So many things I want to say but I haven't the words
Corny as it may sound, she gets me as high as the birds
Not the ones on Earth, but nor the ones on Mars
As high from earth as the birds that fly on the planets of the stars
Stop... think about it... that's higher than any pipe
Higher than any space shuttle and higher than any flight
I can't explain it. It's new but damn it's great
She must be heaven sent. Only God can plan this great
Figure is amazing, face always aglow
Voice is melodic. She talks as I listen to notes
Her smile is 10,000 millions of WOW
All futuristic "beauty" is defined by her "now"
Her now is the culmination of all beauty from the past
From her face to her voice to her style to her...
Classes I've taken with her have been the best that I've taken
I love knowing that she doesn't like bacon
Or that her middle names are lovely, her parents are hip
Her eyes are the warmest. She has the softest of lips
She sees my flaws, and still I am embraced
She has a brilliance that can't be taught or replaced
Not spoiled or dependent but she makes me feel needed
She knows when to put me in check, or if my ego needs, feed it
We know each other but always want to know more
And I can only hold my breath to see what is in store
Speaking of in store, she doesn't care what I buy her
Which makes me want to buy her more. In me she inspires
Such a sense of selflessness on an emotional plane
I'm taking steps on her love and I love the terrain
First time I ever wrote that word in relation to her
In two days I will say it, with my face facing hers
Scared, yes I am, but even more scared to lose her
I can't choose who I love but if I could, still I'd choose her
Litera scripta manet. - Unknown
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Turn Your Lights ON
I had this lil’ bad thing, somethin’ like them 10’s
She gave a aggin mad brain, somethin’ like the Wiz
But you see the sad thing fuckin’ with her is
Is the chick ain’t even have brains, dummy like a bitch
So I tried to show her
About the world and about just who we really are
And where we’ve come and how we still have to go really far
Like baby look at how we live broke on the boulevard
But all she ever want me to do is unhook her bra - - J. Cole
Sitting here, listening to J. Cole, I figured out the perfect thing to write about. Dumb females. This, in no way, is a shot at all females. And if it's not you, please talk to your dumb friends, b/c we all, male and female, have dumb friends of both sexes. Yes, dumb is a mean and politically incorrect term, but the shit is real life. The type of dumb I am talking about is being one dimensional, unable to do anything but physically please me, expendable female.
Not to toot my own horn (TOOT TOOT) but I am something like the man. Not the man, not the HNIC, but I have my hands in every aspect of college life in Greensboro. I am in touch with the chancellors and provosts at the two biggest universities in my city (on a first name basis with 2 of those 4 people), I have the cell phone numbers of the Deans of business schools across the state, and I always have internship opportunities even though I don't seek them. I don't pay to get into parties, I have girls who can easily be called dimes calling my phone to come over even though I don't pick up (anymore), I am the president of the Black Business Students Association and I am a proud brother of the Playboi Pi Zeta chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. I am dark (check), not short (nor am I tall), and in good shape. Alright, maybe I'm tooting my own horn, but continue to read and it will make sense.
What I don't understand is how a female can try to approach me (or any forward moving man) and not have her stuff together. If you can't carry yourself well in public, how can you expect me to take you anywhere? I've been at dinners with everyone from mayors to congressional representatives to presidential candidate John Edwards. I see UNC System President Erskine Bowles at family gatherings. I might not be rich but I will be and I am in what Brother DuBois named the Talented Tenth. If your only talent is being able to do the things rappers talk about in the songs I will hear tonight at the club, please don't even approach me for two reasons: I have a girl who makes me happy (so even if you can do more than that, fall back) and even if I was single, I wouldn't talk to anyone who can't make me want to be better.
What really made me want to write about this was the line "I tried to show her about the world." I tried so hard to change so many fine girls. I really wanted them to get some sense to match their bodies. It's really hard to see a gorgeous girl who only wants to get it in. You want better for them b/c you see that they have so much potential in them but some people really just want to rely on a man for their entire lives. I'm not saying that you shouldn't be able to rely on us but, in this day and age, a progressive man needs a woman (not a girl) who has the mental capacity to do for herself. I am not a politician but I have a hand in politics and I need a woman who will be able to step back and see things the way they should be seen so that she can give me good advice on the right decisions to make, not (just) which condom would feel best.
I didn't mean to seem vulgar or tactless in this post, but I felt like some of you potential ladies need to hear this. Mine definitely doesn't. Check back in on Monday. And Merry belated Christmas.
Litera scripta manet. - Unknown
She gave a aggin mad brain, somethin’ like the Wiz
But you see the sad thing fuckin’ with her is
Is the chick ain’t even have brains, dummy like a bitch
So I tried to show her
About the world and about just who we really are
And where we’ve come and how we still have to go really far
Like baby look at how we live broke on the boulevard
But all she ever want me to do is unhook her bra - - J. Cole
Sitting here, listening to J. Cole, I figured out the perfect thing to write about. Dumb females. This, in no way, is a shot at all females. And if it's not you, please talk to your dumb friends, b/c we all, male and female, have dumb friends of both sexes. Yes, dumb is a mean and politically incorrect term, but the shit is real life. The type of dumb I am talking about is being one dimensional, unable to do anything but physically please me, expendable female.
Not to toot my own horn (TOOT TOOT) but I am something like the man. Not the man, not the HNIC, but I have my hands in every aspect of college life in Greensboro. I am in touch with the chancellors and provosts at the two biggest universities in my city (on a first name basis with 2 of those 4 people), I have the cell phone numbers of the Deans of business schools across the state, and I always have internship opportunities even though I don't seek them. I don't pay to get into parties, I have girls who can easily be called dimes calling my phone to come over even though I don't pick up (anymore), I am the president of the Black Business Students Association and I am a proud brother of the Playboi Pi Zeta chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. I am dark (check), not short (nor am I tall), and in good shape. Alright, maybe I'm tooting my own horn, but continue to read and it will make sense.
What I don't understand is how a female can try to approach me (or any forward moving man) and not have her stuff together. If you can't carry yourself well in public, how can you expect me to take you anywhere? I've been at dinners with everyone from mayors to congressional representatives to presidential candidate John Edwards. I see UNC System President Erskine Bowles at family gatherings. I might not be rich but I will be and I am in what Brother DuBois named the Talented Tenth. If your only talent is being able to do the things rappers talk about in the songs I will hear tonight at the club, please don't even approach me for two reasons: I have a girl who makes me happy (so even if you can do more than that, fall back) and even if I was single, I wouldn't talk to anyone who can't make me want to be better.
What really made me want to write about this was the line "I tried to show her about the world." I tried so hard to change so many fine girls. I really wanted them to get some sense to match their bodies. It's really hard to see a gorgeous girl who only wants to get it in. You want better for them b/c you see that they have so much potential in them but some people really just want to rely on a man for their entire lives. I'm not saying that you shouldn't be able to rely on us but, in this day and age, a progressive man needs a woman (not a girl) who has the mental capacity to do for herself. I am not a politician but I have a hand in politics and I need a woman who will be able to step back and see things the way they should be seen so that she can give me good advice on the right decisions to make, not (just) which condom would feel best.
I didn't mean to seem vulgar or tactless in this post, but I felt like some of you potential ladies need to hear this. Mine definitely doesn't. Check back in on Monday. And Merry belated Christmas.
Litera scripta manet. - Unknown
Saturday, December 19, 2009
That's Just The Way It Is...
"It's time for (me) as a (person) to make some changes..." -- Tupac Skakur
Done with yet another semester at G. 2 semesters left until I graduate. And now I'm changing my major. Crazy right? Wrong. I am doing what is best for me. So many people are afraid of change that they won't take a risk. I was the same way. But, as a result, I kept making the same mistake and, had I taken action when I first thought about it, I would be graduating on time with a higher GPA. But that is neither here nor their b/c I'm still getting out with above a 3 and I will still be successful. I am simply taking a different highway to get to the same place. Don't get me wrong, I wish I had known this coming into college, but I would not have had some of the opportunities that I have had if I hadn't started in the Bryan School of Business and Economics without having taken that original route. I wouldn't be president of BBSA, I wouldn't have been on the Dean's advisory committee, I wouldn't have met innumerable resources within the Bryan School, both from a professor and peer stand point. I am truly fortunate that so many great products came from a decision that, ultimately, turned out not to be the "right" one for me.
Some people say, don't quit. But I don't think of this as quitting. I came to college to get a degree. I want to go into the field of marketing. I will get a degree, and, unless I change my career path, I will go into marketing. I am just taking another avenue. The majority of people do not end up pursuing a career in the field in which they get their degree. I wish I had known that coming into school. Now I will get out with a GPA in my new major of a 3.7 (and that's if it doesn't go up, which it will). It's not so much that I'm taking the easy way out as much as I'm not taking the hard route and I am instead taking the second most logical avenue to make my way out of college. I switched my major and my minor around and now I'm on track to get out at the same time I was going to at the beginning of this academic year. My parents may be upset. Professors in the B-school may be disappointed. But this is my life, my time, and my money so I am doing what I need to do to move ahead.
