March 31, 2013
Angela Duirden-Galbreth

YOU GOT A BIG MOUTH!!!

You’re just like a snake crawlin’ on the ground
Lookin’ for some new dirt to spread around
Then you stick out your tongue and start spreadin’ lies
And now somebody else has been victimized
You may stop for a while, then you’re at it again
And you always got to have the last word in
They call your mouth Almighty, tongue Everlastin’
You ain’t satisfied unless somethin’s happenin’
You don’t have to be there no more than a minute
But you always got to have your two cents in it

You got a big mouth, a big mouth!

Sound familiar? These are the lyrics from the 1980’s hip-hop song “You Got a Big Mouth” performed by Whodini. What a shame, though, if Whodini’s words were used to describe you. Yeah you! We’ve all been warned about the perils of gossiping, talking behind someone’s back, or simply talking too much. “If you can’t say something good about someone, then don’t say anything at all.” I know you’ve heard that.

As long as I can remember, I’ve held a fascination for words. After more than 23 years of marriage, I remember standing at the altar with my fiancé hearing and saying the heartfelt words, “I do.” Giving birth to my children, I remember the doctor declaring, “It’s a boy!” Then with my second go around, “It’s a girl!” Each time, those simple words changed my life. I still have the hand written note my son gave me when he was age 5 saying, “I luve you mom.” No words have been more precious. I remember too, when I received a 3am phone call with word that my husband’s father had suffered a massive heart attack and suddenly passed away. My husband was serving in the military at the time and was stationed in Germany, so I had to make the dreadful call and break the news to him of his father’s death. No words have been more devastating. That’s the thing with words, though. Words are powerful, extremely influential and most definitely have the power to change situations, circumstances, and people. Words carry a commanding authority, according to the scripture. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Prov. 18:21). And as it relates to the tongue, nothing can be more poisonous, more venomous, or more deadly than the tongue that spews gossip.

Gossip, spreading rumors or personal information about another, whether true or false, that gets more distorted each time it trips off irresponsible lip to irresponsible lip has been around for ages. I believe it’s safe to venture, gossip was once considered an official pass time as grandmothers, aunts, and other women gather on front porches giving each other the low down on everyone in the neighborhood while being sure to add their two cents worth. The temptation to talk about Mary’s problem with men, Jane’s husband who drinks too much, or the pastor with the wondering eye can be too irresistible to resist for many. Let’s face it, ya’ll know both men and women love a juicy piece of “back alley gossip,” especially when it’s bursting with infidelity, greed, and scandal. It’s so easy to get caught up in listening to or giving your opinion about someone else’s life. Whether it’s, honey child let me tell ya! Suga did you hear? Guess what I heard? Whether someone is pouring you some tea (a whole pot full), putting a bug in your ear, or dropping a dime on someone. Whether you heard it through the grapevine or over the telephone line; haphazardly dishing the dirt and spreading gossip without checking the facts can be a dangerous game. Yet, something within us wants to know about and offer advice on the blues and dirty indiscretions of others. Gossiping may satisfy something within us while we are partaking in it, but there are always negative consequences about talking too freely about someone else’s business. For instance, having a sharp tongue just might cut your own throat.  Or your mouth might write a check your behind can’t cash! Another thing, most people tend to forget that “the dog that brings a bone will also carry one.” Meaning, if I will talk about someone to you, then more than likely, I will talk about you to someone else.

In today’s society however, gossip has evolved from front porches and is now everywhere. It’s on television, in newspapers, magazines, and an infestation can be found on the internet. It seems bad news is headline news and the more distasteful or sensational, the better. We’ve seen lives destroyed right before our eyes. Reputations and careers that took a lifetime to build have been completely dismantled with a negative news cycle. There is little doubt that gossip kills. Its kills three people simultaneously: the one who speaks it, the one who listens, and the one whom it is about.  While you can’t control the media, you can take responsibility for your mouth—the lies you spread or even the tidbit of truth that you contribute to the conversation.

Have you ever stopped for a moment and thought about the power of your words? In fact, the words you speak can profoundly affect the ears they reach. Death and life, neither has power in and of themselves.  The power lies in the tongue’s ability to speak words that produce life or death. Understand the power of your words and be responsible enough to evaluate your words before you release them from your mouth. Set an example of personal integrity, refuse to be an accessory to murder, and not gossip on any level. Instead use communication as a way to develop connections and meaningful relationships. Speak life!

Trust me; I know that it’s not easy to tame the tongue. Whether you have a big mouth or not, let your words heal and not wound. Let your words build and not destroy. Let your words encourage and not discourage. Let your words make peace and not war. Let your words be graced with the fruit of wisdom and not undergirded with ‘fool’s-talk’ and ignorance. Let your words carry seeds of sweetness and not bitterness. Let your words be season with salt and not with habanero peppers. Speak wholeness! Speak health! Speak happiness! Speak wealth! Speak life and not death! Speak it until someone listens, and lives!

 

 

Date: 01/28 /2013
Writer’s Name: Angela Duirden-Galbreth
Title: Do you understand the words that are coming out of YOUR mouth?

In the 1988 movie Rush Hour, Detective Carter (Chris Tucker) seeming to mock him, asks Detective Lee (Jackie Chan) a question upon his arrival to America, “Do you understand the words that are coming out of my mouth?”

I tell you times have really changed! Sadly, children today can say just about anything and get away with it. Frankly, I’m appalled at the disrespectful ways and dismissive tone some kids take when speaking to their parents. That certainly wasn’t the case when I was growing up. I was raised during an era when the whole village was responsible for raising a child. If a child was disrespectful, sassed off at the mouth, or said something that was considered out of line, their mother, father, grandmother, uncles, aunts, and any other adult for that matter would rise up. Of course, after smacking the child in their mouth, adults wouldn’t hesitate to strongly advise in that stern, ‘I mean business’ tone, “YOU BETTA WATCH YO’ MOUTH!” Believe me, most of the time that was all it took. Lesson learned!

As times have changed and our values have become more relaxed, it seems that the “watch yo’ mouth” scolding shouldn’t be reserved only for children. In fact, some adults may require the chastisement more so than their children. I know…I know… you’re grown! Yeah, I get it. You own your mouth! And, you may certainly exercise your freedom of speech. But, don’t get it twisted; “watching your mouth” isn’t solely about reframing from “grown folk talk”: the use of profanity, racially charged language, or offensive sexually explicit lingo; that’s true in part, but not the whole deal. “Watching your mouth” means being responsible and conscientious of the words we speak as well as understanding the impact our words have on others. It means being fully aware that the words we speak can literally shape the world we live in.

Words carry a commanding authority. Loaded with energy and passion; words are powerful, extremely influential, and most definitely change situations, circumstances, and people. They can give hope or discouragement, begin anew or bring to a screeching halt a life-long friendship. Wars, fights, gang riots, estrangements and divorces have all been started with mere words. A white, black, green or red lie, an accusation, gossip or the wrong words spoken at the wrong time can sabotage family ties, put sister against sister, brother against brother, breakup homes and completely ruin lives forever. With that said, let me rephrase Tucker’s question, “Do you understand the words that are coming out of YOUR mouth?”

As a culture, we speak so freely and loose until I don’t believe we fully appreciate or grasp the fact that our words have the power to indeed build or destroy. There is no denying the life altering impact of the spoken word. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue” so says the scripture, Prov. 18:21. Simply put, you can murder someone without ever resorting to the violence of a knife, or bullets and a gun, but with the utterance of destructive words. In addition, James warns that the “unruly tongue” is a small member and it boasts a lot of things. It is deadly, evil, full of poison, and no man can tame it except by the power of God (James 3:5-8). The tongue is armed with the ability to slice and dice and completely strip a person of their internal worth. As a child I remember saying in defense, if another child teased me or talked about me, “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.” Nothing could be further from the truth. Words do hurt; sometimes worse than sticks and stones. Scars left from sticks and stones eventually heal and fade away but destructive, humiliating, and painful words can hurt just as much at age 44 as they did at age 4 and often stay with a person for a lifetime.

Today, grown men and women walk around believing that they are worthless, no good, and good for nothing, based on the words spoken over them as children; words that molded their self-esteem, shaped their reality and perception of themselves. And largely, many of the detrimental choices they’ve made in life were based on that perception. That’s why it is so important that we be conscientious of the words we speak and “watch our mouths!”  

