Top Favorite Blog Posts
-
Daily Inspiration
- From: etsaman
-
Description:
Today's Daily Word Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Gratitude
With an attitude of gratitude, I attract greater good into my life.
I am grateful for all the good in my life and aware that by being grateful, I am attracting even more good to me.
Gratitude is more than just thankfulness. It is a deeper awareness that because God is present within every person and situation, ultimate good is also present.
As I begin each day both in the awareness that God is all good at all times and with the assurance that I am one with God, I have the strength, patience, and faith to face any situation. My gratitude increases with each prayer of faith and each acknowledgement that wherever I am, God is.
I thank God for this day and for all the good it holds in store for me and for those I hold dear.
"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God."--Colossians 3:16
Renaissance Unity
Wednesday, January 7, 2009 – Charity
"If we could all hear one another's prayers, God might be relieved of some of his burdens."
~Ashleigh Brilliant
Today's Affirmation
Guided by Spirit and centered in charity, I act with love.
Today's Meditation
Dear God,
Help us to act upon what we believe.
All over the world, people are praying:
for peace; enough food to eat and clean water to drink;
increased love in their lives; cures for diseases of every kind; an end to loneliness and despair; and joy to fill our hearts.
Help us awaken to the truth that You work through us and in us.
Teach us that love is a verb.
Amen
- Blog post
- 10 months ago
- Favorite count: 3
- Views: 156
- Not yet rated
-
TheFlyJock's Blog:Your Questio
- From: TheFlyJock
-
Description:
Since I’ve started writing this blog, I’ve gotten lots of responses, and some of you seem to doubt that I’m reading your comments. Well, I am. Of course I can’t respond to every one of them -- especially to the person who said they hate my fat ass! But some of you had some pretty interesting questions and concerns.
For those of you wondering what happened to Myra J. and Ms. Dupre, they’re still an important part of the TJMS family. You will continue to hear them on the air from time to time as they cover special Tom Joyner Morning Show events.
Tavis Tavis Tavis
Most of you want me to stop talking about Tavis and move on. Miami Old School Listener says Tavis is just one part of the TJMS, and I’m putting way too much into the fact he’s leaving.
I agreed with a lot of what ShufanaTic had to say. With all the issues plaguing Americans today, namely the disaster in the housing market, we need to be focused on choosing the best candidate and trying to defeat John McCain. She says the Republicans were counting us on to be fighting amongst ourselves about Obama and Clinton, and we haven’t disappointed them. I just want to know when and where these groups of Republicans meet to decide that they’re going to set us all up.
As for Tavis, I will move on when his departure comes at the end of June. Right now, he’s still a big part of the show, and I welcome his expertise. His commentary yesterday was an example of how much he really understands this presidential race. He said things are going to get a lot nastier, and our reaction to that nastiness can result in “political Armageddon.” Our For Real, For Real poll for yesterday backs that up. The last time I checked, 54 percent said they’d vote for Clinton if Barack is not the candidate. But a whopping 35 percent said they won’t vote at all if Obama isn’t in the race.
Nitamd says Hillary doesn’t deserve her vote because she is taking the black vote for granted. Gapeach7 wondered when we are going to take a stand and stop accepting everything that is dished out to us. Well, part of what Tavis has been trying to demand from all candidates is that they take our issues seriously and not take us for granted. I’m with that 100 percent. What I’m not with is letting McCain slide in there while we try to make a point. I’m hoping there’s a way for us to demonstrate our frustrations that won’t result in four more years of Republicans in the White House. If you have any ideas let me know.
It Ain’t Over!
In the meantime, this thing isn’t over. Hillary got some momentum from her win in Pennsylvania, but Obama is still in the lead. If things go as they should, there’s no way that Obama will not be the Democratic nominee. But then again, stranger things have happened. Dam says it sounds like I’m giving up on Obama. I’m not. I’m just trying to look at this thing from all angles.
Finally, I mentioned a couple of days go that I’d read an article in the Dallas Morning News that said some black Democrats who support Hillary felt intimidated by Obama supporters. I’m curious. Are you a closet Hillary supporter? If so, who are you hiding it from? A boss, a co-worker, a spouse?
- Blog post
- 1 year ago
- Favorite count: 1
- Views: 9049
-
Tom's Rude Behavior toward Jay
- From: ElToroMarine
-
Description:
All I could hear about today was the on-air situation that developed because Tom was so RUDE to Jay. Not only was I surprised at this behavior, I was very disappointed. It goes without question that Tom MUST apologize to Jay. It MUST happen on-air. I believe that some things that happen to us in life cannot be overlooked nor forgotten.
Tom should understand that not only was he RUDE, he was disrespectful to another BLACK MAN in the worst way. I thought you and Jay were friends. Enough said: APOLOGIZE to Jay! After doing that, APOLOGIZE to your listeners. We deserve better!
- Blog post
- 1 year ago
- Favorite count: 1
- Views: 3894
-
The Total Package and The Tota
- From: TheFlyJock
-
Description:
Whew! What a weekend.
