Celebrating Kwanzaa-Maya Angelou...

Poem:  On the Pulse of Morning

Principles of Kwanzaa

Principles and symbols

Seven candles in a candelabra symbolize the seven principles of Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa celebrates what its founder called the seven principles of Kwanzaa, or Nguzo Saba (originally Nguzu Saba—the seven principles of African Heritage), which Karenga said "is a communitarian African philosophy," consisting of what Karenga called "the best of African thought and practice in constant exchange with the world." These seven principles comprise *Kawaida, a Swahili word meaning "common". Each of the seven days of Kwanzaa is dedicated to one of the following principles, as follows:^[9]

• Umoja (Unity): To strive for and to maintain unity in the family, community, nation, and race.
• Kujichagulia (Self-Determination): To define and name ourselves, as well as to create and speak for ourselves.
• Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility): To build and maintain our community together and make our brothers' and sisters' problems our problems and to solve them together.
• Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics): To build and maintain our own stores, shops, and other businesses and to profit from them together.
• Nia (Purpose): To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness.
• Kuumba (Creativity): To do always as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.
• Imani (Faith): To believe with all our hearts in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders, and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.

Kwanzaa celebratory symbols include a mat (Mkeka) on which other symbols are placed: a Kinara (candle holder), Mishumaa Saba (seven candles) mazao (crops), Muhindi (corn), a Kikombe cha Umoja (unity cup) for commemorating and giving shukrani (thanks) to African Ancestors, and Zawadi (gifts). Supplemental representations include a Nguzo Saba poster, the black, red, and green bendera (flag), and African books and artworks – all to represent values and concepts reflective of African culture and contribution to community building and reinforcement.^[10] With corn being the primary symbol for both decoration and celebratory dinning.

Observance

A woman lighting kinara candles

Families celebrating Kwanzaa decorate their households with objects of art, colorful African cloth such as kente, especially the wearing of kaftans by women, and fresh fruits that represent African idealism. It is customary to include children in Kwanzaa ceremonies and to give respect and gratitude to ancestors. Libations are shared, generally with a common chalice, Kikombe cha Umoja, passed around to all celebrants. Non-African Americans also celebrate Kwanzaa.^[11] The holiday greeting is "Joyous Kwanzaa".^[12][13][14]
A Kwanzaa ceremony may include drumming and musical selections, libations, a reading of the African Pledge and the Principles of Blackness, reflection on the Pan-African colors, a discussion of the African principle of the day or a chapter in African history, a candle-lighting ritual, artistic performance, and, finally, a feast (karamu). The greeting for each day of Kwanzaa is Habari Gani?^[15] which is Swahili for "How are you?"^[16]
At first, observers of Kwanzaa avoided the mixing of the holiday or its symbols, values, and practice with other holidays, as doing so would violate the principle of kujichagulia (self-determination) and thus violate the integrity of the holiday, which is partially intended as a reclamation of important African values. Today, many African American families celebrate Kwanzaa along with Christmas and New Year's.^[17] Frequently, both Christmas trees and kinaras, the traditional candle holder symbolic of African American roots, share space in Kwanzaa-celebrating households. For people who celebrate both holidays, Kwanzaa is an opportunity to incorporate elements of their particular ethnic heritage into holiday observances and celebrations of Christmas.
Cultural exhibitions include the Spirit of Kwanzaa, an annual celebration held at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts featuring interpretive dance, African dance, song and poetry.^[18][19][20]
The holiday has also spread to Canada, and is celebrated by Black Canadians in a similar fashion as in the United States.<sup>[21]

from Wikepedia</sup>

Happy Kwanza

Celebrating one of the principals of Kwanzaa:

Determination:

If not for the determination of our ancestors,
where would we be.  It is up to us to treasure
their gift of endurance and continue the work
with the same endurance.  "For the race is not
given to the swift or the strong, but to the one
who endures until the end."

