Date:   November 13, 2012
Writers Name:  Rosey Denise White
Title: Preventing Bullying is Everybody’s Business

For some unbeknown reason, many seem preferable having limited discussions on sensitive issues that are often complicated.  Uncomfortable territories like incest, rape, sexual orientation, and others go unnoticed on purpose; particularly within the black family unit.  Bullying is no different despite it being an issue that can affect everyone.  Bullying is not a cultural issue, it is a community problem nationwide.  According to www.bullyingstatisics.org, almost half of all primary and secondary education students will experience bullying incidents during their time spent at school.

In recent years, the media has brought more attention to the bullying trend. This is due in part to the increase in violence that bullying has produced. Unfortunately many children and teenagers are succumbing to the pressures of bullying through suicide.  Several bullying victims have taken their own lives leaving the parents with burdens of grief, and misunderstanding.    Earlier this year, a seven year old boy was found hanging from a bunk bed with a belt around his neck, this is according to the Detroit News.  It was reported the boy, who has not been publically named, was depressed due to teasing at school because he was the only boy in a family of eight girls.   Unfortunately, events like these will only increase unless a stronger awareness about bullying infects the community.   

The only sure way to provide an effective solution to any problem is by first understanding it. Bullying is not merely childhood teasing.  Bullying is described as intimidation or domination toward a perceived weaker person.   This is not always achieved with physical violence; bullying can be both verbal and emotional without provocation.  Some of the warning signs of a child who is being bullied include depression, declined school performance and fear of school.  Because these warning signs could be associated with other issues, it is important for parents and educators to discuss bullying directly. Create an environment of trust and ask children outright if they are being bullied in school.  Encourage them to speak freely about any issues they experience themselves or witness in school.   It is also a good idea to identify if your child is a bully.  Children and teens who are bullies may show warning signs of extreme aggression.  He or she may view violence as a solution to problems and may also display signs of frustration easily.  Developing honest communication is paramount to combating bullying.   Information can assist adults in accessing the temperature of bullying in the school and community.  Knowledge enables adults to work with educators to create a plan of action and support.

Bullying is a serious behavior that damages the self-esteem of the victim as well as the perpetrator. One in seven kids is bullied and an average of 160,000 kids nationwide miss school every day due to fear of being bullied.   These statistics prove that bullying deserves meaningful discussions.   We are all charged with the responsibility of providing safe environments for children to learn, interact and enjoy.   Bullying cannot be the exception to this golden rule.  Become involved in your child’s life by discussing the effects of bullying. Ensure that someone you love is not an aggressor or becomes a victim.  

Date: 11/19/2012   
Writer’s Name: S.F. Hardy
Title: New Bullies on the Block

We have all heard of school bullying. As adults, we have most likely experienced or know of someone who has experienced work place bullying but today, I want to discuss what I call neighborhood bullies. No, not the ones we encountered as a child walking to the store or those who like to separate themselves in a click and not play with certain children. I’m speaking of the ones that take over the neighborhood by loitering in front of the homes on your block; the ones that create a nuisance to the neighbors who work hard at keeping their homes and neighborhood safe and looking good.

On a frigid February day in 2010, my husband and I stepped into a deceptively small home for the very first time with realtors leading us. Only from the inside could we decipher the enormous square footage the home held; and although the house was not in the best cosmetic condition, when I stepped foot in the library I knew this would be our home.

In my excitement and haste to get to work on time, I was totally oblivious to the liquor store on the corner. Had I noticed it, I would have thought twice about bidding on the home I would soon call mine. The deadline was midnight that same evening and I did not visit the house until afterwards which I then became aware of the liquor store and all the traffic that it attracted. What have I done, I thought to myself. Not wanting to lose our “good faith deposit” my husband and I proceeded on with purchasing the home.

Much to our prediction—our block is hot! The day we closed on the home the house was broken into. I’m not sure what the perpetrators could have been searching for because the house was empty and had already been previously been stripped in the two or so years it sat vacant. Now that the frost began to thaw, it was apparent that we had more than the liquor store six houses down and across the street to be concerned about as groups of men who regularly congregated outside in front of two homes on the block attracting traffic, noise and garbage pollution.

