"My Imaginary Friend"

It's been so long, I can't even remember when we first met.  Probably when I was a little kid, or even when I was a baby. 

We have been through everything together, me and my imaginary friend.  From high school, to starting a career, and even when I got married and started having kids.  We still kept tight. 

Sometimes we fall out, but somehow we end up back together.  He has let me down many times, but I have known him longer than I have known any other friend.

My imaginary friend is a trip; always looking and talking about others like they are so different from him.

He takes pride in what he has, and gets down in the dumps when he thinks about the things that he wants, that he doesn't have.

My imaginary friend identifies himself with what he does.  If he is not successful in his career, or not accomplishing his goals, he feels like he is less than a man.  This dude is always talking about what he did in the past, and feeling that he should be able to top that.

I see him try to block it out, but he worries what people think about him.  He tries to be humble, but I see that look of satisfaction on his face when people compliment him and give him praise.  When people aren't feeling him, or don't understand him, he tries to ignore it.  But I know it still gets to him sometimes.

Because we are so close, I can feel the stress, anxiety, and fears that he goes through in different stages of his life.  Sometimes it bothers me, and I wonder why I even hang with this dude.

We are nothing alike, but we go everywhere together, and hang in all the same places.  I've been hanging with my friend named Ego so long, imagined him and created him so long ago, that somehow, somewhere along the path, I got confused and thought that my imaginary friend Ego was Me!

"Barack Obama Doesn't Care About Black People"

Declining approval ratings, unseen results,  and continued unemployment.  America is unhappy.  The African American community is growing tired of waiting for "change".

Some of the well known individuals and Black organizations have been putting a lot of pressure on our president lately.  They are feeling like they are being overlooked, unheard, and starting to feel betrayed even by our first African American President.  Many feel as if the higher unemployment rate in African Americans, and several other issues should be being addressed.  People want answers.  People want results.  People are looking for exactly what Barack Obama promised the American people, Change.

So many were happy to see him get into office.  They were encouraged. They were inspired.  To witness history in making has an effect on you no matter who's "side" you were on. 

Black people felt as if they had a leader that represented them.  Someone that understood their struggles.  And as a result, people felt like they had a Black leader that was finally going to do something about it.

What ever happened to all of our Black leaders anyway? After the deaths of Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, and many others who fought for justice and equality, their seems to be a huge void in leadership in African American community.

"We finally get someone in office and he is letting us down", is how many are feeling in this tough economy that we are in. To sum it up and make it plain, many are starting to feel like "Barack Obama Doesn't Care About Black People"!  He is just out for himself, and he has forgotten where he came from.

It is my suggestion that Barack Obama Doesn't Care About Black People, He Cares About ALL People!  You see it's called being President of The United States, not President of The Black Race.  The president has to make and oversee policies, procedures, and laws that are in the best interests of All the citizens of American, not just one particular race.  To focus more attention on your particular race, being how desperately in need of help it is, is the very definition of racism.

I think that in the midst of all the pain, suffering, and stress that we are going through, people forget that Barack Obama, even though he is the President, is still a paid employee.  You see, even though he may have been the best qualified candidate for the job, the office of President in my observation, serves as a "fall guy" to take the blame for the error of those who really run the country.  The House of Representatives, The Senate, Corporations, and Billionaires are who REALLY run the country.

To answer the question, "what happened to all the Black leaders"?  One has to look at the evolution and progression of time.  The leaders of yesterday fought for the rights that we have today.  It is our job to take advantage of the rights that we have, the progress that was made, and stand on the footsteps of those giants. Today's Black Leaders are those that are taking advantage of the rights they have and doing the things that they love, and are gifted and talented to do.  Today's leaders lead by example.  Barack Obama IS a black leader.  He accomplished a goal he set out to achieve.  He made it to the highest office that this government has to offer.  He is a husband, a father, and most important, he is an individual who did something instead of just complaining.

"Black Men Who Meditate"

 

 Meditation.  It's the mental discipline in which one attempts to get beyond the conditioned, "thinking" mind into a deeper state of relaxation or awareness.  During the act of meditation, one attempts to empty the mind of thought, or focus on one particular thought.

