An Ugly Storm

 

Have you ever had the feeling that it's about to storm?
I mean, it's not raining, and everything appears to be normal, but you can sense it in the air.
You can feel it in the atmosphere.........
Does anyone know what I'm talking about?
Well, lately, I've had the feeling that an ugly storm is headed our way.
No, I'm not talking about Hurricane Issac.
(My prayers are with the people along the Gulf Coast)
I'm talking about the political hurricane that's threatening to hit this country.
Some of you know EXACTLY what I'm talking about.
But for those of you who don't, let me hip you to the forecast.

*Last month, a D.C. police officer who was assigned to protect First Lady Michelle Obama, made the statement that he wanted to kill her.

*A couple of weeks ago, a group of Navy Seals-the elite group within the military- came out and blasted the President for lying about his role in capturing and killing Osama Bin Laden.
(Funny, I don't remember the same criticism of George W. Bush for capturing Sadaam Hussein)

*Recently, a Texas JUDGE predicted there would be a civil war if President Obama was re-elected.

* A county commissioner in Lubbock County, Texas proposed a bill to raise taxes so he could hire more police officers to patrol the streets to stop the civil unrest that will take place if the President is re-elected.

*Last weekend, an anti-Obama movie grossed almost $3 million at the box office-becoming the highest grossing documentary of all time.......in one weekend.

*Yesterday, four soldiers were charged with threatening to overthrow the government, and plotting to assassinate the President.

Need I say more?

I'm not a meterologist, but I don't need one to tell me that there's an ugly storm brewing in this country.
And if it continues to gain strength, it will be more costly, and more deadly than any hurricane we've ever seen.

Sure, we're all praying for the President and his family.
But are you prepared to deal with the storm if it comes?

Neo Soul Saturday

The last couple of weeks has been a time of reflection for me.

Maybe because for the first time since I started this current journey in my life, I can finally see the finish line.

Isn't it amazing how certain songs remind you of certain periods of your life?

Good or bad.....

Happy or sad.........

Music is truly the soundtrack to our lives-at least it is for my life.

This song was released about ten years ago, but the lyrics helped me deal with some things I was recently going through.

Hope you guys enjoy.

By the way, does anyone know what happened to this brotha?

His music was so underrated!

Turn Off Fox "News"

Have you ever walked into a place a business and noticed that their televisions were on Fox News?
If that has happened to you, have you ever asked them to change the channel?
If not, why not?
Do you agree with that right-wing propaganda disguised as a news channel?
I don't!
Which is why last week when I was in a McDonald's I made my feelings known.

As I sat down to enjoy my number ten (Filet-O-Fish Meal), I noticed that both televisions were on Fox "News".
I politely asked one of the employees to change it to CNN or MSNBC.
The employee responded by saying they weren't allowed to change the channel.
I asked for the manager.
The manager came over and gave me the same response.
She said, their local corporate office instructed them to leave the televisions on Fox "News" at all times.
So, me being me, I asked for the name of the owner of that particular McDonald's, and the number to the corporate office.
At first, the manager ignored me.
After I let it be known that I wasn't the person to be ignored, she became upset.
She asked, "Why are you making such a big deal about nothing?"
I said, "Because Fox News has been Ground Zero in creating the atmosphere of hate towards my President and I refuse to watch it."
She responded by saying, "It's just the news."
I didn't respond, but I almost said,
"That attitude might be the reason you're working at McDonald's"
Well, that and the huge tattoo on her neck.
(No offense to people who work at McDonald's)

Long story short, I talked to a district manager, and let it be known that
I didn't think people in that neighborhood-who overwhelmingly supports the President-should be subjected to the hatred and lies that are spewed on Fox "News".
I also told them that if they didn't instruct their employees to change the channel from Fox to CNN or MSNBC, I was going to get a group of people, and march and protest in front of their building.
For those of you who know me, you know I don't have the time to march, protest or do much of anything else.
But they didn't know that, and my tone of voice made them think I was serious.
Miracously, a few days ago when I went back into that same McDonald's, the televsion was on CNN.
So from now on, when you walk into a place a business-especially a business that heavily depends on black patrons-do like I did.
Make them turn off Fox News!
Because not everyone wants to be subjected to their lies, hatred and disrepect of our First Family!!

