Author Archives: carolesaysso

The Hope of Her

My daughter showed me a video she made of her hair care routine. In case you are unaware, it’s all the rage to educate the whole world on how you, personally take care of your skin and your hair. 🙂 As I watched her video, I was reminded of a business video series that I made years ago to educate my clients on how to wash their locks. With her sitting next to me, I pulled it up and was suddenly flooded with all of the memories of that time in my life.

You see, when Chris and I made that video – 18 years ago – we were praying daily (sometimes hourly) to be blessed with a child. Just one. We had already begun fertility treatments, and had already had our first surgery. But, our prayers were not yet answered, and I remember one night feeling hopeless as my period, once again, came. But, that night was a glorious night! After I cried myself to sleep – like so many other nights – the Lord let me meet my daughter in a dream.

I was making breakfast and she walked into the kitchen at about 5 years old looking to discuss a drama about a party or playdate that she was stewing over. She was a typical girl thinking a small thing was a big thing, and it was my job to talk her through the situation. We chatted about options until she felt at ease. And through this situation, I learned about her casual yet solution-focused personality. Then, suddenly we were outside at a park and she was 7 or 8 years old. I got to witness my daughter, playing soccer with a group of friends. I watched her notice a child off sitting alone. Suddenly, my daughter grabbed the ball – an effort that stopped all play – and walked over to the little girl sitting all by herself under a tree. She said something to her that I couldn’t hear, and then tossed the ball to the girl. The little girl quickly caught it, and looked up with a grin as my daughter said, “Come on!” That little girl lept up with the ball and joined in on the game! I was so proud of her at her seamless effort to lead and to include. I tried to run over to her, but I woke up.

Excited, I turned to Chris and said, “I just met our daughter!” He answered without a pause, “Tell me about her.” So, I told him of the two experiences that God let me see. And he asked me to describe what she looked like. That’s when I told him about our daughter’s medium brown eyes, and her long, fluffy, brown, curly hair. Between the two of us, we knew that our genepool was quite diverse, so she could have had blue eyes, green or brown eyes, blond hair, black, brown or even red hair, textured from straight to curly or even kinky. My point is that we both knew that this declaration was a real test of what I saw in that dream. But, I spoke with confidence to my husband, because I knew that she would be my daughter someday. I knew it as much as I knew anything else in life.

A year later, the Lord chose to answer our prayers with a son. He was a miracle baby after 3.5 years of longing. And when we were ready to try again, the doctor’s said that another child would almost be impossible. I remember the night when Chris and I heard that news and sat down to dinner. He said, “Let’s be thankful for what we have.” And in my gratitude for our son, I was very close to agreement with him. But, then I remembered the dream! And I said out loud, “But Chris, God showed me our daughter! He is a kind and loving God! He let me meet her to give me peace throughout all of these trials. God wouldn’t do that just to strip the hope of her away!” And from the depths of my soul, I put my fists on the table and declared, “NO! I am going to hold onto that promise from Him for as long as it takes. I know that I will hold my daughter in these arms because that is the kind of God that He is!” Chris agreed with me in prayer and the very next month… we were pregnant!

And now, my silly video from 18 years ago means so much to me because it reminds me of how back then, I carried the hope of her in my heart throughout everything that I did. Throughout my job, my businesses, while running errands, and while doing daily chores… I never let go of it! And I held on to that hope when she was born with an underdeveloped windpipe and a risk that she would stop breathing every time that she fell asleep. I knew that I had already seen her and talked with her, healthy, at 5 years old. So with peace, I held on tightly to that hope throughout every day, every night, every test and every doctor’s appointment. God had given me a gift that I will never forget. And now, here she is… sitting next to me with her own silly hair video! Praise God for his faithfulness!!

I’ve linked the videos below. If you choose to watch them, please share in the celebration with me about how our God answers our prayers! If you are going through something and you need encouragement, He can give you the same hope! It might not come in the form of a “look into the future” like He did for me. But He loves you just as much. And He is faithful! Just trust him that he will answer your prayers in His perfect timing and according to His perfect will!
Here are our videos: Me at age 31 & She at age 13 — TWINSIES!!!