The practice of meditation has been around for a very long time, and in the past few decades, has become more familiar and popular in the U.S.  But meditation has been slower to catch on, and is less popular in the African American community, possibly due to the belief of meditation being a "religious" or Buddhist "thing".

Although meditation is a part of some religions, meditation is not a religious practice.  It's more of a spiritual practice and a mental discipline.  Just as not everyone who prays is a Christian, everyone that meditates is not a Buddhist or Hindu.

Numerous studies have been conducted on the benefits of meditation.  Some of the benefits include: stress reduction, increased focus, lowered blood pressure, pain relief, increased creativity, and an increased awareness of one's connection to God.

Despite it being less popular and widely unfamiliar territory, there are Black Men Who Meditate.  Some notable black men that meditate include writer, actor, and film Director Bill Duke, Entrepreneur and music mogul Russell Simmons, and the musical legend, Stevie Wonder.

I started meditating a little over a year ago, and it has been one of the most beneficial things I have ever done in my life.  I rarely get sick with a cold or flu, I can think much clearer, and most of all, it has enabled me to become more conscious of my connection to God.  

I believe that meditation would be of great benefit to the African American culture because of it's proven results of stress reduction, health benefits, and the increasing of one's awareness to our connection to God. 

It is my suggestion that if we can cross the divisive lines of religious and cultural differences, we can be a better people, and a better world.

"Why Fathers Leave"

Yesterday, I took my son to the movies on one of our many Father-Son days. My son and I are big fans and followers of Marvel Comics movies.  This time it was Captain America.

On our way home I thought about how much my son valued having these Father-Son days.  I wondered what he would think if I told him that we were not having days like this anymore.  Thinking about how devastated he would be, I thought about how this would affect me also.

Sometimes these outings are a huge sacrifice of time and money, but I understand the value and significance of spending time with my son.

Not too many men talk about it, but it is a big sacrifice and responsibility being a father.  I don't think that  fathers get the credit that they deserve.  Just watch at the end of a big sports event, and you will hear a player shout out, "hi mom"!

This is not a list of excuses for a man to leave his kids, but a few areas where men struggle, that needs to be addressed. A lot of men feel this way, but will never tell you. So I decided to list the top reasons that fathers leave the home:

Money-  One of the most stressful things about being a father, a husband, and head of the household is being a provider.  A lot of men identify who they are with what they do, and if they aren't able to provide, or feel as if they are being shown up by the woman, this is a horrible feeling.  One of the worst things in the world to a man is the feeling of not being able to provide.  The guilt, shame, and embarrassment can drive a man to find a reason why "things aren't working out" and leave.

Respect-  It is my opinion that this is the most misunderstood area of relationships with women.   A man wants to be loved and respected.  Once a man has lost the respect of his partner or children,  his mind has left the household and his body will eventually follow.

Children out of wedlock-  I don't think I can explain this any clearer than this: marriage is a good thing!  For some reason, it is so much harder to stay together when you have a child or children out of wedlock.  I am not sure if it is the pressure of being together because of the children, or the lack of the commitment of marriage that makes things fall apart.

Lack of Father/Mentor-  This is last but certainly not least on the list. It is in my opinion, that this is the biggest factor why men leave the home. They don't have an example, mentor, or someone to come to for advice.  It sounds like the weakest copout, but many young fathers just simply don't know what to do.

This also has an effect on the women in the relationship too. By no means am I saying it's the woman's fault, but a young girl raised in a home without a father often grows up to be a woman not knowing how to treat and support a husband or mate.

No matter if one of these reasons applies or all or these reasons apply, it is always worth it to never leave and not take care of your kids!  No guilt, embarrassment, or difficulties hurt worse than a child growing up without a father.

Hang in there fathers.  Other fathers are going through the same situations, but they are doing just that; going through them.

Never make a permanent decision for a temporary problem. - Miles Monroe 

"Awesome Entrepreneurs"

In the midst of government bailouts, foreclosures, and a so called recession; it takes guts to be self employed or start a business in this economy.  To go against the grain and not play it safe is the essence of entrepreneurship.  When you think about it, pursuing a passion really is going "with the grain".

I am a firm believer in doing what you love and loving what you do.  That dream that won't go away, or that gentle calling that becomes a loud roar when you do something that is not your "calling".  There is something that is so liberating when you work with passion versus work being a "just a means to an end".

