Many of us have heard the scripture “Faith without works is dead.” However we must be honest…it gets an amen in church, and we can definitely quote it to others; practicing thus principle in our own life is indeed another matter. We cannot dismiss this problem as: advice is easier to give than to live. There are requirements necessary to see a movement in our life as a result of prayer. One of the most important things to know about prayer is it is not very useful on its own. Prayer requires corresponding action. If you find yourself praying about health, but aren’t willing to make the necessary adjustments you won’t see results. It’s very easy to say maybe God didn’t hear me, God will answer me in his time, or God may be punishing me. The issue may very well lie in the lack of “works”.

There is a lot going on in our society and country. We can no longer tell people the problem is we need to return to prayer without also moving them to action. Yes, praying about the issues plaguing our children is important; it is equally import to train our children and mentor kids. If we are not willing to work our prayers are lacking. So many of us discredit our beliefs by not following them. Some that question Christianity focus in on amount of time in prayer, and yet nothing seems to change. Church elders are screaming pray, pray pray, but they are not forcing the issue on “works’’ at the same rate. Yes, it is a fact…prayer was taken OUT of the schools hence the moment of silence. But, schools have religious organizations where prayer, and how one lives should be in balance. We can’t expect the young people to do this if those leading do not.

Truth be told faith, by Christian standards, is necessary to receive from God. So faith is necessary for effective prayer. Too many of us do not believe in what we claim. It’s cool to talk about it, but when adversity comes…what faith. Too many of us act and speak from a position of fear. This means that many of us go to our knees in prayer full of fear which cancels faith. If Christianity is what we believe then we have to study the Word, and additional texts, for ourselves. Some of us look at our grandparents and elders wonder why their prayers seem to get response. So many of them lived like what they petitioned of God is so. Many of them knew Mark 11:23 and it is how they live. They just seemed so fortified, and unmoved…they believed what they were claiming.

Prayer is a powerful tool. However, it requires action… “works” to have the necessary effect. Every situation is different, but principle is an equalizer. We must do more than pray. We must live a life of character and integrity. We must act upon what we claim to believe. We must study for ourselves to understand this thing we know as prayer. Pray, then get and work toward the thing you are praying for. If we just stay on our knees and do nothing…nothing will happen. This isn’t because God can’t hear us…it’s because “Faith without works is dead” literally.

Staff Writer; Christian Starr

May connect with this sister over at Facebook; https://www.facebook.com/christian.pierre.9809 and also Twitter; http://twitter.com/MrzZeta.

Queendom is more than being just a strong black woman. That title is not simply for women with degrees, wealthy bank account, nor wives. It is not for the indecisive, nor for those that refuse to move past the roadblocks in their life. We must understand to be a Queen requires a sister to be above the may lay, and she must be willing to stand above reproach. To make the best decisions in the situations she finds herself faced with, and she must be willing to sacrifice for what she believes in.

So many of our sisters are running with the logic respect me because I’m a Black Queen, and they are literally admonishing and demanding black men honor their Queendom. I love the self-esteem, and the positive affirmation over one’s life, but you must do more than that. Sisters you must first believe in your own Queendom, and in doing so it will require to set some order to your realm. “Every Queen isn’t the same”. That is true when it comes to preference and individuality…not principle. If your realm is not to fall to confusion and disarray there must be order, standards and boundaries. Sound decisions will not come from a mental space riddled in confusions and contradictions. Believe me there are men that need to evaluate the usage of King for these same principle reasons when it comes to leadership, but that’s for a men’s meeting. If you don’t respect your own Queendom, you can’t get angry with black men for not respecting, or acknowledging, what they can’t see…or what they view as a walking contradiction.

Queens are treated with the utmost respect regardless of their individualities. Things are done for them not because they aren’t strong enough to do for themselves, but simply because it is an honor to serve them. We need to understand this when we allow white women to use our energy and essence for their feminist fight. I have seen sisters stand in a crowded room and when a brother takes notice, and offers her his seat she accuses him of objectifying her. I’ve seen men hold open the door only to be told “I can do that for myself”. Well, sisters are you Queen or commoner? That is one you truly need to mediate on. Men will want to serve you, and treat you according to your mantle if you insist on being a Queen…that does not make you less of a woman. Make up your mind. Know that just as the nature of black and white women are different…so shall our embodiments be of constitutes the very nature of a Queen.

