Martytalks Daliy

To Bishop — Thank You for Leading with Heart 🙏🏽✨

Bishop,

Thank you for your leadership, your wisdom, and your heart. Over the years, your guidance has meant more to me than I can fully express. You’ve been more than a pastor — you’ve been a mentor, an encourager, and someone I truly look up to.

One of my favorite memories of you is a simple moment, but it’s stuck with me all this time. It was a Saturday, and we had been at rehearsal for hours. You were heading out to grab something for your kids, and before you left, you turned and asked, “Hey, do you want something too?” That moment might’ve seemed small to you, but it meant so much to me. It showed your heart — how you care for people, not just as a pastor, but as a human being. You didn’t have to ask, but you did. And I’ll never forget that.

Thank you for trusting me — with the work I do in the church and beyond. Your belief in me has helped me grow, not just in skill, but in confidence, responsibility, and purpose. You’ve created a space where I can develop and give back, where I feel seen and supported.

More than anything, thank you for being someone I know I can go to. Whether I need to talk through something, ask for guidance, or just check in — you’re always there. You make time, and you lead by example, with compassion and strength.

I’m grateful for every lesson you’ve taught, every conversation we’ve had, and every opportunity you’ve given me. Your leadership has helped shape the person I’m becoming, and I carry that with me every day.

Thank you for being who you are — not just behind the pulpit, but in the quiet, everyday moments that show your true character.

— With gratitude,

Marty 🖤

To Sam — Keep Shining, You’re Built for This ✨💬💪

Sam, I just want to take a second and say thank you — for real. Your kindness and your positive energy are like fresh air, and I don’t think you realize how much of a difference you make just by being you.

You’ve always had this way of showing up for people — not in flashy ways, but in the consistent, meaningful kind of way that sticks. Whether it’s chatting with me when life feels heavy, sending an encouraging word just when I need it, or simply being that steady voice of optimism — it means the world. You remind me that it’s okay to not have it all together, and that better days are always within reach.

I’m so, so proud of you for starting your own business. That takes courage, and I know it’s not easy right now. There are probably moments when it feels overwhelming, uncertain, or even lonely — but please know that I see you. I believe in you. I believe in what you’re building.

You’re the kind of person who brings passion and light into everything you do, and that’s going to carry you far. It already has. The fact that you even started? That’s more than most people do. You took a leap — and that’s powerful.

I honestly can’t wait to see where it goes. And more than that, I hope you enjoy it — the growth, the wins, the lessons, all of it. You deserve every good thing coming your way.

Thank you for being a friend, an encourager, a dream-chaser, and just an all-around beautiful human. I’m rooting for you always.

— Marty 💛

To Tylar — Like the Big Brother I Didn’t Know I Needed 🎧💬🖤

Thank you, Tylar. For real. For being like an older brother to me when I didn’t even realize I needed one.

As someone who already is an older sibling, it’s been such a gift having someone else I can turn to. Someone who gets it, someone I can talk to without overthinking, someone I can just shoot the shit with and not feel judged or weird for needing space, advice, or a distraction.

You’ve been that person — the real one. The one who doesn’t sugarcoat anything, even when I wish you would. I’ll be honest, sometimes I do want you to lie to me just to make it easier… but you won’t. Because you care. Because you’re a good friend. And I value the hell out of that.

Your honesty has pushed me to grow, to see things differently, and to trust more deeply. It’s rare to find people who will be real with you no matter what — especially when they know it’s not what you want to hear but what you need to hear.

Thank you for being consistent. For showing up when I need someone to lean on, or laugh with, or rant to. For being someone I know I can count on. I don’t take that lightly.

And I gotta say — thank you for getting me into vinyl. What started as you just sharing something you love has me now thinking, “Dang, I really need to start collecting.” It’s a whole vibe — the sound, the feel, the intentionality behind it. You opened that door for me, and now every time I hear a good record, I’m like, “Yeah, I get it now.” It’s something that feels personal, and it’s another piece of our friendship that I really appreciate.

I really hope this friendship doesn’t fade. You’ve become family in a way that’s not bound by blood but by trust, truth, and time. That means everything.

So yeah, thanks for being my big bro. And here’s to more real talk, more music, and more years of friendship ahead.

