"He Is" by Hillary Roy

I have to admit, I’ve never been a fan of “George W. Bush.” Never have been, and probably never will be. Unless, of course, we’re discussing his better half. Forget the fact that the former president “is” a Republican and, forget the fact that I “am” a Democrat. Forget the fact that I disagree with most, if not all, of the policies and laws he put in place when he was in office because well like momma used to say, “Why cry over spilled milk?” And thank God, I’m smart enough not to, because I know, how to separate, “the man” from “the mission.” Or should I say, at least when it comes to his wife. Laura Bush, has never piqued my interest not even when she and then first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton had words over the role of women staying at home baking cookies. I could have cared less. But what I was intrigued by was her thoughtful account of her life as a young, high school student who had made a very, careless mistake. It was a tragedy that would haunt her for years and cause her to denounce her faith in God. This was far different than the image we would see on the TV screen of her and Georgy Porgy. You know the one that portrayed her as the doting wife, mother, philanthropist, daughter, and yes, first lady. Yet, as I read part of the excerpts from her new memoir “Spoken from the Heart”….I got the sense that this 17-year-old girl could have taken an entirely different path the night that she and a few of her friends went for a joy ride. It was a night that would change their lives forever. No one could foresee what would happen next, when young Laura took her eyes off of the steering wheel for what most have seemed like only a minute. A minute, which would cause her body to summersault in mid-air then fall onto her back. She was the lucky one, as the other driver, a high school football star, was now, a fatality. Where…was God? Where was God in all this she kept asking herself? It’s a question that many of us have asked ourselves when difficulties come, when death or grief consumes us, when financial stress or job losses occur, or health issues linger, or divorce or relationships end. Where is God in all this? And when… will… he finally show up? But it’s not about the question, it’s about the answer, and the answer is….he’s always there and he was there with that young, frightened girl the moment they pulled her out of that car. And he was there, the night that you consumed all of those pills trying to take your life. And he was there, when the eviction notice hit your door. He was there, in the court room as you said to your husband or your wife “I no longer do”….and he was holding your hand when they lowered the casket of your loved one. He was there, in the delivery room the moment of your birth, and he was there applauding “you” when you chose to believe in him. And he’ll always be there, no matter what circumstance or reason, in dew season, he always, will be!

Never Give Up...From Prison to Ministry

Drug addicted….separated……lost……drug addicted…separated……lost…drug addicted…separated…and lost……..but, never gave up! That’s a headline that’s bigger than a championship ring, an MVP award or making it all the way to the Final Four. At least this was the case, for NBA great Dwayne Wade, but more importantly the woman who raised him because this was a description she knew all too well. And why wouldn’t she? It was the story of her life. As a young mother, Jolinda Wade struggled with the responsibility of raising her children all alone. She worked hard for years but had grown tired and was now falling victim to many of the traps of the enemy, like drinking and using drugs. Yet, despite the fact that she was abusing all of these things, she continued to attend church even when she was strung out on drugs. And, while other worshippers clapped, shouted and bowed heads to pray, God was whispering love songs in her ear. This would be the only place that she could find the comfort she was seeking and the only place she could receive the fruit she so desperately needed. But day in, and day out, she continued to rebel, seeking refuge from poison and darkness until, she finally reached, rock bottom. Her days of partying and drugging had led her to a separation from her family when her children were taken away. And an outstanding warrant from a previous offense brought her straight to the penitentiary. Now time and solitude were her only friends and the only opportunity she had to deal with the reality of her poor choices. But, just like Romans 8:28 says, “God causes all things to work together for good to those who love him and to those who are called according to his purpose.” For it was in these walls, that she found her biggest blessing. Not in the streets, not in the church, not in her home but in a cold, concrete facility filled with strangers. And, a place, that had become ‘her” holy ghost college. No longer would her name be attached to shame and guilt and no longer would she hear the voices of people on the outside commenting on whether she could or would recover. Because this, knew residence, would allow her to spend time with her heavenly father to work things out with him and gain an education in areas of her life where she needed healing the most. For Jolinda Wade, salvation, restoration, renewal and the revelation to become a pastor was found in these walls, for others it may be someplace else but wherever it is, each of us has it in us. Each of us has a spirit living inside of us who can erase every doubt, every sin, every wrong and every fear. All he asks for, is acceptance, and with it comes perfect peace. As long as we ask, as long as we seek and as long as we never give up, he’ll be there, waiting, with open arms. In dew season...we will!

"A Mother's Love" by Rose Mitchell

It's day 5 of our celebration for (28 Days of Love) and we present a personal refection from mother, friend, writer, educator, life coach and co-author of the book "Journeys of Love Voices of the Heart," Rose Mitchell. Truly, there is no greater love than that of the creator and the one who gave us life. This is simply beautiful.....

