Tag: people

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START building yourselves A VILLAGE for the LIVES of your CHILDREN

Growing up, influence wasn’t a trend—it was a way of life. We didn’t curse around our parents, aunts, uncles, neighbors, or any elders. Period. Respect was rooted deep. Even the smallest slip—saying “butt” or “you lied”—was a line we knew not to cross. And if we did? Oh yes, trouble followed.

Our parents didn’t parent alone. They built a village. And in that village, we had second mothers—like Ms. Harris. She didn’t play. She loved us hard and checked us harder. As kids, we joked that she was always “telling on us,” but deep down, she treated us like we were hers. And looking back, that wasn’t snitching—it was love.

I learned that lesson for real when I moved out at 22 with my three-year-old daughter. I was standing in my new kitchen, proud and grown. Hair laid, bad shape SHAPING, smile radiant, pretty face prettying, and feeling good. That’s when I heard God whisper: “You still have Me to answer to.” I knew His voice. I’d known it since I was 14. And in that moment, I understood adulthood doesn’t erase accountability.

Later, I found a new village—a four-family apartment, full of mothers. Ms. Elizabeth, Lorraine, Tonya, La Sonya-* Googie*, Yvette * Kim* we did life together. We shared meals when times got tight, watched each other’s kids, ran errands, cried, laughed, celebrated. We didn’t even have to build a village—God delivered it.

That influence? It passed to my daughter. She never cursed in front of them. She understood respect wasn’t optional—it was inherited. And to this day, respect runs deep through her. As her mother I wouldn’t have it any other way.

So today, when I see adults cursing on Facebook like elders can’t see it… I cry inside, because they have kids too. Just because you’re grown doesn’t mean you throw away your dignity. Being able to search your mind for better language—that’s growth. And me? At 57… I’m just not that grown.

Let’s stop acting like influence is outdated. The truth is: the next generation is watching. So, let’s guide them, correct them, love them. Even if it upsets them. Speak wisdom, carry a spirit that commands respect. Be a mirror of God’s voice, like I heard that day in the kitchen.

Let’s stop being afraid to correct. Let’s reclaim our influence. We may be grown, but we still have Someone to answer to.

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What’s the story behind your nickname?

My nickname is Zee-Zee, and while I can’t say for sure where it originated, I know exactly where it bloomed — from the heart of my grandmother. She was my mother’s mother.

From her two daughters, my grandmother welcomed five grandchildren into the world — each with a name, and more importantly, a nickname chosen by her own spirit and wisdom. These weren’t just pet names or playful labels. They were personalized blessings.

We are:

🌟 Zee-Zee — that’s me, the eldest of the eldest. 🌟 Dee-Dee — my cousin Dial, named by Aunt Wana, my mother’s only sibling. 🌟 Na-Na — my sister, born Yolanda, lovingly nicknamed with a gentleness that mirrors her soul. 🌟 Bobby — our brother, named after our father Robert, grounding us in legacy and tradition. 🌟 Peedie — our baby sister Electria, whose nickname sparkles with playfulness and youth.

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Nurturing Gifts from a Young Age: Raising Purpose-Driven Children

One of the most important roles we have as parents is to pay attention. Not just to behavior or milestones—but to what genuinely lights up our children’s spirits. I believe that by watching our kids closely in their early years, we begin to uncover the natural gifts God placed inside of them. These moments of curiosity and passion aren’t random—they’re sacred breadcrumbs leading us to their purpose.

If we take the time to notice what they love—whether it’s drawing, storytelling, building things, helping others, or showing compassion—we can begin to nurture those interests with intention. Why wait until they’re adults to start asking “What do you want to do?” why can’t we guide them now toward creating a life rooted in meaning?

When a child loves creating or organizing, we don’t dismiss it—we celebrate it. Because those passions, when watered by a parent’s belief and God’s timing, can blossom into ministries, businesses, or movements that impact generations.

What does your children love to do? Share.

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When “No” Is God’s Protection, Not Rejection

Too many of us have been conditioned to flinch at the word No. It echoes like failure, feels like rejection, and lodges deep in the heart as if we weren’t good enough, worthy enough, or ready enough. But the truth is—No doesn’t have to be the end of our dreams.

Sometimes that “No” is divine redirection. It’s God whispering, “That’s not what I have for you.” And if we’re honest, some of the things we begged for in the past—jobs, relationships, opportunities—would’ve pulled us away from our purpose had we received them. Thank God for the doors that didn’t open.

But here’s where it gets real: hearing No too often can make us stop trying. We stop asking. We stop dreaming. And eventually, we settle. Not because our dreams weren’t valid, but because we let fear of rejection speak louder than the fire God placed in our hearts.

Saying “keep going” after a No doesn’t mean pretending it didn’t sting. It means trusting that even disappointment can be holy. It means reminding ourselves: our worth isn’t tied to someone else’s approval. And every No we face is a setup for the right Yes.

So dream anyway. Ask anyway. Show up anyway. When No shows up at your door, don’t pack up and walk away. Stand firm. Trust God. And know that sometimes, the No isn’t punishment—it’s protection. It’s purpose. It’s a better Yes in the making.

