This morning I woke up and I thought about all the things I want to do in and with my life and I asked myself why I wasn't doing them. Of course there are the practical answers like, I have to make a living, I have people depending on me, I have responsibilities, etc. Then I thought about a statement a friend recently said, "wouldn't life be interesting if we lived without fear." Don't get me wrong, there are some things I believe are good to fear. Growing up as a little girl my grandmother taught us the fear of God, and of course we were afraid of what she would do to us if we acted up, but I'm talking about not fearing what man can or cannot do to or for you.
As I shared this thought with a neighbor who stopped by for a cup of tea, she said, "Wendy you do a lot already, what else do you want to do?" I responded by saying, there are a lot of things running around in my head and I need to get them out. Of course she laughed and said then just get them out. After she left, I pulled out a piece of paper and a pen and I just started writing down all of the things I wanted for my life. I separated them into two categories, personal and professional. I thought about goals and unfinished dreams. Then I thought about what do I need to do to make them happen, when I was honest, I realized the main things I desired to do in my life, it was fear holding me back.
Suddenly as I was writing everything down, I remembered a definition I once read about the word FEAR. False Evidence Appearing Real. Then I thought about what scared me about making that phone call to someone who could help me with a project, or why didn't I just tell someone that they were not the right partner for me, or how bad would it really be if I stuck to exercising and watching what I ate? Sounds funny when I say it out loud or read what I wrote down, but it is true, we are afraid or fear what actually may happen if we're honest, do what we need to do, or step out on faith. I am going to work on doing a better job of letting go of what so easily entangles me and just focus on what is and what can be. I encourage you do to the same.
Marianne Williamson once said (and Nelson Mandela repeated it in his Inauguration Speech in 1994)
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us....We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."
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.
Monday, March 12, 2012
Monday, March 5, 2012
MarchWomen's History Month & The Issue of Our Health Rights
March represents the accomplishments women have made across the country. It's interesting women were granted the right to vote in August 1920, but it wasn't until 1981 when Congress authorized and requested the President of the United States to proclaim the week beginning March 7, 1982 to be considered, "Women's History Week.' (Ironic that both Black History Month and Women's History Month started out as just a week!). It would be close to five years later in 1987 when a week went to a month. What's interesting is each year the President still has to issue an annual proclamation confirming March as "Women's History Month."
I think it's ironic, or coincidental, not sure what you would make of it, that we recently experienced the battle over women's health issues around the subject of oral contraceptives being testified by Sandra Fluke. Ms. Fluke testified on behalf of women who will benefit from the Affordable Care Act Contraception Coverage Regulation. Her controversial testimony has caused so many thoughts, words and emotions to fly. She has been called a heroine, a "slut" and a fake to name a few. We've all heard how Rush Limbaugh attacked her calling her "out of her name" and eventually having to apologize. What's interesting is Sandra Fluke said his apology doesn't change anything. She dismissed his statement as insufficient. Ms. Fluke stated that she felt he really wasn't sorry for how he thought, just on his choice of words, (probably pressure from advertisers) as she sought to refocus the discussion on access to contraceptives being a matter of women's rights. In one of his statements, Limbaugh said before a panel of lawmakers as asking, "you and me and the taxpayers" to pay her "to have sex." He said the request made her a "slut" and "prostitute" and would make the American public "pimps."
Fluke argued that oral contraceptives are important for women's health and she focused on its medical uses beyond just preventing pregnancy. Medically there are several reasons women benefit from taking oral contraceptives, one being the problem with cysts. What I find interesting is how a man can pass judgment on something he will personally never understand or have reason to need. Whereas, President Obama personally called Ms. Fluke and extended his support to her for testifying on behalf of all women.
The subject of women's rights whether we are discussing health, trafficking or dealing with equality in the workplace is still an issue on the table that must be fought. Although someone may issue an "apology" and yes, I am totally an advocate of forgiveness, we can't forget the battles that have been fought for the rights of women and those without a voice. If we are not careful we will lose all the gains that have been made. Take this month to find a way to "march" forward in helping the life of a girl or woman to have a better life.
