A Cup of Gratitude--Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

On this day, 101 years ago, twenty-two collegiate women took a leap of faith and founded Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. on the campus of Howard University.  While I am not here to give you a history lesson, I would like to share with you MY experience in Delta.

Osceola McCarthy Adams, Marguerite Young Alexander, Winona Cargile Alexander, Ethel Cuff Black, Bertha Pitts Campbell, Zephyr Chisom Carter, Edna Brown Coleman, Jessie McGuire Dent, Frederica Chase Dodd, Myra Davis Hemmings, Olive C. Jones, Jimmie Bugg Middleton, Pauline Oberdorfer Minor, Vashti Turley Murphy, Naomi Sewell Richardson, Mamie Reddy Rose, Eliza Pearl Shippen, Florence Letcher Toms, Ethel Carr Watson, Wertie Blackwell Weaver, Madree Penn White and Edith Motte Young.

You see, these were not ordinary women.  These were women who were determined to persevere and defy the stigma of African American women in the early to middle 1900's.  These were women who were not afraid to step outside of their comfort zones and commit themselves to a greater cause.  Keep in mind, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. is founded on Christian principles.  We truly believe that in order to be the change we wish to see in the world, we must stand firm on the Word of God.  It was only by the grace of God that these twenty-two dynamic women were able to use their "collective strength to promote academic excellence; to provide scholarships; to provide support to the undeserved; educate and stimulate participation in the establishment of positive public policy; and to highlight issues and provide solutions for problems in their communities." On today I salute the twenty-two.  I am forever grateful for their courage and commitment to serving others.

On March 30, 2008 I was afforded the opportunity to become a member of the Nu Beta Chapter (Mississippi State University) of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Words can not express the joy I felt while being inducted into this sisterhood.  You see, these women are not my friends, associates or acquaintances-they are my sisters.  When I celebrate, they celebrate with me.  When I hurt, they sympathize with me.  If there is ever anything I need, these ladies are always just a phone call away.

We celebrate birthdays together

We celebrate achievements...

Most importantly, we GRADUATE!

We invest in the lives of our future...

When I started college in 2006, I often wondered if I would find friends that were as "weird" as me.  Oh yes, in the spring of 2008, I found thirteen (13) ladies that were just as peculiar as NaToya Hill...and we are okay with that! I think there is a common misconception of sororities and I often find myself defending my reasons for joining.  I have finally realized that my decision is just that-my decision.  I know what my sorority stands for, and those are the same morals and values that were instilled in me at an early age.  To be willing and able to devote myself to a cause greater than me, is incredible. I served my community long before Delta, but I must admit, it feels better serving with a group of like minded individuals.  Delta Sigma Theta will always be near and dear to my heart.  It's not a college "thing", it's a lifetime commitment.

We attend National Conventions...

We fulfill our duty as God's children--we serve

On today, I celebrate the dynamic women that have paved the way for myself and sorors around the world.  I thank God for giving my twenty-two founders a vision to not only discuss issues affecting their communities, but the vision to act. Sorors, let us take today to reflect upon the principles of our illustrious sisterhood.
To learn more about Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. please click here .

Thank God for the 22
RAEofsunshine

A Cup of Motivation

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People 

Habit 2: BEGIN WITH THE END IN MIND

-Stephen Covey

In August of 2012, I was given the unique opportunity to travel to Myrtle Beach, SC for the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People 3-day training.  To say the experience was phenomenal would be an understatement.  Sure, being in Myrtle Beach was glorious, but the training was life changing...no kidding.  

After returning to MS, I used the information learned, to train Greek Leaders at MSU, Summer Bridge students (students majoring in any of the STEM areas: science, technology, engineering and mathematics), interns in the College of Education, and various organizations/departments on the campus of Mississippi State University.  Each time I conduct a training, I find one thing in common.  That is, MOST do not begin with the end in mind.  You must have a plan! "Begin with the End in Mind" means to begin each day, task or project with a clear vision of your desired direction and destination.  You may say, "Well, NaToya, I have no idea where I want to be in 5-10 years." That's okay! Start small. Make a 6 month plan...a 1-2 year plan.  Do what works for you. I'm not asking you to map out your entire life,but you need to start somewhere. Or else, you're going to wander around in circles for the next 3 years until you find yourself near the arctic circle with no jacket, chillin with the polar bears! See how crazy life can get?! That's why you must have a plan!

"Failing to plan is planning to fail"

I"ll give you 3 quick steps to help you "Begin with the End in Mind"

Step 1: Make a vision board. Simply put, a vision board is a constant reminder of your goals.  Click here to see a few examples. Here's mine for 2014. By no means is it the best, but it works for me. I have it hanging in my office.  It's a constant reminder of the goals I want to reach. Maybe you prefer not to make a vision board.  Perhaps you can write down your goals in a journal.  Do whatever works for YOU. I also encourage you to get a planner.  I use a Franklin Covey Planner, because it's what I received during the training.  It has seriously saved my life on numerous occasions.  You can find a few here.

Step 2: Create (and live by) a personal mission statement. Now, this does not have to be a book...it doesn't even have to be grammatically correct! Take about 5-10 minutes and just write. When you can't think of anything else to write...write some more.  When you're done, go back and revise it. Still, it does not have to be perfect. Your mission statement is just that...YOURS. You do not have to share it with the public, which is why I will not list mine here. However, I will tell you that mine is short and sweet.  Here are a few tips to help you get started:

• Review books of quotations (or take a look at my quotes page as it is frequently updated), poetry and other literature for language that inspires you.
• Consider your morals, values and things that are important to you
• Read biographies or autobiographies of people to spark ideas for personal accomplishments or contributions you would like to make.

Step 3: Find your purpose in life.  This is probably the hardest step, as most people are well into adulthood before finding their purpose.  I encourage you to read The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren.  Discover your WHY. Why do you go to work/school each day? Sure, it's to make a living but consider the impact you want to make. I'm afraid I can't give a definite "how to" for this step.  It requires much prayer and soul searching.  However, I do know that if you are truly trying to find your purpose, God will reveal it to you.  Pray and be obedient.  Oftentimes we want to know our purpose but when God presents it to us, we turn the other way.  Listen closely, sometimes it may come in a non-traditional way.  

I have given you 3 steps to begin so now you have work to do.  There will never be a "perfect" time, so go ahead and start. You are the only personal responsible for your success. You have the power and control of your future. What will you do? What impact will you make? What legacy will you leave? I encourage you to not only think, but act.  And remember, real happiness is not obtained through self-gratification, but through fidelity to a worthy purpose. -Helen Keller

xo

RAEofsunshine

A Cup of JOY

I'm a certain many of you know by now that my oldest sister, Nakeitra, is expecting a baby boy. Actually, Keitra is VERY pregnant. Haha..she's expecting "any day now".  This blog is dedicated to my friend...my SISTER. I hope that one day my nephew (aka TT's baby) will look back and see just how much he is loved.  I'm not sure if it's normal for me to be this excited, but I can not wait to see his sweet face.  Babies are such a blessing from above.

In November of 2013, my family showered Chandler in our hometown of Corinth.  We played games and stuffed our faces all while giving the mommy-to-be advice for the coming years!  Needless to say, Keitra handled the advice well; as I'm sure it was overwhelming for a new mommy.

In December of 2013, Keitra's in-laws showered Chandler in their hometown of Jackson.  Again, games were played, food was consumed and advice was shared.  It was so much fun to shower a baby boy that we've never met!

We had such a great time at both showers.  I think I can speak for both Nakeitra and her husband Creston, in saying they are truly grateful for the tremendously outpouring of love.  As I look at these photos and reminisce on the days, I can't help but be in awe of God's wonderful creations.  A baby is truly a blessing from the Lord.  When I think about how they grow from conception to birth, I am truly amazed.  Nakeitra and Creston are anxiously awaiting their bundle of joy.

Keitra and I are four years apart.  When she graduated high school, I started.  When she graduated college, I started.  We are always right behind one another.  Our bond as sisters has truly grown over the last few years.  Believe it or not, we use to fight like cats and dogs (but that's a story for another day).  To see her become a mother fills my heart with such joy.  I have always looked at her as not only my sister, but a role model for women.  Not every woman is fit to be a mother, but Keitra, oh she was made for it.

To my SISTER I say,
Congratulations! You have accomplished so much in such a short amount of time.  There is no doubt in my mind that Chandler will be forever grateful to call you his mother.  I have watched you (even when you don't realize it).  I have watched how you handle adversity; your faith never waivers.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.  

In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3: 5-6

I have watched how you handle success; you never boast nor brag.

Let another praise you, and not your own mouth;

 a stranger, and not your own lips.

 Proverbs 27:2 

You, my sister, ROCK.  I thank God every.single.night for my family, but in particular I thank Him for YOU.  You praise me when I'm right and scold me when I'm wrong.  Tough love is not always easy, but at the end of the day, I know it's just that...LOVE.  I can not wait to see what blessings God has in store for you in 2014.  Grab a cup of brew and get ready for the sleepless nights...and remember, a baby has a special way of adding joy in every single day.

xo
RAEofsunshine