Heart Healthy Black History

I said to a dear soul, today is February 1st and this day marks the start Women's Heart Health Awareness Month and the start of Black History Month and the response that came back to me is why do we always have to share our month? Allow me to share my answer to that question.  Women’s Heart Health Month kicks off by promoting Go Red on the first Friday.  Go Red for Women is a social initiative implemented to dispel myths and raise awareness and empower women about risk factors, symptoms, and to strive for a heart healthy lifestyle. Heart disease is the number one killer among women.

Go Red for Women Heart Disease in African American Women provides some very unsettling statistics:

• Cardiovascular diseases kill nearly 50,000 African-American women annually.
• Of African-American women ages 20 and older, 49 percent have heart diseases.
• Only 1 in 5 African-American women believes she is personally at risk.
• Only 52 percent of African-American women are aware of the signs and symptoms of a heart attack.
• Only 36 percent of African-American women know that heart disease is their greatest health risk.

I'm sure many of you reading this now can think of a black woman in your life maybe even in your family or one that you passed in the hallway at work and you would not even know she has heart disease.  So, I say that by God's infinite design these two months were combined so that we as Black women can demonstrate, propagate, and instigate the importance of heart health awareness, healthy lifestyle choices, and healthy eating habits.  Know your risk factors; know your family history because you, my dear Black Sister are destined to be the name to go down in Black History as having accomplished something phenomenal!

Peace,

SharB~TTSD 

Seeking a Season of Joy ~ November 4, 2018

The weather is changing and the chilly cold of winter is upon us as are the holidays bringing times of joy for many and sorrow for many.  If you are part of the crowd that is bubbling over with joy, by all means do all you can to share it.  During this time of year sadness and depression are common.  The condition called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)*, which is typically associated with winter, affects people who may have normal mental health throughout the year; however certain seasons trigger depressive symptoms.  How does one find and maintain a place of joy and peace even when it seems your heart is not in it? How does one find joy this time of year when the sorrow and emptiness of losing a loved one is fresh? Cry out and draw close to God and you will find He is a present help in the time of need. “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34: 17-18 (NIV).

You may say “Enough! I have endured enough!”  In that moment you must, just one more time, dig deep into that well of faith and pull out the strength, courage, and faith to go on. Declare that hurt and pain cannot dwell in you; rather allow joy and peace to flood in again. I have learned that it is through faith in God that the storms of life are bearable. I have learned that by faith that mountain will move. I have learned that by faith, after every storm there is a rainbow to remind you of God's faithfulness to his promises.

As we reflect on the good in our life with a grateful heart for all that we have been blessed with, our outlook on life will be a positive one because we are focused on what we have and not on what we lack. The Bible says in everything give thanks. It doesn’t say give thanks only for the good, but even in the bad, even in what we don’t understand we give thanks knowing that God’s provision will be sufficient, and because of our faith in God, all things will work together for our good in the end.

The coming season of celebration may be shadowed by tragic events but do not let your faith waver, hold fast to the profession of your faith.  I encourage you to allow the joy of the Lord to surround you. As you open your eyes each day, thank God for his brand new mercies and go into the day with the expectation of a victorious outcome!

Feel weak? God is your strength.

I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound.  In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.  I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Phil 4:12-13 (ESV)_____________________________________________________________Add the verse here that speaks to your heart.

Feel tired? God is your rejuvenation.

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Is 40:31 (NIV) ________________________________________________________________ Add the verse here that speaks to your heart.

Feel sad? God is your joy.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” James 1: 2-3 (NIV) _____________________________________________________________ Add the verse here that speaks to your heart.

Feel alone? God is your friend.

“Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1: 9 (NIV) ____________________________________________________________ Add the verse here that speaks to your heart.

Pray with me:

Precious Lord, I thank you for life, health, and strength.  Give peace in the midst of the storm, bring calm where there is unrest, restore joy where sadness is, replace the garment of heaviness with the garment of praise and for your blessings, I praise you now!  AMEN.

*Ref:  National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/seasonal-affective-disorder/index.shtml

Peace,

SharB***TTSD

8/28/18

A quick word to encourage you on this day, 8/28/18, and in the days ahead.  At the beginning of the year, this blog discussed the number 8 and how it symbolizes new beginnings, regeneration, and rejuvenation; therefore we were encouraged to enter 2018 excited and with an expectation. Now 8 months into 2018, we can attest that there have been major challenges on a global, national, community and perhaps even on a personal level for you.  BUT, this year is not over and with today being the 28th day of the 8th month of 2018; it’s a perfect time to be reminded of what the Bible says in Romans 8:28. “We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.”