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.
I think it's ironic, or coincidental, not sure what you would make of it, that we recently experienced the battle over women's health issues around the subject of oral contraceptives being testified by Sandra Fluke. Ms. Fluke testified on behalf of women who will benefit from the Affordable Care Act Contraception Coverage Regulation. Her controversial testimony has caused so many thoughts, words and emotions to fly. She has been called a heroine, a "slut" and a fake to name a few. We've all heard how Rush Limbaugh attacked her calling her "out of her name" and eventually having to apologize. What's interesting is Sandra Fluke said his apology doesn't change anything. She dismissed his statement as insufficient. Ms. Fluke stated that she felt he really wasn't sorry for how he thought, just on his choice of words, (probably pressure from advertisers) as she sought to refocus the discussion on access to contraceptives being a matter of women's rights. In one of his statements, Limbaugh said before a panel of lawmakers as asking, "you and me and the taxpayers" to pay her "to have sex." He said the request made her a "slut" and "prostitute" and would make the American public "pimps."
Fluke argued that oral contraceptives are important for women's health and she focused on its medical uses beyond just preventing pregnancy. Medically there are several reasons women benefit from taking oral contraceptives, one being the problem with cysts. What I find interesting is how a man can pass judgment on something he will personally never understand or have reason to need. Whereas, President Obama personally called Ms. Fluke and extended his support to her for testifying on behalf of all women.
The subject of women's rights whether we are discussing health, trafficking or dealing with equality in the workplace is still an issue on the table that must be fought. Although someone may issue an "apology" and yes, I am totally an advocate of forgiveness, we can't forget the battles that have been fought for the rights of women and those without a voice. If we are not careful we will lose all the gains that have been made. Take this month to find a way to "march" forward in helping the life of a girl or woman to have a better life.
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.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Awards Season
The first couple of months of each year are brought in by a host of Award Shows and Ceremonies. We've had the Emmy's, the Grammy's, the BET Awards, the NAACP Image Awards, and the Oscar's among others. People go through a lot of changes to prepare for "awards season" with the hope of either getting exposure, making money, or just being in the right place at the right time. In the midst of all of this, life waits for no one and keeps on moving. I felt like every week I would turn around and there was another show that gave honor to someone regarding the entertainment industry. Recently we also just had the Basketball All Stars Weekend, so of course we can't forget sports.
Achieving awards can be a good thing, it helps us to measure if we are doing a good job in our chosen profession or field. The dictionary defines an award as a prize or granting a merit due. However, if we do our life's work with an "award" being the only goal, then we need to take a look at our motives and what really stimulates us to get up each day. We should be motivated to be involved with a life's work that is bigger than us. We are all actually pieces of a puzzle and when we find our place, do our work, the award will be the finished product and a legacy that will live long after all of us are gone.
Now don't get me wrong, I have nothing against awards (giving or receiving). Coming from a background of event planning, many of our jobs were centered around community events giving awards to deserving individuals and companies. Also with my nonprofit, Forgiving For Living, Inc., we also have an annual PLUS Awards (that will be held on April 21st at the Beverly Hills Hotel), but I just wanted to give a little encouragement to many of the workers that are out in the vineyard that may never receive an actual "trophy or plaque" in their hand, don't give up.
I want to close with a saying I often heard growing up in the Baptist Church, "if I can help somebody as I pass along, if I can cheer somebody with a word or song, if I can show somebody, how they are travelling wrong, then my living will not have been in vain." I recently found out that saying came from a song by the one and only, Ms. Mahalia Jackson. Believe in yourself and make it a point to help someone along the journey, they may be your reward and award!