Litera scripta manet. - Unknown
Done with yet another semester at G. 2 semesters left until I graduate. And now I'm changing my major. Crazy right? Wrong. I am doing what is best for me. So many people are afraid of change that they won't take a risk. I was the same way. But, as a result, I kept making the same mistake and, had I taken action when I first thought about it, I would be graduating on time with a higher GPA. But that is neither here nor their b/c I'm still getting out with above a 3 and I will still be successful. I am simply taking a different highway to get to the same place. Don't get me wrong, I wish I had known this coming into college, but I would not have had some of the opportunities that I have had if I hadn't started in the Bryan School of Business and Economics without having taken that original route. I wouldn't be president of BBSA, I wouldn't have been on the Dean's advisory committee, I wouldn't have met innumerable resources within the Bryan School, both from a professor and peer stand point. I am truly fortunate that so many great products came from a decision that, ultimately, turned out not to be the "right" one for me.
Some people say, don't quit. But I don't think of this as quitting. I came to college to get a degree. I want to go into the field of marketing. I will get a degree, and, unless I change my career path, I will go into marketing. I am just taking another avenue. The majority of people do not end up pursuing a career in the field in which they get their degree. I wish I had known that coming into school. Now I will get out with a GPA in my new major of a 3.7 (and that's if it doesn't go up, which it will). It's not so much that I'm taking the easy way out as much as I'm not taking the hard route and I am instead taking the second most logical avenue to make my way out of college. I switched my major and my minor around and now I'm on track to get out at the same time I was going to at the beginning of this academic year. My parents may be upset. Professors in the B-school may be disappointed. But this is my life, my time, and my money so I am doing what I need to do to move ahead.
Litera scripta manet. - Unknown
Monday, December 7, 2009
Dream BIG
"I want the money. The money and the cars. The cars and the clothes." "Kick Push" - - Drake, Lupe Remix
Why are so many people content with just being average? I really do not understand the logic behind having little to no ambition to be truly great. I'm not speaking of being wealthy or famous (by media standards). I just don't understand not wanting to be great at whatever you do. I know I don't put my full effort into everything and that in itself is sinful b/c I have the ability to make straight As and to be very close to perfect at everything I do. That is not arrogance; that is fact. God has given me the mind, spirit, and resources to make major moves. Even though I am not making the moves that I could be making, I am probably better equipped for success than 99% of the college students in the US and I'm still not happy with that. That means that there are 159,000 more prepared than I am to do better than I can in their given fields. I take pride in the name Deryle Daniels, Jr. That name is a representative of the person that people meet and when people hear that name, I want it to be equated with the highest level of success attainable to a man (aside from Jesus Christ).
But I have digressed...
People these days are so happy with just living the "American Dream." A house, a wife, a couple kids, a car, paying back college loans for 20 years and working for someone else 9-5 every day until you can retire. I'm not saying that working for someone else is bad, but at least go for some kind of horizontal motion. I refuse to be sitting in a cubical at the age of 30. I refuse to do it at 25 actually. I will NOT start at the bottom anywhere. I have too much to offer whatever company I go into to waste it at the bottom. Some might call that arrogant, but I call it real. I am too hungry to not want to push my company to the top. I want to be Forbes and Fortune's CMO of the year for 15 years running. That means that I have to be CMO by the time I'm 30 and never drop the ball after that. Retire at 45 and do community service. Why don't people dream like that anymore? Everyone wants to be "realistic." The American Dream is a very attainable reality. Why not reach for something bigger? I want to be that guy who gets paid to speak at college commencements. I want to be the high school's hometown hero and my hometown is where Michael Jordan went to college, so let that marinate. I am a son of God and therefore I am a force of nature. I have dreams and they are too big to just fit in the confines of an American one. I want to own an island in the Bahamas. I want so many living spaces by the time I'm 50 that I don't have to take luggage anywhere. Clarification - I do NOT want to be famous but I definitely want to be notable. I want buildings named after me but I don't want to be a well known name in pop culture. Everyone knows Bill Gates but how many people know Lawrence Ellison? He's number 3 on Forbes "richest" list. I can deal with being #3. That is nothing to spit on and imagine how much less stress he deals with than Bill. Bill probably gets a million letters a day from strangers personally asking him for money. Lawrence probably gets 1,000. Might still seem like a lot, but I wonder how much an extra 99,000 letters a day affects your lifespan.
So, like the great Brother King, I too have a dream - to make it major. No backwards steps.
Litera scripta manet. - Unknown
Why are so many people content with just being average? I really do not understand the logic behind having little to no ambition to be truly great. I'm not speaking of being wealthy or famous (by media standards). I just don't understand not wanting to be great at whatever you do. I know I don't put my full effort into everything and that in itself is sinful b/c I have the ability to make straight As and to be very close to perfect at everything I do. That is not arrogance; that is fact. God has given me the mind, spirit, and resources to make major moves. Even though I am not making the moves that I could be making, I am probably better equipped for success than 99% of the college students in the US and I'm still not happy with that. That means that there are 159,000 more prepared than I am to do better than I can in their given fields. I take pride in the name Deryle Daniels, Jr. That name is a representative of the person that people meet and when people hear that name, I want it to be equated with the highest level of success attainable to a man (aside from Jesus Christ).
But I have digressed...
People these days are so happy with just living the "American Dream." A house, a wife, a couple kids, a car, paying back college loans for 20 years and working for someone else 9-5 every day until you can retire. I'm not saying that working for someone else is bad, but at least go for some kind of horizontal motion. I refuse to be sitting in a cubical at the age of 30. I refuse to do it at 25 actually. I will NOT start at the bottom anywhere. I have too much to offer whatever company I go into to waste it at the bottom. Some might call that arrogant, but I call it real. I am too hungry to not want to push my company to the top. I want to be Forbes and Fortune's CMO of the year for 15 years running. That means that I have to be CMO by the time I'm 30 and never drop the ball after that. Retire at 45 and do community service. Why don't people dream like that anymore? Everyone wants to be "realistic." The American Dream is a very attainable reality. Why not reach for something bigger? I want to be that guy who gets paid to speak at college commencements. I want to be the high school's hometown hero and my hometown is where Michael Jordan went to college, so let that marinate. I am a son of God and therefore I am a force of nature. I have dreams and they are too big to just fit in the confines of an American one. I want to own an island in the Bahamas. I want so many living spaces by the time I'm 50 that I don't have to take luggage anywhere. Clarification - I do NOT want to be famous but I definitely want to be notable. I want buildings named after me but I don't want to be a well known name in pop culture. Everyone knows Bill Gates but how many people know Lawrence Ellison? He's number 3 on Forbes "richest" list. I can deal with being #3. That is nothing to spit on and imagine how much less stress he deals with than Bill. Bill probably gets a million letters a day from strangers personally asking him for money. Lawrence probably gets 1,000. Might still seem like a lot, but I wonder how much an extra 99,000 letters a day affects your lifespan.
So, like the great Brother King, I too have a dream - to make it major. No backwards steps.
Litera scripta manet. - Unknown
Friday, December 4, 2009
Who Am I? Version 22
" ... I need to find another road to follow. One that's new and strong, not old and hollow..." - - LaRon James
As I step into yet another year of life (praise to my Savior) and another semester comes to a rather abrupt halt, I must look back and reflect on the role that these last few months have played in my life.
This semester has presented me with many challenges. I was in a pageant last night which I spent 6-10 hours each week this semester preparing for. I took on the role of treasurer for my fraternity. I helped mold and bring 3 new Alphamen into the chapter (2 weekends - shout to TRIumph ovE.R. Treason). My chapter competed for, and did the work required to win, fraternal chapter of the year. I serve as president of an organization of 80+ members. I met and developed relationships with the new chancellor, provost, deans, and various professionals. I worked 1 job, accepted offers for 2 more next semester, and paid off my extracurricular debt in full. I went to the gym on a nearly daily basis, stayed well dressed and well groomed for 80% of the semester. I kicked and pushed my way into new friendships while working to let go of ones that proved to be detrimental. I got even closer to my line brothers than I did during Spring '09 and found myself being drawn to get to know brothers from around Area IV, ANCA, and Alpha national (Shout to DI). I have done better this semester than I did in the entire 08-09 school year.
After assessing all of this, I have come to the conclusion that I am spreading myself far too thin. I don't believe in dropping any responsibilities, but I will definitely be stepping back on my journey to 23. I am also working on getting closer to God. Even though I definitely see that I am getting closer to my Lord, I am just rebuilding to get back to where I was in high school. I have matured tremendously. Pairing that maturity with my spiritual growth and the positive impact that I have on the campus could have a major impact. You have 3 options in life - you can use your power for good, evil, or God. God is always good but good isn't always God. So this year, I'm am going to work on specializing my leadership, tailoring it to being a great representative for Him. That doesn't mean I will be perfect, but I will be stronger and I will be working harder and harder to pull away from the sinful nature that we are all born with.
Thanks for all the birthday wishes, cards, balloons, gifts, hugs, etc. If you know me, you know I don't make a big deal on my birthday, so I don't have a problem if it slipped your mind, but I do appreciate the thoughts. Much love.
Litera scripta manet. - Unknown
As I step into yet another year of life (praise to my Savior) and another semester comes to a rather abrupt halt, I must look back and reflect on the role that these last few months have played in my life.
This semester has presented me with many challenges. I was in a pageant last night which I spent 6-10 hours each week this semester preparing for. I took on the role of treasurer for my fraternity. I helped mold and bring 3 new Alphamen into the chapter (2 weekends - shout to TRIumph ovE.R. Treason). My chapter competed for, and did the work required to win, fraternal chapter of the year. I serve as president of an organization of 80+ members. I met and developed relationships with the new chancellor, provost, deans, and various professionals. I worked 1 job, accepted offers for 2 more next semester, and paid off my extracurricular debt in full. I went to the gym on a nearly daily basis, stayed well dressed and well groomed for 80% of the semester. I kicked and pushed my way into new friendships while working to let go of ones that proved to be detrimental. I got even closer to my line brothers than I did during Spring '09 and found myself being drawn to get to know brothers from around Area IV, ANCA, and Alpha national (Shout to DI). I have done better this semester than I did in the entire 08-09 school year.
After assessing all of this, I have come to the conclusion that I am spreading myself far too thin. I don't believe in dropping any responsibilities, but I will definitely be stepping back on my journey to 23. I am also working on getting closer to God. Even though I definitely see that I am getting closer to my Lord, I am just rebuilding to get back to where I was in high school. I have matured tremendously. Pairing that maturity with my spiritual growth and the positive impact that I have on the campus could have a major impact. You have 3 options in life - you can use your power for good, evil, or God. God is always good but good isn't always God. So this year, I'm am going to work on specializing my leadership, tailoring it to being a great representative for Him. That doesn't mean I will be perfect, but I will be stronger and I will be working harder and harder to pull away from the sinful nature that we are all born with.
Thanks for all the birthday wishes, cards, balloons, gifts, hugs, etc. If you know me, you know I don't make a big deal on my birthday, so I don't have a problem if it slipped your mind, but I do appreciate the thoughts. Much love.
Litera scripta manet. - Unknown
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Never Killed Nobody
Work breeds success. That is my firm belief. People wonder why I put so much of myself into whatever I commit myself to and that is the reason. If you don't know how to get the job done, regardless of where others fail, you won't get the end result that you want. Just pulling your weight isn't enough. You have to do your job and, if the person to the right isn't doing his, you pull his weight too. Tiring as it may be, corporate America doesn't care whether or not the whole team did their share; if your name is on that marketing team's report and that report is trashy (for lack of a better word), you run the risk of losing your job. So I could care less whether or not Bob pulls his weight because, at the end of the project, I will still have my job and my family will still be housed and clothed.
Then some wonder, "Well why not wait until you are in that situation to act in that manner? Picking up the slack of your organization members isn't your responsibility." But I subscribe to the school of thought that says that virtues are hard to build up while vices are hard to break down. In other words, you have to get in the habit now of working hard later. I know I don't sleep like I need to. But I've grown accustomed to sleepless nights and have tailored my lifestyle to fit that. I know I don't have enough me time. But if I had enough, I would feel like I wasn't doing anything of any substance. Being busy is what I do. It's who I have been, who I am, and who I will be. I don't neglect those I care about. More than anything I neglect myself, and as "unhealthy" as some might say it is, I feel like the work ethic I have now will allow me to relax when it really matters most - when I have a family. So say what you may. I will be successful and I will be kicking back at my daughter's dance recital on a Wednesday evening at 6pm instead of working late because I will have earned the right to make the schedule as opposed to letting the schedule make me.
Litera scripta manet. - Unknown
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
No Need for God? Cooooooooool, Cooooooooool
I’m currently sitting in a lecture being given by a theologian on the topic of evolution. This “man of God” is arguing that evolution is a valid theory. I really am wondering what this world is coming to when a man whose life is supposed to be based on the teachings of a book of faith is trying to explain away divine creation? He is trying to say that there is some place for God outside of being the Creator. The first four words of the Bible are “In the beginning God...” The 27th verse of the book of Genesis reads that “God created man in his own image.” I have not, cannot, and will not entertain the idea that God made a monkey in his own image and we came from that. It’s not that I don’t agree that animals can evolve. Evolution is a result of proper (if not planned) growth, breeding, and ideal environmental surroundings. I will even entertain the idea that man, in the beginning, was primitive. We may be the descendents of Neanderthals. I really do not know because I am not well versed enough in knowing the difference between us and a more primitive man but it is not hard to believe that mankind has grown physically and mentally. What I do not believe is that I came from a monkey. And I don’t because I have faith that every single word in the Bible is true. People say I am closed minded because I won’t consider this, but why fix something that’s not broken? If He said it, I believe it. End of story. Darwin has NEVER done anything for me. God has done EVERYTHING for me. So my question to you is "Who do you trust: A stranger or a father?
Litera scripta manet. - Unknown
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Equal Representation Under the Media
"'Cause both black and white is smokin' crack tonight" ~ Tupac Shakur
Long time, no write. I’ve been so busy lately and have really neglected my blog. But here I am!
The other night, I was hanging out with my fraternity brothers and we were discussing the fact that we, as young black (for the most part) men, try to hold up a light in this nation through our scholarship, service, and chivalry. We are far from perfect, but we are on a daily quest toward perfection. I feel like, both in and outside of my fraternity, most young black men are positive people who want to lead successful lives and provide for our families. We are not all the deadbeat dads, wannabe rappers/hoopers (no offense to those who aspire to be artists or athletes), or criminals that this mainstream (white) culture paints us to be.
But anyway, I have digressed. As my brothers and I were discussing being a light on campus, we received a text from UNCG campus alerts saying “2 armed robberies occurred off campus. 2 B/M driving a red Nissan pkup. 1 wearing plaid shirt, short dreadlocks, armed with a silver handgun.” I was kind of frustrated when I saw this. Me and a few of the bruhs talked about it for a while. I expressed the sentiment that I am sick of the fact that we are constantly singled out by the system for criminal acts. So often, the picture is painted that we are savages who have to be tamed by whites. Those of us who are in college have been “well-trained” and are the exception to the rule, whereas those of us who continue to commit crimes are just expressing natural criminal-mindedness. I beg to differ. If we want to take that route, I would have to say that white people are naturally exploitive and lazy because they enslaved and raped the resources of numerous nations. But I try to stay away from thinking that the word “all” is expressive of any group because there are always exceptions to every “rule.” So why is my nation, the one that drafted my uncles into one war and my grandfather into another, continuing to paint a picture of me that says “Be afraid. Be very afraid.” If there are angry black men, it is because YOU made us this way. You is anyone in this nation, from me to Barack to George Bush to a member of the Klan. It is anyone who subscribes to any degree to the theory that blacks are inferior to whites. It is not possible to not subscribe to it at all because it has been beaten into our subconscious. All you can try to do is fight it now.
Now, the other side of this argument was given by my Dean; true, we’re not all like this, but we still have people who do the same thing time and time again. And I can’t deny that, even though we are disproportionately represented via the media and disproportionately targeted by the police, these crimes very often do happen. So now I must ask, are those of us who are black and privileged doing enough? I must say “No!” We are in the community, but we aren’t there enough. We are giving money, but we’re not giving enough. We are serving as mentors but we’re not serving enough. We have to give up more of a percentage of what we have because, aside from time, we as a whole have fewer resources than whites and we need more help. So, in the case where whites give 5% of their free time to serve at a soup kitchen or as a mentor, we have to give 20% because our need is that great. When they give 10% of their money to the Jack & Jill, we have to give 18% to UNCF because our need is that great. For every 2 times they invite their son’s underprivileged friend over for a play date, we have to invite our son’s underprivileged friend over 6 times so they know what it’s like to have that strong male influence. We have to get these crime rates and single parent rates and infant mortality rates and high school dropout rates down. I am appreciative of any person, regardless of race, who helps a needy person, but we have to hold our own people accountable too. Yesterday, my brother Isaac Brennan Horton said “The Bible says ‘Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends,’ so what are a few dollars.” Let’s keep that mentality when we’re giving back to others. Give more than you planned to, even if it’s only by 50 cents or 15 minutes. You never know how much help that could be.
Litera scripta manet. - Unknown
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Nothingness
Don't feel much like writing tonight. So I'm not. Goodnight
Litera scripta manet. - Unknown
Litera scripta manet. - Unknown
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Hawthorne (No Jada)
"No man can wear one face to himself and another to the multitude without finally getting bewildered as to which may be true ”— N. Hawthorne
I just saw this quote and had to write about it. It is crazy the faces we wear to keep up an appearance, but really, we have to be real. Facades can only take us so far before we start believing the lies that we lead. But the truth always comes out, so if we're not honest with ourselves as well as with those around us, we will cause such turmoil within ourselves that it could cause a breakdown. I am right now looking myself in the mirror, seeing the ways in which I have changed, and trying to strengthen the positive changes I've undergone, while adjusting the negative aspects of my personality. I made myself believe that I was something I wasn't and it has hurt myself, those closest to me, and those who could have been close to me.
Still, I know that I will wear different faces in business settings to get what I want. As long as I can remove the face when I take a look in the mirror and still bear to look at myself, I know that I will be OK. In personal settings, I am going to try to increase my mask-less representation. I want to be straight forward with everyone all the time from now on, because a lack of full disclosure leads to people being hurt and as little as I care about some people, no one deserves to be hurt and if I could stop myself from ever hurting anyone else emotionally again I would. But because I hope not to die tonight, that wish probably won't come true. So the least I can do is be honest from the jump
Litera scripta manet. - Unknown
I just saw this quote and had to write about it. It is crazy the faces we wear to keep up an appearance, but really, we have to be real. Facades can only take us so far before we start believing the lies that we lead. But the truth always comes out, so if we're not honest with ourselves as well as with those around us, we will cause such turmoil within ourselves that it could cause a breakdown. I am right now looking myself in the mirror, seeing the ways in which I have changed, and trying to strengthen the positive changes I've undergone, while adjusting the negative aspects of my personality. I made myself believe that I was something I wasn't and it has hurt myself, those closest to me, and those who could have been close to me.
