beach

The beach brings a smile to me, calms my mind, soothes my soul. I close my eyes and listen to the sounds of the ocean.

On my most recent trip to Oahu, I saw my grandmother in a photo taken by a friend. My grandmother is in Heaven, but the shadow in the image looked like my grandmother!

I immediately felt it was her. I received this as a hug from heaven, a reminder/reassurance that this is the season of our ancestors…that great cloud of witnesses.

The strength of those who have gone before us is here now, in a different way. I don’t know how to fully or even accurately express it all. I just sense the shakti (divine energy) of Heaven with me, here…now.

As I closed my eyes and listened to the ocean, I joined along in praise. My heart was so full.

I offered gratitude and praise for: this season, the Divine strength of our ancestors, the opportunity to fully and freely enjoy this trip, the joy of being with family and friends, the delights of nature (beautiful flowers, trees, birds, the ocean, the sand), the coffee shop, the souvenir spots and a variety of eateries all within walking distance!

I AM living the Abundant Life ~ rich in spirit, full of love, singiN/danciN in the Light and Power of Heaven…sent by those who have gone before us!

Common Day Hero: Just a sliver of your story brought tears to me…your strength and courage is empowering. Your humor is a joy! Today, I dedicate this post to you, GodmothAH, Stevie!

Jael (Yah-el)

Yeshu has been preppiN me for a very long time. Still/always preppiN. And I’m still failing…always forward! Still standing on HOPE (heavenly oxygen permeating earth)!
Growing up, I didn’t want to be female because I saw how much freedom males had. Females couldn’t go out past evening. Females had to dress a certain way. Females couldn’t be “loud”. On and on the list went that seemed to be slanted against females.
Therapy, journaling, prayer/meditation, some difficult friendships, books/articles and workshops over the course of time opened the door for me to embrace my feminine side. It looks different for all of us. I AM now so full of joy to be a woman…to see that it doesn’t hinder me in any way. I AM free to be me!
In December, twenty-eighteen, I met a woman and her husband for the first time.
As soon as I met them, I saw a vision of a Bible story I’d heard like a hun’ed times, growing up.
I saw the Red Sea parted…I saw Moses (staff in his hand) and both hands raised. I said to the couple, raise your hands in victory now (not literally, but ya know!) because just like The Divine parted the Red Sea, you will see and experience something similar. The Divine will part the Red Sea on your behalf.
Sidebar: when I’m sharing a word, feeling, vision or dream with someone, I typically say I’m a flawed human so whatever I see or share, just take what resonates with you. Any vision/dream/words that I share are simply an offering placed on the table for the taking…or not! I’m completely aight with it because I whole-heartedly believe the beauty of love is choice!
And I also don’t always see or feel things exactly as they will happen. Sometimes, I don’t accurately express what I see or feel. So, I practice the same. When someone shares, I make note of the whole piece, but I immediately take what resonates and set the rest aside (for a later time).
In August, twenty nineteen, we saw each other again at a party. As soon as we hugged, she said, you are Jael (Yah-el)! A flash back to childhood days in Sunday School. I said, yeah, I know the story. I asked if she’d be alright exchanging phone numbers and staying connected. She said sure!
As soon as I shared the vision that day, she hugged me and we cried together. I’m an empath. I could feel the weight of her pain. She shared that she had recently experienced a deep loss. That was it. We went our separate ways. Anytime she came to mind, I’d say a prayer. Sometimes, I’d just close my eyes and send love her way.
That day, soon as I got home, I wrote up a little modern-day, lali-version of the story. I thought I have a message hopefully empowering if I’m ever asked to speak! Just had the honor of sharing it this week!
I AM Jael.
The Hebrew pronunciation of the name is Yaa-el/Yah-el.
In Hebrew, Jael means mountain goat. Mountain goats live in hostile environments; they are agile, sure-footed, methodical climbers. It is said they can scale twelve feet in one jump!
Here’s the story: Well, first, I say, read it fa yaself to verify erything! It’s in the fourth chapter of the Book of Judges in the Holy Bible. Again, this the lali version!
A woman, Deborah, was a judge, prophetess, wife and mother. She was wise and the neighbors knew it! So, they (the people of Israel) came to her to present their “cases” and she helped resolve them.
One day, she sent for Barak to come see her. He came ova and she asked him, didn’t The Divine tell you to rally up yo’ troops and meet at Mount Tabor? And didn’t The Divine also say that you would “get” Sisera, the captain of the opposing army?
Barak said, gurrl, if you go, I’ll go. If you ain’t goin’ then I fa sho’ ain’t goin’. Deborah said, oh Imma go witchu, but victory gonna come to our people through a WomaN (whoop!whoop!)
Barak said, yah, cool, whateva, Imma go witchu! I reallY like that Barak esteemed Deborah; he saw her as an equal. So, they went and the next day and Deborah tol’ him THIS is the DAY when the enemy will be given to you by The LordT! So, Barak and ’em met Sisera and ’em and The Bible say, Barak got all of Sisera’s army…like all of dem…except Sisera.
Sisera got so confused and afraid that he started runnin’ away. I keep thinkin’ with ALL those horses, you gonna take off runnin’? Aight. I don’t know. I wasn’t there; maybe the horses got spooked too!
So, Sisera ran up to Jael’s tent. Only reason he felt like he could go to that tent was prolly coz her huZband (Heber) was friendly with Jabin, the King.
Jael went out to greet Sisera. She said, don’t be skeered. Come inside; get out of the heat.
The enemy came in all smug. He asked for water, but we (Easterners don’t give water to a general). She offered him milk. He drank, he probably ate too and then he thought he would take a nap.
Jael used that opportunity to drive a tent peg through his skull and Victory came to Israel through the hands of a woman that day! Jael may have been shaking; she may have had to take some deep/full breaths; she may have screamed into a pillow.
What we know is that she stepped in and did what needed to be done in the moment. Destiny fulfilled!
During this month of celebrating International Women’s Day, are there any ways we can embrace womanhood more? Tap into the Divine feminine side of ourselves more? Stand in our Power more?
What has Heaven placed on your heart that has you afraid because it’s an “uncommon” path? What has you thinking “I’m just a woman” or “that can’t be for me”?
Truth statements help me remember how powerful I AM…whether I feel it or not, I declare it! May you receive strength from it as well. Pick up ya tent peg (Truth) and slay the enemy (lies in ya mind).
I AM a Woman! I AM a Warrior! I AM a Winner!
Courage to you dear heart; may this be the month you step into all that the Divine has for you!
Here for and with you!
Common Day Hero: I don’t know your whole story. I know you have overcome much. I see your beauty, strength and tenacity; it fuels mine. I AM glad you’re in my life. AuntYasmin, I dedicate this post to you.