Rest In Peace Michael Teasley

Last week, Michael Teasley who served as the president of the NAACP chapter at Jackson State University passed away.
He was only 40 years old.
Mr. Teasley made national news and created a small uproar in 2010 when he became the first white President to lead a chapter of the historic group at a HBCU.
But Mr. Teasley didn't allow those small-minded people to stop him from doing his job.
He understood the history of the NAACP.
He understood that blacks AND non-blacks-likeViola Liuzzo, Andrew Chaney, Michael Schwerner and others-gave their lives to make sure you and I could have the freedoms we have today.

Thank you for your dedication and service to the cause Mr. Teasley.
May you rest in peace.

What We Can Learn From Chad Johnson

Since being arrested last weekend for headbutting his wife,
Chad Johnson has been cut from the Miami Dolphins.
He's lost endorsement deals.
His reality show has been cancelled.
And now, after only 44 days of marriage, he's about to go through a messy, and COSTLY divorce.
Personally, I believe Chad's version of what happened when he says SHE headbutted HIM!
But I'm not interested in getting into all of that made for tv drama.
I'm more interested in the lessons we can learn from it.

There are thousands of Chad Johnson's all over the world.
Many of them don't have the financial avenues to defend themselves like Chad has.
Yet, many of them find themselves in the same position because they made the same mistake Chad made.
They decided to date or marry a woman based on her physical appearance, AND how the good the "goods" are.
I speak from experience when I say that some of the prettiest women
-and if I can keep it 100 with you-
some of the women with the best "goods" are usually the most insecure, and craziest women you will ever meet in your life.
These are the type of women who look the part of the perfect wife, but once you get into an argument with them, you realize that they're just as ugly on the inside, as they are beautiful on the outside.
But by that time, it's too late to turn back, and chances are they've already keyed your car, poured baby powder in your gas tank, or in Chad Johnson's case, attempted to destroy your name by claiming you physically abused them.

Fellas, there's a lesson to be learned here, and the lesson is this;
Be more selective with the women you decide to date.
Pay attention to the relationship she has with her parents and her friends.
Pay attention to how she handles herself when something doesn't go her way.
Does she voice her frustration by putting her personal business on social media?
Does she sit down and discuss her disagreements like an adult?
Or does she fly off the handle and act a fool in public or private places?

Unfortunately, Chad Johnson is about to pay a big price for ignoring all the warning signs.
If I understand correctly, she slept with him on the first date, while the cameras were rolling.
And he still decided to wife her?
Has Chad ever heard the phrase, You can't turn a h*e into a housewife?
-although if you're a housewife, you better be your husband's h*e-
(That's another blog for another day)
But I think the new saying should be;
You can't turn a reality chick into a housewife.
Most of these reality chicks are money-hungry, attention-seeking, golddiggers who are serious about their profession.
And they will stop at nothing to make sure the next episode of their lives are filled with nothing but drama.
I hope Kanye West is paying attention..............

Free Clarence Aaron!

In 1992, Mobile, Al. native Clarence Aaron, was a linebacker at Southern University in Baton, Rouge, La.
Like many young men who grow up in the state of Alabama, he had dreams of one day playing in the NFL.
Then one day he made a mistake that would alter the course of his life.
And now, he's serving three life sentences in a federal penitentiary.
Did he commit murder?
No!
Did he rape someone?
No!
His crime was arranging a drug deal for the sale of nine kilos of cocaine.
For his part in "arranging" this deal, Mr. Aaron was paid $1500.

Wait a minute............
Do you know what a kilo of cocaine was selling for in 1992?
It was selling for $18,500! (or so I was told) *side eyes*
And he agreed to "set up" this deal for only $1500?
That alone, should've told the authorities that he really wasn't involved in the deal.

