where hate trumps love; let us be beacons of light where Love trumps hate.  Lord I pray for Alexa and her family. I pray for her loved ones.  Lord I pray that we end hate and discrimination of all sorts.  This world is an imperfect world.  We are all sinners and everyone is quick to judge one another.  Teach us to be of an example. To love, and guide people to your path. So people can have an encounter with you.  May they right their wrongs on your time, not mine.  I am not here to shun anyone. I am here to share your words.  I am here to do your will.  I pray over our nations, mankind and the hearts of all.  Amen.

Senate showdown

As I sit hear listening to our Leaders in the Senate from Both parties give their motivated speeches on why Judge Kavanaugh deserves or does not deserve this senate seat all I can think is where is our nation headed?

Dr. Ford’s testimonies last week was compelling.  This link is a transcript of the hearing of her testimony.

I am not going to sit here and choose sides as to whether or not I agree or disagree with him becoming Supreme Court Justice Kavanaugh.  I have my personal biases which I will not disclose on my opinions of whether or not he deserves the confirmation from this hearing. Yet I will try to be as unbiased as possible despite all the emotions.

 

However I will state that I admire Dr. Ford’s courage. I admire her courage to go before the Senate and the nation to share her story.  Her story was compelling.  It open up wounds for many women whom still are not comfortable with disclosing their own tales.

Me Too in this article I briefly shared my story and my commentary on the me too movement.  I didn’t give a descriptive narrative of my encounters.  I do not want to verbally relive them.  Though years later I can vividly replay them in my mind and ponder what could I have done different.  In one instance things just happened, and I regret not fighting back.  There was a witness, but that witness would probably never admit to it, because that witness laughed the whole time, that witnessed was really close to the assailant.  The second time, I fought back. I fought back to the point a witness had to pry me away.  I was not going down without a fight.

 

As I mentioned in my article….I did forgive them both.  These hearings though….this testimony, have brought so many buried feelings, resentments, fears, thoughts and anger.  To this day, I have yet share this experience with my spouse, loved ones, family nor friends because I do not want to re-live.  I have shared brief excerpts of my experiences here grateful for a brief veil of anonymity.

 

I recently told some loved ones; it is easy to forgive, than letting go of our experiences,  forgiving is easier than forgetting our heartbreaks and pain, forgiving is easier than moving forward, this my friends is the hard part.

 

Today, Last week and the last few weeks have opened wounds, memories and trauma many of never want to relive.  whether or not we forgave our abusers.  Whether or not we see them.  Whether or not we have been vocal of our stories.  This hurts.  Whether or not we agree or disagree with Judge Kavanaugh’s nomination, these stories remind us of our own pain. Our own suffering.  Our own trauma.  Women stand in Solidarity with Doctor Ford all over.

 

Where are we going as a nation?

Will our Senate vote on his resume or on the testimonies of the women whom came forward.

Will our Senate put their biases aside and stop claiming this to be a witch hunt on any spec of these proceedings and realize that as I stated in my previous posting on this that:

“Remember to please not judge those victimized. No one ever asks to be raped, harassed or assaulted. It’s not something that one says Hi, I’m here, Pick me, Choose me, attack me?”.

 

As I do with all my posts let us End with a prayer:  the same prayer from my Me Too post with a few additional modifications.

Father God I thank you for another day to speak about a topic which is not spoken about often enough. Lord you are my stronghold, in the good times and in my times of trouble. Lord you are the stronghold to the many women whom have been victimized during the years. I once again come before you and seek forgiveness for my transgressions on the issues I mentioned above and I forgive those whom have caused harm to my person. God you know the situation that occurred, you know how it has affected me and why I choose not to disclose more than I did. Lord I still want to forgive my transgressors and once again ask for forgiveness for my transgressions. Lord I ask you provide strength and guidance to the many victims whom have yet found an outlet or confide in someone to discuss their circumstances and experience. May they find refuge in you so that they too can forgive and move forward. I know it is hard my Lord, but with you all things are possible.  I seek prayers of guidance for our nation, our leaders.  I pray for strength for women all over who may not take well the news of the results of today’s proceedings and the next phase of proceedings of the nomination.  I firmly believe that no matter what, you are the Judge of Judges, Host of Hosts and Lord of Lords.  Regardless what today means in our history books, I find comfort that I find strength and refuge in you.  I pray that all can find the same strength and refuge in you that I do.  May we be compelled to still love one another, still forgive one another, though we may not be able to forget, but to be able to live amicably. I pray for bipartisan efforts, and a reduction of tension on the Hill. I pray for a nation, leading towards Indivisibility, with Liberties and Justice for all. In the name of the father, the son and Holy spirit. Amen.

