#faith o'neal

[caffeineandcatnip]

yeah rest in piss Toby Keith 😎

[nerdygaymormon]

Queer Gospel Music

This past year I came across several songs that I enjoy listening to on Sundays. I created a playlist for myself for Sundays and thought I'd share with y'all.

Yet : Ashley Hess - Ashley Hess was a finalist on the 2019 season of American Idol. I heard her perform this song at the Gather Conference where she introduced it by saying, "The next song that I'm gonna play is a song that I wrote in my lowest time. But it's a song that's so special to me because it was the moment that I felt like I finally came out of hiding, and that the Lord not only saw me, but loved me and embraced me." I can relate so much to that. Plus, I don't hear many songs from the perspective of "I'm trying, so God please don't give up on me."

God Loves Me Too : Brian Falduto - Brian played the gay kid in the movie School of Rock, and catapulted the character into an LGBTQ icon when he delivered the line “You’re tacky and I hate you.” Now as an adult, Brian is back and singing that no one has to earn God’s love. Brian wrote the song after visiting a church that was welcoming and accepting of queer people. I look around and see I’ve found a place where peace and love abound. I’ve waited my whole life for the truth. It is true, God loves you. It don’t matter if you’re LGBTQ

My Little Prayer : David Archuleta - David wasn't out yet when he recorded this, but I imagine he really related to some of these lyrics, such as I'm beginning to understand that you (God) have a plan for me.

The Queer Gospel : Erin McKeown - I love these lyrics. There are those who think we're wicked. There are those who call us names: depraved, lost and sick, and would rather bathe us in shame. But we put the "sin" in sincere, we put the "do" in the doubt. God is perfectly clear. We are perfectly out. Love us as we are. See us and we're holy. In this shall we ever be wholly ourselves.

Good Day (feat. Derek Webb) : Flamy Grant - Matthew Blake was a worship leader for 22 years who has become a “shame-slaying, hip-swaying, singing-songwriting drag queen” named Flamy Grant (it's a play on the name of gospel singer Amy Grant). The lyrics talk of coming back to church after having left for feeling oppressed. They’ve come back to church because despite what some say, God’s love is expansive enough for everyone. God made me good in every way, so I raise my voice to celebrate a good day. 

Believe : GENTRI - The pianist for this group is gay. After coming out, he was having a hard time with faith and was angry at God, and he felt God gave him this song as part of his healing process. Believe there is an answer. And while you feel you're buried deep in a disaster, believe more hands are waiting, ready to lift you up and carry you back to safety. You're not alone, keep holding on. And believe.

Explaining Jesus : Jordy Searcy - In 2014, Jordan was a contestant on The Voice. He grew up active in a church and since being on the television show he has written several religious songs, including this one. Jordy discusses the shortcomings of churches, comparing the ways in which church members act and interact with each other, including how they treat the gay community and oppress women. If you're gay and over 85, you've felt for your whole life that when God made you, he just messed up. In the chorus he apologizes that this has been the experience, I'm sorry no one explained Jesus to you.

Satan's Tears : Kyler O'Neal - Did anyone ask how real you are? Has anyone said that you are loved, or that you’re the one they’re dreaming of? Those questions start this beautiful song by trans woman Kyler O’Neal. The song addresses a young gender non-conforming person unaccepted by their world, and the singer promises to wipe away Satan’s tears which were created by a cruel society

Same Love : Macklemore & Ryan Lewis feat. Mary Lambert - Macklemore sings that his gay uncles should be allowed to marry, and speaks of how Christianity has hurt gay people. "God loves all his children" is somehow forgotten, but we paraphrase a book written thirty-five hundred years ago. The song concludes with Mary Lambert singing I’m not crying on Sundays, which I think means not letting religious intolerance and churches harm us anymore

No Place in Heaven : MIKA - Mika is singing about how religion teaches there’s no place in heaven for gay people because the way we love is sinful. Father, won’t you forgive me for my sins? Father, if there’s a heaven let me in

God Is : The Outer Banks - I don't know that they had queer people in mind when they wrote the song, but the lyrics relate to the conflict between one’s queerness and relationship with God. God was never angry. God was not against me. God was never far away. God is not disappointed.

I Know it Hurts : Paul Cardall & Tyler Glenn - I just wanted to believe, but how am I supposed to believe this about me? And then we find each other, queer church members who can understand what we’re going through, who know the hurt. For most queer people, they leave church and go on a different path. They’re not lost, a faint light at the end is guiding their way, they’re finding another way back home.

Losing My Religion : R.E.M. - The song was interpreted as the struggle of a closeted gay man coming to terms with what his religion taught about gay people and is seen as an example of queer coding in the era of “don’t ask, don’t tell.” Lead singer Michael Stipe had declined to address his sexuality, so when “Losing My Religion” came out, people assumed Stipe was coming out as gay. Consider this the hint of the century. Consider this the slip.

HIM : Sam Smith - This is a song about a boy in Mississippi coming out and the conflict between his sexuality and his religious upbringing. He is grappling with the feeling that there’s no place in church for him because he’s gay. Holy Father, we need to talk. I have a secret that I can’t keep. I’m not the boy that you thought you wanted. Please don’t get angry, have faith in me.

