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.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Saturday, January 3, 2009
A NEW YEAR??
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.
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.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
LET'S SHINE IN 2009!!!!
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.
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.
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