Don’t give up. Stay encouraged and by all means, hang on in there.

Peace,

SharB~TTSD

#TakeTheScaffoldingDown

NEED A THROAT LOZENGE?

Food for Thought… (lozenge for thought)

First of all, every time I cough, sneeze, sniff, or hiccup, here comes my husband with a throat lozenge.  I believe that wholeness comes when your whole self is addressed; that is your Mind, Body, and Spirit. Being my analytical self I did what I do…I analyzed the throat lozenge.

First the wrapper:  Halls packaging says “there’s a pep talk in every drop.” Mine right now says,

“Put a little strut in it”

“Bet on yourself”

“Let’s hear your battle cry”

“Power through”

Ok, so I’ve gotten a little mental boost, now to stop a cough and sore throat, in goes the lozenge.  Now that I’m not coughing, I’m sleeping better.  Sleep deprivation leads to sleepiness during the day, less productivity on the job, emotional difficulties, and more.  Additionally, if I sleep better, my husband sleeps better and this leads to both of us having productive work days, emotional stability, and an overall happier marriage. (Simplistic?  Yes, but point made.)

I’m thinking now that I’m not coughing, I’m not spreading germs.  So if everyone had a throat lozenge, there would be less sneezing, coughing, and sputtering leading to more wholesome breathing.  Wholesome breathing leads to improved air quality.  Air quality is one of the four main issues of the Environmental Protection Agency.  So maybe, if we took a throat lozenge, our air quality would improve leading to a cleaner environment. (Too simplistic again? Perhaps, but again point made.)

This little throat lozenge really has a lot of power.  Can the world's problems actually be solved in a throat lozenge?  It helps with emotional stability, (MIND).  It helps physical well-being (BODY).  All that’s left is your SPIRIT.  For that, I recommend the Bible.

Psalm 103:2-3 “Bless the Lord, oh my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, and heals all your diseases.”

Peace,

SharB~TTSD 

Jesus is the Water

Today I share a story in the Bible about the Samaritan Woman whose encounter with Jesus occurred well over 2000 years ago. It is a story of hope, redemption, forgiveness, and healing. Now in 2018, what does this world need? Hope, redemption, forgiveness, and healing.

A portion of the story found in John 4 is presented here, {verses 3-10 (NKJV)}:

3 He left Judea and departed again to Galilee.
4 But He needed to go through Samaria.
5 So He came to a city of Samaria which is called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. 6 Now Jacob’s well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied from His journey, sat thus by the well. It was about the sixth hour.
7 A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give Me a drink.”
8 For His disciples had gone away into the city to buy food.
9 Then the woman of Samaria said to Him, “How is it that You, being a Jew, ask a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.
10 Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.”

{the blue line on the map indicates Jesus's journey, the red line indicates the socially acceptable route to travel between Judea and Galilee...across the Jordan River twice, 17 miles out of the way}

The Encounter

Jesus broke 3 main social rules:

1. He spoke to the woman. Women were considered inferior and Middle Eastern men did not speak to women in public, wife mother, sister…no one.
2. A Jew spoke to a Samaritan. Jews were not to speak to Samaritans because the Jews felt like the Samaritan’s betrayed their faith by intermarrying. 
3. A teacher, respectable man spoke to a woman of ill-repute. Men didn’t speak to women and especially those of his stature and she was considered a social outcast.

Why did Jesus ignore all those customs? Because He’s God and can do whatever He pleases and because the woman needed to hear a word of hope as did the city she came from. He went to Galilee by way of Samaria which was strictly taboo due to the hatred between the Jews and Samaritans (sound familiar?).

This mirrors the barriers and social issues of today: race, religion, sex, character, and social position, which are all so prevalent? Have times really changed? The clock is moving and we keep flipping the calendar but the same issues remain ever present and even more prevalent perhaps because we have news reporters and social media to help broadcast everything.

The Revelation

Later in their encounter, the woman says, I know the Messiah is coming. Jesus tells her, "I who speak to you am He."

His offer of living water was not conditional upon what she could give him or who she was. Regardless of the sinful state, regardless of your housing situations, economic or social status, everyone is deserving of God’s grace, mercy, and justice.

The Transformation

During the entire encounter with Jesus, the Samaritan woman was slowly undergoing a transformation. She came to realize that JESUS IS THE WATER! He is the Living Water that this world needs.

