It has been a while since I've posted anything.
I mean, it isn't because I haven't been inspired.
There's so much to write about!
From the British Royal Wedding to the Arnold S. case to the early extreme heat wave going through North Carolina right now.
Also, there have been local bear sightings, devastating tornadoes and of course, Garner NC's own Scotty McCreery in the final two on American Idol.
But, this really isn't that type of blog.
This blog is dedicated to inspiration and encouragement and I do that through my own thoughts, daily experiences and revelations about my hair journey.
So, today, I was inspired to write after watching Oprah's final show after 25 years on air as The Oprah Winfrey Show.
She said so many things that were inspirational, thought-provoking, prophetic, informational and encouraging.
There were quite a few things she said that will resonate with me for days to come because I find myself in a place, right now, to receive what she said and apply it to my life.
However, one thing she said really stuck with me and I wanted to share my thoughts about it.
Oprah talked about how we all have a voice in our spirit that speaks to us. And when we are still and listen to that voice, we will obtain guidance for our lives. She mentioned that when she has tried to do things on her own or made mistakes it was because she didn't listen to that voice.
She said we all have this voice and it is God and our life speaking to us and it is up to us to listen.
I'm very much in THE "listening lesson" of my life right now.
There are things I've asked of God to do in my life and I'm at a point now where I believe things are moving in the direction they're supposed to.
I'm absolutely confident that I'm on the brink of a major shift towards greatness and influence. I've asked God for growth this year and when something is growing, it is stretching. Growth is sometimes very uncomfortable.
When children grow, it means they have to buy new clothes and shoes because the old clothes no longer fit. When plants grow, sometimes it means re-potting that plant to place it in a larger plant where it has room to keep growing.
So, as an individual who is growing, I am going to be uncomfortable.
When I don't listen to what my life is saying, I start to become discouraged and doubt that my life is headed in the direction of growth, change, success, and greatness.
I can even see my life and the things that are happening that are "falling into place" according to my vision and hope, but because I'm still unemployed, have no stable income and slowly growing a business, I get discouraged.
That voice in my life, just like Oprah mentioned, is God.
God IS my life.
So, what is my life saying to me?
My life is telling me:
"Trust and follow.
Stop trying to plan it all out.
Just trust and follow.
I have everything worked out for your good and when you begin to truly trust and follow, you will start to see where I'm taking you.
Even though certain areas of your life are in "lack" right now, I have still blessed you with abundance overall.
You have family and friends who love you.
I have placed you in an environment with people who encourage, nurture, challenge and push you to do everything I called you to do.
So, stop worrying.
Trust and follow.
You are going to see, soon enough, what I have in store for you."
My response:
"I hear you."
Your life is speaking, are you listening?
- Spiritually Natural
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Sunday, May 1, 2011
An Acceptable Sacrifice
So, it's the first day of May! WOW!
I'm so excited about the Spring season.
I definitely went through a WINTER season of my life this year and I'm ready for the newness that Spring brings.
There are opportunities on the horizon and plenty of blessings on the way from above!
It's so exciting to think about the beautiful sunshine, flowers, and warm breezes throughout the entire day!
Not to mention, the chirping of the birds and sights and sounds of children playing outside after school.
For me, the Spring season brings an opportunity to RENEW my commitment to spiritual growth.
Two years ago this month, I cut out the last of my relaxer and started this New Growth hair journey!
I was in transition prior to that, but the day I cut out the last 3 inches of my relaxed hair was the beginning of a NEW me.
I continue my hair journey, but now it's time for another type of transformation...but, still New Growth.
NOW, I'm commiting myself to a healthier lifestyle.
I'm ready for change in my mind, BODY, and spirit.
This process begins with a mental and spiritual commitment to living a healthier lifestyle by gaining discipline and making healthier choices with nutrition and exercise.
What does this mean for ME?
I've made the DECISION to live healthier.
And just like any other DECISION in our lives, there will be pros and cons.
