I am utterly exhausted, angry, and filled with deep sorrow from having to constantly demand accountability and justice. I am overwhelmed from educating family, friends, and strangers about the never-ending acts of violence against my black and brown brothers, sisters, and siblings. Here's the thing, family, friends, and acquaintances: BEING NICE IS NOT THE SAME … Continue reading An Open Letter to Family, Friends, & Acquaintances about Anti-Racism
With July steadily melting into August and a new school year slowly creeping around the corner, I can't help but reflect on the adventures of the past several months. As it turns out, this summer has been surprisingly intense. Summer of 2019, you have blown my mind with the copious amounts of plot twists and … Continue reading What Summer Taught Me About Love & Loss
This past weekend, I received a disturbing emergency alert message via text message. In all capital letters it read: BALLISTIC MISSILE THREAT INBOUND TO HAWAII. SEEK IMMEDIATE SHELTER. THIS IS NOT A DRILL. On a chilly Saturday afternoon, a high school friend and I were grabbing lunch and catching up. Two local girls who grew … Continue reading A Sobering Farewell: How The Hawaii Ballistic Missile Mishap Impacted Two North Carolinians
A few years ago, a friend of mine shared that every year, in place of a New Year's resolution, he chooses one personally meaningful word (a theme in essence) to help direct the 365 days ahead of him. I loved the idea and so, followed suit. "Go", "Forgive", "Fearless", and "Stay", are a few of … Continue reading Thoughts on Mindfulness
It's hard to believe that the last month of 2017 is nearly half-way over. Yet, with Christmas in-tow, the nostalgia surrounding the new year is quickly approaching. The scurry of retail, the kind gestures of gift exchange, as well as the adoration of decorative lights and precious nativity scenes, will soon bring way to sparkling … Continue reading My Top 5 Life-Changing Quotes From 2017
CLICK HERE TO WATCH "STAY" VIDEO Today is World Suicide Prevention Day. According to the International Association for Suicide Prevention and the World Health Organization, "[m]ore than 800,000 individuals die by suicide each year and up to 25 times as many make a suicide attempt." That is 15, 385 lives gone every week. That is … Continue reading Remind Us to Stay
In August, I had the awesome opportunity to speak to middle school students and leaders about the concept of being "Fearless". Coincidentally, "Fearless" is my personal focus for 2016 and I even wear a Giving Key around my neck with the word inscribed. While speaking to students about being fearless for their upcoming school year, I … Continue reading A Mosaic of Sorts: A Divine Conspiracy Comes Full Circle
A year ago, I boarded the red-eye back to Raleigh from a five-week, bittersweet adventure on Oahu, Hawaii. I had not been back to my home for nearly seven years and though being reunited with my childhood playground and where I came from was incredibly refreshing, ultimately, it was not the primary reason for my … Continue reading The Comeback Kid
For the entire month of April, our church's student pastor and I have really been exploring the world of plot twists within our middle school and high school culture. You know, plot twists, the unexpected and unplanned occurrences that rock our world; the topsy-turvy events in our personal lives that we really just did not … Continue reading I Forgive You – The How & Why
Generally, when someone mentions the word Culture, we tend to quickly visualize grass huts, strange-looking natives, undecipherable language, and mind-boggling rituals midst a foreign land. You know, hula skirts, nose rings, and a violent and confusing dance around some sort of massive, blazing fire. Let's be real, People; That is not normally the case. And … Continue reading Middle School is a Foreign Land
A Fish Out of Water 