Month: July 2025

How does that make sense? We live in a country where laws don’t always reflect justice. They often reflect power, privilege, and protection for the lawless if they have money and influence.

There are people right now who made mistakes, served their time, and are genuinely trying to rebuild their lives. But they keep getting turned away at every corner:
– Denied housing
– Rejected from jobs
– Excluded from voting
– Permanently labeled

But we just watched a man with 34 felony convictions not only stay free but sit in the highest office in the land.

The truth is, we don’t just have a justice system, we have a system of exceptions for:
– The rich
– The powerful
– The politically connected
– And those who can afford to twist the law in their favor

It leaves those without privilege,  access, and legal firepower sitting in the ashes of their consequences, still paying for something they’ve already served time for.

It’s not about politics, but principles.  If the law only works for some and not for all, then it’s not justice; it’s just strategy.

We don’t need more punishment. We need more pathways to redemption.

Stop acting like only the rich deserve grace, while the rest are chained to their worst decisions  forever.

If we’re going to talk about second chances, let’s make sure everyone has access to one, not just the people who can buy their  way out. Freedom should come with a door, not a wall. And forgiveness should come with dignity, not discrimination.

#KnowBetterBeBetter #2ndChanceToAdvance

Disclaimer:

This blog post reflects personal reflections and commentary based on current events and public records. It is not intended to incite political debate or legal argument but to raise awareness about societal inequities and advocate for fair opportunities for all individuals regardless of background or conviction history.

Sometimes the heaviest thoughts come from the things that we quietly notice.

One of the hardest things to process is when someone’s words and actions don’t match. When what they say doesn’t line up with how they consistently move.

 Although we all fall short at times, repeated misalignment creates confusion, distance, and eventually, distrust.

You start asking yourself:

• Is it me?
• Am I reading too much into this?
• Or is this exactly what it looks like?

Guess what? Sometimes, it is exactly what it looks like.

That truth doesn’t have to come with anger or confrontation; it does come with clarity. It’s especially tough when these moments involve people you’ve cared for deeply, those you’ve supported or grown with over time. But life has a way of revealing what’s genuine and what’s simply familiar. And familiarity, without mutual respect, can become a breeding ground for emotional imbalance.

There are moments where people are more curious than caring, more performative than present, more reactive than reflective.

Although it’s not our job to judge others, it is our responsibility to honor our peace and recognize when something simply feels out of alignment.

That doesn’t always mean cutting people off. Sometimes, it just means adjusting to expectations, tuning into one’s self, and choosing to invest your energy where it feels safe, honest, and mutual.

Not every event, conversation, or connection requires your full presence.
Sometimes, your peace is found in being more selective, not out of bitterness, but out of balance.

People grow and circumstances change. As you grow, you begin to see things more clearly, sometimes quietly and maybe even privately. There is power in that.

If you’re ever in a space where you feel conflicted, not because of drama, but because something just feels off, trust your discernment and protect your peace.

Keep showing up as your full, authentic self… even if others don’t quite know how to receive it.

💛 #GraceAndGrowth
🧘🏽‍♀️ #PeaceOverPressure
✨ #2ndChancetoAdvance
🔗 https://2ndChancetoAdvance.com

Disclaimer:
This post is a general reflection on relationships and emotional clarity. It is written to inspire thoughtfulness and protect peace.

People love to say, “You’re always pointing out the negative.” As if acknowledging something wrong means you’re doing something wrong.

The truth is refusing to talk about a thing doesn’t make it disappear.

It just lets it sit, it’s unbothered, it’s unchallenged and growing mold.

Then, when it festers and spills over into something uncontrollable, everyone wants to act shocked, like it came out of nowhere. Why?🤔🤔🤔

Truth be told, people aren’t upset about what was said, sometimes it’s because what was said stepped on their toes.

That’s when the deflection starts:

• You’re being too negative.
• That’s not of God.
• You joke too much.
• (And heaven forbid) you use or share something with  a cuss word while still loving God.