Think about the words you declare in your life and the life of your loved ones. If your words were your reality, then what would your life be? How often have you, out of anger, foolishly said things like, “These kids are driving me crazy!” “You make me sick!” or “I wish you were dead!” You spoke the words, and loosed them in the atmosphere. What if your words actually did manifest and you went crazy, got sick or somebody died based on your confession? What would your life look like if every word you spoke came to pass? I believe when we haphazardly speak foolish or detrimental things we actually set in motion the process of those things occurring.

Confession brings possession, right. Instead, speak life. Add to your vocabulary words that have to power to build, uplift and encourage. Scrutinize them, judge them, and gage them to see whether they heal and not hinder. Command blessings over your spouse, your children, and your children’s children. Open up your mouth and start calling forth blessings in every aspect of your life. Believe it, speak it, declare it, proclaim it and watch those words come to pass Speak Life!  

Self-Improvement and motivational speaker MzDeeVa, author of "Love the Skin You're In" will be in the Killeen area soon.

Date: 01/19/13
Name: Donnell Hicks
Topic: Be Inspired Stay Inspired

Living in a world filled with haters, naysayers, and invisible dark energies attempting to hinder your future can be difficult to overcome at certain times. Striving to become the best at achieving your dreams will be difficult. Moreover, stay motivated to attain that goal, persevere onward through the storm, and ignore people telling you that you “can’t do it.”  If you put your mind, effort, blood, sweat, and tears behind fulfilling your goals they will become a reality in the end. 

Apparently, sometimes, a person won’t have any support from any friends or family members. Hence, his/her dreams will vanish significantly. But it’s important to find a goal and stick to it -whether it’s becoming a successful writer, dancer, a musician, a painter, or a sports player. You have to create that vision in your head, work hard at achieving that certain goal to turn it into a reality. You must keep the faith and keep your head up to the sky without looking down or listening to negativity. 

There’s always room for a person to fall into the “donut-hole.” What I mean by that phrase is that there will be particular people whispering very negative words into your ear simply to bring you down and destroy your dreams; this is because they’re envious of you. Friends will depart just as fast as you make them, and family members will also likely depart. In the end, keep pushing on forward. When you accomplish your dreams, those negative comments people have made will turn rapidly into positivity. 

Nothing is impossible if you put your mind into everything and work hard work and remain dedicated. If you’ve been blessed to become a fashion designer, don’t let anybody tell you that you cannot become a fashion designer; dreams are made possible by staying inspired. I’ve learned in the past never to tell anybody whether it be friends or family regarding my dreams of becoming a successful writer. To them, it seems like I’m living in a fantasy world. However, I’ve allowed my actions to speak louder than my words. I turned my vision into a reality and the fact that I’m a writer with four books out currently on the market and in the process of working on my fifth novel is proof enough.

Another way to keep working at something you believe will come true is to be humbled and accept help from people who are willing to help you accomplish your dreams. The only way to become successful is to work hard and to stay prayed up; always keep striving to become the best you can be in the mere face of adversity. There’s no room for error; there’s no room to fall by the wayside only to give up because someone told you otherwise. Building a legacy by creating memories for people so that they can remember you for generation after generation starts with the heart and mind. Little does a person understand, he/she is building a legacy each day when he/she writes a book, design clothes, or when he/she paints a picture. In other words, a person is creating their His STORY. When the tide rolls in, be inspired and stay inspired.  

Date: 11/1/2012
Name: Donnell Hicks
Title: Overcoming the Odds in Life

Every day in life we have obstacles, trials, and tribulations to overcome along with mending the pieces of our broken heart back together again from the tragedies that strike our lives or even worse, our family. It is very important never to wave the white flag when flowing through the rough seas, for the reason that there’s a chance to fight for another day when life takes us by surprise only to hand us a platter filled with disaster.

There’s not a day or a moment that goes by we don’t have trouble knocking at our front door attempting to stir the peaceful human nature we as humans sometimes desperately seek beyond the indigenous of mankind. So many significant factors can play a part in the struggles of our daily lives. Take for example, Hurricane Sandy that tore apart the northeast. So many people lost their lives and left behind unspeakable damage in its aftermath. Yet, the people in the northeast are coming together, coping together, and loving one another to overcome the disaster they’ve sustained in the wake of Hurricane Sandy.

The only way to deal with hardships in life such as not finding a job and not having enough money to pay bills or put food on the table, is to keep the faith, have humility, and give praise to God that he will help each and every last one of us seek the light to prosperity. Also you must show courage in the face of danger, forgiving your enemies who have done you wrong, showing love, smiling and pushing forward with your dreams despite setbacks from family and friends.

