What is Your Intent Today?

Mar23

 

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What is my Intent?

Each and every day I choose to live my life without fear; understanding that taking chances and keeping faith through adversity is to grow as a person and citizen of the world. Fear makes some people commit heinous acts and is responsible for so much suffering in people’s lives. Fear can prevent us from speaking out when seeing a wrong or blaming some “other” for our problems. 

 

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But, living fearlessly can open infinite possibilities. Believe and realize your dreams. Reach out and understand that a simple smile can brighten someone’s day. Adjust your attitude to a positive point of view and create the life you seek. 

 

Take the leap and have faith. Destiny lies in your hands.

 

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My Intention for each day:

  • Stand up for what’s right.

  • Show up as a witness and speak for the voiceless.

  • Choose to be positive in word and deed.

  • Be a possibility for the future.

  • Demonstrate Fortitude, Determination, and Hope

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selma – “The Struggle Continues”

Mar17

 

Perserverance

January 15, 1929 – April 4, 1968

 

When I first published this post back in 2014, I was sitting alone in my living room watching “Selma”, flashing back to painful memories of a very dark period in America’s history. Last night, the setting was different but the pain, anger, and rage intensified by our current history and the hatred reflected at the dawning of each new fearful day.

Last night, Democracy For America sponsored an evening of solidarity and education on the rights and struggles of an American people. We sat in the darkened sanctuary at Statesville Presbyterian Church, young, old, black, white, latino, LGBTQ watching “Selma” as a coalition of hearts and minds determined to fight against the hatred and fascism of this current Republican regime.

In our discussion after the film, we spoke of resistance and communication; reaching out to others and growing our majority of inclusion and love.

 

Our mission and goals are clear, “We Shall Overcome”.

 

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“Selma” is a 2014 American historical drama film directed by Ava DuVernay and written by Paul Webb. It is based on the 1965 Selma to Montgomery voting rights marches led by James Bevel, Hosea Williams, Martin Luther King, Jr., and John Lewis. The film stars actors David Oyelowo as King, Tom Wilkinson as President Lyndon B. Johnson, Tim Roth as George Wallace, Carmen Ejogo as Coretta Scott King, and rapper and actor Common as Bevel.

 

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At first, I was skeptical on how this history would be portrayed. I didn’t want a melodrama about Bloody Sunday and those on the front lines of the Civil Rights Movement. But, Director, Ava DuVernay did an incredible job and for me, the film should be included as part of the historical record.

Selma was a turning point in the Civil Rights Movement. In your living room. In your face. The first march took place on March 7, 1965, organized locally by SCLC Director of Direct Action James Bevel, who was directing SCLC’s Selma Voting Rights Movement. State troopers and county posse men attacked the unarmed marchers with billy clubs and tear gas after they passed over the county line, and the event became known as Bloody Sunday. Law enforcement beat activist Amelia Boynton unconscious, and the media publicized worldwide a picture of her lying wounded on the bridge.

 

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“Selma” had four Golden Globe Award nominations, including Best Motion Picture – Drama, Best Director, and Best Actor, and won for Best Original Song. It was also nominated for Best Picture and won Best Original Song at the 87th Academy Awards.

Whether you know the history or just learning, I consider the film “Selma” essential viewing for a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement.

A Movement which we must always remember and never forget as …

The Struggle Continues.

Resistance!

 

God has a Plan for You✨

Mar13

 

 

It was a year ago this month, March 22, 2016, to be exact, that I finished Chemotherapy and concluded a major chapter in my cancer saga. At my Birthday/Chemotherapy Over Celebration Party a dear friend from college whispered in my ear “God has a plan for you.” Bill is a beautiful and spiritual man and his observation fascinated me and fired up my faith that this “second” life had just begun. His tender and heartfelt words have stayed with me ever since.

 

 

Bill’s prediction has come true, God did have a plan for me as I was able to share my Affordable Care Act aka Obamacare Story with thousands of people in an article written by Karen Garloch in my local paper, the Charlotte Observer. I feel honored to have the opportunity to tell how my life was saved by having access to affordable health insurance because of President Obama’s signature bill to make health insurance available to EVERY American citizen.

 

 

In the rest of the civilized world, healthcare is a right for all of its people. The Affordable Care Act isn’t perfect, but let’s fix what’s lacking and take the stand that a life of health and happiness is a RIGHT and not just only for the rich.