The vote was cast after I finished my article.

The final tally was 51-49, though the fate of the full confirmation remains unclear.

What this means is that this vote today advances Brett Kavanaugh’s nomination to the Supreme Court to the final floor vote.

Un clamor al Gobernador de Puerto Rico

​

Gobernador con todo el alma te pido gracias por los esfuerzos que estás haciendo bajo estos circunstancias. Te pido por favor que mande alimentos y necesidades a los otros municipalidades que todavía no han recibido nada según los reportes.

Los gentes de los municipales de los montes, del sur, del oeste.

Officiales y leaderes de los municipales te lo reugo que no dejen que la gente sufran.

Controlen los que tan abusando con los precios.

Esfuerzen la ley para que no cojan ventajan.

Muchos necessitan attencion medico.

Muchos necessitan alimentos.

Muchos necessitan agua.

Muchos necessitan ayuda.

Te lo suplico con todo mi corazon y alma ayuda a la gente mas.

Book Review: ASSASSINS – By: Mike Bond

So I recently (a few days ago), finished reading this book Assassins. I must admit I could not put the book down. (Though adult responsibilities, work and kids stated otherwise).

 

Here is a synopsis about the author:

MIKE BOND has been called the “master of the existential thriller” by the BBC and “one of the 21st century’s most exciting authors” by the Washington Times. He is a bestselling novelist, environmental activist, international energy expert, war and human rights correspondent and award-winning poet who has lived and worked in many remote and dangerous parts of the world. His critically acclaimed novels depict the innate hunger of the human heart for what is good, the intense joys of love, the terror and fury of battle, the sinister vagaries of international politics and multinational corporations, and the beauty of the vanishing natural world.

 

Synopsis about the book:  (back cover)

From its terrifying start in the night skies of Afghanistan to its stunning end in the Paris terrorist attacks, Assassins is a novel of the last 30 years of war between Islam and the West. Based on the author’s experiences in the Middle East and elsewhere, Assassins reveals this unending conflict through the lives of an American commando, a French woman doctor, an Afghani terrorist, a Russian major, a British woman journalist, and a top CIA operative.
Drop by parachute into the deadly mountains of Afghanistan, fight door to door in the bloody cities of Iraq and the lethal deserts of Syria, the Sinai and North Africa, know the terror of battle inside a Russian tank, feel the power of love when at any instant you both can die – it’s all there, all real,in Assassins.
Did the Saudi government finance 9/11? Did GW Bush let Osama bin Laden escape Afghanistan and then lie about Weapons of Mass Destruction in Iraq? Did Obama’s decision to leave Iraq in 2011 lead to the rise of ISIS and its worldwide fanaticism? It’s all there, all real, in Assassins.
Multiple thrillers and love stories, a dissection of our present geopolitical tragedies and a meditation on the deepest duties of a military man toward those he commands, those he loves, and the nation he serves, it’s all there, all real, in Assassins. (Mike Bond)

 

 

My Take:

As I stated earlier, I couldn’t put the book down.  This story is a good story with a political undertone.  This is   a political thriller with an attitude.  I won a copy of this book via a  giveaway. I’ve read many books which covers middle eastern affairs, terrorism and combat, but none quite like this one. This book follows the last 30 years of the Middle East crisis, the war between Islam and the west. In this book the author shows not only how these wars are linked by many key political players, in a never ending cycle but we also see how many of the characters are also linked as well. I loved this book. I love the details, I loved the relationships described between characters and I cried at the many losses. This is a good book, I recommend all read it. The only part that really, really got me, where I had to stop reading was during the 9/11 events which was mentioned in the book (which is obvious that it would be if you read the back cover and the mere fact this covers the 30 years of Middle Eastern crises). Having lived in NYC and witnessed the events unfold, having lost many during this attack, that whole segment hit me a little close to home.  I Cried a lot, it was a combination between what the protagonists were going through, as well as reliving my personal experiences.  I suggest if you like Political thrills go ahead pick it up and read it.  At first it start slow, there is alot of jumping back and forth between the characters, but you get used to that.

WOKE.

​

Woke.

Revelation 3:2-3 ESV / 39 helpful votes Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God. Remember,

then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent. If you will not

wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I

will come against you.

Stay woke.

Stay awake.

Be alert.

Woke.

We need to be woke.

Is this a new trendy word being use because of Netflix’s new mini series?

No, stay woke has been used for quite some time.

We need to open up our eyes, see what is going on, we need to all stay woke.

We as a people have been awake from some time.

Many have led efforts towards equality.

Many have led efforts to end discrimination.

Many have led peace efforts.

Many have led efforts to education others on cultural sensitivies.

Many have their eyes wide shut.

Many do not understand this concept of “Woke”, “staying Woke” living a life “woke.

To many this is all brand new.

The Oxford Dictionary Defines woke as:

adjective

US informal

Alert to injustice in society, especially racism.

‘we need to stay angry, and stay woke’

‘does being woke mean I have to agree with what all other woke folks say should be done about issues in the black community?’

‘the West Coast has the wokest dudes’

So to make this a bit more interesting, I went to Urban dictionary and pulled some of the many samples they have in the event anyone is interested in reading.

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=woke

Woke

Being Woke means being aware.. Knowing whats going on in the community

(Relating to Racism and Social Injustice)

Person 1: Stop bringing racism into everything

Person 2 : Your clearly not woke

Woke

Although an incorrect tense of awake, a reference to how people should be aware in current affairs.

example:

“While you are obsessing with the Kardashians, there are millions of homeless in the world. STAY WOKE”

Woke

Getting woke is like being in the Matrix and taking the red pill. You

get a sudden understanding of what’s really going on and find out you

were wrong about much of what you understood to be truth.

woke

being aware of the social. and political environments regarding all demographics and socio-economic standings.

After seeing that someone is completely clueless to the latest political mess:

Me: I can’t believe she doesn’t know what’s going on, or why it’s a problem. She is so not woke.

Woke

Being awake and actually living. Not being a sleepwalker and going thru

life like a zombie. Actually chasing your dreams and living your life

how you want by being enlightened and awake to opportunity

We are living in times where things are getting worse by the day.

Racism and racial tensions are at an alltime high.

WE are living in times of fear.

The media mass produces fear.

We are also living in times where people are tired of nothing getting done.

Nothing solving the problems.

No realistic solutions to re-stabilize the nation.

Loss of hope for real equality for all regardless of race, skin, heritage etc.

Now to my passage in Romans. The same way I am asking all to be civicially woke.

We need to be spiritually “woke”.

We need to open our eyes, education ourselves, spiritually arm oneselves and be “woke”.

We need to be ready.

Armour’s up.

Knowledge up.

Filled with Faith.

Believing.

We need to be spiritually woke.

#racism

#injustice

#black lives matter

#woke

#stay woke

#been woke

#microaggression

#99%

Father God, we are living in some very trying times. Political Correctness is at an all time high and an all time low. There is no respect for authority, no respect for humanity, people are numb to the going so f the world. Many are accepting things that are not approved by you. I myself have fallen victim of being numb, accepting things I ought not accept. I ask for forgiveness. I ask for mercy. I ask that this numb feeling go away. Dear Lord I pray that the world and the going so f the world improves. I pray that we are not only socially, culturally woke, but spiritually woke as well.

Amen.

No, White Friend—You Weren’t “Embarrassed” by Barack Obama

​
I read this article and was like wow….. this man is deep.

This post is not my traditional religious post, but……God first and I will give him all the Glory even in my social / political awareness posts.

The article is entitled ” No, White Friend—You Weren’t “Embarrassed” by Barack Obama”
May 26, 2017 / John Pavlovitz

website: http://johnpavlovitz.com/2017/05/26/no-white-friend-you-werent-embarrassed-by-barack-obama/

I added the link, only for the purpose if anyone wants to read the comments or other materials by Pavlovitz.

Below I will copy and paste his entire article because it speaks fully of what many have been saying. At the end I will conclude with my own individual narrative.

His article begins now:

I remember the day after the Election, a friend of mine who happens to be
white, remarked on social media that he “finally wasn’t embarrassed of
America and our President.”

I sprained my eyes rolling them and they have never fully recovered.
Since then I’ve heard this sentiment echoed by more white folks than I can
count, especially in recent months; supposed relief at once again
having a leader who instills pride.

Since I don’t have the time to ask each of the individually, I’ll ask here:
So, you were embarrassed for the past 8 years, huh?
Really?

What exactly were you embarrassed by?
Were you embarrassed by his lone and enduring twenty-five year marriage to a strong woman he’s never ceased to publicly praise, respect, or cherish?
Were you embarrassed by the way he lovingly and sweetly parented and protected his daughters?

Were you embarrassed by his Columbia University degree in Political Science
or his graduating magna cum laude from Harvard Law School?
Maybe you were embarrassed by his white American and Black Kenyan parents, or the diversity he was raised in as normal?