As you may have guessed our neighbors appeared to have been trafficking drugs. My suspicions were confirmed this summer when I witnessed with my own two perfectly good eyes a very overt drug transaction; I was livid to say the least. I couldn’t believe the blatant disrespect that took place before me. What happened to discretion?! There are children and seniors on this block for God’s sake!

At this very moment, beyond anger I felt powerless, helpless and backed into a corner. I felt as if the dealers were taunting my neighbors and I saying, “we can do what we want to do and what you gonna’ do about it?” I took seeing two white men in a fancy car buy drugs without even getting out of their car very personal. I felt bullied because I had to refrain from acting on my first impulse to say something to both the buyers and the dealers. I knew if I acted I could possibly start a war that innocent people such as my child may suffer the consequences as a result. Moving was an option but it wasn’t. Why should I let someone push me away from my home, that is paid for, that I love? How could I leave without even putting up a fight? I couldn’t and I didn’t.

Think, I told myself as I tried to calm down. I decided that in order to combat being bullied, I would have to demand that my block be safe by making phone calls and writing letters. I received little to no response for my efforts. However, some of the nuisance dissipated as the houses that were once vacant are now lived in. I’m embarrassed for my city and state to report I never received a response from the politicians, media or authorities in regards to the matter. I spoke to other homeowners on the block who tried the same tactics before me with no avail.

I shake my head as I walk down the rest of my street which is adorned by beautiful well maintained homes and manicured homes absent of the rift raft that my family, neighbors and I are faced with on our block. As the winter season approaches I am working on a plan to spearhead a block club that will stand with me against the evils that may destroy our community.


Although I want these young men to cease and decease what they are doing to destroy our community I don’t think jail is the answer I’m seeking. I would like to see more programs created to eliminate the need or desire to sell drugs; a topic for another article coming to readers soon.

Date: 11/14/2012
Name: Donnell Hicks   
Title: Mixed Relationships and Mixed Marriages in America  

People in America view mixed relationships and mixed marriages with disdain pleasure. I don’t know why when a black woman dates a Hispanic man, a black man dates a Canadian woman, or Hawaiian woman marries a Japanese man and a white woman marries a black man, it makes the world uncomfortable.  It is up to each individual who they want to settle down with and start a life together. The only true thing that should matter is the strong connection the man and the woman have while dating, married, or in an already established relationship. 

 As long as the partnership is happy, healthy, filled with trust and most of all respect there shouldn’t be a problem among two people from two different backgrounds to form one union in holy matrimony under God. Certain people will always criticize in a negative way regarding the people in their family as to who they date and who they choose to have as friends. Truth be told, interracial relationships and marriages have been around for centuries throughout slavery and following the abolishment of slavery.

At that time, people from different cultures especially white and black people couldn’t get married particularly in the southern states where mixed relationships or mixed marriages was prohibited. White southern folk who indulged in racial doctrine would believe that the white Aryan blood is being threatened by another culture if a white woman dated a black man or vice versa in the south. Even right now today, there are plenty of people who still have that same mentality.

On a different perspective, teenagers who are involved in interracial relationships should know about their other half’s family, their values, their culture, and way of life. According to contemporaryfamilies.org, one study shows 36% of white Americans, 57% of African-Americans, 56% of Latino Americans, and 57% of Asian Americans have dated interracially.

What people fail to realize is that if two people are in love they should be able to explore their newfound relationship as well as their newfound marriage without scrutiny our shame. A prime example: President Obama is mixed and First Lady Michelle Obama is pure African-American and their bond is surreal. Why judge the interracial couples based on the person they have chosen to spend the rest of their lives with?

I remember when I was a teenager, I was in love with white American women like never before. Although I received mixed views from family, friends, and strangers alike it didn’t stop me from showing love and tender care to the white women I’ve dated.  I didn’t care in regards to the negative and positive comments I was receiving because the strong bond and the strong connection the girl and I had was surreal.

Evidently, I don’t see a problem with dating outside the race or marrying outside the race. Everyone believes it is a common enemy to do so. Nevertheless, color doesn’t mean anything as long as the hearts and souls are genuinely pure.

