a scriptural testimony

Published September 23, 2009 Religion Leave a Comment
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Today I went to bible study/Wednesday night Worship service at a local church in Alexandria.  The commute is not the easiest, but it is always well worth it, and this evening was certainly no exception.

I arrived right on time to hear the pastor make several general announcements and begin with the testimony part of the program.  The structure of testimony was a bit different on this occasion.  Instead of sharing a particular event in our lives where the Lord has manifested his awesomeness in such a way that we feel compelled to share the good news with others; everyone shared their testimony in a form of a biblical verse.

I read one of my favorite psalms from the Old Testament.  And of course I wanted to share it with all of you…

1 O LORD, you have searched me
and you know me.

2 You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.

3 You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.

Psalms 139; New International Version

Passages evoke different emotions from each reader.  Every time I read this particular chapter I get goosebumps.

Why?  Because Psalms 139 encapsulates my relationship with God (as I understand it now, of course).

It is the literary summary of me acknowledging that despite the magnificence and grandeur that he is… I matter to him.

I am not simply a part of the masses but rather an individual he earnestly, genuinely and fervently cares about.  And that thought alone makes me feel rather special.

I only read the first three verses of the chapter (as quoted above) but I do urge you to read it in its entirety if this text is unfamiliar to you.  And if it is, read it again.

à bientôt
xoxo

it is official world… I’m a vegetarian

Published September 11, 2009 Lifestyle Leave a Comment
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This is a long time in the making, but I have made the leap from omnivore to herbivore.

*and the crowd goes wild*

The choice was rather an easy one, although; I have put it off for the past 8 months.

Not being a big meat eater and all I didn’t think it would be too difficult and this week an inner voice told me to, “Just do it.”  Cold turkey too!  I’m on day five and I feel rather fine, except I’m still battling this cold I caught last Saturday.

I know you must have a plethora of questions for me so I’ll discuss them one at a time.

Q: What kind of vegetarian are you?

A: I am a lacto-ovo-pesco vegetarian, meaning I will continue to eat dairy products, eggs and fish.  Some may criticize me for this, but understand I am becoming a vegetarian for health reasons and not for activism purposes, so I still plan on wearing leather.

Q: What was one of your main motivations for this transition?

A: I started 2009 with the intent to finding inner peace and being the best ME: emotionally, physically, spiritually.  And in getting to know my body and myself, I discovered that a meat eating diet is slowly deteriorating my body.  I still get a bit queasy in considering all the hormones, antibiotics and tranquilizers used in the producing and growth of these animals we consume which subsequently enter our diet.   That compiled with the pre death state of mind of these animals and the undeniable fact our digestive tract is designed more for a herbivore diet than an omnivore one, sealed the deal for me.

Q:  Are you learning new dishes yet?

A: Well this week I have eaten lots of pasta, salads and dairy.  I plan on visiting my local Boarders sometime this weekend to buy my very first vegetarian cookbook.  How exciting!

Q: Any foreseeable downside to this transition?

A: The only problem I will probably have with this new lifestyle is accepting the concept of imitation meat.  I never understood that.  What is the purpose of eating a meat-less chicken burger… quite strange?

I will keep you all posted on this one.
xoxo

social assult

Published September 10, 2009 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Today an incident took place which forced me to reflect on past instances when my personal space has been invaded to such an extent, I have felt violated and vulnerable.  There is no term or phrase (that I can think of at the moment) that can really explain these occurrences, so I’ve coined the term social assault.

Definition:

so·cial as·sault  [ sṓshəl ə sáwlt]

Instances when an individual demeans, invades, and/or disregards another’s space without consent while simultaneously not causing sufficient injury to warrant an arrest.

Twice this week I was socially assaulted.  The two instances are very different from one another; but ultimately both had me feeling powerless and vulnerable.

The first occurred on my way to work one morning.  I was making my way down the infamous Georgia Avenue in DC towards the Shaw-Howard metro station.  My pace was fast and steady, my eyes fixated on the newest book in my possession.  Walking-reading-walk-read…. That was my pace.