Pray : Sam Smith - You won’t see Sam in church, but they say they’re a child of God at heart and are begging God to show the way. I’m not a saint, I’m more of a sinner. I don’t wanna lose, but I fear for the winners

Faith : Semler -  This song reached No. 1 on the iTunes Christian music chart and is about growing up queer in a faith community and how the rejection by the church left them scarred. When my religion turned against me, they said my hopes and dreams were faulty. I showed these holes inside my hands, and they claimed they couldn’t see.” Even as they struggled with the church, Semler kept a relationship with Jesus and flourished far more than she did in any church building. But I don’t wanna get small to be in those rooms

Hey Jesus : Trey Pearson - Trey made headlines in 2016 when as the lead singer of the Christian rock band Everyday Sunday, he came out as gay. Three years later and Trey has a question: Hey Jesus can you hear me now? It's been awhile since I came out, I was wonderin' do you love me the same? As a person who struggles to reconcile faith with sexual orientation, I find this song quite moving.

Heaven : Troye Sivan feat. Betty Who - Troye sings about what it’s like for a religious teenager to come out as gay. Without losing a piece of me, how do I get to heaven? Without changing a part of me, how do I get to heaven? All my time is wasted, feeling like my heart’s mistaken, oh, so if I’m losing a piece of me, maybe I don’t want heaven? Troye explains “When I first started to realise that I might be gay, I had to ask myself all these questions—these really really terrifying questions. Am I ever going to find someone? Am I ever going to be able to have a family? If there is a God, does that God hate? If there is a heaven, am I ever going to make it to heaven?” The video features footage from LGBTQ+ protests throughout history.

Revelation : Troye Sivan and Jónsi -This song was written for the movie Boy Erased, which is about a young man being sent by his parents to a conversion therapy camp to try to change him to not be gay. The lyrics are about feeling liberated from the toxic teachings he learned at church about LGBTQ+ people. It’s a revelation. There’s no hell in what I’ve found, and no kingdom shout. How the tides are changing as you liberate me now and the walls come down. In other words, God doesn't condemn me for my queerness.

Orphans of God : Ty Herndon & Kristin Chenoweth feat. Paul Cardall - The message of the song is we are all loved by God, we are all thought about, we are all created equally and God loves us all the same.

Midnight : Tyler Glenn - The Neon Trees frontman gives an emotional song about his departure from the Mormon church but not from God. The ballad is accompanied by a video that shows Glenn removing his religious garments and replacing them with a glittery jacket, which is such a powerful metaphor.

[ohifonlyx33]

sorry i just had to get this out of my system

even though i've made a poste like this before, I am still struck by the depth and poetry of Ryan O'Neal's songs

Keep your chin up, as you untangle God From cold blood and bruises We are X-rays of something broken

Wrists get tired rewriting futures Our bodies beg us to be creatures of habit

-

"Fast-forward motion Will gracefully show The flickering story That all of our sketches unfold."

-

When we were young Our words were innocent Whiter than snow, Awkward and slow.

Now when we speak, We risk an avalanche. But that's not enough now To reroute our plans.

-

Change is slow, but I feel it taking shape Folding over us like waves On origami ocean tides, we sway Like blueprints constantly being rearranged

-

So we wrestle with it all The concept of grace And the faithful concrete As it breaks our fall.

Like firewood, Burning bright In the dead of winter, By only a flicker We cling to this life.

We study our story arcs: Inherently good, Or were we broken right from the start?

Our hesitant fingerprints Trace every mountain, Lace every valley Until we're convinced That we know it all by heart Every blade of grass Bears our mark, In the name of being brave, Though it's just another word for being afraid.

-

While collecting the stars, I connected the dots: I don't know who I am, but now I know who I'm not I'm just a curious speck that got caught up in orbit

-

No one can unring this bell Unsound this alarm, unbreak my heart new God knows, I am dissonance Waiting to be swiftly pulled into tune

-

We'll build new traditions in place of the old Cause life without revision will silence our souls

-

Stitch by stitch, I tear apart If brokenness is a form of art I must be a poster child prodigy

Thread by thread, I come apart If brokenness is a work of art Surely this must be my masterpiece

-

I had the most vivid dream My feet had left the ground I was floating to heaven But I could only look down My mind was heavy Running ragged With worst-case scenarios Emergency exits And the distance below I woke up so worried that the angels let go

-

Bodies fashioned out of dirt and dust For a moment, we get to be glorious Ice sculptures, adorned in light Sand castles built tall, in between the tides I'm stuck swimming in shadows down here It's been forever since I came up for air Flashlight in hand, determined to find Authenticity only poetry could even begin To try to describe

-

It is the calm water In the middle of an anxious sea Where heavy clouds part and the sunrise starts A fire in the deepest part of me So I let go and in this moment I can breathe

-

Where there is light, a shadow appears The cause and effect when life interferes The same rule applies to goodness and grief For in our great sorrow, we learn what joy means

-

It all spills out Reckless but honest words leave out my mouth Like kerosene on a flame of doubt I couldn't make it right Alarms will sound But it's too late for holy water now Sooner or later the fire dies down I'll open up my eyes again And I'll try and find the image of God In mountains made of ash and clouds of smoke

-

She drew in her first breath, I learned what love meant And my heart, reconciled all the darkness and light inside my chest

-

You begged and begged for some kind of change Maybe they'd wake up tomorrow and regret the pain That they've passed down to you like DNA But no luck, no luck It seems only by the hand of God or death Will they truly change their silhouettes For a miracle or a consequence You wait and wait

-

"You're alive, quit acting like you're dead" Like a mirror, it spoke so clear "Don't you recognize the reason why you're here? To be enchanted."

