Author Archives: thisihumblyspeak

Be A Patriot

Posted on July 4, 2020

I am an American. And because America is largely a nation of immigrants, I am also, like the majority of you, something else. And when I became a citizen of the United States, I swore to uphold and protect the … Continue reading →

Posted in accountability, Duty and honor, justice, Old Glory, patriotism | Tagged , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

Celebrate Baba

Posted on June 21, 2020

My father, Baba, who is now passed away for 15 years, is the golden rod by which I measure the greatness of a man, and the example by which I have chosen my husband and the legacy I pass on … Continue reading →

Posted in father, kindness, legacy, life, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 10 Comments

George Floyd is America

Posted on June 1, 2020

I am white. And much as I hate to admit it, the reality is that my skin color comes with white privilege as opposed to black or brown privilege. Until I have had to walk in black or brown skin, … Continue reading →

Posted in accountability, death, equality, justice, racism | Tagged , , , , , | 8 Comments

I Will Not Complain

Posted on May 17, 2020

While I’d like to think that I’m not much of a complainer, I’ve come to realize that complaining is something we all do without even recognizing it. To set the record straight, I am not a chronic complainer. Sure, here … Continue reading →

Posted in faith, family, God | Tagged , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Mother

Posted on May 10, 2020

Tonight, I lay me down to sleep A simple prayer I recite Carved in memory to keep alive the treasury of childhood archives. And in the nectar of my thoughts Her arms, a wingspan, fold gently Embracing the child in … Continue reading →

Posted in Love, mother | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Yeva, a Mother

Posted on May 8, 2020

I met Yeva for the first time one afternoon at her home while waiting for Ohan to arrive. She lived upstairs in one of the traditional Lebanese homes of stone with beautiful high arches and windows that showed off the … Continue reading →

Posted in life, Love, poverty | Tagged , , , , | 6 Comments

Remembering

Posted on April 20, 2020

I believe in remembering history. And I believe a great deal can be said about a country and a people by what they deem important enough to remember, to commemorate and to celebrate in their losses and in their gains. … Continue reading →

Posted in accountability, death, faith, genocide, humanity, justice, Uncategorized, war | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Called to New Life

Posted on April 12, 2020

It is Easter once again. With hope in our hearts we proclaim, “Christ is Risen. Blessed is the Resurrection of our Lord.”  The Father raised Him to new life.  Now, He is calling us to new life. Easter reminds us … Continue reading →

Posted in faith, God, life, Love | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Nature Connects

Posted on March 28, 2020

Nature connects us to the Divine that calls to us. It is what I believe, not because of what religion I am or what God I believe in. It is because this earth knows only one Divine, and Nature is … Continue reading →

Posted in God, life, nature, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

Fear and Hope

Posted on March 17, 2020

This past week has definitely been painful and upending; a week of learning and adaptation in our lives. Our humanity has been tested, angered, loosened and tightened. We have felt our world of certainties, our ease, freedoms and entitlement slowly … Continue reading →

Posted in faith, family, gratitude, humanity, life | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments