Kara's Soft Words

PC: The Storyteller Co./Morgan Harper Nichols I didn't anticipate writing another post so soon but I have been *positively* overwhelmed by the response to  God Speaking {Even Me} ! I feel like I owed you all somewhat of an explanation as well as some updates 😊. Generally Speaking: I've realized that because I haven't spoken on certain situations that I've experienced or dealt with, some people assume that those things aren't issues for me. (Not true😐.) I want to be honest and transparent so that people understand--> we ALL go through the same types of things. And if my lessons can be blessings for you, so be it. Whenever you read my writing, my prayer is that you feel like I'm a friend, cousin, sister, or just a nice person who simply wants to encourage & inspire you.  Before the Post : I was feeling "some type of way"- for real. . . It caught me off-guard because during the weekend, I felt good! I had posted It Keeps Happening by Kierra ...

"Lord, I hear of showers of blessings Thou art scattering full and free Showers the thirsty souls refreshing Let some drops now fall on me. . . Bless me Protect me Direct me Even me, Lord" {Even Me - Yolanda Adams} "What are you asking for- [right] now?"  My close girlfriend posed the question and I was speechless. "What do you mean?" I asked. We were discussing life and I told her that I was feeling behind. . . that I needed to make progress in order to feel more stable in some areas. "You've already accomplished so much- in a year!" It was hard for me to hear this because I just wasn't seeing it that way, at the moment. She began to list things I had done and I slowly saw the light (lol). She was saying that if I felt like I still wanted or needed things, I should consider what I was asking for. I told her that I didn't know where to start. She caught me off-guard when she said that she wanted to share a scripture with me. It was  J...

Recently, I had the privilege of serving as the Commencement Speaker for Wye River Upper School (Centreville, MD). I hope these words inspire and encourage you. And yes- I've written about lemonade before 😏 . Feel free to check out Strawberry Lemonade (2013) . -------- Good Evening, Mrs. ___, Mrs. ___, Trustees, teachers, families, friends, and most of all- our 2020 graduates. It is an honor to be with you, tonight. While none of us expected the circumstances that we are currently facing, I truly believe these last few months have represented a significant lesson. . . Sometimes LIFE simply does not go according to our plan. Sometimes it is full of unexpected twists and turns. One of my mentors recently posted a thought that I would like to share with you. “It’s not about the hand you are dealt; it’s the cards you choose to play.” That is the basis of tonight’s speech. Many of you already know me but for those who are unfamiliar, please allow me to provid...

A couple of nights ago, I was watching tv when I started thinking about credit. . . I'm not referring to credit in the financial sense but public acknowledgement or praise, typically given or received when a person's responsibility for an action or idea is made apparent (Dictionary.com) . I thought about it from a few different angles. . . 1.) As a writer, it bothers me when I see people post or share thoughts as if they've come up with original creations when, in actuality, they simply aren't citing the source. {In general, I believe that people should be acknowledged for their work.} 2.) However, I realize that there are times when the work someone has done may be more important than putting the spotlight on the person who is responsible for it. 3.) Most importantly. . .  I never want to take credit for anything that God has done or will do- especially when it's obviously something that only He could do. #3 really stuck with me as I turned ...

Sometimes. . . our best days are unexpected/unplanned. That's what I was reminded of as I wrapped up my Christmas Break in Maryland. After almost an entire year in Texas, I finally was able to make my way back and spend some time with loved ones. (I'd seen my immediate family- multiple times since moving though😉.) Anyway. . . during my last day in Maryland, I had a few non-negotiable errands to run and stops to make but I decided to be somewhat  spontaneous as well. After visiting a member of my family's church and then surprising 2 of my dear friends, I headed to my favorite location in Chestertown- the dock at the end of High Street. Most people know that that has been my relaxing/regrouping spot (for years). The water is calming to me so there have been many times that I would drive down there- just to sit and think. Although January 3, 2020 was gloomy, I still decided to head down and check it out. As I parked, I noticed a young woman. And as I wa...

Faith. . . Family. . . Food. . . Football. Those are the main things that come to mind when I think of him. Once I finally got to know Mr. Darryl "Bubba" Simmons, I quickly gave him the nickname "Uncle B." He was so loving and kind yet protective that he seriously reminded me of my uncles. I had heard about "Bubba" (and his cooking) for years but it seemed as though I was the last (or next to last) person in my family to meet him. I remember totally understanding the 'hype' when I first tried one of his dishes. . . His meals were always full of flavor and love. And I truly enjoyed seeing him in action with his family! They clearly respected each other and had a great system that had customers coming back for more and even marking their calendars- months in advance when they announced special events. I think it's safe to say that food sparked my father's friendship with Uncle B but it quickly became apparent that they definitely...

". . .  God is always working  on our behalf, even when we fail to see it . He has a  perfect plan , and His  timing  is perfect. . . Don't despise your off-season.  Keep investing  in your call, your gift, your talent, your local church, and the people God has entrusted to your care. It is during this time that  God is usually setting you up  for what is to come."  from Tailor Made by Alex Seeley For a while, I've been trying to articulate this particular stage/time in my life & re-reading those words felt like a true lightbulb moment. "This is it! This is how I'm feeling!"   A couple of weeks ago, I was scrolling through some of my older Instagram posts when I came across my favorite quotes from this amazing book, Tailor Made: Discover the Secret to Who God Made You to Be.   Backstory: Once I truly came to terms with the fact that God was leading me to move to Texas, I decided to focus on se...