Camille Peay's Blog

2009-01-01T10:22:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

Last night during Watch Night service, my daughter Caity gave a compelling testimony that simply warmed my heart. Last year was somewhat of a difficult year for Caity, ending with the passing of her paternal grandmother early December. The challenges were so intense that she even considered transferring to another college. However, with prayer and much thought Caity decided to ride it out, woman up, and face the challenges. Her father and I are pleased with her decision.

During her testimony, Caity shared her motto for the year - "It's mine in 2009." How fitting considering all she went through last year. You see in 2009 I don't believe that she will allow the gossip, obstacles or haters to get in the way of her accomplishments. I want to encourage you to make positive affirmations for yourself. Don't allow the haters to get the best of you. It's too early in the game to strike out now. Challenge yourself. Provide positive self talk. Pat yourself on the back, even when no one else will. Be your own cheerleader. You deserve it.

Blessings,

Camille

P.S. That's Caity on Halloween 2008. Isn't she cute!

2009-01-01T07:45:00.000-08:00

Hello to all of my online friends!

Today I awoke with many interesting thoughts on my mind that I want to share with you. I use the word "interesting" because I am such a private person and sometimes have a difficult time sharing such intimate moments. Pray for me.

If you grew up with a parent or parents addicted to drugs and/or alcohol this entry is for you. You see, my mother as well as many of my relatives were addicted to drugs and/or alcohol. Whew! There, I said it. Now to them, they simply "drank." But the truth is they were addicted. My thought this morning took me back to a night when I was on a date with a boyfriend. As we were heading home from a wonderful evening he looks over at me and says, "Isn't that your mama?" I simply mumbled, "yeah," with as much displeasure as I could. How dare he ask me such a question? Didn't he realize that I didn't want to be associated with the drunk woman standing on the corner? That by the way, WAS my mother. Didn't he realize that those words pierced my heart as well as any dagger could have? Didn't he know?

Whether he knew or not about my feelings at the time is not important. What's important is how I felt about myself. I was angry with her for her public display and with him for noticing that she was drunk and standing on the corner. Today, studies show that there are more than seven million children with a parent who is an alcoholic. So I am not alone. But of course, at the time I felt so alone. I was embarrassed, but didn't quite know what to do with my embarrassment.The same is with you. How do you handle the embarrassments in your life? Do you lash out in anger at your parent(s), your friends, yourself? Do you look to a boyfriend or girlfriend to ease your pain through sexual involvement? Or, have you become so self destructive, so numb to the pain, that you don't even know how you have handled the conflict in your life?It's not your fault that your parent uses. It's not your fault that they drink and/or use drugs.

Let me say it again. IT'S NOT YOUR FAULT! Now, move on with your life. Start this year, 2009, knowing that you have a choice. A choice to do whatever you want to do in your life. Your parents substance use does not define who you are now or who you will become in the future. They use not you.

Your Assignment: Write down 5 things that you would like to change in your life and why. Then write how you are going to make the changes.

Make the change,
Camille

2008-11-01T18:32:00.000-07:00

Hello,
How ya doing? I'm back on board. I know that it has been a while, but my computer crashed and I was out of it. I finally broke down today and bought me a laptop and have been working like mad to reconnect with you. Using a laptop is quite different than my desktop. It is going to take me a minute to get used to the change. But that is what change will do, force you to readjust and take a look at how to make the needed changes in your life. One of the pros of having a laptop is the flexibility. I can move from one room to another with ease that I could not do before because I was confined to one room. And the mouse...need I say more. The keys are different and it takes me a little longer to type one sentence. Well the truth is it takes me way too long time to type one sentence. The mistakes are too many to share with you. My sentences tend to look like thisw and then i have to go back and edit. I mean, my sentences tend to look like that. Maybe it's the long nails. Anyway, I'm back and I really do want to hear from you.

Your Assignment:
What changes or adjustments do you need to make in your life? How do you plan to make the change?

Until the next time.

