Do You Know George?

Greetings George:

Somewhere, your family is still grieving.  To you and them, someone is recognizing.  With all that is going on today, it is evident, "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." (Mr. Santayana is not the George I greeted).

George, and to those that emailed regarding my blog, please know I am still here.  I am reading and learning.  I am still working with young people and trying to do my part not to hinder our society.

I few days ago, I ran across the Lena Baker story.  I was in tears.  I truly wish we can get the far right and the far left to just be human.  Like most, I have an opinion, and like most, my opinion can hurt, sting, turn people off, etc.  I appreciate those that are gone, and those that are currently in my life to help me filter that.  That is the human thing.  As I watch the news, I hear far too often, people that just do not care.  Things seem to only be important when they are affecting us.  Oh, how I wish, George, that I could somehow make you important - not just to your family, or your un-born children, but to society today.

People matter.  Not just the people that I know, or the people that you know.  But the people that you don't know.  My list of great leaders include George Washington, Lyndon B. Johnson, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  Many can agree or disagree, but my list includes them and others for reasons that speak to me.  When I hear someone else's list, my immediate thought is not to dismiss their list, but to listen and understand why they have chosen the people on their list.  This helps create the person.  I worry because far too often I hear lists with little substantive value.  If I were a doing a list of the greatest baskebtall players, not just me, but many, would include the likes of Michael Jordan, Wilt Chamberlain, Larry Bird, etc.  But what if I had a list that included a guy that never played.  That would be silly.  So when I hear lists of leaders from others, I am trying to figure out who have they led, how did they lead, who did they influence, etc.  Back to my list, George Washington always strikes me because he was actually in the field with his troops.  When his troops were sick, so was he.  Regarding Lyndon B. Johnson (besides doing a 4th grade project on him - thanks Ms. Clark), he carried out another man's vision despite knowing that man may have possibly just been assassinated  for that belief.  Whoa!  Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. because he sacraficed his family for the greater good of others.

To many reading my blog, I know you are probably doing your part, or are at least not hindering others.  But I do wish I could reach that person that may be getting ready to takes someone's life.  Why?  I wish I could reach that drug dealer that may be getting ready to sell that young person, his/her first drug.  Why?

Times in our history, when the U.S. came together, were some astounishing times.  The Beginning.  The U.S. conquered the strongest nation at the time because they wanted the freedom to worship who they wanted to worship.  Whoa!  The End of Slavery.  Regardless of the reason as to why, people had to come together with the reality that "All" were equal, and no one should be forced to serve another or be treated as livestock.  9/11.  It seemed the whole country cared about the innocent people who lost their lives.  I still remember all the collective outrage, anger, hurt, and sadness.  These are human things.  These transcend color, race, religion, etc.

Division on the other hand within our country has produced some astounishing times as well.  The Civil War.  The Presidency of George W. Bush.  The Presidency of Barack Obama.

Our opinions matter - they truly do.  But at what cost?  Do they cost as much to lie on someone to make a topic suit you?  Do they cost enough to agree with wrong?

Blogging for me is easy and hard at the same time.  There is so much of me that I feel I can't express because this still is a public forum, but these lead to great conversations with friends.  My friends know we don't agree just to agree.  Many consider my friends and I arguing a lot of the time because agreeing just to agree just is not us.  We oftern disagree just becuase it is more fun in conversation.  Just to shed light, we discuss the best football team, the best player, etc.  This is far too often what I hear when watching News stations.  Sports is entertainment, but current events are real life.  A life is real.

George Junius Stinney Jr. was a life.  Please let me acknowledge as were Betty June Binnicker and Mary Emma Thames.  These were lives that we all should care about.  We should care now because we are aware of them.  I get it.  I was unaware of a few days ago, but I am aware now, and I will take these lives with me to new decisions.  I encourage you to become more and more aware.  If you are Black, get a better understanding of a White perspective.  If you are White, get a better understanding of a Black perspective.  And know these perspectives could change.  (Please know I only use White and Black because of how far apart they are in definition)  I ask, if we went back to Colonial Times, would you want to be apart of the U.S. or of England?  Do you care about the freedom of religion?  If we went back to the time of slavery, would you agree with enslaving people?  Now, what if you were White?  Or what if you were Black?  A simple switch in religion or color can truly change a perspective.  Now what if we were able to do that without truly changing who we are?

