"Take your Place" Dream bigger

These lines below came from Madea's Family Reunion. Actress Cicely Tyson spoke them to her family, but I think these words apply very much to the young generation of Black men and women today, that I thought it appropriate to bring it up again:

What happened to us? Who are you? Do you know who you are? What happened to the pride and the dignity and the love and respect that we had for one another. Where did it go. And how, How do we get it back? I'ma tell you.

Young Black men, take your place. We need you. Your sons and daughters need you. Did you understand what I just said. You were sold off and had no choice, yes but now it's time to stay. Take your place. Now. Starting now. Starting now. 
Young black women, you are more than your thighs and your hips. You are beautiful, strong, powerful. I want more from you. Take your place.

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We are a strong generation with much history and growth. But there are times that we sell ourselves short as a community and as mentors. We have a history that is vibrant and while we are still trying to define ourselves in a world that keeps changing, we owe it to ourselves to be the best examples of that history and legacy. We have an opportunity to do better than the versions of ourselves that others have labeled us. I think some times out of fear of being better and bigger we find ourselves living up to the stereotypes that others set against us. These words remind me of the power we have to do more, to be better and to keep living better versions of ourselves, versions that we DREAM for ourselves. I think the most that I am trying to say-- be bigger, be better and dream for more in your life.

Forgiveness: Sometimes easier said then done...

....But with God you are able to accomplish so much. Over the last few years since I started this blog, I have talked greatly about the broken relationship with my mother. I have said multiple times that " I am over it." There was pain there, and it was hard to forget it, but easy to forgive it. But there was still much pain that I was holding on to. Those things that happened affected so much in my life- family, love, friendships etc. They were all connected, so truly forgiving meant really letting go of it ALL.
  Today at church, we were blessed to have Mike Rovner  come and speak about the amazing things God has done for his life, but also just passing on his wisdom from the things he has gone through. Mike's message was on Willingness, Obedience, and most of all Forgiveness.
  On forgiveness, Mike reminds us - "It's not a feeling, it's an act of your will." Just as much as we walk in Victory as Christians, we have to walk in forgiveness each time. I have to actively seek a habit of forgiveness. There are people that have hurt me in my life--- deeply. It is tough, to say I forgive but not actively walk in that.
  Pastor Michael following Mike's message gave us time to lay it on Him. He says cast your cares upon me. He will take care of it. Today was the first time I finally said that I'm sorry. Why? Because I finally am able to let it go. Not forgiving hurts me more than it hurts the people who have pained me. But forgiving me puts a freedom on my heart. It makes the weight that I am feeling go. After that moment with God, I found it hard to figure out what had hurt me. It was as if He erased it all. The anger, the feelings that would come back when I thought about those moments, have been replaced with PEACE. I feel nothing, except for FREEDOM!
  GOD IS FAITHFUL! He has abundant blessings to cast upon us all we have to do is say YES! Here's the kicker-- at least for me. It's not a one time yes. Everyday I wake up and have another day to live and do His will, is a moment that I say, YES LORD, move me where you see fit. He has a hand in everything I do. But there are still things I need to work on.
    I need to call upon Him more often. In EVERYTHING I do, seeking Him, asking Him being guided by Him. He has been faithful, protecting me even when I wasn't ready to hear Him. I look back on my life and am just so amazed by His love for me.
    I don't know who needs to read this, but He has much to offer you. Just be willing to say YES!