An Octobery October

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[Photo by Betty Binon of Stems and Forks]

By: Gabriela Yareliz

Happy October! It’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It’s super important to keep educating ourselves on these issues and monitoring our own health. (This goes for men and women).

I wanted to link this article on 8 Common Breast Cancer Myths That Need To Be Cleared Up. Refinery29 interviewed the doctor and Mount Sinai Hospital Cancer Center specialist whose office I went to when I had my own breast cancer scare, earlier this year. It was probably one of the scariest moments for me as a person, but their office and staff are so great. Definitely, a must read.

NYC feels like summer, yet again. It’s hot, sticky and sloooww. Standing on a subway platform, equals a death by sweating, and you better pray your train is actually running. #NYCoverrated

My main focus lately has been to keep some kind of peace at my core, despite insanity around me. Crazier times demand more prayer. We often stress out, unconsciously, because of changes looming in the future that we know we need to face head on. Or, we stress about the stuff we have no control over. We all have been touched by so much tragedy. As I have been editing interviews and profiles on women of faith for Modern Witnesses, it has been so great to see God’s faithfulness, over and over again, in the lives of others. Reminding me, that He will be the same in my own life.

For the first time this week, I tried fermented food. I had never in my life tried kimchi. It was a peculiar and interesting experience. We (my boyfriend and me) also tried new probiotics.

My boyfriend loves trying new things and has a sense of adventure that can’t be beat. He bought the kimchi, and also got me a cinnamon whisk. Basically, it looks like a cinnamon broom. I put it next to my bed, and call me crazy or declare aromatherapy real, because I have slept better than I have in ages, with that little broom around. Thought I would share.

And lastly, as we recap the beginning of this slow month, let me mention that sugar is everywhere. Once the holidays start, man it’s hard to be temperate. (Am I right? Or am I right?). I see you, sugar. You are on my radar.

October reminds me of those dark blue nights in D.C., by those homes close to Georgetown, with the glittering porch lights; that boxing class I used to attend that I was obsessed with (I loved leaving that gym all hot and walking home through the crisp weather). It reminds me that life is worth fighting for (cancer free or not). It reminds me that our lives need fall. We all have things we need to let go of; things that have to die in us; things that will have the opportunity to be reborn. We all need rest, beauty and slow calm.

It’s autumn, NYC. 🍂 So, get with the program.

[Go do a self breast examination. Now.]

New Project: Modern Witnesses

Hi all!

It has been a stressful couple of days with Hurricane Maria devastating Puerto Rico. It has been a time of anguish, helplessness and political dissatisfaction, to say the least. In the midst of all of that, I have been working on a great little project that has continued to remind me to turn my eyes back to God.

I just wanted to give a small update. I have been super blessed to be working with and meeting many incredible modern Christian young women from around the world. I have started a mini project that I think of as an online anthology of profiles of exceptional and modern Christian young women. It’s called Modern Witnesses. You can follow on WordPress and Tumblr.

I am a huge fan of websites like Atelier Dore (formerly Garance Dore) and Man Repeller. These are websites that often feature women online and in podcasts. I love reading mini profiles, hearing rapid-fire interviews and learning about new products, apps, etc.

I thought it would be a lot of fun to make a space for the modern Christian woman. I am surrounded by so many awesome young women, and I feel we can learn so much from each one. They are modern, dynamic, professional, faith-filled and well-rounded.

This has been an opportunity for me to meet bloggers and other young women professionals from around the globe who share the Christian faith, through which God is doing great things.

I hope you pay the site a visit and get inspired. I have been editing interviews, and I can tell you that we have some great ones already up on the site and some exciting ones coming up.

Also, if you personally know a great Christian young woman who has a career or is currently studying, let’s get in touch. I am always looking for inspiring young women to be featured. I want us to share resources, stories, tools, experiences and faith.

Here are some profiles to get you started on Modern Witnesses:

Felicia M. The Soon-To-Be Pharmacist -talking about growing in the uncomfortable

Beth W. The Forensics Student – talking about trust and peace

Ashley S. The Coffee Lover -talking about knowing who you are in God

Ivana Melissa R. The Business Woman -talking about encountering God through pain

Carolina H. The Lipstick Obsessed English Teacher -talking about how God never gives up on us

Taide L. The Idealist -talking about measuring our characters against God’s and battling pride

Liz B. The Baker -talking about making our relationships and marriages holy

I hope you learn something, find something that touches your heart and deepens your walk with God. I know I have been moved, and I can’t wait to share more amazing stories.

