Greetings Good People!

This week, my faith has definitely been tested. 

When you have a dream or a goal, the only way it will come to pass is when you just step out there.  Whenever I have an idea, I have to make a conscious decision to make it happen.  And I find when I begin to move, or make that “leap of faith”, things begin to happen.  However, taking the jump is the first and easiest part for me.    What do you do when you are in mid-air, and the net hasn’t appeared yet?    This is really where my faith is tested.  

How am I going to find the money?  How am I going to get along with these people?  How am I going to do all this work?  How am I going to make it work?  This is doubt, fear or uncertainty that plagues all of us.  However, we have to remember that faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see (Hebrews 11:1).   I will admit, at times, I get a little nervous and have some sleepless nights.  However, eventually, my faith activates, and my will and determination rises up in me and says “You are going to do this.”  Instead of feeling beaten or discouraged, the challenges motivate me to overcome them.  And even when things don’t turn out the way I pictured, I find that it still is a blessing because I tend to learn more about myself and how to become better.  So I guess you can say it is a win-win situation. 

And when I overcome my challenges eventually, I always am in awe to see “a way made out of no way” and wonder why I had doubt in the first place.  God hasn’t failed me yet.  And the more we activate our faith, I believe, we are linking ourselves to God, the universe, the Light, that greater and better part of ourselves.  So it is so important to stay connected.   And when more of us are connected, we are more unified and more powerful to make a positive difference in the world.  

So how do you connect?  Prayer, meditation, yoga, sitting in silence, singing, reading sacred texts.  Just do it! 🙂  And the more you do it, the more each of us can jump with purpose, with confidence and in love.

Have a great weekend!  

Peace and Blessings, ThatKellieGirl

“With cultural heritage at the forefront and social justice as the message, this passionate performer blends Jazz, Caribbean rhythms and Afrobeat to make a perfect setting for the listener to enjoy the audible testament of Peace and Love.”  Behind any artistic creation there is a story. Learn more about “Freedom’s Children: The Celebration” the concept album that uses a unique instrumentation to explore styles of music prominent in social justice movements.  Listen to the beautiful Peace and Love here.

Friday, October 14

Urban Eats and Music Cafe

Free

CDs for sale

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The United States vs. Billie Holiday is a play in two acts that takes us through the tumultuous journey of jazz legend Billie Holiday as she fights for love and the pursuit of happiness. The story captures a unique look at her life through the eyes of a young Jewish writer whose ambition to become lead writer at his local newspaper drives him to attempt to do the almost impossible: snag the final interview with Ms. Holiday during her last days.

October 13-15

Joe’s Movement Emporium

3309 Bunker Hill Rd.

Mt. Rainier, MD

8PM

Get tickets here

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After a one-year hiatus, Washington’s LGBT film festival Reel Affirmations returns with a 10-day slate of more than 50 movies that range from the steamy to the silly.

October 13-22

Throughout the District

Get tickets and schedule here

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AFROCUBA! DMV Edition- Every 2nd Friday of the month, come dance to all the AfroCuban vibes & beyond.

Friday, October 14

Live

2001 11th St NW

9PM-2AM

Free

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Mayor Vincent C. Gray cordially invite you to partake in the MLK Memorial Dedication and DC Full Democracy Freedom Rally/March!  DC residents will rally to fulfill Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream of full democracy and autonomy for the 600,000 residents who call the District of Columbia home.

Saturday, October 15

Freedom Plaza

14th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue N.W.

9AM-1PM

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Enjoy the Reggae Wine Festival at Linganore Winecellars. Hear the wonderful sounds of Reggae with the Yawd Lynk Band (12pm-3pm) and the Image Band (3:30 – 6pm). Plus indulge in wine tastings, wine tour of the vineyard, vendors, food vendors, artisans, and more!

October 15-16

Linganore Winecellars

13601 Glissans Mill Road, Mt. Airy, MD

$15-$20

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The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) and the National Park Service are teaming up to host Feet in the Street.  It is a car-free event in Fort Dupont Park in Southeast Washington to promote physical activity, green transportation choices, and community spirit.  Look for Takeyah Young of Core Connection Lifestyle who will be teaching a free yoga practice to kick off the event at 9AM.  RSVP for the yoga class here.

