I Accept Your Challenge

Ariel Dorcent -Tribute to The Black Panther
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7FAX6uN0JU&t=57s

Your enemy is large, angry and intimidating. Full of hate, he is determined to destroy you and your legacy. You have no doubt; your opponent desires everything you possess and will kill you to get it. His intentions are clear and from the looks of him, you can see he’s fully capable of manifesting his desires. Understanding the possible outcome, how do you respond? Do you flee, cast your opponent into prison, or do you look him squarely in the eye and say, “I accept your challenge.”

This was the most important line to me in the Black Panther movie, starring Chad Boseman, Lupita Nyong'o, and Danai Gurira.

The Black Panther's cousin was of royal blood, therefore, had rights to the throne by means of ritual combat. The men would fight until one of them yielded or died.

I sat in the theater on edge of my seat — afraid, knowing the hate in his opponent's heart.  The King did not waiver, however. With precise calmness, the King offers his cousin the opportunity and a pathway to the throne. Four simple words, not so simple, however, gave permission. “I accept your challenge.”

Days following the movie, until I set out to see it a second time, these four words rang over and over in my spirit. What challenge am I facing and how does it affect my future and my legacy? Will I flee by way of distraction or stay locked in my fear? Or will I look at the potential of the deadly consequences and say, “I accept your challenge.”

Finally, it hit me. You do not look at the deadly consequences and say those four words. In fact, if you do, chances are you will accept and be defeated. I’m reminded of a scripture that says, And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think on these things. Philippians 4:7-8

I believe the King wasn’t calmly looking at his opponent. I believe he was looking through him — into the future. He was looking at what was true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy. Once he looked ahead, he saw what he needed to fight for and what he would protect. His decision was clear. This is how you and I remain calm facing adversity — you guard your heart and mind with God’s word and confidence.

But I think there’s more to help us. Also, in the movie when The Black Panther King went into battle, he was stripped of the power of the black panther. He would then fight as a mere man. For the believer, we should never go into battle stripped of our power. We are equipped with the Holy Spirit. 

Personally, it has no longer become a question for me of accepting the challenge. It is the answer that follows if I do not. I reject that answer. I am not prepared to deal with the consequences of fleeing the challenge. I will not give adversity a foothold to a legacy that is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy.

As I step into a new phase of ministry, I find His peace. It is not I. We, my heavenly King and I, accept the challenge. We must. Too much is at stake and we cannot afford to lose it.

I pray you do as well.

What challenges are you facing? What will you lose if you do not accept? I'd love to hear from you.

Until We Meet Again,

Brook Lynn

Brook Lynn Dorcent

Author/Coach/Inspirational Speaker

Host: JUST WRITE REVIEW

Founder/Facilitator: JUST WRITE! - A Club for Writers

Missing the Mark (Novel One)

Pressing Toward the Mark (Novel Two)

Forgetting Betrayal (Novel Three)

Above All (Novel Four)

Finally Home (A Novel) Download Today

Everlasting Faith (A Novel - Coming 2018)

Spirit Over Will (Devotional)

OUTStanding (Teen Guide)

www.brooklynndorcent.com

Why Not...Read for Love

Exchanging our Fear for Purpose - A Glorious Transformation

2017 JUST WRITE OPEN HOUSE
Authors Front Row Lt - Rt (Brittany Arnold, Demetrise Cobbs, Sherry Brown,  Brook Lynn, and Hope Murphy)

“I was nervous. I was tired. I wanted to give up. This was hard,”  they said.

These were the most commonly used words at JUST WRITE’S 2017 Open House. The authors’ literary journeys were long. They started years before the seed to write the book was planted. After they lived their stories, after they envisioned the book, they had to write it. And then, many of them had to self-publish it. But why? Why so much pain and hard work? Was there any good to come out of it?

Aspiring Author Judy V. Henderson

Before I answer these questions, I am reminded of another story. Especially since the holiday season is upon us. The story of a perfect baby coming into an imperfect world. His purpose was to save mankind. He suffered greatly at all levels. And then when it was time for His ordained moment, He went into a garden, and cried, Lord, I’m afraid. Take this cup from me. Yet, not my will, but your will be done.

