After twenty-two years of marriage, Leon and I know what it means to fight — not against each other, but for what matters most. Camouflaged love means protecting what’s sacred while trusting God to hold us together through every battle we face.
Camouflaged on the Battlefield of Love: Still Grounded in Faith, Covered by Grace Read More »
Sometimes the things we carry reveal what we value most. This reflection explores how our tasks, projects, and events aren’t just about productivity — they’re about perspective, purpose, and partnership. Because real strength isn’t in carrying it all, but in carrying it well.
The Worth and Weight of What We Carry Read More »
Borrowed power is temporary. In Own It, Don’t Borrow It, Dawn Charleston-Green reflects on lessons from life, leadership, and faith—showing why titles don’t define you, how to stir up the gift within, and the importance of owning your God-given assignment in every season.
Own It, Don’t Borrow It Read More »
If the question is, ‘Who got next?’—the answer might be you. Stay in position. Stay prayerful. Stay prepared. You don’t have to chase it. God will call you to it.
Who Got Next? Positioned to Receive Read More »
Chickens stay busy but never rise. Crows react without direction. Buzzards circle what’s long expired. But the eagle? She climbs. She sees ahead. She waits for the right moment—and then she soars. What if this is your moment to rise?
Renewed Like an Eagle: From Surviving to Soaring Read More »
Obedience doesn’t require clarity. But when God provides water in the desert, the breakthrough comes when you have the faith to drink.
When God Provides You Water in the Desert — Drink It Read More »
You’ve already done what some thought you never would. Whether it was overcoming the challenges of motherhood, pursuing a degree and career when everyone doubted you, or standing tall in the face of hardship. Listen, you have a history of flying against the winds. And winds were meant to strengthen us and propel us to our destination.
Flight of the Bumblebee: Exuding Resilience Above All Odds Read More »
Let’s stay spiritually connected and plugged in, and revisit connecting to the ultimate power source–God. Here is the Part 2 to last week’s blog. Let’s dive into Spiritual Connection: Finding Strength in God’s Power In Part 1, I shared how Hurricane Helene disrupted our normalcy in September, leaving lasting effects as cleanup efforts continue even
Spiritual Connection: Finding Strength in God’s Power (Part 2) Read More »
When life’s storms or everyday occurrences seem overwhelming, finding The PLUG for our spiritual power can bring us the peace and strength needed to persevere.
If you’ve ever felt drained, wondering where to find real peace and sustainment, this message is for you.
Discover The Plug: The Spiritual Power Only God Can Give (Part 1) Read More »
In our 21st years, Leon and I have discovered that true partnership in marriage isn’t just about staying together—it’s about intentionally growing together in faith, love, and purpose. Psalm 18 reminds us that even in the silence, God’s guidance is always present, leading us to a deeper connection. Curious about how ‘Team Green’ grew stronger, even through the challenges? Discover the lessons, realities, and power of partnership that have transformed our marriage and could inspire yours too.
The Power of Partnership in Marriage Read More »
Everyone needs allies—those trusted individuals who stand by us when others might not fully understand. Just like my young neighbor, Stanley, who looked to me for help, we often need people who can step in, offer guidance, and help us navigate life’s challenges. Who are your allies, and how can you be one to someone else?
The Power of Allies: Who’s in Your Corner? Read More »
Being part of a team means recognizing your role matters and impacts everyone else. Are you contributing or leaving gaps others must fill?
“The Power of the Team: Are You Playing Your Part?” Read More »
For someone to be their best self, they must first both know the truth of who they are and have confidence in something to dream towards. If the truths of who we are don’t align with our dreams, intentional effort must be made to foster change. However, staying in a posture of self-confidence can be be difficult.
Sis, I turned 50 years old on January 8th, and though this age for some could seem like the ticket to the pasture for the overrun racehorse [carrying the weight of others on its back, being slapped to run and compete with others despite how its inner being may be struggling, hearing the cheers and the hollers of onlookers who assume based on genetic makeup and prior victories that the race is easy]… In retrospect, this pasturing… is the beginning of a new level of peace and maturity that is not only expected… but required.
Out to Pasture – A Birthday Pilgrimage: Read More »
As we began to talk, we first started with the question of why people (mostly women) continue to stay “at the table” (or in relationships) longer than we should. The question was asked,” How will we know when it’s time to get up?
So, you would have thought we would discuss mistreatment or incongruency in relationships; lack of support and compassion; being unequally yoked (whether talking about an intimate love relationship or any other relationship/friendship). But the conversation took a turn.
Bring LOVE to the Table Read More »
When shift happens it’s usually beyond our control and with no pre-warnings. One day we just wake up and we’re in the middle of SHIFT. And because we could never quite have expected it, in those early moments, SHIFT feels like sh^t. But do not categorize them in the same way. Sh^t is meant to hurt and draw attention to the despair of where you are. Shift comes to help you evolve to the next level of yourself and get you closer to where you were purposed to be.
