GRACE is Not Karma
This is my final reflection on the Book of Acts. I felt led to read this New Testament book on the beginnings of the Christian church, given the current state of the “new beginnings” of the church of the 21st century. We are trying to emerge from a pandemic that has shaken and transformed the world in ways we never imagined. We are witnessing the invasion and destruction of the nation ofREAD MORE
Loving Yourself
Loving yourself is not about vanity. Vain people usually don’t love themselves, and they make a show of themselves trying to do so. Loving yourself is not about putting your body on display. People who put themselves on display do so because deep inside they feel invisible, and they just want to be seen – by anyone. Loving yourself is not screaming your soul-pain so loudly, trying to draw others to you,READ MORE
Lessons From A Tree In Winter
As I sit in my favorite space during this winter season, I have quieted my soul and spirit to receive all God has for me. There is a tree outside my window that has been shedding leaves for the past few months. I noticed, as autumn progressed, that there were a few leaves that stubbornly remained on that tree. Despite the rain, wind, and sun beating down on it, that tree wouldREAD MORE
You are a QUEEN!
My mother loved to teach me – about life, people, and about learning more and more about everything! She was a permanent student, and I became a permanent student as well. I became a permanent student because that’s how I received my affirmation. I was affirmed by what I learned and how I performed, not necessarily by who I was. At least this is the message I’ve carried deep within me allREAD MORE
What’s History and Culture Got To Do With It?
This blog post consists of portions from Chapter 6 of my book, which explores the history and impact of abortion on black women. It is a rather lengthy post, and it arose out of several discussions I had on social media regarding this difficult topic. It steps on the toes of folks on both sides of the aisle politically, but it is an issue that goes beyond politics. This is an issueREAD MORE
Reflections on the Heart of the Church
“I know that during this pandemic we have changed our rituals and our programs, but the real question is have we changed our heart? The pandemic mandated a change of rituals and programs, but God says he is not interested in that. What God wants is our heart!!!!! —Pastor Vickie Jones God does not want just the outward rituals and programs we show the world. God wants my heart, my very being,READ MORE
WHEN I FEEEL SAD: A Psychiatrist Talks About the Care of Soul and Spirit During Sad Times
Disclaimer: This post focuses on the care of the spirit and soul when dealing with depressive disorders. For those of you on medications to treat mood, anxiety, and other psychiatric disorders, please consult your physician and follow his or her guidance regarding your medical treatment. As a psychiatrist, I know that medications are crucial to stabilizing the effects of many mental disorders. What I am sharing with you in this blog postREAD MORE
Ten Things to Do While Cocooning: Transformation and Self-Care in the Age of the Coronavirus
I am fascinated by butterflies! After my beautiful mom died, I believe she let me know she was in the arms of our Savior in the form of a beautiful red butterfly that met me at the same place on my daily walk for three days. The butterfly reveals a beautiful picture of transformation, resurrection, and new life. What we see in the natural realm also takes place in the spiritual realm.READ MORE
A Conversation About the Serenity Prayer For Difficult Times.
The Serenity Prayer is a powerful prayer for life. Its precepts inspire us to live our best lives now, in spite of the painful challenges life often brings our way. Even before any of us heard of the coronavirus, many of us were dealing with difficult life circumstances – painful marriages, children in turmoil, concerns on the job, lay-offs, health scares, our own mental health crises, and other struggles that often keptREAD MORE