Sunday, March 25, 2012

...lost in love


©2012. Erin’s Echo. Erin Adams-Phillips. All rights reserved. 

I am humbled. I thank God for emotions…being able to feel not being numb...embrace them all—good, bad, happy, sad, anger, hurt…these emotions help me to appreciate when something GREAT happens to me. 

As human beings, we are created in the likeness of God and God is love. So, if I ever feel I am acquainted with someone who feels they cannot love or they do not love, I will quickly dismiss them from my life. 

Blessed! Humbled! Love!
If you cannot love or feel you cannot be loved, you are not human, and I stopped playing with aliens when I was two years of age. Any person who misuses love or abuses love does not belong on the roster of people I communicate with within my circle because I am LOVE. 

I lost myself once in life…for over an entire decade! Then I found myself and became lost in love with the who I am. Eronically, what I have learned is that me falling in love with myself made me a non-participating threat for those who vowed to love me. 

Once you know who you are, the days of wicked intimidation and false security of others are exempt from your life. 

I am lost in love…if loving me is wrong, I don’t want to be RIGHT!


  
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…the measure of time


©2012. Erin’s Echo. Erin Adams-Phillips. All rights reserved.

Often, I hear people say, “Life is short”. Then others contradict it and ask, “Why does God allow suffering so long in this bad world?” Then there are those who say, “Oh, I can’t believe they ended their marriage after 20 years. That’s a long time to be with somebody!” 

Art by Michael Arkhipov
So, do I feel life is short? Do I feel as if we are suffering for a long time? Is 20 years too long to end a marriage? That depends upon the WHO you are and how you measure time. My goal is that this blog will give you a critical look through my eyes and possibly, the eyes of others, in a way that respects individual’s personal beliefs. 

I do not feel that life is short. I feel that most of us wait too long to take advantage of the good that life has to offer; therefore, when badness sets in, some feel there wasn’t time enough in life—though it was self-prolonged and not inhibited by any other factor, except SELF . Most of us spend so much time complaining…not appreciating what we have and searching for things we do not need that we get trapped in a numerical goal—confining ourselves to limits that should be unlimited.  

Is God being selfish by making us suffer the ugliness of this world? God is not selfish. God is not partial. What He does for the righteous, He does for the unrighteous without a second thought. He warned us that Satan had been kicked out of heaven and told us to beware. He gave us warning signs and told us how to endure. He stated that all will know Him…ALL does not mean SOME to God…it means ALL; so, if one of those ALLs does not know Him, this selfless, loving, God is not going to deny that person the chance of knowing Him and taking in accurate knowledge of Him. 

Is 20 years a long time to end a marriage? Depends on who you ask. I know people who have been married 60 years. Look at it this way. Sarah gave birth to Isaac when she was 90 years old…90! Today, we have kids skipping grades in high school—graduating early. There are teenagers with IQ's of 130 or more. We have 40-year olds graduating from college. We have 30-year old grandparents. 

Is life short? Ask a 13-year old who suffers from a terminal illness and battles it daily with the wisdom of an 80-year old and a smile upon his/her face. 

Is God allowing us to suffer?Ask a 50-year old whose mindset was ruined and clouded by drugs, molestation, and abuse, who finally received the right heart condition and mindset to accept the accurate knowledge of God. 

Is 20 years too long to leave a marriage? Ask a wife who has been beat 19 years 362 days of that marriage! Ask a husband who sat at home every night for 15 years wondering if his wife was dead or alive because she has a drug addiction and he wanted to stand by her—until he felt himself dying trying to love and support her…waiting for change! 

Measuring life’s time is not like Algebra and Geometry…there is no equation or formula you can use to determine if it is too long or if it is too short. It is about acceptance, perseverance, long-suffering—endurance. It is personal for you and it is personal for me

The surest formula we have for life’s measure is:

There is only one ALPHA…one OMEGA…one BEGINNING…one END…one FIRST…one LAST…
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…self-evaluate your parenting: for the love a child


©2012.  Erin’s Echo. All rights reserved. 

19 April 1998—the most beautiful little girl was placed into my arms…after 72 hours of hard labor, I held her BRIEFLY and commanded the nurse give her to her father. Within nanoseconds I was asleep and fondly remember waking up in my hospital suite ringing the nurse, “Where is my baby? I want my baby!” I kept her in the room with me all night—adoring her totally!

