Ah Change Really Came

Selena Murray is a young woman who works part-time as a waitress. She is a full-time mother. She is also a wife, a full-time student, and a licensed massage therapist. She often dislikes serving large groups of people. Selena and all of her co-workers don’t like it either. Today is one of those days. It’s the holiday. Folks are out celebrating. The restaurant is crowded.

Maria: (Leaving)
Hey Lena! Have a good one. I’m out of here. Looks like you guys have another large church group today. Lord Have Mercy on you and the crew. Thomas told me what happen last night. I am off for the next two days. Girl, I don’t even pray a lot but I am praying for you.

Selena:
Thanks Maria! Until I finish school I’m trying my best to keep this job. Yeah, it was the old church group again. Girl, it was about 45 of them. They act like they don't know how to act in public. They forgot to bring the Holy Spirit to the dinner table with them yesterday. I worked my butt off. Nothing is ever good enough for those folks. The way they talk to you is wrong, just completely wrong. I remained professional through it all. It was so hard.

Thomas: (Walking by)
Guess how much they tipped Lena? Guess! Guess!

Maria:
How much? Twenty dollars? How much did they leave you Lena?

Selena: (Sadly)
Girl, they left a $2 tip. I don’t want to serve those church folks. I can’t stand them. All they do is complain. They have the worse manners.

Maria:
That’s awful! You mean to tell me 45 holy rollers only left you a two dollar tip. OMG! That is terrible. They are so mean! I can’t take it anymore! I have to get out of here. I am pissed off. See you later Lena.

Thomas:
Yes, they are extremely awful. Samantha and Brad had large groups yesterday but they weren’t church folks and they generously tipped them.

Selena:
See you later Maria. I have to get to work. My shift is starting.

Selena walks over to her section and there is a woman alone waiting to be served.
 
Selena: (Smiling)
Hello ma’am! How is your day going? My name is Selena. I will be serving you today. What can I get you today?

The Woman:
Hi Selena. What a pretty name. I’m Constance. My day is going well. It is going to be really swell once I eat my supper. I have something for you. I would like a black coffee and this croissant chicken salad sandwich with fries. I would like a piece of chocolate cake for dessert and a glass of lemon water. Thank you!

Selena:
Would that be all?
 
The Woman: (Slipping something in her hand)
Yes, that would be all. Thank you very much Selena.
 
Selena: (Dumbfounded)
Thank you God! Thank you so much! Whoopee! Yah! Yes!
 
Selena returns with a gigantic smile on her face and the woman’s food.

Selena: (happily)
Here you go Constance! Is there anything else you would like? Do you need any more napkins? Do you have enough light sitting here or would you like to be seated somewhere else? Whatever you need please let me know. I have to go to another table but I will be right back to check on you. Thank you so much for my $100 tip. I hadn’t even served you yet and you blessed me. Thank you so much Constance. The dessert is on the house.

The Woman:
Oh honey, you are most welcomed. I will enjoy my meal. No, I am fine here where I am. Thank you. Take care Selena. Everything is just perfect. Thank you!
 
Selena:
Okay I will be back to check up on you. Thanks again so much. You’ve made my day.
 
Selena comes back and Constance is done eating. She leaves Selena a $20 tip. No, she wasn’t affiliated with any church group or church. Constance knew how to have compassion for others. She knew about kindheartedness. Constance understood how to treat others. She blessed Selena with $120 worth of timeless kindness in her face and behind her back :0)

Blessed Seeds = Best Sacrifice

Deborah is a mother of two 13 year old twin boys (Demarco & Dion). She recently divorced her ex-husband, Dexter. Their divorce was very bitter and long. Deborah lost her house and a lot of necessities she was used to having when she was married to Dexter. She had to downsize her daily life. Dexter gained the most. The court awarded the twins over to their father in light of him having the financial means to provide the lifestyle they were used to when the parents were married. Deborah has a good salary as a legal secretary. Dexter is an attorney and CEO of his own law firm. Demarco & Dion wrote a note to the judge insisting on staying with their mom. The judge granted the order. Deborah, Demarco and Dion move into a new town in the fall. They start their lives over. It is now spring.
 