George, I owe you to live my life with others in mind.  I too will sit upon my Bible as It truly can support what is going on.  I will cry freely because my mask is removed.  I will also attempt to stand alone.  I must be honest - at 14, I do not know many that would want to do that.

I now know, and so do you.  What will you do?

Mother's Day Loss and Gain

It's been a while since I last blogged.  A lot has gone on.  It always seems like amidst a bunch of happiness, there is always going to be some sad.  As an adult, I have actually been told 3 times by 3 completely different people that they no longer wanted communication with me.  One was a colleague whose significant other felt threatened by me.  I still can't believe it as when I was being told this, I responded I understand.  You have to be happy.  Another time was from a long time friend, who owed me a bunch of money.  I listened to lie after lie.  I always wandered how his interaction with his kids and family actually go on on a daily basis as integrity is integrity.  I never will forget he told me I was not as important as him paying his electric bill.  Funny that a long lasting friendship actually was worth a dollar amount.  The last one came out of the blue similar to the first one as the second one I sort of saw coming.  This one centered around forgiveness and right and wrong.  I use this analogy a lot with people.  If we decide to rob a bank, and I get caught, and you don't, that will be on me.  If you rob a bank, and I know nothing about it but somehow get involved, that is on you.  Point is, I have an obligation to protect my family, and this person did not understand that.  They took it as I let them down.  I took it as they let me down.  Either way, there was a misunderstanding, and they felt it best we not communicate anymore.  They had no regrets.  Said they are happy with their mistakes as it builds them.  I see it differently as mistakes can cost livelihoods or even lives.  Again, funny thing, is they too have kids.  I just don't get how parents can have no integrity if for none other than their kids' sake.

Enough on my loss of people.  I keep plugging on and even pray for them most days as I truly still care about them all.  I am the one that actually does not regret the relationships even though I could have done without some of the monetary loss in a couple of the situations.  But hey, I kept my integrity and even honored their wishes.  I have certain people I communicate with often, and they are no longer on the list.

Thought I was going to purchase another home, but some things fell through.  Don't you hate when new information keeps arising, and people play you like it is no big deal.  Million dollar companies try to get every nickle out of the average person.  In the end, I guess sometimes, The Man Upstairs removes people from your life to keep you moving and to keep you from getting stuck or even hurt more.  The same can be said about deals.  He may be protecting you from other tricks or half-truths that are hard to come from up under. And I know as I was one who was always told property could never lose value.  Boy was someone wrong on that one.

The point is, whatever wind may blow your way, whatever storm may come, and even when the sun shines bright -- the Big Guy has always got your back. As with the folks mentioned above, and even a deal gone sour, its comforting to know that despite it all, God has a plan for me. He's even given me a true friend in my wife, and we've experienced many deals in our favor. We will continue to press on and follow His lead. I hope you do the same.

Just did not want you guys to think I was no longer blogging.
Also, Happy Mother's Day to all.

