Recklessly in Love...

A New Season . . .

2009-04-06T18:25:00.002-04:00

So, it has been WAY too long since my last post, and there is so much to report, I hardly know where to begin. I'll do a more detailed blog later, but until then, here are a few of the BIG highlights of my life since the last post in 2008 . . .

1) Got into law school (on scholarship) and am finishing up my first year!! Whoo Hoo!
2) Met & fell in love with the man of my dreams, and we are now engaged!!!
3) Voted for & saw the inauguration of the first Black President of the US, Barack Obama!!
4) Loving every minute of my life (except when 25 page briefs are due and I've had like 4 hours of sleep - lol)!

Stay Tuned!

Restless in North Carolina

2008-07-07T14:17:00.002-04:00

Today, I feel restless...
Unusually restless...
Like time is turning on itself, more like turning on me, really...

I'm waiting for something...someone...something, but I don't know what.
Just all of a sudden, where I am and what I am doing is not enough.

I've prayed and asked that the restlessness, the urge to retreat be lifted,
but this prayer, it seems, has not availed. So, I'm retreating again into me...
I've grown so accustomed to silence and the freedom it represents
My voluntary, solitary confinement a break from responsibility...

But, I'm still restless...
I'm writing, er, typing these words restlessly
Wishing the cursor would type ahead of me, anticipating my thoughts, so I wouldn't have to.
Because, honestly I'm a little too restless to finish...

SO restless!
Tired of waiting, patience having her perfect work is wearing me out
Frustrations growing, Growing, GROWING...

Time is moving slowly, but I have no idea what I'm rushing to...

I'm Just Restless...

Open Mic

2008-07-02T11:41:00.006-04:00

Friday night, we held our Open Mic in Greensboro, and it was wonderful! There's something so special to me about open mics... Maybe its because that's where I got my start as a performance poet or perhaps it's just because I love being around other poets and artists, but I just love the atmosphere of an Open Mic. It makes me feel nostalgic for an era I never saw but I feel very much apart of... Taking me back to the roaring twenties and the streets of New York during the Harlem Renaissance, when poets, writers, great thinkers, and activists gathered to share ideas and thoughts. When the scratchy sounds of phonographs and the smooth melodies of Duke Ellington were the soundtracks of daily life, and men and women paved the way for the cultural explosion that was to come, with a vengeance. I long for those days, and although I never saw the Harlem Renaissance, I am a result of it and appreciate it...

Fast forward more than eighty years and you can still see the power of Spoken Word. You can sit and watch people walk up to the mic appearing timid and shy, but once they open their mouths, its like a transformation takes place. They immediately become confident and poised, listening to the sounds of their own voice and hearing the grunts and snaps of encouragement from the crowd. It's beautiful!!!

So, I snapped a few (more like 150) pictures from the open mic and just wanted to post a few here. Enjoy!!

Insignificant

2008-06-13T10:12:00.004-04:00

Some time ago, while sailing the Western Caribbean with my mom, I wrote a poem entitled "Small." Reflecting the feelings I experienced on the cruise ship. I thought I was so big, my problems so big, my issues SO BIG, until the ship sailed and I was lost at sea. I found myself lost in the vastness of creation, realizing at that moment how small I was. In the wonder of creation God made, humans are so small... Smaller than mountains, smaller than trees, smaller than many land mammals; we are small.

What touches my heart this morning, and was a part of my devotion is thankfulness, because no matter how small we are, God still knows our name. How wonderful is that? In many other religions, if you study their holy texts, their god never comes down to their level and pursues intimacy with them... They never know the wonder of having God call your name and speak to you in His special way, whispering words of love to you. I thank God for Jesus, who loves me enough to call my name. Today, I feel so small, so minor, so insignificant. I was not an essential element in God's world, life could have and would have continued to go on without me ever being born, BUT God wanted to be in relationship with me enough that He caused me to be, and then when we (Man) "got off" & chose our way over God's way, God reconciled us back to Him by sacrificing His Only Son to save us... Wow! That God, Who made Heaven and Earth, loves me enough sacrifice Himself for me is both humbling and wonderful!

I'm small, but great in the eyes of God! "How great the love The Father has lavished on us..." That word, lavish, is beautiful isn't it? It means to expend or give in great amounts without limits; extravagant, generous, wasteful. I LOVE IT! I remember reading a writer's blog and it said he enjoys the "Wastefulness of Grace" and I was like, what does that mean? But, now I understand. God lavishes His grace upon us, expending it generously, without end... And that's no small feat :-)

small

i am so small
that you could hide me behind a piece of paper
so small that i could fit beside your weathered change purse in your pocket

so small in fact, that i can be invisible
not seen by humanity, but what’s bizarre is that even with my invisibility
everything larger than me, seems to reflect in me

divisible by only the One plus me
i am a prime,
only smaller

Tiffany N. Dyson
© 2007

The Shack...

2008-06-10T12:16:00.004-04:00

If there is one thing that most people who know me, I mean really know me can say, its this - I don't get excited about a lot of things. It really takes a lot for me to get really, really excited about something, but when it happens, I jump on it! I tell any and everyone willing to listen about my excitement... So, dear blog readers, get ready to be EXCITED!!

About two weeks ago I was at a Starbucks (my guilty pleasure) with a friend. She introduced me to a short, bald, white guy, covered in tattoos sipping his nonfat, soy latte. At first glance, I was a little thrown off by his appearance, and thought "How in the world does she know this guy?" He didn't look like anyone she would know or be acquaintances with, but soon my judgemental opinions of this man were thrown aside.

She introduced me to him as the person who had let her to Christ, which caused a huge smile to spread over my face; remembering the 4 years I spent praying and believing God for her salvation, finally seeing those prayers being answered on Sunday morning in February... After a few minutes of small talk he asked me if I had read a book called "The Shack." I replied that I had never heard of it, but being an avid reader, I asked him to tell me about it. He began telling me a wonderful story, much too good to be fiction, weaving his own personal story of salvation and redemption between the lines.

He told me had gotten saved a year ago from a wicked lifestyle, and had since become very active in discipleship, witnessing, and mentoring young people at his local church. As he told me his story, tears welled up in his eyes. He kept apologizing for it, to which I replied "don't worry about it"; my own heart rejoicing at the sincerity of his spirit and the gentleness of his emotion... He told me how the book had softened his heart towards an estranged sister, allowing him to finally forgive her and express his love for her after 7 years of separation.