Deborah: (In the kitchen on the phone)
Lori I really need to get off the phone girl. I will see you in the morning. Oh, Demarco and Dion are fine. I hardly ever see them. They are always so secretive. Every time I want to go in their rooms and talk they are so tired. Well at least that is what they say to me. My boys are growing up. I love them so much! They are my little men! They always help out. I never have to ask them to do their responsibilities, they automatically do it. I am blessed! They are on the track team. They have a really nice coach. Oh, yes they are keeping their grades up. Dexter would not have that. Yes, he comes every other weekend to pick them up. It has been a few months but I am getting better daily. Thanks for asking. Well, I have to go. My boys will be coming home soon. I have to prepare some dinner. Okay, bye. Thanks!

Lori: (Calling Deborah back)
Hey Deborah, don’t forget that I will be picking you up earlier because of the professional development we have for work. We probably won’t make it back to work in time so please ask your sister or niece if they can pick the boys up from track.

Deborah: (Getting emotional)
Okay, thanks so much Lori. I have so much on my plate. I completely forgot about that! Thank you so much! Oh my God! I didn’t even call my sister or niece to ask them if they could pick them up for me. Thanks so much for your support. I don’t know what I would do without good family and friends. This is a difficult transition for me. When you’re used to being married for 18 years and then it’s over, it is such a hard process. Thanks again and again. I will call my sister and niece right now. Thanks Lori!

Lori:
Deborah, you’ve always been there for me and everyone else. You are reaping what you have sown. I understand. You don’t have to worry. It’s such a pleasure to help out. If your sister can’t do it I am sure your niece can. She still works across the street from the school so that is a sweet blessing. You know she doesn’t mind. Have a good night! (Smiling)
 
Lori and Deborah complete their professional development sessions for work and are headed home in Lori’s car. The twins call Deborah on her way home to tell Deborah something good.

Deborah:
Hey Dion! How did the track meeting go? Where is Marco? What’s up guys? Why am I on speaker phone? What’s wrong?

Demarco & Dion:
Hey mom! Nothing is wrong.

Dion:
Mom, please don’t be mad but we have something to tell you when you get home. Aunt Karen picked us up.

Demarco:
But Kierra is here with us. Aunt Karen had to make a few errands for us. She is coming back.

Deborah:
What! Wait, both of them are at the house, why?

Lori: (Smiling)

Deborah:
Okay…well I will be home in about 25 minutes. You guys better not be in any trouble.

Demarco & Dion:
Okay, see you soon mama.

Deborah:
What are you smiling about Lori?

Deborah finally makes it home. She sees a car in her driveway. Lori doesn’t drop her off. She parks her car on the side of the street where Karen and Kierra’s cars are. Deborah is puzzled.

Deborah: (Walking in her house)
Whose car is that in my driveway?

Demarco & Dion: (Yelling, smiling)
IT’S YOUR CAR MOM!!

Deborah: (Crying like a river)
What? How? Who gave me a car?

Dion:
Have a seat mom. We told you we had to talk to you about something.

Demarco: (Happily)
Dion and I have been working extra hours for dad. We did not use any of our allowance. We have not been at all those track meetings. Sorry for lying mama. We sold some of our Nike shoes, we cut grass and did a lot of odd jobs in the neighborhood to save up our money to buy you this used car. From November to now (April) we saved $10,000 to buy you that car. We didn’t want you to have to worry about a car note.

Dion: (Full of joy)
We figured since we have the BEST mother in the world, we’d give you an early Mother’s Day gift. Aunt Karen helped with the registration. Kierra’s boyfriend is an auto mechanic. He checked out the car. It is in good condition. Aunt Karen and Aunt Lori gave us the money to help fix the things that were wrong with the car.

Lori:
But it wasn’t anything major. I wish you had left that out Dion. She was already thinking she owes me for picking her up for work. You don’t owe me anything Deborah. It was a pleasure. I just wanted to see the look on your face. I love you and could not resist being part of this when Karen called me.

Deborah: (Still crying, hugging everyone)
Lori, Karen and Kierra, I am without words. I am so thankful. Thank you all so much...so much! Dion and Marco, you two are the best sons ever! I have the best boys in the world. I love you guys so much. Thank you so much. I was saving up for a car. Oh my Lord. Thank you God! I am so full of joy! I am so full of appreciation right now!
 
