Dear Diary: My Life Raising Brown Girls

Posts

Prayer for My Children Going Out Into the World

Heavenly Father, Thank You for my children and for the priceless gift of watching them grow, learn, and discover the world around them. As they leave home each day, I acknowledge that it is truly a blessing to go out and return safely, and I do not take that for granted. Protect them from hurt, harm, and danger, and guide their steps in every situation. Surround them with Your angels and let Your presence go before them, keeping them safe and secure. Give them wisdom to make good choices, courage to stand for what is right, and hearts that remain close to You. Thank You, Father, for all You have done in their lives and for all You will do, even in ways we cannot yet see. I thank You in advance for bringing them home safely at the end of each day. Strengthen their hearts, Lord, to trust You fully, to walk boldly in faith, and to shine Your light wherever they go, blessing others through their words, actions, and character. May I always remember to give thanks for Your faithfu...

Modeling Emotional Intelligence for My Daughter

In a world that often measures success through grades, achievements, and appearances, one of the most important things I want to give my daughters is emotional intelligence. Of course I want her to succeed, to feel confident, and to pursue her dreams. But just as important to me is that they learn how to understand their emotions, respond to others with empathy, and navigate life with resilience. I’ve realized that emotional intelligence isn’t something I can simply teach with words. My daughters learn far more from watching how I handle my own emotions than from anything I tell them. Every reaction, every conversation, and every stressful moment becomes an example. Whether I realize it or not, I’m showing them how to deal with frustration, disappointment, joy, and everything in between. That realization has made me more intentional about how I respond to my own feelings. When I’m overwhelmed or frustrated, I try not to hide it or pretend everything is fine. Instead, I acknowledge ...

When People Overestimate Their Place in Your Life

It’s fascinating how some people seem to overestimate their place in our lives, especially in mine and my children’s lives. It’s not always malicious, and often it comes from a sense of self-importance or misunderstanding. But the effect is the same, they think their presence carries more weight than it does. I’ve learned that reacting to it rarely does any good. Words can only go so far, and explaining yourself is often wasted effort. There’s a certain grace in letting life itself show the truth. Time has a way of revealing everything more clearly, more honestly, and sometimes more satisfying than any conversation ever could. Some people think they matter more than they do. And while it’s tempting to confront or correct them, I’ve found that quiet patience is far more powerful. Observing, living, and simply letting events unfold speak volumes. It’s a lesson in restraint, in understanding that life will show who truly belongs and who doesn’t without me having to raise my voi...

What’s Worse: Looking Jealous or Looking Crazy?

Sometimes I catch myself thinking, “Am I overreacting? Do I look crazy?” If you’re raising daughters, especially Brown daughters, you know that question lands differently. There’s an invisible pressure on us to be strong, protective, and wise, but never too emotional, never too loud, never “too much.” We want our daughters to feel safe, supported, and empowered. Yet we also live in a world that watches us, judges us, and sometimes stereotypes us. In those moments, it can be hard to know which reaction will teach them the right lesson. This is the "Parenting Tightrope" that Black and Brown mothers walk every single day. It’s the invisible tax of having to be twice as good to get half the grace. When you're raising a daughter, you aren't just parenting her; you’re also managing the world’s perception of your parenting. That’s why the "Jealous vs. Crazy" debate feels so heavy. For us, "crazy" isn’t just a mood; it’s a label the world is waiting to pi...

Week 8: Becoming Whole Again — One Faithful Step at a Time

Trusting the Slow Work of God Scripture: “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”— Philippians 1:6 Reflection: Wholeness is not something you achieve all at once. It is not a dramatic transformation or a perfectly balanced life. More often, it is the quiet work of returning to yourself repeatedly—with God. After seasons of giving, surviving, and holding it all together, it can be tempting to want everything restored immediately. But God rarely rushes healing. He walks with us patiently, faithfully, step by step. You are not broken because you need time. You are becoming whole because you are willing to walk slowly. Every small act of care matters. Every moment of awareness counts. God is not waiting for you to arrive; he is present with you in the becoming. Wellness Insight: From a wellness perspective, integration happens gradually. The nervous system heals through consistency, not intensity. ...

Week 7: Your Calling Isn’t Cancelled by Motherhood

Trusting God with the Gifts He Planted in You Scripture: “For God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable.” — Romans 11:29 Reflection: Motherhood can feel like a pause button on the rest of your life. Dreams go quiet. Talents sit unused. The parts of you that once felt alive through creativity, work, or purpose can begin to feel distant—or even irrelevant. But God does not cancel callings when seasons change. What He gives, He gives with intention. Callings may shift in expression, slow in pace, or wait in hiddenness—but they are never wasted. The same God who called you before motherhood still sees the whole of who you are becoming now. You are not behind. You are not disqualified. You are not forgotten. Wellness Insight: A sense of meaning is essential to emotional and mental health. When purpose is suppressed for long periods, women often experience restlessness, grief, or a quiet sense of loss. Wellness invites you to hold calling gently—not as press...