Date: 11/16/2012
Writer’s Name: Ornitha Danielle
Title: The Story of My Tears

The story of my tears, rolls down my face to express all my fears.
The broken promises, dreams and the shattered lives into this liquid of surprise.  
No more drama, no more pain for me hides in the essence of quilt and shame.
With each breath I take my soul beings to shake.
I search high and I search low wondering where did all the time go.
Reality is my sweet destiny; the bond I share is between God and me.
For every tear that falls He knows them all, and beings to wipe my eyes, when I call.  
Trusting in Him to guide me through, my valleys, and make a place for me to rest.
It sure feels good to know that I finally aced that test
The ups and downs, on this emotional rollercoaster have proven to be a scary ride, with many twist and turns, finding that there is a lesson to be learned.
For every tear that falls a piece of my brick wall is tumbling down, kneeling in prayer, it’s wonderful to know that God knows the number of my hairs.  
Its amazing that God knows what I will think before I think it, someday this thing we call life will pass away
The hugs that are no longer there is a bitter road of despair, wondering if anyone will really care?
What lead me to this place, could be the past, present or the future, or could be me wanting to be free
Love is a funny thing, the typical saying, but is it the answer lies between here or there, taking a look around it everywhere.
With every single beat of my heart, tears flow from my eye, again an element of disguise
To be kissed with lies brings on the dreadful fame
Center stage for the world to see, this person raging inside of me
Moving on every cue, Lord knows why I feel so blue
Curtains go up, the spotlight is so bright that my tears are taking flight
Unable to speak, for trying to stop ever tear, riddle with fear I can feel the pain piercing me like a sharp spear
Although the roads may become weary at times, it’s great to know that He’s always by my side
This too shall pass, one day I will receive my ticket to heaven 1st class
My tears write of a story that is so very true, but first I must say I love, do I believe what I just say when all I see is frustration instead
The image that is looking back at me, I have forgotten who she is and why she’s in so much pain
I whisper to her please let go of it, allow God to shield you from the cold rain
No sight of a smile on my face, as I turn to walk away
An angel appears to me and says my child let us pray
You’re never along; just remember Our father is on the Throne
You can go beyond the veil
YOU WILL PREVAIL!

Date:  November 12, 2012
Name:  Nanette Buchanan
Title: Stress a Silent Killer

A visit to the doctor’s office is often prompted by symptoms of illness.  A fever, running nose, a rash, aches and pains are all signs that indicate we may need medical attention or an over the counter remedy.  Eighty to ninety percent of the doctor’s visits have an underlying link to stress. Stress affects the mind and the body; emotionally and physically stress can drive one to an early grave.  There are two types of stress: Eustress which is positive stress and can be healthy and beneficial; and Distress which is negative and can cause physical, emotional and mental illnesses, disease and death.  

We can’t always avoid stress and sometimes we don’t want to.  The excitement of a new job, the anticipation of attending an event or new school, and opening your own business can heighten the stress level.  The results of Eustress often are the same as Distress.  The rise in one’s blood pressure, anxiety attacks, increased palpitations of the heart, stomach pains and ulcers as well as a rash, and headache are the symptoms that can bring on many masks.  Most of us don’t realize we are stressed until fatigue sets in or our conditions worsen.  Eustress is positive and understood.  We welcome the rush of excitement it brings on.  Even if some of us get overwhelmed, we deal with Eustress differently.

Distress can affect us mentally and physically.  It can begin in the mind, worrying day after day with no solution to a problem, questioning the outcome, anticipation and focusing on the negative until we can’t sleep or eat.  Our daily functions are not the same.  Our temperament changes and the mood swings range from depression to high anxiety. The symptoms are not situational and the conditions seem to link to other physical problems we may have. This type of stress unlike Eustress will linger.  Silently diminishing our will to take care of the physical symptoms we settle with the conclusion, “I’m just stressed.”  Accepting that excuse, we are accepting a silent death.

Eustress, the happy “high,” usually fades as the memories of the excitement take a rightful place in our mental photo album.  We can tap into it at any time and bring to surface the smiles, the pleasure, and the pleasantries that were felt the day of the event.  However, Distress rears its ugly head with the discomfort of sickness.  As a contributor to high blood pressure, heart problems, poor eating habits, and lack of sleep we find ourselves with more than the problem at hand, and making a doctor’s appointment.

There are many ways to avoid stress after becoming aware of its symptoms:

1. Evaluate your feelings in stressful situations- knowing what brings you stress is important.  If last minute preparation annoys you, it may add to your stress level. If you are worrying, identify what it is and work through a solution.

