On February 14, every year Americans and people of the Nation and the World celebrate Valentine's Day. The occassion is to celebrate a long time tradition embodied with the proclivities to explore "love" in all of its beauty, splendor, style, grace, majesty and ideals . Many of us give little thought of how it all began or of its origin,traditions and customs. Well, according to the historic context there are some connections to "Venus-The Goddess of Love". And the origin had it roots in the Roman Empire in ancient times. An event known as the "Lupercain Festival" was usually put on to honor the "God of Fertility'. During the celebration or in the midst of the Lupercain Festival, young men would get to choose their mate with the intent to eventual matrimony. Claudius the Emperor did not take kindly to the idea of marriage, He would rather see young men trained for battle and war. So he abolished the festive occassion where they would choose a mate. The young couples complained to Bishop Valentine at the Roman Catholic Church. But there was little he could do about the emperor's decree to abolish the celebation to choose a mate. But when the couples continued to find mates in other ways. The Bishop agreed to still marry them-but it was done in secrecy.
When Claudius The Emperor found out about what Bshop Valentine was doing. He had him arrested and schedule him to be executed. While in jail waiting for his execution-the Bishop began to exchange letters and notes with the jailer's daughter. Because of the constant contact through communications-he fell in love with the jailer's daughter. On the day before Bishop Valentine's was beheaded he wrote a last note to the jailer's daughter and signed it "From Your Valentine". This situation precipitated a plethora of Valentine's Day symbols, of gifts, cards, and poems being exchanged. The news of Bishop Valentine's situation spread far and wide, and the name Valentine became synonymous with "Love" and Poetic Expression. In conclusion, I offer this poetic expression to all Yee Noble one. "A Salute to Women of Color"
"Only the action of the just; smell the sweet blossom in the dust; none knew her but to love her; none named her but to give accolades and edify her; O Woman! great is thy fathfulness; be it resolve unto thee; even as you maturate into full bloom and potential; with style, elegance and grace, pristine persona and peaceful countenance...you are both adorned and adored. Within the statue of your beauty, your strength, and empowerment; you've nurtured us all; even the others quietly admire and enjoy the unsung attributes you bring. You are a diamond-in-the-rough, comes from the best of the clay for the day. You are the cream-of-the-crop that rises to the top! And as the song is sang, you are the growth of the plant-of-freedom; upward sprung"-Happy Valentine's Day, Oh Noble Women
Steve Braxton, Consultant, life coach, minster, congributing writer and featured blogger via Google Buzz and www.yourblackbloggers.net
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Broken People-Who Mask True Inner Feelings (Broken-ness)
It is becoming clearer each day that we as a people often mask (hide) our feeelings. We are not honest and open about the "broken-ness" that lurks deep inside of us. It's not good to be in denial or bury stuff deep in the inner recesses of our soul. It will manifest itself in ways that will be a surprise to you and surely shall be a shock or held in dis-belief by family, friends and/or the public in general. In the book, The Road That Is Difficult To Travel by Steve Braxton, it is expounded upon in describing 'precipitating events' which is later manifesation into one's life.and the term is also defined in the glossary and pronunication key.
A few recent situations come to mind when reflecting on masking and/or hiding feelings, Michael Scott, President of the Board for Chicago Public Schools and top aide and advisor to former Chicago Mayor Richard Daley, Dave Duerson, NFL Super Bowl Champion, a player on the Chicago Bears football team and a member of the board of directors, University of Notre Dame, and just a few days ago, Don Corneilous, founder & creator of the nationallly syndicated TV Show, "Soul Train." It was announced that all three death were considered apparent sucicides. Of course, upon hearing about these tragedic incidents the feelngs and emotions were very sorrowful and painful. And also caused everybody to be in a state of shock and dis-belief.
There are some benefits to being honest and open about one's broken-ness. Case and point scenario, the population that exit in the U.S. the Nation and the World are, in fact, a gathering of People-in-Community. And as such; can provide a outpouring of encouragement, support, concern, prayer, and meditation that can go a long way toward making a positive difference in the live of another person who have a felt-need to be met.
In the book of Jereimah 18 chapter, it speaks of the pot is marred as it was being shaped-but the potter took it, re-shaped it and formed it another way. God being the potter-and we being the pot.
Broken-ness can manifest itself in a myriad of ways. The first use of the expresssion of broke, immedately cause you to focus on finances-meanng having no money-just a little humor. However, other types of broken-ness can be physicial, romantically linked or a relationship betrayal, and also in the spirit.
All can lead to broken hearted-ness.
Whatever way broken-ness appears in your live-there should be a conscious effort of being honest and open about it. This approach can bring the benefits of soothing the sorrow, pain, hurt and unexpected downturns, by creating the opportunity for the outcome of the situation to be turned into joy .
The good news is, upon acknowledging your plight it will serve as a luminuous light that when embraced; can enhance the process of healing through encouragement, inspiration, and edification, from the gathering of the People-in-Commuinty.
