What’s Next?

However, as it is written: What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived”–the things God has prepared for those who love him–these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit.” 1 Corinthians 2:9,10 NIV

Yesterday, I began writing this post, but had some technical difficulties impede what I wanted to say. But that’s what happens when a person is in a strange environment and WI-FI is sketchy at best. What I wanted to express–primarily to the McDowell Clan–is there is nothing impossible for us to accomplish with God. He has already prepared the path and we have to do is to stick with it.

Obstacles and challenges arise for most people and the only ones who succeed in their pursuits are the ones who are determined to finish “the course” no matter how difficult things become.

From everything I heard this weekend, I am proud to belong to a family of overcomers. Some have overcome illnesses, financial setbacks, heartache in relationships and the loss of loved ones–the things most Everyday Americans face.

No matter what we face, we can overcome the challenges and stand tall and proud of our ancestors and who we are as a family.

So, think about what comes next in your life and plan to be the best at whatever it is. My goal is to garner the support of other Everyday Americans so I can get on the ballot for the 2020 election in all 50 states. With your help in FL, PA, OH, VA, NY and MI, I know we can all make Polly McDowell proud of her descendants in whatever capacity we allow God to use us. She has shown us–though born into slavery and treated like a subhuman being–that we have within us–what we need to survive anything. I’m making it my mission–to consider her and all she suffered and yet survived to raise her children in freedom–so I’ll never be ashamed of anything I do. I want to make sure, her descendants understand that though our beginnings were humble–from slavery to coal-miners in WV–to educators, nurses, entrepreneurs, and so much more, we can set our sights higher and succeed–all the way to the White House.

For those who are not related to me–that I know of–who are reading this today, please bear with me as I underscore the importance of my family.

In order to get all the ballots in all 50 states, I need the support of people in all 50 states to help spread the word and my name. I believe I have what it takes to represent all Everyday Americans in the White House and what I don’t already know about the job and what it takes to do it well, I know how to seek the wisdom of those who do. Thanks in advance for your support.

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We Are Family!

But he lifted the needy out of their affliction and increased their families like flocks. Psalm 107: 41 NIV

Last night, I was reminded of the importance of family at a reunion at which I was reacquainted with family members I had not seen in years. To say, it was a bit emotional for me would be an understatement. Not only was every person there recognized for something, but a presentation was made about all who are no longer with us.

This reunion was about our genealogical connection, “blood family” and all connected by marriage. Our family matriarch–as far as anyone could remember, was Polly McDowell–born in 1848 into slavery. Her son, my great grandfather, James McDowell was born in 1867, just a few years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed, freeing the slaves.

Because of a desire to know more about my ancestry, I recently had my DNA tested and discovered I am a descendent of people from 8 different countries in Africa, Scandinavians who migrated to Scotland, and Indigenous Native Amazonian–who migrated from North Asia and then to North America (Native Inhabitants). What a heritage! But let me get back to James McDowell. He was the only grandfather I had known and he died when I was 12 years-old. But I was told something last night that I never knew. He was coal-miner in Powellton, WV and raised his 8 children with this thought, “If you don’t do anymore than I’ve done, then you haven’t done anything.” That struck a particular chord within me because I remember my great aunts training me to do day work when I was 5 years-old. Some might think that was child abuse now, but at the time, since there was very little opportunity for a Black woman to do much else, they did what they thought was needed in order to prepare me for life.

I’m sure, Polly McDowell would be proud of her descendants and I’m equally sure that my grandmother–Isabelle Woodson and my mother, Mary Mosley, would be just as proud of me. Without knowing what had been instilled in them, I have always wanted to explore my potential in a number of areas. Academically, I have exceeded the expectations of many and I can’t imagine what Polly would have thought if she knew there would be a writer in the family since she had been denied the opportunity to read and write. All of this was brought home to me last night–the importance of knowing family. The last surviving child of James and Isabelle (his wife) is my Aunt Maxine McKinney–who is now the matriarch of the family and is 89 years-old. She narrated our family history and it was recorded by her daughters to share with the rest of us. While I can’t speak for the rest of the family, I was moved to a heightened awareness of pride in family and inspired to keep motivating others to pursue greatness.