For Our Gain

I just want to say thank you
For all that was done,
For the victories that were won,
For our gain
The privileges we embrace came at great cost
Lives were lost.
Men, women and children
Scarred and battered;
Their dreams shattered.
They suffered and endured the pain
For our gain.
We have no right to cry woe is me.
Only grace has kept us from hanging from a tree.
We cannot forget from whence we have come,
All that was done
For our gain
For our gain,
Men were sent to their graves,
Not as free men, but as slaves.
We must not forget on whose backs we ride.
For our gain, Rosa took that ride.
For or gain, the Freedom Riders stood with pride.
If we look back at our history,
We cannot help but say, Thank God we are free.
Thank God for every victory,
For every obstacle we have overcome
For everything that was done
For our gain
For our gain.
We cannot fall asleep.
There is a promise to keep.
In case you didn't know,
There is a debt we owe.
If we are to honor our past,
There is a baton to be passed,
A hill to be climbed by all.
It is our destiny and our call.
Martin shared his dream,
In faith, believing
We would know what it means
Oh that he could have lived to see
The defeats being swallowed up in victory.
In faith, he gave his life.
He made that sacrifice.
For our gain!
He did it all
For our gain.

From Living the Dream, copyright 2014
by Patricia Newman-Harris

Remember

To those who believe

Christmas only comes in December

Let’s take a moment to remember.

Remember the Holy one

Remember all that he has done.

Christmas is much more than a season,

Much more than a few days of fun.

Christmas is a time to remember.

Remember the love

That was sent from above.

Remember God’s grace,

Remember his mercy

By showing the same love and trust

That he has shown us.

It’s taking a stance,

Independent of circumstance.

It’s opening your home

When someone is spending Christmas alone.

It’s going out of your way to help the deprived.

It’s offering a ride,

Giving an encouraging word or two,

Doing whatever you can do.

It’s standing in a gap for a sister or brother,

It’s about helping one another.

Regardless of ethnicity, birthplace

Or race.

It’s the caring

It's the sharing

It’s about putting a smile on the face

Of children in India, Africa

And America.

It’s the showing of God’s amazing grace.

Not just one day,

But everyday 

                                                                    It’s the giving.

                                                                    It’s the living.

No matter what the reason

Or whatever the season might be

It’s showing the same love we receive

To those who believe Christmas only comes in December,

Lets take a moment to remember.

Remember God’s love.

Remember his grace.

Remember

Remember

Not just in December

Remember 

He is There..Dedicated to the those who find themselves alone and lonely this holiday season.

He is There

At Christmas time,
it is easy to become disheartened
by circumstance,
A broken romance,
The loss of house and home,
Feeling lonely and alone
Or being far away
From family and friends
on Christmas day.
But no matter where we are,
or what we have to endure,
Our faith in him is secure.
Wherever we are, he is there.
We can feel his presence surrounding us
On a lonely highway or deserted hill.
In the quiet and still,
We can hear him whispering
I am here.
The spirit of Christmas resides in the heart
of every man, woman, boy and girl,
All around the world.
Christmas is not about where we are or how we feel
It's not about a place.
He never stops showering us with his amazing grace.
His joy abounds
All around.
So, when you feel yourself becoming
sad and disheartened,
Remember this,
At the center of the Christmas season is a Savior
Who doesn't need a Christmas list
To grant our every wish.
He has already given us the greatest gift anyone can give.
In him, we live,
breathe and have our being.
Without him, Christmas would have no meaning.
If we call him, he will answer,
wherever we are,
Near or far;
From the hospital bed,
From the desert of Iraq,
from the homeless shelter,
On skid row,
From a cold dark jail cell,
Or from the make shift home under the freeway.
His love and mercy will never go away.
He is everywhere.
Wherever you are, he is there.

Copyright P. Newman Harris
2013

Happy Holidays...Grateful

This is written for those who find Christmas a difficult time of the year for whatever reason.  One day, I heard Steve Harvey talking about gratitude.  He reminded me to be mindful of those things that I have instead of focusing on those things that I don't have.   Regardless of what is going on in our life, we all can find a reason to be grateful.  Some have more than others to be grateful for, but as Mr. Harvey said, sometimes we don't have more because we haven't expressed gratitude for what we do have.   Why would God give us more when we clearly don't appreciate what he has already given us?  Made sense to me.  Every year at Christmas, when I start missing my family, I am encouraged by the reminder of how many years God allowed them to bless our lives.  We were one of the few who had both parents throughout our lives.  That, in and of itself, was a blessing.  I will always be grateful for their sacrifices, because they didn't have to do it, but they did.

