Your sis in Christ for life,

KLC

*Singing portion to the tune of “Foolin’ Around” by Changing Faces*

Foolin’ Around
(Singing)
You’re fooling around! Foolin’, foolin’ around! (4x)

(Speaking)
Old school lyrics
Attached to old trials,
The days that I’d stumble
And dwell in denial.
Fooling around
Left my spirit defiled,
Accumulating wounds
As transgressions compiled.
Until the Lord spoke,
And I’d listen… for awhile.

(Singing)
No foolin’ around! Foolin’, foolin’ around! (2-4x)

(Speaking)
I’m hearing you Lord!
But alone ain’t my style!
So he gave me an inch,
And my soul took a mile.
A mile down the streets
Of self-inflicted pain,
Compromised self-worth
And Godly standards slain.
As a spirit of abuse
Invaded my brain,
Demons attacking
‘Til I’m mentally drained,
Emotionally worn,
Temple window glass stained.

Vision now blurry,
I was forced to refrain.
So I refrained…
From fooling around.
I refrained and took a moment
To gather my heart;
Now fragments on the ground
Scattered in parts.
Yet somehow…
The word still remained.

See the seed had been planted
And buried beneath the surface,
But I had to get right
To live out it’s purpose.
I had to get on my knees
To get back on my feet,
So I said,
No more fooling around.

And to anyone out there
Still taking a mile,
The Lord wants to tell you
That you’re still his child.
He’s ready to revive
The emotionally slaughtered;
Ready for his
Prodigal sons and daughters.
He’s ready to help
Put an end to the torture,
But you gotta step up
And apply what he taught’cha
You gotta stop
Fooling around.
You gotta stop
Fooling…
Around…

(Singing)
You’re foolin’ around! Foolin’, foolin’ around (2-4x)

Copyright ©2011 Keisha L. Clarke
© 2000-2011 GS Poetry. All rights reserved

(Beginning w/ hook from “Back in the Day” by Ahmad)

Nostalgia 101
Back when I thought my birthday
Always fell on a Saturday,
Cuz mama always through my bash when?
On a Saturday!
Saturdays… Where the day greeted me with
(Jumping) “Keisha wake up!”
As my brother jumped on my bed
For us to watch cartoons.
Oh my Saturdays of…
“Keisha WAKE UP!”
As my nose rose the smell of… (sniffs)
Ackee & saltfish, fried dumplin’ & plantain.
Mama bellowed!
“WAKE UP!”
Throwing down while I’m
Wrestling with my sheets.
And then I wake up
And I remember…
I’m grown.
Saturday is grind day,
Pick up yo’ behind day.
No time to press rewind day.
No.. time… to press… rewind. day.
(singing) “But some days I sit and wish….”
That things were different.
I wish I could see familial smiles again.
Had time for girl talk on the daily…
(singing) “Some days I sit and wish…”
Wish platonic friendships were all black & white.
And then I remember…
Without the lonely days,
I wouldn’t thirst for you,
Without the emotional attacks
I wouldn’t need a new heart.
Psalm 51:10 became my prayer…
And you answered.
I came broken and contrite,
And you restored.
So each day…
There’s less wishing.
Less wishing and more praying,
That we’ll all overstand,
Each old memory is just
One grain of sand
in the hands of time;
Each second, a section
Of our autobiography;
Each minute, a minute [mahy-noot] component
of our testimony.
I pray we that in nostalgia
We all see beauty
As we embrace the present…
and each day is our gift
we’ll hold on.

Copyright ©2011 Keisha L. Clarke
© 2000-2011 GS Poetry. All rights reserved

This is just something that came to me after missing my mom through my 1st birthday after her homegoing. Along with this, in adulthood, there are other things often missed. If you can relate to this in any way, know that I am praying for you. Please continue to pray for me as well, while trusting that as we call upon the Lord, he is listening. Be encouraged & God bless.