WOW! was all I could say. I asked for the title of the book and the author, and made a mental note to buy it. A couple weeks later, another friend was reading the book, and asked me if I had heard of it. Man, I had completely forgot about it! I promised I would look into it and read it, but never got around to it. Well, last Thursday, after work I started reading it, and by Friday afternoon at 6pm, I had finished the book!

There are many, many great things I can say about the book, but the most powerful part of it is this: I can tell you the storyline, I can describe the plot, detail the twists and turns, and even tell you how it ends, but it still won't sum up the story, because I've found each person's response to be totally different. Its nothing like actually reading it for yourself; feeling it in your heart and spirit, and knowing that God intended for you to read it to share something with you about His nature, His kindness, His persistence, His tolerance, His Grace.

There is a line, written on page 185 that has touched my heart and changed my mind forever about the nature of God. It reads: "Just because I work incredible good out of unspeakable tragedies doesn't mean I orchestrate the tragedies. Don't ever assume that my using something means I caused it or that I need it to accomplish my purposes. That will only lead you to false notions about me..." - "Papa"

I was sitting at my desk at work when I read that, and I had to put the book down. I needed a minute to allow that to sink in and personalize that statement for my own life. If you have experienced great tragedy in your life, as I have, you know that at times its difficult to get answers to the difficult questions, and that line was my answer to a 6 year long question. I used to ask God daily why He allowed my Father to die so suddenly, and never receiving an answer, I came up with my own. The way I saw it, God had to take my father so that I would give my heart and life back to Him, because well, maybe I wouldn't have ever gotten saved if my heart hadn't been broken enough. But, do you see how that can cause a very warped and skewed image of God? A God who is inherently GOOD, KIND, MERCIFUL, and JUST cannot at the same time be manipulative or sly. But, based on my past experience and perception, I thought He was just that. Praying was a chore, because I felt I needed to choose my words very carefully, or He might use them against me... GOD does not need to tamper with our lives to cause His ends to come to pass. He's not like us; He doesn't need to manipulate any areas of our lives to make His will happen, HE'S GOD, and ultimately, a friend! And in order to experience intimate friendship/relationship with Him, we must grasp that truth...

I recommend everyone read "The Shack" whether you profess Christ or not, (although hopefully afterwards you will) its a book that will open your eyes to the true nature of God. Keep in mind, however, that although it is a FICTION novel, the truths expressed in it and very much REAL...

Step UP to The Mic...

2008-05-27T12:00:00.004-04:00

It's time again for another Open Mic, and I'm praying to God for inspiration...AGAIN! It's funny, how I can be short of inspiration, when there are so many inspiring things I could write about, but it's almost like sensory overload... So many things I could attempt to write about, but Lord where do I start? I am inspired by everything I see and by the weirdest things, its amazing. I once wrote an entire 2 page poem after making some Hazelnut Cream coffee! From that one little phrase, "Confessions of a Woman" was born. So, with so much going on, my question is where do I start? And the answer is...... ?????

So, I'm going to spend this week praying, visiting my favorite websites, looking at pictures, reading, and waiting to be inspi(RED).

Peace...

Sister-Friend Check up...

2008-05-23T11:35:00.003-04:00

This morning I was taking a little time to reflect... I was remembering all the goals and dreams I put out there at the beginning of 2008, and I guess its time for a mid-year check up to see where I am in accomplishing those things. In January, I sent an email to my best friends from college just sharing my heart with them and my goals/dreams for the year. Going back to this email almost brought me to tears because I remember how I was feeling at that very moment. Having just come out of the fight of my life, I was excited, hopeful, expectant, and thankful. Sure, I had a few scrapes and bruises from the struggle, but I MADE IT THROUGH and now four months later, I can look back and say "GOD, Great GOD..."

I'm not all the way there yet, but I am on my way to becoming the woman God made me to be, and it feels good to know that I am in the "making" process, remaining on the "potters wheel" allowing Him to shape and mold me into His image...

I'm also SO PROUD to see my sister-friends going after their dreams, too! I've got friends who just graduated law school: 1 passed the Bar on her FIRST attempt and is working on Capital Hill, the other is moving to California to practice law there. Two friends are getting married this year. 1 is moving to Monaco, France to live with her husband while in grad school. Others are moving forward also: going back to school, losing weight, maturing in their faith, buying homes, etc... I'm so proud of all my sister-friends and look forward to rejoicing with all of them in future successes!!

So, enough yapping, Here's the email...
January 2, 2008:

"HAPPY NEW YEAR, Feliz Ano Nuevo, Bonne année and all that good stuff! I'm so excited about 2008, I don't know why, I'm just really excited about the new year. I believe good, no, GREAT things are going to happen for all of us in 2008. Biblically, the number 8 represents new beginnings and I fully plan to take advantage of 2008 and make this the best year ever. I was thinking about all of us and remembering all the many things we all talked about we wanted to do, accomplish, have when we were in high school/college. And for so many reasons many of us haven't gotten it yet. Sometimes the circumstances were outside of our control, and then sometimes we just didn't go all the way with our dreams. But, my prayer for myself and for all my girls is that this year, WE GO FOR IT!!!!

There is nothing holding us back or keeping us from having our dreams except ourselves. The Bible promises us that God will support us:

1) "Trust in the Lord with all our hearts, lean not to our own understanding...In ALL THY WAYS acknowledge Him and He shall surely direct our paths" (Proverbs 3:5-6)
2) "If GOD be for us, who can be against us" (Romans 8:31)
3) "My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to slip or to be moved; He Who keeps you will not slumber" (Psalms 121:1-3)
4) "If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes" (Mark 9:23)

2007 was the hardest year I've had in a long time. I changed jobs 3 times, had days LAST YEAR I didn't know where my next meal was going to come from, I got so low on money, I stood in line with the homeless at the salvation army and red cross to beg for help to pay my bills... I had to get help to buy groceries, gas, clothes, etc; there were days I was afraid I was going to lose my house, (and if it hadn't been for my church, I would've probably lost my house) and ultimately my mind. I was too proud to come to my friends for help. And was so angry/disappointed with God because I thought that He had let me down and forgot about me. I told everyone and believed that I was going to be in law school, only to perform poorly both times on the LSAT, and to be rejected from all 3 schools I applied to. I gained 20 pounds from eating fast food for nearly all of my meals (it was cheaper), and overall just felt like a huge failure. I cried so much last year, was taking pain meds/sleeping pills just to sleep b/c my mind would just be racing... But, I believe that the best is yet to come. I believe now that I've endured failure, I'll be humble, gracious and appreciative when I do obtain success. Like Paul said " I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus ." (Philippians 3:13-14)

I'm sure that you, like me, encountered some challenges in 2007, but we're still young. Young enough to bounce back! So, in 2008 lets commit to dreaming big. Dust off all of those old dreams, hopes, and prayers and HOPE for the best. I heard a definition of HOPE that is really changing my life and how I think about things. Hope means to Have Only Positive Expectations. Why not believe for the best? A lot of times we defeat ourselves before we even get started because we speak or think negatively ("For as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he " Proverbs 23:7) or we doubt ourselves, but to doubt ourselves means that we are doubting God, who made us. It means that we don't have faith in the creator - we don't believe that what He created is good enough to succeed. Go back, make that list of what you want to do this year and dream BIG! Then ask God what His will is for you to do and then Move on it! " Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails." (Proverbs 19:21)

Girls, Let's go for it in 2008!!!! I want to be successful, happy, wealthy, and fruitful but I'm going to need sister-friends to share that with and I want to share it with y'all!

