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There’s nothing like true peace. Absolutely nothing.

I still mourn, have struggles and doubts. There are few better feelings than knowing where you stand, being confident in yourself and knowing you found a good crowd and avoided a bad one.

I truly believe the Good Lord will guide your steps if you allow Him to do so. Your circle needs to be praying for you, uplifting and celebrating you. If you are treated less than royalty, fall back. It won’t be easy, but you must do it.

This is “Fall Back and Fall Out” season. Don’t be a groupie, troll nor bully. Find your place admist reuniting with friends and family. Slowly turn and run from toxic behaviors.

I know I’m sleeping good tonight because I have a clean conscience and treat people fairly and just.

#imjustdrew #fromdarktosunshine

I just finished an awesome Christian and teenage coming of age story. This was Walking Through The Fire by first time and local author Bonita Hullender. She is a devout Christian, dedicated wife, mother, grandma and retired nurse. She knocked this attempt out of the park and has this definitely movie worthy.

Hullender carefully placed her Southern charm and innuendos, along with her experiences in nursing, raising teenagers and being around the church and Christian setting to set an aweome story. Addison (the protagonist) was brought to life and many of the characters were well developed. You read the book for Addison’s development and progression and you stay for the growth of others, including her own mother.

This book is great for teenagers, Christians, and anyone needing inspiration while facing adversity. Hullender was nearly flawless in capturing all of these points. She didn’t deviate from her personal experiences and shaped the story that she knew and others wanted to see and hear.

Graduation season is here and this is definitely a good buy for any teenager or any person period. Look for Walking Through The Fire on Amazon and order your copy now!

#imjustdrew #fromdarktosunshine #walkingthroughthefire

I have a specific way of showing folks I love them and not just by telling them.

My love language is sending you money for lunch just because. Also, sharing and caring in many different ways. It may be a random phone call, text or message. It may be listening to you vent when I know good and well I need to wake up early in the morning. It could be giving you a hug. It’s showing up to your events and milestones. It’s supporting your business or cause. It’s making sure you’re never forgotten nor left out.

I definitely want everyone to know how much I love them. It’s definitely a show and tell type of deal.

What’s your love language?

#imjustdrew #fromdarktosunshine #scaredeyes

I’ve been called many many names. Now I’m fully vaccinated from COVID-19, add lab rat to that list.

It seems certain groups of anti-vaxxers, many being conservatives, have taken to calling those that get the vaccine lab rats, commies, etc.

Let me remind you all that you are no better. You are being cruel, foul bullies and need to stop it now.

I think it’s ironic that you are the people that have been complaining for over a year about the government controlling your lives and calling professionals like Dr. Fauci a socialist fraud.

First of, since when do you allow elected officials, many of whom are white privileged boomers, dictate your health and wellness decisions? Secondly, why is someone that wishes to get vaccinated any of your business? Finally, some of you claim to be good folks and Christians. Would Jesus Christ demonize folks for this choice? I don’t think so and neither should you.

This pandemic has definitely brought out the worst in folks and shown me who I would rather not associate with a lot or at all. So yes I’m fully vaccinated. Yes I’m a lab rat. I’m also informed, compassionate, have common sense and don’t allow any government nor media to control me. I also don’t bully others because it isn’t cool.

I will end this by saying “as you were,..”

#imjustdrew #fromdarktosunshine #scaredeyes

There is definitely a lot of power in words. The power is intensified when a celebrity uses it or gets behind it.

You’re seeing a lot of folks using “expeditiously” so much just because of TI. And this word has been around for so long. Same with swagger and many other words. I can already tell that when a word or phrase gets popular, I seek out the celebrity that made it popular.

Folks drink Hennessy and call it a fine whiskey because of Snoop Dogg and Nas. Nikes weren’t worn widespread until Michael Jordan released his shoes. Name recognition is one of the keys to getting a product or phrase notoriety. It doesn’t have to be a great product either. People look up to and admire others. Sometimes a celebrity will do or say something unintentionally and then it catches on.

I just like for folks to be individuals and be themselves. Outside of the Lord and your parents, your biggest motivation should be yourself. You should ask yourself who is saying these words and why? What show/movie did that quote come from? Ask yourself why and then look deep inside yourself. It doesn’t mean there is anything wrong with that person and no cause for judgment is necessary. It’s a thinking point is all.

Social media has fueled this fire. It determines oftentimes who should be praised and who shouldn’t when folks can’t make up their mind.

Think about this next time you’re talking to someone or typing a text or message. Look at the words you’re using, the language and why. It may tell a lot about yourself or very little

#imjustdrew #fromdarktosunshine #scaredeyes

Many of us do not like to be corrected. More of us hate to be called out. Few really hate to be wrong.

We are all wrong at some point and need correction and guidance through our life. If you aren’t getting that, someone doesn’t truly value your feelings. This is not up for debate.

I saw on social media where my cousin’s son was cutting up in public. He’s only 3 and typically a good child. He has been acting out as of late. Therefore she took him into the ladies room and “corrected” him. You definitely have to teach a child young and have those tough conversations and moments. This makes them a strong and more respectful adult.

The world does change and as you learn, you will make more mistakes. If you aren’t properly corrected or if your behavior isn’t addressed, then it will continue to happen. I try to be even keeled with folks: praising them but also giving them sage wisdom and advice so I’m not leading them wrong. In short, sometimes you deserve a pat on the back. Other times you deserve a pat somewhere else.