Your sis in Christ for life…

KLC

Give Thanks

This recession gets depressin’
But you gotta keep on pressin’
All the stressin’
And the questions,
Ain’t the window to ya blessings.
Turn complainin’ to confessin’
Did you even pay ya tithes?
Yet we got the nerve to question
If the savior still abides.
We be slippin,
We be trippin.
Cuttin’ corners on the side.
Don’t wanna mess with MTA so
“will you let me ride…”
is what we ask our friends
heading to common destinations.
Rather than pay our dues
And exercise a little patience.
Exercise & walk it out
Be on our grind & not in doubt,
That in time we’ll have our clout.
We gotta service our way out.
Give ya 10 percent,
Give ya story,
Give ya life.
He gave that and more
As the model sacrifice.
We say we wanna be like Jesus,
But do our actions say the same?
Yet when we’re at our lowest,
We wanna call his name…
Imagine if he held grudges,
Or reciprocated pain.
We’d be more hustlin’,
We’d be borderline insane.
So let’s agree that we’ll do better.
Let’s agree to give our first.
Rather than our last,
And our complaints
When at our worst.
And trust that I’m not perfect,
I’ve had my times when I was guilty
And in many ways,
I’m sure that I’m still filthy.
So every chance I get,
My prayer is that his will be
Fulfilled in my submission
As to my flesh he kills me.
Daily I’m on my knees,
And each day I seek his face,
Praying that we’ll all
Meet him running this race.
So if you want the same,
I ask for you to raise,
Ya right hand in agreement
As a symbol of ya praise.
Committing to do better,
As we thank him for each day.
Committing to do better,
As we give in all these ways.
Give thanks.

Copyright ©2011 Keisha L. Clarke
© 2000-2011 GS Poetry. All rights reserved

Hey folks! First of all I want to thank you all for taking the time to read this post. If you’re receiving this, it’s because you’re incredibly special to me in ways you may not know. This post is extremely personal and partially a result of often being disregarded by someone with whom I shared a very special season of my life. To be more specific, I would say that person was my emotional placebo in various respects. In some ways this was crucial, and in others, possibly crippling for both of us. Ironically, friends have been reaching out to me lately regarding their own emotional placebos. And so I decided to post this word for those who are blessed by what I feel and say while recognizing that it may be God’s way of carrying all of us into the next phase of our lives.

I’ve recently had friends confiding in me about emotional ties to exes, lustful memories of former companions, and other strongholds only God can free anyone from. With that said, I’ll share a story about someone who I felt tied to, but realized I needed God to free me from. And he finally has. But as he’s freed me from my attachment, I still need his help with placing my second foot on the path to the next phase. My preferred means of help was a response to a “goodbye” I sent to my placebo. But the truth is we can’t always determine whether someone will give us a written or verbal farewell. And so, I see God has called me to close this chapter of my life with an encouragement for others. I pray that as I share my heart, someone is empowered.

A secret I’ve been keeping for a very long time is that I was emotionally attached to a former prospect that I’ve known for years! And although I’m sure at least one of you is reading and considering this unnatural or unhealthy, at least one other person is reading this and thinking, “I thought it was just me!!!” So as hard as it is to put myself out there, I’ll be transparent for the sake of the latter.

For those seeking God for detachment from someone who now belongs in the past, my story is regarding someone God has recently freed me from emotionally. Up until now, the dynamic of our friendship has changed several times. But the concluding dynamic, or final season of our friendship, was the most critical. In our latter days, we’d only correspond regarding a select few topics. One was my mom’s illness. Another was in regard to things so personal that I can’t even blog about them. This was due to the fact that I knew I could confide in a man who was always my friend. I knew this because regardless of our history, what was said to him stayed with him and he was honest in a corrective and caring way. And for a while what I was feeling may have appeared to be romantic. But it was something deeper than carnal attachment. As I viewed him to be a true a man of God and friend, I realized I accrued a lot of love and admiration. It was rare, but in time was no longer romantic. It was also deep, and I eventually understood what it was. What I realized is that he was my placebo emotionally speaking. And for what I consider to be a very long time.