Along with the lowering of unemployment, another to answer to the crisis that so many are facing today is to create your own employment.

Today, I salute "Awesome Entrepreneur" Attorney Janaya Trotter, owner and managing partner of Trotter Law, LLC.

  Janaya started her legal career at the City of Cincinnati Prosecutor's office as an Assistant City Prosecutor.  She then accepted a position with Ritter & Randolph as an Associate in the litigation department.  After holding these positions, she realized that her passion for law wasn't being fulfilled and decided to branch out and start her own firm.  Janaya was ready to start practicing law according to her standards and wanted the liberty of taking the type of cases she believed in and not just those that were assigned.  She decided to take charge by working all day and all night for herself instead of maintaining someone else's lifestyle at the expensive of her own happiness. "I wanted to be the master of my future" says Janaya.


She opened Trotter Law, LLC in June of 2011.  Trotter Law's primary focus is on domestic relations, criminal law, and bankruptcy.  Janaya is working very hard to show that there are very good, competent African American attorneys that will work very hard on your behalf.  For more info on Janaya and Trotter Law, call 513-531-515, or send an email to jtrotter@trotter-law.com

Mind Rehab

Mind Rehab, it's the process of removing negative, self defeating thoughts, actions, and emotions, and replacing them with thoughts, actions, and emotions that are positive and "true".

When you think about it, it's not really about the mind at all.  The soul; our thoughts, choices, and feelings is what really control our minds.  And that's what it's really all about; the process of making better thoughts, decisions, and having better emotions.

During my 12 years in the real estate business, I learned the process of rehabbing houses.  What I learned is that when rehabbing a house, you have to first remove the things that are old, out dated, and don't work any more.  That's called the demolition process.  We all have things that we need to get rid of in our lives.  Old thoughts, old habits, and old ways that simply don't work any more.

From there you are down to what is called the foundation and framework of the house.  This is the "real you", not the fake facade that you put up to others. Only when you are down to the bare bones can you start the rebuilding process, or else, you are just building over old junk.

The last phase of the rehab is the exiting part, the new stuff!  The improvements, upgrades, and additions are what maximizes a homes potential.  Similar to houses, with the right thoughts, the right actions, and the right feelings, you can be your best you and maximize your potential! 

"Why Planking Is Ok"

Every once in a while our culture comes up with a new trend, fad, or event that is the cool thing to do at the time.  Most fads fade over time, but some things "stick" and become a part of our everyday lives and the culture that we live in today.

Unless you live under a rock, or are never on Facebook, Twitter, or Blogs (which is the equivalent of living under a rock), you have seen or heard the new craze of "planking".  Now, just in case you haven't seen it, I will explain.

  Planking is an activity where you lay face down in an unusual or remote location. The hands must touch the sides of the body and having a photograph of the participant taken and posted on the internet is an integral part of the game.  Players compete to find the most unusual and original location in which to play.  The term planking refers to mimicking a wooden plank.

But recently, planking has caught a lot of flack by people who say it originated from slaves being stored in slave ships in the manner of being shelved like wooden planks in rows.  While this is true that slaves were stored in this manner, I believe that everything is a matter of intent.

While researching this topic, I found out that the game of Planking is claimed to have been invented by two guys named Gary Clarkson and Christian Langdon in 2000, first becoming popular in North East England. However, comedian Tom Green claims to have invented "planking" as early as 1994.

No matter who started the trend, like I said before, it is a matter of intent.  People are very critical of something that reminds them of slavery, but let me tell you why I think that Planking is ok.

The "Christmas Tree" is found in millions of homes all over the world during the Christmas season.  Little do people know, that the Christmas tree originated from the Pagan religion, and was part of rituals. Most people don't know this fact, and their intent is for the tree is to decorate and be part of all the holiday cheer.  

The Easter bunny has nothing to do with the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In fact, the Easter bunny is a very ancient pre-Christian symbol of fertility due to its highly visible activity in Spring also coinciding with the arrival of eggs. The bunny or hare, was used in Hellenistic, Celtic and Germanic cultures. The Hare and eggs were fertility symbols of the Saxon moon goddess Eostre, after whom the festival takes its English name.  But during Easter, you can find bunnies in churches, homes, and baskets all over the world.

