Thirteen years ago today I walked through the door of a church building that changed my life forever. It was June of 1996.

Yesterday we celebrated the church’s founder. At the age of 93, wearing a white pin stripped suit, his wavy grey hair, parted and neatly brushed to the side, he slowly walked toward the podium. We stood and we applauded him. [more]

The secretary stood at the door signaling in slow motion. She pretended to speak, mouthing a phrase.

I guessed, silently mouthing back, "Other?"
"No," she nodded.
She purposely pointed at me.
"You," I guessed.
She shook her head, "Yes." [more]

There is a code in the hood: you stay true to where you come from.

The people expect it. Loyalty is not allowed to fade. You love that world and all that comes with it. When you are not a part of that world, then you must be an outsider. [more]

I’ve been trying to find my voice in a world noisy with many tones, accents, and languages, all insisting on being heard. [more]

They say, "You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free." But freedom isn't free at all, it comes at a cost.

The truth can straighten the round band of gold that binds a husband and wife together... when she confesses to being unfaithful.

The truth can unravel the friendship bracelet woven together from a hundred pieces of string at camp ten years ago.

Telling the truth can be terrifying. I know. The palms of my hand sweated as I stood before them. My cue cards were slightly damp, smudging the ink, smearing some of the words I had carefully written. [more]