April 29, 2013
Angela Duirden-Galbreth


…And a little child shall lead them (Isaiah 11:6).

The poet Langston Hughes asks, “What happens to a dream deferred? What happens to our lives when we have to postpone or abort our sincerest and deepest aspirations?” In so few words, Hughes eloquently attempts to answer this thought- provoking question with yet more questions. It is interesting to note that all of his prospective responses have negative consequences, making the poem painfully beautiful. Underlying anger and frustration seem to simmer and grow with each proposition. Of course, the dream that Hughes spoke of are not the images, thoughts, or visions that our mind experiences while asleep. It is our aspirations—the central part of who we are that gives us individual uniqueness. If aspirations are never realized or never given wings to fly, the consequences of deferment can be detrimental. In essence, Hughes metaphorically suggests that if a dream is not given the breath of life, it will dry up “like a raisin in the sun, fester like a running sore, stink like rotten meat, sag like a heavy load, then ultimately explode.” Perhaps, that is also the fate of the dreamer.

I’m sure on some level, we can all relate to this poem. At some point in our lives, there were dreams, hopes, and desires that we have placed on the back burner. Dreams which perhaps have been woven into the tapestry of our lives, disappearing into the seams of routine, and just waiting to be brought to fruition.

For me, fruition began when my five-year-old daughter, Sydney and I were sharing a conversation about what we want to be when we grow up. Her hopes for the future are quite fascinating. She has big plans of one day becoming a ‘superstar.’ She talked in great detail about singing on stage, and blowing kisses at her adoring fans. Watching her prance around and act out the whole scene gave my heart great joy; my cup positively runneth over. Now, I don’t know whether Sydney will ever achieve this status, but the beauty of this story is that she believes she can.

The spirit of a child is truly amazing. The possibility that children can’t become or do anything they dream of is inconceivable to them. To them, beyond the sky is the limit. Seeing my daughter so excited, so full of hope, and bursting with promise touched me in a way that frankly astonished me. The sparkle in her eyes gleamed so brightly until it literally captured my soul. This surreal moment mesmerized me. In what appeared to be an ordinary time of fun and games between mother and daughter, a very distinct feeling began forming inside of me. As I watched her, my very soul—my very essence—was stirred. An illumination, an awakening, happened in my spirit. The Spirit of the Lord was so intense within me, I could hardly contain myself. I continued to watch my daughter perform. I laughed and cheered, but all the while I was aware that something special was occurring from within. As Sydney finished her routine, she took her bow and turned to me, giving me a message that changed my life as well as what I believed about myself: “Mommy you can be a superstar, too, if you want to.” Simple in word and delivery, but it spoke to a part of me that for many years had lain desolate and dormant.

This may sound strange to others, but I knew Sydney’s high-pitched, squeaky voice resonated the voice of God. It’s truly amazing what can happen when God uses someone to speak directly to your issues. Sydney’s message impacted the very core of my heart, bypassing all self-doubts, insecurities, and feelings of insignificance. Her childlike words inspired me; they validated me. My daughter helped revive my dream, which had been tucked and locked away in the dusty, deep recesses of my mind. She resuscitated something in me I thought was dead.

When I learned I was pregnant with Sydney, things were touch-and-go. The enemy tried to steal her from me many times, but thanks to Jesus, she got away. She made her arrival into the world three weeks early. The very morning I gave birth to her, the Lord clearly said to me, “She will prophesy to the nation and the words He will give her to speak will transform lives.” Who knew it would begin with me? Through my wonderful daughter, God allowed me to see hope and faith in its purest, most fundamental state. Through Sydney, He let me know that I can believe again, that through Him all things are possible.

When I was a young girl, I dreamt of becoming a famous author. I wrote countless stories, plays and songs. I also endured insistent teasing from my older brother about their poor content or ridiculous titles. I didn’t let that bother me, though, because I knew in my heart they were all big hits; I was destined for greatness, or rather ‘superstardom.’ As with most people, through the course of time I let my dreams slip away, little by little, eventually abandoning them. But God, in His infinite wisdom, used my own daughter to lead me. In the midst of her guidance, my hopes were renewed, my passions rekindled; a fresh anointing washed over my soul. I was so inspired, I made a demand on my unfulfilled dreams. I sat down that same day and, through the abundance of spirit, I began to write.

I knew then that Sydney’s words had connected with the power of my authentic purpose. She had inspired me to new heights that I never would have reached on my own. Writing felt good, it felt so right, and I knew the beauty of storytelling was something I could no longer deny myself. Writing had the power to fill that empty void. It was a part of me, and although I had forsaken it, it had not forsaken me.

I had been stumbling through life in the dark, existing but not living. The longing in my heart was for something bigger, more than what I had. I vowed that day to leave a legacy, an inheritance for my children, and my children’s children. Before leaving this earth, I wanted to contribute something of relevance, something of importance with my life’s seal stamped on it.

Settling for less than what you deserve seems to be the norm for most people, accepting and tolerating ‘anything’ just to fill the unquenchable void. Why go for the gusto when mediocrity will do? Well, I could no longer settle. “I’m doing it!” I whispered to myself. “I’m going to fulfill my dreams—write books, plays, and movies—or die trying.” And, at age forty-four I courageously broke out of my cocoon, defied my fears, hushed the voices in my head, and threw caution to the wind, all from the inspiration of a five-year-old. Like Sydney, I don’t know if I will ever achieve the status of a ‘superstar,’ but I, too, believe I can. It’s never too late to learn to fly!