On Friday. I participated in a panel discussion about race relations at Howard University, then I flew to Augusta, Georgia to attend the Masters Golf Tournament. But if I had one of those thought bubbles over my head, everyone would have known I was really thinking about Tavis’ decision to move on. And a lot of you were, too.
I got voice mails, texts, faxes, snail mail and telegrams (That’s really old school!). Some said Tavis should “grow some” and get back in there and fight; some said black people really need him, and some, when he actually leaves in July, want his job!
Let me make it clear that if Tavis leaves, it won’t happen until July. He will be doing his regular commentary tomorrow.
For those of you who asked for his job, let me say this: Tavis wasn’t just doing a “job.” It was more than that. It’s like if a family member ran away from home, and someone showed up and said, “Is it okay if I replace your brother?” You would look at that guy like he was crazy because you know that the relationship, the memories and the history you had with your brother is irreplaceable. I feel that way about Tavis.
I met Tavis 12 years ago at the White House. Bill Clinton was running for his second term, and Ron Brown and Al Gore invited black media to talk about getting black issues discussed during the campaign (If Hillary does win this thing, I wonder if I’ll still be on the list. She looks like she can hold a grudge. But I’m not “bitter.”). Back in 1996, Tavis had a one-minute commentary on an L.A. radio station and a book of his commentaries from that show. The TJMS was a little over a year old, with maybe 40 stations and a million and a half listeners. As I listened to the same old empty promises to address black issues, I read some of the Smiley Minute Reports in his book. I knew immediately that this guy was passionate about black people.
I shared an idea I had for getting more black people to register to vote that included giving every person that registered a chance to win a new Lexus with a gold kit. Tavis didn’t like that idea -- mainly because it was illegal -- but he came up with a plan of his own. He would come on our show twice a week, and we would get people excited about registering by wrapping it around a big road show that would include music, celebrities and political guests. A "party with a purpose” -- and the birth of the Sky Show.
Tavis chose 11 cities where black turnout at the polls was crucial if we were going to elect some black candidates (I hope those black candidates are supportive of Tavis, whether they agree with his commentaries 100 percent of the time or not.). Tavis’ focus on black people has not changed. He’s still about getting black issues before the candidates and giving black people a reason to vote.
I’m giving you background about Tavis and me because I want you to know the role he’s played on the show. I also wanted to make this point: In any healthy relationship, you shouldn’t allow one incident to determine your actions. You look at the total package, the total history, the total experience. Knowing how much Tavis loves black people and all the things he’s done for black people, I would not let the one time he isn’t saying exactly what I want him to say nullify all the good things he’s done for our show and for black people -- and you shouldn’t either. I believe that if he’s cared about black people all these years, he wouldn’t stop now.
More tomorrow.
- Blog post
- 1 year ago
- Favorite count: 1
- Views: 3685
-
TheFlyJock's Blog: Yes We Did
- From: TheFlyJock
-
Description:
If you were one of the nearly 10,000 people at our Live Blog Party last night, then you were right with me when we found out that Barack Obama would be the 44th president of the United States. It was the moment we hoped for, worked for and prayed for. And even though we heard it, we saw the numbers and the blue states, the word I heard more than anything else last night was “unbelievable.” It seemed like the older the person, the harder it was to believe.
Most young people I talked to couldn’t see how Obama could lose. He was the better candidate. He attracted more people. He raised more money. He is brilliant, he is cool -- what more could any voter want? They’d read about the civil rights movement, but not only had they not experienced it; neither had some of their parents. If they were aware of the last two elections stolen by Republicans, it hadn’t fazed them. They got swept away with the notion that the best man would win, that justice and truth would prevail, and that if they went to the polls and cast their votes, those would be counted.
They also had what Barack Obama titled his second best-selling book, "The Audacity of Hope." Audacity,
when you define it, is really a young person’s word: “A daring or willingness to challenge assumptions or tackle something difficult or dangerous.” In an era when wars that don’t seem to make any sense
appear to be endless; the economy, the stock market, the public school system are all in turmoil, and their government would sooner rebuild communities in other parts of the world than resurrect the Ninth Ward in New Orleans, they had the audacity to hope and believe they had the power to make a difference.
I can relate. As nervous, worried and stressed out as I became in the weeks prior to the election, I never gave up hope. I don’t know how many times I was asked to address the possibility of Obama losing the election. I wouldn’t do it. Not for black media, not for mainstream media, and not for my staff. I couldn’t see anything beneficial about giving any consideration to his defeat.
Black America played a huge role in this election by digging deeper climbing higher, going harder, longer and stronger than we’ve gone in recent elections. And it paid off. But we still have a lot of
challenges to face and overcome, individually and as a race. Now that we have the formula, let’s have the audacity to tackle them while the momentum is on our side. Black-on-black crime, substance abuse,
absentee fathers are just a few issues we can take on. Many of us have expectations of President Obama, but no one -- not even a black president -- can help us if we don’t help ourselves.