And last but not least, there's the wonderful "N word".  Now the word Nigger can be certainly traced back to slavery, discrimination, and overall disrespect of the African American race.  But by a slight change of spelling and pronunciation, "Nigga" has become a term of friendship and brotherhood in the African American community.

So if the Christmas Tree, the Easter Bunny, and the "N Word" is ok, then planking is ok.  If it is not your  intent to mock slavery or slaves ships, then Plank your heart out.  Plank on rooftops, plank on land.  I think we are too caught up on symbolism, imagery, and conspiracy theories right now.  Life is too short, have some darn fun!

"Why I Still Live With My Mama"

I knew this was coming, "you still at your mom's house"? Yeah, I know I'll be thirty next week, but who are you to down me?  I guess you got all your stuff together.

Yeah, I still live with my mom, but I got a job and a car.  I'm still with my mama cause I'm saving up for a house.  Still with my mama cause haven't found a spouse.


My daddy died in 88', what was I supposed to do? Leave mama all by herself?  You know she not getting around too good, mama's losing her health.

Plus you know I got that eviction back when I was in college, when my roommates bailed and stuck me with the rent.  They won't let me get an apartment unless I have the first month, last month, plus the deposit.

I got two jobs, and mama babysits when it's my weekend to have the baby.    You know at my second job I work nights, and the hours are crazy.


I still got a couple of months of my probation, so I might as well stay here til' that is over.   I don't want them coming to MY crib, knowing where I live.


After the date, we can't go back to my house. I know, I know, that's not a good look!  Oh, I forgot, it's one more reason I still live with my mama, cause your ass can't cook!

Breaking News?

Right now, the United States of America, and many other people of the world are celebrating the killing and the death of allegedly one of the most notorious terrorists in World history.

All over the media, you can read breaking news: The Death of Osama Bin Laden.  People are marching in the streets, lining up at the entrance of The White House, and spreading the news all over the world.

While some may view this as a victory and a grand achievement for the United States and "others" affected, I can't help but view this event from a universal principle perspective.

I see the celebration of killing, death, and violence over love, peace, and unity.  To simply put it, "a man reaps what he sows".

The death of one man won't solve all our problems, no matter how notorious and powerful he may have been.  What about all of his followers?  Violence brings violence.

This event just shows what our morals and values are as a country.

Could it be that we are being deceived?  Could this be a decoy for a larger plan?  What if instead of killing Osama Bin Laden we were able to spread The Kingdom of God to a region and impact the lives of those "involved"?

Let us celebrate unity, love, and peace.  The economy getting better is a thing to celebrate.

Breaking News! We are still in darkness, and celebrate death over celebrating life...

A Chick Named Sallie Mae

She is seductive, having a way with words and numbers.  Not to mince words, she's a whore;  You give her what she wants, and you will get what you want.

No respecter of person, she engages with the college students fresh out of high school, and those that are old enough to have grandchildren.  This chick has been with men and women from many different races and creeds.

A home wrecker, stress inducer, and the cause of many arguments.  She will even deal with you, your boyfriend, girlfriend, or spouse at the same time.

Should you ever stop giving her what she wants, she will call you on your cell phone, at home while you are eating dinner, or when you are trying to watch a movie.

Until you have given all of what she wants, you can't shake her, not even bankruptcy will get rid of her.

My advice is to think twice before you get in bed with this chick.   She is low down, she's dirty, she's slimy, this chick, this chick named Sallie Mae.

The Heart of Donna Wallace

A beautiful black woman, with a mean shoe game.  One who is always willing to help, no matter the situation or circumstance. That's the heart of Donna Wallace.

She is a jack of all trades, and a master of one; living as a reflection of the love of God.  A simple "hello beloved" from her will make you smile, but a conversation with her will leave a lasting impression for more than a little while.

She's a wife, a mother, and a close friend to so many, but gives you her attention, as if it is "all about you".  I've seen it time and time again, "Chief DL" saved the day.  If she kept a tab on favors, she would be due for a huge payday.

Today, I focus my attention to a person who is so humble that it will make you check yourself.  In fact, it took me three weeks to find a picture of her, and just like I figured, it wasn't by herself.