Karen: (Smiling)
You know I will always have your back. I love you and you are the best little sister a gal can ask for. You rock! Your used car looks so new Deb. Yes, Dion and Marco are the sweetest nephews. I am so proud of these boys of yours.

Kierra:
Yes, we had it detailed and waxed. Nothing but the best for you Aunt Deborah. My boyfriend Christian’s aunt had a friend who was selling his 2016 Buick LaCrosse. The car only has 8,000 miles on it. When the boys asked me if I knew anyone who was selling a car, I asked around.
 
A mother’s love is in the belly of longevity. Your unconditional love and good deeds will always pay off! They are watching and they are recording your examples. :0)

BROTHER ATTACKS SISTERS IN LOVE

​Little Joell is reluctant to say goodbye to his 18 year old twin sisters (Joan & Jean) as they prepare to go away to college. He is 5 years younger than them. Joell is severely close to his twin sisters. They have a brother and sister bond both parents honor proudly. Joell has been very quiet and sad for the pass week. He cried himself to sleep the night Joan and Jean had their trunk party. He was stubborn and didn’t attend the party. Joan and Jean understood how hard it was for him. The day has finally arrived for Joell to wish his sisters well as they go away to school.

JOELL: (Holding back tears)
I will miss the two of you! It will NOT be the same without you guys…my big sisters. The two of you help make my life better! Thanks for always looking out for me. Thanks for teaching me about girls n-stuff.

JEAN & JOAN: (Sadly…simultaneously)
We will miss you too Joell!

JOELL: (Sorrowfully)
Joan, I won’t be able to go in your room and fight with you each morning about taking a shower before you. Now, I won’t be able to help you with your nightly workout routine Jean! This sucks! Who is going to motivate you now?

JEAN: (Melancholy)
Joell, you can call us anytime! Why is this so hard?

JOAN: (Hugging Joell)
We will always love you and have time for you Joell. Nothing is going to change that…nothing! You are our baby brother. We adore you!

JOELL: (Tears pouring down)
I know…I know! I will always be surrounded by your love. Please take this. Wear it as much as possible to help you remember us growing up in this house, together. I LOVE YOU GUYS!

Joell had 3 t-shirts specially made with his picture in the middle of the shirt on the front. He added five pictures each, of his twin sisters around the shirt. On the back of the t-shirt he labeled it “Sister and Brother 4 Ever” and on the front it said “I am surrounded by their love” with memories of him and his sisters in pictures together over 13 years.

JOAN & JEAN: (Sobbing)
OH MY GOSH JOELL!

JEAN: (Examining t-shirts)
How did you do this…

JOAN: (Looking at t-shirts)
When did you have time to do this?

JOELL: (Happily)
I did it on the computer. Mom helped me with the pictures. I wanted to give you all something special.
 
JEAN: (Gobsmacked)
I remember this picture! When you were about 18 months I was trying to help mom feed you. You spit out your food at me. Mom took this picture. This is beyond awesome! Thanks little brother. You are amazing. I love you so much!

JOAN: (Joyful)
Oh, and I remember this picture of us when we all went to Disney World four years ago for our family vacation. You and I were hand-picked to sing a song with Minnie and Mickey on stage. Thank you for this Joell! You are so creative! I love you and will miss you so much!

Love moves and love soothes. You know a little love can change the atmosphere and any mood. Shall we never forget how to surround ourselves by it…with it! :0)

MARRIED WOMAN COMPLAINT... 
DEAR GOD,
My husband always touching me, like all the time; kissing me on the forehead, touch my butt and he even got the nerve to hug me a lot, even when I don't ask him God. He just like... does it involuntarily! He can’t keep his hands off of me and um...I LOVE IT…I LOVE IT...I LOVE IT...THANKS GOD! :)

GOD...
MY DAUGHTER, 
I always keep my word. I never forgot about your stored up prayers and desires
of your heart. Please continue to release your faith; living in expectancy; you ain't seen nothing yet! My LOVE looks good on the two of you! :)

GENERATIONS OF HONOR-MAMAS

Every day since the Honor-Mamas could remember; even before they could speak as children, their mothers would drain weakness out of them; at least that is what they would say. “I am going to drain all the weakness out of you and you shall be clothed in fearlessness.” They did not miss one day in the ritual of their righteousness training their babies. They inherited their "Sancti-Flyness" from their mother’s mother; their grandmother.

