Your Success Is On The Way

Have sustainable success by having a mentality that is sustainable for success. You remember the names of winners and soon forget those they defeated. Success is obtainable, but is not always sustainable. People who sustain success seem to gravitate towards those who possess or indicate a similar mentality sustainable for success. You’ve learned how best to utilize your time by not arguing with people. You try to help, contribute, educate or lend support to them, but only if they show that they’re receptive.

 

The reasons being is that you’ve found your joy, your peace, what works for you and you’re not trying to have anyone get you off course. You choose to walk by faith, but they decide to walk by sight. Seeing is believing might be true, but it all depends on your vision and what steps you’ve taken in that purpose. So if you have a dream, live it. Stop talking and listening to people who rather stay asleep; your success depends on it.

 

Sustainable success requires a renewed mentality, a focused vision and self-control. This means you let no one, not your parents, siblings, spouse, children, other family members, friends, neighbors, coworkers, classmates, your circumstances, upbringing, your finances, education, social perceptions, race, gender, spiritual beliefs, age, disability, what your are, where you live or even your past failures and mistakes get in your way of your success.

 

See… Sigh… I’m really not trying to preach, but this is something I’ve become passionate about. I know how it feels not to be believed, considered, accepted or trusted for little to no reason at all and still the outcomes proves you were right. I would love to share my story with you, but I’ve been burned too many times to freely share it anymore and with anyone.

 

Everyone, not matter how close they are to you or how much alike they are to your experiences or even how nice they are will understand what has made you who you are. I want you to understand that there’s a plan for success in your life, but it’s up to you to receive it, apply it and maintain it. Trust me I know the fear, it was an unwanted guest in my life for far too long. It was when I realize that fear was what was robbing me blind of my joy that I kicked it out. I just want my neighbors to know that it’s in the neighborhood and to not be deceived.

 

Success is in your future. Don’t let it be disrupted by anything or anyone reminding you of your past or suggesting that your present circumstances will never pass. You will succeed and I will cheer you along the way. We can laugh about the stumbles, trips and falls along our way. The point is not to quit. Success is waiting.

 

Success has pathology and Failure has pathology. Your steps have been ordered for success, but it’s up to you to get up and go towards it. Stop listening to those who don’t care about you. Find your path and start walking. Don’t Give Up. Keep Moving Forward. We’re going to make it. Let’s go.

Dream Again

What should you do when your dreams are deferred and/or does not come true? Dream Again.

 

Stop giving up so easily because it didn’t work the first, second or fifty-seventh time. Get up, because there’s nothing to be ashamed of for putting forth an effort. Your failures teaches you what didn’t work, failed people use your failures to encourage you to stop trying, no matter how persuasive or subtle they may be.

 

“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.“

- Harriet Tubman

 

It may be all a dream. You may be only looking at the success of those in the magazines, but whether your dream is to become an Academy Award Actress, a Supermodel, a Congressman, Business Owner or even a dream to just teach the world what makes for peace. Forget your naysayers, the doubt peddlers and cynics. They’re living out their dream as being the killer of yours. What you got to do is to not allow them to slow you down or blur your vision; press towards the mark.

 

In the sermon, “Unfulfilled Dreams”, Dr Martin Luther. King spoke of Gandhi’s desire to unite India but Gandhi died with the country split. In the same message he spoke of David’s dream of building the temple, but David died before the work was complete. If you consider the enduring works of Medgar Evers, Malcolm X and Dr. King, each assassinated before their dreams were anything close to be realized.

 

When you share your dreams, desires, hopes and aspirations with others, understand not everyone has the eyes to see it and others has nothing in them to even feel it.

 

Observe the language and attitudes of people that you called friends, family members, certain Supreme Court Justices, political parties, religious groups and their opposition and you wonder like Langstan Hughes with the question that asks, “What happens to a dream deferred?”

 

“The horizon leans forward, offering you space to place new steps of change.”

- Maya Angelou

 

You have what it takes. Your dream may not be my dream, but a dreamer recognizes a dreamer and dreams with them.

