Sunday, January 31, 2016

Honoring Black History: Dance Icon Miss Katherine Dunham ‪#‎OPRAHLegend‬



Honoring Black History: Dance Icon Miss Katherine Dunham ‪#‎OPRAHLegend‬
Photo by Tyrone Rasheed.


Katherine Dunham Speaks Out on Dunham Technique, Today's World Violence Leaders, and Hope by Melony McGant .
 
Anthropologist, choreographer, writer and humanitarian Katherine Dunham has been called a visionary, a pioneer, and a living legend. She has been a major force in dance, and is best known for incorporating African American, Caribbean, African, and South American movement style themes into her ballets. She has appeared in more than 57 countries around globe, received recognition from UNESCO as well as heads of state, and is the recipient of hundreds of awards and honorary doctorates including the U.S. Presidential Award, Kennedy Center Honors, the Albert Schweitzer Award, Essence Magazine Awards, the National Black Theatre Festival Lifetime Achievement Award, and was one of Oprah's Legends.
 
Originally recorded in 2002 at the Miss Katherine Dunham's residence in NYC, portions of this conversation have appeared in African Voices Magazine (a much longer version) and Tribes Magazine. In this interview with Melony McGant, Miss Dunham shares her heart, and hopes for a World of Peace, as she passes us the baton.
 
Miss Katherine Dunham was born in Chicago on 22 June, 1909 and left this Earth Realm and Ascended to the heaven Realm on May 21, 2006. She Is Re-membered with Love!



 MM: It's been said that the Dunham Technique has strong implications and affiliations to the "other world."
 
KD: I feel that to know Dunham Technique you have to be willing to accept the holistic view of life. That is the body, mind and spirit work together. They don't work separately from each other. They grow together and unite. You have to be aware that these things do not operate alone, they operate together. So when you are deeply into Dunham Technique and are performing the choreography or are teaching, or learning, then all of those parts of your body begin to sing. And they begin to sing not in solo voices but in unison. It's like striking a wonderful chord and the response from the person who is receiving is so great that the teacher grows from it too. You can not be a teacher of Dunham Technique without receiving back from the pupil or the person that you teach.
 
MM: Sometimes the student could get lost out there in their own meditation and become ecstatic . How can a teacher know when to bring them back?
 
KD: By identification. By being able to identify with others. The good teacher is so sensitive, so willing to know and love, and be a part of ... The open minded student feels that. It's like the audience. The audience wouldn't be there if they didn't want to be there. The minute you step on to the stage you have to feel their awareness and willingness and gather it into your whole being. Every move that you make goes out with love and with an understanding of body, mind and spirit being united into one feeling, being, one "itness," so that you are a successful performer and your audience is able to receive with an open self.
 
MM: How can a teacher help a student understand that?
 
KD: I'd say don't talk about it. Just be it. Do it and be it. A lot of teachers try to explain. There's a little explanation, maybe. If you help your student eat the right thing, breath the right thing, feel the right thing, be aware of good things. It can help ... For instance, you might suggest that your student attend a concert that will immediately fit into their needs. Knowing the needs of other people is one of the hard things about BEING. I don't say to a student don't do this or don't do that. I just try to show them. You know what was so wonderful about Erich Fromm ... He'd ask me questions instead of telling me how to be over my malaise or unhappiness or whatever it was, he'd ask me questions that would lead me to the Balm and Gilead for me. And that I think is what a good friend or a true psychoanalyst, a truly worthy element in your life does ... It is to guide you through love.
 
MM: How do you feel about what's happening in the World"?
 
KD: What's happening in the world today is very, very hard on me. It is so awful, so terrible, so painful and so many people suffering. It's a fact. It's here with us. It's ridiculous to think that your government is going to ease your pain. As I look at it I say ... For God's sake I say don't go and kill to compensate for killing.
 
MM: This is a hard question for me to ask. Do you have any anger about anything?
 
