Thea Harris's Blog, page 4
May 29, 2014
Bring Back Our Girls
I find myself consciously seeking to subdue my emotions on the issue of hundreds of Nigerian school girls kidnapped, to be used as pawns to manipulate and control. I care deeply, intensely, and it is difficult to conceptualize or accept this truth. It horrifies me, but it has happened.
They were snatched away from all things familiar, safety now a memory - pulled from expressions of love and care into terrifying situations. It is too much to bear. My heart weeps with the mother's and bleeds with the father's. The images that plague their minds are likely ones of terror. They have seen the nature of the captors. They know the possible fates their offspring face.
I cannot imagine what their days are like. Is sleeplessness and constant worry now the new reality? Do daunting feelings of utter hopelessness and anguish drape the landscape of their thoughts? That state of being is now the common thread, a link between the girls and their families, Nigeria and the world – worry, concern, fear, apprehension, doubt - pain.
The Nigerian people expect the government to do more. In their eyes (on this matter) it is an impotent institution. Maybe the country’s elect feel as powerless. It is possible what is viewed as ineptitude is their stark truth, “we are not equipped to handle this.” I could be wrong, it could be something else altogether. What I do know with certainty, those girls deserve their freedom. I am praying for their safe return. Bring back our girls.
They were snatched away from all things familiar, safety now a memory - pulled from expressions of love and care into terrifying situations. It is too much to bear. My heart weeps with the mother's and bleeds with the father's. The images that plague their minds are likely ones of terror. They have seen the nature of the captors. They know the possible fates their offspring face.
I cannot imagine what their days are like. Is sleeplessness and constant worry now the new reality? Do daunting feelings of utter hopelessness and anguish drape the landscape of their thoughts? That state of being is now the common thread, a link between the girls and their families, Nigeria and the world – worry, concern, fear, apprehension, doubt - pain.
The Nigerian people expect the government to do more. In their eyes (on this matter) it is an impotent institution. Maybe the country’s elect feel as powerless. It is possible what is viewed as ineptitude is their stark truth, “we are not equipped to handle this.” I could be wrong, it could be something else altogether. What I do know with certainty, those girls deserve their freedom. I am praying for their safe return. Bring back our girls.
May 15, 2014
Work Of Art
Color your world. Make it beautiful with long strokes and bold splashes. Adorn the landscape of your dreams. You can make it happen, just believe. When you believe, you are convicted to transform what you see into what it should become. Passion drives you. Actualization, realization, whatever word you wish to use - the shaping of your vision is a thing of beauty.
Dreams come to life at the whisper of your thoughts, the sound of your words. Create a whirlwind of movement and dance into the realm of possibility, step by step. Vibrant colors need both light and dark. The mix develops hues that grace the stark white canvas that is you. Don’t be afraid of the dark. Walk through until you step into the light. You will find the dark is not a scary place. In those moments, absence of light awakens other senses, and you create in ways you never could in illuminated spaces.
A potter spins the wheel just so, slight pressure here, a bit firmer there. Each stage is an unfolding. Let pressure grace the vessel with its nuances – creating character that would not otherwise be found. Nobody ever said it would always be easy. Everything may not be wonderful, but it will be good – in the end, it will be good.
Hear, see, understand – allow. Eliminate, ruminate – appreciate. Mix your colors, dare to see beyond mundane. Hear the sounds you missed while focusing on fears of never being seen, or heard, or understood. No matter what you do, you’ll leave a legacy; so make it good. Watch your colors seep into lives, as their canvas, too, becomes a work of art.
Dreams come to life at the whisper of your thoughts, the sound of your words. Create a whirlwind of movement and dance into the realm of possibility, step by step. Vibrant colors need both light and dark. The mix develops hues that grace the stark white canvas that is you. Don’t be afraid of the dark. Walk through until you step into the light. You will find the dark is not a scary place. In those moments, absence of light awakens other senses, and you create in ways you never could in illuminated spaces.
A potter spins the wheel just so, slight pressure here, a bit firmer there. Each stage is an unfolding. Let pressure grace the vessel with its nuances – creating character that would not otherwise be found. Nobody ever said it would always be easy. Everything may not be wonderful, but it will be good – in the end, it will be good.