Still, I know that I will wear different faces in business settings to get what I want. As long as I can remove the face when I take a look in the mirror and still bear to look at myself, I know that I will be OK. In personal settings, I am going to try to increase my mask-less representation. I want to be straight forward with everyone all the time from now on, because a lack of full disclosure leads to people being hurt and as little as I care about some people, no one deserves to be hurt and if I could stop myself from ever hurting anyone else emotionally again I would. But because I hope not to die tonight, that wish probably won't come true. So the least I can do is be honest from the jump
Litera scripta manet. - Unknown
Tonight is The Night (maybe)
Good morning. I'm just now getting in from a pretty fun night. Which leads me to write about my fun summer. But we will look at this summer in the context of four nights, two being very extreme, two being pretty moderate.
Far Right
On a boring night (50% of my summer), I eat with my family, sit around the house and watch television, end the night on the phone. The phone is usually the highlight of my evening, but I consider the evening boring because I spend it in the confines of my parents' home.
Moderate right
On a pretty moderate night (20% of my summer), I'll end up at a cookout or pool party, usually with the bruhs. Maybe a couple beers and some food. Just some all around good fellowship with friends. (<--example of tonight)
Moderate left
On another pretty regularly occurring night (25% of my summer), I go out to a bar, house party, apartment party, or club. I might have 2 or 3 drinks, but I'm mainly just there to enjoy the company of those around me. It's fun to just go out and relax in a very social setting since I spend my days doing nothing.
Far left
The rarest of all these types of nights has only gotten me once this summer and it left me confused. We'll leave it at that, but it's not something I make a habit of. If you want details, get in touch w/ me personally.
During the day, I try to be productive even though I don't have much to do. But I set goals for myself and reach them. So at night, I try to relax with friends. 85% of the times I've been out, it's been with my best friend. He just graduated and is about to leave for a full-time job so I am trying to enjoy time spent with him. This year been too much of a blessing to me not to enjoy it so I'm enjoy every season, especially summer. -)
Litera scripta manet. - Unknown
Far Right
On a boring night (50% of my summer), I eat with my family, sit around the house and watch television, end the night on the phone. The phone is usually the highlight of my evening, but I consider the evening boring because I spend it in the confines of my parents' home.
Moderate right
On a pretty moderate night (20% of my summer), I'll end up at a cookout or pool party, usually with the bruhs. Maybe a couple beers and some food. Just some all around good fellowship with friends. (<--example of tonight)
Moderate left
On another pretty regularly occurring night (25% of my summer), I go out to a bar, house party, apartment party, or club. I might have 2 or 3 drinks, but I'm mainly just there to enjoy the company of those around me. It's fun to just go out and relax in a very social setting since I spend my days doing nothing.
Far left
The rarest of all these types of nights has only gotten me once this summer and it left me confused. We'll leave it at that, but it's not something I make a habit of. If you want details, get in touch w/ me personally.
During the day, I try to be productive even though I don't have much to do. But I set goals for myself and reach them. So at night, I try to relax with friends. 85% of the times I've been out, it's been with my best friend. He just graduated and is about to leave for a full-time job so I am trying to enjoy time spent with him. This year been too much of a blessing to me not to enjoy it so I'm enjoy every season, especially summer. -)
Litera scripta manet. - Unknown
Monday, August 10, 2009
I Guess Sometimes Parents Just Do Understand
OK, this is NOT going to happen often so I'm going to write it while I am feeling humble.
My parents are not always wrong. Sometimes they are right.
UNCG wanted to make me pay them all of the money I owe before they released my financial aid. So I called them and they said I had to pay the entire $300 that I owe. So I was just going to pay it. But my parents were adamant about calling the Cashier's office so, after I tried to talk them out of wasting time on that, I said fine. So we talked to a lady in the Cashier's Office and she said that Financial Aid was wrong. All I really have to do is pay $95.91 and I'd be good. Had I not listened to Deryle Daniels, Sr., I would have had to borrow $300 from a bruh. So I am glad I listened this time. But I still think I'm right most of the time.
Litera scripta manet. - Unknown
My parents are not always wrong. Sometimes they are right.
UNCG wanted to make me pay them all of the money I owe before they released my financial aid. So I called them and they said I had to pay the entire $300 that I owe. So I was just going to pay it. But my parents were adamant about calling the Cashier's office so, after I tried to talk them out of wasting time on that, I said fine. So we talked to a lady in the Cashier's Office and she said that Financial Aid was wrong. All I really have to do is pay $95.91 and I'd be good. Had I not listened to Deryle Daniels, Sr., I would have had to borrow $300 from a bruh. So I am glad I listened this time. But I still think I'm right most of the time.
Litera scripta manet. - Unknown
Friday, August 7, 2009
Don't Call Me King Leonidas
The closer I get to next Saturday, the more ready I am to move back to Greensboro. I have been ready to start this year for sooooooooooooo long. Even though I will have an extra semester (not planned for), this is my last full year of school! I am so thankful that God brought me this far. This generation is going to be the first on my father mother's side to graduate from college. I am only preceded as the first male to graduate only by my older cousin Sean. On my mom's side I will be the first male to graduate ever. (I am not including anyone outside of uncles, aunts, first cousins in these "facts").
Anyway, in preparation for this year, I have been working on my mind, body, and soul. I hope to go back to school focused, with a plan, but also with an open mind and a strong, yet flexible schedule. I really want to work hard, enjoy this year, and make the most out of everyday. I'm going to go see every movie I want to see this year. I'm not going to party too much, but when I do go out, I'm going to have a great time (Plug - ****BLACK PEARL***** HOSTED BY THE PLAYBOI PI ZETA CHAPTER OF AΦA AND THE LADIES OF PEARLFECTION ******THURSDAY AUGUST 27TH******** @ BENTLY'S...FREE SHUTTLE RIDES TO AND FROM THE CLUB....THE OFFICIAL BACK TO SCHOOL PARTY...................06-08-OH YEAH!!). I am going to hang out with my fraternity brothers, regardless of chapter, and go on road trips. I'm going to have out of town bruhs sleeping on my couch when they come through Greensboro because that is the true meaning of fraternity. I am going to pull at least a 3.5 GPA because I'm in college to get an education. I am going to read the Bible every day. I am going to get bigger and stronger. I am going to serve the community. BBSA will be the premiere general body organization (not black organization but organization period) on the campus of UNCG. The Pi Zeta chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity will hold up the light for the campus to see. It will be a great year because life is too short not to enjoy it.
When I look back over the past 3 years, I must say that I am fortunate to have had the opportunities I have had. God has given me opportunities that many people could only dream of. Though true friends are few and far between, the ones that I really can count on have been rocks to me. Life is a blessing and I really want to take all of it's lessons and let this year be an unforgettable one. So if you're hating, hate on. But if you're with me, let's make moves this year. Let's make the University of North Carolina at Greensboro the most dynamic school in the The University of North Carolina system. Regardless of what organization(s) you might be in, let the UNCG chapter of that organization be the strongest in the state and the nation. Let's let the light of our school shine bright and, with or without a football team or a Tarheel-talented basketball roster, let's make our school everyone's first choice.
Litera scripta manet. - Unknown
Anyway, in preparation for this year, I have been working on my mind, body, and soul. I hope to go back to school focused, with a plan, but also with an open mind and a strong, yet flexible schedule. I really want to work hard, enjoy this year, and make the most out of everyday. I'm going to go see every movie I want to see this year. I'm not going to party too much, but when I do go out, I'm going to have a great time (Plug - ****BLACK PEARL***** HOSTED BY THE PLAYBOI PI ZETA CHAPTER OF AΦA AND THE LADIES OF PEARLFECTION ******THURSDAY AUGUST 27TH******** @ BENTLY'S...FREE SHUTTLE RIDES TO AND FROM THE CLUB....THE OFFICIAL BACK TO SCHOOL PARTY...................06-08-OH YEAH!!). I am going to hang out with my fraternity brothers, regardless of chapter, and go on road trips. I'm going to have out of town bruhs sleeping on my couch when they come through Greensboro because that is the true meaning of fraternity. I am going to pull at least a 3.5 GPA because I'm in college to get an education. I am going to read the Bible every day. I am going to get bigger and stronger. I am going to serve the community. BBSA will be the premiere general body organization (not black organization but organization period) on the campus of UNCG. The Pi Zeta chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity will hold up the light for the campus to see. It will be a great year because life is too short not to enjoy it.
When I look back over the past 3 years, I must say that I am fortunate to have had the opportunities I have had. God has given me opportunities that many people could only dream of. Though true friends are few and far between, the ones that I really can count on have been rocks to me. Life is a blessing and I really want to take all of it's lessons and let this year be an unforgettable one. So if you're hating, hate on. But if you're with me, let's make moves this year. Let's make the University of North Carolina at Greensboro the most dynamic school in the The University of North Carolina system. Regardless of what organization(s) you might be in, let the UNCG chapter of that organization be the strongest in the state and the nation. Let's let the light of our school shine bright and, with or without a football team or a Tarheel-talented basketball roster, let's make our school everyone's first choice.