Andrew Young says so many people say to him they wish they could have been part of the civil rights era because they believe they need to be inspired by a “movement.” This is our movement. The movement of hope and change, two words, require action. If you voted for President Obama, bought a T-shirt, screamed or shed a tear when he won, you owe it to him to do something to make black America better. This is our moment. This is our time.
- Blog post
- 1 year ago
- Favorite count: 1
- Views: 2470
- Not yet rated
-
Barack Obama Vs. Tavis Smiley,
- From: thomastaylor
-
Description:
Barack Obama
VS.
Tavis Smiley , Maxine Waters, Bob Johnson, Charles Rangle, Magic Johnson etal
And the winner is…..
By Thomas N.Taylor
After a landmark racially charged primary election where literally every single delegate vote counted in determining its historic outcome; the Democrats have selected a Blackman as its party’s Presidential nominee. In doing so a number of key African American influencers and super delegates across the country now find themselves on the wrong side of (Black) History.
The United States is poised to possibly elect its first African American President. Barack Obama, the charismatic senator from Illinois , has captured the heart and imagination of our country as he inspires the nation toward real change. Still with such a narrow margin of victory eerily comparable to the number of Black super delegates who voted against him, it’s scary to think that this propitious moment in our community’s narrative was almost denied on the strength of these few change resistant African American elected officials and trusted media personalities and businessmen.
If there was ever a justification to Bet on Black , now is the time. Barack is arguably the best qualified candidate and represents the best platform for the majority of Americans. Finally we have a realistic luxury of “choice” and in an unprecedented show of unity, 90% of the Black community voraciously jumped at that choice and onto on the meteoric Barack Obama express wagon . Buoyed by the beliefs that our man, the Distinguised Gentleman Senator from the hood, will be given at least a fair chance of succeeding, we boldly acknowledge that “he’s Black and we’re proud.”
With this overwhelming majority of the community voting for change, the question begs to be asked “why our beloved Black electoral and prominent influence peddlers were so determined instead, to uphold the status quo? Did they choose to vote for political expediency and favor or was it simply that they voted out of habit? Maybe they voted for what they thought was legitimately the better candidate. But how much better and at what historical cost?
The ironic twist in this unique situation is that many of those who elected to side against this courageous sepia champion were themselves; stall worth warriors for the cause with enduring legacies steeped in civil rights activism and radical advocacy. They are members of The Congressional Black Caucus, Black Mayors, Legislators along with New York ’s newly appointed Black Governor (himself a historical first). Some, like Representative John Lewis of Georgia , eventually saw the light and switched his support to Senator Obama. Others, possibly guided by some noble moral code, chose instead to go down with the ship in a last act of loyalty to an old friend and her husband.
Presumptive first Lady (my call) Michelle Obama, described this phenomena of reluctance as “a fear of possibility ” from a people accustomed to being oppressed and harboring the long held erroneous assumption that “we’re not ready and that someone else is usually better prepared. She allowed that this is not a mean spirited sentiment voiced by people who genuinely do love us but a result of being traumatized by the strain of their oppression coupled with a possible latent plantation mentality.
Before his decisive victory in predominantly White Iowa, Senator Obama had what many in the African American community perceived as “a snowball’s chance in hell” of winning. Faced with the choice of lesser evils in Clinton, Edwards and others who have a less significant interest in our well being; many of us rationalized that it would be imprudent to “waste our vote” in symbolic support for a well educated, qualified and conscious Black Man fresh off the mean streets of Chicago; where he championed community concerns and interests. Then came Utah and Wyoming where one senator quipped; that on any give day; Obama while campaigning there, was likely to have been the only Black person in the entire state. Still he carried those states by impressive margins; ultimately forcing out all but one of the so called “better qualified” White candidates on the slate.
And now, further on down the road in the Winner's Circle, Presidential Contender Barack Obama stands victorious and alone atop of the Democratic ticket. And because of his courage and convictions the evolution of the African American male image has come into clearer focus. Finally a beacon icon for the world to see that’s neither athlete nor entertainer; “wanted” but not criminal. The fragile line of hope once drawn in the shifting sands of our past is now forever etched in a stone ballot box marked “Yes We Can,” and mounted staunchly on the audacity of hope platform.
In retrospect, we all had our chance to influence this election’s outcome. We had a once in a lifetime opportunity to determine “What history we would make and how each us in this generation of Negro decedents, chose to be remembered? Not quote Dr. King, but stand up and be like him.
One can only wonder if the aforementioned venerable champions of the people suffer silently in their moments of solitude, wishing that they had been more courageous and forward thinking; lamenting their now tainted legacies.
Stony the road we trod, bitter the chastening rod, Felt in the days when hope unborn had died;
“… Facing the rising sun of our new day begun, Let us march on till victory is won .”
It’s time now to move on and time to heal. There’s work yet to be done.
