The Hair Story

Ten years ago, I wrote a post on Facebook about black people not liking their natural hair. I said it based on what people said to me. I also said it because weave and braid sales remain high. I still see those perceptions and thought processes in how we treat our daughters' hair when they reach a certain age. This post is not about who is wrong or right. I know what chemicals did to my hair. Others have processed their hair for years, and they are fine. My advice is always to do what works for you.

Paraphrase of things people have said:

1. Friend: Why are you wearing your hair like that?
The same friend grew locks eventually.

2. Family member: Don't wear your hair like that.
Wearing hair like me now.

3. A Role Model: You need to change your hairstyle.
Switches between perm and natural from time to time.

4. Schools children to a child: When are you going to get braids or weave?
What?

I always say that our race is the one that has the worst thoughts about us. Somehow, we despise our kinky hair, dark skin, and buffness. I don't know why and have realized that this mindset may never change. Does it make any of us less than the others? No. It only becomes a problem when you try to debase another person because of how they look - something our race has been through at the hands of others.

So what's my point? Be the best you - comfortable in your skin, loving your hair, face, and body - just how you prefer.

POEM: Potential

We all have got potential
because God wasn't preferential
when he handed out the talents
and despite people's appearances
they've all got something to offer
even if it's collecting straws
and recycling them into something great
but sometimes we don't have the faith
because people tell us negative things
so we don't bring out our best
therefore, failing the test
but you can't let people hold you back
because there is nothing that you lack
to succeed - just as the air you breathe
you can perform awesome feats
just move your heart, hands and feet
be good to those who meet
and share your talents with vigor
because your energy should be your trigger
You can impact the entire galaxy
but you have to believe in yourself fully
Potential is in all of us
so don't let your talents go to rust
don't let anyone dampen your spirit
stick with it - you've got this!

© Linette Rabsatt

Belle Vue Methodist Congregation Hosts Tea Party on September 28, 2019

The Belle Vue Methodist Congregation is hosting a Tea Party on Saturday, September 28, 2019 from 3:00 to 6:00pm at the JR O'Neal Botanical Gardens. Tickets are being sold for $25 for adults, and $10 for children who are 12 years and under. Come and enjoy our tea, pastries, scones and other goodies, as well as various activities including a hat parade, hat competition and tea pot competition. Everyone is invited to attend and wear their best hat. Proceeds are in aid of the church's building fund. For more tickets and more information, please contact any member of the congregation.

Belle Vue Methodist Congregation

Good Hands Trucking & Water Delivery Delivers School Supplies to JSPS

On Tuesday, September 10, 2019, Anji Walters from Good Hands Trucking and Water Delivery made a special presentation of school supplies to the students of the Joyce Samuel Primary School. Mr. Walters shared that he was thankful for the support he receives, and he wanted to find a way to give back to the community in 2019. He chose the Joyce Samuel Primary School because it is the main school that serves the community that he resides in.

Mr. Walters made the presentation to students at the school in Belle Vue. Each student received a reusable bag with writing books and other essentials. In addition, students were given encouraging words to set the tone for the new school year. Mr. Walters hopes that his actions would encourage other entrepreneurs to do likewise in their community, and looks forward to doing similar in the future.

Being a Manager... My Quick Thoughts

I think that managers play a critical role in setting the tone in an organization.

• You have to be afraid but you can't be so impaired by fear that you cannot make a decision.
• You have to be able to give criticism, but you have to be able to take it too.
• You have to be able to teach, while learning, and getting others in the teaching mindset.
• You have to be confidential, but you can't hoard information that needs to be shared for others to grow.
• You have to be serious, but you have to be able to laugh and come down to earth with your team members.
• You have to be diligent and hardworking, but you have to know when to delegate and empower others - without them feeling like you've dropped your work on them.
• You have to be willing to investigate, and find fault - and be willing to admit when it's your fault.
• You have to be kind, but don't be a walkover.
• You have to be unbiased, but you have to know when you have to make a decision that may be hard on someone.
• You have to be able to communicate and make presentations, and you have to do your research and be prepared. There's no going around this.

These are just my quick thoughts on August 26, 2019. Please comment and add more.

Daily Juggling - Making, Making Do and Doing

When you venture into any public space outside of your house, you have to put on your game face, tuck in your tummy and get ready for the challenges. No matter how you plan and coordinate, you have to be ready for the inevitable. I have been planning this whole week to package some files and I really think that I have had the best intentions.

However, every day something else pops up - some good and some bad. There are some things that I would prefer to avoid but if I want to be successful in my current role, I have to try to meet the various demands. There is a lot that I don't plan for and it's not that I am disorganized or that I procrastinate. It's just the nature of the way things work. The unexpected comes and you have to respond. Sometimes, I am at a loss as to how to respond and I have to take time to consider the situation.

When you go to college, you learn a lot of theory and you discuss what the possibilities could be in a situation. Real life is much different. I always encourage people to share their story on their journey so that others can learn from them. Raising a family, being an entrepreneur, working or leading a non-profit are all individual roles that demand your full attention and energy. There are some people who juggle all and more. Consider what challenges they may meet on a daily basis.

Therefore, we are all jugglers in some way. Today, I was told that sometimes we need take our time with situations and the advice is well taken. I find I have bursts of energy and other times, I feel overwhelmed. However, I put my best foot forward and try to accomplish as much as I can. The advice I mentioned has played out well several times because we often feel that we don't have the solution. We let the matter rest and eventually we find a solution or a solution finds us.

Whatever your role might be, you have to stay focused and as Kenny Rogers sang, you have to know when to hold, fold, walk away or run. Balance your priorities, maintain your physical health and be the best you that you can be.

ribbon

Acrostic Poem: Emancipation

Every soul rejoiced
Minds and bodies calmed
All engaged in the fight
Never flailing, never relenting
Capacities imagined and envisioned
Invigorated energy
Purposeful intentions
Anticipation for the future generations
Tireless toiling ended
Inventive mindset to resume
Open minds and arms to a
New life in freedom

© Linette Rabsatt

Words of Ribbon 2019