How many times have we avoided a certain route, saw someone and decided not to go that way. Or perhaps we saw someone and listening to the spirit of God went directly into that person’s path to offer a word of hope. That person may have thought like the Samaritan woman, what are you doing coming over here by me?

The Good News is that Jesus is the Water and it’s for all of us. Let’s be like the Samaritan woman and run and tell somebody. 

With the turmoil this world is in, the daily events, we must realize our source, and spread the world of who the source is. Drink of the Living Water and YOU WILL THIRST NO MORE!

HEALING IS IN THE WATER
DELIVERANCE IS IN THE WATER
SALVATION IS IN THE WATER
JOY IS IN THE WATER
PEACE IS IN THE WATER
LOVE IS IN THE WATER.

Can’t just talk about it. Can’t just tweet about it. Do something, reach out to someone needing hope, encourage someone to take action. Take action in your corner of the world, be a light, be a change agent.

Help take the scaffolding down of the barriers holding us back.

Peace,

SharB~TTSD

Is There Room for Gravy?

 As 2017 ended, many of us committed to not bringing all the 2017 baggage into 2018 and yet here we are at the start of February and some of us can say that the first 30 days of the year have been so full of flurry and activity, some good and some bad; however, either way, it often feels like nothing else can be added to your plate. You may even say that your plate is so full there's not even room for gravy.  The load that you bear is manageable with faith.  Faith says that all things work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28 paraphrased).  Rather than worry about what lies ahead, make room for gravy.  I hasten to remind you that number 8 represents new beginnings, regeneration, a fresh start and with 11 months still to go, won’t you grab hold to hope with me and be encouraged knowing that things will get better.

Regeneration starts in your mind.  Muhammad Ali said, “If my mind can conceive it, and my heart can believe it, then I can achieve it.”  What positive attributes, what successes, what accomplishments have you conceived in your mind? Your past failings are NOT an indication of the brightness of your future.  Let’s glean wisdom from the past and use it to propel us into the future.  Say with me, I believe that I have a future and a hope!

I encourage you to have a grateful and appreciative attitude in life. Seeing the good in life, seeing the many blessings we have, and those that are yet to come helps us see that maybe there really is room for gravy.  So push all that over, pour on the gravy, and march on! You will not be given more than you can bear.  Tap into your faith and with a heart of thanksgiving run on into the rest of 2018.

Peace,

SharB~TTSD

P.S. Don’t forget to make your bed J

Welcome to the New Year!

If you’re reading this, you’ve made it with me into another year, the year of 2018.  Congratulations!  The number 8 represents new beginnings and I believe that also translates into regeneration and rejuvenation.  No one will dispute the challenges and pitfalls of 2017 but now that we are in 2018, let us make every effort to grow from what is now behind us.  There has been strife, contention, and unrest but there is also grace, kindness, and peace.

Number 8 in the Bible signifies new beginnings.  In Genesis chapter 8, Noah and his wife, his 3 sons his sons 3 wives, 8 people, stepped off the Ark to begin a new life in a new world.

In John chapter 20, doubting Thomas came to believe in Christ exactly 8 days after Jesus first appeared to the Apostles. It was the beginning of new life for Thomas!

John 20:26 And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.
John 20:27 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.
John 20:28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.

In Philippians 4:8, finally, brethren, 1. whatsoever things are true, 2. whatsoever things are honest, 3. whatsoever things are just, 4. whatsoever things are pure, 5. whatsoever things are lovely, 6. whatsoever things are of good report; 7. if there be any virtue, 8. and if there be any praise, think on these things.

As we start this year, let us work hard to not let the bad overshadow the good.  I have 8 suggestions for you:

1. Make your bed every day.
2. Spend more time in the real world than in the virtual world.
3. Do a self-examination; find out what’s missing from your life.
4. Exercise your faith, pray and read your Bible.
5. Don’t engage with negative thoughts or negative people.
6. Open your mind and heart to learn and receive wisdom and education.
7. 365 days lie ahead of you, write the most beautiful chapter of your life.
8. Break through the scaffolding of anything or anyone that holds you back.  Your gift is needed, share it.

I encourage you to look around, take a moment to reflect on the love, the joy, and the faith that has brought you through and I pray will continue to keep you.

Peace,

SharB~TTSD

Suppose I Just Don't Want to Vote?

If you don’t vote…

You are simply going along with whatever and whoever is in place.

You are not part of the voice of change so desperately needed.

You can't complain about the current political climate.

When the system that is in place does not work, it is time to revise it.  It is through our unity and solidarity that change is made.