 

So I encourage you to go get it. Keep dreaming the dreams. Dreams only become reality when you have the mind and courage to dream it. I know it is difficult and frustrating, but don’t give up.

 

Dream Again. If you don’t mind, I’ll dream with you.

Never Give Up

It seems like whenever I take a moment to walk everyday, I always come back with something to say. It doesn’t matter what type of day I’m having. It seems such a thought comes to mind and the need to share it. So I would like to offer this one to those of you who may have those times as I sometimes do where I simply ask myself, “What’s the use?” and want to just give up and be mediocre.

Don’t give up.

We make mistakes. We say things we shouldn’t. We think things that we sometimes learn to regret, but don’t let that stop you from being what you can be. Do not give up.

Never give up, because “To be a star, you must shine your own light, follow your own path, and don’t worry about the darkness, for that is when the stars shine brightest”, never give up.

If you’re dealing with an illness or injury, don’t give up. You can make it and/or make the best of it. Don’t lose hope.

Take from the words of the historian, Charles Austin Beard when he said, “When it is dark enough, you can see the stars.” It may seem that you are at your lowest point, but understand that if it is true, then the only direction you have left to go is up. You absolutely can do this.

We simply must not lend space to fear.

When the dream killers in your life stalk you with their words of doubt, cynicism, grief, negativity, fear, hate and hopelessness, you look at how far you’ve come and consider all that you’ve been through and know that you can and will make it. You’ll make it as long as you do not listen to their negative reports of what you can’t do and do what you know you can do and make a mockery out of their doubts of you and your abilities. Understand that you can make it as long as you never give up.

I know who I may sound like, but it is our responsibility to keep hope alive. Hope is alive in us. But we must not just sit around hoping things get better, get up and do something to make it better. Change your thinking. Change your language. Change your attitudes. Admit your mistakes and what you need to work on, but don’t allow that to limit how far you are willing to go.

So much I can say, but to sum it up in three words; Never Give Up.

Forgiveness: A Renewable Spirit Initiative

Forgiveness is a natural resource whose power is not being effectively utilized in our world today.

We can not continue running our lives on the cheap fuel of selfishness, discontent and hatred. It’s unsustainable. Forgiveness is eco-friendly and good for your emotional environment when properly used with consideration.

People can and do change. It may be a situation, circumstance, attitudes, stigma, condition or responsibility that changes us. You are the example of that truth. Let that change be one that moves you forward instead of backwards or no where.

Forgiveness is a gift that we should not begrudgingly give. It’s a natural resource that we have an abundance of, but rarely utilize. The energy we spend hating, disapproving, dismissing, discouraging and avoiding others could best be utilized into a renewable energy that may take us further in life. That is only if we choose to use it.

Be open to asking for forgiveness. Be willing to give it. You have nothing to lose and so much to gain from it. Everyone can offer you reasons they should be forgiven, but few are willing to forgive others.

The Imagination of People in Desperate Times

What would it be like to live in a place where we were not bound by what we thought was impossible?

A place where we did not have to guard our thoughts, a place where we were guided by our ideas and directed by our suggestions? A place where the imagination isn’t bound by our fear of rejection or conflict?

We are so bound by the limitations of our own mind. Our biggest obstacle of our life’s work is that we fail to involve our imagination. Our thoughts, ideas and suggestions often become what we have heard, seen or been told. We are so willing to limit ourselves to a position or ideology that we loose sight of the humanity of our opposition. We only see an enemy instead of a potential friend or ally. We often find area for disagreement, that we allow little room for consideration and no space for common ground.

Many of us put ourselves in a box, but we believe we think outside the box. How is that possible, when you can’t see how one man can have the audacity of hope? (No pun intended) The testicular fortitude to believe he can change the world, not by the might of his army, but the will of his people.

To go on a slightly political and patriotic tangent for a brief moment, I have this to say to anyone willing to receive it. It’s going to get better. We defeat ourselves when we give up hope. It’s not just you; it’s not just where you live, its many people.

