Sistah Circular Volume 1, Issue 6 Editor: Lorie McEachin

Enjoy!June 2006

Standing on High! Maintaining High Standards

is key to a High Maintenance Lifestyle.

Favorite Scripture:

“God is able to do immeasurably more than all

we ask or imagine.”

Ephesians 3:20

Favorite Quote:

"Change your opinions,keep to your principles;

change your leaves,keep intact your roots."

— Victor Hugo

“Sistah Quote”

“Stand Firm, Stand Strong and when all else fails, just STAND to make your presence known!”

- Lorie

“Measuring Stick"

This Adinkra West African symbol, HWE MU DUA, an

Adinkra symbol which means, the "measuring stick.“ This

symbol stresses the need to strive for the best quality,

whether in production of goods or in human endeavors.

“Standards, Standards, Standards.......!”We set them, express them and then regress from them….and call it compromise. When we are reflecting on our expectations in regards to careers, education, and other various areas we are unwavering. In regards to relationships we conform to a belief that we must modify our standards due to the other person’s needs. It is imperative to understand that in order to make a relationship consisting of two people work; we must enter as two “whole” parties. Otherwise, we are defeating the purpose of involvement with another individual. The standards that you set provide structure in a relationship. It is said that you teach others how to treat you. This is why you must have “high standards” and adhere to them. The lower the level of tolerance for bad behavior in the beginning of a relationship, the more harmonious you can be in the future. Therefore, if you stand firm on your needs there will be no opportunity to provide misconceptions concerning your position. Sometimes resilience can be easily confused as non-confrontational behavior. If you are not willing to stand on your beliefs as to what you want and deserve, you will find that your strength to endure will be taken for a weakness. It often times reflects nonchalant or detached inferences that makes your partner feel a sense of control over you and the situation. The more you waiver, the more it is detected and used as a weapon against you. It is wise to pick and choose your battles as we have all been taught. However, in matters of the heart, you do not have to be accepting of things that alter your peace of mind. In many instances, we tend to lose ourselves in relationships as we take on our roles as girlfriends, wives and/ or mothers. We get so caught up in everyone else’s perceptions that reality begins to slowly creep away. It is casually forgotten that long before securing these roles we

were complete individuals with a purpose. We concede to being conventional in society’s eyes, and do not remain intact with our own standards. Structure is extremely important in today’s world. The effort and energy that it takes to make a dysfunctional relationship work becomes a relentless struggle of wills. It is not easy to incorporate two separate points of view to reach resolutions. That is why it is so important to know what you want and be immovable on your desires. The key to understanding and appreciating values and morals of another is to have a measurement system in place. If you have to change the way that you measure your wants and needs to fit the dimensions of the person you are with, you are simply “lowering” your standards. There is no other way to express it. The difference between compromising and lowering your standards is your ability to find peace in the resolution. If you find yourself resentful, or feeling like you have sacrificed too much then you need to rethink your objectives. We all have choices and taking the “high road” is not always a good one, because it deduces that someone must take the “low road”! Being true to yourself is the first step in acknowledgement. Hold fast to your viewpoints and stand firm on your decisions. There are many deal breakers in all relationships and disrespect, mistreatment and dishonesty are high on the list for most of us. Ask yourself, if you condone this type of behavior are you sending a clear message that this is all that you are worth? If you settle for less than what you want, are you getting what you ask for? If you are acceptable to these types of situations then your answer to these questions is an astounding, Yes! You have the ability to bring about change and a “new” stand in an “old” situation is better than “no” stand at all. As independent self-reliant women, we struggle to find a middle ground that keeps us feeling secure without giving up what makes us feel empowered. On a daily basis, we subject ourselves to outside entities that could cause detriment to our spirit. As a rule, transformation begins from the inside out, so it is there that you must begin if you wish to exude the presence of happiness, respect, stability, security and strength. I am not aware of any one person that wishes to enter a home that is not warm and inviting. Therefore, it you want others to be receptive of you begin by sending clear messages that welcome others to indulge in the happy euphoria that surrounds you. Be mindful, if there are no standards set in place; “You will FALL for everything and STAND for nothing”!

