My Face Smile

Announcing My Upcoming Book: “My Face Smile”

As I leaf through the pages of my first book, Trending Memories, I am drawn to a chapter titled “Reflecting on Past Memories: Holding onto the Positive Amidst Challenges.” This chapter stirs deep reflections about my life with my mother and my experiences growing up in the southern woods of Georgia. Inspired by these memories, I knew I had to write more about my life. These reflections led me to my upcoming book, My Face Smile, where I delve deeper into my journey of resilience and hope.

In 2024, as I ponder the current state of the United States—a nation envisioned as a beacon of freedom and prosperity, where the love of God is supposed to shine through its people—I can’t help but feel a sense of regression. It feels like we’re returning to a time when my community struggled amidst fields of cotton and trucks loaded with watermelons. In those days, brown and Black individuals were expected to know their place in society, dictated by those in power. Reflecting on my upbringing in such an era, I confront the challenges shaped by oppressive mindsets and practices that differed from my own. Segregation was woven into the fabric of daily life, from schools to restaurants to public transportation, resulting in restricted access to resources and opportunities for people of color.

I’ve experienced a great deal, from enduring the segregation era’s confines to the constant reminders of ‘White’ and ‘Colored’ signs. Even in today’s world, as a Black woman, I’m unfairly judged based on my skin color, hair, and features like my full lips. It’s a challenging time, filled with moments that could easily lead to despair. Yet, my faith in Jesus Christ empowers me to keep smiling despite the adversity.

Reflecting on my childhood memories and the journey that brought me to this moment in the rural landscapes of Georgia, I find solace in the curve of my smile amidst the adversities that shaped me. Having endured the segregation of people based on our differences—whether it’s our speech, hairstyles, movements, or mannerisms—I’ve often been labeled as Black, dumb, and unintelligent. Yet, as some attempt to regress to the days of subjugation under oppressive rulers, I recognize that my only allegiance is to Jesus. He has guided me through seventy years of suffering, humiliation, and anguish, and my face radiates with a smile because of His unwavering love and promise to never abandon me.

Losing my mother to dementia in 2022 was a profound blow, and the pages of Trending Memories became a testament to my struggles in caring for her amidst such a challenging disease. The pain of losing her, especially considering how much of who I am was instilled by her, still weighs heavily on me.

“Reflecting on Past Memories: Holding onto the Positive Amidst Challenges” was a pivotal section in my book that inspired me to delve deeper into my life experiences and pen down My Face Smile. Growing up in the southern woods of Georgia, in a small town on the county line, felt like home despite its label as country or backwoods. The lush surroundings, vibrant with bushes and trees, held memories of happiness and joy, especially the red clay dirt road that led to Mom’s sanctuary—the little house at its end. These memories of my upbringing, shaped by simplicity and hardship, fuel my determination as I navigate through life’s challenges, guided by the unwavering love of Jesus.

Living on that road was a vibrant experience, filled with admiration for the wildflowers and the fluttering butterflies that brought a sparkle to Mom’s eyes. Even amidst the challenges of impassable dirt roads during rainy days, with cars sliding and getting stuck, Dad’s unwavering support always came to the rescue. Despite the hardships, Mom made every effort to fill our home with love, a love that still echoes in my heart, even as dementia stole her mind.

As I continue to pour my heart into my writing, tears mix with the ink on the page, a bittersweet reminder of the journey I’ve been on. But amidst the pain, there’s a glimmer of hope, a reminder that even in the darkest moments, my face continues to smile, guided by the love and strength instilled in me by my mom and dad.

My Face Smile delves deeper into my life journey, capturing the essence of growing up in the South during an era of segregation. It explores the struggles and triumphs, and how through it all, my face managed to smile. The red clay dirt road was not just a path to our home; it was a witness to our lives. It saw us grow, laugh, cry, and persevere. In My Face Smile, I recount the lessons learned from my parents, the bond with my siblings, and how each step on that road was a step toward resilience and hope.

Stay tuned for more excerpts and reflections as I prepare to share this heartfelt journey with you all.