Some choose to blame someone, but it’s not the fault of any one person, company or political party, but the greed and lack of vision of some people, companies and political entities. I’ve found it more productive to end my distain for certain individuals and leave them to their own vices. I can only move forward and stop allowing them to hold me back with their thoughts of terror, inconsiderate ideas and suspect suggestions. We got to save the arguments for another day and time, because we all have to fix what’s messed up.

If you have to fight why not fight against the feeling of hopelessness and those who are beaten down with cynicism and pessimism due to the current situations in their lives. I can’t make you draw upon your own imagination, but I just ask you not to give up.

Perhaps I’m just a student of hope and optimism, but I believe “the hope of a secure and livable world lies with disciplined non-conformists who are dedicated to justice, peace and brotherhood.” – Martin Luther King, Jr., Strength to Love (1963)

How powerful are the words you think, say and believe? Do you believe what you say or do you just say what you believe? I know everything seems bleak in every way, but keep moving, don’t give up. Don’t be bound by the limitations of our own mind and lack of imagination. Don’t get caught up in the places of complacency and hopelessness. Keep moving.

References & Inspirations

Jewish Journal – 01/20/08 – “Keep Moving from This Mountain (1965) – MP3 pt.1 & MP3 pt.2”

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. – 1963 “Strength to Love”

Silencing the Critics

How to silence the critics?

 

Offer them ways and request their suggestions for ways we can work together to solve the problem. Your critic is interested in criticizing more than they are in contributing something constructive. Their criticisms may be fueled by an implicit bias, unconscious act of discrimination or contempt or a propensity to respond with an adversarial tone. But the path to peace begins with communication.

 

Simply speak with sincerity to the problem, but ask, illustrate and/or suggest ways we can work to solve the issue, beginning with consideration for the problem above the individual. The person who is a critics will have little or nothing to say, the person who may have criticisms will respond back with sincerity.

 

Some people only want to be heard or seen. They need your argument to validate their misconceptions, bias, misunderstanding or point-of-view. They may be right, but usually someone who is right offers their criticisms uncritically, but considerately. It’s difficult to criticism consideration and unity without revealing your true intentions and motivations.

 

Remember that you don’t have to be wrong for me to be right.

What Happened?

By: Tim Valentine

Have you ever been walking down the street and had a homeless person ask you for some money and you acted like you didn’t hear them?

Have you ever been in your car and sitting at a light and rolled your windows up?

Have you ever given someone who was homeless money and privately questioned what they’re going to do with the little bit of money you gave them?

How often have you seen someone homeless and in addition to offering them some money you also gave them a compliment or a kind word?

Anyone can be the face of homelessness. The difference between you and that person living on the street is the circumstances of your story.

The question we choose not to ask someone who is homeless is What Happened?

Often it is because many choose not to care or ask or show any concern. We’re just happy that it isn’t us, right?

We spend so much time fighting to be seen more than we do concerning ourselves who just seek acknowledgment. Dare they question your sincerity, who are they to you, but an annoyance. This is the attitude many people implicitly accept when confronted with the ugliness of homelessness. We mistakenly transpose the ugliness of the situation onto the beauty of the individual captured within that situation.

Who is concerned enough to ask, what happened?

Some simply just don’t care. They’ll tell them to get a job, but never stop to think what address they will put on the application so the employer can send them their check, then what about taxes. If you have a job you’re required to pay your taxes. Where will the employer send their W2? Get a job is another way of saying, I’m not helping you, not go away. If you’re not able to offer them a job, then don’t say “Get a job.” Think, if they had a job, would they be homeless?

Have enough consideration to not step over, around or away from someone homeless, but help them up. Help them up with an encouraging word that means something to them. You can’t say, “hand in there” and expect that to go over well with them, when life has its boot on their neck.

If you have the time, ask them how can you help them?

If you have no money, food or shelter to offer, you can always listen. Sometimes a sincere handshake, tender smile or concerned word last longer than any amount of money, clothing or food you have to give.

