A Nighttime Prayer

Now I lay me down to sleep.  I pray Dear Lord my soul You'll keep.
If I should die before I wake, I pray Dear Lord my soul You'll take. 
Yet if I should live another day, I pray Dear Lord, You'll guide my way.  
God bless mother, sister, brother, friends and all who touch my life
and whose life I touch.  In Jesus' Name. 
Amen.

        

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UMOJA (U-MO-JA)

Welcome to the first day of Kwanzaa and to you all I say "Harambee Kwanzaa"!  When I became aware of Kwanzaa years ago and the principles associated with this cultural holiday, I felt really blessed that my birthday (December 30th) falls within it.  In honor of all things "end of the year" I share with you the history and principles of Kwanzaa.  The following is from Kwanzaa.com:

Kwanzaa was founded in 1966 by Dr. Karenga who was a leading theorist of The Black Movement in the 1960’s. His writing credits are quite extensive and have appeared in many journals and anthologies. Kwanzaa’s birth stems from a cultural idea and an expression of the US organization which Brother Karenga headed. This new way of exploring self has blossomed into the only nationally celebrated, native, non-religious, non-heroic, non-political African-American holiday.

The name Kwanzaa is a Kiswahili word for "the first fruits of the harvest". Kiswahili was chosen because it is a non-tribal African language which encompasses a large portion of the African continent. As an added benefit its pronunciation is rather easy. Vowels are pronounced as they would be in Spanish and consonants, with few exceptions, as they are in English. For example: A=ah as in father; E=a as in day; I=ee as in free;O=oo as in too. One last note, the accent or stress is almost always on the next to last syllable.

This holiday is observed from December 26th through January 1st. Again its focus is to pay tribute to the rich cultural roots of People of the African Diaspora. Though first inspired by African-Americans, many of African descent celebrate this occasion today.  Its reach has grown to include all whose roots are in the Motherland.  Its’ concept is neither religious nor political, but is rooted strongly in a cultural awareness. This is not a substitute for Christmas; however, gifts may be exchanged with the principles of Nguzo Saba always in mind. Gifts are given to reinforce personal growth and achievement which benefits the collective community.

The principles are:

Umoja (unity) U-MO-JA
Kujicahgulia (self determination) KU-JI-CHA-GU-LIA
Ujima (collective work and responsibility) U-JI-MA
Ujamaa (cooperative economics) U-JA-MA
Nia (purpose) NIA
Kuumba (creativity) KU-UM-BA
Imani (faith) I-MANI

May the principles guide  us all year round. Also take a little more time to enjoy a source of political and community inspiration from one of my favorite modern political minds - Roland Martin.  I give this to you with love and again "Harambee Kwanzaa"!

        

At Last

Like overdue rain on a dry, parched arrid land the votes for a new day in America poured down on Tuesday, November 4, 2008.  You know it's just today that I can bring myself to try to articulate my emotions through words about the election of Barack Obama as the next president of "these" United States of America.  It is like in the theater of my mind, I see myself drenched by the incredible feeling of hope.  I imagine that as the rain  (of votes) began to fall on Tuesday, that I rushed outside into the middle of a scorched field where crops struggled to survive, there I danced, skipped and hopped in the deluge of refreshing rain long, long overdue.  Yes the prayers to God for rain were finally answered.  The most beautiful thing I see is that we, as a nation, are no longer afraid of getting wet by the pounding rain that now beats upon us and upon a land that so desperately needs it.  Oh, the visual pictures flourish in my mind... a NEW chapter in American history has finally begun and yes, this generation made it happen... "at last".  Enjoy this incredible new video by Will.i.am from dipdive.com. Yes it's a New Day!

        

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One More Day

Just more one more day that is the refrain via emails, media outlets, pundits, stump speeches and yes even my personal blog.  Regardless of the outcome tomorrow, we all can attest that this election cycle has been historic on many levels.  I truly hope that the fervor of the American people will continue to demand change from every level of government as well as demand greater personal responsibility.  So today as I scan my favorite online sources of the latest polls and headlines, I will do so with the knowledge that this it...the last Monday before the most historic election in recent history and I'm so glad to be here to witness it with great expectation and hope. To all those who did not early vote I say VOTE.  Then celebrate your power to impact change in your lifetime and may we all live to witness the fullfillment of a dream.  Enjoy a double dose of inspiration from Barack Obama and Martin Luther King Jr.

        

Countdown to Change - Day Ten

As we countdown to this historic election, I want to encourage you and your circle of friends to early vote.  Also here's a little video inspiration from Ron Howard who goes "Opie" for Obama.  Enjoy.

        

Change Is In The Air

Over 90 days ago I made a big change in my professional life when I resigned from 95.7 Hallelujah FM to fully launch my seminar company and share the message of Living LIFE.  Since then I've had several lectures and seminars as well as had a live videotaping of the Living LIFE Seminar at the Fogelman Executive Center.  Also since making this life change, a movie I co-wrote several years ago was filmed right here in Memphis with a great Hollywood cast. (Check out www.n-securethemovie.com).  Just last week, in continued support of my new screenwriting venture, I attended the International Black Film Festival of Nashville where I served as a workshop moderator and conducted interviews.  I'm breathing in this new air of change.

CHANGE is in the air for you and me...as well as for our nation.  Yes, we are well aware that we are just days away from a historic election and that our vote will impact the world.  I exercised my right to vote on the very first day of early voting here in Memphis and I want to encourage everyone of you to early vote as well.  Then as you settle in over the next few days remember to say a prayer for our nation because change is coming.  Well, I'm done but I definitely want you to check out this 2008 verison of "Whassup" with the original cast members.  Enjoy.

        

I'm Having Fun

The past few months have brought about major changes for me, but I must say that I am having fun.  As of today, it is Day 2 of the filming of N-Secure, a movie I co-wrote a few years ago.  Be sure to check out the Commercial Appeal article.  This Saturday, the Living LIFE Seminar with Christie Taylor returns to the Fogelman Executive Center on the campus on the University of Memphis signaling the full launch of my seminar company, for a special Introducing The Living LIFE Seminar presentation please visit www.LivingLIFESeminarsOnline.com.  In addition to my being invited to be the keynote speaker next Wednesday at the Daddy's Girl Conference here in Memphis, I have found time to also squeeze in a television commercial for the 152nd Mid-South Fair which began airing this week...also be on the lookout for the billboard.  Truly I'm having fun and I hope you feel a little glee as you check it out below from YouTube.  Now as we head into the final months of 2008, I want you to take care of yourself and be sure to take time to add more fun into your LIFE.  Enjoy.

        

See You At The Top

This is the beginning  of a new season and time for brand new things to occur in my life, your life and our nation.  May we all face the newness with hope against hope, with love in our hearts for all and a mantra of "success to us all".  Congratulations in advance for your new achievements and I trust that wherever I go you will be right there with me.  Ready...set...see you at the top! (P.S. Check out Brandy's new video)