MEETTA'S READERS - YOUR CONCERN FOR ME

HELLO READERS!

Some of you are very caring and open with your concern for me. I appreciate you.

You have expressed your concern, in light of what I have been moved to share on this site in a variety of Biblical Scriptures, personal stories and poems over the years. Some of you have shown great compassion by saying

"Be careful Meetta, Be careful in what you write and share."

You have said this "because people can be cruel. And somebody, somewhere, in their misery is always lurking about to take something of someone else's and use it against them, even that which is meant for good purposes."

I SAY IN RESPONSE:

THANK YOU Dear readers and friends. Those of you who have taken the time to share your compassion with me. But please do not think me unwise for being bold and courageous enough to use some of my own life to empower others. I have "wise counsel". I have used and will continue to use great wisdom and discernment with what I share. I am not a babe just born and stumbling through this life. If there is something I don't have a peace about sharing, I won't. If there is something I have written and need to retract, I will retract it.

As far as the personal stories I share, I have spent my whole childhood and young adult years living in shame because of what someone else did and said. It had control of me. But I've come to learn over the course of my life, "Whom the Lord sets free is free indeed". Concerned Reader, I WILL NOT LET THE MISERY OF OTHERS PUT ME IN THOSE CHAINS AGAIN!

By the same token, If someone takes ANYTHING I say here, and try and use it against me, then the battle becomes between them and the Lord Jesus Christ! I am a Christ Child. I am a believer and follower of Christ Jesus, even in and because of, all my flaws. But I am striving. The bottom line is, I have accepted Jesus as the Lord of my life. I have put my life into his hands. So for that, He will "raise up a standard against the enemy" on my behalf. Lord! May God help them, because what I share, is for the purpose of building others up and that they may have Godly peace and healing in their lives. It is my hope that they use what they read here, in my life stories and come to know Jesus and God for themselves! So, if someone comes against me for righteousness sake, then the Lord will protect me. Just as he has protected me all these years from letting the ways of this world destroy me.

It was determined for my life, by the Grace of God, that not only should I survive the madness that was bestowed against me, but that I should become a victor over it! Not only for my benefit, but to the benefit of others and ultimately to the glory of God. I thank God for his new mercies and protection by acknowledging him openly, through sharing my stories and strength. So, I say Again...

I will not let the misery of others determine the direction of my life.

But I hear you all!

"People will gossip, even whisper behind your back discussing you!". As it has been both told to me and something I've experienced for myself. They will even go so far as to sneak around you to find out more about you to talk about! I've dealt with that before too!

For example, someone at work who was nosey like that was lurking around me and a buddy during a lunchtime conversation. This person just kept easing around us trying to hear what they could hear. Knowing full well they didn't care about either one of us otherwise! People do that kind of stuff all the time!

Some people even get to the point that they end up putting alot of energy into you andyour stuff! Even reveling in your pain and misfortune. Sometimes I get frustrated about why some people don't get that they can experience the same healing power and freedom that Jesus promises and continues to perform in others lives! Gods power can out weigh any problem or stronghold that you have.

But Misery...loves company and it doesn't care who it uses to get that company! And it's never satisfied. So it keeps seeking. It's fights back hard, fooling people into thinking they are OK! That they don't have to change because the problem is not with them! That the problem is

with everybody else! Which is all a lie, because not one person on this earth is completely free of flaws and things that cannot be made better in them! Nevertheless,

In spite of and despite misery's attacks, I will press on in the work encouraging on my blog site. And f

or the sake of easing your mind with the purpose of sharing like I do here, with you all, please read the following.

Acts 4 :3-4

"They seized Peter and John, and because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. But many who heard the message believed and the number of men grew to about five thousand."

FOOTNOTES

ACTS 4:3-4

"Seldom will sharing the gospel send us to jail as it did Peter and John. Still, we run the risk in trying to win others to Christ. We might be willing to face a night in jail if it would bring 5,000 people to Christ, but shouldn't we also be willing to suffer for the sake of even one?

What do you risk in witnessing--Rejections, persecution?

Whatever the risks, realize that nothing done for God is ever wasted."

I love you Dear Readers for your concern.

It brings Joy to my heart, a smile to my face and tears to my eyes.

THANK YOU ever so much!

May the Peace and Grace of God be forever upon you!

May he honor your concern, for even me.

Meetta J. Martin

MEETTA TALKS-MY UNCLE BILL / WE MUST PRAISE...

The song ... "WE MUST PRAISE"

is dedicated to my UNCLE ~

WILLIAM "BILL" WEBB, Detroit, Michigan

& to my cousin "Lish"

"Cous' get with it & share those godly gifts more. Don't stifle yourself. DO YOUR JOB, ARTIST!"

WE MUST PRAISE!

Song By J Moss

"If I were a drummer, I would use my cymbals"....

IF I WERE A WRITER, I WOULD USE MY PENCIL.

I would use my voice, if I were a singer

NO MATTER WHO OR WHAT WE ARE WE MUST PRAISE."