Love you,
Camille

2008-09-02T02:21:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

I know it has been a long time. Please forgive me. I have been so caught up in life that I have not taken the time to connect. You see, on January 12, 2008 my unmarried 24 year old daughter disclosed to her father and me that she was pregnant. What did I do? Yell, cry, fuss. You name it, I did it. Let's just say, I didn't act very loving and kind. Not one sripture verse came to my rememberance. I was angry. Angry at my daughter, her boyfriend and even angry at myself. Earlier that day I had given a presentation at a writer's conference discussing my book, Brittani, and the importance of teaching young girls the virtue of purity and abstaining from pre-marital sex. As I sat in my living room sipping a hot cup of tea, sharing with my husband the highlights of the day, that we received the dreaded news. "Mom, Dad I'm eight weeks pregnant." I must admit I may have overreacted, but what is a mother to do? For years we had discussed pre-marital sex - having very open and candid conversations. So, how is it that she became pregnant? Personal choice. She chose to become sexually active. Period. I have tried to make sense of this whole thing as I am sure many mothers have done. The truth is, you can't make sense of it, because we can't control our children's behavior. We teach, instruct, train, provide, pray for and correct. But in the end, it is their choice to go outside of our value system, our beliefs as Christians.

The dust has settled and believe me there was plenty of dust kicked around. It is now nine months later, and we have a beautiful baby boy named Jason Michael. Note the "we." To all those Grandmothers out there - stay strong, keep praying, it get's better. To the young moms, we are here to support you. This Christian journey comes with paths to follow, curves that can take us around traps, road blocks that slow us down, detours that redirect, stops that warn, exits that distract us from our destiny, and even pot holes that can disable us. But in the end, we know that we serve a God that truly loves and cares for our very souls. I wish that my daughter had chosen a different path on her journey. God knows that I do. However, I can't tell you how much joy Jason Michael gives me. This is not the end of her journey, it's just the beginning of a new phase.

Blessings,

Nana Camille

Assignment: What do you really believe about pre-marital sex? Be honest.

2007-06-23T12:22:00.000-07:00

Sons and Daughters of Destiny

Hi,

Just finished a workshop in ATL with the Sons and Daughters of Destiny Summer Youth Academy. It was great! The participants were fun to work with and they were very involved in the group discussions. I had to calm them down several times, especially when talking about pre-marital sex. But it was all good. I had an opportunity to share with them and they had the opportunity to give me some much needed feedback regarding the Tru-2-Life Series and Brittani. Everyone wanted to know what happened to Brittani, Ayana and Kenny. I gave them a sneak peek, but couldn't tell much cause I ain't finished with book 2 yet and I don't even know myself what will happen in the end with all of the characters. LOL

As you can tell by the pics, we had a ball. A DEA officer and his K-9 dog, Drake, were there to provide drug related info with the participants. Even though I work in the field of drugs and alcohol, I learned a thing or two. All I can say is, don't do drugs. Drake is definitely on the case. Trying to mask the smell with coffee, air freshners and whatever else you think of can not outsmart the keen nose of a trained dog. Trust me.

Here's a shout out to all of the participants, the panel guests and most of all to Ms. Katheryn Jones of Destiny Family Services.

Until nest time...
Be Blessed,
Camille

2007-06-05T02:57:00.000-07:00

Why Can't We All Just Get Along

Hey Y'all,

Every now and again, I browse other blogs just to get an idea of what's out there. I also look for ways to improve my own site. But y'all, look at what I found while browsing. Other pictures of this nature can be found on http://letsbefriends.blogspot.com

As they say here in South Carolina, "Bless their hearts." Aren't they just adorable? Now, let me be the first to say that I am not at all fond of rats or their babies. But even I can't deny the beauty and simplicity of this picture. A bird protecting a rodent with its wing is not something that you will see everyday. However, it reminds me of how God's love continually covers us. Even at times when we don't deserve it, His grace and mercy shields us.

Today, make an effort to protect a relationship. When someone offers you gossip about a friend, let the gossiper know that you will not tolerate such talk about your friend. Be like that little bird and guard your friend. Just remember, if that person will talk about someone else to you, they will talk about you to someone else.

Be Blessed,
Camille

2007-06-01T06:03:00.000-07:00

Hello,

Just wanted to share with you an upcoming event that I believe will be a wonderful opportunity for teens. It's the "Holywood Retreat" sponsored by Cee Cee Michaela (that's her in the picture). Check out her website at www.ceeceemichaela.com for more information on this event. Please make all attempts to be there. I know that I will. Cee Cee has lined up some really wonderful individuals to share their gifts and talents with you. There will even be a purity ceremony for those willing to take a vow of purity (more on the subject of purity later).

Take care,
Camille

2007-03-21T04:32:00.000-07:00

Hi,

I just finished a workshop in the big ATL and I wanted to share this wonderful experience with you. The workshop, "You are a Precious Jewel" was hosted by Fresh Start for Women, Inc. Janice Pettigrew is the Founder and Executive Director of this non-profit organization. So, if you are in the Atlanta area, look her up. She's a great resource and just a delight to know. Their mission is to help rebuild self-esteem in women who have been victims of domestic violence.

