Forgiving: The Gift That Keeps on Giving (REMIX)

Posted on by

Life Gets Better

forgiveness

I had a vivid dream about finally being able to face someone who greatly disappointed me.  This person was someone others and I held in high regard and, while the person didn’t directly hurt me, the individual didn’t use the opportunity and authority they had to prevent me from being hurt by another, but in fact was a participant in encouraging or not discouraging the “unwise” acts to be done.

Many times as the “unwise” act was playing out, I thought long and hard specifically about what I would say to this person (not the direct hurter, but the indirect one), how I was going to say it, who I was going to let know what I said, what fancy words I would use as I said it and how good it would feel to let this person have it! Let’s just say I’d made up my mind to read this person from…

View original post 513 more words

I Don’t Miss My Old Life, Just Some of the People In It

Posted on by

New Life

There are two types of questions I often get. One is whether I miss my “old life”. The other is some morphed variation of questions about my “future life” (as if I can see that far ahead).

At first I used to immediately jump to the questions about the future responding confidently and with certainty about how great things will be some day. That “future” conversation deserves its own blog and will one day get it, but this day is not my focus (literally and figuratively).

today-matters-slide-590x230

For now, I want to declare this fact regarding my past, “I don’t miss my old life, just some of the people in it.” Now, hold up. Wait a minute. Don’t get all up-in-arms thinking that by my “old life” I’m merely referring to the time when I was married, which many might assume, and should not. Definitely don’t think that I’m discounting, dismissing or being less than genteel about those nine years. Not true. In fact, I fully value and appreciate each and every day regardless of the outcome, but the time I was married was just a teeny-tiny sampling of my 42 years here on earth. When I say my “old life” I mean ALL of my life.

life-quotes-today-is-the-best-day-of-your-life

I’ve just decided that where I am right now, in this very moment is the absolute best place for me to be. It’s where God has me. And trust me when I tell you, where He has me is as good as it gets for me until He sees fit for otherwise . The thought of thinking that where I used to be is better than where I am (even if it felt like it at the time or in retrospect) makes me think it’s not the best thought to think. I can’t imagine how God feels when we all look back over our pasts as if that’s the best He has to offer.  He’s too GOOD to be outdone by anything anyone else has done and anything He’s done. He’s always focusing on us appreciating where He has us now, learning from where we’ve been and preparing for where we’re going while still appreciating where He has us now.

The job I have may not pay off in the same way as others in the past, but it’s my job and that makes it the best thing for me with what matters most…right now. The church I attend may not be as small or closely knit as some in my past, and people don’t know me from Ruth or Sarah, but it’s where I’m going and growing and that’s working wonderfully for me. The neighborhood I live in now may not have the same amazing, urban sounds and smells (the good smells like barbecue grills fired up on a hot, summer day) and neighbors who are more like family than friends, but it’s peaceful and where I call home at this moment and that’s alright with me. The friends I have now may not be as many in number or influence like perhaps some in the past, but they’re my friends and that makes them, and me super special.

So I’ll say again, “I don’t miss my old life, just some of the people in it.”  I will say, in utter honesty, that out of all the phases of my life I’ve accepted that it’s some of the relationships with some people no longer here, those that had to leave my circle, or those that I don’t see or interact with as often that I most miss. I do miss the presence of some pretty swell people I’ve come to know and love. I often think of some of them, see their posts on social media, hear of them in their well-doing and yearn for some sort of renewed connection, but then, even still I muster up that “something on the inside” that tells me to be grateful for the friendship, the family bond, the spiritual or social circle or the professional association. And that’s good enough for me. All else from my past served its purpose and that was to get me to the here and now, but in no way convince me that my yesterday was any better than my today.

today-is-a-gift

@AngelaMMoore316

Flourishing From Failed Relationships

Posted on by

broken_heart_crop

Failed relationships are something we all have in common. It’s something that hurts, but if we allow it to can help. Often we look at romantic relationships as the only ones where failure affects us. I would like to say that any relationship that was a part of who you are, whether it was a family relationship, a social relationship, a relationship in a spiritual setting or of a career nature, can be of benefit to you whether they flourished on their own or you had to learn to flourish when they didn’t last. The time has come for us to take a good look at our relationships to see what went wrong & why. Be it romantic, church, family, work or social the common denominator in them all was US. When a relationship ends we have to take the leap to go deeper and look at ourselves, in spite of and despite the others involved.

