Wednesday, September 23, 2009
WOW!!! UNBELIEVABLE!!! IS THIS AMERICA AT IT'S WORST?
As you watched that video, I know that most of you probably got a huge fist full of knots in your stomach and really wondered if this is real. I hate to inform you but this is real. I have never ever seen this much hate for a President in my life and it is amazing. This is truly unbelievable and this is TRULY AMERICA AT IT'S WORST. We should fully understand this and be aware of this because whatever motivation that this is coming from, it is possible that other people share this same feeling.
This is horrendous and BEYOND COMPREHENSION!!!
This really makes me cringe and it almost brought me to the point of tears.
Luke 6:27-38 (New International Version)
Love for Enemies
27"But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 29If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. 30Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. 31Do to others as you would have them do to you.
32"If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' love those who love them. 33And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' do that. 34And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' lend to 'sinners,' expecting to be repaid in full. 35But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 36Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
Judging Others
37"Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. 38Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
What Do You Do?
One of the hardest issues I think we as a people face today is figuring out what route we should take when we "make it". Firstly, what is "making it"? Is it graduating from college? Is it getting a high paying job? Is it getting married and starting a family? "Making it" is one of those ambiguous terms that has a different application for each individual. It is similar to how a mathematician might solve the same math problem in multiple ways.
Anyhow, let's assume for the purpose of this blog that you take your own personal definition of "making it" and apply it to yourself. Now, what happens after you "make it"? What important decisions do you now have to make in your life that you would not have made before? In the last few days, I found out that there are many thoughts that you need to ponder because when you "make it" it is only natural that your mind "makes it" with you. What do I mean by that?
Throughout your personal struggle to get to where you want to be, there were friends and things you did that was acceptable at the time that may not be acceptable "to you" right now. It could be hanging out late at the club, smoking weed, mismanaging your money or associating yourself with friends who may or may not be on the level you are on. Level you are on? Hmmmmmmmm............... That is always a tough one for most of us. Why? The reason is because we all probably have a friend or friends who have had the exact same opportunity as us and they squandered it. When you get a chance to look up and somewhat examine some of your friends, it is inevitable that some of them will "get it" and some of them simply won't "get it". How do you deal with the ones who don't "get it"? Do you become their counselor and put them on the right path? If so, what age is it or when does the time come when you can't help them anymore and they have to do something for themselves?
We have all heard the phrase: You can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink.
So if you are faced with a decision about a friend where you either have to cut them off completely or cut them off to the point where you only deal with them on certain levels, what is the right decision?
I think there is no clear cut right decision but one thing is absolutely certain: YOU HAVE TO MAKE SOME SORT OF DECISION!!!!
You can't sit there and let things linger to the point where either your long time friend hates you or you hate your long time friend. The decision may isolate that friend or even piss them off but the things they are doing to affect you may have already isolated or pissed you off!!!!
It is very true that you have to judge people by their heart and not by what they have or where they are in their life because sometimes circumstances can really prohibit a person's ascension into success. However, if they are not EVEN TRYING to ascend, what do you do when a man or woman still acts like a child?
11When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.
Anyhow, let's assume for the purpose of this blog that you take your own personal definition of "making it" and apply it to yourself. Now, what happens after you "make it"? What important decisions do you now have to make in your life that you would not have made before? In the last few days, I found out that there are many thoughts that you need to ponder because when you "make it" it is only natural that your mind "makes it" with you. What do I mean by that?
Throughout your personal struggle to get to where you want to be, there were friends and things you did that was acceptable at the time that may not be acceptable "to you" right now. It could be hanging out late at the club, smoking weed, mismanaging your money or associating yourself with friends who may or may not be on the level you are on. Level you are on? Hmmmmmmmm............... That is always a tough one for most of us. Why? The reason is because we all probably have a friend or friends who have had the exact same opportunity as us and they squandered it. When you get a chance to look up and somewhat examine some of your friends, it is inevitable that some of them will "get it" and some of them simply won't "get it". How do you deal with the ones who don't "get it"? Do you become their counselor and put them on the right path? If so, what age is it or when does the time come when you can't help them anymore and they have to do something for themselves?
We have all heard the phrase: You can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink.
So if you are faced with a decision about a friend where you either have to cut them off completely or cut them off to the point where you only deal with them on certain levels, what is the right decision?
I think there is no clear cut right decision but one thing is absolutely certain: YOU HAVE TO MAKE SOME SORT OF DECISION!!!!
You can't sit there and let things linger to the point where either your long time friend hates you or you hate your long time friend. The decision may isolate that friend or even piss them off but the things they are doing to affect you may have already isolated or pissed you off!!!!