"You are a Precious Jewel" was designed as a girls' empowerment program. Don't you just love it! I know I do. What a better way to stem the tide of domestic violence, than to provide information and resources for young women so that they may make healthy choices in their lives. You all are worth it.

The young women you see here in the picture were attendees of the workshop. As you can see, they are all precious jewels. I will be facilitating another workshop in September and we will be discussing teen relationship abuse. I look to see you there.

Much Love,
Camille

2007-03-03T04:55:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,

I recently attended the Girls of Greatness Abstinence & Teen Pregnancy Prevention Conference in Atlanta. It was absolutely wonderful! There were over 500 girls and adults in attendance. This event is the brainchild of two extremely powerful girls' organizations, I Am B.E.A.U.T.I.F.U.L. and Diamond In The Rough Youth Development Program, Inc. Their primary purpose and mission is to educate young women and their parents on the real emotional, physical and spiritual consequences of pre-marital sex.

I am so excited to learn that Girls of Greatness is coming to Columbia, SC in October 2007. They have a lot of information, as well as fun stuff for you to enjoy. They may be coming to a city near you. Believe me when I tell you, you don't want to miss their conference. So visit their websites at http://www.iambeautiful.org/ and http://www.ditr.org/ for details.

Here is a picture of me along with my aunt, Margaret Freeman. She is the founder and executive director of The Hannah Angel Center. Her non-profit volunteer organization provides support, information, and resources to unwed young mothers and their infants. Visit her website at www.hannahangelcenter.org.

Until next time...
Camille

2007-02-09T04:37:00.000-08:00

Contact Information

Hello Everyone,

Have you ever forgotten anything? Homework? Keys? Where you parked at Wal-Mart? Well, you are probably not old enough for that yet but it will come, trust me.

Recently, someone alerted me to the fact that there is no contact information on my website. What a major oversight on my part! I promise to have that taken care of shortly. But in the meantime, my info will be listed here on this blog page (See below).

When we forget things, we can look at the event in two ways. We can take a positive approach or we can take a negative one. The negative approach would be to beat yourself up while making excuses for the oversight. "How can I be so stupid?" Just know that the negative self-talk will not make you feel good about you. You will begin to doubt yourself not only as it relates to this matter, but also in other areas of your life.

Then there is the positive approach which allows you to learn from your mistakes. Learn to accept that you are not perfect and don't know everything. Learn that you can accept the advice of others. And most of all, learn to girl-up and move on. I choose to learn from my mistakes. You know, girl-up. What about you?

Please call, write, or E-mail me at the following:

Camille Peay

P.O. Box 24802

Columbia, SC 29224

(803) 210-6149

cwpeay@bellsouth.net

Be Blessed,

Camille

2007-01-23T01:50:00.000-08:00

Let's Talk About Race

Hello,

I want to take you back to the year 1975. I had just won the title of Miss Beach High School (Savannah, Ga.) and was taking my victory walk with my escort. As we walked down the aisle, I noticed that our way was blocked. Many of the white students were leaving in protest of my winning. I was hurt and embarrassed. Despite having to weave my way through the crowd, I continued to smile. What else was I to do?

Now, let's fast forward to the year 2007, some 32 years later. Last Saturday, my family and I attended a local high school pageant where our youngest daughter was in competition. After the announcement of an all black court, several of the whites walked out. Now this time it was not just students walking out, but their parents walked out too. Along with the excitement and sheer joy of the winners, there was a cloud of discontent. You could see the disappointment and irritation on the faces of some of the contestants. You could hear the angry whispers claiming racism of some in the crowd. A father had to coax his daughter to smile to take a family picture.

How far have we come when dealing with race? Better yet, how far have you as an individual come when dealing with racial issues? As a Christian, we are taught to love our neighbors as ourselves. Does this only apply when your neighbors look like you? Think about how you treat others outside of your race. Would God be pleased with your answer? Think about it.

Your Assignment:
For the next seven days journal your thoughts, feelings and reactions to racial issues. Each day pray about the challenges that you face in this area and ask God for the wisdom and knowledge in dealing with your challenges.

Much Love,
Mama Peay

P.S. Of course I must give a shout out to all of the contestants and especially to my daughter Caitlin who won Miss Senior (that's her in the lavendar gown).

2006-12-24T03:14:00.000-08:00

Faith

Hi Ladies,

On this Christmas Eve, I want to share with you faith. Faith to believe in yourself to be able to do anything that you have set as a goal for your life. When I was growing up, I don't remember anyone ever discussing the fruit with me. You see, as a Christian there are certain ways that you should behave. For some reason Christianity has been watered down and folk have the misconception that you can act anyway you choose and still represent. Not true. God has expectations of us. And when you have the Holy Spirit in your life there should be a change.