Were you embarrassed by his eloquence, his quick wit, his easy humor, his
seeming comfort meeting with both world leaders and street cleaners; by
his bright smile or his sense of empathy or his steadiness—perhaps
by his lack of personal scandals or verbal gaffes or impulsive tirades?
No. Of course you weren’t.

Honestly, I don’t believe you were ever embarrassed. That word implies an association that brings ridicule, one that makes you ashamed by association, and if that’s something you claim to have experienced over the past eight years by having
Barack Obama representing you in the world—I’m going to suggest you rethink your word choice.

You weren’t “embarrassed” by Barack Obama.
You were threatened by him.
You were offended by him.
You were challenged by him.
You were enraged by him.

But I don’t believe it had anything to do with his resume or his experience
or his character or his conduct in office—because you seem fully proud
right now to be associated with a three-time married, serial
adulterer and confessed predator; a man whose election and business
dealings and relationships are riddled with controversy and malfeasance. You’re
perfectly fine being represented by a bullying, obnoxious,
genitalia-grabbing, Tweet-ranting, Prime Minister-shoving charlatan
who’s managed to offended all our allies in a few short months. And
you’re okay with him putting on religious faith like a rented, dusty,
ill-fitting tuxedo and immediately tossing it in the garbage when he’s
finished with it.

None of that you’re embarrassed of? I wonder how that works.
Actually, I’m afraid I have an idea. I hope I’m wrong.
Listen, you’re perfectly within your right to have disagreed with Barack
Obama’s policies or to have taken issue with his tactics. No one’s claiming he was a flawless politician or a perfect human being. But somehow I don’t think that’s what we’re talking about here. I think the thing President Obama did that really upset you, white friend—was having a complexion that was far darker than you were ever comfortable with. I think the President we have now feels much better.
Because objectively speaking, if what’s happening in our country right now
doesn’t cause you great shame and doesn’t induce the continual meeting
of your palm to your face—I don’t believe embarrassment is ever
something you struggle with.

No, if you claimed to be “embarrassed” Barack Obama but you’re not
embarrassed by Donald Trump—I’m going to strongly suggest it was largely
a pigmentation issue.

And as an American and a Christian committed to diversity and equality and to the liberty at the heart of this nation—that, embarrasses me.

My commentary:
This man’s article right here was spot on to what many were thinking. What irked people about President 44 was the color of hi skin more than anything else. He did nothing of the sort to embarrass the nation to want to rid him of it. President 45 on the other hand. ….. (insert raised eyebrows here). I will leave you to believe and decide what you must, but I knew I needed to share this article.
I like the Author am embarrassed to where we are today.
I myself am an American, a Christian whom is passionate about equality and diversity, I myself of Latin background, whom is brown, I myself whom is a mother to mixed children am embarrassed to where we are today as a nation, yes like the author I am embarrassed too.
God Bless you all.

Cultural sensitivity talks

I had a conversation with my son which was at first wonderful, but I did not expect the conversation to end the way it did which lead to fear which was instilled in his heart and red flags if concerns that instantaneously went up as a mom.
I am one of those moms whom talk often with their child; I let them know that I believe in their free speech. I believe in transparency with issues, but I filter subjects and topics based on their ages. You know how movies, songs and cartoons are rated for specific audiences based on their age groups, well certain conversations should be treated as such. Conversations on current affairs, politics and social issues need to be rated (pg5, pg10, pg 13, pg16, G, AC – adult content).

I am all for about teaching our children about  social justice, radical movements, environmental justice, politics, religion and their rights, but again it is filtered to their age capacity. I factor in God forbid my child goes and discusses said topics with his friends, as kids usually do. What if parents aren’t having these conversations, or are having these conversations in the depth that I want to have them. So I give a water-downed version (or what some may accuse of white washed version – which I don’t like saying) because of the mere fact that I do not want to offend how others decide to have certain hot topic conversations with their families. That’s not my place. I do not want to be the one to burden a family of having to have a certain conversation a head of time.
A few months ago at one of the school PTA meetings right after the elections, many immigration agencies came, that was a very emotional PTA. One of the advices that were given (concerning immigration issues) is maybe to shelter our kids from watching the news. At the time President Trump had just won, and many of our families were in fear. Many of our families had no idea how or what to expect going forward. Some still feel that way, so many are uncertain with the direction of the current administration is headed. Though that advice, I took to heart. I sheltered more what he was exposed to and if he asked questions I give him a tame pg5 version not to cause him to worry, not to stress him, no to think that our Commander in chief is a bad man, for we cannot judge his personality, we can agree to disagree but that does not mean he is a bad person.

