Trusting in God Through Tragedy

Last Wednesday, my mom and I traveled to Louisville, MS to assist with relief efforts following Monday's deadly tornado.  Prior to arriving in Louisville I saw photos of the devastation on several social media outlets, but nothing could compare to seeing it in person. For the sake of those affected, I will only post a few photos.

I can not begin to image the heartache felt by all affected.  Imagine having everything you own wiped away in a matter of seconds....unbelievable. Mothers lost daughters, fathers lost sons, children lost parents; total devastation.  When I sit back and think, I realize that we often take life for granted.  And by life, I mean the small things.  We have everything we need at our fingertips, yet we still find ways to complain.

I thank God for my uncle Robert Brown, a native of Louisville, MS.  Robert's faith is to be admired.  After seeing the tornado pass, Robert was called by a fellow church member who was trapped inside his home. (The photo above shows what's left of his home).  By the grace of God, Robert was able to climb through rubble and rescue his brother in Christ.  How the man survived?..God and God alone.

You see, life is short.  We say that phrase, but do we truly understand it? In the blink of an eye, life as you know it can be turned upside down. Cherish your loved ones.  Stay in contact with one another.  In all things, good and bad, give thanks to God.  We may never know why lives were lost on Monday, April 28, 2014 but we can rest in peace knowing that God never makes mistakes.  Even when the pain cuts deep, He is forever in control.  My heart goes out to all affected; both near and far.

If you would like to volunteer to help with recovery efforts, you can sign up through the Volunteer Mississippi website to stay updated as individual opportunities to help emerge.  Remember, it was someone else today, but it could be you tomorrow.

Xoxo

Raeofsunshine

Donald...

By now I'm sure you've all heard the audio recording of Donald Sterling's remarks regarding minorities, in particular, African Americans.  If you haven't, do yourself a favor and get with the 21st century.

While I am disappointed, I am not shocked.  I feel sorrow for the players, but not for the NBA.  I am angry at America, but not at Sterling. Why you ask? It's simple.  Are we really surprised? This guy makes millions off of the very people he does not want to attend [his] games.  Did you all forget that we live in a society built on the idea that one race is superior to the next? Did we forget? Or do we choose not to remember?  Either way, racism is and always will be an issue in America.

However, I do feel bad for the Clippers (the players).  Many of us say what we would or wouldn't do, but we never truly know how we would react in a certain situation. These guys have families to feed.  Can they just boycott and decide not to play in the games? Is that fair? Yes, I understand and I agree that they should have enough self respect to stand up for what they believe. But... is that easy? In their line of work?  These are just questions to ponder.

I get so tired of people pretending to be concerned..pretending to be upset. Does it really bother you? Ohhh wait, yes it does...when it directly affects you and/or your pockets. I get it!! I apologize in advance for this rant, but I do not apologize for my feelings [or lack thereof]. I'm a child of God first, a woman next, and finally an African American. Until you walk a mile in my [our] shoes.......



Donald (you don't even deserve to be called 'Mr.')

There is nothing you can say or do to make this 25 year old African American feel less than. You will NEVER know or fully understand the struggles that African Americans face on a daily basis; although I'm certain you could not care less...you're busy getting your millions, right?  Thank you. Thank you for showing us how you really feel; you've done us all a favor.  It is people like you that keep me employed. It is people like you that remind me to never get too comfortable.  It is people like you, Donald, that give me motivation to continue pressing on in my line of work.  Now, I must go..I've wasted too many keystrokes you on.  Keep up the [good] work, America!

Xoxo

Raeofsunshine

Introducing....The Basic Bride

Hey yall it's me...RAEofsunshine! By now you know that I am engaged (as of August 6. 2013). I started this blog as a safe haven for my random thoughts.  Over the past year, I've used it to document memorable milestones.  While this is great [in my opinion] I feel as though I should tred into unmarked territory.  Lots ladies track the journey from their engagement to their wedding.  However, very few give it to you straight. It's not all glitz and glam. So, in order to keep my sanity and give future brides a little insight, I've decided to add a section titled "Wedding Planning 101".  Please feel free to share your success [or horror] stories.  If you feel as though your planning went smoothly, please please share your comments and/or suggestions.  After all, what better way to bring girls together than to drink wine talk about weddings.

Xoxo

Raeofsunshine