— Marty 🎙️🖤

To Devin — I’m Glad We’re Friends 🎮🎶🖤

I’ll be real — I never thought we were going to be friends. For a while, I genuinely thought you didn’t like me. But that wasn’t you — that was just me overthinking, like I tend to do. Funny how the mind plays tricks on you, especially when you’re not used to people sticking around.

But you did. And I’m so grateful that you did.

Thank you for being a good listener. For being someone I can talk to when things get heavy — and not making me feel like I’m “too much” for doing it. That kind of presence, that kind of trust? It means more than I can say. You’ve helped me get through some rough patches without even realizing it. Just by being there. Just by being you.

You’ve cheered me up on the sad days. The quiet days. The days I wanted to disappear. You’ve reminded me that I matter, without needing a big speech or deep moment — just through your actions, your jokes, your patience, and your consistency.

Thanks for bringing me into your world — for teaching me how to be a gamer (I still have a long way to go 😅), and opening my ears to different types of music I never would’ve tried on my own. It’s like every playlist, every co-op game, and every new artist you send is just another reminder that you see me. That you want me around. That I’m not a burden.

And the concerts? Man… the concerts. Every one we’ve been to already holds a memory — the music, the crowds, the energy, the laughter. It’s a kind of joy that’s hard to put into words. And the best part? We’ve got more coming. More moments. More music. More life to live and experience together.

So thank you, Devin — for your friendship, your time, your trust, your influence, and your heart. You’re proof that the people we least expect sometimes become the ones we can’t imagine our lives without.

Here’s to more games, more music, more concerts, and more everything.

Glad you’re in my corner.

— Marty 🎧🕹️💫

To Malissa — Thank You for Being My Bonus Mom 💕

There are people in life who show up unexpectedly and leave a permanent mark on your heart — and Malissa, you’re one of those people for me.

Thank you for being like a second mom. For loving me in the ways I didn’t even know I needed. You didn’t have to go out of your way for me, but you always did. You still do. You think of me, check in on me, make space for me in your heart and in your life — and that kind of love is rare.

I’m so grateful for every single shopping trip, every Target run that turned into therapy sessions in the aisles, every spontaneous stop that turned into memories I’ll hold onto forever. You’ve made everyday moments feel special, and the special ones unforgettable.

Thank you for your guidance — for always offering wisdom without judgment, and for being the kind of woman I can look up to. You lead with kindness, honesty, and grace, and I’ve learned so much from just being around you.

And I can’t forget the food! The love you put into every meal is unmatched. Every bite tastes like comfort, like home, like care — and it’s not just the food itself, it’s what comes with it: laughter around the table, stories being told, and that feeling of being fully seen and welcomed.

Your presence in my life has been a blessing. You’ve filled a space I didn’t even know was empty, and I’ll never be able to fully thank you for that.

So thank you, Malissa — for your love, your care, your prayers, your protection, and your warmth. You’ve made such a difference in my life, and I hope you know just how much you mean to me.

With love and deep gratitude,

Marty 🖤

To Alisha, With All My Heart 💛

I don’t say it enough, but thank you. For everything.

Thank you for always being there for me — not just when things are easy, but especially when they’re not. For showing up for me in the quiet moments, the stormy ones, and the days when I didn’t even know how to ask for help. You’ve never turned away. You’ve never stopped showing up.

You take care of me in ways I didn’t even know I needed. Making sure I’m safe — not just physically, but emotionally too. You make sure I have what I need to keep going and, when you can, you even make room for the things I want. You’ve taught me the difference, and how to be grateful for both.

Your patience is a gift I’ll never be able to repay. Even when I’ve been stubborn, or distant, or hurting — you never gave up on me. You’ve stood in the gap, loved me through the silence, and reminded me that I matter. You’ve been the kind of constant that people pray for.

You’re the best mom I’ve had — and the only one I’ve had — but that doesn’t make my gratitude any less deep. If anything, it makes it stronger. Because I know what it means to be loved by you. To be protected by you. To be seen and understood and cared for in ways I didn’t think were possible.

Thank you for teaching me how to take care of myself. For making sure I never have to depend on anyone else to survive. That kind of strength? That’s a gift. And I learned it from watching you.