How about a family reunion? (Psst! Let’s not mention this to BJ, cousin Bob, though. I think he's still a lil bitter.)
- Blog post
- 1 year ago
- Favorite count: 1
- Views: 890
-
Tavis needs to wake up!!
- From: Elaine65
-
Description:
Tom, While I agree that Tavis might be all that is some peoples eyes, he is not all that in mine.
There are other excellent commentators just as good or even better than Tavis. I personally enjoy
Rev Al Sharpton, he is honest, a real force for black people and he does not ego trip. I say if Tavis wants to leave, let him!!!PLEASE!! And I personally did not feel Tavis was speaking for Black America but he was making his living off of Black America. Tom, you are a true friend and you have an outstanding staff of friends with Jay Anthony Brown and Sybil and the rest.
God continue to bless you Tom and I pray God forgive me if I am wrong about Tavis.
- Blog post
- 1 year ago
- Favorite count: 1
- Views: 494
-
When Obama can't Deliver
- From: geeman41
-
Description:
When Obama can't deliver on these exaggerated promises made to the American people; will he be disrespected as the current POTUS constantly is? This is a question we as a black people need to ask ourselves. Will he be held to the same as Bush? Deep down most Americans know the president is only a figure-head in our government, but yet everything wrong is blamed on him and everything right will be chalked up by Congress. So who is the true culprit? In a society such as ours things can be made to suit whichever particular group a politician is trying to reach. Most of it is just rhetoric and empty promises trying to get elected for the satisfaction of power. Power is what it is all about and a cush job. How many of African Americans really know the true history of the democratic party? Probably a small percentage.
- Blog post
- 1 year ago
- Favorite count: 1
- Views: 484
- Not yet rated
-
Is Division Part Of Black Amer
- From: FreeToBeMe
-
Description:
Agree or Disagree should never lead to division. We are Black America created under many shades of color, yet have many different opinions on any given subject. So why are we so divisional when we don't agree? Why do we throw each other under the "I hate you bus" just because we don't agree with each other?
Impartial, unfair, disarray, whatever the confusion may lie, we as people have to grow beyond our own set of opinions. What is an opinion? Let's see: an idea, view, belief, estimation, judgment. But what an opinion is not is a set rule. So why do we get angry when someone voice their opinions? Must we agree on everything to keep peace or do we respect the fact that opinions are a variety of ideas.
So how do we effectively communicate one's idea without a heated debate and ill-feelings towards each other? We must first embrace and understand what respect means. Secondly we must allow the circles of opinion to meet on common grounds to agree or disagree. Thirdly; your opinion is just that; your opinions. Does it affect your way of living? Will it handicap your salary and prevent you from making a living? Will it cause you or your family any medical harm? So my point is this "Black America has got to come to the crossroad of respect for each other." We can no longer afford to throw anyone under the bus hint hint... Tavis Smiley or any other person we don't agree with.
I suspect Martin Luther King had oppositions just as Tavis faces today. Do I feel Martin Luther King was a saint? Hell no! He was a man; not a perfect man who didn’t make no mistakes in his life and many speeches he gave. Did Martin Luther King experience some of what Black America is doing to Tavis, I suspect he did?
I don't agree with Tavis at times and I will call him on some of his issues but never will I throw the brother under a bus. It is unhealthy and cancerous for us as a people to hate a person for his/her opinions. We must urgently refuse the hate for one another and embrace love. Tavis is not the last brother who will speak things we don't agree with. For example, I support Senator Obama, all the way. But do you honestly think that Senator Obama will not say something that I don't or for that matter, you; will not agree with.
Life is just that; ups and downs, twist and turns, agree, disagree and the Farris wheel keeps turning. But one thing is for sure is this; there is nothing stronger than love and forgiving. I know we all want to see the First Black President but we still should want to love our brother Tavis Smiley even if you don't agree with him.
Karma is dangerous and I don't want to be hit with a boomerang made out of steel. So in my closing: Is it easier to Forgive or Forget? Tavis is someone who we love and have disagreed with on many occasions but has division come to rear its ugly head against our effort to unite? Don’t let the devil have our playground of unity.
What if God comes to you and say's I don't like your candidate as President. And then he begins to run down the list of things that he doesn’t like about your candidate. Will you throw God under the bus for voicing his opinion? Don't tell me God never opposed any man, I can run down the list. But what if this happens? Will you disown God?
Stop and take a look at the big picture. The picture will only come together after many ideas come forth.
- Blog post
- 1 year ago
- Favorite count: 1
- Views: 470
-
Hilary Lied to Us
- From: scham1
-
Description:
Hilary looked right at us and lied about several things. If we can't trust what she is saying now, how are we gonna be able to trust her in the white house. How does one not know if someone is shooting at them or not? If you can't determine that, what is the inspiration for giving her something a "little" harder to think about (like running the country!!!!!!)? It has nothing to do with her being a woman for me, it's about being a HONEST and TRUSTWORTHY person.