Check us out, subscribe through the drop-down menu, and stay inspired!

XOXO

 

Puerto Rico

Those of us who have experienced your magic will never stop singing your praises. Our flag always flies high, with its bright singular star. Glory to those Taino hands that labored. Glory to those black African hands that labored. Glory to those white Spaniard hands that labored. Because out of those hands, a people was born.

And glory to the hands that work and rebuild today, because out of their hands will come a liberated nation and people.

By: Gabriela Yareliz

We are a resilient people. We aren’t afraid to get our hands dirty.  We are a people who worked the sugar cane fields, picked the coffee, laid down the pavement on mountain roads; we created and manufactured medications, we have had some of those brilliant philosophers and thinkers, and more than anything, we are known as a people who have brought joy and music to the world. We are a beautiful nation, with a big heart. We are never afraid to get loud and dance even if our hearts are hurting.

Our government is not doing enough for Puerto Rico. In fact, the government has recently sent a message to Puerto Rico that it is not going to go out of its way to help, given the fact that the Jones Act will not be waived. I am asking for your support for my island and my people.

As seen on Tumblr, forwarded by Tumblr staff:

“Sometimes we feel powerless. 
This doesn’t have to be one of those times.
There are 3.5 million people in Puerto Rico (Americans, not that it matters) with limited or no access to potable water. And there’s a law called the Jones Act that is impeding supplies from getting through.
The law says that ships going between U.S. ports must be built in America, sailed by Americans, and fly the American flag. Problem is, only two percent of all the world’s cargo is carried by compliant ships. And most of those are off somewhere else.
President Trump can waive the Act to allow foreign vessels to dock. He waived it after hurricanes Harvey and Irma. He needs to do it again.

Please call your representatives and have them demand a waiver for Puerto Rico. Here’s how:
1. Call the Capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121 and follow the prompts to reach your Senator/Congress Member.
2. Read the script below, filling in the blanks with your information.
“Hi, my name is [NAME], I am a voting constituent living in [CITY/TOWN] and my zip code is [ZIP CODE].
I’m calling to urgently request that [YOUR SENATOR / CONGRESS MEMBER’S NAME] please call DHS to demand an immediate waiver of the Jones Act so that additional rescue and relief resources can get to Puerto Rico.
The destruction caused in Puerto Rico by Hurricane Maria has been significant, comparable in scale to Katrina. The federal government’s response needs to be increased immediately. We cannot allow a Caribbean “Katrina” to unfold. The safety of 3.5 million U.S. citizens is at stake.
Thank you so much for your time. ​
3. If you can, please consider a cash donation.
These are all good charities:
United for Puerto Rico
UNICEF
Global Giving”

Referendum: Kurdistan

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September 25, 2017, referendum.

I support a free Kurdistan. Wishing the best for our Kurdish brothers and sisters. May you vote with your hearts, for a brighter tomorrow.

“What Being Kurdish Means to Me,” by Sazan Hendrix

“So you see, this referendum is more than just a vote for yes or no. My vote will be dedicated to the head of our family, my Grandfather Siyamand, who sacrificed his own life for Kurdistan, for the moment we are standing in front of right now. His blood along with the blood of so many has been spilled for far too long. This vote is for all of the families who have had to say goodbye to members of their own, the ones who sacrificed their existence for the safety and existence of Kurds and Kurdistan. I vote BALE (yes) for them.” Sazan

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[Image from sazan.me (linked above)]

May you be sovereign; may your people dance in the streets; may you be FREE.

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[First and last image are @hellyluv]

Pray

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Please join us in praying for our loved ones and families. May God give them patience and strength in this difficult time. May God give us peace, as many of us wait in uncertainty.

It is in the midst of these disasters that we see God’s presence, despite the bad. It was in my darkest moments where I felt His presence and saw Him work miracles on my behalf. May all who are suffering feel God’s love and presence. And may they experience their own miracles of light in the midst of darkness. These moments call for resilience, unity, and faith. As we work hand-in-hand, we live out religion in its purest form, love. To embody and reflect love, that is what we were created for.

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Autumnal Asks

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[Image from Tumblr]

Because tomorrow is the first day of fall– let’s celebrate!

autumnal asks
lantern – how did you meet your best friend? What were your first impressions of each other?