If was a Doctor, I would use my research.

A prolific dissertation, if I was a speaker.

I would use my hands, if I were a Potter.

No matter who or what were are, we must praise

And let the people of God bless,

Let his praises ring with

Le them ring in Love and truth.....

With our gifts we exalt thee,

Merciful, Wonderful, God."

"Do your job writer!" Uncle Bill said to me about a month ago, when he was much healthier. "Do your job and write. Write 100%, full capacity. Some people (in the family) don't understand your writing. They don't know why you write like you do." (Along with writing inspirational, encouraging poetry and short stories, I've written about the dark side of my life. I've written about the physical, emotional and sexual abuse I sustained as a child by the hands of my mother and 3 of my 4 brothers.) Uncle Bill went on to say, "If you do your job half way, then they will half way understand it. You...have something to say. You have a whole lot of something to say about whatever. I can't tell you what it is, but

I know I need (been meaning) to tell you this. So say it! And don't hold nothing back!"

When Uncle Bill heard that my son was a passionate writer too, he said

"good, he can learn too". And he looked over at me as best he could while laying in his hospital bed. And said, "I hope you hear me."

What Uncle Bill didn't know was I was struggling with my writing at the time he said this. I was questioning it's purpose for one thing! But when you feel God telling you to do something, to your benefit, its best to be obedient and do it! I heard "write your feelings down" all those years ago. Nearly two years ago, Inside of myself, I heard, "write articles". I waited and I didn't know anything about a "blog". I even questioned "what would I write that somebody would read and need?" See, folks. The idea of writing like I have been came for somewhere else.

prayed, for two months until the answer of how to do it, what to write them all fell into place. See, God's word doesn't change! My uncle was on to something. I was struggling and because it was him just out to the blue like that...It got my attention.

Today, I went to see him again, this time Uncle Bill can't speak too much. He cant' sit up. He looks very, different. Not the wide eyed, lively figure I was just speaking to not so long ago. This time, I spoke to him, held his hand, leaned in and told him I will do what he said." I will "do my job." The weird thing, it really isn't! At least, not the kind of job you thinking. Up to this point, besides dispensing numerous amounts of my first books several years ago, I haven't gotten paid for what I'm doing. Writing for me is out of obedience and appreciation.

In our last conversation, I told my Uncle I am a Christ follower. A sound Believer in God and his principles, which is how I live my life and teach my son. Because of my faith system, is how I write what I write about! I write about God being real! I write about issues that concern Men,Women and children, all of society! I write things that challenge, inspire, comfort, things that also add wisdom and power to ones life. I do that by using my own experiences as well as those of around me! It is not my intent to glamorize or keep dredging up my past and abuse. Inspite of my past, I am a tough, kind, loving, forgiving, smart, brave gifted, child f God who understands purpose and Destiny! I also understand that because God had use of me later in my life, (if only to make the way for healing to the line of people whose blood runs through my veins) something and someone was trying to destroy me when I was young, but I'M STILL HERE! And Jesus, by the might of God has given me the blessed gifts and tools of a passionate, compassionate, strong heart, sound mind, along with the ability of writing and speaking to be sued for mine and somebody else's benefit." Because I hadn't been around much, he hadn't a chance to see and know these things for himself. So, I wonder, when my uncle called me out as a Writer, what did he know?

Why was he so given over to saying that to me about my writing? Especially considering, like I said, I haven't gotten paid for writing what I present to you all! Many people have not yet even heard of me! And by gifting and opportunity, I am a Professional Story Teller and Public Speaker at a local venue. I write in my own time without fanfare! But I view my writing as a gift from God, because I remember how it came to me, this ability! It was a gift to me first to FIND MY VOICE and be free. Through writing, I found my way! Writing has also become my way of celebrating God, the fact that he loves me and is so mindful of me. I celebrate speaking out of instead of quietly letting life run over me. But my uncle said he didn't know all of this about me. So what did he know? And why would he say what he said?

See Dear Reader, my uncles strong, odd words of encouragement really was saying something to me! It's not like my uncle and I spoke often. In fact, I hadn't spoken to him since last March, 2010 at a family birthday party. And not much more before that! No fault of his. The fault was mine. As I got older, the more I stayed away from my entire family line because of the abuse by my mother and 3 of my brothers. The questions, the stares, the rumors, the gossip, the condemnation relatives bestowed upon me without knowing the full truth! It got worse when I got older. The ridicule, the hurt, the whispering followed me at every family reunion, family wedding, family BBQ, or house gathering and family relationship I tried participate in. Rather than focus on the child molesters, the rapist and neglectful parent that still sits amongst them at family reunions and such, the attention was hoisted onto my shoulders as the problem. What can a 5 year old do to entice any body especially a brother want to have sex with them?

