Category: Peace

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Wakanda Forever!

It has taken me a few days to compose this post. I’ve started and stopped numerous times, overwhelmed by the emotional burden that has presented itself with the loss of Mr. Chadwick Boseman.

I am seriously grieving this man and the loss of his life. I didn’t know him personally but I know a cancer diagnosis personally and watching my uncle rapidly decline from colon cancer, I’ve felt that journey, and it’s a hard one.

To reflect on the many accomplishments of Mr. Boseman in spite of his diagnosis is an absolute honor. cancer has a way of making you feel small, fearful, inadequate, weak and incapable. Five years after my diagnosis and I still struggle with the anxiety of it all.

I commend Mr. Boseman for living out loud and giving black people something to believe in and to strive for, through his many roles. Tonight I watched Black Panther along with much of the nation. I’ve seen it a few times before, but tonight I watched with pride and reverence. I appreciated the land and the waterfalls, the sunsets and all the imagery that make that movie spectacular! Wakanda means possibility to me and Wakanda Forever means “Oh the Possibilities!” https://youtu.be/r8nxdAGg2FY

Tonight I was reminded to show up even when I do not feel like it, stop over-thinking and serve my purpose.

I pray that we all learn to live out loud in the possibilities.

#RIPChadwickBoseman

“To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen”. Jude 1:24-25

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The Peace in Giving Back

When the Call to Action went out to support a sister in the midst of her journey with breast cancer, I felt compelled to respond. It’s not everyday that the opportunity arises to offer support on a personal basis.

Being a breast cancer survivor who’s currently in her 5th year of survival, I understand that everyday choices are a huge part of the recovery process. I decided to gift this beautiful sister with the Planter pictured above in hopes that it would help to boost her mood during these trying times and also add a little peace to her space.

I remember the fear and uncertainty that I felt during my journey, but I also remember the love and acts of kindness that were shown to me during that time. I remember the visits, phone calls and texts. I remember the Banana Pudding Cake from my Sister in Law Lanita and I remember the beautiful Orchid from my Nephew Nicholas.

My hope is that my simple act of kindness will also be remembered as a simple act of love.💖

To this Sister I pray for Peace and Total Healing. ✨

 

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Blackout Tuesday 2020

Today I am highlighting several of the Black Owned Businesses that I’ve worked with this year, to bring more attention to the innovation and creativity of black people. Black people inspire, design and exude greatness each and everyday, but our genius is often overlooked. I invite you to learn more about the following companies and support them if you can.

www.mikesellseverything.com

In February of this year, I had the pleasure of setting up Mike Sells Everything, LLC (MSE), which is a Variety Store located in Kannapolis, NC. The owner, Michael Rivers is passionate about helping his community find quality merchandise at affordable prices. At this very moment you can find a Violin ready for purchase as well as Small Appliances and Toys for the kids. Mike believes in doing right by people and does his absolute best to accommodate everyone. Today’s special at MSE is the Crockpot pictured below. The original price is $79.99 but today’s price is $25.00. If you’re located near Kannapolis, NC, stop by MSE at 1905 N. Cannon Blvd. Kannapolis, NC 28083 and grab you one.

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www.kbeautycos.shop

Kyla Rivers, owner of K.Beauty, LLC has scaled and expanded her business into a beauty empire. Kyla started creating makeup at the age of 16 and has added Skincare and Bath and Beauty products to her offerings. Kyla is passionate about being successful and helping other young adults find their passion and launch businesses they  love! Shop K.Beauty. LLC!

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www.stylesbylanita.com

Lanita is the owner of Styles by Lanita which is a Hair & Clothing Boutique. Lanita can style you from head to toe and she offers custom T-shirts and Apparel. For Blackout Tuesday 2020, Lanita is offering $15.00 Roller Sets and Blowouts and $10.00 Boss Racerback Tanks

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www.baileyshaulingandlandscaping.com

Steve Bailey started his business in April of this year and he is your go to guy for all of your hauling and landscaping needs. Head over to Steve’s website, he’s open for business!

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Other business that I am currently working with include BBZ Lawncare and Maintenance, The Nina Symone Collection and The Glamm Cartel. Be on the lookout for these names coming soon!

Origins of Peace, LLC

I am Melissa Rivers, and I am the Owner & Creative Peace Designer at Origins of Peace, LLC. I use my passion for conflict resolution to help individuals over life challenges and design their next life chapter by starting businesses, adding income streams, expanding career paths, bouncing back after divorce and much more. My passion derives from my own challenges of cancer, job loss and divorce all within a six month time period. I love to encourage others and support them in their journey forward.

Additionally, I am a Corporate Consultant providing Continuous Improvement and Change Management Services to businesses. I invite you to check out my products page. Today I am offering my E-book, After This Crisis & my Upcycled Cosmetics Mini Bags for 50% off.

use code: blackout2020

I would love to help you design your Peace. For more information on my services or any of the business listed above, please feel free to contact me.

#blackoutday2020

Peace & Love,

Melissa

 

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North Carolina Voter Registration Information

Peace Family,

New week, same focus.