Smithereens of nobility often snuggled up close to Honor-Mamas and their family; especially when bullying, adversity and tragedy try to creep in to paralyze their faith. They would speak and decree strength out of weakness before it tried to give birth to their lives; their futures. As toddlers they would have daily whispers in their spirits by their Honor-Mamas. As young boys and girls it would be held hostage in their schema as they dressed themselves daily. When they put on their blouses and shirts they would say “I am putting on my STRENGTH.” and as they put on their pants they would say “I am putting on my HONOR today. I am clothed in strength; in fearlessness. I am blessed because I come from the fruitful womb of my mother.” When they become 21 they add more sophisticated prayers to their mornings. When they become married women they repeat the cycle to their boys and girls; adorning themselves in strength and honor.

Sometimes these Honor-Mamas have been known to put on a double pair of pants (honor) and shirts (strength) to help clothe those around them; the world! You are so covered :0).

A Continual Dripping of Amative Love

Grandma Adha birthday is coming up and all 8 of her daughters gather yearly to celebrate her life and legacy with their dad and other family members. This year Grandma Adha is turning 70. Although Abagail is reluctant to attend, the desire to continue the family tradition is heavy on her heart. Abagail finances have changed. Abagail is divorced with 3 young men in college. Abagail and her ex-husband have multiple loans they help pay. She is going back to school to be a nurse practitioner like her mother. She has a 13 year old son at home who usually goes with her every year to Grandma Adha birthday celebration. Abraham and Abagail have an extremely close relationship as mother and son. Grandma Adha has sown multitudinous blessings and sacrifices in the lives of her children, especially Abagail. Grandma Adha is renowned for being a prolific offender of financial esperance in the lives of her children and grandchildren. Abagail talks to her son about the party.

Abagail:
Abraham, I wanted to talk to you about Grandma Adha birthday celebration dinner. I know your dad was supposed to have you this weekend but I asked him if you could stay for her 70th birthday. He said it was okay. I think he said he was going to try and come.
​
Abraham knows how hard his mom works. He also knows she will sacrifice a bill or two in order to include him in the dinner.

Abraham:
If dad is fine with it, you know I am good. Wow, grandma looks like she could be your younger sister. She looks good for 70. I didn’t know she was turning 70 years old mom. What colors are we wearing this year?

Abagail:
Well, I was thinking about not going to the dinner because I really don’t have a gift to bring her. I was going to meet up with the rest of my sisters at grandma house afterwards. She has been so good to me…to us. What do you think? The colors for this year are black and white. I know you have black and white attire.

Abraham:
Mom, you should definitely go! Grandma’s heart would be broken if you were not there, plus I just remembered, Rodney invited me to his video game party. I forgot it was today. Can I go…please? All the new video games will be available for us to play! I am so excited.

Abagail:
Are you sure? Okay, well you have to come see grandma tomorrow. I have to talk to Rodney’s mom to confirm.

Abraham:
I will get Rodney on the phone so you can speak to his mom. Besides mom, kids don’t really need to be at grandma’s dinner. I will see her tomorrow. Thanks!

Scene changes and Abagail is at the dinner with the rest of her adult family. Everyone is having a great time. Abagail orders her food and eats half of it. She saves the other half for Abraham so he can have some food to eat when he comes home from Rodney house. She didn’t have any food at home.

Abraham: (calling his mom on her cell phone)
Mom, I am on my way home from the party. I have something for you. Tell grandma I said happy birthday again.

Abagail:
Okay, I am on my way home as well. Wait until I get home first, then ask Rodney’s mom to drop you off.

Abraham:
Are you serious? I can walk. It’s right down the street.

Abagail:
Boy, don’t start with me! You’re my baby boy. Do you know it is after midnight? I said, have them drop you off and wait until I get there. I will call you when I get in the house.

Abraham:
Yes ma’am.

Abagail comes home and immediately warms up the food so when Abraham gets in the house he can eat if he is hungry. She calls Abraham on his phone to tell him to come home.

Abraham:
Mom, I need some help! Meet me in the kitchen.

Abagail:
Help with what…Oh my lord! Where did you get all this food from?