You see, prior to discovering my Boaz, I had been settling for different reasons. And until the man for me was revealed, his characteristics hadn’t been matched. So what helped me to wait in a bittersweet way was the existence of the most comparable friend. My revelation is that he was a temporary void filler, whom I’ve labeled my placebo. Once I truly sought Christ to fill that void in a way that he hadn’t before, my waiting period came to a close. And although the waiting is over, my purging has a final step. My hope is that as I purge myself in writing, others will be delivered. Please believe that if God can free me from a bittersweet binding attachment, he can definitely free you from yours. It may take months, but it could also take years. And as hard as that may be to receive, trust that God has already started in leading you to something and/or someone better fit for you than the person you are currently attached to. And before I close, I’ll share my own testimony with a poem about the true fix God has supplied for me; a man I’ve known since his birth… and plan to love until death.

(Play instrumental as you continue reading)

“For Boaz… For Always”

You’ve seen every side of me,
now times ten including kisses.
We’ve known each other 30 years
and someday I’ll be your Misses.
Everyday I’m more in love
through blessings birthed by wishes.
And every wish comes true with you.
Real love? Yes that’s what this is.
Flesh had its temporary drug,
but through Christ, you’re my final fix.
Constantly taking me higher,
while the rest can hit the bricks.
I love you more each day,
Sometimes I’m nearly about to burst.
I can’t believe my final love
is the one God gave me first.
My best friend and my husband,
in my heart though still not written.
Know you’ve got this wife for life.
Cuz she’s infinitely smitten.
This poem is probably sappy
but it’s coming from the heart.
I love you more and more each day
and this is just the start.

Copyright ©2011 Keisha L. Clarke
© 2000-2011 GS Poetry. All rights reserved

You see, my placebo served a purpose, which was completed as we ended a season. But the man I have just spoken of has come for a more pressing reason. This poem was written about the one I know God brought into my life for the long hall. Although it was my heart and strength that caught his eye, it was his own that caught my hand. And although there’s still no ring on it, I look forward to the days prior to and beyond material symbols. For some of you, that man is already in your life. For others, you may be destined for a life of single-hood. Either way, you need to open your eyes to God’s will in general and be thankful for what he’s already given you. As you do this, be open to what he has in store and trust that he’ll continue to lead you in being detached from whoever isn’t meant for you. No matter the method, know that the supplier will give you a fix beyond your wildest dreams. And please believe that when this happens, your latter will be greater [Job 8:7]. I pray my word was of encouragement to at least one reader. Please continue to lift me in prayer as I continue praying for all of you.

Your sis in Christ for life…
KLC

“Dear Lord, I’m coming to you today/ tonight and really praying for those of us who are in the midst of our youth. I pray we can still be examples as we go through our own fires, and that they survive the disappointment that comes with our trials & errors in learning how to balance life w/ responsibility in ministry. And I’m praying that those w/ their own struggles truly seek & find Christ for deliverance. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. (“Like” to join my prayer)”. – KLC

This was my most recent prayer, which I shared on my personal facebook page as a note.  I also sent it out as a blackberry messenger broadcast message and text.  Some friends didn’t respond, while others replied that it was a timely prayer and that it lifted their spirits.  As I write, my hope is that this post will be an encouragement to those reading.  As I begin, I’ll let myself be emotionally naked before you all as I share my own need to be uplifted.