But Mr. Aaron's biggest mistake (alone with being present during the sale of the nine kilos) was, he chose not to testify against his friends.
That's right!
He didn't want to be "A SNITCH"!
Well, guess what happened.
The people he didn't want to snitch on-snitched on him, and received a reduced sentence.
(that should be a lesson to all of you who believe in that "No Snitching" mess)

Now, at age 42, Mr. Aaron-who has served 18 years in prison-is petitioning President Obama to commute his sentence.
A few years ago, his attorney, and supporters petitioned the previous administration and was denied.
Documents show that the reason it was denied was because the pardon attorney, Ronald Rodgers (who by the way, still works for the department of justice) withheld key information that would have possibly freed Mr. Aaron.
Mr. Rodgers also failed to include in his report that the lead investigator, the prosecutor and the judge who presided over his case, were all in favor of Mr. Aaron being released from prison.

Let's pray that this administration takes a long, hard look at this case, and come to the conclusion that Clearnce Aaron has paid his debt to society, and should be a free man.
If you would like to support Mr. Aaron, please click on the link below.
Once you click on the link, type "Free Clarence Aaron" in the search box and sign the petition.
Thanks in advance for you support.

"Free Clarence Aaron"

Sunday Morning Praise & Inspiration: Stand Out!

This video is dedicated to those of you who like to put God in a box.
There are some people who think artist like Tye Tribbett, Mary Mary and others don't honor God with their brand of music.
I totally disagree!
Sometimes, you have to step outside "the norm" to reach certain people.
Sometimes, you have to Stand Out so that you can bring others in.

Shout out to the Stand Out movement!

Neo Soul Saturday

A few weeks ago, I was listening to the Carl Thomas channel on Pandora, and THIS song came on.

Suddenly, tears came to my eyes, because it took me back to 2004-05, when I was newly divorced, had $100 to my name, was practically homeless and had to catch the bus to get to a job that was....well, let's just say it was "a job".

Can you imagine standing on the bus line, in the rain and watching people you used to buy out the bar with, pass by you (and laugh) like they don't even know you?

That experience-along with similiar experiences- is why I have such a nonchalant.......I don't care what people think of me, because God is on my side, type of attitude.

Hope you guys enjoy this jam!

True Story!

I wrote this a few years ago.
Thought I would share.

Once upon a time, I was the life of the party.
Then the party ended.
I had nothing......
I had nobody to turn to, but YOU.
You had it all!
Your own private practice,
A thriving career,
A six figure income,
The strong independent black woman.......that was you.

Your world was so perfect.
My world?
The complete opposite
I had nothing......
"My Life Was Low"
But you didn't care....
You only had my best interest at heart.
You may have been a thousand miles away, but I always felt like you were right there behind me-watching my back, and pushing me towards my destiny.
Your warm smile, your soft voice, your POWERFUL prayers-
You were everything a man could want and so much more.
I had nothing.....
"My Life Was Low"
I would throw pity parties for myself as I wondered how
I went from having a family and living in a nice house with two cars to living in my mom's house and riding the bus to work.
You were always there with a word of encouragement!
I had nothing....
"My Life Was Low"
*Fast forward*
Now, I have my own place and driving to work.
Yes, your Man "pulled himself up by his bootstraps". (inside joke)
Life is grand!
You gave up your practice and moved South, just so you can be closer to me.
It's hard to express the feeling a man has when he finds a woman who is just as happy-if not more- about his success as he is.
But like so many men with good women, I took you for granted.
I forgot about the many nights you prayed for me over the phone.
I forgot about the times you would offer to send money to help take care of MY kids.
I thought the grass was greener on the other side,

So I literally pushed you away.
Now the very person responsible for breathing life back into a breathless man, is no longer my number one priority.
I guess you can say you were priority number two,  because I treated you like sh*t!
What was I thinking?
You didn't deserve that!
You were a VIRTUOUS Woman!
A perfect ten!
Beautiful without makeup!
A flawless body without ever stepping foot inside a gym!
And I let it all go......