I say this from the heart. I’ve been very fortunate to have never experience homelessness. But all it takes is a change in circumstances and I may be the one you step over and ignore.

Consider what can happened.

The Choice is Yours

Quick Note: This one is long, but didn’t want to risk not allowing the entire thought to be read at once instead of in multiple parts. The subject matter of this article is bound to be challenging for some who may not have a clear understanding or desire for consideration of others. Consideration is a process that requires tolerance and acceptance. Not everyone is willing to embrace either.



My purpose is not to get you upset, aggravated or hostile towards anyone regarding these issues, but to simply have you to re-examine your positions to ensure there is no or little evidence of hypocrisy or contradiction.

 

These are subjects that I’ve written about on previous occasions with the hopes that it may encourage someone to think about the question that is really being asked rather than the one they perceive is being asked. Few people have taken the time to really examine their long held position on the issues that will be explored in this article for evidence of hypocrisy or contradiction. I sincerely hope someone chooses consideration in their conclusions regarding what is written.

 

Our society doesn’t allow a tidy way to write about consideration of life and death, especially when it comes to the issue and debate that has evolved around abortion and the death penalty. I do not anticipate that my attempt with be perfect, but my intentions are sincere.

 

It’s difficult for people who support one position to justify their support of the other without some measure of hypocrisy. There is always an exception to the rule. This is why I honestly wanting to see if I can utilize the exception to the rule to gather enough consideration of both sides of these issues to create a respectful dialogue and path to reconciliation and resolution.

 

How I see it, in order to accomplish this we must address the issues that precede both in addition to the damage that won’t go away no matter how much reconciliation follows it.

 

Whether you are for or against, the question that isn’t being addressed that I ask is, how do you deal with the relationships, emotions and paralysis of perceptions in the event of either; abortion or execution? The choice is yours, but how does one reach an acceptable decision?

 

Often we fail at least as much as we succeed in our efforts to get this right within ourselves. The reasons why we continue to have such contentiousness on the subject is found in how the subject has been presented, perceived and promoted to us. We are persuaded to feel that we must choose one without consideration of the other. This is where our problems begin.

 

We must face the reality that much of our societal culture is not taken by the notion of forgiveness or acceptance—it is more given to shunning or obliterating them into their various categories of shame.

 

This is true not only in regards of the consideration and consequences of abortion or the results of the death penalty, but in many of our relationships and circumstances of life. We rather seek acceptance or consensus from people, than accept those who are shunned for their decisions or circumstances by people.

 

We are often told what to think about an issue so that we do not have to think about the issue.

 

Many will bring up notorious figures of crime or history as justification for their position in difficult conversations that asks of them for their consideration. I understand the strategy, because it offers a way to deflect the question, responsibility, accountability and consideration for the matter at-hand.

Names such as Adolph Hitler, Ho Chi Minh, Kim Jong-il, Saddam Hussein, John Birch or even Nathan Bedford Forrest to name a few, although others could be named. Many people would say without question that these were some bad, if not simply evil minded people. So would the world be better if those individuals would have been aborted?

 

Given your position on abortion just think about it what could have been if these people were never born. How many innocent lives would have been saved?

 

Consider how one can support life for one and death for another?

 

So which one is it going to be; life or death?

 

I understand the concerns of both sides of these issues. Many simply have accepted the assumption that has been promoted that pro-choice equals pro-abortion. This is inconsiderate and misleading. We believe that anti-death penalty is suggesting people should not be held accountable for their actions. This too is an unfortunate conclusion and untrue.

 

How do you justify your position on one and not the other? We must address our hypocrisy on these issues.

 

We all agree that there are some very bad and deranged people out there. Imagine if these people who are placed in this category were aborted? The world would not have had to endure any of their acts. But to agree with that statement means you contradict your position on abortion.

 

Many will seek disagreement without consideration, but I must continue to ask you for your consideration so that you can be sincere in our disagreement and not just because we have been convinced to position ourselves with the arguments of the moral marketers of society regarding this issue.

