Welcome to the King's Circle Replay! In this profound session, we were honored to be joined by Nadirah Goldsmith. Here are the key takeaways from our powerful conversation exploring faith, ancestral connections, and navigating life's journey. The video from the session is attached, and for those who can make the time, you'll no doubt have some key takeaways. What we learned about Nadirah Goldsmith: - Not only is Nadirah a multifaceted creator—a producer, writer, mother, activist, spiritual practitioner, and actress—but she is also a fellow member of the King's Circle community! - After completing Army basic training right out of high school, she pivoted her path to attend Bennett College (an all-women's HBCU in North Carolina), where she changed her major from education to psychology. - She holds a deep awareness of her ancestral timing, noting the synchronicity of being born in April 1976 while Alex Haley's groundbreaking series Roots was filming. The Power of Trusting the Unknown - Nadirah shared that true spiritual magic happens when we are willing to walk in the unknown. - She recounted stepping out on faith to travel and work, including trips to Belize during the pandemic and navigating unexpected challenges, like a rental car falling through. - Her advice for the community: Don't worry about seeing the entire staircase; just focus on taking one step at a time. Channeling the Ancestors on a Ryan Coogler Film Set: - Nadirah shared her incredible experience working in New Orleans on a Ryan Coogler film (under the working title "Grilled Cheese"). - She worked as a background actress in two deeply historical and emotional scenes: a church scene and a sharecropper scene. - She described the set's energy as profoundly "ancestral," noting that the cast and crew were incredibly humble and intentional. - While filming the sharecropper scene—picking cotton in the sweltering heat—she felt an intense connection to her ancestors, channeling their survival, pain, and ultimate strength to bring the scene to life.

In January I interviewed Babalawo Ifayemi in the King's Circle. At the time, I had no idea that a short time later I would be in Miami training with him. But that’s how the universe works. I'm spending time learning with him. During our January conversation he shared powerful spiritual experiences from his time in Benin — including witnessing what he described as a dead woman being brought back to life. Stories like that remind us of something important: The traditions of Africa still hold knowledge that the diaspora is only beginning to rediscover. Baba Ifayemi believes we are only scratching the surface of what is possible. But depth requires commitment. Life has also been teaching me another lesson recently. The passing of Melissa opened new opportunities that I could not see before. That is the ebb and flow of life. Loss and gain Closing and opening. Death and renewal. The universe is always moving. When your intentions are clear and your path is sincere, doors begin to open. Trust the process. Your path will reveal itself.

I’m headed to Miami to pay my respects to a powerful spiritual teacher. Melissa, the young woman from Trinidad who inspired my film, has passed. Those of you on the Across the King’s River list received the news yesterday. Melissa lived her spirituality in a rare way — without fear of death. She welcomed her transition. She was ready for what was next. I’ve reshared the message in the Film Classroom, Becoming Light Again: Here's a link: She Taught Me How To Live - Becoming Light Again - Film · The King's Circle Your reflections and comments are welcome as I prepare to support her journey home.

Every season demands something different. Some seasons are for healing. Some are for learning. Some are for building. This one is for focus. Get clear on: What feeds your spirit. What stabilizes your emotions. What strengthens your finances. Reflection Questions: What do I need to focus on most right now? What is distracting me from becoming who I’m called to be?

What if you’re the only one left to tell your family’s story? Not just the names. Not just the dates. But the sacrifices. The risks. The silent strength. The dreams that didn’t get finished. Some survived war. Some crossed oceans. Some endured things they never spoke about. And some built something from nothing so you could stand where you stand. If you don’t tell their story, who will? Meet my Uncle Joe and Aunt Georgianna. Their story wasn’t told in the first edition of Meditations Across the King’s River. That’s part of why I created a second edition — to honor them. Through them, I uncovered my family is related to the legendary Cicely Tyson. I come from greatness. And I’m not keeping that quiet. You shouldn't keep your greatness quiet either. Reflection Questions: 1. What parts of your family’s story are waiting on you? 2. What happens if you choose silence instead of legacy?