Drowning

When I was a child, I had a near death experience.  My cousin jumped into the deep end of a swimming pool knowing that he did not know how to swim. Why?  To impress a girl. His mother wasn’t looking at the time but I saw him drowning and I swam over to try to save him.  I grabbed his arm to pull him to safety and instead of him letting me pull him along to the edge, he latched on to my body, prohibiting me from swimming and started trying to climb on top of me thus pushing me under water with him. I eventually had to fight him off of me to save my own life and swim away, when I came up for air his mother was standing by the side of the pool and she asked me what he was doing and I said “Drowning” with the last little bit of air in my lungs and then I swam to the side to get out the pool. He passed out and was underwater and only then could a stranger come in and pull him out of the water.  Once he was revived I asked him why he was trying to climb on top of my head and why he wouldn’t let me just pull him. He stated that he kept thinking if I would let him stand on top of me, he could get air. How crazy is that? He thought he could just stand on top of me and that I would be okay under water.  Life is sometimes like that when we try to help someone in distress. If we are not careful, they can end up dragging us down too. Time and time again, I have tried to help people who were living in chaos and I have come to realize that you can’t save those who won’t let you.  People who are drowning in life are often in confused states of mind and they will do things to  harm others just to try to survive. They really cannot or will not see how their actions are hurting the other person. 2 Corinthians 6:14 states, "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?" That is not to say that we should judge, mistreat and/or disrespect those who are in dark places mentally and spiritually. Matthew 13:32 states, "Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof". One never knows what a person's final destiny will be so it is very important to treat all people with dignity, respect and agape love which is God's unconditional type of love. Just be mindful that you can have all the good intentions in the world but if a person’s frame of mind is not in the right place, they won’t be willing to see the helping hand that you are trying to extend. You might have to let go.

Let Go

I love you but I gotta let you go

Life has yet to teach you what I already know

I wish you could learn from my past

but you need time to grow

so I have to give you space

to find your flow

It hurts me to see you hurting so

but if I stay around you, you'll dim my glow

I'll be wondering how I sank so low

see the fast can't hang with the slow

and the loser can't keep up with the pro

The river can't flow through ice and snow

and people can't thrive when they are stuck in woe

You're trying to follow status quo

when you're meant to run the show

You're debt is paid

but you still think you owe

and you are making self your foe

I still love you though

maybe one day you'lll know

but for now I gotta go

© Savvy Brown 2011

The power of unity

Have you ever noticed that when you are trying to do something big, something good or something positive; haters seem to come out of the woodwork?  I am naturally a home-body so I tend to shy away from others and their drama/ conflict but I believe that when you are called to do something, you cannot let the negative influence of others stop you. Networking and socialization is critical and necessary to accomplish big projects and tasks. If a problem needs to be addressed, we must face it head on but we must do so in love. We have to have faith that our efforts will flourish because our hearts are in the right place.  Misunderstandings can be cleared up with communication but jealousy and hate is a ugly animal and there really is nothing that we can do individually, to stop it. Maybe just maybe... if enough people start working together in love and unity, we will become the majority and haters and individualists will become outcasts that will take cover and hide or learn to set self aside and join the movement of love and unity.  Until that glorious day comes; just take hate as a sign that you are doing something that is worthy of people's envy and energy and use that as motivation to keep going. Sure it would be nice if everyone supported each other and worked together toward common goals but the world is filled with mistrust.  It's understandable that people don't trust each other in this day and age given all of the greed and selfishness that runs rampant in western society but until people learn to trust each other, they will remain stagnant because they are holding themselves back. We as a people must understand that working together will help all parties accomplish goals and reach their destinations faster.  There is power in unity.

The Bible has this to say in Ephesians 4 verses 13-24:

13Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ:

 14That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

 15But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

 16From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

 17This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,

 18Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:

 19Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.

