Before I even step foot in Walmart, I ask the Lord to cover my day. I’m not the type to walk in with an attitude—I smile, I greet, I do my job. But every now and then, somebody walks in like they’re auditioning for a role in “Let Me Test Her Patience.”
One Saturday evening, a man around 41 walks up to my register. His total? $4.68. He hands me a $5 bill and 68 cents in Canadian coins. Now listen—everybody and their 4-year-old knows we don’t take Canadian money in the U.S. So, I say, “Sir, we don’t take Canadian coins.” He hits me with, “WHY? Where’s the sign that says that?”
I told him, “Ain’t no sign. We just don’t take Canadian money.” I finish the transaction out of the $5, and he suddenly wants a refund. I asked him why? He says because I want to know where is the sign that says no Canadian money. This thang clearly wanted to argue with me. So, I said well in order to get your money back I will have to call a CSM. He was like call em then. Because he didn’t like how I said it. Said I wasn’t “professional.” Mr. Sir Man, ** didn’t say all that LOL* what other way is there to say “we don’t take Canadian money”?
My CSM, comes over. He doesn’t want to talk to her. She tried to talk to him but he gon say. I don’t want to speak to YOU, I WANT TO SPEAK TO SOMEONE HIGHER!!!! So here comes our Assistant Manager. And this man tells him that I wasn’t professional. Says he used to work for Walmart. Well then, sir—you should know the policy!
He refused to sign the refund slip. Tried to snatch the money from my hand. But I held firm. I knew if he acted out, everything he said about me would crumble. So, he took the money politely and walked away. But I could feel that he wanted to snatch it so bad. I was cracking up in my mind!
💭 My Question to You:
Why do some folks take “NO” so personally? Like the rule was made just for them. Do you feel like you’re always right when you’re out in public—at a store, restaurant, wherever?
I blog because I have something to say. Not just to speak—but to express, release, and reflect. Blogging gives me space to get things off my chest, to share what’s on my mind, and to honor the experiences that shaped me. I’m an individual with a story, and I believe stories are meant to be shared.
I love to read because I love to learn. I would listen to an animal if it could tell me about its life. That’s how deep my curiosity runs. Every blog I read is a chance to pause, reflect, and say, “I never looked at it that way.” Those moments—those quiet revelations—are why I keep coming back to the page.
When I write, I’m not just telling my story. I’m inviting you to think about yours. Maybe something I say will remind you of a time you faced a similar situation. Maybe you’ll see how I handled it and think about how you did. That’s the beauty of blogging: it’s not just about me. It’s about us.
We’re all different. Our experiences take us down different streets. And that’s okay.
I love New Balance shoes. I love the way they feel on my feet. But does that mean I should talk down on other gym shoes? No! It just means I prefer what’s comfortable for me. That’s how life works. We learn from each other’s preferences, stories, and truths. We don’t have to agree to grow.
I LOVE meeting someone who is not me. It gives me joy to read about someone else’s life, to walk in their shoes for a moment, and to see the world through their lens. That’s why I blog. That’s why I read. That’s why I listen.
Because learning starts with listening.
If you feel inspired and lead to send Blessings~ Zelle
Next Wednesday, September 3rd, I’ll be turning 58—yeaaaaaaa! And let me tell you, I’m excited. Not just because it’s my birthday, but because I’m still here. Still healing. Still creating. Still dreaming.
This past year has been a whirlwind. I moved; I’m settling in, writing daily, and embracing the peace that comes with new beginnings. But there’s one thing I’ve been missing deeply: making and selling candles. I haven’t poured wax or blended fragrance oils since last year. Candle-making was more than a hobby—it was therapy, joy, and a little side hustle rolled into one. It gave me purpose and peace. And now, as I continue my recovery and wait to be cleared to drive again, I want to return to that joy.
