Sharing My Love of Writing

As I share my love of writing with my dear friend Nathan Seven Scott, I recall telling him how awesome it would be if he shared his stories with the world.  A lover of E. Lynn Harris myself, I was wondering who would give us books of his caliber.  Unfortunately, we had to lose him so that the work of Nathan could be born.  I find it amazing that after all these years, we have maintained a friendship that has taken us through our own little worlds, and as I embarked on my writing journey, I pushed Nathan to go for it as well.  (My unwavering confidence in Nathan has helped me to push myself to continue on with my writing as well. More about me later!)

I reached out to a friend from middle school, only to find out that through her own busy life, she would be able to help me with the editing of my book.  Khadijah Ali-Coleman gave me such wonderful feedback and pushed me to add just enough drama and hot, butt-naked sex (yes, she really did!) to give me the page-turner I knew I could create.  I had no idea what to expect when we sat down to discuss my book, but I can say that she put a stank on my story that only SHE could do!  And so, I had to share her expertise with Nathan, and he has been pleased with what she produced.

As I reflect on my journey, I mentioned before how I wrote poetry while in college, and that my professor Dr. Acklyn Lynch pushed me to get that hobby of mine going.  Writing was my outlet, and I didn't always want to share what I created.  My love of reading is what really pushed me to write my first novel, and I have been addicted ever since.  I have the perfect team and the 'write' tools to get me there.  Artist, life coach, editor, mentor, publisher, fellow writer friends, family, sistah-girls, and FANS!

I have decided to further share my passion to write with middle school students, and have challenged them to participate in my first ever writing contest.  You can find the info at www.wordslingerz.blogspot.com for more information.  Any and all middle to high school students are encouraged to participate.  My goal is to have a writing camp specifically for those interested in putting their creative minds to work.  I am grateful for this opportunity, and for those who want to write and just don't know how or where to start, you can always reach out to me.  I am sure that Khadijah will welcome the eager writers as well, and you can find her at www.khadijahonline.com.  And don't forget to tell her that Karen Minors sent you!

And now, I must continue to write.......

He Keeps on Blessing Me

He keeps on blessing me
even when I'm not worthy
even when I doubt
even when I fail.
He keeps on blessing me.

I looked far and wide
when He said to look near
when He said to listen
when He said to surrender.
He keeps on blessing me.

When I couldn't see the light
at the end of the tunnel
when I closed my eyes
at the end of each day
as the tears ran down my face;
when I forgave myself,
because He forgave me.
He keeps on blessing me.

He keeps on blessing me
answering every prayer
hearing every cry.
He keeps on blessing me.

Last year was a challenging year for my family, but we kept the faith. When we thought all hope was lost, the Lord stepped in right on time and picked us up. Stress had become my new best friend, and bitterness was my passenger in the car. I carried my hurt and feelings of "why me?" day in and day out. While wearing a smile on the outside, I was crying on the inside.
Yet, I pushed forward and I leaned not on my own understanding.
I cried out and waited on Him to hear me.
Are you there? Do you see me struggle? Lord, please help us. Help me. I don't like feeling like this. Where do I turn? Show me the way.

He never left me.
He blessed me with a new job.
Then he blessed me with a second new job and a promotion.
He blessed my husband with a job offer. Hallelujah!
My best friend, Stress, left me and Bitterness was ejected from the car.
A smile remained on the outside, but the crying stopped on the inside.
Sometimes we feel like all hope is gone.
But there is hope.
He told me so.
And He keeps on blessing me.

And now, I must write....some more.