Make Time

I write this morning with a heavy and broken heart. Last night I learned that an older member from my church passed away during the week. While I knew she was sick, I still didn’t think it was “that bad.” However, my pain comes from the fact that my dad had visited with her about a month ago. While there he texted me saying that she had asked for me and said my mom and I should visit her. I said I would visit and had all intentions of going, but I never made it to her. It would either slip my mind or something else would come up. Now my chance is no longer there.

My message to you this morning is – “Make Time.”

We are all busy and sometimes life does get in the way. My best advice for that is, do what you have to as soon as possible. People are way more important than things. Yes, we need our jobs to pay bills and continue with our daily living, but what good is the job and its financial benefits if we aren’t able to embrace and enjoy those around us. As Jesus preached, He also made time to heal the sick and spend time with children. Even when His disciples tried to turn the mothers away and tell them that Jesus was too busy, He told them to, “Suffer the little children unto me.”

I don’t have my chance anymore to talk and joke with Leanna Miller; she has gone to sleep in Jesus. I do however, have many others to spend time with and so do you. Make time and take time to for those around you. Life is a gift to be used; unwrap the pretty paper and play.


Happy Sabbath.

Watch Your Shadow

I spent most of this week in the company of a 2 year-old. As a smart, active child, she had no problem telling me what she wanted to watch and when I should color with her. But something interesting happened yesterday morning. After making her breakfast, with the eggs that she requested, I sat next to her on the floor to eat. I placed her bowl in between her legs and gave her a fork. I then held my plate in my hand and started to eat. Next thing I knew, she was also trying to balance her bowl in her hand. She became frustrated, as she was unable to do what I was doing. I then noticed her crossing her legs, because I had also crossed my legs. I eventually had to place my plate on the floor and eat, in order for her to be satisfied with the placement of the bowl and finish eating her breakfast.

While I’ve been aware for many years that children copy our actions, and I’ve heard them repeat phrases originally said by adults, it was interesting to see this little one in action. I actually thought it was a bit amusing. At the same time, she does have a mind of her own, which she has no problem using. She tells me when she wants to color and if she isn’t going to sit in the couch. She has no problem telling me “no” or that I moved her shoes.

My message to you this morning is – “Watch Your Shadow.”

Like our shadow, there is always someone close watching and imitating what we do, whether it’s a 3ft. small human or a 5ft teenager. Our words and actions are being watched by impressionable minds, and like our shadow, we may not always remember they are around. It is important that we do what we say, as others, especially teens, have no problem reminding us of times when our words and actions differed.


As you go through this day, remember to watch your shadow, you never know who’s watching you cross your legs.

Dream Deferred

What happens to a dream deferred?

Does it dry up 

like a raisin in the sun? 
Or fester like a sore-- 
And then run? 
Does it stink like rotten meat? 
Or crust and sugar over-- 
like a syrupy sweet?

Maybe it just sags 
like a heavy load.

Or does it explode?

Everyday someone has a dream that ends up deferred. Whether it’s a teenage girl who has become pregnant or a young man expected to take care of the house because his father is incarcerated. Maybe it’s the 9 year-old attending school in the South Bronx, who’s told by his teacher that he won’t amount to anything; or the 19 year-old who witnessed her best friend being murdered. For every person that has the ability to carry out their dream, there’s another whose dream is being blurred or taken away. While we aren’t able to blink and change the world, we can extend a hand and touch a heart. If each one reaches one, we are moving in the right direction.

My brother, who coaches the jr. basketball league, is showing those boys that someone cares enough to spend time with them on a weekly basis. My friends, who are Social Workers, are showing those children and families that they care and want to see them on the right track again. My friend, who’s a mentor and “Big Brother,” is showing his “Little Brother,” that hard work and perseverance does pay off.

Yes, some dreams are deferred because of life circumstances, but that doesn’t mean they should be forgotten. The definition of deferred is “to put off” not “to put away.” Let’s do our part to ensure some dreams become reality and not sag around, “like a heavy load.”