 

To be Pro-Choice doesn’t mean you do not care about life or endorse abortion. It means you believe a decision must be made. To be Anti-Death Penalty doesn’t mean you believe people shouldn’t be held accountable for what their crimes. It means you believe a life is worth living and redemption benefits more than the one who is being redeemed, but the one who witness the change. How much good can one do when they know that they can?

 

We have some mind-blowing decisions to make in life. Not all of them will be easy to make. The life and death decisions we will make should not be used as a reason for us to be divided. Learn to accept people for who they are more than what they are.

 

The person who is contemplating abortion should not be shunned, but embraced. When do we stop damning, condemning and shaming people into submission?

 

You make an already difficult decision even more stressful when you make them feel they have no one to come to or feel that they are alone without support. This is the time consideration is needed the most. Make the decision to be there for them as a non-judgmental supporter of their well being, not your preferences.

 

I imagine not many of those who are staunchly in support of one or the other can lend their consideration with the same measure of staunchness to the idea of love, reconciliation and dare I say tolerance or consideration of others beyond their own preferences.

 

The person who is facing death should be considered with the same level of advocacy that the unborn child receives. Do you have the fortitude to do that?

 

As long as we continue to pick up our stones to cast at the woman or man who stands at the well of this decision, is as long as we will have no resolution, justice or peace regarding these issues of life and death.

An eye for an eye leaves everyone blind. If they must die by way of the laws of the land in repayment of their crime, then at least allow them to make their peace with you and you with them. Peace by way of redemption. Don’t be so cold that you allow no room for forgiveness.

 

I’m sure some will have no concept of what I’m actually asking them to do, but for those who do I hope you understand that I am only asking for consideration for others beyond our own understanding.

 

I often will receive a response from people who ask how can I or someone forgive another for what they done to them or a loved one?

 

Perhaps that’s just the evidence of the illogic and what is unexplainable about love, because I understand the question. It is not easy and it takes time, but you must be willing if you are to overcome what can consume you when you don’t forgive. I admit that it is difficult and find it challenging myself. When I think about those who did not believe in my abilities, intellect or strength, because of what they’ve been taught, sold or lead to believe, I get irritated. But I am simply moved by those who have and do choose to forgive, because they’ve seen how redemptive it and love, forgiveness, support and consideration can be when it is sincere.

 

Some will offer reasons for why they can’t do something, but to those I only ask you to consider what you can do instead.

 

Either way, the choice is yours.

The Chaotic Questions of Racism

If we are suppose to be creatures of God, then why do we hate fellow creations of God?

Isn’t that a demonstration of self-hate or loathing?

Isn’t diversity essentially the demonstration of God’s creativity?

When you sincerely consider how many versions of beauty there can be why is it difficult for some to appreciate the beauty of you and me?

So what place is there for racism?

Why should we hate?

Why should I not like you, because you don’t like me?

But we consistently discriminate because it’s a forever they against me. This should make you think who or what really initiated the psychological chaos called racism.

When you realize the author of this confusion, perhaps you will stop practicing the chaotic behavior of racism.

The Monkey that’s on America’s Back

Before I begin I want to ask those who may blindly take the position that this is an attempt to attack the Right politically to just read the article. You will find no where in this post I am coming against anyone politically. I’m only seek to teach you something. So put your political rocks down before you hurt yourself.

—

Now I would like for you to check out the first line of the first link below under the references and inspirations for this article. Andrew McLemore’s article states a truth about the mentality of the unconscious racist that I want to point out. He begins the article with this line, “I don’t care who you are, this is funny.”

Now the truth about that statement is the first part of it, because it demonstrates the lack of concern and cultural awareness. In fact many people who are unaware simply don’t care, thus the influx of stories we continue to hear about this and accusations of racism.

The question that continues to remain unaddressed sufficiently is the patience, persistence and compassion to teach those who believe and have difficulties comprehending the problem with this sort of behavior.

