Every Wednesday is “Go Mama Workout Day” at my house. It’s my favorite day of the week. It’s the day I don’t shower. I hang out in my workout clothes and wear a messy braid all day. I invite women and their kids from my community to join me. I started this almost seven years ago now. My husband, who was a personal trainer, was invited to [...] Keep Reading
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In Sickness and in Health
Thirteen years ago I stood up on a mountain in the presence of a host of friends and family and promised to care for my husband in sickness and in health. At age 25, this promise did not feel like much of a sacrifice. Some of the other promises I made to him that day felt like a leap of faith but health was something I didn’t think much about or [...] Keep Reading
One Word: Flourish
Tears sparkle in my eyes like diamonds as I think back to the scene at our table this past Thanksgiving. My fiancé sat at my right hand. I couldn’t close my eyes as he prayed the blessing for our first holiday meal together as a family in our new house. His prayers have spread a healing balm over my wounds so many times this year. Next to him sat [...] Keep Reading
I Don’t Believe in a Colorblind Christmas
As this year comes to a close, I can’t help but look back and marvel at all the miracles. In my personal life and in our world, there is much to celebrate but I also do not want to forget those whose lives were lost so tragically and unnecessarily this year. This Christmas I grieve with those families. I mourn with the mothers and grandmothers who [...] Keep Reading
Offering the Gift of Dignity
The stop light turned green, and I started across the city street rolling my carry-on suitcase. I was following my GPS through downtown Chicago to the train station. I squinted in the sunlight and a cool breeze kissed my shoulders. People strolled and zipped alongside me heading for work and play in the city. My friend told me it was a good [...] Keep Reading
Flourishing In Our Passions
No one told me how hard it would be. No one told me how traumatic the birthing experience would feel. No one told me I wasn’t going to fit into my pre-pregnancy clothes on the way home from the hospital. No one told me how long I was going to have to sit in that glider every day nursing my newborn. No one told me how many weeks it was going to take [...] Keep Reading