Aspiring Author Pastor L. Jenkins-Wilkes

Author Hope Scott and Mom

Jesus’ words were not that different from the authors that presented at our open house. They understood God had given them an ordained purpose. They were chosen for that precise moment. That moment was created from a collection of previous challenging moments.

However, the experience is not enough to connect us. Without the recording of the experience and passing it down, it loses its power. And what does that recorded experience have the power to do? And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. - Revelations 12:11 KJV

Author Keischa Pruden

Author Tanya Powell

This is why we write and share our stories. Stories have the power to help us overcome. If we want to overcome, just read someone’s story. If we want to help someone overcome, write your story. 

Will it be easy? No. Will I be nervous? Yes. Will I want to give up? Yes.

Like Jesus, the power of living through the experience presses into our heart. You can run from your calling, but cannot hide. You will remain restless and unsettled until it is fulfilled. And like Jesus, we find the courage to fulfill our ordained moment. Courage is simply moving in the presence of fear.  

Author Dr. Lydia Best

November 11, 2017, JUST WRITE authors moved through their fear. By the time they neared the end of their presentation, they have moved into purpose. It was a glorious transformation — an exchange of fear for purpose. The stories were not about them. Not anymore.

Jesus gave his life for us and shared His story with us. It is forever the greatest story ever told — and written! We are forever grateful.

Authors, I am forever grateful to you for sharing and writing your stories. 
It may be a little early, but Merry Christmas!

Until We Meet Again, 

Brook Lynn

Brook Lynn Dorcent

Author/Coach/Inspirational Speaker

Host: JUST WRITE REVIEW

Founder/Facilitator: JUST WRITE! - A Club for Writers

Missing the Mark (Novel One)

Pressing Toward the Mark (Novel Two)

Forgetting Betrayal (Novel Three)

Above All (Novel Four)

Finally Home (A Novel) Download Today

Spirit Over Will (Devotional)

OUTStanding (Teen Guide)

www.brooklynndorcent.com

Why Not...Read for Love

YOU CAN TAKE IT WITH YOU

Many of you have heard the old adage, “You can’t take it with you.” These words refer to giving away our earthly possessions. It is true, once we’re lowered into the earth, our valuables will not join us. 

On my journey as an author, I’ve learned there are some valuables we can take with us. Inside us, we have stories of overcoming challenges — stories full of life and wisdom.

I’m most reminded of this during Black History Month. I think of all the incredible overcoming stories of hope and inspiration. These stories have given us a future. My favorite is Harriet Tubman. I still have my childhood storybook today. I cherish her life and the writers of that story.

I’ve met so many people that have told me how much they want to share their stories, record them, pass them on. I truly believe with all my heart, they do want to share those stories. I believe they want to write those books. Some are writing, but some have stopped, and some haven’t started. 

Why? Writing comes with the cost of discipline and dedication. It comes with sacrifice. However, sacrifice is never really about us, it’s about what we leave. 

The Effective Elements of Writing Class is fast-approaching on March 4th (10:00 am to noon) in Greenville, NC. It’s designed to equip the writer to write a book that will leave a legacy of wisdom and hope. 

My brothers and sisters, you know the stories within you — they made you better and stronger. They gave you wisdom. The question is, will you take it with you?

Register for The Effective Elements of Writing Class Today - www.brooklynndorcent@gmail.com

Until We Meet Again,

Brook Lynn

Brook Lynn Dorcent

Author/Coach/Inspirational Speaker

Host: JUST WRITE REVIEW

Founder/Facilitator: JUST WRITE! - A Club for Writers

Missing the Mark (Novel One)

Pressing Toward the Mark (Novel Two)

Forgetting Betrayal (Novel Three)

Above All (Novel Four)

Finally Home (A Novel) Coming Soon

Spirit Over Will (Devotional)

OUTStanding (Teen Guide)

www.brooklynndorcent.com

Why Not...Read for Love

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Size Doesn't Matter When You Have Passion

I desire to be more like my dog. Who says that…I know. But really, I do. We acquire life lessons in everything. I found one in my 4-pound Chinuahua/Jack Russel mix. Did I mention she is 4 pounds? That is what makes her so unique. She’s small — a tiny little thing, but that doesn’t dwindle her instinct to protect and preserve. 

