ONE DAY AT A TIME with Ms. MAVIS

On a Mission!

2012-02-09T20:25:00.000-08:00

Well, I was blessed to see 2012 come in and I have begun a mission to make it the best year yet for me healthwise. God allowed me to survive open-heart surgery in 2011, and other health-related conditions before that. He blessed me to survive an addiction and all the life-threatening events that came along with it. Then he blessed me to relocate to one of the most scenic and beautiful spots in the state of Texas to live and do His work. So now, I have made a resolve to get busy changing my patterns of eating and exercise. I have taken a serious look at them and know that it's time out for taking this part of my life for granted. It is time for me to make the changes necessary for me to take better care of myself and that means eliminating "bad" foods from my diet and including more movement in the form of exercise. I have to admit that I have had some fear about getting back to regular exercise since my surgery, but it will be one year in April, and I'm trusting God. I have learned how to listen to my body and will use that to help me not overdo, but it's time for me to get busy! I encourage anyone who is ready to come on this mission with me, to clean up this temple that we are stewards of, and to live life in a healthier and more God-inspired way.

Peace & Blessings

Be Happy in this New Year!!

2012-01-19T18:15:00.001-08:00

I have not posted since Oct but that's okay, better now than never:) Since then I have continued to be truly blessed in both my professional and personal lives. The job is going great and I am more in love with what I do than every! The best thing that happened in my life since then was celebrating Christmas with four of my children and six of my grandchildren here on the island. It was a true family Christmas in all the ways that count, and I felt absolutely blessed. It was the first one with just me and them, which made it very, very special. We abandoned the commercialism and enjoyed being together as a family. We played games, watched movies, ate good food, and just relished in the company and love of one another. I pray that all families have the opportunity to experience what we had, because it is the stuff that real families are made of. My grandchildren said it was the "best Christmas they had ever had", and that for me, was proof that God had blessed us indeed. In 2012, we will come together even more as a family unit and work together to build something for our children's future. All I know is, I have a ton of gratitude for having experienced this first real family Christmas, and look forward to many more! Thank you God

A New Chapter

2011-10-09T12:33:00.000-07:00

I did not realize just how long it had been since I posted something to my blog, but here I am! Needless to say, I have been very busy and have a lot of blessings to share. I titled this piece "A New Chapter" because that is exactly what God is allowing me to experience. I was blessed with a new job in a new place, and it could not have been more perfect. I relocated and as of September 22, 2011, I became a citizen of South Padre Island, TX! This is the most beautiful place I have seen besides Puerto Rico, and living by the water is so calming. The job I got was one that I applied for months ago, so I was pleasantly surprised when I got the call. As always, I questioned if it was God's will for me and He gave me confirmation after confirmation. The move went so smooth, the pay is great and to top it off, I was able to bring Tinkerbell, my chihuahua with me. Not to mention the fact that at this point in my life, I can really appreciate a place that moves on "island time", which is pretty slow.

I had so many people tell me that I deserved this and that I had earned it with all the work I have done up to this point. But, I know that it is only by God's amazing grace that I received this. I know that only by serving him and doing his work could I have been this blessed. My family was happy for me and wished me well, especially my Mom, and that made it a little easier to do. I have never "relocated" for a job, so it was a big change, but with the love and support from family and friends, I made a smooth transition. I love the program where I am working, and the people I work for and with. I am indeed the minority, but in this circle of people, that doesn't matter. It feels so good to know that I am exactly where I am supposed to be, and where God wants me to be. I stood on the balcony the second evening I was here, and literally watched the sun go down. It's one thing to see a picture of it, but to witness is an awe-inspiring experience. It truly made me feel that I am in the right place! I pray that everyone gets the chance to feel what I feel, and thank you all for helping me get here/

Peace & Blessings

"Life Is In Session"

2011-08-29T14:36:00.000-07:00

"Life Is In Session". Well, the blog bug hit me when I heard this quote from a dear friend the other day. Mainly because it rang so very true, and also because I can definitely relate right now. The fact that life is in session has never been more apparent to me than in the last four months. This life that I call "mine" has had some intense and awe-inspiring sessions during that period of time, and just like in a session of a judge's courtroom, I had to take what was dished out to me.
Some of it was not so comfortable, but made me strong; some of it was fairly comfy, and made me settle in to it a little quicker; and some of it was downright fantastic, which, of course, felt the best. But in all these situations and circumstances, I never stopped being grateful. Life is always in session and many things happen over which we have absolutely no control. So I have found that the key to living "life on life's terms", is to keep an attitude of gratitude. That helps make accepting what happens so much easier, and allows you to stay calm. It prevents us from raising our blood pressure and going through life with a frown on our faces. I always heard that it takes more muscles to frown than it does to smile, so it's better to take the healthier choice and smile.
Right now I have lots that I could sit around and grumble about, but I also have some things that I can be very grateful for. Like the fact that I am expecting to get a job and live out by a beautiful body of water on an island! Also that I am sitting here writing this post after having gone through triple bypass surgery four months ago. There is always something to gripe about, but today I choose to focus on the things I have to be grateful for. Now, don't get me wrong, I have had my moments of breaking down, but as long as I get back up and don't stay there, it's ok. In fact, we all have to allow ourselves to break down and then be built back up just that much stronger.
The other way that I look at it is to remember that at least I'm still here to experience the sessions, some others are not. I have learned to stop adding up my problems and to start counting my blessings! And when I do that, life being in session becomes a real blessing. Another quote that I found said "It's only when you have cast off what has been weighing you down, that you can finally move on"..K. Rich So don't let your life be dictated by the sessions you go through, just keep the faith and know that the best is yet to come!!
Peace & Blessings

Taking Time To Reflect & Seek Change

2011-08-05T12:29:00.000-07:00

Greetings Readers!! The thoughts for this posting were influenced by my reading the article that Brother Jesse posted on his blog about Ramadan, which is a Muslim annual observance. It is a wonderful article so please check it out at : http://blog.chron.com/brotherjesse/2011/07/ramadan-beauty-blessings-and-breaking-bad-habits/
His article really explained the purpose and meaning of Ramadan, and it got me to thinking; We all need to take the time to reflect on where we are in life, where we are going, and what we need to change in ourselves. This time of reflection is the perfect opportunity to do some serious and honest self-examination, while allowing our minds and bodies to benefit from a thorough cleansing. The good news is, you don't have to be a Muslim to participate! Anyone who chooses to take advantage of this blessing can do so, no matter what religion you follow. Or even if you don't follow any particular religion, it can still be an eye-opening experience.
So, when was the last time you fasted and called yourself out? We all are works in progress, but taking the time to put in some self reconstruction can only help that progress. As a Christian, I know I need to regularly check myself and do what I can to eliminate any thinking or behaviors that are detrimental to my life and well-being. But so many of us don't believe that we need to do this, and those apples can really "spoil the bunch". None of us are perfect, but some to walk around with an attitude that shouts "I don't need no reflection and there ain't nothing I need to change!". Most times, the ones making that declaration are the ones who could benefit the most, because they are in DENIAL.
I am grateful to have any opportunity to reflect and become a better me. To quote Brother Jesse, " I am in love with the possibilities of being a better me. I know you are too. " The statement "Be all that you can be" is advertised for a military program, but we can choose to incorporate that goal in our daily lives. I want to encourage everyone to take advantage of this chance to reflect and gain some very critical insight into yourself, your life and the impact you want to make on your family and community.

