Let them write their own story

My first-born daughter, Isabella, was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition called Trisomy 18, also known as Edward's Syndrome. Allowing her to write her own story has been the greatest honor of my life.

 By Missy Enaje

Where do I begin? I am releasing a book I dedicated to my daughter, Isabella. I completed the book before she was born and wrote it in honor of her. I also discussed the rare genetic condition she had called Trisomy 18, which affects the development and viability of a child. While no cure currently exists, medical interventions have proven to extend the child's life at the risk of the child's quality of life. There is no middle ground: it's one hard decision vs. another hard decision. 

Soul Sessions: Being carried into the New Year

 

Goodbye 2024. 

The end of a year always comes packed with the idea that calls for transformation, renewal or something momentous. Well, it wasn't always like that, at least, during the times where I just really enjoyed partying in NYC. But as I get older, the latter seems to take precedence.

Poetry: The view from the fog

One morning on a walk with my dog Rocco, the fog was so dense around the neighborhood. It was startling yet mystic at the same time.

I realized that while the current view can be so unclear, unknown, unseen while we look at the view, once you get moving, once you start walking into the unknown, the fog dissipates. Things can be seen in front of you including a tree, the street and the sidewalk. But the fog doesn't allow you to see too far ahead of you, just enough for what's right in front of you. 

That's where I am. Taking one step closer into the unknown, into the fog.

Soul Sessions: Walking into the unknown as part of life's journey

(Photo by Adrianna)

Trust me, I get it. Walking into the unknown and uncertainty can be so frightening. I'm trying to reflect on that while knowing how many countless times in life we have had to walk into the mystery and just hope for the best. From the journey into college, post-graduate life, career life and relationship life. 

Things just feel different and amplified when you become a mother.

M Report Music: Robert Glasper x Andra Day for Glasper's holiday album

 Robert Glasper releases “December” live session with Andra Day. The new “In December” holiday album is out now on all platforms.

Five-time Grammy award-winning pianist and composer Robert Glasper shares a stunning live session of “December” featuring Andra Day from his acclaimed holiday album, In December—out now across all platforms.

Sunday Soul Sessions: It's more than okay to put yourself first

 By Missy E.

It seems like the main reoccurring advice my therapist likes to stress at our sessions is creating healthy boundaries. If I think about it, creating these safe, assertive spaces as a way of self-preservation—mentally, physically and emotionally—served me well during some of the most stressful adult situations in my personal life. 

Sunday Soul Sessions: How complete abandonment and trust can be hard, but why it's worth it

 By Missy E. 

Hope is not far away for those who seek it. Every season has a purpose. (Photo by Nathan Cowley)

If I'm a storyteller, if my gift is the written word, then I suppose here goes my reflection for Nov. 10's Sunday Soul Session on The M Report. 

The Scripture parable about the woman and two coins was the main focus today. For a quick refresher, the people in the house of worship contributed money to the treasury, some offering large sums, but it was the offering of a woman in poverty who gave her only two coins, her everything to the treasury that stood out to Jesus where he pointed out her actions to His disciples. This written reflection is what I want to emphasize:

"Our Lord desires that we should know how badly we need Him, that we should perceive our profound poverty before Him. By giving her whole livelihood, this widow puts herself in a position that necessitates unmitigated trust in God's providence. 

She is not afraid to be weak and small before God, and He delights in such childlike abandonment: our weakness attracts God because it offers Him an emptiness that He can fill ... no matter how deep the abyss of our misery, it cannot be an obstacle to God's action. Sanctity doesn't consist in this or that practice, but in a disposition of the heart which makes us little and humble in God's arms."

So the question begs to ask us, how is your heart, today? Does it need extra lovin', does it need a spark of joy, does it need healing? Does it need the freedom to speak something that's been hidden or abandoned?