You can because you can’t, I once said to a friend. He later asked me what I meant by that statement, but I hesitated because I was unsure if he would fully grasp its meaning even If it were staring at him point-blank. You can because you can’t means, [there is nothing in life that you cannot do when you apply yourself and believe. Because of this, you must make it--you can't afford not to]. A.Guy.
Easier said than done, but I really hope that by the time you finish reading this call to action, your eyes will have become opened to the realization of your full potential. Consequently, I know this may seem preachy, but it is necessary. Many a times we wonder why some don’t make it, why them and not me? The truth of the matter is that, you, like every other “wanna-make-it” lack faith in God, and ultimately in yourself. You must believe, then put action to faith and create your reality! It is the only way. Faith is the journey, not your destination.
No one can believe for you; your destiny is in your heart and mouth. Speak that which brings life, not death! What you say is what you get. [W.Y.S.I.W.Y.G] Therefore death and life are in the tongue–speak life and both you and your situation will change. Stop looking at your temporary stop-over. Life is a journey, and stops must be made to make adjustments. The Bible says, you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you and I, paraphrasingly speaking (Philippians 4:13).
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “I have seen the promise land…I Have A Dream.” Two wonderful statements! Consequently, many may have committed those speeches to memory, but may never see the promise, much more, the land. In actuality, I believe that promise land is here; right now, today! The catch is, only you can get [you] there if you so choose. He had the DREAM, but we must LIVE it. He did so much for us that we would not, if placed in similar conditions. Let us press forward toward the goal unto the prize of the high calling of the God, which is in us (Philippians 3:14). Change is a good thing, and maybe the best of things. We don’t have to relive his-story, we can rewrite our story. So, where do we go from here?
Stop racism; it only hurt you. Let’s take the cist out of race, so we can run together. Don’t just look at your palm or the “black of your hand,” (metaphor) look at the hand’s potential to help you make a difference. Together we can do it even better, and why not. Each one teaches another; while one hand washes the other…in the end they both become clean. Hate never hurt the hated, only the hater is affected.
Black men, let us rise to the occasion and become what we were intentionally designed to be:
* Men of standard
* Quality
* Ambition
* Valor
* Responsible
* Husband
* Above all, fathers
There are too many children being born out of wedlock, too many pants sagging and empty billfolds, too many houses and no homes, too many Christians and no believers, too many beats and no music to calm the savage beast. Change is inevitable, and one must change in order to grow, even I too must change. In fact, the sooner we change the better we grow. Questions: Why buy a size 40 pants if your waste line is only 28? Why is challenge one of our greatest fear?
I know for many, wearing baggy clothing and having your pants hanging from your knees may be the latest fashion, or for a better choice of word, the in-thing, but your pants were made to be worn on your waist, not to be used as knee cuffs. I find it quite an embarrassment to see strong young men rushing to catch the bus, but are unsuccessful because they could not run fast enough due to hanging pants and oversized undergarment. Like a suit of clothes, let us change our today for a better tomorrow–start by respecting yourselves so others can in like manner, respect you.
Black women, you are the apple of our eyes, the ruling queen of our kingdom. And although I am speaking to our sisters, this is applicable to all because kings of all colors desire queens too. Like a movie, let us know our lines, act the part, and make an unforgettable motion picture that is continuously contagious for generations to come. True men look for wives, not girlfriends and one-night-standers. You don’t have to be what the woods of Holly (metaphor) dictates to you. Don’t just look at the picture, so accurately painted by dreamers of the cosmos, just be you. Dress accordingly, and appropriately; that way, your good will not be spoken evil of. Remember, your existence is neither an accident, flawed nor misfortune–we need you in our circle of life.
* Show respect to your husband
* Choose your words wisely
* Listen more than you speak
* Allow your husband to be the head of your home
Start reading; it is important you make it a daily regimen. One of the greatest joys in life is to travel the minds of the world’s gifted writers. From a biblical perspective, I know what the Apostle Paul went through as I read his letters. In addition, I feel what Joshua felt when he and Caleb returned from the land of milk and honey, or the land of more than enough and realized they were well able to overcome the giants. Reading, it helps you and I by providing vital information to our unanswered questions. It’s not just fundamental, it is a way of life! You don’t have to be intoxicated to be elevated–get hooked on phoenix–nothing gets you higher.
by Andrew Guy