Brenda

Beloved,
Last night I had a dream that continues to reminds me to always live a life of gratitude and thanksgiving. Too often we have given so much to our children that many of them have the concept of privilege over gratefulness. Although it is a privilege to have many things and access in many ways, to the attitude should reflect gratefulness. In my dream a young man would include in his essays the attitude of gratitude. Two of his classmates taunted him with the the questions why and what as they laughed. My question to them was why weren’t they grateful and thankful? Grateful to see another day, to be safe, to have food on the table, to have access to higher education. Many others do not have such yet they are more grateful for what they have like love, family, unity and the such. The student was teaching them something that nearly slipped away until the conversation became deep enough for them to see. Today what are you grateful for? This pandemic has caused many lives, mental challenges and isolation and through it all there is much to be grateful for.
Mahatma Gandhi: “The difference between what we do and what we are capable of doing would suffice to solve most of the world’s problem.”
Namaste,
Brenda D. Cooper

Beloved,
Today I stand in gratitude for the healing and peace that is taking hold in America today. We have had over 500,000 souls to lose their lives from the pandemic alone causing many of us to mourn alone as our family members died alone. I am so grateful that we have a leadership in this Country today with a heart to love, reach out and embrace all Americans. I am eternally grateful for the nurses, doctors, scientist, first responders and every essential worker that love so much that they willingly sacrifice their own lives for each of us daily. They have chosen to stand in and walk in their calling. They are our super heroes. I am grateful that on today I am able to breathe in deep exhale slowly and watch nature takes its course in various forms. I am grateful for the here and now to truly be able to love my neighbor, my Country, my world. Take a moment today to enjoy your right here and now! Breathe in, exhale slowly and know that this day was gifted to you.
I am reminded of Maya Angelou’s quote “Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope.”

Love, Peace and Hope,
Brenda D. Cooper

Beloved,I embrace the following quote from Senator John Lewis today, knowing that in this most recent change in the Presidency we are just beginning again. It’s only been 30 days and I stand at awe. However with some Senate seats up for reelection in 2022 there is no time for complacency. To simply feel like America is for every American allows each of us to exhale slowly yet remain alert knowing one area can not totally and effectively work without the other. Although working together regardless of what political party you serve has not been the case most times in a Country that boast of such, its been proven very clearly that our voices, our votes, our actions are those which bring about change and freedom for all. As we continue to celebrate Black History Month let us do so continually looking forward, speaking audibly and making our actions for change for the betterment of all Americans, remembering “Human Beings are the most Dynamic link to the Divine”!!! Let us remember that love and peace, unity and oneness of heart is greater than the opposite. Let us remember Humanity has no color lines, political lines or any other need for divisiveness. Simply put, keep on Rising Up for Human Rights for All!
Senator John Lewis: “Nothing can stop the power of a committed and determined people to make a difference in our society. Why? Because human beings are the most dynamic link to the divine on this planet.”

Committed and Determined,Brenda D. Cooper

Beloved,Just in case this is needed in someone’s life today, I share this quote once again from Senator John Lewis as a reminder of all the progress that has been accomplished, as well as the need to keep on keeping on in a way that reflects the Light that shines within and throughout the World. “You are a light. You are the light. Never let anyone — any person or any force — dampen, dim or diminish your light … Release the need to hate, to harbor division, and the enticement of revenge. Release all bitterness. Hold only love, only peace in your heart, knowing that the battle of good to overcome evil is already won.”When our hearts are full of love, peace and unity there is no other source more powerful. Today I choose to stand strong in this power giving thanks to the Divine Presence for such a gift.(Matthew 5:14-16)-“You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. And they do not light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, so that it may shine to all who are in the house. So then, let your light shine in the sight of men, so that they may see your good works, and may glorify your Father, who is in heaven.”‭‭Light, Love and Peace,Brenda D. Cooper

Beloved,As we continue to celebrate Black History Month, we do so standing upon the magnificent shoulders of those that came before us. Figures such as George Washington Carver for his many inventions, some more controversial than others, and Madame CJ Walker the first FEMALE American of African decent to become a millionaire in America from her invention of beauty products. Because of her my Mother and so many others were encouraged to start their own businesses such as beauty salons and stores that continues to sow into communities of color today. All of these individuals had passion and ambition for what they believed to be their calling. Stacy Abrams says in her book Lead From The Outside – “At it’s most complex, ambition should be an animation of soul. Not simply a job, but a disquiet that requires you to take action.” Its amazing the knowledge, inventions and cures of diseases that have come from the minds of African Americans and continues to be sources of healing from head to toe as well as body and soul to date. This richness continues on even in the midst of a pandemic as we celebrate a Female African American Scientist by the name of Kissmekia Corbett who is at the forefront of the Moderna Vaccine. Celebrate knowing who you are, what you’re made of and how your life will continue to enrich others in this day and those that are yet to come.
#Celebrate! #Passion! #Ambition!Brenda D. Copper