As I prepare to reveal what’s in my heart, I’ll start with a brief description of my background.  I’m a 30 year old woman who was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York by parents I can only thank God for.  Growing up, my dad helped me with my school work.  He checked my assignments and spent time teaching me the spelling and definitions of words I was not learning in school.  He took my brother and me to the library to find books to read aside from what we were assigned in school. As for my mom, she was my number one fan, and I am so grateful to God for giving me a constant source of support through her existence.  If I wanted to be a doctor, she was ready to buy my first stethoscope, although I never became one.  If I wanted to be a fashion designer, she was ready to pay for my art lessons, although I never took any.  Because of that, it was usually easy for me to carry on through the few concerns of a child without the many youth ministries that now exist within the church.  However, even as a child myself, I knew that not all of my peers grew up with the same sense of security.  There were children I knew and observed whose lives I knew were completely different.  As the oldest child in my household, there was a lot I did not know.  As for my friends, many had older siblings who taught them things their parents may not have raised them to know.  Or they may have had parents who raised them to know a bit too much a bit too soon.  These were things also learned in school or from other outside influences.  Whether it was the use of vulgarity, inappropriate or mature physical gestures… I saw these things practiced or used by my peers on many occasions.  But rather than frown upon it, I actually admired their ability to act without giving a second thought to the opinions of others.

As I write, I remember my friend Lauren McCall, who is now a born again Christian.  You see, my friend Lauren and I were in the same classes as children.  We also share the same birthday.  Yet we came from two completely different worlds. But despite our differences in upbringing and personality, what also existed between us was a deep and unspoken mutual admiration.  Back then, Lauren was known to be loud, crass, and quick tempered, while I was the total opposite.  However, I admired how free spirited and fearless she was. I didn’t see an untamed, unloved little girl.  I saw a bold and blunt beauty.  At the same time, I was a shy, often silent child.  Yet she didn’t see an introverted outcast with an odd sense of uncertainty.  She saw a peaceful light in a world filled with noise and darkness.  And although we were not close as children, she has grown to become one of my most treasured friends. You may have just read the previous statements and thought “why would a child with so much love in her home feel uncertain about anything?”  Well allow me to explain.  The reason for my uncertainty was the fact that I knew I was different. I knew that the majority of my peers did not come from the same household environment that I had.  I knew that many were exposed to things I was initially oblivious to.  And as a result, I felt odd!  There was a tiny voice inside of me that longed to speak in a way that would help those around me.  But I never thought I could.  And I didn’t even realize all of this until I was much older.  I had acquaintances who told me they never saw us being close because I didn’t seem like a person who could relate to their experiences.  I had ex-boyfriends who came from single parent, substance filled homes, who viewed me as spoiled or literally said “you could never help someone like me!” And it really made me sad.  That little girl inside of me would resurface as doubt was redeposited into my spirit.  Now add these circumstances to experiences in trials and errors of acting as a leader in youth ministry, and you have a broken and contrite spirit.

Since I have faced these emotions, God has picked me up and bandaged me in my brokenness, only for the enemy to come back even harder.  And in the midst of it all, I’ve had my burdens.  But I know I’m not the only one.  And I’m here to tell you that just as he continues to relieve me of my burdens, he can do the same for you!

Nowadays there is so much out in the open; from promiscuity and homosexual activity to substance abuse, all being glamorized like never before!  Yet some of us who want to help feel too broken to reach out to our youth!  And even when we’ve been rebuilt, we have guilt.  www.dictionary.com has the following definition for the word “contrite:”

“1. caused by or showing sincere remorse.

2. filled with a sense of guilt and the desire for atonement; penitent: a contrite sinner.”

