Lecrae To Host New Financial Web Series, “Protect The Bag”

 Grammy winning Artist, Lecrae will be the host of a new personal finance web series “Protect The Bag”, in partnership with Experian North America.

Award-winning Gospel Rap Artist Lecrae, has partnered with Experian North America, a leading information services company, to present, “Protect The Bag,” a six-part web series, that provides viewers with a blueprint for building a financial legacy.

The video series produced by Lecrae’s production company, 3 Strand Films, premieres Fall 2021, and guides audiences through the ins and outs of financial health. Through short sketches and the help of some high-profile special guests, Lecrae will break down the basics of financial literacy and credit education to help viewers understand how to balance their financial needs of today, with those of tomorrow.

“I am on a mission to spread the word on financial education because I wasn’t educated about money and didn’t know about budgeting,” Lecrae explained. “I didn’t know to think about the cost of things or what to pay off first because I just didn’t have a strategy.” He believes that through his unique vision, partnered with Experian’s expertise, the message of financial health and inclusion will be embraced.

Each episode will cover a key point of building a financial legacy starting with understanding money and utilizing checking and savings accounts. Other topics include budgeting, saving, protecting one’s identity, debt, and investing.

Lecrae with his production company partners, 3 Strand Films! 

From left to right: Erick Hodge (producer), A.D. “Lumkile” Thomason (producer, writer, director). 

Lecrae (host, artist), Reginald Brown (photographer, BTS, editor).

This partnership is part of Experian’s United for Financial Health, a global financial recovery initiative that helps educate and empower vulnerable consumers around their finances and minority business owners around financial health. Under this program, Lecrae previously supported the Home Preservation Grant, an Experian partnership with the NAACP to provide mortgage relief to homeowners negatively impacted by COVID-19.

“Credit education isn’t always taught in homes and schools. In fact, a recent Experian survey shows almost one in three (30%) of young adults wish they learned how to build credit or improve their credit scores before entering adulthood,” said Wil Lewis, chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer for Experian. “We’re excited to partner with Lecrae for ’Protect The Bag’ and see this as an innovative way to reach young consumers so they can start their financial health journey on the right foot.”

Protect The Bag will premiere on Lecrae’s YouTube channel and social media platforms. Learn more at www.lecrae.com or follow him on social media @Lecrae.

— News courtesy of Schure Media Group

8 Lessons I Learned From Volunteering At A Homeless Shelter

by: Ruthann Mckenzie

Six months ago, I felt strongly compelled to help volunteer and teach at the homeless shelter. I figured that there may be something within me to help teach others through my life stories. Well, six months later and I realized I relate quite a bit to those I have the pleasure of teaching. However, instead of it being lessons I teach from the bible, the life stories I hear from others share Christ to my heart. 

I wanted to share some of the lessons I have learned so far. What teaching at the homeless shelter has taught me so far is...

Ministering by feeding the homeless

• Preach to a world that is dying. Yes it is important to go to church and hear the word and study for yourself. Yet, if we sit in the pews week after week, then we will miss effective opportunities to spread the word. 
• The love of Christ needs to be shared. If you have hope, then share that hope with others who may not have experienced it before. 
• We all go through hardships, but you can always bless someone else. Hearing a story from a homeless individual who was blessed with a gift card and bought food was nice, but hearing him share that blessing with someone else he didn't know was amazing. He was selfless when he was also in need. It doesn't matter what situation you are in, you can always afford to help someone else.
• We are all gifted and have a purpose. You can find yourself in the service of others. It's a humbling, but rewarding experience to empower others to aspire for more again and use their giftedness.

• Jesus made friends with those we consider "outcasts". Perhaps He did so because those people were pretty cool and just needed someone to talk to and show them love. Jesus didn't look down on people in pity, but he was compassionate and through his love showed others the way up. By being more Christ-like,  perhaps we can socialize with those we may consider "outcasts" to the world and share love.
• Get out of your comfort place. When I began speaking at the shelter I stuttered and cried my first teaching. I was so overwhelmed with speaking in front of others. It was uncomfortable to say the least. At the end, I spoke with the director and she commended me on my effort and told me next month would be better. I could not help but think, "next month? Did she not see me cry?" But next month was easier, and months later I can no longer use the excuse I do not know how to speak in front of others. Which brings me to my next point...
• God can use the least of us. You do not have to be highly educated or rich in much. All you need to do to help others is be willing. A willing heart will take you far. People appreciate authenticity and realness over pretentious fluff of those who think they are better than everyone else. We all are broken vessels, but we can all be used. 
• If you want a change in the world, be the change. Stop complaining of how bad things are and actually make a difference in some way. You were not just placed on this earth to acquire things, be filled with self, worship for your own gain, or mope about how bad things are. No you and I were placed here with a purpose to worship Christ and love. We can display the love of Christ by helping those in need.

