Don't You Set Down On Those Steps Cause You Find It's Kinda Hard

So, feeling a little strange. Just returned to Maryland this morning and preparing to begin classes this week. It's always kind of weird to leave family and friends to return to school. No matter what's going on academically, life is always happening. There's been lots going on at home, and while I've been working on giving things to God, I can't help but want to fix EVERYTHING and make sure that EVERYONE is happy and well. There was a point this weekend where I really had to remind myself to relinquish control, and stop trying to sit in God's seat all the time. But, I'm human, and it's tough to consistently remember to just surrender, and do what you can.

I'm a little anxious, very tired, and a little worried about some family and friends who've been going through health challenges. Into all of these situations, I pray for peace of mind, body, and spirit. A few people have also had loved ones pass recently, I pray for God's comfort and assurance. I trust that God is ever-present and taking care of things as always.

As much as I could wallow in sadness right now, I choose to transform my energy so that the remainder of the week can be powerful and uplifting.

Update on Be a Blessing Week One: today, I spoke with the movie theater manager and the manager of the community center about hosting a community discussion for The Help. They both gave me information for people to speak with to help make it happen, so I'm sending emails to follow up. Will keep you posted on that progress.

This week, I want to focus on adolescents. I plan to attend a screening of this documentary called The MLK Streets Project which follows 10 DC youth who travel and report on the conditions of streets named for Dr. King around the country (http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/188556). I will also contact a local youth agency to inquire about volunteering with their teens, and I will check in with those friends and family who've committed to participating in this effort and see what stories they have to share about making a contribution to the lives of others. I will also continue to make good on my last week's commitment of getting this discussion group going.

When I was little, my mama used to always quote this Langston Hughes poem:

Well, son, I'll tell you:
Life for me ain't been no crystal stair.
It's had tacks in it,
And splinters,
And boards torn up,
And places with no carpet on the floor—
Bare.
But all the time
I'se been a-climbin' on,
And reachin' landin's,
And turnin' corners,
And sometimes goin' in the dark
Where there ain't been no light.
So, boy, don't you turn back.
Don't you set down on the steps.
'Cause you finds it's kinder hard.
Don't you fall now—
For I'se still goin', honey,
I'se still climbin',
And life for me ain't been no crystal stair.

While I will acknowledge the mixed emotions that I have at this very moment, I will keep climbing, even when life doesn't feel like no crystal stair.