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The Master’s Son By:  H. Marie Hampton The warmth and glow of the sun, matches the crown that sits upon his head as he illuminates the heavens. His breath is as gentle as the wind, but as mighty as the roaring sea. His Words, bring forth life and the beauty of his creation is found in the canvas we call Earth. His songs are found in the beat of the drum, the minstrel of the harp, and thousands of Angels as they sing with a great voice, saying “Alleluia, Salvation, and glory, and honor, and power, unto the Lord our God”. His hand covers the earth and the power of his name, quiets the storm.  For he is the Lord thy God.  His name is Jesus and he is the Master’s son.

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“Thoughts of an aspiring Author IV”

By:  H. Marie Hampton

 When I began writing “Till Death Do Us Part”, I had this sense of perfection. I guess that’s why it took so long to finish it.  The long hours I put in and the writer’s block, was equally frustrating.  There were days when I couldn’t figure out what my next sentence would be.  The grueling hours spent, while trying to ensure that the book would be perfected in every way.  Believing this would draw a larger audience.  However, what I found was the more I strive for perfection, the longer the book was delayed.  

Now, if any of you have or will take the opportunity to read my first book. Please don’t be surprised by what you find.  Yes! There are some grammatical errors, and you may find a few editing issues as well (don’t judge me (smile)).  In a previous article (Thoughts of an aspiring Author III), I spoke about how a diamond begins as a carbon in the molten magma (volcano) deep inside the earth.  Whereas, it undergoes an absolutely and amazing evolutionary transformation.   Transforming from carbo, to a rough stone, and finally a dazzling gemstone.  However, a very talent and accomplished Author, Entrepreneur, and Guest Speaker, Simon T Bailey, Author of “Release your Brilliance”, eloquently describes the process to create the brilliance of a diamond, he writes:

“Most diamonds we see today were formed millions (if not billons) of years ago when carbon was subjected to intense heat and pressure.  Over eons, the carbon crystallized into diamond.  Powerful magma eruptions then brought the diamond-bearing ore to within one mile of the earth’s surface.  Even after a rough diamond is mined, it still through a lengthy and exacting process of refining, cutting, and polishing.  The first stop for the rough stone is with the marker, who carefully examines it and marks where it she cleaved.  The stone then goes to either a sawyer or a cleaver, who performs essentially the same tasking:  cutting the diamond to bring out the profile that will determine its shape. Sawing is a lengthy process.  Cleaving, done with a sharp blow of a hammer on a blade across the stone, takes only moments.  Next, the diamond is worked on by highly skilled and specialized cutters:  The blockers cut the general shape of the diamond, and the brilliandeers then cut and polish the facet.”,

Mr. Bailey further writes:

“A facet is a flat surface what is cut into a diamond and then polished to increase the diamond’s brilliance and beauty.  The crown facets (on the top of diamond) and pavilion facets (on the bottom) are refined into even more facets, resulting in a polished diamond that can have an astounding number of facets. A radiant-cut diamond, for example, has a total of seventy facets.  Diamond brilliance is defined as the reflection of white light from the facets. Each facet is precisely placed and masterfully shaped to maximize the brilliance of the stone.  The light bouncing between the facets creates scintillation—the flash and fire you see when you move a diamond in the light. The more polished the facets, the more light can pass through them, and the brilliantly the diamond will shine.” (pg. 17, 18)

Liken to a facet, the trials and tribulation of life has cut into each of us. Whether we’ve experienced sickness, financial worries, addiction, depression, insecurities, abuse or any situation which has forced us to live below the limitations in which were created, can be considered a facet.

But, a facet is not meant to destroy us, it is meant to build humility, strength and character.  So, when the highly skilled and specialized cutters, (known as the blockers) which in this case, is the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit, began to form and shape our lives, we should be grateful for it.  No pressure at the time, feels good.  But even, he provides that once we are dipped into the fire it will be brought forth as pure gold.

So, you see the perfection is not in us, it is in Him which created us. For everything, he created was made perfect.  Not because we are perfect, but because He is perfect.  In each of us lies the ability to live beyond our wildest dreams.  Yet we limit ourselves in a state of comatose in the sense that we must be perfect in all things.  

Some of us are still attempting to “perfect” our Christianity.  We refuse to believe that Christ dying on the cross has perfected everyone who choose to believe.  Why do you think he cried on the cross, “it is finished?”

