Reach for your dreams ... Revisited!!!

I first wrote this on 07/09/11. I was sitting in church on Sunday 11/23/14, and this writing entered my mind to revisit. So, here it is again. There is always a reason why things are done. I hope you enjoy this reading!

"Some of this writing ... I have endured" {Personally}

The reason I chose this picture is because I wanted you to see that dreams can be accomplished, if we would but reach high and dig deep, with a mind that is as determined as a hungry Lion seeking his prey. And, and unwavering trust in Almighty GOD!

I've learned in life that when, it comes to having aspirations and setting goals, disappointment will occur, but the race is not given to the swift nor to the strong, but to the one who endures until the end.

When I view the picture above I think of Medgar Evers and Martin Luther King and so many individuals who fought for and gave their lives for equality. To be treated as human being and not like animals and slaves.

The Bible makes it clear that the poor will always be among us, but God never intended for wealthy men to treat those who are less fortunate as slaves. We all serve someone. We are all servants to someone in this life, but not to the point of being De-humanized by another human being.

The picture above represents two scenarios. But first, lets us see just how far America has come.  How?

A young white girl, wearing on her shirt, the picture of a black man, whom she wishes to become President of these United States of America.

For so long racism has separated mankind. Where black men and women had to say "yassa  massa" (Yes Master) to these slave owners.

Where blacks picked cotton, cropped tobacco, chunked water melons, picked peaches, cleaned houses, ate the left-over food eaten and left on the plate of mass (Master) and his family.

Black men had to endure massa (Master) coming into their shacks desiring to be with their wife and daughters. Realizing there was nothing they could do about it.

Where they had to endure watching theirs wife and daughters being Impregnated by slave owners and then having to endure them nursing (Masters) children.

And the wives and daughters of these black men having to endure shame and embarrassment  to their husbands and and the daughters shame and embarrassment having to face to their fathers for having babies by these slave owners.

Yes, we as a people have endured an awful lot through the years. Yet God strengthened our ancestors and because of their strength we have survived, by the Help and Grace of God!!!

In life, the highlights we experience teaches us what is possible.

The hard times reinforces the consequences of not being true to our character, of not living up to our own expectations.

I believe we all have a responsibility  to each other. A responsibility to create more than we consume; A responsibility to build things that will out last us; A responsibility to find our own limits and push through them to accomplish even more.

Even when life challenges weigh us down, make us unrecognizable even to ourselves, we can always began again.

There is always time to thrive, As long as we have life, it is not to late to be inspired, It is no to late to change.

We are here to do good quietly; To shine in secret. To give when no one pats us on our backs or praises us.

To give of ourselves to someone, when they can offer nothing in return.

Yes ... There is no match for the Human Spirit!!!

So, reach for your dream ... Why? Because, if  Medgar Evers did not have a dream, if Martin Luther King did not have a dream, and the hosts of others not mentioned did not have a dream and reach so high that it cost them their lives, then the change with the young white girl wearing the T-shirt, with the picture of a black man- in the above picture, may not ever have occurred.

And The First Black President may still have been our hope. But today....this Great day!

• Slaves are now freed

• Blacks and Whites are now eating from the same table

• Ours schools are now integrated

• The First Black President is in Office  for A second term.... Where would he be without a dream, hope and without Change!!!

Dare to dream .. Dare to reach for your dream . . . Dare to believe in yourself and in God!!!

Lastly, to dream is good, but to reach and touch your dream is GREATER!!!

Also understand this, hope is a desire accompanied by expectation. Therefore, hope big,  desire strong and maintain high expectations.

These are my thoughts .... I welcome yours!!!

...    "YES WE CAN"  ...

~These are my thoughts ... I welcome yours~

~Inside my mind~

When I was young, I believed that I could do anything. I believed in super heroes. My imagination was very strong. I could sit alone for hours and let my mind run free. My only responsibility was to me. And, what I could not acquire via imagination, I looked to my parents to make come true.

As children our imagination is stronger than actual knowledge. Myths were more potent than history. Dreams were more powerful than facts. Hope was always victorious over experience. Because as children we really did not have many experiences.  As children we laughed. And although we didn't know it, but laughter was the only cure for grief. You see, children are dreamers.

As a child I remember making a statement and my aunt Lila Mae heard it. I said " I will be so glad when I grow up." And my aunt said, "boy these are the best years of your life. Be a child as long as you can." Her statement was true in part based on my discovery.

I realize even as an adult I can still dream. I can still imagine. I can still hide myself in hope, in myths, and in laughter. All, while still dealing with reality.

We all must grow up. But that doesn't mean that we cannot be kids at some point in our hearts and minds.

