Farewell To A Diva...

I know I'm late but I've had a lot going on.  My blog could not continue if I did not pay my respects to one of the greatest singers of my lifetime.  I must say that Whitney Houston has accomplished too much for the media to only focus on the negative.   Her death is beyond shocking and I am still numb.  It just doesn't seem real.  I applaud her family for having a funeral that truly honored her but honored God as well.    For several hours the church as well as God was on display for the world to see.  God makes no mistakes and I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason.   I was born a sinner and I am in no position to point a finger at anyone.  As painful as this loss is, I take comfort in knowing that she is resting with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.    

FEDERAL BENEFIT PAYMENT/ENTITLEMENT

I received the following in an email today.  Interesting and thought provoking. Let me start by saying that my knowledge of government dealings is not strong.  Once I research an issue then I am able to form my own opinion.  That being said I honestly do not know if the following is entirely true, however I am going to give my thoughts as if this was 100% true.


What blows my mind is how human beings have become so hardened to the needs of their peers.  I do feel that there are some politicians who sincerely care about those in need but I feel there are far too many who are only looking out for their own personal interests.  Everyone has something to say about "Obama Care" but no one seems to have a better idea.  The burden of the economy is falling on what's left of the middle class.  Sad thing is there were many people struggling before the economy got bad so I can only imagine what how they're doing now.  It's crazy that I'm paying into this system and it may not even be around when I need it! 


I could go on and on regarding this topic but I have a trip to pack for so I am going to pause here.  Lets discuss,what are your thoughts?

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Have you noticed, your Social Security check is now referred to as a "federal benefit payment"? I'll be part of the one percent, to forward this. Our government gets away with way too much in all areas of our lives, while they live lavishly on their grossly overpaid incomes! KEEP PASSING THIS AROUND UNTIL EVERY ONE HAS READ IT.

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT. THE ONLY THING WRONG WITH THIS CALCULATION IS THEY FORGOT TO FIGURE IN THE PEOPLE WHO DIED BEFORE THEY COLLECTED THEIR SOCIAL SECURITY! WHERE DID THAT MONEY GO?

This was sent to me, I am forwarding it because it does touch a nerve in me.

Remember, not only did you contribute to Social Security but your employer did too. It totaled 15% of your income before taxes. If you averaged only $30K over your working life, that's close to $220,500. If you calculate the future value of $4,500 per year (yours & your employer's contribution) at a simple 5% (less than what the government pays on the money that it borrows), after 49 years of working you'd have $892,919.98. If you took out only 3% per year, you'd receive $26,787.60 per year and it would last better than 30 years (until you're 95 if you retire at age 65) and that's with no interest paid on that final amount on deposit! If you bought an annuity and it paid 4% per year, you'd have a lifetime income of $2,976.40 per month.

The folks in Washington have pulled off a bigger Ponzi scheme than Bernie Madhoff ever had. Entitlement my ass, I paid cash for my social security insurance! Just because they borrowed the money from the fund - which was promised never to happen - and never paid it back, doesn't make my benefits some kind of charity or handout!!

Congressional benefits ---- free healthcare, outrageous retirement packages, 67 paid holidays, three weeks paid vacation, unlimited paid sick days, now that's welfare, and they have the nerve to call my social security retirement entitlements?

We're "broke" and can't help our own Seniors, Veterans, Orphans, Homeless. In the last months we have provided aid to Haiti, Chile , and Turkey. And now Pakistan, home of bin Laden. Literally, BILLIONS of DOLLARS!

Our retired seniors living on a 'fixed income' receive no aid nor do they get any breaks while our government and religious organizations pour Hundreds of Billions of $$$$$$'s and Tons of Food to Foreign Countries!

They call Social Security and Medicare an entitlement even though most of us have been paying for it all our working lives and now when it's time for us to collect, the government is running out of money. Why did the government borrow from it in the first place? Imagine if the *GOVERNMENT* gave 'US' the same support they give to other countries.

Sad isn't it? 99% of people won't have the guts to forward this. I'm one of the 1%, I Just Did.

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I'm Black and I'm Beautiful!

Remembering Dr. King

I would be wrong if I didn't not pay  tribute and honor a man who literally changed history.  He allowed God to use him in an unforgettable way.  Dr. King's life's work had a profound impact on the life I am able to live today.  While things in sense have improved we still must remember there is still work to be done. With that being said let us continue working towards his dream.

With love to Dr. King and Family.