Oh, you better be careful calling out the ungodly who are pretending to be holy? Oh, now you’re going straight to 🔥🔥🔥.

The only time truth becomes a “problem” is when it exposes something you’re not ready to face. So instead of checking yourself, you’d rather throw stones at the messenger. (By the way, throwing stones is barbaric.)

Everything isn’t about someone else. If you hear something that stings, don’t get offended, get curious. Ask yourself why it hit you that way. It’s not the person who speaks that needs correction.

 God gave us dominion over ourselves, not over everyone else. And if you’re really about growth, take that so-called “negative” and make it a positive. Use it. Heal from it. Advance through it. We all get a 2nd Chance… but it starts with honesty

Disclaimer:
This post is not meant to attack, condemn, or call out to anyone. It is a personal reflection based on current events, observations, and life experiences. If anything shared feels uncomfortable, pause and self-reflect before reacting. Growth often starts where comfort ends.

#KBBB #2CTA #TruthHurtsButHeals #TakeASecondLook #SelfCheckBeforeYouStoneThrow

Disclaimer:
This post is not a judgment, nor is it directed at families with children who have disabilities or medical needs. It is a general observation rooted in lived experiences and generational reflection.

It’s heartbreaking to see so many of our youth wrapped up in crime, caught in chaos, and spiraling without direction. People are quick to blame bad parenting, and yes, sometimes that may be the case. But there is also a myriad of other contributing factors.

When we pay attention to how people move, what choices they make, and the fruit those choices bear, we learn that some lessons don’t have to be lived to be learned. Both failures and successes are teachers in life.

Parenting doesn’t start when school starts.
It begins in the preparation before giving birth, bringing them home—with both parents (whether under one roof or two) doing the work to mold and shape that child into someone prepared for life beyond the front door.

I was raised in a time when:

• Children were protected and prepared at home.
• We were not allowed to see or hear everything.
• Values were shared among neighbors, regardless of income.
• Discipline wasn’t abuse; it was correction done in love.

But today… the outside is raising the children.

You see it everywhere, in poverty-stricken communities as well as wealthy communities. You can buy a child everything and still raise someone who feels unheard, unseen, and unloved. Time, attention, and example can’t be bought.

During the Baby Boomer years (and I can only speak from the years I’ve lived), a man’s word and a handshake were his bond. That’s because he was known for his character.

We grew up in communities where families lived close to one another and looked out for each other’s well-being. That village watched over the children, even when we thought we were alone.

I was a latchkey child at just six years old. Though I came home to an empty house, I was never truly alone. Our next-door neighbor kept an eye on me like one of her own until a family member arrived.

We were taught:

• To be responsible.
• To have integrity.
• To respect authority.
• And to honor God.

Does that mean we were perfect? Absolutely not. But the Word says, Train up a child in the way they should go, and when they are old, they will not depart from it.

That training comes through example, listening, and conversation.

To those in church leadership sitting comfortably under teaching that lacks both accountability and love, you know God is not pleased. Your walk must match the talk. The Word may be preached, but the fruit of the Spirit is missing. Instead of drawing people closer, many of you have become obstacles to the very soul you claim to be called to reach.

We can’t save the world alone. But we can each look at what’s in our own house. We can teach. We can model. We can pray. Because many of these children out here acting out… Are just crying out by any means necessary. Without children there is no future.

A few days ago, I heard about someone who was suffering from depression and took their own life. This is such a 💔💔💔 tragedy.

Today’s post serves as a reminder that just because a person looks like they are OK doesn’t mean that they are,  they could be hanging on to a thin line.

Silence can sometimes be dangerous. There is no shame in needing help. There is no weakness in saying “I’m not OK.”  Acknowledge the weight and reach for the light, knowing that you are not a burden. You are not invisible. You still have purpose in your breath, existence, and your story. Help is always available.