KD: Anger. Oh yes, that's a part of activism. If I do not approve of what you are doing, then I will do everything I can to stop it. I will bring all of my strength to stop it. I am not in agreement, I am not in accord ... I am angry at what is happening in this world today. I wouldn't be me if I tried to suppress that anger, I'd be false ... hypocritical. I don't have to put it on anyone else. You don't have to be angry with me if that's not the way you feel. But above all don't try to stop me from being angry.
 
MM: If you were speaking to our world leaders, what would you say?
 
KD: Well to most of them I would say: "You do not belong in a position of leadership. You have not overcome self. You don't really love humanity, yourself included. You are not a leader. Stop and look at it and study it, realize it and change it. Change yourself or step aside and help someone else take the position that you feel you are fulfilling but you're not." And I'd say: "Stop and think and don't try to put aside, or shut your eyes to those things that are showing you where you've made mistakes. Open your heart to these things inside and help. Be sure that your every breath, every thought, every movement, every deed is being helpful to someone or something. Be sure that you are honest and true."
 
MM: How do you feel about this violence?
 
KD: It should have no place in human living.
 


MM: Are all religions the same? Not the dogma, but the spirit?
 
KD: I think that intellectually they sound as though they are the same. Intellectually they all say we believe in our God. We want to do what that one God says do but we see errors that are committed because between God and action comes man. And man is by no means perfect creature.
 
MM: And the United States?
 
KD: The United States is a great big hypocrite bully. Our God has chosen to give us ... .a means of conquering ... but when you are power driven, you are bound to turn to destruction and violence.
 
MM: What do you want to tell my generation and the children ... those who come after. What should we be doing?
 
KD: You should be aware. And of course always be forgiving. You can judge but I don't feel that we have within us the right to hold forth any blessings. God does that. And I would say be aware and be giving. Know how to take, how to receive and how to give. Be sure that both are operating always in your life. If you feel strongly about a cause, don't push it on people but be willing to defend it when it is necessary. Just one word, that one word love is strongest. Know all the different phases of love and have them all in your life. And be able to live with them.
 
MM: Could you give me a couple of examples of love that you were thinking of ?
 
KD: Well, you certainly have to know self-love. Erich (Fromm) was probably the founder of that... belief in yourself and a love of yourself. Be kind and gentle with yourself and everything else. Try to avoid, and succeed in avoiding injury to others. Live life with kindness and live life with love.
 
MM: Is there any hope?
 
KD: I feel that this present civilization is just about over. I feel that there is a hope in some people, elements, I won't say remnants ... things that are still there, that they can manage to be together after a period of rest and growth. And choose to grow in the sunshine of hope and love. Yes then there is hope for another civilization on this earth. Of course there is always a chance that out in the universe there are some other earths that could come and smash this one into nothing. I see no reason why there shouldn't be another chance for man because he is a creature of God but I'm not counting on it. I'm counting on trying to help save and give hope to those whose eyes are open now and who are suffering.
 
MM: Is there anything that I can personally do for you? Or anything that I personally need to know ?
 
KD: I think that you are one of the people who has the fabric of knowledge and I think that you should develop it and continue on your mission of nurturing love and furthering love and that you must spend a little more time protecting yourself. You can't afford to be hyper-sensitive, put it that way. You have to find different ways to help you to be stronger everyday. And be stronger and wiser. You need strength and you need wisdom. And you've helped so much ... just the fact that you are there. And I know that you are there. And that I know you are an honest person working towards the same end, that's great.
 
MM: Thank you, you honor me.
 
KD: And don't be embarrassed by tears ...
 
MM: I gathered my things, thanked Ms. Dunham again,and gave her a big hug.
 


Miss Katherine Dunham was born in Chicago on 22 June, 1909 and left this Earth Realm and Ascended to the heaven Realm on May 21, 2006. She Is Re-membered with Love!


(c) Melony McGant, 2002,  Photo May 1, 2006 by Tyrone Rasheed

Loving YOU...



Loving You…


Take a Moment to Breathe and Exhale Deeply Six Times. 

In Love. Out Love.   In Love. Out Love.   In Love. Out Love.
In Love. Out Love.   In Love. Out Love.   In Love. Out Love.



It’s about Loving Every Day, looking for a better way to share the joy of living with an open heart and giving…


 Acknowledge special people. Let them know that you care.
Spread the mystery of goodness. Reaffirm that you are there.



