Keeping It Real!

Just needed to remind folks that I'm planning a run for the White House in 2020 and encourage all who are like-minded in knowing Everyday Americans need to be represented in Washington, to join me. Let me know your thoughts--respectfully, please.

My position, stances and proposals are found on www.facebook.com/YesIAm2020

What's Next?

However, as it is written: What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived"--the things God has prepared for those who love him--these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit." 1 Corinthians 2:9,10 NIV

Yesterday, I began writing this post, but had some technical difficulties impede what I wanted to say. But that's what happens when a person is in a strange environment and WI-FI is sketchy at best. What I wanted to express--primarily to the McDowell Clan--is there is nothing impossible for us to accomplish with God. He has already prepared the path and we have to do is to stick with it.

Obstacles and challenges arise for most people and the only ones who succeed in their pursuits are the ones who are determined to finish "the course" no matter how difficult things become.

From everything I heard this weekend, I am proud to belong to a family of overcomers. Some have overcome illnesses, financial setbacks, heartache in relationships and the loss of loved ones--the things most Everyday Americans face.

No matter what we face, we can overcome the challenges and stand tall and proud of our ancestors and who we are as a family.

So, think about what comes next in your life and plan to be the best at whatever it is. My goal is to garner the support of other Everyday Americans so I can get on the ballot for the 2020 election in all 50 states. With your help in FL, PA, OH, VA, NY and MI, I know we can all make Polly McDowell proud of her descendants in whatever capacity we allow God to use us. She has shown us--though born into slavery and treated like a subhuman being--that we have within us--what we need to survive anything. I'm making it my mission--to consider her and all she suffered and yet survived to raise her children in freedom--so I'll never be ashamed of anything I do. I want to make sure, her descendants understand that though our beginnings were humble--from slavery to coal-miners in WV--to educators, nurses, entrepreneurs, and so much more, we can set our sights higher and succeed--all the way to the White House.

For those who are not related to me--that I know of--who are reading this today, please bear with me as I underscore the importance of my family.

In order to get all the ballots in all 50 states, I need the support of people in all 50 states to help spread the word and my name. I believe I have what it takes to represent all Everyday Americans in the White House and what I don't already know about the job and what it takes to do it well, I know how to seek the wisdom of those who do. Thanks in advance for your support.

In Humility!

The path of life leads upward for the prudent to keep them from going down to the realm of the dead. The LORD tears down the house of the proud, but he sets the widow’s boundary stones in place.The LORD detests the thoughts of the wicked, but gracious words are pure in his sight. The greedy bring ruin to their households, but the one who hates bribes will live. The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.The LORD is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous. Light in a messenger’s eyes brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones. Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise. Those who disregard discipline despise themselves, but the one who heeds correction gains understanding. Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the LORD, and humility comes before honor. Proverbs 15:24-33 NIV

It is with great humility that I acknowledge the quest I've taken upon myself is going to be the biggest challenge experienced in my life.

Though there are some who may be hesitant to grasp the reality of a potential presidential run by me, others have embraced the idea to the point of being willing to board the bandwagon that as yet, has no wheels. I am thoroughly humbled by their trust and support and candidness.

I remember saying to my walking buddy, that in this place and time (as always with me), I need people to help with my campaign, but I don't want anyone around who is simply going to agree with everything I say. I need people in my life right now who will question everything I do--to ignite critical thinking about everything I say or do. I'm not afraid of correction and when I'm wrong, I'll be the first to admit it.

There is much I do not know about undertaking the challenges of a presidential run, but I'm an avid researcher and know how to say, "Uncle" and call upon others who have the knowledge and expertise that I don't. I'm willing to learn and work hard to earn the trust and respect of those who believe in me and to maintain their trust and respect.

One person expressed their concern about me risking trading my faith because of all the unethical behavior associated with politics or compromising my stance with regard to biblical principles that I teach and write about--prolifically. I appreciate her concern and addressed it and she was assured that I would do nothing without putting the issue before The Lord and would obey Him.