As you’re reading, you all may be wondering why I believe we have guilt.  And the reason is this.  Many of us are learning how to do something we may not have had to do as children. We’re learning how to balance “doing me” with surviving life’s tests and finding time or strength to be there for our youth!  And we feel guilty because we often fall short on the latter.  I’m speaking what I’ve been feeling, and I know I’m not alone.  But I’m here to tell you that you’re not alone either.  Psalm 34:18, King James Version, tells us that “The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.”  In other words, he’s got our back!  Just the same, he has the back of our young people as well.  However, it also says in the word that “even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone” [James 2:17, KJV].  Now if you’re reading this and thinking “I wish I could do more work, but I do so much already,” there is still something you can do.  If there’s nothing else any of us can do, we can come together and pray.  And so, I will conclude the same way that I started. And that is in extending my hand in prayer.  I ask that as you all close in reading, you’ll say this prayer to yourselves in agreement:

“Dear Lord, I’m coming to you today/ tonight and really praying for those of us who are in the midst of our youth. I pray we can still be examples as we go through our own fires, and that they survive the disappointment that comes with our trials & errors in learning how to balance life w/ responsibility in ministry. And I’m praying that those w/ their own struggles truly seek & find Christ for deliverance. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.”

Now share this post to keep the prayer going.

Your sis in Christ for life…

KLC

Copyright ©2011 Keisha L. Clarke

Proverbs 22:6, King James Version says:

“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

Whenever I read this verse, all I can do is thank God for parents who raised me to know him as well as I do. For the duration of my Christian walk, Psalm 27 has been among my favorite scriptures. Verse ten states that “if my father and mother leave me, then the Lord will take me in.” That hadn’t applied to me before now, yet it’s become a source of comfort at this time. But without my mom’s obedience in training me up, I would be without that comfort. Throughout my mom’s illness, I experienced so many emotions! I’d feared she would pass before being able to share my joy in experiencing marriage, the possibility of motherhood, or even fully coming into my own as an individual. At those times, God would speak to me unexpectedly, often leaving me with what man may now see as false hope. But through the Holy Spirit, I realize it was the provision of strength by any means necessary.

In order for my mom to share a few final moments with her family, she needed to live until it was God’s time for her to move on. I realize now that the strength God gave during her last days helped add something special to those moments. In the midst of her battle with Leukemia, we shared so many blessings. We shared 5 years with her beautiful grandson, my nephew KJ. We discussed my aspirations & pursuits, which would not exist without her. And we even talked about the man destined to be my life partner, whom I wouldn’t even know without her! There have been so many blessings in the midst of the storm. I realize now that it was not God’s plan for my mom to recover. Instead, his plan was for those blessings to become my peace. Many of you look at me and say you’re amazed by my strength. But please understand the strength you see is not my own.

Psalms 27:1 King James Version says:

“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life, of whom shall I be afraid.”

And just as my mom wasn’t afraid to go home, I’m not afraid because I know she’s resting with the Lord, and that he will take me in. While mom was in the hospital, I sang to her in hopes that it would help her fight for restoration. During this time, a song kept popping up in my mind, but I refused to sing it. Now that I look back, I believe it was the song my mom had in her heart as she longed to be without suffering. She longed to see her savior. With that said, I’ll proceed to share the song. As I do, I pray no one is saddened. Rather than be saddened, I pray that this song confirms she is in a better place, and that she was ready to go home. She was ready to be drawn nearer to the Lord.

Song: “Nearer Blessed Lord (I Am Thine O Lord)”

To those grieving over the passing of loved ones, be comforted in knowing that they are in a better place so long as they were right with the Lord. And whether or not they were, please understand the importance of making sure that you are right with God. In doing so, your life will be a lesson to others, and even in your passing, there will be joy in knowing where you have gone. This is my overdue word.

Your sis in Christ for life…

KLC

Copyright ©2011 Keisha L. Clarke

As we acknowledge the AIDS epidemic on this day each year, how many of us truly realize the severity of this illness? For those who have not been directly affected by it, chances are the answer is very few. However, there are individuals whose lives have changed drastically once AIDS personally affected them. When it comes to those individuals, I thank God for the testimonies beyond their trials. Such testimonies have been given by Christian emcee Eric “Campain” Harris, who speaks boldly on his concern for those suffering through this horrible illness. At a young age, the loss of his mother left an imprint on his life that would someday be of great motivation in ministry. Upon my first time witnessing him in action, I was blown away by his strength and his ability to speak with such transparency and conviction. With that said, I felt it necessary to acknowledge him, and others like him in this post. So many of our “urban” Christian artists, or what I prefer to call “underground” Christian singers, poets, and emcees go unrecognized or are often under-appreciated as we are blindsided by the abundance of talent in general. We have the Richie Righteous’, the Lecrae’s, and so forth. And these artists are all PHENOMENAL in what God is leading them to do. However, I would like to take this time to acknowledge the incredible artists who are often left unmentioned.