Everyone is entitled to their opinions and we must respect those opinions despite our agreement or disagreement.

So back to the reason of this writing:
My sons and I  were having a conversation about Officers. Two students showed their admiration to their relative whom is an officer. It was a cute story. They described how cool the relative’s job is. They described the Detectives weapons which my son found fascinating, that he has both gun and Taser gun. (This lead to another sidebar conversation about wanting to know about Taser guns). Then this is where the conversation turned. He asked me , is this officer a good cop or a Kid killer cop?
I immediately stated this cop was a good cop, then I asked where this notion of Kid Killer cop came from? He said he was informed that some officers are good some are bad. I told him yes that is true, but where did this come from? One of his other friends in school told him the story of Tamar Rice, the little boy in Cleveland who was killed by officers for playing with a toy gun. I was devastated. This incident happened yes a few years ago, but is not something I was ready to share with my child.
My son is conscious that I support the BLM. I am a mother of two black Boyd, but when the BLM movement began and thats all anyone spoke about I had to explain my son what this means, but I reminded him… hey that doesn’t mean my life doesn’t matter…. it means right now people need to remember Black Lives matter.  I told him Latin@ lives matter for he was concerned over my wellbeing. I told him American lives matter, I told him all life matters but with the disparities some are facing. We need to help the BLM movement because black lives do matter just as much as any other.
I spoke to another parent whom indicated her child also had a similar conversation, and since then her child has been fearful of officers.  The fear lasted until she had her child speak to an officer, explained the content of their conversation and advised the child that they are here to protect and serve everyone.
A third parent mentioned that their child heard the same conversation, but the mother drilled to them that Officers are good, not to worry.
Again I am all about transparency with current events and my children, I am all for activism (being raised by an activist myself), I am all for charitable events (being active and involved in several charities myself). I am raising my child to be helpful to others and so forth as my parents raised me. I am all about social movements as mentioned before and have taken my some to some social movement forums (kid friendly of course). I also have relatives whom work in government as civic leaders and legislators, I have relatives whom work in NYPD, I have relatives whom work for FDNY, I have relatives whom work at the PBA, I have relatives whom work for homeland security, national guard, TSA, Army, Marines, Navy, etc. I was raised to not fear but respect the badge. This family has taken away my teachings and instead imbedded fear in my child. Fear of authority.
I really do not like the fear that is left with him. He not only fears that officers may shoot him because he is a kid, but because he is also a black kid as well. My son is only 6 years old. He shouldn’t have to worry about the color of his skin being the reason someone may shoot him.

Yes this is a fear that many in the African American community deals with. As a mother of Black children, as a mother of Bi-racial children, I do not play the black card, I do not like to label my children. I do not like to conform to the stereotypical and social norms about race and identity. I do believe in being conscience about them but now I am being forced conform to the social norms I rally against. I know these are conversations that need to take place, but we are having these conversations when the time is right and appropriate to their are group.

I will address the parent as soon as I can. I will remind the parent to be conscious of the information passed down from adult to child, to be conscious that not all homes are having the same conversations one has with their child. Some parents aren’t having these kinds of conversations at all.
I already called the local precinct to make arraignment’s to have my son speak to officers to show them that they are good officers. I have always taught him to respect officers and all adults. We should not fear them, for in times of need we need them. Regardless what may be going on in the world, I refuse to teach my children to hate law enforcement. Despite the fact that there may be some encounters of abuse in the media, not all officers are bad, sure there may very well be a few bad apples, but that’s in every profession.
The only reason I am bringing this up is maybe to bring awareness to parents that be careful what you discuss with your children. They go back and discuss with friends. Not everyone is having the same conversation with their children. We need to be conscious of that.
I guess yesterday’s discussion of fear was spot on.

God I ask that you guide me with my talks with my son and to the parent. God provide me with the words, wisdom and clarity to address this situation.  Lord help me rebuke the fear which has been instilled in my sons heart. Your strength and guidance is all I need in your glorious name.  Amen

Not an easy call for 45

“Assad choked out the lives of innocent men, women and children. It was a slow and brutal death for so many. Even beautiful babies were cruelly murdered in this very barbaric attack. No child of god should ever suffer such horror.” – President Trump, #45.
I agree with this statement made by 45.

No child of God should suffer such horror. This act by Assad violated several UN sanctions. Those affected by this barbaric attack, my heart is with you. My prayers for the deceased, my prayers for this still affected. My prayers to the survivors.
The actions by 45, though heart felt, filled with both emotions and rage, showed the world that America will not stand idle while innocent lives are affected, America will not stand idle while international sanctions are violated.
My concern though is the aftermath.  