A change that is so apparent that others around you notice that you are not the same individual. This change causes your family and friends to want to know how they can make the change too. Don't be ashamed of your faith. Embrace it. God has a plan for your life. Don't have wishy washy faith. Be strong. Be courageous. Have faith.

Your Assignment:

Share your faith with someone else. It could be a friend, a family member or a stranger. Just do it!

Merry Christmas,

Mama Peay

2006-12-23T03:19:00.000-08:00

GENTLENESS

Hello,

Today, I would like to talk with you about gentleness. If you consider yourself a Christian, gentleness, is one of the characteristics produced by the Holy Spirit. A gentlewoman, is a woman of high or noble birth. Gentlewomen are kind and considerate of others; polite. When you speak to others are you harsh, loud, and inconsiderate? Now, I'm not talking about you being someone's doormat and letting folk run all over you. What I am talking about is your overall approach. Are you behaving like a lady?

Do you beat up your friends with your mouth, always having something demeaning to say to them? Some people may find that acceptable. I don't. I think it is a sign of insecurity, selfishness, and most of all it is rude. It is definitely not a part of the character that you are to display. Think about how you treat others. I ask you, are you a gentlewoman?

Your Assignment:

Do a self assessment. Be honest with yourself. What type of person are you really? Write a paragraph about you. If you don't like what you have written, or there are somethings that you would like to change. Do it. This is a wonderful opportunity to make the change. Do it now, before it is too late.

Until tomorrow...Be gentle,

Mama Peay

2006-12-22T04:57:00.000-08:00

PEACE

Hi,

On this day, I would like to share with you peace. Many of you may be saying, "Why do I need peace? I'm only 15 years old?" Well my dear, it's time that you learned about the type of peace that can see you through anything. When you first learn that your best friend has talked about you behind your back. What do you need? Peace when confronting her. When your boyfriend has been "messing around" with another girl. What do you need? Peace to keep you from hitting him upside his head. When your parents decide to get a divorce. What do you need? Peace to know that it is not your fault. This is a decision that your parents made that has nothing to do with you. They still love you and will always be there for you. Do not take their choice to separate personal.

During all these types of situations, you need peace. Peace to know that these problems are out of your control. You can't help that your best friend talked about you, that your boyfriend "messed around" and you definitely can't do anything about your parents divorcing. But what you can do is to trust God. In spite of all the drama in your life, trust God to handle those things that you can not change and he will give you peace.

Your Assignment:

Live drama free today - don't listen to or read gossip.

Live in Peace,

Mama Peay

2006-12-21T02:44:00.000-08:00

JOY

Hello,

The American Heritage Dictionary defines "joy" as, "a feeling of great pleasure or happiness." Sometimes joy can be an overwhelming feeling or sensation that brings about warmth and a reason to rejoice. I think of Mary, the mother of Jesus experiencing this type of joy when she first saw the face of Jesus. I know that each time after giving birth, the little faces of my children brought joy to my heart. So much so that I cried.

What brings you joy? Is it a unexpected gift from a loved one? Is it a good grade? Or is joy the acceptance of friends or the love of your boyfriend? Whatever brings you joy make sure that it is in a positive manner. What do I mean by this? I'm glad that you asked. You see, drugs, alcohol, pre-marital sex are things that can also bring about, "a feeling of great pleasure or happiness." However, they can also bring about great pain, sadness and unbelievable disappointment, not only to you but also to those that love you.

So, as you celebrate during this holiday season, think about the choices that you make. What will you do when your friends offer you a glass of wine or a beer at the Christmas party? Ask yourself these questions when faced with these types of decisions:

Will this bring me the right type of joy?
Will this bring joy to my parent(s)?
Will I be pleased with myself in the morning?

If you answered no, to these questions, you need to go back to the drawing board and rethink your position on these matters. Because what you really believe will show through your actions. Today, I want to encourage you to experience real joy, not the fake kind that last for only a short time. Experience joy that will make you pleased about who you are and the important decisions that you make. I know you think that one little drink won't matter or that one puff on that joint won't make a difference. Well, just ask the alcoholic or the drug addict. They will tell you that it all started with just one joint or just one drink.

