WHEN WE REALIZE!!

When we realize…

Today, momentarily I am at a default….
Hinder by my past, and learning from my repast
I am unaware that I must continue on,
Not dwell in its midst but comprehend its hidden agenda,
When we realize that our past is merely a tool that we use to structure our daily existence,
Then we are ready to move on and grow.

We cannot continue to coat our lives with deceit and lies,
Instead we must take our reality as it paints a portrait to who we are,
Unlocking those hidden doors that we once dared not go,
And making a pathway for a better tomorrow.
When we realize our faults we learn.
And from those lessons we able to justify what we once did not know.

It is not our jobs to sympathize on our many mistakes, disappoints, and set backs,
Relatively lets us embrace them and inform others as they may attack once again.
As knowledge is the basic tool of competence which leads us to success.
When we realize that there are seasons, many seasons that we many encounter- some seasons good, other seasons bad than we realize the framework of our subsistence. It is in our mindset that we are able to overcome any possibility.

Give me my liberty!

This week I have been impacted by the most rewarding and challenging situations. As I stated in my last note, I am more than a conqueror. For so long, we live in this shell waiting or prolonging who we are as individuals - our very potential lives within us - it is our existence. We are all unique and all so different, but we are in so many ways the same. Its been a long time since I could overcome the eyes that are upon me and I still find that it is a challenge today. I am Lamonte and no one is exactly like me. There is an individual that dwells within me and he is waiting to introduce himself to you, but you have to be willing to except who he is. If you find for some reason that you are not ready to empathize who he is, then do not even bother to speak, look, or disturb me. For this reason, I am grateful that I am able to keep living positively and I am not hindered by all the negative energy that you are throwing into my direction. Who I was yesterday is forever gone. I am living for today, tomorrow, and the future. My past is only a recollection of forgone events that I can no longer change, but can remember. It is from this moment, and my future moments that you must look at, for they are where I once was and shall no longer return. All I can ask of thee, is to give me my liberty that you actually have no control over - you just thought you did. I AM FREE!

Brand New

If anyone knows me best, they know that I am a thinker! Some nights my thoughts hunt my sleep that I find it impossible to get rest. But as my mind wandered today walking across Western's campus, I began to think back over my life. As random as it may seem, I wanted to ponder on this for a little while. Have I established myself completely? And who is it that I say I am? Quite often, I constantly re-evaluate myself and assess my strengths and weaknesses. Since the beginning of this year, I have made drastic changes to become highly effective and live up to my very potential. Though I may have failed in some ways, I have excelled in many areas. I entitled this blog as "BRAND NEW." Here is to a new ME! And that is REAL.Everyday we learn something new about others and mostly important about SELF. We are all powerful as can be and it is US who choose to DREAM DREAMS.I am so blessed and the things that are happening to me now are only through his GRACE... so it is my responsibility to appreciate that and thank him for his many blessings!Now instead of being so hard on myself, I give everything to GOD. For in him I find my strength, my salvation, and my GLORY! And I am "BRAND NEW" in his eyes and that's all that MATTERS.

A Signature of Success

It was not by surprise that one day I called my "Little Brother" to check up on him that the words from his mouth might come by SURPRISE. "I am running for Miss. State SA President." To my array, I paused and thought about it for a quick second, when will this boy ever stop! He just keeps going and accomplishing. What is it that this boy cannot do? What is next on his agenda of many things to do? He has tired to show me up in so many ways... but I think him running for SA President surpasses my many accomplishments in COLLEGE.
Even though he may not be my real brother, I kind of consider him to be. This young man is Jeremy Lamar Johnson. I got the opportunity to meet this guy when I was a Summer Orientation Leader in 2003. From then until today, he has grown into an outstanding BLACK man and leader for Miss. State, his community, and to myself. I cannot say that I did not give him a hard time when we first became aquainted. He, of course, at the time wanted to become an "ALPHA MAN." So, I challenged him quite a bit. I am sure today, he appreciates those moments when I was not so kind. Needless to say, I am so proud of his many accomplishments thus far in his college career. His uses the words, "A Signature of Success" to run his campaign slogan. What a great choice of words to highlight who he is as an individual. It is but with the signing of his name that all can say that he is a story of true SUCCESS.
Elections will be held on Feb. 20th on-campus and I hope that I will make it down for this occasion. Regardless of the final outcome, he will forever be a winner in this great endeavor. I wish you best of luck FRAT.