I met her in high school. We were total opposites. She was always talking in class, and I was the quiet one in the front row of our freshman English class. She doesn’t remember this, but she didn’t like my lunch box.

frost – if you could give some advice to your younger self, what would you say?

Relax. Things are going to end up being beyond your wildest dreams.

maple – is there a hobby / skill that you’ve always wanted to try but never did?

I wish I could dance like a professional.

harvest – what fictional character do you most identify with? Why?

Sira, from El Tiempo Entre Costuras. She is brave, she experienced loss, and she fought for everything she got. In the end, she lives an adventurous life that is beyond anything she could have planned for herself.

fireside – if you had your dream wardrobe, what would it look like?

Probably Caroline de Maigret’s closet.

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cider – a food that you disliked as a child but now enjoy?

Mushrooms.

amber – share an unpopular opinion that you may have.

We aren’t meant to keep in touch with every face we have ever met. Facebook sucks.

fog – next book you will read?

Cook Beautiful by Athena Calderone

jack-o-lantern – if you could look like any celebrity, who would you choose?

I like the way I look. I would like to age as well as Monica Bellucci. She is 52 and looking like a queen.

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spice – a brand or two you are excited to try?

Glossier and Rouje

orchard – share one thing that you’d like to happen this autumn.

A stroll through fall foliage.

crow – which school subject do you wish you had an aptitude for?

No more school. I do wish I would have had a better grade in Criminal Procedure in law school.

bonfire – describe your dream house.

I don’t know. It should have a balcony or terrace where we can enjoy the outdoors. I want it to be clutter free. Simple. Filled with plants, light and life. Filled with love.

cinnamon – if you had to live in a time period different than the present, which would you choose and where?

England during Jane Austen’s time.

cobweb – (if you’ve graduated) do you miss high school?

Nope. They were nice times, though.

cranberry – what’s one physical feature that you get complimented on?

My eyes.

maize – share the weirdest encounter you’ve had with a stranger on the street.

A stranger once told me I had Natalie Wood’s eyes. We were outside of the Empire State Building.

quilt – how do you take your tea (or coffee)? Plain tea. No sweetener.

pumpkin – do you think that humans are inherently good or bad?

We are sinful creatures, but we were made for another, better world.

moonlit – are you a neat or messy person? Is your room / house orderly?

I am normal. My home is pretty clean. I enjoy cleaning. If there is stuff out of place, it is usually clothes or shoes.

flannel – have you ever gone on a bad date?

Yes. I went on one that felt like a job interview.

cocoa – something you would like to learn to make.

A pie.

ghost – autumn motto?

“Your energy introduces you before you even speak.”

Remembering Nabeel Qureshi (1983-2017)

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“All suffering is worth it to follow Jesus. He is that amazing.”

Nabeel Qureshi, Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus: A Devout Muslim Encounters Christianity

“Why this Muslim-turned-Christian speaker resonated with so many before his death at 34” By Ravi Zacharias, The Washington Post

Set Free

“Through the Redemption, God undertakes to deal with a man’s past, and He does it in two ways: by forgiving him, and by making the past a wonderful culture for the future.” Oswald Chambers, in Run Today’s Race

By: Gabriela Yareliz

Today, I read something that moved me deeply. You see, lately, I have been on this journey of how I can improve aspects of my life, my reactions, myself– and for some reason, it led me down this bizarre path of comparisons and self depreciation. It happens to all of us at some point in life. We start seeing our flaws glowing brighter and brighter, and what we want is one of those giant white eraser sponges to take away our grime and imperfections. We want to be our best for those we love. And sometimes, we need to hit a pause button before we go all Monica Geller on ourselves.

I read Romans 8:1-4, and it’s a passage I have read before, but scripture always offers us inspiration in the moment when we need it the most.

This passage says: There is no condemnation in Christ. The Spirit gives us life, and it has set us free.

Gary Thomas writes in his book Cherish, “In Christ, our self condemnation offends God; it doesn’t please Him. To walk in condemnation is to call God a liar and Christ’s work insufficient. […] Saved sons and daughters [are] growing more magnificent every day as they are eventually made perfect by Christ Himself at the end.” (pg. 134)

I needed that today. Maybe you do, too. So here is a quick reminder, that you are made perfect in God, through His working in you. Some of us strive too hard for perfection and just end up hurting ourselves and those who love us.

Next time you want to talk down on yourself, remember, there is NO condemnation in Christ. You have been set free by love.