Change through unity and solidarity, change through your voice, change through your stance, change as you kneel, change through your actions can be realized IF we work together and if we get to the polls EVERY time.

Voter suppression is a major issue for Democrats and the only way we can fight THIS injustice is to band together, support each, make sure we get to the polls and vote and help someone else get to the polls too!

Justice will not be served until those who are unaffected are as outraged as those who are.

--Benjamin Franklin

“Elections belong to the people. It's their decision. If they decide to turn their back on the fire and burn their behinds, then they will just have to sit on their blisters.” 

--Abraham Lincoln

If you want to see change, you must be the change you want to be.  Former President Barack Obama penned a book titled; We Are the Change We Seek. “We have to choose between change and more of the same. We have to choose between looking backward and looking forward. We have to choose between our future and our past.”

--Barack Obama

Your vote is the difference between change and the same old stuff.

Your voice is critical today and in the days ahead as we fight to restore, regain, and establish the equality, the justice, the healthcare, the economic fairness, the safe environment, and so much more that we deserve.

In spite of the obstacles in place to block our vote, we must exercise our right and go vote.

Won’t you join me at the polls and vote to make a change?

SharB~TTSD

#TakeTheScaffoldingDown

Just to Encourage you...

Certainly, we have all faced hurt, rejection, and disappointment in our lives. Throughout life we experience triumphs and failures. Perhaps you are even in the midst of a situation now, which seems too heavy to bear, but be assured this storm will pass over. Your reaction to the storm and your response during it are instrumental to the overall outcome. Seek wisdom while determining the best course of action.  Wisdom says take a moment, ponder the circumstances, and make a decision today that will be good tomorrow. I’ve heard it said, “Don’t let today’s reaction become tomorrow’s regret.”

If you are hurt, face the hurt and acknowledge it and although feelings of wanting to seek revenge may well up, pause and remind yourself at that very moment whose you are. Dig deep into that center of your spiritual being and seek the strength, wisdom, and courage for what faces you.

Feel weak?  God is your strength.

Feel unable? God is your ability.

Feel confused?  God is your confidence.

Feel tired?  God is your rejuvenation.

Perhaps you have hurts, rejections, or disappointments lingering from the past. To you I say, ask God for the strength to tear down the walls, open the windows, and clean out the past.  Refuse to allow hurt and pain to dwell in you, rather allow joy and peace to flood in again. I have learned that it is through faith in God that the storms of life are bearable.  I have learned that by faith that mountain will move. I have learned that by faith, after every storm there is a rainbow to remind you of God’s faithfulness to his promises.

I hope this brief message has encouraged you and given your faith a boost.

Peace,

SharB~TTSD

That Mountain

When exercising your faith, when spending time with the Lord, part of that time typically involves studying the Bible. The Bible is filled with scriptures and God’s promises that easily apply to your daily walk. One particular promise I really grabbed hold to when this mountain of a situation presented itself.

Lord, by faith I’m asking you to move this mountain. Then I recalled an old Baptist hymn that says, “Lord don’t move this mountain; give me the strength to climb it.” Hmm...I even recalled hearing, “Lord, if you don’t move this mountain, help me to tunnel through.” Hmm...I prayed and cried.  I cried and prayed.

So here I am, mustering up as much faith as I possibly can and I said ok God, so about that mountain. In my finite mind it seemed inevitable that it wasn’t going anywhere so as I prayed, I said, “Lord, if you don’t move this mountain, give me all the tools…no scratch that, give me everything I need to build a house right on this mountain. My finite mind said yes that is the answer-if that mountain won’t move, we just have to use it!

Now fast forward to the answer.

1.  I didn’t climb the mountain.

2.  I didn’t tunnel through the mountain.

3.  I sure didn’t build a house on that mountain.

That still small voice spoke to me and said what exactly was that scripture you started out your prayers with? I opened my Bible to Mark 11:23 and read, “For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says.”

The mountain would do what? It would be removed.

Oh, so you won’t be building that house on the mountain?

No, Lord, I won’t. Thank you for moving that mountain.

Mic drop.

Peace,

SharB~TTSD

Hope Remains

Time is ongoing and with time comes change, which is apparent now more than ever.  Until the time comes when we cease to exist, we ought to strive to live our best life focusing on the long term and on the celebration of life.  Although discouragement comes through the chaos of this world, the multiple injustices, the prejudices, and the corruption plaguing our social systems and healthcare, and is enough to break us and shake us to our core, we must remain steadfast, remain committed to fighting, resisting, and standing for what is right.