 20But ye have not so learned Christ;

 21If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:

 22That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

 23And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;

 24And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

Shine On

Haters may come

and haters may go

but I would never let

a hater wreck my flow

because one monkey don't

stop no show

and plus I already know

that everything I do is destined to glow

Haters, throw your stones

Have a free throw

unlike you, I am not working for self

God is my C.E.O

He knew your scheme a long time ago

so your attempts to stop me are futile

I am the Creator's child

you may not like my style

but it will speak to your heart

your attacks will be stopped before

they start.

You may wonder how I flourish

when I am so new to the scene

and I don't mean to be mean

but this thing is bigger than you and me

Here's a clue for you

Read Proverbs Three

See, I learned not to lean

on my own understanding

so God directs my path

in all things.

You still think you are wise

but its only in your own eyes;

and maybe in the eyes of those

who like you

have not learned to flee from evil

you fancy yourselves as regal

but to me it sounds more like fecal.

A real queen would know that unity

is the key to any successful kingdom

so while you bask in the glory of your own

wisdom, you will continue to cry victim;

while I and the other chosen ones,

 shine on.

The lesson is in the journey

Have you ever tried to do something in life and you reach out to people for help but they ignore your cries or worse, tell you will never make it? Sometimes in life people don't see the vision that God has placed in us. The times when people don't support your dream or goals can be difficult. Those times can make you question whether you should go on but I believe that those times are a test of our faith.When we are doing God's will for our life it really does not matter who is in support of us because God's plan will be done.

Joshua 1:8 says: "This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good ."

If it seems like things are not going your way, first do a spiritual check to make sure that you are in alignment with God's will and that you are being obedient to the instructions that he has given us.  If those things are in order, then have faith because nothing is impossible.

Luke 17:6  says: "And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you."

If your faith can pull a tree up by its roots, surely your faith can lead you to the path where your dreams will fulfilled. Be forewarned  that, once you achieve your dreams you might just discover that the real blessing was in the journey it took to get there.

Have Faith
Lord, I have not always been obedient
but I have tried to do your will
so I am going to sit and be still
because I know that this just a test
and that your will is for me to be blessed
so I won't pay attention to the naysayers
and I will ignore the haters
because I know your will is greater
than anything they can do
My purpose is to glorify you
so I know you'll see me through
You have brought me this far;
its been a long journey
but you still hold the key
to my dreams
So hear my plea
and continue to carry me
I've come this far
because its you that I trust
so I know if I lean on you,
I will be thrust
into prosperity, my destiny;
and everything that's good
not because you should
but rather because you could
and because my story
will show your glory
© 2011

Choose Your Words Wisely

In my opinion, many people in our culture could benefit from a class on effective communication.  It's okay to have a healthy debate but when people say stuff like:" I stand on what I said; You are wrong; That is not true, etc" they are shutting down the lines of communication and that tends to put the other party on the defensive. If we truly want to try to understand different perspectives, isn't it more productive to say things like, 'I disagree with that but I see you point here';and/ or to concede with the other party on some points. Does it hurt to say, "I see your point  but I feel blah, blah, blah"? I think this failure to compromise is what makes some people come across as being so angry all the time.

The definition of communication is to give or interchange thoughts, feelings, information, or the like, by writing, speaking, etc. Most of the time people are just listening so that they can respond.  If we truly want to build better relationships and improve our communication skills, we have to listen to understand and try to see things from the other person's point of view.

Greek Philosopher, Epictetus said, "We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.” The Bible has this to say about communication: Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.( Ephesians 4:29 ).

I try to use my poetry to inspire people to achieve their goals and to move past their fears.  Words can build people up or they can tear them down; so choose your words wisely.

