Sistah Circular Volume 1, Issue 4 Editor: Lorie McEachin

Enjoy!April 2006

Celebration of Realization

Understanding your Past and Celebrating your

Future!.

“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of scoffers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

Psalms 1:1-2

Favorite Quote:

“"May your creator quiet the voices around you, which tell you to settle for less than what is promised!.”

- Contributed by Pam MorganElkton, MD

“Sistah Quote”

“Let your inner voice scream out and outer voices

whisper to your tune.” - Lorie

"God is in the heavens!"

This Adinkra West African symbol represents, Nyame Biribi Wo Soro - a symbol of hope, which is a reminder that God's dwelling place is in heaven, where he can listen to all prayers.

“My Realization”There were many moments of darkness and pain, and depression would be in close relation. I soon found that the darkness served as a space to clear my head, become at one with my spirit and shift towards the light. It was in these times of reflection that I would find me and everything I aspire to be. I would feel restored and recreate my place in the world. I would reappear like daybreak offering a beautiful sunrise that shines throughout the day. Just as the sun, I would soon return and submit to the darkness that would suppress me once again. I achieved my daily goal of convincing others that I was strong, while privately contending with my weaknesses. The façade would soon fade as I acknowledged that I was headed on a path of destruction. I was allowing those that I had chosen, not the chosen one, to make critical decisions in my life. I held the original key, yet they discovered the spare that would allow them to open the door to my heart. Time and time again my kindness would be taken for a weakness. I would give of myself, believing that it would be reciprocated. I took all the values and morals that had been instilled within me and tried to make them my basis for living. Setting up shop with someone who was not spawn from the same cloth brought about much confusion. I was sleeping with the enemy. Always in opposition, he was my adversary not my supporter. We played our positions, he was the offensive line and I was the defensive line. We were on the same team, yet not aligned with one another. I soon realized that I had formed a circle of pretentiousness. Smiling faces, open hands and limp shoulders encircled me. Opportunity was knocking at my door and opportunists were waiting in the wings. At every turn there was a “new” contender with the same “old” motives, the same as their predecessor.

I came to the realization that I was the common factor in each relationship. I accepted my role and began to unravel the pieces of the puzzle to assemble the picture I sought. I no longer made the picture perfect life that I had presented obtainable to the average. A scale was put in place and each candidate had to weigh in with full balance. The depth of their character, strength and endurance would put them on level ground with me. I was ready to accept life with all its imperfections, and live day by day, pursuing my pre-determined destiny. My vision became clear and I could see beyond my scope of understanding. I developed a sense of peace within myself and evolved into all that I strived to be. Being alone was no longer loneliness; it was “ME” time. Spending time to get to know me, my likes, dislikes, desires and needs was essential. I withdrew from the ideology of being in love and began to love myself. I have turned negativity into positive change and restructured my objectives. I no longer feed off chaos to propel me to the next level. My energies are designed towards a higher plain. My life is fruitful, focused and fulfilled. There is no more toleration for that which is less than me. I find strength in being diligent, defined and demanding. Courage and wisdom are my catalyst to new direction. I am Innovative, Ingenious and Inspired.

For all the misunderstandings and indiscretions, the insecurities and impurities; the ins and outs, the ups and downs, the smiles, the cries, the tears, the frowns, I am so thankful for everything in my past. The strongholds have been lifted and I have found the truth at last. Progress, don’t regress…… Your true answers come from within.

“Taking Responsibility!”I applaud those who are able to recognize and own their share of responsibility in a situation. When you take ownership for past decisions you create the ability to transition to a new phase in life. Refusing to accept prior misjudgments halts your ability to move forward and generates a viscous cycle. Listening to your inner voice is key to your quest for a fulfilled life. Continue to press forward and seek your best life now, after all, as the Latin term states, “Tempus Fugit (Time is Fleeting) – Time is too Slow for those who wait, too swift for those who fear, too long for those who grieve, and too short for those who rejoice”

- 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:

Apr 1 – April 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

BOOK OF THE MONTH:

“The Diva Principle”Michelle McKinney Hammond –

Author

-contributed by Caronda H. Barnes Savannah, GA

SONG OF THE MONTH:

“I’m Blessed”I'm Blessed, Lord knows I'm

Blessed. When I look all around me, I realize that I'm blessed. Over

and over the Lord keeps on blessing me. Over and Over the

Lord keeps on blessing me. I can't explain it, it's so amazing, the Lord

keeps on blessing me.