A MOTHER’S LOVE
(In honor of my loving mother, Mozell Harvey)

Deep in your eyes is where wisdom, strength and courage reside. You offer me a loving home with eyes so brown and true, so round and complete. I accept the invitation. As you stroke my hair, I look into eyes dark like onyx and find comfort in knowing that home is where the heart is. You made a house a home with your unconditional love.

Cinnamon skin so soft yet tough enough to weather unexpected storms. I escape in your arms for guidance as you caress me with sun-kissed skin and embrace me with your brown sugar. You nurture what ills me with special, tender loving care and I am healed. I am addicted to love.

Upon your face, I have witnessed disappointment, grief, hurt and sorrow. On the face of an angel, I have seen expressions of joy, contentment and happiness. Smiling when you wanted to cry, laughing when you wanted to sigh and giving when you wanted to receive made you a legend. Time made you strong. Experiences made you proud. Your endurance is amazing. Your determination is a Godsend. Your love is endless.

Your hands are aged with grace, dignity and purpose. They give comfort, provide security and offer support. The palms of your hands symbolize a history of survival. You have magic in your fingers and I am blessed by your touch. You have the ability to quench my thirst with kindness and feed my hunger with love. You add a pinch of affection, a sprinkle of emotion, a dash of commitment and a spoonful of devotion. Your ingredients are essential and your remedy is effective.

Your character is that of respect, trust and honesty. It shapes my life and gives true meaning to being a woman. I value the lessons. You are brave like a solider and courageous like a warrior. I salute and stand proud in honor of the love we share. You are relentless in your efforts. You have withstood test, trials and tribulations. Your mission is successfully complete for I am a reflection of your greatness. Everyday I stand in the image of your goodness. My foundation is strong because you provide structure and balance.

When I look in the mirror, I see you staring back at me. You are my mother, my hero, my role model, and my friend.

Rose Mitchell, Copyright 2001 for more information about this phenomenal woman please visit www.HillabeesandRoses.com

"In My Eyes"

Day 4 of (28 Days of Love) is blessed with the words of Jeff Haskins, a former highschool classmate, massage expert, and health guru who takes his journey to wellness just as serious as his writing. Follow him on www.jeffsjuicefast.blogspot.com but before you do, ya gotta follow this...enjoy!

In my eyes

Look listen and learn
From a distance my resistance
Allows me to be perfect

In my eyes

Perfection is a striation
On my mental and physical relation to everything
You see I can be as I am
You can be who you are
And be perfect as it is

In my eyes

If I choose to see flaw
I break a universal law
Of letting go of my need to judge you
Then my love for you is no-longer true

In my eyes

The view from above
The one that views with love
The one that is, just because
And not attached to the outcome
Allows you to be
All that you desire to be
Good, bad or indifferently

In my eyes

The suffering that you see
Is a suffering that is from your belief
That you are not worthy
To receive every single blessing
That makes you,
In my eyes PERFECTION...

(c) Haskins

I Gotta Love Jones!

It's day 3 of our journey....and I'm ready to snap, clap my way through one of the most memorable cinematic experiences just oooozing with LOVE! A double chocolate treat with "A Blues For Nina," from Darius (Lorenz Tate) and "I am looking at Music," from Nina( Nia Long).

A Blues for Nina…

Say baby, can I be your slave
I've got to admit girl, you're the shit girl
And I'm diggin' you like a grave
Now do they call you daughter to the spinnin post, or
Or maybe Queen of 2,000 moons
Sister to the distant, yet risin' star
Is your name Yimmy-Ya
Oh hell nah, it's got to be Oshun
Ooo, is that a smile me put on your face child
Wide as a field of Jasmine and Glover
Talk that talk honey, walk that walk money
Hound legs that'll spank Jehovah
Shit, who am I?
It's not important
But they call me Brother to the Night
And right now
I'm the blues in your left thigh
Tryin to become the funk in your right
Who am I?
I'll be whoever you say
But right now, I'm the sight raped hunter
Blindly pursuing you as my prey
And I just wanna give you injections, of sublime erections
And get you to dance to my rhythm
Make you dream archaetypes, of black angels in flight
Upon wings, of distorted, contorted, metaphoric jism
Come on slim
Fuck yo' man, I ain't worried about him
It's you who I wanna step to my scene
Cause rather than deal with the fallacy
Of this dry ass reality
I rather dance and romance your sweet ass, in a wet dream
Who am I?
Well they all call me Brother to the Night
And right now, I'm the blues in your left thigh
Trying to become the funk in your right
Is that alright


I Am Looking At Music,
by Pinkie Gordon Lane

It is the color of light,
The shape of sound high in the evergreens
It lies suspended in hills,
A blue line in a red sky.
I am looking at sound.
I am hearing the brightness
Of high bluffs and almond trees
I am tasting the wilderness
of lakes, rivers, and streams
Caught in an angle of song.
I am remembering water
That glows in the dawn
The motion tumbled in earth
Life hidden in mounds.
I am dancing a bright beam of light
I am remembering love

God's Love Letter

Love, aaaaahhhhh..love that powerful word….that feeling….that fleeting moment….that inspiration….that thought……that groove…that move……that note….that melody…that motion of the ocean…..that touch…that misconception…….and oh the deception…and yes the inflection and retrospection. That prayer…that assurance… that tendency to want this….even when it don’t fit, is the reason for the season of love!