Being the youngest child of 8 children, I have to admit, I am “kind of” spoiled. Not spoiled in a materialistic kind of way…I didn’t grow up financially rich, only rich by being taught the knowledge of God (that is wealthy) and rich in love. I was spoiled with affection and being told that I can be and do anything I wanted—I was my only limitation.

MyADA--1st born daughter
Once you decide to bring a life into this world, YOU are responsible for that life. That means not only taking care of that child financially—food, clothes, and shelter—it also means YOU are responsible for that child’s emotional and mental well-being. It means that every decision YOU make in life affects that child…it means that YOU can longer be selfish and say, “What about ME?” YOU gave the “all about me” syndrome up when you decided to bring a child into this world. 

In difficult times, especially those of self-destruction, you have to evaluate YOU and stay AWARE…ensure that situations, good for you or bad for you, are not HORRIFIC for your child. Parents claim they will “die for their child”…if someone mess with your child, you are ready to kick ass like there is no tomorrow; yet, YOU will keep your child in an environment that corrupts them both emotionally and mentally. When and where does the cycle end? 

The life you live, would you want that life for your child? If you could bottle the pain you have felt as a child…as a woman, as a man…and break it so that it never reaches your child, would you? Would you protect them at all costs? 

At the age of 10, I can remember my Mahm taking my sister, my brother, and me…loading us into the car…leaving behind all of her material possessions for the sake of her sanity…her life…our emotional and mental protection. She started over…she did not look back. Did it hurt her? YES!!! Did she cry? Many nights. Did she survive? She sure did. 

KerriBerri--my Babygirl
Being a parent means you cannot be selfish…you have to find a way to channel negative energy and unhealthy ways of life into positivity. You have to guide and direct your child by EXAMPLE. Child rearing is the epitome of “monkey see, monkey do! It is that simple. It is not complicated. Children are not BLIND. They see your pain. They feel your hurt. They ARE affected by it.

If you have your child living in an environment that will leave them with permanent scars—whether it be physical, sexual, mental, or emotional—and you are AWARE of this…YOU are the abuser of your child. It is NOT FAIR to them to have to endure abuse and/or neglect because of your selfishness. 

Self-evaluate…get help…take action…and be responsible for all that you do—your child will thank you and most importantly, your child will RESPECT that you loved them enough to deliver yourself and them from evil.

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Monday, March 19, 2012

...the top 5 mistakes females make trying to pursue a relationship


2012©Erin’s Echo. Erin Adams-Phillips. All rights reserved. 

"Correct me if I am wrong; “Think like man act like a lady”, or whatever the title, was written by a man; right? So why are women embracing it? Once again, you are letting the male species think for you like you don't have a brain ~granted all of us have one...some just elect not to use it~. My advice to you is "think for yourdamnself".

I am not the kind of person that does “labels”. In fact, I am totally annoyed by people who allow society to brainwash them into the dysfunctional norms of our era. I am totally allergic to people who cannot think for themselves. You know, that person that sits and tells others the facts ~myths~ of life, and the small-minded person that believes them (not that is not what I am doing ~roll eyes~)? People spend so much time trying to figure out and control someone else’s life, they ruin their own. 

Women fail to realize that we are our own worst enemy and our biggest threat. We put ourselves in positions that open the door to misusings and wrongdoings. Then we damn love and label all men as dogs. Truth is, most often than not, you knew what you were getting into, but wanted a man so badly, you were willing to compromise…even SELF!

Allow me, along with quotes from Nire Smada, to echo the top five (5) mistakes I feel women make trying to get a man. 

“...he was a nothing, a nobody…you made him a something a somebody by asking her was she crushing him…putting your ego out on the limb…knowing he wouldn’t treat you like a gem; so you just invited her to a game of mouse come cat…you aroused her curiosity; girl, why you do that?” ~~from Nire Smada...Sistergurl Seekarets~

MISTAKE # 5— BEFRIENDING THE ENEMY

Making that all-famous attempt to befriend the female you think or know like the man you are trying to land. This is a result of mistake # 4. You may as well invite her to join you in a love triangle. While you are trying to befriend her to see what is going on between her and the man, she has already mapped out a plan to make you look plum stupid and use your own game against you…eventually she wins. Learn the arts of leave well-enough alone and shut-the-hell up. No marriage or relationship is perfect, but we are in control of the shit…if you are gonna stay…shut up! I learned this shit the hard way…tell a trick your problem…she will try to treat your man…keep that shit between you and God…and keep it moving because tricks will follow up on unlimited opportunities! Stop inviting people into a world that doesn’t even belong to you. If the man liked you, you just lost something most men need in a woman…RESPECT!