May you all seek to become the best you that you can be!! Peace & Blessings

Stop and smell the roses…..You Deserve it!

2011-07-18T09:11:00.000-07:00

Greetings,
I received this in an email and it was right on time, just like everything and everyone God places in my life. Enjoy and take a hint. Peace and Blessings

"In today's fast paced world, peace of mind or inner peace is something that is sought
after by so many yet still eludes the majority of us. I am often asked if obtaining inner
peace is really possible or if it is just one of those pie-in-the-sky fantasies that are often talked about but never really achieved? The short and the long answer to that question is yes, it is still very possible to obtain inner peace even in today's day and age. But in order to actually achieve inner peace you must first make it a priority and then take the time to cultivate it. Peace of mind or inner peace is an actual state of being. It requires a way of thinking and a perception of life that is in congruent harmony with a peaceful mind.

We as a society are often so caught up in all the drama and issues surrounding us in
everyday life that we very rarely take the time to do what is necessary to maintain a healthy
frame of mind.

From a very early age here in the Western World we are often taught to believe that if
we are not consistently at work doing something productive in a monetary sense then we are
somehow bad and not utilizing our time effectively. Often we are told that we are acting in a selfish way if we take some time off from work and do something nice for ourselves. We never really take the time to stop and smell the roses so to speak. Is it any wonder that peace of mind is so hard to come by? In order to obtain inner peace, we must learn to slow down, quiet our minds and get in touch with our inner beings. We need to make time for ourselves and do the things we love and whatever it is that makes us feel good.

Every day take a little "me" time to pamper yourself and feed your soul with whatever it
is that you're craving. Maybe soak in a hot bath or turn on your favorite music. Maybe curl up
with a good book or sip on your favorite wine. I don't know what it is that makes you feel
special, only you do. But find out what it is, and take the time to do it. You are definitely worthy and absolutely deserving of a little rest and relaxation. Ten to fifteen minutes a day of a little "self love" is all it will take to start realizing a little inner peace and gaining back some peace of mind. Try it for yourself. I'm sure you'll love the results!

Have a Great Day!
Your personal success coach,
Rick Horner

A New Lease On Life (in spite of Coronary Artery Disease)

2011-07-06T18:48:00.000-07:00

I am posting this because I have so much gratitude for my life today and want to warn all women about Coronary Artery Disease. God has brought me through many life-challenging experiences, but this latest one tops them all. I was diagnosed with CAD in 2009, and was found to have several blocked arteries which were corrected. In spite of that procedure, on April 2, 2011 I went to the ER with chest pains and three days later I was informed that I would need to have triple bypass heart surgery. It came so suddenly and unexpected until I didn't really have time to process it. But I really think that was part of God's plan so me or my family would not have a lot of time to create more intense fears about it. So, on April 8, 2011 I underwent the triple bypass and my children said it was the "longest five hours of their lives". The amazing thing is that once I got out an initial cry, I did not feel anything but trust in God. I felt confident that whatever His will was, it would be done; and today I am very accepting of it. It appears that it was meant for me to come through it and recover since I am sitting here telling you about it. I also believe that I made it through it because I have a lot more work to do before I go. The experience of recovering from that surgery has given me a totally new outlook on life and a resolve to not ever take things like breathing, walking and living without pain for granted.
The experience has also given me an enhanced appreciation for each and every day that I am blessed to wake up and see.
Today I see the world and the people in it with new eyes, a new heart and a different set of ideals for living. I have had to make some necessary lifestyle changes and I had no problem giving up Popeye's chicken to hold on to life. Coronary Artery Disease is a very serious condition, and I pray that all my sisters who read this will take a serious look at their lifestyle, do some research on this deadly disease, and enjoy this blessing that we call life along with me!!

Peace & Blessings to you all!

My Vision - The Overcomers Foundation

2011-06-23T10:47:00.000-07:00

I know I have been gone awhile and for me to explain that would take way too long. The important thing is that I am back with a renewed commitment to giving my blog more of my time and attention. The name of this posting is the name of my God-given vision that is now more of a reality than when I first received it in 2007. To briefly give that history I will say that it was a time in my life when I was going through an unexpected storm. Of course, like all storms, God allowed it to turn into a blessing, so don't think I am complaining. The moment the name of the vision came into my head I got right to work, developing a mission statement, purpose and all the other necessities to help it become something tangible. This exercise in creativity allowed me to come through that storm with so much ease until I forgot that it was one. My son Jesse took on the task of creating a logo for me and it turned out so beautifully. It is a symbol that I am very proud to own.
Today, The Overcomers Foundation has a Facebook page, business cards, refrigerator magnets, a few clients and is growing day by day. I pray everyday for the diligence and commitment to continue doing what it takes for it to continue growing, and the compassion for those in need to continue drawing them in to help them in any way I can. I am sharing the latest creation from my organization's Graphic Arts Consultant Bro Jesse Muhammad and want to encourage readers of my blog to visit the Facebook page and leave comments. I need all the encouragement and support from everyone willing to give it, and most of all the continued support of those who are already doing so.
I plan to keep in touch with readers on a consistent basis and look forward to responding to any questions or requests for speaking to any person or group that asks.
Peace & Blessings to you all!

Feeling Like a Celebrity!

2010-11-21T13:53:00.000-08:00

Talk about ironic! On this exact date, one year ago, I posted a blog titled "I'm Baaaack" which explained my long absence from blogging. Well, I guess I will call this one "I'm Baaaack Again", because I have not blogged since March! I must do better in the coming year.
I gave this post that title because I just completed an interview with the editor of H2H Magazine, and I felt like a celebrity. After all, she has done interviews with some very famous people. I have been a contributing columnist since it's inception and feel very honored to be one of the feature stories for the December issue. I always consider it a blessing to share my life story and experiences, simply because it may help somebody else. But this time, it has a special and personal meaning for me. I have watched this e-zine grow and become a positive force for bringing important information to the internet. I am also so very proud of the editor, my adopted daughter, Sis. Ebony Muhammad. She is an inspiration to me and I am sure to many other women. To witness her determination to succeed with this endeavor is something that I will take with me in pursuits of my own. Thanks Sis Ebony, and keep up the great work!!

Just Sharing!