I used to love you so.....when
"My Life Was Low"

True Story!

Stay tuned.......there's more!

Chick-Fil-A Debate

I know I'm late joining this argument, but I find this entire Chick-Fil-A, debate to be a complete joke!

Why is this even a debate?

And how does voicing your objections to same sex marriage make you a hateful person?

Mr. Cathy (owner of Chick-Fil-A) has a right to his opinion, right?

So why all the fuss?

If someone doesn't agree with my point of view-am I suppose to boycott their place of business?

I know Mr. Cathy is no fan of the President, but am I suppose to stop going to Chick-Fil-A because of it?

By boycotting Chick-Fil-A, does that hurt Mr. Cathy, or does it hurt the kid behind the counter who need the job?

Come on people, let's be a little more strategic in the battles we choose to fight!

Artur Davis: The TRUE Definition of a Sellout!

sellout- anyone who sacrifices their integrity in an effort to become more successful or popular; someone who forgets their roots.

.......that's how the dictionary defines the word. But to truly understand the meaning, I suggest you examine the political career of Mr. Artur Davis.

Let's go back for a minute;
-Artur Davis was a four-term democratic congressman from my home state of Alabama.
-He represented one of the largest (and poorest) districts of African-Americans in the country.
-He was co-chair of the 2008 Obama campaign.
-He was thought to be one of the up and coming superstars in the democratic party.
But in 2010, Artur Davis decided to run for Governor.
And in doing so, he made three fatal mistakes (politically) that killed his campaign.
(1.) He  decided to play to white voters by not supporting the President's healthcare bill-DESPITE the fact that his constituents would have greatly benefited from it.
(2.) He took the "black vote" for granted.
(3.) He chose not to seek endorsements from any of the major black groups in the state.
I'm not sure how things are done in your state, but when you're a black man, and you thumb your nose at black political groups in the state of Alabama-your political career is DONE!

Artur Davis was defeated in the democratic primary by 40 points!
After that humilating defeat, Mr. Davis stated that he was giving up politics and moving to Virginia to go into private practice.
Many of us who originally supported him, (before we found out who he really was) knew he was disappointed about the lost.
And we knew that he would try to "re-invent" himself and get back into politics.
But none of us saw this coming!

Last month, Mr. Davis- who is now a card carrying member of the GOP- addressed
The Northern Virginia chapter of the  Ku Klux Klan tea party, and said this;

"In the last 100 years, no organization in this country has done more to shape or influence politics as ya'll did."  

Oh really?
What about the NAACP of the 1950's and 60's?
What about SNCC?
What about Dr. King's organization, the SCLC?
What about the countless organizations who made it possible for an Artur Davis to be elected in the state of Alabama?

 As someone who was born and raised in Birmingham, and had family members who fought in the civil rights movement, I was also offended by this statement;

  "Even the civil rights movement did not figure out how to win elections and turn the country around as quick as ya'll did."

BLANK STARE!

Look, I could really go in on Mr. Davis-politically and personally-but there's no need to do that.
The best way to deal with him, is to expose him for the fraud that he is-and to spread the word that he is not to be trusted!
He will sacrifice his integrity (and friends) to become more popular so that he can get elected.
In other words; Artur Davis is true definition of a sellout!

Gabby Critics

I really don't understand how people can criticize Gabby Douglas!
I mean, you must really be a miserbale person to go after a young lady who had the drive, the ambition, the audacity to chase her dream.
Instead of congratulating her, people are attacking the way she wear her hair.
They're attacking her physical appearance.
They're attacking her mother's decision to send her to Iowa to live with another family.
Why!?
Does her success remind them of their failures?
Does the fact that she work out NINE TIMES A WEEK remind them of how lazy they are?
Does her mother's decision to go bankrupt to make sure her daughter had everything she needed to be successful remind them of the mother who never did anything for them?
What is it?
The sad part about it- the majority of the criticism is coming from people who look just like her.
I've said it before, and I'll say it again.........
The only thing "we" as a people love more than building each other up-is tearing each other down.
If there is anyone who deserves our total support-it's Gabby Douglas!
This young lady is a role model for thousands of young African-American girls who have the desire to follow in her footsteps.
One of those girls just happen to be my nine year old daughter.
So please..........if you don't have anything nice to say about this young lady, keep your comments to yourself.
The rest of us who are proud to see a young lady doing something positive, would greatly appreciate it!
#teamgabby

And Now, A Word From The Chairman of The Board

Greetings Board of Directors!