 I Love You….


Some may say "It’s so easy to say but so hard to do".

 Love is by example…The Gift Is Within YOU!


 It’s about Loving every day, looking for a better way to share the joy of living with an open heart and giving…


Each of us is on a journey, our own personal trek.

 Know that the G-d within Loves YOU, supports your dreams; helps you through the tough times; helps you say what you really mean!


 Walk in the Day bringing brilliant Sunlight.

 Be a Star, twinkling, glowing and embracing the Night.


 I Love You…. I Love You…. I Love You….


Some may say "It’s so easy to say but so hard to do!"


The Truth Is...Love Is by Example…

The Gift of Love Is Within YOU! 


Always, Melony 



Thursday, January 28, 2016

The Rainbow Heart of Love! #Courage

 
          The Rainbow Heart of Love! #Courage

Beloveds,

Today I pray to walk with compassion, humility, Loving-kindness, and right words with right actions.

I Breathe Deeply Four Times and open my Heart and Soul to honor and receive Divine Grace.

I honor the Ancients, the Ancestors and All those who have Ascended Into the Rainbow Heart of Love.

I continue to Breathe and feel the Spirit of Love awakening every cell within my body. 

With humility, I Give Thanks  for the Blessings and Miracles of Hope and Joy that are  manifesting on Earth and throughout the Uni-Verse as Many Awaken to the Truth that lives through the Eternal Songs of Love.

Again I Breathe Deeply Four Times.  I allow myself to remember and feel the Love Songs.

To Our Blessed Creator I pray and ask for the Courage and Faith to live within the vision of Hope; to radiate Light and joyfully share the Truthful Songs of Love imprinted in my heart; dancing and living in my Soul!

I Breathe Deeply and Sing.  We Will Always Be ONE In the Rainbow Heart of Love!

 Always,  Melony
Peace is Possible through Compassion, Forgiveness, Kindness, Mercy, Respect, Understanding and--- The Grace of Love!

Monday, January 25, 2016

Say YES! #JOY

Say YES! #JOY
Joy is often hidden in Yes.
It is part of the story of our lives
that too often we ignore.

We are too busy to listen,
to offer a hug or hold a hand
of a person in pain.

We often miss the miraculous moments
because we are pre-occupied
with work or self or fear.

Today please pay attention
to what is going on around you.

Smile and connect to others.
Call an old friend.
Check a neighbor.
Visit a sick friend.
Say "I love you" to someone
you cherish everyday.

Play a game and read a book
with your child everyday.

Draw a picture, sing a song,
blow some bubbles,
or make an angel in the snow.

Say Thank You at least ten times a day.

Say Yes to Being Alive,
living your dream and helping
someone else live their dream.

The Time Is Now.
Let's come together, work together,
forgive each other, Love each other,
support each other and live
each day with a willingness to Say YES!

Always,  Melony

Peace is Possible through Compassion, Forgiveness, Hope, Integrity, Kindness, Mercy, Respect, Understanding and--- The Grace of Love
!

Sunday, January 24, 2016

Offering Appreciation and Gratitude!

Please Share: Today I Am Offering Appreciation and Gratitude For All Those Who Have Purchased, Done Reviews  or Recommended  my book, Seeker Dreamer: Amazing, Brilliant Compassionate YOU!

May Many More of You be encouraged to  share, purchase copies for yourself or friends, and to write YOUR Reviews on Amazon, etc.

Blessings of Light and Hope to ALL!   Always, Melony











5.0 out of 5 stars Courage made easy!
By Rodney S. Gittens on January 20, 2014
If you've ever dreaded to go to the scariest place on the planet, this book is for you! The scary place, of course is the 'inner sanctum', the secret place of power, wisdom and enlightenment. The place within your own being! I have benefited from this work and This book is a gentle incursion to recognizing your strengths and the means to not only survive the journey, to succeed and thrive with new found style, grace and practical awareness for new opportunities. I absolutely recommend it for those who want and need to safely go within and anyone dancing on the fringe of understanding...Good for a few toes in the water and those who want to jump in fully. A great gift to beginners and experienced seekers as well. (Yes, you can even give yourself a gift!)


