books

Emotions, Thoughts, Words

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“Poetry is when an emotion has found its thought and the thought has found words.” – Robert Frost

April has been a blur but I couldn’t let it end without paying homage to the rhythmic beauty that is poetry. Check out the Academy of American Poets to learn about the celebration. On this final day of the month, I celebrate with a poem of my own.

My friend

Who told you to shrink?

You diminish your stature

To fit narratives that don’t consider you

You mute your voice

To maintain a facade of peace

You darken your light

To  occupy spaces that don’t welcome you

Who told you to shrink?

Did fear whisper the worst?

Did your past call you unworthy?

Stand.

Speak.

Shine.

Shrink No More.

-LAS

Love Poetry? Need a Gift? Get your copy here.

The Release

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Last summer I released my first book Barnabas Blessings. It was a major accomplishment and still feels a bit surreal.

This summer I’m working on another major release…my first born into adulthood. There are documents and releases to sign declaring his new legal status. There are checklists and deadlines preparing to send him off to college. There’s the shift of authority as he asserts his independence.

There are other releases too. There’s the pruning necessary to remain, fruitful and connected to the Vine (John 15:5). There’s the shedding of weights that bound and distract (Hebrews 12:1). There are trust falls into the arms of Jesus instead of my limited understanding (Proverbs 3:5).

This is a season of joy and the bittersweet, fear and courage, hope and tinges of regret, answered prayers and not yets, hard questions and some hard answers. This season testifies to the power of Christ at work to sustain, transform and renew.

I’m reminded that a hand and heart open to release are also open to receive. As I release, I’m receiving the blessings of a present Father who proves Himself faithful over and over again.

What are you releasing and receiving today?

“I am convinced and confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will [continue to] perfect and complete it until the day of Christ Jesus [the time of His return].” – Philippians 1:6 AMP

Book Update

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A slight delay but still on the way😃

BARNABAS BLESSINGS: POEMS OF ENCOURAGEMENT will be available on Amazon SOON.

While we wait…take a look inside.📖

#BarnabasBlessings #Books #Poetry #PoetryLovers #Encouragement #FaithWriter #TableofContents

Every Little Step

/ LaShona Sellers / 1 Comment

Perfectionism can be an exhausting, heavy thing. We overthink everything and move on nothing because…well, it has to be perfect- perfect time, perfect place, perfect circumstances, the perfect plan, perfect execution, perfect people (whew, that’s a lot!) But with small intentional steps we push back, combatting illusion with the Truth & acceptance. With every little step we free ourselves to be all God created us to be and show up in this world the way He intended.

And with that, my steps have lead me here…

COMING SOON TO AMAZON…

Barnabas Blessings, the book, is on the way. Stay tuned for updates. Cover art & design by Ronaldo J. Sellers.

“Why Not?!”

/ LaShona Sellers / 2 Comments

Around this time last year, I tried my hand at microfiction with The Writer Magazine’s 100-word contest. I don’t consider myself a fiction writer but, with time and a $10 entry fee to spare, I thought “Why not?!” So color me shocked when I finished as 1 of 50 semi-finalists. Ok. Not bad. Was I convinced I needed to begin creating characters and plotting a grand story? No. But I was, and still am, encouraged to keep challenging myself; trying new things, flexing new muscles and thinking outside the box. Step by step, a little more each day. How about you?

Here’s my 100-word story “Dear Kelly” (with a little homage to the classic Les Miserables):

“Dear John,
Today is the first day of the rest of my life. I’m headed to New York. I can no longer deny my destiny. If I stay I will be devoured by bitterness and regret. I hope you understand. Please find a way to move on without me. Also, I have taken Marius. I don’t feel you ever had the time or capacity to give this brilliant soul the care he needs…
Dear Kelly,
A little surprised but also quite relieved. Hope you find what you’re looking for. And Marius was more your pet anyway. I’m allergic to cats.”

What’s on Your List?

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My “To Read” list for the next few weeks.

As an introvert, I must admit that the idea of being confined to my home is a little dreamy. It’s exciting to think of all the books I could read. Of course as a mom, who has to telework, the dream does a subtle face-plant into reality but a girl can still try! So with our local library closing for two weeks, my family and I hit the stacks one last time (at proper social distancing of course) and filled a huge tote to our hearts’ delight. Can’t wait to crack these open! What’s on your list?

P.S. For anyone feeling the anxiety of the times here are a couple of reminders that bolster my faith:

Jeremiah 17:7 But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.

Philippians 4:6-7 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Just Finished…

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I’ve always been intrigued by family sagas. And this novel delivered on so many levels. It’s a Palestinian family’s story spanning generations and the globe. From the Six-Day War to the invasion of Kuwait, the story is narrated through the lens of multiple family members. This novel was a reminder that no matter our differences we all share the human experiences of love, joy, loss, grief, and the search for a sense of belonging. A family and story that resonates long after the last page.