It is very true that you have to judge people by their heart and not by what they have or where they are in their life because sometimes circumstances can really prohibit a person's ascension into success. However, if they are not EVEN TRYING to ascend, what do you do when a man or woman still acts like a child?
11When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Mercy, Mercy, Me
One night, while working in my assigned area, I turned onto a main street and guns shots rang out. Believing my partner and I were under fire, I stopped in the middle of the street to determine the gun shots' origin and whether or not we needed to shoot back. Well after realizing we weren't the targets, I continued to scan the area for the origin of the shots, and observed a young, black male firing in the direction of several other young, black males who were standing at the nearby intersection (that we noticed while fleeing). I then drove closer to the gunman, exited my vehicle and announced myself as a police officer. He then turned to flee and pointed his weapon at me, which made me lag further behind the guy because I had to duck for cover. To make a long story short, we eventually caught the gunman, which turned out to be a 15-year-old kid. We recovered his weapon, which was a handgun with an extended magazine (32 rounds).
While fleeing from us, the kid injured himself. I had to take him to the hospital, which is where I found out he was wanted for attempted murder and also that he had been shot in the face before. As a police officer, I can't tell you what I was thinking when I found out what kind of character I was dealing with.
My mind was running, wondering when did society lose this kid? Secondly, why was he shooting at the guys at the intersection? The scary and unbelievable part is that there are a lot more black males with this kid's mentality. Where did we go wrong? Is it even possible to prevent this wreckless mentality? I guess the real question is, does anyone give a shit?
While fleeing from us, the kid injured himself. I had to take him to the hospital, which is where I found out he was wanted for attempted murder and also that he had been shot in the face before. As a police officer, I can't tell you what I was thinking when I found out what kind of character I was dealing with.
My mind was running, wondering when did society lose this kid? Secondly, why was he shooting at the guys at the intersection? The scary and unbelievable part is that there are a lot more black males with this kid's mentality. Where did we go wrong? Is it even possible to prevent this wreckless mentality? I guess the real question is, does anyone give a shit?
Friday, September 4, 2009
SUCCESS
A condition that many men and women strive for but don't quite know how to handle it when we finally achieve it. You might ask, how can success be a bad thing? Well, I'm not saying it's a bad thing because that's not the right word. I will say it is something that all professionals and successful individuals need to be very "CAUTIOUS" with. There are many different problems that come up on your road to becoming successful that foreshadow what's to come when you are finally there. The issues that will be included in this entry are personal knowledge and will be portrayed as such. Hopefully, some of you can relate.
I. Old Crowd
One really pressing issue is the crowd you are surrounded by. Most successful individuals gradually evolve and adopt a more sophisticated crowd as they grow into their success. That is easy to do when the original crowd is one of understanding. This means that they are not blind and can see where you are headed and are happy for you to move on into a circle of individuals that are right there with you. Let's be honest, this crowd may not truly exist. There are very seldom times where people are genuinely happy to see you succeed outside of your family and your closest friends. This is the first problem that needs to be navigated through. The majority of the crowd that you grew up with and did things with that were typically labeled as "bad" are probably still around and are still in a mindset that allows them to do anything they want because they don't have much to lose. You, on the other hand, now have a career, a profession, a host of employees or co-workers depending on you to be responsible at all times; on or off the clock. You also have the weight of all of your accomplishments on your shoulders; "He graduated from X University and he got into that mess, that is such a waste." Most successful individuals know that old crowd that wants them to be included in some ridiculous activity that years ago they would be completely up for and will surely result in a bad outcome. However, right now, you have to decline to be involved. Is there a price to pay for declining? The people in that crowd that will throw the fact that they grew up with you and you used to be "down" will more than likely call you all kinds of things similar to coward, sell out, weak, etc. You have to be very "CAUTIOUS" with your next move. At this point in your life, do these comments even matter to you anymore? They shouldn't...but they still hurt. These are your "boys!" ...NOT. Remember those who can not see you and what you stand for and always want the best for you aren't and never will be your real boys.