Whether you are a Queen choosing to stand alone…or one awaiting a King you must implement standards. It’s quite easy to have standards for the man, but it would be wise if you start with self. How you carry yourself, handle your business, the amount of integrity you have, how much truth you live in, your standard of loyalty, and implementation of order will scream who and what you are before the man ever arrives. Yes, some women will hate, but there will be some that desire to understand your nature as a Queen when the above-mentioned flow in a positive energy. None of us are perfect, but Queens aren’t such because they call it. This is the very nature of their being, and they must earn that aura.

Queens are the epitome of grace, mystic, manner, control, accountability, and continued growth. Her path isn’t perfect but she grows from mistakes, and she masters challenges. Queendom doesn’t mean she deals with foolishness from others; it’s quite the opposite as Queens are not to be trifled with. She is not insecure in the strength of her womanhood, so a man catering to her very existence doesn’t make her feel objectified nor belittled. She is graceful in recognizing when she is being honored. When Queens are walking even the brothers that aren’t Kings take notice, and they are strengthened by her presence though they aren’t worthy of her. Sisters you must decide because you can’t be ratchet, drama filled, indecisive, void of accountability, and addicted to insecurity while screaming respect my Queendom.

Everything comes with a price, and to be Queen is to face your past, pain, hurt, and challenges head on. It is to evolve from that previous place, and you must be in control of, and accountable to, yourself. Queens exude order…they don’t repel such. If you claim to be a Queen don’t just say it…please walk in it. Our people are in dire need of the Queens. We need the healing and magic only they can wield. Furthermore, the over saturation of the use of the title without its energy threatens to diminish the respect it invokes. If you can’t handle the weight of the crown there is no shame in such. All a Queen will ask is that you purpose to earn it, or please put it down.

Staff Writer; Chelle’ St James

May also connect with this sister via Twitter; ChelleStJames.

Feelings without reason nor understanding can lead to hypocrisy, failed relationships of all sorts, and a false sense of what is and is not right. Personal experience is steeped in feelings, and if not careful how you feel based on your experience can cause the wrongful judgment of others. How many times have we stated “that’s just how I feel” when trying to argue a position? Think about it. Some of us have cursed all men or women to hell because of how we feel. Some have been abused and exposed to toxic behavior because of the way we feel. Sometimes we aren’t able to absorb information that would allow us to make an informed decision, or position, because feelings get in the way. If one isn’t careful feelings will become the lie that one uses to justify why they have behaved in an unfavorable manner. So, you felt disrespected in a space by which you were uninformed and initially disrespectful; when the truth was told it didn’t defend you so it had to be wrong. No, in that moment you were wrong…regardless of your feelings.

How you feel is not a pass to mistreat others. Please take a moment to stop, and re-read that statement. Having a bad day, not feeling well, dealing with past hurt, annoyed with the direction of your life, upset with another, upset with God…regardless of what is wrong, none of these things gives one the right to mistreat another. Emotional intelligence is a very important skill to work on in one’s own personal life, not just at work. There is nothing wrong with getting help to manage feelings and emotions so that you are a more balanced person. The people in your life that love you will appreciate you for taking the time to heal so that you are better for yourself and others.

Feelings can also enforce anti-intellectual positions in various spaces such as places of worship and activism. Age doesn’t always make you right…regardless of your feeling on the matter. Years and feelings are not replacements for objective diverse study of a matter. If you want to argue with someone about religious beliefs you can’t just go on how you feel. You’d need to be able to logically, and rationally back up your position. You can’t expect someone to concede to your position regarding politics or race relations simply because you were alive, and an age of understanding, when Dr. King was alive. You must the time to study, research, and be humble and open enough to hear from others that are doing the work and can add to the discussion. We are never to old to learn more. Titles don’t mean we know it all…even though we might feel like as though we do.

I remember my dad instructing: “get out of your feelings and look at the situation truthfully even if you don’t like it…your dislike doesn’t change the truth”. This is wisdom that I share often. You have a right to your feelings, but your feelings don’t change the truth. Your hurt, anger, embarrassment, fear, or concern doesn’t change the matter. It is important to sees matters and people aside from your feelings. Hear what is said on a matter without hearing it through the filter of your feelings. Read about what is happening in the world around you from an objective perspective. This doesn’t erase your feelings, but it does give you a better chance of being fair with yourself, and others.