Now, I realize that my belief in the Bible and relationship with Jesus Christ may cause some to halt--mid-stream in a desire to support my run and I can certainly understand it. But let me say this much to clear the air before we even start to put those wheels on the bandwagon. I have not changed my views about what God has said and won't change my views about what God has said. I recognize that people--every human being capable of making a logical decision--have a right to do so without my intervention. Though I may not agree with their lifestyle or decisions, none of that will stop me from loving them as a human being and praying for them to receive God's best for their lives.

God is pro-choice (giving us all free-will and not forcing us to do anything) and therefore, I am pro-choice. This does not mean I am pro-abortion, nor does it mean that I or anyone else has a right to tell anyone else what to do with their lives. I believe that every woman has a right to make the best decision she can about her life and I know there are situations in which an abortion is the right choice and the only person who has to live with the choice, is the person making the decision--not me or others.

I cannot see myself--as a Born-Again Believer--attempting to force my views upon others when I don't have to live their life. I am concerned about all life--especially the lives of babies, mothers, children, senior citizens,  and students and know that it is the responsibility of the Believer to take defend the rights of the poor, vulnerable and needy. So while I admit, I do not understand the choices some people make (and I'm sure that's equally true in how others feel about me), I can respect their right to make decisions about their lives. As long as a person's rights don't infringe upon mine or mine infringe upon them--we're good. The wisest people know that whether we agree about anything or not, there are consequences for everything we do that will impact our lives either negatively or positively.

I've also been reminded how the enemy will work overtime in trying to dig up dirt in an effort to create animosity against me. I know what people cannot find to undermine me they will manufacture in an attempt to discredit me. I can't stop them. People can say whatever they want to say and nothing they say defines truth about me or others. Therefore, they can have at it. I do not have to respond to foolishness or stupidity or trumped up allegations about anything and I won't. As I pointed out to a couple of people--my life is "literally" an open book. Anything, anyone wants to know me--good, bad, indifferent--can be found in one of my books or in a blog post and they're all available online. I have nothing to hide.

Knowing the challenges I'll be facing over the coming months will certainly keep me communicating with my Daddy and because He loves me, He'll guide me every step of the way. If by chance I happen to misunderstand something He's telling me, Holy Spirit will be right there to remind me and set me back on track.

Father,
Thank You for wisdom and insight and humility to understand I need You--every hour of every day--I need You. Thank you for loving me, correcting, and my guiding me in all that needs to be done and for sending people in my direction that can and will keep the wheels on the bandwagon turning in the direction in which You would have us to go. Remind me that nothing I do or encourage others to do should be done in an effort to bring glory to anyone other than You.
In Jesus' name I pray and thank You, Amen!

Win With Favor!

My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity. Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. Proverbs 3:1-7 NIV

I am amazed and grateful for the support I've received from those who acknowledged my intent for a presidential run in 2020. As I said before, this time over the next few months will be used in my quest to determine the feasibility and the needs of others. I am concerned about the welfare of all people so I must make sure that I represent the needs of all people.

What I bring to the table for a presidential run is this: A desire to see all Americans thrive; especially the 98% who were not privy to the access of wealth (some born into it) of the other 2%. When I speak on behalf of the 98%; it is from the experience of living as we do, enduring what many have endured, and overcoming as many have overcome--without gaining wealth by cheating, lying, or humiliating others. Beyond my flaws and shortcomings, I still have much to offer this country if I'm elected president.