It’s not just the “blood” family that we need in our lives to keep us connected; it is the Blood of Jesus Christ family that we need to keep us connected and moving forward in this life, being a comfort to others, encouraging others to be all that God would have them to be, and to remind each other always of this great heritage we have in Christ.

I had not planned to make an announcement about my potential candidacy, but after hearing more about Polly McDowell and what my grandfather said, I couldn’t let the opportunity get past me. I’m absolutely sure, great, great-grandmother Polly would be surprised to know one of her descendants had the audacity to seek being the President of the United States–when she was born a slave in this country.

Now, it is more important than ever for me to succeed in my quest because this is not just about me or what I think I can do for Everyday Americans, but it now becomes the motivation that fuels me to show the world that how we arrive in life, should have no bearing on what we can accomplish in life.

So, to both “blood” families I thank you for the opportunity of being connected and in the hope of seeing all achieve all that God has put into your hearts to achieve, no matter what your age is, no matter what obstacles have attempted to impede your progress in life, when we know we can depend on family, we can make it.

Remember the name–Mary Hall-Rayford and be prepared for the run to the White House in 2020–honoring family.

Reclaiming American Integrity and Pride!

In that day the Lord will reach out his hand a second time to reclaim the surviving remnant of his people from Assyria, from Lower Egypt, from Upper Egypt, from Cush, from Elam, from Babylonia, from Hamath and from the islands of the Mediterranean. He will raise a banner for the nations and gather the exiles of Israel; he will assemble the scattered people of Judah from the four quarters of the earth. Ephraim’s jealousy will vanish, and Judah’s enemies will be destroyed; Ephraim will not be jealous of Judah, nor Judah hostile toward Ephraim. They will swoop down on the slopes of Philista to the west; together they will plunder the people to the east. They will subdue Edom and Moab, and the Ammonites will be subject to them. The Lord will dry up the gulf of the Egyptian sea; with a scorching wind he will sweep his over the Euphrates River. He will break it up into seven streams so that anyone can cross over in sandals. There will be a highway for the remnant of his people that is left from Assyria, as there was for Israel when they came up from Egypt. Isaiah 11:11-16 NIV

Taking a few literary liberties to use this scripture as the foundation for an analogy this morning.

No matter what the tRump administration does to subdue the press or depress the public, we will not be left alone to fight this fight of faith. We will be victorious with The Lord on our side. We will reclaim the trust of Americans and our allies once the cancerous boil is removed from the White House and we no longer have the stench of corruption and treason oozing throughout the nation.

God has not forgotten us, but unlike those who claimed God chose trump and some even said, “Jesus went into the voting booth and voted for trump,” we know God always works through people. It was ill-informed, undereducated, and misled people who voted for trump–many of whom simply voted out of the hatred they had for President Obama and the Clintons, and “facts” did not matter to them.

For those of us who are true Everyday Americans, we know better–facts do matter and fake news is collected lies used to misinform those who refuse to think for themselves. It’s truly a shame critical thinking skills are lacking from such a large portion of our population. If people were capable of critical thinking, they would know (not think) truth has never been part of the current administrations platform.

• The coal mining industry will never be what it once was–trump lied to them.
• Companies will still send their jobs to other countries–trump lied to them
• Repealing and replacing ACA has been a nightmare, lived daily for those who hated Obama so much, they voted for trump to rid themselves of Obamacare and now–trumpcare will help to see early deaths.
• “The election is rigged! They’re going to rig the election!” trump cried. Hillary didn’t rig the election–he did.