Sorry for the LONG email, but I woke up this morning real excited. Y'all have always been my sounding board, so I thought I would share and hopefully encourage you, too. I LOVE YOU!!!!!!
____________
Tiffany N. Dyson,
Future Law Student"

TO BE CONTINUED...

For the Poets...

2008-05-21T10:17:00.002-04:00

We are the benders of language
The crafters of relevance
The lovers of lyrics
Brothers and sisters in the pen
Lights burning brightly from our mouths like lite-brights
Turning on the magical shining lights
Except if you look closely you won’t find any magic here
Just a single solitary pen suspended in air, holding on to our intellect like suspenders on britches until what’s held up in our mind finds its escape on paper

We’re here, making our intentions clear
Spark a revolution of language screaming loudly for the world to hear!
Following the greats before us like Giovanni, Sanchez, Brooks, Cullen, Toomer, and Hughes
Because until you’ve walked a mile; a single solitary mile in my shoes don’t tell me poetry is not necessary, like a balm rubbed on a bruised knee or ego
Poetry eased the blows of slavery when Frederick Douglas addressing a white population presented “What to the slave is the fourth of July?”
Poetry calmed the storms of segregation when men and women marched on Washington listening to one man’s dream just to see later his blood spilled in Tennessee.
In 1989, poetry wiped away tears of a young girl experiencing loss for the first time, falling in love when she penned her first rhyme...

Poetry granted access into the underground chambers of lyrical kings and queens, ascending smoked-out thrones, grabbing solitary microphones like scepters, declaring and decreeing truth to their subjects/listeners, with dimmed lights and the crackling sound of soul snaps in the night…
Poetry grew boys into men, listening to the hardship and complexity of loving a woman; the throaty, gruff sounds of brothers angered by “the system” and the love letters to women who waited for them.
Poetry was the original “Diary of a Mad Black woman” lending its voice, full of sorrow, joy, humor, poignancy and vigilance; telling tales of love, loss, denial and betrayal in ways that the silver-screen can never capture; caught up in the rapture of a woman’s love.

This is for the poets
The benders of language
Crafters of relevance
Lovers of lyrics
My brothers and sisters in the pen.

CROSSpoet
© 2008

Encouragement - For my sisters!

2008-05-16T10:38:00.000-04:00

Girl, just look at you with your pretty self. You are so beautiful! Not only are you beautiful but you have the nerve to be talented and gifted by God. Hold your head up girl and know that you are loved and appreciated. Don't give the enemy any place to cause you to have low self-esteem or doubt. You are indeed fearfully and wonderfully made. This is your year to decree it and speak it! This is the year of new beginnings. So, get your step on girl God is faithful to perform all that He has promised to you! Be confident in Him and His word. The words you speak from your mouth determine your outcome. Why not speak good and positive things over your life girl? You are not defeated but rather you are more than a conqueror. You have been through a lot in your life and look at you now, just as pretty and as strong as ever! Oh, how blessed you are. Look what God has done and look where He has brought you from. Begin to bless God and praise Him for all that He has done, and for making you so beautiful! He had you in His precious hands all the time. Your life is orchestrated by Him. He knows you and what is best for you. Believe that He has even greater things in store for you and your family. Girl, get over the silly stuff and grab hold of faith. Seek God as never before. Sure, times are hard but God is good! Learn to love who He has made you. There is no one like you!

Enjoy Jesus and enjoy life girl!

I wrote this especially for you (with your beautiful self)

~Author Unknown~

The Truth

2008-05-12T09:30:00.004-04:00

Cause HE IS the Truth
And HE IS so real
And I love the way HE makes me feel
And if I am a reflection of HIM
Then I must be FLY...

Years ago, I would listen to this song by India Arie at least once a day and imagine my life with a man that would make me feel this way. I was in a relationship, and I was very much in love with him, but even he didn't inspire me to attribute these words to him. I looked around for a man that would make me feel this way. That would make me feel FLY in just knowing that I was a reflection of Him; His care, His consideration, His love. I never found him. But, years later in 2004, I Found HIM and HE made the difference. Now, I can look at my life and say that truly, if I am a mere reflection of GOD, then that very fact makes me FLY (Psalm 139).

My search is over because I've found THE TRUTH, and He makes me feel worthwhile everyday. He never raises His voice at me, He never abuses me, He never lies to me, HE never hurts me, He teaches me, He raises me, He's matured me, and He's loved me with a passion that I never found in the world.

So, this morning, my blog is just simply my love letter to Jesus. He is the truth of my life and the LOVE of my life and because I am HIS reflection, I must be lovely, I must be worthy, I must be Holy, I must be kind, I must be faithful, I must be LOVING, I must be fair, and I must be GOOD...

Hopelessly in Love...

The Funeral

2008-05-06T08:00:00.001-04:00

One day all the employees reached the office and they saw a big sign on the door that read: Yesterday, the person who has been hindering your growth in this company passed away. We invite you to join the funeral in a room that has been prepared in the gym. In the beginning, they all got sad for the death of one of their colleagues, but after a while they started getting curious to know who was that man who hindered the growth of his colleagues and the company itself.

The excitement in the gym was such that security agents were ordered to control the crowd within the room. The more people reached the coffin, the more the excitement heated up. Everyone thought: "Who is this guy who was hindering my progress? Well, at least he died!" One by one the thrilled employees got closer to the coffin, and when they looked inside it, they suddenly became speechless... They stood nearby the coffin, shocked and in silence, as if someone had touched the deepest part of their soul. There was a mirror inside the coffin; everyone who looked inside it could see himself. There was also a sign next to the mirror that said: There is only one person who is capable of setting limits to your growth: IT IS YOU!!!!!