I recently called out some heinous behavior I experienced. I passively called out the person but I focused on the behavior. I have found that’s one of the best places to start; the behavior and how to correct it. The person may not receive it well so you have to address it appropriately.

Let us all be coachable and correctable. This allows us to be better people and better friends, spouses, parents and coworkers.

#imjustdrew #fromdarktosunshine

This is never easy for even the most patient person.

I am trying to get my weight down, fix stuff around my home, get my mom the medical help she needs, and get some work documents improve.

I just have to remember what I heard my Aunt Margaret say. We’re going wait.

Sometimes that’s all we do is wait.

You do all you can far as putting in the effort, making the phone calls, having the proper documentation. It’s not always going to be instant.

Think of this way also. You’re waiting on a meal such as a juicy steak or a lasagna to cook. That’s now a fast process and it will take time. That’s when patience is a virtue.

The Good Lord has a timetable for things and knows what we can handle. We have to trust in Him and know he already has it worked out. We simply have to do the best we can do.

Until then, we don’t give up and we simply wait.

#imjustdrew #fromdarktosunshine #scaredeyes

We have that one (or more) people in our life that is a role model, guiding light and sense of motivation. They’re who we vent to, go for comfort and for truth.

My Aunt Margaret Gaines was that for me and more. It will hurt me for a while that I can’t pick up the phone and call her just to talk.

Therefore, make yourself available to others to talk and be open. Treat those folks as they wish to be treated and as you wish to be treated. Be honest with folks and have caring words.

You want to really ensure you know that person and are interested in their life. Don’t steer them wrong in your advice and words. Do let then be adults and respect their decision.

Check on them randomly and do random acts of kindness. They should be able to feel and know your love.

I’m grateful that so many such as my precious Aunt Margaret have poured into me or listened to me vent. I hope I can or continue to be a shining light for someone else in need.

#imjustdrew #fromdarktosunshine

It’s always kind and positive words when one speaks about my departed Aunt Margaret McGill Gaines.

She was that person: Proverbs 31 woman; always staying in touch; very loving and inspiring; true example of what a Godly person is; and just an awesome gem of a person.

This is an especially hard loss for me, especially since we had such a close bond. Coupled with losing my cousin/her son G to COVID just a month ago, it’s a lot on my entire family.

Aunt Margaret was simply a shining example of positively and treating folks as they should be treated. She always knew the right words to say to someone regardless of the situation. She truly believed in equality also. She was born with many strikes against her and things could have went South. Aunt Margaret chose to accept Jesus Christ into her life and was a relentless spiritual warrior until she took her last breath.

She simply helped and poured into so many people: family, church folks, at her jobs, the schools, etc. It’s safe to say there will not be another like her and she’s rejoicing in Heaven.

Auntie was also a relentless worker.. She literally was employed most of her life; textile mills and later on returning to school and becoming a teacher’s assistant. She kept working after retirement as a substitute teacher and then COVID hit. Ironically that’s what took her out.

We could all benefit from the strength, grace and peace this woman possessed. She seemed to always bounce back and would inspire you when you thought you were trying to help her.

Rest in Power Aunt Margaret! I will miss our conversations and visits and I know you’re looking over us all now!

#imjustdrew #fromdarktosunshine #scaredeyes

There’s no question people often see what they want to see. Moreover, it’s what they feel and associate with.

Decades later, many, many Winthrop alumns still think Thomson Hall (where “the Cafe” is) is spelled with a “P”. Being the grammar nerd I am, this still drives me bats. The name is clearly embroidered on both sides of the Hall. Also the proper spelling is in every brochure.

I then had to step back and think. Many, many associate Thompson with being spelled and pronounced with a P. That is honestly the 2nd time I have seen it without one. The silent “P” resonates mostly due to past experiences than what is actually shown in broad daylight.

I then saw a much hyped film on Netflix this weekend “Malcolm and Marie”. I was warned that it was about a toxic relationship, it would drain you, and you may feel some type of way afterwards.

I watched it, had my coping mechanisms all ready. It was a well written film and the acting was good. However both, especially the male, were overly dramatic. There was clearly a lot of unresolved mess in that relationship but to me, the film only shown bits and pieces of any abuse or toxicity. I left feeling unphased.

Bear in mind I am a writer that has experienced a ton of verbal abuse in various venues. I have also attended one act plays, love theatre, and am a forensics junkie. Therefore with all of this, I felt like much more could have been added to really make the audience feel the toxicity. It seemed more like an overly dramatic one act play that watered down the experience for the audience. That’s how I feel and it doesn’t mean I am wrong.

The point (with a P) here is that we see things through different lenses and that’s OK. We are not meant to be the same or to live in an echo chamber. Our experiences are what shapes up and makes us who we are as individuals. Both scenarios are different but show the results of having our own experiences and expectations. You are or will not see that “P” unless it is in your subconscious. To further my point, remember the “magic eye” pictures from the early 90s? Some people saw the same image, others saw nothing, some saw something different. It honestly meant something was there. Only that not everyone could see it.

Therefore really sit back and think before you expect everyone to see or feel what you’re supposed to feel. Unless they share every experience or trait you have, chances are they may miss something.

Understanding a person and communication goes a long way.

#imjustdrew #fromdarktosunshine #scaredeyes