2010-03-07T16:34:00.001-08:00

It's amazing to me how time just flies when you get "busy", and that said, it's been way too long since I posted something here. Well, I just wanted to share something, so here's my column from this month's H2H Ezine's 1yr. anniversary issue. Enjoy!!
EMPOWERMENT
Q: What comes to mind when you hear the word "Empowerment" and how does it tie into your life as a LCDC? How do you feel when you give back through your practice? Describe what happens when you see those you served as clients out and about doing well and the things they express to you.
A: This question is one that gives me great joy to answer, because it really plays an integral part in my life as an LCDC. Let me explain. When I hear the word empowerment, I immediately think of God because He is the One that empowers me to be effective in my work and in my life. You see, being an LCDC is not just about doing a job; it’s about living a lifestyle that represents that empowerment to those I serve and whose lives I touch. Without the feeling and knowledge of being empowered, I could not efficiently deliver the services that I am called to provide. That feeling comes from without and most importantly, from within. I believe, without a doubt, that I am in this profession because it is my purpose, and that God has empowered me with the skills to be successful.
When I give back through my practice, the feeling is one that defies description. It is a fulfillment that I know I could not obtain from anything else. To be blessed to witness someone come out of the dark into the light, is a privilege that can only be granted by a Higher Power. It is very similar, I suppose, to a physician witnessing a patient overcome a life-threatening disease or illness; in fact, that is exactly what takes place. The disease is addiction, and it is mental, emotional, physical and spiritual in nature; which consumes the entire being of an individual. Giving back what was so freely given to me is as much a gift for me as it is for those who receive it.
When I see those I have been blessed to serve as clients doing well, that is what I call THE BIG PAY-OFF. Seeing the work that I do manifest itself as a factor in someone changing their lives for the better is priceless. There is not any amount of monetary value that can be placed on what happens when I see that miracle, and I am always in such awe when I think about the fact that God uses me to help perform it. I see and hear from former clients all the time, some have maintained, some have faltered and recovered. But the main thing is that they still keep in touch with me and let me know how they are doing. One of the most critical aspects of maintaining any major life change is support, and I always let clients know that my support of them is ongoing just like their recovery. I have a former client who texts me a daily meditation every morning, another who recently faltered and recovered, and still another who has gone on to fulfill his dream in life. In my eyes they are all doing well, because they are doing the best they can do. They always express tons to gratitude and say that if it had not been for me they would not be where they are. I politely thank them, and then direct them to give all the praise and thanks to God. I thank God every day for allowing me the privilege of helping others to become healthier, more productive people, and pray that I will be empowered to do so for many years to come.

The Most Important Thing

2009-12-29T19:25:00.000-08:00

Greetings and Happy Holidays to all! I pray that you all had a Merry Christmas and will have a safe and prosperous New Year. The highlight of 2009 happened for me on Saturday, December 26, when I was blessed to be with my entire family. Me, my five (5) children and eight (8) grandchildren (+ one daughter-in-law) gathered at MacGregor Park to do our first family photo shoot! It felt surreal and it felt so fulfilling. This is an event I have been wanting to take place for quite some time, but one of my granddaughters lives in Dallas and I could not schedule it until she was in town. The idea of doing it without her was not an option, because the picture would not have been complete. Well, God allowed her to come for the holidays and that was just perfect. It was the best gift I could ever receive and the meaning goes so deep I can't hardly describe it.
The purpose behind this endeavor was to instill in my grandchildren ( and my children too) the phenomenal importance of family. I know better than anyone just how critical family support is, and have been blessed with it most of my life. When everybody and everything gives out, family will still be there for you. I am very grateful to God to have been chosen to bring forth the five wonderful human beings called my children, and I thank him profusely for my grandchildren because they are the joy of my life. My youngest son Victor wrote a song titled "Ain't Nothing Like Family" and it tells the story quite well. I wish for everyone to have the opportunity to experience this awesome blessing and pray it will light up their life just like it did mine. After all, the most precious commodity we have is our family. Peace to you all.

Being a Part of Something Great!!!

2009-12-02T18:30:00.001-08:00

November was a great month! Aside from the usual blessings of being allowed to see all 30 days of it, I was graced with some awesome events that occurred.

The first and most profound was the premiere of my son Deric Muhammad's documentary "Raising Boys: Tips for Single Moms, Pt.1. It took place on November 5 at the Angelika Theater in downtown Houston. The documentary included interviews with single moms who are raising boys, including myself, and provided pertinent information from Bro Deric on coping with the challenges involved. There were testimonials from two boys (my grandsons) about being raised by a single mom that brought the audience to tears and to cheers. The turnout was fantastic and the support was awe-inspiring. The documentary itself created a huge buzz on all the social networking sites as well as the community at large. The producer was Lawrence Moody of Moody Entertainment and without him it would not have come to life. It was attended by City Councilman Jarvis Johnson, State Representative Sylvester Turner, our next City Controller Ron Green, and the CEO of the Black Broadcasting Network, Entertainment Attorney Ricky Anderson. There were also family members, friends and constituents of Deric's present for this auspicious occasion. I was honored to be the Mistress of Ceremonies and thoroughly enjoyed the entire evening. It was a bit surreal to watch myself on the screen, but I felt like a real star! I am posting some of the pics and look forward to the next chapter. (DVD's are available, contact myself or Bro Deric for info).

More of November to come!! Stay tuned!

I'M B A A A CK!!!!

2009-11-21T17:43:00.000-08:00

OMG!!!! I have had a heck of a miscommunication with my blog! As you can see, I haven't posted anything since September and have a little catching up to do. I have to say that the problem wasn't that complicated, but you know us humans, we manage to complicate the simplest things, which I did. After consulting with my blog specialist, (Thanks, Bro Jesse), it was suggested that I try the simplest thing, and (bam!) it worked. I am so relieved and really missed blogging, so from now on I will be more regular than I was before. You know, one of those "don't miss something until it's gone" things?!

Not a whole lot took place in October, but I did have a couple of firsts. One was I took my first ever Defensive Driving Course online and it was quite painless. It was 6 hours long, but it had breaks and everything so it wasn't so bad. Besides, it was worth it to keep my driving record clean. Another first was a belated birthday gift from my son Jesse and daughter-in-law Shareefah, which was a FULL-BODY MASSAGE! That was a fantastic experience and I vowed to treat myself to one as often as possible. It was very relaxing and I learned a lot about my body which is always a plus. The final first I had in October was going to the Kemah Boardwalk with my son Deric, Sis Oni, her mom, her aunt, my son Edward and his date Tammy. We had dinner in this cool restaurant that looked out over the water and boy was it nice! The company was great, the food was good and the conversation was enjoyable. Incidentally, it was Halloween so we got to see people dressed up in all kinds of costumes. Overall, I had a blessed and healthy October! Next post will be about exciting November!! Comment and tell me how much you all missed me!LOL Peace