II. People Who Try to Take Advantage
The next problem you face is those that know you are now successful, including family, and know you are a fair and upstanding person and try to take advantage of that. This issue is one that is truly difficult to get through without some lingering guilt. I know some people have experience the cousin or uncle that only calls you when they are broke or their car has broken down and they have no where else to turn but to you. In a lot of cases, they need money. This is very shaky ground because you might have the money for them but this small creek could turn into a flood if you are too easy to loan them the money. The next time any little thing happens, they will call you FIRST before even trying to get the money on their own. It puts you in a bind emotionally, mentally and not to mention, financially. These are the people I grew up with or this is the man that used to take me to the park or zoo when I was a kid.... As hard as it is, you have to be "CAUTIOUS" at this point. Remember, you worked hard to get to where you are. You have stayed up all times of night studying and making the grade to be where you are now. You have your own household to look after now.. You have to say no. If they are your real family and really love you, they will understand. They will also realize that they were wrong to even put you in that position. They will also start to at least think twice before hitting the speed dial button on their phone to call you whenever something breaks that needs fixing. You worked hard for your success; it should not be abused by others with no intentions of giving back to you because in their minds, "you are successful and can just make more money or just buy more of that so why should they pay it back?" Stay away from these situations because you will have to see these people at Christmas time.
III. Finding a Mate
The last issue is finding a mate. When you are a successful person, finding a mate takes on a whole new meaning. Now you are not just a cute guy or girl at the bar; you are a cute doctor, lawyer, engineer, business owner at the bar. Be very "CAUTIOUS"when meeting new people as potential mates that are so so in the conversation until it comes up..."so what do you do again?" Then when the beans are spilled, you are suddenly a match made in heaven. Unfortunately, like P Diddy and Mase said, "the more money we come across the more problems we see." These are the mates you want to stay away from. It is hard for us to do that because you try not to judge people too quickly but why gamble with it at all? You have to find it in yourself even if the girl/guy is "HOT" to walk away. Just like the NFL, NBA, MLB, actors, actresses, etc. do every day of their lives, you too have to watch out for who's around you and who you are in contact with at all times because you can no longer think like you used to think. You are now a rare breed and you must treat yourself as such. "You are the party and they're just the guest list", courtesy of Timbaland.
So to all of my successful colleagues and friends...Be "CAUTIOUS" out there because it is true:
Haters never sleep and misery loves company.....
Til Next B
By: Broderick D. Moses
I. Old Crowd
One really pressing issue is the crowd you are surrounded by. Most successful individuals gradually evolve and adopt a more sophisticated crowd as they grow into their success. That is easy to do when the original crowd is one of understanding. This means that they are not blind and can see where you are headed and are happy for you to move on into a circle of individuals that are right there with you. Let's be honest, this crowd may not truly exist. There are very seldom times where people are genuinely happy to see you succeed outside of your family and your closest friends. This is the first problem that needs to be navigated through. The majority of the crowd that you grew up with and did things with that were typically labeled as "bad" are probably still around and are still in a mindset that allows them to do anything they want because they don't have much to lose. You, on the other hand, now have a career, a profession, a host of employees or co-workers depending on you to be responsible at all times; on or off the clock. You also have the weight of all of your accomplishments on your shoulders; "He graduated from X University and he got into that mess, that is such a waste." Most successful individuals know that old crowd that wants them to be included in some ridiculous activity that years ago they would be completely up for and will surely result in a bad outcome. However, right now, you have to decline to be involved. Is there a price to pay for declining? The people in that crowd that will throw the fact that they grew up with you and you used to be "down" will more than likely call you all kinds of things similar to coward, sell out, weak, etc. You have to be very "CAUTIOUS" with your next move. At this point in your life, do these comments even matter to you anymore? They shouldn't...but they still hurt. These are your "boys!" ...NOT. Remember those who can not see you and what you stand for and always want the best for you aren't and never will be your real boys.
II. People Who Try to Take Advantage
The next problem you face is those that know you are now successful, including family, and know you are a fair and upstanding person and try to take advantage of that. This issue is one that is truly difficult to get through without some lingering guilt. I know some people have experience the cousin or uncle that only calls you when they are broke or their car has broken down and they have no where else to turn but to you. In a lot of cases, they need money. This is very shaky ground because you might have the money for them but this small creek could turn into a flood if you are too easy to loan them the money. The next time any little thing happens, they will call you FIRST before even trying to get the money on their own. It puts you in a bind emotionally, mentally and not to mention, financially. These are the people I grew up with or this is the man that used to take me to the park or zoo when I was a kid.... As hard as it is, you have to be "CAUTIOUS" at this point. Remember, you worked hard to get to where you are. You have stayed up all times of night studying and making the grade to be where you are now. You have your own household to look after now.. You have to say no. If they are your real family and really love you, they will understand. They will also realize that they were wrong to even put you in that position. They will also start to at least think twice before hitting the speed dial button on their phone to call you whenever something breaks that needs fixing. You worked hard for your success; it should not be abused by others with no intentions of giving back to you because in their minds, "you are successful and can just make more money or just buy more of that so why should they pay it back?" Stay away from these situations because you will have to see these people at Christmas time.