Staff Writer; Christian Starr

May connect with this sister over at Facebook; https://www.facebook.com/christian.pierre.9809 and also Twitter; http://twitter.com/MrzZeta.

If you believe in heaven and hell, you might be shocked at who you see in heaven. There very well may be brothers and sisters there that did not attend service every Sunday. Many factors could contribute to that from work, to illness, to difficulty getting there. The problem arises when we feel one’s routine validates us before the eyes of the congregation. Hate to break it to you, but when dealing with spirituality that’s not how this works at all. Every action serves a purpose. Church should be more than just something you have to say you did. It should be a path to greater understanding of God’s word. It can be a time where you acknowledge the need for corporate prayer, praise, and worship. It’s a space whereby we can receive exultation, healing balm, and instruction. There should always be a purpose as to why we enter places of worship, in part because it informs our spirit to where we are as we are advocated for in another space.

Unfortunately, church has become mere mundane routine passed of as holiness. It has become, for some, a sharp weapon used to judge the salvation and sanctification of others. Why one should assemble in the congregation, and the power of that assembly is lost in that moment. People know the difference between being asked “did you go to church” as a question of concern, verses rebuke or judgement. It is understood that every “church” is not a place of love and healing. Some of them are toxic whereby the spirit of hurt, harm, abuse, and blatant misinterpretation of sacred scripture for the purpose of control exist. Even knowing this some would rather you call into those places for the sake of saying you went to church. That is dangerous and too many don’t recover from that exposure to evil…as they were completely vulnerable when it happened. I know this is will be an unpopular statement, but going to church every Sunday will not guarantee your place in heaven. Though that is uncomfortable for some, it is the truth.

No one is saying don’t go to church. No one is saying it is not important. What is being addressed is the motive. Why we do what we do, our intention, especially when dealing with spiritual matters is important. Furthermore, it is out life actions and works that will draw others. This seems to be forgotten in too many spaces. Take the time to set your intention when entering the house of worship and let that shine through your spirit. Allow others around you to see your genuine care for their spiritual state as they see you tend to your own state. There is always to be love…an active growing love and care. This is more than routine which can become mindless and lead to ugliness. Care about where that soul ends up to get the help they need. Want better for them even if, for the moment, it’s virtual church service as there really are spiritual deserts out here. Church is more than routine…it should be a gateway to the spiritual needs while standing as an example of how life should be nurtured.

Staff Writer; Christian Starr

May connect with this sister over at Facebook; https://www.facebook.com/christian.pierre.9809 and also Twitter; http://twitter.com/MrzZeta.

When I talk to women in our community, I hear the same quiet confession over and over… “I know what I need to do, I just cannot seem to stay consistent.” And I always tell them, you are not broken, you are not lazy, you are not lost. You are simply human, carrying a load that was never meant to be carried alone. Discipline is not a personality trait; it is a practice. It grows with you, not ahead of you.

Sometimes discipline slips because life has been loud. You may have been in survival mode for so long that structure feels foreign. You could have been pouring into everybody else and forgot what it feels like to pour into yourself. Maybe you are healing, grieving, rebuilding, or just trying to catch your breath. Whatever your story is, you deserve compassion while you find your rhythm again.

One thing I have learned in my short existence is that discipline becomes sustainable when it is rooted in honesty. Not the polished honesty we give the world, but the quiet truth we whisper to ourselves. The truth that says, I am tired and I need help. It says, I want better for myself but I am scared I will fall off again. When you start from that place, you are no longer forcing discipline, you are nurturing it.

Start small. I know that sounds cliché, but it is real. We love a big transformation story, but the truth is that sustainable discipline grows from tiny choices repeated over time. Five minutes of stretching in the morning. Drinking water before your coffee. Cleaning one corner of your home instead of the whole room. Reading two pages instead of a whole chapter. These little moments build trust. They remind your body and your spirit that you can follow through.

Do not underestimate the power of environment. Discipline is not just about willpower; it is about designing a life that supports the woman you are becoming. That might mean putting your phone in another room at night, keeping your journal on your pillow, setting out your vitamins where you can see them, or choosing friends who speak life into your goals. You do not have to fight yourself every day. You can set yourself up to win.

Another thing we do as Black women is try to discipline ourselves through shame. We talk to ourselves in ways we would never talk to a friend. We say things like, “I should be further along,” or “I always mess up,” or “I am so inconsistent.” But shame does not create discipline, it creates avoidance. You cannot bully yourself into a better life. You have to encourage yourself into one. You have to speak to yourself with the same softness you give everybody else.