I later learned that my brother Verdon "Donnie" was using me to hurt my mother and Dad. I was a pawn for their hurt. Iv'e since come to understand that "HURTING PEOPLE, HURT PEOPLE." Healthy Joyful people don't hurt others. They spread Joy and health which is the other side of hurt, misery and pain. You give what is inside of you to give. You can't give that which you don't have! Donnie is the one who turned my other two brother s on me. My mother hated me for her own reasons. After my Dad left her, "I remember her telling me,

"You look just like him. He spoiled you. You was his baby girl."

When I was a kid, my mother and my brothers all told me "I was nothing," That my life was a waste and nobody would ever love me. I was 11 years old, when my oldest brother David, surrounded by two of my other brothers James and Dede, had me put my fingers around one of my breast on the outside of my shirt and measure. Then, he told me this. He said, " You will be just like Mom, a prostitute. Nothing! You are going to have many children and your life will be a waste." I just stared in disbelief and tears started to stream down my face. I stared at all of them , but particularly, my oldest brother David, because to me, my oldest brother had been my hero, JUST BECAUSE he never came into my room or touched me like the others did.

The lies my mother and brothers told over the years were relentless. The deeds my mother did to cover their own fiendish acts of physical, emotional and sexual abuse that started when I was 5 years old and continued through age of 12. I fought off two of my brothers until I was 15. The neglect by my mother ended when I was 15, when she put me in the hospital and the hospital rescued me from her. But as an adult, for forgiveness sake I let them in again. It was THEE WORST MISTAKE, I've ever mad IN MY ENTIRE LIFE! It cost my son grief as well. So, now that I'm older, stronger, wiser, better so much better, I have nothing to do with my immediate family. There are some people that you get a peace about letting go of! But unfortunately, other relatives became casualties of the pain as well. My uncle and I never got to talk about that specifically in our last conversation. I only go to say, it was my pain that form growing up the way I did, surrounded by who I was surrounded by, that now gave me the strength to move on. Unfortunately, my uncle, my son and I missed out on each other. My son hardly knows anybody in our blood line. I wanted to protect him form the stuff he would hear and have him grow to know his mother on his own. I failed! I wasn't strong enough to keep him away form the main ones, I needed most to protect him from!

Not having the memories with my uncle that many were speaking of yesterday at the hospital, all I have is this. The last conversation and the promise I made to him while he laid there suffering. So, that's what makes what he said to me a month ago, all the more intriguing and sweet! I will do my best in getting in doing my job in my writing. But to please God, not my uncle. For some reason though, Uncle Bill felt the need to say what he did. Of all the things he could have said to me. Why he said what the did, in that moment of his life? I went to see him after my Aunt told me he was in the hospital and he called my name. (When you are separated from our family, you miss out on things. Sometimes, for whatever reason, those that can contact me, don't always. Usually, I find stuff out months or years later). That's an inevitable result of losing family. Anyway, he called some others too that he wanted to see, but the fact remains...he called out mine too!

He spoke of my son and he got to see us both. All three of us were much better after that visit. He got to tell us what was on his mind for us. My son, Brad and I are both very glad we went to see him! My Uncle said "WRITER DO YOUR JOB! MAKE THEM UNDERSTAND AND SEE WHAT YOU ARE SAYING." I don't know why he said that?

I also don't know what is to come of what I have so boldly written, without shame in what started out be a tribute to my Uncle! I don't know. I don't know,

But to God be the Glory!

On 3/18/2011 I GOT THE MESSAGE THIS MORNING that at 4:15 AM,

My Uncle Bill PASSED AWAY.

In that same conversation with him a month ago, he also told me and my son Brad,

"Don't have regrets" Whatever it is that you need to do, DO IT!

Wherever it is that you said you want to go, GO THERE!".

No matter how small or big the thing is that you want to do, DO IT! Because time will run out on you.

Have no regrets!"

"No matter who and what we are,WE MUST PRAISE."

MEETTA'S READERS - YOUR THOUGHTS

HELLO READERS,

Editors Letter:

Greetings.

I just wanted to take a moment to say Hello and Welcome some new followers of my blog, though I only have a few followers listed. But according to my stats, I see that many more of you are reading! Whether you are a follower or not, I am just glad that you have stopped by to check out what I've been sharing lately. I want to know your thoughts.

As always, I try and write things that are thought provoking. I write on subject matter that aims to challenge you as well as inspire you. And whether you are a follower, a closet reader, an avid reader or a random passerby on your way to another site, I just want to extend my thanks for whatever time you are here. And whatever your reasons are for reading my blog posts, I have confidence that you leave away with something that challenges you to open your mind and think on things in ways you never have before! You might not want not admit it openly as a "follower", but I believe in the power of what I write about. I am also one who truly understands the Power of words. So, a toast! Here, is to hoping that perhaps what you have read and will read on this site, has or will add to the betterment of you! And to me.

And if my writings have proved to do just that, challenged you, encouraged or inspired you, feel free to post a comment. Let me know your thoughts. In order to leave your comment, you have to be a signed in member of google or a member of another social network for this option to work. Another option is just to send your e-mail to me at: meetta@hotmail.com and label it,

"MS. MEETTA'S BLOG". I will be sure to get it.