- Blog post
- 1 year ago
- Favorite count: 1
- Views: 468
- Not yet rated
-
We Failed Her
- From: karladj
-
Description:
Tom - I agree with you whole heartedly!!!! But his lawyers did their job. It was what they were supposed to do. But, I think that our judicial system may be flawed in this case. Not allowing history play apart as evidence is wrong in some cases. That's what pedophiles do! It's repetitive. Legally the verdict may have been correct. The Prosecutors didn't appear to be the most brilliant people in the world. For the girl and her family - I smell a pay off!! But, what outrages me is that people celebrate this verdict. It is so evident that R. Kelley has a problem and be he black, white, yellow, or green he is wrong. This isn't like a Jena Six victory! This is a sick man and just because he is rich, famous and talented we should dismiss his actions?!! Come on people! What is this?!! The man is raping our babies. For those of you who say that it was consensual - at fifteen it wasn't consensual it was infatuation and he took advantage of that! Who cares if he is not the only person in the entertainment business getting away with it. It doesn't make it right. He needs to be locked up! Somebody PLEASE tell me a reason for celebration. I am so confused!!!!
- Blog post
- 1 year ago
- Favorite count: 1
- Views: 390
- Not yet rated
-
tom, its obvious to me that yo
- From: msstarr82
-
Description:
are on a completely different mission than the people want to hear and/or deal with honestly. you want the people to use their heads as well as their hearts . i don't see that happening enough. it is too unemotional to think about anything other than "the CHANCE to have the first Black president"! too many people seem to only be focused on that and that alone. there should be no questions about anything but obama's "chance and skin color". because any questions may cause him to lose and that in and of itself seems to represent the end of the world for some. even rev. wright's very well known and stated fact, that what GOD has for obama, nobody can take away does not penetrate the minds of some!!
now here are my personal problems with this reactionary stance:
1. so little FAITH in what will be, will be and that ONLY GOD IS IN CONTROL OF ANYTHING!!
2. what has happened to the AFRICAN american fight to be judged on the content of character and not skin color? why suddenly is it just fine to be selected for anything on the basis of skin color alone? is this going to backfire and become a situation whereby white america will tell us to our faces that we started the process of it being justified in using race alone, by finally admitting it because we wanted obama at all costs. then it becomes correct when they do it as Black america did for obama? even though we all know that's untrue, with the difference being this can be seen as positive and that they've always profiled us negatively. we should be able to effectively discern with all our experiences, that based on this campaign's tone and nature, that as usual white america's media will do and say anything to slow our roll of dreams and realizations.
3. we can't even discuss this election in any terms of civilization without division that i guarantee will be to our futher detriment if it continues in such mean spirited ways. which will also make it as equally difficult to bridge the gaps after the election as the democratic party at the convention coming together after so much quarreling amongst ourselves.
4. obama is only ONE PERSON and even if elected, he will not be able to be all things to all people, nor will he be perfect, and he will not be free of criticism or making mistakes. therefore we will all need each other to make this work that must be done by us all successful. in the end will all the PEOPLE/HUMAN BEINGS/AMERICANS of this nation be able to forgive and forget the anger and mess in order to get the work done?? I WONDER!!
- Blog post
- 1 year ago
- Favorite count: 1
- Views: 388
- Not yet rated
-
Monday Morning Coffee: A Kind
- From: The_BLAQUESMITH
-
Description:
One thing I know for sure is this: Everyone has problems. Everyone has some hard issues to deal with from time to time. However, it is always a time in our life when we are down, very down. To a point where we are so low, we have to wonder what is the purpose of this life. And then someone unkowingly does something that is small but so considerate and it lifts our spirits.
Because we live in a world of make believe where we FEEL we have to lie about how we really feel and what is really going on in the inner recesses of our mind. Often times people never know we are struggling when we are struggling; but, GOD knows. It is at this time when we feel lost in the fog, we are saved by the F.O.G.-- the Favor of GOD! With all my heart, I believe GOD delivers a person to send us a small gesture of kindness in a great smile, an encouraging word, a gift from a friend, a good book, a song of uplift on the radio just at the right time.
Bottom Line: At some point we need a hug. We need to make sure we give out love too. You never know what your small gesture may mean to someone. The honest truth is that small gesture can be a life saving gesture. An angel is messenger of GOD. When you get the impulse to something for someone else, act on it. Look for opportunities to deliever that message. And, that my friends is something to sip on.
