This week is the beginning of Holy Week as we celebrate Palm/Passion Sunday. The end of Lenten season marks forty days of leaning into a closer relationship with God as we journey to the cross with Jesus. Despite His earthly ministry of miracles, compassion, and teachings, Jesus will be rejected and nailed to the cross by those who falsely accuse Him. The words “Crucify Him” ring out from the crowd in Jerusalem. And He is crucified.

But that is not the end of the story. On the third day, He is resurrected and the tomb where they laid Him is empty. He is risen! He is risen, indeed! As followers and believers of Christ, we can claim victory over death. We can be Easter people and look forward to eternal life. Share this good news with your children, your family, and your community near and far. He is not dead. The tomb is empty. He has gone to heaven to welcome us there. Amen.

Just three small words that pack a lot of power. Besides myself, I don’t know who else needs this message.

I’m not sure what you are going through and how you are doing with staying in the race, but “keep a going.”

Those three words were often spoken by Harriet Tubman, the “Black Moses,” who helped hundreds of enslaved people leave the south and escape north to freedom. Some even went north to Canada.

When the travelers grew weary or afraid to continue their journey to freedom, Harriet told them to “keep a going.” She was determined that all who sought freedom would find it. She refused to let anyone give up or turn back to a life of slavery. Her faith in God was strong and she did not lose any of her travelers. Harriet returned to the south many times to help family and friends follow their dream to be free.

I’m sure it was not easy for her or them and there were many challenges to overcome. But she never gave up. So, my reader, I encourage you: no matter the situation or the challenges, follow your heart’s desire and “keep a going.”

Hello and happy holidays! This is one of my favorite times of the year. Not just because of Thanksgiving, Advent, Christmas or Kwanzaa…it is also my birthday month. That’s one reason why my parents named me Holly. I was born a week before Christmas. They must have been thinking of “Deck the halls with boughs of holly.”

And to their credit, they always kept birthday and Christmas gifts separate. I never felt cheated about celebrating my birthday just before the Christmas holiday. That’s what parents do. They take care of their children and do their best to show them how much they love them. Parents are not only powerful, they are caring and supportive of their children. Parents make sacrifices for their children, in addition to being their teachers and role models.

Unfortunately, some parents don’t know how to use their parenting power in a way that is healthy and not harmful. They are more concerned with being a friend to the children rather than a teacher and guide. Don’t get me wrong: there is plenty of time to be friends after children are older and are on their own. But first and foremost they need a parent to lead them and guide them through childhood.

My parents, Thompson and Eva were wonderful parents to my six siblings and me. We continue to do our best to honor them in our daily lives and with our families. They still inspire us to be the best we can be.

Parents are a blessing. Parents have power.

I wish you a blessed Christmas season. Now, excuse me while I go deck some halls to celebrate my birthday!

I know exactly where I was sixty years ago on this date. Washington, DC. The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King , Jr. gave his infamous “I Have A Dream “ speech. Sixty years ago! Where have the years gone?

The local NAACP chapter chartered several buses to travel from Elmira to Washington to support the March on Washington. My younger brother, Tea, and I were able to participate on the trip. I’m still amazed that our parents let us go. Little did we know we were making history. Records show over 250,000 people attended. And I was there!

The event was unbelievable. From where we were standing we could see the main stage and the people on it. There were loud speakers everywhere so the sound was loud and clear. I especially enjoyed the music. Hearing Mahalia Jackson sing was powerful and memorable.

And that famous speech…Dr. M. L. King spoke words of encouragement and compassion. He addresses the injustices, inequality, and systemic racism problems with vivid imagery and examples that unfortunately are still a part of our society.

And yet , there remains a message of hope and solidarity as he ends the speech. I believe that one of these days, we will all be…”Free at last, free at last, thank God, Almighty, free at last.” Hopefully, it will not be another sixty years.

Parents, are you feeling a little overwhelmed with the upcoming holiday season? Are you writing your to do list and checking it twice? Depending upon the age of your child(ren), you may be answering questions about Santa being “real”, ordering gift items online, or decorating Christmas cookies. If you have a wide range of age groups, like me and my five, you may be doing all those things and much more. Parents have power… even during this busy time. It is amazing what a nap and quiet time can do to settle a hectic household. I have found that despite the “I’m not tired” protests, a nap or quiet time is eventually accepted. Especially when the whole family is participating and cooperating. Quiet time doesn’t always have to be about going to sleep. Quiet time is about slowing down and being mindful of quietness. Reading a book, listening to soft music, or completing a puzzle are other ways to refresh and relax. Find what works best for you and your family. Parents, it is important that you practice self-care. Remember to breathe and take time for yourself. Remember the reason for the season. This is a time to make traditions and memories with your most special blessing…your family. Happy holidays from one parent to another. Blessings and shalom.