The Dream Remembered

Fifty years ago, on this date he stood at a podium on the National Mall and gave a riveting speech. It wasn't done for praise, pomp or to boost his ego. He spoke about something that was near and dear to his heart - a change that he wanted to see, and believed was possible in the country of his birth. He let outsiders into his dream and hoped they would share the desire and work to make it a reality. 

Fifty years ago, thousands of individuals gathered to hear this speech. They held hands and marched for a common cause - equality. Some were lighter than others, older than others, but the differences didn't matter. The importance was in the message. It was a peaceful march, it was a memorable march.

Fifty years later and here we are as a nation doing the "two-step," (progressing and regressing). We move forward with college availability and backwards with education accessibility and equality. Dr. King fought for blacks to be treated with dignity and today’s rappers seem to glorify misogyny. If we don’t do our part, an entire generation will be lost to “twerking,” “sagging pants,” and the inability to form sentences without “txtn shrtcts.”

 We need to work harder at the dream, before it becomes vaporized into the abyss of mediocre living. We need to work harder on being positive role models for those who we nurture. We need to do our part, because the dream is still not a reality.   

Love Your Neighbor

She was a mean looking old lady. She never really smiled at anyone; she just sat in her chair on the veranda and looked up and down the block. Now that I’m older, I realize it had something to do with the change in racial demographics of “her” neighborhood. The Jamaicans were taking over and my family had moved in next door (and you know we roll deep). The adults worked hard and all the children were in school. But I guess that didn’t help change the fact that we were different and she was a grouch.

I don’t remember her having many visitors, only a son, who would stop by on the weekend. This meant that the old Italian lady would struggle with her garbage and lawn regularly. She was about 90 years old, pulling out garbage cans that were about the same height and weight as she was. Then one day, I remember seeing her struggle with her garbage and I asked my mom if I could help her. I was about 8 at the time, not much bigger than the woman, but thought I could help. When I approached her, she didn’t refuse the help and said “thank you” afterwards. In the winter, I remember seeing my dad and uncle shovel the snow from in front of her house, even though she had been unkind and I believe even called the police on us.

My message to you this morning is – “Love your Neighbor.”

It isn’t an easy thing to do, especially when a person is unkind to us. But as my mother says, “kill them with kindness.” Eventually (hopefully), something nice will rub off and they’ll at least say “hello.” Some individuals are grumpy because they are lonely. If we take the time to be a friend, their attitude may change. Others may have had a bad experience and now judge everyone based on that single incident. If it’s only one chance you have to influence someone, make it a positive one.

Be sure you make the difference, not cause the ignorance.

Wait for the Walking Man

Have you ever been to the corner of “What’s” and “Next?” That place in our lives when we aren’t sure what the next step should be. That corner, where for some the crossing signal seems to illuminate faster than it does for others. We finish high school or college, get married, start a new job, buy a home, then we reach this corner and scratch our heads wondering what comes next.

It becomes frustrating, as you ponder when you’ll be able to cross the street. You question, “When will the ‘walking man’ shine and allow me to get to the other side and move on with my life?” Others appear to be crossing and moving forward, but you remain stagnant. You step out prematurely and end up rushing back to the safety of the sidewalk, as a car rushes by. But eventually, when the time is right for you, the “walking man” appears and leads you safely across.

My message to you this morning is – “Wait for the Walking Man.”

The walking man and hand symbols, serve a purpose in helping people cross the street safely. Some take the chance and don’t wait for the appropriate signal, which puts them in harm’s way. This isn’t only done when crossing the street, but also in dealing with life. Sometimes we move faster than we’re supposed to, engaging in unhealthy relationships, taking a job that we shouldn’t or making a purchase that we should have waited on.

While it may not come quickly, the benefits of waiting for the “walking man” are great. When it’s your time to cross, you’ll get what is truly yours. It may take some time and your patience may grow thin, but I guarantee that the wait will be worth it. Just trust the symbol, and the “walking man” will move you forward. 

