Day 3 of celebrating Kwanzaa one day at a time
In the mid-'60s, Dr. Maulana Karenga created Kwanzaa, an observance that honors African heritage in African-American and Pan-African cultures. From Dec. 26 to Jan. 1, these days are dedicated to the seven principles — Nguzo Saba — focusing on African philosophy that encompasses the mutual and interactive relationship with family, community, environment and the world. For more information on Kwanzaa, the principles and symbols, visit the official Kwanzaa website.
Each day at HEA, an author will embrace one of these principles and share her thoughts. Join us in celebrating Kwanzaa and enriching our lives with its beauty and truths.
Today's author: HEA contributor Michelle Monkou
Ujima (collective work and responsibility): To build and maintain our community together and make our brothers' and sisters' problems our problems, and to solve them together.
Building and maintaining communities have nothing to do with our differences, but in our commonalities as global citizens. As long as we continue to learn about and from each other, respect and uplift each other, we will grow and blossom in our hearts and in our lives. This is no time to despair even when our expectations are not met or our dreams unfulfilled. We should not turn our backs on those who struggle with their frailties. Instead, these challenges should be the impetus to be compassionate to our brothers and sisters in our homes, communities and world. "We need to awaken to a common consciousness of all being inhabitants of Earth. This consciousness is not to be found in some distant place. It will not be found on a computer screen. It lies in our hearts, in our ability to share the pain of our fellow human beings. It is the spirit that says: 'As long as you are suffering, whoever you are and whatever your suffering may be, I suffer also.'"— Daisaku Ikeda
Michelle Monkou celebrates the 2013 release of Passionate Game, including her e-book release Scandal, Secrets & Seduction (formerly Open Your Heart).
Here's the blurb for Passionate Game (courtesy of publisher Harlequin Kimani):
Two Can Play This Game ...
In the boardroom and the bedroom, Grant Benson has all the right moves. The sexy tech bachelor with the mocha-latte eyes has a million-dollar smile and a fortune to match. Grant didn't gain his riches by being trusting, however -- and he's learned that beautiful and ambitious women usually want only one thing from him.
Committed teen mentor Tamara Wendell knows an adversary when she sees one. If it weren't for all the students depending on her, she would walk away from the brash millionaire and his defensive attitude. But Grant's company has a career-making internship program, and she will do whatever it takes to win him over.
Yet neither expects that their rivalry will transform into a deep, heated passion. Now Grant must confront his past hurts or risk losing the one woman who has ever been able to play on his level. Will their games of seduction end in heartbreak? Or will Grant finally win over Tamara and make her his for a lifetime?
Don't miss HEA's earlier posts about Kwanzaa: