EVERYBODY HAS A HAIRSTORY, OH YEAH I’M GOING
THERE!
IN THE BEGINNING, BEFORE THE BEGINNING
BEGAN,
THERE WAS HAPPY HAIR!
A HAPPY HEAD IS NOT DEAD.
I SAID A HAPPY HEAD
IS NOT DEAD,
BUT FULL OF LIFE AND
VITALITY!
SPRINGY, BOUNCY, TIGHT CURLY
SOFT, SPONGY, IN BETWEEN KNOTS,
THE FRO’ AND WONDERFUL LOCKS.

We Are Family, By Bloodlines and By Choice. This revelation was received through the powerful words of Neurosurgeon Eben Alexander in his book “Proof of Heaven”, a true story about his near death experience. He wrote:

“None of us are orphans, we have ‘other family’ beings who are watching and looking out for us… none of us are ever unloved. Each and everyone of us is deeply known and cared for by a Creator, who cherishes us beyond any ability we have to comprehend…”

Even though a hallow, aching feeling lingers from being “cut off” (as in, ceased contact with the people I care most about), I persist to stay connected. Sometimes I wonder, if I did not reach out, would I ever hear from anyone? Everyone is so busy with very full lives, and even with the best of technology at our finger tips, keeping in touch is remarkably challenging.

Sometimes I feel like a child fiercely holding on to a helium balloon – a relationship – that one day slips out of hand. The helium balloon is in full view, then ascends into the heavens, never to be seen again. When I moved to Saudi Arabia many of my balloons rose out of sight. No matter how hard I tried to tie the balloon around my wrist or theirs, they would still let go.

Clearly, God is trying to perfect a spirit of forgiveness in me. Soulmates are not here forever, and it is good that the helium balloons eventually become a part of history.  My mind still wants to hold on to the beautiful, colorful memories, but it is time to stop trying so hard; it is impossible to retain something that has already been released. It is time to move on.

Talking to yourself is fine, makes you feel much better; talking with each other is divine, makes your better sublime! (adapted from Earth, Wind and Fire, “All About Love”)

Talking for talkings sake is not enough. When Viktor Frankl was challenged in a Nazi prison camp to find solutions to problems that were grounded in “right action and right conduct”, we too are in need of a “fundamental change in our attitude toward life”, as well as to each other.* Let the circle be unbroken, my sisters and brothers, even though we are many different members. We are united by the Holy Spirit. Remember, only the Holy Spirit can fix our hearts.

Many people wonder, what’s a Sista doing in da desert! It’s been quite a journey, my role has been as a “pioneer” in the background of this project unfolding by the Red Sea. I have been charged with setting up the health and wellness center for the graduate students from over 70 different countries. That is another story for another time.

Today, I took in the beauty surrounding me on campus and a long ride along the Red Sea, reflecting on it’s healing properties. I also got to visit this amazing net sculpture by American artist Janet Echelman, who reshapes urban airspace by setting up public net sculptures that choreograph environmental forces like wind, water and sunlight. Beautiful! Then, the “peaceful” moment was sealed by a surprise gift from California! Adwo (Peace & Calm) Blessings abound when we stop to pay attention.

Psychologist Robert Emmons writes about the power of gratitude in helping to maintain a positive, healthy outlook on life, as well as the impact of such on our mind, body, and soul care.

A few years ago, I was blessed with the wonderful opportunity to review a story board, soundtrack and rough clips for a major animation project. The directors and producers wanted to be sure that the script portrayed accurate and positive cultural representations of the characters. It was an enjoyable assignment and also one that reminded me of the importance of understanding context and capacity in crafting our personal and collective stories. In scripting your story for 2013, and as 2012 has faded to black, you have the power to release negative thoughts and feelings, re-write your story and represent to win.

In my mind’s eye, I can see a stretch of sand and teal blue sea that sends a fresh ocean breeze through open windows, with silk sheer white curtains blowing gently at the side.

What do you do
when dreams don’t come true?
Those sweet whispers that
never developed a viable voice;
never had a full say,
by destiny and choice.
Wanted to be a “Mama” with
someone to love and smother,
yet Jesus called you
to love one another;
He’s the Significant Other.
One day you’ll be among
grandmothers and still
could nurture someone
that God uncovers,
–just for you–
Be still and know,
He’s directing the next show!
What do you do
when dreams don’t come true?
Close your eyes and rest awhile
After a sanctified selah season,
God’s gonna give you a reason to smile!
In fact, in your sleep,
He’ll show you a vision,
of something real,
to hold and to keep!

s.t. porter

“Day unto day utterth speech, and night unto night showeth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard” (Psalm 19:2-3, KJV)

“There is nothing that God has planned and purposed that He will not do and there is nothing He has purposed that He cannot accomplish” –Victor Adeyemi (2000, pg. 73).