Monday, May 17, 2010

Actions and Wors Go Hand in Hand

Actions speak louder than words. But actions that support the words that are spoken are invaluable. -- Deryle Daniels, Jr.

So often we say "Actions speak louder than words" and leave it at that. And it is true. But at the same time, when your actions serve as reinforcement to the words you speak, those words are priceless because they actually have value.
This goes hand in hand with the saying "A man is only as good as his word." If your credibility is shot in any relationship, be it business, romantic, platonic, familial, etc., how can you expect for your words to hold any weight? If you expect to have those around you trust you at all, you have to be able to keep your word. You can not say that you will get something done by a deadline and fail at completing the task. True, life happens, but as you get older and life continues to happen, you learn how to multitask; that is, you learn how to jump life's hurdles while typing that report that has to be on your boss' desk by 9am. You learn how to stretch your money so that, even though you have bills due, you can still take your significant other on the date you promised.
Often, when we do not keep our word, it is not because we can't but because we are being selfish. For those of you who are in college, how many financial obligations have you not honored because you didn't have the money? But very often, you find yourself in the club, at a bar, or at the ABC store 2-3 times a month spending $20+ on drinks. That is selfish. Or how often have you not made time for someone who you say is important to you but, at the drop of a hat, you are at the party? Or, one of the transgressions that too many of us are guilty of, wanting to spend more time in the Word but not taking the time to do so. I know that we have all done these things. I often have to reevaluate how I spend my two most valuable resources: my time and my money.
I cannot say that I am anywhere near where I want or need to be in making sure each of my actions match my words but I can say that I do value my relationships now much more than I used to. The older we get, the more people we know that pass away. And as I see them go, I must say that I do not want to miss another opportunity to see the people I care about on a regular basis. The end.

Litera scripta manet. - Unknown

Saturday, May 8, 2010

I Get Up

I aint trynna survive
Im trynna throw my momma in rides
Imma provide for my seed I'm the soil
--J. Cole

I haven't written in a while but I'm writing today. I really just want to update everyone on my blessings. I'm 21 hours from graduating. Crazy, right?! You really have no idea where I'm coming from but to give you an idea, I've been without a home address, not known where I was going to stay at night, lost my great grandma to age, lost my cousin to gang violence, lost friends to death and to life, began relationships, ended relationships, lost love, found love, questioned God, found spirituality, gave my blood, sweat, and tears for 6 brothers, lost my scholarships, regained them, and everything else all within these 4 years. The fact that I even made it to college is a blessing because so many of the cats I grew up with are still at home, dead, or in jail (no disrespect. Still got nothing but love). So, nope, I'm not getting out on time, but I am so thankful that I'm getting out. My father and his father went to college and never made it out. I am going to walk across that stage with my head held high because I will not be another statistic. I really am so ready to make this world better. And I'm going to do just that. Thanks to all you who have ever supported me and those of you who continue to support me. I love life.

Litera scripta manet. - Unknown