The Spirit World

I have had many enchanting experiences lately. Do you believe in angels? Have you ever felt like something or someone has your back in the spirit world? I would really like to hear some of your experiences.

I have read a few books in the last month that really made me believe in a higher power:

Ask Your Guides by Sonia Choquette
Diary of a Psychic by Sonia Choquette
Life Among the Dead by Lisa Williams
Do Dead People Watch You Shower by Concetta Bertoldi

and then this book about angels and ascended masters by Doreen Virtue. This one was a little different, but interesting to say the least.

I started reading just because I felt drawn to the books. I felt like I was being pulled to them. And once I picked them up, I couldn't put them down.

The consensus of the first 4 books is that there is a "spirit world" or "other side". When we cross over, we get a "review of our life". This sounds familiar, right? We are met by ancestors, spirits from past lives, angels, God, and spirit masters or teachers.

The other thing that caught my attention in the books is that it talked about how there is a such thing as reincarnation, Jesus does exist, and God is Love. There aren't bodies in the traditional sense but "light". And that we are surrounded by the light which is love. Does this make sense? What do you think?

I could jive with this information because it lends credence to my idea that we are all put here to find out if we can get along. Like- with all of our differences, do we have the capacity to show each other our true essence- which is love. I think that's God's test and unfortunately == we have room for improvement. That's just one lesson I entertained. If I think of more, I will share.

Commentary: The American Healthcare System

I must unequivocally note that America does not have the greatest healthcare system in the world. We may have the most expensive, even the most agressive- but the best? Clearly, the superego has gotten in the way of rational thinking about healthcare.

The debate has gone on far too long. Capitalism versus socialism all leads down to one thing - control. The "haves" want to dictate to the "havenots". How many people without healthcare insurance have you heard complain about healthcare reform? Instead of saying who can go see the "best doctors" and use the "best machines" with the "best insurance", we should be trying to make sure that citizens of "the economic powerhouse" have access to the basic necessities. Health insurance is a necessity. It is essential to the overall physiological and safety of the self.

Some contend that capitalism offers the opportunity for healthcare to be offered in an economical way. However, there is already a capitalistic nature to healthcare and it is not working. There are those who can afford to have their doctor on standby while others simply must wait and pray for a sober physician. Of course all doctors are not horrible, but many will tell you that they are not paid enough. If the doctors feel underpaid and overworked- are they doing their best work?

I have fallen in love with the concept that some doctors take - no insurance. That's right; simply put- the doctor does not accept insurance for services. They ask for cash only and it is a flat rate fee. I especially like doctors who conduct the labwork in the office (then I don't get that silly bill two months later.)

How many of you have ever gone to the doctor, paid the deductible/bill, and still left without knowing what was really wrong or what tests were being run? If you knew what tests were being conducted, did you know how much it cost before the procedure was completed? Aren't you tired of being ignorant about your healthcare bills? This saga has occurred to many Americans in several different arenas: community health clinic, emergency room, private physician, urgent care facilities, etc. When is enough- enough?

The best healthcare system in the world cares about all of the constituents; not just the ones who can afford premiums, deductibles, and such. Unfortunately, America doesn't fit the bill.

Can’t Run From It

In September, I tried to extricate myself from "That Gay Girl Tamara". Not because I was uncomfortable with my sexuality, but because I felt trapped in the "brand". Is that all I am: a black Christian lesbian with a very conservative mother? Certainly not.

But as I tried to switch gears for "Just Tamara"—trying to create an authentic representative of my total self—the more "gay" I felt.

My life revolves around my loves: the love of my life happens to be at the top of the list.

She is a part of me. The blog originally started because I was outing myself. Since I spent the most time without her in the last year, she is evenmoreso. (I guess space does make the heart grow fonder.) My other loves: fashion, books, food, décor, travel, etc. fit into my life quite nicely. However, my identity as a young, Black American, lesbian isn't going anywhere. So I might as well embrace it. Even in my writings, I have grappled with whether or not I want to write for an lgbt or mainstream audience. (I don't think I have to choose, the story will dictate its path.)

However, I don't care to put myself in little boxes any longer.

Currently, all of the posts have been merged into both sites: Just Tamara and TGGT. I know some people made the transition while others did not…and that's okay. I will be posting blogs on both sites. They will probably be identical. I figure if you are at work and don't want to be ousted…go to the JT page and if you don't care either way- TGGT is for you.

I thank you for your time, comments, and support. I truly have enjoyed sharing my life with you.

New Motto

there's nothing wrong with wanting to change the world. just remember that you are only responsible for being your best and that makes the world a better place.

being my best self is a contribution to the world.