Steve Braxton, Contriuting writer, Consultant, Life/executive coach/mentor, & Ordained minister
A few recent situations come to mind when reflecting on masking and/or hiding feelings, Michael Scott, President of the Board for Chicago Public Schools and top aide and advisor to former Chicago Mayor Richard Daley, Dave Duerson, NFL Super Bowl Champion, a player on the Chicago Bears football team and a member of the board of directors, University of Notre Dame, and just a few days ago, Don Corneilous, founder & creator of the nationallly syndicated TV Show, "Soul Train." It was announced that all three death were considered apparent sucicides. Of course, upon hearing about these tragedic incidents the feelngs and emotions were very sorrowful and painful. And also caused everybody to be in a state of shock and dis-belief.
There are some benefits to being honest and open about one's broken-ness. Case and point scenario, the population that exit in the U.S. the Nation and the World are, in fact, a gathering of People-in-Community. And as such; can provide a outpouring of encouragement, support, concern, prayer, and meditation that can go a long way toward making a positive difference in the live of another person who have a felt-need to be met.
In the book of Jereimah 18 chapter, it speaks of the pot is marred as it was being shaped-but the potter took it, re-shaped it and formed it another way. God being the potter-and we being the pot.
Broken-ness can manifest itself in a myriad of ways. The first use of the expresssion of broke, immedately cause you to focus on finances-meanng having no money-just a little humor. However, other types of broken-ness can be physicial, romantically linked or a relationship betrayal, and also in the spirit.
All can lead to broken hearted-ness.
Whatever way broken-ness appears in your live-there should be a conscious effort of being honest and open about it. This approach can bring the benefits of soothing the sorrow, pain, hurt and unexpected downturns, by creating the opportunity for the outcome of the situation to be turned into joy .
The good news is, upon acknowledging your plight it will serve as a luminuous light that when embraced; can enhance the process of healing through encouragement, inspiration, and edification, from the gathering of the People-in-Commuinty.
Steve Braxton, Contriuting writer, Consultant, Life/executive coach/mentor, & Ordained minister
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Creole Trilogy of Utterances
When you cheat on your "FEARS"
This will allowed you to be broken from your "DOUBTS:
Then you can have the freedom to become engaged to; and embrace "FAITH"
This shall open the door to confirm and/or cement the date for "MARRYING"
Results/Outcome: creating the opportunity for "Dreams" to become "REALITY"
Put in another context>
Summation: Fears>Doubts=thus Creates,"FAITH", which lends itself to making 'Dreams' a "REALITY"
Be Careful of the "WORDS" we use^
The tongue can be a dangerous weapon such as one that cuts like a two edge sword.
It can be a tool that is very useful-productive or it can be somewhat destructive
Let's eer on the side of "edification" and encouragment
Use words that will:
>help dreams become a reality
>give hope
>cause renewal of dreams...
>develop-bolster -enhance & augment aspirations
>create a place of 'trust' where the utterance of 'safe" is a must
Feel His Presence:
When you do the appropriate thing
Then you will know and feel his 'presence'
It's a must to 'pactice his presence' at all times
Which will have a manifestation of affirming that no matter what happens...
You and God together can handle whatever it is that gets in the way...Amen...
This will allowed you to be broken from your "DOUBTS:
Then you can have the freedom to become engaged to; and embrace "FAITH"
This shall open the door to confirm and/or cement the date for "MARRYING"
Results/Outcome: creating the opportunity for "Dreams" to become "REALITY"
Put in another context>
Summation: Fears>Doubts=thus Creates,"FAITH", which lends itself to making 'Dreams' a "REALITY"
Be Careful of the "WORDS" we use^
The tongue can be a dangerous weapon such as one that cuts like a two edge sword.
It can be a tool that is very useful-productive or it can be somewhat destructive
Let's eer on the side of "edification" and encouragment
Use words that will:
>help dreams become a reality
>give hope
>cause renewal of dreams...
>develop-bolster -enhance & augment aspirations
>create a place of 'trust' where the utterance of 'safe" is a must
Feel His Presence:
When you do the appropriate thing
Then you will know and feel his 'presence'
It's a must to 'pactice his presence' at all times
Which will have a manifestation of affirming that no matter what happens...
You and God together can handle whatever it is that gets in the way...Amen...
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
On-Point Insights: The 7 principles of KWANZAA 12/26 to 01/1/2012
On-Point Insights: The 7 principles of KWANZAA 12/26 to 01/1/2012: Principle# 1, Dec 26, 2011-UMOJA, is Unity, to strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation, and race. Principle#2, Dec ...
The 7 principles of KWANZAA 12/26 to 01/1/2012
Principle# 1, Dec 26, 2011-UMOJA, is Unity, to strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation, and race.