Just delivering a message: You are beautiful. Have a fantastic day, you deserve it!! My gift to you (smile)
The BLAQUESMITH
- Blog post
- 1 year ago
- Favorite count: 1
- Views: 378
-
Keith Olbermann vs Rush Limbau
- From: nmcgee8198
-
Description:
I was watching Larry King on CNN tonight and one of his guest stated that we have Keith Olbermann and they have Rush Limbaugh. There is a vast difference in Keith Olberman and Rush Limbaugh. Rush Limbaugh is trying to start a race riot and he is trying to rise up the minds of those who had put their KKK Regalia away. He is calling for these people to go out and buy guns and prepare to kill. There was several KKK instances lately. They continue to say that Barack was saying terrible things but you cannot compare Barack saying Bush and McCain are one and the same and whlie McCain was saying Barack was a socialist, marxist, and communist. When I look into the faces of those that would put back on their KKK garb and terrify innocent people because you believe that your race should remain pure, I see fear and pain. Barack has already demonstrated that he is for all the people but you won't even give him a chance. We have voted for your presidents our voted counted even when we did not want the President because you have been in charge. I hope the old saying is wrong that once something get really screwed up, give to the black people. We will help keep our President safe and the White House will be better once he leaves. I hope everyone knows that when I am ever speaking regarding White People that I am only talking about bigots.
- Blog post
- 1 year ago
- Favorite count: 1
- Views: 361
-
Mental Health Counseling....no
- From: The_BLAQUESMITH
-
Description:
A lot of time people say they are “not crazy” and do not need any special attention from a mental health specialists. I disagree. I may be biased being a mental health professional, but I think we can all benefit from therapy. For example, most people go to a medical doctor for regular check-ups ….for preventative maintenance. We want to make sure everything is okay. These check-ups give the doctor a baseline to understand you and your body; what it looks like when everything is normal and healthy. When something goes wrong, you have someone you know and trust and can help get you back to a state of normality.
It should be the same way with mental health professionals. My motto is ” Go see one, before you need to see one.” Many people stop coming or never come to therapy because they had a bad experience with one in the past or heard a horror story or feel that “them people” dont care about you; theyjust want to put you on medication and get your money. Truth is, some of these things are true. However, if you take the time out to research one and get to know one before you need one, it will be easier to approach your therapist in a time of turmoil. Think about it, you have just found out horrible news and now you need someone to help you solve your issue. Do you want to talk to a stranger about the inner most private details of your life? Who knows if this is the right therapists for you? A degree does not make a person competent. And, sometimes you can have a well qualified and competent therapist, but you two are not a good match together? Where does that leave you?
It leaves you where most of us go in the first place. To a pastor. This is not a bad choice in some cases. In fact, some clergy are better than therapist. Why? Because you have a working relationship with them, maybe? However, in some churches the pastors and staff may not be as available due to church size and other obligations. To a friend. This is not a bad choice, except some are so biased that cannot see things objectively and give us solid advice because they are too emotionally involved. To a spouse. Sometimes they are the problem. To a co-worker. Not a good choice because all of your buisness will be in a rumor mill. This can sometimes happen when you share information of a personal note to untrustworthy people. To a stranger? Then hell, you might as well spend a few bucks and see a therapist.
Therapists are on a set schedule. Therapists are objective. Therapists are bond by law to hold your information as confidential. Therapists are academically trained professionals, whom bring both professional and personal experiences to help set an arsenal of interventions and skills to help you help yourself. Most people are unaware that their insurance will cover this. For those without insurance, the government has made provisions for certain populations to be able to receive funding.
Bottom Line: Most of will not go seek professional mental help due to pride. If that is the case, at least utilize the millions of resources available to you on-line, in the bookstores, on television, and on the radio. Be careful, not everything you hear will be accurate or good. This mission is like eating fish. Chew the meat, spit out the bones… I pray you can tell the difference; I know a many of professional anglers that have choked on the bone.
The BLAQUESMITH
- Blog post
- 1 year ago
- Favorite count: 1
- Views: 361
-
R. Kelly
- From: tracieb0523
-
Description:
As a child abuse investigator, if all I'd had to go on was a fuzzy video and the alleged victim denying that it was her in the video, I would never have taken that to trial. While, as a mother and as someone who works in this field, I certainly do not condone pedophilia, there is a difference between thinking he did it and proving he did it. Do I personally think R. Kelly is a pedophile? AB OLUTELY!! Beyond his marriage to underaged Aaliyah, can I prove it beyond a reasonable doubt? Unfortunately not.
- Blog post
- 1 year ago
- Favorite count: 1
- Views: 338
-
tavis's reference to pat bucha
- From: msstarr82
-
Description:
buchanan.org
pjb:a brief for whitey
march 21, 2008
of course the coward has the comments section CLOSED just in case you are late finding out about his racist, ignorant, and unpatriotic comments. this type of daily message REALLY IS THE SOURCE OF TERRORISM, foriegn and domestic. anybody with an ounce of sense knows that since this is the general consensus of what white ameriKKKa thinks of it's own citizens who have the GOD GIVEN BLESSING of being born with BLACK skin, that they can't possibly care about anybody who ISN'T WHITE!!
- Blog post
- 1 year ago
- Favorite count: 1
- Views: 334
- Not yet rated
-
What About the Black Community
- From: percyb03
-
Description:
“Teacher” I agree with you 100%. Let me make it perfectly clear, I look forward to seeing a Black person become the primary resident of the white house; but at what cost? “Teacher” I’ve been having this very same conversation with so many Black folk prior to and since I first saw the Florida incident.