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 @ 5am
Achieving awards can be a good thing, it helps us to measure if we are doing a good job in our chosen profession or field. The dictionary defines an award as a prize or granting a merit due. However, if we do our life's work with an "award" being the only goal, then we need to take a look at our motives and what really stimulates us to get up each day. We should be motivated to be involved with a life's work that is bigger than us. We are all actually pieces of a puzzle and when we find our place, do our work, the award will be the finished product and a legacy that will live long after all of us are gone.
Now don't get me wrong, I have nothing against awards (giving or receiving). Coming from a background of event planning, many of our jobs were centered around community events giving awards to deserving individuals and companies. Also with my nonprofit, Forgiving For Living, Inc., we also have an annual PLUS Awards (that will be held on April 21st at the Beverly Hills Hotel), but I just wanted to give a little encouragement to many of the workers that are out in the vineyard that may never receive an actual "trophy or plaque" in their hand, don't give up.
I want to close with a saying I often heard growing up in the Baptist Church, "if I can help somebody as I pass along, if I can cheer somebody with a word or song, if I can show somebody, how they are travelling wrong, then my living will not have been in vain." I recently found out that saying came from a song by the one and only, Ms. Mahalia Jackson. Believe in yourself and make it a point to help someone along the journey, they may be your reward and award!
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 @ 5am
Monday, February 13, 2012
Miss Whitney Houston
Like so many I was hurt and stunned when I heard the news of the death of Whitney Houston. It's amazing how fast news can hit the streets. Since this tragedy occurred there've been mixed emotions and comments floating around between conversations, television and other forms of media communication. However, the overall sentiment has been that no one can take away the fact God gave her a gift and a voice that we will remember forever.
As I sit and write this article, although the autopsy report has been completed, the results have not been released to the general public. Many say and feel that she died of some sort of overdose or abuse of a controlled substance. Although it is questioned if she ever truly recovered from her substance abuse, she was still loved her, and many wanted to give her the benefit of the doubt. I even heard comments on the red carpet at the Grammy's saying "she was trying...give her that."
I feel that at this point who are any of us to point the finger or pass judgment on what she did or did not do, but rather examine our own lives while we still have breath to breathe and can make a change. If you think about it, we may have a different "addiction," but for the grace of God any of us can be taken out in the blink of an eye.
This past week has been a heavy in so many ways. Even in my own life it has been a week of ups and downs, however, each week I try to check in with people who help me stay centered and focused on the big picture, and one of those people is my "Uncle Mack." This week when we talked he said something very simple, but was exactly what I needed to hear at that very moment..."Just Don't Stop Trying!" That simple, don't stop trying. So my closing words this week to you are whatever you are doing, whatever you are going through, just don't stop trying. Tomorrow can be a better day.
"We will always love you Whitney."
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.
As I sit and write this article, although the autopsy report has been completed, the results have not been released to the general public. Many say and feel that she died of some sort of overdose or abuse of a controlled substance. Although it is questioned if she ever truly recovered from her substance abuse, she was still loved her, and many wanted to give her the benefit of the doubt. I even heard comments on the red carpet at the Grammy's saying "she was trying...give her that."
I feel that at this point who are any of us to point the finger or pass judgment on what she did or did not do, but rather examine our own lives while we still have breath to breathe and can make a change. If you think about it, we may have a different "addiction," but for the grace of God any of us can be taken out in the blink of an eye.
This past week has been a heavy in so many ways. Even in my own life it has been a week of ups and downs, however, each week I try to check in with people who help me stay centered and focused on the big picture, and one of those people is my "Uncle Mack." This week when we talked he said something very simple, but was exactly what I needed to hear at that very moment..."Just Don't Stop Trying!" That simple, don't stop trying. So my closing words this week to you are whatever you are doing, whatever you are going through, just don't stop trying. Tomorrow can be a better day.
"We will always love you Whitney."
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.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Merry Christmas
As I sit to write this Christmas article my heart is full. When I went to church this morning I was reminded of the true meaning of Christmas and the necessity for those of us that proclaim to be Christians to not back down during this time of year for what we believe.