Family Tree: Discovering Me

I have always been drawn to African American history.  I remember growing up and my grandmother telling me about relatives that had long passed away.  Apart me was a little sad because I never had the opportunity to meet these people.  Her stories left me with so many questions in which I had very little options to obtain an answer.

After talking with my co-worker, she showed me her family tree.  Her tree with went back numerous generations.  It was simply amazing to see all that history in one location.  Just seeing her family tree inspired me to embark on the journey of compiling my own family tree.  In less than one week I was able to identify 3 great great grandparents.  In addition I found out one of my great great grandparents is from the Bahamas.  I was able to find census records and even some World War I draft cards that could possibly belong to my great great uncle.  As I complied this information I was filled with pride yet sadness.  Looking at the years in which my family was born I realized they lived during times in which they were likely slaves.  Having looked at 1900 census records I discovered that anything prior to 1870 would be of little use to me since we were not identified by name on census records until the 1870s.  Prior to that we were simply identified by age and sex since we were considered property (unless you were over 100 years old).  My journey to identify my family has encouraged some of my family to help me so that we can have a central record of who we are and where we come from.

I strongly encourage everyone to embark on a journey to discover your family history.  We as individuals need to know our history and who we are.  I will return periodically to provide updates.  As always your feedback and comments are always welcome!

Giant Human Foot Print 200 Million Years Old In South Africa!

I thought I would share the following video.  I have my own personal opinion regarding how old the earth really is but still found this interesting.  So what do you think? Real or Fake?

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Police: Man ate cocaine hidden in brother's buttocks, dies shortly after

Seriously? Who in their right mind would think this is a good idea? That's not brotherly love at all, it's plain stupidity. Stupidity that unfortunately resulted in the death of his brother. I feel sorry for their mother and family. How do you respond, first of all, to the news that your child is dead given the circumstances of his death? Seriously this is not what life is about. I believe this is a perfect example of dying before your time. This young man made a very poor decision and ultimately paid for it with his life. I believe God has plans for us but when we decide to follow our will and not God's will then unfortunately things like this can happen. Condolences to the family.

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Posted: 12/20/2011
Last Updated: 7 hours and 8 minutes ago
By: Kristal Roberts

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. - South Carolina Police say Wayne Joshua Mitchell, 20,died after he ate an ounce of cocaine that was hidden in his brother’s buttocks according to a WCIV report.

Authorities have charged the victim’s brother 23-year-old Deangelo Rashard Mitchell, with involuntary manslaughter.
The incident happened when both brothers were in the back of a police car on November 30. The two had been arrested for trafficking.

Video from inside the police car captured a conversation between the brothers, where Deangelo pleads with his younger brother to take the cocaine in his bottom and eat it to get rid of it.

"One of us gotta do it, you the only one that don't have any strikes. ...You my little brother... I'm gonna get life," Deangelo said to Wayne.

His bother complied and ate the drugs.

When officers saw the cocaine residue on the seat where Wayne sat, Deangelo told officers that his brother swallowed cocaine. Within the hour, Dwayne struggled to breathe, bled from his mouth and died.

Deangelo was charged with trafficking drugs and bonded out of jail December 1.

Once toxicology results confirmed that Wayne died directly from consuming the cocaine, police decided to pursue more serious charges.

A spokesman with the Charleston Police Department issued a press release on Tuesday stating that Deangelo Mitchell was in custody and awaiting a bond hearing.

Copyright 2011 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Source: http://www.abcactionnews.com/dpp/news/local_news/water_cooler/police-man-ate-cocaine-hidden-in-brothers-butt-dies-shortly-after

Men: Incapable or Afraid to Love?

One question I've asked myself lately is are men really honest with themselves when it comes to love?  We all have so many excuses as to why we are single but what if we are honest for a moment.   I've heard several men say "I've never been in love".  Well why is that?  Do you feel you are incapable of loving or deep down are you afraid?  Does the fear of being hurt force you to put this wall up that makes it impossible for you to allow someone to love you?

After several encounters and random conversations with male friends and associates within the past weeks, particularly a conversation I had today, I am more than certain you all are not as hard as you want us to think. You want love and happiness just as much as we do. There is nothing wrong with wanting to share your life with someone and wanting to be in love. Being a man doesn't mean you have to act hard all the time. Open your mind and your heart and allow yourself to actually care for someone else and I'm more than certain you will have a different perspective on life. Yes we are all afraid of being hurt but if the risk weren't so great, would it even be worth having? Loving and being in love can be the best or worst feeling in the world. There are people who search a life time just to have a taste of just being in love and being loved. So you think I'm wrong? Then just give it a try.