2. Don’t take on more tasks than you can handle

3. Plan your schedule

4. Don’t let the plans of others interfere with your plans

In many cases stress is a spontaneous reaction to an immediate or prolonged problem:

1. Recognize the problem – If it is not yours don’t take in on until you’re ready to

2. Seek a solution you can live with

3. Take a minute to breathe, slow the pace of the moment

4. Don’t make quick decisions – Often a quick decision may handle the immediate problem but will cause complications later

5. Don’t avoid the situation without a definite plan to revisit it and handle it – We often use avoidance as a solution only to find the problem to resurface

Identifying our stressors and handling them helps but often we need to return to a state of mind that will be peaceful; we need to be settled in our comfort zone. Although the problem has been settled or even if we’ve decided to avoid it, the stress still lingers. Relieving stress before, during and after a situation is the key to healthier reactions during stressful situations.

1. Take a moment to be alone – Silence, quiet and peace often relaxes nerves

2. Me time – Spend some time doing and enjoying what pleases you – A book, a treatment at the spa – A mini vacation, a night away from home – A bubble bath, or long shower

3. Soothing foods or drinks – Not an alcohol chaser – A nice glass of wine, hot chocolate, brandy

4. Rest – Sleep reenergizes the mind, body and soul

5. Reading – An escape that doesn’t cost much but gives the mind a chance to move away from the stressor and the problems

6. Exercise – Walking, running, cardio exercises burn calories but also release tension

Holding on to stress can affect your health.  Being health conscious should include educating ourselves about the silent killers.  

What goes on in your physical body is greatly influenced by the powerful mind-body connection. You can literally worry yourself into an early grave. The actual physical effects of stress on health can be extremely damaging. It is of the utmost importance that you help your body function the way it was meant to.


http://www.essenceofstressrelief.com/physical-effects-of-stress.html

Date: 11/8/2012
Name: Donnell Hicks
Title: Mother Nature




What about the sun? What about the trees? What about the animals walking on the land? What about the deep blue seas? Planet Earth or Mother Earth as some people call it is crumbling beneath our feet; the atmosphere is constantly changing very rapidly in front of our eyes every day. We should stop to notice that we must come together right now to combat climate change before it is too late for us to stop it. For some people they don’t recognize the shift of climate change as important; they believe it is a sign from God that the world is coming to an end. Basically, the issue of climate change is a fifty-fifty tossup - with some people believing in climate change and others not believing in it. Is it human nature or Mother Nature?

There are plenty of examples of the dramatic shift on planet Earth. One example back in 2005 is when the state of Florida experienced back to back to back hurricanes; it seemed like every month they were hitting the sunshine state in all directions. Another example is two years later when five tornadoes hit the Midwest. Earthquakes along with tsunamis’ were tackling Japan and Myanmar destroying everything in sight, and thousands of people had lost their lives. Winter storms have been hitting the entire central United States in the past years. And recently Hurricane Sandy made her mark in the Northeast colliding with a winter storm creating destruction in her path.

Many people and scientists from the NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) have always believed in their hearts that due to the fast rapid change in weather patterns, Earth is crying out to be saved or worse, it is backfiring on those who decided to experiment with the air and the seas creating chaos in the mix. Is planet Earth being destroyed by folks who pose as scientists and play with the weather to make it so extreme, or is nature getting its revenge?

Another theory suggests carbon monoxide and other poisonous gasses are spilling into the atmosphere and making the ozone thinner every single day. As a result, people are cutting down trees thwat protects us from breathing in poisonous gasses in the air and that give us shade from the rays of the sun. Without the trees to protect us from the poisonous atmosphere, it is impossible to live here on Earth.

When it comes down to the ocean, many people claim that the rise in the waves of the oceans are based on the gravitational pull of the full moon, when in reality the rise of the oceans are caused by scientists who experiment with the deep blue sea, tossing poisonous liquids into the sea forcing the animals in the deep blue sea to make their way onto land, such as dolphins and humpback whales, because their home is being tampered with. Take the everglades here in Florida for example; out of town developers want to build apartment buildings on the everglades and to some extent homes are being built on swamp lands to the point where creatures like alligators are crawling out of the sewers and making their home in people’s homes all because of their habitat has been destroyed.

We’re deep in the fire when it comes down to how we handle planet Earth and we must do our part to help clean up the planet and save it for the next generation. 