When I went to Wikipedia to look of the meaning of "Christmas" it stated that it was translated "Christ's mass," which is an annual commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ generally celebrated on December 25th." Many of us are afraid to offend people so we have stopped saying "Merry Christmas" and have replaced it with "Happy Holidays." Don't get me wrong there's nothing wrong with saying happy holidays to someone, but if you are a Christian don't be ashamed of who's birthday it is.
Reflecting on the fact that Christmas is to represent the birth of Christ then we should honor him by giving gifts to Him by giving to those in need. Take the light off yourself and put the spotlight on Him by giving to someone in need or an organization that you know touches the community.
In closing, don't be tempted to put "X-mas" either. The world would want us to "x" Christ right out of the picture. Would you want someone to "x" you out on your birthday? I think the bigger question is would you want Christ to "x" you out of heaven? If you are a believer then stand up and be counted. Don't be afraid of what others may say about you, after all they won't care what you think about their beliefs. The good thing about one's beliefs is the fact they are personal and you have the right to believe what is in your heart.
I know I would hate to have to ask Jesus to forgive me because I didn't want to offend someone and so I just left Him out of the picture. Jesus is the Reason for the Season!
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.
When I went to Wikipedia to look of the meaning of "Christmas" it stated that it was translated "Christ's mass," which is an annual commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ generally celebrated on December 25th." Many of us are afraid to offend people so we have stopped saying "Merry Christmas" and have replaced it with "Happy Holidays." Don't get me wrong there's nothing wrong with saying happy holidays to someone, but if you are a Christian don't be ashamed of who's birthday it is.
Reflecting on the fact that Christmas is to represent the birth of Christ then we should honor him by giving gifts to Him by giving to those in need. Take the light off yourself and put the spotlight on Him by giving to someone in need or an organization that you know touches the community.
In closing, don't be tempted to put "X-mas" either. The world would want us to "x" Christ right out of the picture. Would you want someone to "x" you out on your birthday? I think the bigger question is would you want Christ to "x" you out of heaven? If you are a believer then stand up and be counted. Don't be afraid of what others may say about you, after all they won't care what you think about their beliefs. The good thing about one's beliefs is the fact they are personal and you have the right to believe what is in your heart.
I know I would hate to have to ask Jesus to forgive me because I didn't want to offend someone and so I just left Him out of the picture. Jesus is the Reason for the Season!
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.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Protect Our Children No Matter What
Many of us have read or heard about the sex abuse scandals whether it involves the church, colleges or sports. Conversations have ranged from how can something like that happen, to can you believe a "man of God" could even fathom such a thing. I haven't said much about these stories, but I think it's time for me to step up and give my thoughts regarding a couple of cases in the news as of late.
Let's start with the story regarding Jerry Sandusky the ex - Penn State coach arrested on sex abuse charges. He has been accused of being a pedophile who preyed upon young boys under the guise of being a "do-gooder." To date as I write this he has been charged with assaulting 10 victims. He is facing a total of 40 counts of child sexual abuse.
In the same breath in another state we have Bishop Eddie Long from New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Georgia taking a brief leave of absence from his church to take care of "family business" after being accused of inappropriate sexual behavior with several young men. It has been declared that he settled with them after months of mediation.
My point in discussing all of this is to say sexual abuse against children is an outrage and Forgiving For Living, Inc., although it focuses on young ladies and women, believes that abuse of any kind and against anyone is a disgrace and should be dealt with. Especially when it comes to children. Parents are going to have to be more aware and mindful of where their children are and who they are spending time with. We can't assume just because of someone's title and status they can automatically be trusted. Why do minors need to be spending so much unsupervised attention with adults in the first place?
As it relates to the question or thought that abuses must have been abused and that's why they do what they do. Hogwash! I know plenty of people who have experienced pain or abuse as children that have never hurt anyone, especially children. That's an excuse and outright disgusting. Excuses are not accepted. If you've been hurt or wounded, get help. Don't perpetuate negative cycles. Let's hold others accountable. Let's protect our children.