New Beginnings-Rebirth of My 31-yr old Son

2009-09-24T05:24:00.000-07:00

Greetings all! I have not blogged in a while, but this topic was a true motivation for me to do so. As you read in the title, it's about a new beginning and a sort of "rebirth" of my 31-year old son Jesse Muhammad (he's the tall one on the left in the pic). Allow me to share the details. Immediately after his 31st birthday on September 4, my son told me that he set a goal of finding out who his biological father was by his next (32nd) birthday. You see, he had presented me with the question of his lineage a while back and I had to honestly share with him that I was not sure. In the past while he was growing up I named the man I was in a relationship with when he was born as his father, however, after much soul-searching and recollection I recalled getting out of another relationship and quickly getting into that one. Long story short, my son set out on his mission for answers. One man is deceased, so God allowed us to contact the other one, who consented to do a DNA test. If I tell you God gave my son immediate answers, believe me it was so! It was just like the scripture says in Matthew 7; Ask, Seek and Knock, and God will give you what you want. The test results proved that the deceased man, Joe McCray is the biological father of Jesse, not Earl Rideaux, the one I had initially tagged. The weird thing is that, up until the day he died, Joe insisted that Jesse was his son, and loved & provided for him like a father.
I gave this post that title because it describes this momentous event perfectly. It is a new beginning for my son as well as myself. We have been blessed by God to not have to question his lineage anymore and for me it is like giving birth to him all over again. What a beautiful process it is, and this time it wasn't physically painful. LOL I had to share this blessing with you all and may God show favor on anyone else who embarks on the journey of knowing who you are! Peace.

September- The Month I Love!

2009-09-01T09:26:00.001-07:00

Greetings Readers!

This year has just flown!! It is already September and I must say the year has blessed me in many ways. I love this month for two reasons; 1) it is National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month and 2) it is the month that I was born. There will be many observances held in honor of NADAR month and one is the “Families Aiding In Total Healing -Solving Together Every Problem” (FAITH-STEP) two-day drug prevention/drug free recovery conference. It will be held September 17-18, 2009 at Texas Southern University. The issue of drugs throughout the city of Houston and lack of effective wholistic drug reform has prompted Councilmember Jarvis Johnson to partner with many in hosting this first of its kind event. I was invited to be a part of it and Councilmember Johnson unveiled details of this solution-oriented conference at the Official Press Conference on Friday, August 28, 2009 on the steps of TSU Granville Sawyer Auditorium. The press conference also featured TSU President John Rudley, Conference Co-host Mrs. Cleo Glenn Johnson-McLaughlin, Rev. James McLaughlin, community activist Deric Muhammad, myself Mavis Jackson (LCDC,CART), Atty. Michael Harris, Janice Paul of the City of Houston Health & Human Services Dept, TSU Provost James Douglass, and more. Sponsors of the 2009 Recovery Conference also include Communities Of Tomorrow’s Economic Redevelopment/Gift OF Life Drug free, (COTER/GOLD), TSU Center on the Family (TSU/COTF), and the Black United Fund of Texas (BUFTX). This event is well-worth the registration of $199 and even more. For registration information about the FAITH-STEP Conference log on to: http://jarvis-johnson.com/. I am posting pics from the press conference and I hope to see you all there! Peace & Blessings

Texas Business Alliance One Woman Business Conference

2009-08-10T13:47:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I attended the 1st Annual Texas Business Alliance One Woman Business Conference and it was phenomenal!. The focus of the conference was minority, women-owned and small businesses. It included a plethora of information and networking with all types of professional business women and men. The workshops included: "Tweet What?"Social Networking Revealed; Business Enterprise Academy Mini-Seminar; and "Be a Marketing Maven" which had a panel that included my marketing genius of a son, Brother Jesse Muhammad. There were many other workshops that covered topics ranging from beginning business information to financial empowerment. We were entertained by local and national television personalities, and enjoyed scrumptous food for breakfast and lunch with some panel discussions on various subjects. There were businesses from all over the city of Houston and some from other cities and states who offered tips and advice to everyone who seeked it. On the final day there was a "Soaring Heights Awards Brunch, Live Entertainment & Keynote address by Comedian Joan Rivers. Needless to say, she put the icing on the entire cake! There were vendors from a myriad of businesses and authors with inspiring and informative books on hand.

Overall, the conference left me and many others highly motivated to continue in our endeavors as new business owners. I left there a smarter, more informed woman who has additional knowledge, resources and connections to be successful! Thank you to Jeffrey Boney and the Texas Business Alliance!! And a special shout-out to Margo Williams Handy for the fantastic job she did coordinating this event, and to Stephanie McKenzie , who I discovered is not only a great marketing expert, but a fellow CME as well!

IT FINALLY HAPPENED!!

2009-08-10T12:41:00.000-07:00

Well folks, it finally happened! That Today Show segment that I taped back in May aired on July 27 at 8:30am our time. It was surreal to watch myself on television and the show was totally cool! They say that the camera adds ten pounds, so the good news is, all they showed was my waist up! (LOL) The taping can still be seen on the Today Show website and I have to be honest and say I watched it more than once. That experience is one that I will take with me in my future endeavors. I can proudly say that I was a television star for a day! Of course I don't plan for that to be my last appearance, there will be more to come!

You can go to BGDL.com and see photos of the entire shoot and other information about this fantastic organization that I am blessed to be a part of. The big payoff for my television debut was that a woman new to the alopecia areata contacted me after viewing the show. Now that is real success!! I am praying that we can reach all women with this condition to let them know they are not alone. "I'm ready for my next close-up, Mr. Director"!!

AND THE BEAT GOES ON!

2009-07-06T10:03:00.000-07:00

Wow!! A lot has happened since I last blogged. Some good things, some not so good things and some total shockers. The main good thing is that I am still alive and kicking along with millions of others. For that I have a multitude of gratitude. The not so good for me is the monster of unemployment, which occurred unexpectedly and has things in a bit of a disarray. But I remind myself everyday that it could be worse. The shockers of course, are the deaths of so many famous as well as some not so famous people. I think the biggest one being the King of Pop Micheal Jackson. As a counselor, I can only imagine a different outcome if he had been receiving and receptive to therapy and treatment for his addiction. As a recovering addict, I can definitely testify to a possible different or more delayed ending to his life. And as a fan, I can express my sorrow at a extraordinary talent having left us. My sincere condolences go out to his family and friends and also to the families of others that transitioned. Life surely has no guarantees except that one day we will all make that final transition, and when we do, the beat will surely go on.

The Source

2009-05-26T23:09:00.001-07:00

I decided to come off my hiatus and post something today. I am truly motivated by the topic of this post, namely, The Source. Guess you ask, Who is this source?? Glad you asked. The Source of my life is Almighty God and right now, at this point in my life I have never been more in touch with that fact. Right before the last post I did, I was terminated from my job and the results of that event have been phenomenal. I have been experiencing more peace and serenity than I had in a very long time. I am getting things done that had been placed on the "back burner" which are integral to my having a successful future. It feels like I am really taking care of myself mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually. And all this is made possible by The Source. Don't' get me wrong, I definitely know that I need a job to meet financial obligations, but the loss of a job is sometimes a blessing in disguise. But you won't be able to appreciate that blessing unless you truly understand about The Source. Today, more than ever, I see evidence of that Source working for good. I have lost nothing, not been evicted, not gone hungry or without clothing and still have a roof over my head. In other words, all my needs are being met in spite of my not having a job. For me, that is nothing short of a miracle (another one) and I believe those only come from one Source. I pray that everyone will experience this awesome spiritual awakening at some time in life. To miss out on it is to miss out on the real meaning and pleasure of life.
An extra added bonus to this wonderful time is my being allowed to find a new Women's Program to work with, and guess what the name is...The Source. Do you know The Source?