I've lived long enough now to acknowledge that times, situations, relationships, and things overall changes. The question is, can you and I except change. (I'm smiling) as I allow my mind to roam.

So, now that you've reached adulthood have your imagination, Myths, dreams, hopes and laughter changed? If so why? Is it because you feel old, times have past you by, it's too late, you've missed your opportunity? (WHATEVER)!!! ... Hold On To Your Dreams.

Look, it's okay to listen to the don'ts, wont's, shouldn'ts, can'ts, too olds. And yes, I know this is broken english. But just listen for a moment ... Anything can happen, anything can be. And, as long as you are alive, think positive. Dare to dream and reach to make those dreams reality. Dare to imaging and see it come true. Dare to hope and see yourself triumph. Dare to laugh, for it will cure any grief. Nothing is as bad as it seems. NOTHING!!!

Even in death:
As a child I dealt with death differently. I thought that death was the end. (Smiling in thoughts)... However, as an adult I now know and  believe that love is much stronger than death! For in and through love a deceased love one lives in memory forever!

Now you have it: Childhood and Adulthood have advantages!

So, Imaging, Enjoy your Myths, Dreams, Hopes and Laughter...

As a very dear and close friend writes ... Live Like you were Dying!!!

Don't grow old in your mind. Don't grow old in your body. Don't grow old in your dress. ( But dress appropriately) LoL.

~These are my thoughts ... I welcome yours~

~You have a choice~

Sometimes we all feel not cared for. And when that happens it can either make us sad, or it can frustrate us. But I would like to share something with you, if you don't mind.

It's easy to feel not cared for when people aren't able to communicate and connect with you in the way you may need. And it can be so hard not to internalize that silence as a reflection on your worth.

But the truth is, the way people operate is not about you. Most people are so caught up in their own responsibilities, struggles, and anxiety that the thought of asking someone else how they are doing doesn't even crossed their mind. They are not inherently bad or uncaring -they are just busy and self-focused. And that's okay. It's not evidence of some fundamental failing on your part.

It doesn't make you unlovable or invisible. it just mean that those people aren't very good at looking beyond their own world. But the fact that you are, and  despite the darkness you feel, you have the ability to share your love and light with others is a strength. your work isn't to change who you are, it is to find people who are able to give you the connection you need. Because despite what you feel, you are not too much. You are not too sensitive or too needy. You are thoughtful and empathetic. You are compassionate and kind. And with or without anyone's acknowledgement or affection, you are enough.

Moving forward. Sometimes when we are overwhelmed with emotions we tend to become isolated, impatient, irritable, anti-sociable.  

The great news is, God knows everything about you. Both good and bad, and He still loves you unconditionally.

Remember you have choices:

• You choose to give away your love.
• You choose to have a broken heart.
• You choose to give up.
• You choose to hang on.
• You choose to react.
• You choose to feel insecure.
• You choose to feel anger.
• You choose to fight back.
• You choose to have or not have hope.

Lastly: "The only disability in life is a bad attitude."

~I hope this makes sense to you~

~These are my thoughts ... I welcome yours~

~The Truth About You~

If you are totally honest with yourself and take a good look at what's going on in your life, you'll discover what is actually unfolding. Therefore it stands to reason that if we attempt  and are successful in changing the outer effect of who we are but don't change the inner causation, we only create the same experience again.

The process of self-evaluation is a very good path to finding ourselves. If you're unhappy, realize that all unhappiness is caused by comparison. Did you hear that? All unhappiness is caused by comparison. We only feel unhappy when we compare what we have now to something else, compare ourselves to other people and what they have, perhaps when we were younger or healthier, or when we were with a certain person.

Where there is no comparison, unhappiness is impossible. Happiness exists when the mind is not removed from itself, when it remains in the present time zone, and when it declines to contrast itself with other times and conditions.

Imagine a sad, or unhappiness person sitting at home saying "I want to change my life," This person redecorates their home, then finds his or herself just as unhappy as before. So, they decorate several more times, and still feels no change in themselves.

Some people believe that they can change their level of happiness by changing their exterior scenery.What a mistake? Where and how can they correct themselves? If you have the answer to these question, then you have a powerful tool for personal growth.

So the truth about you is that you're not what you have and you're not what you do. You are spiritually whole, complete and perfect, and your success in life will be direct proportion to your ability to except this truth about yourself. I hope this makes sense.


Please note: This doesn't mean redecoration is not in order.

These are my thoughts ... I welcome yours!

~His ways are different~

All things work together for your good.  When tragedies happen it is difficult to see how they could. The struggles that breaks our hearts in two often times blinds you from  this truth.

God knows what’s best for you always. And, His ways are definitely not like yours. Your way can get very dim. And during those times you honestly can’t see Him because you've allowed the hurt and pain to prevent you from doing so. But one thing you should always remember; You are never alone.

Why? Because the God you serve is too wise to make mistake. He is too good and too good to us to be unkind. So, when you don’t understand, and when you can’t see God’s plan, when you can’t see any traces of His in your situation; just trust The Mind and Heart of God.

You see, God has already prepared the master plan for your life, and over every situation that occurs in your life. 

Amazingly, He holds your future in His Hand. So don’t live as if you don't have hope. Your hope, your future, your circumstances, whether they are good or bad to you, God is still in control and what He has in store for you is found solely in Him. He has the master so learn to trust Him.

It's when you rely and trust solely in Him that you see a clear and bright present and future. He sees your beginning, your middles and your end. Like a tapestry, God is weaving every facet of your life. Keep in mind, God knew you before you where ever conceived in your mother's womb. He knows the path He has in store just for you.

So praise Him regardless of tragedies, hurt and pain that has creeped into your path of life. God is and forever shall be in control.

All things work together for your good. So Live as if you were dying. Live good, clean and be joyful that you are still here.

These are my thoughts ... I welcome yours!

~His Secret Pain~ His hidden battles...

June 30, 1966 - August 4, 2014

There is so much I wish to say about my cousin. But, I honestly don't quite know where to start.  Each of us has a beginning and an ending. And, I believe that God has planned our destiny. However, many of us choose to walk a path opposite of what God has preordained. And, many times we choose paths that are a detriment to ourselves, our family and to those who associate with us.

The bible states in Proverb 14:12 "There is a way that seems right to a man, but the end there of is the way of death. This could mean physical death and or Spiritual death".

So, as you read this, ask God to open your hearts, to allow His Holy Spirit to indwell you to the point of you acknowledging where you are and where you need to be.

Please note: This article is about my cousin Timothy Tyrone Edwards...

Timothy "Hard Time" Edwards was the name his friends and some family members called him. But he was born, Timothy Tyrone Edwards, June 30, 1966 to Gloria "Huno" McLendon- Edwards and the late Enoch Edwards Jr my beloved uncle.

 I knew Timothy's name. I knew he was my first cousin. We would talk, but only in a passive way. We never held a deep conversation. However, I really didn't know him as I should have.

 You see Tim's older brother, my cousin Steve and I were much closer. More like brothers. Therefore, I spent more time visiting and talking to Steve than anyone else in the family. And, I still do.

 But this writing is strictly about Timothy. His struggles, hurts and hidden pain, that was really never discussed openly by him.

I learned of his struggles, hurts, and hidden pain only after his death. That being said, so often we pass judgement on people, based upon what we see and hear. Not what we actually know or understand. 

The name Timothy means "God's Honor; God fearing". When I see the meaning of the name of Timothy, I know God's plan was put in place at Timothy's birth.  Yet, somehow God's plan and direction for my cousin's life hit a conflict. But God is still Sovereign. His grace is still sufficient. It is up to us to accept all that God has to offer.

My cousin Timothy had a great personality. Great demeanor, very respectful, and one of the most humbled persons I have ever known. Even, when he was intoxicated. He was always polite when I saw him, and I have never heard a curse word come from his lips, even during his intoxicated episodes.

Timothy posessed all the attributes of a Godly man, based on his temperament and his attitude. But, he also had a weakness. A weakness that many men and women have, Alcohol. And when you combine Alcohol with secret pain and no sense of direction, destruction will soon follow.

You see, I believe that Timothy had a secret pain that led him to find comfort in alcohol. However, God states in 1st Corinthians chapter 10:13 that though we fall into temptation, which is a decision that we make, God has supplied us with power to overcome. (Please read it). There is no temptation alive that can overtake us, unless we give in to it. Timothy gave in to it.

Alcohol is a crutch to many, and a curse to most!

My cousin Timothy was intelligent, smart, loving, caring, forgiving, friendly, kind. But he was a enslaved to alcohol.

To bring you up to date, Timothy lost his wife to a drunk driver a few years prior to his death. I believe he never overcame this tragedy. Thus, the bottle became his open companion, while his secret pain continued to haunt and tormented him within, on a daily basis. You see, letting go isn't always easy when you truly love someone. And, when you are staring at a pillow where the person you love once laid their head. And now she's gone, because of a drunk driver.

I believe Timothy hoped  a thousand times for the return of his wife. I feel certain that the pain was intentionally overshadowed by his continual drinking. But, he had a heart, an intelligent mind, that somehow seemed to be overtaken by alcohol.