How Did You Spend Your MLK Day?

Where do I begin this article? Well here goes... Like many holidays we pay tribute to the symbolism behind each one. For instance, Thanksgiving we reflect on the things we are so blessed to have and we spend the holiday with our loves ones. For many of us, it is a tradition to cook large meals that consist of turkey, dressing, sweet potato pie, mac-n-cheese, and everything that we can IMAGINE.
But what do we do for Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Day? I noticed in one of my colleague's planner -he wrote "A DAY OFF WORK." I questioned myself and pondered to ask what did u actually do that day? For me, I attended the schedule of events that were planned for the Bowling Green Community. We first started off with the Annual MLK Breakfast, a march through downtown, and finally a church service. It was ironic; well I guess it was not ironic to see the room full of my RACE. What do other RACES do to celebrate MLK DAY? I am not trying to point fingers but is this not an important day to celebrate in the HISTORY of AMERICA. I am one to question the overall purpose of this day? Is it just a day for my RACE to celebrate or is it a day for us all... ALL RACES?? As I marched through downtown Bowling Green, I remember and gave tribute to those individuals who once marched. I gave tribute not only to King, but to Harriet Tubman, Oprah Winfrey, Thurgood Marshall, Sojourner Truth, Jackie Robinson, and the list goes on. Though we do call it MLK Day, I celebrate all the other individuals who fought for OUR civil rights that are not recognized. Even as I marched, people starred in their businesses at ME and wondered WHY WE MARCH ON!
I reminiscence on my childhood days where my GRANDFATHER would let my brother, sister, and me listen to the speeches of Dr. King on A-tracks. My favorite King speech is the "DRUM MAJOR INSTINCT." I grew a greater appreciation for KING and how HE PAVED the way for ME and OTHERS! No matter where I AM in the FUTURE. I will MARCH ONWARD and UPWARD not just on MLK DAY, but everyday! I do question, what did you do for MLK DAY? Is it just a day off of work or a MOMENTUS occasion for AMERICA. But regardless if I march alone, I TOO SING AMERICA!

"My traveler's kit"

Today, well in fact this past week, I wanted to start a change for the New Year! In life, I believe everything happens for a reason. It is important to always have an agenda/plan in mind when starting a change or new obstacle in life. For me it is carrying my "Traveler's Kit." With this kit comes three essential items that will help me on my journey into RECONSTRUCTION/REPAIR, those items are simply: A map, compass, and a final destination. The map I will use as a guide/template that will "map" out where I need to go (It is my beginning - where I am currently and where I am trying to get to ) my Final Destination. The compass I will use to keep my direction. Sometimes when we dream dreams and something can always get in the way. My compass is there to remind me how to stay on track. And finally my Final Destination is my VISION. And once I have reached this destination, I will look back and say JOB WELL DONE.. only to start back on another Journey!!

My Last Days at Mississippi State University

I have finally come to the realization that I am PHInally leaving my home for the past 5 years. And I must mention that is has been a journey that I will never forget..... I have to be very honest and say that i was not a very focused individual when i PHirst arrived on this lovely campus. It took my a while to really see the point of why I was in college and how these years would have such a PROFOUND impact on the rest of my LIFE... It was Black Legends that helped me to get my foot in the door and PHInally realize my purpose... LEGENDS like Zackory D. Kirk, Keva Martin, Lynn Parker, Dan Coleman, Miss Genice Allen, Nikki Cox, Angela Maxwell, Trey Brown, Tiffany Henderson, too many to name but they all have helped me to develop into the PERSON I am TODAY... Thank you all so much..... It was through my involvement with the Black Student Alliance - the premier STUDENT ORGANIZATION on our campus that served as an educational tool to get me motivated to BECOME more involved and love my UNIVERSITY.. Throughout my years here, I have met and made so many wonderful memorizes that will always keep my heart glad.

The Antwone Fisher Story

I can so relate to the Antwone Fisher Story! It is honestly the best movie ever made in America. An inspiring story about a young Black man, who defeats everyone that tries to destroy him. We can all relate to Antwone as he searches within and finds the little child inside. "Who will cry for the little boy, that cries himself to sleep?" Man the movie is so powerful! My favorite by far. The best words from the movie are... "No matter what you tried 2 do 2 me. You couldn't destory me! I'm still standing! I'm still strong! And I always will be!" Man those are some powerful words. If you have not seen the movie yet, better go buy it and watch it at least once a week... It will forever change your life!