2019-2022

WOW, we can’t believe that it has been three years since we had our inaugural cohort graduation. We have learned and grown so much since then. Please take a look back at our initial thoughts and feelings regarding our first graduation!

When great things happen in our lives, we tend to take credit for our contribution in helping to create that positive experience.   Often times, we are unsure or not necessarily confident in the decisions made.  In those times, we tend to rely heavily on our intentions, in an attempt, to comfort us in case of an unfavorable outcome.   So, the reassurance of making great decisions is usually coupled with a sense of relief surrounding a rewarding outcome.  Well, I have learned from my mistakes, and know the danger in placing stock in intentions, let alone, taking credit for an uncontrollable occurrence that we may have played in that said event.  

For me, the shaping and development of Love Is A Parable is something that I cannot take full credit of.  For the most part, I was merely a conduit or transcriber, freely giving what was placed in and/or through me.  The other part, I was just a passenger, witnessing the beautifulness of love gaining its identity and the role it will play in producing random acts of kindness and forging unity.  LIAP’s inaugural graduating class was reflective of that.  

I witnessed, nine individuals, who entered as initiates to something new.  Though Unsure of what they exactly wanted, they eagerly awaited the results of what was needed.  Though initiates, they inaugurated a movement that I strongly believe that through love, we can induce positive change by addressing the love deficiency issue that is plaguing us, individually and as a community. Nine individuals, nine amazing individuals, who trusted a process that even I was unsure of.  They came as individual recipients of a vague understanding of love; however, possessing a desire to restore the image of love and embraced the mindset of unity. 

Yesterday, I witness growth, not only as an organization but of people who lives were permanently change through the curriculum, as each of them has personally changed my life. They were challenged to use their time to expand, connect, and unify being beacons of hope and pillars of love in society.  They were reminded that joy is our birthright but so is leadership, while gaining deeper understanding of the choices we make, in healthy living, if we want to keep this life popping; or, to be a representative of the disenfranchised by providing care and representation because we are all part of a legacy and must continue to transform and adapt, much like the butterfly.  Even more so, that we should allow kindness to be envious of our new random act of kindness. Yep, attempting to beat out love with more love.  In a sense, to know to love, even if it is in a twisted pine type of way.  Remembering, when in doubt, to breathe, create, and repeat, understanding that love is our wellness that impacts the community because we are a community of love.  

I am humbled to have journeyed this path with them.  This journey has prepared us for transition, elevation, and repositioning within our society; most importantly, for purpose as well as a unique ear to hear and eyes to see that love answers, lifts, and opens. We entered as sands and developed into pillars of LOVE.

Inaugural Cohort 01.20.2019

Lalita, thank you for trusting me ever since September 25, 2007.  Being married to a visionary can be tough because I want to protect you from any sights of harm or vulnerability.  Unfortunately, protection can also be a form of suffocation. You are one gifted creation and look forward to you taking flight.  If you haven’t noticed, you are the true visionary. You’ve supported me through every mountain and every valley. Now, I am ready to support you to greater and being the greatest you that you can be.  I love you.

Cordell, you came in at the perfect time.   I have seen tremendous growth in you.   Your heart is your greatest weapon, use it accordingly.   Remember, center your love and your foundation is secured.   There is no risk when one is love conscious.   We have a lot of work ahead of us.  I am grateful to call you friend, to call you, brother. I love you.

Philishia, you are the purest example of love’s Phoenix.  Life can throw whatever it may at you, but each time, every time, you have the ability to regenerate.   Your will is your wheelhouse and your love is the force behind you.  Trust you more and be patient with the process. Your most beautiful creations will come from your feathers.   I love you.

Kimberly D., we both know that love begets Joy and if joy is our birthright, love is our DNA.  We’ve been connected since day one.  The talks matter.   The work matters.  The laugh matters and even, the aggravation matters. The pain that you’ve encountered has been birthing pain.  You can’t hold in what is meant to be out.  I love you

Kimberly W., Just like the butterfly, you are a beacon of transformation.   You have mastered a servant’s heart, now, it is time to embrace the beauty of having wings.  Take flight, and enjoy the flowers allow the way.  The true metamorphosis will soon take place.  I love you.

Jamal, you have been a cheerleader, brother, prayer partner, and flat-out friend.  Thank you for allowing me to pour into you as you have done countless times with me.   The world needs your light.  Please don’t ever shade your brilliance.   I love you.

Tara, learn to release the weight.  The shield that you carry is heavy enough.   I hope you realize that the true shield is your heart.  You’ve carried on the outside for so long, that you’ve forgotten that it belongs within.  You were created to create and your greatest masterpiece is love.   Embrace you and trust the gifts and talents that you were given.  I love you. 

Lori, you are not your past, mistakes, hurt, trauma; better yet, the opinions of others.  You are a beautiful constant reminder of endless potential and love without limits. Embrace who you are organically.  You weren’t to be understood, only experienced.   I love you

Sharee, a year seems like a lifetime and I am so very proud of you.  Your true riches are in the things only few will ever experience.  Remember, in order to represent and give voice to the disenfranchised, you must enfranchise yourself.  Remove the weight and lift your head, you are nobility.  Your light is blinding.  It is an honor to know you.  I love you.

Love Is A Parable- an initiative and movement that later became an organization within itself. Love is A Parable is a DBA and subsidiary of Altar and Dwelling Place, Inc. We are a charitable and an educational 501c3 organization, who provides character, social, and leadership development to those who desire value-based education, reflective storytelling, and the promotion of personal acceptance through a reflective thinking approach and sacred-box theory.