We have so much information at our fingertips that it is overwhelming. It is hard for me to think this is best for our mental health to have access to all the devastation, all at once, at any given time. It is difficult to stay grounded in Truth when we are bombarded with constant news of destruction, pain, loss, etc.
I remember clearly how the conversation started, “But where will we go live after court?” Our children had lived with my husband and I for six months before their adoption was finalized. That was the standard amount of time prior to finalizing an adoption in Oklahoma. We let them know from day 1 that they were ours, we were family, their new last name was Wilsie. We even had their new last names on the stickers they wore at church, identifying them as ours, from the very beginning. But finally, after six months we were going to court to legally change their last name to match ours. So we wanted to explain this to them to prep them for the day.
I am almost giddy from excitement for October 31! This day ushers in one of my favorite little holidays before we dive straight into a series of major holidays. And while I have no problem with celebrating Halloween – it is not the holiday I am referring to. October 31 is also known as Reformation Day!
I recently wrote a newsletter article (God Creates Race, We Created Racism) for our Council Road newsletter about how my perspective on race and racism changed. I wish everyone could have an immersive experience like the one I described and experienced! It was a powerful jumping off board and I continue to grow, learn, and invest in significant ways.
Being born female--that is the #1 risk factor for breast cancer. I was first touched by breast cancer as a young teenager when a grandmother I dearly loved was diagnosed and had one of her breasts removed. Since then, I’ve had maternal and paternal aunts that have had full mastectomies, my second grandmother was diagnosed, and my mother had countless cysts aspirated and removed.