We don't celebrate our "everyday hero's" enough.  Good deeds get overlooked by "Charlie Sheen" headlines.  We don't have to wait until someone is old or dies to show appreciation on Blogs, Facebook, and Twitter time lines.

She's what I wanna be, when I "grow up". If you know her, meet her, or hold a conversation with her, you'll know exactly what I'm talking about.  A wonderful, loving soul, that will always be loved and appreciated by so many. That's the heart of Donna Wallace.

"Why I Used To Be..."

Here are some excerpts from my upcoming book, "Why I Used To Be..."


Are You A Christian?:
Christianity is the largest religion in the world.  Jesus Christ was not a religious man.  In fact, Jesus shunned, spoke against, and was persecuted and killed by religious leaders.


Religion vs Relationship:
How can we effectively help, save, or have meaningful relationships with those who need help, without crossing the divisive lines of our religious barriers.


The Mind Of Christ:
Jesus is my mentor and my older brother.  I follow him and want to be like him when I "wake up".  I am "waking up".

Ways To Save Money In 2011

 

Well, it's a new year and a new decade.  Thanksgiving has come and gone. And so has Christmas.  Hopefully, those of us who celebrate Christmas didn't "break the bank" and do too much damage this year with shopping.

I don't know about you, but one of my main goals for the new year is to tighten up on the budgeting and management of my finances.

Since the decline in the real estate market, and the economy as a whole, we have had to make some adjustments in the way we handle money and financial matters.

Here are some practical, yet proven ways to save money in 2011.  Some of these are so simple but not executed on a daily, weekly, or shoot--even a monthly basis.

Turn off the water.  When you brush your teeth in the morning, turn the water off in between brushing and rinsing.  I must admit, I was a notorious "water runner" when tackling daily tasks that involve water.  Also, turn off the water when doing other daily tasks like washing the car, doing the dishes, and the morning shave.  You will see a difference in your monthly or quarterly water bill.

Keep your car serviced.  A simple oil change goes a long way when it comes to saving money on repair costs.  Not only does it prevent costly repairs, but it improves on the gas mileage that your car gets.  The same thing goes for tire pressure.  A tire low on air decreases the miles per gallon that a car performs at.

Pay cash.  The old saying that "cash is king" is not just a saying, it is actually true!  Many companies offer discounts to customers paying cash because of the cost of accepting credit card payments.  Some credit card processing companies charge up to 5% to process credit card transactions, plus a monthly fee.  Also, it is much easier to negotiate with cash.  From everything from buying a house, to that "must have" handbag while on vacation, that cash money that "talks" can land you a deal.

Pay bills on time.  The average late fee on a cell phone or utility bill is $5.00 every time you go past the due date.  This may not seem like much, but with multiple bills spread out over the course of one year,  you can nickel and dime yourself into the "poor house".  Putting this money saving tip into practice can save you hundreds of dollars.  Also, if you pay cash for purchases, you won't forget to pay credit card bills on time, which will cost you on average $29.00 per late fee.

Drink water.  The romantic evening at a nice restaurant will be even better with a lower bill.   The average cost of drink at a restaurant is about $2.30 per drink.  Order you a nice dinner, and the water (with lemon) is free!  You'll actually feel better about going out to eat because you are spending less money while still doing what you want to do.

Hit the switch.  Turn off the lights in rooms that you are not sitting in or going to any time soon.  I started doing this about two years ago and I must say I am happy with the results.  Gas and electricity is something that we can't do without, but that doesn't mean that we have to waste it.  Utility bills are an ongoing expense that you can lower with some minor adjustments.

Keep the change.  When you go to the gas station for a pack of gum, put your change in your pocket instead of the change plate laying on the counter.  Also, pick up pennies and any other coins that you find laying on the ground.  Everybody is using plastic, but believe it or not, pennies still make dollars.  Before I go to sleep at night, I empty my pockets and put all my change in a jar on my dresser.  When the jar is full, I take it to the grocery store, put it in the counting machine, and it is usually enough money to go grocery shopping with.

Put these simple ways to save money into practice, and you will be well on your way to a better financial year in 2011!

