Stormy Weather

"Expect the Unexpected" is a familiar phrase used to sell products, services and even promote TV shows. It's a way to invoke intrigue and mystery. Hearing those words may bring excitement when planning a weekend trip with your girlfriends, celebrating your birthday or trying a meal at the most popular restaurant in town. But who wants to hear "Expect the Unexpected" when you are starting a new romantic relationship, waiting for test results from your doctor, or wondering if you'll be hired for a job. The feeling of not knowing can loom large. I recently had an unexpected medical procedure that took me by surprise. However with prayer, a skilled physician and caring medical team, loving family and supportive friends, I was able to weather the storm and I continue to heal. 

Unfortunately everyone does not have a village to lean on when trouble comes. But that doesn't mean you just give up. There is always hope if you trust and believe. With the help of Living by Design, PaulTripp.com and Guideposts, here are a few tips that may help you when life takes you by surprise.

*Choose Faith Over Fear: Ground your mindset in the belief that divine love and goodness are stronger than anxiety.

*Practice Calm Obedience: Respond to sudden hurdles by focusing on steadfast, daily moral actions and follow foundational spiritual commands rather than panicking. 

*Engage in Good Works: Stay committed to positive, helpful actions and community support even when circumstances feel overwhelming. 

*Trust Completely: Surrender the need to control every outcome and lean on the assurance that a higher power is guiding you through the turbulence.

*Wait with Patience: Entrust the ultimate resolution to divine intervention, recognizing that difficult seasons can build long-term spiritual strength.

If you don't give up you can survive stormy weather.

Infant Mortality Awareness Month

September is National Infant Mortality Awareness Month. Infant mortality is defined as the death of a baby before their first birthday. I'll admit, that's not usually a topic discussed during your family reunion or when you're at brunch with your girlfriends. But maybe it should be. As an employee for a non-profit organization, The Mother's Cove, in Central Ohio, I work with young moms every day. Our primary goal is to keep moms and babies safe and healthy. Unfortunately, infant mortality is a health crisis and many communities across the country are struggling. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2024 sadly more than 200,000 infants died in the United States. And those statistics are even higher when it comes to Black babies, who die at more than two times the rate of non-Black babies. 

 The five leading causes of infant mortality are:

*Birth Defects
*Preterm Birth
*Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
*Unintended Injuries
*Maternal Pregnancy Complications

This article isn't meant to scare you or leave you without hope. Because we can turn these statistics around if we all join this infant mortality fight! Here's suggestions from the CDC on ways to help:

Before and During Pregnancy: Manage chronic health issues; Eat a healthy diet; Get early prenatal care.

Follow Safe Practices: Follow the ABCs of safe sleep for your baby - Alone, On their Back, In a Crib; Remove toys, soft bedding and pillows to prevent suffocation.

Avoid Harmful Substances: Stop smoking; Avoid alcohol, marijuana or illicit drugs during pregnancy.

Community and Public Health Action:  Support family planning and help women access contraception to plan pregnancies safely; Build local partnerships by encouraging community groups to work with health clinics and share safe-baby resources.

Get involved and work with organizations in your community so we can produce "Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies, Healthy Outcomes"!

Buy Black

August is a time when many prepare their children to get back to school. It's also a great time to plan one more family trip before the Fall. But August is also National Black Business Month! It's an awesome time to support Black businesses and services. Black Business Month was established in August of 2004 by engineer Frederick E. Jordan Sr. and historian John William Templeton to, of course, help Black businesses grow. But it's also a great time to discuss why many Black businesses struggle to receive bank loans and to identify ways to advocate for public policies to help their economic growth. 

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are over 2.6 million Black-owned businesses in the United States. Finding ways to finance those Black-owned businesses shouldn't happen just in the month of August.  Here's a few ways to support Black entrepreneurs all year long:

*Shop: Be intentional when buying goods and services from Black companies. Check-out websites like The Black Wallet and WeBuyBlack.

 

*Share:  When you purchase from a Black-owned business, post on social media. Use #NationalBlackBusinessMonth to emphasize the item or event.

*Support: Invest in Black entrepreneurs through crowdfunding campaigns or by attending virtual or in-person events that celebrate them. 