And let me say this gently… discipline is not punishment. It is not a rigid schedule that squeezes the joy out of your days. Nor is it a constant grind that leaves you exhausted. Discipline is a form of care. It is a way of saying, I matter enough to create a life that supports me. It is a way of honoring your future self, the woman you are becoming, the woman you deserve to be.

You will experience days when you fall off. There will be mornings when you oversleep, evenings when you skip the gym, weeks when your routine unravels. That does not mean you failed. It means you are alive. Sustainable discipline is not about perfection; it is about returning. Returning to your intentions, your practices, and to yourself. Every time you come back, you strengthen the muscle.

Also do not forget community. We were never meant to do life alone. Sometimes discipline grows best when you have people around you who hold you accountable with love. A friend who checks in on your goals. A group chat where you celebrate small wins. A sister circle where you can be honest about your struggles without judgment. Community makes discipline feel less like a burden and more like a shared journey.

So if you are trying to re‑establish discipline, or build it for the first time, give yourself grace. You are not starting from nothing; you are starting from life experience. You are wiser now, and you know yourself better. You know what drains you and what feeds you. You know what you want your life to feel like. Let that guide you.

Discipline is not about becoming a new woman, it is about supporting the woman you already are. And she is worthy of consistency, care, and commitment. She is worthy of routines that nourish her. She is worthy of a life that feels steady. She is worthy of showing up for herself again and again. You are capable of this, ready for this, and you deserve discipline that will move forward with you.

Staff Writer; Chelle’ St James

May also connect with this sister via Twitter; ChelleStJames.

Some of us grew up in homes where love was complicated, survival came before self-discovery, our voices were silenced before we even learned how to use them. Those early wounds can shape the way we move through the world, making us doubt our worth, our abilities, and our right to want more. Others of us made decisions we regret—choices born out of fear, pressure, or simply not knowing any better at the time. In this ignorance is never bliss, and consequence can fall upon us regardless of what we know impacting our life path.  And then there are those who faced illness, trauma, or life-altering setbacks that forced everything to pause. When your body or mind betrays you, it can feel like the whole world is moving forward without you. You often wonder if you will ever be able to catch up to life, and the longer you are ill the more discouraged you become.

And then one day, you look up and realize you’ve been living a life that doesn’t feel like yours. Maybe you’ve been letting other people steer your story—family, partners, employers, society. Maybe you’ve been shrinking yourself to keep the peace or dimming your light so others won’t feel uncomfortable. You’ve been so busy being dependable that you forgot what it feels like to be fulfilled.

Here’s the truth that matters most: it is never too late to start over. Not at 35, not at 45, not at 55, not at 65. Never. Black women have a long, powerful history of blooming on their own timeline. Some of the most influential, creative, and impactful women in our culture didn’t find their stride until later in life. They didn’t let age, circumstance, or past mistakes stop them. They didn’t let the world’s expectations define their future. They simply decided to begin. And that decision changed everything.

You deserve that same chance.

Starting over doesn’t require perfection. It doesn’t require a clean slate or a flawless past. It doesn’t require approval from anyone. It only requires willingness. A quiet, steady willingness to choose yourself. To choose your joy. To choose your purpose. To choose the dream that’s been tugging at your heart for years.

And yes, it might be hard. Growth often is. You may have to unlearn old patterns, set boundaries you’ve never set before, or walk away from people who benefited from your silence. You may have to rebuild your confidence piece by piece. You will have to face the parts of your story that still sting. But you can do it. You’ve already survived things that would have broken someone else.

What you’re reaching for now isn’t just a dream…it’s a reclamation. It’s you taking back your narrative. It’s you deciding that your life still has chapters left to write. It’s you choosing to live with intention instead of obligation.

The beauty of it all is that your journey won’t just transform you. One day, another Black woman—maybe younger, maybe older, maybe standing at her own crossroads—will see your courage and feel something awaken in her. She’ll see you starting over, choosing joy, pursuing purpose, and she’ll think, “If she can do it, maybe I can too.” Your decision to rise could be the spark that lights someone else’s path. That’s legacy. Not just what you leave behind, but what you inspire while you’re still here.