Counting My Blessings

I remember a song from when I was growing up long ago.  The song was entitled, Count Your Blessings.  As a nation, that is something we seem to have forgotten to do.  Everyday God blesses this country with peace that is not found in many parts of the world.   We take a lot for granted.  This Thanksgiving, let us remember just how much we have to be thankful for.  Also, remember those who are away from family and home risking their lives to give us the gift of peace.  We pray for their safe keeping.

1. When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
   When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
   Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
   And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.
   • Refrain:
     Count your blessings, name them one by one,
     Count your blessings, see what God has done!
     Count your blessings, name them one by one,
     *Count your many blessings, see what God has done.
     [*And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.]
2. Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
   Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
   Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
   And you will keep singing as the days go by.
3. When you look at others with their lands and gold,
   Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
   Count your many blessings—*money cannot buy [*wealth can never buy]
   Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.
4. So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
   Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
   Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
   Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

*alternate text

Johnson Oatman, Jr. / Edwin O. Excell
from library.timelesstruths.org

 

You Define Your Place

You define your place on this earth.

Where you are from does not
determine your worth.

Because you’re from the hood,

Doesn't mean you have to grow up
angry and misunderstood

Life is not about where you’re at

You don’t have to relate to that

You have control

You define your own goals.

Success is not confined

To a person, place, or race.

You define your own place.

If you want to succeed,

Plant your own seed

In spite of the cards you're dealt,

You can have wealth.

If you never play your hand,

You’ll never prove you can stand.

You can create a positive outcome

With purpose and vision for your life

And a willingness to sacrifice.

Whether you’re from Beverly Hills, Watts or East L.A,

You have to make your own way.

Define your own direction.

Life is like an election.

You have to cast your vote

Or you’ll miss the boat.

You have to make your life count for something.

It is said, "Nothing from nothing, leaves nothing."
If you do nothing, you get nothing.

Don’t let anyone tell you what you can or can’t do.

That’s up to you.

Ask  President Obama about the negative things he heard.

He proved to the world, he didn’t believe a word.

He pursued his dreams with all his might,

And he won the fight.

Speak life into your dreams and you will see

Your dreams become reality.

Copyright:  P. Newman-Harris

Looking at the situation in this country, can cause you to be discouraged.  Don't give up,
don't give in.  You can win. 

I heard T.D. Jakes say something profound that I'd like to share with you.

"Don't settle for less when God has made you more."

Celebrating Veteran's (Thank you for your sacrifice) We have not forgotten you.

Sometimes, in the midst of our daily lives, we forget those who voluntarily interrupted their lives so that we may proceed with safely with ours.  We thank each and everyone of you for all you have done for us and for our country.   To those, who are away from home and family we send you our prayers and the hope that one day soon, you will return.   We may, at times forget, but there is one who never forgets.

Martin's Vision for the World

I wrote this way before we began the path to the
Presidential election of 2016.    Martin’s dream
for this nation is still relevant today, more than ever.
More than ever, we need to reflect on what we value as a
country and what we want to continue to value in the
future.

Martin, when I think of you,
I think of how you courageously stood tall
Fighting for us all.
Your ability to envision the world as it should be,
reshaped our history.
You placed yourself in harms way
So we could enjoy the freedoms we have today.
We are thankful for your faith, your conviction,
and your continued belief that one day, we'd be free
Free, from the chains of adversity.
While we have come a long a way,
It is evident that, for some, the struggle
for freedom is never done.
It will never be over until we learn to live as one.
It will never be over if one man's dream is shattered.
It will never be over as long as we have need to remind
America that black lives matter.
It will never be over until we, as a nation,
can lift the rug of injustice and sweep away
the dirt that has remained hidden for years.
It will never be over as long as we hesitate to
acknowledge our doubts and our fears.
It will never be over as long as we allow
a President to be blatantly disrespected to his face.
It will never be over as long as one American feels displaced.
It will never be over as long as one man's dream is deferred.
It will never be over  as long as boundaries are imposed upon the just. 
It will never be over as long as the doors of opportunity
are systematically closed.
It will never be over as long as this country
continues to rob the poor man and line the
pockets of the wealthy.
It will never be over as long as any man
is denied the medical care he needs to remain healthy.
It will never be over as long as one person
is harmed by terrorists, extremists,  or supremacists.
It will never be over as long as annihilators and haters are killing the innocent.
It will never be over as long as there is injustice anywhere.
It will never be over until black and brown boys and girls
are provided adequate tools with which to learn.
It will never be over until, in this nation,
there is equity in money earned.
The work will never be over,
and America will never be the America of our dreams
until we finally understand what freedom and justice for ALL
really means.
It will never be over until every man can live not only freely
and equally, but safely in this world.
It will never be over.
No, it will never be over.