Some time ago, we had an invasion of roaming dogs walk on our deck. Perhaps I’m exaggerating, but three big dogs on my deck felt like an invasion to me. It also felt like one to my dog Bella. 

It was early morning hours and we were all snug in our beds. That was until the dogs arrived. Bella’s little ears perked up and she ran to the door. Through the glass, they barked furiously at her. She matched their fury with her unique small bark. Hostilities were running hot, and paws were hitting the glass by the time we all dashed from our beds. Well, almost all, my oldest son (bless his heart) he didn’t hear a thing. Side note: Chris informed me in his younger years he turns off his ears at night.

Now back to my admiration of Bella. As the dogs pressed in I hit the glass hoping to deter them. My efforts were futile and by this time, Bella was livid. I interpreted her bark as, “How dare you threaten my family!” The only way to diffuse the situation, I picked Bella up and moved her away from the door. And then…I said to the Alpha male, Houston, we have a problem! 

On edge, my daughter and younger son stood in our PJ’s as my husband went outside and handled the problem.

No…he didn’t take the animals down. Let’s just say; they haven’t been back. 

That day changed something for Bella. Until that time, she slept with my daughter, literally. No longer. She has left the comforts of Ariel’s bed and deemed one of the living room chairs as her nightly watch-bed. I believe she now sleeps with one eye open. Any unusual sound she hears, she barks, jumps off her bed, and heads to the door for a closer look.

It does not matter to Bella that she weighs only 4 pounds. She’s a dog, big or small — a dog nonetheless. She will protect and preserve the hands that feed her and the hearts that love her.

That’s how I want to be with the gifts inside of me. God has given me a gift to write. I want to do all I can to protect and preserve it. Most of all, I want to pass it on. 

On March 4, 2017, we are having a writing class for those who want to pass on their legacy — write a book. Many of you have a precious gift inside of you and a passion for manifesting it. It’s going to take you moving out of your comfort zone, like Bella. You’ll have to leave the comforts of your bed, get furious, and deter any threat towards your gift. Visit my website and register for the class today. www.brooklynndorcent.com

Bella knows that her gifts are God-given and precious. We all can learn a lot from her. 

Until We Meet Again,

Brook Lynn

Brook Lynn Dorcent

Author/Coach/Inspirational Speaker

Host: JUST WRITE REVIEW

Founder/Facilitator: JUST WRITE! - A Club for Writers

Missing the Mark (Novel One)

Pressing Toward the Mark (Novel Two)

Forgetting Betrayal (Novel Three)

Above All (Novel Four)

Finally Home (A Novel) Coming Soon

Spirit Over Will (Devotional)

OUTStanding (Teen Guide)

www.brooklynndorcent.com

Why Not...Read for Love

Please Subscribe to our YouTube Channel! 

We need your support. The link is below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLa38HHBrQY

Love Feeds the Soul

Love you. Those two words sank deep into my heart. The tone of their voice, the light in their eyes and the smile on their face said, “Yes, I mean it. I really love you.” 

It had been over 15 years since I laid eyes on my aunt and cousins. The day was February 10, 2001. It was my mother’s funeral. Back then, I was so grateful they came all the way in from Ohio. At that time, I was living in New York. Now I live in North Carolina. 

In July 2016 my aunt called. She told me she really wanted to see my sister and I. It had been so long. Although her daughters, my cousins, had been telling me this for quite some time, I really felt the need to make some moves when I heard her voice. I told my husband, we have to go to Ohio. I said we would go in October, but that didn’t happen. I felt bad about that and in late October, I made a quick decision to travel the first weekend in November. 

Unfortunately due to the timing, my sister was not able to take the 10-hour drive with us. The number of hours didn’t matter. Love is everlasting. It hadn’t gone anywhere. For when we pulled up to the door, three of my six cousins greeted me in a long sweet cinnamon roll hug, I knew it. They had missed me and I had missed them. 