Tips On How To Fund A Youth Speaker

Share the speaker with another school in your area on the same day. The speaker's fee is cut nearly in HALF for your school if you share them with another school. They can speak at your school in the morning and a neighboring school in the afternoon. The speaker speaks to more students, and you save money. Check with your school administration for funding from the Associated Student Body fund. For teacher in-service programs, ask about Staff Development. Plan to integrate and highlight the speaker into a major theme such as cultural awareness week, peace programs, etc... Depending on your theme, federal grant money might be available. For example, Agencies might approve a funding request for a speaker who addresses alcohol and drug prevention, sexual abstinence, tobacco use, teen pregnancy, gangs, crime and violence prevention. Check with your school district or federal government office to find out who has available funds in your state. Request an application form. Apply for other grant monies from your state by contacting your State Department of Human Services and State Department of Education. They can direct you to the correct office. Contact other local agencies in your county that already have grant monies from state agencies. For example, the Criminal Justice Department or Department of Public Safety might have distributed funds into mental health agencies or programs for mentoring youth. Contact your school's PTO or PTA. Share your plans with them. They are more likely to contribute funds for a well thought out plan. Have student leaders contact local business organizations: Rotary Club, Kiwanis, Lions Club, Elks, Chamber of Commerce. Present your plan and request their sponsorship. Contact several of your larger local businesses, especially those related to services for teens and their families. Ask for the owner, CEO or Community Services Department. If they are willing to help sponsor the speaker, you can exchange the favor by announcing their support to your students and parents.

"Are You Not Crazy Enough?"

"Are you crazy?"  It's a question that we have all heard before.  Some of us may have been asked this question and some may have asked others this question.

It's a question, when asked, that is usually followed by a stern warning, or some other kind of discouragement of the action being questioned.

You see, people normally don't like change.   Most thoughts, actions, and ideas that are outside of the "norm" aren't normally well received.  

Well, first of all, who said that "normal" was a good thing?  In fact, if you look at most successful people, you will find that most of them were crazy.  The "world as we know it" was molded and shaped by crazy people with crazy ideas.

It is my suggestion that in order to be successful you have to be a little crazy.  Crazy thoughts, plus crazy ideas, plus crazy actions, equals crazy results!

You would have to be crazy to drop out of Harvard University to start a company that sells a product for a device that most American families didn't have, but Bill Gates did it.

You would have to be crazy to pack up your family, jump on a boat, and move to a foreign land that you have never been to before.  But that is exactly what some of the most influential and famous immigrants who have shaped our country did.

You would have to be absolutely bonkers to move across the country, sleep in your car, and not know where your next meal was coming from.  But Jim Carrey did it. Tyler Perry did it.   And so did many of the actors, singers, and artists the we enjoy today.

For the most part, everybody wants to "make it".  We all want to be successful, accomplish our goals, and see our dreams.  Whether it is being rich and famous or simply being happy.  So what's stopping us?  Are our ideas too crazy?  Are our dreams too far fetched?  What goal seems far from ever being reached?

What I am suggesting is that many of us are not crazy enough!  Not crazy enough to leave.  Not crazy enough to start that business.  Not crazy enough to just do "it"!

The problem may not be that you are crazy. The problem may be that you are not crazy enough!

"Michael Vick Perseverance"

Michael Vick

Perseverance- It means to persist; to keep moving forward in a course of action, in spite of difficulties, discouragements, or obstacles.

I don't know about you, but I love a good comeback story.  Something or someone that you can relate to, that is inspiring.  In my quest to encourage and inspire others myself, I am able to make some wonderful discoveries of people and events that are life changing, to say the very least.

In the midst of all the doom and gloom in the media about how bad the economy is, the crimes and scandals, and other sad news, we desperately need some good news sometime.  A quiet (or loud) reminder that it is not all bad, and motivation to keep moving forward.

There is no stronger motivator, or what I call "the source of motives", than love and passion.  We all need what I call,"Michael Vick Perseverance".

The story of an NFL quarterback, who had the drive and determination to make one of the biggest comebacks in American history.