Don’t talk yourself out of the dreams that keep tapping on your spirit. Don’t let fear convince you that your time has passed. Don’t let anyone—family, friends, partners, coworkers—tell you that you’re reaching too high or wanting too much. They don’t get to decide what’s possible for you. You are allowed to reinvent yourself. You are allowed to dream again. You are allowed to choose a life that feels meaningful, joyful, and aligned with who you truly are. And you are allowed to begin today.

Your story isn’t over. It’s unfolding. And this next chapter might just be the one that finally feels like home.

Staff Writer; Chelle’ St James

May also connect with this sister via Twitter; ChelleStJames.

People love to say “budget better” or “cut back,” as if we haven’t already cut everything down to the bare minimum. As if we aren’t already stretching dollars like they’re made of elastic. As if we aren’t already choosing between what the house needs and what we need. And the hardest part is when you have to borrow from loved ones. Not because you want to, but because you don’t have another option. You’re doing your best, but you can feel the judgment in the air. You can hear it in the tone. You can see it in the hesitation before they hand you the money. You can feel it in the silence afterward.

And even when they don’t say anything, you say it to yourself. You replay every decision. You question your worth. You wonder why you can’t seem to get ahead. You wonder why adulthood feels like a treadmill you can’t step off of.

Then there’s the part that hurts the most — parenting through financial struggle. There’s a special kind of heartbreak that comes from wanting to give your children everything they deserve and realizing you can barely meet their needs. You want to sign them up for activities, but the fees are too high. You want to buy them the shoes they want, but the light bill is due. You want to take them on trips, but gas alone feels like a luxury. You want to say yes more often, but your bank account keeps saying no.

And even when you’re in a solid relationship, even when both of you are working hard, even when you’re doing everything “right,” the money still comes up short. Two incomes and still struggling. Two adults grinding and still not enough. It’s a different kind of stress when you and your partner are both tired, both stretched thin, both trying to figure out how to make a dollar do the work of three. Love is strong, but financial pressure will test the edges of even the healthiest bond.

So what do we do? We hustle. We pick up extra shifts. We take on side jobs. We work late. We work early. We work through exhaustion. We work through tears. We work because the house needs it. We work because the kids need it. We work because the bills don’t care how tired we are.

And then, here comes the commentary from people who mean well but don’t fully understand: “You need to rest.” “You’re doing too much.” “You should take care of yourself.” “You’re going to burn out.”

But these are the same people who judged you when you didn’t have enough. The same people who questioned your decisions. The same people who whispered about your struggles. It’s funny how folks want you to work less but also want you to magically have more. They want you to protect your peace, but they don’t want to acknowledge that sometimes a paycheck is a form of peace. Stability is peace. Groceries without anxiety is peace. A paid bill is peace. A little cushion in the bank is peace.

We know money isn’t everything. We know joy can’t be bought. We know love matters more. But we also know that financial stress can choke the joy out of a home. It can steal sleep. It can trigger anxiety. It can make you feel like you’re failing even when you’re fighting with everything you have.

So let me speak to you directly, sis. You are not lazy. You are not irresponsible. You are not less than. You are not failing. You are navigating a system that was not built with your well‑being in mind. You are carrying responsibilities that many people will never understand. You are doing the best you can with what you have, and that is enough.

But I also want to gently remind you to keep looking for avenues that can bring you closer to balance. Not because you’re doing something wrong, but because you deserve a life that doesn’t drain you. Keep your eyes open for opportunities that align with your skills. Explore jobs that pay more for less stress. Look into training or certifications that could open new doors. Consider remote work, flexible work, creative work, entrepreneurial work. You don’t have to leap today, but you can start planting seeds.

And while you grind, don’t lose sight of yourself. Even if your self‑care is small right now — a quiet moment, a long shower, a walk outside, a deep breath — take it. You deserve softness even in the struggle.

This season is hard, but it is not permanent. You are not stuck. You are not alone. You are not invisible.

Black woman, you are powerful even when you’re tired. You are worthy even when your bank account is low. You are enough even when life feels heavy.

Keep going. Keep pushing. Keep believing that better is possible. Because it is — and you deserve every bit of it.

This isn’t about blaming or attacking anyone. It’s about naming a pattern that Black women have lived with for generations — a pattern we see up close in our friendships, workplaces, communities, and even in the so‑called “sisterhoods” we’re invited into. Because the truth is, the solidarity we extend is not always the solidarity we receive.