The smallest step in the right direction is significant to the kingdom. You don't have to know the most or be the best, but a willing heart is all you need. I trust that when you yield to service of others you may discover more about yourself than ever before. Be the change you wish to see and dare to make a difference!



Ruthann McKenzie is the creator of justbeconfident.com where she blogs and coaches others to be confident and live victoriously. Follow her updates on Facebook and Instagram:@theconfidentyou 

Moving Forward

   by: Carla Marcelle

When you are called to fulfill a purpose, any and everything can be used to stop you from meeting your destiny. It is up to you, who face challenges and situations, to make a conscious effort to be overcomers, fighters, and victors of obstacles you face. When making this decision, you can lose friendships, relationships, and sometimes even jobs. It can be a very uncomfortable situation especially when you want so bad cling to those hindrances because it is all you know, it is what you love, and it is your safety zone.  The funny thing about it is that most times we know what the hindrances are, but we may not know what our purpose is. So for that very reason, we never fully comprehend just how much of a necessity it is for us to let go of those hindrances to move forward in our destiny by uncovering our purpose. 

However, it is in those quiet times with yourself, where you discover your gifts. It is in those times where you are not focused on the rhetoric of your situations where you discover your talents. In those times where you are not indulging with your hindrances and your obstacles, that is when your purpose begins to form.

   I know for me, one of my biggest hindrances are friendships. Because I like to be around people, I tend to just want to be around who ever is available. Not always are the people who are available conducive to my well being. Not always are the people who are available have my best interest at hand.   Often, I find my self compromising my very beliefs, morals, and standards. So instead of being that purpose driven woman of destiny, being a light in darkness of situations, I just blend right in. I conform to the very thing I do not want to be. After spending so much time conforming, I have discovered one of two things will happen. Either you will become complacent, losing your desire for your advancement, and develop a will to simply just exist; or you will get so uncomfortable in your situation, that you have to remove yourself from the very things that are holding you back.

At that point the question becomes,

When you hear the call of your destiny, will you chose to pursue it? Will you answer the call?

Or will you allow your destiny that awaits you to just dwindle away, and your purpose that you were designed to accomplish  become void; all because you did not want to endure the discomfort of your advancement. We all know there is no growth without discomfort. We can apply the same principles of our natural world to the very idea of advancing in our purpose. As a child grows into maturity they go through very uncomfortable stages called puberty; as a woman creates life in her womb, it is uncomfortable or even painful; for stamina and muscle to develop, there is a period of soreness, and pain. Its evident that we must endure pain, hardships, and discomfort to gain advancement through life, but keep in mind it is only for a moment, and the end result is always greater.

   So today I encourage you to think about those obstacles and hindrances in your life that have been placed in the way of  discovering your purpose and moving into your destiny. Make a conscious decision to move past them, and let them go. That is how you move into your victory, and gain a life full of joy and satisfaction. Do not be content to just exist. You have a greater value than that!!!

----


Carla Marcelle is a Life and Purpose Coach and regular contributor to Breath Of Life Daily. For more inspirational posts from Coach Carla Stay tuned to her "Wake Up Wednesdays" segment here on BOLD Journal every Wednesday. Subscribe via e-mail and connect with @BOLDJournal on Twitter and Instagram for the latest updates.

Resources For Your New Vision Board

By:  April D. Byrd

It seems like everybody is creating a vision board for the New Year. It is a smart thing to do. If you want to visualize your dreams and your goals and let them daily serve as a reminder. Visualization helps, If you don't know what you want, you end up with a lot you don't.  If you can see it, you can achieve it. I believe it's imperative to create a vision board with with a relevant and appropriate action plan. Wisdom say's Write The Vision... Make it Plain! Seeing is good but, How Will You Act? Create a Vision Board with an Action Plan  Here is some info and resources about vision boards that should help with the journey.


What Is A Vision Board
typically a poster board on which you paste or collage images that you've torn out from various magazines, books, etc.

How To Create A Vision Board
You'll need a poster board, A big stack of different magazines, (choose lots of different options, if you limit your options you may get bored after a while.) ex:  Oprah, Real Simple, Natural Home, Yoga Journal, Dwell, Ode, Parenting, Money, Utne, and an assortment of nature magazines. You will also need glue. "Yes! Glue" if you can find it or rubber cement are recommended, and a picture frame if you wanna keep it fancy.