Michael Vick is an NFL football player for the Philadelphia Eagles football team.  He is one of the most talented players to ever play the game.  Vick played college football at Virginia Tech, where as a freshman he placed third in the Heisman Trophy balloting. He left after his sophomore year to enter the NFL and was drafted first overall by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2001 NFL Draft. He became the first African-American quarterback to be selected first overall in an NFL Draft. In six seasons with the Falcons, he gained wide popularity for his performance on the field, and led the Falcons to the playoffs twice. Vick ranks second among quarterbacks in career rushing yards.

But in August 2007, he pleaded guilty to federal charges of illegal dog fighting, and served 21 months in prison, followed by two months in home confinement. He lost his NFL salary, he lost product endorsement deals, and combined with previous financial mismanagement, Vick filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in July 2008. Falcons owner Arthur Blank did not want Vick on the Falcons, and after attempts to trade him failed, Vick was released.

But Vick had perseverance and drive.  He signed with the Philadelphia Eagles and was reinstated in Week 3 of the 2009 season.  


<sup>This season, Vick is on track to be the most valuable player, make it to the pro bowl, and lead his team to the playoffs.  He regularly speaks to youth about making good choices in life. 

Despite of difficulties, obstacles, and discouragements,  he kept moving forward.  With a love and passion, (and God given talent) for the game of football as his motive, the world now has a story of one of the greatest comebacks and examples of perseverance ever told.

And that is what we need to have.  We need to have "Michael Vick Perseverance".  I'm sure that their were times where Vick wanted to give up.  Times where he threw up his hands and said, "what else can go wrong"? But he persisted and kept moving forward.  

So what's your difficulty?  A breakup or divorce? What's your discouragement? A failed business? What's your obstacle? Foreclosure? A bankruptcy?  Keep moving forward! Use "Michael Vick Perseverance"!</sup>

"The Invisible Box" (Called Limitation)

A box.  Have you ever felt boxed in?  To be boxed in is to be shut into a small space, preventing free movement.  It can be in a mental way, such as thoughts or beliefs, or it can be in a physical way, such as boxed in a corner.  A physical wall can be seen, touched, and felt.  It can be observed from a far.  Someone or something that is boxed in, can be observed from the outside looking in.

But what about the invisible box?  What about the boxes or the things that prevent free movement in our minds? What is the invisbible box? I has a name. And the name is limitation.  The invisible box is the mental limitations that we put on ourselves, our lives, and our potential.  It’s a limited or lower way of thinking that prevents us from going beyond normal, common, and just existing.

A good example of an invisible box is the fish bowl example. If you put a fish in a fish bowl and put a glass divider in the middle, the fish will try to swim to the other side.  But the glass divider separating the sides prevents the fish from getting to the other side. The fish will try repeatedly to get to the other side, then after a while give up.  Even if you remove the divider the fish will not try to go to the other side, because it has conditioned it’s mind that it can’t get on the other side.

We do the same thing with our minds.  Nobody has to enslave us. Nobody has to trap us.  Nobody has to put us in a box because we do it oursleves with our own thoughts.  The box is invisible, but it is there.  We can see racism, divisions, and oppression that other things put us in, but we fail to see the invisible box that we put ourselves in.

It’s an illusion.  The mental limitations that we put ourselves in are a paper thin image.  The invisible box is the manifestation of fear; false evidence appearing real.

What’s your box? What are some of the  invisible boxes that we put ourselves in? We must free ourselves of the good or bad opinion of others.  We must realize that we are not the product of  bad circumstances or events that we gone through.

We have to break out of the invisible box!  To do this, we must change our thinking from I want, to I can.  And from I can, to I will.  And last, from I will, to I am!

We are the offspring of God.  We need to become more aware of our connection to God, our source, and everything, and everyone around us.  With God, (being connected to our Source) all things are possible.

The invisible box can be removed by raising your level of consciousness of being connected to God, everything, and everyone.  Remove the box today!

"The Power Of One"

The power of one.  Books have been written about it. Songs have been made about it. Movies have hit the box office with this concept as the underlying inspiration.

The power of one has changed lives around the world. A concept so strong, so powerful that without it, the world as we know it, would not exist.

What is the power of one?  It's the will, drive, and determination of one person to make a difference.  It's the passion, perseverance, and persistence to accomplish a goal.

