Bruce Lee, Enter The Dragon

I love you, Nyota.

You’ll always be my girl! You helped revolutionize my life when after I turned on you with my Nunchucks poised, like Bruce Lee in Enter the Dragon, to the ready, and you lwith those sad, beautiful eyes of yours glazed over with tears, said, “Stacey, it’s so hard being your friend.”

Those few crucial words nailed me to the core of my denial about my addiction. You were right, I had changed. I allowed the heroin and the lifestyle that came with it change me.

Not long after, I became unrecognizable to myself.” It was impossible to be my own friend. Slowly, surrendered everything I had become; and cried out to God and asked Him to save me from self-destruction.

He did! 24 years later, I’m still clean, free, and grateful to God and for you.

Stanice couple of wks b4 Nyota's Words

I love you, Nyota, for the truth you told me even though I was not ready for it. It lingered there and chipped away at the wall until with God being my Helper, I broke FREE!

Some days my life feels like a Jaws movie. Just when i think it’s safe to go back in the water. (sound effects) du dum, du dum, du dum. SCREAM

Two days been waiting for a auto part that was sent to the wrong address. Told UPS don’t worry about rerouting to my address for delivery on Monday (are you kidding me) when I paid for and needed the part on 2 days ago.  Send straight back to sender; who made the mistake anyway.  I’ll get a refund and take the headache as a hit.  I ordered same part, locally this time, and friend took me to pick it up.  Mechanic will start working on my car in the morning–no problem.  Moving on.

Woke up this a.m. to the tinkering sound of DC Parking Enforcement booting my car. Say what?

I hollered daintily from bedroom window, “what cha doing to my car?” In unison they replied, “Bootin’ yo car for non payment of tickets.”

I didn’t even know I had tix.  Plus, it’s Saturday, I can’t get the boot off till Monday?  (sound effects) du dum, du dum, du dum. SCREAM.  I’m gonna need a bigger boat AND mo’ money!!!!!

I won’t be fooled though.  This is a spiritual battle for my peace and sanity.  Still I refuse to let it steal my joy.  We gonna do what we can and leave the rest alone in God’s hands.  We may be pressed; but we are not crussed.  Greater is He that is in me that he that is in the world.  One can’t fight a spiritual battle with earthly weapons. 

In this battle, my part is to don the whole gear of God.  The breastplate of righteousness–CHECK, the shield of faith–CHECK, shoes with the readiness to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ–CHECK, the helmet of salvation a/k/a being made right with God–CHECK, the belt of Truth tied tightly around my waist–tight 4 real–CHECK, and the magnificent Sword of the Spirit, a/k/a the WORD of God–CHECK.*

Onward!!! Pray continually and be alert.  Victory is assured.  Jaws ALWAYS dies at the end!

*loose paraphrase of Ephesians 6:13-17.