-

A bright sunrise through shattered glass A fountain of youth slipping through the cracks I drag my feet through perfect sand Toward a future I no longer understand

In the water, we remember That nothing, even death Lasts forever I want to swim, I want to swim, I want to try To trust in the mercy of the merciless tide My mother taught me all will be reconciled God, what a gift to be my mother's child

-

Just a little longer Everything will make sense Broken things will be remade But what about the meantime? How do I ignore the signs that one day Everything I love will fade? I'm too tired to fight In a civil war of faith

There's some kind of Heaven Just around the corner And all this pain will be replaced With unimaginable grace

-

I am the sail, the plank The mast that breaks and gets replaced I am remade, repaired, reshaped But somehow, still the same Even after every cell in my body changed I know my name

[distinktionsfetzen]

Check out Mary Lovelace O'Neal, Stretch Out On Your Faith (From the Whales Fucking Series) (1981-1982), From Jenkins Johnson Gallery

[umangsharma7117]

Educational Opportunities in Southern Pines, North Carolina: Schools and Libraries.

Southern Pines, North Carolina, is a charming town known for its rich history, vibrant community, and dedication to education. This dedication is reflected in the variety and quality of its schools and libraries, which serve as cornerstones for lifelong learning and community engagement. This article explores the educational opportunities available in Southern Pines, highlighting its schools and libraries.

Public Schools

The Moore County Schools (MCS) district serves Southern Pines and provides a comprehensive education system from kindergarten through 12th grade. MCS is committed to academic excellence, innovative programs, and student support services.

Elementary Schools

Southern Pines Elementary School is one of the primary educational institutions in the area. It offers a nurturing environment where young learners can develop foundational skills in reading, writing, math, and science. The school's emphasis on a well-rounded education includes art, music, and physical education, fostering the overall development of students.

Pinehurst Elementary School, though slightly outside Southern Pines, serves many local families. Known for its strong community involvement, Pinehurst Elementary provides a supportive atmosphere where parents and teachers collaborate to enhance student learning experiences.

Middle Schools

Southern Middle School caters to students in grades 6-8 and is dedicated to bridging the gap between elementary and high school education. The school offers a challenging curriculum that prepares students for the academic demands of high school. Programs in technology, arts, and athletics are integral parts of the school's educational approach, ensuring a balanced development for all students.

High Schools

Pinecrest High School is the primary high school serving Southern Pines. It is renowned for its academic rigor, diverse extracurricular activities, and strong athletic programs. Pinecrest High School offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career and technical education programs, and a wide range of clubs and organizations, enabling students to explore their interests and prepare for post-secondary education or the workforce.

Private and Charter Schools

In addition to public schools, Southern Pines boasts several private and charter school options, providing parents and students with alternative educational environments.

The O'Neal School is a prominent private institution offering education from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. It is known for its personalized approach to education, small class sizes, and strong emphasis on college preparation. The school's curriculum is designed to challenge students academically while also fostering critical thinking and creativity.

Sandhills Classical Christian School provides a faith-based education with a classical curriculum. The school aims to cultivate moral integrity and academic excellence in its students. With a strong focus on classical literature, history, and philosophy, Sandhills Classical Christian School encourages students to think deeply and engage meaningfully with their studies.

Libraries

Libraries play a crucial role in the educational landscape of Southern Pines, serving as hubs for learning, research, and community engagement.

Southern Pines Public Library is a central fixture in the community. It offers a vast collection of books, periodicals, and digital resources. The library's programs cater to all age groups, from story times and summer reading programs for children to book clubs and technology workshops for adults. The library also provides access to computers and free Wi-Fi, supporting the digital literacy needs of the community.

Given Memorial Library and Tufts Archives in Pinehurst is another important resource for Southern Pines residents. The library offers a wide range of materials and hosts educational programs and events. The Tufts Archives, located within the library, houses a significant collection of historical documents and photographs, preserving the rich history of the area.

Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning

Southern Pines is also home to Sandhills Community College, which offers a variety of programs for adult learners. From associate degrees and professional certifications to personal enrichment courses, Sandhills Community College caters to a broad spectrum of educational needs. The college's Continuing Education division provides opportunities for lifelong learning, ensuring that education in Southern Pines extends beyond traditional K-12 schooling.

Conclusion

Southern Pines, North Carolina, offers a wealth of educational opportunities through its diverse schools and robust library system. Whether you are a parent seeking quality education for your child, a student preparing for higher education, or an adult looking to continue your learning journey, Southern Pines provides the resources and support to help you succeed. The town's commitment to education and community engagement ensures that all residents have access to the tools they need to thrive in an ever-changing world.

[thegospelhighways2020]

I gotta go to Church Sunday and Pray And Preach it's time to handle the War war is over so if you wanna go to war do it without any of your Children in the way and I Don’t Care about what they say whoever says they don't control #brothertonyghost2022 he can Preach he can Sing he can Pray he can Post he can party drink and celebrate Nobody runs someone else's page worry about yourself your own business we don't need children fighting battles that isn't theirs to fight they been through the Past we lost a few children along the way to 2023 stepping into 2024 soon I pray for the ones who passed away in over the past few years of 2023 rest in peace in heaven rest in peace to honor to spirituals to all rest in peace to Ronaldo Valdez