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.
Let's start with the story regarding Jerry Sandusky the ex - Penn State coach arrested on sex abuse charges. He has been accused of being a pedophile who preyed upon young boys under the guise of being a "do-gooder." To date as I write this he has been charged with assaulting 10 victims. He is facing a total of 40 counts of child sexual abuse.
In the same breath in another state we have Bishop Eddie Long from New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Georgia taking a brief leave of absence from his church to take care of "family business" after being accused of inappropriate sexual behavior with several young men. It has been declared that he settled with them after months of mediation.
My point in discussing all of this is to say sexual abuse against children is an outrage and Forgiving For Living, Inc., although it focuses on young ladies and women, believes that abuse of any kind and against anyone is a disgrace and should be dealt with. Especially when it comes to children. Parents are going to have to be more aware and mindful of where their children are and who they are spending time with. We can't assume just because of someone's title and status they can automatically be trusted. Why do minors need to be spending so much unsupervised attention with adults in the first place?
As it relates to the question or thought that abuses must have been abused and that's why they do what they do. Hogwash! I know plenty of people who have experienced pain or abuse as children that have never hurt anyone, especially children. That's an excuse and outright disgusting. Excuses are not accepted. If you've been hurt or wounded, get help. Don't perpetuate negative cycles. Let's hold others accountable. Let's protect our children.
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.
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Mother Nature
Recently winds hit the Southland drastically like I can't remember and I'm a lifelong resident of Southern California. Over the last several months I have spent time and money updating, improving and fixing up my home. It's amazing how one night can change what you've worked on for months.
The morning after the major winds swept through the city my daughter called me and shared how her car was damaged and that she wasn't sure where to start. After we calmed nerves, assessed the damage (and of course I was praying as mother's do), we put together the plan to get the ball moving with the city, the insurance company, and everything else she would need to accomplish to get her life back in order and return to work.
On the same morning my son was due into the International Terminal at LAX from Australia, but his flight had a lot of challenges, he was re-routed from Sydney to Melbourne back to Sydney and finally into LAX many hours later.
What all of this has taught me is there are many things we just don't have control over, especially when it comes to mother nature. What it also made crystal clear is that we cannot put our hope or faith in material things. Close to three decades ago when I moved to Los Angeles for college, I attended Mount Zion Baptist Church where Dr. E.V. Hill was the pastor and he used to say, "wear the things of this world loosely." In other words don't let them control you.
Health, love, life and family are truly the things that we need to honor and hold onto. Let go of the things that so entangle your life and keep you from enjoying what really matters. Learning to let go of things and "release" is the third step from the ten steps of "Healing Without Hate: How To Forgive To Live." TM
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.
The morning after the major winds swept through the city my daughter called me and shared how her car was damaged and that she wasn't sure where to start. After we calmed nerves, assessed the damage (and of course I was praying as mother's do), we put together the plan to get the ball moving with the city, the insurance company, and everything else she would need to accomplish to get her life back in order and return to work.
On the same morning my son was due into the International Terminal at LAX from Australia, but his flight had a lot of challenges, he was re-routed from Sydney to Melbourne back to Sydney and finally into LAX many hours later.
What all of this has taught me is there are many things we just don't have control over, especially when it comes to mother nature. What it also made crystal clear is that we cannot put our hope or faith in material things. Close to three decades ago when I moved to Los Angeles for college, I attended Mount Zion Baptist Church where Dr. E.V. Hill was the pastor and he used to say, "wear the things of this world loosely." In other words don't let them control you.
Health, love, life and family are truly the things that we need to honor and hold onto. Let go of the things that so entangle your life and keep you from enjoying what really matters. Learning to let go of things and "release" is the third step from the ten steps of "Healing Without Hate: How To Forgive To Live." TM
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.
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