Abraham:
Rodney’s mom and dad had a party while we were having our game party. They had so much food left. They asked me if I wanted to take some food home, in fact they insisted. I couldn’t resist. I took a pan of chicken, a pan of veggies, a pan of macaroni and cheese and this pan of salad.  

Abagail: (crying on the inside)
These are some really big pans of food. I have to call her and thank her. Wow, I am so thankful for this. We can eat off of this for a week. I'm gonna freeze some of this.

Abraham:
What is this on the table? Did you bring food from the dinner?

Abagail: (smiling)
Yes, I ate a little bit and brought you half because I haven’t been to the grocery store.

Abraham:
Look at us. We are always looking out for each other. Thank you mom! I understand, and I appreciate you for it. I love you!

Abagail:
I love you baby! Thank you! 

The time is always present to be grateful for not just the little things but for EVERYTHING...THEN BOOM...ABUNDANCE COMES! :0)

Knowledge is Rising;Tee Eye 
                    
Tolan Icaza was popular around the college campus. He could have any girl he wanted and he did. He was always shy when he approached women he admired. When he met Tula Iba, he became infected; immured by her light. There is a homecoming dance coming up and Tolan wants to take Tula to the dance.

Tolan:
(Tolan sees Tula in the school cafeteria)
Excuse me, hey Tula! How is it going? I’m Tolan Icaza…you’re in my physics class, right?

Tula:                               
Hello Tolan, I am very busy, take care. (Slowly starting to walk away)
​
Tolan:
Um…wait…wait! We are both about to eat lunch, can I sit with you and talk to you, please! Can I just have a few minutes of your time Tula…come on please? I wanted to know if you had a date for the homecoming dance coming up. I wanted to know if you would accompany me to the dance. Can I take you out?

Tula:
No! No thank you Tolan! I don’t go out with young men who do not come to class or take their education seriously. It is such an anathema of mines. I would love to but you are not ready for me. My answer to you is no. 

Tolan is dumbfounded! He understands her message. He lowers his head and walks away in rejection and shame; talking to himself.

Tolan:
Dang, she is right! Man, I messed up. She is the one for me…I’ve got to have her. Wow! I can’t believe this! Well, I may have a chance because she noticed I haven’t been in class a lot. It is time for me to turn up the heat.

Tolan starts coming to all his classes after that. He was determined to get some time with Tula. He went to physics class faithfully for the rest of the semester and passed with an A. He was focused. Rumors were going around the campus about Tolan changing but he didn’t care; he had Tula fever and the temperature was high!

The story does not end there. A few months passed by and Tolan ironically found himself in another class with Tula Iba. He felt super confident he would be able to take her out and he did. He was ready the second time around. They have been dating now for about 32 years; happily married. Tolan often tells women that they set the tone and the temperature when it comes to a man. Tolan says women should be blessed not stressed when they are with a man!

High or low...women you set the temperature...the tone! :0)

FIRM STRENGTH OF ABUNDANCE

Johnathan Lee Palmer is a 5th grader who has won all the debates on the speech team at his elementary school for the last two years. Johnathan is kind of a big deal in his school district. He has won debates against the 7th and 8th graders at his school. Students want him to be on their team. Johnathan receives a lot of courtesy and respect from students and teachers. His orator skills has made him number one in his school district. Johnathan comes from a purse-proud family starting way back to his great-grandfather. Zion Rosa is the new girl in town. She is also in the 5th grade. Her family is not rich. They are considered upper-middle class. Zion challenged Johnathan this year and won the competition. She came in first place; beating the other 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th grade students. Rosa received the rewards of trophies, medals, certificates and a cash prize of $150. Mrs. Rosa was not able to attend the debate in light of her working schedule so Zion did her speech for her entire family, friends and neighbors.
 
MRS. ROSA:
Okay, Zion tell us when you are ready. I am going to get my camera. Don’t leave anything out baby.

ZION:
Yes ma’am! Where is grandma and grandpa? I dedicated my performance to them!

MR. ROSA:
Grandma and grandpa was there with the rest of us Zion.

ZION:
Yes, I know dad but they are very instrumental to why I believe I won this debate! I don’t want to start without them. Oh! Here they come! I am ready.

MR. ROSA:
Zion don’t forget to tell us what the question was before you start.
 