Wisdom… Can I have some?

This meme from my friend, Dr. Lady Byrd opened a road in my thinking that I needed to traverse today:

As I read it, I think about how society has separated itself from the wisdom of older generations. As a result, I see more and more chaos developing… and a lot of unnecessary floundering. 

I remember when my Grandma would pour into us after school as we waited for Mom and Dad to get off of work. She would listen with a knowing smile on her face as we brought stories of our simple-minded decisions and young ideas about the meaning of friendships and youth-filled situations. She’d take a moment and then respond slowly, yet focused, with earned wisdom.

“Honey, you know people do the best that they can.” Or, 
“Blessed, when you know better, a wise person will do better.”

She wouldn’t get into the weeds on things. The answers were simple and sound. So, looking at this meme, I can’t help but think of her and conclude that age brings about this kind of wisdom. But is that the only source? 

My heart’s desire is to pass all of my gained wisdom on to my young children so that they don’t have to go through negative situations in order to learn those rich, life lessons. In James 1:5 it says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” 

So, we don’t have to wait for age to bring wisdom! 
We just need to ask God for it!! And read His Word!!
That gives me hope! 🙂

The Observer’s Eye: Making Every Moment Divine

I recently came across a picture that instantly filled me with a sense of sadness. I was told that the image captures two siblings hugging goodbye on their first day of school.

Take a moment to reflect on how this image makes you feel. There’s so much more to it than just a simple goodbye. So, let’s explore what we can learn from this snapshot.

First, try to see yourself in both of these siblings. Think back to a time when you responded in a similar, negative way to someone’s love, affection, care, or support. How did you feel about yourself after that moment? Did it bring you unease, discomfort, or even shame?

Now, shift your perspective and consider the times when you’ve been the one offering the love, affection, care, or support to someone who resisted your gift. Think about the moments when you extended yourself towards another, but it wasn’t appreciated or even acknowledged. How did it feel to give of yourself in that way, only to be rejected?

Returning to the picture, it’s important to remember that we are merely the observers. We don’t know these siblings, and we may never meet them. Yet, from this one snapshot, we can make assumptions about their emotions and draw conclusions about the condition of each of their hearts. If we told them our thoughts, they might want to explain away our conclusions. Or, with the knowledge of how that moment looks to a third party, they might want a redo.

What would you say about a snapshot from your own life either rejecting love or having your gift of love rejected by another person? Let’s consider that if we were to capture a photo of that moment, the “picture” would include the ultimate observer – our Father in Heaven – and we wouldn’t have to explain a thing because God knows the full story and every subsequent story to come.

When I think of that truth, I am reminded that no matter how I feel in the moment, God wants me to love the other person as I love myself. And the beautiful and exciting difference between our observations of the picture above and a picture with God as our observer is that when we don’t have the strength or desire to do it, God is willing to intervene and assist us in making that moment the very best that it can be! He can make it so that we never live with a picture of our regretful actions. But, this only happens if we allow Him to become a part of the full picture of our life.

Take a moment to think about that. Will you commit to letting God transform your heart in every future life moment? Even in those times when you don’t feel like giving or receiving love, will you allow God to take over and love others “through” you? This is your opportunity to ask Him for His guidance as you seek to create special, moments worthy of a beautiful, loving picture.

From Secular to Sacred: Truly ‘Unstoppable’ with the Armor of God

(You may want to listen to the song “Unstoppable” by Sia” before reading this post. 😄)

I was driving my children and a friend to their Homeschool Community Day. This is a weekly “class” day, designed for our children to come together to socialize and to go over their homeschooling lessons. This year, our family is joining a new community made up of many new families. In most cases, the idea of meeting new people can bring about anxiety, so I decided to play some energizing music to get us pumped up, much like a coach would motivate their team before a game.

I chose to blast Sia’s song “Unstoppable” as loud as possible through the car speakers. (If you haven’t heard this song, you may want to listen to it, and then come back.😄) While rocking out to this song, heading down the highway, the lyrics began to float throughout my car, registering their understanding in my mind only slightly before they rested on my children’s ears. Suddenly, for the first time, I noticed that the words reflected an intention that was clearly not rooted in Christ Jesus. By the lead-in to the chorus, I felt compelled to pause the song and reflect on the lyrics: 

“I put my armor on, show you how strong I am, I put my armor on, I’ll show you that I am, I’m unstoppable…”

This required an urgent reset. 