Camden Toy

Michael Lerner

Lance Reddick

Jimmy Buffett

Harry Belafonte

Andre Braugher

Jerry Springer

Tina Turner

Billy Graham

Fred White

Bob Barker

Terry Funk

Bray Wyatt

Ryan O'Neal

Kevin Lemons

Paul Beasley

Paul Reubens

Jack Axelrod

Jacklyn Zeman

Colin John Burgess

Pedrohenrique

Jean Knight

Rosalynn Carter

Suzanne Shepherd

Tyler Christopher

Billy Miller

Matthew Perry

Lisa Loring

David McCallum

Bobby Caldwell

Bobby Charlton

Suzanne Somers

Piper Laurie

Michael Gambon

Richard Belzer

Nityadevi Ramroop

Russ Francis

Dianne Fienstein

Fred Flatow

Aubreigh Wyatt

Tom Sizemore

Caylee Marie Mastin

Tom Verlaine

Adriana Dukic

Adriana O Kuch

Riley Faith Steep

Lily Rose Diaz

Sadie Davila

And more Angels who Passed Away in 2023 years we're praying for you all up in Heaven rest in peace and God Bless them

[abcnewspr]

HIGHLIGHTS FOR ABC NEWS’ ‘GMA3: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW,’ OCT. 16-20

The following report highlights the programming of ABC’s “GMA3: What You Need to Know” during the week of Oct. 16-20. “GMA3: What You Need to Know” is a one-hour program co-anchored by Eva Pilgrim and DeMarco Morgan, with Dr. Jennifer Ashton as chief health and medical correspondent. The news program airs weekdays at 1:00 p.m. EDT | 12:00 p.m. CDT on ABC, and 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. EDT on ABC News Live.

Highlights of the week include the following:

Monday, Oct. 16 — The latest from the violence in Israel and Gaza; ABC News chief meteorologist Ginger Zee interviews Walt Disney World Resort creative director Tom Vazzana; former USWNT player Julie Ertz’s first interview since retiring; Disney Broadway medley

Tuesday, Oct. 17 — Comedian and author Ziwe (“Black Friend: Essays”); chef and author Eric Ripert (“Simply Seafood”)

Wednesday, Oct. 18 — Dietitian and author Rachel Beller (“SpiceRack”); Tulsa Massacre survivor and community members; radio personality and podcast host Angie Martinez (“IRL”); Deals and Steals with ABC e-commerce editor Tory Johnson

Thursday, Oct. 19 — Mother-daughter authors Rachel Renée Russell and Nikki Russell (“Dork Diaries”); “GMA3” co-anchor Eva Pilgrim on the rise of ketamine therapy; celebrity chef Josh Capon; a chat and performance by The Struts

Friday, Oct. 20 — Podcast host and granddaughter of Baseball Hall of Famer Turkey Stearnes Vanessa Ivy Rose (“Reclaimed: The Forgotten League”); former NBA player Shaquille O'Neal; Faith Friday with author Alice Faye Duncan (“This Train is Bound for Glory”); comedian Margaret Cho (“Live and LIVID!”)

ABC Media Relations Brooks Lancaster Brooks.Lancaster@abc.com

-- ABC --

[davidcarlton]

Some neat software development stuff in this one.

[lovethisletters]

I miss you

Idk how to even start this except for: I'm so SO SO sorry @melyaliz thank u for being so patient with me 😖💕✨ this year has been hard for all of us, online school is much more difficult than I initially expected but I would keep trying my best! Hopefully you will grant me the possibility of keep writing this amazing characters of yours even though your experience with me as a writer hasn't been the greatest :c , then again thank you for your patience, happy holidays! And happy new year! Hopefully this will be a better year for all of us. 💕✨

Faith is @melyaliz OC!

It started a few weeks ago, his obsession. Tim had been trying to get information regarding Black Mask's newest plan.

—I trust you, Tim— were Bruce's last words before leaving to attend urgent matters with the Justice League, this time in space.

And since then, he worked more diligently than ever before: going undercover and placing microphones and trackers at locations in the false-face society, interrogating thugs, hours glued to his computer trying to figure something out.

While this behavior was not unusual for Tim, Faith began to worry ... call it a hunch, perhaps a gut feeling but something told her this would not end well; however, she tried to bury it and pretend that it was simply her usual concern for Tim's habits and that once it was all over, things would calm down.

But the end was only the true beginning of things.

That night Tim was in the Batcave as usual, and the rest of the family were preparing to patrol, when they suddenly heard a scream of anger and frustration.

—No! No! No! Fuck you!—

Silence invaded the mansion and was only interrupted by the sound of Batmobile's tires screeching and running at full speed.

—What's the deal with him? —Damian (already in his Robin suit) asked while trying to look through out the window, but the vehicle was already long gone.

Faith wasted no time and sprinted towards the Batcave.

And there it was, on the screen of the Batcomputer a giant, green, question mark. Riddler.

In the morning the news reported Riddler's arrest at the hands of Red Robin but it wasn't until 4 days later that Tim returned to the mansion; Physically he was fine but his ego and self-confidence was beyond bruised after what had happened and the information he managed to gather from Riddler's lair:

Tim's efforts had been all in vain, Riddler had caught up to Black Mask's suspicious activity recently and also to the fact that Batman seemed to have disappeared, so he devised a plan, surprisingly alongside Cobblepot in a deal (the details of which Tim was unaware) that seemed beneficial to both. Riddler started a little investigation on his own trying to find blackmail material ... until ... he hit the jackpot. One of his undercover henchmen had been interrogated by Tim alerting Riddler of Red Robin conducting an investigation as well, so ... He did a little digging and found out that Red Robin had been longer in this. So why not just take it? That night Tim had unveiled the last piece of the puzzle in Black Mask's plans, when suddenly, in the blink of an eye, the computer started to go crazy, sending every piece of information to (apparently ... but not really ) different directions ending with the screen showing the infamous green question mark.