5.0 out of 5 stars Wow! What a Blessing!
By Divine Helper on January 7, 2014  Wow! What an inspiration you and your writings are, Melony. This little book is chalked full of wisdom. Each page is filled with little gems. This is proof positive it does not take a lot of words to transform the heart and soul. Don't be fooled by the simplicity of the outline. The cleanness of the design is beautiful. It offers no distraction for the important and sometimes complex inner work that will be delivered to the affirmation and reflection sections. I feel the overflow of Love radiating from every word. This is more than a workbook. This is a prayer book. When I don't have the words, I can find the appropriate words in Melony's book of prayers. What a blessing!


5.0 out of 5 stars Seeker Dreamer is an excellent tool for developing ones Spiritual strengths and understanding their purpose for being here.
By WM Stokes on April 10, 2014  Religion and Culture are the same. In traditional societies all over the world before the dominance of Christianity and Islam, the peoples lived a culture that was there religion, and all in these societies were educated spiritually, socially, naturally, etc though an age group system that can be termed "a spiritual system of development". I say all of this as a part of this review of Seeker Dreamer because the book is to me comprised of exercises that help one develop their spiritual insights, wisdom and strength on this Earth. I am now using the book to help my Grandchildren to see better themselves and the world they live in through their heart and spirit. What is missing in this world today is a real god-consciousness. One cannot truly believe in God unless they know themselves. Seeker Dreamer is an excellent tool for helping one learn to know themselves and to understand the consciousness of the God force, (i.e. Father-Mother-God) I strongly suggest it to conscious communities and organized religious groups, as well as to those that are seeking the light within.


5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing, Brilliant..
By Thupten Tendhar on March 3, 2015  Seeker Dreamer: Amazing, Brilliant, Compassionate You! by Rev. Melony is such as interesting, inspiring, and helpful book. It is a very unique book that brings us positive messages along with priceless wisdom. I found that the ideas and insights Rev. Melony has shared kindly in this book is not limited to a particular spiritual tradition, but it is wholesome and based on universal value. Therefore, I believe human beings from all walks of life may find this book amazing and meaningful in terms of generating more peace and happiness!


5.0 out of 5 stars Recommended Journal Workbook for Growth, Transformation, Dreamtime and the keys to personal Transformation.
ByMichael AngelOh on February 1, 2015  Having known and been inspiried by Melony and her writings for a few years now, I can say without doubt that she inspires the best qualities in both the Human and Spiritual nature of each individual whose path she has touched including my own. For anyone who has come to the realization that Divine Love is the ultimate medicine in healing one's journey in this life her ability to both remind and remember that in her words: "Peace is Possible through Compassion, Forgiveness, Kindness, Mercy and Love..." will echo from deep within the longings of the Soul. Today I Breathe Deeply in Gratitude for her significant contribution to the ultimate transformation of all mankind...


By Caroline Thompson on December 3, 2014  Melony's gift to us in the form of this book is nothing short of empowering! I firmly believe her words are something everyone can learn from, and apply what they have learned from this book, until everything learned becomes second nature.  Seeker Dreamer is for everyone looking to empower themselves through self discovery!  We are all on our way and with this journal workbook, we shall get there!


5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiration on every page
By J. Williams on November 2, 2014  Thank you Melony McGant for your beautiful, insightful and generous 'workbook',Seeker, Dreamer:Amazing, Brilliant, Compassionate you! A wonderful combination of spiritual and physical. Your dedication, knowledge, compassion and guidance are evident throughout. I only wish I had a small version of your book to carry in my pocket .  How can we thank you for sharing this treasure? You are Amazing, Brilliant and Compassionate.


 5.0 out of 5 stars Seek and Dream with Seeker Dreamer
By Elena Justice on April 23, 2014 I have been following Melony McGant for a long time. Her posts always seem as if they are speaking directly to me.
Now, that I have this book/workbook in my possession, it is as if I have Melony guiding me personally any time I need her.  I am on this journey with Melony guiding me and holding my hand.  Melony is insightful, intuitive, compassionate and loving. Her book/workbook, "Seeker Dreamer: Amazing, Brilliant, Compassionate YOU is a LIFE changer.  Elena Justice/Seeker-Dreamer.