06_22_12-12PM-William-The-DriVen-Class-Building-Relationships

So ask these simple questions…

  • Is the problem really all them or could some of it actually be us?
  • What did we do right?
  • What did we do wrong?
  • What should we learn?
  • Who should we let go?
The above are all questions that any person desiring to profit from the pain of a failed relationship should ask, and ask often. When things fail, we have to stop placing blame. We have to stop hiding behind cynical remarks and inappropriate feelings expressed prematurely or immaturely. The best way to flourish from a failed relationship is to thank God for the experience, look to learn from what happened, and share what we’ve learned with those in need of knowing in a healthy and appropriate way. Once He’s shown us what lessons are to be learned we have to learn them, let go of the harmful effects of the experience and use it as fuel for our next journey.
Focusing on the journey ahead is the best way to prevent the spread of the negative effects of a failed relationship. We have to keep our eyes on what counts and who counts, and use what counts to pay off for us.
Carrying negativity from our failed relationships is like a nasty, vile virus spreading to all with whom we come in contact. We never know who we’re infecting when we open our mouths with negativity. If we had a cold we’d have to COVER OUR MOUTH. The same is so with relationships that didn’t go the way we wanted. Unless we’re opening our mouths to share the goodness of the association and what we’ve learned from it we should pretend like we have a cold, cover our mouths and flourish from our failed relationships.
close your mouth
-AngelaMMoore316

Can You Stand the Rain?

Posted on by

Heavy Downpour

In my mind I’m waving my hands in the air, and waving them like I just don’t care as I hum the tune to “Can You Stand the Rain?” by my all-time fav boy band New Edition. Today is a rainy Alabama day that greeted me at 3:30am with the sound of torrential showers beating over my roof, the heavy thump of thunder and bolts of lightning dancing in the sky. This morning made me think of this blog post previously published in 2013 and, of course, New Edition.

th

Let me just say this. Rain has gotten a bad rap. In the summer of 2013, particularly in my home state of Alabama, we had a lot of rain. A whole lotta rain!!!! Yes, rain caused a few plans to change. Yes, rain can be so very unexpected. Yes, rain messes up hair like nobody’s business (even if your present hair of choice can be swapped out or put on a shelf). Yes, rain is hard to see in and even harder to drive in. Yes, rain (and its companions thunder and lightning) can be a little scary, but we need the rain. I found that to be especially true this summer of 2014 when rainy days were hit and miss in our area causing lakes to dwindle down, grass to wilt and crops to grow to less than stellar stature.

The Rain Room Is Unveiled At The Curve Inside The Barbican Centre

The inner child in me who had many a play day ruined by rain is rebelling as I say this, but rain is not so bad. Rain provides the perfect backdrop to rest. Rain is the ideal setting to slow down. Rain, responsible for ruined plans, allows creativity and often special memories that wouldn’t ordinarily be. Rain is at the center of replenishing some of our favorite playgrounds…beaches and lakes. Rain is the old-school version of a modern-day splash pad. Rain is responsible for illuminating the sky with rainbows. Rain allows things to grow. Rain cleanses. Rain is a free carwash. Rain washes away that which shouldn’t be, and at the same time can usher in those things which should. Rain provides much need refreshment and nourishment. Rain is a guaranteed sign of harvest, abundance and reaping to come. I’m grateful today for the rain!

rain_012

When asked, “Can You Stand the Rain”, my favorite guys, New Edition were speaking of the rain of relationships. That can be pretty interesting, needed and nice at the same time too. But the rains of life can provide just as much refreshing as those of relationships. So, channeling my inner Ronnie DeVoe (my fav of my favorite group), I’ll ask “can you stand the rain?” Are you really ready to receive a pouring down of blessings or reap the bounty from enduring the storms? Having had my fair share of financial, emotional and physical times of “drought” in my far and not too distant past, at this age and stage in my life, I’d say I certainly can!!!! Again, today, I’m grateful for the rain.