Out of frustration Tim tracked down Riddler, throwed him on blackgate, recovered most but not all the stolen information and piced it all together.

He felt enraged, stupid, mocked, useless. Why haven't he realized about Riddler spying on him? He was foolish! The safety of the Batfamily could have been in danger have he been even more careless than he already was! His brothers, His mentor, His family ... His beloved Faith ... he had disappointed them all.

Everything went down hill from there.

His bad self-destructive habits went from 60 to 1000, He talked, ate and slept much MUCH less and although various family members had tried to converse with him, they were simply ignored, including Faith.

At least 2 hours had passed, she watched; his fingers danced fleetingly and aggressively on the keyboard, his green eyes glued to the monitor, he hadn't looked at her even once since she entered the room so she wondered if he even knew she was there.

—Tim, you haven't eaten anything ... wanna go whit us at belly burger? Dick said is his treat! —Her tone was slow and gentle trying not to disturb him.

—I'm good, you go — He wasn't ... He was getting thinner, and to be honest he didn't even remember if he had eaten that day or the day before.

—Then ... you want us to bring you something? anything? —She insisted but only got silence as a response.

In other situations, Faith would have been a little bit more aggressive with his approach: nagging him a little, blocking his view of the computer by standing in front of it or even carrying him out of his room making him blush wildly; but this time was different. Faith could tell how much the words Bruce said before leaving meant to him. Normally Bruce would put Dick or Jason in charge of situations like this (because he knew how "diligent" Tim could be with himself), but ... this time he trusted Tim to handle it; I have tried harder than ever before, but by concentrating on one thing he had forgotten to see the big picture. He felt like a failure, unworthy and she knew it.

She knew him better than anyone, better than himself, she could practically feel his pain.

Faith always knew about Tim's self-esteem issues. He always tried to hide them, he didn't like to see himself as vulnerable, especially having the responsibility of a vigilante life, but she learned about them since the beginning of their relationship: He was so nervous to talk to her, make extra efforts on their dates and once she heard him confess to Jason: "How can someone so beautiful actually like me?" Jason had laughed and mocked him by saying "I was wondering the same" in his eyes it was only a joke but this small comment made Tim even more insecure about his blossoming relationship. Faith noticed ... He was a people pleaser, always complying with everyone else's request in fear of being left alone, with her it was no different, several times Tim agreed to Faith's wishes even if he wasn't all that ... excited about them: like that time they went cave-diving ... it was a mess ... So in their next date Faith asked "What do YOU ​​wanna do?" he said "Whatever you want is fine" but she wasn't having it, a relationship is mutual and she wanted him to know that "Nope, this time you pick!"

And it evolved from there: She being patient with him, letting him know that he did not have to comply with all his suggestions as if they were orders and that having limits is fine and him being gentle and understanding with her, letting her know that she could trust him with everything.

And now ... they felt just so far appart ... like he was no longer by her side.

But she wasn't going to give up that easily ... she was stubborn and he had told her millions of times that he adored that about her.

Tim flinched a little when he felt her arms gently circling his waist, his chin resting on her head before he gave a chaste kiss to her tousled curls and let out a small sigh.

—Timothy. Jackson. Drake ... I miss you — People tend to forget how much simple and straight forward words can make you feel, long and tiring speeches can bury the feelings we are so desperately trying to convey, so when Tim heard those words ... He understood, he understood how distant he has been from her, how much she had waited for him, patiently and understanding of his feelings.

—I-I-I'm sorry ... Faith-

He could only return the hug from his chair, allowing himself to cry, taking out all his frustration as she stroked his hair moving him closer to his chest so that he could listen to his heart and regulate his breathing to the rhythm of it, preventing Tim from starting to hyperventilate.

—I'm sorry ... I'm sorry, please forgive me, please ...— He wouldn't stop apologizing profusely, like he had committed the worst of crimes.

—It's okay, love ... I'm always here for you — She said, taking his face in her hands, wiping away his tears gently with her thumb like he had done with her a thousand times before.

—I will always be here for you ...

Me again! As an apology for taking so long and as a gift for the holidays here is this:

[melyalizarchive]

DC Ocs

Name: Faith O’Neal  Alterego: Guardian Angel  Age: 15 Fandom: DC Comics / Young Justice / Batfam Face claim:  Monica Ollander Love interest: Tim Drake  Relations: Jennifer O’Neal (sister) and Bruce Wayne (Uncle)  Tag: Wings  Story Master List Pinterest: Wings Summary: Faith is the daughter of a diplomat and ex-professional ballerina. She spent the first 14 years of her life living back and forth in Gotham and Tokyo. Because of her time spent living in Japan she is fluent in Japanese.

Faith has always had a ton of energy. Ever since she was a little kid her parents and whatever guardian was watching over her was run ragged chasing her around as she flipped off chairs and climbs up trees or whatever she could. Because of this, her mother had her doing a ton of different activities from ballet to Karate to try to burn off some of her energy.  

When she turned 14 Faith’s father got a job in DC but on their way, their airplane mysteriously disappeared. 

After that Faith moved to Gotham to live with her older sister Jennifer and started beating up bad guys in Gotham as a way to relieve stress. It quickly became kind of a hobby until her uncle found her and took her in and trained her. 

