In the Beginning...

I began reading Steve Harvey's book today. I am about half-way done with it and I must admit, it's somewhat interesting. In all honesty, I am not learning anything new. Most of the information he shares, I pretty much know already. I really think his book is more suited for young ladies in their late teens or early twenties. But I am learning that there are some grown women do not know this stuff. So read on, my sistas. Get that knowledge!

I've been reading it and learned a thing or two about myself. Therefore, it was not a total waste. While I don't agree with everything he says(that 90-day rule is a bunch of crap. Wait for your real committment, girls), he makes a lot of sense. While I was reading, something came to me--in a vision---like a light. I'm kidding but I did have an epiphany.

Harvey states that men show their love with the three Ps--profess, provide, and protect. And I totally agree. This is why women should work on their own self awareness before ever attempting a relationship.

Women, we already have a Man in our lives who professes His dying love for you, provides you with all that you need and protects you from all harm and danger. Ladies, He loves you even when you don't love yourselves. I wish you could see how He looks at you. You are the apple of His eye, the zenith of His universe. Do you realize He created everything and put them in their place---the animals, the sky, the rivers, the mountains, and even man before He decided the perfect way to create you. You are the pinnacle of His creation. And everyone knows the best is always saved for last.

Indeed, men are wired to profess, provide, and protect. It's in their DNA. When God created Adam, He breathed His Spirit into Adam and therefore, His ways are of Adam. God professes His love for His people. John 3:16 And so should your man!!! God provides for His people. Philippians 4:19 And so should your man!!! God protects his people. Psalms 18:2 And so should your man!!! This is the way it should be. It's a tale as old as time.

Ladies, realize what you already have. The prefect Man is already in your heart. Don't let no mess replace Him. If anything, your new man should fall in line with your Perfect One.



I'm just saying...
Step Brown

Observations

Today, in fact, like ten minutes ago, I was walking to my car. I was ending the seventh-to-last-day of school. En route, I overheard a conversation. Now, mind you, I am no snoop but the young dude was talking so loudly, I could not help but listen. Now before I rewind this one-sided talk, please allow me to share a poem I learned as a child. It goes:

There once was an old owl who lived in a oak.
The more he saw, the less he spoke.
The less he spoke, the more he heard.
Why can't we all be like that wise old bird?

As a child, I never really understood this poem but as I got older, I began to appreciate its message. And I took heed. I observe a lot more than I speak and that makes for some interesting findings.

Such as today: As I walked to my car, one of the white students was talking on his cell phone. Before he noticed my presence, it was MF this and F that. He apologized for tainting my prettable afternoon with such abhorrent and repugnant obscenities and carried on his confab. Based on what I heard, the other party was supposed to be picking him up and apparently was seriously late. Just as I was about to close my car door, this pudgy white student with dirty brown hair and in desperate need of a tanning bed stated, "Are you at the wrong school, nigga? I'm in the back."

Now, you can imagine my repulsion when I heard this. First of all, I cannot believe he used that word within my earshot. Then again, he probably thought I could not hear him. I was a good forty yards away. What God did not give me in sight, He gave me in hearing. Secondly, I was astonished that he used that word referring to one of his WHITE friends. How do I know this? The young dude drove up as I drove away. WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am very familiar with the Chris Rock "I-love-my-black-folks-but-I-hate-n*****" joke. I have even shared the sentiment. But I never call anyone that word nor will I allow people to call me that word. It just amazes me that young white kids think it's cool to call each other the N-word. Thanks to the Hip Hop culture, of course. Jay-Z said that hip hop has done wonders for race relations. I guess so when one of the most derogatory terms used to describe another human being is freely used as a term of endearment. Sad state of affairs!!!! Thanks Hip Hop!!

And I won't even talk about what hip hop is doing to the self-esteem of our young people. That deserves its own post.

Until then, listen more like this old bird. I get it from the owl.