On the contrary, some people might take another route to overcome the odds of having their hearts broken. He/she will certainly wash the pain away with a bottle of booze, indulge into drugs for comfort, or worst of all commit suicide to end the agony life brings one from all angles night after night, day after day. What I’ve learned now experiencing life at 26 years old is that there is never a gateway to giving up because of setbacks. Life is filled with so many surprises good and bad; it is how you take the punches from the invisible forces - especially from family and friends who will end up forsaking you in the process. Either you get knocked down or get back up to live another day.

Life is all about having triumph over tragedy to have a testimony to tell the world regarding the hard past you’ve come out of. As human beings, we must understand life isn’t immortal. Truth is, life is mortal at the same time we write our testimonies to share to the world, to enrich the lives of those who are in the position of giving up in their lives all because of minimum to major setbacks. A drug addict can turn his/her life around to be an ex-drug addict; a gang member can turn his life around to be an ex-gang member; a deadbeat father or a deadbeat mother can turn his/her life around to become better parents; the same can go for a homosexual, a lesbian, a killer, as well as a thief. Any person can make a change to overcome the odds in their lives.

The real secret to overcoming the odds is to live one day at a time, one day in the moment.

Date: September 10, 2012
Writer’s Name: Tamyara Brown
Title: If you’re sick of starting over, you have to stop quitting


IF YOU QUIT OR GIVE UP THEN YOU DON'T DESERVE IT!! Process that and get back in the fight, DREAMER! You can do it! - Tyler Perry

If you’re sick of starting over, you have to stop quitting! If you’re so close to what you know is your destiny whether it's writing, racing cars, singing, running your own business, you cannot quit. Success is when no matter the adversities, challenges, and mishaps, you say, "I’m fighting for this because my life depends on this; I’ve lost sleep; I’ve stayed working while others were having a good time; I ate Ramen noodles for months on end; and when everyone and their mama told me it was only a dream I
continued to fight.” So why when you are getting so close you are ready to quit?

I was sitting down and I was listening to this woman complain how her life was incomplete and so unfulfilled. She was having a major pity party and said, "I wanted to be a nurse but I quit school because it was too hard. I wanted to be an interior decorator but I stopped going to school because I didn't like the teacher." The person listening to her finally said, "Maybe if you stop quitting when it got hard you wouldn't have to complain about your life being unfulfilled." 

Though this person’s statement was small it had a huge impact on me. In this day and
time we have to see life through. I love writing but I will not proclaim to be the best. I
am a writer who is still learning the craft and I will not give up because someone is a better writer than me. The true art of perfecting my craft is to continue to learn and practice. Anything you want in your life requires hard work and determination.

It is sad that some of us quit before we start the race and give in before we reach the finish line. Some of us especially the young folks who think they’re grown and believe life and challenges aren't suppose to be hard. The minute the going gets tough they throw in the towel and quit. Life is a struggle but it is those who stick through the toughest times and challenges who are greatly rewarded.

It is when you take the same towel handed to you to throw it in and wipe the sweat
off and wrap it around your shoulders. It is when you take that towel and snap it on the behind of quitting and yell, "Sike your mind and make your booty shine. Cause a chick or dude like me isn’t going nowhere. Get use to me because I'm here to win my victory." Life will shift in a positive direction. Whatever you’re doing, you'll notice you’re an expert in survival after a while when all seems lost.

So if you’re sick of starting over, please don't quit on yourself and your dreams. If you lose a battle, pick the same one over and over again until you win. You have no choice but to win sooner or later!


 ©2012 Tamyara Brown- Tamluvstowrite

Date: 09/5/2012
Writer’s Name: Tyeisha Downer
Title: Keep your eyes on the prize

It’s really tough staying focused when there is so much to distract you in living life day by day.  I know that I get overwhelmed with working for someone else’s dream that I sometimes stray away from my own.  At some point we have to determine when enough is enough and realize that your dream is just as important as anyone else’s. A wise man once told me that you make time for what you want to make time for, with that being said what’s wrong with taking out a little time for your vision? Sometimes it’s easier said verses being done, but if you make a personal commitment to yourself and follow through with it you may be surprised with the end results that you will receive.

Many of us often have ideas that we never follow up with. Someone else comes along later down the road with the same idea and now they’re rich off the idea that you had that you never followed through with. Moral to that story is to stop procrastinating and put your plan into motion starting today.

