No Greater Love...

“As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you. You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. These things I command you, that you love one another. (John 15:9-17 NKJV)

Graduation Days...

Yesterday I was going through some of the "stuff" I've collected over the years: journals, photos, fliers, art pieces, and I came across the following photos. The first one is from Lincoln School's kindergarten graduation in 1981 (that's me, Bruce, and my cousin Priscilla). The second flick is from Rye Country Day School's High School Graduation in 1994 (posing alongside Courtney and Rosa). The last photo was taken the morning of my graduation from NYU in 1998 (although I technically graduated in '99, I walked in '98 thanks to the compassion of Dean Linda Vega). I'm missing flicks from my 6th grade graduation, 8th grade graduation, and my Howard U graduation. I'm sure they are floating around somewhere...

These photos remind me that no matter how tough the next few months are, no matter how uncertain I am about what happens on May 16th and beyond, that not only can I make it, but that there is a work for me to do when I am done here at Drew.

It was the Best of Times; It was the Worst of Times...

I began this week with my toughest (and best) run since starting my program! I was pumped! I was on a high. And somewhere between Monday afternoon and Tuesday afternoon, I flat-lined. If you look in my planner, you'll notice that I had the worst workout week since September. I am a tracker. In other words, in order for me to lose or maintain weight I either need to keep a food log or an exercise log. In fear of becoming obsessive (again), I have opted to put cutsie little stickers in my date book on the days I work out. On my best weeks, of which there were many, I worked out five times. On my worst weeks, of which there was only one, I worked out twice. (Not counting the week of Christmas where I worked out a whopping zero times.) Anyway, the week that started out sure to be PURE FIYAH quickly sizzled out. Unless something major shifts in my energy level and enthusiasm, I am sure to spend tomorrow morning in the bed (and not on the track). In fact, I'm not even going to front like I'm going to be 'bout it. Monday's flower sticker will be all by its lonesome.

It was the best of times; It was the worst of times... But watch out, next week I'm sure to get back in the swing of things.

More to Think About...

Sometimes the only thing keeping you from accessing the sermon on the inside of you is a good cry. (Donna Olivia Powell)

Think on These Things...

Truth tellers are not always palatable. There is a preference for candy bars. (Gwendolyn Brooks)

I Don't Feel No Ways Tired...

There is a hymn that I love, by Rev. James Cleveland, called "I Don't Feel No Ways Tired." Well, when I was in the middle of my run today—six-5 minute runs with 1 minute rest in between each—this song echoed in my heart. I mean, I'm not an athletic girl and 18 days ago when I set out on this "3 Weeks to a 20 minute running habit" program designed by Christina Luff on About.com, I was huffing and puffing my way through 1 minute runs. Today, I ran with ease. Don't get me wrong, I wasn't sprinting...I'm no Jackie Joyner Kearsee, but I also wasn't out of breath or watching the clock. In fact, today, running was like breathing—second nature. I'm so glad to be able to sing, "I don't feel no ways tired. Come to far from where I've started from. Nobody told me the road would be easy, but I don't believe He's brought me this far to leave me." Selah.

A Blessing in the Press?

For the past couple of days I have been suffering from a major case of the Idon'tfeellikeits. Major. Anyway, for the most part, I have managed to do most of what needed to be done, giving myself permission to skip work, cancel my hair appointment, and reschedule a few meetings. What helped yesterday was that it was a day off from my running program (and an unexpected visit from a friend with whom I had a girlie day in the Short Hills Mall). So, whether I felt like it or not, I didn't have to go to the gym yesterday.

Today, however, was a different story. I managed to make it through the day alright--alert in class, semi-alert in chapel, attentive to my readings, and engaged in theological discourse with Rev. Dr. Gary Simpson about Black church culture and the high devilology (I made that word up, but essentially it refers to a doctrine of the devil) that has been racking my soul these days. I even managed to be alert and participate in my preaching class. But, if I can be honest, the Idon'tfeellikeits began rising up halfway through preaching class. From about 5:30 to 7:00pm I was scheming, trying to figure out how I could rearrange my schedule so I wouldn't have to run tonight. After some encouragement from my classmates and the realization that it would be nearly impossible given my busy weekend (without another running day off until Monday), I decided to go to the gym. But friends, I purposed in my heart not to enjoy it.

An hour later, I was feeling much better. It wasn't my fastest run, nor did I have my best form, but I was there. I was there! The Idon'tfeellikeits did not get the best of me! I was there! I completed my second week of training toward establishing a 30 minute running habit. I was there! As we say in church, I pressed my way. And friends, though I may not know yet what it is, I am sure that there was and is a blessing in the press.