This is how I've explained what I have to offer to others:

• I fully recognize that I don't know everything I need to know to be president of the United States, but I'm also wise enough to know how to find those people who know all I don't know.
• I am a qualified educator (with multiple degrees), an avid reader and prolific writer.
• I am more than just an educator; I am a life-long learner and look forward to learning something new every day.
• I am both compassionate and passionate and believe in standing up for all who are unable to fight back for themselves.
• I am a committed Believer in The Word and in my relationship with Jesus Christ (though I know there are some who think a liberal can't be a Christian--based on what I've seen of the "far-right Christians," I'm better at being more like Jesus than they will ever be).
• I know many of the issues that plague women--especially women of color--because I experienced them through living.
• I know the challenge of trying to raise a family on minimum wage jobs as a single parent and yet never giving up.
• I know the challenges of creating an environment and opportunities needed for a quality education because I've taught in some of the most difficult situations and yet managed to inspire students to excel, in spite of their circumstances.
• I know the importance of the need for equality in pay for women who are working just as hard as their male counterparts, but often in more challenging situations.
• I know the challenges that many grandparents face on a daily basis trying to raise grandchildren because I'm doing just that.
• I know the challenges many senior citizens face because I am one and my husband I face those same challenges.
• I know the challenges students face in trying not to get involved with negative behaviors and in rebelling against parents because I was a rebellious teenager.

The list could go on, and when the time comes--it shall.  I know what I know because I've lived it and even with all the experiences I've had, I don't know it all and so I need to hear from those who have "learned to appreciate life because of having lived it" and want others to learn from their experiences.
I'm knowledgeable in a number of areas, but realize I have much to learn and will spend time seeking those who know to help me understand what I don't know.

My interest in running for president is not just a "reaction" to the current inept administration (though that is part of it), but it is more about caring about all Americans and doing what I can for them and in maintaining peace throughout the world.  Plans are coming together--rather quickly--and with the help of those who have already offered I should be able to present initial ideas for policy plans that will lift all Americans--to whatever standard they want to reach.

I don't presume to know what all Americans need or want, but I will be asking questions and I hope as many Americans as possible will respond to a survey that will be available in the coming weeks.
Whether I continue to making that decision to becoming a candidate for President remains to be seen, but if I do and even if I lose--I will still have won and become a better person for the experience of a lifetime. With the favor of the Lord showered upon me, I win!

The Favor of The Lord is Upon Me!

Dare To See Yourself!

Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can share its joy. Proverbs 14:10 NIV

Here's a challenge for everyone today. Get a mirror or go to the mirror in your bathroom or in your car. Take a good look at yourself and be willing to see the depths of your soul through the windows of your eyes. What do you see?

Do you see joy or sadness?

Do you see love or hate?

Do you see angst and bitterness?

Do you see helplessness or hope?

What do you really see?

Think about that for a moment. Now think about "why" you see what you see.

Far too often, people are bitter and hateful because they do not recognize the seed that has been planted by circumstances beyond their control. That includes how parents raised them or not raised them (love and hate are taught)--the struggles they fought through on a daily basis--or the envy and jealousy they felt when they looked at others and wondered, "Why them and not me?"

I have a better question for everyone to wonder about--why not you?

Look, every morning (because of my age) I take a good look at myself in a magnifying mirror so I can "see" the hair growth and pluck it out before I leave the house. Some women don't care, but I do. Nothing creeps me out like discovering I left the house with a long, curly black hair sticking out my face (chin) wherever it might be. But now here's the tricky part--cataracts are forming in both eyes and even when I look before I leave, I don't always see the ornery little hair trying to escape detection. When I "feel across my chin" even the tiniest hair is discovered and back into the bathroom I go with my trusty little tweezers until the culprit is gone.

Even though I get a little put out when I miss those hairs, it's nothing that compares to how I feel when I know I have slighted someone--unintentionally--and when I look at myself--I recognize when I've headed in the wrong direction and immediately, I repent.

