Blog

While the discussion is ongoing regarding the merit of the village in rearing children, my thoughts today are of how I must have gone to every church in my neighborhood. And there were many. My membership was with Mt. Zion Baptist Church that had been in Waverly for more years than I can remember and … Continue reading Village church mouse

All is known and all is forgiven.This pronouncement of grace is attributed to Mother Frances Graves, co founder of Faith Chapel in Philadelphia, along with her late husband, Bishop Eugene Graves. It’s the way she has assured congregants of their salvation for more than 56 years and the power of this salvo is inescapable. All … Continue reading All is known and all is forgiven

I’m grateful to God for his loving, gracing, keeping power in my life. As much as I love words and how they work together to compose a design, I can’t fathom a combination that is adequate to express my awe and appreciation for who God is to me and the wondrous ways in which he … Continue reading Happy New Year!

Preparations began long before Christmas with the detailed cleaning of the house. This was when we brought out the toothbrushes and attacked the floor boards, nooks and crevices along the stairway and the higher shelves over the living room mirror. Singular punishment on every level. Being the youngest and the smallest in the house, much … Continue reading Christmas on Barclay Street

If you want to know why Plooney called some people “yick minded,” or you want to know the power of “Blessed Assurance;” If you want to now what raising 9 children looks like or the key to southern hospitality, you must read “Tales from the Sweetheart Gang.” It really is pure fun. It’s the result … Continue reading Tales from the Sweetheart Gang

It’s a peculiar season that’s kind of hard to understand. Some people put up Christmas trees and decorations before Thanksgiving but most wait until after. The shopping day, Black Friday, seems to be the official signal that Christmas is on. All things Christmas are now allowable and let the shopping begin. But the church calendar … Continue reading Advent

So I’m standing on the beach in Ocean City, Md. in 50 degree weather. While I’m in the morning prayer circle with EPI Ministries, I’m contemplating removing my shoes so I can feel the ocean water as some of the others are doing. Anyone who knows me is already nonplussed that I’m on the beach … Continue reading Grace on the beach

I speak their names…I’m not sure why the Lord has apparently entrusted me with the task of remembering the wonderful people in my life who’ve touched me in ways they can’t even imagine. I’m am often sparked with a moment of flashback to the face of one of the women who helped me become a … Continue reading I speak their names

You can only do anointed ministry if you love the Lord. Ministry happens in the overflow of the Lord’s presence. Ministry happens in the love moment Ministry happens without the involvement of our hands You can only do anointed ministry if you love the Lord more than these. Who or what are the “these” in … Continue reading Loving Jesus makes the difference

Maya Angelou said people won’t remember the words you said, but they will remember how you made them feel. She was so right. When I’m in my feels I remember people who went out of their way to show extravagant kindness. One such  moment happened at the Double T Diner in Catonsville, Md about eight … Continue reading Kindness