Goodbye and So Long 2020!!! Hello 2021, but with some reservations. Yes although many may be glad that 2020 is outta here, many are apprehensive, fearful, or even dreading what 2021 has in store. Some remember they approached 2020 with so much anticipation and excitement but were disappointed. They have vowed not to repeat that same error in judgment so they enter the new year fearful to hope or to make any positive declarations. Please do not be afraid to hope--The Expectation of Something Good. Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com.  

As the year of 2020 comes to an end and a new year is on the horizon, it may be beneficial to engage in a review as well as some reflection. Because this year has been filled with many unexpected twists, turns, and tragedies, many are happy to see it go. However, not so fast, there have been some valuable lessons learned this year and only you know what they are from your own perspective. I encourage you to take sometime to sit still and reflect; you may find some golden nuggets that remain with you a lifetime. I share a review of the topics I addressed throughout this year that mirror in ways the various experiences we have encountered and I also share a few lessons I learned. Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com. 

Navigating this holiday season during a pandemic will certainly be challenging and some may even experience disappointment. Traditions and rituals will have to be modified or even cancelled and it can be disheartening. Some may be stressed because economically they can't afford the gifts they purchased last year and may feel bad about themselves. There are some strategies in navigating this season and please show goodwill by protecting yourself and others. Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com. 

The process of reconciliation has been defined as a completion and wholeness with God, others, and with creation. With that said, it is no wonder that relationships take work. The questions to asked is whether the relationship is worth the work and are you willing to do your own work that aids in the process of reconciling? The process includes not only an inward reflection but one that turns towards the other person(s) in the spirit of collaboration and mutual value and respect. Remember, it takes at least two to reconcile as well as taking the necessary steps to cultivate a space for reconciliation to occur. Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com 

Relationships a Gift? The year of 2020 has been a year that has tested some of our relationships. Some relationships have been exposed as toxic and some of us have been wounded by unmet expectations. Please do not give up on relationship, they are a life line to our growth and although they can be sources of pain, they can also be sources of healing. Reconciliation is possible where there's intentionality. Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com

Thanksgiving may look a bit different this year and so much so I am noticing that people are going straight to Christmas in hopes of good tidings and cheer. It may be a reason for that because some may be struggling with reasons to be thankful or grateful. Whether you are experiencing grief and loss, financial struggles, issues of loneliness, disappointment, or just exhaustion you too may wonder what is there to be thankful or grateful for? Listen, explore those feelings because they are very real but I would also encourage to you think about this aspect of gratitude that has been defined as "gifts outweighing an exchange". Tune into via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com. 

With the election of Kamala Harris to the second highest office in this nation and the strength of Black women going to the polls and voting, a lot has been said about African American women. They have been called the Backbone of this Democracy, the Backbone of the Black church, as well as the activists and nurturers of our communities and our families. However, with all the praise and accolades there remain tragedies and threats with this demographic group. Kimberlè Crenshaw coined the terminology intersectionality that "describes the intersection of political and social identities such as race and gender that create overlapping and interdependent systems of discrimination or disadvantage." Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com

Election 2020 is definitely one for the history books. The election with the most votes of any election in the history of this nation, the first African American Indian and Asian woman to be elected as Vice-President, and a nation that is undeniably ideologically divided. If your candidate won or loss, one thing that is evident is that this nation is at a cross roads because the past sins are not so much in the past, they are presently here, and will be in here in the future if the nation stays on this trajectory.  Pastor Wesley explains the revelation of this election includes 3 things: The Denial of Racism, The Objectification and Devaluing of humanity, and Prevalent Violence in order words: THIS IS US! How do we begin the process of healing? Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com. 

Well, it's almost here, the day that some have waited for what seems like an eternity--Election Day 2020! Yep, it comes down to election night and some are standing on tiptoes of anticipation and others are struggling with symptoms of anxiety and excessive worry. Who will win? What's going to happen? What's not going to happen? Finally, will we be okay? The lack of certainty may grip one's soul or even one's sanity. There's a biblical passage that reads, "He kept right on going because he kept his eyes on the One who is invisible!" Hebrews 11:27.  My Encouragement to you is to be mindful of the One Who Is Invisible and allow that to be your anchor. Tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com

Discouragement has been defined as a lost of confidence, lack of enthusiasm, being disheartened and dispirited. Discouragement can place one's life in neutral where dreams and visions are discounted and dismissed. Encouragement assists in igniting or even re-igniting the passion and motivation need to jump start those goals and dreams snuffed out by discouragement. There is life giving and sustaining power in receiving and giving a word of encouragement. The answer to discouragement is encouragement. I encourage you to tune into the podcast via www.talkingwithdrtoy.com. I look forward to connecting with you. Dr. Toy.