My Cup is half-full...No, it runneth over!!

A new year is just over a month away. I am already reflecting on what has transpired in '08. As we look at a bleak economy with no real recovery in sight for quite some time, and unemployment at the highest in over a decade it is easy to be pessimistic. Join with me in choosing optimism. As shaky and unsure as the world is today, this remains true, God is good and we are blessed.

2009 is ripe with possibilities. We have a new President who has made history by being the first African-American to ever hold that office. Closer to home for me, I even have a new church pastor (congratulations to pastor-elect Eld. Henry Bolden). I challenge you as I also challenge myself to take bold new steps in the coming new year. No, I'm not talking about new year's resolutions that are rarely kept. I'm talking about setting real goals with a clear plan to achieve them. If your job situation is looking scary, face the fear head on and choose the career that you desire, even if that means you have to continue your education. Start that business you have dreamed about, but have been procrastinating. Finish that book you started years ago and is collecting dust (this one in particular applies to me).

I try to learn a new skill every year. Last year I learned to crochet and I have a beautiful afghan made by my own little hands to prove it. I will admit, it took me forever to complete the project and I have yet to pick up yarn and hook since, but the fact remains I did it. LOL! This year I want to learn French. I already have a good handle on Spanish thanks to three years in High school, a year in College, and having grown up in a culturally diverse neighborhood where I actually got to use it. I've already started a new business venture that will kick off at the beginning of the year, so I am off to a good start. What will you challenge yourself to achieve? It doesn't have to have anything to do with your career or learning. You might want to spend more time with family, or get actively involved in your church. Whatever self-improvement you desire, go for it!! You will be amazed at how accomplishing even the simplest goal will motivate you to do more and go higher.

Remember the main key to your success is this, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." Matthew 6:33, KJV Put God first and everything will fall in line. I pray that you have a blessed and prosperous new year. Be optimistic!


With Love,

J

Oh What a Night!!!

I am finally giving my take on the historic election. I can not adequately put into words how I felt watching CNN when they called the election for Sen. Barack Obama. There was a primal cry that erupted inside me that I have never experienced before. It was as if something broke loose and was set free. With some reflection I believe I know what it was. I think as African-Americans we have had deeply ingrained limitations. Even as we have told our children over the last decades that they can be whatever they choose to be, deep down inside ourselves we didn't completely believe it, especially concerning the highest office in our nation. I feel more hopeful and positive about the future than ever before. I know we must be patient and change will not come easily or quickly. It will take sacrifices and hard work on our part, but I think that is part of Obama's success in the fact that he makes us accountable. His campaign was effective because he made us feel like constituents, not just voters.

I also want to offer congratulations to Jehan Gordon for winning the State Representative seat for the 92nd district. She overcame many obstacles to win by a large margin. What an election!!

Let us make prayer for President Elect Obama and all our leaders a daily practice. Pray for his safety and the guidance he needs to effectively lead this country in the most trying times we have ever faced. God bless America!!


J

Election Eve

On the eve of this historic election I am feeling "cautiously optimistic" along with millions of other Americans. On that note, let me say that regardless as to what our party affiliation let us remember that most importantly we are all children of God, and Americans. No matter who wins tomorrow night, our nation will need healing. This election seems to have brought out the best and unfortunately the worst in some of our citizens. I have seen more outright lies and vicious character attacks in this election than any other I can recall. The code words and hatemonger rhetoric have been most scary and troubling to me.

Tomorrow as hopefully most of us prepare to vote, or watch the results, I ask that you take a few minutes out of the day to pray. Pray specifically for unity and understanding. Pray for the safety of whoever wins and their family. Pray that we can reverse the polarization caused by this election and more forward as the greatest nation on the planet.

It is my hope that each one of us take away a sense of anything is possible with enough hard work and determination. I hope we are encouraged at how far our country has come that either the first African-American will be elected president or the first female vice-president.

I will take this opportunity to officially endorse Sen. Barack Obama!!! I know that comes as such a shock, right? (LOL) I had planned to attend the rally in Chicago, but I missed an opportunity to get tickets. The one time I did not check my email faithfully cost me the experience of a lifetime. I had still planned to go, but once I found out what a challenge it would be to find parking and get to Grant Park I had to accept the fact that it was not to be. Unlike some folks who were offering sexual favors for rally tickets (if you don't believe me check out the Craig's List website), it was not that serious! (LOL) I will have to settle for watching the election results from the comfort of my sofa in front of my big screen tv. That actually doesn't sound too bad come to think of it. Honestly, I will just be glad when it is all over.

I want to send out my condolences and thoughts to Sen. Obama and his family in the passing of his beloved grandmother. It is too bad that she couldn't have held on for one more day but God in his infinite wisdom knows best. I too had a grandmother that raised me and poured everything she had in me.

Let's put aside our differences, love one another, and help this great nation move forward! Get out and vote, or if you are like me and took advantage of early voting, help others get to the polls. Send text messages, emails, make phone calls or house visits to your family, friends and neighbors reminding them to vote and let's make history!!!


J

My Tribute to Percy Baker Jr.

I am still having a hard time wrapping my brain around the fact that Percy is gone. He was just in the studio with me two weeks ago hosting his long time broadcast "The B Word". He was very ill that day and was having a difficult time breathing. The last thing I said to him was that he needed to go to the hospital.

I can not adequately describe what a beautiful person Percy was. He had a particular fondness for children and senior citizens. He was the type of person that would give you the shirt off his back or the shoes on his feet. He touched the lives of thousands of people, especially through his work at Executive Director of the George Washington Carver Center. Under his leadership we saw the programs expand and beautification of the Center including the multi-million dollar aqua center.

Let's work together to honor Percy's memory by taking up the causes he cared most about. Here are a number of ways in which you can help:

- Vote! If you listened to his show, The B Word, then you know how important this election was to Percy. It breaks my heart that he did not live to see the outcome. Please make your voice heard and be a part of the process. If you are like me and have already voted, then reach out to your family and friends to make sure they vote.

- Help the Carver Center. The Center is in desperate need of financial contributions. If you can not afford to donate money, then how about your time? Volunteers are always needed and welcome.

- Become an organ donor. Even if you do not wish to have this choice on your driver's license, make sure that your emergency contact knows that you want to be an organ donor. Percy was proud to be a spokesperson for the State organ donation program, and he wanted to make it known how important it is for African-Americans to be donors because the organs are best matched to individuals in the same ethnicity.

- Educate yourself about Sarcoidosis. This is the disease which lead to the deterioration of Percy's own heart. Visit websites such as www.stopsarcoidosis.org and learn if you or someone you know could have this potentially life threatening disease.

- Listen to The B Word on AM 1140 WVEL, each Saturday morning at 7:30 am. His friend and co-host, Attorney Don Jackson will be carrying on the broadcast in Percy's memory. I guarantee you will learn something! This is an informative talk program focusing on the concerns and issues of the African-American community.

Percy taught me many life lessons. Although his life was cut short and some may question why his transplant eventually failed, I choose to see the blessing in what happened. Percy's life was extended because of the transplant and I can tell you first hand that he appreciated every single day of his life. He lived each day to the fullest and took every opportunity he had to let the people in his life know how much he loved and cared for them. That is the main lesson I take away from being around Percy, to appreciate each day as a gift from God.

Please remember to keep Percy's family and friends in your prayers. As Percy would always say, "A family that prays together stays together."


J