The idea is to write it so that people hear it and it slides through the brain and goes straight to the heart.

I want to thank you, Lord, for life and all that's in it. Thank you for the day and for the hour, and the minute.

I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage and tangled Christmas tree lights. I've learned that making a 'living' is not the same thing as 'making a life'. I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision. I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw some things back.

I walk into a room Just as cool as you please, And to a man, The fellows stand or Fall down on their knees.

I admire people who dare to take the language, English, and understand it and understand the melody.

One isn't necessarily born with courage, but one is born with potential.

When I try to describe myself to God I say, 'Lord, remember me? Black? Female? Six-foot tall? The writer?' And I almost always get God's attention.