Thursday, September 8, 2011

The black artist is dangerous. Black art controls the “Negro’s” reality, negates negative influences, and creates positive images.“— Dr. Sonia Sanchez

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Entry 4

I am tracking or should I say counting down my birthday. I stated I will write an entry everyday about my day, encounters and so on...I kind of fell off track. However I still find time to post an entry about something interesting within the Black Community and the world I live in. 8 Days counting...21 around the corner!!!

Today I read an interesting online article from the OaklandLocal entitled "Built in West Oakland and they will come" by Tanya Holland a sista who opened her first restaurant on Martin Luther King Birthday in 2008. This article stood out to me because I have never took the time to sit and read an article dedicated to food, restaurants, or anything about the food/restaurant industry period. But what I find compelling about this article as I read through is the fact she shares about her life journey. She gave a brief biography and highlighted the significant aspects in her life. As a reader Iwas able to digest all she was sharing about. That was amazing! At least to me it was.

Not being a Native of the San Francisco Bay area I am quick to make judgement calls of a particular area. I am just speaking for myself. I am pretty sure there are plenty of you who may do the same thing. Any how in her article she gives numerous reasons as to why she decided to make West Oakland her location for for small restaurant which seats about 50 customers. (Small, cute, and LIVE) Her decision is basically smart. I would have made the same decision. Read her article to find out why she decided to make West Oakland her location and also you will also get a mini Black History lesson as I did. I rather not give it away.

Oh by the way just to let you all know. Oakland is full of rich culture. Oakland was once a strong pillar for Blacks still is. Can you say Black Wall Street! Yes every time I think of Oakland, all of the Black owned Businesses and Black folk striving...I think of the Black Wall Street. If you don't already Buy Black which basically means "start supporting black owned businesses"- let's build our black economic system as a people by the people for our people.

I'm Ericka...

Check out this amazing article Now!!! I hope you enjoy it. Be inspired.

http://oaklandlocal.com/posts/2011/09/build-it-west-oakland-and-they-will-come-community-voices



Brown Sugar Kitchen
2534 Mandela Parkway Oakland, CA
(510) 839-SOUL (7685)



Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Entry 3

Some encouraging words I want to share with you all. It is amazing how God works when you keep your faith in Action through him. I have been going through the motions with school. Financially, emotionally, and so on...God really steps in when you least expect it. But it is all about if we are willing to do his work and what he desires. I am learning through it all I must continue to give God all the glory and praise even if my situation is not the best. The devil/enemy will try to detour you...Lead you in a path of depression, shame, and loneliness if you allow him to do so. Yet you must keep your mind at peace in the things of Christ. I just thank God for all he has done in my life. I am a walking testament and I am not ashamed to say that I am an unapologetic follower of Christ.

Today I was blessed with a scholarship to help me pay for my last year of college. That is God. It is funny how God open doors for you when you least expect it. Even when you sit back and reflect upon your actions he is still showing his grace, mercy, and love. His love is amazing. He is the great I am. God in the flesh now seated upon the throne. He is my Jehovah Jireh my provider. There is nobody like Jesus. My sweet King. I just give him all glory and praise! I literally thought I was going to have to take a year off. But not so...When God knows the desires of one heart he fulfills them through numerous trails and tribulations only to make you stronger. We go through the wilderness to come out humble. Amen Amen Amen. Today I am ready for change. I am almost 21 years old and I will continue to serve my God for Life. He is amazing. How great is our God? :)

**Be Encouraged

Peters walk on water proves that Jesus will often call you to move forward when theres NO WAY that what UR surrounded by can support you But Gods word plus YOUR FAITH gives u a platform to stand on, when you shouldn't be standing.  Youre faith has grown,
YOURE NOT IN THE SAME BOAT U USED TO BE
Ray Murray
 
 
 
Focus Scripture: Mt. 14:28-29 (NIV) “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said.  Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.
 