📞 24/7 Support & Social Services

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (Nationwide)
☎️ Dial 988 (Call or Text)
🌐 https://988lifeline.org
For anyone in emotional distress or suicidal crisis. Confidential. Free. Available 24/7.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI Helpline)
📞 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
📧 helpline@nami.org
Provides resources and emotional support for individuals and families navigating mental illness.

United Way’s 211 Assistance Line
☎️ Dial 211 (Available in most areas across the U.S.)
🌐 https://www.211.org
Offers connections to local support for housing, food, mental health, financial aid, and more.

SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)
📞 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
🌐 https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
Free and confidential support for people facing substance use and mental health challenges.

Disclaimer:
This post is intended for awareness, encouragement, and informational purposes only. It does not serve as a substitute for professional mental health care or medical advice. If you or someone you know is struggling emotionally, please seek help from a qualified professional or call a support line listed above.

Sometimes, alignment doesn’t show up in a loud worship song or a perfectly planned day. Sometimes, it finds you in the stillness of a shaded backyard, with a light breeze dancing across your face and a fan humming nearby. That’s where I found myself today, not just physically, but spiritually realigned.

Earlier during church service, the Pastor reminded us to focus on the things of God. I know that there is always room for me to do better, I can do better, and I should be better. I may even be falling short in ways that I can’t readily see.

Me falling short isn’t because I lack knowledge. I know what to do. I know Who I belong to. I know what He asks of me. That doesn’t mean I never miss the mark, it means I’m constantly checking myself, so I don’t stray away from the truth.

That’s the real meaning of aligning with “the things of God.”

It’s not perfection

It’s not performance.

It’s presence.

It’s posture.

It’s peace.

The things of God are spiritual: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Galatians 5:22–23). They are the unseen disciplines: prayer, service, compassion, surrender. They are the quiet moments where we don’t need to say a word, but we feel God reminding us: You’re seen. You’re still mine.

So, I didn’t sit in the house all day today. I came out to my little backyard sanctuary “AKA” The Chill Spot. It’s hot outside, but under the shade, with the fan. Reminding myself that sometimes this is enough:

Just sitting still.

Just listening.

Just checking in.

Because alignment is an open heart and a teachable spirit.
Don’t confuse self-awareness with failure. Keep showing up. Keep listening. Keep creating those quiet moments. That’s how we stay aligned with the things of God, one check-in at a time.

#KBBB #2CTA
🔗 https://2ndChancetoAdvance.com

Disclaimer:
This blog post reflects a personal moment of reflection and spiritual growth. While rooted in Christian beliefs and scripture, it is not meant to serve as doctrine or religious instruction. Every person’s walk with God is unique. Readers are encouraged to seek their own relationship with God through prayer, study, and wise counsel.

🔗 https://2ndchancetoadvance.com

They say you need 8 to 10 hours of sleep every night. Doctors, articles, wellness apps, like it’s universal truth.

But let’s be honest… who’s really sleeping 8 to 10 hours a day other than babies, toddlers, and folks with nothing else to do? 🤣🤣🤣 Certainly not me.

And for years, they (doctors) tried to make me think something was wrong with me sleeping 4.5 to 5 hours a day.

 I was prescribed sleeping pills to “fix” what they called insomnia. I was like, OK, doctor knows best. So, I took the pills. Yes, I went to sleep, but I still only slept the same number of hours. And the only time I have slept longer is if I was on pain medication. This was even after they increased my dosages on three separate occasions.

I finally declined the next dosage increase, and told my doctor: “If I’m awake, God must want me to be.”  I haven’t taken a sleep aid since, that was over 20 years ago.

I do not claim insomnia. Because I have come to understand that what I experience isn’t dysfunction, it’s design as this is how God built me. Honestly, I’ve been this way long before adulthood hit full speed.

If I fall asleep late in the afternoon or evening, it’s usually after a physically demanding morning, my body’s way of clocking out for a quick reset. But most days if I’m up… I’m just up. Instead of fighting it, I’ve learned to move with it.