WOW!
It's been a full month since we've held any meetings, and judging by the.............
(wait a minute, let me check the numbers)
.........judging by the counter at the bottom of the page, 686 visitors have stuck their heads
in the door since July 7th,  only to find out that The Board Room is empty!
Well, not anymore!
The Chairman of The Board is back in his chair and ready to talk about everything from
Gabby Douglas to Artur Davis (sellout) to the overly religious people who criticized Juanita Bynum for revealing things in her past!

Get ready for an interesting week of discussions.

Sincerly,
The Chairman of The Board

Frank Ocean Comes Out Of The Closet

Earlier this week, popular R&B singer Frank Ocean announced that he's bisexual.
My first reaction to this was,
"Who the hell is Frank Ocean?"
Seriously, I don't listen to any of this so-called R&B music that's played on the radio today.
My second reaction to this was,
"There is no such thing as being bisexual, you're either gay or you're not.
While I don't agree with the lifestyle, I applaud this brotha for having the courage to come forward.
Too often, gay men try to hide their sexuality by publicly dating women, and privately dating men.
That is so cowardly!
Be who you are and stop playing games with the lives of millions of unsuspecting, innocent women.
(Although some of you women are so blinded by his "sweet" personality that you miss all the warning signs.)
Warning Sign #1
If all of your boyfriend's close friends are gay-or have gay traits-chances are your boyfriend is also gay.
I'm just saying............

Again, I don't agree with the lifestyle, but I applaud Frank Ocean for having the courage to come out of the closet.

Happy Birthday Malia Obama

I think I speak for every father when I say-regardless of how old our daughters get, they will always be our baby girls.

I'm sure the President feels the same way.

Happy 14th Birthday Malia!

What A Man REALLY Want In A Woman?

A friend of mine asked me this question about two months ago.
To be honest with you, I politely blew it off.
It was nothing against my friend, she just happened to catch me at a time when I was dealing with my thing.
(see previous blog)
A few weeks later, another one of my friends hosted a discussion on the exact same topic.
It was a great discussion because she interviewed some real brothers .
These men weren't trying to say what they thought women wanted to hear, they were expressing how they believe most men feel.
So after watching that discussion, I began thinking about an answer to my friend's question;
"What does a man really want in a woman?"
I thought about it......and then I thought about it some more.
I knew what I wanted to say, but for some reason, I just couldn't figure out how to say it.
Then I saw the above picture.
Coincidentally, I saw the above picture a few days after God granted me my RELEASE from the thing that I'd been dealing with.
(again, see previous blog)
You see, my thing was a previous relationship.
One of the things I used to do in that relationship, was lay my head in the lap, or on the chest of the woman I was dating-just like the man in the above picture.
When I did that, I felt like I was in a safe place-just like the man in the above picture.
I truly believe every "man" wants one thing, and one thing only from a woman-to feel like she is his safe place.
When a man finds that safe place, he feels relaxed.
When a man finds that safe place, he feels at ease.
When a man finds that safe place, he feels like he has somewhere to rest the burdens that may have kept him up all night.
When a man finds that safe place, he feels like no obstacle can get in his way.
When a man finds that safe place, he feels like regardless of how many enemies he has, he can win the battle.
When a man finds that safe place, he feels like he can confess his faults and failures and still find encouragement.
When a man finds that safe place, he feels like he can talk openly about his past without being judged or condemned.
When a man finds that safe place, he feels like he can make a mistake without it ever being thrown back in his face.
When a man finds a safe place, he feels like he can deal with the gossip, rumors and lies of church folks because he has a prayer partner at home.
(my bad-that was personal)
When a man finds that safe place, he feels like regardless of how well he's doing, he can always push himself to do better.