5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful, inspirational book!
By Lee Green on April 21, 2014  This is a great book, written by a truly sensitive, intelligent and and caring person. Reading the uplifting words and following the exercises and affirmations really will help you to be a more compassionate and confident individual, and to be more aware of your own personal strengths (and the strength and value of those around you). You will see that it is possible to achieve a higher level of spiritual awareness and contentment! I highly recommend this book!


•4.0 out of 5 stars Amazing!
By Tracey Wright on April 15, 2014  This book is easy to digest in five minutes for a busy mom like myself. I liked the encouraging words that author Melony McGant uses: Relax, Focus, Believe, Breathe and Love. These 5 powerful words all are short and sweet and work to bring you deeper into your commitment to live life. Some days it feels like there is nothing but bad news, everywhere I turn. While going through personal, and financial problems, I often find myself reading through the book for encouragement. Melony McGant has been such an inspiration to me not only professionally but personally. I am really Thankful for our paths being crossed.


5.0 out of 5 stars Breathe deeply . . . reflect deeply
By Andrea S. Christoffers on on April 10, 2014  Melony McGant puts a tool in our hands to search within ourselves, in others, in nature, and in all that touches us for inspiration each and every day. Her book, Seeker Dreamer, shares her wisdom but also encourages each reader to respond personally in this quest for mindfulness and meaning in the every day and in one's whole life.


5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful addition to self-help and openness.
By Gelan Lambert Jr. on April 8, 2014  It is wonderful to have this addition to the library of positivity and life change. In direct correlation with Langston Hughes' "Hold Fast to Dreams" poem that I was introduced to as a teenager by Dr. Reginald Yates; imploring us youngsters to "dream, hold fast and do our work throughout the world." This literary addition by Reverend McGant, gives us another opportunity to keep on keeping on with our life journey and work with open minds, wrist motion, renewed strength and refresh possibilities for greatness. We are the change we seek and this book gives us all another chance to fulfill that. In other words, "read and do the thang!"


5.0 out of 5 stars Seeker Dreamer Is All Good!
By Caroline on March 16, 2014  Looking for more love in your life? Then Seeker Dreamer is the book for you? How about more Happiness? Seeker Dreamer has got that, too! Need to fill your heart with hope to make it through the day? Seeker Dreamer has plenty on that subject to say. In Seeker Dreamer, Melony McGant has blessed us with a treasure chest of all good things: love, peace, hope, kindness, appreciation, forgiveness, inspiration, and so much more of what the world needs now; what we need now. With a book and journal like this in your life, you will always be the recipient of something good and, better yet, you always will have something good to share. All the good stuff that makes the world go round can be found on every paragraph of every page of Seeker Dreamer. Thank you, Ms. McGant, for gifting us an endless supply!


5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliantly designed workbook for bringing spiritual grounding into daily life.
By Amazon Customer on March 15, 2014  Melony McGant is an enthusiastic motivator when it comes to elevating the spirit to it's highest potential. The workbook offers practical applications for daily meditation that ground readers in the present moment while providing tools that will help the spirit soar on a wonderful journey to fulfilling their dreams. Seeker Dreamer is a most valuable resource as it reminds us to breathe, love without limits, live without fears and limitations, trust, have faith, forgive, be grateful, and simply just BE. Readers of this this brilliantly crafted workbook are encouraged to put their best selves forward while becoming a source of great inspiration to their peers. I recomend this book to anyone embarking on a a journey of self discovery as it is mind opening and spirit expanding. Readers will certainly become empowered by the wisdom contained within.


5.0 out of 5 stars Seeker Dreamer
By Donna on March 2, 2014  From the minute I opened this book I Loved It!...Melony is a gifted writer and poet and spiritual teacher..you can use this book in many different ways...I use it for inspiration when I need it and you can use it as a personal journal...you can take bits and pieces to center yourself, to keep in your heart some wisdom that she so delicately infuses her spirit to you...it is written from the heart...her writing is so inspirational and heart centered. I highly recommend this book!