This is what I know to be true:
 I understand that to live is to be free, and not in bondage ... that to have true friends is a necessity ... that sometimes we must fight just to stay alive ... that to be happy, you just need to want ... I've learn that time heals ... that a grudge disappears with time ... that disappointment  does not kill ... that today is a reflection of yesterday. I understand that we can cry without shedding tears ... that true friends remain ... that pain can strengthen who you are.

I'm sure that Timothy dreamed of seeing his wife again.  Based on that, I've learned dreams don't have to be fantasies, because dreams can become reality ... that to smile you have to make someone smile ... that beauty is not what we see, but what we feel ... that there is value in the strength of achievement ... I realize that words have power, and sense words have power, I refused to call Timothy "Hard Time", because it was such a negative and degrading name to be called, after his mother, my Aunt Gloria gave him the name Timothy, which was ordained by God,  that means "God's Honor; God fearing". What a contrast!

I believe to accomplish is better than to talk ... that the look does not lie ... and my cousin had the look of being enslaved to alcohol.  I believe that living is learning from mistakes. And, we all can learn from the death of my cousin.

I've learned that everything depends on the will ... that the best is to be ourselves, and the person that God has ordained us to be.  That the secret of life is to live according to the will of God!

Sadly, I didn't understand Tim's reasons, or his pain, until after his death.

To those of us who are still alive, the word of God makes it very plain. And here it is: The eyes of the Lord runs to and fro, throughout the whole earth, beholding the evil and the good. There is nothing hidden from the eyes of God.

Remember, life is short, death is evident, so choose life and live it right!

Listen, with God there is nothing we can't do. We are over-comers. If you want to know how, just ask me!

...I love you (MY dear cousin)Timothy Tyrone Edwards ... Rest in Peace...

The sad thing is, I never told Timothy that I loved him. So please, remember to tell those whom you love, that you love them on a daily basis... Make it a point to do so! And, even more important, show it as well!

~These are my thoughts ... I welcome yours~

~SandStorms of Life~

 Life consists of many crisis'.  And, sometimes these crisis' appear suddenly and out of nowhere.

As long as we live we will have problems. But I honestly believe our attitude can many times determine the severity of the outcome.

As we strive to live a good and decent life, we must realize that life's troubles are lurking in the wings. Therefore, in this writing, I hope to stress the importance of perseverance, determination, endurance, and trust. All of these elements are a necessity.

A few weeks ago I was in a Starbucks, which is one of my favorite hangouts. I was talking to a guy who was in Saudi Arabia. He was telling me how the sandstorms would appear out of nowhere. He said it seemed as though wherever he tried to run, it was as though the sandstorm would follow him.

As he was talking, I was listening. In the wee hours of the morning, about three weeks after our conversation, I began to reminisce on what he had said. As a matter of fact, lately I have been reminiscing on several places I've been. Why, I honestly don't know. But I can see each place I've been so vividly. Nonetheless, this conversation stood out in my mind.

Based on that conversation, I have determined that sometimes problems in life can be like a sandstorm that keeps changing directions. You fix one problem over here, and another problem pops up over there.

You try to change directions in the way you do things to avoid the trouble, but the sandstorms of life seems to chase you. You turn again in another direction, but the sandstorm of life adjusts itself to where you are. You ask yourself, why? Why me? But why not you?


Over and over you play this out in your mind, it's like a dance with life or death in the wee hours of the morning. A decision has to be made. Time is of essence. This storm isn't something that blew in from a far distance, something that has nothing to do with you. This storm is you. Something inside of you. And, at this point, all you can do is give in to it, step right inside the storm, closing your eyes and plugging up your ears so that sand cannot get in, and walk through it, step by step. Keeping in mind, that there is a lesson here to be learned.

Yes, I know, sometimes we can be our biggest enemy by running away and complaining. And, sometimes the pressures within can be so heavy, until you worry, and cease to trust.

Everything around you look dark black. There is no Sun, no Moon, no Direction, no Sense of time. Just the white sands of problems swirling around inside your heart and paralyzing your mind. When these problems arise, make no mistake about it; these sandstorms of life can cut deeply. And even make your heart bleed tears of blood. Make you lose sleep, even cause a lose inn your appetite.

The amazing thing about these particular Sandstorms that appear in your life, is that they are really about you. Regardless of the circumstances, they are about you. And these are the questions:

Will I:

• Persevere?

Do I have:

• Determination and Endurance to make it through?

Do I truly:

• Trust God?

Now once the storm is over you won't remember how you made it through, how you manage to survive. You won't even be sure , in fact, whether the storm is really over. But one thing is for certain. When you come out of the storm, you won't be the same person who walked in. That's what this storm is all about. The strengthening, and preparing you, for the next phase of your life.


When these storms arises, it is designed to make you a much stronger, determined, persevering, and better you.

~These are my thoughts ... I welcome yours~