Name: Jennifer O’Neal  Alterego: Falcon Age: 21 Fandom: DC Comics / Young Justice / Titans / Batfam / MCU  Face claim: Barbara Palvin Love interest: Dick Grayson / Thor Relations: Faith O’Neal (sister) and Bruce Wayne (Uncle)  Tag: Feathers  Story Master List Pinterest: Feathers & Willow and the Falcon  Summary: Jennifer is very advanced mentally for her age just about graduating highschool around 14 and coming to live with her uncle Bruce Wayne to take a few college classes while finishing up her high school education. During that time she dawned the Falcon identity when she started helping her Bruce and his ward Dick Grayson find Meta kids who were being used as weapons by mobs.  

A few years later she left the hero life after one of her friends was killed. She continued her studies and became a therapist for kids struggling with superpowers. She is now living with her young sister Faith after their parents mysteriously disappeared. 

Name: Gigi Chin  Alterego: Plastic Girl Age: 15 Fandom: DC Comics / Young Justice / X-men Face claim: Mary Kate Wiles Love interest: Bart Allen  Tag: Normal Story Master List Pinterest: Normal Summary: Gigi is a Mutant who when to live with the X-men when she was 4 years old after her sister was kidnapped by an organization that was taking powerful mutants throughout time to test and build weapons with.  

When she was 14 Gigi met Faith running around the streets of Gotham beating up bad guys and the two became fast friends. Her and Faith are a team no matter what they do they are always doing it together. 

Gigi grew up around super-powered kids and feels more comfortable with the unrealistic than the normal and finds everyday life fascinating. 

Name: Tea  Alterego: Dream Catcher  Age: 24 Fandom: DC Comics / Young Justice / Arrowverse  Face claim: Tristin Mays Love interest: Everyone  Story Master: coming soon  Pinterest: Dream Catcher  Summary: Tea was raised by her father learning how to steal to survive. Then when she was 13, her father left. So it was her against the world. She is an empath who can sense and manipulate people’s emotions. Something she did to survive after her father left. 

(Depending on the Universe she was helped out by Jennifer O’Neal or Oliver Queen)

When she was about 16 she was killed by what her team referred to as “The Man in the Black suit” only to be brought back by her mother’s cult which was on another planet. She then spent the next 5ish years learning about her Demi-God mother and traveling the galaxy until John Constine accidentally summoned her after a woman paid him to try and summon Tea’s mother. 

Name: Nichole Costa Alterego: Night  Age: 23 Fandom: DC Comics / Young Justice / Arrowverse  Face claim: TBD Love interest: None  Story Master: coming soon  Pinterest: Dream Catcher  Summary: Nichole grew up as the daughter of a Mob Leader John Costa. He used her mutant abilities to control a Hell Hound (Damon) and darkness to take out his enemies. Nichole left when she realized what she was doing with the help of Jennifer O’Neal and Tea. 

When Tea was killed she lost her her sanity and disappeared. 

[melyaliz]

A Smily Face in City Heights

Fandom: DC

Summary: Annabella finds out her cousin is doing some rather dangerous after-school activities.

Notes: This turned out way longer than I planned.

Annabella is owned by @the-shadow-of-atlantis

All Masterlists @melyalizarchive​

Connect with me! AO3 / Instagram / Pinterest

----------------------------------------------------------

Annabella didn’t normally go into City Heights especially alone. Besides the fact that there wasn’t much of a need she also needed to be a bit realistic. She did happen to be the daughter of Bruce Wayne and City Heights wasn’t the safest part of Gotham.

But when you get a call on someone breeding pit bulls for underground fights a girl’s got to do what a girl’s got to do.

Loading up the truck with the puppies and their mothers weren’t easy. Especially since most of them didn’t (Understandably) trust humans. Annabella had to stay close helping her associates while letting the anxious dogs know that they were here to help them not hurt them.

But the stench of fear coming from these poor animals was rather overpowering and after a while, she needed a breather.

“I need some air,” she said nodding toward Ron who was trying to get a rather upset large stud into a crate while Olivia helped by trying to tempt the dog with treats.

“Ok, don’t go too far this part of the city isn’t that safe,” he grunted as the dog reared its head trying to back up into his larger frame.

Taking a few deep breaths Annabella sighed trying to push back the rush of emotions she was feeling. How could these people treat those poor dogs like that? It honestly made her want to bash someone’s head in.

A few more deep breaths and a few steps away from the building later she felt more like herself. The overpowering emotions of the poor abused pit bulls no longer flooding her system.

“You’re the one aren’t you”

She looked up at the sharp voice cutting through her thoughts. Four large men were stalking toward her, two guns, one crowbar, and one knife.

“You’re the one who thinks they can just come into our business.” the shortest of the men growled, “You spoiled rich kids think you can just come in here and take from us.”

“Those using those dogs to fight is NOT a business!” Annabella snapped getting ready for a fight. She wasn’t too far from her coworkers if she caught them off guard maybe she could…

A loud whistle pierced their eardrums causing the men to freeze before turning around. A large red brick flew through the air hitting one of the men with the guns scare in the face breaking his nose.

Of all the things Annabella had expected, and let’s be honest this is Gotham so she expected a lot of things, she did NOT expect her younger cousin to come running up landing a kick at the man furthest from Annabella. She was wearing a small mask that looked very similar to Tim’s but her bright yellow smiley face beanie gave away her away. That was as if Annabella couldn’t tell who her cousin was no matter what she wore.

“Shit!” one of them snapped “It’s the smiley face!”

The smiley face? Ok wait… was this normal?

With a trashcan lid in hand Faith swung it forward knocking knife guy backward where his head connected with the brick wall knocking himself out.

Short guy snarled pulling out his gun clicking off the safety. Faith darted forward spinning on her muddy vans the first shot missing her by a few inches.