5.0 out of 5 stars So Much Fun!
By Twinfeathers on February 21, 2014 I decided to USE this book, rather than just read it, and I'm really enjoying the daily support of the uplifting thoughts, and the opportunity to set an intention for the day with an affirmation. I also use the "Reflections" section for logging dreams, events of the day that seemed relevant.  It's a great tool that's ALL positive, for daily, or occasional use. Thanks so much Melony for sharing your Heart with us! Kathryn Tucson, AZ


5.0 out of 5 stars "A Dream Seeker"
By Debbie McIntyre on February 17, 2014 Thank you Melony for sharing your gift of words and thoughts with the World. We need more visionaries like you who seek the truth and live by it, I am grateful to have read your book and be inspired to continue seeking my dream & doing what God has ordained me to do and I trust that he/she will do likewise in your Life.  Folks I'm telling you read this book and be INSPIRED to Follow your DREAMS!! Celeb Deb


5.0 out of 5 stars The Time Is Now
By MDon February 11, 2014  We're all rushing, running late, hustling to get to our destiny, our destination. This book reminds us to take a moment to breathe and pull everything back to our center, this book creates balance and forces you to examine each word you speak. Are we speaking life, positivity, faith? Are we using our skills, gifts? Slow down and take a moment for you, so you can do more and give back to the one who created the Universe. Yes, that's what the author is allowing you to do with her words transcribed into these pages. I highly recommend that you join me on this journey as we seek and live out our dreams.


5.0 out of 5 stars Seeker Dreamer
By Stevens Jay  Carter   Seeker Dreamer is an opportunity for the reading audience to absorb the beliefs of a forward thinking soul, laced with positive metaphors that encourage, inspire and help shape the beautiful world that we all know needs to exists.
To boot, the author Ms. McGant offers a therapeutic side bar, an opportunity to write down your affirmations and your reflections on most of the material that is digested in the book! This is a brilliant move, additional it opens the door for the book to easily migrate into any academic environment!
Congrats on a campaign well done and I look forward to living in a better world because you all have read this book! Blessings


5.0 out of 5 stars An Inspirational Book for all ages!
By BRIJ on January 31, 2014  This book makes a wonderful gift to that college student, to a mid-career professional or just for yourself. As you read you will find yourself feeling positive and it will help build your motivation. I truly enjoyed reading this and gave a few copies as gifts to my friends.

Friday, January 22, 2016

Though Duality Exists, Our Good Potential Will Prosper!


Though Duality Exists, Our Good Potential Will Prosper!
 
In deep reflection, I must face no one but Myself, and You must face no one but Yourself. All violent thoughts and actions, envy and greed or guns and wars to said to bring Peace are based in evil.


Duality Exists. Evil exists but over time, though it may be eons; ultimately Our Good Potential Will Prosper.


No matter what goes on in the World, We have a responsibility to live with humility in the Truth inspired by Love.


Only then through the Creator's Blessing of Love are we able to see and feel the Earth, the Sky, the Oceans, the Dolphins and Trees, and Birds, and Flowers and All Sentients as purposeful and interconnected in Love.


Breathe and Exhale Deeply Four Times in many intervals.


Let us feel Hope in a World where much of Humanity is fearfully Awakening and struggling to restore itself through Love.


Breathe in Gratitude for the Awakening of Truth Discovered when we face ourselves by looking in the Mirror of all those around us.
 
Now as we are seeing the need for compassion, forgiveness, kindness, mutual cooperation, mercy and Love, let us look into the Heart of Eternity.
 
We Are One In Love.


In the Circle of Our Eternal Existence, beyond current evil acts of envy, greed and mis-understanding, Love Exists Into Eternity.


Yes, duality exists but ultimately Our Good Potential continues to prosper through our every Loving Action.



Today Commit to Walk with Courage, Fortitude and Patience.
 