I'm just saying...
Step Brown

What Happens at Night

Most people just rest at night, you know. Sleep and snore and stuff. Well, it seems I DREAM all night long. And last night was no exception. Last night's dream will up there as far as interesting. In fact, I dream so much and so vividly that I have a dream dictionary in my favorites. My friends even ask me to interpret their dreams, if they ever remember them. I always seem to remember my dreams. Here's the dream from last night. Want to hear it? Hear it go:
I am lying a beach and I have a banging body. Anyway, these two babies in pampers come over to me. One boy and one girl. I pick them up and they begin talking to me. But not baby talk. They are talking to me with adult voices. All they are doing is encouraging me. "You can do it." "Keep the faith." "Don't quit." "Don't give up." "We believe in you." And so on. Then they jump down and starting dancing. They were even singing. The song, Sam and Dave's "Hold On, I'm Coming!" So there it went. My dream from last night.
So what do you think it means?

Maybe I will sleep quieter tonight.

Soli Deo Gloria!!!
Step Brown

Ramblings and UR Calling

I guess I have been neglecting my blog lately. I had basketball tryouts all last week which made for a 12-hr weekday and that translates to a 60-hr workweek. So baby gurl was tired. I did get a chance to rest over the weekend. So God is good.
Last night, I had a very intense conversation with one of my BFFs. It sent me into a work of introspection. Writing is my thing. I know that writing is my thing. Where will writing take me? I have not a clue. But I must be ready when the move comes.
I've been told that if you know your purpose, then you are truly blessed because some people spend a lifetime never knowing what they were here to do. So I ask those who are reading this, What is your calling? If you don't have a clue, I suggest you get in the quiet with God and get your purpose. I'm just saying...
Soli Deo Gloria!!!!



So...u in?

Step Brown

Dream Lover...

come rescue me!!!!


It's funny. That Mariah Carey song is definitely how I feel sometimes. Yet, as my friends say, I won't do anything to put myself out there. Case in point, there is a party this Friday hosted by the men of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.


Should I go? Probably, it would be a great way to meet people (men) who are on the same level as I am. At least one would make that assumption but we all know what happens when you
ass-u-me. Still, I know at least one of my LSs is going and my BFF said she would go if I wanted to go.


Will I go? To give myself the BOD(benefit of the doubt), I will have to say I am undecided. Parties really are not my thing. Contrary to popular belief, I am quite the wallflower and very shy. I am not comfortable in the party setting.


Just like most single ladies, I want to be married and have kids. Will my husband knock on my first door? Highly unlikely. But I have faith. Sincerely, I believe it will be a random and happen-chance meeting that I won't even notice. It will happen so quickly that I won't know what hit me. Why do I feel this way? Because I believe in old-fashioned values. A woman goes out looking for something and she will find it. The problem is she might not like what she finds. That is why a man finds his wife. Cool but how can he find me if I am always at home? I can just hear one of my friends singing the question in my ear. To which I would humbly respond God made me the way I am. He knows I do not like parties and He knows I would have to meet 'hubby' in some shape, fashion, or form. If it was at a party, I would not be grappling with the issue in this blog.


In closing, I guess I won't know what I am going to do Friday night until Friday night. Besides, I ask God to give me what I need to get through each day every morning. If I need to the courage to go to the Alpha party Friday night, I am sure He will give it to me--Friday night. Until then, Dreamlover, your name remains just that--dreamlover.


Deo Volente,
Step Brown

What Now...

Every morning, I get up and go to a job I literally despise. I am not happy as a classroom teacher. Kids aren't like they were when I was a child. They are disrespectful and have not desire to better themselves. It's disgusting. I feel I am wasting my talents in that classroom.


So what now? I have completed my first novel. And while I am still riding on the wave of exhilaration, I know I have to come down soon. My ideal job will have me travelling and booked with speaking engagements. I would even like to sponsor some outreach program because our young people need serious help and guidance. They are inundated with sex and profanity until it has become the norm for most of them. No one is famous until they have a sex tape and education is the least of their priorities. Where are the moral and values instilled in the home?


I know I am rambling a bit but I truly feel that writing is my gift. Writing is the avenue God will use through me to reach His lost sheep. So now that I have that information, what is the next phrase? Where do I go from here? Some people never find the right road. At least I believe I am in the right area and on the right map. If God intends me to be a classroom teacher the rest of my natural-born days, I hope he gives me a sign. Show me the way!!!


