Category Archives: Commitment

Cancer Doesn’t Care

AL, Alabama, Birmingham, Cancer, Commitment, Dads, Esteem and Fitness, Facebook, Family, Google, Health & Fitness, Humanitarianism, Jefferson County, Leukemia, Life & Death, RELAUNCH, Social Media, Twitter April 11, 2013 Leave a comment

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Birmingham radio personality, Sly King

Sylvester (Sly) King is a radio personality in Birmingham, AL. Sly has never been directly affected by a blood cancer disease neither has anyone in his family, yet he has been inspired to fight against blood cancers by raising funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS).

When I first read he was a candidate for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s 2013 Man of the Year I was like, “I have gotta feature this on my site.” As many of you know, I loss my father to Leukemia 14 years ago this month. Like Sly, I know cancer doesn’t care about race, gender, age, finances or religious affiliation. Although cancer doesn’t care, I do and so does Sly.

About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS)

The mission of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS is the world’s largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world and provides free information and support services. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society helps blood cancer patients live better, longer lives.

Statistics show that “approximately every 4 minutes one person in the United States is diagnosed with a blood cancer disease” and “approximately every 10 minutes someone in the U.S. dies from a blood cancer.” That person could be King, his wife, his 3-year old daughter, or it could be you. He has chosen to be proactive. Before this life-altering disease affects the live of someone he knows and loves, he has chosen to join forces with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society to raise funds to ensure continued research, Approximately every 4 minutes one person in the United States is diagnosed with a blood cancer.provide financial assistance to those in need, and deposit back into the lives of those young and old who deserve the best care available. Cancer does not care, but King does. Be proactive and join him in this fight.

Join Sly and I in the fight against blood cancers. Click here to Make A Donation

No Greater Love

Commitment, Easter, Facebook, Faith, Family, Google, Holy Bible, Holy Week, John 3:16, Life & Death, Love, Prayer, RELAUNCH, Resurrection, Social Media, Twitter March 29, 2013 Leave a comment

Recently while at lunch, I was asked by a friend of mine “what is it that makes you love God the way you do?” Without giving it a second thought, I replied immediately that as a very young child I learned John 3:16 and it was the “clincher” for me. Before I knew it I was walking from the seafood bar to my car quoting the scripture.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son. That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

That’s heavy. To give the world that type of protection and promise (GRACE) because it could not save itself… To give the world HOPE… To give the world LOVE… God loved the world so much in-spite of its behavior and dishonor, he chose to give his son as a sacrifice to save us from ourselves.

Not even the power of all our world leaders combined since the beginning of time could create something that could compare to what God did through Jesus Christ.

As a little skinny, sandy brown from head to toe, hazel eyed lil country girl in central Florida all it took was John 3:16 for me to understand that there was no love greater than the Love God gave to us through his son Jesus Christ.

So as we reflect on the purpose of celebrating Holy Week and the Resurrection of Christ let us remember (daily) that he lived and died for us and he is the ONLY WAY to the father. He is LOVE!

Check out this song, No Greater Love by The Georgia Mass Choir

Peace

Commitment, Facebook, Faith, Love, Prayer, RELAUNCH, Social Media, Twitter December 10, 2012 Comments: 4

I remember when I use to pray for strength almost daily. I would always say, “Lord give me the strength to do XYZ.”

Then one day, I met someone who told me to stop that. Who? I honestly don’t remember. I do remember it being at the hair salon though. The woman shared with me how prayer works. Even though I had been praying for myself for over 20 years, until then, I had never considered how it worked besides me telling God what I needed/wanted.

She asked me why I was praying for strength. I told her. She then told me to stop praying for strength and that I was strong. She explained that prayers for strength require weights and lifting weights can grow tiresome and can be difficult.

Just like that, a light when off in my head and a bell rang *ding, ding, ding*

I knew what she was saying was true.

The more I would pray for strength the more I endured. Sure I overcame my situations, but I also attracted them to myself.

It’s like God kept sending me “strength training” exercises and instead of being like, “thanks God, I’m strong now”, I just kept chasing him down with prayers for more strength.

I think God put me in the salon that day with that lady as a way for me to hear from him. He used her to tell me I was strong enough. I needed her to tell me that so I would stop bulking up on strength and to prevent me from being so “strong” in myself that I forgot from whence cometh my strength.

I began praying prayers of Peace shortly thereafter. That was about 7 years ago. I still pray for peace today.

Often when people tell me they are praying for strength I tell them to consider praying for Peace instead.

Think about this… Goliath was a giant filled with strength and might. But all it took was a rock to take him down.

I’m not saying don’t be strong. I’m saying be strong and smart enough to seek peace and to properly utilize your strength.

You can be strong as an ox, handling all kinds of complicated and stressful situations and battles, but the smallest thing can cause you to lose it… But you’re strong though! Don’t lose it over something small.

A friend of mine use to always say “Ju I’m praying for the patience of Job.”