Beloved,
As I began reading “Lead From The Outside” by Stacey Abrams, I was at awe of her inspiring story that continues to spur all of the otherness within each of us who can relate, understand and remain encouraged in the face of adversity. As a Pastor that happen to be female, African American and Lesbian
who faced sexism, racism, cynicism and the like in a city and Country that merits itself on Men ONLY holding such an honor was tiring, heartbreaking yet invigorating and inspiring to walk in such a powerful call. Obstacles in life should never break us but rather cause us to Rise Up and live to fight another day knowing that this call to action is greater than for self. It is for the others who have been marginalized, knocked down, overlooked and cheated out of their basic human rights. It’s for the generations to come. Just as we stand on the shoulders of our ancestors, it is our turn for those that will come after us to be able to stand on our shoulders. I am honored to have lived and continues to live a life for truth, justice, equality and unity. I celebrate this month with gratitude for such a powerful leader that remains on the frontline for all of the Others.

Stacy Abrams – “Our parents also taught us to learn for the sake of knowledge itself, and made certain we understood no one could take knowledge from us. Circumstances could steal your house, your job, your car, but no one could take the contents of our minds.”

Liberty and Justice for ALL,
Brenda D. Cooper

Beloved,
Today I embrace the words of Cicely Tyson, a living legend that recently departed to a greater form of Living. These words so powerful for all of humanity especially every female no matter her age, passion, purpose occupation or stance in life. This month is a reminder of who and whose you are not only for African Americans but especially for women and the choices we make that can either enhance or diminish those coming behind us.
Cicely Tyson
“I’ve never done a job just for money. I could not do anything that would not enhance humanity, especially for women.”
As an actress she truly was a trail blazer for so many of us that taught us how to value ourselves and others. I am eternally grateful for such a soul. In life we are challenged, enticed and tempted in many different ways but at the end of the day when you can rest peacefully, live joyfully and walk with your head held high, you know that the choices you have made were always for the greater good of your fellow Sister and Brother and generations to come!!!!

Blessings and Peace,
Brenda D. Cooper

Beloved,

As we continue to celebrate Black History Month let us do so knowing that the power of greatness, love and endurance continues on today. Never allow present or past circumstances, inequalities and injustices to dictate who and whose you are. Know that no matter what America faces it does not determine your outcome. I am inspired by the following quote of Senator John Lewis which continues to remind me that the battle of good to overcome evil has already won. It’s always good to have that which is evil exposed for all to see. It is always good to know that your voice, your dollar and your life matters. The power is in each of our hands to continue to make change for the greater good of all!!!!

Senator John Lewis

“You are a light. You are the light. Never let anyone — any person or any force — dampen, dim or diminish your light … Release the need to hate, to harbor division, and the enticement of revenge. Release all bitterness. Hold only love, only peace in your heart, knowing that the battle of good to overcome evil is already won.”
Shalom and Blessings,Brenda D. Cooper

Beloved,
I was awakened after a dream that brought both disturbance and greater still relief and joy for the overall good of humanity. I was led to simply meditate, pray and feed my mind which I do by reading. As I sat and begin to read “The Path Made Clear” by Oprah Winfrey, I instantly rejoiced in my spirit in confirmation of each sentence, paragraph and chapter. Every word was a reviving conformation to my soul, my life and purpose of being. In the very opening of Chapter 1 – “The Seeds” Oprah reminds us “Your life isn’t about a big break. It’s about taking one significant life – transforming step at a time.” For many of us it’s time to remove self from the mundane, the mediocre and for others the all encompassing events constantly played out in the media. Remember to continually embrace that which promotes and produces life while Living in the NOW! Today embrace what was written many centuries ago not for the faithful few but for every living being. Receive and know them to be true for you!
(Jeremiah 29:11)-I alone know my purpose for you, says YHWH, my purpose for your prosperity and my purpose NOT to harm you, my purpose to give you hope with a future in it.

#Purpose! #Hope! #Future! 
Namaste,
Brenda D. Copper

Beloved,
There should not be a shock factor of present day events, if we have ever understood what was written many centuries ago. However if we desire to change the temperature of these events we must first change the temperature within. Like many of you my nights even in rest have been very prayerful and last night was no exception. As I was waking up I heard “Be still and know that I am God!” As I began my morning reading Isaiah 40:28-31 stood out like the smell of fresh air after a rain fall, reminding me once again that “God is Large and in Charge.” When our minds are kept, our hearts pure our actions will reflect this truth. Today I choose Higher Frequency Living and see what seems to be unseen, but in reality is very visible. It is way to costly to allow myself to go low.
(Isaiah 40:28-31)-Do you not know? Have you not heard? YHWH is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. This God does not faint or grow weary; with a depth of understanding that is unsearchable. God gives strength to the weary, and empowers the powerless. Young women may grow tired and weary, young men may stumble and fall, but those who wait for YHWH find renewed power; they soar on eagles’ wings and run and don’t get weary, they walk and never tire.

Be Still and Know,
Brenda D. Cooper