The Devil is Busy Rant

As I sit back and watch all the things happening around me I can't help but shake my head. The violence is outrageous, the lack of goals and dreams is on the decline, and the saddest thing of it all is the rate in which our marriages and families are being torn apart. It's funny because a coworker of mine said just last week that "the greatest libido of them all is financial stability." He couldn't have been more right. God said the greatest of all is love and now that's the least of our worries. It's sad to know that a lot of us are so weak, timid, and afraid that we're allowing the devil to take over our own lives: the ones WE have to live and work hard at keeping. This wasn't what God envisioned for us, but he already knew we'd be disobedient and this, in turn, would lead to our demise. I always think to myself, we could be right at the pearly gates of Heaven and God, himself, can tell us the truth and the blueprint of how to get to where we need to be in life and people would still choose to do the opposite. I can't understand this for the life of me, but then, it's really not for me to understand. Lets take a look at the violence. I don't know what else to feel but pity on these poor, young people who have nothing better to do with their own lives, but to take someone else's. That has to be one difficult way to live. They never had anyone to instill in them the value of having goals, dreams, and most importantly getting away from where they are from and visiting other places and learning about other cultures. Their parents are even more lost than they are and unfortunately we have to deal with the consequences of their wayward children. I'd like to see more parents take responsibility for their children. I say we lock them up too and send their kids off to Iraq and Afghanistan. They can go out there and shoot all they want to. Maybe I'm being harsh, I don't know, but this legal system  is jacked up and we all know it. A crack dealer can spend more time in jail than a murderer. It's crazy. Then, on the devil's advocate side I see the man who has a wife and children, gets laid off, and can no longer provide for his family. I couldn't imagine how less of a man that would make him feel. What is he supposed to do to feed his family? (Because we know the government isn't going to help him). I pray to God that He provides the answers, but honestly, I think He's about ready to scratch this whole plan. The devil has clearly taken over and in a sense, he controls the minds of many right now. The good are outnumbered by the evil. Lastly, I want to touch on marriages, particularly black ones, or lack there of. I look in the newspaper on Sundays just to see the engaged couples. I never see any black people on a consistent basis. It's really depressing and leaves me with little hope of ever marrying myself. Then, I turn on the television and see couple after couples divorcing and splitting up. It's just too much to deal with. What happened to working issues out and getting counseling. Those vows say "til death do us part." We all know, in these 'last days' we need someone to love and someone who loves us, even if it's just moral support. I can't believe we are allowing the devil to win right now. Seriously, when are we going to start back believing?

What Has My Country Done for Me?

In the field I work in, I meet many different types of people everyday. I admit, it's draining, but nevertheless, I'm thankful and blessed to have a job. I met a guy the other day and we'll just call him Keith. Keith just finalized a divorce with his wife, in which, she got everything; the house, car, and the kids. This leaves him homeless, carless, and alone. Keith was also recently laid off from his job of 13 years. He had worked in the automobile business all his life. That's all he knows and the only skill he has. He has no money and lacks higher education. This leaves him very little opportunity to do anything else. Very sad story. Then I think to myself...I did everything "society" taught me is the right thing to do in order to be successful and live a happy life. I grew up in a single parent home and we struggled. I stayed on the honor roll throughout my entire time in school. I participated in tons of extracurricular activities, volunteered countless hours to different organizations, went off to college, graduated, and struggled even more to find a decent job to support myself. When I finally did find one, I hated and was stressed out beyond measure. It also didn't pay enough for me to keep up with rent and other bills. There were nights I went to bed hungry because I couldn't afford to buy groceries. I ended up back at home. I then decided to join the military, was diagnosed with a disease that prevented me from staying and there I was jobless again. After returning from the military, I found it extremely difficult to get medical care from anyone. I was denied government assistance because I don't have any children and I am not and never was a recovering drug addict or alcoholic. So since I hadn't completely hit rock bottom, I couldn't get any assistance. Sad Story. I eventually found a good paying job and was able to pay off debt (except student loans, of course) and get back on my feet. Biggest difference between me and Keith: He's in his late 40s and I'm in my late 20s. I can't help but pose the question, what has my country done for me? This is the land of the free and the home of the brave. Yet, we have so many of our own people struggling just to survive and wondering where that next meal is going to come from. I'm sure this wasn't the meaning behind "one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all" (inspired by my good college friend Shamecqua Thomas). Looks to me like the indivisible has been divided for many years and I laugh when I hear 'liberty and justice for all'. This is freedom at what cost? So far my great path has gotten me into debt and there is no freedom in owing people; therefore, I remain a slave to Uncle Sam and to the society. Another question I pose is; is a democracy worth it? Looks like we're falling further and further behind. I just pray to God for a healing, quick! Look how far man has gotten us this far.

Who Am I and Why Am I Here?

I am an African-American female
Standing proud and strong.
I am a leader
Keeping control of all.
I am a goddess of love
Encouraging everyone to be peaceful and serene.
I am a child of God
Giving Him all praise.
I am queen of the universe,
Demanding power and respect.
I am a lady
In search of my knight.
I am a diamond
Precious and pure.
At the end of the day
I take a look in the mirror
And see the reflection of
who I really am.


I wrote this poem when I was 15 years old.  Hard to believe that was many years ago. I'm looking through the literary magazine in which it is published, (the Salmagundi, in which I was editor) thinking...my writing has definitely come a long way. I have matured so much and I now have many stories to tell and a voice that needs to be heard. I aspire to be so many things and as an adult, I never thought I could dream so big. With every dream, goal, and aspiration, it all falls back on my love for writing. It is my passion and my first love. So here it is, my opportunity to shine through words. Why wouldn't I do what I love so much? For the first time ever, I'm allowing myself to be transparent and candid. I'm glad to welcome all of you on my journey and I hope something I say blesses, inspires, or empowers you. You may not agree with everything I will have to say, but I welcome the challenges. I'm going to try and be as consistent as possible with this and stay true to myself. It's been a long time coming and I'm ready! .......*exhaling*