copyright 2016, Patricia Newman-Harris

Are We Losing The Personal Touch?

I came across a video that conveys so much
of what I feel, that I thought I'd share it with you.
I hope it provokes some thought.

As much as I enjoy the benefits technology affords me,
I am concerned about the loss of what I call the "personal touch."
I had to learn how to text just to find out what was going on
with my younger family members.  If you don't text, you are
excluded from a lot of things.  I don't feel I was left out
intentionally.  Texting has simply become the way to communicate.  
Texting is okay with me as long as it is not used as
an escape for conveying a message that really should be
conveyed face to face.  I don't like the idea of breaking up
with somebody by text or through Facebook.   Come on now.   That
is just not right.  I don't want to get into anyone else's business,
and I understand that everyone has their own modus operandi.
That will never be mine.   If it were up to me, I'd still be writing
letters instead of emails, and sending more cards by mail than e-cards.  
Though I do send e-cards and emails, I still enjoy writing letters.
If I mention writing a letter today, I get some weird looks and a
downright disconnect.  It's funny to me.  I have been dragged kicking
and screaming into the age of the new technology, but I'm in.

 

Only Love

Heaven sent a gift from above,

L-O-V-E, love.

love, love, love.

Only love will bridge the gap in our minds.

Only love will break us out of confines.

Love, love,

Only love,

Love, love, love.

What the world needs now is love,

Sweet love.

Only love will change the tides,

Dry our tear stained eyes.

Only love will end our fears

Help us through the trying years.

Only love,

Only love,

Only love and trust

Will build the bond between us.

Heaven sent a gift from above.

L-O-V-E, love.

Love, love, love.

Only love.

If love is to abound

The walls between us must fall

Love will break down the walls

And unite us all

From the earth to the sky

The flag of love must fly

Heaven sent a gift from above

L-O-V-E, love.

What the world needs now is love,

Sweet love.

Love, only love,

Love, love, love,

Only love. 

copyright Patricia Newman-Harris

With excerpt in italics from the What the World Needs Now Is Love

by Burt Bachrach and Hal David

 

America's Challenge

My fellow Americans,

Everyday, life offers us a choice.

We make that choice through our voice.

What we say and what we do, really does matter.

We can use our voice to encourage,

Or, we can use it to discourage.

We can use it to give or

We can use it to take.

We can use it to bring love

Or, we can use it to bring hate.

That is our challenge.

We can exercise our choice,

Or we can still our voice.

We can insure that the things that matter

Continue to matter.

We can assure we achieve

the things we want as a nation. 

Or we can give up

on what we've worked so hard to achieve.

That is our challenge.

What we are seeing now is a battle to

bend the arc of justice in the opposite direction.

But hate must not prevail.

We can use our voice to encourage,

Or, we can use it to discourage.

We can use it to give,

Or,

We can use it to take.

We can use it to bring love,

Or, we can use it to bring hate.

That is our challenge.

Note: 

To those of us who are in the battle to stay,

Saddle up cause it's going to be a rough ride.

I pray you will determine that you are in the battle for the long haul.

Then lets sit high atop the horse of hate and ride!

Be Encouraged!

Every morning, I listen to a program aired on KJLJ radio, 102.3, hosted by Dominique DiPrima.  Before I started listening to that show, I was pretty pessimistic about the fight against racism in our nation.  This morning, she reminded her listeners of a quote by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  I'd like to share that quote with you, but especially with those, who like me, have become discouraged in the fight.  I know times seem dark to us all in light of the things that have been going on throughout the nation.  It is so easy to focus on the bad, but now is the time when we should focus on the good.  It is also a time to remember that, as Martin Luther King, said,

“The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice.”