"Realize the Dream March and Rally"

Yesterday, yesterday, yesterday… was a historic day. Tens of thousands of people gathered in Washington DC for the 50^th anniversary of the March on Washington. Young and old, white and black, upper, middle and lower class individuals came together to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech. It was called the “Realize the Dream March and Rally.” Speeches were given by Martin Luther King III, Rev. Al Sharpton, and the families of the late Emmit Till and Travyon Martin, amongst others.

This march was done to help recognize how far America has come, but also to bring to light how far the country still has to go. The dream has not been completely realized, but it has been recognized. While Barack Obama serves his second term as the first black president of the US, media and entertainment industries continue to negatively portray minorities. We must take action!

Talk is cheap and action takes guts. We cannot sit idly criticizing the downward spiral of our communities. It is our duty to help realize the dream, by becoming mentors, activists and community changers. The progress that has been achieved in the last 50 years was due to the call to action of Dr. King, Rosa Parks and countless others. In order for there to be another 50 years of progress we have to do our part.

We’re able, because someone took the time. Now let’s take the time for someone else.

Health and Wllness - Day #5 (Health with Juice Plus)

“Health and Wellness” week is wrapping up here at Conscience Awakening and the Morning Motivator. I hope you were able to get something from my messages this week, and will use them to get healthier and in better shape.

I know fitness and healthy eating is a struggle for many of us, but the long term benefits are great. Start with a small goal and increase your “health intake” as your commitment level also increases. Trying to do too much at once is more likely to work against you than for you.

About two months ago, a friend of mine introduced me to a product called Juice Plus, which I have started taking. It falls under the “healthy eating” category, as it helps provide me with the daily recommended serving of fruits and veggies (no juicing required). One of the first benefits that I noticed was its help with my digestive system, it also triggered something in me to want to eat better. I’ve found it to be a great product, which is why I’m sharing it with you. Feel free to check out this website (www.ssmith1.juiceplus.com) for more information, or you can contact me directly.

As we close out this work week, I hope you have a happy Friday.

*Special shout-out to my cousins who celebrated their birthdays this week – Owen and Donna. Also, a big “CONGRATULATIONS” to my friends Manuela and Jhonny, who are jumping the broom later today. 

Health and Wellness - Day #4 (Keep Calm and Woosa)

We all know that stress plays a major role in healthy living. An unhealthy work environment, family problems and bills are all factors that can raise a person’s stress level and create an unhealthy situation. Stress can lead to major medical issues, such as heart problems. It can also contribute to weight gain, as some people tend to eat more and exercise less when they are going through a tough time. Even though stressors are a part of life, we don’t have to make stress a daily routine.

Here are some ways to relieve stress:

-          “Woosah” – taken from the “Bad Boys” movie, this technique requires one to rub their ear lobes and repeat the phrase “woosah” until they calm down

-          Spend time in meditation - for a period of time, forget about the world and focus on things, people and places that make you happy and calm.

-          Play with a baby/child - this will bring a smile to anyone’s face.

-          Remove yourself - sometimes walking away from a bad situation is the best way to turn your stress level down.

-          Focus on the positive - though it isn’t always easy to see, there is a light at the end of the tunnel, even if it’s just your flashlight reflecting back at you.

-          Talk to someone - you should have at least one trusting person, who you can call and talk to, without feeling more stressed by the end of the conversation.

Try not to let stress weigh you down, as it will bring your weight up.

Health and Wellness - Day #3 (Premium or Regular)

When a person buys a car one of the first things they are informed of is the grade of gas that is needed to keep the car running smoothly. While a higher grade than is required, can be used to fuel a vehicle, there can be very negative and costly problems if the owner uses a grade that is lower than what is required. Putting regular gas in a car that requires premium will cause it to sputter and drag, causing problems with the transmission and other parts. However, if you were to put plus grade into a car that only requires regular, you would notice the car driving smoother and maybe even burning less gas.