“Someone don lied to you, gurl…keep your freen close and your enemies closer! Hell, how you know who yo freen? Why you out trying to befreen yo enemy, yo freen befreening yo man! Wid freens like dat, you showl don’t need no enemies!” ~~from Nire Smada...Sistergurl Seekarets~

MISTAKE #4—ASSUMING EVERY FEMALE WANT OLE DUDE

Men and women can be platonic friends. There are some women who have life-long, lasting relationships with a male that are strictly platonic and/or business. A woman can have ZERO interest in a man on an intimate level and you can quickly make her tune into him by asking her if she likes him! NEVER DO THAT! Women are catty creatures. You cannot control what anyone does but YOU. Never confront a female about a man—even if he is your husband! Know your role…know your responsibilities and perform the duties granted unto your role.

“I tried to tell hurr…really, I did. I tried to warn hurr! Menfolk have a bond that most women will never have…it is called a dicktatorship. Be all kindly with his friend trying to get his attention only makes him laugh at you while him and ole boy toasting to how you were too simple for their Kingdom” ~~from Nire Smada...Sistergurl Seekarets~

MISTAKE #3—THE ATTENTION CRY

Don't mind me; I'm just the instigator
I hate to see women do this…as much I try to stay brave and strong, I end up crying. I hurt for them. He hasn’t called. He’s ignoring you. He’s showing someone else some attention…granted it could be innocent…but you suffer from attentionitis. You NEED him to notice you, so you do what only your simple mind knows to do, move on to his friend. Aw, Sweetie…make a U-Turn quick! I don’t care if his friend seems sincere and nice…I don’t care how hot he tells you you are…I don’t care if he tells you his buddy doesn’t deserve a woman of your character…you best believe he on some GAME and can’t wait to sing your praise-NOTs to his boy. Now what’chu gonna do? Call his daddy? I’m just asking…don’t get mad at me…I’m just an instigator for the female species. You have a better chance of blowing up balloons, sticking them in your ear, put on some high waters pants, a dashiki, and jump up and down while yelling, “Look at me; look at me!”

“She quoted me the myth that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach or good sex! ~bwahhaaaaaa~ who da hell told her that? Some old person that’s been divorced since they were 20 and now hitting 75? She should have asked, “Mam, you muss can’t cook or hunch? Wat happened?”  ~from Nire Smada...Sistergurl Seekarets~

MISTAKE #2—LOSING SELF-IDENTITY

Truth is…the way to a man’s heart is to be YOU…be supportive…support their dreams even...if you don’t believe the damn dream can be a reality….chances are, maybe he doesn’t either…but if you don't provide him with positive, intellectual support and feedback, he will long for things that can disrupt your relationship/marriage (by things, I do mean communication and understanding in and for his dreams)…I tell you this…Good cooks can be found in every kitchen and good sex is on every block…don’t fool yourdamnselves into thinking, pushing him away when he needs to be loved is going to work or change him or make him want to pursue a lasting relationship/marriage with you! 

FINALLY, the number one mistake women make in a relationship or trying to land one:

“...she was married...happily...unhappily...don't matter...to her all that mattered was she was MARRIED and she would always HONOR her vows. I told her in 3 languages, "Sistergurl, when you married and you are stroking egos more than you are STROKING...it is way past time to flip from the back stroke to the free-style--I'm all about the Buttlerfly, Baby". Last I heard, she was side stroking...damn shame! ~from Nire Smada...Sistergurl Seekarets~

MISTAKE #1—BEING A SIMPLE UH-HUH GIRL

Being submissive is a beautiful thing. Sadly, many women don’t understand what being submissive entails. Men like to be challenged. If a man asks you, “Isn’t today beautiful, Baby?” and he knows you hate the heat and it is 150 degrees outside and he has his hands all over you…still you respond…ever so lie-ingly, “Yeah baby…beautiful day…I love it…I wish I could jump into the sun!” He is giggling at your ass! “Today was awful today at work! I’m quitting the job tomorrow, I deserve better! You with me baby?”… “I got you, Sweetie…I’m ride or die!”…smh

“WTH, you know I hate the heat! It is beautiful to be here…glad I’m here with you, but it is 150 degrees, too hot for you to be touching all over me” ~roll eyes~.  That can be said in a very loving way… and you may be lifted out of the heat into a cool air-conditioned home to make natural heat! If that fails, I bet you get a good laugh out of him while he stills tries to be Mr. Happy Hands…you got the lead now…run your ass in the house…he is going to follow you…trust me, he’s hot too! 

