What is Your Legacy?

If your parents are still alive, you are so blessed! Sadly my parents passed away several years ago: Mom in 2005 and Daddy in 2009. I miss them every day; yet, they still live on through me, my siblings, their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. My parents left special memories for our family.

Ephesians 6:1-2 reads, "Children,obey your parents in the Lord; for this is right. Honor your father and your mother..." Although my parents may not be with me physically, I still want to honor their legacy every day by:

1. Living a life that will make them and God proud.

2. Keeping my word as my bond.

3. Giving service to the family, the church and the community.

We have a responsibility to leave an endearing and enduring legacy for the next generation. How will you honor yours?

Respect the Water

Everyone needs water. We wash with it; cook with it. Some drink the recommended 8 glasses of water each day. And during the summer months, many of us are at the pool or on the beach splashing in it. Unfortunately the increase in summer water fun can turn tragic.  According to the Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC) more than 4000 accidental drownings happen each year. And sadly, drowning is the leading cause of death for children between the ages of 1-4 years.

So how can your family still enjoy the water parks and not become a statistic? Here are some tips from the American Red Cross:

• Make sure everyone in the family learns to swim well;
• Swim in a designated area supervised by lifeguards;
• Always swim with a buddy; and,
• Never leave a young child unattended near water.

As you enjoy family time this summer, have fun, stay safe and respect the water.

Faith Over Fear

After graduating from Clark Atlanta University, with a degree in Communications, my first job was working for CNN (Cable News Network) in Atlanta, Georgia.  The most exciting job I've ever had! Hearing about news all over the world every single day. For me, it was the ultimate way to begin my media career. I loved it. I still consider myself to be a "News Junkie" today.

Unfortunately, for some family members, hearing the daily news is the absolute last thing they want to do.  Wars, Crime, Celebrity Gossip. Most days it's just too much for them to take in. And I understand. Many of us may struggle to stay positive by hearing stories that appear to be hopeless.

How do you balance your life, hold onto your faith and not let the negative news of the day get you down? 

Isaiah 41:10 says, Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Think about what our ancestors had to endure; looking at their lives during slaving, Jim Crow, fighting for Civil Rights. If they hadn't held onto hope, we wouldn't be here today.  The news may change, but our trust in God should not. Let's hold on to our Faith over fear.

Happy Mother's Day

To all the Moms who wake up each morning, ready to balance family, work, church and community in their corner of the world. Over worked, under paid. Putting others first while your needs are last on the list. We Love You, We Appreciate You and We Honor You. Thank you!

Here's what Proverbs 31:25-31 (Living Bible translation) says about a Mother:  She is clothed with strength and dignity;  she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.  She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.  Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her; "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."  Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate. 

                             Have a Happy Mother's Day!

A New Beginning!

Can you believe it's 2022?  When the Covid 19 Pandemic started at the end of 2019, who would have thought we'd still be in this journey.  All of us have been through a lot. I'm ready for the New Year!   As we begin this new opportunity, what are we going to do with it?  How will this year be different, better, more productive?  What is your goal for 2022?

Isaiah 43:18-19 says, But forget all that, it is nothing compared to what I'm going to do! For I'm going to do a brand-new thing. See, I have already begun! Don't you see it? I will make a road through the wilderness of the world for my people to go home and create rivers for them in the desert! 

2022 is another chance to do something you haven't done before. Begin this New Year with anticipation, excitement and purpose. Enjoy the journey into a New Beginning!

 

The Next Chapter

Recently, I started reading this amazing book entitled ROAR Into the Second Half of Your Life (Before It's Too Late). It's written by Michael Clinton.  The word ROAR is actually an acronym for R - Reimagine yourself; O - Own who you are; A - Act on what's next; R - Reassess your relationships. What makes the book so refreshing is it's target audience is people 40 years and older.  Most books I've seen with a theme of "planning for the future" rarely include people of  that age. We're categorized as getting ready for retirement, not reimaging ourselves.

 ROAR doesn't just focus on your next job, but what you want to do to fulfill your true purpose in life.  Playing with the grandchildren is great and having that weekly yoga class is fun. But, why should the year of your birth dictate when opportunities have come to an end? You can still move to a new city, find love or learn a new language.