Litera scripta manet. - Unknown
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Bleep Bleep Bleep Bleep Bleep
Have you ever thought about the purpose of our existence? What if we are no more than ants in a world of giants? What if ants think they have the same importance that we have? We are so self-absorbed that we have led ourselves to believe that we are the epitome of all that this world has to offer. In all actuality, we may play a minuscule role in the larger scheme of things. This is not to contradict any biblical teachings because I believe that these two schools of thought can coexist. Just because we are God's most important creations does not make us his only intelligent creations. This is also not to say that I believe in "aliens." I just like to think that maybe we really don't know all that we think we know. Maybe we do. Thing is, if we look at our lives from the perspective of an ant, maybe we'll see that we could be no more than bleeps on the radar.
Litera scripta manet. - Unknown
Litera scripta manet. - Unknown
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Feel It In The Air
I was suffering from writers block up until 2 minutes ago and had asked a couple people what I should write about today. It was suggested that I write about the movie that I saw yesterday, but I'm not much of a critic. It was also suggested that I write about my future plans, but I'm not much of a psychic either. So I guess I'll write about something that I really do love: Hip-Hop.
I really don't feel like doing some long, drawn out explication on how Hip-Hop is dead. It's not dead, it's just replacing a lot of it's meat with fat. But it's still got some strong muscles. E.O.D. (End of discussion). I just want to write about my favorite rap song - Feel It In the Air by Beanie Sigel. I'm not going to say it's one of the best hip-hop songs b/c I know it's not. Beanie Sigel is definitely far from one of the world's greatest rappers. But this song is my personal favorite because it speaks to much to where I feel like I am and always will be in my life. Regardless of how much I mature, I feel like I will always have a hard time trusting most people.
I'm going to let Beans say the rest of what I want to say. These are some of my favorite lines from the song.
"I ain't the captain of the yacht but I'm on the boat. I read between the lines of your eyes and your brows. ya handshake ain't matchin' your smile. I sit alone in my 4 cornered room... ready to go bananas. i hear this voice in the back of my mind like mack tighten up ya circle before they hurt you. read they body language - 85% communication non-verbal."
Litera scripta manet. - Unknown
I really don't feel like doing some long, drawn out explication on how Hip-Hop is dead. It's not dead, it's just replacing a lot of it's meat with fat. But it's still got some strong muscles. E.O.D. (End of discussion). I just want to write about my favorite rap song - Feel It In the Air by Beanie Sigel. I'm not going to say it's one of the best hip-hop songs b/c I know it's not. Beanie Sigel is definitely far from one of the world's greatest rappers. But this song is my personal favorite because it speaks to much to where I feel like I am and always will be in my life. Regardless of how much I mature, I feel like I will always have a hard time trusting most people.
I'm going to let Beans say the rest of what I want to say. These are some of my favorite lines from the song.
"I ain't the captain of the yacht but I'm on the boat. I read between the lines of your eyes and your brows. ya handshake ain't matchin' your smile. I sit alone in my 4 cornered room... ready to go bananas. i hear this voice in the back of my mind like mack tighten up ya circle before they hurt you. read they body language - 85% communication non-verbal."
Litera scripta manet. - Unknown
Sunday, August 2, 2009
All The Small Things
Good evening world. Today I gave back for the first time this entire summer. Sad to say, I have selfishly used my time on myself. But today, I served as a chaperon on my church's youth group trip to Carowinds . I really didn't want to go at first b/c I knew it would make me think about when I went to Six Flags last summer w/ Britt. But when I got on the church van with those kids, I smiled so much. Children really are God's gift to us. Their innocence can make the hardest people soft. It felt so good to do something that wasn't self serving in anyway. It would have been easy for me to sit around and workout or go hoop with my boys or something. But instead I went to hang out with a bunch of young, energetic kids who wore me out. And it felt great. I needed that. It reminded me of how simple life can be and how we overlook the small blessings.
Litera scripta manet. - Unknown
Litera scripta manet. - Unknown
Friday, July 31, 2009
80-20 or 20-80?
What can I say? Life is to be lived but sometimes that is not enough. We want it all. When we have everything we want, we're still not satisfied. Is it the thrill of the chase, the feeling of uncertainty, or, in my case, the distance?
For quite some time, I was an ineligible bachelor, taken by someone who seemed perfect. She is smart, Christian, gorgeous, caring, and she loves/d me. But for some reason I could not shake the fact that I needed to step back and experience life some. She is the only person I have dated in adulthood. She was my best friend. And for that reason, I couldn't lead her on and say that I wanted one thing when in actuality what I wanted was a chance to live. As a young man, I felt suffocated by someone who I saw once a month. It was taxing on my academics, my friendships, my pockets, and my emotions.
I know that no relationship is easy and they all require work and trust, but extreme distance requires much more than most. I couldn't just drive across town to watch a movie. I would have to fly up for a weekend. I couldn't get a hug or kiss after I had a bad day. I would have to settle for a phone call. Introducing her to my friends and family was nearly impossible unless they happened to meet her one of the 2 times she has come down to visit. It was love, but it wasn't fair.
Everyday at school, I see my closest friends happily in or in pursuit of a normal college relationship, something I knew I could never have if I didn't take a step back. So I selfishly did what I had to do so that I could see if having someone nearby who I could rely on was better.
I can't say that I know one way or another yet, but the future looks bright. I never meant to hurt my first love, but no one does. Now I just pray that God leads me into whatever might be best for me. I know that I am not looking for anything in particular aside from a sense of normality. Yes, the decision was selfish but I would rather be real and hurt someone temporarily than to be fake and please them for a lifetime. I want my friend back, but I know that, in time that too will come.
No real moral to this post. Just venting. Have a great weekend.
Litera scripta manet. - Unknown
For quite some time, I was an ineligible bachelor, taken by someone who seemed perfect. She is smart, Christian, gorgeous, caring, and she loves/d me. But for some reason I could not shake the fact that I needed to step back and experience life some. She is the only person I have dated in adulthood. She was my best friend. And for that reason, I couldn't lead her on and say that I wanted one thing when in actuality what I wanted was a chance to live. As a young man, I felt suffocated by someone who I saw once a month. It was taxing on my academics, my friendships, my pockets, and my emotions.
I know that no relationship is easy and they all require work and trust, but extreme distance requires much more than most. I couldn't just drive across town to watch a movie. I would have to fly up for a weekend. I couldn't get a hug or kiss after I had a bad day. I would have to settle for a phone call. Introducing her to my friends and family was nearly impossible unless they happened to meet her one of the 2 times she has come down to visit. It was love, but it wasn't fair.
Everyday at school, I see my closest friends happily in or in pursuit of a normal college relationship, something I knew I could never have if I didn't take a step back. So I selfishly did what I had to do so that I could see if having someone nearby who I could rely on was better.
I can't say that I know one way or another yet, but the future looks bright. I never meant to hurt my first love, but no one does. Now I just pray that God leads me into whatever might be best for me. I know that I am not looking for anything in particular aside from a sense of normality. Yes, the decision was selfish but I would rather be real and hurt someone temporarily than to be fake and please them for a lifetime. I want my friend back, but I know that, in time that too will come.
No real moral to this post. Just venting. Have a great weekend.
Litera scripta manet. - Unknown
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
No TieTull AddAQuitLee Sez WhaHut Eye Want Tew Sѐ
Why do people feel the need to type shorthand that isn't really short hand? I get text messages that say things like "thiz iz duh best dae ov muh entyre freeeeeeken lyfe." I feel like that really makes you seem ignorant. I understand texting a friend and saying "I dont feel like goin 2 class 2day b/c Im sick. I need u 2 get the notes 4 me. L8r." It's not that hard to understand that. I don't need proper grammer or punctuation (unless your text is business related). But when I have to sound out your text message, there is a problem there. The point of texting is so that I don't have to talk. Do we have to show individuality in every freaking way? Some things are genuinely unique and some things just look like you shouldn't have made it past the 2nd grade. I don't do this with the intention of offending anyone, but with the intention of making my text inbox more legible. So if you have my number, I hope you will not text me nonsense anymore. Thanks.
*Shout to Proudy Bailey for being my muse today.
Litera scripta manet. - Unknown
*Shout to Proudy Bailey for being my muse today.
Litera scripta manet. - Unknown
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Too Good To Settle
"It's hard to find a woman when you're talented and black." - Drake
Good evening world (probably more like "Good evening America," more specifically North Carolina). Today I went to get my hair cut at Leon's Salon on Tate St. In Greensboro (quick plug - - shout to my boy Chris). Anyway, while in the chair, Chris and I talked about courting women. More specifically, he was giving me advice on what to do when looking for a steady girlfriend. What he said was that I need to ask for resumès to make sure that she is not in school to get her M.R.S. I definitely agree with that. I am not saying that a girl has to have a 4.0 and be president in every organization on campus but she should have some things about her that really do stand out. I don't want another me b/c I can barely deal with myself as it is. The thing is, having someone who complements me is key. I need for a young lady to be involved enough so that she is not constantly bored waiting on me to get done handling my business but still not so consumed that she has no time for me. She needs to enjoy giving back because, if she's with me she will be receiving a lot and "to (s)he whom much is given, much is expected." She needs to be Christian because otherwise we won't work and honestly, I wouldn't want us to. She needs to know how to turn me on because I want to be able to be intimate with her. She needs to be attractive to me because I want to want to look at her forever.
That brings me to my next point: I will not court someone who does not have potential to be my Mrs. I am not saying that that is my initial goal but I am too old to call someone my girlfriend who I won't introduce to my mother. And only one woman has gotten a formal invitation to my parents' home for dinner since I've made it to college.
Sad to say, there are very few handsome, confident young black Christian males going where I am going. I have numerous short comings but I am cutting down on them daily. I will always sin and fall short of perfection but my goal is to decrease the frequency of imperfections and increase the probability that I will have a perfect day.
I am going to be great, not famous. Why make it into Rolling Stone magazine or the tabloids when I could be in Forbes and encyclopedias? I won't be a household name, but I will to be known in corporate America as a marketing guru. I will be a credit to my race, fraternity, and nation, as they have been to me (more so the former two than the latter). More importantly (and more on the point), I will be a great husband and father. I will take my kids to church and sports practices. I will take my wife on dates (and not just on our anniversary). We will go on vacations. We will be happy.
I am the African American Dream. I never lived in the ghetto but I was never anywhere near rich. My parents were good at doing what most black people do - fronting. I've walked to get groceries because we didn't have a car. Not because "we didn't have a working car." We didn't have a car at all. I held the marijuana for my boys. I fought. I got suspended. I dodged charges. I'm not proud of that and I'm not saying that I am hard. What I am saying is "I will make it from low class to classic." Look at me now - 81% of school paid for by scholarships, job, good credit, president of a progressive organization, treasurer of another, a brother of the best fraternity in the history of the world and a Christian. And this is only the beginning.
Many people say that I am an idealist. They are right. Life happens, but I also believe that "I am the master of my phate." God gives us free will and I was told that giving anything less than 100% is a sin. His will is that I utilize the talents He has given me instead of burying them. So my talents are going to bring me success. Question is, who will be riding in my passenger seats?
I know I digressed TR3mendously but I felt like intricately explaining why I won't settle for a woman who can't complement me. And anyway it's my blog so I can do that.
Litera scripta manet. - Unknown
Good evening world (probably more like "Good evening America," more specifically North Carolina). Today I went to get my hair cut at Leon's Salon on Tate St. In Greensboro (quick plug - - shout to my boy Chris). Anyway, while in the chair, Chris and I talked about courting women. More specifically, he was giving me advice on what to do when looking for a steady girlfriend. What he said was that I need to ask for resumès to make sure that she is not in school to get her M.R.S. I definitely agree with that. I am not saying that a girl has to have a 4.0 and be president in every organization on campus but she should have some things about her that really do stand out. I don't want another me b/c I can barely deal with myself as it is. The thing is, having someone who complements me is key. I need for a young lady to be involved enough so that she is not constantly bored waiting on me to get done handling my business but still not so consumed that she has no time for me. She needs to enjoy giving back because, if she's with me she will be receiving a lot and "to (s)he whom much is given, much is expected." She needs to be Christian because otherwise we won't work and honestly, I wouldn't want us to. She needs to know how to turn me on because I want to be able to be intimate with her. She needs to be attractive to me because I want to want to look at her forever.
That brings me to my next point: I will not court someone who does not have potential to be my Mrs. I am not saying that that is my initial goal but I am too old to call someone my girlfriend who I won't introduce to my mother. And only one woman has gotten a formal invitation to my parents' home for dinner since I've made it to college.
Sad to say, there are very few handsome, confident young black Christian males going where I am going. I have numerous short comings but I am cutting down on them daily. I will always sin and fall short of perfection but my goal is to decrease the frequency of imperfections and increase the probability that I will have a perfect day.
I am going to be great, not famous. Why make it into Rolling Stone magazine or the tabloids when I could be in Forbes and encyclopedias? I won't be a household name, but I will to be known in corporate America as a marketing guru. I will be a credit to my race, fraternity, and nation, as they have been to me (more so the former two than the latter). More importantly (and more on the point), I will be a great husband and father. I will take my kids to church and sports practices. I will take my wife on dates (and not just on our anniversary). We will go on vacations. We will be happy.
I am the African American Dream. I never lived in the ghetto but I was never anywhere near rich. My parents were good at doing what most black people do - fronting. I've walked to get groceries because we didn't have a car. Not because "we didn't have a working car." We didn't have a car at all. I held the marijuana for my boys. I fought. I got suspended. I dodged charges. I'm not proud of that and I'm not saying that I am hard. What I am saying is "I will make it from low class to classic." Look at me now - 81% of school paid for by scholarships, job, good credit, president of a progressive organization, treasurer of another, a brother of the best fraternity in the history of the world and a Christian. And this is only the beginning.
Many people say that I am an idealist. They are right. Life happens, but I also believe that "I am the master of my phate." God gives us free will and I was told that giving anything less than 100% is a sin. His will is that I utilize the talents He has given me instead of burying them. So my talents are going to bring me success. Question is, who will be riding in my passenger seats?
I know I digressed TR3mendously but I felt like intricately explaining why I won't settle for a woman who can't complement me. And anyway it's my blog so I can do that.
Litera scripta manet. - Unknown
Monday, July 27, 2009
Me Time
I think sometimes you need to take some time for yourself. It's not about being mad at anyone or being anti-social or anything. It's just that when you spend so much time with and energy on other persons, you might need to take a step back and re-evaluate yourself. Take some time away from your close friends, your significant other, even your family. Look at your life and see what you do or don't like about it. Then plan out how you can take the necessary steps to make the needed changes.
When you give the majority of your time to others, you are neglecting yourself and ultimately hurting those around you. If you are not emotionally healthy, your relationships can't be as strong as they need to be.
Just how I feel.
Litera scripta manet. - Unknown
When you give the majority of your time to others, you are neglecting yourself and ultimately hurting those around you. If you are not emotionally healthy, your relationships can't be as strong as they need to be.
Just how I feel.
Litera scripta manet. - Unknown
Friday, July 24, 2009
But When I Became a Man...
I really do not understand not wanting to mature. I went out with my boys the other night and we ended up at this hood club. Usually I go to the that at least cater to the college crowd, if not the 21+ grown and sexy lounges. I have pretty much grown out of the tall tee worn, sneaker trodden, baggy jean spots. But I went b/c I didn't want to rock the boat. Big mistake. I got in and the girls dressed like they were in high school (which some probably were). The guys dressed like I did between the 7th and 9th grades, but some were clearly well into their mid- to late-20s.
When it comes to fashion, I say "do you but do you consciously." You're not going to find me in a crazy over sized outfit anymore because I need a job when I graduate and I never know who I might meet and when. My shirts no longer have little weed jokes on them. I still wear fitteds and I probably will until I die, but I don't wear them to places where I might run into someone who might be able to help me. Too many people think too much in the present. True, tomorrow isn't promised, but there is always the possibility that you will make it there and would you rather be ready if it comes or be ill-prepared and scrambling to catch up to the white kids (being real). I'm staying 2 steps ahead of the white kids b/c I am a black male and I was always told I had to.
Just something that was on my mind. Feel free to write back. Or to take notes and discuss it over lunch.
Litera scripta manet. - Unknown
When it comes to fashion, I say "do you but do you consciously." You're not going to find me in a crazy over sized outfit anymore because I need a job when I graduate and I never know who I might meet and when. My shirts no longer have little weed jokes on them. I still wear fitteds and I probably will until I die, but I don't wear them to places where I might run into someone who might be able to help me. Too many people think too much in the present. True, tomorrow isn't promised, but there is always the possibility that you will make it there and would you rather be ready if it comes or be ill-prepared and scrambling to catch up to the white kids (being real). I'm staying 2 steps ahead of the white kids b/c I am a black male and I was always told I had to.
Just something that was on my mind. Feel free to write back. Or to take notes and discuss it over lunch.
Litera scripta manet. - Unknown
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Welcome to the Good Life
I love being a young man in college. It is such a good feeling to know that, right now I have no real responsibilities outside of myself. I am financially self-sufficient. Life might not be perfect, but I know how to have fun. I take good care of my body, I go out with friends occasionally, and I take time everyday to better myself spiritually and intellectually. I can go take a walk when I want to. I can go on dates when I feel like it. I am living the good life.
When I get out of college, I won't have the opportunity to take an extended summer vacation where I can just work on myself. I won't be able to go to class for 3 or 4 hours a day and and then choose what I do for the rest of the day. Waking up and starting my day at 10 am will never be an option.
This time in life is so fun. So don't take it too seriously. Realize that it is important to set yourself up for success but also know that life will happen the way it's supposed to and right now, all you really have to do is live.
Disclaimer - This post is strictly directed at those working toward a bachelor's degree. If you have graduated, are not a full time student, have children, or aren't in school, you don't have the luxury of enjoying things as much so please don't think that your day should begin at 10. You should be up 7 so you can be at a job interview by 8. Still use free time to better yourself but responsibilities come first.
Litera scripta manet. - Unknown
When I get out of college, I won't have the opportunity to take an extended summer vacation where I can just work on myself. I won't be able to go to class for 3 or 4 hours a day and and then choose what I do for the rest of the day. Waking up and starting my day at 10 am will never be an option.
This time in life is so fun. So don't take it too seriously. Realize that it is important to set yourself up for success but also know that life will happen the way it's supposed to and right now, all you really have to do is live.
Disclaimer - This post is strictly directed at those working toward a bachelor's degree. If you have graduated, are not a full time student, have children, or aren't in school, you don't have the luxury of enjoying things as much so please don't think that your day should begin at 10. You should be up 7 so you can be at a job interview by 8. Still use free time to better yourself but responsibilities come first.
Litera scripta manet. - Unknown
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Even on my Worst Days...
Usually I write to air out a grievance but today, I 'm just going to write in a spirit of thanksgiving. Even with all the flaws in the world, more specifically in this nation, I am unbelievably blessed. So often we focus so much on the negative things that we don't appreciate the good things.
Example 1: I have food and usually if I don't eat three meals each day it is because I don't "want" to eat something. That is so spoiled of me. How often do our families have leftovers in the fridge that end up getting thrown away? Tell that to a child in an under-developed nation and he really might smack you.
Example 2: I have more clothes than 3/4 of the people in my house combined. This is just b/c I really enjoy being able to change styles, but it is no where near a necessity. I am thankful for my wardrobe but even as recently as 100 years ago, people in America had three sets of clothes - work clothes, relaxing clothes, and Sunday clothes. Now I catch myself shopping for new outfits for most major parties. And why? Just b/c I want to.
Example 3: I can afford to kick back and relax. I might not be living as comfortably as I would like to this summer but I am living. My bills are getting paid (barely and always at the last minute). I wish I was working but I'm just going to tough it out through this dry spell. And when it passes, I'll be even more thankful.I don't want to dwell on my blessings b/c I could go on all day.
But anyway, just wanted to focus on the good things in life. The world might be bad, but life is good. Have a great day.
Litera scripta manet. - Unknown
Example 1: I have food and usually if I don't eat three meals each day it is because I don't "want" to eat something. That is so spoiled of me. How often do our families have leftovers in the fridge that end up getting thrown away? Tell that to a child in an under-developed nation and he really might smack you.
Example 2: I have more clothes than 3/4 of the people in my house combined. This is just b/c I really enjoy being able to change styles, but it is no where near a necessity. I am thankful for my wardrobe but even as recently as 100 years ago, people in America had three sets of clothes - work clothes, relaxing clothes, and Sunday clothes. Now I catch myself shopping for new outfits for most major parties. And why? Just b/c I want to.
Example 3: I can afford to kick back and relax. I might not be living as comfortably as I would like to this summer but I am living. My bills are getting paid (barely and always at the last minute). I wish I was working but I'm just going to tough it out through this dry spell. And when it passes, I'll be even more thankful.I don't want to dwell on my blessings b/c I could go on all day.
But anyway, just wanted to focus on the good things in life. The world might be bad, but life is good. Have a great day.
Litera scripta manet. - Unknown
Monday, July 20, 2009
Time on My Hands
I am so tired of doing the exact same thing day after day. I said I was tired of never having a boring day but this is ridiculous. I looked for a job and it's not happening. Most college students who were able to work this summer are returning to their former places of employment. I really can't deal. I'm used to getting out of bed, going to the gym, eating breakfast, showering and putting on a freshly pressed shirt and a tie. Then the unpredictable day begins. Aside from knowing where I'm going, I have no clue as to what my life will bring that day. I usually learn new things in classes, see friends/acquaintances, meet new people. I have lunch appointments and evening meetings. At night I call friends and find something to do or I might head to the library and check out a movie. And this is excluding weekends. These were known as my "boring" days. I was sadly mistaken.
Correction: This is boring! There is nothing to do. Nothing at all. Maybe I'll catch up with some old friends on the weekend, but other than that, my days now consist of waking up, washing up, reading the Bible, watching TV, working out, blogging, eating, reading some more, running a couple miles, talking on the phone and sleeping. It's relaxing but sometimes it gets old. And I still have a month here.
Solution - Volunteer. I'm going to have to find somewhere to give my time to b/c, if I can't profit from my time, maybe someone else can. But this sitting around thing isn't helping. Financial stability is not the only fulfillment that one can find and since it is something I definitely won't find, I will look to find fulfillment on a more selfless level. So hopefully these boring days will get better soon...
Litera scripta manet. - Unknown
Correction: This is boring! There is nothing to do. Nothing at all. Maybe I'll catch up with some old friends on the weekend, but other than that, my days now consist of waking up, washing up, reading the Bible, watching TV, working out, blogging, eating, reading some more, running a couple miles, talking on the phone and sleeping. It's relaxing but sometimes it gets old. And I still have a month here.
Solution - Volunteer. I'm going to have to find somewhere to give my time to b/c, if I can't profit from my time, maybe someone else can. But this sitting around thing isn't helping. Financial stability is not the only fulfillment that one can find and since it is something I definitely won't find, I will look to find fulfillment on a more selfless level. So hopefully these boring days will get better soon...
Litera scripta manet. - Unknown
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Parents Just Don't Understand
I absolutely hate being home during the breaks and am often reminded why. My parents' ways of doing things aren't mine. I have grown and developed my own ways of thinking about things, but in their house it's their way. For instance, I have grown out of the traditional eating times b/c I can come and go from the food court or cafeteria as I please. And I no longer have a bed time b/c I think of time as a man made constraint and the word "late" is relative based upon what time your day starts. I am no longer in tune with the dependency that a family presents.
As frustrating as it is, I am here and will be until I move back to Greensboro. Not really a long post but it's on my mind and therefore it is here for your reading pleasure.
Litera scripta manet. - Unknown
As frustrating as it is, I am here and will be until I move back to Greensboro. Not really a long post but it's on my mind and therefore it is here for your reading pleasure.
Litera scripta manet. - Unknown
Friday, July 17, 2009
Minitrue: An Orwellian Disposition
I wonder why we are so concerned with political progress in the Middle East but not focusing any comparable effort in Africa, specifically in Darfur. Has everyone forgotten about the fact that the US still has not taken an official position on what is going on in the Sudan? It cracks me up because the American mainstream media (which is owned by 11 companies) determines what topics stay on our mind. We are something like sheep being herded. The problem is that it is so easy to open our mouths as we are spoon fed this packaged bologna (Sidebar: How that is pronounced boloney I really don't know). But it takes time and determination to really find the truth. There is no way that all these grassroots newspapers and blog sites are credible sources of information so the time it would take to figure out which ones are and aren't is often not worth it.
I really have no solution but instead just wanted to draw the attention of my dedicated fan base (all 3 of you) to the fact that sometimes we really do have to think about the bologna that we are being fed by mass media. And it's not about these television anchors or producers (shout to Sonie) or anyone like that. This goes much higher than them. Change has to come from the top and right now that's not happening so we've got to at least be aware when we do realize that topics are slowly being eased out of the spotlight so that we can follow up.
For me, the issues of the black community which are tossed in the backseat are especially troublesome. For instance, what ever happened to the Jena 6 situation? And when the crosses were burned on the lawns of blacks in Durham a couple years ago - was anyone ever convicted? Maybe these things aren't important to some but the Enron scandal was covered in its entirety. Even the life of entertainers are given daily coverage. Does that mean we, as Americans, value our entertainment and our money more than we do humanitarian efforts, legislative actions and cultural relations?
Don't hesitate to believe that if we fail to think for ourselves we will be told how to think. This is not 1984 and I am not Winston. I have my own agenda and it will not be dictated by Big Brother.
Litera scripta manet. - Unknown
I really have no solution but instead just wanted to draw the attention of my dedicated fan base (all 3 of you) to the fact that sometimes we really do have to think about the bologna that we are being fed by mass media. And it's not about these television anchors or producers (shout to Sonie) or anyone like that. This goes much higher than them. Change has to come from the top and right now that's not happening so we've got to at least be aware when we do realize that topics are slowly being eased out of the spotlight so that we can follow up.
For me, the issues of the black community which are tossed in the backseat are especially troublesome. For instance, what ever happened to the Jena 6 situation? And when the crosses were burned on the lawns of blacks in Durham a couple years ago - was anyone ever convicted? Maybe these things aren't important to some but the Enron scandal was covered in its entirety. Even the life of entertainers are given daily coverage. Does that mean we, as Americans, value our entertainment and our money more than we do humanitarian efforts, legislative actions and cultural relations?
Don't hesitate to believe that if we fail to think for ourselves we will be told how to think. This is not 1984 and I am not Winston. I have my own agenda and it will not be dictated by Big Brother.
Litera scripta manet. - Unknown
Thursday, July 16, 2009
L.O.L. Smiley Face: A Social Meltdown
"Shawty just txt me, said she wanna sex me. L.O.L. smiley face. L.O.L. smiley face. Shawty sent a twitpic sayin' come and get this. L.O.L. smiley face. L.O.L. smiley face."
That's a catchy song if I've ever heard one. But sadly, this song is what our society has come to. We text one another sexual desires. Our entire relationships play out over Facebook, from single to complicated to in a relationship, engaged, married. I won't be surprised if "divorced" in an option soon. I don't even have to call my bruhs anymore to see what they're doing tonight because Twitter updates or Facebook's mini-feed will let me know. Where is the intimacy?
I recently changed the "About Me" section on Facebook to reveal as little about me as I can aside from some quotes and that which is pretty much public knowledge (i.e. organizational affiliations). I also removed my birth date because I feel like way too many people who do not know me at all know my birthday and wish me a happy birthday. Having over 500 wall posts in 1 day doesn't do a thing but make one more egotistical for that one day. But I'm sure that only 1% of my Facebook "friends" know my birthday (excluding family). More than I'd want someone to remember it though, I'd just like for them to ask. I want you to know my favorite type of music or my favorite movie or book because you took the time to get to know me, not because you can click the "Add Friend" button and read about me. To me, that seems so fake. Don't get me wrong, I love Facebook. I might be on more than 80% of my online associates. But it was initially intended to help people stay in touch, not to find out everything about someone.
