Philosophy
What’s your personal philosophy? What do you believe? What’s your culture? What’s your creed? We all have a code, a set of beliefs that guide us through our life. Our personal philosophies are created by our experiences. They are lessons that were instilled early in our lives. They are deep rooted. They are the foundation for our actions. They are our motives. What motivates you? It's your philosophy.
Just Cause
I’ve always loved words, which is one of the reasons I named my company Wordplay. I knew that depending on how you said certain things or the punctuation you used, could change the meaning of the exact same words. Just cause for instance could mean, just because. It could also mean a righteous pursuit or justified reason. We all seem right in our own eyes. We can always justify our actions.
After watching, “When They See Us,” I can see how everyone felt justified, yet it wasn’t true justice. Everyone had their reasons. Everyone had their excuses. Everyone had their perspectives and their biases. Personal motivation is a dangerous thing, and so is self preservation. We never really know what we will and won’t do until we find our backs against the wall. This is why it is so important not to judge, because everyone has just cause in our own minds.
Neutral
Revelation 3:15-16 "I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth."
I've only put my car in neutral when I needed my car to be towed. I've only used that gear when I wanted to relinquish control of my vehicle to another party. Many of us live our lives in neutral. We don't pass go. We don't stay parked. We just exist. We give others the reins. We give others permission to say and do as they wish concerning our lives. We give away our power when we remain in neutral. We are lukewarm when we are undecided. We are lukewarm when we are not passionate. We are lukewarm when we feel defeated. We are lukewarm when we watch injustice in silence. We are lukewarm when we are neutral.
New Normal
New Normal is a term in business and economics that refers to financial conditions following the financial crisis of 2007-2008 and the aftermath of the 2008–2012 global recession. The term has since been used in a variety of other contexts to imply that something which was previously abnormal has become commonplace.
What's your new normal? What is America's new normal? I remember when profanity was not a commonplace for primetime tv. I remember when songs had clean versions not just radio edits. I remember when games were criticized for excessive violence. I remember when rap music was the subject of congressional hearings. I remember when social meant human interaction. I remember when "live entertainment" did not include being a witness to murder and police brutality. Our new normal has desensitized us. Our new normal doesn't value life. Our new normal doesn't value family. Our new normal doesn't celebrate our differences. Our new normal is fear. Our new normal has created no expectation of justice. Our new normal is depression. Our new normal is violence. Our new normal is distraction. Our new normal is self destruction.
Love
Love conquers all. Love is stronger than pride. Love is patient. Love is kind. Love covers a multitude of sins. Love casts out fear. Love suffers long. (That part). Love believes all things, hopes all things and endures all things. Love is an amazing force. Love crosses color lines. Love crosses political lines. Love never fails. Love is the way. Just in case you forgot.
Links to Michael Curry's sermon and why he went off-script:
https://amp-timeinc-net.cdn.ampproject.org/v/amp.timeinc.net/time/5288994/michael-curry-royal-wedding-sermon amp_js_v=a1&_gsa=1&usqp=mq331AQCCAE%3D#amp_tf=From%20%251%24s
https://amp-timeinc-net.cdn.ampproject.org/v/amp.timeinc.net/time/5288994/michael-curry-royal-wedding-sermon?amp_js_v=a1&_gsa=1&usqp=mq331AQCCAE%3D#amp_tf=From%20%251%24s
Jewels
I grew up in barbershops and salons. In the African American community, this is where uncensored conversations about sex, money, politics, current events and religion occurred. As a child, I knew better than to join the conversation, but I did learn how to listen and digest what I was hearing. I learned to see things from a variety of perspectives whether I agreed or not. I learned about consequences from foolish behavior. I learned about successes from hard work. I learned that relationships are complicated. I learned that marriage takes work. I learned what men want and what women desire.
I learned to respect these "jewels" that were given. I learned that everything did not have to be experienced, and that I could learn vicariously. These men and women gave me "jewels" I still carry. They gave me wisdom and insight. I thank God for all the lessons and all the love given to this "young buck." I thank God for the men who stood in the place of my father and all the "mothers" who raised me.
I was blessed to have a host of strong women around me. My grandmother dropped domestic jewels and was my first example of a wife and mother. My mother is an enduring example of strength and perseverance. My godmother is an example of what fortitude looks like and one of my earliest examples of what it meant to truly blend a family. I have a host of mentors, "aunties", play cousins and friends who constantly shower me with "jewels" from their joy, their pain, and their triumphs.
Thank you for your time, your tenth, and your talent. Thank you for showing me that marriage and motherhood doesn't look the same for everyone. Thank you for your jewels. Happy Mother's Day.
Fruitful
"But life at its best is a creative synthesis of opposites in fruitful harmony."-MLK
What does fruitful harmony among opposites look like? Is it the "American Dream" of a melting pot? Is it religious and political freedoms? Is it gun control? Is it stricter immigration laws? Is it police reform? Is it bridging the wealth gap?
MLK was assassinated 50 years ago, and I can't help but think that his America mirrors mine with very little progress. Yes, we have had some significant historical accomplishments, but we've suffered major setbacks. What does America's fruit look like? Have strange fruit on Southern trees become bullet-riddled bodies in backyards? Have we been fruitful or are we like cursed fig trees that bear no fruit? Have we been fruitful with our passions and dreams or have we buried our time, our tenth, and our talent? Have we been fruitful or are we barren?