Thanks again, for Reading Ms. Meetta's Blog.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely, Meetta Martin

MEETTA TALKS - "STRIP ME"

**To listen to the video music, take these few quick steps first.

First, Click the (play) triangle, (pause it), then click it again. This will get the sound quickly buffered. Wait for a few moments, then it will begin. When you see the red line at the bottom of the video grow dark all the way across, click the play button again and it will play without stopping until the song is completed. After that, if you want to replay, just click the replay and it will begin right away because it's already buffered.

Hey Readers,

Lately, I've been writing about finding your voice and how I found mine.

Often, I find music that echoes or strengthen what I'm saying in my writings as I am moved to post them on my blog. I do this also to entertain you while you read, as well as give you further insight into who I am. In fact all of the music on this site is intended to do that. That's why its such a variety of music. It's funny. As much as my writings cause me to come to life, if you will, so does the music I choose also. When I find a song that is fitting, I'll play them over an over again while I'm typing. It keeps my juices flowing and ideas come to me that way too. It's a real show I tell you.

You should see me, I type to the rhythm! Though not yet an accomplished musician, I use my key pad as my piano. My fingers move very swiftly and to time! The computer keypad is my instrument of choice. Unlike a singer, who uses music and a microphone to get heard, the computer and it's components are apart of what I use to get mine heard. And while the music plays as I am inspired, I move my arms and bounce in my seat. Sometimes, I just go ahead, get up and cut loose, dancing until it's out of me. You should see it Reader! You laugh, but I can really move! (Ha, Ha) Anyway, I tell you what I go through while typing to paint a picture that you can see. I am a very passionate person in what I believe and in what adds life to me. I do so hope that you are as inspired as much as I am, by some of what you read and hear on this site. That's all I have to say really except, Find your voice!

AND DON'T LET ANYONE TAKE IT FROM YOU! Thanks for listening.

"STRIP ME"

Song co-written and performed By Natasha Bedingfield.

From the Movie "Morning Glory" soundtrack

*(Some of my favorite verses, that are closest to me form this song.)

"Every day I fight for my all future somethings.

A thousand little wars I have to choose between....

......

....And if you strip me, strip it all away, what will you find... I'll be alright.

Take what you want....

build me up or cut me down to size,

...Shut me out, but I'll just scream!

"I'm only one voice in a million,

BUT YOU AIN'T TAKING THAT FROM ME!"

You ain't taking that from me. You ain't taking that from me!

"I don't need a microphone to say what I been thinking.

My heart is like a loud speaker that's always on 11

and if you strip me...

strip it all away...I'm still the same...

....

...at the end of the say, it's what you do and say

that makes you who you are....Think about it....

Sometimes all it takes is 1 voice

TAKE WHAT YOU WANT... steal my pride..."

...

but I'll just scream!

I'm only 1 voice in a million!

BUT YOU AIN'T TAKING THAT FROM ME!

No, you ain't taking that from me!

TeEn SpEaK - FIND YOUR VOICE!, 1 of 2

TEEN SPEAK,

Is where I write about what concerns young people and what concerns adults about young people! This includes character building traits, self-esteem issues, peer pressure, loneliness, shyness...you name it!

Young People,

Yo! What's up? How you been? What's happening? What up doe? How's it going?

How you doing? Heyyyy!

.....Did I cover all the latest greetings?

If I left any popular greetings out, feel free to let me know. I will surely use it in my next greeting to you. Understand, your response to this column is very important, as it is dedicated to you. So, I want to create an environment in it, that you can feel comfortable.

My TEEN SPEAK, column is dedicated to you because I strongly and very passionately believe that young people should be given as much encouragement to find and lift their voice to be heard as much as possible! As much as possible! In spite of the outdated saying that "children should be seen and not heard." Because of the growing evil against children, children can't afford to be silent!" And I have my personal reasons for believing so strongly in that.

See, I was a Foster kid, made that way when the court took me out of my home at 15 years old as a rescue mission. The home they took me out of, my family home, was an abusive one. One where on my own, I could not escape. Though during those years prior to my rescue, I tried to tell others of my situation despite threats from my abusers, who were in turn were my mother and 3 out of 4 of my brothers. Despite the fact that I went to teachers, my Grandmother, friends, who tried to tell their parents...no one really listened. Many adults didn't want to get involved, not even my own Aunts and uncles!

Somebody! A neighbor, a teacher, Relatives... they had to know my mother, their sister, daughter, neighbor, had horrible, overwhelming issues! I knew, at least, for my relatives to be true, because as a child, I heard them talking. When I would visit my grandmother's and my Aunts homes, I would hear them talking about my mother. As an adult, some of them have told me things they knew was wrong! Maybe they didn't know the full story, but they knew something wasn't quite right with. I was told that they had their own children and they didn't want to get involved in our stuff. Some said they really didn't know how deep it went, that they just heard rumors throughout the family. I'm like, "didn't you pay attention to my tears when you would take me back to her! I fought to not get out of the car! I remember calling my Grandmother crying to send someone to come get me. I was hungry and tired. Are you kidding me?"