Life, like search engines and social media, has an ALGORITHM. However, life\’s algorithm it\’s not based on trends which only provide a temporary boost of fulfillment and success. No. The algorithm in life that yields fulfillment and success is based on CONSISTENCY in …
Life in the Algorithm Read More »
As we prepare for years-end, we as individuals need to do much like a business or organization would do during this time. WE NEED TO TAKE INVENTORY. Inventory (or an audit) is needed in order to both identify and preserve our VISION.
VISION INVENTORY: Preparing for a New Year Read More »
I too wanted the fairytale; and my assumption was that my husband would give it to me. He’d be my Prince Charming. But let me tell you this…DISNEY LIED! Disney only presented a very SHORT part of the “story.”
A STORY presents us with characters, a setting, plot, conflict, and a resolution. In the fairytale stories, all the final credits end the same way…”and they lived happily ever after.” The conclusion? The conflict was resolved. They fell in love. The End.
But there is a misconception about that closing phrase…”and they lived happily ever after.” The focus on the HAPPILY…and not on the “LIVED.” For if we focused on the LIVED, we would know and expect that living does not come without tests and trials. We don’t give merit to the fact that as one story ends…another story begins.
And They LIVED Happily Ever After… Read More »
Friendships can feel like rollercoasters; but isn’t that true of life? There are going to be unexpected ups, downs, twists, and turns along the way; but when we reflect back, it will be in those experiences that the thrill of the journey is recognized and appreciated. Maybe.
Friendship Rollercoaster Read More »
The term UNFRIEND has become an ugly word. Not just an ugly word, but an offensive word. But I’m here to play devil’s advocate I see individual messages on FaceBook about this topic all the time; and I’ve had some conversations with a few friends about it. People are usually very bothered when they realize they’ve been unfriended. I, however, am on the other side of this. One because, I’ve unfriended some folks a time or two, and I’ve also been unfriended by people. Here\’s my take. Unfriend has less to do with the person who was unfriended and more to do with the well-being of the person who took the action. Learn more…
unFRIEND: Leave the Circle Read More »
In this modern-age of social media, many of us have increased our \”friend\” base tremendously; yet, people report more often feeling friendless or alone. Why? Because there is a difference between mere friendship and frientimacy. True friendship does not equate to quantity; it equates to quality. In other words, friendship has less to do with having a relationship or the number of relationships one has, and more to do with connectedness and intimacy within the relationship.
FRIEND-(ish) or Friendship? Read More »
\”The early bird gets the worm\” is an expression I\’m sure you\’ve heard. You may have even said it to someone or had it said to you; especially in preparation for students returning back to school. But in my latest revelation, I believe the term \”The early bird gets the worm\” should be reconsidered; as it seems we\’ve taken the term out of context; as it seems we place more emphasis on the bird\’s timing and position, rather than its preparedness.
Not Looking for the Worm – Here for the Seed Read More »
Rather than referring to stunted physical growth, I’ll be referring to stunted emotional and relational growth. Not only referring to the kind of emotional blockage that occurs as a result of children’s experiences, but also the emotional barriers that continue to present themselves in the lives of adults still dealing with the residue of the emotional distress. The damage – that though suppressed, ignored, and hidden – continues to plague both their maturity in certain areas and their relationships.
ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT Read More »
If we think about it (and most of us don’t have to think about it too long), we can all think of times where we felt like we were handed a bag of lemons; whether it be in school, on our jobs or businesses, in our marriages and relationships, with our children, or in our health. We’ve all faced some difficulty to give us cause to become bitter. No matter our age, race, gender, or socioeconomic status, none of us are exempt from experiencing difficulties, or has the ability to control how or when they come; but we can control of how we respond and process through them. In any case, our goal should never be to become bitter…but to get better.
“Rear its ugly head\” is a term I have heard people say when referring to problems. Meaning, as soon as things seem to be going well, here comes something bad that happens that “rears up its ugly head.” When trouble \”rears its ugly head\” don’t get off course or become afraid. Make the necessary adjustments, but don\’t quit.
When It Rears Its Ugly Head Read More »
Bloom wherever you grow, Dandelion! A different take on a familiar story – Bloom where you\’re planted.
The saying, \”bloom where you\’re planted,\” and the lesson associated with it, continue to hold true. So, with this blog, I wanted to somewhat revisit the topic, but this time from the uniqueness of another flower – the DANDELION, which doesn’t actually \”bloom where it’s planted,\”…but rather, wherever it grows.
Bloom Wherever You Grow, Dandelion! Read More »
I sternly said to her, with tears in my eyes, “Don’t you EVER have a maybe in your spirit about yourself. When nobody else is rooting for you, YOU BET ON YOURSELF! I WILL NOT allow you to talk yourself out of living your best life for yourself. Not for me…but for you.”