Jackie Robinson had the power of one.  The courage to step forward.  A passion and drive to go against the grain.  The first African American to play major league baseball had the power of one.  Through the power of one man, major league baseball is what it is today.

Thomas Edison had the power of one.  If it wasn't for this one inventor, scientist, and businessman; technology and energy would not be what is is today.

Jesus Christ had the power of one.  Because of one man, a universal school of thought exists all over the world.

One person can change a life. One person can change an organization.  It only takes the influence of one person to motivate a generation and start a movement.

Everyone has their hero. That special person that inspired them to be, do, or love something that has a lasting impression their life.

For me, that special person was my uncle, Winford Taylor.  He was that special person that I looked up to when I was young.   I watched his life. I looked at his moves. I listened to his words.  He inspired me to be a Realtor, Investor, and Entrepreneur.  He inspired me to be a Father, a Husband, and a Provider.  If it wasn't for "the power of one", my life wouldn't be what is it today.

In addition to "the power of one" I am also a firm believer of "paying it forward".  We have to realize that we have "the power of one" also, and the responsibility of "paying it forward".

One speech can change a life.  One quote could inspire a generation.  One book can start a movement.  I am committed to "the power of one!'

"Our Dreams Are Worth It!"

 

At one time or another everybody has, will have, or has had a dream. A dream is a goal, a plan, or a vision of what you would like to have, be, or achieve in your life.

I have always been a dreamer. For as long as I can remember, I could always close my eyes and imagine what the future could hold for my life.

Now some people think that having a dream is a waste of time, or something that can never be obtained. Many because of difficulties, discouragements, and obstacles have even given up on their dreams.

But in the back of our heads, no matter how far or distant that dream my now seem, it still exists. And every now and then a picture, a commercial, or conversation reminds us of our dream.

We often ask ourselves the question, "what would my life be like if I would have done that?" Or make statements like, "I used to want to be that".

Is your dream worth pursuing? Is it worth the time to even consider in this time period and present state of the economy? Will people "get" your dream? With everything that has happened in your life, is it really worth it?

Let me tell you about my dream. My dream will allow me to do what I love, and to love what I do. My dream will allow me to provide for my wife and children, and their children. My dream will help the world live a better quality of life on a daily basis. My dream will teach, motivate, and inspire others to pursue and reach their dreams.

I have determined and decided that my dream is worth it. Our dreams are always worth it. Contrary to popular belief, we are not the product of our circumstances. No circumstance is never enough to give up on our dreams.

Today, let us put one foot in front of the other and see our dreams. We are worth it!

"The Incredible Edible Egg"

"The Incredible Edible Egg"

The incredible edible egg is hard on the outside, soft on the inside. Its inner contents are very valuable and beneficial. One egg has 13 essential vitamins and minerals, as well as a high quality source of protein.

The incredible edible egg is protected by its outer shell. Often that shell is placed in a package to protect is delicate contents. The egg is eaten, and enjoyed by many people everyday. It can be scrambled, boiled, or even eaten raw. This valuable source of food can be added with many other ingredients to make many things.

One of the most famous uses of the egg is during Easter. During this holiday people color, dye, and decorate eggs. They put them in baskets, and have Easter egg hunts with them.

My favorite egg is the hard boiled egg. A boiled egg is placed in hot boiling water until its inner contents become hard. When this happens, then the outer shell is cracked, peeled off, and is eaten.
People are like eggs. We need to come out of our shells and feed the world with what is on the inside of us. All of us have gifts, talents, and abilities on the inside of us. We have greatness on the inside of us. But we are afraid to come out of our shells. Our shells are our outer appearance, our jobs, and our associations. Our shells are our apprehensions and our places of comfort ability.

Our "boiling water" is the trials, difficulties, and discouragements we face in life. This boiling water is producing a product on the inside that would not be, if not placed in this position.

You see, the world is waiting to "eat" or receive the gifts, talents, and abilities that are on the inside of us. Solutions, cures, and inventions are on the inside of us. In our shells are great businesses, books, songs, and many more great things.

But many are afraid to come out of their shells. Scared to expose what is on the inside. So they hide behind the color of insecurity, the dye of mediocrity, and the decorations of the temporal things.
Come out of your shell today. The world is starving for what is on the inside of you. We are incredible edible eggs.