JOB… Why on earth would you pray for the patience of Job? I think she heard that somewhere and ran with it. That’s gotta be it!

To understand and know Job’s story, there’s no way you would pray for or say you have the patience of Job. And why would you, unless you really didn’t know his story.

Wheeeeeeew…

But Peace… Peace is the prayer I’ve grown to seek. Peace alleviates pain, provides purpose and removes the negative situations you don’t even know are brewing in your midst.

I encourage my friends, mentee’s, colleagues, social media pals and even strangers to seek Peace; pray for peace; speak peace and share it.

Yesterday, when my Pastor (and I say that LOL since I haven’t formally joined) preached about peace I was so happy. Philippians 4:6-9 was his text.

Peace is what I have learned to seek and to embrace. It keeps me out of trouble and it feels good.

Peace requires you to release unforgiveness. The two can’t coexist.

Besides if the Prince of Peace died by crucifixion for our sins and forgave us how and why would we hold on to unforgiveness? I’m strong enough to forgive and blessed enough to chose it!

Walk in peace my friends.

9 Months…

Commitment, Community Service, Crime, Facebook, Google, Injustice, Law & Order, Life & Death, Love, Media, murder, Opportunities, Prayer, Social Media, Trayvon Martin, Twitter, Youth November 26, 2012 1 Comment

I’ve read the transcripts and heard the 911 tapes that recorded your voice as you cried out for your life on that rainy Sunday night.

I’ve tried to imagine the the how’s and why’s of the situation which would be your last. I’ve reasoned and wrestled with it over and over in my head, on paper and in conversation with close friends. At times your last moments consumed me for hours, sometimes days at a time. I have been saddened, angered and inspired by your death.

Many young men and women die innocently at the hands of a stranger and sometimes at the hands of people they know. However, you were different. Maybe it’s because we’re both Floridians. Perhaps it’s because you reminded me of former students I taught or mentored. Maybe its the love and gentleness I see in your eyes on all the pictures online… I’m not sure why, but I carry it with me. I carry you with me.

I pray for your family. I couldn’t imagine losing my sister or brother brutally at the hands of a coward. The rage of imagining it is so powerful I shake at just the thought of it.

Each time I see my nephew, I squeeze him just a few seconds longer. He probably thinks I’m babying him, but I’m praying for him and the millions of other young men who are targeted as suspects just for the color of their skin. He’s only a year younger than you were when you left this world.

So here we are 9 months later and I ask myself, “What has been “birthed” from your death?”

For me, it’s to not be complacent with the comforts of suburbia and gated communities. It’s also made me glean more about the criminal code and SYG legislation around the nation. I’m sure this is true for others.

I believe that your death won’t be in vain, despite all the pain it has caused. I hope your murderer is found guilty, and I pray for the safety of youth everywhere.

I’m not sure what you dreamed of being when you grew up. I imagine like most young people it was something cool that would be a gift to the world. You should know, despite the sudden halt of those dreams, even in your death you’ve been a gift and you have changed the world.

Nine months…

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Ripples of Hope

Commitment, Elections, Facebook, No. 44, Obama, Politics, President Barack H. Obama, RELAUNCH, Ripples of Hope, Social Media, Twitter, YouTube November 9, 2012 1 Comment

As an Obama 2012 campaign worker and as an American, this video of THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES thanking his campaign staff filled me with an overwhelming joy and inspiration. I hope that all who watch this video strive to be “A Ripple of Hope”… I know I will! Enjoy :-)

A Father’s JULE… Happy Father’s Day 2012

Alabama, Black Love, Cancer, Commitment, Dads, Esteem and Fitness, Facebook, Family, Family Traditions, Father's Day, Habit, Health & Fitness, Leukemia, Life & Death, Love, Prayer, Social Media, Twitter June 17, 2012 Leave a comment

I AM MY FATHER’S JULi

When I imagine father’s of course I imagine my own. Though he left this earth 14 years ago, he buried so many golden nuggets in the treasure chest of my heart. Funny how you don’t recognize a jewel is a jewel because that’s all you know… that is until the person giving them to you isn’t there anymore and you realize that you are holding jewels just not the bearer of them anymore.

My father gave me so many jewels even while he battled Leukemia in his last days, he still garnered up the energy to give me one last jewel… *yes, insert a face full of tears here*

WHEW… So on this Father’s Day I salute father’s. I love my father so much. If your father is still on this earth, despite your disdain for him, his absence or whatever, don’t let a day come in the future where you live to regret not giving him a chance even if he never gave you one. TOUGH, huh? I know, but I’m so sincere… Don’t hold off ever telling anyone in your life that you love them, because tomorrow is simply “A Pending Transaction.”