Until then, I will do what I can with what I got in that classroom and try my best to not get frustrated. Which ain't easy!!!!!


Deo Volente,
Step Brown

Mother's Day Special

One of the most important jobs a woman could have in her lifetime is to be a...MOTHER. The responsibility and commitment may appear a bit overwhelming but the rewards far exceed those worries. I can only imagine the joy and pleasure of motherhood and if God's will says the same, I will one day feel that joy and pleasure.
Those who have the privilege should not take it for granted. And, yes, I truly believe that it is a privilege. For your daughters, a mother is the first woman she sees and models her behavior. For your sons, a mother is the first woman he sees and figures he should want to be with. The role should not be taken lightly.
So Happy Mother's Day to all of the mothers! You deserve it.


Deo Volente,
Step Brown

My Confession

As much as I would like to take credit for this, I cannot. I simply borrowed it from another person whom I think believes as I do. This is definitely the new motto.


I am a sinner saved - this is to say Instantly Justified, Progressively Sanctified, and Ultimately Glorified - by Grace Alone through Faith Alone in Jesus Christ Alone according to the Scriptures Alone for the Glory of God Alone.


Enough Said!!!!


Soli Deo Gloria,
Step Brown

What Am I Saying...

I declare the Bible is one of the hardest books to read. All those thees and thous and arts, one could get lost in the sea of unleavened bread and pass right over the message God intended for us in the first place. I have tried to read the Bible from cover to cover on several occasions. I cannot seem to do it. Does that make me a failure? By no means!!!! In fact, I find it encouraging. To me, it simply means there are many more things I have to learn about God and His ways. Everyday, I am shown a wee bit more and I get excited when I think about what else there is to learn.


I definitely have a pragmatic view about life. I want to know how something applies to me and my everyday life---and that includes the Bible. I want to understand what the story of Ruth means to me in 2009 or the fact that Peter denied Jesus three times before daybreak although he swore he was ready to die for his Lord. And I cannot forgot about that Proverbs 31 woman. Is she for real? Is she even possible in 2009?


Today, I want to tackle a topic that maybe I shouldn't---the Lord's Prayer. When the disciples asked Jesus how to pray, the Lord's Prayer is what they got. Do people even know what they are saying when they recite this? Well, since this is my blog, I can tell you what I think I am saying why I make my request.


Our Father, who art in heavenIt's customary to address the person to which you are speaking and I like to be reminded that He sits high and looks low.
Hallowed by Thy NameThat's my reminder that I shouldn't be fooling around with God. He is holy and should be revered.
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be doneMy goal is God's kingdom and I strive to do things by His will, not mine
on earth, as it is in heaven. What we should do on earth is what we will do in heaven
Give us this day our daily breadJust for today---give us all we need to survive. We cannot change yesterday and tomorrow is not promised. So Lord, give us what we need to get through this day
And forgives us our trespasses (our debts)Lord, please forgive me for all the wrong I've done against You, myself and others---Daily
As we forgive those who trespass (our debtors) against us
Lord, people will do wrong by me so teach me forgiveness---Daily
Lead us not into temptationThe devil is so busy but I know You have him in check
but deliver us from evil
I knew You had the devil in check and Thanks for providing a way out
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory foreverThe world is Yours and all that goes with it.
AmenOver and Out




I'm just saying...
Step Brown

You'd Better Work!

One reason we're left here on earth and not taken to heaven immediately after trusting in Christ for salvation is that God has work for is to do. "Man is immortal," Augustine said, "until his or her work is done."


The time of your death is not determined by anyone or anything, at least not here on earth. That decision is made in heaven. When we have done all that God has in mind for us to do, then and only then will He take us on to glory---and not one second sooner.


Meanwhile back at the ranch, there is work to do. Jesus even said, "I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day. Night is coming when no one can work" (John 9:4) Night comes when we close our eyes for the last time or Jesus returns to take us with Him. Each day brings that time closer.


As long as we have the light of day, we must work. Not to get rich, get laid, have kids, have vacations or whatever else you think you should be doing that may not be the perfect will of God for you. The work is to make an unreachable God reachable. God works through those who believe in Him. Let him work!!! And please, don't let Him catch you with your work undone.