So, for my birthday, I’m asking for something simple: wax and fragrance oils. That’s it. Just the basics to get me back to creating. I’ve been using what little money I have for essentials—tissue, body wash, dish soap—but this gift would mean the world to me. It would give me something to do while I heal. Something that brings light into my space—literally.
If you feel led to help me celebrate, you can send a gift via Zelle to: lacreaselovesthelord@yahoo.com. Every little bit helps, and I’ll be lighting candles with gratitude in my heart.
Thank you for walking this journey with me. Here’s to 58 years of grace, growth, and glowing wicks.
Five months ago, I woke up from an 11-day coma after suffering a stroke with a blood pressure of 310/138 and bleeding in my brain. But here’s the miracle—my face wasn’t twisted, I could walk, I could talk, and my speech was intact. After being in a coma, Doctors were coming in with at least 10 or more staring at me. I answered all the questions they had for me. I knew it was normal, but I didn’t know they were thinking, “how is she alive with Blood Pressure that high and no surgery in the brain?” And they were right. I was a miracle. I NEVER experienced any pain, not one time, not one day, not one minute. I could feel my feet, my legs, my hands, my face was intact, my speech was off because of the tubes that were down my throat, but it came back. I was confused at times, and my memory wasn’t all the way there. I knew I would gain it over time. But from the moment I opened my eyes, I knew something had shifted. I wasn’t mean, but I was assertive. I knew who I was, and I knew I was headed in a new direction.
I didn’t remember but, my sister told me while I was in the hospital that I told the doctors my birthday was 3/9 when it’s really 9/3. That moment still cracks me up—I can’t wait to tell that story on YouTube so y’all can see my face and what she did when I told her I DIDNT SAY THAT! 😂
As my memory was starting to return, I asked my family and friends to stay home and rest. I needed answers—not from people, but from God. I had questions. Deep ones. And every night after 11 PM, I stayed awake all night to talk to Jesus. It became a habit. A sacred one.
I asked Him, “How is it that I had a stroke and yet I’m not experiencing what others go through? Why am I feeling good, but nothing seems wrong?” And He answered me.
He reminded me of the six years I spent praying consistently, asking for more in life than just waking up, Door Dashing, eating, and going to sleep. I had been saying, “There’s more to life for me.” And He said, “You’re right. There is.”
Then He asked me, “Remember what you told Nesha when she asked what you wanted for Christmas?” I paused. Then it hit me—a tripod. I also told her that I needed another car mount so that i could record when I drive. I wanted it so I could start my YouTube channel without holding my phone. I had planned to do it, but fear held me back. I was scared to even go to the dentist for dental work. I was scared and nervous to make a video. But in that moment, He said, “You are FREE. Fear has left you.”
Instantly, I felt it. No fear. Just freedom. He told me that I was FREE AND FREE FROM FEAR. I knew then, that’s what I’m here to do. Communicate! He said you are not afraid to speak up for the truth. You are BOLD, and can get your point across, but I will show you how to tone it down. Because I WOKE UP AGGRESSIVE. MY FAMILY HAVE LOTS OF STORIES ABOUT THAT HOSPITAL STAY. LOL LOL LOL LOL But you get my point.
I knew then that I would start my YouTube channel this year. I had been nervous I’d forget my thoughts or quit because consistency is hard for me. But this time is different. By the time I left the hospital, I knew my assignment. We talked EVERY NIGHT, It was clear to me. And it felt good. I told my family everything, because when it happens, they will believe me. They could be witnesses of what God told me. To this day things are happening just as Jesus told me.
I prayed, “Lord, please don’t let me leave here and not do Your will.” I knew I had to use my communication skills and personality he gave me to draw people to Him. Going to work and coming home wasn’t enough. My personality is too big for that. I want more. I need more.
This is my season of clarity, purpose, and bold obedience. I’m walking in it.
I have so much to share.
Below are the text messages I sent my daughter* my only child* she knew immediately that I was having a stroke. She FT me and it was confirmed. She beat the EMS to my apartment. I Thank God for her fast thinking, they said things could have been differently.