The same thing goes for our bodies. It is important that we fuel it with plus or premium grade gas, and stay away from regular as much as possible. Premium does costs more (trust me, I know), and it may not be financially feasible to buy everything organic or from Whole Foods, but we have to do our best to give our bodies the healthy nutrition that it needs. There are some small, healthy changes we can make starting on our next food shopping trip. Here are a few options:

-          Don’t go for the “low sugar” or “no sugar” options. These products tend to contain fake sugar or aspartame which is no good for our bodies.

-          Beef up your salads with spinach, romaine lettuce and other leafy greens. While iceberg may be less expensive (there’s a reason for that), it doesn’t contain the same nutritional value as its other leafy counterparts.

-          Instead of Cheez-Doodles or potato chips, try blue corn tortilla chips.

-          Need a healthy and tasty snack for the kids or to munch on at work? Try dried cranberries (they’re actually quite good, I’ve tried them), granola bars or carrot sticks.

While these changes may be difficult to make in the beginning, I’m sure your body will thank you for it in the long run. Start small, Rome wasn’t built in a day so I’m not expecting any miracles here. The same we take care of our cars, let’s remember to also care for our bodies.

Premium or regular, which one will you choose? 

Health and Wellness - Day #2 (What to Drink?)

We all know that water is a vital part of healthy living, yet many of us have a hard time consuming the daily recommended “eight 8oz glasses.” The fact of the matter is water is in all fluids that we take in. Just be mindful that a number of juices on the market are made of food coloring, sugar and water, they have no nutritional value. Some healthy alternatives to water include unsweetened iced tea, fruit juice (not fruit drinks) and milk.

 If you find plain water to be a drag, try adding some fresh fruit. My favorite is lemon, as it also provides alkaline for your body, which is important. You can also use fresh cucumber, kiwi or orange slices. While I consume a fair amount of water in the days, I do enjoy something sweet as well. Personally, I have started to use juice as a treat. If I drink a certain amount of water in the day, then I can treat myself to a glass of juice in the evening.

It all starts with one step, take your step today.

Health and Welness - Day 1

This week I am focusing on health and wellness. While I enjoy stimulating your minds, I believe it is also important to help stimulate your bodies as well. According to research, it is recommended that at least 30 minutes of cardio, 3 times a week can be extremely beneficial to your health. Instead of taking the elevator, take the stairs. Walk for your lunch, instead of ordering and having it delivered. Dust off your helmet and go for a bike ride. Take your kids to the park, while the weather is still nice and run around with them. If you have a pedometer, dust it off and see how many steps you take today. Challenge yourself to take a few more steps each day.

Let’s get fit!! I challenge you, I support you!

YOU CAN DO IT!!!!!

Run Like Joseph

Many years ago while on vacation in Jamaica, my best friend and I decided to go for a walk, while visiting my grandparents’ house. As we travelled down the road, we passed a cow grazing in the pasture. We passed Mr. Cow without a problem and continued with our walk. We reached the end of the road, or at least as far as were willing to venture, and started heading back to the house. As we turned, I heard a sound and took off running. Not asking any questions but seeing me running, my friend was right in tow. (Being from NY, we knew better than to stop and investigate.)

 We ran right to this house, through the front gate and onto the veranda. Of course, two young girls running and out of breath caused our parents to wonder what had happened, but we didn’t have to give them an answer. As we reached the veranda and turned around, there was Mr. Cow trotting down the road behind us. He then stopped at the front gate, looked at everyone then turned and walked away.

To this day, whenever the story comes up we are asked why we ran. We tell them because we were being chased. Of course our families find this to be one of the funniest stories ever. I also think it’s one of the reasons why my best friend has yet to return to Jamaica, LOL.

My message to you this morning is – “Run Like Joseph”

In the Bible, is the story of Joseph and how he fled after being seduced by his master’s (Potiphar) wife. Joseph was in such a haste to get out of the situation, he literally ran out of his coat.

Not every bad situation requires us to run and leave clothing behind, but it is important that we know when to run. Too many times we try to investigate, manipulate or contemplate whether or not we need to remove ourselves from a compromising situation, which leaves us vulnerable and sometimes in danger. There are times when we may only hear a “sound,” and we need to know to take off running in the other direction.

