Family

Pranks, Mealtime, & The Power of the Table

April 14, 2016 // by Simone// 8 Comments

A Matter of Taste

My best family memories happen during mealtime.

“Maaaaaan, y’all ain’t gonna believe what we did at school one time.” That’s how my younger brother prepped us for one of his college escapade stories. He played division one basketball and was always getting into excitement (read: trouble). We were all are sitting around for mealtime and it was his turn to share.

The Prank of the Century

This particular evening my brother told us about a prank that he pulled with his roommate. They lived in a quad-style student housing complex with most of the other student-athletes. So he and his roommate came up with the brilliant idea to place a false advertisement in all of the mail boxes.

The ad explained that each female resident that came into the leasing office and passed gas would receive a $200 discount off of their rent. So many deal seekers came into the leasing office that day, the emergency communication system was used to tell residents that the ad was a hoax. …

Why Fathers Matter

January 28, 2016 // by Simone// 13 Comments

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I’ve been watching a LOT of ESPN’s 30 for 30 lately. I’m not a huge sports fan, but with these films you get the stories behind all the glitz and glamour of high-profile athletes and sporting events. The last one I watched was about Maurice Clarett, and at its core his 30 for 30 is about fathers and sons.

The film documents the revival of the Ohio State football program and the down fall of Maurice. He was a promising athlete, started as a Freshman running back, and carried the team to a National Championship on his back.

After the season was over, however, he was suspended indefinitely for NCAA violations. And his promising football career spiraled downward into a life of crime.

…

How to Handle Holiday Stress

November 25, 2015 // by Simone// 6 Comments

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For some folks, the holidays are filled with family, love, and laughter. For others, the holidays are constant reminders of what is missing in your life. Either way, the holiday stress will probably visit you (despite the love, joy, and peace that should be the reason for the season).

Because someone is guaranteed to come at you wrong, steal your parking space, or tap dance on your last nerve. At least, that has been my experience:-). Here’s two ways to handle the holiday stress: resting and sowing. …

The Secret of Overcoming Fear

June 26, 2015 // by Simone// 13 Comments

For me, it seems like every day is a fight in overcoming fear. No, I don’t kick and scream. No, I don’t cower in the corner. But I do have a voice that pops up and asks accusatory questions, like:

Who do you think you are?
I wouldn’t send that email if I were you?
Why are you even trying this?

Waaaay better people have come before you and failed. …

Father, Farmer, Ball Player

June 18, 2015 // by Simone// 2 Comments

Earlier this year my little brother , Isaiah, was featured on a local blog. He’s co-parenting the cutest little boy you will ever lay your eyes on. (Okay, so I’m biased. )

By dawn , he’s a ball player. He works out and practices several hours a day. By day, he’s a farmer and helps run an organic farm. But, he lives for the time he gets to spend with Obie, every other week. …

Can a Black Family Live Happily Every After?

June 11, 2015 // by Simone// 9 Comments

A few years ago, I had almost given up hope on black marriages and the idea of a black family. I witnessed two of my cousins go through tragic divorces.

And the only happy couples I knew were my parents and my best friend’s parents. But, they were both in their late fifties.

Two things happened that changed my perspective.

…

Dad First, DJ Second: Lessons from Both Sides of Fatherhood

June 4, 2015 // by Simone// 6 Comments

If you’ve listened to the radio in Tennessee over the past 27 years, you’ve probably heard Courtney Poe’s voice. He’s DJ Cwiz and he’s toured the world with hip hop’s biggest names (including Oscar-Winning Three 6 Mafia and UGK).

But Courtney says that his most important role is being a father.

Last year he, joined a couple hundred other runners for the Fatherhood Games 5K. He runs half marathons regularly, but this particular event was different. Because it was a race to celebrate him and all dads.

“I did [the race] because I wanted to celebrate that I have one for the dads. I run all the time, but this one was personal,” said Courtney.

He explained that he’s been on both sides of fatherhood. Initially, he was just trying to make things work as a co-parent. …

The Power of Sowing and the Principle of Reaping

May 8, 2015 // by Simone// 7 Comments

Today, I’m sharing via video because I want to share a story with you. A few years ago, I had almost given up hope on black marriages. I witnessed two family members go through tragic divorces and I had a question:

Can black families live happily ever after?

The Lord answered that question in an awesome way! Check out the video to hear that story. …

Hiding Mistakes, Can Cost Your Family

February 26, 2015 // by Simone// 5 Comments

Have you ever noticed how people in the same family often repeat the same mistake?

For example, if a child is born to an unwed mother…the child may go on to repeat the same mistakes. Well, I witnessed that happen in my own family and it made me sooooo angry…because I could have stopped it!

But it turns out that it’s not just my family that’s prone to repeat each others mistakes. It happened with one of the most famous Biblical families in history too: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The same mistake–willful deception–was repeated over 3 generations. …