While almost to my destination I passed by two young men boys.  I was startled to overhear one of them say,

“I can’t stand them Howard bitches, they act so stuck up.”

A bit frightened and confused I picked up my pace, stopped reading my book, and headed into the metro station.   Sadly it wasn’t the first time I heard someone refer to me as a bitch or make generalizations about the HU community… so that part didn’t upset me too much.  But it was how the statement was said.  There was this fiery intensity behind this young man’s voice… filled with rage, anger, malice.  It was one of such clear deep rooted hatred that I thought he would get up from his seat and at any moment and physically attack me.  Needless to say, that incident left a sour impression on me for the rest of my day.

The second incident was more covert (and legal).  It happened at a Smithsonian gallery.

Sidebar: Even when it is for my protection, I hate being searched.  Privacy is a very important concept for me.  And bag searches (yes, even at museums) feel demeaning and intrusive.

So in visiting the gallery, I am required to open my handbags and show a security officer its content.  Needless to say I felt like a criminal while being poked, prodded and questioned.  Don’t get me wrong, I understand the need for searches at certain public buildings, but for my sanity I’ve resolved from this day forward I will not bring any totes or backpacks with me when I frequent those places.

So I want some feedback on this one… what do you think of my definition of social assault?  Let me know what you think of my two experiences and share an instance when you have been socially assaulted.

This is the true story… Real World DC

Published August 7, 2009 Entertainment Leave a Comment
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Don’t know if you’ve heard but the 23rd instalment of MTV’s the Real World is being be filmed in DC right now.

Now maybe it’s because I have watched this show for as long as I can remember but I was  extremely excited when I got the news.

I will admit, it was surprising to find out the number of Washingtonians who reject the idea of Real World DC.  To them I say… “Suck it up and deal with it, they’re here already.”

Here are some sites to check out so you can keep up with all things Real World DC… whether you love them or hate them.

top5: blogs I’m loving at the moment

Published August 6, 2009 Entertainment , top5 Leave a Comment
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replace book with kindle 2 or a laptop and you get the picture

I love blogging and so it comes to no surprise that I love reading the post of fellow bloggers. The following is a list of my some of my favorite blogs at the moment.

5.
Living the Dream
It’s a blog about the a 20+ Georgia peach who is currently serving as a Peace Corps volunteer in Africa. I just discovered it, but I was instantly hooked.

4.
Margaret and Helen
This is the funniest blog. The authors are supposedly two lifelong fiends born in the mid 1920’s.  Regardless, the satire used in talking about national politics is quite hilarious. Especially when imagining your great-grandmother spewing this kind of humor

3.
Mr. Slish
Mr. Slish is a one way window into the life of a black man living in NYC. I discovered this blog about two years ago.  To my (then perceived) misfortune, the author had decided to stop blogging.   But that didn’t stop me from reading.

I remember for 1 whole week I read through the entire archives of this blog.  I think what got me hooked was how candid he was about everything.  He laid it all out on the net for all to see, no holds barred.  I admired that, mostly because I could not imagine letting the world into my world.

Since then, I’m happy to say Mr. Slish has returned to the blogging world.  So there is fresh content to entertain you.

2.
Me, Myself An Eye
Authored by a fellow bison who now resides in NYC, this blog is quite hilarious.  She is such an honest writer, I love reading her work.  I do not always agree with her opinions, but her writings are definitely thought provoking.  Can not say much more except, “It’s really good,” so go read it.

1.
The Kitchen Table
The Kitchen Table is by two Princeton Professors, Melissa Harris-Lacewell and Yolanda Pierce, who write about a plethora of topic’s ranging from politics to current events.  This blog, which is both enlightening and witty, is structured like a conversation between the two scholars.

