Dr. Maya Angelou

Yesterday evening is one I'll never forget. I was able to sit in on a lecture by Dr. Maya Angelou. I NEVER imagined that I would EVER have the opportunity to be in the same room with her… Let me just tell you.. I've admired this lady since I was a little girl. I recited her poems in Black History Programs and I've done tons of book reports on some of her books. I admired her story. I admired her strength. I admired her courage. How could a little girl who didn't speak for six years be smart enough to read and relate to Shakespeare and Edgar Allen Poe? EAP "eep" was what she called him in her head. How could a little girl who thought her voice could kill grow up to be an amazing speaker and poet? I was inspired by her intelligence. It was the first "smart" person I knew... In my head.

I wanted to be like her. I wanted to be a poet and speak to the world in whatever language I chose that day! Lol So I wrote. Every day I wrote a poem. I have journals full of poetry at home that I've shared with very few people. Then one day I stopped writing. I mean, I pick up my journal every now and then, but I don’t write nearly as often as I did. But moving on…

“When it looked like the sun wouldn’t shine, God put a rainbow in the sky?”

She sang those lyrics when she came out. She reminded us that we all have had rainbow experiences. And because God put those rainbows in our lives, it’s time for us to be someone’s rainbow. She encouraged us to live life with purpose. She also showed us what it's like to laugh and be funny. She's hilarious! I had know idea. I also learned that through her poetry, she quickly forgives. If she is angered by something or someone, she turns it into a poem that makes her laugh. She shared a poem called "Health Food Diner" that was soooo funny. It was inspired by a rude waitress at a health food diner who judged her for being a smoker! She hasn't smoked in over 20 years and even encouraged those who do to stop that night. I wonder if anyone made the decision to stop smoking that night. I would have. Lol Anyway, She said that she was going to have that poem and others put on Belmont's website. You better believe I'll be checking the website.

She recited a few of her favorite poems by other poets as well. Her love for poetry was so evident in that moment. With each poem, she took a deep breath as if she were channeling the character in the poem. She brought those poems to life! Poetry is more than just lines that rhyme to her. It's her passion! I was inspired by that. It even made me ask myself.. What am I THAT passionate about?? I don't think I know.

Another thing that I recognized was how tall she was. I remembered two guys assisted her to her seat on stage. Those guys were tall yet Maya was almost as tall as them. When she sat, I noticed that her legs were long like mine. I was still shocked to hear her say that she is 6'0". WE'RE THE SAME HEIGHT! In my head, she's my grandmother. Now, in fun, I'll share that I get my height from my grandmother Maya Angelou! Lol

"You're alright. Not only are you alright, you're just right."

I smiled when she said that. lol... That's my grandmama yall! She encouraged us to take risks and to say yes to every good opportunity that is presented to us. I tell you, it was a night to remember. : ) She called us “her children” which of course you know made me feel even closer to her. Lol I honestly felt like I was sitting in between her thighs getting my hair done while she poured wisdom into my life. It was that personal for me. I was sooo happy to be there and am glad that at the last minute someone encouraged me to go! It was awesome!

I was a “G” that night and recorded the entire speech after being told that we were not allowed to videotape it. *shrugs* I’m sooo glad I did. I can’t wait to listen to it again! Anywhoo.. I just wanted to share a night that I will cherish for the rest of my life…

Until next time,
♥ Stix

Social Networking.

Last week I made a commitment not to check my Twitter or Facebook for an entire week. I just wanted to see if I could do it. I have no real addiction to either one, but I did notice that I checked both every time I picked up my phone. And for those who don't know me... I pick up my phone a lot. Hmm... sounds like an addiction? *shrugs* Naww..

Day One:

I woke up and what did I do before thanking God for waking me up that morning or even putting on my freakin' glasses?? CHECKED TWITTER!! "What the heck am I doing?" was my first thought after realizing that I was doing exactly what I said I wouldn't. lol smh. I got up and read my daily devotion instead. I found myself doing this same thing throughout the day during my breaks at work. Every thought I had I wanted to post on TWITTER!! Why all of a sudden do my thoughts feel the need to be publicly displayed? THAT'S NOT EVEN LIKE ME! I don't like people in my head like that. smh...

Day Two:

I decided to tell my fiance' (smile) what I was doing. I figure if I told someone what I was doing, I would feel somewhat obligated to stick to my goal. Did it work?? Heck to the No. Maybe I should have blogged about it or something. *shrugs* I decided that every time I thought to check or actually checked these sites, I would STOP and PRAY!! Best decision I could have ever made. I developed a habit of praying that I didn't expect. HA! Man, I was talking to God all the time. "Ohh dang, God! I DID IT AGAAAAIIIINN!!" I was of course frustrated at first, but as I continued to pray, I felt better. It was actually pretty cool.

By DAY THREE, I was no longer Twitter or Facebook watching! I was really, slick over it. I thought about it, yes, but I didn't find myself checking those sites without really knowing. Is that not a scary thought to you? Developing such a habit of doing something that you end up doing it without much thought. HOW THE HECK DID THESE THINGS TAKE OVER MY LIFE? Why didn't my prayer life or devotion time with God work like that? LOL

With the extra time, I found myself being more productive in school and in my home activities. I don't think my apartment has ever been so clean... *coughs* All but my room anyway! lol

Yes, I'm back to enjoying the life of both Twitter and Facebook, but now I don't feel an obligation to check or comment either one. Honestly speaking, I could straight up delete them both and find something better to do with my time. *thinks about it* Naw, I'm straight. lol

But think about... Could you honestly go without Facebook or Twitter for a week? Try it and see how much time you have on your hands.

Anyway, work is almost over... I'll go ahead and publish this post! Disregard any errors... I haven't proofread this. I'm sure I'll regret it later!

Until next time,

♥ Stix

Boy meets Girl: Say hello to courtship

My fiance' (I just loooooove saying that *smile*) and I have a few books that we are reading together. One of them is called "Boy meets Girl: Say hello to courtship." Pastor Justin Cox of P4CM suggested it at the beginning of the year. We're not done with the book, but so far I am blown away. It has opened the door for great conversation between Darius and I and it has also taught me a thing or two about Godly relationships.

Without revealing too much, I'll say that this book clearly defines what it means to court. I've heard the word mentioned time and time again and would equate it to my grandparents dating back in the day. lol This book tells us otherwise. "Courtship is dating with a purpose. It's romance chaperoned by wisdom. It's a way of approaching relationships that can help us live out the truths of God's Word as we pursue our heart's desire." Sounds deep, huh?? It's really good. It's an easy read as well. It's not one of those lame, hard to read, how-to books. I promise. It's very interesting and many couples are referenced in many different scenarios.

Joshua Harris recommends this book to those who are single, in relationships, and those who are preparing for marriage. I can easily see how this is for all audiences. I think I would have done things differently had I read this book when I was single. He also suggested that those in relationships read it with your spouse. You would be surprised at the conversations it will spark.

Anywhoo... I'm done! Check it out if you're looking for a good read!

Until next time,

♥ Stix