Are we loosing our souls just to get a Black person in the white house? Why was Tavis Smiley tarred and feather for doing what he’s done during every recent past election? Tavis has always asked the tough questions and set a bar for our elected officials to address our concerns. Why didn’t Mr. Obama attend the King dedications and celebrations in Memphis? Why did Mr. Obama denounce Rev. Wright knowing that the media simply picked and chose small segments of his sermons? Does he plan on returning to that church after he is elected? Why don’t the majority of us know about Mr. Obama’s positions on various Black concerns? Is it because he hasn’t done it the “way we want him to make it known?” Do you have to buy and read all of his books in order to know what he has done? I can’t remember any presidential candidate pushing their literary writing before being president in order to let folk know what they’ve done. Why hasn’t Mr. Obama spent some of his record setting campaign funds with the Black media outlets? I listen to and watch Black media all day long and I subscribe to a number of Black publications and I have yet to see or hear an Obama commercial or see an ad in any of them. But, during the primary elections Mr. Obama received a ton of “FREE advertising on Black radio simply by making an appearance on various shows. Just imagine for a moment the magnitude of a message that would be perceived by Black communities if Mr. Obama spent moneys back in the Black community. Is he perpetuating the same old adage of seeing our moneys leave our communities to never return? Or is he taking the Black vote for granted?
Why are so many Black people concerned of Mr. Obama’s Black image and perception of being too Black? Why isn’t Black issues being asked of Mr. Obama? Yes, I get the same answer too; “because he can’t seem to be too Black because he has to appeal to all Americans. The last time I checked I was born, raised and pay taxes in America. I don’t get it. Why is he getting a PASS from Black media outlets, Black leaders, Black political strategists, Black barber shops and beauty salons? Is it really because we have to get him elected first? If this is the strategy; when should we expect him to address our issues?
· Crack v. Powder Cocaine (thanks to Ronald Reagan) that has placed too many young Black folk in prison for too many years?
· Unequal education levels among inner city schools?
· Corruptness among Black churches that are preying on its members just to have big “A” houses and cars as its members suffer to keep food on their tables?
· When should we expect him to address why there are so many money laundering “pay day” stores in Black communities?
These are some of the issues that every past democratic nominee has been asked at this point in the campaign. Why is he getting a pass? One radio host says “it is a game.” Well let us know the players, rules, strategy and objective. The latter I assume is to get him to Pennsylvania Ave., but we must be very, very careful because of two things.
1. He is a politician
2. He owes a lot of people
If the strategy is to really get him elected first, is this a strategy that has worked? I presume that is another conversation.
I’m not one to rely on the government to solve all issues, but as a tax payer it is only reasonable to expect an elected official to address the concerns of those that casts votes!
Teacher, thank you bringing this avoided topic to the surface.
- Blog post
- 1 year ago
- Favorite count: 1
- Views: 301
- Not yet rated
-
Disciplined
- From: The_BLAQUESMITH
-
Description:
What brings us from undisciplined to disciplined? What allows that journey from our personal nadir towards the climb to our personal zenith?
When we hear statements like “I am sick and tired of being sick and tired.” or “I have hit rock bottom.” or “I am ready for something different.” Sometimes we just cry out like Peter when he was drowning after attempting to walk on the water “Lord, save me.”
When these statements are made, it usually on the heal of something disatarous happening (again for the umpteenth time). The I Ching states “Obstacles are there completely for your benefit. Even the worst thing that can happen to you will be of benefit.”
For example, what gives the woman who is caught in the midst of a domestically violent situation to leave? It is not the first time the man hit her, but after her own daughter have seen her mother hit by a man. It is not when the gangbanger is in a shootout, but when that gangbangers innocent friend is hit by a bullet that he knew was intended for him. It is not when the man loses all of his play money, but when the man who gambles with no control has to tell the rest of the family why they are moving from their home to the streets. It is not when people tell that beautiful woman that she has lost her beauty, but when that beautiful lady catches a real glimpse of herself in the mirror after getting high and is absolutely horrified. It is not the man who fills guilty about his extra marital affairs but justifies his actions, it is when that man who realizes his inability to keep his sexual emotions under control has caused him to lose the only woman he loves and his children to be removed from his home. I can go on and on with this, but I think you get the picture.
I say I am grateful for these shocks from the universe because they put us back on our rightful path. Yes, they hurt. But, sometimes a bought lesson is the best lesson. Once we are tired of paying, we are motivated to change.
How do we change? It is not easy, but it is easier than you think. I can easily give you the tools necessary to make this change happen. The difficult part is applying these tools consistently with fidelity and integrity.
How to Change:
-
Pray, Meditate, and Sit in silence about your current situation and where you want to be. Honesty is vital.
-
Admit that there is a problem. There is no way you can make a change until you admit that change is necessary.
-
Stop with the excuses of why it will not happen. If you go in with an expectation to fail, you will fail.