I realize this journey as an author is going to come with many ups and downs. When I completed “Till Death Do Us Part”, I was sure that people were going to flock to buy it.  But, then I realize that the gift is not in who buys the book, but in who can take something from book to make their lives better.  We all have been subjected to something at one time or another which rendered us completely helpless.  Something that made us question who we are, and what this life is really for.  We all have attempted to live up to others standards and expectations to make them feel good about us, when all the time we didn’t feel so good about ourselves.  

We’ve called ourselves out, in anguish wondering why were never good enough. Or coveting someone else’s gift, because we never believed in our own.

I say this to say.  No, I’m not perfect.  Neither will I ever be.  But, I am perfected in Christ Jesus and at the end of the day, it is what matters most to me.

Be blessed

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SUMMARY:

Till Death Do Us Part is a four-part series which uncovers the dark and horrible secret of a family who lives were plagued by incest, suicide, murder and betrayal.  How one man’s immoral desire affected an entire generation.   Ultimately pitting husband against wife, mother against son, daughter against father and mother against daughter.   Journey with me as we take a look into the lives of Lynn, Rose, Junior and Nathan.  See how the power of God can change lives, producing a stream of a living water to heal, restore, renew and quench a thirsty soul.

Till Death Do Us Part is available on the following websites:

Amazon.com

Createspace.com

Kindle.com (available as an e-book)

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“The Light Within”

By:  H. Marie Hampton

The darkness hovers over my spirit as it seeks to consume me with iniquity.   But, his great love won’t let me be. The darkness attempts to inhibit me. Freezing me in my track as the voice cries, “wouldn’t it be more pleasant to die?”   Yet, as the sun begins to rise, changing the darkness into light. He reminds that he is the giver and taker of life.

“My voice is the one that you hear” cried the enemy with all of his lies.    “Not the voice of the Eternal One, who says he hold you dear”, “He is the one who makes, you cry.  But, I can ease your pain.  Doesn’t he claim that death has no sting?”

“Float into the unknown and allow the darkness to muffle your cries.  I will satisfy the thirst in which you desire.”  

But a voice, loud and thunderous called to me from the depth of my bowels.   The sound of a mighty rushing wind as if ten thousand horses were in flight.  Calling, even the darkness into his marvelous light.  I am He, whom created the great sea.  “I am the Creator of all things, and by me, does all thing consist”.  

“Your soul is my canvas.  In which I’ve created the design.   Your life was spoken into existence, before the beginning of time.  I alone, instill the light which illuminates from within.  Darkness cannot compete with the love I have for you. Never had, never can and never will.

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“Whisper”

By:  H. Marie Hampton

A silence that is golden, which causes the heart to flutter.  The rhythm of his breath as he whispers with no sound, the words I love you.  The silence of no words ripples through his mind, as a million electrolytes pass through his body causing him to smile.

A chaotic love which has no limit or time.  A love that is measured by eternity and a spirit that never dies.  The sacredness of an “agape” love that man still struggles to find.  

“Is it in the mountains” he asked, “Can I find it in the wind?”

The puzzling dynamic of a God, who whispers with no sound and replies: “young man it is found within.”

Your heart was created to carry the weight of an agape love that was breath into the soul of man.  A righteous love where imaginations are created so you can be free to propel and soar as the wings of an eagle.  A gentle soul for which I will never condemn, for I am he and he is I. I AM Eternity and my love for you, outweighs the essence of time.

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Excerpt from the “Pacifier Syndrome”:  Chronicle I

by:  H. Marie Hampton

I can still see him to this day sitting on my living room sofa, in his plaid shorts and white t-shirt.  It was twenty years ago.  But, my memory is still the same.  He didn’t say much, though.  His friend did most of the talking.  Although, I appeared to be engaged in the conversation with his friend, I could only see his smile and when he took off his baseball cap to run his hand over his bald head.  Man….I was mesmerized.  As soon as he left my house that day, immediately I called my girl.

“Girl…..baby boy is fine!  Girl….kick the ballistics.  What is this brother like?” excited I said.  “Is he an abuser?  Does he beat women?  Is he disrespectful?  Cool dude or what?” I asked.

Well…..she didn’t know much about the brother, except that he was her husband’s best friend.  Therefore, she gave kudos.  She had never experienced the dark side of him, so she couldn’t tell me anything negative about him.

He had shown interest in me when he noticed me his best friend wedding.  I was a bridesmaid and he was a groomsmen. However, I was married at the time and didn’t have eyes for anyone, but my husband.  But, as situations sometimes take a turn for the worse, the marriage went sour and I was single, again.