59 tomahawk cruise missiles were sent to the military site in Syria which allegedly housed these chemical agents ( or where these agents were stored). I have mixed feelings on the strike. Yes I am glad he addressed it, yes I’m glad he didn’t listen to Putin, yes I’m glad he stood firm, I am concerned again with the aftermath.  
Is there Intel on how much of the substance was still onsite?

Is there Intel on when the strike occurs will the surrounding areas be affected?

Will there be a control situation so that innocent civilians do not rep the repercussions. They (civilians) did not ask nor deserve to be treated and affected they way they have due to Assad, we should not add to their misery. Those are my concerns.
Normally I don’t agree with 45 on many things. Today I say I stand with him more than against. I do not feel his acts were impulsive…. the chemical attacked happened Tuesday, strike on Thursday. An impulsive decision would’ve been him responding instantly. It also took a lot for him to intervene and I feel his advisors played a major role. In the past he has stated American shouldn’t intervene on foreign affairs that can be handled domestically in their land. He has been open about his feelings on Syria. It must’ve taken a lot for him to even get involved. I don’t think 45 is a monster. Last night you saw it in his eyes, his face, his demeanor that he was genuinely disturbed by the situation, hurt by the children, innocent lives, affected, torn with the decision he made and the aftermath (globally and domestically) which he will face.
America, love him or hate him, we need to stand with him on this. Love him or hate him, we need to cover him in prayers, love him or hate him the job he has before him is not easy, he will make mistakes, he will make good decisions, he may be impulsive, but I feel in this situation many other presidents would’ve made a similar call. (I’m not saying exact call… but action would’ve been taken someway shape or form).
 45 I will pray for you.

I will pray for our country.

I will pray for the world.

I will pray for the innocent children.
Father God I stand before you as an American whose heart is conflicted. We are as Christians to promote love, forgiveness and not use excessive force. We are also called to help one another and defend one another as Christians. Father I know it was a hard decision to make for 45. I know he also may have felt conflicted. I know regardless of whether his choice was right or wrong that you will guide him and know his intentions. God I pray for the Syrians affected by Assad chemical attack. I pray that no innocent individuals were affected in this missile strike. I pray that you guide our leaders, that you guide their decision making that you protect your children. Protect the country, protect your children, protect the whole world. Amen,

 

Unity

 

One voice

One goal.

One country

Supposed to be united

Instead divided

Led by racism

Fueled by hate.

Migrants came to start anew

A better life

Education

Work

End poverty

Many had a sad fate,

Destined for greatness

Barred by the struggle

Yet they still have faith.

Why is it hard to be kind?

Loving?

Nice folks are hard to find.

Faith…preserve your faith.

Why?

Why a war on faith?

Belief?

Why a war on belief?

Suddenly many became judges?

Who gave you the right to judge?

Radicals of any faith cause damage.

Threatening lives

Scaring others

Bullying

Fear

Fear of life

Fear of death

Fear of you?

Fear of me?

Fear of my brothers and sisters of color?

Fear of differences in belief?

Discrimination based on religion must end!

Muslims are not terrorists

Extreme radicals are.

Christians should not be condemning folks.

Christian radicals cause as much harm as any other extremist.

Turning backs on humanity as if others are beneath you.

Turn the other cheek

Love Thy neighbor

Regardless of where they are from.

One religious group should not be condemning another.

This land stolen from inhabitants now belong to all whom seek freedom.

Controlling

Discriminating

Lying, cheating yet judging.

Abraham, Moses Jesus, Mohammad, Ghandi, siddhartha, Brahman. Ishvara

.

God, dios, allah

Torah bible Qu’ran.

Read them

None of these religions teach hate

None of these books promote hate.

Oneness

Loving

Caring

Humbling

Honor

Faith

Valor

Peace

Unity is what they teach

Unity is what’s needed

Back to the basics.

Back to loving

Back to respecting.

So many fallen defending you.

You disgrace those in uniform by your words, your actions and your hate.

Rogue leaders

Selfish

Arrogant

Egocentric

Not caring about the 99%

Not caring about middle class

Not caring about the needy.

I love you

Despite not knowing you

I cry when you cry

I cry with injustice

We are one people

One race….

Human.

Blood sheds, it’s red

Heart, beats.

Thump, thump.

We need to stand together.

Fight the power

Resist to be humiliated

Resist to be taken advantage of.

Humble thy selves.

Love one another.

Respect one another

Pray for one another.