I first came across it when seeing Professor Harris-Lacewell on the Bill Moyers show back in May of 2007, speaking on the topics of race and gender.   Then later I heard her speak as a guest on Amy Goodman’s Democracy Now.  Since then I’ve read many of her articles and found this blog.  I did not know of Professor Pierce before this blog, but I thoroughly enjoy reading her thoughts and opinions.  The Kitchen Table is undergoing some changes but still check it out.

*Please note: although numerically ordered for the purpose of this post, I do not consider any one of these on-line journals better than another. Their contents and writing style are very diverse, but equally entertaining and eye opening.

Life beyond “the yard”

Published August 5, 2009 Education , Lifestyle , World 1 Comment
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Often I reflect on the meaning of my existence in relation to others and wonder if I am positively affecting the world by being here.

And I ask myself, “If life could be measured on a scale, how would mine measure?”

As my pursuit of a degree slowly approaches the finish line, I’m thinking beyond the diploma and beyond the campus yard.

Without question I have always wanted to go to law school. But as of late I’ve been contemplating serving my global community by joining the Peace Corps.

That’s where I am right now… between law school & peace corps applications.

shootings @ Holocaust Museum in DC

Published June 10, 2009 News , Religion Leave a Comment
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About 30 minutes ago I got off the Smithsonian metro station and started walking towards my destination; the US Holocaust Memorial Museum, USHMM.  I’m in the middle of writing a paper of some of the psychological effects of the Holocaust on today’s generation, in particular myself, and needed to finish some much needed research.

When I arrive at 14th and Independence, I notice a large crowd of tourist and onlookers gathering. There was also a conglomerate of police officers and police vehicles (both marked and unmarked) flanking the entire block.  News-reporters were running back and forth with their camera crews and patrol officers tried to control the crowd by asking everyone to disperse.

“Maybe the President is visiting the Department of Agriculture (which is in close proximity to the USHMM) I though.”  I had no way of getting to my destination and didn’t know what was going on.

When I finally asked a bystander what was happening, they informed me someone, (which has now been confirmed as actually two shooting victims), had just gotten shot at USHMM.

The despair… the Holocaust Memorial Museum of all places?

UPDATE: 6/10/09 @3:31pm
There was so much more I wanted to mention earlier but typing on my Palm Centro for too long can become quite strenuous on both my eyes and thumbs.  So here goes “the rub.”

I know the professional news reporters are all over this one, but I needed to share my experience with you… because this unfortunate incident has become a testimony for me.

This morning as I was getting ready to leave my house I was running late… I must have left my house and gone back in, no less than 4 times.  First it was my umbrella, then a book, then I needed to change my shirt and I don’t remember what else specifically that delayed me 10 minutes. And then I finally left.

But as I stood at that corner staring at my intended destination and hearing the news of what had just transpired minutes before my arrival I had to ask, “What would have happened if I didn’t go back home? Would I still be writing this post?”

Today was a much needed reminder that I serve the Living God.  And as imperfect as I am, JEHOVAH-JIREH has a plan for me.  And days like yesterday, when I thought of myself as unworthy or not good enough, have become irrelevant. It is a reminder not to be discouraged, but instead to trust in the Lord.

The Value of Life

Published April 22, 2009 Politics Leave a Comment
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This morning I found myself thinking, “Money makes people do the wildest things?”

I awoke from a late night of studying, and I could hear the voice of anchor woman Contessa Brewer, reporting on the morning news.  The first thought that came to mind was “I overslept… AGAIN!”

I missed Morning Joe and needed to get out of bed to make a cup of tea.  But the always so somber demeanor of Secretary Timothy Geithner on the television screen prompted my attention. He was addressing the Economic Club of Washington. In his speech Secretary Geithner stated;

The world economy is going through the most severe crisis in generations…

We bear a substantial share of the responsibility for what has happened… [And] never before in modern times has so much of the world been simultaneously hit by a confluence of economic and financial turmoil such as we are now living through.

“What else is new,” is all I retorted.

I started to get out of bed, but once again  the news coverage distracted me.  This time the story was much more terrifying. It was about the “purported suicide” of Freddie Mac’s Acting Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President, David Kellermann.