LIGHTS, CAMERAS, ACTION!!!

2009-05-12T10:52:00.000-07:00

Well, I am now officially a television star! I traveled to Chicago, Oak Brook, Illinois specifically, to be part of taping a segment of the Today Show. This dubious honor was the result of being a member of the Bald Girls Do Lunch group of women with Alopecia Areata. We had a wonderful time and I thoroughly enjoyed participating in the shoot. I just had to post the pictures and show you all what a great time I had, and so you wouldn't think I was making it up. The photos are of me and the other ladies that were there, including the founder of BGDL. The one with just two of us is me and my makeup consultant., and boy, she did a fantastic job!

I believe this is just the beginning and that God has some more really special tasks for me to do and the best is yet to come!! Enjoy and tell me what you think. Peace

OH!! THE TAPING WILL AIR ON MAY 26TH SO BE SURE TO TUNE IN TO THE TODAY SHOW & SEE US AND SEND IN REVIEWS!

Life Has A Mind of It's Own

2009-05-02T12:17:00.000-07:00

I saw this title somewhere recently and it came to my mind today as a result of current events in my life. What it says to me is that we are not in control, God is, because life is a gift from Him and is dictated by Him.
The most recent event that has made this so apparent is one involving my mother. This is May, the month honoring mothers, and is also the month of her birthday. She will be celebrating 80 years of life on May 11 and I feel so blessed to have been blessed with her love and wisdom for that many years. My sisters and family all came together and planned a huge birthday party for her today, May 2. We acquired a caterer, a facility for the event and invited all the people whose lives she has touched and whom we know love her. We managed to sneak and get names, addresses and other information we needed to pull off this wonderful surprise. But as it turns out , we were the ones who got the surprise.
To briefly give a little history, for the past 5 or 6 years my mother has suffered with a respiratory condition that occasionally worsens with certain atmospheric exposure, and about a week ago it was very noticeable that this had happened. In spite of suggestions for her to go to the hospital for some treatment, she chose not to do so. Now comes the evidence of the title, because I believe that even though she did not follow the suggestions, life/God took charge of the situation.
On yesterday my mother called me and stated she was having my sister Beverly to take her to the hospital to get some x-rays. It wasn't much of a surprise to me, knowing what her present condition was, but it was unexpected. Well, long story short, we will be celebrating her 80th birthday in her absence. After getting to the hospital, the doctors immediately decided to admit her and keep her there for treatment for a few days. We could not postpone or reschedule the event for many reasons, so the show must go on. It is going to be little strange to celebrate my mother's birthday without her being present, but it will be very interesting to see how it turns out. After all, life/God is in charge of that too.

Are We Really Free?

2009-04-17T07:02:00.000-07:00

This topic came to my thoughts as a result of circumstances in my life today that prompted me to give it some serious pondering. I can honestly say that they are not the point of this posting, just the deciding factor in it being written. So in that, I am grateful for them, for if they had not come, I most likely would not have received the spirit to post this.
I read a meditation this morning about needing help and it stated:
"Free...What can that word mean , When my life belongs to so many other people, When I get squeezed between the generation gap And the tax bill, And I want to walk out the door and keep on walking and never stop...Then what does it mean to be free?"
That passage hit a spot that made me take a look at that question from several aspects of life. First, from the aspect of family, children in particular. Family can be a deciding factor in a person feeling free. They can be those "people" mentioned in that quote as well as a part of that generation gap. We feel obligated and sometimes even responsible to family and will allow them to own or lay claim to so much of our lives. This becomes unhealthy for us when we allow their wants and needs to become more important than our own. We eventually become resentful and unhappy, blaming them, when in fact it is us who have failed to set healthy boundaries. Some of us were not taught to do that, but today there are too many resources available for anyone to not have knowledge of that process. A good friend of mine said something just yesterday that went "Parent/Child relationships are the only relationships that are strengthened through separation; all others strengthened with closeness". And if those of us who have children will be honest with ourselves, we know that is the truth.
Secondly and no less important, I thought about our freedom as a people, Black people. We are told that the slaves were freed by Abraham Lincoln, but who freed us? We are not and never have been slaves, but are descendants of slaves, so we are expected to have gratitude. Well, the job where I work today feels like a plantation and the owner is White, so it makes me wonder, am I really free? I know of course I have to make a living, but when am I supposed to have a life if the "boss" wants me to spend the majority of my time working for him/her? Now don't get me wrong, I definitely am grateful for any and every Black man and woman who fought and died to bring about some change for us in this world, and am exceptionally proud that we now have a Black President of the United States. I would never discount the progress that has been made, I only present the question "What does being free really mean?"
In my profession as a Counselor we teach that real freedom starts in your thinking, and I am a firm believer of that. But changing one's thinking is only the beginning of the discipline needed to experience real freedom. I also read this morning that "You will only discover excellence on the other side of hard work", and "the principle ingredient of success is discipline." So I think real freedom does not come from anybody else but from within myself. No one can provide the freedom I need to enjoy my life, to be successful or to have what I desire, except me. So I conclude that if I want real freedom, I have to apply discipline, pray and strive for it each day.
One of my favorite quotes that I share with clients is what I call the 10/90 principle; and it states: "Life is 10% what happens around me, and 90% how I let it affect me", and today I choose to keep my 90%. How about you?

Domestic Violence; A Real Issue

2009-04-04T20:38:00.000-07:00

The topic of Domestic Violence is one that is constantly swept under the rug in today's society. The gravity of this issue and my collaborating in the creation of an E-Zine designed to help address it, prompted this post. I am also currently pursuing training to provide counseling services to victims and offenders of domestic violence in the criminal justice system, so it has a special interest to me. There have been laws passed and bills created to punish offenders and to protect victims while assisting them in life challenges that result from being involved in these types of situations. However, are these avenues or resources really accomplishing the ultimate goal of rehabilitating the offenders and educating both them and the victims?
In spite of the primary intent of programs created for this purpose, most times they neglect to adequately address core issues that usually induce the behavior. Both offenders and victims need access to long-term counseling and guidance to truly recover and change. The temporary and brief services they sometimes receive can be compared to covering a gunshot wound with a band-aid.
I was a guest speaker and participant in the first Hurt2Healing Rally & March on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault in July 2006. It was sponsored by Nation of Islam Ministry of Justice in collaboration with Rev. Kirbyjohn Caldwell. The theme was "From Hurt to Healing, Protecting the Essence of our Sisters", and it was an awesome experience. It was organized by men for women, and the men marched right along side of us. The most memorable part for me was when we ended the march at Reliant Arena and the men placed rose petals on the ground for the women to walk on going in the door. That was one moment I shall forever cherish because if a man never does it for me again, I can hold on to that memory.
I am a survivor of domestic violence and understand the helplessness of a victim and the damage that occurs to a woman's self-esteem. I can relate to how one can become comfortable in unhealthy relationships and not love themselves enough to leave. I also understand and am a living testimony that a woman can overcome that bondage and grow into a healthy person with positive self-worth. I am a firm believer that with the help of God and caring people that he places in our lives, we can get to the other side of any life challenge.
The E-Zine of which I spoke at the beginning of my post is titled "Hurt 2 Healing E-Zine, Overcoming Emotional Impediments to Inner Peace" and is published by Sis Ebony Muhammad. The new April 2009 issue was just published and I am a guest columnist as well as an advertised consultant. This small step to reach out to those who need help with this and other emotional challenges is one way I pay it forward.

