I'M EVERY WOMAN

By Vernalee

Today, I give love and honor to those women who have shown me the way and taught me a thing or two. A shout out to my two Phoebe's (my Mother and daughter)! My late Mother laid the foundation and yes, I have learned a lot from my daughter! My late sisters, Barbara and Jean taught me much. Barbara was a "Sister Momma" who kept you in line. My Aunt Sudie and Aunt Minnie were substitute Mothers. My favorite teacher, Toni Patterson Menchan taught me how to dream and achieve. My loving nieces, cousins, and friends (praying and lifelong friends) continue to guide me. Let me not forget those old women who sat on their porches in Mississippi who gave me unsolicited advice that I didn't want to hear at the time, but whose words of wisdom remain in my soul. I thank you all! I'm the woman that I am because of you!

CHARGE IT TO MY HEAD AND NOT MY HEART

By Vernalee

Growing up, I remember hearing my Mother say, "Charge it to my head, not my heart."

Translated simply, it means that a person will not always remember certain key things and/or that a person gets busy and just forgets. You can substitute the word blame for charge to get a clearer definition. The phrase is a term of endearment in that the mind may forget, but the heart remembers. So when I error and make mistakes (particularly forgetting something that I should remember - (i.e. birthdays), charge it to my head, not my heart. Please bear with me and remember this! In my heart, you are precious, but sometimes because of the heaviness of my days, I simply forgot the occasion, but do know this - I didn’t forget you! I accept the blame for my oversights, recognize my human errors, and ask the people that I love and who love me for understanding. I ask you to charge it to my head - not my heart!

YOU DIDN'T GET THERE BY YOURSELF

By Vernalee

Somedays, we just have to break things down to the basics. Rarely, do we reach great heights on our own. There are so many helping hands along the way. Never will I forget that. Stay humble. Stay prayerful, and remember the people who encouraged, helped … and even picked you up when you stumbled and fell. Every morning when I awake, I say, "Thank you Lord!" I am so thankful for his grace and the wonderful people that he has placed in my path - those helping hands.

Photo credit: greatnonprofits.org