It does not mean that we won't have to work to help bend the arc.  It takes all of us doing whatever we can; however, we can do what we can to assure that we achieve what we want in this world.  When you forget how far we have come as a nation, remember to remember.  Hang onto the words of some of the best and be encouraged!

If you'd like to listen to the show I mentioned above, it airs every weekday morning
from 4:30 am. to 6 a.m.  The station is owned by Stevie Wonder, and there is an app available or you can listen online via internet at kjlhradio.com.

Remembering my Childhood...Celebrating Aunt Margaret..

AUNT MARGARET

by:  P. Newman-Harris

My Aunt Margaret.

Was a real treat!

When we were little she kept us in the streets

Not just doing any old thing.

She took us to see Mary Poppins

and  My Fair Lady.

We even went to the opera.

You see, Aunt Margaret wanted us to "have culture."

There were five of us, so she often sponsored our outings.

She helped pay our way to Disneyland and, many other places we wanted to go.

We knew wherever we went with Aunt Margaret

we would have fun.

We looked forward to those outings.

We even had fun when she took us to work with her.

She cleaned house for a Jewish family, and we often

Helped her by dusting the furniture.

With Aunt Margaret, there was a standard,

Even for dusting.

When we finished, she’d bend down and eye the

furniture real good.

Then, she’d rise up slowly and say,

“Do it again”.

Aunt Margaret always had a husband or a boyfriend in tow.

The one that was the most fun was Uncle J.C.

He was a boyfriend that she finally married.

We thought Aunt Margaret was a riot,

But Uncle J.C. had us screamin laughing.
He used to stop on the green lights and

drive on the red.

The two of them together were a double treat.

We were often lookouts for Aunt Margaret.

She had an uncanny knack for passing up

our street

We’d sit bundled up in the back seat

trying our best to hide our laughter

as she drove by our street again and again.

We didn’t mind delaying our trip.  We knew

eventually, we would get home.

I remember once Aunt Margaret asked my brother

to look out for a pole as she backed up.

When she hit the pole, he said “Aunt Margaret

you hit the pole.”

She had to laugh herself.

That’s what we liked about her.

The things that should have

made her angry didn’t.

She had a special laugh that made us laugh even more.

On a more serious note, Aunt Margaret was the saving grace for

Our family.

She was there, always willing to do what was needed.

Teaching us, listening to our dreams

and encouraging us to see them through.

She did this for 3 generations of nieces and nephews.

Here’s to you Aunt Margaret

Thank you for the cherished memories.

We love you and we definitely miss you.

Note:

Having someone who cares enough to pour into your life is a blessing. 
I am thankful for that blessing.  You will be surprised how much giving
a little bit of your time can help someone else stay focused on the things that
really matter in life.

Happy birthday Aunt Margaret

Thoughts to Ponder...In Celebration of Patriot's Day

Looking in the rear view to that fateful day, September 11, 2001.
It is a day I know I will always remember.   Beyond the tragedy,
devastation, the pain and the unthinkable loss we suffered as a nation,
I remember feeling a profound spirit of unity born out of our connection
as citizens of this great nation.  On 9/11, we were visibly connected
by our collective loss.  From the homeless man on the street to the CEO of great
corporations, there was a shared understanding, spoken and unspoken,
that comes with the realization that it could have been anyone.  It could have been
your son, your daughter, husband or wife, mother or father; who perished.
At that moment in time, there were no differences between us.
No matter who we were individually, collectively, we were simply
one nation suffering our loss together.

Through the years that have passed, we seem to be slipping further away from
that day.  If we learn nothing else, we should learn that our differences are simply that,
differences.  It is those differences that make us interestingly and excitingly new.  We have to accept one another each and every day, not just in the face of tragedy.   There has to be a permanent bond between us as countrymen.  It is that common bond that got us through the days following 9/11.

