Category: Black History

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Maker of Pretty Things!

Good Morning Origins of Peace Family,

I pray all is well for you. It has been soooo long since my last post. Things turned extremely busy for me at the end of 2020. I will spare you all the details but please know that I was thinking of you daily and quietly praying for your success.

With that being said, “I’m Back!”

For my first post of 2021, I want to talk to you about Confidence, and the importance of nuturing it daily.

What is your personal definition of Confidence. The textbook definition of Confidence is “possessing the feeling or belief that one can rely on someone or something; firm trust. My definition varies a little. I believe Confidence is utilizing your ability to be present and engaging. We all know it’s one thing to show up, but there’s a whole different level to engaging once you are in the room. With COVID-19 throwing many of us into remote situations, we haven’t had to show up like we were accustomed to in the past. Some of our Zoom Calls consist of a pretty blouse and some sweats or that morning routine that would usually take an hour has now been reduced to 15 mins of a quick shower, slicked back hairstyles and a quick run down the steps to your home office. We know this pandemic won’t last forever so now is the perfect time to plan our comeback.

Oh and Sis, how’s your dating life? Those of us single ladies who had plans to “get our groove back” in 2020 were completly side lined, plans were totally derailed!  How many of us are approaching that age where we want to get out of the house more but COVID-19 has us messed up ASF.

It’s alot! It’s way too much to write about, but I’m here with a Confidence Reminder.

You Are A Maker of Pretty Things! 

Your confidence, your character, your demeanor, your beauty, your attire, and your boldness all make up the person you are, and that is a Maker of Pretty Things!

It’s the small things like taking accountability and showing up for yourself (even when no one is watching) that accentuate your uniqueness, nuture your confidence and make you PRETTY!

So let’s put in some work!

I love a good challenge, but not those Facebook Challenges, I don’t trust those.

For the week of February 8th – 12th  let’s do the “Maker of Pretty Things” Challenge on Instagram.

  • Monday, February 8th – Favorite Scripture or quote Challenge
  • Tuesday, February 9th – Favorite Earrings Challenge
  • Wednesday, February 10th – Favorite Red Lip Challenge
  • Thursday, February 11th – Favorite Hobby Challenge
  • Friday, February 12th – Favorite Hat Challenge

The premise of this Challenge is to show off your Confidence. We know these things don’t make us who we are, but they certainly help us feel good and confident when we are flossing for the the ‘gram.

Don’t be shy, come on and join me in this challenge!

You can either tag me in your post on your Instagram page with the hashtag (#makerofprettythings) or you can email your post to me directly to be included in a collage of other beautiful sisters who choose to nurture their Confidence.

Let me know you’re in by liking this post and heading over to Instagram to follow my page @originsofpeace

Maker Of Pretty Things,

Melissa

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North Carolina Voter Registration Information

Peace Family,

New week, same focus.

This week at Origins of Peace, LLC, we are focusing our intentions on providing residents of North Carolina with information about Voter Registration. I’ve created a spreadsheet with a direct link to the Board of Elections Website in all 100 counties in NC. You can directly access the Board of Elections Website, print a Voter Registration Form and send it to your local office.

I pray you find it useful. I pray that those who are not registered will register and vote!

NC Board of Elections all Counties.xlsx

Last week I mentioned the 8cantwait initiative. The purpose of this movement is to require your local government to reform policing strategies by:

  • banning chokeholds and strangleholds
  • requiring de-escalation
  • requiring a warning before shooting
  • exhausting all alternatives before shooting
  • having a duty to intervene
  • banning shooting at moving vehicles
  • requiring comprehensive reporting

I’ve emailed my mayor to demand change. I’m asking you to do the same. Visit www.8cantwait.org for more information

Have a great week.

 

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The Definition of A Peacemaker

Image result for peacemakers

The role of a Peacemaker isn’t easily defined. We can be Advocates, Protestors, Lobbyists, Clergymen, Defenders or a collaboration of all these things. The gifts and talents that we each possess should be used as our contribution to help move society forward.

A Peacemaker is not a person who is passive and unable to take a position. We are people with a deep desire to uncover injustice, create solutions and take action for a better outcome for individuals, communities and organizations.

So what gift or talent do you have that can create change in these tumultuous times?

What are your areas of influence?

Can you organize a peaceful protest, provide training to those in need, develop a youth program, create a men’s ministry or start a women’s empowerment group?

Romans 12:18 Says, “if it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at people with everyone.

We all have a duty to live our lives in constant creation of solutions to the problems faced in today’s society.

For the next 9 days, I am running a campaign entitled “Positioned for Peace.” I will post about the various characteristics required to be an influential Peacemaker and how those traits can help bridge the gap in today’s society.

Peace In Action,

Melissa

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Jazz Anyone?

If you’re a fan of Jazz that has a Big Band feel, you don’t want to miss this series. Concerts are held in the attic of Little Rock AME Zion Cultural Center. The atmosphere is smooth and relaxing! It’s the perfect way to spend your Sunday afternoon. Oh did I mention admission is only $5! It’s the perfect way to start your week off on a peaceful note.

Straight-Ahead Jazz Series 4th Sundays – April thru October

Every 4th Sunday from April to October ‘A Sign Of The Times of the Carolinas’ presents Straight-Ahead Jazz workshops and concerts from 4PM to 6PM at the Little Rock A.M.E. Zion Cultural Center located at 401 N. McDowell St. in Uptown Charlotte.

We celebrate Jazz – our “GIFT” to America – by presenting an audience participation jazz workshop featuring a jazz clinician from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. where we explain the basics of playing the ‘Blues’ and ‘Rhythm changes’.

Then from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. we play songs an array of songs in the Straight-Ahead Jazz Series genre. The First Set features the ‘A Sign Of The Times’ Core group and the  Second Set features local musicians in an open jam session. Light Hors d’oeuvres provided.

The workshop is a FREE event and the Jazz concert is $5 to attend.

Spread “the word” by Telling-A-Friend.