For those who claimed they were embarrassed by Obama as a president let me ask this:

• Did Obama insult our allies by shoving them around?
• Did Obama need a golf cart to walk a short distance?
• Did Obama speak with word salads that most media decree “unintelligible?”
• Did Obama hire unqualified family (or others) to hold key positions in the White House?
• Did Obama fall asleep during a photo op with other world leaders?
• Did Obama attempt to man-handle other world leaders when simply shaking their hands?
• Did Obama decide that humanitarian efforts (saving humanity) was not worth it?
• Did Obama launch missiles to flex his muscles?
• Did Obama use commencement opportunities to whine about how the press treated him?
• How many students at commencement ceremonies stood up and turned their backs,  or walked out on Obama while he was speaking to them?
• How many times did Obama not show common courtesy and affection to his wife while they traveled?
• Were you embarrassed when Bin Laden was killed?
• Were you embarrassed when gas prices came down below $3.00?
• Were you embarrassed when he held press conferences and took the tough questions without whining?
• Were you embarrassed when his wife cared enough about other children that she wanted to see all eating healthy, nutritious meals?
• Were you embarrassed when Obama wanted to make sure everyone had access to affordable healthcare?
• Exactly what did he do to embarrass you and make you ashamed he was President of the United States?

Only those who harbor hatred within their hearts–against any who don’t look like them or worship like them–are claiming to be embarrassed when they should be ashamed of themselves–for espousing their bigotry.

Though there were many outcries for his impeachment, it was simply because people didn’t agree with his policies, not because he committed treasonous acts. We cannot say the same for trump. His policies belittle and leave the poor bereft–facing even more financial challenges than they have before. But the rich–the 1% of the nation will enjoy even more riches under trump/GOP corrupt policies.

We will soon be able to celebrate reclaiming sanity, integrity, and honor returning to the White House–as long as we continue to fight to reclaim it.

I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for the challenges of reclaiming American pride!

 

 

Twelve Days of Kindness-Day 10!

Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. Colossians 3:12-14 NKJV

Chosen by God, specifically–anointed to do His Will, living a life of holiness and loved, we are to exhibit mercy, kindness, humility (not overblown pride in self), meekness (not seeking the limelight), patience with all and putting up with all of us–God’s children. When a sister or brother-in-Christ has anything to say about us–if we need to forgive them; then let’s forgive them as Christ forgave us for the wrongs we did when we didn’t know any better.

But more than anything else–love–our love for one another should be the glue that cements our relationship with one another, perfecting our walk with one another and with God.

If we have not love–for the children of God–what do we really have? Absolutely nothing! For love is the key that opens the door for other being receptive to the Word of God. Love is demonstrated in our service to one another. Love forgives and brings with it–no shame. If we cannot love the family, how will we ever be able to go to others and convince them of love?

One of the simplest ways we can show kindness to others is by our ability to love–even the unlovable. This does not mean we allow others to misuse and abuse us or to take advantage of our kindness. It means we love them from afar–never seeking to do them any harm or allowing others to harm them, always praying for them, and doing nothing that will make them feel unworthy.

When people take our kindness for weakness, we don’t argue with them or attempt to get back at them, we simply move forward–without the baggage that comes with those who manipulate for self-gain, rather than doing what is best for all. We love them enough to tell them the truth, but shake the dust off our feet when they choose not to hear us.

On this tenth day of showing kindness, someone may need to know they are loved and forgiven–of whatever offense they may have committed–and now is the time to set them free as well as ourselves. This is the perfect opening to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ in explaining how great His love for us is and how He has forgiven us. Love someone enough to share the Gospel with them–with the demonstration of kindness.

Give Thanks!

It is good to give thanks to the LORD,
And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High;To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning,
And Your faithfulness every night,

On an instrument of ten strings,
On the lute,
And on the harp,
With harmonious sound.

For You, LORD, have made me glad through Your work;
I will triumph in the works of Your hands.

O LORD, how great are Your works!
Your thoughts are very deep. Psalm 92:1-5 NKJV

“O Give Thanks” appears 19 times in the King James Version and a reminder to us of thanksgiving–giving thanks 28 times.

If we are yet alive, breathing and able to see, hear, and move; have family that love us and friends who care, we have something we can give thanks to God for and if we have received His Son–the work on the cross–our means of salvation, then we can truly shout–Thank You, Lord!

Every day should be a day of giving thanks for if it had not been for The Lord on our side, where would we be?

I start each day, thanking God for life, health, strength, ability to move, see and talk. I thank Him for the wisdom He is constantly pouring into me and for loving me enough to use me to promote Him. It is His mercy and grace that have kept me thus far and it will be His mercy and grace that keeps me until He desires me to be with Him, for all eternity.