Being different should be an asset.  It should never ever become a liability.   When we start
encouraging separation, on any level, we are spitting in the face of those who risked their lives to make this country what it is today.  Today, let us remember and consider the price
we pay for freedom, peace and democracy.   In so doing, maybe we can rediscover what it really means to call America our home.

copyright 2016 Patricia Newman-Harris

 In a world where almost everything has a price,
one thing is absolutely free.   That thing, my friends, is love.
If you throw it out, it not only come back to you, it
will bless you in ways you never knew before.  

An Angel’s Story-Remembering a brave little poet, Mattie Stepanek

13 years ago, God sat idly chatting with one of his Angels

about the condition of the world.  As the conversation

progressed, the Angel said, Master, “Let me go down and

see what I can do.”  The Lord was hesitant, not that he didn’t

think the Angel could help, but he knew he would miss him

if he were to leave.

After thinking for a while, he reluctantly gave his consent.

And so the Angel was sent.  Before he left God cautioned,

“Remember, it will only be for a little while.

When I say it’s time, you must return

immediately.”  The angel, smiled and said, “All I need

is a little time.” “One last thing,” said the Lord.  “When

you go down you will be human just like everyone else.

Because the body you will be using is imperfect, you will

Have to suffer great pain.  Are you sure this is what you want to do?”

Once again, the Angel replied, “Yes.”

So it was, God sent an angel child to dwell with us for a while.

He was a brilliant light that brightened the night, a shining star

That could be seen from afar.   He was a beacon of hope for

all, large and small. 

His light brightened the world of every boy and girl, but

Especially those who were sick like him.  They were special

To him and he was special to them.  They were the only ones

That could see his wings.  They knew he was an angel.  It was

Their little secret.  He talked to them about his special assignment,

And about his home in heaven.  He always told them, “One day

I must return.”  “I know you will miss me, but it’s important that

You not be sad for me.”  “It’s where I’m supposed to be.”

In his short stay on this earth, the Angel, worked hard to spread

His message of love to the world.  He became known by many

Through his poetry.  He touched us all through his pen. 

As the years went by, the Angel grew physically weaker and weaker,

But his spirit never changed.  He still had that special light in his eyes.

The day finally came, when God said, “It’s time for your return.”  The Angel

Was so weak that he could hardly reply, but he summoned up the

Strength to say, “ I’m ready to come home.”

Having done all he was sent to do, on June 26^th, the Angel finally

went home.

I wrote An Angel's Story immediately after hearing of Mattie's death.

When I heard of Mattie's departure,  I knew God had finally

sent for him.  Mattie, regretfully, I bid you adieu, and in the words of Sinatra,

I would like to say, “I’ll be seeing you.”

A champion is…
Someone who overcomes challenges
Even when it requires creative solutions.
A champion is an optimist,
A hopeful spirit…
Someone who plays the game,
Even when the game is called life…
Especially when the game is called life

 Words of Mattie, as wrtten in UK Mail Online Article, November 27, 2010

From my Perspective---Enough!

It is easy to sit back and point the finger, to accuse, pontificate and spread hate.
If you look at things with an objective eye, you cannot deny that President Obama
did all he could to change the wrongs in this country.  As, we all know, and as the
saying goes, "Rome was not built in a day."  We cannot expect all our problems
to magically go away.   Why is he expected to accomplish more than any
other President was able to accomplish?   Especially, in light of the fact, from day one,
he has been blatantly disrespected, mistreated and downright denied the privileges of the office.
I believe President Obama, in spite of having his hands tied behind his back,
has worked a miracle.   By all intents and purposes, he was alone.  He did not have
the respect or the support he was due as President of the United States.  The sad
part, is that the petty behavior and the spectacles we all have witnessed during
his presidency, seems to have set a tone for the nation.    When will it stop?
How much are we willing to risk with this irrational, childish behavior?  To put it bluntly,
Are we willing to risk America?   Because, that is exactly what we stand to lose.