It’s better to run to safety and realize Mr. Cow wasn’t going to harm you, than to stay and be trampled. 

PSA

May this day bring you peace. May you find the ability to do more than usual and touch a heart other than your own. Make today better than yesterday, with hopes of tomorrow being even better. You are capable of great things. You are a great thing, a being with the power to move mountains and accomplish whatever you put your mind to do. It all starts with you.

Don’t worry about the naysayers; their negativity is fuel to push you forward. Encircle yourself with fellow positive thinkers, those who want to move forward and are making strides in that direction. You can do anything. You can be anything.

This is your Public Service Announcement from Morning Motivator.

Happy Feet

I’m sure most, if not all of you have at least heard of the movie Happy Feet. While I adore the character of Mumble and his fellow penguin friends, I am quite disturbed that his walking style has been adopted by so many young men in society. You know what I am referring to, teenage and young adult males, in some cases females as well, purposely placing their pants under their bottoms and calling that fashion. Underwear should now be renamed shorts, as their visibility to all no longer makes the style and color a secret only the owner knows.

Worse than the visible underwear however, is the new style of walking that these low-riding pants have created. Legs permanently spread in order to prevent the pants from falling, creating a shuffling movement by the owner, similar to those of a penguin. Their posture has also changed to a slouching position, as standing erect would cause the pants to fall.

While this style is not limited to any one racial group (see picture above), media coverage does portray its prominence in minority communities. Because of this, it is important that we teach our young men to break the mold and be different. It’s not about “selling out” or “acting white,” it’s about presenting ourselves in a manner than is respectable and demands respect. We can’t change the color of our skin, but how we dress and act can help to change a person’s viewpoint of us.

In Happy Feet, Mumble was different from the other penguins because he couldn’t sing to attract a mate. Instead he was gifted with the talent of tap dancing. Others made fun of him and were afraid that he wouldn’t get a mate, but in the end he found someone who loved him for who he us. As we interact with teens, let us remind them that there is nothing wrong with being different and standing out from the crowd. Like Mumble, that may be the way they discover their true talent.

Stand Your Ground

I remember being in the 3^rd of 4^th grade and getting in trouble for something I didn’t do. We were lined and returning to the classroom after lunch, when my teacher gave the instructions, “no talking.” Of course, right behind me two students started and whisper and the teacher heard them. While her ears were good enough to hear them talking, they weren’t good enough for her to realize that I wasn’t one of the talking students. I was found guilty and informed that before going to recess I would have to write “lines.” I told the teacher that I wasn’t the one that was talking, but she wouldn’t listen to me. As we returned to the classroom and were given our “lines” to write, I sat there upset. After all, I was being punished for something I didn’t do.

The teacher told us that once we completed our “lines” we could go to recess, but I refused to accept punishment for something I didn’t do. She even went as far as saying, “Well Simone, sometimes the good have to suffer for the bad.” That day I wasn’t going to suffer for anyone or anything I didn’t do. I stood behind my decision, didn’t write the “lines” and missed recess. When I went home that evening I told my parents what happened. They listened and told me sometimes the good do get mixed in with the bad, but that doesn’t mean you have to consent to a punishment you don’t deserve.

My message to you this morning is – “Stand Your Ground.”

I know for many of you, your first thought with this phrase is the George Zimmerman trial. While his actions were questionable, the idea is notable. We have to stand firmly in our beliefs. We can’t allow ourselves to be swayed by the crowd or emotions that engulf us in the moment. I could have easily written the lines, just to go and play during recess. But I guarantee my willingness to concede would have been seen as guilt in the eyes of the teacher. Instead I stood my ground, firmly stating that I had been wrongly accused.

Never give in to anything, “just because.” It may seem simple this time around, but the next time may be a bigger matter with more meaning and moral weight attached to your response. Teach the younger generation to stand firmly as well. Though our young black men are being profiled, encourage them to stand out differently, by pulling up their pants and not looking and walking like penguins in Happy Feet.

Looking like the crowd makes it easier to be labeled as the crowd.  