Thank You, Lord! If I had 10,000 tongues, I couldn’t praise You enough and there are no words to express my gratitude for all You’ve done for me. But when we all get together, seated at Your feet, my love for You will radiate through the heavens, just as my love for You is now demonstrated in my desire to please You and You alone. For You and You alone are worthy of all praise!

Those are my thoughts about giving thanks! I pray that everyone who reads this today or whenever, will have just as much or more to be thankful for. He deserves our praise and thanks giving just because of who He is!

Taryn–Trapped Character

God is truly awesome when He’s pouring insight into us.  While writing Trapped, it was the leading of the Lord who helped me to develop the story for the character, Taryn.  I’m doing some additional research into gender assignment and today, Katie Couric’s show dealt with the issue.  Amazing!  At any rate, I’d love to have some input from those who feel strongly about the issue–one way or another.  I’m writing a sequel to Trapped divulging specific details about the lives of the women involved, individually.  I’d like to know if people would like to see Taryn change her mind about the surgery or pursue it.  Comments are welcome as long as they are respectful of the process and to the person making the comments.  I have not decided how Taryn’s story will resolve itself and will consider the input provided, prayerfully.   If I use any part of your input, I’ll make sure you’re acknowledged in Taryn’s story. Thanks!

The Gene Pool

If we look closely at some of the tragic events in our society, we cannot help but wonder, what makes people do the things they do?

What makes a police officer decide to play God and kill people out of some distorted sense of revenge?

What makes a son decide to shoot up a school, killing innocent children who could not have possibly caused him any harm?

What makes a teacher (male or female) ruin a young person’s life by engaging in illicit sexual activity?

What makes a mother snuff out the life of a child she birthed?

What makes a father force his children to endure unwanted sexual advances or engagement?

What makes children (adult and younger) decide to kill their parents?

What makes old white men decide to kidnap children who couldn’t possibly do anything to appease them?

What makes people decide to pick up an assault rifle and randomly shoot people who don’t even know them?

The answer to these questions quite simply is—the influence of demonic activity in the atmosphere.  People are subject to the influence of satanic influence when it is embedded in their genes, or when they refuse to believe in God and live according to His Word!  Whether people believe this or not is really not the issue.  The real issue is how we combat senseless killings and destruction of families in our society.

For every person who is addicted to drugs, alcohol, and other ungodly behavior, every time you participate, the devil is laughing at you.  Can you picture him now?  Every time you pick up a crack pipe, inhale marijuana, swallow a pill, keep a bottle tilted, lose money gambling, give into the desire to steal, or hop into bed with someone for illicit and immoral sex—he’s raring back—laughing his butt off because you were such easy prey. Can you hear him? Look at your life!  You’re going nowhere fast except deeper into the rut you’re digging and don’t even know it.  You’re creating disaster after disaster because you don’t have enough sense to see how your actions are impacting your family and your community.  You’re angry at life because you refuse to wake-up and acknowledge that you have allowed the enemy to take charge of your life.  Look into the mirror and get a grip!  Just because members of your family didn’t shake the devil’s influence, doesn’t mean you can’t.  Just because your daddy was stupid and mean—doesn’t mean you have to be.  Just because your mama was a prostitute and a drug addict—doesn’t mean you have to follow in her footsteps.  What’s really in your genes?

When we accept Jesus Christ, we accept our place in the kingdom as joint-heirs with Christ.  We develop a Christ-like nature—a nature that desires to please God and not flesh.  When we acknowledge that we can do absolutely nothing without Christ in our lives, we set ourselves in position to receive God’s best and we no longer allow the enemy to influence us into doing ungodly things.

Today is the day because tomorrow might just be too late.  Are you ready?

Repent of anything that you know would not please God and turn to Him to direct your path in all things.  Believe in your heart that Jesus came to earth to bring us back into right relationship with the Father, accept Him as your Personal Savior, and determine to live a life that can only bring you the rewards waiting for you from heaven to enjoy here on earth.  God’s goodness and love is in your genes—why are you waiting?