Principle#2, Dec 27, 2011-Kujichagulia is self determination, to define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves....etc, etc...
Principle#3, Dec 28, 2011-Ujima is collective responsibility, build and manain our community together and make our brothers & sisters problems-our problems and solve them together
Principle#4,Dec 29, 2011-Ujamaa is cooperative economics, to build and maintain our own stores, shops, and others busuneses and to profit from them
Principle#5, Dec 30, 2011-NIA is Purpose, to make as our collective vocation the building and developing of our community, in order to, restore the people to their traditional greatness
Principle#6, Dec 31, 2011-KUUMBA is creativity, to do always as much, as much as we can, in the way that we can, in order to, leave the community more beautiful than when it was iherited.
Principle#7, Jan 1, 2012-IMANI is "Faith", to believe with all our hearts, in our parents, our teachers, our leaders, our people and the righteousness and victory of our struggle
The colors of KWANZAA are Black, Red and Green
Black represents the color of African American. Red stands for the struggle of the people and Green represents the hills of Africa and hope
I bid you Kwanzaa Yenu iwe
Na Heri!
(Kwanhn-Zah Yeh-noo EE-weh-NAH Hey-REE)
HAPPY KWANZAA TO ALL
Principle#2, Dec 27, 2011-Kujichagulia is self determination, to define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves....etc, etc...
Principle#3, Dec 28, 2011-Ujima is collective responsibility, build and manain our community together and make our brothers & sisters problems-our problems and solve them together
Principle#4,Dec 29, 2011-Ujamaa is cooperative economics, to build and maintain our own stores, shops, and others busuneses and to profit from them
Principle#5, Dec 30, 2011-NIA is Purpose, to make as our collective vocation the building and developing of our community, in order to, restore the people to their traditional greatness
Principle#6, Dec 31, 2011-KUUMBA is creativity, to do always as much, as much as we can, in the way that we can, in order to, leave the community more beautiful than when it was iherited.
Principle#7, Jan 1, 2012-IMANI is "Faith", to believe with all our hearts, in our parents, our teachers, our leaders, our people and the righteousness and victory of our struggle
The colors of KWANZAA are Black, Red and Green
Black represents the color of African American. Red stands for the struggle of the people and Green represents the hills of Africa and hope
I bid you Kwanzaa Yenu iwe
Na Heri!
(Kwanhn-Zah Yeh-noo EE-weh-NAH Hey-REE)
HAPPY KWANZAA TO ALL
Sunday, December 18, 2011
On-Point Insights: 75th Birthday Gala-Johnnie's-Trip to Paradise
On-Point Insights: 75th Birthday Gala-Johnnie's-Trip to Paradise: Friends, family, and fellow board members of LCDC gathered at "Chateau Bu-sche' to celebrate the birthday of Ms Johnnie Sun 12/18/11-who rea...
75th Birthday Gala-Johnnie's-Trip to Paradise
Friends, family, and fellow board members of LCDC gathered at "Chateau Bu-sche' to celebrate the birthday of Ms Johnnie Sun 12/18/11-who reached the ripe age of 75 years young. It was indeed, a "Gala Affair". Johnnie's theme was appropriately titled: "A Trip To Paradise", and it was nothing less. Those of us in attendance sip, feast,taste, and some had the pleasure to boast and proclaim of knowing Johnnie on a more deeper level. The friends who took to the podium to edify Johnnie were many, and had the dubious distinction to select from an array of complimentary words to laud, appluad, and heap accolades upon her. Such words as 'faithful', 'honesty', 'courageous', to name a few, were interpolated and some even ventured in the genre of the process of 'exegesis' as demonstrated by a close friend in the person of Rev Charlene Porter. Other noteabe presence and sightings of VIP's were Kim Jackson, Pastor Phil, Pat Herrod, Former Cook County Commissioner Bobbie Steele, Mr & Mrs Little, Pastor Saffore and his wife and, of course, yours truly-was in the crowd too. when Johnnie stood and strolled to the podiom she began with the pronouncement and utterance of what she was 'Thankful' for. The words that fell from her lips and rang out clearly and distinctly were; "I am..Because; you are, that make me forever thankful. In the middle of her speech, she used these words: "I dream big dreams, and-through the many accompolishments-I am still amazed at the awesome God we serve". In her concluding comments, I was also struct by these profound words: "You are, Because I was, and God still is...What a great evening to spend with such an honorable person as Johnnie., we are all blessed and better people because our path has crossed the path of the Journey where Johnnie has trod...amen...
Reverend Steve Braxton
Board Member, Lawndale Christian Development Center (LCDC)
Also Author: "The Road That Is Difficult To Travel" Impending Books: "The Road Gets Better" and "Creole Soup"
Reverend Steve Braxton
Board Member, Lawndale Christian Development Center (LCDC)
Also Author: "The Road That Is Difficult To Travel" Impending Books: "The Road Gets Better" and "Creole Soup"
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