One piece of advice that I give aspiring authors that come up to me and state “I’m writing a story and I have been doing so for ten years” is that if you’re really serious about this then write a page a day and by the end of the year, you will have 365 pages; most novels aren’t that long. Get serious about what you are created to do. When you’re operating in your gift everything else falls into place. Sometimes you have to push yourself and remember the sky is the limit.

When you get ideas, it’s important to write them down and try to figure out how to make your vision manifest. Stay focused on the big picture and surround yourself around all things positive. Not everyone will understand your vision nor will everyone be supportive but that’s okay; everyone is entitled to there own opinion. Make sure you’re passionate about whatever you’re striving for because if you’re passionate about your vision not only will you work harder to bring it to life but you will also enjoy it. Never let “I can’t” enter your vocabulary because the truth of the matter is that you can do anything that you put your mind to if you believe in yourself.

I believe in you all. Let’s stop making excuses for ourselves and become leaders. This would not only be good for you, but for others of all ages and more importantly our youth. Our youth really need strong mentors in today’s society. Many of us can agree that if we had proper guidance in the beginning of our journey we would have more than surpassed where we are presently. But the truth is, you can’t blame anyone for being ignorant if they were never properly taught to begin with. Our ability to focus and have vision takes us to places that not even our imaginations are big enough to take us to. So there is no other time to get focused on our vision other than right now.  

Date: 08-31-12

Writer’s Name: Ornitha Danielle

Title: Keeping up with Main Stream Society

Here we go again. I have to shed a little light on our urban society. As an educated black woman, often put down an d made to feel ashamed for being such, I have run across other women of color who don’t feel comfortable in their skin either because of some man, family or society.  Television (the media) has been the dividing force for how a woman should be typecast as a MAD BLACK WOMAN, ghetto, gold digging, superficial… need I say more? We need to teach our daughters, nieces, cousins and aunts that they are more than what this society perceives them to be. Please don’t get me wrong I love the media to a degree. But after all is said and done at the end of the day, it’s what God says we are. If we visit that book in the BIBLE…Proverbs 31!

She is a woman of Virtue. Proverbs 31:10

She is a woman of Faithfulness. Proverbs 31:11

She is a woman of Reverence. Proverbs 31:12

She is a woman of Goodness. Proverbs 31:12

She is a Willing Worker. Proverbs 31:13

She is a Good Manager. Proverbs 31:14,15

She is Industrious. Proverbs 31:16

She is a woman of Strength. Proverbs 31:17

She is a woman of Endurance. Proverbs 31:18

She is Well Rounded. Proverbs 31:19

She is Charitable. Proverbs 31:20

She is a Provider. Proverbs 31:21

She is well dressed. Proverbs 31:22

She is the Wife of a Good Husband. Proverbs 31:23

She is a Good Business woman. Proverbs 31:24

She is Honorable. Proverbs 31:25

She is Wise. Proverbs 31:26a

She is Kind. Proverbs 31:26b

She is a Good Mother. Proverbs 31:27a

SHE IS A WOMAN AFTER GOD’S OWN HEART!

Now why would we want to be anything less than what God created us to be? We need to teach and lead our women by example. Our heavenly father said we are his precious jewels, so we have to know our value. When God created Adam it was good; then he saw his loneliness and that was not good. So he created Eve which means they were created in God’s image; so why would mainstream society tell us otherwise? For one, everything that God created is and was good, so the enemy’s job is to do the total opposite of that. So many women change parts about their physical body including their breast, lips, cheekbones, and buns of steel implants…..for what? If we stop playing into this trash and accept how HE created us, then we can take our rightful place in God.

Some may be offended by this, but I’m just telling the truth. I want all that God has for me, and I want to be all that HIS WORD says I can be. The WORD OF GOD doesn’t lie nor will it comeback to him void.

People get it so twisted from fact to reasoning by justifying why they do wrong. Like one sin is greater than the other, really? Genesis 39:9 says, “There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back anything from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?”  Then let’s look at Matthew 5:19: “Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”

I have been saying different things in my Facebook posts that have gotten some very not so nice comments; which of course I deleted. I’m trying to pretend to be this great spiritual guru, but in reality, I’m just trying my best to obey what the spirit of the Lord is telling me to tell HIS people.