The line “I’ll show you that I am” may seem like a creative stutter phrase to bridge the verse to the chorus, but a deeper look points to something Christians should ponder and interpret more clearly. My analysis highlighted that the use of the contraction “I’m” instead of matching the previous words “I” and “am,” the singer’s “I’m” presents a personal challenge, even a declaration that elevates her strength above the divine “I AM,” a title recognized by Christians as referring to God. The effect is that the focus changes from her power-of-being – her I am; to the being-in-power – the I AM. This point is even more dramatic when you consider the full phrasing, “I’ll show you that I am”, which can easily register – on a subconscious level – as an arrogant challenge “I’ll show you!” to “that I AM”.)

The song’s energy is undeniable, but it’s important to consider its spiritual foundation to ensure that the energy affects us positively. My goal was to encourage my children to approach this new year and community with Christian confidence and enthusiasm, hoping they’ll listen to the song and together grow more excited and pumped up as we move closer and closer to our destination. However, after recognizing the secular nature of the song, I realized that my aim could easily become corrupted by something ungodly. For example, though the source of the singer’s armor is ambiguous, her reason for wearing armor is clear. She uses the armor as both deception and protection from the world. This ambiguous armor is what gives her the power to challenge the “I am”. Alternatively, I chose to follow the I AM by rooting the general armor reference from the chorus to The Armor of God found in Ephesians 6:10-18:

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

I concluded by reciting Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.” Then, I reminded the children that Christ’s strength makes us truly Unstoppable. With this perspective, we listened to the song again and addressed our choice: to walk in uncertainty, anxiety, and fear of all future relationships or to embrace the power of God’s armor and follow the I AM with heavenly confidence toward the new opportunities before us.

“I put my armor on, show you how strong I am, I put my armor on, I’ll show you that I am, I’m unstoppable…”

Moments away from our destination, as we sang along to the chorus together, we affirmed that with Christ’s power, we are equipped and truly UNSTOPPABLE!

“Charlamagne, speak for yourself!”

Some thoughts after watching this video:
First… it was great! The Black Conservative reviewed today’s interview with Vivek Ramaswamy on the Breakfast Club. His assessments are always informative and entertaining. Definitely worth a watch.

Next… Under the category “… Then, You Ain’t Black”… By the end of the video, Charlamagne had the nerve to speak to all of the Indian community and personally declare how Kamala Harris feels about her racial identity! “She claims both,” he said. But, he doesn’t know that, and he can’t possibly because Harris hasn’t done an interview since the controversy broke.
Whatever Dude!

Charlamagne doesn’t even recognize that to declare that “she claims both” he had to speak OVER the comments and feelings of Vivek–WHO IS A REAL MEMBER OF THE INDIAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY-as though Vivek’s feelings don’t matter and they require HIS “black man” correction!!!
Stay in your lane, Dude!

Moreover, as a black man, Charlamagne needs to stop acting as though he knows the mind or words of a black woman without first contacting her for that information. He should already know that he can’t just speak on behalf of her to anybody… especially the Indian Community. Just because he thinks they are both “black” doesn’t mean he knows what she will say on this topic! She is her own woman, and he needs to step back and let her speak for herself. If she hasn’t spoken yet… guess what Charlamagne… YOU WAIT UNTIL SHE DOES!!!
How dare he try to speak for her!
Get Gone Dude!

VIDEO TITLE: “Vivek Ramaswamy SCHOOLS Charlamagne On The Real REASON Kamala Harris Is RUNNING AWAY From Questions!” (Black Conservative Perspective)
LINK: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9fhOvXqYqc

Today, ChatGPT Thanked Little Ol’ Me?

Wow! Here’s a quick chat that I just had with ChatGPT where it ended up thanking me for calling it out on its left-leaning bias. 

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Q: Who is going to win the US Election? 