Taking Care of Body and Spirit

2009-03-18T10:01:00.000-07:00

Greetings! Wow, time just flew since the last time I posted, but I am back by the Grace of God, healthy and well. My recent experience definitely brought to my mind the importance of taking care of my body and spirit. I believe that had I not been doing so, my illness could have taking a totally different turn. So on that note, I wanted to share this message with you all. Enjoy and take care of yourselves!

In Line With Spirit; Staying On Track

In a world where we have routines for nearly everything—our route to work, our physical fitness regimen, and our weekday schedule—it’s amazing how many people forget to create a routine for meeting their spiritual needs. We run around in an attempt to be at our many appointments on time and meet our many obligations. In our efforts to be as productive as possible, however, our spiritual needs tend to take a backseat. After all, taking care of our spiritual needs doesn’t directly pay the bills or tone our abdominal muscles. We may even wonder who has time to meditate or write in their journal when there are more pressing matters to see to. The truth is that nurturing ourselves spiritually is what gives us the energy and grounding that we need to make sure that our lives stay on track.

A "Spinning-Wheel" Experience

2009-02-06T06:59:00.000-08:00

I'm back after an unexpected hiatus, and ready to share. I just had what I am calling a "spinning wheel" experience, and I will explain that as I go, but first let me tell you about it. On January 28 at 1:30am I was transported by ambulance to the ER due to severe chest & arm pain. It had began innocently enough earlier that day, but like most of us, I dismissed it as "gas pains" and continued on as usual. Well, by that night it became obvious to me that it was something else and the rest is history.
After being admitted to the hospital and having tests run, it was discovered that I had blockage in three of my arteries. I remember when the doctor came in to give the results and it seemed so surreal. Here I was, suddenly laying in a hospital bed, being told that I had something wrong with arteries attached to my heart. Specifically, I had 80-90% in one, 70% in one and 50% in another. Just two days before that, I went to aerobics (two days consecutively) and worked out on the treadmill with no problems! Guess that's where the saying came from of "what a difference a day makes". I was informed that I would be getting a "cardiac catherization" the next day so they could see if this blockage could be fixed with stents or if I would need open-heart surgery. Boy, talk about life changing events.
In the midst of all this pain and life-threatening news, I managed to stay in touch with my faith. In fact, I watched a preacher on television that Friday morning who talked about that very thing, so I had a special gift from God before the procedure was even started. As you all may or may not know, I rely heavily on my spiritual base and have strong beliefs in the power of God. So seeing that message that morning was no coincidence for me. Long story short, I had the procedure done, they fixed the 80-90% blockage with two stents and I will schedule the procedure for the 70% in the near future. The doctor said the 50% should be fixed with the (four)medications I am now prescribed. Thank God for modern medicine! I could write a book about the experience and I do plan to do that, but let me share why I call it a spinning wheel experience.
This morning while reading my daily meditations and scriptures, I read about Mohandas Gandhi,a famous Indian leader. After each public appearance or event, this man would always go back to his original home and sit in front a the spinning wheel making wool. The purpose was so he could put and keep his life in perspective; so he could get back to the center of his gravity; and so he would not be pressed into the world's mold. I now consider my blockage event and all other life-changing events as spinning wheel experiences, because they present me with opportunities to refocus and put things in their proper perspective. I get the chance to get healthier outlooks on myself and the relationships in my life, and do some serious soul searching about the present and future. This amazing revelation gave me the answer to my 'WHY?" and it also gave me peace. (Thank you, God.)
Today, I know that God is greater than any heart disease and He turns any difficulty into an opportunity for spiritual growth. I believe that any and all events that touch my life snugly fits into God's awesome plan for my life, and that we each receive what is truly necessary to our personal growth. As I traveled through this new "tunnel of growth" I ever hold onto my favorite scripture; Philippians 4:13-"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". So until next time, live one day at a time, because you never know what growth the next day will bring.

A HISTORICAL EVENT (OR TWO)

2009-01-21T06:48:00.000-08:00

Yesterday Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th President of the United States. This was truly a historical event because for the first time in the history of this country, a Black man was elected to the office of President. The experience itself was one of awe and inspiration. I was at work but the whole place was in an unexplainable excitement all day. We watched the inauguration and witnessed history being made. The most beautiful part of it for me was seeing the older people moved by their having lived to see this come to pass. Their genuine emotion was something I will always remember and cherish. To see the sparkle and amazement in their eyes, hear the relief in their voices, and feel the joy in their tears was a blessing from God. I am so grateful to have been a part of history and know the best is yet to come. I believe if we do our part, then the President (& God) will handle the rest and some positive change will occur
The other historical event that occurred was my son, Jesse Muhammad, who is a Motivational Speaker, came and shared his message with the Cheyenne Center Drug Treatment Center where I am employed. He is a messenger sent from God to inspire others and I am so very blessed to be his mother. The men at the center as well as the staff were all inspired by his words and expressed a unanimous desire for him to return, which he plans to do. The most extraordinary thing is that he normally gets paid very handsomely for this service, but he is donating them to the Cheyenne Center. That in itself speaks volumes about his character and his honest desire to help others. It was the perfect ending to a perfect day!! Post your comments about this historic day, I would love to hear them.

A NEW YEAR??

2009-01-03T06:26:00.000-08:00

I was surfing as usual, and came upon this wonderful article by my son, and since he is my son I knew I could post it on my blog. It really hits home with the concept I always quote "If you keep doing what you've been doing; you'll keep getting what you've been getting". So read on and resolve to have a true "New Year"! (Check out more of his stuff at JUST US with BRO DERIC MUHAMMAD)

