Makes Me Wanna Holler

Welp. So much for justice or peace. Less than 24 hours since my last blog, we get news of a 17 year old shooting 3 civil protesters, killing two. There is video of his walking down the street brandishing a long rifle after firing his weapon. He walks tight up to the police to surrender. But his actions are rewarded with an attaboy as he's given water to refresh himself. This killer crossed state lines to agitate and returned home without a scratch. Protests have come from the NBA,  Hollywood and across the nation. The grief is undeniable. Unfortunately, the news is already trying to spin a nefarious story to blame the victim rather than the perpetrators. Adding insult to injury,  they brought "local leaders" on the news to explain the "emotional" people of color and their need to vent and burn things down. AAAAHHHH!!!! I have to scream as I watch the chaos unfold. This brings to mind Tamir Rice. This innocent 12 year old was killed for having a toy gun. I was born and raised in Cleveland so this slapped very hard. The disparity of race is abundantly clear. I don't think I could make it any plainer or clarify further. I try not to get on the proverbial soapbox, but I can't hold this inside. How do you cope? How do you vent? What is your release? Speak to me. Share your thoughts below. Stay safe. Stay healthy. 

Is 7 the number of completion?

Say his name. Jason Blake. A young father who was shot seven (7) times in the back...by police...while walking away from them. He was breaking up a fight between two women but got shot at point blank range by officers who didn't have bodycams on. As the facts continue to come out, many stories and narratives will surface. I try my best to be objective and look at things from all angles, but this is irreconcilable. The argument for the Black Lives Matter movement is on full display here. If the resident hadn't filmed this incident from their home, the world would never know about this interaction. As a Christian, we've been taught that seven is the number of completion. Perfection. My prayer is that this puts an end to the senseless violence and police brutality of black and brown people.  I would've typed all the hashtags of those killed unjustly. I don't think there's enough room in this blog to accommodate them. I thank God that Mr. Blake survived as so many others succumb to their wounds. Jason will have a powerful testimony that I hope and pray the world hears. His guardian angels surely watched over him and God's grace and mercy covered him. So what say ye? What are your thoughts? Will this be the last instance of reckless officer action? Or is this where the work begins? Share your comments below.  Thanks for stopping by. Stay safe.  Stay healthy. 

Five Ways To Teach Peace

I have seen this image across social media. It intrigued me so I researched a little further. In no way am I a pacifist, but I do support increasing conflict resolution skills. I don't argue with people because I can be extremely sharp with my words. Cars only advertise going zero to sixty whereas I go straight to the limits. Countless clips have caught people behaving badly with verbal attacks and physical assaults. With bipartisan politics dividing our nation, what can we citizens do to teach peace? Well, I found this advice from the United States Institute of Peace:

1. Teaching peace is teaching skills. 

2. Model the peacebuilding behavior you want to see.

3. Step outside your plans to be present. 

4. When mediating conflict, use a peacebuilding lens. 

5. Focus on action.

These are some simple concepts to deescalate tense situations. We face conflicts at home, at school, on the job, on the road, and everywhere in between. Honor yourself and those around you.  Maintain your character while preserving their dignity. Jesus showed us the way and modeled this behavior so now we must follow. Can you incorporate this in your journey? Can you move past disagreements? Or are you stuck? Please comment below. Stay safe. Stay healthy.

Going Higher: It is what it is

I am not a political person. I refuse to fight, argue, or debate with anyone over societal issues that do not affirm life. However,  you could not turn on the TV, computer, radio, or social media without seeing her. Mrs. Obama. FLOTUS. My #Forever44 First Lady. Michelle Obama closed the first night of the historic Virtual DNC. She was as poised as a Queen, with the words of a poet. I was particularly moved by the sound bites. "It is what it is" are the words that cut the nation to the core when mouthed by the current occupiers of the White House. However, she took those same words to offer criticism of the  same administration.  More importantly,  she encouraged us all to use our voice and cast out vote. I searched the internet to hear the entire speech and was blown away. Her eloquence,  dignity, and strength were meant to mobilize the country. The image she presented was as a polished professional poised and purposefully poignant. As a black woman, there was a kindred connection that I couldn't deny. So many people were moved by the images of George Floyd. I believe they will be equally moved by the engaging compassionate presentation that she gave us. Now the responsibility falls on us. The call to action was given. So many marches and protests and good causes.  Now what? What are you going to do? What are you prepared to do? What have you paused the pandemic to do? Here's my thought...VOTE!!! Vote like your life depends on it. Vote for the future of the USA. Vote by any means necessary. So what are your thoughts? Comment below. Stay safe. Stay healthy. 

Pressing Pause on the Pandemic

Eight months have passed since coronavirus became a household word. At first, it was overseas like the World Wars. Now it is a national pandemic that has affected every facet of our lives. People long for the way things used to be before COVID-19, but we all know life will never be the same. So what do we do? What is the plan? Where do we go from here? NEWS FLASH- The power is in your hands!!! January 2020 brought all these sermons and prophecies about clear vision. August 2020 is bringing preachers and pastors talking about the number 8 for new beginnings. So many people are revitalizing purpose, pivoting business models, and hustling like never before. People are facing their fears and launching into the deep murky world of entrepreneurship. Parents are becoming teachers who look for appropriate materials for their kids. Designers and seamstresses are making masks for the public. DJs are coming online to spin tunes for all genres. Cooks are bringing their shows online whether they're good or not. People are moving across town or across the country to start all over again. Some folks are introverts who've enjoyed working from home and have been more productive than ever before. While some jobs closed down, others are experiencing growth and expansion. So where are you? More important, what is your mindset? I took time away from blogging to be in this moment. I wanted to touch base with family and friends.  I have tapped into the world around me. I have changed my point of view. Rather than just focusing on my life's journey, I'm bringing the best from everything that is going on. This series is focusing on peace. Do you have it? Or do you need it? There was a rap song that touted "more money, more problems". Well, this is why we must pause the pandemic.  It can't occupy every moment of our lives. We must press forward cautiously but with focus and determination. Are you making it happen? Or is everything just happening to you? I built my foundation on my religion. My peace lies in the strength of my God and His plans for my future. I look forward to every day as I know my Redeemer lives. I have faith because I've grown older and become bolder in Him.i use the power on prayer to maintain my connection with Him. Networking with other believers helps to reenergize and revitalize your purpose and your passion. So as we join our journey together, share your thoughts and insights. How do you keep your peace? Leave your comments below. Stay safe. Stay healthy.