eggs

Many of us don’t want to be a burden in any way, so we settle. In relationships, careers, food (especially when placing an order), zip codes, vehicles, etc…we settle.

At times, when we know in our hearts that we need not speak, we don’t keep quiet. And when we know we need to speak, we remain silent.

I like my eggs not hard, but not runny and quite a few times others have become upset that I wouldn’t just go with the hard or runny.

Today, I’m here to tell you that you are FREE to take as long as you need to place your order. You are free to change up the specifications of your order to your liking, regardless…and that applies to ALL areas of life!

You are free to be firm and kind. It is possible. I’ve accommodated for too long, “gone along with” and entertained what hasn’t been good for my soul for far too long. Not.any.more!

What (or whom) are you creating distance from so that you can simultaneously have space to hold the people and things essential to your healing and growth?

It is alright to outgrow relationships and familiar spaces for your own evolution…and a revolution!

Common Day Hero: She isn’t known by many because she intentionally keeps a low profile. She works diligently to care well for her family/home. She is Alice, I dedicate this to you.

121

From as early as I can remember, my mom has quoted Psalm 121 when we enter a vehicle. Before we buckle up, as we buckle up and as we start moving down the road, we’d hear these words. I find myself saying these very words and being comforted by them often.

May they comfort you, knowing The Divine offers Protection, Provision and the very Preservation of our souls.

Chapter 121 of the Book of Psalms from The Holy Bible (New King James Version, but please look up the version of your choice, the one that speaks best to your heart. This is just the version we heard/memorized).

I will lift up my eyes to the hills—
From whence comes my help?
My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth.

He will not allow your foot to be moved;
He who keeps you will not slumber.
Behold, He who keeps Israel
Shall neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord is your keeper;
The Lord is your shade at your right hand.
The sun shall not strike you by day,
Nor the moon by night.

The Lord shall preserve you from all evil;
He shall preserve your soul.
The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in
From this time forth and even forevermore.

Common Day Hero: May you sense even now the way Heaven guards you. May your heart find reassurance in this Psalm and always may you know how deeply loved you are. My dearest HJ and TruG, I dedicate this post to you.

friendships

Friendship is said to be an interpersonal bond…a relationship of mutual endearment/warmth, trust and support.