But, it means that I'm going to choose healthier foods to eat, and commit to a more active lifestyle through exercise.
By eating more nutrient dense fruits and vegetables and choosing lean proteins and low and no fat dairy products, limiting sugar and fat intake and exercising regularly, I will transform!
I'm not going to put pressure on myself to "lose weight" because if I focus on my health, weight loss will be the end result, in addition to healthier hair, clearer skin, and numerous other health benefits.
When we focus on the right thing, benefits are inevitable.
It's like the scripture Matthew 6:33 that says "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well" (NIV). When we seek to please God and live according to His definition of what is righteous and what is good, then everything that is supposed to happen in our lives will. He will take care of us when we focus on Him!
My spiritual journey will now include this new commitment.
I present my body as a living sacrifice....
Romans 12 (New Living Translation)
A Living Sacrifice to God
1 And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. 2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Stay tuned for updates and feel free to send me encouragements, healthy eating tips, etc...
margaretabrunson@gmail.com
Facebook: Margaret A. Brunson
Twitter: @MBisFree
I'm so excited about the Spring season.
I definitely went through a WINTER season of my life this year and I'm ready for the newness that Spring brings.
There are opportunities on the horizon and plenty of blessings on the way from above!
It's so exciting to think about the beautiful sunshine, flowers, and warm breezes throughout the entire day!
Not to mention, the chirping of the birds and sights and sounds of children playing outside after school.
For me, the Spring season brings an opportunity to RENEW my commitment to spiritual growth.
Two years ago this month, I cut out the last of my relaxer and started this New Growth hair journey!
I was in transition prior to that, but the day I cut out the last 3 inches of my relaxed hair was the beginning of a NEW me.
I continue my hair journey, but now it's time for another type of transformation...but, still New Growth.
NOW, I'm commiting myself to a healthier lifestyle.
I'm ready for change in my mind, BODY, and spirit.
This process begins with a mental and spiritual commitment to living a healthier lifestyle by gaining discipline and making healthier choices with nutrition and exercise.
What does this mean for ME?
I've made the DECISION to live healthier.
And just like any other DECISION in our lives, there will be pros and cons.
But, it means that I'm going to choose healthier foods to eat, and commit to a more active lifestyle through exercise.
By eating more nutrient dense fruits and vegetables and choosing lean proteins and low and no fat dairy products, limiting sugar and fat intake and exercising regularly, I will transform!
I'm not going to put pressure on myself to "lose weight" because if I focus on my health, weight loss will be the end result, in addition to healthier hair, clearer skin, and numerous other health benefits.
When we focus on the right thing, benefits are inevitable.
It's like the scripture Matthew 6:33 that says "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well" (NIV). When we seek to please God and live according to His definition of what is righteous and what is good, then everything that is supposed to happen in our lives will. He will take care of us when we focus on Him!
My spiritual journey will now include this new commitment.
I present my body as a living sacrifice....
Romans 12 (New Living Translation)
A Living Sacrifice to God
1 And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. 2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Stay tuned for updates and feel free to send me encouragements, healthy eating tips, etc...
margaretabrunson@gmail.com
Facebook: Margaret A. Brunson
Twitter: @MBisFree
Friday, April 15, 2011
Male Perspective on Natural Hair
So, I was talking to a couple of young ladies yesterday at the gym and they were saying that their boss (who is a Black man), makes comments to them about their natural hair whenever they wear it in its natural state and not straight. He says it's nappy or makes comments that make them feel uncomfortabe wearing their hair natural to work.
When I left the gym, I couldn't stop thinking about this guy and how much of a slap in the face it is for a black man to not support women with natural hair.
It makes me sad to think that our own brothers, fathers, uncles, friends, husbands, and companions do not support a woman who appreciates and values herself enough to be who she is. Natural hair is the hair you were given by God. So to accept it and have the confidence to NOT change who you are, should be applauded and appreciated.