Say and Affirm to Yourself...
"I will do my best to live with Loving actions and thoughts of Peace and Prosperity for All. In Deep Reflection and Prayer, I offer Gratitude, embrace Eternity and Re-member that Love is the most powerful energy of every Uni-Verse! I Re-Member. I Am a Being of Love! You Are A Being of Love. We Are One In Love."
 
Today We Re-Member. It is through our Collective Commitment to live beyond duality as Beings of Love, that our Earth/Heart, and seven generations of Children yet unborn will peacefully prosper with Joy and Love!


Always, Melony
Peace is Possible through Compassion, Forgiveness, Hope, Integrity, Kindness, Mercy, Respect, Understanding and--- The Grace of Love!!

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Miracles Happen!

Miracles Happen! This evening while heading home from Brooklyn on the 3 train, a woman with several bags hit me in the face. I took four deep breaths and an Asian Lady looked at me and smiled with compassion. 
 
Then the lady who had hit me smiled and apologized! I joyfully Thanked her. You see, in a workshop I had given today, I gave this scenario as an example. Amazing!

There was a gentleman on the train with beautiful flowers that I was admiring. I am always happy to see a young African American man with flowers and I prayed that the person he planned to give them to would be happy!

Then a young Hispanic man got on the train and said he had fallen on difficult times. He asked for food or money to buy food. I made a contribution.

Then the young African American man got up to get off the train and gave me the beautiful flowers you see me holding. Another young Hispanic man was sitting next to me and he took the picture!

In NYC, Miracles Do Happen! People Are Compassionate! I Believe and Am So Grateful for Life!
PS...Here is how the rest of the story goes. I gave everyone around me a Love Note. An African American Lady admire my scarf and I gave it to her. Her name was Sandra and she grew up in the Civil Rights Movement in Selma!

I went home and stopped in at my Senegalese neighbors apt. They offered me shrimp and okra with crab legs. The husband promised to move my couch to make room for the new one coming on Saturday. I gave them the flowers and his wife was overjoyed. I Am Too!

When We Walk and Live Our Practice, Grace Moves, and Gives Hope with Loving Kindness!

Always, Melony

Monday, January 18, 2016

MLK/ When Will Freedom Come: Remembering the Civil Rights Foot Soldiers As Dreamers



MLK/ When Will Freedom Come: Remembering the Civil Rights Foot Soldiers As Dreamers

Beloved Dreamers,


There is perhaps no greater gift to society than the Dreamer.
For it is the Dreamer who believes
that Good Change is possible.

It is the Dreamer that looks upon a society's inequities
and desires a better life for themselves, their families,
their neighbors and their Nation. 

It is the Dreamer who having awakened to the Truth
that ALL people are created Equal
asks How Will Freedom Come?

On August 28th in 1963, A. Phillip Randolph,
Bayard Rustin, Mahalia Jackson, John Lewis, Peter,
Paul and Mary, Bob Dylan, Julian Bond, Odetta,
Jackie Robinson, James Baldwin, Marlon Brando,
Joan Baez, Paul Newman, Harry Belafonte,
Eleanor Holmes Norton, Andrew Young, Marian Anderson,
Sammy Davis Jr., Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee, Malcolm X,
Diahann Carroll, Burt Lancaster, Dr. Benjamin Mays,
Roy Wilkins, Dorothy Height, Whitney Young,
and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. were all in attendance
with 250 thousand Dreamers from across America
who gathered in Our Nation's Capitol
to rally for jobs, the right to vote,
desegregation and equality.

Some of these Dreamers had been working
in their communities, cities and states
for many generations to bring about Good Change.

They knew that just attending the March on Washington
was an act of rebellion
but more importantly,
it was an Act of Faith that could bring Change
and Hope for their Children.

They were people of all nationalities,
religious beliefs and colors.
They were clergy, union members, mechanics,
postal workers, railroad workers, pullman porters,
butlers, maids, police officers, doctors
nurses, educators, college students
and people from every occupation imaginable.

There were grandparents and mothers
and fathers who brought their children.
All believed that this country
could only live its greatness when Equality
and Equal Opportunity became the Law of the Land.

It was Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who spoke
and articulated the Dream that had been swelling
in the hearts of many for generations and generations.