-
Pray.
-
Believe in yourself and the ability for this change to manifest.
-
Pray.
-
Recognize the pattern which led to your fall. We generally fall in the same way. Stay away and avoid these situations. (this is the part that is easy, but not so easy).
-
Recognize the times when you had success and focus on creating those situations more.
-
Pray.
-
Surround yourself with the right nouns (e.g., people, places, things (books and videos and blogs) that keep you focused and motivated.
-
Pray.
-
Understand setbacks will come. Do not sulk and think it is over. Do not invite yourself to that pity party. Just remember to stay positive. Recognize the process that has been made in this area. How you react to this setback is really a litmus test to determine what type of progress you are really making in this area. Get back on that horse right away.
-
Once you reach the point of change, remember you have to keep working just as hard to maintain these changes or else you may regress back to that old situation.
-
As you are on a road to being disciplined, share your experiences and teach someone else. Remember to teach is to learn twice!
-
Pray.
-
Learn to respect the moment of RIGHT NOW. Everything happens for a reason. Everything is a learning experience. Open your eyes and you will find a lot of the answers you seek are right before your very eyes.
-
Pray, meditate, and sit in silence. But, this time recognize where you came from and know that no situation is impossible to overcome. Use this victory to propel you to other victories.
Pray for me and I will pray for you. We all have some areas to fortify. Let’s learn from our past mistakes. Let’s stop making excuses. Let’s be strong enough to identify our personal demons. But even more importantly, let us be strong enough to defeat those same demons. Because if we do not conquer them, they will conquer us! And, that is the double truth, Ruth!
Pray for me and I will pray for you.
The BLAQUESMITH
-
- Blog post
- 1 year ago
- Favorite count: 1
- Views: 291
-
To be excellent...
- From: The_BLAQUESMITH
-
Description:
Are you Tied to Greatness? Visit: www.TiedtoGreatness.org or www.MySpace.com/tiedtogreatness
To be excellent, we must be around excellence.To be great, we must experience greatness. We must see it, be around it, and get a chance to be involved in it. On Friday, April 18, 2008, Mr. Alex O. Ellis’ Tied to Greatness tour stopped in Chicago, Illinois at Simeon Academy Career High School.
This event is a marvelous ceremony, a rites of passage type of ceremony. Over 500 High School male students filled this auditorium. Mr. Ellis’ call to many BLACK professional men to bring greatness into this auditorium was accepted by about 40. And, it should be noted these men are not great just because of the financial success; not great just because of the degrees and titles they had earned. These men were great simply because they cared enough to give FREELY of their time to give back to their community.
The purpose of Tied to Greatness is to help young Black men become more image conscious. More conscious about how they look; understanding that this is a reflection of how they feel about themselves. And, more importantly, how others will look at and interact with them. The program was about 2 and half hours in duration, but had the impact that could last for a lifetime! The speakers at this event were fantastic! The diversity of the speakers ranged from ex-convicts to attorneys, from CEO’s to doctors; however, the general themes from each speaker were those of self-education and encouragement.
In addition to the speakers, was a brief powerpoint presentation that detailed the evolution of the Black male image to society from antebellum times to today. The slide show also showed great Black men of the past, whom we all respected and venerated, understood the power of image. The last part of the program was the most powerful. This was the ceremonial lesson of teaching a young man to tie a tie. Before I continue, I must say this…..
During the program, most of the young men were attentive and courteous, but there was a few who did not realize the significance of this event, initially . The event transformed into a ceremonial ritual when we (the mentors) went from talking to the young me to talking with and interacting with the young men. It is amazing for me to see these young men, who have been taught they have to be so ‘hard’ to protect themselves from a cruel and unfair society, loosen their guards and become humbled in character and allow themselves to be mentored and taught. The group of young men I had was respectful and polite. They all successfully tied their tie and were allowed to keep it. The few minutes I shared with these young men had a profound affect on my life; I just pray my time with them was just as meaningful. The ceremony ended with the men taking a pledge to stay in school and be more conscious of their image. This was the best part of the ceremony.
I know this event was a success for two reasons:
· Young Black Men were able to see a different type of Black Role Model. One whose success did not come in the field of athletics or entertainment. (Nothing is wrong with these fields, but we must give our Black youth more options).
· Black Male professionals got a chance to interact and network with other professionals. This alliance is necessary and has the potential to be extremely powerful.
On a side note, there was no media coverage. This makes one wonder, what image does the media want portrayed of BLACK MEN. I think Arsenio Hall would say this is something that makes you say hmmmmm.
Bottom Line: Events like this need to happen more often with more men. We can not complain about a problem if we are not willing to solve it. However, if we are going to really tackle this issue, it must be collaborative efforts to responsibly assemble our time, resources, and wealth. Individually we can do great things. Together, we can accomplish dreams we only imagined.
The BLAQUESMITH
- Blog post
- 1 year ago
- Favorite count: 1
- Views: 258