I believe your story isn't over. No matter your age, it's never too late  to write the next chapter of your life.  In fact, it could be the best one yet!

The Help They Need

During the early days of the Covid 19 pandemic, many of us were held up in our homes. Everything changed in an instant; our work, our home life, our routines. I  missed going to the gym, because exercise helps with my physical and mental health. The pandemic affected all of us in different ways. It even affected our children.

According to information published on the website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Beyond getting sick, many young people's social, emotional and mental well being has been impacted by the pandemic. 

1 Peter 5:7 says, Casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.

Let's realize adults and children struggle with the challenges that have been caused by the Covid 19 pandemic. Find more resources to help the children in your home, school and community at CDC.gov/Coronavirus.

Get the help they need.

A New Name

There are two well-known brothers in my community whose last name is Wise. And that name fits them perfectly. One is a Pastor of a large church; the other is a talented Musician and College Professor. Their children and grandchildren are just as gifted. That Wise name really represents who they are. That made me think: What does my name say about me?

Genesis 17:5 says, God told him, I am changing your name. It is no longer Abram (Exalted Father) but Abraham (Father of Nations) for that is what you will be. I have declared it.

Maybe you don't need a new car or a new wardrobe to define who you are. Maybe you need a New Name!

 

Thanks to Mr. Eli Williams of Hot Gospel 20

Hi Moms:

Thank you so much to Mr. Eli Williams of EWilliamsCommunications for letting me share my Mommy Messages - inspirational audio messages - on Hot Gospel 20 (HG20) with Eli Williams. HG20 is a weekly on-line radio program that shares music from the top gospel artists. The program reaches listeners across the country and around the world. Hot Gospel 20 is available at www.hotgospel20.com and via the free HG20 with Eli Williams mobile app, and on TuneIn internet radio. Listen to Hot Gospel 20 and be blessed!

Building Our Village One Mom @ a Time!

Girl's Night Out!

Hi Moms:

There is nothing like being with your Girlfriends! I mean the ones you can trust, tell your secrets to; those friends that have your back forever! To paraphrase John 15:13, there is no greater love than when someone will lay down their life for a friend. What friends do you love? Find ways to show love to them today.

Building Our Village One Mom @ a Time!

Winning!

Hi Moms:
Look in the mirror today and say:
"I am a Winner"
"I am Awesome"
"I am Victorious"
Because You are!

Building Our Village One Mom @ a Time!

Children See - Children Do

Hi Moms:

Our children are great observers.  And as a Mom, you know they will follow our actions; sometimes even closer than they follow our words. When we tell our children not to tell a lie, but then ask them to tell a caller on the phone we aren't home, what's a child to think?  We are our children's first teacher. What are you teaching your children?

Building Our Village One Mom @ a Time!

Happy Martin Luther King Day!

Hi Moms:

Many of us are celebrating the vision of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. today.  Dr. King was a man of purpose and service, who sacrificed his life for a better America.  So begin today to find your purpose.   Find ways to impact your home, your church or your community. Serve not just for today, but for a lifetime!

Building our Village one Mom @ a Time!

Can we count on you?

Hi Mom:

If you weren't in the room and someone mentioned your name, what would people say?  Are you organized and reliable? In order to be trusted with future leadership opportunities, you must complete assignments at home, at work and in your community.  Keep your promises; finish your tasks.  People are depending on you.  Can we count on You?

                          Building our Village one Mom @ at Time!

Go 4 it!

Moms:  Be Bold! Ask for what you want and don't be afraid to work hard to get it.
  
                            Building our Village One Mom @ a Time!

Autism Speaks and Panera Bread Team Up

Our local Panera Bread restaurants are sponsoring a great event to benefit Autism.  It's called Pieces of Hope. Purchase cookies with the Autism logo from April 23-27 - 100% of the proceeds go to Autism Speaks.  Check out the Panera in your community for more information.

Building our Village One Mom @ a Time!

Tell the Children

April 4th is the 45th Anniversary of the assassination of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; a man of fairness, caring and integrity.
Live so that when your children think of fairness, caring and integrity, they also think of you.

Building our Village one Mom @ a Time!

Never too late for a new beginning!

This Week from The Mentor4Moms

  Take charge of your attitude. Don't let someone else choose it for you

Building our Village one Mom at a time!