In celebration of the 28 days of love we share the greatness of God's love! Be Blessed!

God's Love Letter

When I created the heavens and the earth, I spoke them into being.
When I created man, I formed him and breathed life into his nostrils.
But you, woman, I fashioned after I breathed the breath of life into
man because your nostrils are too delicate. I allowed a deep sleep to
come over him so I could patiently and perfectly fashion you. Man was
put to sleep so that he could not interfere with the creativity. From
one bone, I fashioned you. I chose the bone that protects man's life.
I chose the rib, which protects his heart and lungs and supports him,
as you are meant to do. Around this one bone, I shaped you....... I
modeled you. I created you perfectly and beautifully. Your characteristics
are as the rib, strong yet delicate and fragile. You provide protection
for the most delicate organ in man, his heart. His heart is the center of
his being; his lungs hold the breath of life. The ribcage will allow itself
to be broken before it will allow damage to the heart. Support man as the
rib cage supports the body. You were not taken from his feet, to be under
him, nor were you taken from his head, to be above him. You were taken from
his side, to stand beside him and be held close to his side. You are my
perfect angel.....You are my beautiful little girl. You have grown to be a
splendid woman of excellence, and my eyes fill when I see the virtues in
your heart. Your eyes......don't change them. Your lips, how lovely when
they part in prayer. Your nose, so perfect in form. Your hands so gentle to
touch. I've caressed your face in your deepest sleep. I've held your heart
close to mine. Of all that lives and breathes, you are most like me. Adam
walked with me in the cool of the day, yet he was lonely. He could not see
me or touch me. He could only feel me. So everything I wanted Adam to share
and experience with me, I fashioned in you; my holiness, my Strength, my
purity, my love, my protection and support. You are special because you are
an extension of me. Man represents my image, woman my emotions.
Together, you represent the totality of God.
So man......treat woman well. Love her, respect her, for she is fragile.
In hurting her, you hurt me. What you do to her, you do to me. In
crushing her, you only damage your own heart, the heart of your Father,
and the heart of her Father. Woman, support man. In humility, show him the
power of emotion I have given you. In gentle quietness, show your strength.
In love, show him that you are the rib that protects his inner self.
Did you not know that WOMAN is special in God's eyes?

(author unknown)

The "L" Word.....

Love, aaaaahhhhh..love...that feeling.....that fleeting moment....that inspiration.....that thought....that groove.....that move.....that note....that melody.....that motion of the ocean....that touch....that misconception....and oh deception.....and yes, the inflection and retrospection. That prayer...that assurance......that tendency to want this.....even, when it don’t fit, is the reason, for the season of love!

In celebration of the “L” word, “In Dew Season” is sharing 28 days of love including stories from our book “Journeys of Love, Voices of the Heart,” from coauthors Hillary Roy and Rose Mitchell, available now on www.HillabeesandRoses.com. They’ll also be poems from renowned poets and unknown artists, lyrics, advice, quotes and love notes for the entire month of February. So get ready...get set...GET LOVE!!!

Resignation, (by the great Nikki Giovanni)

I love you
because the Earth turns round the sun
because the North wind blows north
sometimes
because the Pope is Catholic
and most Rabbis Jewish
because winters flow into spring
and the air clears after a storm
because only my love for you
despite the charms of gravity
keeps me from falling off the Earth
into another dimension
I love you
because it is the natural order of things
I love you
like the habit I picked up in college
of sleeping through lectures
or saying I'm sorry
when I get stopped for speeding
because I drink a glass of water
in the morning
and chain-smoke cigarettes
all through the day
because I take my coffee Black
and my milk with chocolate
because you keep my feet warm
though my life is a mess
I love you
because I don't want it
any other way
I am helpless
in my love for you
It makes me so happy
to hear you call my name
I am amazed you can resist
locking me in an echo chamber
where your voice reverberates
through the four walls
sending me into spasmatic ecstasy
I love you
because it's been so good
for so long
that if I didn't love you
I'd have to be born again
and that is not a theological statement
I am pitiful in my love for you
The Dells tell me Love
is so simple
the thought though of you
sends indescribably delicious multitudinous
thrills throughout and through-in my body
I love you
because no two snowflakes are alike
and it is possible if you stand tippy-toe
to walk between the raindrops
I love you
because I am afraid of the dark
and can't sleep in the light
because I rub my eyes
when I wake up in the morning
and find you there
because you with all your magic powers were
determined that
I should love you
because there was nothing for you but that
I would love you
I love you
because you made me
want to love you
more than I love my privacy
my freedom my commitments
and responsibilities
I love you `cause I changed my life
to love you
because you saw me one friday
afternoon and decided that I would
love you
I love you I love you I love you