I’m going to think about this topic a little more and blog about it later, but in the meanwhile, I found this short video of a young man giving his perspective on natural hair. I chose it because I like what he’s saying. He makes reference to another good video by IsisCold and her husband, but that one is too long so you can go on YouTube and find that one, too!
Confident Women Unite!
Love, Spiritually Natural
Sunday, April 10, 2011
A Love Letter
Recently, I thought about why I decided to go natural. As I sat and pondered all of the changes that were happening in my life and the transition I went through, I began to think beyond myself. This decision was bigger than me and was definitely about more than just HAIR. So, I decided to write a love letter to address the reason why I decided to go natural.
Dear Young Black Woman/Girl/Teenager who has ever felt less than beautiful:
I did this for you. I was afraid but I stepped out into uncomfortable territory so that I could grow, change and share my story with you. I had thoughts like, "what will people think?" or "people might laugh at me," which sometimes cause us not to take the risk of being uniquely different and set apart. But, when you understand how bold and powerful you are and when you realize that there will NEVER come a day when we'll be able to totally please people, you will know, then, that the only thing that matters is how God sees us. And when you begin to see yourself the way He does, you will be FREE. Your spirit, mind and body will be free.
My decision was to go back to my natural hair and back to myself. And as I decided to make this physical change from my relaxed hair to my natural hair, I had to go through some changes. I began to understand that this journey was part of a preparation process; preparation for a greater purpose which is sometimes VERY uncomfortable and requires patience. I had to start paying attention to my hair and spending more time on my hair to come up with styles that looked good.
In this same way, as you prepare to reach your destiny in life, it will require more effort, greater observation to what's going on in and around your life, and more time spent on actually working to improve yourself. I realized that I'd get some odd stares, some negative comments from some of the people in my life and face some ridicule. I had women who said to me, "oh, why would you want to do that, you have such beautiful hair," or "I like your hair straight better, it fits you better."
But, I did not worry about PEOPLE and what they thought.
I believed that my mission would be accomplished.
I believed that through this intimate hair walk, I would experience a new thing: FREEDOM and CONFIDENCE in self and that old things would pass away and ALL things would become new. I believed that this journey to bring women closer to their own purpose through this unexplainable, divine connection we have with our hair!
I believed that I would gain spiritual and emotional strength as I walked out this hair journey.
I was and am willing to place the world's view of my "beauty" on the line to fulfill the GREATNESS that God wants to do through me. It takes boldness and courage but it's worth it.
So, go forward in boldness and confidence. Reach your destiny. Fulfill your dreams.
Love,
SpirituallyNatural
Dear Young Black Woman/Girl/Teenager who has ever felt less than beautiful:
I did this for you. I was afraid but I stepped out into uncomfortable territory so that I could grow, change and share my story with you. I had thoughts like, "what will people think?" or "people might laugh at me," which sometimes cause us not to take the risk of being uniquely different and set apart. But, when you understand how bold and powerful you are and when you realize that there will NEVER come a day when we'll be able to totally please people, you will know, then, that the only thing that matters is how God sees us. And when you begin to see yourself the way He does, you will be FREE. Your spirit, mind and body will be free.
My decision was to go back to my natural hair and back to myself. And as I decided to make this physical change from my relaxed hair to my natural hair, I had to go through some changes. I began to understand that this journey was part of a preparation process; preparation for a greater purpose which is sometimes VERY uncomfortable and requires patience. I had to start paying attention to my hair and spending more time on my hair to come up with styles that looked good.
In this same way, as you prepare to reach your destiny in life, it will require more effort, greater observation to what's going on in and around your life, and more time spent on actually working to improve yourself. I realized that I'd get some odd stares, some negative comments from some of the people in my life and face some ridicule. I had women who said to me, "oh, why would you want to do that, you have such beautiful hair," or "I like your hair straight better, it fits you better."
But, I did not worry about PEOPLE and what they thought.
I believed that my mission would be accomplished.
I believed that through this intimate hair walk, I would experience a new thing: FREEDOM and CONFIDENCE in self and that old things would pass away and ALL things would become new. I believed that this journey to bring women closer to their own purpose through this unexplainable, divine connection we have with our hair!