So, you in?


Soli Deo Gloria,
Step Brown

My Best Man

Today would have been my best man's birthday. He passed away on March 12, 2001. That's right, on my 26th birthday, I lost my best man. On May 4, I feel a twinge of pain because I know my family would have planned a huge dinner and festivities. It would have been Pa-Pa's 84th or 85th 0r...you get the point. It would have been his birthday and we would have celebrated in style.


Some people never get to meet their fathers. I have two--my biological father and my stepfather. And although both men are still in my life, neither of them compares to the love and admiriation I feel for my grandfather. God always gives us what we need and He gave me my Pa-Pa. He was indeed my best man--the first man I ever really loved.


Although I know he couldn't have been here forever, I cherish the time we did share. I know it can never be taken from me. It took me a few years to even celebrate my birthday after 2001. I thought it was a big joke God had played on me. He took away one of the most important people in my life on the biggest day of my life.


So on May 4 and March 12, there is a certain level of sadness. Will it ever go away? Honestly, I don't really think I want it to.


So here's to my best man!! Happy Birthday, Pa-Pa. One day, I'll see you soon.


Deo Volente,
Step Brown

The Church House

I woke this morning with the intention of going to church--for the second or third time this year. My attendance is more than just hit or miss. It's flat-out non existent. In a humble moment of honesty, I cannot remember the last time I attended a church service. In person, that is. I watch services online and there is this young preacher I follow...but that is another blog for another time.


At the risk of sounding hypocritical, I love the Lord with all of my heart, soul and mind. I read scriptures everyday. I read devotionals everyday. I send prayers to my friends via texts every morning. And they get testy when I don't. I spend time with and journal to God. Everyday, I surrender my will to His. Most times, several times a day, I make myself available to Him. I want to do His will. It's the least I could do after all He has done for me. From writing my stories and poems to typing the words on this blog, I ask God to direct me in His way. This morning is no different. Although I haven't finished my readings yet, I was prompted to get online and post this. I don't know why. But I am learning to follow the nudges when they are given. Although I don't follow all of the time, I thank God when I do. Because it means He is still talking to me even though I may not be listening.


I don't know why I struggle with going to church. I grew up in the church, was baptized at nine or ten. I sang in the choir, attended Sunday School and Sunday Service faithfully, and was in every church event. So what is the problem? I may never understand. As I stated in my previous post, all I need to know is the One who does understand. I love Him. I trust Him. And I will follow Him. He didn't promise us the easy road but He did promise us the road to eternal life.


So....you in?


Soli Deo Gloria,


Step Brown

In all your getting...

I have always been drawn to the scripture that goes, (paraphrase) "In all your getting, get understanding." We ask God for so many things (love, peace, forgiveness, strength, etc) that we hardly ever ask for understanding. He has clearly stated in His Word that we have not because we ask not.
Some people spend an entire lifetime without finding their true purpose--the meaning to their lives. The why are my eyes brown and my hair black and the reason I am here stuff. Most just coast through life, dipping and dodging the curve balls. Who know my people do what they do? Some people would ask who cares?
I may never know why I have had to endure some of the painful experiences I have endured. My testimony would be a tearjerker to some. I may never understand the trials and the tests. But I am a strong believer that all which does not kill me makes me stronger. Am I a strong person? Depends on who you ask. My friends would say I am one tough nut. I would beg to differ. Besides, my worst enemy is the 'inner me.'
No one man or woman has ALL the answers. If they did, they'd probably sell them on Ebay. But seriously, if you want to know why the grass is green and the sky is blue, ask Him. If you want to make it more personal, ask Him for your purpose. Why He has you here? He may not tell you but the least you could do is ask. And since you wouldn't ask a total stranger such a personal question, get to know Him. Believe me, you will gain a whole lot more than just your purpose if you spend time getting to know Him.
I may never know why ___________ (you fill in the blank), but I know who does and that is all I need to know. So, in all your getting, get understanding. But more importantly, get God!!!!!!
I'm just saying....


Chunking Deuces,
Step Brown