Another artist speaking on his trials turned into testimonies is Jason Andre Roberts, known to most as “Conquest.” Roberts has experienced the pain that comes with self-esteem issues, as well as the suffering of ending a marriage through divorce. In some of his past work, Conquest speaks on the scrutiny that comes with dating outside of one’s race, and on how that can affect an individual in their spiritual walk. Topics such as these are rarely touched upon in Christian music, and so his delivery is refreshing as well as necessary. For those who have considered suicide or who have questioned God about contentment in companionship being a part of their futures, Conquest is definitely someone who can relate. Consequently, his music is an encouragement as he shares his testimony. As he takes “Revenge Against God’s Enemies,” be on the lookout for more of his story.

Next we have Cynthia “Heesun” Lee (a.k.a. Mrs. Chi), another Christian emcee, who proudly speaks on her experience as an orphan who was eventually adopted by a loving family. Her most recent projects include collaborations on the “I’m a Christian: the Mixtape” series, on which she collaborates with other CHH dynamos! And as she does, she remains poised while reppin’ for the ladies! And in her early work, Heesun acknowledges God’s role in supplying her blessings as she speaks on her own trials and tribulations… as a woman, as an orphan, and as a human-being in general. She speaks on everything from feeling worthless to compromising her own self-esteem with actions taken prior to knowing the Lord. Since she has come to know her savior, Heesun has reclaimed her rightful place as a member of a royal priesthood, and encourages others to do the same. As a female emcee, she has had to prove herself on many occasions, each time stepping up to the plate and doing just that. If anyone out there has felt like they were a mistake, misplaced, or unwanted, her testimony will definitely prove you wrong.

And lastly, we have Adrian R. McClean, Jr. , otherwise known as “Glamour the VOICE,” and formerly Glamour of MP (Manifestation of Praise). Many of you may have actually heard of the previously mentioned Christian artists in recent years. As for this one, he’s definitely no rookie, yet has been keeping a pretty low profile. But if you’ve have recently heard his single, “You Can Change,” heard previous songs such as “Out of Darkness,” “the Future,” or have a copy of the classic “Shaolin Mixtape,” you know this emcee is no joke! He speaks the truth through his triumphs and is a beast in the booth. If the devil wants a battle, he’s looking for a loose tooth. Spittin’ venom so cold you need a triple fat goose! Leaving demons gagging like their neck’s in a noose. Sorry for the diversion, but that just came to me as was typing. These emcees are infectious in more ways than one, but I digress. Getting back on topic, Glamour’s story is one shared by many. Growing up in a single parent home, he revisits the hardships that come with longing for a father. His testimony is a tear jerker as he takes you through the journey shared with his three older brothers, one of which has been a partner of his in ministry. If any of you have questioned God about your hardships, or longed to have a void filled by a father, he speaks on the victory that comes in allowing Christ to fill it.

These artists are basically God’s way of showing you that no matter how you feel, you’re never truly alone.  They’ve been where you are.  And just as they’ve been delivered, you can be too!  To all the emcees I may have failed to mention, please know you’re all dear to my heart as well. To my homie [Mc]Psalmist, your heart’s as big as the world is round. J Sky, we need you like the deaf need sound. If life is a park, Slave’s the merry-go-round. Keith “Vulcha” Thomas, the world ain’t even ready. Them without you is a parade without confetti. And now for my poets, y’all are dear to my heart. I’m one of you in writing, so you had to get your part. To my boy God’s Child, keep reppin’ for Haiti! The world needs you like Sanford needed Grady. Shout out to Shanelle G. My work is my wealth too! Keep speaking on Lupus and God bless your health boo! My boy Love da Poet, whom I call Anthony, always keeps me mindful of God’s plan for me. And to anybody left, keep on doing what you do, because a lot of lives are waiting just to meet the God in you. I hope my words weren’t too long, mushy or corny. But y’all are dear to my heart in all you do for me.

