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The New Musings of a (Recovering) Strong Black Woman

I had a productive month off and am looking forward to you joining me at my new blogsite, http://musingsofastrongblackwoman.com. Sign up there to receive my blog by email and to join my mailing list to stay up to date on my latest writing projects and other activities. Don’t forget to share this site with a friend.

The Good Wife

Today I heard contrasting stories about wives. One husband said he would give his wife anything, eternally grateful for how she encouraged him through medical school and his practice. The other was ungrateful for his wife’s contributions, blaming her for most of their struggles. Both views made me think of the following post, originally published September 23, 2009 under the title Momma Wife? This challenges wives to be biblical regardless of how their husbands treat them. Yes, this is a hard word, but one we as wives who call ourselves Christians must embrace so that God is the only one who receives glory.

Sherrod Charade

As I have thought about the unfair treatment of Shirley Sherrod, I remembered my post on Equality vs. Fair Treatment. In white racists and angry white male sympathizers’ attempts to show that they, too, are not racists, both groups immediately condemned Sherrod for what they believed was equal to the discrimination some whites have been guilty of. Every situation is unique. That’s why I believe being treated fairly, not equal, should always be the goal. Read this

Keep Your House (via Musings of a (Recovering) Strong Black Woman’s Weblog)

Though I’m taking a break from blogging, I can never break from keeping my house.

Many times these days you may find me barefoot and pregnant in the kitchen as I serve my family and prepare to bring another of God’s chosen into the world. Years ago you wouldn’t find me this way: I cooked out of my own necessity and didn’t care much if I got married or had children or not. And if God decided that I should marry and get pregnant, my attitude was “You will never find me in the kitchen barefoot and pregnant.” I mimicked the cliché … Read More

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Reproductive Rights (via Musings of a (Recovering) Strong Black Woman’s Weblog)

Last week I had a pretty intense conversation on Christians and birth control with my best friend Carla. We have differing views. This talk brought to mind this post I wrote April 2009, particularly the line that “economic or emotional reasons … may not be cause to use birth control ….” As I am still pondering and reconsidering under what circumstances that economic or emotional reasons may not be cause to use birth control, I ask you to think about that and give me your feedback.

The age old argument for abortion goes: “I’m not in favor of abortion for me, but I believe women should have a choice to decide what they want to do with their own bodies.” I used to think that, too. In my teens and early 20s, I was vocal about it and placed money on it, giving $200 to help fund a friend’s late term abortion. An age old argument for birth control methods goes: “I don’t want to get pregnant so I’m going to take birth control pill … Read More

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Emasculating She-Devil?

A few days ago I saw this segment that asked “Is there a thin line between being a strong black woman and an emasculating she-devil?” The hosts offered their opinions, albeit purposely slim–they wanted to hear what viewers thought. Anyway, their question reminded me of some strong black woman issues that I brought up in a post of that same name. Click the link to check it out. As always, tell me what you think.

Copyright 2010 by Rhonda J. Smith

Dizzying Doublespeak

This article is the perfect example of the dizzying doublespeak I discuss in my post “Strong Black Woman in Recovery.” Check them both out, and tell me what you think.

Copyright 2010 by Rhonda J. Smith

Snapshot Moment

My Three Sons

I had a snapshot moment with my two youngest. They had a synchronized meltdown, crying in unison and both clamoring for mama’s love. After I changed the toddler’s training pants and then the baby’s diaper, I wiped the waterfalls from their faces and let them lay in bed with me. The baby nursed on my right while the toddler caressed my left. That was yesterday. Today was almost a snap back moment when all three wanted something from me: The firstborn wanted permission to play a game; the toddler wanted cereal; and the baby just wanted me. I was only gone for three hours, a needful leave to get my teeth cleaned and some groceries, something my husband usually does, but he was sick. And he was with them when I was gone for three hours, but not all the way with them because he was sick. I had a muffin this morning. I resisted overspending because I was hungry and looked forward to eating when I got home. But with three needy children demanding me upon arrival and a sick spent husband, food for me had to wait a little bit, and I almost said, “Oooo, dese kids,” but I remembered my poem with that line and decided to shut my mouth, suck up my plans and meditate on being a Carrier of Life.

Copyright 2010 by Rhonda J. Smith

Inconvenient Children (via Musings of a (Recovering) Strong Black Woman’s Weblog)

Yesterday Nathaniel, my 2-year-old, asked me 20 times in rapid succession for grapes. I’m not exaggerating because I decided to count as I was in the process of getting them for him. I could only laugh at his little demanding self. I laugh to keep from being overwhelmed, even as I’m on my way to another of his doctor’s appointments. The little bugger’s allergic to so much. With all the demands of motherhood, I remembered this post and know that it is a privilege to be a mom.

Some months ago my friend Renee was telling me that I must watch "La Vie en Rose," the tragic biopic of French chanteuse Edith Piaf. She went on describe that this heartwrenching tale would grip my soul and make me want to pity and rescue Edith from the brothel, street and circus (literally and figuratively) life she lived throughout her life. I watched the movie this morning. Shuffled from parent to parent and place to place for convenience sake … Read More

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