On Veteran’s Day this year, I was in France with a local travel group. We spent 12 days touring the country. On the fifth day, we visited Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial. It was a sombering experience. My Dad and three brothers were veterans and I am a veteran. Many people do not know the …
I grew up in the segregated South. Dad served during WWII but was not able to vote until President Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act of 1965. It was a tough place for Black people, but it was our home. We lived in the segregated part of town and lived under racist man-made Jim Crow …
On September 16, of this year, God called home our loved one, George Hewlett lll, a brilliant musician, artist, and singer. He was our eldest sibling. When I wrote about our family’s journey out of poverty in my first book, “The Tangled Web,” the first chapter is entitled “Where’s Tippy?” in honor of him. George …
My older siblings were my rock. I was proud to be their little sister and tried to emulate them. I was the youngest of five, three boys and two girls. Our ages spanned across 10 years. We lived with our parents in a loving family. We lived in abject poverty but felt we were the …
I was a single parent for twenty three years before I re-married. MaDear and Dad taught me how to be a parent. I invested in my children and tried to be an example for them. Along the way, my daughters married and I gained son in loves. You never know who will enter your life …
Even with parents to guide me, I still made many mistakes and made poor choices along life’s journey. I was still finding my way. The road out of poverty seemed too long. I took some shortcuts and hidden roads. These roads were leading me down the wrong path. I received spiritual spankings and got back …
According to World Population Review, poverty is universally defined as not having enough income to meet basic needs. This extends beyond just not having enough money for a new vehicle, smartphone, or to take a vacation. Instead, people that live in poverty struggle to keep a roof over their heads, put food on the table, …
Four years ago, my seven year old granddaughter inspired me to write this story. The happy little girl was skipping beside her grandmother as she walked. She watched their inseparable companions make the same moves they made. Her long curly ponytail bounced up and down as if keeping step with each skip. Her inseparable companion’s …
Man in his natural state does wicked things because he has an evil heart. No one is naturally good. God didn’t create evil. Evil occurs when we remove Him from the situation. Survival is the first concern of a man. Human desire is for the universe to make sense. The Bible is the best known, …
Last May, I wrote a blog post titled Poverty in Appalachian America. I am intrigued about the 13 state regions; therefore, I subscribed to their mailing list and receive email updates. The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) was approved by Congress in 1965. The regions receive millions of dollars for education, infrastructure, and jobs. This week, …