Quite ironic and sad to say the least; the parallel between the Geithner speech, and Kellermann’s untimely death. Here you have a 47-year-old Secretary of the Treasury addressing his colleagues about the state of the economic crisis and nearly 16 miles away, in your typical east coast suburb, a 41-year-old Chief Financial Officer presumably ends his life as a result of that same economic crisis.

If the autopsy does corroborate police speculation, no one will ever really know why Kellermann did what he did. We can speculate that maybe he committed suicide because he felt overwhelmed at the task set before him, or maybe he buckled under the pressure of the nation’s dependence of him or maybe it could have been guilt; somehow feeling personally responsible or at least partly liable as a result of his involvement with Freddie Mac.

But beyond all else, the hearing of the “suicide” somehow echoed and even solidified many parts of Secretary Geithner’s speech.

“Am I being illogical in thinking this recession may be worse than many of our leaders say it is?”

Entering into this era is rather terrifying. I wish I did not feel so in the dark about the sate of our State.

question of the week: #7 why don’t HBCUs get any love?

Published March 31, 2009 Education , question of the week Leave a Comment
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While getting my Monday fix of non-essential but tres entertaining television, I tuned in to watch one of my new favorite reality shows; Harlem Heights, HH, on BET.

It’s a show about a group of 20 something friends living in Harlem, New York and trying to pursue their dreams. Now I will be the first to admit how critical I have been of past BET programs. I see the potential the network has and I’m quite saddened by the untapped potential, to say the least. None- the- less being the Hills and the City crack-fene that I am, I just had to tune in. Can you really blame me?

So like I was saying I’m watching episode four of the show between reading chapters of my sociology book. In this episode it’s been established that Christian and Ashlie have gone on several dates. Ashlie feels comfortable enough to ask Christian to double date with her good friend Alley and Alley’s boyfriend Lamar (aka Lamally). Christian isn’t the biggest fan of Lamar I’m not really sure what happened between the two of them but since he is really into Ashlie he agrees to the double date. During a particular scene the four of them are eating dinner and Lamar says to Christian something like, “Why did you go to Morehouse, and not a ‘regular’ college.”

A regular college Lamar? For real! I guess by regular college he meant a predominantly white institution or a school with a curriculum which completely shuts out any non-Anglo Saxon perspective. I tried to ignore the ignorant comment but my suppressed annoyance surfaced Thursday evening. It all started when Tatiana and I went to a local bar in Georgetown to watch the Duke v. Villanova game (it’s march madness, why not).  We met some folks there and befriended friends of friends. We are all chatting, drinking, cheering having a jolly ol’ time and somehow when the clock struck 12 ignorance started spewing out of one particular guy’s mouth.

We were asked where we attended school. And once the cat was out the bag all hell broke loose and the attacks just kept on coming:

“You really think Howard is preparing you for the real world?  What do you think your gonna do once you join the work force?”

(sigh) I quit, your right.  There is no way an esteemed institution of higher education which is composed of primarily African American students, faculty, and staff can properly equip me with the necessary education and tools to be successful in my post collegiate career.  My success in the work force is solely contingent on the amount of melanin in my professors skin and not dependent on the course work, internships, and research that I have done.

is howard dean ok?

Published February 20, 2009 Politics Leave a Comment
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Last night I was watching Coutdown with Keith Olbermann on MSNBC.  The 4th segments, GOP Govenors put 2012 plans ahead of states,  featured commentary from former DNC chairman and New Hampshire Governor Howard Dean.

I couldn’t help but to notice the small frame of the former Presidential candidate.  His demeanor seemed a bit subdued even.  I wonder if its intentional weight loss, aging or a more serious reason.  I haven’t read anything about this on the blogosphere.  Several people have mentioned his weight loss but no-one knows for sure if all is well with him.

It is certainly possible I am exaggerating his physical features, but has anyone else notice a significant physical change of Howard Dean?

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