​These recent weeks have been tough for both the African-American community and law enforcement after killings of African-American males by law enforcement and then retaliation by one man who killed several police officers. As I’m writing this three more officers have been killed and three wounded in Baton Rouge. Passions are high. There were and still are protests in cities across the country. Almost every public figure who spoke out said something along the lines of ‘the killing must stop’. We as a nation, the African-American community and law enforcement are challenged to come up with a solution to end the violence and unnecessary taking of lives.

​Having been raised in the church all of my life I believed that to think about loving yourself was selfish, self-centered, and certainly not godly. I frequently, well pretty much always, gave up what I wanted so that others could have what they wanted and all in the name of loving others.  After all, Jesus said the second greatest commandment is to love your neighbor as yourself, right? Well at least I got the first part right. It was the loving myself part where I failed miserably.

​Valentine’s Day just passed and as expected love filled the air.  Restaurants were booked to capacity. Flower shops could hardly keep up with the last minute frenzy. Chocolate sales spiked and social media was flooded with posts and images of couples declaring their love for one another to the world. If you are happily single as I am then your face and your heart could not help but smile at the many displays of love all around.  But there are still some people in relationships that have a misunderstood or sometimes twisted view of my singlehood.  They really have a hard time believing that I am single and happy. So for those who are anxious for me and other singles to be in a relationship here are five important truths we want you to know.

​Everywhere you turn there are people and organizations asking you to give to support their cause.  Everything that you can imagine and even some you can’t have people rallying for support.  Now there are some causes I must admit that are hard to ignore like giving to support medical treatment for children with birth defects. I mean really, who can ignore that without feeling a tug in your heart to want to make them all healthy so they don’t have to live with pain? Or what about the veteran who was wounded or maimed defending my freedom and yours? Thank you just isn’t enough.

One of the channels I like to watch occasionally is HGTV.  It fascinates me to see how creative some of the designers can get when remodeling a room or whole house.  It was while watching one of the shows that I learned the concept of repurpose. The designers would take an object that was originally made for one purpose and use it for another to create something beautiful and useful. For example, I remember one show where the designers used old wood from a barn door to make a beautiful dining room table.​

We grow up looking forward to the winter holidays. They are a joyous time of celebration, food, fun, laughing, reflection and creating memories.  We like to see the smiles on our loved ones faces when they receive a gift and are happy to receive a gift or two of our own.  But let’s face it. Everyone is not so merry during this season.  There are some who are not looking forward to the holidays with joy but with sorrow and grief.

​Have you ever looked at where you are in life in disbelief?  Your reaction can be positive or negative depending on your expectations.  If where you are has exceeded your expectations then you are probably smiling and feeling really good about yourself and life. But if you are not where you thought you would be then you might feel sad, disappointed or even regret, wishing you could do it all over again.

​I had the honor of attending the wedding of a young couple who are like a son and daughter to me.  It was just magical! The venue reflected the personalities and tastes of this classy couple.  Upon arrival the music was oh-so mesmerizing as it set the atmosphere for this long awaited day. The bridal party was donned in attire for an occasion fit for a royal court. The groom was set apart, sharp, calm, cool yet anxious as he awaited the entrance of his bride. She was absolutely gorgeous as she entered the room to the gasps of guests who were anxious to see and experience the glow of this happy and deserving bride.  There was nothing but love, peace, and happiness in the atmosphere in this setting intermingled with family, friends, and associates. 

Every day that I hear something shocking, I am reminded that there is nothing new under the sun.  (Eccl. 1:9) Some women, young and old, will go to extreme measures trying to win the love of a man. You've seen it. Like me you may have done it.  Others tried to warn you but you convinced yourself that you and your man were different. Other people just don't understand you...they don't understand him.  We so easily see the desperation in others yet many of us are blind to it in our own lives.