10 New Year’s Resolutions for a Revolution
By: Deric Muhammad
A wise mentor of mine used to tell me that there is no such thing as a “new” year if you do the same things you did the year before. It is just a continuation of the same agenda, schedule, way of life and way of thinking. In order to classify January 1st as a new year you have to do something “new”. If the only thing that changes in your life is the number on your calendar we may as well wish you a happy “last year.”
If we reflect on 2008 and realize that it was a near mirror of 2007 then it was not quite a new year. If we’ll be honest many of us have not had a new year in many years. The current social and economic challenges that we face in this country should force us to step outside of our comfort zone, challenge our fears and do something to better our condition. We can all agree that the old way of doing things as failed us.
The year 2008 was highlighted by something that was new to us all. Barack H. Obama became the first Black president of the United States of America. If that is not classified as “new” then nothing does. Our brother sang the timely song of change all the way to the oval office and we all became filled with hope and a new spirit. On January 20th he will take his inaugural oath. But, according to Obama, if we don’t help him to dig America out of the ditch that she is in he will not succeed. This means that we must take an oath right along with him.
Before the Black community can help anyone we must first help ourselves. Here are 10 New Year’s resolutions that I believe will help make the Black community a strong community.
1. STOP BLACK ON BLACK VIOLENCE AND MURDER
2. Learn the difference between spirituality and religion. Strive to become a more spiritual community where neighbors pray together as much as they party together.
3. Eat to Live. Improper diet is generational and so are the illnesses that kill us as a result of our diet. Our forefathers ate certain foods on the plantation, because they had no choice. Why are we still eating the same foods 459 years later? Healthcare starts at home.
4. Each ONE Teach ONE (Mentor Neighborhood Youth). We have to mentor based on the talent and interest of our young people. Link Black professional with young brothers from the hood.
5. Natural Disaster Preparedness-Every year we are caught off guard during hurricane season. We seem to always be at the end of the line for government assistance after a natural disaster. This year we must put ourselves at the front of the line. The way to do that is to be better prepared.
6. Build and patriotically support Black-owned businesses that supply the needs of our community
7. Save your money. Stop spending money on unnecessary luxuries that you cannot afford. Mr. Gucci’s says you have to pay him hundreds of dollars in order to wear his name on your purse. He makes billions and sends his children to get the best education so that our children end up coming to them for a job.
8. Develop a political agenda. Support local, state and federal candidates that pledge allegiance to that agenda and politically punish them if they fail to keep their word.
9. Study Black history year-round. Make sure your children know who they are and where they come from.
10. The Golden Rule: treat others the way you want to be treated.

These are just a few thoughts that, if executed, could equal a truly “new “ year for the Black community.

LET'S SHINE IN 2009!!!!

2009-01-01T19:29:00.000-08:00

Well, here we are in a brand New Year. I don't know about you but I have a whole lot of gratitude for making it here. The past year was a good one in spite of any challenges that came, in fact, those are what made it a good year. Let me explain. If those challenges had not been placed in my path, I would not have experienced any growth, and I would not be the wiser today. Today I know the value of trials and tribulations, and I thank my God for allowing them in my life. Sure, none of us welcome them, but once we get to the other side, if we were paying atention, we understand the value or the lesson.
I don't make "New Year Resolutions" but I do set goals for myself. They include areas of health and well-being, finances, spiritual and most importantly relationships. All of these are areas of immense importance and I plan to enhance them while cultivating a better self. What I know I have to do is keep a positive attitude about any task I undertake, and the rest will follow. John Maxwell says "We are today where our thoughts brought us; We'll go tomorrow where our thoughts take us". That tells me that the success in any area I choose to improve depends on the attitude I maintain while the change is taking place.
I believe that we as human beings can acheive anything we want or desire, and that the only real limitation is the one we accept and set up in our minds (Napoleon Hill-"Think and Grow Rich"). In 2009, I am planning to shine!!! By the Grace of God and my God-given talents, I shouldn't have any problems. Set yourself some goals and do what J. Paul Getty suggests:
Get up early, Work hard, & Find Oil!!
It's going to be a great year, after all, our 1st Black President will take office on January 20! After the previous administration, there is nowhere to go but up, so let's get ready to support him and prosper in the process. I believe there will be more and better opportunities for those who had none in the past. I believe that we as a people will be more self-confident which will result in us being more successful. I believe that if we set our minds to it and work together, there is nothing we won't accomplish.

Have a Happy and Safe New Year!! and share your goals on my blog so we can support each other.

HAD A BALL IN THE BIG APPLE!

2008-12-15T17:53:00.000-08:00

I haven't posted anything since Thanksgiving and there is good reason. I was preparing for a very special trip. But before those details let me share some others. First, I want to address the question that I know has run across many minds that have seen my picture. The fact that I am bald always raises them so let me clear that up before anyone gets the wrong idea. Usually the first thing people think is that I have cancer, however, I am blessed not to have that life-threatening illness. The reason for my baldness is an autoimmune disease called Alopecia Areata. It's a condition where the immune system attacks the hair follicles "by mistake" and causes the hair to fall out. It's not hereditary and I had never really known anyone with it until I contracted it myself. I have lived with it since April 2007 and it has been quite a journey. The lows, the shock, the amazement was all part of my getting to the point of acceptance. After all, like India Arie says "I am not my hair" and I can live life without it. Knowing the importance of support when dealing with a challenge, I immediately went online searching for and found the Alopecia Areata support community. Today I am an active member and communicate with other women with the disorder to share my experience, strength and hope. Some of us are blessed with more resilience to bounce back from life's unexpected surprises, and it is our responsibility to be there for those who need a little extra love.

So, having said that, now I will talk about my wonderful trip to New York! My main reason for the trip was to attend a luncheon. It was sponsored by Thea Chassin who founded the event and named it "Bald Girls Do Lunch", as a way for women with Alopecia to meet other women who have it. I had read about the event and knew I wanted to experience one, so I decided, and God blessed me, to attend the one in Manhattan, New York. It was a couple of firsts involved, 1) I had never been to New York before, and 2) I had not been to one of those luncheons, so I got a double-dose of good time! (Forgive me if I use the word blessing a lot but that is the only way I choose to describe things that happen in my life today .) In view of the fact that I am blessed with a son who works for Continental Airlines, the only thing standing between me and New York was distance and time, so off I went!!

First let me say that New York is an amazing city and I was awestruck from the moment I got there. The taxi ride from the airport down E. 57th was amazing with all the designer stores, lights, display windows and droves of people. Riding by 5th Ave. and Park Ave was an exciting moment and all the expansive buildings was really a breath-taking sight. The restaurant that the event was held, Shelly's Trattoria, was beautiful and the people and the food was great. Meeting Thea and the other ladies was an experience I will always cherish and sharing our intimate details was an unforgettable and spirit-filled time. We were women who shared a common bond in spite of any difference in race, background, lifestyle or profession. We came from all walks of life but still found so much in common. The luncheon was a smashing success and I am so grateful I had the opportunity to attend.

The next day, after a good night's rest, I "did New York". My itinerary ended up being 1) a trip to Times Square on the subway, and 2) a trip to The Empire State Building Observatory. Incidentally, one of the ladies I met at the luncheon worked at the Empire State Building and offered me a free pass! Talk about perfect timing!! I thoroughly enjoyed my entire day of touring and shopping, but one particular event was the height of my day. You see, for those of you who may be familiar with it, Forrest Gump is one of my favorite movies of all time, and in Times Square there is a restaurant, Bubba Gump's Shrimp Co., based on that movie. I was as excited as a kid in a candy store when I ate lunch there, and it really made my trip complete.