ZION:
If you had one day left on earth and was granted one wish, what would you wish for? Would you choose to be rich? This was the questions. My opponent Johnathan, talked about his family’s wealth and legacy. He stated to the judges that it was an easy question for him. He talked about how great capitalism is; how his family inherited all this wealth…yadda…yadda…yadda! He had a typical answer like all the rest of the participants.
​
I excitingly articulated I would not be interested in riches. I said I would wish for an abundance of everything! Then I begin to expound on my answer of abundance. I said I would wish for an abundance of love to kill hate; abundance of kindness to chase cruelness away; an abundance of food so hunger can go away; an abundance of good parents to infect communities the right way; an abundance of good marriages like my mom and dad; an abundance of righteous leadership to keep wickedness low; an abundance of good communities to keep us safe; an abundance of good neighbors for peace in our streets; an abundance of well-behaved kids that respect their parents and communities; an abundance of justice with fairness; an abundance of laws that people obey; an abundance of thriving businesses; an abundance of forgiveness to promote healing; an abundance of healthy people with affordable medical treatments; an abundance of prayer so people learn to pray; an abundance of grace loaded with bowels of mercy and an abundance of miracles because my grandpa and grandma are living testimonies of love that turned into miracles. There would be no lack on my last day. There would only be an abundance of everything!
 
MRS. ROSA: (Proudly)
Zion, sometimes I can't believe you are just 10 years old. I am so proud of you! You are like 10 going on 29. Thank you for giving your all in that speech! I love you!

ZION:
I love you too mama! Thanks for coming everyone. Thanks for your love and support.

NEIGHBOR 1:
What did Johnathan do after you won?

ZION:
He came up to me and shook my hand to congratulate me.

NEIGHBOR 2:
Awww that was so sweet of him. Nice job Zion.

You can be part of their weakness or you can add to their strength! Even if you think they haven't been paying attention they are watching you and listening; observing you as the example.

​LITTLE MAN BIG LOVE

Malcolm Jordan is in a department store with his mother Mrs. Jordan as she shops for household items. Malcolm is the only son out of four daughters. His sisters are older. Mr. Jordan always ask Malcolm to accompany his mom when she goes out in public if he is unable to. Malcolm’s father trained Malcolm how to treat his mother like a queen and to protect her. 
 
Malcolm:
What are you doing man! You do know you and I are the only two black men in here and you are acting very ignorant. Come on, brother! Please stop talking to your QUEEN like that! 

Man: (Surprisingly)
Excuse me…

Malcolm: (Cutting him off)
You are making black men look bad right now! Your wife is pregnant and you are over here acting very mean to her. This is not acceptable at all, brother. I came all the way over here to ask you to stop yelling and cursing out your QUEEN, your wife. She is the mother of your kids! You are embarrassing her!

Man:
Who do you think you are talking to?

Malcolm:
YOU! I am speaking to you, my brother! Do you know what month it is? It is Black History Month and my favorite animal is the black panther. Do you know who you are? Kings protect and respect their QUEENS. Your wife is pregnant with your little girl. Your wife is your QUEEN! Do you want a man to treat your daughter the way you are treating your wife?

Man: (Pondering…humbly)
Wait…how did you know we are having a girl? How do you know we have three sons?

Malcolm:
You have been fussing over the coats. Your wife has three boy coats in her shopping cart...duh! God told me you were having a girl. God sent me over here to tell you to stop doing that to her. Do you want to lose her?

Man:
No, I do not want to lose her. It is just that I have been in this store for hours looking for winter coats. I am going to miss my game! She could have done this by herself or with one of her girlfriends.
 
Malcolm:
Brother, your complaints thirst no actions! My mama told me every woman is like my sister or mama and when I grow up, my woman will be like every sister and mother. They are our queens and we should treat them with the best care and respect! If you continue to treat your wife the way you are treating her you may lose her. God may take her away from you. I know you don't want that.

Man: (Amazed)
How old are you?

Malcolm:
I am ten years old but I will be eleven soon. I have to go now. My mama is calling me. Today is your lucky day to start fresh and new. Peace brother!

Man: (Talking to himself)
Thanks, little brother. You are definitely right. Thank you! I have to go over and apologize to my wife. I have to start treating her like the queen she is!

Sometimes the weight of a little person can influence your big mind. :0)