Your life does not change when your boss changes, when your friends change, when your parents change, when your husband or wife change, when your company changes, when your church changes, when your location changes, when your money changes, or when your status changes. Your life changes when YOU change, when you go beyond your limiting beliefs. Examine yourself, watch yourself. Don't be afraid of difficulties, impossibilities and losses. Be a winner, build yourself and your reality. It's the way you face Life that makes the difference!

I am working on it..... Are you doing the same?

The Countdown is On...

2008-05-05T10:47:00.003-04:00

Wednesday of this week, May 7th, I will be exactly THREE MONTHS away from the start of my new life. August 7, 2008 I will start at Elon University School of Law as a first year Law Student!!! In the next months I will be preparing for the most challenging three years of my life, with the greatest reward lying just ahead.

My dream of law school began when I was just a small girl, sitting in my grandmother's home in Washington, DC. I remember one summer day watching a history channel special on John F. Kennedy (I know, I was a weird child) and thinking about my future. At first I thought I wanted to be a historian, a teacher, a doctor, but in my heart I knew my calling. I was known to be an argumentative child and nothing got under my skin more than being treated unfairly. If my older cousin was allowed to do something that I was prohibited from doing, I was giving whoever would listen, an earful about why it wasn't fair! I remember putting up a protest when in Catholic School we were required to recite the Nicene Creed at mass. I was not Catholic and refused to say that "I believed in one Catholic and Apostolic church" when clearly I was not Catholic and had no intentions on converting, no matter how much it would've cut my tuition! Ha!

Fast forward 10 years, three LSAT's (Law School Admissions Test), 3 rejection letters, thousands of tears and fears later, and I have finally attained this dream. It's hard to believe, but I know that "All things work together for the good of them that LOVE God and are CALLED according to His purpose." The rejection, the hardship, the failure all prepared me for this moment... It made me humble and thankful. I know that I can conquer my fear; I believe in myself totally and know I will be successful because I've stared failure in the face more times than I can recall and have bounced back; each time wiser, stronger, faster, and more prayerful than before.

So, this year of NEW BEGINNINGS is the start of a new life for me - Pressing "forward towards the prize of the high calling, which is in Christ Jesus." No more failure, no more lack, no more doubt, no more excuses, no more self-pity, only PURPOSE, POWER, and DESTINY!

Signing off,
Tiffany N. Dyson
Elon Law Class of 2011!

Black in the Day...

2008-05-01T09:34:00.002-04:00

I was black…way back
Black before being called black was cool
Black before the 1954 Topeka vs. the Board of Education when schools were subject to segregation, whites here and colored there was the rule, still.
Black before there was a “Black Power” movement and “yo black” was popularized. Black before Digable planets, do dat, do dat, do do dat dat dat & gimme five on the black hand side was ever rhymed.... Black before Kweli & Jay-Z, Dead Prez & The Roots, Niggas with Attitudes and Leaders of the New Skool. I was black, way Back…

Black before “looking black” was considered cool
Black before white kids started to sound like me; practicing their swagger trying to walk like me
Black before the excitement over Angelina’s full lips & the J-Lo Booty
Black when the way sista’s like Josephine flaunted her full lips and hips made her a hyper-sexed, not to be trusted harlot, an adulteress. Black when it would’ve been a lynchable offense for brothers like Emmit and countless others, to be seen with a white woman, the temptress.

Black before Yo! MTV Raps, Midnight Love, & R. Kelly. Black before “Knockin the boots” was ever considered good R&B. Black when Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, Sweet Honey on the rock and the cool cat daddy’s on the stoop singing doo wop was music....
Black even before then. Black when the drum was a form of communication, sending messages through the melodies Like “wade in the water children” & “swing low sweet chariot. Coming forth to carry me… home.” I was black, way back…

Black before the mysteries of our history were lost because they lay inside a book. Black when we digested literary works from the greatest authors like Achebe, Cullen, DuBois, Cleaver, and Wright. Renaissance men: Ellison, Toomer, and Langston. Great works like “If We Must Die” by McKay. The greats of their day. I was black, way back…

Black before PCJ and Madame CJ developed products to take my kinks away. Black before “nap-o-phobia” was chemically treated. Black before images of beauty were distorted and our self-hatred was so deep-seated. Black when we were queens no matter the size of our jeans. Black when a woman’s size was a sign of her man’s opulence. I was black, way back…

Black before the middle passage & the eloquence of Equiano, when the bottom of the Atlantic became a watery home for many kings and queens. Black before fathers, mothers, and children were torn from each other’s arms. Black before Jim Crow and Billie’s strange fruit swung me home and before exorcising my Blackness was a ritual practice and my neck was ever stretched. Black before Ebony Phonics, that foolishness now accepted among many as Ebonics was ever printed in a dictionary. Black when Swahili was the only language you’d ever hear from me. I was black, way back…

And still am.

The choke-cherry tree on my back has healed, but left behind it is a strong-willed sista, like Celie “Home fixin to shave Mista” if your act ain’t right. His hands are softer now, though once cracked and bloodied from rowing that ruddy boat, and pickin enough cotton to fashion the Masta’s coat. He’s healed now, but the scars left behind will suit you just fine if you ever tamper with this black man’s family.

We have evolved into this new generation, with our own interpretation of the black experience, but we must remember this: To be young, gifted, and black bears with it responsibilities & we must not shy away... We must use our talents and giftedness to translate a future our ancestors never imagined could take shape. “Becoming the hope and dream of the slave…”

We must go black in the day to re-capture our heritage.

“Black in the day when I was young I’m not a kid anymore but somedays I sit and wish I was a kid again…

“Black in the day when I was young I’m not a kid anymore but somedays I sit and wish I was a kid again…

“Black in the day when I was young I’m not a kid anymore but somedays I sit and wish I was a kid again…

© 2008 Tiffany N. Dyson

What to the Black Man/Woman is Incendiary?

2008-04-30T08:56:00.006-04:00

I'm at a loss for words, and for a poet that is no small feat. I watched the "controversial" clip of Rev. Jeremiah Wright's comments before the National Press Club in DC, and am trying to understand what the controversy is surrounding? Rev. Wright simply sounded like a man who is defending himself against critics, nay-sayers and people who simply do not understand the pressure of being a minority in America, and the responsibility of pastors to not only teach us in spiritual matters, but also in matters of state.