There’s something magical about the TV shows we grew up with. They weren’t just entertainment—they were family, laughter, lessons, and comfort wrapped into 30-minute episodes. As a kid, my living room was my portal to worlds that made me laugh, think, and dream.
I remember watching What’s Happening!! and feeling like I was part of the crew, laughing at Rerun’s dance moves and Dee’s sharp comebacks. Good Times taught me about resilience and love, even when life was tough. And Sanford and Son? That was pure comedic gold—Fred’s grumpy charm and Lamont’s patience were a dynamic I’ll never forget.
Then there were the classics that shaped my sense of humor: The Three Stooges had me in stitches with their slapstick chaos, while Happy Days made me wish I could hang out at Arnold’s with the Fonz. Bewitched sparked my imagination—who didn’t try to wiggle their nose hoping magic would happen?
Cartoons like The Flintstones and The Jetsons gave me two sides of the same coin—prehistoric fun and futuristic dreams. And The Brady Bunch? That was my crash course in blended family life, sibling drama, and groovy fashion.
These shows weren’t just background noise—they were part of my upbringing. They taught me values, gave me laughs, and created memories that still warm my heart today. I’m grateful for every moment spent in front of that glowing screen, soaking in stories that helped shape who I am.
I just moved into my new place in Brush Park this past Saturday, and that’s why I’ve been quiet on the writing front. Now that everything’s put away and my space feels like home, I’m back to doing what I love—writing.
What I adore most about living here is how alive the area feels. Little Caesars Arena is right on the corner. Ford Field and Comerica Park are just down the street. I’m a huge fan of concerts, the Detroit Lions, and anything that brings people together. From my patio, I can hear the roar of Tigers games at Comerica—it’s like having front-row seats to the heartbeat of the city.
Soon, I’ll be working out in our fitness room and writing in the community room, which has a full kitchen and a cozy vibe that’s perfect for creativity. The apartments here are five stories tall—a big change from the 22-floor building I came from—but it feels more personal and grounded.
One of my favorite things? Watching people walk their dogs. As a dog lover, it warms my heart and makes me smile every time. The energy here fits my personality—friendly, vibrant, and peaceful. People greet each other with hellos and plenty of smiles. I feel like I’ve found my place, and I plan to stay a while.
A few weeks ago, I walked into my dentist’s office. I always try to enter every space—with Spirit, energy, and a smile that’s just waiting to meet someone’s eyes. Hello, is free, joy is contagious, and I’m a believer in setting the temperature the moment I step into a room.
But that receptionist? She greeted me with all the warmth of a cold sink faucet. Dry. No energy. No spit in her throat. I mean—nothing. She was older and her face was TWISTED! It was only 10:30 in the morning! Her attitude caught me off guard… before I knew it, I bust out laughing. Not because I was being mean—but because her energy was that unreal. I had to laugh at myself.
Then came her coworker. She caught herself acting funky and gave me this look that said: “Oh that was meant for her.” That didn’t excuse the dry tone or lack of professionalism. What she didn’t know is… I could’ve cleared that entire waiting room OUT if I wanted to. But I didn’t. Why?
Because I don’t live on anyone else’s page. I author my own energy. I decide the vibe.
She adjusted, I adjusted, and we were cool after that—but this was a reminder: Never let anyone shift your spirit. Catch yourself, center your smile, and realign. Set the atmosphere in your life.
I had a dream that I was in this building with lots of rooms and people. In every room it had only a HUGE MIRROR. I WAS IN CHARGE, like in all of my SPIRITUAL dreams.
We were surrounded by MIRRORS. Instead of looking at the person, I was looking in the mirror at the person I was telling to “wake up “as I was pointing to where the EXIT doors were. I knew the world was coming to an end, and if they didn’t listen to me, their faces would BURST INTO A BIG BALL OF FIRE, which meant they DIED. I wanted people to LIVE ((which meant)) getting out of the building. But they were in another ((mind set)) and felt why was it necessary to leave…. in the first place?