Hear, see, understand – allow. Eliminate, ruminate – appreciate. Mix your colors, dare to see beyond mundane. Hear the sounds you missed while focusing on fears of never being seen, or heard, or understood. No matter what you do, you’ll leave a legacy; so make it good. Watch your colors seep into lives, as their canvas, too, becomes a work of art.
May 3, 2014
Never Give Up On Your Dream
"It's not a sprint, it's a marathon." Those were powerful words from literary agent, Leslie Stobbe. He was talking about the process of writing and publishing. His words revitalized my resolve to continue working with optimism. Writers write, no matter the challenge. Words pour out unbidden. Empty pages are filled over time.
For many new writers, writing is not the difficult part, it is the process to publication that they find daunting. Some become discouraged, some choose to self-publish. Others are swallowed up by the marketing maze. It is great to know that there are events with resources and direct communication with many in the industry who are willing to share much needed information.
Leslie Stobbe was one of the presenters at the Florida Writers Association's Mini-Conference. He has a wealth of information both about writing and publishing. His recounted experiences were enlightening. The final speaker at the conference was Davis Bunn. I believe he inspired us all. The man wrote six novels before he had one published - six! His passion and purpose sustained the gift and kept it thriving until the world was ready for it. He is a man living his life's purpose.
One key thing he revealed was that you should not allow yourself to be defined by failure. He saw failure as just an event, an opportunity to take the criticism received to refine his craft. Today, he is an award winning, best selling author. If failure had defined him, there would not have been a seventh novel. His experience gives H-O-P-E.
Never give up on your dreams. You keep your dream alive by living it. Keep moving towards the goal. If you do, one day you too will have success. For more information about Mr. Stobbe, Mr. Bunn or the Florida Writers Association use the links below.
http://stobbeliterary.com/
http://www.davisbunn.com/profile.htm
http://www.floridawriters.net/
For many new writers, writing is not the difficult part, it is the process to publication that they find daunting. Some become discouraged, some choose to self-publish. Others are swallowed up by the marketing maze. It is great to know that there are events with resources and direct communication with many in the industry who are willing to share much needed information.
Leslie Stobbe was one of the presenters at the Florida Writers Association's Mini-Conference. He has a wealth of information both about writing and publishing. His recounted experiences were enlightening. The final speaker at the conference was Davis Bunn. I believe he inspired us all. The man wrote six novels before he had one published - six! His passion and purpose sustained the gift and kept it thriving until the world was ready for it. He is a man living his life's purpose.
One key thing he revealed was that you should not allow yourself to be defined by failure. He saw failure as just an event, an opportunity to take the criticism received to refine his craft. Today, he is an award winning, best selling author. If failure had defined him, there would not have been a seventh novel. His experience gives H-O-P-E.
Never give up on your dreams. You keep your dream alive by living it. Keep moving towards the goal. If you do, one day you too will have success. For more information about Mr. Stobbe, Mr. Bunn or the Florida Writers Association use the links below.
http://stobbeliterary.com/
http://www.davisbunn.com/profile.htm
http://www.floridawriters.net/
April 25, 2014
You Better Work!
Everyday, when you awake, you make a decision to get up, get yourself ready, and go. God just encouraged me this morning by reminding me of this fact. He said, "It is that simple. Make a decision everyday to serve with joy and gladness. Make a decision to complete whatever you start. Make a decision to win. All you need is a decision."
When you make a decision to get up, your brain communicates with your body and your body moves. If you decide to get ready to go, you prepare (find an outfit, take a shower, shave or put on makeup). You get the picture right? Corresponding action is necessary. To decide to do a thing requires both commitment and follow through.
Are you willing to pay the price for your success? That is a loaded question, but it is unrealistic to have the expectation that simply deciding will make things happen. I am a part of the "you" that I'm talking to today, because there are times when I have to become a cheerleader and self-motivate. You have to sacrifice to bring the vision to life.
Sometimes I am wearied by the process, but I know that stopping is not an option. I regroup, refresh and keep moving toward my goal. There is no time out in a race - no hold on a minute - let me get myself together moment. Keep running until you reach the finish line, or you will become disqualified. Thank God this process is not a race.