 
Question: What do you do, when you all you’re trying to do is move forward and progress in your life, as God would desire, and you’re not getting the support you think you need to do so? 
 
Think: There are times in your life where you will look at what surrounds you, and like Peter, realize that God has called you out at a time when you don’t have the support you need. SO WHAT NOW!
I know this sounds rough, but too often we allow ourselves to progress into a pity party and even depression, because people are not there the way we think they should be, or the situation is shaky, I fully understand…it happens, but your faith can still get you out of the same boat you’ve always been in…
 
Pay Attention: Jesus never asked permission of the other people in the boat, before he told Peter to come.  He also fully understood that the water he asked him to step out on, was not designed to hold him up.  What you’re surrounded by may not be able to support you.  But All  you need is God’s Word and your faith IN HIS Word!  And that's all the support you're going to get...but it's also, all the support you'll need!
 
Be of good courage!
 
** Hit me back and let me know this message has reached you!
** For those of you who were with us at CB the experience, you already know God is awesome and we continue 2 expect great things!
 
STRENGTH!
Ray Murray

--
Chainbreakers... MinistryWithoutWalls
 
Join Us EVERY 1st Friday for The Experience...
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Saturday, September 3, 2011

Entry 2

MY GOD IS AMAZING!
HE IS BEYOND GREAT!
HIS IS LOVE IS FOREVER!
I WILL ALWAYS WORSHIP HIM!
GLORY TO GLORY TO GLORY TO GLORY TO GLORY TO GOD!
I'M ALMOST 21 YEARS OLD...THANK YOU JESUS!

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Entry 1

Each day starting today I will submit an entry/blog leading up to my Birthday "September 15" each entry/blog will simply be about my day, interactions with folk throughout my day and experiences, etc...

For those who do not know...A sista is only 20 years of age. My 21st Birthday is around the corner. It seems as if I have been 20 for years. I know the big question is What am I going to do? So many folks say I HAVE TO DO IT BIG! Well what if I don't want to do it big for my 21st birthday? I don't want to go all out! I just want to have a relaxed time and my BEER...finally! Yes I want a beer and I know just the place to get one. I have been doing much thinking about where I want to go. That remains a secret. I have also been thinking about who I want to spend it with. That to also remains a secret. However I do know I want to hit up a Reggae club in Oakland. Grind on a couple men one good time, and a particular gentlemen. I am not the big, extravagant in your face type of Black woman! Yesterday I ordered a coral colored dress with brown leather strapped heels. 5-10 business days to arrive. So waiting around to receive that.

Me turning 21 years old entails much more than the simple fact that I am officially legal to be apart and accepted in society. Turning 21 years old to me is a leap in my life, a form of self realization and self check. No longer am I 20 or in my teen years. I am now embarking into a new form of Black woman hood and accountability for myself as an adult. Turning 21 is an eye awakening experience I am grateful to see!

More to come...




Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Proverbs 4:23/Life

Above all else, guard your heart,
   for everything you do flows from it. (New International Version)
-Proverbs 4:23

Life is amazing, I am grateful to be alive. Meeting wonderful Black people. I have met an interesting person. I am excited to see our friendship blossom.

Monday, August 29, 2011

This is Somalia


This is Somalia. Please spread the message of their struggle. I think by seeing this picture and the helplessness in this mother’s expression, we can admit that this is her worst nightmare; knowing her child is going to die before her very own eyes. They are dying of hunger. Let me tell you something, everytime you say “Wow, I am starving to death”, well you aren’t. If you were “starving” you would have the same painful expression. Look at that child’s body, his clothes are hanging off of him. You need to see and know this because this is what is happening in the real world. You think boyfriends, loosing weight and grades are the biggest problem in your life? Well if you tell this lady that, then I’m sure she would laugh in your face. Her life is the biggest problem, and we are the ones who can help her. Please spread this picture and message. Please pray. Please donate.