“With you on what? Quitting your job? SMH, Babe, you deserve better…it is a dead-end job. I hate to see you stressed out about it. I’m with you on doing better for YOU and for US. So, let’s map out a plan; okay? You go to work tomorrow and I know I don’t have to tell you this, but be the man that you are…never let anyone treat you any less than that! I will research some jobs in your field. Submit some resumes and together, we are going to overcome this tiny obstacle. You with me, Babe?” His reply will be a kiss on your submissive lips! Because if your ride or die, uh-huh self let that man quit his job and he can’t find another one and now yawl can’t pay the bills. You just rode stress to the 14th power…and can’t afford to die!

Men need and want mental stimulation; if you can’t think for you, you can’t offer him any direction or guidance. The key to being a good mate is to be an effective communicator. ..knowing how to disagree in a respectful manner…setting your boundaries and sticking to them…being true to yourself! He will respect you for it…and if you are not his wife, you just may get a ring on that finger if that is what you so desire. Try to be the woman that compliments him...he should already be complete...if he isn't, you wasting your time anyway!

Am I right? Could be…could be not; but instead of thinking like a man and acting like a lady, I prefer to be who the hell I am…outspoken, opinionated, ERiginal…Erin! Echo that!
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Thursday, March 15, 2012

…Double Standards—Cheaters: The art of infidelity


Like a thief in the night, she silently crept into their home; tapped Robert on the shoulder—placed her index finger over her lips to silence him and proceeded to lead him to the garden. As she bit seductively into a ripe tomato, the hues of orange and red trickled down her full, juicy lips. She smiled, and teased her mouth with his finger—removing the juice from her lip, her chin with his finger and feeding herself. She moaned when she tasted the overly ripe vegetable juice. Her body pulsated when she sucked his long, masculine finger. She groaned as she smashed the tomato over her breast, daring him to indulge with her provocative eyes. ~from Infidelity by Erin Adams-Phillips~

Commandments...Laws...Morals...Ethics...Principles—created by God, enforced by man, instilled by parents, practiced by self, defined by knowledge.  What is marriage? Is it a business? The joining of unity of man and woman?  Biblically, marriage is an arrangement designed by God for man and woman to form a bond of union. Generally speaking, to me, society has mocked marriage as an institution that is established and common. Therefore, most people do not take their vows seriously and may defile the marital bed. Ironically, mainstream society has accepted the infidelity of men; however, if a woman cheats, she is frowned upon by society.

In Nathaniel Hawthrone's The Scarlet Letter, Hester had to wear the letter A in scarlet because she committed adultery. Today, women do not have to wear a scarlet letter; however, society and its teachings condemn woman who are unfaithful to their spouse.

Oftentimes, when a man cheats and the wife becomes aware of the betrayal, she will forgive him and try to save her marriage. Still, nevertheless, when a woman cheats, most husbands leave and the wife is labeled with degrading names—whore, slut, tramp, trick, skeezer.

This is one of society’s most notorious double standards. It is accepted by most people…he cheated…he is just a man…a man is going to be man…if she was doing what she was supposed to do, he would not have cheated…and the babbling accusations having wives questioning oneself, “What did I do wrong?” “What could I have done differently?” “If I had made love to him more often, he would not have strayed!”

What Is, if Is, could Is, and would Is, are not going to lessen the hurt of infidelity. Keep telling yourself that if that is what you need to believe, because in retrospect, there is nothing the unconsenting spouse did to cause the betrayal. That is just an inexcusable excuse for the consenting spouse's selfish behavior.

Surviving Infidelity (2010) states, “Women are more prone to forgiving infidelity than men are, and one reason may be that secretly she feels responsible for the affair. This could be part of what you are feeling if your husband or boyfriend has cheated on you. While it is true that no relationship is destroyed by one partner, you should be careful about how much responsibility you take for infidelity because it is a slippery slope. Before you know it, you could be in a relationship with chronic cheating”.

Marriage Savior (2011) states, “Why are men less tolerant and more hurt of infidelity than women? Do you know what I found? Women develop feeling when they cheat, men don’t. When men cheat it is all about sex”.

This double standard is so embraced…so accepted…that women kill their self-esteem and are blinded of their self-worth. Two wrongs do not make a right. Never lower yourself to try to get even with your spouse…you will only end up hating yourself. Defy society norms. There is absolutely nothing wrong with loving yourself and wanting better for you. People can only do to us what we allow them to do.