How could you forget the six cousins you lived in the same house with? We shared stories, belly-aching laughs, and genes. It was amazing to look at them and see ME. My eyes and nose sat on their face and stared at me. 

Once inside, we played the memory game, “Remember that time when?” We did remember. And boy did we laugh! Of course, my husband who loves to laugh, fit right in with everyone. My little one had a blast playing with his cousins he met for the first time.

Fellowship is food for the soul. It really is. Although my aunt was calling for me, my soul was calling for her and my cousins. I felt an overwhelming peace, that although I was in a very unfamiliar place in Ohio, I was in an incredibly familiar place at the same time. I was home, with my family. And when my husband and I piled into our rental and headed to our hotel for the evening, he said, “Wow, they really love you!” Yes, they do and I LOVE them.

I will forever cherish that visit and I urge you, if you haven’t seen your family in years, go visit. You may be so busy with daily life, you may not hear that call within your soul. It’s calling for that familiar food — love.

A Regretful Decision

Mom and I in Paterson, NJ

I've been contemplating writing this entry for quite some time. Not that it is painful to write, but I guess it might be judged — criticized even. See, I have been blessed to have a father. I mean my father isn’t my biological father, but I’ve been extremely blessed to have him. I’ve always had a great father. So some might ask, why do I even care to write this?

Like many blended families, my adoptive dad met my mother and I became his. I learned very early in life the lack of our biological connection. I had to be seven years old. I vividly remember my mother sitting me on the couch, showing a photo and telling the story. The news pierced my heart. Shocked, I held the picture of my biological father to my chest, wondering, where was this man? Why wasn’t he here? Why didn’t he want me?

Overtime, I closed the piercing wound, although it was deeply marred with ugly scars. Bumpy and bruised, the wound didn’t heal properly. Improper healing led to bitterness. At the age of 16, my uncle asked me if I wanted to meet my biological father. Somehow, they had found him. 

The Photo Mom Shared With Me

Please don’t take offense, but I sometimes feel like our families don’t know how to address deep ugly wounds. Perhaps if my mother and uncle would have shared the news of my biological father together, instead of my uncle dropping me off at home, and then getting out of car and asking me on the sidewalk, I could have absorbed it better. I was sixteen. Another bomb just landed on my chest. 

I am not blaming them. It was such a sensitive subject and I really think my mother and uncle didn’t know how to approach it. They did their best. And what now? How would my adoptive dad feel? I couldn’t hurt the man that was always there. Confused and heart-hardened, I declined. If I was not good enough for him then, 16 years later I am too good for him. Harsh words.

I didn't regret my words until I delivered my first child at 22 years old. Now, I was a mother and my daughter had an amazing father. Now, I understood the innate bond between parent and child. How could any parent ever walk away? I couldn't understand it. Even though I knew in many unique cases; adoption was the best answer. As for me, after delivery, more confusion set in about my biological father. I was his flesh and blood and he was gone. 

Three years later, I had my second child, similar feelings resurfaced. My children were siblings. I also have siblings from both my mother and adoptive dad, but what about my biological father? Did I have siblings from him? Wait? What about grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins? There’s a whole band of my DNA in this world and I have no clue who they are.

When I moved from New York to North Carolina 12 years ago, I told the story to friends. They wanted to help me find my DNA connectors. We didn’t have much to work with — just a very common name and an old military picture. That was it. Even with today’s world wide web, we came up short. 

Some things in this life, we will never know. I don't have a bucket list. But if I did, this would be on it. I’m writing because I want to know my biological other half. I want to know their family history, their medical history. Initially, I said I was afraid to write this because of what people will think. Some might say, just move on, you're blessed. That is so true. I'm grateful for my amazing family, all sides of it -- my biological, my adoptive, my step family, my in-laws. 

I don’t think about Mr. Adams every day.  Yes, my biological father’s last name is Adams. For some reason, in the month of June on Father's day, I think of him. If he’s not passed on, I always wonder, does he think of me?