Pray or Meditate First
The ultimate vision for our lives is on a spiritual or divine level. It will be good to meditate first. "Have a little ritual before you begin your vision board. Sit quietly and set the intent. With lots of kindness and openness, ask yourself what it is you want." If you are a believer like me Pray, worship a little communicate with God to see what His will is.

(photo credit): Strength For The Soul

related article: If you're not sure about a vision board you may want to read  "Christian Entrepreneurs, Vision Boards And The Law Of Attraction" by Nicole Hollins.

Try A Vision Journal

We're back to what scripture reads about "writing the vision". use the same principles of creating a vision board in a big sketch book. "Get a large sketch book and keep an on-going vision journal. This is especially effective if you’re going through many transitions in your life." Write it down.


Complete A Free Workbook
Put in the work, to get the results. Teacher and Author Taria Prichett  has created a free downloadable workbook to help people specify their goals and expectations. Find out more info and details on the workbook by visiting the site. More resources and details are listed about access to the workbook at the end of the post.

There are all different types of vision boards. A few years back I created a 3-D vision board. Some of the things I added still amaze me today. It's wonderful how I can see all of the images and ideals coming together. This year I am building an appropriate action plan for my dreams and moving in faith. Hopefully you will do the same and have a great time doing it!

3-D vision board I created a while back...time for an action plan!

*Info on different vision boards and resources can be found at ChristineKane.com and the Reflect and Re-Invent Yourself Workbook can be found at RegalRealness.com

Gifts That Make Room For Us

By April D. Byrd

A man's gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men. ~Proverbs 18:16

Do what you do best and do it with excellency,  keeping your gift in mind. Even if it's something simple as posting a Facebook status with good grammar.  Yesterday the spirit reminded me of just how important presentation is. As a Writer, If i’m not on point and displaying excellence in my gift, how do I expect to be called upon to help somebody else, or bring them before excellence? Who will bring us before excellence if we don’t do it ourselves? Our special gifting or talent that we authentically have makes room for us and brings us before great men. Making room means to create opportunities and opens doors.  It's up to us to Capitalize on that!

There is a saying that goes: "when the teacher is ready the student appears." Well when you are prepared for it, the opportunity comes. Being cognizant of your gifting and who you are is important. What are you passionate about? There is no actual set path to success, but it's important to be professional and confident in your gift.

Go towards your goals and express your talent with no reservation, because it's especially yours. When you go towards it, a way will be supplied. Where there is a will, there is a way. The world makes way for the person who knows where they are going. If you know where you're going, what you're doing, and exactly what you want to accomplish, then chances are you wont be very disappointed with the results you get. 

Taking action to express our gifts to the world, is a gift to the world. We were created with purpose it's up to us to fulfill it with passion. Be open to your positive, creative inspiration then open your greatness up and share it with the world. Put Gods will first. Seek Him before everything else.

April D. Byrd (@aprilinspired) is a Writer, Believer, and Creator of Breath Of Life Daily.  

21 Habits of Happy People

“Happiness is a habit – cultivate it.” ~ Elbert Hubbard

1. Appreciate Life

Be thankful that you woke up alive each morning. Develop a childlike sense of wonder towards life. Focus on the beauty of every living thing. Make the most of each day. Don’t take anything for granted. Don’t sweat the small stuff.

2. Choose Friends Wisely

Surround yourself with happy, positive people who share your values and goals. Friends that have the same ethics as you will encourage you to achieve your dreams. They help you to feel good about yourself. They are there to lend a helping hand when needed.

3. Be Considerate

Accept others for who they are as well as where they are in life. Respect them for who they are. Touch them with a kind and generous spirit. Help when you are able, without trying to change the other person. Try to brighten the day of everyone you come into contact with.

4. Learn Continuously

Keep up to date with the latest news regarding your career and hobbies. Try new and daring things that has sparked your interest – such as dancing, skiing, surfing or sky-diving.

5. Creative Problem Solving

Don’t wallow in self-pity. As soon as you face a challenge get busy finding a solution. Don’t let the set backs affect your mood, instead see each new obstacle you face as an opportunity to make a positive change. Learn to trust your gut instincts – it’s almost always right.