Sister of Troy Davis dies | ajc.com

By Angel K. Brooks
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Johnny Crawford, Jcrawford@ajc.com

Martina Davis Correia, older sister of Troy Davis, who was executed in September for killing a police officer, died Thursday, according to media reports. Correia, 44, had been fighting breast cancer.

She stood by her brother, who maintained his innocence in the death of off-duty Savannah police officer Mark Allen MacPhail in 1989. MacPhail was moonlighting on a security detail when he was shot three times.

After Davis' trial, a number of key witnesses recanted their testimony. Davis' case was known around the world and fueled the debate over eyewitness testimony.

Correia fought to clear her brother's name.

"She was the No. 1 messenger and was the one that really inspired people to get involved and work for him," Laura Moye, who heads Amnesty International's campaign to abolish the death penalty, told the Associated Press. "She is the person who really sparked the global campaign for Troy Davis."

Media witnesses reported that Davis, 42, addressed the MacPhail family from the gurney before his Sept. 21 execution and again proclaimed his innocence. He also asked his friends and supporters to keep searching for the truth.

“Martina Correia was a true hero and warrior for civil and human rights," NAACP President Benjamin Todd Jealous said in a statement Friday.

After Troy Davis' execution, his sister told the AP, "We're going to keep moving forward. That's what my brother would have wanted us to do, not be angry and wallow and those kinds of things."

Correia is survived by her 17-year-old son, Antone De'Juan Davis Correia; brother Lester Davis; and sisters Kimberly and Ebony Davis, the Savannah Morning News said.

This year, the Davis family also lost their mother, Virginia Davis, who died in April, the Associated Press reported.


SOURCE: http://www.ajc.com/news/sister-of-troy-davis-1248666.html

Love Thy Enemies

Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into friend. -Martin Luther King Jr.

Christian, Single and Investing

Yesterday I received confirmation just hours after asking God to help me understand my situation.  To be honest I was asking God to help me understand something I already knew.   Having been single for almost 3 years, I realize that this time alone is probably one of the most significant periods for my spiritual growth.  During this period I was able to grow and develop an intimate relationship with God while grown in other areas of my life as well.  

Today I realized (deep down I already knew) that some of the people in my life are not meant to be in my life in the manner they are.  I realize its okay for me to want more in man.  There is nothing wrong with wanting him to be the man.  I love helping others and often times find it hard to say no but sometime my giving can hurt others.  If I am constantly giving to him, what incentive does he have to get it on his own? As my friend explained to me, maybe God is bringing him to that point where he'll have to act in order to move to the next level.   I cannot interfere in that.  

So ultimately that puts me on a journey of falling back and simply being a lady.  As women we may have it all together (the job, the house, the car, etc.) but I realize while we may want to give and support we have to be careful in the manner in which we do that.  If our actions prohibit men from truly being men then we have to fall back.   I realize that many will not understand this and simply do not agree but this what I feel and believe it applies to me and my situation.  So now I'm beginning anew.  Bishop Bronner preached Sunday that we should invest in our faith, family, finances, and our future.  That is exactly what I intend to do and along the way God will send the one he created just for me.  

Here's to my investment... 

Ending the Deficit

I saw this posted on Facebook and while I'm not sure if this is true it definitely is interesting. So what do you think? Do you agree or disagree?

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Warren Buffett, "I could end the deficit in 5 minutes," he told CNBC. "You just pass a law that says that anytime there is a deficit of more than 3% of GDP, all sitting members of Congress are ineligible for re-election. The 26th amendment (granting the right to vote for 18 year-olds) took only 3 months & 8 days to be ratified! Why? Simple! The people demanded it. That was in 1971...before computers, e-mail, cell phones, etc. Of the 27 amendments to the Constitution, seven (7) took 1 year or less to become the law of the land...all because of public pressure.


Warren Buffet is asking each addressee to forward this email to a minimum of twenty people on their address list; in turn ask each of those to do likewise.  In three days, most people in The United States of America will have the message. This is one idea that really should be passed around.


*Congressional Reform Act of 2011*


1. No Tenure / No Pension. A Congressman collects a salary while in office
and receives no pay when they are out of office.


2. Congress (past, present & future) participates in Social Security. All
funds in the Congressional retirement fund move to the Social Security
system immediately. All future funds flow into the Social Security system,
and Congress participates with the American people. It may not be used for
any other purpose.


3. Congress can purchase their own retirement plan, just as all Americans
do.


4. Congress will no longer vote themselves a pay raise. Congressional pay
will rise by the lower of CPI or 3%.


5. Congress loses their current health care system and participates in the
same health care system as the American people.