Family First

When I was a student studying in Jamaica, I would always look forward to the 3^rd and 4^th week in January. Impatiently I would sit in class waiting for a text message to come through, informing me that the bus had arrived at the dental clinic on campus. I looked forwarded to that message, not only because of the wonderful service I knew the volunteers would give to the children, but because I would get to see my aunt and cousin. My freedom was coming; at least for the weekend I would be able to escape Mandeville and the lizards who shared my room with me (even though I paid all the rent).

As the volunteers finished their work in Mandeville, I would have the privilege of traveling with them onto the next stop – Montego Bay. For the weekend, my aunt and cousin would spoil me with an all-inclusive hotel stay, which meant drinks by the beach and food that I didn’t have to cook. My cousin and I would also get in trouble for “almost” missing dinner, but we won’t get into that, LOL. When the weekend was over and it was time for me to return to school, they would take me to the “bus depot” and leave me with cab fare and lunch money for the week – something I was always appreciative of.

My message to you this morning is – “Family First.”

We all have our challenges, but when push comes to shove family is there. I know not all families may function like mine. (If you think I’m crazy, there are a lot more of us.)But at the end of the day, who you call family are the individuals who remember you, laugh at you, protect you, kill roaches for you and love you no matter what.

Remember, family and loyalty first. All else comes after.

* Special birthday shout out to Auntie “G” and Ang, who I know read this every morning. Thanks for always looking out for me.

100 Years

Today I have the privilege of attending someone’s 100^th birthday celebration. This definitely is a remarkable milestone!

As we go through each day, let us take into consideration our daily actions. Think about how they will impact our lives if we live for 100 years. Will they be beneficial to us beyond the moment in which they exist, or only for that short period of time? While technology has spoiled us with instant gratification, we must remember that our lives and reputation go on for much longer.

If you live for 100 years, will your past actions be worth the celebration?

Compassion

In this fast paced world, some of us have become so wrapped up in ourselves that we have forgotten to care for others. Not only the strangers that we pass on the street, but also the individuals in our families, who we interact with regularly. While it is imperative that we take time for ourselves and ensure we are feeling good, it is also important that we care for those around us.

This afternoon I’ll be participating in an event in the Bronx – Bronx Compassion Sabbath. Young people from a few churches will get together at Crotona Park South for a free concert. In addition, they’ll be giving out free hugs, prayers and blood pressure readings. For some, it may sound like a simple and meaningless task, but for those in need of “compassion” it is quite meaningful. If you are in the Bronx area around 4:30pm, feel free to join us. If not, plan a “compassion” activity of your own.

The sun is shining brightly in NY today. Make sure you share that brightness with someone who may be feeling gloomy on the inside.

You’ve been tagged with “compassion,” now go share it.

Happy Sabbath.

Where's the Water

Have you ever built a sand structure with a child? I’m sure your desire to help them, came after watching them repeatedly fill their bucket with sand, turn it over and watch the structure crumble. Again and again, they would fill their bucket with sand, wondering why they couldn’t get the sand to keep the form of the structure they were attempting to build. Finally, you would step in and introduce them to one extra ingredient – water. Instead of getting the sand that was around them, you would instruct the child to go to the shoreline and fill their bucket with wet sand.

Oh, the joy on their faces. As you took the bucket of wet sand from their hands and turned it over. Slowly removing it and revealing a structure that did not crumble. You are the best! You came in and saved their beach experience, by introducing them to wet sand. They are now able to build sand castles and bury someone, thanks to “surface tension,” the process of water molecules sticking to each grain of sand and then to each other.

My message to you this morning is – “Where’s the Water?”

We have all had our “dry sand” experience. Trying to hold ourselves together with the knowledge we have, only to be torn done because nothing was truly holding us together. Sections may hold, for a moment, but no true bonds are formed. Not until water comes in the picture, do things start to stick together and make sense. The negativity that was keeping our lives crumbled and apart loses traction as water (Jesus) comes in the picture and starts to hold us together.

So, where’s the water? At the shoreline, waiting for you to pick it up and add it to your dry sand life.