The Message

I heard a message so clear
it was like God had placed his lips to my ear.
Why is it so hard for us to comprehend
the message that has burned the heart of men?
Diana said we could make the world a better place
if we reached out and touched somebody's hand.
Still, we did not understand.
Michael's message in Man in the Mirror
could not have been any clearer.
You have to start with yourself
Before you can love someone else.
People all over the world sang,
We can make the world a better place
just you and me.
Still, we did not  see.
We do not need an "a ha moment"
to understand why these messages were sent.
Man has tried to succeed in every arena.
He has tried to make the air cleaner.
He has delved the depths of the sea,
And made the seemingly impossible come to be.
He has soared into outer space,
but he cannot resolve the issue of race.
The lack of trust continues to separate us
What good is it to have intelligence of mind
and still remain blind?
How many more years will go by before we realize
what is right before our eyes?
As I pen these words,
I am only repeating what I heard.
These words are not mine.
God simply wanted me to let you know.
We are running out of time.

copyright 2010, Matters of the Heart, Patricia Newman-Harris

Heal the Land---Dallas and Baton Rouge we share your pain.

America, it is time to heal our land.  



If we imagine the world as a global sphere
to which we all can relate,
We can put an end to hate.

No matter where we are on the circumference of the whole,
We share the universal globe.

The view from the bottom to the top
Only changes with the view we have got.

Whether we stand in Africa, China or the USA,
We are standing on the the same global sphere.

Whether we are white, black, yellow or brown,
The world we share is the same all around.

As a part of the whole,
We share a universal soul.

The pain of one is the pain of another.
We are all brothers.

There is no need to fear, no need to hate
Because the world is a global sphere to which all can relate.

We should have one aim, one goal...
To protect the whole.

Black History Month (continued)

The struggle against segregation was long and hard.  Most of you were too young to know about that struggle, but for those of us who were there, we have learned the importance of seizing the opportunities.  Though life often deals a bad hand, you still must do all you can to move the pendulum in the right direction.  It won't be easy.  Someone said if you aim at nothing, you will hit it every time.  We must work harder than others to achieve our goals, but it can be done.  If no one else believes in you, always believe in you. Struggle has been a significant part of our history, and in spite of our progress, it is a significant part of our reality today.  I believe it is that struggle that has made us as persistent and strong as we are.  We can take a licking and keep on ticking.  So, never stop pursuing your dreams.  Pursue them with your whole heart and whatever you do, do it with all your might.

            

 They Endured

Through the degradation of slavery,

They endured.

Their lives were not their own,

But they endured.

They were beaten and mistreated,

But they endured.

When their families were ripped apart,

They endured.

Nothing broke their spirit.

Nothing broke their determination.

Through it all,

They endured.

We must embody their spirit.

Remembering their strength and determination

Lies within us.

Every time we are paralyzed by fear.

Whenever we become weak,

Remember.

When we feel the desire to quit,

Remember.

Every time we become discouraged,

Remember.

Whenever we are knocked to our knees,

Remember.

Every time we feel the desire to give up

Remember.

Never surrender to defeat.

Stand on your feet.

Keep striving.

Keep believing

Stand your ground.

You will abound.

Amidst strong winds

Like those to whom we are kin.

It is your duty and mine

To leave something behind.

Because, through it all,

They endured.

For you and I,

They endured.

Thank God!

They endured.

copyright 2015 Patricia Newman-Harris

Living the Dream

Tribute to all the beautiful black women who made us who we are

              

 Black Queen

Beautiful black Queen,

When you speak softly you can still be heard.

Wisdom lives in every word.

Hard and cold you may appear to some,

But many cannot do what you have done.

Even when you had to go it alone,

You remained strong.

You could walk a path of broken glass

And do it with class.

Though inferiority is often implied,

You demand attention with every stride.

Tender and sweet,

You can knock the strongest man off his feet

But if someone threatens your nest,

Your roar is that of a wild cat about to attack.

Those you love know you have their back.

Anyone subject to your love has nothing to fear.

Your affection for them is more than sincere.

They can see it in your smile.

For your family, you will go that extra mile.

You have been a wise adviser

For those in despair.

You have embraced the world with outstretched arms

And an open heart

You have more than done your part.

For generations, your breast

Has been a place of rest

For all who would come.

You turned away no one.

You have been a living monument,

A pillar of strength,

A source of peace,

A true Queen

Whose worth has yet to be seen

Your strength and your beauty can never be denied.

It will always burst forth like the morning sun

Rising in the westward sky

Even in turbulent skies,

Your beautiful rays still blaze

An unforgettable path in the heavens above

You, my Queen, will always be loved.

copyright 2016 Patricia Newman-Harris