Adena M'lynn's Voice

From the depths of my being, I've always known my soul belongs to God. It's in His unwavering love that I've found comfort and hope, a beacon guiding me through the tempests of life and illuminating my moments of joy. Despite the shadows that often veiled my path—days, months, and years filled with darkness—my spirit remained cradled in His grace. His mercy and love have been ever-present, a testament to the boundless compassion He offers us all, no matter our path. Our shared moments, the acts of kindness, the supportive words, and the comforting embraces, have all been manifestations of God's love through you. You might not have realized it, but through your actions, you've embodied His grace in my life. Reflecting on this, the scripture Matthew 25:35-37 profoundly resonates with my experiences. Through our bond and friendship, I've felt the Divine love and fellowship. As I stand on the brink of what feels like my final chapter, I implore you to see the love t...

  In American society, woven with vibrate threads of ambition and dreams, there exists a stark divide that has its roots deeply embedded in the era of colonization. This historical period, marked by conquest and subjugation, laid the groundwork for a range of systemic inequalities that persist to this day, notably within the realm of education. As we navigate the complexities of the 21st century, it becomes increasingly clear that despite advancements, we have not traversed far enough towards an equitable society. The dominance of boys and sports within the U.S. educational system serves as a vivid illustration of how, even amidst change, equality and equitability remain distant goals. The Historical Context: Education as a Tool of Colonization Education, in the days of colonization, was primarily a tool wielded by the colonizers to impose their values, culture, and control over the colonized. It was an instrument of assimilation rather than empowerment, designed to reinforce the s...

Today I spent time reflecting back on my life. Each day I cross off the previous date in my book calendar/journal and it seems time is moving fast. Over the next couple of months I hope to reach each person with a personal message of appreciation and just a friendly memory stroll.  I hope this message finds you well and surrounded by joy. Today, I felt the urge to pause and express my deepest gratitude for those still in my life. In a world where everything moves so fast, it's easy to overlook the moments and people that truly enrich our lives. So, I wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you, from the bottom of my heart. It's often said that the wealth of a person is measured not by what they have but by the quality of the relationships they cherish. By this measure, I consider myself immensely wealthy, thanks to you. While I may not have much in terms of material possessions, the friendship, support, and love I receive from you all mean the world to me. Each of you, in ...

  The colonization era marked by European expansion into the Americas, Asia, and Africa is a period rife with the imposition of new social, economic, and cultural dynamics. Among these, the introduction and normalization of certain substances, including alcohol and various drugs, stand out for their profound and lasting impact on societies worldwide. This legacy of substance use and abuse has evolved into a complex web of challenges that societies continue to grapple with today.   The Historical Context The colonization period was characterized by the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures between the colonizers and the colonized. Unfortunately, this exchange was not always equitable. Alcohol, for instance, was often used by colonizers as a trading commodity, with its consumption encouraged among indigenous populations. This strategy was not benign but served as a tool for manipulation and control. Similarly, the introduction of opium in China by British traders, leading to th...

by Adena M’lynn I  would like to walk side by side, our footsteps in sync while holding hands, just once. To feel the warmth of the sun as it sets, casting golden hues across our faces, just once. To share a silence that speaks volumes, where words are unnecessary, and our hearts communicate, just once. To look     into each other's eyes, finding worlds within, unspoken promises and dreams fluttering like butterflies, just once. To experience a connection so intense, where time stands still, and everything else fades away, leaving only the essence of us, just once. And as the stars emerge, twinkling witnesses to our shared moments, I wish to make a wish upon them, not for forever, but for the magic of just once.

The intersection of mental health and the criminal justice system presents a complex challenge that has long been overlooked. With a significant portion of the incarcerated population grappling with mental health issues, the need for specialized mental health professionals—psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and counselors—within correctional facilities has never been more urgent. This blog post delves into the necessity of integrating mental health workers into the incarceration system to address the root causes of behavioral issues and to foster rehabilitation and reintegration into society. The Overlooked Crisis: Mental Health in Prisons Incarceration facilities, by their very nature, are not conducive environments for mental health. The stress, isolation, and often violent conditions can exacerbate existing mental health issues or give rise to new ones. Despite this, the provision of mental health care in prisons and jails is frequently inadequate, leaving many inmates wi...