The church is and has always been a place of refuge for blacks in America; a place where we can go and let our hair down, and be comforted among people who share in our trials, celebrate in our triumphs and support us in our tragedies. The church is where black people run for understanding, hope, and support when there is seemingly none from the outside world. When the world beat us up during the Civil Rights era, we ran to the church to help when the outside world offered none. When we were made to believe we weren't human beings worthy of consideration and care and the GOVERNMENT told us were only 3/5 a man, the church told us we were "fearfully & wonderfully made" in the image of God. When slaves were told to be "good niggers" and not to run away from their hateful, oppressive masters, the Afrikan church revealed truth of God found in the book of Exodus and made slaves begin to hope for a Savior! To whites, who feared what would happen when the slaves minds were enlightened to the truth, these remarks were incendiary, but to us it always represented TRUTH!

Now, I do not agree with all of Rev. Wright's comments, but what he offered in his pulpit on "God Bless America" was his OPINION and the last time I checked, free speech was a constitutionally guaranteed right of all Americans. Jeremiah Wright is entitled to his opinion, no matter how controversial they may seem. Senator Obama once said Rev. Wright is like that crazy uncle who said exactly what he thought no matter how rude it may have sounded, and to that I must agree. We all have that crazy relative, but if the truth be told, most times that crazy relative wound up being our favorite relative because they "kept it real!" Rev. Wright spoke before his congregants/family and did what every crazy uncle does - keeps it real! He didn't care if he stepped on toes, offended the sensitivity of visitors, or made Senator Obama look bad - he said exactly what he thought.

How many of us in the comforts of our own home, have made similar remarks about America's mistreatment of black people? How many of us in the barbershop or beauty salon have speculated about the origins of HIV or about the reason behind the 9/11 attacks? Rev. Wright didn't say anything publicly that black people haven't been saying privately for years! He didn't say anything about the September 11th attacks that Michael Moore didn't say in Fahrenheit 9/11! So, why all the drama?

Most black people embrace the incendiary; we laugh at the controversial jokes of black comedians, we nod our heads to the conscious lyrics of neo-soul artists, we dance to songs like "I'm Black and I'm proud!" because what is provocative and controversial to white America is truth to us...

On July 5th, 1852, Frederick Douglas delivered one of the most incendiary speeches in Black History... "What to the slave is the fourth of July?" was delivered the day after America's celebration of Independence Day, before an all-white audience of politicians, abolitionists, and detractors, including the President of the United States; and Douglas did not flinch. He proceeded to tell this white audience his disappointment with America, his disdain for American politics and hypocrisy, and why he will never celebrate the fourth of July. Nearing the close of his speech, Douglas uttered words that have remained with me since I first read this speech in high school; words that reveal the truth - a truth that black people in America have known from the beginning and that whites have denounced as falsehood: "Go where you may, search where you will, roam through all the monarchies and despotism's of the old world, travel through South America, search out every abuse, and when you have found the last, lay your facts by the side of the everyday practices of this nation, and you will say with me, that, for revolting barbarity and shameless hypocrisy, America reigns without a rival."

If Frederick Douglas can deliver such a speech before the President of the United States at a time when black men and women were still enslaved, surely Rev. Wright should be free to share his opinion with us. I mean, this is America, isn't it??

My "Bucket" List - It keeps growing!

2008-04-29T08:00:00.000-04:00

So, earlier this morning I came across a fellow blogger's list of things she wanted to do in her lifetime and it made me think of my own list. So, my "before I kick the bucket" wish list is to (not necessarily in this order):

1) Sky-dive
2) Para sail
3) Write a book
4) Travel to S. Afrika, Greece, Ireland, Dubai, Japan
5) Pay all of my mom's bills OFF!
6) Pay all of my bills OFF!
7) Buy a brand new BMW
8) Buy a needy family or friend a new car
9) Get married
10) Have children, look in their eyes and see myself
11) Perform in Constitution Hall (Washington, DC)
12) Take voice lessons
13) Ride a roller coaster again
14) Go swimming and not care about my hair getting wet! :~)
15) Fly a airplane
16) Go to the shooting range
17) Have a photo shoot with Ross Oscar Knight
18) Sit on the Supreme Court
19) Drive at the Audubon!
20) Drive a motorcycle
21) Go horseback riding on a foreign beach
22) Go snorkeling (without caring about my hair getting wet!)
23) Move to Miami, FL!
24) Pray with Billy Graham
25) Travel to Jerusalem, visit the Via de la Rosa
26) Learn swahili, aramaic, hebrew, and french
27) Send my kids to college - DEBT FREE!
28) Fly first class
29) Fly first class on SOMEONE ELSE'S DIME! :-)
30) Start a clothing line: "Statuesque" for tall women sizes 12-20
31) Be apart of an international prayer and deliverance ministry
32) Go to Memphis for the COGIC convention
33) Visit the COGIC Headquarters
34) To be a Christian song-writer
35) To be a JUDGE (not like Judge Mathis!)
36) To be an entrepreneur
37) Meet Ryan Phillips
38) Meet Tim Lahaje & Jerry B. Jenkins
39) Meet Djimon Hounsou
40) Meet Saul Williams
41) Perform with Amena Brown
42) Meet the Dog Whisperer
43) Meet ROK
44) Everyday laugh until I cry :-)
45) Stand at the top of the Eiffel Tower
46) Spend New Years in NY city
47) Wake up in a new city everyday for a week
48) Ride an elephant
49) Sing with Israel & New Breed, DELUGE, Chris Tomlin, or Dave Crowder
50) Complete at least 3 things on this list by the end of THIS YEAR!
51) Visit an island with black sand
52) Win a SHOPPING SPREE!!! :-)
53) Have a Q&A session with Barack Obama and I'm asking ALL the questions :-)
54) Have my portrait painted
55) Swim with dolphins
56) Be in a movie
57) Learn how to take a compliment!!!
58) Have a vegetable garden! (I've become a country girl, ARGH!)
59) Find $10,000 laying on the ground somewhere :-)
60) See the pyramids in person
61) Meet Michael Eric Dyson (no relation), Cornel West, Tavis Smiley, Bill Cosby, Ruby Dee, Maya Angelou, and so many others...
62) Be invited to Oprah's Legends Luncheon
63) Be the subject of a truthful biography
64) Have a song written about me and performed on stage!
65) Get married in Rutland Chapel at Ridgecrest Christian Center - Asheville, NC
66) Be photographed in the prayer garden at ^^
67) Be Admi(RED)
68) Meet Immaculée Ilibagiza http://www.lefttotell.com/
69) Meet a real Prince
70) Witness a baby being born
71) Go on Deal or No Deal
72) Receive a check written out to me for 6 figures! Whew...
73) Fly on a private jet
74) Have a house custom built
75) Sit under a willow tree on a sunny day until I fall asleep
76) Have a willow tree in my front or back yard
77) Play with my children in the front/back yard under the willow tree
78) Watch my mother play with her grandchildren! :-)
79) Watch my mom get married
80) Watch all of my friends get married

Living Legend

2008-04-28T16:01:00.004-04:00

Sunday, I had the awesome opportunity to sit in the presence of the incomparable NIKKI GIOVANNI! It was just an honor... I am a HUGE Giovanni fan. I've been reading her poetry since I was a girl and I stumbled across an old Nikki Giovanni book in my mother's room. It was love at first sight.