This week at Origins of Peace, LLC, we are focusing our intentions on providing residents of North Carolina with information about Voter Registration. I’ve created a spreadsheet with a direct link to the Board of Elections Website in all 100 counties in NC. You can directly access the Board of Elections Website, print a Voter Registration Form and send it to your local office.

I pray you find it useful. I pray that those who are not registered will register and vote!

NC Board of Elections all Counties.xlsx

Last week I mentioned the 8cantwait initiative. The purpose of this movement is to require your local government to reform policing strategies by:

  • banning chokeholds and strangleholds
  • requiring de-escalation
  • requiring a warning before shooting
  • exhausting all alternatives before shooting
  • having a duty to intervene
  • banning shooting at moving vehicles
  • requiring comprehensive reporting

I’ve emailed my mayor to demand change. I’m asking you to do the same. Visit www.8cantwait.org for more information

Have a great week.

 

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I had A Phonebook and He had a Shotgun

In my mid-twenties, struggling financially, I decided to get a part-time job to help make ends meet. I signed on to be a part-time delivery person who delivered telephone books. My instructions were to deliver the phonebook to local residents. If no one was home, the directive was to place the phonebook on the front porch.

My second day on the job, I arrived at a residence, got out of my car with phonebook and identification in hand. As I walked down the driveway to place the phonebook on the front porch, a white gentleman came around the house from the back yard with a shot gun in his hand. As I tried to identify myself and state my purpose for being at his home, he yelled obscenities at me, held up his shotgun and told me to get off of his property.

I retreated to my car, phonebook and identification in hand and I drove away crying.

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I will never forget my feelings from that day and I can’t help but think I was greeted in such a way because of the color of my skin. I was a small-framed, 24 year old single-mother to an infant baby girl. I had a phonebook and he had a shotgun.

At Origins of Peace, LLC, my mission is to create an all-inclusive space welcoming all who’ve experienced hardship, conflict and turmoil. My goal is to help you create a new way forward. We are founded on Romans 12:18 NIV – If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

In this season, I am focusing my intentions on promoting the health, safety and well-being of Black Americans. Our struggle is real and it deserves extra attention. My experience occurred over 20 years ago and to still live in a society were we are judged, disrespected and in many cases killed because of the color of our skin is awful and heartbreaking.

I am outraged over the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Sandra Bland, Philando Castile, Eric Garner, Oscar Grant, Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown and all the other murders that have occurred because of racism and police brutality. These people had families, careers, hopes and dreams. It’s terrible to have it all taken away simply because of someone else’s opinion of who they think you are.

There are so many changes that need to occur but let’s start with informed, intentional voting. Can we please demand more from our government leaders? We need healing, justice, and a progressive way forward.

There is an initiative called #8cantwait. were you can demand change right now.

1.Visit8cantwait.org

2. Find your city

3. Call your mayor

4. Demand change

8cantwait

Peace.

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Day 20: You Can Do Anything!

youtu.be/8YaR0jKyA3U

If a carrot can become bacon, you can continue to stay at the house and be the teacher, hair dresser, personal trainer, chef, movie attendant and any other role that you’ve recently taken on.

I know the government has given the green light for some states to open a few “select businesses”…but please don’t do it. It ain’t safe, it ain’t safe, it ain’t safe!

Today’s challenge: Don’t be the test subject, continue to be the jack of all trades…at the house! You’re doing great.

Peace✌🏾

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Day 18: Psalm 46:1

Good Morning!

Today’s challenge to keeping your peace in the midst of this pandemic is a simple reminder that I am holding close to my heart. Psalm 46:1

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I can confidently say that God has shown up to 100% of the battles that I’ve faced in my life. His safety and power never run dry. His grace and mercy follow me each day.

Today I challenge you to believe with all your heart that God knows your name and that he is searching throughout the earth for people that aren’t afraid to profess his goodness. It’s a good time to remember every battle you’ve won and every blessing that you’ve received. That’s God.

Peace

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Day 14: Find Someone To Thank

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Today’s challenge is to find someone to thank.

Think about your relationships. Is there anyone in particular that you miss having contact with. Is it time to pull out your pin and paper and compose a sweet note of adoration?

Handwritten notes go a long way. Get creative and bless someone with a hand written thank you note today!

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DAY 12: Keep Shining!

Good Morning! It’s Saturday and we’re still standing. As we conclude another week of the Stay At Home Order, remember….it’s okay to celebrate what you’ve accomplished thus far. Let’s do a quick recap:

  1. You’ve become Superintendent, Principle and Teacher at your new homeschool academy.
  2. You’ve become the new Supervisor of HR at your remote work location.
  3. You’ve become Head Strategist of Sanitation at your home.
  4.  You’ve learned how to purchase and apply Personal Protection Equipment for times when leaving the house is necessary.
  5. You’ve learned how to memorize your shopping list and create a mental blueprint of where each item is located in the store.
  6. You’ve learned to budget accordingly, knowing the #Walmart is no longer accepting returns!
  7. You’ve become a personal trainer and nutritionist, making time for exercise and selecting foods that will boost your immune system.

My list could continue, but I’ll stop right there….

Today’s challenge…continue to be great, and if you want to have a Margarita…do so! (responsibly)

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