Many of us have had relationships with other women of color and white women where we showed up fully — emotionally, intellectually, spiritually — only to realize later that the connection wasn’t mutual. We’ve been the friend who listens deeply, supports consistently, and holds space generously. We’ve been the one who helps raise children that aren’t ours, who advocates for fairness at work, who steps in to mediate conflict, who brings cultural understanding and emotional labor to the table without being asked. And yet, when we need that same care, that same protection, that same energy returned, the room gets quiet.

Black women are not a weapon to be used in someone else’s fight. We are not a shield for other people’s battles. We are not a costume for others to slip into when they want to feel bold, edgy, or “empowered.”

Our culture is not an accessory. Our pain is not a rallying cry only when it’s convenient. Our strength is not a resource for others to drain.

And yet, we’ve seen it happen. We’ve watched people adopt our slang, our style, our confidence, our rhythm — the very things we were once mocked or punished for — and wear them like a trend. We’ve watched people celebrate our culture while distancing themselves from our struggles. We’ve watched people call us “strong” as a way to avoid offering us softness, care, or protection. We’ve watched people praise our resilience while ignoring the conditions that forced us to be resilient in the first place.

And we’ve watched people call us “sisters” when they need our voices, our votes, our labor — but not when we need their courage, their accountability, or their willingness to stand beside us when the climate gets uncomfortable.

This is not imagination. This is lived experience.

But here’s the part we must hold with clarity and caution: the political and social climate in this country is shifting in ways that require us to be more discerning than ever. Not fearful — discerning. Not closed off — intentional. Not isolated — wise.

We cannot afford to give our energy away carelessly. We cannot afford to assume solidarity where it has not been proven. We cannot afford to let people borrow our voice while silencing our needs.

Black women have always been powerful, but that power must be protected, not exploited.

This doesn’t mean we stop building bridges. It doesn’t mean we shut ourselves off from community. It doesn’t mean we refuse connection with other groups of women. What it does mean is that we move with awareness. We pay attention to patterns. We notice who shows up when the conversation centers us. We observe who stands firmly when our issues are on the table. We watch who listens, who learns, who unlearns, who advocates, who stays consistent when the world isn’t watching.

Because sisterhood is not a title — it’s a practice. Allyship is not a claim — it’s a commitment. Solidarity is not a moment — it’s a pattern of behavior.

And Black women deserve relationships, across all communities, that honor us fully, not selectively.

So to every Black woman reading this:

You are not here to carry the world on your back. You are not here to be the emotional anchor for everyone else. You are not here to be the fixer, the fighter, the nurturer, the translator, the cultural guide, and the moral compass for people who do not pour back into you.

You deserve reciprocity. You deserve rest. You deserve protection. You deserve joy that isn’t earned through labor. You deserve community that doesn’t collapse when you need it most.

Move with caution, yes but also move with confidence. Move with boundaries, but also with pride. Move with awareness, but also with the knowledge that you are worthy of genuine connection, real sisterhood, and relationships that honor your humanity, not just your usefulness.

And above all, remember this: Black woman, you are not alone. You have a whole lineage behind you, a whole community beside you, and a whole future ahead of you that is richer when you protect your spirit and honor your worth.

We deserve better, and we are allowed to demand it.

Far to often we do not realize the gravity of this mistake until what we could do for self is threatened or no longer an option. Reality hits us when we can’t move…when those we love leave us here, and when we become faced with out own mortality. All of a sudden, the “maybe another time” box comes to the forefront of our mind. We realize we are not living…we’re just here. We’re just here moving from one day to the next until we are no more. No matter what is happening sometimes you must stop and tell yourself…don’t forget to live.

I have lived with debilitating health conditions for the majority of my adult life. I decided I never wanted to marry because I felt it was wrong to burden someone else with my health challenges, and I knew having children was not an option. I would find ways to try to justify my existence by giving all I could to those I loved. I tried to show up to everything that my body would allow. However, I never allowed myself to think about the things I wanted…places I wanted to see and things I would like to accomplish. The only thing I never gave up was writing…but even that became more of a necessity than the joy it had always been. Before my last aunt passed away, she asked me a very profound question, “Chelle do you want up with the intention of living, or dying”? At the time I couldn’t really process what she was asking, and once she passed the time for asking for clarity was gone. I continued in the way I had been…active in my family, my neighborhood, my church, just making my body move past its limits like this was my penance. If I am limited by illness this is the least I can do to justify my being alive. You see, I never understood my existence was enough. I deserved a chance at happiness because I was alive. I didn’t understand that I had a right to truly live as much as possible.