He tried to aim again but she was upon him pushing his arm up the shot going into the air while she stomped on his foot and then pulled her knee forward hitting his groin. As he leaned forward in pain she headbutted him in the nose before sweeping her leg causing him to fall in a heap at her feet. His gun in her hand now.

Sending up 3 more shots into the sky Faith clicked the gun a few more times to make sure it was empty before tossing it aside.

“You don’t need to worry Zen!! I mean… Annabella… you… person… thing..” her voice petered off and Annabella couldn’t help but smile. There was her cousin.

“FUCK YOU!” Crowbar man screamed running forward. Glancing over her shoulder Faith smiled before dropping to her knees, back still to the man. Once he was upon her she snapped up her elbow connecting it with the man’s crotch. He let out a scream of pain buckling over as Faith kicked him in the chest so he was laying in pain next to his buddy.

The click of a gun and anger alerted Annabella before her cousin. Grabbing the younger girl she pulled her to the right as the other gunman shot at her missing by mear inches.

“Thanks!” Faith flashed Annabella a wide toothy grin before grabbing the crowbar laying on the ground rushing the broken-faced gunmen swinging and connecting with his shooting hand crashing bone as it connected.

Both girls stood there for a moment taking in what had just happened.

“Does dad know about this?” Annabella ventured trying to make some sense to why her cousin was in this neighborhood cracking skulls and not in a dance studio.

“W… why would he?

“Wait so why are you…”

Sirens blared in the distance and Faith turned toward the noise.

“That’s my queue…. You… Person I don’t know… stay safe”

Annabella tried to fight back a smile a million thoughts running through her mind. Was she the first or last to know about… all of this.

As her cousin disappeared into a dark alley something else washed over her.

Peace, purpose.

Annabella was no stranger to this life, her father was after all Batman, but if she remembered correctly Jen had a bit of a strong opinion about it herself. This is besides the fact that after everything that had happened with the older cousin, Bruce had seemed to have a strong opinion about keeping the younger sister out of this masked life.

Then again Faith had always had a will of her own, and after the death of her parents, she had felt a bit lost. Still that hyper smiling girl but slightly… broken. As if trying to find some sense in her life now that her parents were no longer in it. Annabella had sensed it the moment Faith and Jen had met up with their cousin after the funeral yet while Jennifer seemed to be distracting herself with her school and work Faith seemed to just be floating day to day.

Until today.

She was so clear and focused. So alive.

And from what it seemed she had found this focus all by herself.

--Later--

“So what’s going on with Faith?” Annabella asked walking into the cave. Her father and the latest Robin, Tim Drake looked up from the computer they were looking over as she entered. Annabella’s brother Dick was stretching on the mat a few feet.

“What?” Dick asked

“Well, I’m assuming dad knows she’s fighting bad guys in City Heights.”

“What? Why would you keep that from us?” Dick asked looking over at Bruce who’s poker face wasn’t… quite it’s normal blank slate.

“She’s, what?”

“I’m keeping an eye on her,” Tim muttered almost so softly it went unnoticed.

Almost.

“Oh, that’s where the mask came from.” Annabella crossed her arms fighting back a smile.

“She has a mask? Does Jen know? Shit, she’s going to kill someone…” Dick stood using a towel to wipe his face before reaching for his phone.

“How long has this been going on?” Bruce asked Tim already forming a plan in his head. One Annabella knew she was going to want to be involved in. After all, this was her cousin they were talking about who apparently was just running around unsupervised

“Maybe a month or so? She really just helps local businesses and stuff. She has been using a burner to call the local police and stuff too. I hacked it to make sure she wasn’t doing anything too crazy and she hasn’t.”

“So far” Dick muttered.

“Yeah,” Annabella said nodding, “No offense Tim but you don’t know Faith, safe isn't really a word I would use to describe her.”

“More like dive into anything head first” Dick muttered shooting off a text to the young girl in question’s older sister.

“I’ll handle this,” Bruce said putting on his cowl.

“I’m coming with you,” Annabella said running to grab her costume. Bruce looked like he was about to stop her but Annabella beat him to the argument. “She’s my cousin and I’m not arguing with you on this.”

“Ok.”

Normally Annabella didn’t go to City Heights.

But things in Annabella’s life were never very normal.  

-GET TAGGED!-

Tagging: @royslittleharper​​  @the-shadow-of-atlantis​​ @coffee-randomness​​ @daisyboobear​​ @werewitchling​​  

[ocelysium]

Faith & Jennifer O’Neal

Okay, last one @melyaliz  / @insideoflit 

Credit to the owners of the resources used.

[bballinspiration]

Shaq noticed a young man buying an engagement ring on layaway so the Big Diesel paid for it 🙏I’m just trying to make people smile. That’s all.

[soulmusicsongs]

Keep Your Faith In God - The O'Neal Twins (Throw Out The Life Line, 1985)

[thehoneybus]

I love women country singers

[love-and-other-potions]

Voice of an Angel

On a sunny Saturday afternoon, you find yourself with free time and with no friends to entertain you at the moment. You stroll down to the Black Lake. You notice the water ripple towards the middle of the lake and a large tentacle appear above the water for the briefest moment. You smile to yourself as you pick up a flat, medium-sized stone from the ground and flick your wrist. The stone skips a few times before sinking in the water. As you try to lengthen the skips from your stones, you begin to sing.