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What are your thoughts on the concept of living a very long life?

It’s funny because my parents use to always say… “Don’t get old.” I knew that they weren’t saying “die early”, and now that I’m at that age they said it, I knew exactly what they mean. Because these knees are off the hook!!! 😂😂😂😂 Whew Chile!!!

Honestly, I look forward to getting old. I want to see my great nieces and nephews grow up to have families. I want to have my regular debates with my siblings. I want to take care of my mother. I look forward to these things.

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That God is coming soon.

What’s something you believe everyone should know.

I want everyone to know that Jesus is going to crack the sky. Pray, REPENT, Believe and know that it’s going to happen. Be ready. Don’t have so much fun here that you don’t think about what’s to come. Be ready and watch.

Let’s live forever!

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Love

Practice loving on people now, so that when we’re in Heaven it will feel familiar.

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I Had to Cut My Hair/Short Stories

I’m 57 and haven’t had my hair braided since I was a teenager.

My sister came over one day and put some braids in for me. I loved them, but they could have been smaller so they would last longer. I wore them for about a month. It was so different for me because I wasn’t used to getting up in the mornings and not having to do my hair. When I took them down, the waves left in my hair were so pretty. I even took photos. But what happened next SHOCKED ME.

I didn’t comb my hair out; I just went to the sink and started washing it. As I was washing, I noticed that my hair was balling up and feeling thin. It didn’t feel like my normal wash. When I was done and dried it, I ran my fingers through it and saw that it was tangled so badly, I think I went into shock. It was full of clumps that I couldn’t even comb out. I stood there in shock as I tried to detangle it. I tried everything. That’s when I drove to my daughter’s house for her to help me. We did all we could, but I had to cut out the tangled hair. I was devastated. I didn’t know how long it would take to grow back, but I knew what worked for me in the past. Here are some photos from 2022 and now, 2024.

What I used to grow my hair. Ponytails everyday for 2 summers.
I’m so happy my hair grew back and it’s even longer now. Don’t be afraid to try.
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Reading the Bible at 14/Short Stories

At 14, I started reading the Bible for myself. My mom would take us to church on Sundays, and that’s what made me want to know Jesus personally. I was often punished for bad grades and not doing my chores. That’s how I had the time to read the Bible because reading was something I loved to do anyway. I remember reading and saying to myself that all I had to do was be good, be nice, repent, and I would make it to heaven. I had parents who loved me and told us every day. We weren’t allowed to fight as siblings; anytime we got into an argument, we had to kiss and make up on the spot, which we hated. But now, as adults, we argue but have never had a fight with each other, and we love that. We had the best friends growing up. We never fought them either. It’s amazing that we all are friends to this day.

As the years went on, I read my Bible daily, sometimes all day. The stories interested me. There are scriptures that really stood out to me when I moved out of my parents’ home into my own place. I thought that everyone in their homes respected and loved their parents. I truly got the shock of my life when I found out that not everyone lived like us. We respected our parents, and even though we didn’t always agree with them, we loved them.

 

  1. Exodus 20:12: “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.”
  2. Ephesians 6:2-3: “Honor your father and mother—which is the first commandment with a promise—so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”
  3. Proverbs 1:8: “Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.”
  4. Colossians 3:20: “Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.”

I once believed that everyone knew and believed in Jesus. I assumed all were practicing kindness to enter Heaven. I thought people always told their friends they loved them and remained loyal. I believed that those who loved each other would preserve their friendship. But no, I’ve learned that everyone has their own motives, and that those who are hurt often hurt others. As for me, I will continue to love people because that’s my calling.

Hebrews 10:24 

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,

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The Days of Noah #Coronavirus/BLOG

Image result for noah ark

I never knew in a million years that I would see days like this. A virus so out cold and deadly that it has the whole world on lock down. There is so much to do during this time with all of the technology these days. I was on Messenger today with my brother, mom, and sister, where we can see each other. You can’t beat that! My mother has a iPad, so I can see her on my iPhone and iPads for our one on ones.

These days remind me of the days of Noah. As he was building an ark, people laughed at him, didn’t take it serious that who all wasn’t aboard when it took off, was going to DIE. They were too busy doing their own thing. They didn’t care. They were too busy loving themselves. I wish I had a giant bullhorn to say to the people of these days….. “Were all in this together, daddy said stay in the house until we are safe, and if we don’t listen to the rules, we could die.”

Still there will be those who won’t listen and continue to do what they want. Its some type of freedom for those people when the world is idle. They feel its there time to shine, or be heard. They want attention and to feel important doing the opposite of what their suppose to do. I find some people hate being alone for fear of hearing themselves saying how they need to change, and be a better person. Some of these people refuse to stay home. They disregard rules.

This is the perfect time in life to regroup ourselves, to learn more about who we are. To read our bibles and to build a close/closer relationship with God. Time to be creative, time to change jobs, a time to spend it with our kids and spouses. A time to reflect. There is so much to do.

Take advantage of this time, because soon enough things will go back to business as usual.

Popcorn Mountain Regular

 

 

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