I remember being in college, being addicted to poetry readings, poetry slams, movies, etc... I would sit in poetry readings weekly feeling so drawn to the microphone, but because of fear never got up to perform. Then, one day, equipped with my newest Giovanni book, Love Poems, I walked up to the mic to read one of Ms. Giovanni's poems. After I was done, I was received with a round of applause which I returned with a sheepish smile. After I was done, I was pleased with myself when one of the sister-poets walked up to me and said "Next time I'd like to hear one of your pieces sis..."

I'd been writing poetry since my childhood but never thought my poetry was good enough to share, especially not in a room full of strangers. Poetry to me was very personal and intimate, something only to be shared with a lover or a very, very close friend. So, I continued to be shy about my poetry... Then, one day while searching through other Giovanni books, I came across one poem that changed my opinion of me and my poetry forever!! EGO-TRIPPIN!

I was empowered that day and felt untouchable! Later, I became a regular performer at local open mics and even travelled to out of town poetry events... I learned then what Ms. Giovanni had known all along, "I am SO Hip - Even my errors are correct!"

Here are some pictures from my night of Giovanni!!

My seat was about two rows behind Ms. Giovanni. At first I didn't know who she was, but when I figured it out, I was so nervous! I wanted to root/cheer and be my normal LOUD self, but I didn't want to offend her, LOL!

This is for the Pullman Porters...

She was so funny! Here she's talking about how she fired her mother's doctor over the phone!

I am so perfect, so divine, so ethereal, so surreal
I cannot be comprehended except by my permission

I mean … I … can fly
like a bird in the sky..

Look Up...

2008-04-14T15:14:00.006-04:00

Over the weekend, I was fortunate to speak at a Women's Day conference for a church in Fayetteville, NC. It was such a great event. They had a GREAT turn-out and even had 7 women get saved; it was wonderful!

All week long it had been a struggle to get there. My car started giving me troubles, I was having a major bout with writers block, and I was just overall kind of tired and not feeling inspired to write or go ANYWHERE. At the last minute (Friday afternoon) a friend called me an asked me if I wanted to ride with her to Fayetteville and I quickly accepted. Yay! I was going to be able to go afterall... But, soon afterwards it hit me - I hadn't written Anything for this event, ARGH! Since I didn't think I was going to be able to attend, I stopped fighting with my writers block and just resigned to the fact that I wasn't going to be able to make the event. So, Friday night after work I sat down to start writing this poem... No luck! At 12:00am, I still had only a shell of a poem and I was so frustrated and sleepy, I just went to bed.

The next morning I woke up bright and early and began preparing for the trip to Fayetteville. I picked out my clothes, got dressed, and went to meet my friends at church. On the ride there I confided in my friend that the poem wasn't finished... I Just couldn't get it together. She prayed for me that the right words would come, but when we pulled up to the hotel, I still had nothing! But, right before I was to get up to present the poem, a dance group danced to my theme song for 2007: "Never Would've Made it" by Marvin Sapp. As tears filled my eyes, and others around me stood with outstretched hands and full hearts, it became suddenly clear why no words formed in my mind, why no ending sounded correct, and why no poem ever manifested; the poem this group needed to hear, for this occasion was already inside me... Nothing new was required. So, I walked up to the podium, leaving my wrinkled paper with scribbled words at my seat, and performed from memory, the poem that started my life as a poet.

As I finished and took my seat the applause, the sniffles from around the room and the presence of God assured me that this was the plan all along.

In this season, I am learning more than ever to look up. Not looking to my own understanding or to how things appear to be, but looking up at the author and finisher of my faith and allowing Him to lead... "I will lift up mine eyes to the hills from whence cometh my help, my help cometh from the Lord, the Lord which made heaven and earth..." Psalm 121: 1-2.

Below is the poem I performed for Word of God Christian Center.

The Passion...

"In the evenings, I lay awake awaiting His call
Anxiously…

In the mornings, I open my eyes desiring to face His
Longingly…

In the noonday, I watch, awaiting His invitation
Patiently…
His Passion has incited and inspired me
I’ve been kissed by the Son and there is no other one I see, I am recklessly in love.
I’ve studied the pattern of His Heart, the determination of His stride;
I’ve marveled at the strength of His Hands and the warmth of His gaze;
My ways are not His and at times I am puzzled, but in my Beloved’s Word I receive understanding. My love is both graceful and demanding. There is no satisfying me.

I am His faithful bonds-woman for it was His Passion that freed me. I often recall the day His love found me. I was lying there all alone with labored breath and a heavy soul, in a room full of broken glass hearts & promises and heard His footsteps in the distance, coming towards me. Looking down on me with mercy and not a single word of murmuring, He began craftily & meticulously gluing together the pieces of my shattered existence, wearing the bloodstains proudly on His hands as evidence…

He then carried my broken body to a place of solitude & peace, where He nurtured & fed me. Never once speaking of my transgression, He simply asked for my confession and I obliged. Because He gave, I gave…willfully. I am my Beloved’s & my Beloved is mine.

He loves me from a place where there is neither an end nor time. My Lover is not a man that He should lie, nor is He a sinner like me. He is the Ancient of Days, the Rose of Sharon, Lion of the Tribe of Judah, Adonai, Prince of Peace, Yehoshua ha Mesheach, Deliver, Ruler, and Redeemer…to His Kingdom there is no end.

He has shown me true love through His passion & He has quieted me with His Arms…This love is not crooned over in melancholy tunes – this love is shown by His bruise; exemplified by the piercing in His hands; depicted by the blood-stained cross; shown powerful by the death hH endured in my stance… So, if it is passion you seek, then look to the Lamb, for His love truly is the greatest of all..."

Tiffany Dyson
© 2006

Look Up...

Step up to The Mic and Be Heard...

2008-02-18T16:11:00.004-05:00

Ladies and Gents, its that time again... Time for you to STEP UP to the mic!

Calling all poets, singers, and wordsmiths to come out and represent your gifts for the Glory of God. Featuring local poets, singers, & lyricists, followed by an open mic session - all are invited!

