Author Archives: Rhonda Gates

It is common knowledge that one’s family has a genetic influence on who a person will be, however, I believe that although genetics are unable to be changed, generally, there are ways to differentiate oneself from family. For example, the people whose last name I share, are covered by illnesses, many of which are preventableContinue reading “Whom and What We Are Not”

Every year when this time rolls around to discuss Black History Month, I recall middle school where I received an assignment. The assignment was to pick a famous black person and display that person in a school-made imitation of a wax museum. I was one of eight black kids in a private Christian school. WhenContinue reading “My Take on Black History Month”

Dear Young Rhonda, Everyone around you is doing exciting things like camping, being outside, taking trips, and living life. Trust me, when you get older you too will be able to enjoy those things. I know that you do not know what many things are or how to act in many situations because you areContinue reading “Letters to Rhonda”

I have been consistently maintaining my mind shift change. Subjects that used to keep me up at night no longer hold space in my mind. The thoughts of others no longer hold me in a position of fear. I am free from thoughts that rendered me powerless. As I continue to move forward in thisContinue reading “Update: Wound Four – Mind Shift Change”

I am so tired of people with excuses, Why are you incapable of assisting? I am so tired of people with excuses, Why are you sitting back and watching the show instead of choosing to be the hero? I am so tired of people with excuses, Why do you leave the hard times to meContinue reading “Break the Chain of Excuses”

Recently, I was told of some news that did not affect me in the way that people would have hoped, and I do not regret my reaction. Let me explain. What I remember about my childhood is much different than what others remember. I am not here to discredit their truth, but unfortunately, for them,Continue reading “I Will Not Let You Bind Me With Your Chain of the Past”

I have been so full. I have been trying to carry the weight of my problems and everyone else’s on my shoulders, and found my knees beginning to buckle under the pressure. I maintained my strong face and stood upright as the pressure kept barreling down on me. I would turn things over to GodContinue reading “Blessings on Blessings”

Growing up, many children watched cartoons and television shows that showed either animals, kids, or adults with amazing character qualities or superpowers. So it makes sense, that children will grow up wanting to possess those abilities and characteristics that they have been shown until they see other qualities and abilities that people possess around themContinue reading “Super Heroes”

I have been trying to remember to write my blog on Wednesdays and Saturdays, but I keep forgetting to write on Saturdays. It gets on my nerves that I forget because I really try. Oh well, life goes on. Here I am writing today, Wednesday and I will set an alarm to write on SaturdayContinue reading “So Mad at Myself”

There are so many people in the world who do not have access to food that it is sickening. Here we are in 2024 and still, people are starving. The children, whose homes are unstable or whose schools no longer provide free lunches because it is too much of a burden for the government. Yet,Continue reading “We Have to Do Better as A People”