Didn't they know my brothers were running wild? One was in and out of juvenile and jail. One got hooked on drugs as a teen and still struggles. One has never really left my mothers side and still lives with her at 44 years of age, in part because he's really not in good health. My older brother lives out of town with his wife. They are happy, but even he and I remain disconnected because he supports my mother out of loyalty that I believe is deeply rooted in pity, even to this day! He often lets his regard for her be the basis of his views of me, which is not a good thing. He felt that I should have just kept my mouth shut and focus on our mothers pain, instead of my own. See, trying to silence the voice that I had been given. Anywayyyyy!

Young people, let this be a lesson to you, FIND YOUR VOICE!

And NEVER let anyone take it from you!

My immediate family is the reason why I have tried to do right by my son, who is now 20. Though I am my mother's daughter, I am not like my mother. It was from watching and suffering her that I decided what kind of woman I was and was not going to become. It is also greatly because of my brothers, my mothers sons, that I look out for my son like I do!

I give my son what he and I call, "Life Lessons".

It's wisdom, Knowledge and common sense tips with which to arm himself with and spend a whole lot of time communicating with him as much as I do! I have taught him to use his voice. Especially the one that comes through his mouth! Speak up! Speak up when you have thoughts to share. Don't quench them! Especially when you feel wronged! You don't owe anybody your pain. You don't owe anybody THAT, I tell him!

So you young people can get a full understanding of my what lead to find my voice,

I will tell you a bit more of my journey. In Foster Care they had to help me through a bevy of problems. One of which was my education, of course.

In Jr. High I was sent to the school social worker because I was doing so poorly.

I went from an A & B student to a F student in just a few short months. I was the spelling B champ and kept throwing matches. And my teacher knew I enjoyed learning and taking part in those spelling bees!

It was tough being my mothers child. For years, I felt I was being punished for something that I could never understand. She just took herself away from me. Being the only girl in the family, that was hard to deal with! There was no one healthy for me to relate to in my household. My mother wasn't doing my hair. My mom used to send me to the beautician, but she stopped. One time her and her boyfriend tried to perm my hair and ruined it. She sent me to school like that anyway. It was terrible!

It was so bad the teachers took notice and sent me to the office to try and help. You couldn't get a rake through that! My aunt saw me walking to school one morning, (as she lived in the same neighborhood) and brought me into her home to try and make something of it. She did my hair the best she could. It was so thick and tight! Ugh!!

With some clothes in a big black garbage bag, I later "ran away" to my Aunt's house, but she sent me back the next morning. I gave up after that point. I wanted somebody to pay attention! I wanted the people who had the power to do something, to look and see, come to my house, but they weren't listening.

I failed the 7th grade twice, on purpose! It was so bad that I remember the principle and the school Social Worker (Mrs. Jones) working frantically on how to save me from myself. They kept telling me at the end of the school year, to just come to class on exam day. When I got there, they instructed me to just put my name on the paper and they would pass me. NOPE! I REFUSED.

I still hadn't gotten the real saving that I needed!

*(Please don't do this to yourselves young people. I am not trying to encourage you in self-destructive behaviour. I am only illustrating my pain for the sake of taking you on my journey of how I found my voice and how I followed it as a pathway up and out! Other wise, I wouldn't have included this. OK?) M.

Part II is directly following part I.

So stay tuned and FIND YOUR VOICE!

Meetta

TeEn SpEaK - FIND YOUR VOICE!, 2 0f 2

Welcome Back,

For part 2 of 2, of "FIND YOUR VOICE"

FOSTER CARE: My JOURNEY

In Foster Care, I was moved to a safe, nice home with caring people. I had a nice room, decent food. I was immediately tested for placement in school. Too bright to be made to repeat 7th grade and at age 15, nearly 16. I was taken into St. Martin De Porres High School in Detroit, Michigan. Having never even seen 8th grade, I was placed in the 9th grade. The school officials felt that, though I tested high, I didn't have the experience of 8th grade, which would have made my transition into high school much easier. That putting me in the 10th (which was my correct grade at the time), would have doomed me to fail. Still, having them taking such a chance on me like that was a major coup! Because it not only tested my will, it tested the schools as they were a school of excellence! If this got out back then, that they were helping me like that and then this "experiment" failed, how would that effect their reputation? I felt the pressure all the way through. Believe THAT!

BUT IN THE BEGINNING, the pressure was just to get in! Mainly because of my track record. With several meetings with all the heads of the school, me and my Foster Guardians kept hoping. And Oh my God, Father in heaven, it was tense! I remember that! See, St.Martin De Porres was school of excellence. It was a Semi-private school, in an urban setting that still had an excellent reputation for preparing young students for college and to productive citizens. We all had to participate in volunteering, somewhere. Usually it was at Focus Hope because Father Cunningham was the Director there and he was a major part of St. Martin De Porres.