Your Assignment:

Share the joy. It doesn't have to be expensive or time consuming. You may be surprised by what you receive when you spread joy. It could be as simple as these:

Clean your room without being asked.
Meet your curfew. Better yet, come in before your curfew.
Buy someone a gift without expecting anything in return.
Write a letter to a solder in Iraq and thank him/her for their sacrifice. (You will need to get parental guidance or assistance with this one. It could be a family, school or Sunday School project.)

Then, I want you to share with us how you were able to spread the joy of Christmas with others. I have already started by sharing with you and I get great pleasure out of sharing. What will you do?

Spread the Joy,

Mama Peay

2006-12-20T07:06:00.000-08:00

Hey Everybody,

For the next 5 days I will be posting thoughts on the Fruit of the Spirit. During the holiday season, I know that all of the hustle and bustle can sometimes get us off track and full of everything but the Fruit of the Spirit. Today, I want to focus on love. Ask yourself the following questions:

What does love mean to me?
How am I showing love to others?
When was the last time I really felt loved?

The answers will give you an idea of how you are giving and receiving love. It all centers around your definition of love. How you define love is the foundation for your belief system. In order to love others you must first love yourself. When you look in the mirror, who is the real person that you see? Do you see a loving person? Or, do you see someone that is not so sure of why anyone would love you? If you answered "yes" to those questions, repeat the following statement to yourself in the mirror:

"God is love, therefore I am loveable. I love myself, because God loves me. I am beautiful. I am wonderful. And, I can do all things through Christ Jesus who gives me strength."

So, in this season of giving, receive the love that only God can provide. Pure love.

Your Assignment:
Read 1 Corinthians 13 and wherever you see the words love or charity, replace them with your name. Let's see how loving you really are.

Until tomorrow...LOVE!

Mama Peay

2006-11-30T05:03:00.000-08:00

Hello Ladies,

It's me again and I couldn't wait to tell you about the teen talk hosted by Kayla and her mother, Katrina. She invited several of her friends over to her house and we had a great book discussion. Get a room full of 11-15 year-old girls and you know you are in for a good time. I love their energy and most of all their honesty. The discussion was lively and of course I took every opportunity to learn from them. Who is a better expert on you? Of course, you are. I was there to facilitate the discussion, to challenge their thinking and hopefully to inspire them to live in a manner that is pleasing to the Lord. They call themselves the V-Club. I'll let them tell you why in the comments section. That is, if they are willing to share. So don't get the idea that they are flashing gang signs or anything of that nature. We're not into that. We promote positive images and living a Godly lifestyle. You be blessed and have a wonderful day! I'm waiting to hear from you.

Blessings and Honor,
Mama Peay

2006-11-30T04:39:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,

Well, we had our first teen talk. It went very well. The young women had a great time sharing their views on Brittani: Acts of Trust and Betrayal and how Brittani's story affected their lives. We expected more girls to attend, so we had so much food left over. Everyone was able to take home a goody bag for late night snacking. I must tell you how special this event was for me. I was able to see the importance of Big Sisters sharing their hearts with Little Sisters. They, the Big Sisters, were able to share their experiences and get this, the Little Sisters actually listened. WOW! What a blessing. We may have been small in number, but that didn't matter. It was still a powerful discussion. Wish you could have been there. Maybe next time.

Much Love,
Mama Peay

2006-10-05T20:01:00.000-07:00

Welcome!

It's good to hear from you. All of my children's friends call me Mama Peay. So you may as well too. Let me start by saying, I love you. Yes, I do. I know that I don't know you, but that's okay. I love you anyway. Working with young women is my heart's desire. I enjoy just being in your company. One day you'll have to come by and we'll have a tea party. Maybe in the Spring when the azaleas are in bloom. That will be nice. Promise you'll come? I look forward to having you over.

I am the author of Brittani: Acts of Trust and Betrayal. It is my desire to see young women develop healthy life choices, especially those in the church. I say the church, because I remember being in the church and also being in the world at the same time. It didn't work so well for me. And I suspect that it's not really working for you either. I made some pretty poor choices growing up. And for that, I suffered the consequences. When you are young there is this feeling that I can do what I want as long as I don't get caught doing it. Believe me, eventually, the truth will come out and you will reap what you sow. It's a law of nature. Whatever your "it" is, be it pre-marital sex, drugs, alcohol or anything that goes against your family values - you WILL pay a price. We'll talk more about those issues later. But for now, I just want to encourage you. Think about the choices that you are making. Think about how they affect your life now and how they will affect you and your family in the future.

I'm here for you. We can discuss anything that you would like. I just ask that you be respectful of yourself and of others. I'm open. The question is, are you?

Be Blessed,
Mama Peay