First of all when the message is deposited and downloaded to me, I have to deal with it first. Then after I’m done picking myself up from crying and asking God why me, I share it with others. My page is my page so that is where I express what’s on my mind. No I didn’t go there to make any enemies. It’s one thing when you know the truth is staring you right in the face. Yep!!!

Honestly speaking I’m only a vessel that God has chosen. If I could have my choice of a kingdom job... lol this one I would have passed by. Thank God again for the chastening. God takes us through many things for our making and we have to understand that HE KNOWS WHAT IS BEST FOR US, even when we don’t even know.

There was this one status that I posted where I was talking about opening up our homes and lives to the attacks of the enemy, such as letting our children with very impressionable minds overindulge into this wickedness of TELEVISION, specifically adult censored cartoons. I may be getting off here, but this needs to be said. I have watched Family Guy and American Dad; I will only names those two. After doing some research and studying the creator of these shows, I learned that he supports various community issues like same sex relationships. I didn’t know that at first…. Talk about an eye opener. I know what the BIBLE says about that. How can I support someone who supports the opposite of what God designed? We all need to be very mindful of the things we entertain because at the end of the day we will be held accountable for what we do or don’t do. When we know what’s right we tend not to acknowledge it, but accountability is placed on us. REAL TALK. I’m coming straight from the hip. Let’s take our communities back and fight for what should be.

“And above all things, have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:9.  Please know that I’m not passing judgment on anyone. IJS!!! (I’m Just Saying!)

Date: 08/27/2012
Writer’s Name: Tyeisha Downer
Title: Hard work pays off

 

Anything worth having is worth working hard for.


When I was younger my elders used to always point their fingers at me and yell out “anything worth having is worth working hard for and never forget that youngster.” At that particular time I had no idea what the heck they were talking about and shook my head and turned on the television to tune in to my favorite cartoons and sitcoms, but as I got older I soon realized that anything worth having is worth working hard for. This is a true statement never to be mistaken as anything false. It takes determination, focus, discipline, sacrifices and vision to make a successful entrepreneur.

Many have a general idea of what it takes to make things happen but the truth is everyone isn’t designed to be an effective leader. Too many chiefs and not enough Indians. Anyone can’t build a village; it takes a special type of individual to make that happen. Some people just naturally have what it takes to be an effective business person; it was embedded in them since birth while others are more hands on and can learn what it takes if taught properly - but they have to want it so bad that they can feel it. And understand that you may fall and gain a few bruises in your journey, but you have to get right back up and go for it just as eagerly as you did your first time around - as long as you realize that not everybody will like your idea and that you may get a hundred no’s before you receive just one yes.

The great way to think about that scenario is simply to believe that although you may receive a million no’s all it takes is one yes to make your vision come to life. I always told myself that daring to dream and using your imagination are the keys to making things happen. You have to speak things that aren’t as if they already are - that’s the secret to making your entire dreams manifest in the universe.

Never allow what’s going on in your awakening life to take you off guard of your business that you’re trying to make great. Understand that when you’re on the path to greatness it’s mandatory to sacrifice some things that you may not want to but it may be necessary to make the unthinkable happen. Any great business man or woman can vouch that determination is required to make any dream happen. If you don’t believe in yourself how can you expect anyone else to?

Risk taking is needed every now and again to make a great entrepreneur. Taking time to think outside of the box is important. Then ask yourself: what makes you and your business rare and different? Even if you have a similar product like your competitor why would a consumer want to conduct business with you verses someone else? These are a few of many questions that an entrepreneur has pondering in their mind when they’re trying to soar off the ground. So what are you - an Indian or a Chief? No one can answer that question better than you. Remember that anything worth having is worth working hard for!

Date: 8/6/2012

Writer’s Name: S.F. Hardy

Title: Manifest through Inspiration

               

Inspiration is drawn from various places: nature, still life, life, friends, tragedy, and victory. How can you believe in inspiration when it is naked to the human eye? Easy! Inspiration, although invincible, is very much real as it manifests through realizations of dreams. Inspiration is a process of hearing, witnessing, feeling, and doing. Heartfelt words that makes someone's day. Testimonies help others to realize there is calm after the storm.  Affirmations lend positive energy to one’s day. One just has to be open to the reality of inspiration and the power it enraptures.

