A New Season is Around the Corner

Where did summer go?  I feel like we blinked and summer disappeared.  Isn't that just like life.  As the seasons ebb and flow and we transition from one to another, the same happens as it relates to the ups and downs or trials and tribulations that come our way.  Labor Day weekend seems to mark the end of summer (although with the school system starting earlier and earlier it seems like summer ends way before Labor Day).  As we bring the last sunny lazy days to an end and we prepare for Fall it's time for us to buckle down and get back on course with our dreams and goals. 

I like the visual scenario that shows Summer as light and airy, whereas Fall is when we pull out sweaters, jackets, long pants and covered shoes (ie. boots), why? The reason is because the  weather changes and it's time for us to cover up and "protect" ourselves.  I believe the same is true as it relates to some of the personal things in our life.   It's very important that we access what is ahead for us and then take inventory to prepare by protecting what we know is our purpose and calling. 

Oftentimes we see people that always look successful and we get a little jealous.  What I've learned is you have to put in the time.  There's no short cut to success.  No matter what it is you have to be willing to work your soil, plant, water and then you will be prepared when the harvest comes.  What is it that really touches your heart?  What do you feel you are called to do?  What is it that you keep saying you're going to do, but you keep putting it off?  STOP!  Today is the day for you to make good on the promises you make to yourself!  Love yourself enough to be good to yourself by fulfilling the desires of your heart.  It's a new season!

The key is to keep your focus.  Don't look at what other people are doing, that's their calling.  If you keep your eyes on your own dreams, you will receive the prize.  What do they say, "the grass won't be greener on the other side if you take the time to water your own grass."

Healing Without Hate:  It's a choice. It's a lifestyle. Pass it on!

Visit www.WendyGladney.com &  www.forgivingforliving.org.   You can email her at wendy.gladney@gmail.com. Also follow her blog:  Wendygladney.blogspot.com. Wendy is featured on Radio Free 102.3 KJLH on Dominique DiPrima's Front Page Friday Mornings @ 5:00am.

Work While It Is Yet Day

For the past several weeks it seems like every time I turn around someone close to me made their transition from this life to the next.  It's sobering because it really shows the brevity of life.  As I reflect on my childhood growing up with my grandmother she always seemed to be in full motion doing something.  In my childlike tone I would ask her, "why are you always so busy?"  She would respond by saying, "there's a lot of work that needs to be done and it will be night soon."

Of course I didn't totally comprehend what she meant back then, but as I continued to grow and progress through life the scripture found in John 9:4 where it says:  "I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day; the night cometh, when no man can work, " resonated in my ears loud and strong.  What I also find hilarious is that now my children and various friends and family members often say to me, "Wendy go sit down somewhere."  Well, as my grandmother said, I can't because there's much work that needs to be done.

The problem I think with many of us is we are often "busy" but are we really taking care of "business?"  Do we have purpose?  Do we add value?  Do we make the lives of the people we touch better in some kind of way, or are we draining?  Are we negative?  Do we drag people down because in reality we're not really happy with our own lives.

This past week Forgiving For Living held a workshop in Riverside for young ladies between 13 - 18 years old focusing on health and life skills.  Interestingly on the very day we did our workshop a news story broke that stated a sex-trafficking ring was identified right in the Inland Empire.  The story said  "gang members used Inland Empire High Schools to recruit underage girls (12 - 15) to work as prostitutes in the Los Angeles area according to the FBI." 

If we want our lives to matter and mean something we must be mindful of our youth.  So many things that were fought for in previous generations are being destroyed right before our very eyes.  What does that say about us and what we are allowing to happen on our watch?  If you don't know where to begin or what to do regarding "working while it is yet day" start with a young person that crosses your path!

 

Healing Without Hate:  It's a choice. It's a lifestyle. Pass it on!

Visit www.WendyGladney.com &  www.forgivingforliving.org.   You can email her at wendy.gladney@gmail.com. Also follow her blog:  Wendygladney.blogspot.com. Wendy is featured on Radio Free 102.3 KJLH on Dominique DiPrima's Front Page Friday Mornings @ 5:00am.

Voter Suppression

Whatever happened to the "lazy days of summer?"  There's so much that needs attention and we shouldn't sit by and not help where we can.  Yes we have to pace ourselves and stay balanced, but I also want to encourage all of us to find something that we can get behind, be informed and help.
 

Recently I've been paying more attention to what's going on regarding "voter suppression."  Our ancestors fought and died for us to vote and now there are measures being taken to try and reverse those victories.  If we think about it the U.S. Constitution and the Voter Registration Act are both being challenged.  Several states across the country are dealing with  strategies to try and discourage voting.  The ones being effected the most are African Americans, Latinos, women and the elderly.  Think about it, who's left?

Part of the tactics being used are imposing burdensome regulations, restricting voter registration, and straight out intimidation. I can't help but wonder why all of this now?  Does it have anything to do with some not wanting  to see a black man serve a second term as President of the United States?  Could hatred today still run that deep?  We also know it goes back to money and power.

If you don't know what to do or how this may affect you and your ability to vote, call your local assembly person's office or your state senator.  You can also contact the voter registration office in your county.  Don't sit on the sidelines and let years of blood, sweat and tears be for nothing.  Ignorance is not an answer.  Dr. King once said, "nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity." 

My grandmother lived to be close to a century.  During her lifetime she was active in human and civil rights.  I wouldn't want to face her in heaven and she ask me why didn't I do what I was supposed to do and I then have to ask her for forgiveness.  Who in your life do you have to answer to?

Healing Without Hate:  It's a choice. It's a lifestyle. Pass it on!

Visit www.WendyGladney.com &  www.forgivingforliving.org.   You can email her at wendy.gladney@gmail.com. Also follow her blog:  Wendygladney.blogspot.com. Wendy is featured on Radio Free 102.3 KJLH on Dominique DiPrima's Front Page Friday Mornings @ 5:00am.