It needs to end… We need justice

My brothers and sisters of color;My brothers and sisters in uniform;

My brothers and sisters in office;

My brothers and sisters in clergy;

My brothers and sisters in the military;

My brothers and sisters not of color;

We all need to have a civil discourse in humanity. We have lost our humanity. There is nothing humane in taking a life. There’s nothing new civil in retaliation. “An eye for an eye” only creates more chaos, more pain, more distrust, more hate, more divide.

People remember that because BLM movement denounces police killings of black people doesn’t mean members of the movement don’t care about the unjust death of police. You can (and should) care about black lives and care about cops at the same time. We should care about all life. Every life is valuable to God. Jesus paid that ultimate price for us.

The focus though is that BLM, black lives do matter…. Unequivocally the same as every person in uniform. Not less. Black lives matter Unequivocally the same as a white person…. Not less.

Society and the media is enslaving is in fear and isolation because some people are getting away with murder even with all the cameras and proof.

The problem is we are not being heard, our cries right now are in vain. No one is listening…. That’s frustrating …: but we can’t let that frustration lead to retaliation.

Love, God, Peace, growth, education and sadly power is what we need.

Peaceful non violent protests can send messages that we stand united as a people to end the violence…. On every spectrum…..civil rights are being violated and white America has turned their backs on us.
What we need to do is step up to the plate…. Get acquainted in the political course. Take these offices of the “leadership” that are under representing us. Seek to not only learn about your true history, but of the true histories of others… Do not conformed to the westernized white washed politically correct censored versions. The truth is out there, seek it.

Unfortunately to gain respect and power we need wealth…. Seek that power To make POSITIVE CHANGE. Don’t allow greed, temptation, and hate motivate you.
Life is too short, we have to make it right. We only have one life. We all need to get our humanity back and end the vicious cycle that has been bred for hundreds of years. We can not be enslaved in fear.
We have to put on our spiritual costs of arms for there are forces indulging in this manifestations of hate. Yes Prayers are needed, unity is needed, we all need to love one another and live as one…. Humans…. Racism and discrimination needs to cease, anger and resentment needs to go.
Look I have family in EVERY branch of law enforcement and military. So when a shooting to that group happens I worry more than you know. I also am a wife of a black man, a mother of two black men…. I am a person of color despite the lack of pigmentation I have inherited due to colonization, imperialism, slave trade, and Europeans profiting.

My ancestry can be traced back to indigenous Indians of the Caribbean. My ancestry can be traced to several European nations (Italian, French, England and Spain…. I’ve checked).

My ancestry can also be traced back to Africa.

My curls didn’t come from my Taino ancestors…. They came from the moors and African slaves that were brought forth to provide my European ancestors and the royal crown profits. I to am of color again despite my fair skin.

I stand and face the day wondering what else will my people endure.

How many more tears will shed.

I pray for my children.

I pray for my husband

I pray for our families during these difficult times.

I pray that blood shed will end overall.

I pray for change.

But we can’t sit idle waiting for change. Yes we pray and ask God for directions but we have to pull our weight… We have to do our part so God can answer our prayers.

We have to be change we want to see.

We want to violence to end need to continue to set the example.

Feminist

Free thanks to his grace

Educator to my offspring about race

Mother of two

Interested in a social breakthrough

Men I am equal to you

Interested in equality for me and you

No need to place gender roles

Informed that I can’t do it all, no need to take more polls

Still I will try with all my might

To prove I can do it, just as right

Who are you to judge?

Whether you love him or hate him.

Whether you love her or hate her.

One thing we all know is everyone is unhappy.

This political season is just scary.

People think the solution is to just not vote.

Then they will complain regardless who is in office.

Exercise your right to vote…. be apart of the solution not the problem.

People talk and judge based on personal biases without seeing the bigger picture.

Neither candidate will ever represent me.

There are issues that matter to me where one candidate i agree more than the other .

I will not let personal biases rule my decision.

I know it’s not just my interest on the line but others as well.

Honest Abe was used as an example for a question regarding being two faced.

I get the statement…. it’s not that politicians are two faced …. though some are.

It’s that you have your personal private opinion on some issues and then on those same issues you vote not based on your personal belief but of what’s the people who voted you in want and believe.  That can be skewed but it’s the honest truth.

Example: I am pro life… personally… publically I am pro choice…. for every woman should have that right to be able to choose.

Enough about the debate

I’m just scared to see where this country is heading

My lips were made for talking….

