The Honeybee's Lifestyle

Category: 901

  • Open Mosque Day

    Hello Honeybees,

    It’s always a good idea to expand your knowledge about things that are different. I’m talking about people, places and things.  I’m so glad that I learned to not only seek diversity but to embrace it. I’m also glad that my children are able to do the same.

    As part of his Bridge Builder experience my son choose to spend part of a Saturday morning learning about the Muslim faith and I was happy to accompany him.  This was the first time that I was able to share his Bridge Builder experience with him.

    I am a Christian and have experienced several different forms of religious expression. My first church experience was as a member of the First Corinthian Baptist Church in Chicago, then the Catholic Church which is where I practiced most of my religion, in college I went back to the Baptist church then back to the Catholic Church where I was married.  I am now a member of the Disciples of Christ.

    Having the chance to visit a Mosque was a learning experience for both of us. On the way home he said it best: we all believe in God but we just express it in different ways. I was so proud that he received that message. Spending the day learning about the Muslim faith, culture and customs was an experience that I will always remember.

    Before our tour we put on shoe covers or you had the option to go without shoes

    Wearing a Hijab, for modesty, was a new experience

    This is where the men wash before prayer, the ladies had a separate area upstairs

    Having the chance to ask questions was part of the activities

    There was also food and drink.  I must say the tea was delicious

    This year is the 15th Annual Muslims in Memphis Celebration.  There are planned activities & events all month.  To learn more you can visit www.MuslimsInMemphis.org .

    I encourage you to get to know your neighbors. We all share this earth together.

    Belinda 

    Beewisdom- There is unity in diversity

  • Women Helping Women

    Hello Honeybees,

    When I was looking to shift into the nonprofit field I knew that I wanted to do something to help women and or children. I was blessed enough to be able to do just that.  Not only does my work involve women and the planning of children but my life outside of work does too.  In the last four weeks I have been involved in causes that positively affect the women of Memphis & Shelby County.

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    Dress For Success Memphis        The Little Black Dress Event

    This was my first year attending The Little Black Dress Event but it was also one of my first duties as a board member. The event was held at the beautiful Memphis Botanic Garden. This is one of the signature fundraising events for Dress For Success Memphis.  We were graced by the beautiful voice of Ms. Wyndie Oh & dined on some awesomely delicious food.  The night was great until I was outbid on an auction item….got to move faster next time.

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    Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis    Power of the Purse Auction

    This was my third year attending the Power of the Purse Auction.  My first year I was a guest, the second year I was a volunteer. This year I was a member of the host committee. Held at The University Club this auction was every woman’s dream. Everything from purses, shoes, jewelry, wine, art, spa packages to sports packages and more. There was even a special visit from the Glamorous Life girl herself, Ms Shelia E.

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    A Step Ahead Foundation            Fifth Anniversary Celebration & Holiday Bazaar

    I have worked at A Step Ahead for 4 years and it has changed my life. To know that the work that you do every day is helping to make a difference in the lives of women, especially young women is pretty good. We celebrated for two days.  Friday night was our anniversary celebration. Being decked out in our cocktail attire we sampled some of the best food in the city, enjoyed our signature LARCtini cocktail, shopped with vendors and auctioned a painting by local artist Jimpsie Ayers. On Saturday we had our annual holiday bazaar. Food trucks, vendors, a bouncy house & face painting for the kids. Both events were held at Lindenwood Christian Church.

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    ASAF Photo Credit: http://rogercotton.com/

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    I encourage you to visit the website for each of these wonderful organizations.  They along with many others are doing some great work for women in Memphis.  Don’t sit on the sidelines, help to make a difference in the 901.

    Belinda Bee pic

    Beewisdom- If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else.  Booker T. Washington

  • Middle Finger Up

    Hello Honeybees,

    On Sunday I gave fear the middle finger….like Beyonce said, sort of…. “Middle finger up, tell it….fear bye”

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    Those that are close to me know that I have a fear of heights and water.  My fear of water is not that bad. I’m only afraid of water when it comes above my waist. My fear of heights is very real. Let’s just say climbing a ladder is a no-no.  So imagine me walking across a bridge over the Mississippi bridge.

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    Yep, I walked across the Harahan Pedestrian Bridge now known as Big River Crossing.  It’s a mile long bridge that connects Tennessee & Arkansas.  The train still runs alongside the walking trail. Which is what happened while I walked across the bridge.

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    The views from the bridge are AH-Mazing.  I actually stopped to take a picture. I looked down only once because once was truly enough. And I didn’t want to freeze in the middle of the bridge.

    view-of-bridge-from-the-bridge

    Although conquering this particular fear was not on my #YearOfYes list I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to try. I am determined to not let fear get the best of me.  If I did I would be missing out on some of the best times in life.

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    I didn’t take this walk alone. The ladies that I walked with were so encouraging and supportive. They also shared some very important life lessons. Lessons that I will take to heart.

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    Ladies I thank you for the welcome spirit and shared wisdom.

    2016 is almost over and yes there are still fears to conquer and guess what……I’m ready.

    Belinda Bee pic

    Beewisdom- Fear is only as deep as the mind allows.  Japanese Proverb