6. Do What They Love

Some statistics show that 80% of people dislike their jobs! No wonder there’s so many unhappy people running around. We spend a great deal of our life working. Choose a career that you enjoy – the extra money of a job you detest isn’t worth it. Make time to enjoy your hobbies and pursue special interests.

7. Enjoy Life

Take the time to see the beauty around you. There’s more to life than work. Take time to smell the roses, watch a sunset or sunrise with a loved one, take a walk along the seashore, hike in the woods etc. Learn to live in the present moment and cherish it. Don’t live in the past or the future.

8. Laugh

Don’t take yourself – or life to seriously. You can find humor in just about any situation. Laugh at yourself – no one’s perfect. When appropriate laugh and make light of the circumstances. (Naturally there are times that you should be serious as it would be improper to laugh.)

9. Forgive

Holding a grudge will hurt no one but you. Forgive others for your own peace of mind. When you make a mistake – own up to it – learn from it – and FORGIVE yourself.

10. Gratitude

Develop an attitude of gratitude. Count your blessings; All of them – even the things that seem trivial. Be grateful for your home, your work and most importantly your family and friends. Take the time to tell them that you are happy they are in your life.

11. Invest in Relationships

Always make sure your loved ones know you love them even in times of conflict. Nurture and grow your relationships with your family and friends by making the time to spend with them. Don’t break your promises to them. Be supportive.

12. Keep Their Word

Honesty is the best policy. Every action and decision you make should be based on honesty. Be honest with yourself and with your loved ones.

13. Meditate

Meditation gives your very active brain a rest. When it’s rested you will have more energy and function at a higher level. Types of meditation include yoga, hypnosis, relaxation tapes, affirmations, visualization or just sitting in complete silence. Find something you enjoy and make the time to practice daily.

14. Mind Their Own Business

Concentrate on creating your life the way you want it. Take care of you and your family. Don’t get overly concerned with what other people are doing or saying. Don’t get caught up with gossip or name calling. Don’t judge. Everyone has a right to live their own life the way they want to – including you.

15. Optimism

See the glass as half full. Find the positive side of any given situation. It’s there – even though it may be hard to find. Know that everything happens for a reason, even though you may never know what the reason is. Steer clear of negative thoughts. If a negative thought creeps in – replace it with a positive thought.

16. Love Unconditionally

Accept others for who they are. You don’t put limitations on your love. Even though you may not always like the actions of your loved ones – you continue to love them.

17. Persistence

Never give up. Face each new challenge with the attitude that it will bring you one step closer to your goal. You will never fail, as long as you never give up. Focus on what you want, learn the required skills, make a plan to succeed and take action. We are always happiest while pursuing something of value to us.

18. Be Proactive

Accept what can not be changed. Happy people don’t waste energy on circumstances beyond their control. Accept your limitations as a human being. Determine how you can take control by creating the outcome you desire – rather than waiting to respond.

19. Self Care

Take care of your mind, body and health. Get regular medical check ups. Eat healthy and work out. Get plenty of rest. Drink lots of water. Exercise your mind by continually energizing it with interesting and exciting challenges.

20. Self Confidence

Don’t try to be someone that you’re not. After all no one likes a phony. Determine who you are in the inside – your own personal likes and dislikes. Be confident in who you are. Do the best you can and don’t second guess yourself.

21. Take Responsibility

Happy people know and understand that they are 100% responsible for their life. They take responsibility for their moods, attitude, thoughts, feelings, actions and words. They are the first to admit when they've made a mistake.

Begin today by taking responsibility for your happiness. Work on developing these habits as you own. The more you incorporate the above habits into your daily lifestyle – the happier you will be.

(source: prettywildhealthy)

Lets Get It Done

Let's Get It Done!!

Its time to get up! Strengthen your self! Brush the dust off your dream, focus and get things done. Do you have a passion and a dream throbbing in the recess of your soul that you can't seem to shake, but don't know how to birth? Well then, this message is for you. It's one thing for you to settle for a while , stick your dream on a shelf, as you get yourself together so you can prepare to passionately go after it. It's however, a totally different thing for you to kill your dream because you have reasons that make you believe your dream is too lofty for you to go after and is impossible for you to successfully accomplish.

We all have what we call legitimate reasons why we think we cannot pursue our passion and dream. Think being the operating word. I however have great news for you! It's not too late for you to go after your passion. I know you may have tried many times and failed, I also know that deep within you, your dream still lives, no matter how hard you try to kill it. 