St. Martin De Porres, held parents accountable.

Even though tuition was required, that didn't get your parents or your guardians off the hook from having to attend Parent /Teacher conferences. And if they missed too many, the student was regrettably expelled. TRUST ME! MY GUARDIANS didn't miss ANY of the meetings! They worked too hard to get me in there in the first place! They tried to give me a good chance to make it. That school played a big part too in the growth of my voice. The people, the curriculum, it challenged me. Those four years were hard for me, but because of them, my voice grew louder and louder. My writings, self-esteem and confidence grew stronger and stronger. Not only was I Prom Queen, in 1987, I graduated on the honor roll and received the Principals Award. The highest award you could get from St. Martin De Porres (as was told to me by Principal Hughes, at the time). It was an honorable achievement because it was given to the most improved Graduating over their time there. And to my surprise, I got it! Geez, talk about a confidence booster and Mrs. Rosa Parks was there too as an invited guest! What a day to remember for a broken, nearly destroyed gift to the world. At least a gift to somebody, as I believe all children start out to be.

I was fortunate that in Foster Care, I was surrounded by some pretty amazing, safe caring people. I am aware that that is not always the case! They took care of me. Even battling me to take care of me! I was given counseling and time to heal. I found strength there and I also found my voice. In Foster care is where I learned to pray on my own. I learned that God hears and is actively caring for us. During that time, I learned I had voice, a beautiful voice that deserved to be heard. And understand, the beauty I am referring to doesn't necessarily have anything to do with a wonderful sound coming out!

The beauty I am referring to is the freedom of speaking up and out. Free yourself! And what you just might find is that, what you have isn't even just for you! That it can be used for a much larger purpose. Understand, if you use that God given form of expression, whatever it is that helps you find your voice, (minus self-destructive things, of course) it can be a HUGELY IMPORTANT and magnificent key to your healing. A key that could lead you into your future purpose. Somehow, someway, you will find yourself prospering because of it. I am not just talking money either. There are other ways. You may just find your gifting encourages others in a great way! Perhaps, encouraging them to find their voice. But first, finding your voice is about your freedom.

FINDING MY VOICE

My voice came through the form of writing. And writing for me, was an answer to a prayer. I remember praying to God, (as I had attended vacation Bible school, church after school etc. I had come to believe that there was a Loving God who cared). At 15, and still not trusting anyone at that point, I remember praying in my room. It started on a warm August day in 1984, and I could see the other girls of the house playing Volleyball in the yard, from my bedroom window. I wasn't comfortable there yet so the staff allowed me a few weeks to get my bearings. I needed something more than games, I needed an outlet where I could get out what had been pent up in me for so long. I needed the freedom of expressing myself without the threats of punishment, shame or death that hung over my head form the hands of my abusers.

I SO MUCH needed that precious gift of freedom, of safety, of Joy, laughter, open conversation, which had been taken from me for so long.

So, alone in my room, in my new Foster Care Home, I prayed! I prayed for an outlet. I had so much to say, it was bursting from the seams! I literally felt like I was going to combust from carrying so much inside. And the answer I kept getting was "write your feelings down." The more I prayed, the louder that answer got inside of me.

"Write your feelings down."

And to be honest with you, at 15 years of age and having heard how powerful God is, I thought my answer was going to come through some bigger way.

Like maybe he would've sent a bird to land on my window sill and sing to me or send lightening bolts right down the middle of the street or sent dark clouds overshadowing everything accompanied by claps of Thunder that would ring out over the neighborhood in answer to my prayer. These things didn't happen, but Believe me, I was watching for it everyday!

You laugh, but it's true! It's alright. I'm laughing right along with you. Seriously I am!

In any case, I just kept hearing, "Write your feelings down." I prayed for 3 whole weeks straight, every day and every day for 3 whole weeks, I got the same answer.

After the three weeks in frustration and watching, I gave in! I started writing my thoughts and feelings about my life up to then. At first, I was afraid to write too much, thinking if someone found my journal, they would not understand and I'd be criticised. The funny thing was, I discovered the more I wrote, the more

I wanted to write! And the more I wanted to write, I also discovered the more

I needed to write. It was then that I also discovered that...

God doesn't do anything small. "Cause along with my words, I noticed melodies started coming up and out me right along with them. WOW! That nearly blew my mind. I was encouraged to keep writing my feelings down and singing my tunes, if only to myself. My Foster family recognized that I had started to smile and celebrated when they first heard me laugh. It had been about 2 or 3 months after I got there, by then. Boom! I had truly discovered, my voice!

To this day, it's not much that will keep me from writing for too long. Not even sickness!