Single and alone with two children.  But, I made a promise to myself that I would never get married, have any more children and involve myself in any type of serious relationship, again.

But, for some strange reason he was different.   I couldn’t get pass his smile and sexy bald head.  We began dating and the number one rule, we were to never get serious about one another.  You see marriage had taught me one thing (so I thought), I never wanted to be in love, again.

After several dates, the relationship was beginning to form itself. What started out as two friends (again, so I thought) just kicking it and it quickly it became more than that. Maybe, I was still reeling from the divorce and had subconsciously buried all the hurt and betrayal.  I don’t know.  Because, this man was never meant for me.

I say this because, everywhere we went I was asked by strangers “what did I see in him”.  I always thought it was odd, though.  I remember when I purchased by Honda Accord.  The owner happen to be there that day and he was assisting me with the purchase of the vehicle.  When he saw him, he turned to me as if he was perplexed.  Although, he didn’t say a word.  His face said everything.

There is a scripture in the Word of God that simplifies my situation at the time.  John 4:16-17 reads:

16He told her, “Go, call your husband and come back.”

17”I have no husband,” she replied.  Jesus said to her, “You are right when you say you have no husband.”

18The fact is, you had five husbands, and man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true.

Sometimes, our desire to be loved, becomes stronger than our reality. This goes for both men and women. Our needs,  rule out common sense and we begin to accept and pacify the situation.  And, when we’re not pacifying the situation.  We begin to make excuses for it.  The need to be loved becomes the most important thing in our lives and we believe it is the only thing that can make us whole and thus, you have the Pacifier Syndrome.

Visit my blog daily for on more of the Pacifier Syndrome.

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The Anger Inside”

By:  H. Marie Hampton

 Anger wells up inside me, as my heart aches.  I have no reason not to love this man.  But, even more reasons to hate.  I don’t like the melanin in his skin and the media portrays his character as acts of depravity.  Murder stealing, lying and cheating, creating negative images that will assure he won’t win.

I’m fueled with disgust not just for the black man, but the yellow man with slanted eyes.  I’ve always been suspicious of him, and wonder with those slanted eyes “how does he cry?”

My hatred grows for the brown man, yet this man knows his place.  He will work hard for a penny just to take care of his family.  He will pick fruit and plant trees, yet he will never be worthy to sit at the dinner table and hold a conversation with me.  

I have no reason to hate, but my mother said I do.  I know and understand the contributions that Blacks, Asians, Latino’s and Muslims brought to this country, too.  But, less not forget the Indians who were in thia country first.  They didn’t turn their backs on the European’s.  They received them with open arms.

If we are going stand, let us stand for what is right.  Loving our neighbors as we love ourselves is the immediate need, not by being divided based on another man’s color or creed.

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Thoughts of an aspiring Author”

By: H. Marie Hampton

 I don’t believe that I’ve ever been as passionate about anything in my life (other than God and my children) as I am about becoming an Author.  “Is there a lot of money to be made as an Author?” one might ask.   I really don’t know.  Yet, there is the Terri McMillian and Maya Angelou of the world, who has done or who did, make a very good living as authors.

Recently, I published my first book.  The book is entitled “Till Death Do Us Part”.  It is a compelling story about a father who sexually abused his daughters and how this act of incest changed the lives of an entire family (available at amazon.com in paperback).  But, what has been the most significant is taking a character which lies dormant in my spirit, and calling them as yet to be, as though they already are.

I still re-live the moment, when I first saw my book in print.  As I flipped through the pages and it became real that those words were mine.  The story line was my creation based on my observations, people and experiences.  I’d finally brought to life a story that one day may inspire, encourage and motivate someone to soar above the grounds of diversity and set their sight on new adventures and a happiness that goes well beyond any pain that they’ve ever experienced.

Learning how to live to their fullest potential and realizing that they are not a product of their past, but the product of a promising and bright future.

I believe that this is where the passion comes from.  My desire to write as a voice for those who have lost their voice. To be a seer in a wilderness full of doubt, fear and worry.  Helping to light a pathway, for a world that can sometimes become dark and dreary.  A voice for those who want to scream, but can’t because their voice has been muffled for, so long.

For those who want to cry, but the pain and betrayal has cause them to see life through dry eyes, because they never want to be hurt that way, again.

For those who held the pills in their hands and cried so loud from the inside, as the voices told them that death was far more better than living.  And, their contribution and what they mean to their family, friends and society, is meaningless.

