Category: Faith

How Do You Talk To God?

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A Book Review

When We Talk To God: Prayers & Poems for Black Women by Sharifa Stevens. Photo Credit: Tremaine L. Loadholt

You know the saying, “Don’t judge a book by its cover”? So, I’m judging, but positively, though. When We Walk To God: Prayers & Poems for Black Women by Sharifa Stevens is the book I didn’t know I needed. The cover is a perfect gateway to phenomenal content.

This is a necessary book for Women of Color. How we talk to God is, as I’ve witnessed and experienced, extremely different from how other women talk to God. I connected with this book in a way that has brought me unmitigated peace and comfort, and I’m happy to express that.

Here’s the review I shared on Amazon and Goodreads:

Talking To God Is a Form of Art

At least, this is what I gleaned from the prayers, poems, and notes shared by the indomitable Sharifa Stevens.

There are books that sneak in when you weren’t expecting to be fulfilled or touched by spirits and there are books that pull you from dark places and remind you of your worth… “When We Talk To God: Prayers & Poems for Black Women” encompasses both of those descriptions.

There are pieces within this offering that read like sermons. Some feel like testimonies. And others swim across the page, reaching out at just the right moment to grab ahold of the reader and remind them that they are and will forever be God’s child.

I am a sinner, yet I love. I am a sinner, yet I feel. I am a sinner, yet I have solid friendships. I am a sinner… I am a sinner… I am a sinner… Yet, God will never stop loving me.

In the midst of the turmoil and chaos of this wretched world, I cracked open the spine of this gift and found solace.

“When We Talk To God…” offers hope, reflection, strength, encouragement, and the reality that I am not alone on this tedious journey of life, and I am blessed to be able to say that I read it.

And I will, without a doubt, read it again and again, and maybe a few more times for sustainability.

There’s a prayer in this book for you, Black woman. There’s a prayer in this book for you.

When I find a book that makes me feel good about myself and less alone, as well as hone in on biblical scriptures that can motivate, encourage, strengthen, and engage my mind, I am completely satisfied.

And, I am.

Scattered Words: Poems for Jernee Timid Loadholt is available now! Have you gotten your copy? Hardcover|eBook

“Lord I Need You”, Because I Truly Do

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Lady Harmony: Too Street for the Church, Too Church for the Street

Lady Harmony: Lord, I Need You

Every morning/before my feet touch the ground/
In the afternoon/when I’m up moving around/
In the evening/when I lay my head down
When I can’t see for myself/
I need you to have my back, Lord…

Have you gotten your copy of Séduire: Serial Tales & Flash Fiction at Lulu in E-Book & Paperback versions, or Amazon in Paperback (only) yet?

I am on Substack as well. Poking the Bear’s Belly for Fun is a place of healing, as I discuss recent events related to my previous place of employment, including racism and discrimination, the growth I experienced after resigning from that company, and the foibles and overall experiences of life. I welcome your visit.

The Importance of the Girls

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7 words

The Breast Cancer/Domestic Violence Awareness display at my local USPS. Photo Credit: Tremaine L. Loadholt

Early detection
Boosts your
C h a n c e
of survival

Have you gotten your copy of my new book: a collection of serial tales & flash fiction, Séduire (E-Book and Paperback) yet?

I recently signed up to write on Substack as well. Poking the Bear’s Belly for Fun is a place of healing as I speak about the most recent events with a previous place of employment, as it pertains to racism and discrimination, growth from the transition after resigning from that company, and life’s foibles and overall experiences. I welcome your visit.

He Keeps On Waking Me Up/Thank You Lord

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Lady Harmony, He Keeps On Waking Me Up/YouTube

“I’d never would’ve made it this far without you” is a straight-up testimony that resonates with me.

There were many days when I didn’t feel like getting out of bed, but my eyes were open. My limbs were agile. My heart was beating. I had breath in my lungs.

God did it, and why, I may never know, but I’m so glad he keeps doing it.

This dropped in my spirit during my workout on my Gospel workout mix, and maybe it’ll work for you, too.

I feel like I’m not the only one who needs to be reminded — who really needs to know that God hasn’t given up and will not give up on you.

Hang in there, please. Hang in there.

Peace and blessings.

Poem for an Image

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#5: Old Faithful

The Lone Old Faithful. Photo Credit: Tremaine L. Loadholt

On my boss’s land, there are
Old Faithfuls resting, one
day–they’ll be restored and
re-introduced to the crazy
roads of North Carolina.

I smiled as I walked around
hours of land, taking in the
beauty of their full-bodied
presence.
Soon, there will be hands
prepping them for new life.

I stumbled upon one with
a rustic vibe–tucked neatly
in a corner of land far away
from the others.
Is this one special, I thought…

Why else would it be
given its own slice of
God’s creation, while all the
others fight for space?

Could it be The Chosen One?

Have you gotten your copy of my new book: a collection of serial tales & flash fiction, Séduire (E-Book and Paperback) yet?

I recently signed up to write on Substack as well. Poking the Bear’s Belly for Fun is a place of healing as I speak about the most recent events with my place of employment, as it pertains to racism and discrimination. I welcome your visit.