Just so you know, all of you are a true inspiration and encouragement. In your artistic abilities, your ministry, and your actions. Thank you for being who you are. And once again, my heart goes out on this day especially to those affected by HIV and AIDS. I’ll leave you one more clip of Campain’s testimony as I ask you all to keep these beautiful people in prayer.  Trust we’re all praying for you.

And to the mothers with AIDS & future mothers with HIV, this is for you. God bless…

Copyright ©2010 Keisha L. Clarke

Copyright ©2010 Keisha L. Clarke
© 2000-2010 GS Poetry. All rights reserved

“For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.” –Matthew 13:15 (NIV)

Now ladies, I know we go through some STUFF! But I write so many things that are generally more relatable for us. With that said, this particular piece is dedicated to the very special men in this world who are actually sentimental, expressive, and real about it. Actually, even if you’re not always real about it… God knows your pain. Just know that beyond your pain, there is healing. But you have to let it go. You have to trust God and allow him to revive all of your senses… to restore your heart, so that you can move on from whatever it is the wrong women may have been used to do to you. If you’ve poured your heart out to them and they took you for granted, just remember how much more Christ endured and forgave. He was persecuted, and still asked God to forgive those who killed him. Jesus himself knew that quite often, those who hurt us are oblivious to the magnitude of their actions [Luke 23:34]. And just as the enemy is attempting to blind and harden you, he’s attempting to do the same to those who hurt you. You have to let go so you can let God deliver you both as he prepares you for the right person. If letting go means stripping yourself by finally telling that person everything you feel (in love), then that’s the first step. But if you can’t tell that person, at least be real with yourself.

Be open before God and allow him to move. Stop pretending you don’t need closure as if us women are always the only ones to need it. Something is telling me that some of you need it too, and holding everything in just prolongs the process of moving on. I don’t know who this word is for, but again I say you have to let it go. Even if you’re not ready to do it right this second. Ask God to prepare you. Ask him to give you the strength to be real, the words to be real with, and to prepare those who have hurt you for whatever comes next. I’m already asking him to prepare you guys for what’s next, so the battle’s half won. Now the rest is up to you. And if any of you are reading this and thinking, “now this is a good woman right here,” please believe it’s not me, but the spirit moving and speaking through me. And just as God can have good shown through me, he has good to show you through the woman for you [Proverbs 18:22]. Stand firm in your faith and firm in your hope as you keep your focus on Christ. When you let go, he’ll be right there to heal and pick up the pieces. God bless.

Your sis in Christ for life…

Copyright ©2010 Keisha L. Clarke

(Speaker #2)
Girl I have that problem too,
but mine ain’t bored with me!
I just found out that he’s engaged
and yet he wants to see
If next time when he comes to town
I’m down for some QT.
Quality time and one-on-one,
so I said you gotz ta go!
Tryna make me your cuddle boo?
My answer to that is no!
At least your dude respects you;
Loves you from afar.
Mine is all about the feels
but I don’t care who you are!
If you put a ring on the next
You can’t test drive this car!

(Speaker #1)
Ha-ha girl I like that one,
and truth is you’re so right.
I just wish he would leave my thoughts
and give me peaceful nights.
Instead I’m up writing all this
and you’re just chillin like
“If I wasn’t your imaginary friend,
I’d be feelin tight!
I’d say you gotta shake it off!
There’s other fish in the sea.”
Then I’d be like “girl, sho’ you right,
but he’s the only fish for me.”
So much so that I’m making up poems
with two part conversations.
Truth is it’s just me & my thoughts,
Oh, and my salvation.