"I been down about as low as anyone can get

The whole world was closin' in

Couldn't find a friend

No one else could help me

Had to walk through the fire alone

Life has brought me to my knees

And faith has led me home

Let the storm rage around me

I will stand, I will fight

And when the darkness surrounds me

I will make my own light

I may not win every battle

But I'll get stronger with every fear I face

And I'll be brave

I can be courageous and still be so afraid

I've discovered pain is the beginning to a change Somewhere deep inside us There's a strength we don't know we have Just when you think you can't go on Suddenly there's a path Let the storm rage around me I will stand, I will fight And when the darkness surrounds me I will make my own light I may not win every battle But I'll get stronger with every fear I face And I'll be brave

Every time I get back up it gets harder to knock me down

'Cause my soul's on steady ground Let the storm rage around me I will stand, I will fight And when the darkness surrounds me I will make my own light I may not win every battle But I'll get stronger with every fear I face And I'll be brave I'll be brave

["Brave" Jamie O'Neal]

You freeze when you hear applause begin behind you. Your audience wolf-whistles as you slowly turn around with wide eyes. You catch sight of the Marauders, which causes your heart to practically pound out of your rib cage.

James steps forward and the three others follow him. He turns to Sirius.

"I have officially heard the voice of an angel!" James exclaims.

You feel heat rush to your cheeks. As he continues to approach you, he turns his attention back to you.

"Where did you learn to sing like that? That was bloody amazing!"

He pauses, as if he expects you to answer. He must sense that you're not answering anytime soon because he continues speaking.

"And that song? That song was deep and combining that with your beautiful voice, oh I'm in heaven. Where did you learn that song?"

His compliments make you uncomfortable so you only manage to narrow your eyes at him. He stares back at your narrowed E/C eyes.

"Are we speaking telepathically....?"

You continue to stare at him.

"Okay, good talk."

You still don't say a word.

"It was really good chatting with you."

James turns away with a disappointed look on his face. He retreats back to Hogwarts while his friends snicker at his expense. You sigh as you toss another rock.

**********************************

For the next few days, James praises your voice to anyone that will listen to him. You share several classes with him and have heard it firsthand when he does it. As he finds any reason to talk about you, he would grin over at you as if you and he were sharing a secret inside joke. Every time, you look away while your blush is very evident.

James has barely spoken to you, yet now he can't seem to shut up about you. It baffles you beyond belief. Abruptly, this handsome Gryffindor boy has grown an interest for you and can't truthfully say that you don't like it.

**************************************

James upped his antics. He has tried to engage you in conversation multiple times. Each time, he has flirted and complimented you, causing you to panic. You never actually speak although you scampering away every time spoke volumes. It's gotten to the point that if you see him or his friends, you walk in the opposite direction as fast as you can.

You're in the library between two bookshelves stepping on your tippy toes to reach a book on the top shelf. You need the evasive book to write a paper. You huff in annoyance as your fingertips skim the spine of the books but cannot quite grasp it. A tan hand reaches above your head and grabs the book you've been attempting to get for the last five minutes. The stranger puts the book in your reaching hand.

You turn to find yourself face to chest with James Potter. A small squeak escapes your throat as he grins down at you.

"I feel like you're avoiding me."

You take a deep inhale as you straighten your spine. He raises an eyebrow at your new posture.

"That's probably because I'm avoiding you."

He blinks at you.

"So you admit it?"

You shrug.

"It looks like I've been caught, but the better question is: what are you going to do about it?"

He chuckles lightly.

"Who knew that your quiet exterior held such sass."

"I certainly did. It just took an obnoxious Gryffindor for it to rise to the occasion."

He scoffs.

"You have the audacity to call me obnoxious when all I've done is compliment you?"

You laugh lightly.

"Yes. You've complimented me as loud as you possibly can to anyone within earshot. That's obnoxious."

"I'm not obnoxious."

"Ah, obnoxious and stubborn."

"What do I have to do to get you to agree with me?" he inquires.

"Stop being wrong," you suggest.

He shifts his jaw as he smiles. He leans in closer to your face yet you refuse to act intimidated.

"You're feisty. I like it."

"Well if you like sarcasm at your own expense, then by all means, pursue me. Thank you for the book."

You slide past him and walk away.

The next day, you're walking down the hallway when you notice Sirius Black is walking next to you. You narrow your eyes in suspicion, and sure enough James appears beside you.

"Correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm pretty sure you're my soulmate," James tells you with a cocky grin.

"You're wrong. That was me correcting you."

Sirius laughs.

"Wow Prongs. I thought you were exaggerating."

He laughs again.

"Whoa, wait a minute. James has been talking about me?"

You turn to Sirius expectantly.

"Sirius, you keep your mouth shut," James warns.

He grins like the Cheshire cat in return.

"Only all the time, my dear."

You raise an eyebrow and look at James. He glares at Sirius.

"I'm going to kill you," James promises.

Sirius smirks before turning to you.

"I'll tell you all the dirty secrets if you go with me to Hogsmeade this weekend."

"Oh?"

"Sorry, they can't. They'll be with me at Hogsmeade," James interrupts.

"Oh, will I now? Someone is arrogant."

He grins.

"Very arrogant," he agrees.

You quirk a brow at James.

"Will you buy me candy?"

"If you go on a date with me, I'll buy you the whole store."

You grin.

"Alright, I'll go on a date with you."

He looks up at the ceiling with a smile on his face.

"Maybe someone up there likes me."

"That's a good thing because no one down here does," you comment.

Sirius laughs and James groans.

You smirk.

"It keeps the relationship interesting."

"Relationship?"

James' head perks up and you wink at him.

"I'll see you Saturday, Potter."

You walk away from the two.