Here are 3 very beautiful stories about fathers from 3 friends. A Fathers Day Tribute

Diddy Didn’t Do It: Justin Combs EARNS Full Athletic Scholarship to UCLA

Colleges, Commitment, Dads, Education, Entertainment, Facebook, Family, Family Traditions, Google, Howard University, Justin Combs, Sean "Diddy" Combs, Social Media, Twitter, UCLA, Youth June 1, 2012 Leave a comment

High School All American and UCLA Recruit Justin Combs… (This photo does not belong to this site.)

All week media outlets from the Today Show to ESPN have covered the “story of Sean “Diddy” Combs eldest child Justin Combs being awarded a full ride to UCLA for to play football. Sure the senior Combs is a multi-million dollar entertainer and business mogul, but he’s not the one who’s headed to college this fall. Besides, Diddy attended Howard University over 20 years ago… Continue here

Comedians Stand Up For Lupus

AL, Alabama, Birmingham, Commitment, Community Service, Entertainment, Faith, Health, Lupus, Social Media April 9, 2012 1 Comment

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Hometown Comedian Raises Awareness for Lupus with Comedy Show

On Friday April 13, 2012, comedian Jermaine “Funnymaine” Johnson will host a comedy show in the name of Lupus awareness and research. The show will take place at The Worship Center Christian Church in Birmingham, Alabama.

T-Shirts that read “Fight Lupus” will be available on Johnson’s website, and at both TWC locations for a donation of $15, and will serve as admission into the show. Proceeds from the show will go to the Lupus Foundation of America.

Johnson’s mother lost a battle with Lupus in April of 1988. Since then, Johnson has been committed to raising awareness about the disease that affects close to 1.5 million Americans in hopes of finding a cure.

“Lupus may not affect a large number of people in comparison to other diseases, but if we’re talking numbers then ‘One’ is I all need to get active. That’s the number of mothers I’ve had, and she was taken away by lupus.”

Johnson, a well known comedian, had the idea to use his talents and star power to create a show that is entertaining and informative. The show will feature performances by other comedians and musical guests, as well as videos and testimonials regarding the disease.

“I can promise that everyone who attends the show will laugh from start to finish at some good, clean comedy and leave more informed about lupus. And, long after the show is over, I hope that the ‘Fight Lupus’ t-shirts will continue to spread the message. ”

T-Shirts of all sizes for the show are available. Online donors can also choose to pick up their shirts at the event.

For more information and to make donations to the Lupus Foundation, visit http://www.FunnymaineComedy.com

My $3 Birthday Wish… HBCU Yard Edition

Commitment, Community Service, Education, Facebook, Family Traditions, First 48: HBCU Yard Edition, HBCU, North Carolina A&T, Roundup Russy, Twitter June 30, 2011 1 Comment

Usually on my birthday I travel out of town and party, party, PARTY, well this year while all my friends are partying at Essence Music Festival in New Orleans, at The Taste of Chicago or at a beach I’ll be enjoying a full day in Bar Review class down in Dixie (insert sarcasm here).

Since I won’t be out partying, sunbathing (yes I do lay out at the beach) or traveling with my friends, I figured I’d celebrate my “BIG 3 Day” by revving up support for a good cause… Education!!

June 2010, I featured Rustin “Roundup Russy” Moore as  ”A FINE SOUTHERN GENT” and well, he’s proving just why he deserved that title. Russy’s latest venture is to raise funds to film a documentary of  the FIRST 48 Hours of an incoming freshman’s experience at North Carolina A&T.

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT…

Whether you’re an HBCU alum, a current student or a teacher, friend or family member of the former, this All Access Documentary of an HBCU incoming freshman will hit home. Meet Kaiya Watson from Los Angeles, California. She will be leaving home this August to fly across the U.S. to begin her undergraduate studies at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. Russy will be spending the first 48 hours with her from the time she lands in North Carolina, and arrives on campus.

SO WHAT’S YOUR WISH SOUTHERN SOCIALITE?

My wish is for everyone who reads this blog to donate a $3 as a “birthday wish” to this project.

HOW CAN YOU DONATE:

Click here —->First 48: HBCU Yard Edition  If you would like to donate $25 or more, don’t be shy about it!!!

The One Time I Support Alabama Crimson Tide!

AL, Alabama, Colleges, Commitment, Education, Esteem and Fitness, Facebook, Faith, Family Traditions, Google, Habit, Returning to College, Single Mother's, Social Media, THE U, The University of Miami, Twitter, University of Alabama June 4, 2011 Leave a comment

This my friends should come as no surprise that I am a die-hard University of Miami fan who truly detests the Crimson Tide… However, in contrast to my disdain (athletically for UA) I am a champion, supporter and believer in higher education.

Please support Nikki on her quest... Back 2 Bama!

Having said that, I would like to introduce you to Ms. Nikki Gamble. Nikki is a single mother who attended UA several years ago, but due to circumstances that arose, she endured a “Pause” in her academic pursuit. Today, Nikki is ready to press “Play” and return back to “Bama” and finish her Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering. Here is her story… Back To Bama

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