I could go on and on and on, but there's no need to do that.
If you want to know what a man really wants in a woman-all you have to do is look at the above photo to find your answer.

RELEASE ! ! !

We're all family here, right?
(Cool, that's what I thought.)
Since we're all family, I've decided to be a little transparent with this blog.

Have you ever had to deal with a certain thing that had control over your life?
This thing can be something from your past.
It can be an incident from your childhood.
It can be a past relationship.
It can be low self-esteem.
It can be an addiction.
Itr can be a number of things.
But I'm sure everyone, at some point or time in their life has had to deal with a certain thing.

About a year or so ago, I started dealing with a thing of my own.
I recognized it, and decided to deal with it.
In fact, last year when I went on vacation, I got up early one morning and released my thing into the Atlantic Ocean.
I even took the above picture to remind myself that this thing would no longer have control over my life.
Well somehow, someway this thing navigated itself back to Birmingham, Al. and found me again.
Once it found me, it began to control me-again.
It controlled my thoughts.
It controlled my decisions.
It controlled every aspect of my life.
I mean, I woke up thinking about it.
I went to work thinking about it.
And I went to bed thinking about it.
This thing hurt me, it made me angry, and it made my bitter.
And you know what's so sad about it?
I didn't even recognize that this thing was back in my life-until a few weeks ago.

A few weeks ago, I was talking to one of my very good friends (Carvice King) and she was telling me about the thing she was dealing with.
I've known about her thing for years, and we've discussed it over and over and over again.
But this time when we were discussing it, she sounded different.
She sounded like her thing didn't even exist anymore.
Then out of nowhere, she said something that literally changed my dispostion.
She said, "I turned it (her thing) over to God and He RELEASED me from it."
I paid no attention to it at the time, I just continued listening.
She said, "Once He released me from that situation, a door opened that I thought I had closed years ago.

*detour*
Never open or close a door, until GOD tells you to open or close a door. Because if you open or close a door without his permission, that door might swing back and hit you in the face-which can be very painful.
(you'll catch that later)

*back to the blog*
After we got off the phone, I continued on about my business.
Then I started hearing the word;
RELEASE!
I brushed it off, but minutes later I started hearing it again, and again, and again.
Pretty soon, it sounded like a thousand people were in my ear screaming;
RELEASE!
RELEASE!
RELEASE!
(similiar to the end of the Sunday's Praise & Inspiration video below)
Then before I knew it, I was asking God to RELEASE me from my thing.
Within seconds, He granted me my RELEASE!.
Immediately after that,  things started happening.
I started getting my focus back.
I started getting my vision back.
I started getting my swagger back.
(Well, I never lost my swagger-but you get the point.)
Things started happening to me that hadn't happened in almost 18 months.
I started to feel close to God again.
I started to feel like I was walking in my purpose again.
I started feeling like, well, I started feeling like the Chairman of the Board again.

My point is this:
Whatever you're going through...........
Whatever you're dealing with..............
Whatever your thing is, don't try to deal with it on your own.
Don't try to hide it, fight it, or ignore it.
Recognize it, confess it, and turn it over to God.
And I promise you, He will give you a RELEASE!

Sunday Morning Praise & Inspiration

Neo Soul Saturday

Today's spotlight features one of the most amazing voices you'll ever hear.
Her name is Maysa Leak.
She's been a fixture on the music scene for years.
Those of you who are true jazz fans, you may remember her from her days as the front singer with the group Incognito.
But for those of you who haven't heard of her, here's one of my favorites for you to enjoy.

Support Real Music!

Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly To Be Honored At BET Awards

Remember last year when I told you I wasn't watching another award show until Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly was honored?

Well, guess what!

It's happening tomorrow night at the BET Awards.

So, if you hear someone screaming loud, or singing off key through your laptop, don't get alarmed.

It will be me celebrating with my favorite band of all time as they finally get the respect they deserve.