I can explain...
"GIVE ME THE HOT SAUCE"
But my heart is bleeding
"CURSE OF KOBE BRYANT CONTINUES"
Do you really question why I passed???
I Stopped Myself to Pray
This morning, I stopped everything to pray, reflect, and offer intercessory prayer for Spenser Leaks and his family.
I woke up late, turned on the television, and immediately found myself thinking about Chicago, basketball, friendship, loss, and the passage of time. Reports and conversations circulating today reminded me of how quickly life can change and how important it is to pause before reacting.
My first response was prayer.
For years, I have followed the game, studied the players, watched the stories unfold, and shared my own perspective on events surrounding Chicago basketball. Some people know me for my passion, others know me for my opinions, and many know that I have never been afraid to speak my mind.
When I think about Stacy King, I think about a voice that became part of the Chicago basketball experience. To countless fans, he was more than a commentator. He was a personality, a storyteller, and someone whose voice became connected to memories of games, victories, defeats, and unforgettable moments.
As I sat reflecting this morning, I realized how exhausted I am.
Not angry.
Not defeated.
Just tired.
Tired of conflict.
Tired of controversy.
Tired of explaining myself.
Tired of revisiting the same stories over and over again.
Yesterday was one of the few stress-free days I have had in a long time. I spent the day doing something that brings me peace: recreating dishes and recipes I have prepared throughout my life.
There is something therapeutic about cooking.
Every recipe carries a memory.
Every ingredient tells a story.
Every meal reminds me of a chapter of my life.
When I lost so much during my departure from Chicago, I lost more than possessions. I lost notebooks, memories, records, and pieces of my personal history. Rebuilding those recipes by hand has become part of rebuilding myself.
That process has reminded me that healing does not happen overnight.
It happens one day at a time.
One prayer at a time.
One recipe at a time.
One act of faith at a time.
I want to be clear about something: I am responsible for my own actions, my own choices, and my own path. I do not carry responsibility for the actions of others.
At this stage of my life, I am focused on peace, faith, family, business, cooking, writing, and preserving the legacy I am building.
My heart is tired, but my faith remains strong.
So today, I choose prayer over anger.
Reflection over reaction.
Faith over fear.
And silence where silence is necessary.
To everyone carrying grief, stress, uncertainty, or unanswered questions, know that you are not alone.
Today, I pray for healing.
I pray for truth.
I pray for peace.
And most of all, I pray for strength to keep moving forward.
Chyvette Valentine
