A Lesson In Forgiveness

Forgiving had always been the hardest thing for me to do, hands down. I have accomplished and conquered many things in my life, and I have overcome some obstacles. But I had struggled with forgiveness for years. I choose to use the word had and speak about it in the past tense because I do not want to claim it through affirmation. But I still have days where I deal with, so that it won't deal with me. But, I have found strength in the word of God.

Matthew 28:31-35

31 Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad. 32 But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee. 33 Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended. 34 Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.
35 Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples.

Although Peter pledged his allegiance, to Jesus, and said that he would not deny him even if it costs him his life. Jesus knew that Peter would deny him 3 times.
Knowing this, he still allowed Peter to be in his inner circle.

John 18:15-17

15 And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple. Now that disciple was known to the high priest, and went with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest. 16 But Peter stood at the door outside. Then the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to her who kept the door, and brought Peter in. 17 Then the servant girl who kept the door said to Peter, “You are not also one of this Man’s disciples, are you?”
He said, “I am not.”

John:18 25-27

25 Now Simon Peter stood and warmed himself. Therefore they said to him, “You are not also one of His disciples, are you?” He denied it and said, “I am not!” 26 One of the servants of the high priest, a relative of him whose ear Peter cut off, said, “Did I not see you in the garden with Him?” 27 Peter then denied again; and immediately a rooster crowed.

So Jesus' prophesy was fulfilled, and Peter denied him 3 times. But why did he allow Peter to follow him?

John 20: 1-2

20 Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene went to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. 2 Then she ran and came to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him.”

Although Peter denied him, according to the scripture, he allowed him to be one of the first of his disciples to bear witness to his resurrection. If that isn't rforgiveness, what is?

John 21:15-22

15 So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?”
He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Feed My lambs.” 16 He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Tend My sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep.
20 Then Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following, who also had leaned on His breast at the supper, and said, “Lord, who is the one who betrays You?” 21 Peter, seeing him, said to Jesus, “But Lord, what about this man?” 22 Jesus said to him, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me.”

Notice the significance of 3 in the text. Simon Peter denied Jesus 3 times, and Jesus made him confess his love for him 3 times. The scripture said that Peter was grieved because Jesus asked him a third time because he understood the connotation.
Jesus told Peter to not only follow him, but to "tend to his sheep", and to "feed his lambs". Meaning, preach and teach the word to all of those who followed him. He chose Peter to tend his sheep as opposed to the disciple that he loved because he saw past Peter's flaws, and saw his heart. Peter was both forgiven and restored.
Has anyone ever denied you 3 times to save themselves before you were crucified? No! So if Jesus Christ can forgive Peter for denying him, who are we to hold a grudge for our nonsense. Surely nothing in our lives can compare to Jesus' betrayal. If he forgave so can we.
A wise person once said, forgiveness is for us, not for the other person. It is impossible to go forward living in the past.

PR

A Hot Mess In "Hot-lanta"

Like millions of parents in America, I send my children to school to continue their education. I use the word continue because I believe that education begins at home, but school offers a more in depth form of instruction. We send our children to school in hopes that they will be well educated, well taken care of, and protected 6-7 hours a day, 5 days a week. We entrust teacher's with our most precious gifts, and all we can do is pray that they do not betray our trust. Education is a unique profession given the fact that teachers are given the opportunity to basically shape and mold society by instructing those who represent the future, our children. It is for this reason that I believe that being a teacher is definitely one of, if not the most important job in the world. But it is solely up to the teacher as an individual to be both diligent and responsible enough to recognize how much of an impact they have. Most teachers are honest, hard working professionals, and others are, well...... just not.
In the Atlanta public school system, nearly three dozen former educators, including the ex-superintendent, were indicted Friday in one of the nation's largest test cheating scandals.
Former Superintendent Beverly Hall faced charges including racketeering, false statements and theft because prosecutors said some of the bonuses she received were tied to falsified scores.
Wow, her charges are comparable to those of a made man in the mob. Hall retired just days before a state probe was released in 2011. She has long denied knowing about the cheating or ordering it.

During a news conference this past Friday, Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard provided examples of two students who demonstrated the plight of many children in the Atlanta school system. He described a third-grader who failed a benchmark exam and received the worst score in her reading class in 2006. The girl was held back, yet when she took a separate assessment test not long after, she passed with flying colors.
This amounts to child abuse, plain and simple. Deliberately depriving a child of a good education is another form of malnutrition because there is a failure to nourish a child's mind.
Howard said the girl's mother, Justina Collins, knew something was was wrong, but was told by school officials that her daughter was simply a good test-taker. But now she is in ninth grade, reading at on fifth-grade level. The victim of the broken Atlanta school system.
"I have a 15-year-old now who is behind in achieving her goal of becoming what she wants to be when she graduates. It's been hard trying to help her catch up," Collins said.

The criminal investigation lasted 21 months and the allegations date back to 2005. In addition to Hall, 34 people were indicted, four high-level administrators, six principals, two assistant principals; six testing coordinators; 14 teachers, a school improvement specialist and a school secretary. A variable motley crew of so called "educators" who conspired to rob children of their education to line their own pockets.
All of the people named in the indictment face conspiracy charges. Other charges in the 65-count indictment include false statements and writings, false swearing, theft and influencing witnesses.
The investigation involved at least 50 schools as well as hundreds of interviews with school administrators, staff, parents and students. There are about 50,000 students in the district
Although Howard would not directly answer a question about whether Hall was the mastermind behind the conspiracy, he did say,
"What we're saying is that without her, this conspiracy could not have taken place," he said. "It would not have taken place if her actions had not made that possible."
Hall faces up to 45 years in prison. If she is found guilty this seems like a fitting sentence.

The tests were the key measure the state used to determine whether it met the federal No Child Left Behind law. Schools with good test scores get extra federal dollars to spend in the classroom or on teacher bonuses.
It wasn't immediately clear how much bonus money Hall received. Howard did not say and the amount wasn't mentioned in the indictment.
"Those results were caused by cheating. ... And the money that she received, we are alleging that money was ill-gotten," Howard said.
The previous state investigation in 2011 found cheating by nearly 180 educators in 44 Atlanta schools. Educators gave answers to students or changed answers on tests after they were turned in, investigators said. Teachers who tried to report it faced retaliation, creating a culture of "fear and intimidation" in the district.
State schools Superintendent John Barge said last year he believed the state's new accountability system would remove the pressure to cheat on standardized tests because it won't be the sole means by which the state determines student growth. The pressure was part of what some educators in Atlanta Public Schools blamed for their cheating.
Hall served as superintendent for more than a decade, which is rare for an urban schools chief. She was named Superintendent of the Year by the American Association of School Administrators in 2009 and credited with raising student test scores and graduation rates, particularly among the district's poor and minority students. But the award quickly lost its luster as her district became mired in the scandal.
In a video message to schools staff before she retired, Hall warned that the state investigation launched by former Gov. Sonny Perdue would likely reveal "alarming" behavior. Given the fact that she condoned, urged, and perpetuated the alarming behavior, it is not at all surprising that she would warn her co-conspirators of the turmoil to come via video before she made her getaway into a life of retirement. But what she obviously failed to realize was that she could not retire from the consequences of her dirty deeds, especially not when they involved hurting children. Although the children in her district may not bare any physical scars. They have been bruised by greed, indifference, and ineptitude.

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The True Meaning of Easter

John 20:1-17

1 The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre.

2 Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him.

3 Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre.

4 So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre.

5 And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in.

6 Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie,

7 And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself.

8 Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed.

9 For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead.

10 Then the disciples went away again unto their own home.

11 But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre,

12 And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.

13 And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him.

14 And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.

15 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.

16 Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.

17 Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.

Notice, this scripture does not mention anything about a bunny at the tomb rolling the stone away, and it does not say anything about colored eggs, Easter baskets, or Peeps.
There is nothing in this text about Jesus appearing in a brand new suit and alligator when he rose again.
The essence of this message is that Jesus rose triumphantly after completing the mission that he was sent on by his father.
He is, was, and always will be the only man ever born to die for us. The purpose of Easter is to celebrate the resurrection of the Lamb of God. No matter how we decide to celebrate today, we should never forget what he has done for us and continues to do for us. To God be the glory!

HAPPY EASTER!!

PR

Sacrificing The Baby!?

We've all heard this story by now. A 13th month old murdered in Brunswick, Georgia as he sat in his stroller, by 2 callous cowards when his mother refused to give them any money. It is a chilling, heinous, brazen, and just plain evil crime.

De'Marquise Elkins, 17, and Dominique Lang, 15, are accused in the death of toddler Antonio Santiago. Elkins' mother, Karimah Elkins, 36, and aunt, Katrina Elkins, 33, are charged with making false statements to the police during the investigation of this crime.
Katrina Elkins has said her nephew didn't kill the child, and that he was at her house having breakfast at the time of the shooting. Glynn County Police Chief Matt Doering said that both women gave investigators new information that led them to a pond where they found a handgun. It's being tested to determine whether it was used in the slaying.

Sherry West the mother of the slain child, who was shot in the thigh during the murder, expressed her anger and outrage........"I identified the shooter, and it's definitely him (Elkins)," She said. "They shot my baby in the head, and I had to watch him die."
West says she wants the prosecutor to seek the death penalty.

In the days that followed, this story began to develop an unimaginable twist. A twist that if proven to be true represents the very embodiment of depraved indifference. According to report's, West's daughter Ashley Glassey was upset about her mother's behavior directly after the shooting. Glassey says that her mother, called the night of the shooting and asked how soon she might expect a check from a life insurance policy! Glassey also said that her mother changed her story.
"She told me that the baby was shot first, and then she told me that she was shot first."
So, as it turns out, there seems to be an awful wrinkle in this story. If Elkins, and Lange were both pawns in a plot to collect on an insurance policy, that would make West a co-conspirator, and equally as guilty. Although it is hard to imagine any mother coming up with a plot to murder her child, it is a sad sign of perilous times, and a disturbing reality check. The fact of the matter is, the first time I heard this story, it seemed too much like a story. An unbelievable work of fiction so disturbing in nature that it angered the entire country. Perhaps that is exactly what this narrative was designed to do, inspire so much anger that it would create a smoke screen which would muddle both the facts, and the truth. Only time will tell. But if it is true, God have mercy on her soul. He is probably the only one who will.

PR

The HIV Quarantine

In a move that reminds me of a story straight out of the dark ages, state legislators in Kansas are considering a bill that would allow the quarantine of people with AIDS or HIV, even though neither the virus that causes AIDS or the AIDS virus itself are air borne. The HIV virus is a blood borne pathogen, that can be spread through sexual intercourse, blood transfusions or needles used by those who are infected. It is not like the "Black Plague", or leprosy.

Kansas House Bill 2183 was originally created to serve first responders who might be at risk of contracting HIV through their work. But the Kansas Department of Health and Environment rewrote the language in the bill, broadly deregulating when isolation can take place and opening up the possibility that HIV positive people could be quarantined.

Activists have expressed concern that some Kansas residents might not understand how HIV can be spread, and have certain biases thanks to a lack of knowledge. Cody Patton,who represents Positive Directions, an organization for sexual health was quoted as saying,
“We live in a very conservative state and I’m afraid there are still many people, especially in rural Kansas, that have inadequate education and understanding concerning HIV/AIDS,”
Earlier this year the Kansas Health Department eliminated HIV testing for most counties in the state. This makes absolutely no sense. They don't want people tested for the virus. But if they find out who has been infected they would be quarantined. How will they know who to quarantine? This sounds like a knee jerk reaction fueled by ignorance, and a lack of education, perpetuated by the myth that HIV/AIDS is a gay man's virus. The reality is that 27% of those infected are heterosexual.

But unfortunately, in this case, the facts don't matter, and reality is an after thought, if anything at all. It looks as if ignorance will prevail . The Kansas senate has approved the HIV quarantine bill, and it looks likely to pass.
The most disturbing thing about it is the fact that approving a bill like this sets a dangerous president which may cause other states to follow suit, spreading ignorance and unfairly punishing, and persecuting some of the very same people that it is supposed to protect. It is just another case of bureaucracy attempting to turn back time, and turn on people. 

PR

3 Reason's Why You Should Shut Up & Listen

1. You don't know everything. If you're quiet for just 2 seconds maybe you'll learn something from someone who can fill in the missing pieces of the puzzle. Pieces that you may not even realize are missing because you think that you have all of the answers.

2. Abraham Lincoln said it best,
"Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt."
If you listen more than you speak you will never be thought of as a fool, unless you do something incredibly stupid, but that's another story.

3. Sometimes we spend way too much time insisting that our will be done that we ignore that little voice inside of us which urges us in a positive direction. We give in to our flesh & disregard what we hear. But that voice is a blessing. A guidance system that is gifted to us through our Lord and savior. Not everyone has that gift, so those of us who do need to listen, and be grateful.

PR

The New Poll Tax?

A poll tax, is a capital tax levied equally on every adult in a community. Poll taxes enacted in Southern states between 1889 and 1910 with the sole purpose of disenfranchising African-American's because payment of the tax was a prerequisite for voting. Some were even subjected to literacy tests. By the 1940's some of these taxes had been abolished, and in 1964 the 24th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution disallowed the poll tax as a prerequisite for voting in federal elections. In 1966 this prohibition was extended to all elections by the U.S. Supreme Court, which ruled that such a tax violated the "equal protection" clause of the 14th Amendment to the Constitution.

More than 50 states have enacted laws which require state issued I.D. in order to vote. Such a requirement will disproportionately affect the elderly, the poor and minorities. Many of whom cannot afford to pay the fees associated with acquiring a state issued I.D. This is nothing more than another mean spirited attempt by the GOP to taking away or hamper the voter turn out. No if's, and's, or but's about it. Their motives are crystal clear. This week Virginia passed a voter I.D. law under the guise of stopping voter fraud. But in the common wealth of Virginia there has only been 1 case of voter fraud since the year 2000.

There are many in the Black community who feel that these tactics are reminiscent the poll taxes in the days of Jim Crow, and they are absolutely right. But unlike the Jim Crow south, here in 2013 we have opportunities that were unheard of in the 40's, 50's & 60's, many of which, people spend their last dime to enjoy, or stand in line for.
So, besides the sheer principal of it, I fail to see why acquiring a state issued I.D. presents such a hardship unless the individual is elderly, or incapacitated.

Lets be honest. Expensive automobiles, and $200 sneakers are not uncommon sights in many urban areas. If just a small portion of the money wasted on nonessential's were reallocated to fund things that mattered, such as, purchasing a state issued I.D., would not be an issue.

I understand the principal of the argument, and I believe that the right to vote should not be hindered, or prohibited in any way. Any laws passed to do so are baseless, racist, and an obvious attempt to exclude certain segments of the population from the voting process.
I get it. But anything that is worth the effort is worth the time, and anything that is worth the time is worth the money. Life is full of obstacles that we must overcome. It is up to us to decide not only how to overcome them, but whether we actually want to.

PR

Disrespected, Undervalued, & Marginalized

When I started writing this blog some months ago, I made a conscious decision not to dwell on one subject, and not to reiterate the same narrative. But as time goes on, I realize that there are certain "threads" in our society that are unending.
The blatant culture of disrespect when it comes to African-Americans is definitely one of them. It always has been and always will be a bone of contention with me. The fact is, no matter who you are, or how much you've achieved, there is always some one out there who sees you as less than, because of the color of your skin. So in their minds you are worthy of disrespect, inconsideration, and being under valued. Sometimes even by other African-Americans who have issues with their own self esteem. But that is another topic for another time.
The latest victims of disregard, disrespect, and disdain are former CNN reporter, Roland Martin, and former radio personality, Michael Baisden.

Back in January Roland Martin found himself embroiled in controversy due to messages that he tweeted during the Super Bowl that were perceived as anti-gay. Shortly after Calvin Klein commercial aired aired featuring David Beckham in skimpy underwear Martin tweeted,
"People should "smack the ish" out of any male fans of David Beckham's underwear commercial". Earlier in the evening, Martin made fun of a football player who arrived at the big game wearing pink.
Many of his Twitter followers immediately criticized him for posting tweets that promoted violence against the LGBT "community". Critics and activist groups, including the radical gay rights group GLAAD, called for CNN to suspend or fire him. It seems to me that GLAAD is a hammer that sees every non-gay individual as a nail. For an organization which prides itself on tolerance, it definitely lacks the ability to exercise any itself. This kind of knit picking makes them seem hypersensitive, petty, and small.

Martin who is known for his sharp, and witty commentary has been a CNN correspondent since 2007. CNN suspended him immediately after the uproar.

On Monday, Martin apologized for his messages and maintained that he was joking about soccer. He said he meant no harm and apologized for any 'offense' he may have caused. Two days later, CNN suspended Martin indefinitely, stating that his tweets were "regrettable and offensive." During his suspension, Martin met with leaders of GLAAD. The organization issued a statement stating that the meeting signified the "beginning of an open and honest dialogue."

An open and honest dialogue about want? The fact that anyone who offends the gay "community" must be prepared to kiss the ring of whoever is in charge in order to make a mends.

The ironic thing is the fact that the controversy over Martin's comments is much ado about nothing. Because he said absolutely NOTHING wrong. Other media personalities like Howard Stern, and Rush Limbaugh have said far worse, and were not only allowed to keep their jobs but have gone in to make hundreds of millions of dollars. Rolland Martin is nothing more than a victim of selective rage, and racism.

Over the last decade, Michael Baisden's nationally syndicated radio show has become one of the most popular in the country. His social, and political commentary is always inspiring, and informative, and Baisden has not only championed justice, but he has helped others get justice.

Last Thursday when Baisden and his staff arrived at work, they were locked out of the studio, and were not even allowed to retrieve their personal items. Michael Baisden has been listened to by over 7 million people, his Facebook page has a whopping 695,994 likes yet he will be off the air permanently on Friday March 29th.

It has been widely reported that there have been problems between Baisden and Cumulus Media (The company that has syndicated the show) for some time now. Cumulus Media, Inc. is the second largest owner and operator of AM and FM radio stations in the United States, behind Clear Channel Communications, operating 570 stations in 150 markets as of September 16, 2011. The current CEO is Lew Dickey and revenue listed for 2007 was $243,922,000.

According to Baisden the abrupt separation is due to a failure to come to a contractual agreement. On Monday, January 7, 2013, he posted a letter to his fans on Facebook stating that,
"there seems to be a disturbing trend in urban radio to opt to give the Black community less information about what's going on in our community, even when my program is competitive, and in some cases winning in its time slot."

I have never heard of a company that did not want to make a profit, so I am puzzled as to why Cumulus Media chose to forgo any further broadcast's of The Michael Baisden Show. Maybe Michael has a point, maybe there is a concerted effort to keep the Black community uninformed, under educated, and in the dark. Maybe it is a conspiracy theory that is far more conspiracy and much less theory.

PR

The Difference Between Being Intelligent & Being Wise

Contrary to popular belief, being intelligent and being wise are 2 very different things. Being smart or intelligent means that one you have the ability to maintain, process, analyze and apply a vast amount of information.

Wisdom means that you actually know how to effectively apply that information in a way that is advantageous. In other words, a wise person has the ability to maintain, process, and analyze a vast amount of information, and then utilize it effectively. Anyone can use information. But not everyone is able to execute. This may sound like sum mantis. But some very intelligent people, can make very bad decisions.

We all know a least 1 person who is intelligent, but not wise. We have even asked ourselves once or twice, how someone so bright can be so dumb. The answer is simple. Just Being knowledgable in and of itself does not make anyone effective It just qualifies the individual to take part in the profession or endeavor that they choose. Success relies heavily upon maximizing the information, and then making a wise decision.

There are some people who stymy their own progress because they equate intelligence with wisdom. They assume that every choice and decision that they make is a wise one because they take pride in their own acumen. They have the answers to each and every question before they are even asked, and although they hear those around them, they rarely listen. These people operate on a narcissistic level and take great pride in the fact that they are the smartest person in any space that they occupy. At least, this is their perception. The monumental tragedy in this is the fact that those who operate within this self imposed bubble with never gain the wisdom which is vital to fully utilize, maximize, and recognize their full potential.

So, how do we seek wisdom?

James 1:5
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

Proverbs 8:11
For wisdom is better than jewels, and all that you may desire cannot compare with her.

We must ask God for wisdom through prayer, believe that we will receive it and have a desire to actually be wise. More than we desire material things, and more than we desire frivolity.
Nothing compares to wisdom.

Many are intelligent, but not all are wise.

PR

Worth more than a thousand words!

Getting Over Monday

I do not like Monday's. The weekend is over, and I can no longer spend my days doing the things that I enjoy. The minute that my alarm clock goes off on Monday morning, I lose complete autonomy. I have to start doing what I have to do for 5 long days instead of what I want to do for 2. I have to leave the comfort of my home for 10-12 hours and go out into the world and make a living. But a mans gotta do what a mans gotta do.

Many studies have been conducted to see the correlation between moods and the day of the week. In a recent survey involving 202 people, participants were asked what they thought their mood was for each day of the week. Most of the people believed their worst moods were on a Monday, with 65% believing Monday morning was the worst, and 35% believed Monday evening was their worst mood. Most of the participants believed their best moods were on Friday evenings (43%), and Saturday morning (45%). So are their feelings because of the day or, a state of mind.

It is impossible to know everybody's story. Of course, circumstances vary. But my own personal method for fighting a case of "the Monday's" is to not only think about where I was, but I also think about where I could be. There have been a few Monday mornings when I didn't have a place to go, and I would begin and end each week searching for a job. Those were dark days. But through the grace of God, I always had a roof over my head, and I never missed a meal. When it was all said and done, I not only found a job, but I found a better job than the one I lost. Sometimes I have to remind myself that I could be in the same predicament all over again. In a desperate search without a time set on my alarm clock alerting me to get up and go. Then I immediately snap out of it, and I realize how blessed I truly am. Grateful for another day that I can go out, make a living, and feed my family.
It is important that we do not take our blessings for granted because many people are not as favored, and never will be.

PR