   

Date:   November 6, 2012
Writers Name:  Rosey Denise White
Title: The Anatomy of a Man


It’s all about anatomy.  The nature of physics says if you have a penis, then technically you are a man.  The average man lives and breathes by this standard, duped into believing that composition is what makes them real.   On the other hand, many women are unable to recognize the look of a real man because most males do not accurately fit the description.   What then does a real man look like?   A real man cannot be seen with the naked eye.  A real man is defined by the inner workings of his spirit.

It almost sounds like a Sunday morning sermon, but in all seriousness, the spirit is the true self of every living being.  Religion is not required to believe this theory because irrespective of religious beliefs we are all spirits in human form. The flesh only allows us to recognize one another with the naked eye, but this “look” is deceptive.  We have it backwards: What is seen is an illusion, what is unseen is the true reality.  It’s just like the concept of God.  No one has seen the face of The Most High, but everyone knows who he is!   Ask any believer what God looks like and they each have their own description.  Some believe God is black, others say he resembles all forms of life but despite any argument  one thing is for certain- God means something different to all of us.  The look of The Most High varies depending on the believer just like the look of a real man varies depending on who is looking.

My perception of a real man is not based on what is seen, but rather is accumulation of experiences.   An authentic man will be an experience of beauty through his words of value and focus.  Nothing is more attractive than an intelligent man with sound vision and purpose; a man of action is also an experience of intimacy.    A genuine man is an experience of love through his labor for others because charity begins at home.  A real man is always interested in improving himself because he understands to love others one must first develop love from within.  An authentic man will be an experience of trust.  Through his sacrifice and commitment he is a provider for his family and those he hold near.  He is the leader who protects his flock and directs them safely.  A real man will not only exist in physique but will operate heartfelt in spirit.  He is masculine and powerful; a King indeed unmovable yet determined with purpose.

All of us could stand to benefit from the “look” of a man however it is the overwhelming experiences that make a man real.  Even a child can recognize realness over one who only pretends to be; it is sincere actions of spirit that overwhelms.  Real men understand that appearance is temporary.  They have learned that credibility is paramount to becoming the man they are destined to be.

November 8, 2012
Charlotte Marshall Templeman
There is Power in Unity
   

The presidential election is over. The people have spoken and our president Barack Obama has been re-elected to another term. Upon hearing this news there were cheers, cries, hugs and most importantly pride. Americans, especially African Americans came out in record numbers to exercise their right to vote. We stood in long lines in the cold, dealt with malfunctioning machines and an occasional problem at the polls. However, this did not deter us and we pushed forward until it became our turn to step into the voting booth. We selected our choice and walked out with a great sense of pride as we were given our “I Voted” sticker to display on our coats for everyone to see. We not only once again made history but we were a part of history. Now the excitement is over, the debates are history and the president is well at work. So now what do we do? We have to take that same enthusiasm we had in re-electing our president back to our communities. 
   
Although we have the commander in chief we all prayed for there is work that still needs to be done on our local levels. We have to make sure our schools and teachers are qualified and dedicated to ensuring our children receive the best education possible. All schools, whether they are in the suburbs or inner city, private or public, we as citizens and parents have to make sure our children receive the same quality education as their counterparts. It is important to hold teachers, staff and administration accountable if our children are not receiving the education they are supposed to. In conjunction we have to be actively involved in making sure our children will be able to read, write and perform the basic essentials in order for them to graduate and move on to college or the work force. Besides making sure our schools are up to standard we have to take care of our neighborhoods by making sure they are safe. It is just as important for us to band together to get rid of the toxic things that make our neighborhoods unsafe for all that reside there. Getting to know your local ward leaders, state representatives, community leaders and church leaders can be helpful if needed as well as knowing the role of your mayor. We elect these people on the local level to take care of us and we have to challenge them and make them accountable in doing their jobs.
   
The work is far from done. We cannot sit back and allow our communities, schools and children to not prosper and then blame other people. Whatever changes we wish to see we have to make. The president has a country to run and he will do the best he can in ensuring our needs are met on a whole. However, we have to continue to work at home in making changes for our children, families, and communities.  The same enthusiasm and fire that brought a record number of African Americans out to vote has to remain lit.  We have proven that there is power in unity and whatever we set our minds to we can accomplish. I challenge everyone to take a stand in their neighborhoods in bringing positive change. If that means volunteering, helping a neighbor in need, starting a program to help keep our children off the street, assisting those with obtaining health insurance, feeding, clothing and locating shelter for those in need or whatever your heart desires, we can make a difference. President Obama is doing what he needs to do for the American people, now what are you prepared to do?