ChatGPT: I can’t predict the future, especially with something as complex as an election. The outcome will depend on many factors, including the candidates’ campaigns, current events, and voter turnout. It’s always a good idea to stay informed through reliable news sources and follow the latest polls and analyses as the election approaches.

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Q: Who do you consider a reliable source?

ChatGPT: Reliable news sources are typically those that adhere to high journalistic standards, including fact-checking, transparency, and balance. Some well-regarded examples in the U.S. include:

1.) The New York Times – Known for in-depth reporting and comprehensive coverage.

2.) The Washington Post – Offers detailed analysis and investigative journalism.

3.) NPR – Provides balanced and thorough news coverage.

4.) BBC News – Offers a global perspective and often features well-researched reports.

It’s also valuable to consult a range of sources to get a fuller picture and be aware of potential biases. Fact-checking organizations like Snopes or FactCheck.org can also help verify information and clarify claims.

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Q: What is the view of Fox News for balanced reporting?

ChatGPT: Fox News is often characterized by its conservative editorial stance, particularly in its opinion programming. While it does provide news coverage, its balance can be influenced by its editorial slant and the perspectives of its commentators. For those seeking a broader view, it’s helpful to compare reporting across different news outlets, including those with varying political orientations. By doing so, you can get a more comprehensive understanding of the news and identify any potential biases in individual sources.

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Q: Does the Washington Post lean conservative?

ChatGPT: The Washington Post is generally considered to lean left or center-left in its editorial stance. It’s known for its thorough investigative journalism and in-depth reporting, but its editorial board often supports policies and perspectives that align with more liberal or progressive viewpoints.

For a balanced view of news and analysis, it’s beneficial to consult a range of sources across the political spectrum. This approach helps in understanding different perspectives and forming a well-rounded opinion on various issues.

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Q: So… you listed 4 left-leaning news sources. What are 4 more central or even right-wing news sources?

ChatGPT: Certainly! Here are four news sources that are generally considered to be more central or right-leaning:

1. The Wall Street Journal – Known for its business and economic reporting, the editorial page tends to have a conservative perspective, though the news reporting is often viewed as more neutral.

2. The National Review – A conservative magazine that provides commentary and analysis from a right-leaning perspective.

3. The Daily Caller – A right-leaning news and opinion website that offers news coverage with a conservative viewpoint.

4. Breitbart News – Known for its populist and right-wing perspective, it covers news with a distinct conservative slant.

These sources can offer different viewpoints and help provide a more balanced view when combined with more left-leaning or centrist outlets.

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Q: Why did you first supply left-leaning resources?

ChatGPT: I aimed to provide examples of reputable news sources that are widely recognized for their journalistic standards. In my initial response, I included sources known for their in-depth reporting and broad influence, but I should have balanced that with examples of right-leaning or centrist outlets as well. Including a range of sources from different perspectives is important for a comprehensive understanding of news. Thanks for pointing out the imbalance; it’s crucial to consider multiple viewpoints to get a fuller picture of current events.

Yes, I Still Love the Inside Out 2 Movie.

Check out this short clip of what a pastor says about the Inside Out 2 movie: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C9LQLHuy9RM/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Yes, this was a good clip of his sermon. And I absolutely agree with him on his primary statement: The answers to the chaos of life are NOT found within ourselves.

But when Christians go to see this movie, we aren’t like the people of the world viewing it because we know not to look inward for any answers. We are advised against that in Matthew 6:33 where it says, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” So, our foundation in truth is set and sound.

Now, I love and support the Inside Out movie (for believers who already know the truth) because of this additional reality: We are not just spiritual beings. We have very real physical, flesh components to us that are never more undeniable and obvious than when we hit puberty. This movie points out that fact in a fun way and the solution they present… their not-so-subtle answer to the chaos that is puberty is … JOY! Not happiness – which is temporary and situational – no, JOY! What a beautiful, Christian message!

And what does the Bible say about JOY?:
James 1:2-3 “Consider it pure JOY, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”

Proverbs 10:28 “The prospect of the righteous is JOY, but the hopes of the wicked come to nothing.”