My lips were made for talking….
With our current state in politics we are currently living history. We are witnessing a woman who just received the official nomination for her party. Whether you love her, or hate her, this is significant. The political process of this country is questionable the mere fact that it took 44 elections to finally get an African American says a lot. Now we may potentially soon see a woman is not something to take lightly.
The grand old party has created a monster, a monster whom will take us back centuries…. Though some of his concerns and ideas may have some plausibility, may have some justification, he is going about it the wrong way. Instead of uniting a country he is causing a divide.

He is dividing this country every time he speaks. I respect him for his brutal honesty. I do not respect him for this culture of systematic racism he is promoting, I do not respect his culture of systematic sexism …. Pay attention he is very sexist.

I am here to express my opinions respectfully. I am here to openly speak without the worry of those I know jump down my throat as if I have not done any research, as if I did not get a degree in political science, as if I didn’t study theories, ideologies, as if I didn’t have a brain or know how to process data.

I am sick and tired of men telling me how to exercise my free speech, I am always open for discussion under the pretense that everyone respects each other’s opinion without trying to convince one another to change. We need to be able to live In a society that despite differences of opinions we should be allowed to voice our concerns without fear of someone trying to rewrite, or correct you for having an opinion your entitled to have.
I am sick and tired of men feeling women aren’t educated enough, witty enough, smart enough of given subjects and jump down ones thoughts as if their thoughts, opinions, knowledge is superior to anyone else.
Living in a time where we civil rights are still being violated… I am disgusted by the need for men to always want the last say.

So if I post on a social media thread and you lash… I will respectfully let You lash…. But I will not engage in discourse with someone or anyone who can not or will not be respectful.
I had a friend.. (yes had)….who works in a PD. As the media and social media brought to light the malicious, abusive, inhumane treatments of specific groups…. I was ridiculed for being anti officers. Declaring how dare I have an opinion and not defend them instead.
My personal opinion….. How dare you thinking hat because you are allegedly my friend that your badge allows you to speak to me the way you do. To dictate what I should or should not post… How dare you …. Are you not realizing that you are violating my rights the way many of your colleagues throughout the nation are violating the rights of civilians ?
I am not anti law enforcement, I am not anti life…. I am pro civil rights… Respect my rights…. Respect our rights….
I had a friend, again had, who has differences in political thought….don’t int the same sentence tell me I am wrong and then say your supporting the same candidate.

You are a hypocrite.
I am a supporter of any candidate not based off a party, not based off a brand, not based off a slogan…. I make my decisions based on tract record and the issues…. I weigh the pros and the cons…. I delve into the issues…. If the majority of the issues on your platform address my concerns then I’m with you…. If not I’m with the next person… Regardless of party. I am pro the issues not the brand

I don’t follow a band wagon

I love witnessing history ….
My point .., we all have differences of opinions. Don’t burn bridges. Don’t offend others…. Your entitled to your views as each and every other person. We can all express ourselves without being disrespecting to anyone else.

History being made again

I wrote this a few weeks ago during Dnc

With a sparkle in my eye I am inspired… Inspired that the days of white men, and men all in all can potentially be dethroned from the White House. Obama dethroned the white man and it is with great pride that I call him our president. He is the reason my boys can become president if they chose to. He broke the mold, Hilary will break that glass ceiling. It will come crashing down when she steps up as Madam President. She will have set a bar…. A goal for any aspiring young lady who wants the oval.
When Clinton first ran 8years ago I was torn and conflicted. Did I want the first African American President with then Senator Obama or did I want the first female president with then Senator Clinton.

As a wife to a man of color, as a woman who I a minority with African roots (check my curls to confirm my lineage)… I was torn….

Primary day came and I voted for Hilary. I was still torn I wanted to vote for them both.

When Obama won the elections… I was beyond happy…. That young black men, young minorities, my nephews, my future children have a president who look like them, who represents them fully.

I was there for his inauguration…. I was in Dc to bear witness to this historic event…. And now with Hilary in the front run…. When she wins…. I plan to be there and stand with her celebrating and end to a male dominated world…. Celebrating the possibilities for my nieces and young girls of all backgrounds in this country….

A celebration that all things are possible if you set your mind to it….

The glass ceiling has been broken…. We can follow the footsteps to leadership.

8 years ago Obama opened doors for men of color, men like my children, my nephews, my cousins whom can one day go for that seat. Today Clinton opens those doors for every woman, myself, my sisters, my nieces, my cousins …. For all the little girls who aspire to greatness and seek change. All the girls whom want to make America Better! A better country where I too a woman, a minority woman can hold the highest seat.

History was made yesterday and history will be made come November.

Lover her, or hate her… We all know Trump will only make things worse.