Author Archives: BLACKANDWHITEand

Philanthropy in Black Communities

While at the big box store, I stumbled across my Mom’s perfume in the lower left corner of the perfume shelf. Back in the eighties, this was one of her favorites. I decided to buy it. In all these years, I’d never thought about buying it or any other thing that reminded me of her.Continue reading “Philanthropy in Black Communities”

Why Did I Name This Blog blackandwhiteandshadesofgreen?

BAWASOG. That’s the acronym I use for my blog drafts. Even it is too long. I’m the person who writes poems that don’t rhyme. I tell “jokes” with no punchline. I tell stories with no point. I wear clothes that don’t match. I take 10 pics of the same pose and keep them all. Why? That’s justContinue reading “Why Did I Name This Blog blackandwhiteandshadesofgreen?”

Parenting Lesson from My Great, Great, Great-grandfather

But first you have to look at one of my babies…………. Interestingly, during Black History Month, I learned that my third great-grandfather helped his 15 year old escape slavery. The escape was successful and that 15 year old traveled from North Carolina to Rhode Island to establish a family line that is alive and wellContinue reading “Parenting Lesson from My Great, Great, Great-grandfather”

Things We Do

I grew up in a small town in eastern North Carolina on the outskirts of of a tiny town (SHOUT OUT TO THE 252!!!!). Racial lines were pretty clearly defined. The way this basically played out is that there was language to define things that black people or white people “do”. If you did “X”Continue reading “Things We Do”

Live Your Best Life (or something like that)

These pictures were all taken in the same place, by the same photographer. Not only are they beautiful landscape images (says the photographer), but they share wisdom. The key to living your best life hinges on how we discipline ourselves in these these three ingredients: how we invest our time and efforts the patience toContinue reading “Live Your Best Life (or something like that)”

Racism: Let’s Stir Up and Dismantle!

Our President has just signed four executive orders on racial equity. AWESOME. Many are celebrating and I’m sure that many others are complaining or even fuming. Quite honestly, this is not the time for either. Having the right policies and creating the legal infrastructure to promote racial equity is great. It is a necessary pieceContinue reading “Racism: Let’s Stir Up and Dismantle!”

Black Men, White Christians and The Great Commission

Note: Please bear with me as the focus of this post is black men. Not black women, black children or the black community. There is a particular reason for this focus. I will discuss it in a different post. Do you know that there are some black men who reject Christ because of white supremacy?Continue reading “Black Men, White Christians and The Great Commission”

White Privilege: Time for a Working Definition

I know this phrase hits a NERVE. I’ve seen folks use their social media platforms to make videos and write long posts about how they’ve worked for everything they have or that there is no privilege in being white. I mean, this is America, right? Everyone can pull themselves up by their bootstraps and doContinue reading “White Privilege: Time for a Working Definition”

It’s Veteran’s Day!

First and foremost, I want to honor all of you who have served our country through your military service. Thank you to the spouses and families who have also sacrificed because you believe in the purpose and mission of our armed forces. Finally, happy Veteran’s Day to my Dad, who proudly wears his Vietnam VeteranContinue reading “It’s Veteran’s Day!”

Is “Fighting Christian” an Oxymoron?

For sure we are to fight the good fight of faith. But when it comes to other disputes, watch out! This is a follow-up to my previous post. Before fist fights in the parking lot, there was Euodia and Syntche (Philippians 2:2-3) Here is the story: Euodia was a godly woman who served the LordContinue reading “Is “Fighting Christian” an Oxymoron?”

Three Easy Steps to Fist Fighting in the Church Parking Lot

As you are well aware, there is a lot going on right now in these here United States. Where shall I begin? I’m just going to jump right in and share what is in my heart with you. When I was a young lass (haha), it used to puzzle me when I saw Christians whoContinue reading “Three Easy Steps to Fist Fighting in the Church Parking Lot”