The Essence of Time

The fact that most individuals do not value the time that we are given, is what makes me wanna holla this week. Every day, each individual is provided with the same amount of time. It is what we chose to do with those precious moments gifted to us, that is the problem.

If there were ever an issue that is close to my heart, it is this one. I find myself surrounded by and speaking with individuals on a daily basis, who have no concept of time--or let's just call them, moments. It is truly a shame that so many people die every day without having lived, loved and/or shared their gifts of prosperity and wisdom with others. There are constant opportunities to make valuable use of our moments; but so often individuals choose to live without a plan to give and live and love. The mere fact that those things are options is what pinches, as momma would say, that "last nerve of mine."

Just speaking while standing in my own shoes, I take every God-given moment seriously, and for exactly what it is. Whether it be to say I love you, to someone who may already know it; or merely taking a second to watch the clouds move through the sky. While this may sound like a complete waste to some, at the end of the day--or the end of our lives; what else are to we reflect on?

We could speak of the money that we have been able to attain, the power and influence of our careers, the real estate properties that we own, the knowledge that we have acquired, the individuals that we have conquered--both professionally and personally, and so on and so on. But what about building positive relationships, willingly sharing our prosperity with others--no strings attached, compassion for others and aiding in a positive future for the next generation?

What happened to the testimony, "If I can help somebody as I pass along, then my living shall not be in vain?"

Our moments are not essential components of our lives because we were able to close the sale, make the millions, buy the car/house, or win the game. The ultimate testimony of great moments are the results of the seeds we choose to sew: the child who looks into your eyes with admiration, because you chose to teach him how to fish, instead of merely handing him food; the person who offers eternal gratitude, because you chose to share gifts of knowledge and wisdom; the relationship that flourished into something beautiful and amazing, because you chose to honor it with respect, honesty, integrity and dignity; the world around you that was made a better place, just because you were born.

Terry McMillan scandal

What Makes Me Wanna Holla.....


This week, what makes me wanna holla, is the Terry McMillan scandal. I don't know how many sistas were watching, (and I say sistas, because I was told by a close friend that supposedly, men would not be watching this interview); but for those of you who missed Tavis Smiley's interview of this sista--all I could say was WOW!

I mean, for the first time ever, and everyone knows how I love Mr. Smiley; the brotha was sitting there unable to get a word in, and at moments, seemingly frightened that the sista may start taking out her woes on him! It was truly a moment in time. I just sat there thinking, now I've been mad before, but I don't know that I ever went there. (Well, maybe in my early twenties--but not enough energy now!)

But one might think, who could blame her? Well, I can--somewhat. I'm thinking, Terry, baby, have you seen this guy? Have you listened to him speak? For the past week or so, Bravo has been showing her famous movie, loosely based upon the evolving of this relationship--How Stella Got her Groove Back. Even looking at Tae Diggs' character (I hoped I spelled his name correctly), I'm thinking, the character he's portraying looks and carries himself in a feminine manner! Now, when the movie was first released, I was with most of the rest of the sista's; sitting there drooling over him like something crazy. But trust, hindsight is a you know what!

I'm not mad at Terry for being upset with this brotha for putting her personal business on blast. But we as women, especially women of color have a serious epidemic going on. Please don't get me wrong, as Terry said, I'm not homophobic. But we have to stop ignoring the signs for love's sake, or because our biological clock is ticking, or whatever it may be. And living near the metro Atlanta area, well, need I say more. I hate no one. But what I do hate is the brothas who don't have the decency to respect us by being honest. As I always say, we can only make good decisions for ourselves through honesty. Then, and only then, can we blame no one for the consequences of our own decisions.

An openly gay male friend of mine said the problem with gay black men, is that they are too busy "perpetrating" straight for the sistas and for "image." But he said that white men are different. They are just who they are--usually.

In an age of dead beat dads, black men in prison, living in an area that is predominately full of the "down low" guys, and those who are just totally committment phobic--and trust me, I know about that all too well--there just aren't a lot of choices for the sister on the right path. And that, my friends, is what makes me wanna holla.....

Hope you let me in next week!