@AngelaMMoore316

Help… Somebody

Posted on by

help button

Being divorced has caused me to learn, know and re-learn things I’d never thought I would. As I spent time folding several loads of clothes that I alone was responsible for washing (after all I wore them), mopped my floor with a lymphedema swollen hand, decided what I would eat for dinner and cook for dinner tomorrow, balanced my one-income checkbook, surveyed my house for much-needed repairs and the list goes on I thought, “whew, I could use some help”. Then I observed a loved one with the daunting task of rearing children in a less than ideal situation. I recalled a few couples going through marital problems that could destroy years of friendship and true love. I considered the several friend who took on the role of mother for a child or children belonging to someone else and reared them with no prior experience. I remembered friends and family taking care of their elderly, ailing parents with limited support and strength. I’ve listened to friends and associations talk about the painful effects of child abuse, sudden death of loved ones and other tragedies. I thought of a senior citizen, widow facing life-altering decisions, and I thought, “whew, we ALL could use some help”.

can you help

Help is one of those tricky subjects that can either build a great bridge, or, if allowed bring about some tremendous barriers. I’ve seen communities come to the rescue of others during times of tragedy. I have been the recipient of help in times when I needed it and have been a participant offering help to others when they had need. I’ve seen people overcome tremendous obstacles because they made the choice to open their hearts and minds to seek and receive help. Those are blessings.

On the flip side of the proverbial coin, I’ve seen people decide that where they are is as far as they will or want to go and opt out of the option to allow others to help them. I’ve seen some choose not to share what needs were present preventing help in the nick of time. I’ve witnessed people not open their hearts or hands to extend help when it’s been asked. I’ve also had people become quite angry with, and even stop speaking to me because they “felt” I didn’t provide them the help they expected of me (regardless of what was going on in my life, or the years of help I might have rendered in the past). Cases like those are definitely unfortunate barriers.

thCALCF1KL

I sincerely pray that regardless of where you are in life that God give you ample and adequate help in whatever areas you most need it, and opportunities to offer help. I hope you are open spirit, soul and body to receive help, not just for yourself, but for the sake of all who are affected and influenced by what you are going through and how you handle it.

help from friends

#AngelaMMoore316

You Better Re-Read Your Resume

Posted on by

imagesCAWSJAV2

You, yeah, you….This is not the first time you’ve been where you are so get back up and get going!

Yes, things may be wild and crazy now, but you’ve been down this road before have the T-shirts, pictures, and posters to prove that you made it.

do-what-you-did-again

So gone ‘head (as some of my southern sisters say) and re-read your resume. Look at it and look at it good! You’ve already passed this test…yes, that test, the one you’re in right now!

971161_472000816209899_1107917531_n

Before you had your first job you didn’t have a job. Before you had your first spouse you didn’t have a spouse. Before you had a bank account you didn’t have money in it. Before you did whatever you did you’d never done it before. But YOU DID IT and you can do it again. Even better, God fixed it once and He can fix it, remix it, remake it or restore it again. When life gets crazy you better re-read your resume and recognize just how good things have turned out and how great they can be!

All-Things-Are-Possible-With-God1

#AngelaMMoore316

Hey, Lil Dude

Posted on by

bim-bld073547

I had the amazing privilege to speak to some students at a Birmingham, Alabama high school recently. My topic was Motivation. While I had everything set and was sure I’d be able to motivate them with my stories of wisdom mixed with a bit of wit, it was I who was motivated by them. Now, as with all teens, whether you were born in 2000 or 1950, there were those who, how shall I say this, will need more love, attention, direction and correction to become who they are supposed to be, but there were some, that I saw on that day in that high school that amazed me. And most of my amazement stemmed from the young men.

As a woman, I’ll be the first to admit that my life’s work has been primarily in the advancement of women and girls, but several of the male students I was able to spend time with at Holy Family Cristo Rey High School preparing to participate in the school’s Corporate Internship Program were a sight to behold. What first struck me as noteworthy was how, on a hot, 90 degree, Birmingham summer day they were dressed professionally and at school to better themselves. Suits, ties, blazers, blouses, trousers and “church shoes” as some may call them were the order of the day for the girls and boys. They greeted me, and others with handshakes, smiles and eye contact as best a 14 or 15-year-old could offer.

0072097241467_500X500

When the training started my amazement was elevated as hands were raised, questions answered, suggestions made, an occassional funny joke tossed around, ears attuned and respect rendered primarily from the young men. Engaged and participatory is not how some segments of society paint them. Appropriately humourous and helpful is not often what we think of when we hear of African-American young males. Openly sharing and receiving feedback is not the definition we tend to believe regarding them. Providing “crowd control” is not usually the image we receive, but I’m telling you, not all, but enough of those young, black males proved society wrong on that day. I remember one young man telling another student, “Hey, Lil dude. Listen to her, she’s talking!” “Lil dude” decided to listen.