-contributed by Wanda Toodle, Manassas, VA

CHECK OUT:WOW GOSPEL 2006!

. “Trust in yourself. Your perceptions are often far more accurate than you are willing to believe.” - Claudia Black

Women have strengths that amaze men They bear hardships and

they carry burdens, but they hold happiness, love and joy.

They smile when they want to scream. They sing when they want to cry. They cry when they are happy and laugh when they are nervous.

They fight for what they believe in. They stand up to injustice. They don't take "no" for an answer when they believe there is a better solution.

They go without so their family can have. They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.

They love unconditionally. They cry when their children excel and cheer when their friends get awards.

They are happy when they hear about a birth or a wedding. Their hearts break when a friend dies. They grieve at the loss of a family member, yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left.

They know that a hug and a kiss can heal a broken heart. Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.

They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you to show how much they care about you.

The heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning. They bring joy, hope and love.

They have compassion and ideas. They give moral support to their Family and friends.

Women have vital things to say and everything to give.

IF… THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN, IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.

- contributed by Diane Preske, Delaware (Thanks to Joe for thinking of us!)

MY PERCEPTIONS ARE ACUTE AND ACCURATE In time of doubt, I remind myself that my sensitivity is acute. I am alert and perceptive. I know and notice--what I need to know. I register people and events accurately. My antennae are sublte and keen. Denial does not block my perceptions. I am accurate and intuitive. I am shrewd, knowledgeable, sensitive, and clear. Appearances do not deceive me. I sense the truth, respond accurately to reality. I am precisely in tune with my environment. I am grounded and safe. I am sensitive and secure. I am secure because of my sensitivity. It is a divine asset and I use it well. - Contributed by Janet Powell-Callender, St. Albans, NY (from Heart Steps Prayers & Declarations for a Creative Life, by Author Julia Cameron)

“Who’s Who, for You……”We so casually express the word, “friend”. It is so important to know who’s who in your life. That is not a decision made by others; it is solely made at your discretion. I have found that a total stranger can be your very best friend when “in the moment.” Sometimes you will find comfort or understanding in a person that has no ties to you or your past. We all strive to be taken at face value. However, there are situations where your past situations preface current similar experiences in the eyes of a person near and dear to you. You have to be mindful that everyone is in your life for a reason. The ones that we choose all serve a purpose and that purpose may vary. For most, when life is grand they give great advice, and the negative impact during a downtime can be just as great. We all have personal walks and sometimes our own journey can distort the path of another. It is okay to let someone know that you are going through your own thing and it would not be good for you to offer counsel. Don’t let your situation dictate your words, because at these times it will most likely be a reflection of your own story. We have to start with ourselves in understanding who’s who. We know our friends and what they bring to our lives – we have fun friends, spiritual friends, business friends, and our personal – inner most faithful friends. As our lives flourish, the roads taken may lead us on different paths. We do not follow the same blueprint, so our techniques may differ. People do not change by circumstance; circumstances change people. As life evolves we find that we may sometimes outgrow certain friends, this does not mean that we will never cross paths again. It simply means that our situations make it hard to relate at the given time. It is imperative that you determine who’s who if you must consult your friends for advice. The underlying truth is that we all make the final decision for ourselves. Therefore, self-reflection and spiritual guidance are usually your best methods of counsel. You must learn to trust your own intuition (inner voice) and give yourself credit for knowing yourself best. Your life is crafted by design. Create avenues for roadblocks, open doors that may ordinarily be closed and don’t be afraid to confront issues that are detrimental to your well-being. Remove toxic relationships from your life so that you can preserve Peace. If you really want to know who’s who, start with knowing the real “You”. - Lorie