Though life's circumstances (in the last 65 years) have provided plenty of fodder and fuel and fertilizer to nurture bitterness and disappointment--I refuse to let it grow. God has been too good to me to allow a seed of bitterness to linger in my soul and bud, attempting to flower and spread like an ivy throughout my being. So, I allow His love to flood my soul and heart--washing away the bitterness and disappointment--never allowing hate to bud or flower and every time--every time--I get angry and want to hate--He reminds me He is love and if I truly belong to Him; I cannot hate. What a wonderful feeling--to have so much love within that hate has no room to enter.

Now, have you had time to really look at yourself and think about what you see? If you haven't, keep looking and dare to see beyond the surface, all the way down to the depths of your feet.  Is there anything there that needs to be plucked out? Do you have a trusty pair of tweezers?

Own what you see and be willing to rid yourself of anything that will nurture bitterness and hate and allow the Love of God to fill you to overflowing and the world will see--the joy that resides within.

This joy I have--the world didn't give it and I won't let the world take it away!

When The Redeemed Speak!

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. Let the redeemed of the LORD tell their story— those he redeemed from the hand of the foe, those he gathered from the lands, from east and west, from north and south.  Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things. Psalm 107:1-3, 8,9 NIV

Sometimes, when we have never experienced hardship, we don't understand the hardships, trials, and challenges that others face or endure.

We don't understand how a cancer patient feels when the treatment is debilitating-taking away the desire to eat, to move forward, and sometimes--even to live.

We don't understand how it feels to be homeless, fearful of not surviving to see another day because of the all the threats of harm living on the street, not knowing if we'll live to see another day.

We don't understand the trauma experienced by a new mother who realizes that are not emotionally equipped to deal with a new baby.

We don't understand how life leads people to become addicted to substances and those substances control all they do.

We don't understand how fathers leave families to survive without them.

We don't understand how mothers would abandon her children.

We don't understand how some women survive the trauma of being raped and abused and misused.

We don't understand how discriminatory practices make people feel like they are not part of the human race.

We don't understand why some people will never be considered Americans because of the color of their skin--even though they were born here and generations of family were born here and anthem was ever written.

We don't understand how one group of people can have more respect for a flag--a symbol that does not represent all people living within its borders--than they do people.

If we have never experienced injustice--for any reason--perpetrated against anyone--we don't understand how the victims of injustice feel and if we say we do--we lie.

But for those who have endured the hardships and negative experiences of life over which they had no control, and survived--they understand. And when the survivors--all of them realize that their surviving was not about them, but about God and His purpose for us--they should shout it from the rooftops--Our God reigns!

He is a healer. He is a provider. He is a protector. He is a deliverer. He is the seat of justice and we shall stand before Him one day. He is all we can ever need and He always hears the cries of those who love Him. Give Him praise and glory for it all belongs to Him!

You and You alone, O God are worthy of our praise! We are the redeemed because of Your mercy and grace. We are the chosen because of Your love towards and we are not ashamed to say, we belong to You! Worthy is the Lamb of God and greatly to be praised!

I am the redeemed of The Lord and I say so--loudly, consistently, proudly and boldly! Without God, where would I be? Who else could I run to in my hour of need? Who else would wrap their loving arms around me and comfort me when no one else even knew the trials and challenges I faced and endure? Who, but God--can remedy wrongs--without hatred or bigotry? When love reigns--there is no fear and where there is no fear--there is no need for hatred or bigotry. Where there is no hatred or bigotry--the land is healed and peace reigns! Hallelujah for our reigning Lord, Jesus Christ!

Reign on in the hearts of men and women and children everywhere, King Jesus!

We Can't Get Tired Now!

Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;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. Isaiah 40:28-31 NIV

Day after day, week after week, year after year, no matter how much we attempt to do to change what happens around us, we don't see the change we want to see, but we can't get tired, now.

Though adversity after adversity confronts us, wearies us, and angers us, we must keep doing what we know is right--guided by Holy Spirit--maintaining our hope in Him who is the Light who dispels the darkness.