Hey, Lil Dude (2)

Not that some of the girls weren’t super stellar. They were! But I want to thank the standout young men for motivating me. My sincere prayer is that the right people surround them with guidance for the rest of their lives that will get them to where they are supposed to be. I hope they all keep asking questions that flow through their minds like what’s appropriate on the internet, how do you stay motivated to stay in school after the death of a loved one, or have I heard of their favorite rap artist. I hope they remain open to growth and change and the desire to do whatever they have to do to be their best. I hope that the funny ones are able to channel their comedy into whatever their dreams may be and that they are never afraid of being a positive, powerful presence. I hope that the clearly shy ones, who still managed to have their say continue to speak up on their passions about sports, technology, drawing, God, and loving their mothers.  I hope that the compassionate ones continue to look out and around to make sure others are okay. I hope they all realize that being “cool” is really about being who they are uniquely designed to be, so if that means doing what those who don’t understand aren’t doing and getting where those who don’t understand will never go that’s “cool”. I hope they continue to appreciate life and realize the leaders they undeniably are, using that to advance in life and enhance living for others. I hope they decide that the snazzy way they’re dressing this summer is the way they want to dress from now on and others follow suit (get it, suit???…lol!) I hope they realize just how important they are to mankind, and that they grow to be the kind of man who changes the world for the better.

-Angela Moore

Move it! It’s Time to Get Off of the Bench

Posted on by

Today’s that day! You know the day. It’s the day you’ve been waiting on and the one that’s been waiting on you. It’s time to get off the bench!!!

Life Gets Better

Move-Get-off-the-bench

Sometimes you need to know when to get off the bench and get back in the game. Life, and all that comes along with it can sometimes knock the wind out of you. (Ask me how I know!) Taking a respite after being sacked not only serves a great purpose, but is also very wise. The problem with rest or recuperating is that they can become quite comfortable and often difficult to come out of, even when it’s time. Add with that any bit of fear or cynicism that might have crept in while you were cooling off, and if allowed, you’ll find yourself stuck…on the bench.

Have you ever wondered what happens to the plays players would have made or should have made if they decided to stay on the bench longer than needed? I’m not an athlete or sports genius, but I would hate to think of what would…

View original post 76 more words

The Truth About Trayvon

Posted on by

Trayvon-Martin-killed

Here’s the truth about Trayvon Martin. He is no longer here. The truth about Trayvon is that he is not absent by choice, but was murdered and is no longer here. The truth about Trayvon is that a family is without a son and brother, friends are without a peer and a community, city, state, nation and world are without a potential “whatever he was meant to be”.

While Trayvon Martin is no longer here, his legacy is. Not many times in my lifetime have I seen a person, a cause, or a callous situation like the loss of his life unite people from all walks of life. From the likes of Rodney King’s brutal beating in Los Angeles, to Natalee Holloway’s mysterious disappearance in Aruba, to Sean Bell being killed in New York just before his wedding or Jaycee Dugard’s kidnapping, a unifying sound of support has once again ignited an insatiable, fire of outreach, activism and action. Trayvon Martin’s life and death has done what few others have. It has unleashed a catalyst for change.

The truth about Trayvon is that a child’s life was brutally stolen.  Regardless of his or anyone’s race, age, background, gender, neighborhood stroll, candy choice, the burden of proof or the outcome of the jury, murder is wrong and that is worth action. That action starts with those of us that remain. I pray that the actions we take are ones that responsibly keep his legacy and the legacy of those others that have succumb to tragic loss in tact.