Those dear to me tried to help me live some, tried to introduce me to different things but I didn’t feel I deserved it so I blew it off. Well, just when I thought life couldn’t get any more challenging it did. My body started shutting down. I was admitted to the hospital and for the first time in a long time I thought I was on my way to the other side. As I laid in the hospital bed, I remembered my aunt’s question. I understood in that moment that I was not living with the intention…I was just existing and waiting to die. I was moving through life like I just didn’t want anyone to come to my funeral and say she never worked, never tried, and never helped. What was missing was I didn’t realize…she had not lived. Here I was laying in the hospital bed, and I had not seen anything outside of my city, I had not written the books I wanted to, I had not played the video games on my list, and there were many different foods I wanted to taste. More importantly, I wanted to taste life. Even if I had to have an abridged version due to my health, I needed to do more than just exist. I promised myself if I made through this health scare I would life with intention, and I would take care of myself…my whole being.

Life is difficult, and being a Black woman adds to the challenges. However, take the time to live. Move the ideas and dreams from your “maybe later box” and move them to a vision board. Live with intention, not just for others, but also for you. When it’s over you deserve to say, I have no regrets. Only you can make that a reality, and your every existence is deserving of such. No matter what is going on…do not forget to Live.

Staff Writer; Chelle’ St James

May also connect with this sister via Twitter; ChelleStJames.

The church has been influential in the foundation of education for our people, and they have helped to put thousands of our people through college. Denominations like the A.M.E are rooted not only in the Word, but in activism, and education. Because of our history of intelligence having a strong place in church…anti-intellectualism in the church is damaging. The minds that need to be in the church back away, because they are scolded and judged for studying the word and applying it to the world around them. They respect tradition but that does not rank higher than righteousness.

In congregations with Elders that look down on the intelligence in those younger that ask questions they tend to remind of the men and women of God in the Bible that were not scholars. They focus on the leaders in the bible that were “everyday people” and hype up the importance of their humility and their being led by the Spirit which is what made them successful in ministry. No one can argue against being led by the Spirit, but everyone used by God was not uneducated.

Some of the greatest names in the book were not only intellectuals but formally educated. Moses, Soloman, and the Apostle Paul are just a few of the lives God would use to lead and teach his people. Why then are we judging and scolding intellectuals in the church. This is dangerous, and it seems to be sweeping congregations silencing men and women of God who dare to speak up regarding the word, and things going on in the world. When one doesn’t just bow to tradition and title here is a fight coming that should not be. What is unfortunate is one can also have the same fight in family where the elders of the family are clergy. Younger people find themselves in battles at church and amongst family simply because they are critical thinkers around their belief system and speak up about it.

This is not the origins of our church according to our history in this country. Anti-intellectualism in the church can divide congregations, and even harm members spiritually. We should all be working together to edify each other in Christ. Just as Peter had a place in the church, so did Paul. If we continue down this path, we are asking for our thinkers to walk away from any calling God may have on their life in terms of ministry because they may feel they value their peace. The hypocrisy is just too loud in this area. The inferior and insecure behavior that causes this must be addressed especially when it comes from those in leadership. God qualifies the called, and that includes the intellectual. Being a critical thinker and studying deeply does not mean you are not led by the Spirit. That is something that must be stated and understood because nothing feels worse than having your salvation questioned because you are an intellectual in the church.

Lastly, we must be mindful not to do to each other what has been and is still done to our people in this country. Black people have had to fight for their minds to be respected and are still fighting. We have created, invented, and built a nation that calls us intellectually inferior. Our credentials are always questioned as though our ethnicity is an invisible asterisk. We have managed to rise despite, but there are still challenges created to slow us down. Knowing this, how can we sit back and do this to each other in the most sacred space we have? How is it that we can disregard the minds God have given our congregation and communities because they often call us to account? These minds are calling us to dig deeper in our understanding of God, faith, and each other. Just as every regular mind is not devoted, every intellectual mind is not disrespectful and without Spiritual guidance. We must remember there is a place for all in the House of God as he gifts us as he sees fit, and those gifts should be valued.

Staff Writer; Christian Starr

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