I’m here to tell you….you can put out sex 6 days a week, cook breakfast lunch and dinner, clean your house, and wash the cars, if your mate wants to cheat, you have no part in that and you cannot stop it...you MUST NOT own it—the only intimate life you control is the one you have with your spouse.

No one is perfect. Temptation knocks on everyone's door. Love of self helps one to resist temptation. When you love your spouse as you love you and your own body, you will be God-fearing and resist temptation...you will not want to bring pain to the person you love. Love is selfless. Adultery is an act of selfishness regardless if the spouse committing the act is the husband or the wife. 

Marriages can survive infidelity. No one other than husband and wife belongs in the decision to continue or discontinue their marriage, though seeking counsel is wise. There is adultery that strengthens a marriage and adultery that ends it totally. Acts of adultery can destine the consenting and/or the unconsenting spouse to help others who are going through a similar situation.

Hester with Babe Pearl (1934)
Hawthrone (1850 ) writes, “.. . As Hester Prynne had no selfish ends, nor lived in any measure for her own profit and enjoyment, people brought all their sorrows and perplexities, and besought her counsel, as one who had herself gone through a mighty trouble (Hawthorne 185). Hester, though still haunted and identified by the scarlet letter, aimed to ensure she lived her life lovingly and forgivingly, the way Jesus Christ taught his followers to live by teaching others about the art of infidelity.



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Wednesday, February 15, 2012

...respect a family in mourning (RIP Whitney Houston)


 © 2012. Erin’s Echo. All rights reserved.
 ___________________________________

Have you ever lost a loved one? Was it difficult to come to terms that you would not see this person at family functions again? To talk with him/her on the phone again? Introduce them to your children? Does it hurt? Do you miss them? 

Just because a person doesn’t live the life we live or want them to live does not make their life less valid. Everyone knows someone, a family member even if not self, who drinks or uses drugs…that does not make them unworthy of love, caring, and protection. We live in a time when the world is cruel and heartless.  Why this blog, Erin?

Before Whitney’s death, my family and I were discussing the birth control situation that President Obama was speaking of making available to all. I will blog on that in the near future; therefore, I won't elaborate on it at this time. I was telling my daughter about Whitney Houston's song written by Babyface and LA…it is called “Miracle”. I was telling her that people may think it is about a love lost or love gone wrong, but it is about abortion. Then I went into how in Bible Study we talked about the Bible and how God had the writers write their faults…their sins to show that He is a forgiving God and He draws to us when we draw to Him. He leaves us not, we leave Him. Still, He loves and cares for ALL of us…He is GOD!

The world has lost a musical legend…her loved ones has lost a wife, daughter, mother, cousin, and friend! 

As I tried to explain to my children the depths of ignorance, I had to break it down in “teenage” speak, yet, still I ask, "how do you break down ignorance to an ignorant person" (I do NOT mean my daughters here at all)? First, they need to listen; secondly comprehend and understand. Most ignorant people are notoriously ignorant…some are just everyday sinners called “gossipers”. 

Economics teach us about producers, consumers, goods, & services...when we go out to dine, be entertained, or just buy music...we buy a good for a service...someone produced it we are the consumers.

Whitney's funeral is private...thank you Cissy Houston and thank you God! We, as her fans and the people who poked fun at her life are not entitled to her farewell. We don’t deserve it. That is family time…personal time…time for those who unconditionally loved her to celebrate her life. They couldn’t care less about her legacy! 

People need to put self in other shoes...I asked my childs..."Think, if it was me would you want folks blaming your daddy? We had 18 years together...shared a love that’s irreplaceable...good and bad...he doesn’t wish death upon me nor I him!! Bobby lovesssss Whitney like no other! Would you want people talking about Erin cursed badly...she took lots of meds?...you know I'm sick and you know what others don't about my illness so they will speculate but that doesn't make it RIGHT! People talk! Would you prefer that people allow you time to mourn...time to grieve...time to celebrate a life they didn't know or continue to damn me and my image upon my death? Would you not prefer they respect the fact that I am a person loved by my family…my mother, my daughters, and they, the people, respect not only death, but the ones left behind to deal with the shock that their loved one’s existence in this life is no more?” 

All we know...WE know is her music...we don't know Whitney...we are NOT grieving her!!! We didn't think about her upon her death...all society cared about was how she died...what happened? If it was not murder, that doesn't matter because the end conclusion remains the same....regardless if it was a tragic accident, an overdose, an illness, natural causes…Whitney Houston...International Icon is dead...her music lives on to her fans...WHITNEY HOUSTON...once wife to Bobby Brown, mother to Bobbi Kristina, stepmother, daughter to Cissy Houston, cousin to Dionne Warwick and many others, and friend upon friends to many is dead...her memories live on but that doesn’t make it easier for her family! 