The song doesn't just talk about social networking though. It talks about texting some crazy stuff. You would think that people would've learned by now not to send any crazy messages that the world is bound to see if you ever make it big. Nothing can be hidden from the media. So why have I gotten some of the craziest texts from the most random girls? Really, hold yourself to a higher standard. If you want to come on to a guy (esp. one who you don't even know) call him. Don't send him some crazy text or Facebook message or AIM him or anything like that. He just might show the message to his boys. I'm being real because, even though that's not my M.O., I have seen enough crazy text/picture messages to know that it can happen.
We're so caught up in our technology that we don't know how to communicate with people anymore. We text people and write on their Facebook wall to ask them on a date. What happened to getting the courage up to call someone and ask them out? Or instead of writing on someone's wall each time we want to check on them, how about we actually give them a call sometimes. I'd rather hear a friendly voice than my fingers tapping some keys. So if I have your number, I might be giving you a call sometime instead of chatting with you online. I hope you'll do the same. Let's get out of the habit of impersonally communicating. All it does is dumbs us down.
S.M.H.
:-(
Litera scripta manet. - Unknown
That's a catchy song if I've ever heard one. But sadly, this song is what our society has come to. We text one another sexual desires. Our entire relationships play out over Facebook, from single to complicated to in a relationship, engaged, married. I won't be surprised if "divorced" in an option soon. I don't even have to call my bruhs anymore to see what they're doing tonight because Twitter updates or Facebook's mini-feed will let me know. Where is the intimacy?
I recently changed the "About Me" section on Facebook to reveal as little about me as I can aside from some quotes and that which is pretty much public knowledge (i.e. organizational affiliations). I also removed my birth date because I feel like way too many people who do not know me at all know my birthday and wish me a happy birthday. Having over 500 wall posts in 1 day doesn't do a thing but make one more egotistical for that one day. But I'm sure that only 1% of my Facebook "friends" know my birthday (excluding family). More than I'd want someone to remember it though, I'd just like for them to ask. I want you to know my favorite type of music or my favorite movie or book because you took the time to get to know me, not because you can click the "Add Friend" button and read about me. To me, that seems so fake. Don't get me wrong, I love Facebook. I might be on more than 80% of my online associates. But it was initially intended to help people stay in touch, not to find out everything about someone.
The song doesn't just talk about social networking though. It talks about texting some crazy stuff. You would think that people would've learned by now not to send any crazy messages that the world is bound to see if you ever make it big. Nothing can be hidden from the media. So why have I gotten some of the craziest texts from the most random girls? Really, hold yourself to a higher standard. If you want to come on to a guy (esp. one who you don't even know) call him. Don't send him some crazy text or Facebook message or AIM him or anything like that. He just might show the message to his boys. I'm being real because, even though that's not my M.O., I have seen enough crazy text/picture messages to know that it can happen.
We're so caught up in our technology that we don't know how to communicate with people anymore. We text people and write on their Facebook wall to ask them on a date. What happened to getting the courage up to call someone and ask them out? Or instead of writing on someone's wall each time we want to check on them, how about we actually give them a call sometimes. I'd rather hear a friendly voice than my fingers tapping some keys. So if I have your number, I might be giving you a call sometime instead of chatting with you online. I hope you'll do the same. Let's get out of the habit of impersonally communicating. All it does is dumbs us down.
S.M.H.
:-(
Litera scripta manet. - Unknown
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Endangered Specices: Ladies and Gentlemen
If I see the lady from a distance, the first thing I'll look for is for her to have a nice overall shape. It's not so much about big or small as much as about a nice figure. I'm also into brown- and dark-skinned girls so they'll probably catch my attention first. Nothing against anyone of any other complexion because, at the end of the day, a beautiful woman is a beautiful woman but everyone has preferences and complexion is one of mine.
If I am fortunate enough to run into her up close the first time I see her, I look for nice eyes, a nice smile, nice hair (long or short, as long as it's done nicely, there is potential).
The most important thing is the manner in which she carries herself. I saw a girl the other week who was out @ a public pool in the middle of the day intentionally showing off things that she should have kept to herself. If you don't come across as a lady from the jump, I probably will not take you seriously. It's not about what you do and with who but about who knows how you like to get down. Everyone shouldn't know that a female is a "freak." If she is for her man that's great, but otherwise, chill out. Some guys might try to wife you but I can guarantee that I will not be that guy. I subscribe to the belief that you can't turn a garden tool into a housewife. That's not to say that she can't change but that is on her to change.
I believe that ladies are an endangered species. That statement was not made to compare you all to animals, but taxonomically, you all are on a completely different level than the general human female based on thought process alone. And I can say the same about gentlemen; there are very few of us left. It is quite possible that the killing off of one served as a catalyst for the death of of the other but I believe that we should be working to revive a sense of mutual respect and responsibility between our genders.
I suggest that those of us who are ladies and gentlemen take someone younger than us and mentor them. Ladies, if you see another young female on campus who seems like she's on the line (or even past it), talk to her. Be her friend first and her mentor second. Don't let her walk around dressed like she should be on the Vegas strip b/c the young man who I am mentoring will probably not look her way and, if he is anything like me, she will want him to.
Let's make it cool to be ladies and gentlemen once again. And let's kill this misconception that because you can wear a tie with some hard bottom shoes or a dress with some heels that that's all it takes. Instead of wanting to be Mr./Mrs. Sean Carter, we should aspire more to be like Mr./Mrs. Cliff Huxtable. A very idealistic view, but mine none the less.
Litera scripta manet. - Unknown
If I am fortunate enough to run into her up close the first time I see her, I look for nice eyes, a nice smile, nice hair (long or short, as long as it's done nicely, there is potential).
The most important thing is the manner in which she carries herself. I saw a girl the other week who was out @ a public pool in the middle of the day intentionally showing off things that she should have kept to herself. If you don't come across as a lady from the jump, I probably will not take you seriously. It's not about what you do and with who but about who knows how you like to get down. Everyone shouldn't know that a female is a "freak." If she is for her man that's great, but otherwise, chill out. Some guys might try to wife you but I can guarantee that I will not be that guy. I subscribe to the belief that you can't turn a garden tool into a housewife. That's not to say that she can't change but that is on her to change.
I believe that ladies are an endangered species. That statement was not made to compare you all to animals, but taxonomically, you all are on a completely different level than the general human female based on thought process alone. And I can say the same about gentlemen; there are very few of us left. It is quite possible that the killing off of one served as a catalyst for the death of of the other but I believe that we should be working to revive a sense of mutual respect and responsibility between our genders.
I suggest that those of us who are ladies and gentlemen take someone younger than us and mentor them. Ladies, if you see another young female on campus who seems like she's on the line (or even past it), talk to her. Be her friend first and her mentor second. Don't let her walk around dressed like she should be on the Vegas strip b/c the young man who I am mentoring will probably not look her way and, if he is anything like me, she will want him to.
Let's make it cool to be ladies and gentlemen once again. And let's kill this misconception that because you can wear a tie with some hard bottom shoes or a dress with some heels that that's all it takes. Instead of wanting to be Mr./Mrs. Sean Carter, we should aspire more to be like Mr./Mrs. Cliff Huxtable. A very idealistic view, but mine none the less.
Litera scripta manet. - Unknown
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Effortless Success = Unrealistic
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure... There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you... As we let our own light shine we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same." - - Marianne Williamson
So often we sell ourselves short so that we won't have to really work. Deep down, there is a greatness in us all, but our fear of "failure" prevents us from truly realizing how great we really are. We don't give 100% to something b/c, when we fail, it is easy to say "Oh, I could have done it, I just didn't try." But then I must ask "Why?" Why not give your all when you really have nothing to lose? Actually, by giving your all, you will probably save yourself time. Curtis Cotton III used to tell me "Do something right the first time and you won't have to do it again." That is so true. Why not do something the correct way from point A? Then you will save yourself time and a headache.
Don't get me wrong, giving your all is a risk. When you put everything you have into anything, what you are really doing is putting your heart into it. That is a scary thing, especially for us men. We guard our hearts like there is no tomorrow and the thought of putting it into something that is unstable is not what we would prefer to do. But I challenge us all, men and women, to step out on faith. God doesn't want us hurt. What fun comes from that? Believe in Him enough to see your greatness.
We never really realize how great we are until we learn to put all of ourselves into something. So give it your all. If you don't like the outcome, sue me (just kidding. Please don't do me like that!)
Litera scripta manet. - Unknown
So often we sell ourselves short so that we won't have to really work. Deep down, there is a greatness in us all, but our fear of "failure" prevents us from truly realizing how great we really are. We don't give 100% to something b/c, when we fail, it is easy to say "Oh, I could have done it, I just didn't try." But then I must ask "Why?" Why not give your all when you really have nothing to lose? Actually, by giving your all, you will probably save yourself time. Curtis Cotton III used to tell me "Do something right the first time and you won't have to do it again." That is so true. Why not do something the correct way from point A? Then you will save yourself time and a headache.
Don't get me wrong, giving your all is a risk. When you put everything you have into anything, what you are really doing is putting your heart into it. That is a scary thing, especially for us men. We guard our hearts like there is no tomorrow and the thought of putting it into something that is unstable is not what we would prefer to do. But I challenge us all, men and women, to step out on faith. God doesn't want us hurt. What fun comes from that? Believe in Him enough to see your greatness.
We never really realize how great we are until we learn to put all of ourselves into something. So give it your all. If you don't like the outcome, sue me (just kidding. Please don't do me like that!)
Litera scripta manet. - Unknown
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)