 

This is my story

 

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Seriously?!

Mar5

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Seeing President Obama last week in New York City reminded me of this incredible song and the implications of its profound meaning. It was poignantly written by Sara Bareilles and compassionately interpreted by Leslie Odom, Jr. 

It is more than time enough to ask ourselves: Who are we as a Nation? Are we reaching for our highest ideals? Can we come together as a people?

All questions I take quite seriously.

 

“A Change is Gonna Come” ✊🏽

Feb24

“It’s been a long, a long time comin’ but I know, change gonna come. Oh yes, it will.”

 

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Classic music touches and can define and transcend a particular point in time. 1964 classic – “A Change is Gonna Come” by R&B legend Sam Cooke has long represented the Civil Rights Movement and can be seen as an inspiration for today’s movement of Resistance.

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Being deeply moved by the growing chorus of voices across the country speaking out against repealing the ACA, the Muslim ban, and a myriad of serious issues affecting their lives, this lyric kept repeating in my head – “change gonna come.” 

In my search for the original song by Sam Cooke, I came across this particular video statement which felt so right for these troubling times. Let me know what you think.

 

 

“A Change Is Gonna Come” is a song by American recording artist Sam Cooke, released on December 22, 1964, by RCA Victor. Produced by Hugo & Luigi and arranged and conducted by René Hall, the song was the B-side to “Shake“. The song concerns African-Americans and contains the refrain, “It’s been a long time coming, but I know a change is gonna come.” (Wikipedia)

 

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Samuel (Sam Cooke) Cook

(January 22, 1931 – December 11, 1964)

 

The song was inspired by various personal events in Cooke’s life, most prominently an event in which he and his entourage were turned away from a whites-only motel in Louisiana. Cooke felt compelled to write a song that spoke to his struggle and of those around him, and he recorded the song for its first release on his final album, Ain’t That Good News.

 

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Though only a modest hit for Cooke in comparison with his previous singles, “A Change Is Gonna Come” became an anthem for the Civil Rights Movement. The song is widely considered Cooke’s best composition and has been voted among the best songs ever released by various publications. In 2007, the song was selected for preservation in the Library of Congress, with the National Recording Registry deeming the song “culturally, historically, or aesthetically important.” (Wikipedia)

 

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At this pivotal point in our Democracy, I’m drawing inspiration and determination from the lyrics penned by Cooke over 50 years ago: 

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There been times that I thought I couldn’t last for long
But now I think I’m able to carry on

It’s been a long, a long time coming
But I know a change gon’ come, oh yes it will

 

 

 

Tenacity of Hope!✌🏼

Feb19

 

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The lives of millions of Americans have been shaken since election day. With eyes pried open, we have been forced to confront a 2017 reality we never imagined. In my life, it’s been a renewal of activism. My energy and spirit have been revived, in these dangerous days, since joining a growing resistance to fight hatred and bigotry by promoting a worldview of love.

 

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Penning this blog has been a revelation of change and the process of growing stronger through it. My original goal was to share my life journey with friends and family afar to keep them updated on the day to day of my cancer treatment.

 

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I’m still sharing my story but to an even wider audience now; speaking at rallies and in a soon to be published article in my local paper on the impact of the Affordable Care Act making possible the affordability of my cancer treatments. Without the ACA I might not be alive today.

When we reach out to one another with empathy and truth, we grow. Everyone benefits from a world of inclusion, not exclusion and with each life we touch we spread positive energy and an attitude of hope.

 

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It’s truly a blessing to be able to author this blog and interact with this beautifully diverse world. My spirit is renewed each day with the rising promise and tenacity of Hope.

 

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Don’t Lose the Gratitude 🙏

Feb14

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My morning and evening praise is part of living my life deliberately and holding gratitude in my heart. I’ve come this far by faith and I have no intention of letting that go.

Every time I think about my blessings I well up inside. I can’t help giving my testimony and sharing my joy.

Each of us is a miracle and it’s so important to grasp that concept and move through life bearing that knowledge and living for love and peace.

I’ve adopted a personal mantra to refocus on trying days and situations, “Don’t Let the Bad Behavior of Others Destroy Your Inner Peace.”

Each day let us live our truths in peace and harmony. ✌💗

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We’re A Winner! ✊🏽✌🏼🎶

Feb6

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Fortitude, Determination, Perseverance

When the life goals you set feel overwhelming, it’s important to remember these 3 words of encouragement – Fortitude, Determination, and Perseverance. But in these stressful times, it’s just as important to make sure you take care of yourself.