It's going down at "The Basement" (415 N. Edgeworth St. in Greensboro) this Saturday, February 23rd. The cost is just $5 to get in and doors open at 6:30! Space is limited, so GET THERE EARLY!

If you would like to sign up to perform during the open mic session, respond here or email me at cross.poetry@gmail.com. If time permits we will have an on-site open mic sign up as well.

God Bless & We hope to see you there!

CTS Productions Media Team

National Holiday!!!

2008-02-06T12:44:00.000-05:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!!

26 Years ago...

And Today...

My, how times flies!!!!! :-)

A Tribute to Black Men...

2008-02-05T10:02:00.003-05:00

This Black History Month, I wanted to take the time to celebrate great black men, so I thought I would create a group for people who want to celebrate with me!

Below are some GREAT black men selected by sister-friends from various cities and states. Some of them are famous and others more obscure. They are our unsung heroes, our greats, our husbands, friends, fathers, brothers, boyfriends; OUR MEN!

Behold, the greatness that is...

THE BLACK MAN!

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This is my dad, Mark Douglas Sanders who passed away in 2002. I selected him for the obvious reason, he's my daddy, but also because it takes a GREAT, BIG man to recreate himself and right a wrong... R.I.P.

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This is my brother, Artis..."The Original DC Dandata!" LOL. My Brother, Artis is a great black man to me! He's kind, ABSOLUTELY hilarious, and is very generous. If you ever need a good friend/brother, Artis is your man!

"PIMPIN!! who would have ever thought I would love me some Artis so much but I do! Art you are a great friend, jokester, and always down like 2 flats for the cause (especially when food is involved)!!" - Posted by Lashonda Lewis
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Lamman Rucker, a GREAT-looking Black Man!
This "fly boy" lit up the silver screen, alongside co-star and rumored girlfried, Jill Scott, in Tyler Perry's "Why Did I Get Married?" I mean I saw that movie three times just for "Officer Troy." Lamman is no newbie to the bigscreen either, he has had roles on the Young and the Restless and other TV sitcoms. Did y'all see him on Half & Half? I DON'T HATE IT!

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Djimon Hounsou, My Personal Fav. A Great - Philanthropic Man!

Mr. Hounsou is more than eye-candy! He is an activist and philanthroper, raising thousands of dollars to provide safer drinking water, education, and better living conditions for various Afrikan countries.

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Ah, Saul Williams, A Great Poetic Man...

"I presented

my feminine side

with flowers

she cut the stems

and placed them gently

down my throat

and these tu lips

might soon eclipse

your brighest hopes"

Saul Williams is acclaimed by writers, performers, and spoken word artists alike, as the "Bob Marley of poets." Revolutionary, iconic, controversial, aggressive, ecclectic, common...All words used in an attempt to verbalize his gift; all falling short. From student, to actor, musician, performer, activist, Saul Williams is the revolution... And he will not be televised, he is a breakout artist in its rarest form.
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Idris Elba, BKA DJ Driis, a GREAT-Turntable Man!

Women everywhere were mesmerized by Idris Elba's performance as Stringer Bell in HBO's hit series: "The Wire." It didn't bother us that Bell was a drug-dealing, gun carrying, murderous member of the Barksdale drug cartel; we secretly rooted for him. We wanted Idris, eh I meant Stringer, to thrive so we'd be able to see his handsome face just once more.

Since Idris' departure from the Wire in 2007, his fans have remained faithful. Idris has continued to wow! us on the big screen, starring in such films as: Daddy's Little Girls, Sometimes in April, This Christmas (loved the Mohawk!), and most recently in the blockbuster hit "American Gangster" opposite Denzel Washington. Did the actor with the fabulously smooth British accent seem intimidated? Not at all, Idris is destined to be a Hollywood star for many, many moons to come...

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Ross Oscar Knight, A GREAT-Picture Man...

There are few who can capture love’s energy in a frame. Few who can move us to tears, laughter, and amazement in a still, and even fewer who can express the love of God in their craft. Ross Oscar Knight can. His photography captivates, inspires, challenges, and dares us to dream again; daring to dream of love taking on many forms, colors, positions, attitudes, angles, and thought. Knight has mastered joining together the splendor of God’s landscape with the beauty of true love and immortalizes it. A single element in Knights’ photos tells an endless tale of love; its intricacy, its timelessness, its passion, and its extravagance. A colorful dress fit for a Barbados wedding, a single candle casting a glow, the pattern of a wedding band, or the look on a woman's face when she exclaims "Yes, I will marry you!” Knight’s talent and giftedness is just as timeless; his eye for beautiful things just as necessary and his passion for seizing precious moments, just as great...

ROK is a Great Black Man.

________________________________________

What else can be said about them that hasn't already been said?

________________________________________

"THIS MAN RIGHT HERE IS THE LOVE OF MY LIFE!!!! EMANUEL BOUIE!!! MY POPS IS THE BEST FATHER IN ALL THE WORLD....IS HE PERFECT NO BUT PERFECT FOR ME!!! I LOVE MY DADDY!!!!"- Posted by Shetara Bouie, Rochester NY

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THIS IS MY COUSIN WHO I CALL UNCLE ROOSEVELT. TO ME HE IS ONE OF THE GREATEST ATHLETES TO EVER LIVE!!!! SETTING RECORDS STILL TO BE BROKEN AT ONE OF THE BEST SCHOOLS IN UPSTATE NY...SYRACUSE ORANGEMEN!!!! ALSO WENT ON TO PLAY OVERSEAS FOR ITALY WHERE HE BEASTED ON THE COURT. HE NOW RECRUITS YOUNG BLACK MEN TO FOLLOW IN HIS FOOTSTEPS!

-Posted by Shetara Bouie, Rochester NY

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"Such a MAN! Wow, 'Turning Up the Heat with G. Garvin'...he's definitely a pioneer, you don't see our men throwing down in the kitchen...but i'll watch him any day, and eat whatever he cooks...lol"-Posted by Ashantae Johnson, Greensboro NC

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"The influence of God on this young man’s life is reflected in his everyday walk of life. He has a great personality, and I have come to find him to be very 'chipper' whenever I see him (which is quite often). lol. He is a mighty man of valor and sold on being the best man he can be with and in Christ. He is a man of great esteem, character, integrity, humbleness, brokeness, character and I could go on and on but you get the picture. He has a great interest in advancing the Kingdom and I’m excited about what God is going to do through him in the lives of many in the years to come. He is going to be a great husband, father and is already a great friend. I love him and those that know him share the like. He’s none other than Ardarion Richardson and I’ve been blessed to be his rib. Love you Baby!!!"