I make the most of every waking moment; rest doesn’t always have to look like 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep.

Sometimes rest is:

• Peace of mind
• Sitting in one of my many chill spots
• Quiet thoughts with a cup of whatever I’m in the mood for
• Saying “no” to the pressure of performing

So no, I don’t chase sleep.  I chase alignment. I chase clarity. And I walk in purpose, even when the world says I should be asleep.

Because rest is more than sleep. And purpose… doesn’t always clock out.

So here I am, fully awake, fully aligned, and fully me. Not broken. Not tired. Just built this way.

⚠️ Disclaimer:

This is my experience — not medical advice.
I’m not anti-sleep or anti-doctor — I’m pro-knowing yourself and honoring what works for your body. If you need help sleeping, please see a licensed professional. Don’t send me inbox messages about REM cycles and melatonin dosages. 🤣💛

#GodBuiltMeLikeThis
#RestRedefined
#4HoursAndPurpose
#2CTAInRealTime
💛🛏️🧠✨

Inspired by Proverbs 17:22 (KJV)

“A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.”

There’s something sacred about laughter, not just the cute little chuckle, but that deep down, full-body, tear-streaming, leg-slapping, “I can’t breathe” kind of laughter.

You know, the kind that shifts your spirit and makes you forget for just a moment everything that was weighing you down.

The Word already told us:

“A merry heart doeth good like a medicine…”
And listen, that verse isn’t just poetic, it’s truth.

Sometimes, laughter is the medicine.
Not to erase the pain, but to loosen the grip it has on your heart.

I’ve had days that were heavy.
Tears falling, emotions raw, life life-ing all over the place.
But even in those moments, I’ve found myself laughing.
Laughing at the chaos.
Laughing at myself.
Laughing with others.
And every time, I felt just a little lighter, with whispers of joy and continued life.

Not every moment is funny.  Some days I  don’t feel like laughing at all.
But when the opportunity comes, I’m always here for it. 

So today, laugh until your wig shifts, your knees buckle, your eyes water, your belly aches, and your soul exhales.
Let your merry heart medicate you right through the madness.

🎶 “Get a little laughter in your life…” 🎤 😄
God gave us many tools to survive and Laughter is one of them.

#AMerryHeart #HealingThroughLaughter #GetYouSomeJoy #MemphisVibes #2ndChancetoAdvance

#KBBB #2CTA
🔗 https://2ndChancetoAdvance.com

There’s something about feeling good about your decisions that feels… freeing.
Not perfect. Not flawless. But freeing.
Like, “I know what I chose, and I stand by it.”

Last night, while sitting in the garage, listening to a little Macy Gray and the rain, I found myself once again reflecting on all things life, growth, and next steps.

Understanding the importance of not missing or skipping steps because when we do, the foundation of life becomes unstable.

When we try to skip ahead emotionally, spiritually, professionally, or even in healing it shows.  The cracks always come.

But when we slow down…
When we take the time to properly identify the next step…
We’re not just moving forward we’re building something that can hold us, even when life tries to shake it.

That’s what I’m working on.

Not just moving… but moving with purpose.
Not just deciding… but deciding with peace.

Sometimes peace doesn’t come from the outcome.
It comes from knowing that you were true to yourself in the process.

So, wherever you are today rushed, stuck, rebuilding, or thriving, just know that your next step doesn’t have to be loud or public.

It just has to be solid.  And if you feel good about it, that’s a sign you’re on the right track.

Stay grounded.
Stay present.
Trust the process step by step.

🔹 Disclaimer:
This blog post reflects my personal thoughts, reflections, and life experiences. I am not a licensed therapist, counselor, or spiritual advisor. The insights shared are meant to encourage self-reflection and personal growth, not to serve as professional advice. Everyone’s journey is different, please do what’s best for you and seek professional guidance when needed.