Sometimes, I think of friendships as rocks or gems. I have been gifted with some rocks and some cool gems along the way…I have grown to see the value in every experience.

Some jagged, abrasive/coarse rocks cut and cause loss of blood and strength (unintentionally, at times, I’m sure). My personal experience has been that it was all necessary for me and I gained insight I wouldn’t otherwise have.

The beauty of the gems in my life (precious and few) is that we are free to feel, share, process and heal one another. We welcome one another fully into all the messy and miraculous that is our lives…no part is hidden.

I AM grateful for friendships that last despite turbulence, tornados and all sorts of terror (internal and external).

I AM grateful to be heard and given space to simply…be.

In all the shifting and shaking, after the rocks have fallen out, who are the gems in your life?

Gems: Hold each other (gently). Polish (help/heal) each other. Offer gratitude often. Grow/evolve alongside each other (at one’s own pace). Love well (listen, engage, forgive, share honestly and transparently).

Common Day Hero: We’ve both experienced inexplicable pain but so much joy as well…among them this unexpected friendship! You, brave heart, are a pleasant surprise and welcome treasure from Heaven. I cannot begin to express all that I see for you ~ The Divine has so much good coming your way. You have not yet seen the best…in every area. Today, I dedicate this post to you, dearest gem, RMA.

UNpleasant

For some of us, the holidays are not a pleasant season/experience. It’s a reminder of grief/s unresolved…and maybe some griefs, unexpected.

The holidays have me (and some others I know) remembering those who are no longer here. Some have transitioned from this earth and some are here, just no longer in our circle. Both seem deeply painful and at times, irreconcilable.

I don’t know of a formula for working through grief. sigh. From those who have shared their stories with me and my own experience, it seems a very personal and unique journey for each human. 

It’s easy to externally appear “well” because of pressure from family, work, friends, religious circles, our own inner critic. For some of us, it’s hiding in plain sight – with a bottle of pills or alcohol, with sugar, with anything that will have us feeling good momentarily.

This holiday season, I’m asking that we genuinely prioritize ourselves…that we take the time needed to grieve; to let ourselves feel and fully process.

This holiday season, as friends and family gather, if we need a moment, may we take the moment and walk away. If we need to decline some holiday party invites, may we do so. My heart is not that we isolate; my sincere hope is that we find a way to our healthiest rhythm.

If we need therapy, a support group, a book club, a dance class, yoga, pilates, an exercise buddy or group, a new hobby, a punching bag, a lifestyle change, more sleep, more water, an accountability partner… whatever it may be, may we move forward in it…now.

Happy Holidays ~ I understand it may not be “happy” but amidst it all, I wish us moments of sheer delight, laughter and happiness. I also wish us strength for this journey.

Proud of us for continuing to move forward.

I AM on the journey with (and for) you always, brave heart. 

Common Day Hero: You are such a loving and open heart to all around you. I see the strength of a thousand warriors within you. Shukriya for your kindness and hosting me even when you didn’t really know me. And always, thank you for the world’s best roti! Z-Ma, I dedicate this post to you.

driven

I’ve blogged about this before, but it keeps coming up so I’m “talkiN” about it again!

Driven…relentless.  X…Y and Z must happen at any cost. For me, the word ‘driven’ brings up an image of not taking care of one’s self because what’s priority is m-a-k-i-n-g things happen.

I choose to be Led.

Led, for me personally, is moving forward from a place of worship…rest…Peace.

As I AM led, I move into spaces that I know in my core are best.

Any work completed from here is always most fruitful/productive and truly beneficial for me and those around me.

I don’t hustle or grind. I move forward according to the impressions of Heaven on my heart…as I AM led.

I remind myself to stay here, in this calm space…in my heart because so many external factors…voices/noise say otherwise, but I know I’m the healthiest and favorite version of myself when I AM Led.

My fellow humans, friends, Warriors ~ in a world (religious world included) that is loud…a world that is screaming for something, at every turn, despite the fact that you’re already exhausted beyond expression, running on fumes and many times on the floor, bleeding out…may I encourage you to pause? To…

Be still.

Hear the Whisper.

Choose to be Led.

Together, may we be Led so that we can then lead and bring others along, from this healthy space.

Being Led has brought so much Freedom, Peace and Joy to me.

As you consider all this, what is one item that need not take up space on your plate any longer – in your personal, professional or spiritual circle, emotionally, mentally?