Understand that your dream gives you reason to come alive and empowers your capacity to produce with joy and enthusiasm. Your dream drives your passion and brings you satisfaction. It enables you to come alive and live with excitement. Without a dream you and those around you perish because the capacity to see is diminished, therefore hope is curtailed. Your dream is also your vision, so it allows you to forecast and live for larger things rather than just bread and butter. It's your dream once set in motion and moving that brings your self worth to new levels, and cause your confidence to grow because you were fashioned, equipped, gifted, prepared and brought into this earth for the birthing of your dream, so it can impact this earth. Dreams have produced heroes in very unlikely places who endued great odds with tenacity and zeal because their dream was louder than the obstacles they faced, in fact the obstacles themselves were the very reason for birthing the dream itself. 

I ask you again, do you have a dream? Is your passion aligned with your dream or have you ceased to dream because you are scared to live or to fail? 

I know what it feels like to know your purpose, have a deep seated passion and lofty dream that you think you can not actualize. I also know the painful frustration of avoiding to pursue your dreams in the name of what ever obstacle you think stands as a mountain between you and your dream. But I know the joy and satisfaction that comes from surrendering your self to your passion and pursuing your dream. It's life altering and exhilarating. It centers you and brings you balance and gives you reason to become. Let Voice Of Wisdom Transformational Coaching come along side you and walk with you to your dream with passion. It's a new day and new season, Lets get it done, because you can.

Coming soon!!!! "Let's Get It Done" Conferences! If you have a dream be on the look out!!!!!!




--Coach Jennifer

Motivation: Your Focus Promotes Fertility

"Wipe The Sleep From Your Eyes!!" 

I heard the clear authoritative command this morning  as I drowsily mumbled a morning prayer. When we hear His word we automatically become more alert, but a part of me still wanted to sleep. Even though I know the sleep that the voice of God was referring to wasn't simply the rest I had just woken up from. The clear indication in my spirit was that its best to be more alert in and about life all together. Basically: Get With The Program!! There is real work to be done. Waking up is Rising to the occasion. 

In a message shared by my mentor Coach Jennifer in her regular conference calls, she shared how God will deliver us from the snare. God will truly deliver us when we wake up, become focused in His will and be cognizant. Some things God will deliver us from, some things we have to deliver ourselves from! We can't fight oppression if we never put forth the effort. The battle is the Lord's, but if we listen closely He teaches our hands to war!  

The time of waiting, wanting, wandering gives us all the common sense and time we need to know that fulfillment does not come to us willingly! We have to go get it! Seek and you shall get it, ask and it will be given, knock and the door will be opened. What fulfills us and gives us true life is only known to be based in God or are the byproducts of our relationship with Him. Where are you getting your life from and what has it done for you so far? Experiencing the blessing is putting your heart and mind in the right place, and that means dwelling in the shadow of the most high!

(Philippians 4:6)

When we abide in the presence we are easily protected. True focus has the power to promote fertility (production) and results.

Remember the song: If you wanna be somebody, if you wanna go somewhere, you better wake up and pay attention. Well if you wanna be all that you can be, Wake up and Get With It!!

Stay Focused and you will maintain positive energy!


They will have no fear of bad news;
    their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord. - Psalm 112:7





References:
*Psalms 144:1
  Matthew 7:7
  Psalm 91: 1
  Psalm 112:7


- by: April D. Byrd

Motivation: You Can Start Living The Dream

Moving forward requires three things: preparation, dedication and revelation. To succeed, you must depend upon God for direction daily. - Thomas Dexter Jakes

God created us and gave us dreams, goals, and aspirations. So who's dream are you living? It's easy to get caught up in the lifestyles of the rich and famous, although it looks nice its not always the ideal. 

Its not the best fit for everybody. The only way to know whats right for us personally is to acknowledge and connect with the creator. If you're not motivated to get up and pray and communicate with God routinely, chances are you won't be motivated for much else.

Prayer is the best thing to do regularly, it also builds a habit of consistency in other areas. The things that drive us, what we go after, and why we go after them will affect what we produce as well as the outcome we receive. Our motives directly affect what we produce. If were pursuing money just for the sake of having money, or a house just for the sake of having a house, then that's all we'll produce.  When we intentionally seek God first and go about our day in good spirit we reap all that comes with it. This notion has been personally tested and approved. I have realized how literally nothing goes right if I don't put God first, but the day goes superb when I do. 

Also, Scripture reads: ...seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. "All these things" include abundance on the greatest level and that is truly what "living the dream" is. God's dream for us is better than any dream we could ever imagine by ourselves, and when we stand behind that vision it becomes the motivating force that empowers our dreams and keeps us pushing through reality to achieve them. It is faith that makes the "in the meantime" moments so amazingly powerful. scripture reads: "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."