Beyond the cultural awareness and sensitivity, beyond the outrage and accusations there lies the problem of race. That’s the monkey that remains on the back of ALL Americans. The truth is that no matter your race you are in some way affected by race. This is true whether is by an unrealized privilege or bias.

So what can be done about it?

If I had the ultimate answer to that question and the ability to force everyone to do it, then I would be dangerous. What I believe can be done is what I continue to strive to do, address the substance of the issue and use it as an opportunity to conquer this problem that continues to go unresolved.

Who can stop it?

We can stop it, but WE must have the knowledge, experience and courage to speak with passion and compassion about the problem from multiple points-of-concerns. We are the victimizers and we are the victims. We have the power to stop it, because we are the actors in this dark drama or racism.

Why does it continue to exist?

It continues to exist because many people are too afraid or was taught to not address it any issue of race. So it goes ignored or dismissed as in isolated incident, left to fester in the spirit and psyche of those it offends the most until the next time.

The problem is not that the CEO of the Tennessee Hospitality Association thought that a comparison of a chimpanzee and the First Lady Michelle Obama was funny, but the fact he was unaware of the racial implications and history of the comparison. But he is not alone in his racial abyss because many people, despite the growing number of reported incidents continue to miss the point. So they respond defensively, confused or shocked when they are accused of racism.

Those who accuse someone of racism should begin to do so with a spirit of compassion instead of reaction. Typically the person may not understand or have taken the opportunity to understand the implications of their actions, speech or behaviors. Thus the protests, counter-protest, opposition and confusion between the accused and the accuser.

So I ask again, that WE take the opportunity to once again open ourselves up to the possibility to be taught and to learn from this mistake. I guarantee it will occur again.

No one wants to be labeled a racist, because of its social and moral implications. Few are willing to accept the responsibilities of the racist, because having the mindset to hate based on the superficial characteristic of ones skin proves your moral shallowness and inept social abilities to cope with others. You demonstrate your inferiority complex by using the guise of superiority over another. Those you dislike feed this by playing along by reacting to you as if you were superior and not just someone with a psychological disorder. But I will stop before I go too deep into what essentially is a racist because this isn’t the proper forum for that level of discussion. So I will conclude the topic at-hand by suggesting WE should sincerely work towards a better understanding of each other. Put away the mistrust and listen.

I’m sure I’ll have another opportunity to revisit this topic, so until next time consider others beyond yourself.

References & Inspirations
The Raw Story – 03/06/10 “Tenn. CEO compares Michelle Obama to Chimpanzee“
The Associated Press – 03/07/10 “E-mail compares first lady to Tarzan’s Cheeta“

Never Give Up

Just wanted to share a quick thought in hopes it may be a source of encouragement  for someone who’s open to receive its message.  Feel free to share your thoughts, ideas and suggestions regarding this if you like.

—

Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world. Harriet Tubman freed approximately a thousand slaves and she said that she could have freed a thousand more if only they knew they were slaves.

You can see the entire universe if you can just get beyond the stars. When you are willing to go beyond yourself, despite those who may put you down,despite those who may laugh, despite those who may oppose it and despite those who may misunderstand you; keep dreaming. Never allow the words of someone who has no vision be your guide. Keep dreaming of things not as they are, but for what they can become.

Be where you’re going and enjoy the journey on your way there.

Never Ever Give Up.

Making the Case for School Segregation

Alright, I have an interesting question for all who are brave enough to answer this challenging question. Given the sexual harassment gay/lesbian teenagers face in addition to all of the other pressures of high school and being a teenager.

Here’s my question.

Is school segregation a viable alternative to harassment, meaning having a high …school for one group and another for another group?

Now for some this question goes against everything that came about during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950’s & 60’s beginning with Brown v Board of Education in Topeka, KS, to James Meredith at Ole Miss, the Little Rock Nine, desegregation in Chicago and Boston and so on.

For me to ask such a question is difficult, because I have benefited from the victories and gains achieved in all of the mentioned cases. I’ve read, listen and try to obtain all I can about this time period, because if it wasn’t for these events I may not be where I am today freely writing about segregation.