As I am recovering from a bout with terrible dehydration that caused such pain in my joints, muscles, my head, just all through my body! My legs felt like cement. I am battling nausea still. I had the chills and then the sweats off and on. In the beginning, it hurt so bad that even when I took a step, I could feel it pounding through my body. My head would throb, the pain would freeze me right in my step! This is day 7th day of recuperation. Still not 100 %. I can sit up longer, the pain is not as bad. I don't have the chills or sweats anymore. Still, I gotta write!

It's like a part of me is missing, if I don't!

I gotta tell you this, my son has been a great help taking care of me through these past few day, even with my writing. While I dictated, he even typed some of my article about Mr. Peabody's Apples. I spoke until I grew too tired to talk, which wasn't long. But like I said, when I'm not writing, I often feel like an important part of me is missing. Since that time when I was 15, I have always felt like writing and writing (speaking) the way I do is a gift to me, Blessed (gifted to me) by God. Writing is a HUGE part of who I am and was made to be. And it's good for me that my son understands the power of finding your voice as he is a great writer too and graphic artist! His writings are totally different than mine, but he respects my use of mine and uses his voice just as much.

Whether you are in pain like I was or not, I hope this column helps you to find your voice as I found mine, or at least use it! So, I've dedicated this column to the things important that are important to young people. Those above 9 years of age up through 22. My own 20 year old son has read the articles in this column, with his approval. Often times, he gives me thoughts to interjects, he will proof read, and even brainstorm with me to get it done. So, let it rip yall! Come on and give me your topic suggestions, your ideas of article that you want to see me write. Beyond that, I'm also going to do something new on here, just to encourage you to use all the vehicles available to you as well as Teen Speak.

I am offering you the ability to send me your own articles about what types of things concern young people and I will post it. AS LONG AS, it is not offensive to any particular ethnic, economic or religious group, for starters. So let's just start there. Send your articles to me by e-mail at meetta@hotmail.com and label them, articles for TEEN SPEAK. Also understand that all articles are open to my editing. As this is my post and I have to utilize discernment, I retain the right to edit what you would like to post on this site. So, OK then. Well, lets get writing and vocalizing.

STILL READING?

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?

GOODBYE ! Waiting to hear from you, Love Meetta

Men, Women & children- The POWER OF WORDS, 1 of 2

Welcome Readers!

Welcome to all things concerning Men, women & Children.

Today's topic is "The Power of Words". For this article, I am bringing in the big guns!

One of which, is my son, Brad. The other big gun, is a children's story written by a big named personality. The name of the author is not the subject of this article, is why I don't reveal it at the beginning of the story. The BIG DEAL, is the lessons that come from the book. Not so much as who wrote it, as it is used here for the sake of this article!

My son, Brad, wrote this intriguing thought on the book that this article mentions and is written around.

"This is a story that transcends the limits of age and teaches a very valuable lesson that everyone should learn and keep dear to their hearts. "

Brad C. R. Martin

MR. PEABODY'S APPLES

Written by ....

Illustrated Loren Long

IN THE TOWN OF HAPPVILLE... (which wasn't a very big town),

Mr. Peabody was congratulating his little league team on a great game.

They had not won, but no one really cared because they'd had such a good time playing. Mr Peabody was history teacher at the local school and during the summer, he dedicated every Saturday to organizing baseball games with the other schools.

Billy little (who wasn't very big boy) was one of Mr. Peabody's students. He loved baseball more than anything, and he thought Mr. Peabody was the greatest. After each game, Billy would always help to pick up all the bats and balls. And when they were finished, Mr. Peabody would smile and say, "Thanks, Billy, good job. I'll see you next Saturday."

Then he would start his walk home along the main street of Happville (which wasn't a very big street) waving hello to everyone he knew, and everyone would wave hello back. Along the way, he always passed Mr Funkadeli’s Fruit Market. Here Mr. Peabody would stop and admire Mr. Funkadeli’s fresh apples. He would pick one the shiniest apple, drop it in his bag and continue on his way.

Across the street, Tommy Tittlebottom watched with curiosity as Mr. Peabody walked away with the apple. "That's strange, " Tommy said to himself.

"Mr. Peabody didn't pay anyone for that apple."

Tommy got on his skateboard and rushed to tell his friends.

The following Saturday, Mr. Peabody's team played another game and they lost (as usual), but no one seemed to care because they had such a good time playing. Billy picked up the balls and bats, and Mr. Peabody set off on his walk home. He waved to everyone he knew and they waved back. Once gain, he stopped outside Mr. Funkadeli's fruit market, picked up the shiniest apple, dropped it in his bag and continued on his way.

Across the street, Tommy Tittlebottom and his friends were amazed at what they saw. Mr. Peabody and had not paid for the apple. They couldn't wait to tell all of their friends,who told threir parents, who told their neighbors, who told their friends, in the town of Happville (which wasn't a very big town).

The Saturday after that, Mr. Peabody was standing all alone on the baseball field, wondering where everybody was.

Then he saw Billy walking towards him with a sad look on his face.

"Hello, Billy.

I am glad you're here, but where is the rest of the team?" asked Mr. Peabody.