Words
Most conversations begin with a simple word
and contain a noun and a verb
and while sentences can be simple or complex
Conversations are often something we will never forget
because words have the power to stir thoughts
and deter dreams and words used losely have more meaning
than that which on surface can be seen
because words have the power to destroy or to heal
and words can affect how people feel
Some words convey the absurd
while some words
express what occurred
and some words should just never be heard
for example the "N" word which has
hurt more than a few
and Semitic people don't
like the word Jew
and while neither one of these words is new
they still carry a dark hue and
express a negative view.
Words have power and
can speak things into existence
Words have led masses to resistance
words can inspire the unmotivated to persistence
and words can cut like a knife 
when thrown from a distance
so choose your words wisely
before you open your mouth, think
Remember any fool can talk;
but only a wise man speaks.

© 2011 Savvy Brown

On Being Grateful

In my opinion, being grateful is one of the most important characteristics that a person can have.  When people are too spoiled and ungrateful, it makes others not what to give them anything. When people are appreciative of the smallest gifts and acts of kindness, it makes people want to give them more. The universe reacts to people the same way.  When you express gratitude for the blessings that you receive in life; life blesses you with more gifts.  When you are constantly wanting more and feeling that you are lacking what others have; the universe reacts to that by not rewarding you with what you want. 

This principle has been expressed in several places such as "The Secret";  Personal Power by Anthony Robbins; and even in the Bible: Proverbs 28:20 -A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.

It is truly a blessing when someone wants to do something out of the kindness of their hearts; especially in this day and age when everyone's number one priority is self.  So be thankful for the small things so that you will be equipped and ready when bigger things come your way.

Thank You
Thank you for everything you have ever done for me
And for everything that I ever received
Thanks for the clarity;
and for sparing me;
Thank you for every breath that I take
and for every step that I make
for I know that I would not be here
if it were not for your sake.
Thank you for giving me peace of mind
and for people that are kind
Thank you for showing me signs
even in the difficult times
Thank you for showing me my path
and for a man that makes me laugh
and for my daughter who's on task
Thank you for my home
and for never leaving me alone
Thank you for family that cares for me
even when I treat them badly
Thank you for a job and money to pay bills
Thank you for poetry and for the ability to express how I feel
Thank you seeing me through
Because it taught me to praise you
Thank you God for saving me
and for the blessings that I have yet to see.
© 2011

The Secret to Happiness

There is a common theme to many of the problems that our society faces; everything from fear of commitment to the divorce rate including cheating, the spread of diseases, and single parent households. Even large scale problems such as war and global warming can be attributed to this theme. The common theme is self-gratification. If people stop focusing so much on self and 'what makes me happy', the world would be much better place.

John 14:6- Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. 

I think this message has a deeper meaning than the obvious.  I think that Jesus' example to the world was that of self-sacrifice. I think he was trying to teach the world that the way to salvation was not necessarily about praising him but more so from following his example of letting self die for the greater good of mankind.  When you look at the world today, we have more material goods and wealth than ever before, yet the world in is complete chaos.  Marriages are failing; the children are killing each other; and the economy is dying. I think that the human race took a wrong turn when we started thinking that 'life is short so we need to make ourselves happy first and foremost'.

Helen Keller said it best when she said, "True happiness is not attained through self-gratification, but through fidelity to a worthy purpose". Buddhist scholar Shantideva phrased it this way: "All happiness comes from the desire for others to be happy. All misery comes from the desire for oneself to be happy". The bottom line is that if you want to fix the problems that society faces and at the same time make yourself a little happier; start by thinking of someone other than yourself for a change.

Collectively Speaking

The world does not belong to you

It does not belong to me

It belongs to we, collectively

If we continue to abuse and misuse

The world will no longer be

And for you and me that means

Our existence will cease

So try to find peace within

And share it with a friend

Only then will the healing begin

We all have wounds that won’t heal

And emotion we’re afraid to reveal

Sometimes it’s easier to lash out than be real

But here’s the deal…

We are all part of a bigger collective

When we disrespect others

Its self that ends up disrespected.

One rejected soul

Goes on to make others feel rejected.

The rejected and dejected

go out and cause physical pain

Through rape, murder, drugs and gangs

It’s an insane attempt to regain

What they feel they’ve lost

and for society it has a high cost

Because when I can’t trust you

and you can’t trust me,

we destroy the sense of community

and we destroy ourselves collectively.