Instead of them focusing on leaving, they chose to put all their ENERGY into wondering…. WHY I WANTED THEM TO EXIT SO BADLY. Some people were looking at me like I was crazy and didn’t listen. For some reason they weren’t comprehending that Jesus was on his way, and it was their last chance to be saved. Instead, they chose to wonder why I was telling them to EXIT. As time went on, I was so deep into telling people where the EXIT signs where, that as this one person I was standing next to FACE BURST INTO A BALL OF FLAMES… I was too close, and mines caught on fire too. I was dying.
In my DREAM… it was like I came to myself ((knew I was dreaming)) and told God that I wanted to LIVE. I told him that I wanted to ((wake up from my death)) and go back into the building to tell the other people where the EXIT signs were. Well, God listened to me, and he permitted me to go back into this BUILDING with lots of mirrors, rooms and people to tell them one again where the EXIT signs were. When I got back into my dream… I looked into the mirror to tell this other person where the EXIT signs were and saw that MY FACE was covered with a WHITE TOWEL. I could still hear my voice, it was my body, but my face was covered. My face was burned up so bad that God put a WHITE TOWEL over it. I remember not caring at all, because all I wanted to do was tell people about the EXITS. After telling so many people and going room to room, I heard GOD SAY TO ME LOUD AND CLEAR……now its time FOR YOU….. TO HEAD FOR THE EXIT. I heard him, and I got out of the now….. BURNING BUILDING. All who didn’t listen to me…. perished.
As women, we must stop talking down on men when we’re angry, or how about PERIOD?
Words spoken in pain can slice deeper than we know. Respect in relationships or friendships is not optional—it’s foundational. Learn to smile with your eyes, speak with touch, and connect from across the room. Those are the subtle ways that build lasting intimacy.
We attracted certain energies not just by accident, but through patterns in conversation and behavior—that’s deep inner work. It’s about choosing peace, partnership, and maturity over ego and emotional chaos. Look for spiritual and emotional intelligence—not just chemistry. Some folks think love means harmony 24/7, but it’s not the disagreement—it’s how we treat each other during it.
Let’s never gaslight our men, nor make them pay emotionally for the relationships before us. That behavior doesn’t prove power—it reveals insecurity. Testing your man, trying to spark jealousy, oversharing with family and friends—those are trust-killers. Some things once said cannot be taken back.
If something doesn’t feel right between you and your partner, talk to God immediately. If you find yourself having to be disrespected and to do the disrespecting, it’s OVER. Living life does not go that way. God didn’t design us to be locked in emotional warfare. Choose peace. Choose wholeness. Choose divine alignment. Don’t waste your divine time.
Learn the lesson, move forward, and keep your spirit open to the person He has for you. You’re not a failure—it just wasn’t the alignment meant to carry you through.
Relationships are classrooms. Don’t ignore the lessons.
I’ve got something exciting brewing—like a new candle scent that just feels right. Starting mid-September, I’ll be launching my very own YouTube channel… and I need my tribe, my village, my FAMILY to help me light this flame! 🔥
This channel will be a cozy space where heart meets humor, and spirit meets storytelling. I’ll be sharing:
🕯️ My journey in candle making (plus hosting classes!)
😂 Funny stories that’ll make you holler
🙏 Candid talks about God, faith, and personal testimonies
💬 Heartfelt chats about life, family, and friendships
👩🏽🏫 Lessons learned, laughs shared, and love poured into every video
My goal today? Hit 250 subscribers—yes, TODAY! Because when faith moves, mountains follow 🙌🏽
So please, if you’re reading this and your spirit says “go head, sis or brother,” head on over and subscribe to my channel 👉 @Iamlacrease. Drop a comment, share the love, and let’s grow together. I promise to keep it real, keep it funny, and keep it full of grace.
Inside the mind of cree 