Last night was amazing. I spent an hour and a half in community with folk in my church community. Some were members of my church, and others were not.
We all had three things in common: Purpose, Passion And Potential. We want to reach for this, collectively.
Some just wanted to be in a like-minded community of women. I've found community rests in sometimes taking risks. Being around people we don't know - and spending time listening and sharing stories and perspectives. I've found this to be my peace and my passion.
Most recently I stayed in a spiritual community for two years that nurtured me , something awesome. It's called Propel Women. (Propelwomen.org) I spent two years with this group and decided only recently I'd begin my own group of like-minded women, and impact another community through my church.
Last night we did this, and I fell in love again with the "spirit of community ". only this time I led the community. How empowering and enlightening to be on the other side. Last night I gained new wings. Again. Yet perhaps that's what happens when we take risks. Again. We learn to fly, or better yet, SOAR.
We learn how to navigate the skies.
I've been in other communities that have helped shape my character. I've spoken about them here and here. The one most prominent was where I met my husband. This was in a loving community full of people of color who were seeking to unravel the pieces surrounding our identity and my history as a 'people' in America. We were seeking empowerment, and it came from unraveling a philosophy burnt deep in the fibers of slavery and how slaves were made. Every time I spent time in this community, I was transformed. With a passion, every year I found refuge there. (I really don't want to take time to reference the document, because that identity is no longer my identity; but it set the stage for my ancestors who suffered abuse and neglect and disenfranchisement at the hands of its ' masters.
Unraveling those pieces with my sisters and brothers helped me to see my true identity. Recognizing I could begin from square one, helped me sort out and filter the lies and deceit my ancestors believed; then released me to live a life empowered with my own significance and influence, and recognize places within that needed healing,nurturing and were long forgotten and ignored.
Once I realized this, I was born again. It set the precedent for what I allowed to be in my life. And 'whom' I allowed myself to be in relationship with. My old identity didn't exist anymore. Only what God foresaw and I allowed myself to partake of as my identity. Selah.
So here's what I now know:
This side of life is only half of who I am. Doesn't make me a half of a persons, just makes me realize that wholnessnis a journey, and I CANNOT DO IT ALONE.
Im not the same.
Now, my hope is, the women in this photo, will not be either.
Happy Valentine's Day. Love on Yourself a little, today.💕