For the wife, who has cried herself to sleep so many times.  As she watched the hours change from one a.m. to two am, and the man she loves hasn’t found his way home yet.  

For the side chick who knows deep in her heart that she deserves more than what he is offering, but is so afraid that this may be her last chance at finding true love or having a “real man”.

For the individual who realizes that I’m not what society perceives me to be. I am living a lie.  I’m not living my true identity, but only as others see me.

These are things that truly inspire me to write.  Too be a voice for those who are afraid to speak.  Yet finding comfort in knowing that there is and always will be God.  Not a God of terror, but a God who loves us beyond what any of us can ever imagine.  How do I know this?  I’ve tried him and has found his loved to be astounding.  

I write not to brow beat anyone into Christian living.  That is something that you will have to decide.  But, I write because the fire on the inside drives me to tell all who will listen that you are dear and you are loved.  Sometimes, just knowing that your loved, can make the difference.

So, here I am full of characters and stories that I hope will encourage your heart and motivate you to become a better you.  Leaving the fluff of your past behind.  Because at the end of the day, it really is fluff.  You are not measured by who you use to be, but most importantly by what and who you choose to become.

Follow me on Facebook @Amateur’s guild writers, specificallymarie@instagram.com.  If you’re interested in purchasing a copy of my book, Till Death Do Us Part, it is available on amazon.com, kindle.com and createspace.com

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5 posts!

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“Thoughts of an aspiring Author”

By: H. Marie Hampton

 It’s funny how it all came about and when I finally considered myself to be a writer.  And, I don’t think because I recently published my first book, it goes a lot deeper than that.

I think it all happen, when I finally accepted writing as my ministry and calling. But, I find the hardest thing about becoming an author is finding that place of solace where I can visualize my characters as they began to take up residence in my spirit.

The characters are like little fetus, growing and maturing inside my spirit. Creating life as my words pass from pen to paper.  What an awesome feeling!  I can imagine God, as he bubbled over his creation of Adam.  Adam being the first man, as he inhaled the breath of God, becoming a living creature.

However, there are those days when the excitement wears off and I fall short of staying on fire with the passion and commitment that it takes to become a successful author.  My ability to inspire and motivate others, while looking at the realities and truth of everyday existence.  Seeing the world for that terrible place, it sometimes can be.  

Then, there are those days when I begin to realize that falling short doesn’t mean prevent me from standing tall. Yet depression and sadness begin to show its ugly head.  And my passion, becomes burdensome.  Although it is what drives me (passion), I am so overwhelmed by emotion that I create my own sea of worry and self-doubt.

But, then a thought comes to my mind and a “new” character is formed, as I sit at my computer breathing life into his/her existence.  Now, I’m happy again.  I’m doing what I love and I love what I do.

Does it pay the bills?  Not yet…but one day soon it will be.

Follow me on my page Facebook @Amateur’s writer’s guild

Specificallymarie@Instagram.com

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“Dance in the Rain”

By:  H. Marie Hampton

 I wanted to dance in the rain, so no one would be the wiser to the pain that I felt inside.  Memories of her has frozen my heart in a place of yesterday, where there was nothing but empty promises and regrets.

Promises that I made, just to carry me through.  Always thinking of myself and never you.  I didn’t care if you carry the weight, the burden of my cowardice and innate fear of being less than.  After all, society taught me what I believe, and demonstrated as “real man”.

Then, one day I had a son and taught him the same, that a “man is called a man based on the number of women he claims”.  Who cares if she doesn’t carry your last name.

Then one day, I ascribed to be more than I could be.  I took her love for granted so foolishly, and then I asked God could I have her back. If He gave me a second chance to love her again.  I wouldn’t let go of my helpmeet, lover and friend.  I’d give to her what he has always given me.  Love that based on truth and is unconditionally.

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That part, when you have to looked beyond the horizon to see your way clear.

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“HIS GREAT LOVE”

By:  H. Marie Hampton

 Vivid colors of purple, magenta, green, red, white and blue.  Say a prayer for the fallen, but still there is no me without you.

We have crossed over the lines that divide mankind.  Hate has no place in a civilized mind.  Confusion and strife cause by a variety of colors which creates the rainbow and illuminate skies.  The rainbow is majestic and it colors glorify the presence of God, who promised never again to destroy man by another great flood.  Yet, gave his only begotten Son, who died for us as an expression of his Great love.