I believed that I would gain spiritual and emotional strength as I walked out this hair journey.
I was and am willing to place the world's view of my "beauty" on the line to fulfill the GREATNESS that God wants to do through me. It takes boldness and courage but it's worth it.
So, go forward in boldness and confidence. Reach your destiny. Fulfill your dreams.
Love,
SpirituallyNatural
Sunday, March 27, 2011
We could all use an Adjustment Bureau...
Last night, I went to see the movie, The Adjustment Bureau.
I thought it was an excellent movie and more than that, it was thought-provoking and incited me to really examine myself. As I watched the movie, I realized a lot about myself and my view of life and purpose.
I don't want to get into the plot of the movie, but I wanted to share something that stood out to me and how I plan to apply it to my life.
LOVE IS OUR PURPOSE.
I am a strong believer in God. And I truly understand the power of Love and how when God is in our lives, we will know how to love.
However, sometimes, I tend to be so "purpose-driven," that I neglect the importance of LOVE in my life. Receiving love from others and also showing love to others.
I believe that I know how to love, but at the point where it "interferes" with my purpose, I don't always focus on it.
However, LOVE is the foundation of our purpose in life.
Then, I thought about 1 Corinthians 13, which is the scripture where Paul talks about Love. Sometimes, I focus on the part that says what Love is, but I was forced to think about the first part of that passage which is,
"1 If I speak in the tongues[a] of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast,[b] but do not have love, I gain nothing."
So, as I think about it, Paul was saying that nothing we do in life matters if we don't have love. I may have gifts and be able to do great THINGS for God, but if I don't have love, then it doesn't matter.
The movie reinforces this thought. Love is the central theme even though when you watch it you might think that the central theme is purpose. But, that's just it...LOVE IS OUR PURPOSE! And we should make every effort to walk and live in love...in love with God and with each other.
If you've seen it, let me know what you think and what you took away from it!
I thought it was an excellent movie and more than that, it was thought-provoking and incited me to really examine myself. As I watched the movie, I realized a lot about myself and my view of life and purpose.
I don't want to get into the plot of the movie, but I wanted to share something that stood out to me and how I plan to apply it to my life.
LOVE IS OUR PURPOSE.
I am a strong believer in God. And I truly understand the power of Love and how when God is in our lives, we will know how to love.
However, sometimes, I tend to be so "purpose-driven," that I neglect the importance of LOVE in my life. Receiving love from others and also showing love to others.
I believe that I know how to love, but at the point where it "interferes" with my purpose, I don't always focus on it.
However, LOVE is the foundation of our purpose in life.
Then, I thought about 1 Corinthians 13, which is the scripture where Paul talks about Love. Sometimes, I focus on the part that says what Love is, but I was forced to think about the first part of that passage which is,
"1 If I speak in the tongues[a] of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast,[b] but do not have love, I gain nothing."
So, as I think about it, Paul was saying that nothing we do in life matters if we don't have love. I may have gifts and be able to do great THINGS for God, but if I don't have love, then it doesn't matter.
The movie reinforces this thought. Love is the central theme even though when you watch it you might think that the central theme is purpose. But, that's just it...LOVE IS OUR PURPOSE! And we should make every effort to walk and live in love...in love with God and with each other.
If you've seen it, let me know what you think and what you took away from it!
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Recognize I'm Back!
Ok, so I was thinking the other day about how my life has completely changed over the past couple of years.
But, most of the changes, even those that were tumultuous, were for my good and have worked out to be for the best!
I recognize, now, that who I became for about 7 years was not who I was at all.
I was walking around with straight, flat hair, an affect just as flat, wearing no make up, not communicating and relating to my friends on a regular basis, and without LIFE!
Sure, I was alive, but I wasn't LIVING!
I was simply existing and surviving in my chosen environment.
Now, as I enter in another Spring season of LIFE, I'm so grateful to be BACK to myself.
