Say HEEEEEY to Ja'Myya!!

Ja'Myya is one of my newfound favorite persons. I haven't known her for that long, but I feel like she's been in my life for eons. Myya is married to my best friend, so by default, she's my best friend lol. She is one of those people that you just automatically click with, ya know? Her way of joking, her open mind, her smile, her love for herself, her passion for truly living. She's a one of a kind that fits in by standing out. Her vibrations keep you lifted. She takes a lane and turns it completely into her own. 

While we still have yet to 'meet' in person (*ehem*), I am blessed to have been able to call her my friend. She's more than demonstrated how loyal she is. When she says something, she means it with her whole heart. Her peaceful semblance resonates with who she actually is. Not a show, or just a pretty photo. Ja' Myya is also a bomb mother, hair stylist, henna artist, photographer, the list goes on. I know as time goes on, my mission of stealing her from my best friend will be accomplished lol! 

When I asked Myya what makes her most proud to be a woman, she said:

What makes me proud to be a woman.

I am able to set a positive example for young black girls. Especially in the world we live in today where we are born into self-hate. A lot of pressure is put on all women to be so much while still being ourselves. For years I lost who I was. I was Lisa's daughter. Alicia's little sister. Khayce's mom. I was everything to other people other than ME. And it took a lot of strength and self-evaluation to find Ja'Myya. But those tough times are what helped make me who I am today. Losing myself in other people's happiness helped me find me. 

Life is precious and as a woman, I am proud that I am able to assist in the creation of life, and carry that life for 9 months and then give birth to a beautiful life that has the potential to make an impact on the world. I'm proud to be a wife. I'm his peace in the middle of chaos, his nurse when he's sick, a masseuse when he's sore, and cosmetologist when his locs need to be retwisted, a cook when he's hungry. I'm proud to be a mother. For my children I am a source of nurture, a bridge throughout life as they figure out their own paths and a shoulder to cry on as they make mistakes. 

I'm proud to be a woman because of the beautiful people God put in my life.

Well put don't you agree? Keep being YOU Ja'Myya and the rest will follow. Today, I honor you boo! 

Women Making History Series: Catherine

Y'all say Heeeey to Catherine!!!

Catherine and I have known one another since the fourth grade. THE. FOURTH. GRADE. We're reaching 30, so you guys do the math. This woman is without a doubt a diamond. The smile you see in the photo above is how I've ALWAYS known Catherine- positive, cheerful. Even when I've seen her sad that smile was always right behind it. She has NEVER switched up her personality for anyone or anything. She has always stayed true to herself, she's NEVER passed judgment on others, and she's so loving y'all. Catherine is really one of those people you always want to hang with. Her spirit is contagious!! You can't help but be in a good mood around her because she won't let you be sad for too long. 

When I had my 2 oldest daughters, Catherine (and her mama) came to see me both times. I never told her how much that meant to me. She's been a consistent friend in my life and we don't have to speak daily to know that the love is there. I'm so proud of her, literally, I'm proud of her entire life. She never quit on her goals, she's an excellent mother, and now she's married!! I just love her so much and I'm getting emotional writing this. 

When I asked her what makes her most proud to be a woman, she said:

Okay. I'm proud to be the first one in my family to get a Bachelors Degree. Proud to be a mother of 2 smart young black boys. Proud of having the strength to work for all I have. Proud of being with my husband for 10 years and (now) married to him. Proud to come from a strong black woman who has raised her kids to be strong black individuals of society.

Catherine is a light. If you ever meet her, you'll see what I mean. I'm so blessed to know her. Today, I honor you girl!

Women Making History Series: Keisha

Everybody say Heeeeey to Keisha!!! 

She's such a gentle spirit, y'all. Her aura oozes confident modesty if that makes sense. She's a refreshing and pleasantly humbled individual that makes you want to know more about her.  She makes sure her first priority is her relationship with God and incorporates that in everything she touches. Oh yeah, can't forget about how her sense of style gives me LIIIIFE!!!! 

Keisha and I met at our church, Higher Dimension. I was interested in being apart of an event that took place at the time called The Answer Conference. Slightly later on down the line during my dark moment, she reached out to me and just spoke affirmations of life continuing. But it meant so much more to me. It's all of what she said, how she said it, and it wasn't just prayer. This was yet another person that didn't know me but related to me. Ever since then, whenever we see one another or there's a moment of a check in (cuz she's busy and booked alright) it's always greetings of hugs followed by the warmest smile. 

One thing that I admire about Keisha is the way she WERKS, and goes without missing a beat. Even if she has a moment of being down, you can best believe she's NEVER out- so don't ever sleep on her. 

When I approached her with the question of what makes her most proud to be a woman, this was her response:

"I love the fact that God took His time with creating a woman, “God fashioned the woman...” (Genesis 2:22). He took His time creating the being that would need to be filled with wisdom, soft to hold and care for and strong enough to bring life into this world. I’m capable of loving a man to his greatest potential, bring life into this world, bear (raise) our children, be the backbone of the family/home, accelerate in my career, focus daily on my spiritual growth and etc while doing my very best to slay every day! Being a woman is a full-time, no off days, work every holiday, overtime everyday responsibility and one that I’m honored to be a part of!"

That's everything! Today, I honor you!