April 30, 2013
Nanette Buchanan

Most adults will agree, in an effort to be successful you must be willing to address three questions about yourself: where did you come from; where do you stand today; and where are you headed? Often when asked, “Where do you want to be in five or ten years?” one can quickly answer. We identify our goals and the textbook methods to reach them. Reality soon sets in and we simply choose another goal and head in a different direction. This avoidance of the obstacles in our path keep a great percentage of young adults scurrying until maturity tells them ……. Stop!

If we look back at our childhood rearing, our parents, family, and teachers were persistent in giving us direction. Most imagined us as successful adults, leaving the home, and raising our own children. Again, success was inevitable, and the steps seemed easy to follow. You graduated from high school, went to college, had an interview, and your life was neatly put in place if you followed the directions placed before you. Not many followed in their parents footsteps or checked the directions when swayed from the expected norm.

Today’s youth are no different, however the obstacles are enormous compared to thirty years ago. Parenting has changed, education for some has become an option, and college fees leave most going to school well beyond the four-year requirement. Job qualifications range from will train to over qualified but inexperienced. Those who are now retiring are older than the past years because the cost of living can’t be met on social security alone.

The teachings and ways of our parents alone can’t be given to our children as sound advice. Success must now have a solid foundation. Clarity, confusion, and choices must be where our youth springboard to a solid start in today’s society. Each of these should be discussed as children are attending school, their social activities, and while they prepare for their future.

There is nothing worse than a communication gap, lack of communication or no understanding at all when encouraging a child to succeed. At an early age they must understand there is no barrier between them and the adults they depend on. This open communication brings clarity and a sense of comfort. Expectations of behavior, good grades, sportsmanship, respect, etc. are understood when communicated.  The younger the child the better the communication; remember two way communication works best. You must be able to listen, hear, and convey a clear message. Your message as a parent, mentor or an influence must be clear because you want the best for them and expect the best from them. Embrace their failures with constructive criticism and realistic views for improvement. Understanding self-values, diligence in education, and being consistent in your support reinforces clarity and love.

As teenagers many are faced with peer pressure, coming to be their own, and separating the parental cord. Confusion between what they’ve been told by their parents and that which they are faced with daily becomes an immediate obstacle. Without a solid foundation, many stray from their home training to experiment with the temptations of the world. Once again, they must rely on the experiences presented through the stories of others, or take chances. Testing the waters, many teens drown trying to handle the world of an adult without the last part of the basics……. Choices.

Learning to accept responsibilities for one’s choices is one of the most difficult lessons in life. Being able to choose, regardless of the right and wrong of a situation, can only be done when young adults are clear. Being clear about their direction in life, they can avoid confusion and the pressures that are inevitable. 

Clarity, Confusion and Choices can determine the future for our youth. Our young adults deserve a fair chance at reaching their goals and celebrating their accomplishments. We owe them the platform where they can make mistakes, learn from the errors, and move on. However, we must be willing to guide them when they fall prey to the negatives, the naysayers, and despondent people who will continue to tug at them. Where will they be in five or ten years? When you look at your children, your teen, your young adult, are they clear or facing confusion? Have you told them they have a choice?

Donnell Hicks
05/09/2013

The LGBT community has risen over the last decade fighting for civil rights and equal opportunity here in America. Thus far, the LGBT community has fought to have their voices heard, their stories told and to live amongst some of their heterosexual counterparts. In the last few years fourteen states have recognized same-sex marriage as civil unions between two people who are madly in love with each other. The fourteen states that have legalized same-sex marriages are:

1.         Iowa

2.         New Hampshire

3.         Connecticut

4.         Massachusetts

5.         Vermont

6.         Illinois

7.         Hawaii

8.         New Jersey

9.         Oregon           

10.       Washington State

11.       Nevada

12.       California

13.       Maine

14.       Washington, D.C. (city-state)

In my opinion, I don’t see anything wrong with living next to a couple who are homosexual or even having friends who are homosexuals and lesbians. Some people who are heterosexual is making such an enormous problem when a lesbian woman or a homosexual male comes around as if they’re some type of plague getting ready to take over the United States of America. The fact remains - the lesbian female and the homosexual male are human beings with basic human emotions just like any heterosexual woman or man. The people who live in the LGBT community need to be respected and not bullied all because of what thei sexual preferences are. Who are we to judge? We are not God.

I wasn’t raised to hate or pass judgment on anybody above all homosexuals and lesbians. I was always taught to love and appreciate any fellow man who I encounter. Right now today, I am not homophobic towards any gay man or a lesbian woman. Truthfully, I have gay friends who I adore very much. Some heterosexuals who appear to be homophobic like to throw in religion about gays and lesbians going straight to Hades due to the fact they are living a wrong lifestyle given that God never made two men or two women to be together. What people fail to realize is the homosexual man and the lesbian woman might’ve gone through some trauma during their youth such as being sexually molested which made them question their sexuality or a man might’ve picked up some traits being around women or vice versa. It is something called….NATURE versus NURTURE, wherein the nature debate justifies that some people are born that way and nurture supports the idea that people are cultured and shaped into the people they become.

This is the reason I applaud the Obama Administration for standing up tall against the hate and bigotry to end the DADT (Don’t Ask Don’t Tell) law which discriminates against homosexuals and lesbians and prohibits them from joining the U.S. military; along with making strides to end certain discrimination in the workplace against men and women who are living in the LGBT community. The world is constantly changing every day before our very eyes, so I cannot hate on someone else due to their sexual preferences and I cannot be homophobic towards anybody in the LGBT community; it is not right. Everyone should be treated fairly regardless of who they are or what they are.

I am certainly proud of everybody who lives and thrives in the LGBT community in the United States for standing up tall and strong and fighting for the right to have their voices heard and a chance to live among society and enjoy an equal life just like the next person.