The world won’t survive if

we just focus on self

So each of us has to care about someone else

Negativity doesn’t just come from thugs on the street

It comes from people we’re close to and the new people we meet

Ministers beware of the topics you preach;

Hell and damnation

can spark discrimination.

Educators be careful of the words that you speak.

Don’t let rudeness and ignorance be the subjects you teach.

I will build you and if you will build me

We can increase the positivity and we will not only survive

But we will thrive;

Collectively

© 2011

Relationship vs. Self

I sometimes wonder if relationships and being true to self are polar opposites.  It seems like the key to successful relationships is setting self aside, compromise and working together.  The bible even advises women to submit to their husbands.  So what is a girl to do if she wants companionship but she also wants to explore the world and pursue her dreams?  The easy answer is to find someone who shares similar goals and dreams; but are any two people ever really on the same page? Everyone knows opposites attract. It always seems that one will want 'this' and the other will want 'that'. Even if two people start off on the same path, can they continue on the same road throughout the journey of life?  I mean really.  Doesn't life take us each on a different path? When I consider truly successful women, it seems that many of them are single and/or unmarried. Why is that? I am a married woman who is still trying to pursue a dream and a passion. I love my man and I love my art. My husband is unbelievably supportive. I mean truly, more than most men would be. Nevertheless, I find it hard to balance my commitment to my relationship and my commitment to myself.  I don't know what the answer is but I can tell you from personal experience that in my relationship when we stay prayerful and we go to church regularly, our relationship works much more smoothly than when we skip church and do our own things.  I really can't explain it.  I mean we are the same two people, doing the same things but when we don't go to church, we are just on disaccord. We argue more and we seem to think in terms of lack instead of blessings.  Maybe the answer to finding balance between relationships and self is not focusing on the relationship or on self; but rather on God. At least that way, you'll discover your true destiny. Just a thought...

Life's Destiny
"Stop selling yourself to the highest bidder"
I heard the message loud and clear

"Figure out your path in life;
Stop operating out of fear"

Though I feel called to the arts
I am not sure how to get there from here

The bills are still due
tuition must be paid

How am I supposed to
step out on faith?

My man still wants to eat and get laid
And there is never enough
time in the day

My child needs attention so
she won't go astray

Where do I start?
How do I begin?
Does the path to life's destiny
start within?

Please order my steps
In accordance with your will
and let my life's destiny
be fulfilled.

© 2010

Discovering Self

I, like too many other women, have spent so much time worrying about what other people think of me.  I have been afraid to say what I think and express what I feel for fear that it would not be accepted or that I might offend someone.  Everyone wants to be liked but does it really matter?  If everyone likes you but you are not true to yourself, what does it really mean? I have decided to disover me... what I like; what I am about and what I stand for so that when I go out into the world, I can confidently represent me.  Look out world!

Who Am I

Who am I and where do I belong
Seems like I've been trying to answer
this question for so long

A lifetime ago, I was enrolled in a school of cosmetology
because I thought a hair stylist
was what I wanted to be

Then I tried college because it was expected
but it did not take long for me to feel
out of place and rejected

I almost quit when I
became a young parent
but when I thought of the future,
I decided against it

I graduated and began my career in social services
because I figured helping others would give my life worth

Years later I found myself burned out and frustrated
so I figured life and love were both overrated

I willed myself to start a new relationship
despite the bitterness that my heart was equipped with

To my surprise, I found love again
A minor miracle 'cause I thought I'd never
love another man

With work, parenting, and marriage
I got more stressed
and reached an all time high
of size 18 dress

Who am I and where do I belong?
Seems like I've been trying to answer this question for so long

My favorite author wrote:
'If you don't like the path you're on, make a new one'
so with that my pursuit of poetry begun

Now I am married, a parent, a poet
with two degrees and I still don't know
who I am supposed to be
(c) 2010