Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Week Before My Birthday - Blah

I'm anxious. I can't sleep. It's that time of year again when I question everything.

It's really simple. It's not complicated. It's just this weird thing that my body does before a few days before the day that reminds me that I'm getting older...old...ancient...closer to death. Damn birthdays. I love them and get so annoyed at the same time. The thing about this time is my mind's constant thoughts that scream, 'You should be married,' or 'You should have kids,' or 'You aren't doing what you're called to do, but who actually cares about you. Give up.'


Anyways....I'm not in a mood to deal with people. I'm a little on edge right now. Give me a few days and I'll be fine. I'll be my normal self again and I'll stop worrying about all the things that I worry about -- the things that make me feel less alive.

Whatever.

Sunday, August 11, 2013

Has The Word "Christian" Lost Its Meaning?

Has The Word "Christian" Lost  Its Meaning?


I love Jesus. I follow Him, but I'm so uncomfortable calling myself a "Christian" anymore. It seems like the word doesn't mean "little Christ" in this age. How can one call themselves the name "Christian" but not follow the true founder of their religion? If you say you follow Jesus, why would you spend all your time and energy hating homosexuals, being against same sex marriage, oppressing women, controlling the sex lives of other people and talking about abortion almost 24/7.

Did Jesus Christ, from our 4 canonical gospels, focus on those topics? No, He did not. He focused on the kingdom of His Father and making the Father known to man in a way that mankind had not seen or understood before in recorded history. Jesus explained the Father God. If you understand Jesus Christ, you have a better understanding of God the Father. Everything Jesus said came from the Father God. So, if Jesus only said what the Father wanted, why are we not focusing on the words of Jesus? Are they not important? Are the words of man more important than the words that came straight from God the Father to Jesus the Son?

In the story of the good Samaritan, Jesus teaches us to love our neighbor no matter who he is and no matter how he worships. Is that really a hard concept? Can we all not live in a world where different denominations and sects or branches of Christianity come together in their shared belief and love of Jesus Christ?

Maybe, I'm a dreamer. Maybe I want too much from people that say they put their hope and faith in Jesus. I don't know if I'm filled with hope anymore when people whine if you don't use the name "Yeshua" for Jesus. I think Jesus (Yeshua) knows that we are praying to Him or talking about Him. I mean He is kinda ...ya know...The Son of God.

People are so focused on what can divide the body of Christ and not what unites all as one in Jesus. We've become blind to what really matters. We've lost our focus on the mission. We've forgotten our duty. We've forgotten to love one another.

Anyways...a house divided will fall.

Thursday, August 08, 2013

Positive Transracial Adoption Rant - Hair Issues - Black folks

Hair Problems - Adoption

I think it's absolutely amazing that many people of various races adopt black and biracial or multiracial children. So many minority children in the USA are rarely ever adopted. Also, I know that many people adopt internationally, and I have no issues with that. I think it takes a brave and courageous person to adopt any child regardless of color or country of origin. Now, with that said, let's talk about hair.

Black folks are very sensitive about hair. 

Hair is a longstanding Black American issue. We always feel like our hair has to "represent" the entire Black community, but most Black Americans are finally starting to calm down with the crazy negative issues they have with their own hair.

Natural or Chemically Processed: both are fine. I think people should choose a hairstyle that works for the busy parent and the playful child. Never feel pressured that you have to do any specific style or trend because it's popular.

In the Black community, we call unkempt or uncombed hair that you can't run your fingers through as "Nappy". You can have a natural hairstyle and NOT be nappy.

1. Don't be afraid of Hair Dress / Pomade (We black folks call it grease). It's good stuff. There are lots of great pomades available today. After you wash the hair, add just a dime size amount of pomade to the hair. <--  Comb thru with a wide tooth comb or finger twist the hair. The pomade or hair dress will make the hair smooth and shiny and manageable and protect it from becoming too dry and brittle.

2. Black Ethnic hair gets very brittle and dry. Don't be afraid to get a spray bottle with about 2/3 water and 1/3 Frizz serum and spritz the hair. It needs moisture.

3. Condition more than you shampoo. Shampoo twice a week and Condition maybe 3 or 4 times a week -- (For Natural Hair).
Dark and Lovely Cholesterol Conditioner is really good with detangling hair. Biosilk or Fructis Frizz serum is great to use also to keep away the frizz

4. Braids, twists, or cornrows are great styles also, but remember to let the hair out after a week or two from a style so the hair can rest for a few days, because you don't want additional breakage from it being tied up or braided too tightly or for your child's scalp to break out in bumps from being pulled too tightly.

If the hair on a boy is very unruly, just start over. Take him to a barber shop that knows how to cut Black ethnic hair and get a short style that you and your child agree on. Let the hair grow out healthier. Damaged hair is ...well damaged. Just cut it off.

Girls - natural hairstyles are fine! If you want to do relaxers or texturizers, read all directions on home kits or go to a salon and get your daughter's hair styled. It's usually safer to have a professional chemically treat the hair, and you can ask for tips from a good stylist that specializes in Black hair care. Great advantage, right? I think so.