New York is a great place and I am planning to return and see all the other sights. But for now, my palate is satisfied because; 1) I got to meet some great ladies and now have some great new friends, and 2) I took my maiden voyage to the Big Apple!! Life is good.

Just a couple of photos. LOL till next time.

Giving Thanks

2008-11-28T05:31:00.000-08:00

It's the day after Thanksgiving, and I pray that everyone had a safe one. I thoroughly enjoyed mine with all my children and grandchildren, and all the food I could eat! However the topic of giving thanks brought about some serious pondering for me. It is amazing how that one day seems to be when most people remember to be thankful and count their blessings. It would seem more fitting for us to do that on a daily basis and not just on a particular designated day. Everyday should be a day of thanks; for what we have, for what we have been delivered from, or just for being alive. To have a thankful heart is to have an attitude of gratitude, and that makes for a healthy body, mind and spirit.
We all should take the time to slow down, remember our blessings and make giving thanks not just a day, but a way of life.

Are you "Musically Diverse"?

2008-11-13T16:15:00.000-08:00

Something happened at my job today that I just thought I should share. I have always considered myself as someone who liked a variety of music. I was raised on blues, R&B, some of the first rap to come out, and of course, gospel. Well, lately I have acquired an appreciation for country western music and have gotten some very interesting responses from clients. I am the Admissions Coordinator at the facility so I am pretty much the first person clients sit down and talk with when they arrive. Being the type of person that likes a pleasant work environment, I usually play the radio on the Internet while I work. I normally have it tuned to either gospel or country western, depending on my mood. The first noticeably funny comment I received was when I was tuned in to country western music while admitting a Caucasian man. I started the interview with a general statement and he sat down, after carefully listened, and stated " OK, but you and that music don't go together". I was a little startled at first, but it made me laugh out loud. I continued on with the admission but in the back of my mind I was thinking "What did he mean by that? Should I be offended? " Some Blacks would have taken the remark as racist or stereotypical, but I guess I am at a point where I am not that easily offended. When the session was over, I did ask him why he said that and he began explaining profusely and saying he did not mean anything derogatory. I told him to just be careful of what he says and who he says it around.
Now today, the tables were totally turned! I admitted a Black man who made a casual comment about my liking country western music to which I replied yes. But after we finished, before he left my office he stated" I think you are the first Black woman I have ever known who likes country western music". That made me really laugh out loud too. Not only because of what he said, but coming from a brother, there was no way I could get offended. Guess I am one of the rare breed of sisters who are musically diverse. My new found love of country western music is a direct result of my son, who loves it, calling me in the room to listen to the words of some of those songs. They talk about real life things, fun things, spiritual things and serious things. I thank God for making me so diverse!
Oh yeah, last night I watched the Country Music Awards and my favorite guy, Kenny Chesney won Entertainer of the Year! Come on , broaden your horizons, you just might like it!!

THE SIGN THAT DIDN'T MOVE

2008-11-05T10:14:00.000-08:00

Last night I entered a post about my experience at the election polls. Well, I left out one that I think is more than worthy to be posted.

My mother is, and has been one of Barack Obama's strongest supporters of his Presidential campaign. She traveled across town to make phone calls for him, diligently recruited voter registration in the community and proudly displayed her endorsement of him. She also had an Obama/Biden sign in her yard that became quite famous. You see, in spite of the fact that the tallest pine tree in her yard was uprooted by Hurricane Ike, that sign did not move. My son posted pictures of that sign on his blog (Brother Jesse) and we all laughed in amazement at it's endurance.

As a way of ensuring he was represented at our polling place, she brought her beloved sign and had it placed out front among the others. Well, when we went to retrieve it, it was gone. I could see the pain and disappointment on my mother's face and felt a little responsible because she had asked me to remember to get it when it got dark outside, and I got busy and forgot. She even had to take a break and go to the other room where I believe she may have shed a tear. Some would say "hey, it was just a sign; but that one was special to her.

I'm sure whoever took it had no idea of the sentimental value it had to my mother, and probably thought it was there for the taking. However, I want to encourage everyone to be mindful and not take things that don't belong to you. If you didn't put it there, then it's not yours to remove!

My mother will get past this, but if at all possible, I want to find her another sign just like that one, after all, it was my fault, right Mom?

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU VOTED??

2008-11-04T20:25:00.000-08:00

Today, November 4, 2008, I took part in a historical Presidential election. I worked as an Election Clerk and the experience was mind-boggling. I was raised an "election-brat" because my mother, who has been a Precinct Judge until this year, taught me and my two sisters to be politically involved. We have served as election clerks since we were old enough, and I served as Precinct Judge when I lived in Austin. It is a gratifying and rewarding job to fulfill and I am grateful that I was privileged to have that as part of my upbringing. Now about election day. I have worked many elections but I have never seen so many first-time voters, elderly/handicapped voters, young hip-hop voters and people who have not voted in 4 years. It was a bitter sweet experience because those first-timers and elderly/handicapped represented the determination of a people to advocate for change; but those who had not voted in 4 years or longer were purged from the roles and could not vote. The looks on their faces were unforgettable, but it was evident that impact of that lesson was great. It saddened me to see those who have such a lackadaisical pattern of neglecting their civic duty. But what was amazing was that Barack Obama created enough excitement and hope to get them off their buts and come to the polls to vote. Speaking of that excitement, as I sit here typing, Barack Obama has just been declared the 44th President of the United States! When the announcement was made I got chill bumps! History has been made and I believe we can look forward to some positive change in the future. As for those persons that could not vote today, I made sure they got a voter registration card and filled it out so they can vote in 2012 to keep Barack in the White House!

What Prayer to Pray?

2008-10-29T20:10:00.000-07:00

Since becoming a Licensed Counselor I am asked for feedback, advice and sometimes my opinions on different topics. The minute a person hears the word "counselor" they seem to immediately start sharing their personal or family issues. I also believe that it's a result of my being blessed with the spiritual gift of exhortation.
Today my son asked for my feedback regarding a very delicate issue involving a childhood friend who had attempted suicide and is now on life support. After describing the situation that occurred, he asked me "What prayer do I pray for him?" His concern was genuine and his shock quite obvious at this totally surprising occurrence. My son is a Nation of Islam Ministry of Justice Minister who has conducted prayer vigils with families of victims many times. However, his question was not about a prayer for the family, but for the victim himself who had apparently made the choice not to live. I shared with him that when I pray for someone who is gravely ill or dying, even if it is someone close to me, I simply say "God, Thy will be done". I choose that prayer because I believe a prayer that asks Him to keep that person here or take them away would be totally selfish. My sincere condolences go out to the mother and family of that young brother. I cannot imagine what it feels like to lose a son, but I suspect it is quite a painful ordeal.

Life presents us with such unexpected events, and we would do well to stay prayed up and live one day at a time; or as is said in that country western song I like, "Live like we're dying".

WELCOME TO MS. MAVIS' BLOG

2008-10-27T20:15:00.000-07:00

This blog is dedicated to all who believe that wellness takes place one day at a time.

Ms. Mavis