III. Finding a Mate
The last issue is finding a mate. When you are a successful person, finding a mate takes on a whole new meaning. Now you are not just a cute guy or girl at the bar; you are a cute doctor, lawyer, engineer, business owner at the bar. Be very "CAUTIOUS"when meeting new people as potential mates that are so so in the conversation until it comes up..."so what do you do again?" Then when the beans are spilled, you are suddenly a match made in heaven. Unfortunately, like P Diddy and Mase said, "the more money we come across the more problems we see." These are the mates you want to stay away from. It is hard for us to do that because you try not to judge people too quickly but why gamble with it at all? You have to find it in yourself even if the girl/guy is "HOT" to walk away. Just like the NFL, NBA, MLB, actors, actresses, etc. do every day of their lives, you too have to watch out for who's around you and who you are in contact with at all times because you can no longer think like you used to think. You are now a rare breed and you must treat yourself as such. "You are the party and they're just the guest list", courtesy of Timbaland.
So to all of my successful colleagues and friends...Be "CAUTIOUS" out there because it is true:
Haters never sleep and misery loves company.....
Til Next B
By: Broderick D. Moses
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
THE GRAY AREA PART II-WHEN DO YOU KNOW?
When do YOU know? Is it the feeling you get when the clouds are dark and the wind is at a standstill waiting for something to happen? Is it the feeling you get when you have 5 of the lottery numbers and you don’t have to wait on the 6th because you…? Is it the same feeling people get when they have nailed an interview or when the pregnancy test comes back with a “+”? Yeah…you know, right?
Or is the glass half full and you hold out because you know there’s a chance…slim…but you play against the odds…that something can change that euphoric feeling you have. You know.
Some say women know when they first meet a guy. Maybe, it’s that moment when he holds his own at the table full of friends. I know. I know when I get in front of the mirror and “line” my hair and make it extra fresh for the first date…I know. I know when she laughs at my jokes and vibes with me to the point where I forget I just met her.
But when do you know? Is there a template for knowing? Is there a time limit for knowing? When does the knowing become knew and you start anew? You start a new relationship where your thoughts and energy are in line like ducks crossing the street. We know. But, sometimes we are fooled into knowing the wrong thing. She’s too tall. He’s not fit. She’s too thick or he’s not an athlete. She said, he said. We “know” people like that. We are those people.
Let’s not confuse knowing with “No–ing”. Let’s not trick our minds into thinking there’s more time or more to be desired. When there’s a possibility of something great being in front of you…embrace it. True, it may not be what you’re used to…but it may offer you something USE-ful. It may offer love. It may offer an experience you need to encounter to prepare you for what’s ahead. I don’t think everyone meets for a reason. People come and go like days of the week. But when you meet someone and for whatever reason you set a time and a place…you meet…have fun…chemistry is present…that’s when you know.
You know that you want to see them again. Nothing more nothing less. The feeling must be mutual. You know. When you question yourself or the friendship, that doesn’t mean it’s a “no”. That just means there is more to get to know. Give Love a chance. Give yourself a chance to love. I will. I know it.
Part III coming soon….........
Or is the glass half full and you hold out because you know there’s a chance…slim…but you play against the odds…that something can change that euphoric feeling you have. You know.
Some say women know when they first meet a guy. Maybe, it’s that moment when he holds his own at the table full of friends. I know. I know when I get in front of the mirror and “line” my hair and make it extra fresh for the first date…I know. I know when she laughs at my jokes and vibes with me to the point where I forget I just met her.
But when do you know? Is there a template for knowing? Is there a time limit for knowing? When does the knowing become knew and you start anew? You start a new relationship where your thoughts and energy are in line like ducks crossing the street. We know. But, sometimes we are fooled into knowing the wrong thing. She’s too tall. He’s not fit. She’s too thick or he’s not an athlete. She said, he said. We “know” people like that. We are those people.
Let’s not confuse knowing with “No–ing”. Let’s not trick our minds into thinking there’s more time or more to be desired. When there’s a possibility of something great being in front of you…embrace it. True, it may not be what you’re used to…but it may offer you something USE-ful. It may offer love. It may offer an experience you need to encounter to prepare you for what’s ahead. I don’t think everyone meets for a reason. People come and go like days of the week. But when you meet someone and for whatever reason you set a time and a place…you meet…have fun…chemistry is present…that’s when you know.
You know that you want to see them again. Nothing more nothing less. The feeling must be mutual. You know. When you question yourself or the friendship, that doesn’t mean it’s a “no”. That just means there is more to get to know. Give Love a chance. Give yourself a chance to love. I will. I know it.
Part III coming soon….........
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