Back to the title of my blog, Take the Scaffolding Down, the purpose of scaffolding is to provide a temporary supporting structure, and if taken down too soon, the safety of the structure is severely compromised. Speaking metaphorically the stability of the scaffolding in our lives is falling down for many. I refer back to our healthcare system which is relied upon by millions to be available, accessible, and affordable; however, those reassurances that we have come to rely upon are quickly falling apart.  Part of the 492 false claims (lies) made by the current United States president during his first 100 days is that no one would lose health care and there would be no cuts to Medicaid.  The current healthcare proposal threatens to cut Medicaid spending by 35% by 2035 affecting our most vulnerable population.

The fragility of so many American citizens emphasizes the need to fight on, to march on, and to stand for truth and equality.  One thing is sure, Truth does not change, Truth remains stable through and through. While we fight, we must hold on to faith and not allow our faith to be tied to circumstances.  Circumstances are unpredictable and ever-changing but I admonish you to persevere in your faith as a family, as a community, and as a nation.

Don’t ever lose hope.

Through these times of uncertainty remember that all you have worked hard for and continue working hard for is not in vain. Won’t you trust and believe with me that the promise God made to Israel can be our promise today, His plans are to prosper us and not to harm us, plans to give us hope and a future, (Jeremiah 29:11) paraphrased.

This is what must propel you to keep on striving.

Peace,

SharB~TTSD

Mental Health Awareness Month

As we approach May, I draw your attention to May being Mental Health Awareness Month.  What do you think of when you hear the term “mental illness?”  Do you think it is only people you see who you think have an obvious mental illness?  Do you think of only certain classes of illness or what you see in the movies?  Do you think it certainly can’t be me?  Do you think that certainly a person of faith will not have a mental illness?  This is just the surface of the stereotypes and stigma that goes along with mental illness.  It is often hard to acknowledge that help is needed, but that is the first and critical step on the road to recovery.

There are many reports of arrests and mistreatment of those who have called for help due to an exacerbation of symptoms of mental illness and the end result is prison or death.  The criminalization of the mentally ill must stop.

Many members of society charged with a crime suffer from mental illness and in spite of the views of many members of society, the United States Constitution states people charged with a crime, whether a minor offense or a major criminal act must still be afforded their basic human rights. According to the American Civil Liberties Union those rights include:

• The right to adequate medical and mental health care,
• The right to informed consent to treatment
• The right to have regular and timely access to medical and mental health staff that is culturally competent and qualified to provide adequate treatment and supervision.
• The right to be free from corporal punishment, chemical restraints, and sexual abuse or coercion.
• The right to an individualized written treatment plan periodically reviewed and revised based on the prisoner’s needs

Far too many prisoners are held in deplorable conditions and treated less than human.

For mental health treatment to be successful within the prison population these and all other rights must be adhered to, decriminalization of mental health must continue to be advocated for.  Prison diversion programs are designed to prevent the incarceration of mentally ill offenders and to promote their transition into an appropriate community-based treatment.  Here the limitations of public policy and legislative actions hinder diversion programs’ success.

Realizing the availability of mental health services in correctional facilities is limited; community advocates continue to seek funding opportunities to build mental health facilities staffed with trained professionals.  For example, the Greater Cleveland Congregations (GCC) has called for a true Community Benefits Agreement with the Q Arena Expansion and part of that proposal calls for (1) a Community Equity Fund for distressed neighborhoods for jobs, youth and capital projects (2) two Mental Health Substance Abuse Crisis Centers on the CLE East and West Side (3) $35M Philanthropic Investment from Rock Ventures CEO and Cavs Owner Dan Gilbert to initially capitalize the fund and initiate the mental health and substance abuse crisis center projects

We continue to fight to eradicate the stigma associated with mental illness, we continue the fight to ensure our communities are equipped with mental health professionals and facilities, we continue the fight to ensure our police force is properly trained in dealing with mental illness.

More people are finding the courage and bravery to come forward and acknowledge that they have a mental health problem; as a result they are often met with the stigma of discrimination and stereotypes whereas it should be met with hope, encouragement, and support.  I urge you during the month of May for Mental Health Awareness Month, to be observant, be accepting, to be an advocate.    

If you know someone with a mental health problem or if you know that it is you in need of a mental health professional, tear down the scaffolding of the shame, fear, and stereotypes and seek the help that is needed.  A few online resources are listed here for you.

http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/may

https://www.nami.org/Find-Support

https://www.samhsa.gov/

Peace,

SharB~TTSD