Billy remained silent. What is it, Billy?" he asked again.

Billy didn't look up. "Everybody thinks you're a thief, " he said to the ground.

Mr. Peabody looked confused. He took off his hat and scratched his head.

"Who says I am a thief, Billy? And what did I steal?" he asked.

"Tommy Tittlebottom and his friends said they saw you take an apple from Mr. Funkadeli's fruit market, twice, and they said you didn't pay for them", answered Billy.

"Ahh," said Mr. Peabody, putting his hat back on his head. "Let's go and talk to Mr. Funkadeli about it, shall we?"

Billy and Mr. Peabody walked down the main street (which wasn't a very big street) and

Mr. Peabody waved to all the people he knew, but now some of them did not wave back and some pretended they didn't even see him.

They finally arrived at Mr. Funkadeli's fruit market.

Out popped Mr. Funkadeli, who said "Hey, what are you doing here, Mr. Peabody?

Why aren't you at the game?" "There wasn't a game today, " said Mr. Peabody, "and I was wondering if I could take my apple earlier than usual?

"Sure, why not?" replied Mr. Funkadeli.

"You pay for them every Saturday morning when you pick up your milk, so you can take them when you like. You want the big shiny one, Mr. Peabody?"

Mr. Peabody took his apple, smiled and offered it to Billy.

"I would like to take the apple, Mr. Peabody, but

I have to go and find Tommy and explain everything," said Billy.

"When you find him, ask him to come over to my house. I would like to speak to him, too, " replied Mr. Peabody."

A little while later, Billy found Tommy and told him what had happened wit the apples. He told Tommy that Mr. Peabody wanted to speak to him right away. So, of Tommy ran and when he arrived, he rang the doorbell. Mr. Peabody came to the door. They looked at each other for a while. "Oh dear, Mr. Peabody, " said Tommy, on the doorstep. "I didn't understand.

I should not have said what I said, but it looked like you hadn't paid for the apples."

Mr. Peabody's eyebrows went up a little and he felt a warm breeze blow across his face.

"It shouldn't matter what it looked like," he said.

"What matters is the truth."

Tommy looked down at his shoes and said, "I am so sorry.

What can I do to make things better, now?"

Mr. Peabody took a deep breath, looked up at at small cloud int he sky and said, "I'll tell you what, Tommy. Meet me at the baseball diamond in one hour and bring a pillow stuffed with feathers." "OK," said Tommy, who ran off to his house to get a pillow.

An hour later, Tommy met Mr. Peabody on the pitcher's mound.

"Hello Tommy," said Mr. Peabody. "Follow me and bring your pillow."

Tommy followed Mr. Peabody to the top of the bleachers, wondering what this was all about.

It's a windy day, isn't it?" asked Mr. Peabody when they reached the top.

Tommy nodded his head in agreement.

"Here is a pair of scissors," continued Mr. Peabody."

"Now cut the pillow in half and shake the feathers out."

Tommy looked confused, but did it anyway.

He thought this was a small price to pay to gain Mr. Peabody's forgiveness.

The wind carried the thousands of feathers far and wide.

Tommy looked relieved and said, "Is that all I have to do to make things better?"

"There is one more thing," said Mr. Peabody.

Now you must go and pick up all the feathers."

Tommy frowned. "I don't think it's possible to pick up all the feathers, " Tommy replied.

"It would be just as impossible to undo the damage that you have done by spreading the rumour that I am thief," said Mr. Peabody.

"Each feather represents a person in Happville."

There was a long pause as Tommy began to understand what Mr. Peabody was saying.

Finally, he said, " I guess I have a lot of work ahead of me."

Mr. Peabody smiled and said, "Indeed you do. Next time, don't be so quick to judge a person. And remember the power of your words."

Then he handed Tommy the shiny red apple and made his way home.

THE END

Mr. Peabody's Apples

Written By Ms. M.... (Madonna)

*Please see EDITORS NOTE at the bottom.

EDITORS NOTE:

Yes. The author is Madonna. I held it back until the end, yet still making sure to give credit where credit is due, rather than distract you with it in the beginning.

"This is the second of five children's books she's written."

And though I do not support Kabbalah-ism, this story has a significant lessons in it.

Mr. Peabody Apples, was based off a story told by Madonna's Kabbalah teacher.

(This information is in the jacket of the book). Regardless of where this particular story comes from, we can all stand to keep learning!

And by the way, Lessons like those on slander, gossip, forgiveness, discernment, character building and the power of words (though not quite written like this), are also found in Christian teachings, and written throughout the Holy Bible. Which I am a supporter and believer in!

In some ways "we should be like little children,"

this is one of those times.

Be like Tommy Tittlebottom and Billy Litttle, after they learned a very powerful lesson.

Be open, recognize and accept your wrongs, especially when they are shown to you.

Be active in taking responsibility for them and apologize when neccessary.

LEARN FROM YOUR MISTAKES and GROW!

BE a BETTER you! MEETTA