I periodically share my thoughts and feeling through poems, metaphors, pictures, or something of which was a teachable moment for me. Moreover, I encourage others to do likewise. Sharing our feelings is the same as giving, as it brings a people closer in unity. Some may see the existence of harmony in a different light, such as having each other’s back when they are in need. True integration is much broader, as in the keywords of the African-American proverb from slavery: “Each One Teach One.”

Today December 26th is day one of Kwanzaa, the day to focus on Umoja (Unity). Kwanzaa is a celebration held in the United States and other nations of the African Diaspora in the Americas. The traditional way to observe Umoja is as follows: A black candle, placed right in the middle of red and green candles in Kinara, is lit on the very first day of the festival. It marks the commencement of the festive season. The person who takes the responsibility to light the candle makes a statement about the first principle i.e. Umoja (oo-MOH-jah) or unity. All the family members should listen to the statement and understand it in a way that all of them can explain the doctrine and its meaning. At times that particular member shares a passage or poem which is related to their lives and the principle in some way or the other. (Sharing) The Umoja (Unity cup) filled with fruit juice, is passed to all the members present in that congregating spot, some would correlate this in the way we stimulate communion with God.

Sharing from the heart without vilification is the pure-rest form of love; allowing one to be themselves free of the fear of being judged. Matthew 7:1 Sharing from the heart is the subliminal teacher of self-worth to our children, for they are the flowering sponges for whatever hits their ears. Fear of ridicule is the number one enemy to an empathic heart and nutritional stunting to an otherwise inspiring mind.

In a society where negativity is more prevalent because of social media, doubt can become an inhibitor of faith. It props open the doors for the bullies of the world.

Romans 1:17 ” For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.”

He who lacks faith can be a bookmark for failure. In the words of Michelle Obama from her new book “The Making of Michelle”; she writes “Failure is a feeling long before it becomes an actual result.”