6. Congress must equally abide by all laws they impose on the American
people.


7. All contracts with past and present Congressmen are void effective 1/1/12.
The American people did not make this contract with Congressmen. Congressmen
made all these contracts for themselves. Serving in Congress is an honor,
not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, so ours
should serve their term's), then go home and back to work.


If each person contacts a minimum of twenty people then it will only take
three days for most people (in the U.S.) to receive the message. Maybe it is
time.


THIS IS HOW YOU FIX CONGRESS!!!!! If you agree with the above, pass it on.

Perfect Grown Ups

I'm sitting here watching TV and relaxing.  As I sit here I allow my mind to wonder and I begin to think back to when  I was younger.  I use to think that "grown ups" did everything right (even if I didn't like everything they did).   I was like any other child growing up.  I played, laughed, and got in trouble more times than I can remember.  I grew up and didn't have any other thought about how I use to feel "grown ups" were always right.  It didn't hit me until now how wrong some of those "grown ups" can be.  I look back on some of the advice they had given me as well as the life lessons they tried to teach me.  There were advice of revenge, sexual promiscuity, lying, stealing, and cheating just to name a few.  So I credit it to me be young and naive.  I've grown up (and I feel I still am in some respect) and I realize "grown ups" aren't has perfect as I once thought.  Now that I am a officially a "grown up" out in the world I have really grown to appreciate the innocence of children.  It gives more meaning to Matthew 18:3 "And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven." (King James Version)

More ramblings to come....

Moving Forward Through the Struggles

I been home from church for a few hours and I am sitting her watching Boycott on BET starring Jeffrey Wright and Terrence Howard.  The movie is about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Montgomery boycotts.  What really is standing out to me is how the black community respected Dr. King and Rev. Abernathy as their leaders and followed through with the boycott.  I loved how they stood together spiritually, physically, and interesting enough financially.  I have always believed that when a company, organization, etc. doesn't respect you as a person then you should not support them financially.  The Montgomery bus boycotts are a perfect example of the power and impact pulling your financial support can have on these organizations.   While money plays a significant part, the fact that they supported each other and pulled their resources together really stood out to me.  

I would love to see the black community get back to this.  I believe along the way some of us got comfortable with the way things were (are).  Today it seems any crisis that hits this nation hits our community even harder.  Jobs are the major focus of the media and our government while our unemployment rates are higher than those of our white counterparts.  This movie and Dr. King's life and legacy in general should remind us where we come from, how far we've come, and how much work is still left.  President Obama is not the cure all for the black community in this nation.  He's only one man with an unbelievable load on his plate.  We have to take matters into our own hands.  We have to start by looking to God and standing on His word and the promises he made.  After all that is how our people made it this far!  I look back on the struggles of my people and realize we have a strong, rich history and legacy.  We have endured so much and accomplished even more.  No one for one second could make me regret who I am because my God makes no mistakes! I love my people and I am proud to be who I am.   


I'm finished rambling for now.  In the meantime, to all my brothas and sistas acknowledge, cherish, respect, and appreciate your history as black people.

Forgiveness

A friend of mine posted this on Facebook today and it really spoke to me.  I am dealing with some issues in which I feel numerous people have wronged me, particularly the ones I have helped.  My mind cannot comprehend how someone can literally give you their butt to kiss when you've done nothing but tried to help them.  So this is a reminder to me to forgive, let it go, and move forward.  I will not for one second allow them the satisfaction of thinking they are relevant to me or have any power over me.  Here's to moving foward....

Well On My Way

In an earlier post I discussed how there were so many changes occurring in my life and how I was scared that God might actually bless me with the desires of my heart.  Those close to me know that I recently made a decision to relocate to another city for a number of reasons.  I consider the very moment I decide to relocate a pivotal point in my spiritual journey.  Once I made that decision everything seemed to fall into to place.  It was a nervous and scary time for me but empowering and inspirational at the same time. 

As stated earlier there were a number of reasons why I chose to relocate.  One of the most significant reasons was to find a church to help me along my spiritual journey.  I had a church home but it came to a point where I literally felt I wasn't getting anything out of it.  I would go expecting to hear a word pertaining to me and my struggles because that is what my spirit was hungry for.  Instead I left with my spirit still feeling hungry.  This is not to bash my home church.  It definitely served a purpose but as one pointed out to me, I simply had outgrown my church.  My pastor always said "go where you grow" and for once it really stuck to me.  So that's exactly what I did.  