[specifically-marie]

Happy Writing

“Hape” (adjective): enjoying or characterized by well-being and contentment. 

  I first began writing as hobby. From time to time, I would dibble and dabble with a poem or two, yet never had any aspirations in becoming a writer (yet, alone an Author).

 However, in 2009 my step-father was diagnosed with stage three metastatic cancer, which spread from his hips into his lungs.  This was a trying time for my family.   It also didn’t help matters that I was experiencing some issues at my place of employment.

During this time, my employer and I was settling our issues through arbitration.  Fortunately, we reached a mutual decision and (an amicable settlement) and we parted ways. This allowed me the time to help my mother care for my step-dad, as well remain a constant support for her and the family.

 As we all know, cancer is an ugly disease which causes havoc on the mind, body and spirit.  Its effects are not just physical, but it is also an emotional drain on the victim and his/her family.

 My step-dad was diagnosed with cancer in May of 2009 and lived for three months, afterwards.  As you can imagine, his death was devastating to my family.  He was the only father that I knew.  My siblings and I had contact with our biological father and knew of him, as well.  But, I was two years old when my mother and biological father divorced.  So, I have very little childhood memories of him.

 After death of my stepfather (from herein, will be referred to as Dad), it was very hard for my mother. You see, mom and Dad had been married for forty-five years.  Therefore, you can see our concerns.  When couples have been married as long as my parents, you tend to worry about the “living” parent stability and overall welfare.

 However, my mother come from a long line of strong-dominant women. Although, she still misses him terribly, she has adjusted quite well (of course it took some time).  

 I still remember my first manuscript, it was a novel (276 pages to be exact) entitled, “From Egypt to Canaan Land”.  Man, I began writing that manuscript in January of 2009.  I still can remember to this day, how the characters just popped in my head and how my pen gave them life. Becoming a writer has come with a lot of challenges for me.  Particularly, when it comes to what others think about my work.  Why, it matters to me?  I have no definitive answer, yet it does worry me, a bit.  

 I like to think of myself as a spiritual writer with a lot of “urban swag” (I have no idea of what that means!) But, I write based on my experiences, observations and some of the horrible issues which affect today’s society, such as: suicide, depression, incest, homelessness, marriage, homelessness, relationships, etc.  “Sounds a bit, morbid?  Yeah, I know.”

Yet, in reality these issues affect our lives every day.  Unfortunately, these are the issues we rarely talk about.  It easier to store these things in our chest of silent regrets, rather than to speak openly about them.

 I am a devout Christian (mind you, I didn’t say the best Christian), whose favorite scripture is found in Luke (4-18):

 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised.”

 This particular scripture ministers to my “spirit”, for two significant reasons:

 1.   Jesus, ministry was one without walls.

 Upon reading the life and ministry of Jesus in the Four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John), do you know that you’d rarely find Jesus in the synagogue or church? He ministered among the poor, sick, the downtrodden, diseased, those suffering from mental health and variety of diver diseases.  

 2.   Love God and your neighbor as you love thyself (Jesus two Greatest Commandments, Matt 22:36-40)

 The Word of God states in Corinthians 10:13, “there hath no temptation taken you, but such as is common to man”.

 We all come from different facets, cultures and background.  But, there is one important factor that we share. We are all the same.  We encounter the same struggles, in our lives. Therefore, we are not really that much different from each other.  God created one people.  Therefore, we must learn to live by the principles defined by Jesus.  That, we love one another.  It is the only way, that any of us will ever be free.  Our minds will continue to be in bondage, if we believe that one particular race of people is better than others.  If that is truth, then as a people we have certainly missed the meaning of Agape love. Jesus came to give his life as a ransom for many. Yet we find it impossible to love one another as we love ourselves.

Therefore, when I decided to embark on a “writing” ministry, I wrestle with the idea of what to write. I want my writings to be open, honest and raw, which deals with real-life situations.  Stuff, like am I crazy because I have a few emotional problems and want to see a psychiatrist.  It may sound stupid, but these are real issues that some folks deal with every day.

 However, I’ve finally realized my calling as well as my passion as a writer.  Choosing to become a writer is going to be an amazing journey for me.  The idea of being able to inspire, encourage and motivate others gives me a “warm, fuzzy and happy” feeling.

 Therefore, come with me as I blog the start of my new journey as a writer/author.  Follow me on Facebook@ H. Marie Hampton, Amateur Writers Guild and specificallymarie on twitter and Instagram.  Be blessed.

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