Taking a spa day, watching a favorite movie or settling in with a memorable book; whatever takes you outside of your head. One of the ways I’m taking care of myself during my #Resistance Protest is to recharge by listening to motivating, “We can do this” music.

 

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Curtis Lee Mayfield (June 3, 1942 – December 26, 1999) was an American singer-songwriter, guitarist, record producer, and one of the most influential musicians behind soul and politically conscious African-American music. His groovin’ and movin’ music became the soundtrack of my young life including 1970 soul classic “We’re a Winner” which felt like the perfect choice for my take a break re-charge time.

 

“We’re a winner and never let anybody say
Boy, you can’t make it ’cause a feeble mind is in your way
No more tears do we cry
And we have finally dried our eyes

And we’re movin’ on up”

 

 

We’re a winner and never let anybody say
Boy, you can’t make it ’cause a feeble mind is in your way
No more tears do we cry
And we have finally dried our eyes

And we’re movin’ on up
(Movin’ on up)
Lord have mercy, we’re movin’ on up
(Movin’ on up)

We’re living proof in all’s alert
That we’re too from the good black earth
And we’re a winner
And everybody knows it too

We’ll just keep on pushin’
Like your leaders tell you to
At last that blessed day has come
And I don’t care where you come from

We’re all movin’ on up
(Movin’ on up)
Lord have mercy, we’re movin’ on up
(Movin’ on up)

Hey, hey, we’re movin’ on up
(Movin’ on up)
Lord have mercy, we’re movin’ on up
(Movin’ on up)

I don’t mind leavin’ here
To show the world we have no fear
‘Cause we’re a winner
And everybody knows it too

We’ll just keep on pushin’
Like your leaders tell you to
At last that blessed day has come
And I don’t care where you come from

We’re just go move on up
(Movin’ on up)
Lord have mercy, we’re movin’ on up
(Movin’ on up)

We’ll just keep on pushin’
We’re a winner
Lord, baby, everybody
Hey, you know we’re movin’ on up
We’re a winner
Yeah, yeah just keep on pushin’

Songwriter
Mayfield, Curtis L

Happiness Jar Blessings!

Feb1

 

 

I saw this poster the other day and loved its concept and message of recognizing a blessing a day. We can tend to forget the good things in our lives with the news serving up what seems like an endless stream of bad after horrible after worse stories on a loop. But within the madness let’s not forget to stop and “smell the roses.”

 

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Time as we mark it is merely minute by minute. The past is over the future is yet to be but right now, this moment is the only thing that’s real.

I love this idea of The Happiness Jar because we get to pause and say thank you, Lord, for this wonderful gift of life.  And, at the end of the year remind ourselves that things aren’t really that bad after all.

 

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Together We Rise ✊🏽 Women March!

Jan26

 

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Healthcare Rights

Women’s Rights

Voting Rights

LGBTQ Rights

Human Rights

I’m still fired up by the response and energy the world displayed on Saturday as women rose up around the world to say: “We’re mad as hell and we’re not going to take this anymore!”

 

Democracy in action full force. 

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I felt so proud and excited participating in this powerful exercise of civic duty in action; pushing back against an administration built on lies, hate, racism, misogyny, and Islamaphobia.

This election has shown the American people how important it is to engage in the process and “take it to the streets” in a show of solidarity that we the people have the power to affect change not only in the US but around the world!

 

 

The positive energy and determination to continue this organizing renewed my belief in 21st-century change. The outpouring of voices and sheer numbers of those who marched was incredible! 

 

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The Women’s March was not just a one-day affair, groups are forming all around the country and we have a strategy moving forward.

 

#ResistTrumpTuesdays

Our first event this Tuesday was protesting against the “Swamp Cabinet” of nominees in front of the office of Senator Thom Tillis who represents my state of North Carolina.

In a 24-hour time period, we were able to mobilize over 100 protesters in a show of unity. I had the privilege to speak and make my voice heard and I’m even more fired up than ever before.

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I’ve already connected with progressive groups MoveOn, Indivisible and Organizing for America. Like I said, this is not a fluke and the fight for justice is just beginning. We will keep pushing this momentum!

 

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Let’s keep this energy going and continue to work toward moving this country forward and completing the work that reflects the true desires of the American people.

 

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