Don't focus on people in the other lanes, pay attention to your assignment. Runners are aware of the people running with them, but they are not turning around to see what others are doing. They run to win. They keep their eyes on the goal. Sometimes you make a decision, but when you see others who appear to be closer to achieving what they set out to do, you lose focus and become discouraged. Don't do that. Your work is your work. That is your focus. It is that simple, and I am grateful.
Decide today that you will be a success. Understand that the journey is not always easy. Commit to achieving your goals, and whatever you do - don't.give.up. Your reward is coming, but to see it, you better work.
When you make a decision to get up, your brain communicates with your body and your body moves. If you decide to get ready to go, you prepare (find an outfit, take a shower, shave or put on makeup). You get the picture right? Corresponding action is necessary. To decide to do a thing requires both commitment and follow through.
Are you willing to pay the price for your success? That is a loaded question, but it is unrealistic to have the expectation that simply deciding will make things happen. I am a part of the "you" that I'm talking to today, because there are times when I have to become a cheerleader and self-motivate. You have to sacrifice to bring the vision to life.
Sometimes I am wearied by the process, but I know that stopping is not an option. I regroup, refresh and keep moving toward my goal. There is no time out in a race - no hold on a minute - let me get myself together moment. Keep running until you reach the finish line, or you will become disqualified. Thank God this process is not a race.
Don't focus on people in the other lanes, pay attention to your assignment. Runners are aware of the people running with them, but they are not turning around to see what others are doing. They run to win. They keep their eyes on the goal. Sometimes you make a decision, but when you see others who appear to be closer to achieving what they set out to do, you lose focus and become discouraged. Don't do that. Your work is your work. That is your focus. It is that simple, and I am grateful.
Decide today that you will be a success. Understand that the journey is not always easy. Commit to achieving your goals, and whatever you do - don't.give.up. Your reward is coming, but to see it, you better work.
April 23, 2014
So You Have Written A Book, Now What?
So you have written a book, now what? That is the question of the hour. I have learned that what happens next is as extensive and as time intensive (if not more) as the writing process. You have to keep the momentum going. So many questions; so many directions - where should you go? Self publishing? Self assisted publishing, traditional publishing? Get an agent; Don't get an agent?
I am no expert on the matter. I simply said yes to an assignment God gave to me. Now, my thought is this, "If He gave me the assignment, He will make provision. The path will become clear. Doors will open, doors will close; but all at His will."
I am doing my due diligence. I am putting in the work, but along with that I pray (often), I listen, and I wait. When I clearly hear His voice, I move. Sometimes I hear nothing; I just find myself in places and know that it is a divine arrival, or a divine appointment. He orchestrates and I am fine with that.
Everyone's process is not the same, and while it is important to glean from others; it is equally important to only take away from their experience the piece that God has given to them to help you on your journey. To carry any more than that can create burdens of indecision or missteps.
Trust God. Do your research. Have the conversations. Proofread, proofread, proofread. Write the query letters and proposals. Follow submission guidelines. Submit your manuscript. You may never feel comfortable about releasing it, but you have to let it go. Feelings of vulnerability are normal. Do not let them stop you. Understand that rejections will come, but remain optimistic. God will accomplish purpose through you. Jeremiah 29:11
I am no expert on the matter. I simply said yes to an assignment God gave to me. Now, my thought is this, "If He gave me the assignment, He will make provision. The path will become clear. Doors will open, doors will close; but all at His will."
I am doing my due diligence. I am putting in the work, but along with that I pray (often), I listen, and I wait. When I clearly hear His voice, I move. Sometimes I hear nothing; I just find myself in places and know that it is a divine arrival, or a divine appointment. He orchestrates and I am fine with that.
Everyone's process is not the same, and while it is important to glean from others; it is equally important to only take away from their experience the piece that God has given to them to help you on your journey. To carry any more than that can create burdens of indecision or missteps.
Trust God. Do your research. Have the conversations. Proofread, proofread, proofread. Write the query letters and proposals. Follow submission guidelines. Submit your manuscript. You may never feel comfortable about releasing it, but you have to let it go. Feelings of vulnerability are normal. Do not let them stop you. Understand that rejections will come, but remain optimistic. God will accomplish purpose through you. Jeremiah 29:11
