The ideas bouncing around my head come somewhat from the ideas Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (2009) presents in this TED talk.  "It is impossible to talk about the single story without talking about power. There is a word, an Igbo word, that I think about whenever I think about the power structures of the world, and it is 'nkali'. It's a noun that loosely translates to...

Sometimes, especially in my work, I am witness to what can only be described as death's sting. Children are abandoned, lives are lost, people employ reckless methods of survival, minds are torn apart-- diseased and damaged, crippled hearts still suffering in front of me from the memory and reliving of horrendous abuse.  Hope is all but lost in the eyes of those I see on...

Learn how you can reach them. And from where trouble stems. Open the doors to something more, And show them what could be in store. Then give your heart a shake. Don't stop until it breaks. Protect and give and share. Don't hold back, if you dare. Watch as your hope unfolds, Give courage and be bold. Pick your heart back up again, Could be that it's on the mend. Don't ask too...

I decided to try another song-related blog post. For those of you who didn't know, that's where "Off With Your Sandals" all got started. Just little me getting real about what Jesus means to me and reflecting on songs that have pointed me towards some great truths.  I am getting married in 24 days. Unreal. Truly, the joys and blessings leading up to this celebration have certainly...

some old men grow old and great stories get told of when they were young and life's fun had begun and how they lived well with jokes ready to tell and gave it their all how they were good at 'ball and what they would say here and now we say rest in peace and can have a calm ease to know that their love was received and though he is gone his voice somehow goes on but then sometimes...

watch out you could lose it just cool it relax be mindful be simple be careful stick to facts forget it it's nothing and wonder instead you're trying  and wishing you're being your best it can't be it is, but won't always be what is it it's rare  and life-giving and free a friend  an ally a truth a light it's worth it it's...

She screamed full of terror, full of loss and void of hope. She screamed like drowning and without a sign of rope. She screamed four times strong and then sputtered a line. She wanted vengeance and justice; she wanted a life for a life. Her screams were not deep or strong, though few. Her screams were weak and tired and hurting through. Her soul did then break, her breath fell...