You’ve been a light, a guide, and a shelter. You’ve given me grace on my worst days and space to grow on my best ones. And I just want the world — and you — to know how much that means to me.

I love you, Alisha. Forever grateful for you.

— Marty 🖤

Grateful for My Little Sister, Maia

Growing up, it was always just me and Maia. We were each other’s first best friend, constant companion, and loudest cheerleader. From childhood arguments over toys to inside jokes that only we understand, we’ve built a bond that time has only made stronger. Looking back, I see how lucky I am to have had her by my side through it all.

Maia has always been the bossy one. Even when we were kids, she somehow thought she was the older sibling, always trying to tell me what to do. And now that we’re older—guess what? She still does! But here’s the thing: Maia’s “bossy” isn’t about control. It’s love in disguise. She sees things I miss, feels things deeply, and speaks up when I need to hear the truth, even when I don’t want to. She always means well, and over the years I’ve come to see how her advice, her intuition, and her perspective have helped guide me through so many situations—some I didn’t even know I needed help with.

One thing about Maia: she always has my back. No matter what. She can spot fake friends from a mile away, and she’ll tell me straight up, “Nah, that’s not your people.” And more often than not—she’s right. She’s protective in her own way, not just of me but of my peace, my growth, my dreams. She’s a walking compass when I lose my direction. She reminds me of who I am and what I deserve, and that kind of loyalty is rare and precious.

Another thing about her that makes me smile every time I think about it? She’s always praying for me. Even when I’m not praying for myself. Even when I don’t ask. She lifts me up in ways I don’t always see in the moment, but I feel it. I feel her strength, her faith, her love covering me like armor when the world gets heavy.

And oh, let’s not forget the eternal debate: who makes the better mac and cheese. Maia swears up and down that hers is the best, and honestly? It’s really, really good. But let’s be real—mine still holds the crown. (We’ll let her believe what she wants though. It keeps the peace. 😂)

Maia, I love you. I’m so grateful for the woman you’ve become and the sister you’ve always been. You’re a light in my life. We’ve been through so much together, and I know we’ve still got a lot of life to live side by side. I wouldn’t trade our bond for anything in the world. Thank you for being you—bossy, prayerful, loyal, funny, and full of love. I see you, I appreciate you, and I’m beyond blessed to call you my sister.

Always and forever,

Your big sibling who still makes better mac and cheese (but loves you endlessly anyway).

Until Next Time

This will be my last poem for a little while—

not forever,

just a pause,

a breath,

a reset in the rhythm.

Because next month,

I’m trading metaphors for memories,

swapping stanzas for stillness,

putting down my pen

to pick up the people who’ve held me

when I didn’t even know I was falling.

I’ve poured my soul into syllables,

painted my pain in prose,

used these lines to reach the hearts

of strangers and kindreds alike.

But now it’s time to turn my focus inward—

or maybe outward,

toward the ones who matter most.

Next month,

I’m leaning into gratitude.

Not the Instagram quote kind,

but the real, raw,

“I see you—thank you” kind.

The kind you feel in your chest

when a friend checks in,

when a stranger becomes family,

when love shows up in unexpected forms.

So stay tuned.

Because just maybe—

your name,

your face,

your moment of kindness

might find its way

into my next return.

You might be the next poem,

the next heartbeat I wrap in words.

This isn’t goodbye.

It’s just a promise

to come back

with more light,

more love,

more of me to give—

after I’ve taken the time

to honor all the “yous”

who helped me get here.

So thank you.

For reading.

For listening.

For seeing me.

Until next time…

I’ll be living in gratitude.

And who knows—

you just might be in it.

Everyone But Me

I wear my cape invisible—

stitched together with silence and savior complexes.

I’m the fixer,

the shoulder,

the late-night voice that picks up at 3AM

when you call crying,

even when I’m drowning too.

I’ve patched up heartbreak with duct tape words,

stitched shattered self-esteem with borrowed prayers,

held hands through storms

I wasn’t strong enough to walk through myself.

I show up—

for everybody but me.

Because it’s easier to clean up your broken glass

than to admit I’ve been walking on mine for years.

Easier to pour light into your shadows

than to look my own in the eye and ask them why they linger.