We all need inspiration but I'll be the first to admit that inspiring oneself can seem like a daunting task. I have a difficult time inspiring myself most of the time, but for some strange reason, inspiring others comes natural. Maybe it is because we are our own worst critics. However, I can always seek the best in others and help them realize their potential and worth.

Although, people have often told me that I am easy to talk to and get along with, being  that I am very motivating, I've never really comprehended what they meant because I've always had a hard time believing in myself. How can I inspire anyone when I can't inspire myself? As part of learning acceptance of self beyond the surface, I've noticed that children and adults are enamored with me. Why? I'm nobody special. Lately, people that I admire and hold in high regards have openly shared with me that I inspire them. Although honored by their admissions, I really don't know how to take their admissions. Me? Really? Tears form in my throat because I'm not sure that I've ever set out to inspire; I just try to be who I am and try to offer positive energy in a world so cold.

When a close friend of mine, TM, who has been through the fire and back revealed to me that she is interested in becoming a motivational speaker, my heart raced with excitement. Well spoken, articulate, successful, down-to-earth, loving and caring are all just a few characteristics she possesses. Personally, I couldn’t think of another individual to embark on such a mission. “I want to speak to young ladies. If I can just reach one girl I will be happy,” she exclaimed.  I didn’t have to figure out what I would get TM for Christmas. As soon as I was able, I purchased a business card holder to hold the cards that would help change lives locally and globally one day.

TM, along with her supporters are currently working towards fulfilling her dream to motivate others dreams to come to fruition. But until then, those seeking to draw inspiration from those who possess the ability to inspire in the Metro Detroit Area can contact the following:

Katrina Carmichael, author and founder and director of Sisters Against Domestic Violence (SADA) at www.sadashouse.org

Chris Hogan, motivational speaker with the Dave Massey Group at http://www.daveramsey.com
Inspirational quotes for children and adults by topic at http://www.inspirational-quotes.us/

Inspirational quotes by S.F. Hardy, prison librarian and writer at www.sfhardythewriter.com

Date:    August 6, 2012   

Author: Norlita Brown   

Title: Look Down on Me

Traditionally speaking, inspiration comes from someone who is older than you. Someone who has been where you are and paved a pathway to make the road easier for you to travel. Many times when we look for inspiration, these are the people we seek out. Post photos on our wall, close our eyes and dream that one day that will be me! We smile at the thought of success we know we will achieve now that there is someone who has planted a seed of inspiration within us.

Gabrielle Douglas, 2012 Olympic Gold Champion has become my inspiration. At 16 years old, she is more than half my junior. Yet, she disciplined herself in her youth to represent young women and African American’s in the United States of America. As I wrestle everyday with my constant weight gain, I turn and look at a young lady who believes in herself and therefore she is exactly where she wants to be.

I feed my mind positive thoughts, telling myself, “Excuse yourself from excuses, you’ll love the results.” Yet, with all of the encouragement I can muster from within, the results remain the same. I find more things to do in a day which does not include exercise. I exhaust myself with the many tasks and then give myself the excuse that I’m tired, I’ll try again tomorrow. Picking up junk food that is one of the primary causes of the weight gain, relishing in the moment of it, as I promise myself I’ll start fresh next week. Neither tomorrow nor next week has come as the constant battle with the scale remains each morning.

What has come is today, a new beginning, a new change - an inspiration in a small package that didn’t come from someone older than I; it came from someone younger. Someone whose age I should be an inspiration to. She has come barreling through the doors with the fact that sometimes you have to look down, to look up!

In my youth, I dreamed of being a writer. I wanted to be the next Toni Morrison or Zora Neale Hurston. I wanted to be known for my poetry as the next Maya Angelou. In my maturity I have come to understand that they have lived their lives, I need to live mine. So, as I look to those who have come before me and those who are coming after me, I admire them for their accomplishments and I’m impressed by what they have achieved. I am inspired by them, but now I no longer aspire to be them, but to be the best me that I can be. I want to be Norlita Brown. Let the pages of my life unfold as they may, but allow me to achieve the dreams that I seek after. Gain the strength, encouragement and motivation to overcome the trials that are set before me. I thank Gabby so much for achieving a dream so young, because now I understand that if she can, so can I.

There are a few motivational speakers that I would like to leave you with:

Terence Lester

http://www.terencelester.com

And

Alexis Lior

http://www.alexislior.com


Be blessed. Be motivated. Be encouraged. Be YOU!