Date: 11/8/2012
Writer’s Name: Ornitha Danielle
Title: Everything We Have Belongs to God

                                                      
On our knees we go to give thanks to the one who made it all possible, God. For Him WE live and for Him We die. The money, the house, the car, including our lives, with our arms linking together shows our complete oneness to each other. The bond of man and wife, the greatest love given was sheer paradise. He vowed to be the protector of his wife, she vowed to stand with and encourage him the more. The husband goes to God for guidance on how he is to love, as she looks to her husband to shield her.

They pray together which shows the enemy that he’s unable to break this Holy Bond of Marriage, that God created between Woman and Man. Approaching the throne of Grace, they are able to win any race.  God’s hands rest completely upon the lives of them, in Him they are protected and the relationship between Man and God is strengthened every time man kneels to God in prayer. Without prayer, our lives are not what they should be; we become weak, lost with no direction. Thanking God for Jesus, peace, love, joy, happiness, strength, life, and the comforter he sent in return when his son laid down his life for us.  

If it weren’t for the love of Jesus where would we be? Perhaps still lost in sin? Don’t think I care to know, but it’s something to think about. The more we start to realize that ALL we have isn’t ours, that every single gift, talent etc, belongs to THE MOST HIGH.  Sometimes people get to the point and believe and may even feel like they have arrived to a place, and they sit on top of the world. This is the farthest from what is true. I can see how a person can believe that, because they have been deceived on so many levels. The enemy and his silly little imps, builds up this exterior of some kind of smoke screen and they fall for the shenanigans.  

In other words, they’re saying “I have arrived, this is what I did, and this is My doing.” Seems to me that God allowed it to be possible, but you would never know it from the way they carry on. Never lose sight that all you have belongs to God, he created everything! He created the person that made the house you live in, from the materials that are used, God made them, think about it.  Let’s stop taking credit for the things that belongs to God. At the end of this day we owe our all to Him, so we should bless him for making provision for us. It’s just amazing to know that God cared so much that over 2,000 years ago He gave His best for us, and that His best intercedes on our behalf! The least I can do is kneel in prayer and thank Him for ALL He’s done.

Neffeteria Pugh, better known as “Neffe” has seen and done it all. Most people remember her as the co-star from the hit reality TV show, “Keyshia Cole-The Way It Is” where she stripped herself bare and revealed some of her deepest and most shameful secrets from her past failed marriage. “We had threesomes… we broke ALL the vowels” Neffe openly admits in an episode from the show. “But the first step to change is realizing that you need to change right? Change is good,” Neffe states after leaving behind the drama and mistakes of her past and moving to the city of Atlanta, GA to reconnect and live with her sister and R&B star, Keyshia Cole. Neffe adds, “Moving to Atlanta was the best thing that could have happened to me. I was able to get away from all of the stuff that kept bringing me down, down, down.”

Although her move to Atlanta offered a ray of hope and the promise of a better future, Neffe still found herself repeating the same mistakes and experiencing the same cycle of alcohol abuse and struggling to survive. In her new book, “The Price I Paid,” she takes you on a behind the scenes look into what her life was like when the cameras were not rolling. I had a chance to meet and talk to Neffe at her book release party at Tag’s Boutique in downtown Atlanta over the weekend and here’s what she had to say:

“People think that somehow being on TV is going to make you famous. But baby, let me tell you, that is not always the case. People think they know me, but they have no idea. I’ve read the blogs and heard the rumors about me and my sister not getting along and I just want to set things straight that this NOT true. God apparently has her going down one path and has me going down another. That’s all.”

Despite the rumors and the mistakes she has made in her past, Neffe still is determined to win. When asked what her plans are for the future, she shared that she wanted to start her own reality TV show and become an actor.

Life teaches us many lessons every day. The thing I admire most about Neffe is her will to fight and overcome any obstacles that may stand in her way. Her life is such an inspiration to anyone who is striving hard to succeed and achieve their dreams. If you believe in yourself and work hard at whatever you set in your heart to do, you will succeed. Your destiny is yours. No one can take it away from you.


by Danielle Leach, author of American Dreamer