Mama Said...

Do you recall as a child not wanting to turn out like your parents? I think we all have at some point. But what usually happens is the very thing we fought against at a young age, comes to pass and reveals itself.  And now I am so grateful that it has come to fruition in my life.

I write colloquially or use clichés sometimes, because I have experiences that are thought-provoking and memorable. Therefore, I jot down my coffee thoughts, dubbed, ‘Coffee and Thee’.  More importantly, I had a very wise mentor who passed on many gifts and taught me so much about life, living and loving… my Mother.

There ‘were’ six of us; four girls and two boys and each could attest to the fact that our mother literally LIVED for us. She worked as a Maid for many years, and then became what they called in her days, a Beautician and a Seamstress. She toiled countless hours, sometimes throughout the night and just LOVED her coffee. It was the first thing we would smell in the mornings and the last thing at night. I was her ‘coffee-maker’ so to speak; consequently I vowed I would NEVER drink the stuff! Now, “I drink coffee and I AM my Mother’s child!” As a single mother she demanded an education from us, respect her, ourselves, and others. But first God! Proverbs 3:6 KJV In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

My mother was a woman of PLENTY words! But the thing I remember the most is that no matter what she said or how she said it, it was profound!

This is an excerpt from my memoirs - ‘Mama Said’.

Mama said- If God said it, it’s guaranteed!

Mama said- The good Lord knows jus’ what you need

Mama said- You gittin’ too big for yo britches, huh?

Mama said- Chile, don’t ever burn yo bridges

Mama said- A hard head makes a soft behind

Mama said- You might think he’s late, but he’s ALWAYS on time

Mama said- “Boy I brought you in this world, and I’ll take you out!”

Mama said- You might run, but you CAN NOT hide

Mama said- His time is NOT yo time... His way… not yo way

Mama said- Don’t worry ‘bout tomorrow, live for today

Mama said- If it don’t fit, don’t force it

Mama said- Don’t buy it, if you can’t afford it

Mama said- You ‘git’ what you give

Mama said- You only got one life to live

Mama said- God’s gonna ALWAYS carry you through

Mama said- If you make one step, He’ll make two

I remember, Mama, what you said. Your words of wisdom stay in my head. These seeds I’ve planted in my children’s head. So, they too will remember what Mama said.

PJ Payne