Common Day Hero: LuMaN, I felt your presence this past weekend and saw you even though you were physically nowhere near me…tears came rolling down my face at the thought of you. I really wanted to hug you; felt so strongly that you just needed to be held. I sent/send you love. Hope you are comforted and reassured every time Love and Light is sent your way. You are so dear to me. Today, I dedicate this post to you.

convenience

This week when I was paying for something with a credit card, a convenience fee popped up (my first thought was…the cashier didn’t tell me there would be a fee). I’d prefer knowing that up front.

Later that day, I wanted to get fuel for my ride (I had enough, but don’t like hitting one-fourth…just to be safe!). I stopped at a gas station and filled up.

Not even seven minutes later, while at a stop light, I saw another gas station with fuel prices ten cents less than what I had just paid! This one wasn’t next to the highway though like the one where I’d filled up – ah, convenience fee!

I started thinking, how many decisions per day are we making based on convenience? Do we make most (or all) of our decisions solely from a place of convenience? If so, how has that played out, long term?

Does it matter if the decisions are “major” or not when thinking through convenience/s?

Does it help to first make a pros/cons list, meditate, pray, speak to a few wise ones we know, seek professional guidance? What is convenience costing us (financially, spiritually, emotionally, mentally, physically)?

Common Day Hero: You were kind and loving during a time when I felt so unseen. I can’t begin to express my gratitude. Want you to know that your love touched/touches many. Earnestine, I dedicate this post to you.

women

Every one has a story to tell…this week, I’m remembering the empowering stories of just a few of the women in the Holy Bible. Following is a list of sorts –

From Sarah, we learn that age ain’t nothiN but a number – the Divine shines in what humans deem “impossible”.

Hagar shows us that the Divine always sees us (Hagar called the Divine, El-Roi, the One who sees…to see is to know and to know is to feel – the Divine sees/knows/feels it all with us).

Rahab is a reminder that the Divine loves us ALL…equally and has no favorites because each of us are favored!

Hannah shows us that the Divine answers prayers.

Ruth teaches us that the Divine is our Kinsman Redeemer and has Final Say!

Jael (Yaa-el) shows us that the Divine doesn’t discriminate…in any way.

Esther tells us the Divine can turn the heart of the King/Queen/dignitaries -through you…and me. We are Powerful and even more so, when Led by the Ultimately Powerful and Gentle One!

Elizabeth reminds us that we will give birth to Greatness beyond our imagination…whether that’s through childbirth, business, mentoring, empowering/nurturing others…we, as women, birth empires, after-all!

Mother Mary shows us the Divine will surprise, care for and protect us…even in the most interesting circumstances!

The “unnamed woman” with a blood disorder is a testament that the Divine is Our Great Physician and Healer.

Mary and Martha tell us that Resurrection happens!

Women – our faith, our choice to love ourselves first/well, our pursuit of our dreams are ever telling a story – one of tenacity, stamina, Wisdom, fierce loyalty and sisterhood.

Fellow Sister Warrior, I AM here, beside you, for you, warring alongside you, sitting in the shit with you and always available to hear your story!

Common Day Hero: The seemingly permanent has suddenly turned temporary (more times that you’d probably care to count), but one thing remains certain – the Divine holds you! Your faith continues to encourage many. Today, I dedicate this post to you, Euni.

school

A new school year has begun…some of you still have a few days (or more) before school begins – enjoy!

My kids are SO excited about their new school – I’m overjoyed…especially considering all the shit they had to walk through since the Vid arrived. The Vid isn’t to blame; it just shone a light on all that had been bubbling underneath.

Although it was painful beyond our ability to accurately express it…although it isn’t what we wanted…although we wouldn’t wish it on anyone, we can now see that it was necessary.

Necessary, for us to move past barely existing into living the best version of our lives.

How do you know if you’re living your best life? It most likely varies for us all, but what we know is –

We have Peace, Love, Joy and a Song in our hearts…daily!

We are safe!

We have a base of Gratitude!

We have a sense of fulfillment in our work/play!

We are learning something new everyday!

We are content – in a smaller space, with less things and so much more Freedom and Liberty!

We really needed these pets (three cats!).

Whatever is in the way (including yourself), work to remove all obstacles so that you can breathe…live…thrive!

Common Day Hero: You are a Sensitive Soul, a Prophetess, and a Fellow Warrior. I AM honored to have you in my life. Keep shining – this world is better because of your Light. Kindred Spirit, Destiny, I dedicate this post to you.

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