Through my hair journey, I've rediscovered who I am and what is important to me.
I believe that this energy that's so inspired by my hair gives me the confidence to be myself and know that who I am is actually ok.
I don't have to dumb down, water down and play down who I am.
As women, or even people, we should have the freedom to walk out our purposed life journey with only a concern for who God wants us to be.
To be able to live life to the fullest, without regard to what others say about me is a great feeling.
It's nice to be free from the judgment of others and be able to live for God the way HE wants me to live.
I'm on a journey.
I'm walking towards the vision that God has given me for my life...
And, I feel glad about it!
Can I get an Amen!?
LOL
But, most of the changes, even those that were tumultuous, were for my good and have worked out to be for the best!
I recognize, now, that who I became for about 7 years was not who I was at all.
I was walking around with straight, flat hair, an affect just as flat, wearing no make up, not communicating and relating to my friends on a regular basis, and without LIFE!
Sure, I was alive, but I wasn't LIVING!
I was simply existing and surviving in my chosen environment.
Now, as I enter in another Spring season of LIFE, I'm so grateful to be BACK to myself.
Through my hair journey, I've rediscovered who I am and what is important to me.
I believe that this energy that's so inspired by my hair gives me the confidence to be myself and know that who I am is actually ok.
I don't have to dumb down, water down and play down who I am.
As women, or even people, we should have the freedom to walk out our purposed life journey with only a concern for who God wants us to be.
To be able to live life to the fullest, without regard to what others say about me is a great feeling.
It's nice to be free from the judgment of others and be able to live for God the way HE wants me to live.
I'm on a journey.
I'm walking towards the vision that God has given me for my life...
And, I feel glad about it!
Can I get an Amen!?
LOL
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Don't wanna get stuck...
As I pay attention to what's going on in my life and compare it to what's happening with my hair, I've noticed, yet again, that the two coincide.
I have been in a state of "transition" in my professional career and personal life. I'm at a point in between where I was and where I'm going to be; if that makes sense.
I am in a phase of action and rest.
I must take the steps to move closer to my destiny, but I almost must rest so I can hear and feel what I'm supposed to do.
In my personal life, I am developing and cultivating a new friendship that has the potential to be a great, long-lasting one. But, still I must move as well as wait; being careful not to confuse myself in the process.
So, what's up with my hair?
Well, I've been wearing my hair in the same styles since becoming fully natural. I've tried various products and stylists. So, I feel that now I've gone as far as my current skill level will take me and I'm in a state of transition with my hair. So, I believe that it's time for me to start to learn how to do more to my OWN hair. I must take the initiative to learn some new styling techniques and develop the patience to allow myself to try and fail.
Thankfully, youtube and blogs like curlynikki and naturalchica are out there to help me. I'll rely on my other natural sisters to teach me.
The last thing I want to happen is to get stuck into a specific way of wearing the natural and losing my creativity and individualism on this journey.
I have been in a state of "transition" in my professional career and personal life. I'm at a point in between where I was and where I'm going to be; if that makes sense.
I am in a phase of action and rest.
I must take the steps to move closer to my destiny, but I almost must rest so I can hear and feel what I'm supposed to do.
In my personal life, I am developing and cultivating a new friendship that has the potential to be a great, long-lasting one. But, still I must move as well as wait; being careful not to confuse myself in the process.
So, what's up with my hair?
Well, I've been wearing my hair in the same styles since becoming fully natural. I've tried various products and stylists. So, I feel that now I've gone as far as my current skill level will take me and I'm in a state of transition with my hair. So, I believe that it's time for me to start to learn how to do more to my OWN hair. I must take the initiative to learn some new styling techniques and develop the patience to allow myself to try and fail.
Thankfully, youtube and blogs like curlynikki and naturalchica are out there to help me. I'll rely on my other natural sisters to teach me.
The last thing I want to happen is to get stuck into a specific way of wearing the natural and losing my creativity and individualism on this journey.
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