We know these 250,000 Dreamers as the Civil Rights Foot Soldiers.
Though we may not know their names,
today Fifty Years later, we honor the Civil Rights Foot Soldiers
their lives, their hopes and their Dreams.

And Fifty Years later, the message of equality, equity,
education, fair employment, Hope and Love
continues to deserve our attention;
for the work of the Dreamers and Civil Rights Foot Soldiers
is Far From Complete.

Freedom will come only when we
are willing to put down our guns,
open our hearts and listen deeply to Truth.

Freedom will come only when we
Rise Up Together
and decide to fix the broken
Political, Economic, Educational
and Social Systems of Inequity.

But Freedom Will Come!

As we remember The Civil Foot Rights Foot Soldiers,
in Our Hearts, we must continue to act, and walk
across the Nation with Hope and Strong Resolve.
Then we will hear and sing the songs that mourn the loss
of Every Child of Violence and War and Racism and Poverty.
We will call for Peace and sing of Love.

Freedom will come when we truly
Desire Equity, Education
and Prosperity For ALL.

Freedom will come when we willingly
sit at the table together in Gratitude
and share our dreams, our food, our homes,
our education and our wealth.

Freedom will come only when we
once again notice
that Trees bend in reverence
as Spring, Summer and Autumn Leaves
dance joyfully and teach Our Children
that All Humans deserve to be cared for and Loved!

Freedom will come as we Re-Member
that for All Our Children we must
offer Hope for their Dreams
and be willing to share Our Love.

Breathe Deeply
In Hope. Out Love.
Again Breathe.
In Hope. Out Love.

How will you honor the Dreamer Civil Rights Foot Soldiers?
Do you remember the Dream?
What will you do today and tomorrow?
How will Freedom come with Love
and decide to Live in Our Hearts
and Our Nation?

First Breathe. In Hope. Out Love!
We must once again commit to gather
in our communities, cities and states.

Remembering that ALL Are Created Equally,
let us sit at the table together in Gratitude
and share our Dreams, our food, our homes,
our education and our wealth.

It is then for the Dreamer, that Freedom Will Come!



  Always, Melony 
Peace is Possible through Compassion, Forgiveness, Integrity, Kindness, Mercy, Respect, Understanding and--- The Grace of Love!

(c) Rev. Melony McGant, 2013
Written Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of The March On Washington

Saturday, January 16, 2016

Miss Mellie Rainbow's Love Alphabet /Please Share


Photo by Tyrone Rasheed

Beautiful Blessings of Light, Love and Joy!  
I Hope You Will Breathe Deeply and
Exhale Slowly Ten Times.  
Let Love Rule!


Miss Mellie Rainbow's Love Alphabet (c) Melony McGant


A-- Always Love You because when you love yourself, you have more love to share.


B-- Be who you are, not who someone wants you to be.


C-- Care for yourself and care enough to care for others.


D-- Believe in the Divinity within you, and every other sentient being.


E--Experience the ecstasy of life!


F-- Forgive others but don’t forget to forgive Yourself.


G --Be gentle, genuine and generous with your love.


H-- Have an open heart.


I-- Be your own inspiration, and illuminate the heavens.


J -- Look for joy within you.


K-- Be kind to all kindred spirits.


L-- Like yourself, laugh often, and live life with leisure!


M-- It’s okay to be marvelous! Manifest your dreams and create loving memories.


N-- Be noble, and know that as you face the nemesis within, you will be victorious!


O-- Your heart has an ocean of melodies waiting to be sung.


P-- Preserve and paint your heart with precious positive memories.


Q-- Take time for quietude, and be open to quantum quality in your heart.


R-- Remember to receive love with appreciation, and joy.
S -- Search your soul, find the love within, and remember your greatness!


T-- Be tender with your thank yous.


U-- Be Universal. Know that MotherFatherGod is within you!
V-- Be vibrant, and know that you have value, and are worthy to love, and be loved!


W,X,Y,Z-- Wealth is the warmth, and giving spirit of your heart. Xanadu, a place of great beauty, and contentment is YOU! So be zany with your love, and zealous in living your life!