If that includes money then so be it, but it also includes emotional intelligence, peace, and a personal G.P.S for your soul. It's putting God first that helps us stay motivated. The dream is not the glamorized, commercialized idea pop culture has in mind. It's a vision by the master of creation and the creator of everything good. There is no road map for life, but there is a guide to everything you've ever wanted or could ever dream. God's word is the fresh content daily. 

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 



-April D. Byrd

*Matthew 6:33
  John 10:10
  Jeremiah 29:11

BOLDTestimony: Shaun Marq Anderson

"*Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. * As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy." - James 5: 10-11

Shaun Marq Anderson who was once a troubled teen is now a respected Life Coach pursuing his Masters degree. Shaun boldly turned his tragedy into a triumph. In his own words Shaun shares how he went from being heavily stressed to strategically blessed with a few tips he picked up along the way.

From Janitor to Ph.D.: Tips for Turning Your Tragedy Into Triumph

This life can be marred with tragedies, regrets, and setbacks. Moreover, these obstacles can leave a person searching, hoping, and pleading for a break. But what if you can turn your tragedy into triumph, your pain into peace, and your setback into a setup for greatness? Take it from me, I have ridden the roller-coaster of life and I have decided to use my mistakes as a launching pad!

Years ago, one could have considered me as the stereotypical urban youth that gets plastered on mainstream media day-in and day-out: black, fatherless home, born into poverty, with no hope for the future. As a teen I began acting out, rebelling if you will, because of my familial and environmental circumstances. I could have gone down that familiar path of prison or death, but unbeknownst to me, there was a destiny for my life, a plan for a bright future that was in the works!

At 19 years old, I was a struggling college student looking to better my life. I needed a way to pay for my studies so I accepted a full-time janitor position at a local junior high school. As a result, I was a full-time student by day and a janitor by night: all in an effort to pay for my degree. Moreover, if anyone would have told me that between the ages of 19 and 30 that I would have completed my bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, worked a “good job”, fired from that “good job”, become homeless, penniless, car-less, rejected by friends/family, abandoned, depressed, become a motivational speaker, published a book, and currently pursuing a Ph.D., then I would have told you that you were crazy!

Although these times were very rough, it was a journey that I endured! Likewise, you must learn to endure your life’s struggles! Therefore, here is a list of things that must be done in order to turn your tragedy into triumph:

• There is always a light at the end of the tunnel – Yes, there is always a light, but you must sometimes remove your shades in order to see it. You see, when we constantly observe our problems, harping over them each and every day, you will never see yourself out of that particular problem! You must continue speaking positively because it will certainly propel you to a positive outcome! You will never reach the light with negativity leading the way!

• Value your small beginnings – Many people want greatness so badly that they try to achieve it quickly without a strategy. But let’s observe the farmer’s life! A farmer wakes up very early in the morning, digs the ground, plants the seed, and nurtures the seed every day from a sprout until it reaches its full potential! If the farmer didn't work the small beginning with consistency, he would have never seen the seed reach its full bloom! Yes there were days that the farmer didn't get up and yes there were days that he had to fight off weeds, birds, and other vermin, but he endured and the seed did as well! Work your small beginning consistently and it will pay off!

• Don’t let your past issues determine your destiny – As a youth, I was angry, upset, always lashing out, etc. because I was a scared kid missing a father! But my issues as a teen didn't stop me from seeing myself as a king, as a leader, as an intellectual, and as a mentor for the young black minds in this world! My past issues did not stop me from pursuing greatness!! Moreover, you must determine whether your past life will help or hinder your destiny! Will you use your past issues as a launching pad or as quick sand? Only you can determine this! But I believe in you and I believe you want better! Right?

• Follow your dreams despite what others say – During my journey “From Janitor to Ph.D.”, there were many people who tried to discourage me with their negative words. But despite their ignorance, I remained steadfast in pursuing my dreams. Often times we try to get people to understand the vision for our life. But here is the secret: Other people were never supposed to understand the vision for your life! So stop trying to seek their approval for your dreams! Go forth with your life without fear, without hesitation, and without negativity!

I hope these tidbits have helped you in any way. My journey has eradicated the myth of fatherless black boys who grow up to be delinquents! Remember, the race is never given to the strong or the swift, but to those that endure! You can do this! Now go forth and pursue your destiny!


*post originally published by Shaun King on Black Life Coaches.