Michael Jordan To Abby Lee Miller

Something I really enjoy seeing is someone doing something they are passionate about.  I'm not talking about a hobby or even something they may be good at, but something they are passionate about.  Some examples for others may be a little different for me because again, just because someone is good or even great, does not make them passionate.  I still to this day question Michaeal Jordan's passion for basketball.  I won't go as far to say he was not passionate, but he was a great example of tragedy tampering with his passion.  That is what makes me question.  Typically, in my theory of passion, you always run to this passion, whether in good or bad times.  We all know that one drunk.  Everytime you see him/her, you ask yourself, really?  If he/she is celebrating, drunk.  If it was a bad day, drunk.  Just becasue it is Tuesday, drunk.  I think that counts as a passion.  Many would call it an addiction, and I would agree, but that passion can definitely lead you there.  Now, back to Mike.  Most would not question his passion for basketball, but I think about the stories like when he was cut, and it made him work harder.  So was it his passion for basketball or not wanting to be cut again?  The same with coming back to basketball from baseball.  And again, please don't allow me to upset you as I share because he was going through an extremely tough period.  Did he come back for the passion of the game, or because he was not as successful with baseball.  It was almost like that moment where you realize I am the best in the world at something even though I like something else more, and we all can agree he was never going to be as great at baseball as he was in basketball.  To switch it a bit, if you have ever watched Dance Mom's, which I love by the way, Abby is a great example of someone who is passionate about something.  You can clearly see she no longer can dance, but her passion for dance oozes out in each episode.  This is what I am specifically talking about when I say passion.  She is a great dance teacher but being a dance teacher is not her passion; dance is.  What makes it hard are the ones around her who do not share that same passion and cannot understand.  It is interesting to see the girls, who just enjoy the friendships they have created rather than what you assume was once their passion versus the other girls, who care about those friendships but care more about their passion.  I know we all see this dynamic all the time, but that is a completely other blog post.  As I have gotten older, I truly find myself drawn to watching passionate people.  I actually enjoy going to a good balet or opera and enjoy searching for the performers, who I feel share their passion with me.  On the other side of the coin, I generally want to yank performers off the stage when you can tell they are just doing it because maybe they are just good or even worse because it is their job.  Now that brings me to me.  Most that know me, know my passion is probably 1 of 2 things: education or basketball.  But again as I have gotten older, I think my passion truly has more to do with mentoring young people.  I am still narrowing down my specific passion but to see a young person learn something or realize something is like seeing a shooting star.  I also enjoy helping them with their passions even it means just supporting them rather than helping them because maybe I am unable to or do not possess the knowledge.  I encourage you to find that passion, and I pray that that passion is your job because if it is, you have truly special blessing.  Don't stray too far from your passion.  Find your happiness there.  Deal with you pain there.  And hopefully your passion is not something harmful but rather something that truly enhances others.  Feel free to share with me some of your passions or even examples of people who are passionate that you know.  Make it a passion-filled day.

Let's Dance

It is me - I am back.  Please forgive me for such the long lay off.  I had some really getting on me pretty hard.  It was a hectic last few days, but I want to do something different for today's blog.  This may come across "cheesy," but I do not care.  I also have to shout out my PR person for her promotion.  "VPs, VIPs, turning heads from Ohio to FL to the West Indies."  Those that knw me know I love to come up with corny raps.  I have to dedicate today's blog to all the Electric Ladies.  We all know why women are so important, but I want them and us to get down during this blog for no other reason than to celebrate them.  They are Q.U.E.E.N.S.  I know you all are thinking he must have messed up at home or is trying to brown nose.  NOPE.  But the women in my life are truly some awesome ladies.  I have one - I call her "Va Pe."  She is the hardest working female I know, hands down.  She is a true go-getter, and she inspires me like none other.  I have seen her go earn everything; she has been given very little, and I want her to know I know and get down for herself.  I know another, who is so strong, my mental picture of "strong" may be a lot different than others.  Sometimes, I do not know how she deals.  I know she does not get enough of the credit she deserves.  I just want her to know I truly try to do all I can to make things easy.  Another one is the epitome of a matriach.  I am sure she would rather not be, but for every woman out there that has to be, they could learn a lot from her.  She reminds me of what matriachal women should be to make things better in our society.  Being tough on kids does not mean you do not love them.  Giving them everything they ask for does not mean you are giving them all they need to succeed.  Love is often discipline.  Love is often drawing a line in the sand and daring a child to cross it and backing up decisions with consequences.  She has shown me these methods work far better than waiting until children are adults to then try them.  Another young lady I know is continuing to show so much resilience, it is scary.  Her thirst for knowledge is moving to an all-time high, and to see her embrace challenges and welcome hard things, truly has me as her biggest cheerleader.  She is overcoming, and one success after another is making her stronger than Superman.  I truly want to dance with them all and get down.  We hear all the time how women are strong, etc.  But it has become a cliche of sorts.  Let's bring it truly back, not just when something bad is happening bet even when all is going well.  We all know so many fabulous women; let's dance with them today.  It does not matter how but celebrate them.

Also, I want to send a special prayer and blessing to the daughter of one of my Godsons.  I take my responsibility of covering my spiritual sons very serious.

The Truest G Died And Actually Beat Death, So We Could Live

Please be sure to remember what was taking place on our behalf during this time.  A Father gave His Son for us.  The Easter bunny may be what is put in our faces, but don't allow the hand you see to deceive from what is really going on.  What do you celebrate on Resurrection Sunday?