Copyright ©2010 Keisha L. Clarke
© 2000-2010 GS Poetry. All rights reserved

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen” -Matthew 28:19-20 (KJV)

The truth is, I’m not literally that borderline bonkers folks! So if you were binding up spirits of rhyming insanity, you can relax.  But I do know what it feels like to have emotions & the flesh consume your thoughts. This was just a little something special God laid upon my heart to write. And in his word, he reminds us that no matter how crazy or alone we may feel, he’s with us. He didn’t say he’s there sometimes. He said he’s ALWAYS there. So when you think you’re about to snap, seek him for sanity in salvation. And the times when you just missed going nuts, know it was him that kept you and give thanks. Trust you will continue to find yourself nearly going crazy in certain situations. But also trust that he will keep you “even until the end of the world.” Amen? AMEN!

Your sis in Christ for life…

KLC

Copyright ©2010 Keisha L. Clarke

“Single Life (the Poem)”

She craves the manifestation
of an outlet for her love.
Too many times she’s been tapped.
So many times, it’s about to spill over.
Someone catch it before it’s lost!
Ripe & ready, she’s being stretched.
Unpicked and ‘unpoured’…
Can’t take it no more!
About to reach her limit
’cause He keeps filling her up;
constantly, constantly filling her cup!
About to scream, she needs a home for her love!
This body alone can’t contain it all.
But she’s scared.
She feels too fast and heals too slow.
So where is her love supposed to go…
Not knowing, she feels trapped.
But knowing He stands in the gap.
And this…
Sustains her patience.
She waits in faith
to be found.

Copyright ©2010 Keisha L. Clarke
© 2000-2010 GS Poetry. All rights reserved

“Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.” –Psalms 27:14

Speaking as a single woman, I can attest that waiting on the Lord for a future companion is easier said than done.  Quite frankly, it has often felt nearly impossible!  How many of you reading this right now can agree with me on that statement?  My guess is if you’re single, the majority of you have already cosigned what you’ve read in your minds.  As for those who are married, chances are you’ve felt the same way and now have a testimony.  As for “Alexis Hunter” of the soon-to-be released, Single Life: the Musical, she would agree 100%!  Her agreement is evident as she expresses her frustrations, and eventually embraces her own testimony.  As the main character of this groundbreaking musical/ film, Hunter is an unmarried Christian woman living in Brooklyn, New York, who shares the many struggles she has to face in her single-hood.

Single Life: the Musical was written and directed by Cindy St. Vil, along with Tania Chambers.  Both of these women are native New Yorkers and St. Vil actually plays the part of the main character, “Alexis Hunter.”  As an unmarried Christian herself, I believe it is safe to assume that Hunter’s character is somewhat based on the real life struggles of the film’s co-director.  I say this because although St. Vil’s life story is not totally identical to Hunter’s, she has felt the loneliness that has led many single women along a similar path.  Along with this, we witness the struggles of her co-star, Lawrence McClean, who plays “Bryan Miller.”  McClean’s role is imperative as he exposes viewers to the struggles of the single Christian male.

As you embark on an emotional ride, Single Life: the Musical will make you laugh and it will also make you cry.  But most importantly, it will have you reflect upon your own lives and on how faithful we all truly are in waiting on the Lord.  Is Alexis Hunter faithful as she waits? Or do you think like many of us, she has to learn the hard way?  And what about Bryan Miller?   When it comes to these two,  just hope they don’t learn a little too late.  If you’d like a sneak peak at the answer, watch the trailer below.  And soon enough, you’ll all find out just how difficult it was for Brian and Alexis to wait. But until then, here’s a preview of what you have to look forward to. I pray you’re all blessed by this review and trust you’ll be blessed even more by the film.