Whitney Houston 1963-2012
Stop repeating what ignorant people say...it doesn't make you sound intelligent...just more ignorant...so when in doubt....shhhhhhhhhhhh…and give others the respect they rightfully deserve in a time of mourning and ALWAYS!

From my family, we offer sincere condolences to the family and friends of Ms. Whitney Houston! Humbled and heartfelt prayers are with Cissy, Bobbi Kris, and Bobby as this difficult time to deal with is just beginning! 

 Sleep, Whitney, you are now at rest, you hear not what the people say. You are unconscious to bad things and evil words, but you are embraced in love.




 
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Wednesday, February 8, 2012

...when you know who you are


©2012. Erin’s Echo & Erin Adams-Phillips. All rights reserved. 

 “It took me a long time not to judge myself through someone else's eyes,” ~Sally Fields ~

I SEE ME...I KNOW WHO I AM!
When you look in the mirror, what do you see? Who do you see? Why do you see it? Is your own reflection of you guided by other’s thoughts and opinions? Do you try to transform yourself into the image they want you to be? Do you believe the things they say about you…good or bad? Do you try to live up to their “standards” of you? If they belittle you…demean you…do you invite their words into your heart…accepting their critique of you? When you judge yourself through the eyes of others, you allow them to kidnap you spirit and you forget who you are…slowly, you neglect yourself of the things you rightfully deserve!

"You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love & affection." ~Buddha~

If you stand before a mirror and you see what others have labeled you, you are ridiculing yourself. We, as a people, spend too much time putting down others or equally building up others and neglect showering oneself with that same LOVE, RESPECT, AFFECTION, & ATTENTION! What I have learned in life is that the way you ALLOW others to treat you is how they WILL treat you. You must set standards…you must set boundaries…you MUST ACT on those to demand the respect that you deserve. People don’t have to like you, but they WILL RESPECT the trueness of the WHO you are. 

“Never defend a lie.” ~Lula Powell Adams-Morris~

I grew up with the teaching that you “never defend a lie”. I can remember from my youth to adulthood people would say, “Dee, if you don’t defend yourself, who will?” My response would always be, “It is not my business what other people think of me”. 


The reason I responded that way was because I never knew why I was taught to never defend a lie. I only just grasped the concept of that teaching about 5 months while attending Sunday service and the Brother spoke about how Jesus did not need to defend the defamation of his character nor person. Jesus knew who he was…his apostles knew who he was…his followers knew who he was, but most importantly, his Father, God, knew who he was. Jesus lived his life just as he intended to; to do the will of his Father. He did not care what others thought nor said about him… Jesus prayed for them even asking for their forgiveness (Luke 23:34). 

Though I did not understand my response until my latter adulthood, it holds true and it is so relevant for people who are not self-knowing and self-aware. If a person does not know who they are, they will live every day of their life aspiring to be what someone else wants them to be. This is wasted time...and time is something we cannot get back!
 
Trying to defend a lie opens the revolving door for people to tell another lie. Lies are contagious. You tell one, you tell two…so you may find yourself lying trying to defend something that was NEVER true. 
 
"Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no one's definition of your life; define yourself." ~Harvey Fienstein~

When I say never defend a lie, I am not suggesting that you be bullied into silence. I am simply proposing another way to look at things…live your life as you deserve it for you. Do not own anyone else’s faults, sins, and shortcomings. Do not play victim to your past…your life’s circumstances do not define the who you are. Because someone says something negative of you, does not mean you have to receive it…

WHEN YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE BRIGHT IS THE LIGHT
When you know who you are, you carry less burdens…you feel more peace of mind…you speak with more confidence…you walk with pride! When you know who you are, you don’t second guess your existence…you take responsibility for your actions…you lead by example! When you know who you are, you command respect and your walk demands that others take notice of the who you are…you hold true to you…so you hold true to others, when you know who you are…you maintain the determination to always walk in your integrity! 

I make my own rules…Remain faithful to my integrity…Boy, I am no fool-fool…Society is no DEFINITION ME…Focus your eyes on the life I live…Your ears to the words I speak…Feel the love I give…Watch the goals I seek…Pay strict attention to my way of loving…Be down with me or set me free…Know that society nor the “everybody”…Can DEFINITION ME! ~from Definition Me by Erin Adams-Phillips~

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