Prisoners of Time

After yesterday, I challenged myself to do a more thorough caption of a report on education.  It also touches on things mentioned in my blog, Education and Church.
                  In reading “Prisoners of Time,” a report done back in 1994 on education, it confirmed a lot that is very evident – time is of the upmost importance and should not and cannot be wasted.  In my own life, I learned early on how important time is in life and education.  The expense of being better taught was weighed with the expenses of other needs and wants.  In the end, some made it, and some did not.   In Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell, it expresses that some choose to put forth the time to be great, and their effort is met with circumstances that can potentially transform their lives.  We all see this all the time, and so do students and their parents.  Why is it that $1 dollar can win you a jackpot while 30 years with a company has changed from being a sure retiree to a person that will have to continue working after these years and may not even receive the gold watch.  These thoughts may seem a little weird, but the truth is everybody does not make it, and to those students and parents that see more failure than others, their life and time may be seen differently than myself, you, or even the authors of “Prisoners of Time.”

                With the information contained in “Prisoners of Time,” I believe digestion and understanding is important to apply its principles to students and parents.  I recall a student telling me his mom told him he had to get a job to bring in some money for the family.  Instinctively, I thought as a Senior, a job can wait.  But after talking to the young man’s mom, she had placed in him that getting a job to support the family was more important than receiving his diploma right now.  With thorough understanding of “POT,” I was able to be more understanding that it may not have been his time for education and put away my own convictions.  I am sure many read “POT” and naturally assume education is the key, but I do not believe it is.  Time is the key.  If this young man was told he would live as long as Methuselah, no one would question his family’s decision to work right now because he could go to school later, and that is what I think “POT” was alluding to.  What if schools did not set parameters on time as best as they can in order to accommodate as many students as possible?

                During this time of pre-celebration for graduation and the end of the natural school year, many parents are inquiring about “how much time does my student have to finish the class?”  It would enjoyable to say, “It is truly up to you all.  Education does not have a set time to be complete but to make it in time for your school graduation, it is important to complete so many assignments each week so that your paper work goes in on time.”  This deals with the accountability mentioned in “POT.”  As we have so clearly learned as adults, everyone is accountable to someone or for something.  But when we think back to our childhood, many of us enjoyed carefree living and what seemed like endless fun.  At what point did we become accountable?  What if multiple variables arose?  What if at age 5, we were not allowed to be a child but had some type of adult responsibility?  What if all these were reversed, and we were not allowed to be an adult even at age 18?  My long rambling point is that those parents that hold their children accountable for the 18 year old things; then the 19 year old things, seem to have a more natural progression.  It does not mean that everything is easy, but when their child was 5, this parent was allowing their child to be responsible for 5 year old things.   If all was equal, it would seem things would be easier, but the truth is, the only thing equal is time.  What happens inside of that time is what is different.

                As I continue applying the principle of “POT” to students and parents, I hope to  continue reforming not only their minds but also my own.  During conversations with educators, I remember the thing most stressed was time and dealing with it.  At the time, I did not quite understand, but after a few months thinking through their comments, I see why they kept discussing it.  Many are conditioned as Prisoners of Time.  We often do everything at a set time.  If we must be to work at 8am, we must wake at 6am every day.  Eat breakfast at 7am and leave the house by 7:15am.  While at work, we must eat lunch at 12pm and be back on duty at 1pm.  The day is not over until 5pm.  When we get back home, everything is scheduled.  Then we do it all again until the weekend.  This conditioning is tough to break.  This has nothing to do with whether we enjoy or don’t enjoy what is being done within the day but that we are time driven.  The more we remain within this conditioning, the tougher it is to break unless we dislike something more than the conditioning.  In listening to others around me and within education, it was easy to pick out those who were conditioned and those that were not.  As people shared and stated things like I was a stay at home parent or I ran my own business, their comments on time made more sense; myself included.  I have definitely had a mind shift that students and parents should be able to be educated from 3pm to 8pm, and work should be allowed to flow 24/7.  Ironically, in freeing the students from the imprisonment of time, educators will have to make a huge commitment in the dynamic of responsibility mentioned in “POT.”  This commitment is why I admire great teachers, and through the support of families, I know we can begin to make time work for us as we help the youth of tomorrow toward success.

Start - Punch Fear In The Face

It has been a super busy and hectic day.  I did not want to disappoint myself and not write something, but I would encourage or rather would recommend the book START - Punch Fear In The Face/Escape Average/Do Work That Matters.  It is by Jon Acuff, another person who inspired this blog.  If you have read it, feel free to chime in with your thoughts.  If you have not read it and enjoy reading, it is an awesome read.  Make it a great one.