PSA #2 - Sleeping at Work

This is your Public Service Announcement from the Morning Motivator.

Be mindful of taking naps at work. While it is something done by many, not all have mastered the art form. Failing to do so, could lead to problems in your workplace. Examples include, getting caught by your boss, having your picture taken and posted to Facebook and/or snoring, frightening yourself and making matters worse than they really are.

If you do decide to take a nap, here are some tips/techniques you can use.

1-      If you have your own office, close and lock your door before falling asleep. This way you won’t be surprised and anyone wanting to enter has to knock first.

2-      If you share an office, make sure you and your officemate are on good terms. You always need an ally to talk loudly and wake you up if anyone is coming down the hall.

3-      If your back is to the door, nap with your hands on the keyboard. Once you hear any sound, start typing.

4-      Complain of a stomach ache and grab a power nap in one of the bathroom stalls.

* All of the above techniques have been tested and approved.

This has been your Morning Motivator and Daily Laugh.

"Who's Your Ride or Die?"

One of my favorite colloquial terms is “ride or die.” It refers to an individual who sticks besides a friend or significant other, no matter the circumstance. It’s about loyalty and being there for someone, regardless of the situation. While the term is sometimes associated with negative behaviors, such as a female being a “ride or die chick” to her drug dealing boyfriend, there is also a positive spin to the phrase.

But let’s look at the “ride or die chick.” This female will usually do any and everything needed to keep her drug dealing boyfriend safe. If police question her, she knows nothing. If they show up at the house to do a search, she helps hide the goods. If a rival is looking for him, she sends a heads-up call or text. Many times she knows her boyfriend’s activities aren’t right, but she stands beside him anyways. She is loyal, she is his “ride or die chick.”

My message to you this morning is – “Who’s Your Ride or Die?”

While our actions may not be illegal, we do things that we shouldn’t. They go contrary to our personal and/or religious beliefs. We claim to want one thing, yet live lives that speak of something else. Our only chance for survival is by having a “ride of die.” The best one there is – Jesus.

 Every day He watches our back and keeps going to the Father, asking for forgiveness on our behalf. We don’t deserve His service or loyalty, yet He does it without complaining. Better than any mortal being could ever do for us.

I have the best “ride or die” homey there is. How about you?

Don't Forget the Hot Stove

A partner to forgiveness is forgetfulness. They are usually paired together in the idiom – “Forgive and forget.” While I believe every situation should be forgiven, as it helps with the healing process, not all should be forgotten; as forgetting may allow the incident to take place again and again. Think of a child who touches a hot stove. If they forget that putting their hand where a flame exists will cause them to get burned, they’ll continually experience the same pain. How many times does one need to get burned before remembering to stay away from a hot stove?

My message to you this morning is – “Don’t Forget the Hot Stove.”

 Not all incidents are reoccurring, which is why we need to forgive and not dwell on the past. But for those mind-damaging circumstances, it is important that we remember their origin, in order to prevent ourselves from experiencing the same pain time and time again. We can’t allow ourselves to live in ignorance and be vulnerable to constant suffering. We have to remember the hot stove, so the next time around we proceed with caution.

Take the Monkey off Your Back

Forgiveness is a trait that many of us struggle with. We say we forgive someone, but the minute we get a chance to bring up “reminders,” we do exactly that. Phrases such as, “remember last time” plague our tongues as we fail to move forward and truly leave the past behind us. When we do this, we’re not only reopening a wound for the other person, but we’re also picking at our own scab. Constant rehashing of prior wounds keeps one in a place of negativity and constant past living.

When we say that we have forgiven someone, we must do exactly that. The same way Jesus says He has forgiven us and thrown our sins to the deepest part of the seas, we need to follow the same example. Keeping hurt, guilt and “bad mind” against another destroys our being. Find a person who is sad and miserable, and more likely than not they are holding a grudge against another. Their entire person has become drained of life, due to the inability to forgive.  Many times without the offending party even being aware of the damage they have caused.