Until we meet again,

Brook Lynn

Brook Lynn Dorcent

Author/Coach/Inspirational Speaker

Host: JUST WRITE REVIEW

Founder/Facilitator: JUST WRITE! - A Club for Writers

Missing the Mark (Novel One)

Pressing Toward the Mark (Novel Two)

Forgetting Betrayal (Novel Three)

Above All (Novel Four)

His Wedding Vow (A Novel) Coming Soon

Spirit Over Will (Devotional)

OUTStanding (Memoir/Teen Guide)

www.brooklynndorcent.com

Why Not...Read for Love

Seeing Through the Blinds

“You’re a disobedient wife.” On July 18 we will celebrate our 24th wedding anniversary and this is what I've heard from my husband since our marriage journey began. What he means by that is, I just don’t listen. Now, I beg to differ. I listen, but I think I have enough knowledge about some things to make sound decisions.

Thankfully, we don’t have as many disagreements as we did in our earlier years. Boy, he could really push my buttons. Or shall I say, I allowed my buttons to be pushed. I remember, I don’t know if he does, that once I actually threw a breakfast plate flying into the kitchen from the living room because I was  so heated. (There was still food on it!) 

That was years ago. Years! I have learned to control my temper. My children don’t see me lose it often. I’m very patient, now. It’s easier and it saves plates.

In any event, we recently needed new blinds. I didn’t want to spend too much on this item. My husband explained, “You’re gonna keep buying cheap, and gonna continue to get cheap. They ain’t gonna last long.” 

“But they’re so much,” I whined. After a few minutes of going back and forth, I said, “You’re right, I keep buying cheap and they keep breaking. I want something nice.” 

That wasn’t good enough, however. He said, “Let’s go with the darker color — like wood.” Oh boy. “Honey, I don’t think that is going to look right. I don’t know.” 

I guess on this day, I was feeling a little worn out, or perhaps, I’m maturing. I agreed, “Let’s get the darker color.”

He ordered them, they arrived and after several prompting conversations, he installed the blinds. He called me at work to let me know they were up. It’s sad, but all day long, I couldn’t wait to get home to see them. It really doesn’t take much to make me happy. Really.

I pulled up. From the outside, they looked good. From the inside, they looked great! I was tickled pink. Not only did we spend a little more, I was brave and accepted another color. I should listen to my husband more often. 

We’re opposites no doubt. We learned from the True Colors Seminar, that his personality color is orange, and mine is green/gold. The color blue, which reflects love and romance is where our numbers match. Thank God for that! Given my husband’s outgoing and adventurous character, he does not have a problem thinking outside the box and taking risks. I’m the safe one. I need a plan and a referral before I make a decision. 

He has always been that way. I remember when we dated, we spent many Friday nights at the Sunrise Movie Theater in Queens. After a long week, we were so tired, but we loved the movies and being together. Sometimes, with over twelve movies showing, there wasn’t “anything” playing; meaning, no blockbuster or largely advertised movie. I’d stand there looking at the marquee, saying, “There’s nothing good.” Him, he’d looked at the displayed pictures and pick one. I didn’t want to see any of those movies. He would say, “Come on, give it a try.” 

I have to say, I enjoyed every movie; we gave a try. Well, all except RoboCop 2. Sorry. I just couldn’t. 

After 23 years, I’ve learned sometimes, you’ve just got to give it a try and trust your mate. After all, they're just blinds! 

My husband picked the blinds and made a very good choice. I think I’m going to let him choose the new kitchen floor! 

And for the record, I’m not disobedient. I’m a thinker! What would my husband say about that? “You think too much.” He’s probably right.

In what situations have you decided to just go with it and take a risk?

Until we meet again,

Brook Lynn

Brook Lynn Dorcent

Author/Coach/Inspirational Speaker

Host: JUST WRITE REVIEW

Founder/Facilitator: JUST WRITE! - A Club for Writers

Missing the Mark (Novel One)

Pressing Toward the Mark (Novel Two)

Forgetting Betrayal (Novel Three)

Above All (Novel Four)

His Wedding Vow (A Novel) Coming Soon

Spirit Over Will (Devotional)

OUTStanding (Memoir/Teen Guide)

www.brooklynndorcent.com

Why Not...Read for Love Lynn