- Posted by Shalondaismorethanaconquerer, NJ

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"This tribute is to my father, Steven Lewis who is an awesome example of a strong black man. My father placed the responsibility of raising me up to be the woman you all know me as today...top priority. Becoming a father at 16 y.o. (just a baby himself) He slaved in 90+degree to freezing weather as a construction worker to provide cakes on my birthdays, food on the table, clothes on my back, college education...and the list goes on & onSacrifice, dedication, unconditional love, my rock, way maker, provider...sound familiar? I think we all can agree that there is no one who can compare to your Father. Love u daddy."

- Posted by Lashonda Lewis, Greensboro NC.

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"Elder Otis Lockett Jr.....the most anointed college pastor on the east coast!!!....well to me in the world cuz i dont know any other's who preach the gospel like my brother!!! This dude right here is the coolest BIBLICAL preacher I know....21 yrs. old on fire for God, winning souls, and having fun with out compromise.....Might man of God...full of integrity!!!"

- Posted by Shetara Bouie - Rochester, NY

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PASTOR OTIS LOCKETT, Sr. is Senior Pastor of Evangel Fellowship Church of God In Christ where he not only teaches the Word of God, but also lives it. He is a man of excellence, integrity, dignity, and humility. He is also the founder of the Malachi House, a Christian Rehabilitation program for men that have struggled with drugs and other addictions. It is truly a privilege to call him Pastor and I thank God for him daily. EFC will always be home for me! - Posted by Ashley Hill, 6:10 Creative - Buckhead, GA

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"My oldest brother Demetrius Johnson Sr. He has always been the father I never had. He stepped over the responsiblities of brother and became my friend and guardian. Without him in my life now and in the past I would not be who I am and the person I am meant to become. Love ya bro!!" - Posted by Gabrielle Poe, Greensboro NC

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"Jameson! Me and J have known each other since we were kids. We have been singing with each other for a very long time too as matter of fact, we are in a group now! Jameson is a very sweet guy (sometimes :) but overall he is always keeps me laughing! I Love U J!"

- Posted by Kendra Diggs

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"He is one the most giving people you will ever encounter. Never turns his back on those in need. Loves the Lord and knows that without God nothing is possible. His hard working, ambitious, never giving up attitudes help to separate him from the norm; He is a son, brother, uncle, cousin, and best of all my husband" - Posted by Rebecca A. Muse, Washington DC

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"This tribute is to My friend/my one and only Mr. johnnie ray jones jr :). I have to honestly say that this caption box could not possibly hold all the great things that make up this wonderful man of God. He is a man after God's own heart and I can truly say "unlike any other man I have ever met" He is true to himself, giving, kind, understanding, patient, loves God, loves his mama!, and loves me :) oh and has the cutest dimples--I am blessed to have such a wonderful man in my life who with God's grace- I can spend the rest of my life with."

- Posted by Lashonda Lewis - Greensboro, NC

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"This is my Big brother in the faith, and although I haven’t known him extremely long, he has been extremely helpful in my walk. He tells me the unadulturated truth when I want to hear it and also when I don’t. He is firm in the faith and I feel like I can always talk to him about anything. He is a man of great strength, integrity and humbleness. I thank God for seeing fit to bless with the best brother He could find. AGAPE!!! Grace and Peace!!!"

- Posted by Shalondaismorethanaconquerer, NJ

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Well, Hellur...

Tyler Perry, A Great-Funny Man!

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"Porter Myrick III, is the best guy friend one can ever dream of having. His character is EVERYTHING a black man should aspire to be. In him I have seen what a remarkable creation God really can make. I'm glad I can say all this and he won't think I "like him" I know God sent him in my life to show me what I would have never imagine would exist in a man. I call him my friend and I call him my HERO." - Posted by Star Surgeon, Greensboro NC

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Q. O'Brien Wherry is a true man of God. He is a warrior and servant in the Lord's army. Giving his all to everyone and everything. Sharing the love that God has shown him with everyone he comes in contact with. I praise God for blessing me with someone so wonderful. Mrs. Aquita Wherry, Huntsville, AL

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Sisters, now its your turn...Send me your comments with your vote for a GREAT black man, email me his picture cross.poetry@gmail.com, tell me why you think he's great and I'll add him!

Let's Celebrate Our Brothers!

Blessings...

Seasons

2008-01-30T11:29:00.001-05:00

I'm so excited about 2008! Not just excited because it's a new year, I mean that's definitely great & PRAISE GOD for another year, but there is something more to my excitement. Last year was full of disappointment, failure, and hardship, so to again walk with expectation and hope is by itself, enough reason to be excited, but that's still not it.

This feeling is like watching a snow storm form on a Sunday night when school is scheduled for the next day. Watching the TV, listening to the radio, and checking online weather forecasts simultaneously just to hear the news as soon as its released: "NO SCHOOL TOMORROW!" Or, like Christmas Eve when you were a child; far to excited to sleep, you sat awake for hours just imaging the presents underneath your tree.

I'm that kind of excited! Some nights, too inspired to sleep, I sit in my dimly lit room with pencil and paper, letting my dreams spill over into sonnets. Reading my Bible with expectancy and listening to the Word, anxious to hear God's message for me. This year, I am allowing my imagination to run freely, curious as to where it will take me. I Have Only Postive Expectations....HOPE.

To say that I have a lot of goals for this year is a gross understatement. My plate is stacked high & full of dreams! I am going back after every dream that was deferred in 2007. Law School (My LSAT is on February 2nd), A Relationship (I hadn't really allowed myself to think about this or hope for it in 2007, but now I'm expecting it to happen & planning for it in '08), and Poetry. I fully plan for 2008 to be the year my poetry is taken to higher level. Last year, I played with it and worked on it as a hobby, but this year, I am going after it and believing it to happen. I'm about to grind for real! I've got some big things on the horizon for 2008, so keep your eyes peeled for new stuff from me soon.

Con Amor Siempre,

CROSSpoet

"It's a new season, it's a NEW DAY!"

Use Me... (mini poem)

2008-01-24T18:44:00.002-05:00

I am moving within lyrical waves
I am swaying within the power of His might, staying...
He is birthing a NEW Sound through me
And like a lowly midwife, I am but assisting and coaching the rebirth of His poetry
It is not I that controls this language, but His Word that leads me
Allowing His light and creativity to shine through me
His words to soothe me
I am His Holy, SOULy, and totally.

USE ME...