I pray that we never forget that it’s God that has the final say so. I pray that the only fires we ignite are ones that bring about an end to senseless violence. I pray social media and mainstream media don’t cease covering stories like this until stories like this are no longer around to cover, and place more emphasis on the victims than the perpetrators. I pray we champion another cause, and another cause and another cause like Trayvon’s and bring it to the attention of those in authority. I pray we don’t become consumed with rage or fear, but use this as fuel to move this nation forward in the spirit of the civil rights activists that transformed our land’s landscape. I pray we stop the “snitches get stitches” rule. I pray we don’t turn a blind eye or deaf ear to stories of mass murders, shooting sprees, school killings, kidnappings, black-on-black crime, white-on-white crime, brown-on-brown crime or any other color of crime for that matter. I pray we never stop fighting for justice and learn to celebrate the victories that have been accomplished, even as we fight for the victories that remain. I pray we no longer take one another for granted, that we hug a little longer, talk a little longer, truly become invested in each other’s lives as a reminder of how essential we are to one another. I pray we use our voice and our vote to stand up for EVERY single life lost, not contribute to lives being lost and not become desensitized or discouraged by the overwhelming amount of lives lost, or any injustice. I pray we don’t give up hope in the good that remains in most people. I pray we don’t operate in judgement or stereotypes. I pray we realize that there are people who look like us that don’t like us and people who don’t look like us who love us, regardless of our race, and not contribute to further building the wall of division and destruction. I pray we become more media savvy and legal savvy, and involved in order to do what we need to do to learn how to keep a story alive, and see a case to justice if needed. I pray we learn how to articulate our frustrations through open forums, workshops, mentoring, seminars, symposiums and plain ol’ conversations with each other. I pray we pray more than ever before. I pray we talk about race, really talk about it, with hopes of greater understanding and that in those talks we realize not all people who aren’t like us are against us and get to know each other since we’ll all be here together for as long as we’re here. I pray we don’t forget about the Martin family. I pray we don’t forget to pray for Trayvon’s family and the families of others tragically killed as they deal with life “afterwards”. I pray we at least let Trayvon Martin live through honoring what his death has stirred up in a way that brings about a positive change in us all. Our action on his behalf, and on behalf of countless others doesn’t have to end because the case has.

Trayvon Martin is no longer here, but we are. That means we all have something to do. There’s no greater time than now to do it. Trayvon Martin deserves that. And that’s the truth about Trayvon.

trayvon-martin-grad

-Angela Moore

Angela Scott Moore has sported many hats in her lifetime. She’s a former broadcast anchor/reporter/producer, a trained motivational speaker, fundraiser and marketing/PR expert. She spent nine years as a pastor’s wife working in full-time ministry before that union ended in divorce. A majority of her time in ministry was spent empowering women and girls. She’s an avid inspirational blogger and also a philanthropic community supporter who has served with more than 25 local and national organizations over her 15+ year professional career. Currently she’s working in the fields of Social Justice and Human Resources, and operates the blossoming, full-service events planning venture Amazing Kreations with her business partner, offering media and event planning assistance at low or no cost to small organizations and businesses. Taking lessons learned from each phase of her ever-evolving life, Angela’s now donning the hat of a single woman on a single mission to use spoken and written words to motivate others to “thrive while they survive”. 

Contact Angela Scott Moore about speaking engagements at amazingkreations2@gmail.com, follow her blog at www.angelamooreblog.wordpress.com or check out her facebook page for people experiencing separation or divorce at I’m More Than What Happened.   

I Believe You Are Beautiful!

Posted on by

  You-are-beautiful

YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL! There I said it. If you’ve ever wondered if anyone notices you take note that I do. I believe you are beautiful!

beauty-is-being-the-best-possible-version-of-yourself-on-the-inside-and-out-beauty-quote

Your beauty has nothing to do with your large thighs or tiny legs, your protruding teeth or lack thereof, your wild and curly or straight and thinning hair, your widening hips or big lips, your height or width, your skin tone or skin disorders, who loves you and who doesn’t, what you have and what you want, your real weight or driver’s license weight, your age, race, or how much make-up you put on your face.

th

Your beauty has all to do with what’s on the inside of you. It’s the struggles you have overcome. It’s the faith you hold on to. It’s the wisdom you have gained from what almost wore you out. It’s the stories you’ve lived through that people wouldn’t even believe. It’s how you sacrifice sleep for the sake of your seed. It’s how you manage to stay alive and living after dealing with death. It’s how you feed your family on your limited income. It’s how you give to others even in times of lack. It’s how you take in and lovingly rear those that weren’t born of you. It’s how you volunteer when you can’t find a job. It’s how you pressed through the painful process of forgiveness.

thCAD00ZGY

Your beauty bursts out of how you decided to go back to school, back to work or back to whatever you needed to go back to in order to continue to get better. It’s how you love, even those that appear to be unlovable. It’s how you love yourself even when the world (or your own mind) tells you not to. It’s how you smile, with creases forming in the corner of your eyes often serving as a reminder of times when tears once took over. It’s how you took control of your health…spirit, soul and body. It’s how you choose to keep the peace and stay positive. It’s how you’re present in life after all you’ve lost. It’s how you still manage to laugh at, and tell a few funny jokes. It’s how you have a little sway in your hips even on days that it’s hurting to remind the world that you’re still fierce. It’s how you made it through what you thought you wouldn’t make it through that makes you beautiful!

thCA9L16WS

Yes indeed. I believe YOU are beautiful!

@AngelaMMoore316