Saturday, October 15

Fort DuPont Park

Randle Circle and Fort Dupont Drive SE

9AM-3PM

Free

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Designed for children ages six through twelve, Kids Euro Festival is staged through the cooperation of the 27 Washington-based European Union embassies and more than a dozen major local cultural institutions. It features bubble-blowers, a virtual orchestra, improvisational storytelling, puppeteers, dancers, and acrobats.

October 14-November 10

Throughout the District

Click here for schedule

Free

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Join us for another year – 5 yrs to be exact of fun and festivities for dogs and dog lovers all over the D.C. area. This year, we are excited to announce the morning Walk for the Washington Humane Society. Sign up early, walk your dog at noon and after 2PM, stay for food, shopping, arts and crafts, demos/workshops, contests and more.

Saturday, October 15

Marie Reed Elementary School

2200 Champlain St NW

11AM-5PM

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The 18th Annual Taste of Georgetown will showcase the spectacular cuisine of thirty of Washington, D.C.’s finest restaurants, highlighting Georgetown’s culinary personalities and feature nearly sixty delectable dishes to sample, as well as wine pairings and the jazz talents of Blues Alley. This year’s jazz line-up includes the Michael Bowie Trio, Blues Alley Youth Orchestra, Jacques Johnson and Friends, and Sandra Y. Johnson Quintet

Saturday, October 15

Wisconsin and M St NW

11AM-4PM

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Words Beats and Life presents: Chocolate City Funk!!!  Come out to watch or compete in the following categories: 2 v. 2 Breakdancing Battle for $200; 1 v. 1 All Styles Battle for $100; and 2 v. 2 Small Fry Battle (16 and under) for $50 + gift certificate.

Saturday, October 15

Riverside Center

5200 Foote Street NE

Noon to 5PM

Free

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Atlantic Starr, the rockin’ 1980s R&B band famous for “Always” and “Secret Lovers” is hotter than ever and touring the globe. Making a rare DC area full-band appearance, the Lewis brothers will be at the Playhouse with their eight-piece ensemble.

Saturday, October 15

Publick Playhouse

5445 Landover Road, Cheverly, MD

8PM

$30

For tickets, call 301-277-1710

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Sashe is the combination of LouisP and Tamara Wellons. Simply a journey into the sounds of soul encouraging you to release the past and embrace the present…the now. With one of DC’s strongest songbirds (TAMARA WELLONS) performing live and enhancing the night as our host.  We welcome you to. We are inviting you to… Sashe

Saturday, October 15

Blackbyrd

2005 14th St

10PM-3AM

Free

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“Black President’s Day” will feature food, live music, live art and more! Each year LSP and its partners pay tribute to the creator of Afrobeat music, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. For one night attendees are invited into our version of the shrine, and experience the best of Fela and music he has inspired.This year we are excited to bring Fela to historic Anacostia, a fitting location for such an important tribute.

Saturday, October 15

We Act Radio

1918 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE

9PM

Advance- 10 bucks

At the door- 15 bucks

Get tickets here

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Snatching the 2010 Grammy award from Justin Bieber, Esperanza Spalding will be performing her low-key, Brazilian inspired music this weekend.

Sunday October 16

Warner Theater

513 13th St NW

8PM

Get tickets here

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9th Wonder and Phonte are hitting the road, backing each other’s solo efforts for a dual cd-release tour.  The tour will include a caravan of acts from 9th Wonder and Phonte’s collective rosters, including Rapsody, Median, The Away Team, Halo, and DJ Flash. Be there or be square.

Sunday, October 16

Black Cat

1811 14th St NW

8-11:30PM

20 bucks

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Years in planning development and a postponement due to Hurricane Irene, the long-awaited Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial will be dedicated.

Sunday, October 16

West Potomac Park-National Mall King Memorial

9AM
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Howard’s Homecoming festivities kicks off this weekend with the Gospel Concert.  Featuring Pastor Shirley Caesar, Marcus Wiley, Y’Anna Crawley, VaShawn Mitchell and more!

Sunday, October 16

Cramton Auditorium-Howard University

2455 6th Street, NW Washington

7PM

General Admission: $35

Students: $20

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Best in classic music: r&b dance, rarities, house, soul…

Sunday October 16

Daylight

2001 11th St NW

7PM

5 bucks