Even when we are walking in the Light of Love, we must guard our hearts and recognize the wolf in sheep's clothing or the smiling faces who hide the poison in the conversation. Not every smiling face is a friend and when we look closely at the eyes--those orbs that reflect the depth of the soul, we know who is a friend and who is the enemy's tool.

Every day we wake, we will face some known and some unknown challenges. Many we will overcome, but there are some that drain us dry, leaving us weak and wondering why we bother to continue. That's life--we can't take it personally and we must never get tired of trying to do the right thing. When we are weak in our strength, we can count on Him to strengthen us. When our thoughts attempt to defeat us, we have to encourage ourselves in The Lord.

Living for The Lord is not easy, but it is gratifying beyond the description of mere words. Those who don't understand cannot fathom why we keep on the path He has set before us. They participate in the scorn and ridicule and wait for us to become as they are and when we don't--they are confused, while we just smile and give God the glory!

If you're like me and have been facing all sorts of challenges--physical, emotional, and spiritual--praying fervently for those in need, while it seems that no one is praying for you; strengthening yourself in the Word just to keep from going off on those around you, mumbling to keep from saying the wrong thing since words once spoken can never be retrieved; and living in the hope we have in Jesus--don't get tired now!

When people say all manner of things about you that aren't true--just thank God for them spending so much and attention on you. You really matter to them! When your body acts like it belongs in a morgue, speak life to your body and tell it to get up and get going. When your heart hurts because people disappoint you, focus on the One who never disappoints. We have an advocate in the midst of every trial and temptation and His name is Jesus!

Until He returns, we are victorious in Him on this side of heaven, so we can't get tired now!

"You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised." (Hebrews 10:36 NIV)

The difference between those who succeed at one level than those who barely succeed--doing anything--is the level of commitment to keep going, keep refining, keep fine-tuning, keep revising, and keep believing that success is theirs. We know that true success is not achieved by a level of intelligent, but by a level of determination that no matter what happens, the focus is forward, not backwards.

But can there be success without failures in the interim? No--it is the failures that drive true success. We have but to look at Thomas Edison, Stephen King, Benjamin Franklin and so many more. We tend to believe that the success enjoyed by some occurred overnight because we only focus on the final result--not the journey to get there. So, for those who are weary and feel like giving up, today is not the day.

When God gives us a vision it is because He knows our capabilities beyond our doubts.

When we have obeyed Him in all things to please Him, He promised to give us the desires of our hearts and we must remain focused on the prize in order to receive the promise.

When things don't go the way we expected, we take a critical look at what happened, analyze the whys and gear up to keep going.

When we think we have reached the end of our rope and all hope is gone, we tie a knot before we get to the end of the rope, and hold on, expecting help because He said He'd never leave us alone.

Every ministry poured into us will succeed as long as we keep our eyes on Him, not people, always seeking His wisdom for direction and guidance.

Every dream we have will come to pass, if we just keep the dream in front of us and are willing to navigate every challenge that confronts us.

Every promise of God will be fulfilled, if we just listen to His still small voice and are willing to do things His way and not our own.

We were not told that we COULD do all things through Him who strengthens us just to fill words on a page.

We were not told that with God all things are possible because those who wrote the words just had a little time on their hands.

We were not told that no weapon formed against us would prosper for us to sit on our duffs, waiting for something to happen, without doing anything.

We were not told that with His going before us, He is more than the world against us for us hide behind shame and embarrassment with our first failure.

We serve an awesome God--One who created the universe from nothing and His arm is not shortened when it comes to the success of His children! Surely, goodness and mercy will follow us from each failed attempt to the promised success, by reminding us--we belong to Him and every good and perfect--those gifts He has poured into us--comes from above and all things--especially the failures--work together for our good!

In Him and through Him, we have what it takes to accomplish all things as long as we are determined to reach the goal and refuse to allow the failures to stop us at the starting gate. We are more than conquerors, victorious in all things, now let's act like it and get it done--persevering through every obstacle to make it happen!