When I first entered school back in the mid-70’s all of this was still new, but have gone on long enough for people to be use to seeing a Black face in a sea of White ones. With the harassment I was subjected to although it wasn’t no where near as harsh as what so many others endured, I wondered if it would have made a difference if I had went to an all Black school or a boys school or even a school designated for heterosexual boys.

My intentions are not to criticize this article or the high school. I understand the purpose of it, although it challenges my understanding of the benefits of school desegregation. Share your thoughts, ideas and suggestions after reading this article about Homo High.

PS: I don’t like that name. Just as bad as Nigger Academy, Cracker College, Hispanic High, Asian Prep or Redskin Institute. Just doesn’t sound right.

References & Inspirations

Los Angeles Times – 02/01/10 “A Harassment-Free School Opens in L.A.”

Thoughts, Ideas & Suggestions 2009

Dear TI&S Readers,

This has been a very eventful year. I’ve become friends with some very wonderful people and have also made a few ‘interesting’ ones upset. I’ve contemplated many things this year, but very happy to have made it to see it end.

My goal this year was to make people think about what they were really doing, speaking and believing. Getting someone to consider someone or something beyond themselves has often lead to criticism. What the critics fail to realize is that with their criticism they were essentially doing what I wanted, by thinking about what I had written.

I believe the most shocking criticism came from a gentleman who routinely disagreed with some of the most outrageous acts. Beyond political ideology, he was committed to considering only his perspective and experiences instead of considering others. This became true with his position on things such as torture, race relations and women’s health issues. I believe the last straw for me was the lack of consideration and respect of death. Even when I despise the acts a person was committed to in life I gave them the respect of my silence upon their death. The unforgiveness and unrepentence of some is amazing, as if they hold the secret to life and death.

One of the other issues that I found disturbing this year was the lack of knowledge and acknowledgement of those who were uncomfortable discussing the various issues of race relations in the United States and abroad. Many where content with the fallacy that since one Black man became President we’re now living in a post-racial world and racism is a thing of the past. But many who believe this have not truly experience or witness the deep rooted and psychological affects of racism, bigotry, discrimination and bias on a constant basis. When confronted they would retreat for the comforts of their fallacies for support, never really considering others.

I’m even more committed to seeking out what’s really true and helping others in addition to myself learn more about others from a perspective beyond our own experiences and expectations. The encouraging words of support and thanks received throughout the year has out weighed the ridiculous and unsupported charges some have waged against me on the basis of what they do not fully comprehend or consider.

So I conclude that I have learned a lot, tried to share more, considered others and gained much during this year. I end the year with the birth of my second son, a few pounds heavier than I began, with a greater perspective of life and the things that makes it interesting and with an even better sense of the future. I hope someone learned something new or gained a better perspective, even if they refuse to admit it. My goal was to provoke you to think in-depth with me on the various issues of our daily life.

I wish all who choose to read this well and appreciate you reading my thoughts, ideas and suggestions. I look forward to challenging you and myself next year with what life has in store. Enjoy, be safe and remember to consider others. Let’s get ready for 2010.

Sincerely yours,

Tim Valentine

http://timvalentine.wordpress.com

Loving a Hater

How can you turn the racial hatred and dissent into a redemptive lesson for equality and justice?

When you understand the vulgarness that makes up the consuming emotion of hate you begin to realize that racism is just contempt for one self. It’s important to never allow anyone to pull you down so low that you feel insignificant. It is their own inferiority complex and low self-esteem combined with their acceptance of what they’re accusing you of that brings them to projecting that onto you.

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Merry Christmas

Although I was given the wonderful gift of another son born a week ago, I would like to take a moment to first wish everyone who shared, misunderstood, learned or flat out disagreed with my thoughts, ideas and suggestions a happy and safe holiday. I’m sure 2010 will be just as thoughtful as 2009, so I invite you to visit me soon. Until then I would like to share my favorite Christmas song with you by my favorite music group. The 2009 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame group, RUN-DMC. “Christmas in Hollis“.