*Stand up: Advocate for policy changes that promote equity and access to resources. Connect with local, state or national representatives to fight for changes.

Don't delay the chance to contribute to a Black-owned business. Who will you support today?

    

Triumph Over Trauma

Please see the latest edition of “Empowerment Magazine” attached . It is an awesome publication produced through First Church of God in Columbus Ohio. It includes great info, insights & an article I contributed. Enjoy

https://issuu.com/1stchurchempowerment/docs/empowerment_-_summer_2026

“The Fourth”

Many Americans will celebrate July 4th with parades, cookouts and of course fireworks. And since America will be turning 250 this year it will be very historic. However there are past events and current ones for that matter where our history has not been inclusive of all of our citizens. In July of 1852, Frederick Douglass delivered his famous address, "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” at Corinthian Hall in Rochester, New York. He was invited by the members of the Rochester Ladies’ Anti-Slavery Society. Although Douglass’ original speech was more than an hour long, actor James Earl Jones read a portion of it on the TV broadcast of “Democracy Today” which aired on July 4, 2025. No matter your political views I hope you will listen to these words from our American history.

https://youtu.be/xX-AlsQcZgs?is=rAWPWN4NsU_8MM0d

Daddy Day

I love my Daddy so much! And although he passed away in 2009, I still carry his love in my heart. He was the most patient, most loving and most handsome man I ever knew. And as many people prepare to celebrate Father's Day this month, it doesn't mean I still won't find ways to honor my Father: Norris Allen Barton. I'm not naive to think everyone had a positive relationship with their Father. However, if you were blessed with a supportive Father or have a Father-figure who has been a friend and mentor, you can still find ways to honor him too.  Here are a few suggestions:

1) Honor Dad's Love of Sports: Take him to see a game in your hometown or honor his memory by gathering friends and family together to replicate one of his favorite pastimes.

2) Support Dad's Hobby:  If Dad enjoys painting, go to a painting class together. Take him fishing or hiking if he likes being outdoors. You can also honor Dad by planting a tree in his memory. There are various local and national non-profit organizations dedicated to reforestation.

3) Enjoy Dad's Favorite Foods: Take Dad to his favorite restaurant or attend a cooking class together. Honor Dad's memory by hosting a potluck with family and friends as everyone shares stories about their Father. 

Hope you have a Happy Father's Day celebrating the Dads in your life.

Another Motivating Message

It's so hard to believe I've been on this "Mommy Journey" for more than 20 years! Both of our daughters are now young adults, preparing for their future. They are completing college, looking for career opportunities and praying for which path to follow as they leave home to begin life on their own.  Although their hopes and dreams have changed over the years, I still stand by the following "Motivating Mommy Messages" I wrote many years ago to inspire myself and others. And I hope no matter where you are on your parenting journey, you will find these words are still relevant for you too!

1) Ask for Help:  You don't have to aspire to be a "Super Mom" to be a great parent. Reach out to others you can trust. Many Moms are not just managing their children, but they are also care givers to their elderly parents. Learn to ask for help from family members and friends so you can enjoy some well deserved me time.

2) Be Prepared:  Planning ahead can save time and money.  Get help as you plan your day-to-day schedule and your future.  If you have young children, prepare their school lunches the night before and set out their clothes. Get financial advice for your child's college plans and for your retirement. You may want to meet with experts or read reliable resources in the areas of physical health, organization and mental stability.

3) Complete your Tasks: When you start something, finish it. Keeping your promises will show others you can be trusted and it also shows you are reliable. Having a consistent track record can also make you a stand out candidate when it comes to promotions on your job and being recommended for leadership opportunities in your community.

4) Dress for Respect: It doesn't matter if your clothes are from the mall, a friends closet or the thrift store. Don't focus on the designer label. When you dress in a respectful way, you will gain respect from others. 

5) Encourage Someone: You never know who may need your support. Simple acts of kindness may make a big difference to a Mom who is having a tough day.  A smile, a positive word or a hug can make a Mom feel better. Give encouragement to another Mom and tell her she matters.

I hope these messages will uplift you as you travel your road through Motherhood.