How to begin our healing...one...step...at...a...time.

This story begins in the grocery store. I went major food shopping this morning about 8am. Of course that means that I was in the crowd with those that are grabbing snacks for work and only one register was open. As I filled the belt with all my goodies and sale items I noticed a sista walk up with one item. "Go ahead Sis." "You sure?" I nodded. "Oh, thank you so much." "You're welcome." (insert I-love-you-and-feel-your-heart smile here) I kept loading and noticed a sista in scrubs with a couple of items. So, the first conversation repeated itself. Why did I do that? Didn't I have things to do? Sure. I'm a homeschooin-jewelry making-natural hair carin'-wife-mama. I always have something to do. What's the difference then? I feel that it's my duty to make my people feel loved in whatever ways I can.

You see too often we treat each other with subtle hate and scorn. A lil eye roll here, a lil head to toe glare there. All of these things have a cummulative effect. I've often been accused of believing that I could "save the world". I know now that I can't save the world. I mean, I am a lot of woman, but not that much woman...yet. I do know, however, that I am suppose to heal all the hearts I can while I'm here even if it means that I get hurt, disappointed, or used periodically. Yes, I love my people that much.

What about my white brothers and sisters? I've been asked this a time or two. To be honest, I just ain't even there yet. I don't see the point in extending myself in the same way. The investment is not the same and the return certainly has NEVER proven to be the same to this southern girl. Even on a world scale at any chosen point in history the track record just doesn't look too good. Remember what happened the last time we tried to teach and heal the Eurpean with love? Remember what happened the last time the Native American tried to teach and heal the European with love? Remember what happened the last time the Asian tried to teach and heal the European with love? Um...yea, didn't go so well and for most of us and it still isn't going to well. I'll leave that meanding in the "you show me and I'll believe it" category.

Anyhoo, just thought I'd share. Some other things I suggest are. Leaving your change for the Sista behind you with all them kids. Off the buy a child a piece of tasty fruit with the mother/father's permission. When you are at these festivals this spring/summer and have extra tickets left over, find a single mother to give them to. Find a cypher to give your gently used hand-me-downs to and make sure they understand the pay-it-forward concept.

Be clear on whatcha ask for!

Are my ancestors listening to me? Yes. Do they still seem to retain their earthly personalities? Yep.

So, I asked them to talk to me in my dreams rather than when I'm awake thinking that I would be able to sleep in mornings. Well, they did show me some things last night in my dreams, but they didn't let me sleep. Actually, I was awakened even earlier. 4:45am to be exact. That's okay because they are just being themselves and I feel that we have a lot of work to do.

I am still very excited about this journey and even excited about being omo Osun now that I understand more about her. The way that most people portrayed her wasn't very palatable to me, but lucky for you, I am going to teach you as I learn. You can't know the "deep things" because that isn't just for the curious, but I am looking to correct some things about The Mother of the Sweet Water.

Ajoke is the best!

Ajoke is the sista that has been teaching me somethings and sometimes just talking to me. She is a wonderful person that takes my mind/spirit to places that I didn't know it could go. I am having to learn how not to over think things and just listen. I am really excited about connecting with my egun (ancestors), although I must admit that I am nervous. We have so much in common and one day I look forward to meeting her in person. She is truly a force to be reckoned with. She is omo Oya (a child of Oya) and guesses that I am also which would be a great privilege because I have always had a deep and abiding love for Oya. In my very short previous experience with Ifa, Oya was the orisha that I connected most with although I didn't know much about her. I still don't know a lot, but that's okay because I am learning. I wish Ajoke could talk to me and teach me everyday because I have a lot of catching up to do. Although we are the same age I secretly pray that she will be my godmother when she is done with her initiation. I scared to ask because the answer may not be the one that I seek. I am just so excited about what is in store for my life.