In preparation for my move I inquired about a few churches in the area and two were recommended to me.  There was one in particular that I was leaning towards after recommendations from my sister and friends.  So after being in my new place for almost 2 months I decided to visit Word of Faith Cathedral in Austell, GA today (well technically yesterday) with one of my friends.  While this is considered a mega church it certainly didn't feel like one.  The sanctuary was absolutely beautiful but I can honestly say I wasn't caught up in the fact that this was such a large church.  The ushers were friendly and the rest of the church seemed to be as well.  The whole time I was there I was anticipating the message for the day.  Bishop Bronner began to preach and throughout the whole message I kept thinking "this is what I've been waiting for!".  The message was right on time for what I've been dealing with.  He discussed issues that I just discussed with my friends the day before.  Not only did he address those issues but he offered instructions on how to deal with those issues.  Again this is what I been waiting for.  I went there hungry and left FULL!  Finding a church is definitely one of top priorities and I feel I am well on my way.  (It was also a huge bonus to see the lovely Serita Jakes present.  She is absolutely adorable!)

After experiencing today's service I will definitely be back.  I have been thinking about service all day.  I have visited several churches in the past but none have left such a lasting impression on me.  I am looking forward to the next service.  At this point I am in no rush to join any church at the moment because I want to make sure I am where God wants me to be, however, if I continue to have experiences like this at this church I will definitely consider joining.  I advise everyone to visit and seek churches that leave a lasting impression on you.  You should be eager to return to church and hungry for the Word! 

On that note I hope that each and every one of you get to experience what I experienced today.   

Letting Go and Moving Forward

Allowing God to move in our lives will also require us to let go of somethings. Below are some words of wisdom from my sister and dear friend:
 

"Sometimes we hold on to people, places and things because we FEEL and beLIEve that nothing better will come along...or we will never replace that thing WE see as valuable. Not realizing that GOD see's us more valuable than what we're trying to hold on to. He has somethis even GREATER than that we hold in our emotional tupperware. My lesson of the season: let it go, throw it in the trash and let it stay dead. *locking my door* "-VictoriouslyMi

Remembering Jobs While Acknowledging Shuttlesworth

A friend of mine posted this and I had to share.  She articulated my thoughts in a way that I could not and I really like this about her and really look up to her.  A very wise woman.  Shout out to you diva!

"I hate to hear of the passing of Steve Jobs, as a pioneer of Apple, but an equally important man, probably more important as it relates to my life, but Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth also passed away today. He survived bombings and beatings at the hands of racists and opponents of the Civil Rights Movement. Thank you for all you endured, so that people like me, could purchase the products that Steve Jobs created. RIP to a true legend"- Kimberlee W.

Fear My Dreams Just Might Come True

The past 3 years of my life have brought about a lot of job.  Graduating from college, new career opportunities, and even relocating to the city I've always dreamed of.  The past year I've had the feeling that something big is about to happen in my life.  Nothing bad but definitely life changing.   I'm the type of person who worries about things I cannot control.  My spirit feels and anticipate these changes but I find that I am actually scare of it?  I know that doesn't make sense.  In my mind I feel I can do anything and have anything.  The possibilities are endless but the thought that God just might actually bless me with the things I've always wanted actually scares me.  Again I know this does not make sense.    Others recognize potential and talent in me that I am not even aware of.  The fact that this could open to the doors to possibilities that I've never even imagine terrifies.  What am I scared of?  The sad part is I don't know.   Heck I don't even understand it myself.  So what do I do about?  Well I'll do what I've always done.  I pray about and continue to let God lead me.  

So I open the floor for discussion.  What could possibly be the reason for one to feel this way? Lets talk..... 

We Need More Teachers Like This: OG Puts A Young Blood & Crip In Check After Trying To Fight In The Classroom!

SOURCE

This is what I like to see.  Its bad enough that teachers have to deal with issues that parents are not handling, but to see a teacher that can handle their students is refreshing.  When I was growing up I had teachers that dealt with the issues in their classrooms.  I know that teachers are overwhelmed with a variety of problems beyond their control so in situations like this they often call security and send these students to the office.  The end result detention and more likely suspension.  Where's the life lesson in that?  Sure its a form of discipline but this teacher hear set these students straight and gave them something valuable to walk away with.  It is up to these young men as to how they will handle this going forward.  Again its easy to throw the book at our youth but much more is needed.   It was refreshing to see a man set these kids straight.  He told them how it was going to be and gave them the option to leave if they had a problem with it.  I applaud this teacher and hope to see more like him.