I’m the therapist without a license,

the healer without healing,

the friend who always says,

“I got you,”

but never dares to whisper,

“I need help too.”

They say I’m selfless,

but what if I’m just avoiding?

Avoiding the wreckage inside this chest

that I keep dressing in new distractions—

your crisis, their pain,

anything but mine.

It’s not that I don’t want to be whole.

It’s that wholeness feels like a room with no doors,

like sitting still in a silence so loud

it reminds me of everything I’ve buried.

So I busy myself with your wounds,

your fears,

your battles.

Not because I’m stronger,

but because I’m scared.

Scared that if I stop saving everyone else,

I’ll have no excuse

but to look at the mirror and ask,

“Why won’t you save you?”

The truth?

I don’t know how.

I can map out your healing in three easy steps

but can’t take the first one for myself.

I can walk you to freedom

but tie my own ankles with shame and guilt.

I can say,

“You’re not broken,”

but my reflection still argues.

Is it love,

or is it avoidance?

Is it compassion,

or is it fear wrapped in a noble disguise?

Is it kindness,

or a clever way to disappear from myself

without ever leaving the room?

I’ve learned the art of fixing others

like it’s a spiritual calling.

But I’m starting to wonder

if my real assignment

isn’t outside of me—

but in the mess I keep ignoring.

Maybe the greatest love

is the kind you give to your own broken pieces.

Maybe the bravest healing

is the one you stop outsourcing.

Maybe I’m not failing others by taking care of me—

maybe I’m finally choosing to be honest.

So today,

I hang up my cape.

Not because I don’t love you,

but because I finally remember

that I’m worth saving too.

“Choose Who Chooses You”

I used to chase shadows,

people with smiles like mirages—

looked like love from a distance

but vanished when I got too close.

I gave my best to hands

that never held me back.

Poured my soul into empty cups

hoping they’d overflow

when they barely even dripped effort.

You ever bend over backwards

just to stand in someone’s good graces?

Ever dim your light

so theirs could shine uninterrupted?

I did that.

Until I realized…

God never made me a doormat.

He made me a door.

To newness.

To growth.

To peace.

And only the right people have the key.

I’m done auditioning

for roles I didn’t ask to play.

Done trying to earn a seat

at tables that never fed me truth.

I don’t want empty “I love you’s”

that come with conditions

and walk away at the first sign

of my realness.

Choose the ones

who choose you back—

not just when it’s easy,

not just when you’re smiling

and nothing’s cracked.

But the ones who stay

when your voice trembles,

your past leaks through your pores,

and your scars sing louder than your dreams.

Pick the ones who

don’t just clap for you

when you’re winning,

but coach you

when you’re crawling.

The ones who tell you,

“You can be better.”

Not because you aren’t enough,

but because they see the fire

behind your tired eyes.

They don’t throw water on your flame—

they fan it.

Choose people

who pray for you

in rooms you’re not in.

Who speak your name

like it’s sacred,

not a rumor.

Who call you out with love,

not shade.

Who hold you accountable

but never hold you hostage

to your past self.

We all need that tribe—

the ones who tell you

“Rest, but don’t quit.”

“Cry, but don’t break.”

“Grow, even when it’s slow.”

Those who remind you

that healing isn’t linear,

but it’s worth every step.

So now,

I water who waters me.

I pour where I’m poured into.

I build with those

who hand me bricks,

not burdens.

I no longer beg to belong.

I belong to myself,

and that’s enough.

Because when you start

choosing people

who choose you,

you stop apologizing

for outgrowing those

who never saw your value

in the first place.

So choose the encouragers.

The uplifters.

The soul-expanders.

The mirror-holders

who show you your reflection

and still stay—

not to judge,

but to journey.

Because love—real love—

doesn’t shrink you.

It stretches you

into someone

you were always meant to be.

Choose wisely.

Your circle is sacred.

Let it only include

those who light you up,

not burn you out.

Choose people

who make you

a better person…

and never let go of the ones

who already do.

(Pause)

So to the ones who stayed…

who saw the mess and chose the masterpiece—

Thank you.

And to the ones I had to let go…

I bless you,

but I choose better now.

I choose me.

I choose truth.

I choose who chooses me.