-Your editor Lorie McEachin

 

         

         

2006 Events:The Color Purple - Musical

From the classic Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker, and the moving film by Steven Spielberg, comes a soul-stirring new musical and landmark Broadway event.

The Color Purple is an inspiring family saga that tells the unforgettable story of a woman who - through love - finds the strength to triumph over adversity and discover her unique voice in the world. Set to a joyous score featuring jazz, ragtime, gospel, and blues, The Color Purple is a story of hope, a testament to the healing power of love and a celebration of life.

Venue:

Broadway Theatre1681 Broadway (Between West 52nd

and 53rd Streets)New York NY 10019

Tickets:

June 1 – June 30 Saturday 2pm/8pm

Orchestra: $111.25Front Mezzanine: $111.25

Rear Mezzanine (Rows A-C): 111.25Rear Mezzanine (Rows D-J): $86.25Rear Mezzanine (Rows K-P): $66.25Rear Mezzanine (Rows Q-R): $26.25

June/ July Performances:“The Color Purple”

Ladies I would like to get responses regarding the weekends of June 23rd and 30th. Otherwise, please

check your schedules for weekends of July 15, 22nd and 29th. The

above-referenced schedule will be the same for July. Please let me know via email: lm719@dcx.com

BOOK OF THE MONTH:“The Seat of the Soul”

Author Gary Zukav

-contributed by Stephanie Morris Flushing, New York

CD OF THE MONTH:“For the Love of It”

Artist – Rayse Biggs

Please visit www.raysebiggs.com, then post your review on

www.cdbaby.com.

. Many times in life we forget that it is the simple things in life that keep us well nourished. We must remember that planting seeds of faith, helps to enrich our lives and provides us with the minerals required for well-balanced nutrition – that is “Food for Our Soul”!

- Lorie

“Planting Your Garden for Daily Living”

Plant three rows of Peas:

Peace of Mind Peace of Heart Peace of Soul

Plant four rows of Squash:

Squash gossip Squash indifference Squash grumbling Squash selfishness

Plant four rows of Lettuce:

Lettuce be faithful Lettuce be kind Lettuce be patient Lettuce love one another

No garden is complete without Turnips:

Turnip for meetings Turnip for service Turnip to help one another

To conclude your garden, you must have Thyme:

Thyme for each other Thyme for family Thyme for friends

“Water freely with patience and cultivate with love. Your garden shall bear Fruit,

because you reap what you sow!”

- contributed by Diane Preske, Newark, Delaware

“COMMIT TO BEING HIGH MAINTENANCE!.......................”The cost to maintain high standards can be too much for some relationships to bear. Thus, it is crucial to assure that you are equally-yoked with your partner. Your ideals, beliefs and concerns should be closely related. You should be willing to meet on mutual ground without making compromises that damage your overall spirit. Remain focused and fulfilled and make sure your decisions best serve your ability to progress. Determine your worth and demand that you are observed with highest value . -Your editor Lorie McEachin

When I say... "I am a Christian"I'm not shouting "I'm clean livin'."I'm whispering "I was lost,Now I'm found and forgiven."

When I say... "I am a Christian"I don't speak of this with pride.I'm confessing that I stumbleand need Christ to be my guide.

When I say... "I am a Christian"I'm not trying to be strong.I'm professing that I'm weakAnd need His strength to carry on.

When I say... "I am a Christian"I'm not bragging of success.I'm admitting I have failedAnd need God to clean my mess.

When I say... "I am a Christian"I'm not claiming to be perfect,My flaws are far too visibleBut, God believes I am worth it.

When I say... "I am a Christian"I still feel the sting of pain.I have my share of heartachesSo I call upon His name.

When I say... "I am a Christian"I'm not holier than thou,I'm just a simple sinnerWho received God's good grace, somehow!

- Author Dr. Maya Angelou, contributed by Betsy Ibarrondo, Camden, NJ

CHRISTIANS