My message to you this morning, is simply – “Take the Monkey off Your Back”

See how much lighter your burden becomes, when you take the monkey of hate, intolerance and resentment out of your life. Forgiving doesn’t mean forgetting, but it is the first step towards peace of mind. Take time today, to forgive those who have hurt you. If you are unable to make peace with them, make peace within yourself. Remove the band-aids and allow the wounds time to heal.

After all, a monkey isn’t easy to carry around. 

Worth the Fun

We never know where life will take us

We never know what may come

But having true friends will always make

Whatever happens worth the fun

Enjoy each moment that you have

Love life, live and laugh

Touch a heart with your smile

Remove their troubles for a while

Your time has come, here it is now

The stage is yours, take a bow

Impact a life, be a friend

Remain true, until the very end 

Give a Hug

Today is my Sabbath. I’m up early and getting ready for church. One of my joys on Sabbath, is seeing my adopted Grandma V. She’s 94 years old, but still moves swifter than a kid trying to sneak a cookie before dinner. I always look for her after service to give her a hug and see how she is doing, to which she usually replies, “mi alright.” How I hope, to be as strong and alert as she is, if God spares my life to see that age.

Along with Grandma V. there are a few other older women (who I’ve nicknamed the “young girls crew”) that I enjoy seeing at church. They always have something nice or funny to say and a hug to give. Their hugs are usually the warmest, as if they are made of love.

As you go through this day, give someone a hug. Take the time to say something genuine to a person. Who knows, it may be the only hug they receive today.

Happy Sabbath.

Almost Does Count... Sometimes

There was song released in 1999 by the artist Brandy, entitled “Almost Doesn’t Count.” In this ballad, she is telling her counterpart how they almost made her love them and almost made her cry; because they almost had her thinking that they had turned around. Unfortunately, they hadn’t and she was tired of waiting for them to get it together. She was ready to move on “because everybody knows that almost doesn’t count.”

In most instances, like in this song, almost isn’t good enough. It usually refers to someone or a situation that didn’t make it past the thinking phrase. “Almost” simply means “thought” in most cases. When a person says, “I almost put out the garbage.” That usually translates to, “I thought about putting out the garbage.” If there had been any physical steps taken to put out the garbage, it would have been done. But this is just one side of the coin. I do believe there are instances where “almost” does count.

My message to you this morning is – “Almost Does Count… Sometimes.”

When a race is run, before the starting gun is shot, everyone knows there will be one 1^st place winner. If only one person can be first, that means everyone else must take another ranking. Therefore, the 2^nd runner-up may have almost won. Now their “almost,” has a more positive spin. They may not have won the race, but they did accomplish something. They didn’t only think about competing and winning, they actually took the steps necessary for competing and ran the race. The same concept goes for a child who scores 85% on an exam. They didn’t get a perfect score, but they did their best. Their “almost” holds value something because they studied and put forth effort to pass the exam.

By trying, you’ve already done more than others. You’ve taken the first step and a chance. You may not have placed 1^st in the race, scored 100% on the exam or perfected driving stick shift your first time around, but you tried. You put forth the effort and will continue trying until you succeed. That makes the difference!

“Almost” isn’t a position to be satisfied with, instead it’s a circumstance to build on. 

PSA

We’ve become so used to technology, some of us have forgotten how to communicate with others face-to-face. Instead of driving to see someone or picking up the phone to talk, we send text messages and emails with emoticons and “LOL,” hoping that the receiver knows what we truly mean. Too many times our words get mixed up, feelings are hurt and apologies have to be made; all because we allowed technology to convey our feelings, rather than us doing it ourselves.

While texting has become helpful, allowing us to send important messages, such as “put the chicken to defrost,” while sitting in a meeting, it has also caused arguments to ensue because LOLs don’t always mean a joke. If your message confuses you the writer, imagine what may happen to the receiver. Think twice before you send that next text message. It may save you some apologies and misunderstandings and embarrassing situations. Don’t believe me? Look at Anthony Weiner!

This has been your Public Service Announcement from Morning Motivator.