PUSH TO BE BETTER: BET ON YOURSELF Read More »
When I stopped working, I knew I was gonna have be intentional about my spending and discipline myself as much as possible.
Read about the tips and methods I used to pay off my debt and experience financial freedom; and how I got on the road to being a better steward of my money.
Money Management: 5 Steps to Better Financial Stewardship Read More »
Love and marriage. This combination of words comes to my mind as both a statement and a question. Can they coexist? Along this journey we\’ve learned that though there is a distinct difference between love–an affection towards a thing or person; and marriage–committed consensual and contractual union with someone….they can coexist with as long as there is willingness by both parties (husband AND wife) to commit to them both.
Love AND Marriage?! Read More »
How can we travel during this holiday and visiting season quickly, safely, inexpensively, and with as few incidents incidents as possible?
9 Travel Tips to Help Save Time, Money and Sanity Read More »
Release yourself from the financial pressures of the Holidays by using this simple rule. If you are tired of over-spending for Christmas and tired of the stress and burden that comes with it; you\’ll appreciate this helpful tip that helps lead to financial freedom and less stress
4-Gift Rule: Release Yourself from the Stress of the Holidays Read More »
Then I broke the news to my 50-year-old husband, who rather than expressing disbelief and shock like me…reared back to reveal the all-encompassing \”S\” on his chest that had suddenly appeared. Yep! We were about to be a modern Bible story. Abraham and Sarah in the flesh. LOL!
Miscarriage: What to Expect When You’re No Longer Expecting? Read More »
Going back to school can be stressful enough, even in normal circumstances; however, going back to school in the middle of a pandemic brings on a level of stress and anxiety that can probably only be described as…overwhelming. Is this working?
Here recently, I had the opportunity to have a conversation with some educators, parents, and students from Texas, Louisiana, Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee. It was interesting to hear the similarities not only in measures taken (or not taken) to prepare and protect students and teachers for returning to school (both in-person and on-line); but it was also surprising and profound to learn just how much mental health is being affected, particularly in the teachers expected to give the instruction.
BACK-TO-SCHOOL IN A PANDEMIC: IS THIS WORKING? Read More »
Saturday was August 15th to be exact. So then, why while school shopping…did I walk through the front doors of a home store to be met by rows of Christmas trees??? White ones. Frocked ones with the fake snow, and lights. Why? Have I already mentioned that it\’s still August?
Holiday Commercialization Too Soon? Read More »
We are framed to be gentle; yet nothing about what women carry is light…
So, you tell me, who’s your support system? Do you have you some good BRAS (Battle-Ready Reinforcement and Assistance)? Or is it time for a new fitting? Because always remember, just like with an actual bra, even when you know your size, you still may have to make some adjustments.
Support: Life Requires it; Get Good BRA-S Read More »
I was, as some would say, a public success and a private failure.
Marriage Chronicles Part II: Negligent Discharge #entanglementscontinued Read More »
And even as shameful as it was to admit that this was where I was, I had to talk to someone who understood my heart so I could get free from what was trying to “entangle” me.
Don’t Shatter Your Glass to Drink From a Cup: Marriage Chronicles #Entanglement Read More »
I was in a rut of depression, shame, and uncertainty. I didn’t want to move. I didn’t want to get up. Somedays I felt like I could hardly breathe. Somedays I didn’t want to.
Road Signs of Life: Where to go from here? Read More »
My worst nightmare about adopting was manifesting itself in real time. Mental Health 101 – And It\’s Effects on MY Family
Family Matters: A Story of Adoption, Mental Health, and the Effects of Both on My Family Read More »
For some reason, I can’t seem to escape the connections with my personal life and what is happening in the universe. I always think I have an idea of what is relevant to me and my reflections, then something will present itself and I’ll know in that moment…THIS is what I have to share. Our
Our Fathers, Who Art…in LIFE Read More »
I was looking for my blooms to come when everyone else’s did, not realizing I didn’t even have the same type of flower.
Bloom Where You’re Planted Read More »
Our nation has been asthmatic for generations. I don’t think it coincidental the parallel to our nation\’s condition and the symptoms of the coronavirus. We all have to be ESSENTIAL WORKERS if something is gonna change. Liberty and justice can’t survive social distancing. We all have to get to work.
Unfortunately, wearing masks won\’t stop the contagion of injustice.
Overcast, With More Rain Expected: A Response to Civil Unrest Read More »
Dawn of a New Day 365. Who ever thought that the 4-letter word I almost hated as a child…would end up being my platform? Hello! My name is Dawn Charleston-Green, and I am pleased to welcome you to my new blog. The name again is… Dawn (like the morning), Charleston (like the city), and Green
A “good day” isn’t always an easy one. Sometimes, the fulfillment of God’s promises requires labor—intentional effort, resilience, and a heart of faith.
Good Labor: When Dreams Require Work Read More »