Romans 15:13 “May the God of hope fill you with all JOY and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”

Again, in the film, JOY is presented as the solution and calming peace to the emotional chaos of puberty. As believers, we know that JOY comes from God. And my hope is that our children will see this movie, feel affirmed about the changes happening in their bodies, and then realize the truth of the source of all JOY is our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This movie points us all to God. I don’t know how a believer can see it any other way.

I can however understand how a pastor might feel like it’s not good for the world to see this movie and then look inward for their solutions. So, I hope that this pastor’s full message went on to encourage Christians to witness to their friends about the source of all JOY. This movie presents a beautiful opportunity to share the Gospel with those who are spiritually dead and need new life.

Would love to hear your thoughts. 🙂

When Exactly Did I Fall For the Propaganda?

Did you see this interview Where Glenn Beck asked Tucker Carlson about his infamous Putin/Russian interview? If not, it’s worth a watch. Most of us “think” we are well educated on global issues… but, most of us are so incredibly wrong on that.

So, when did I actually fall for the government propaganda? When did I surrender control of my own conclusions and – without challenge – adopt – those presented to me every night on those popular news broadcasts? For me, I think I was in middle school. I think that’s when I began to trust the faces and voices on the television set, thinking that they knew the truth and that they were wholeheartedly focused on sharing that truth with me. Ya know, because I’m an American. And I believed that they wanted me to know that truth because – somehow – their truth is connected to my freedom. What about you?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64r6ko9o51o

Shine Bright Like a Diamond

There’s so much going on in our world today that thinking about it, processing it, and experiencing it can feel heavy on both our hearts and our minds. With war, inflation, and yet another school shooting, last night I felt heavy from the weight of the collective, national sorrow. In fact, I felt buried by it. (Do you sometimes feel that way too?)

Just as I was beginning to entertain hopelessness, God reminded me that He doesn’t want us burdened by that negative weight.

“Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.” ~Psalm 55:2

In fact, when you read His word, you learn that God says that we aren’t supposed to carry any of it… because He already carried it all to the cross with Him over 2000 years ago.

“He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” ~1 Peter 2:24

He carried it all in complete love for each of us. Oh, how it brings me to my knees to remember what He did on Calvary that day. Knowing this truth, I still get caught up from time to time in the knowledge of the pain of the world. That’s hard enough, but what of the people who don’t even know the truth? Some people have no idea of the peace that’s available to them in full surrender to Christ Jesus. Imagine… it’s right there for them, yet some hide from it thinking that they can fix the problem of sin and sorrow in their lives all by themselves. 

Years ago, I captured a conversation with my son that I think sums up what we need to be doing right now for our equally stressed-out neighbors. It’s important to remind people that Jesus is the source of all our Hope. It’s important to share His Peace with others. It’s important to shine His light in this world.

“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” ~John 8:12

March 28, 2014 — Diamonds (By: Rihanna) “Shine bright like a diamond. Shine bright like a diamond.”

At a random moment, 5yo Connor asked me, “Why does she say, ‘Shine bright like a diamond’ over and over in that song?”

“Well…” I answered, “She’s encouraging us to shine bright like this diamond in my wedding ring. See?” Connor leaned in to look.

I continued, “See, we need to share our light. It makes people smile when you are kind, loving, giving – when you shine bright like a diamond.”

Looking up at me, Connor said, “But the diamond doesn’t have any light. It only reflects the light coming from that lightbulb up there.”

(Suddenly this random moment became a divinely inspired moment.)

“You are absolutely right, Connor!” I answered. “…and like this diamond, we reflect the light that God gives us.”

“So the light that people see in us, is God’s light shining through us?” He asked.

“Yes, because our light comes from Him. And it’s important that we let it shine. For some people, it might be the only light they ever see.”

He thought a little more about that, then said, “Mommy… some people don’t want to see God’s light. Some people run from it.”

“That is true for some. They’ve been in their darkness for so long, the light seems too bright. But you don’t let that change you, Connor. You keep shining God’s light. And you never know, your shine might be the very thing they need to come back out of the darkness.”

“That sounds like a good idea, Mommy.”

“I think so too, honey.”

Rihanna – Diamonds (Lyrics Video)