BGF God and Integrity First, Service before Self and Excellence in all we do 💯Truth over Honesty.

04/07/2024
04/06/2024

Colorism is a complex issue that has deep historical roots and continues to affect African American communities. Let’s explore some aspects related to this topic:

Colorism and Discrimination Within the Black Community:
Colorism refers to the prejudice based on skin tone, often favoring lighter-skinned individuals over those with darker skin.
This phenomenon is not unique to African Americans; it exists in various communities worldwide.
In the past, lighter skin was often associated with privilege, beauty, and social status, while darker skin was stigmatized.
Colorism can manifest in various ways, including media representation, dating preferences, and workplace dynamics.
Misogyny and sexual exploitation during American slavery have contributed to the perpetuation of colorism.
Personal Experiences and Family Influence:
Your grandmother’s beauty and pride in her dark skin highlight the positive aspects of blackness.
Your mother’s deliberate efforts to celebrate blackness at home demonstrate her awareness of how the world would treat her daughters.
The retouched high school portrait of your mother reflects the erasure of her blackness, emphasizing the impact of colorism.
Perceptions of Wealth and Class:
You mentioned the perception that middle-class African Americans are wealthy.
It’s essential to recognize that socioeconomic status varies widely within any racial or ethnic group.
While some middle-class individuals may appear financially stable, they still face financial challenges (such as bills, rent, and utilities) like everyone else.
Stereotypes about wealth can lead to misunderstandings and divisions within the community.
Support and Community Bonds:
Despite these challenges, African Americans often support each other.
Historical adversity has fostered a sense of reliance on one another for survival.
Many black families, friends, and communities prioritize helping each other, recognizing the importance of collective support.

Struggling in Shadows: A Battle with Addiction and DepressionChapter 4: The Darkness Inside As I was stationed on Osan A...
04/06/2024

Struggling in Shadows: A Battle with Addiction and Depression
Chapter 4: The Darkness Inside
As I was stationed on Osan AB in South Korea in 2011, I
struggled with the symptoms of my Adult ADHD. The constant
bombardment of stimuli and the pressure to perform at my
best in the Air Force only exacerbated my struggles. It was
during this time that I was introduced to stimulant drugs as a
way to control my symptoms and help me focus. At first, the medication seemed like a miracle cure. I was able
to concentrate better, stay on task, and excel in my duties. But
as time went on, I found myself becoming increasingly
dependent on the drugs to function. I would take more than
the prescribed dosage, hoping to achieve even better results.
However, my addiction soon took a dangerous turn. I began
experiencing severe side effects, including heart palpitations
and trouble breathing. It wasn't long before I was rushed to
the hospital with acute kidney failure, a result of my drug
abuse.
As the medical staff worked to save my life, they made the
decision to take away my medication. Without the drugs to
mask my symptoms, I quickly spiraled into a dark and deep
depression that I had never known before. I struggled to get out of bed in the morning, my thoughts
consumed by self-doubt and hopelessness. I distanced myself
from my friends and family, unable to face the reality of my
situation. The once bright and energetic person I used to be
seemed like a distant memory, replaced by a shadow of my
former self. I knew I needed help, but I didn't know where to turn. The darkness inside me seemed to grow stronger with each
passing day, threatening to consume me whole. As I fought to
find a way out of the darkness, I realized that the road to
righteousness would be a long and difficult journey.

African American Males Empowering Network (AAMEN) This Facebook group serves as a forum for weekly questions, topics, an...
04/06/2024

African American Males Empowering Network (AAMEN) This Facebook group serves as a forum for weekly questions, topics, and to stay involved with events, programs, and collaborations. It’s a space dedicated to the empowerment of African American males, offering support and resources to encourage hard work, personal growth, and community involvement.
The group emphasizes positive reinforcement, motivation, and the sharing of success stories and advice among its members. It’s a place where African American males can find a sense of community and encouragement to achieve their goals while fostering a culture of resilience and determination.

04/06/2024

It's not about who gets the first laugh but about who gets the last laugh 🤣God and his people will get that last laugh trust me.

04/05/2024

I don't want no obituary I wasn't copies of my book given out at my funeral. I can tell my own life story myself thank you. 🤣

04/05/2024

Chapter 3: Facing the Truth
James had always been the type to pour his heart and soul
into his relationships and marriages. He believed in giving his all and being there for his girl through thick and thin. However, as time went on, he realized that he had lost a part of himself in the
process. He had become so reliant on his partners for his
happiness and validation that he had forgotten who he was
outside of the relationships.
It wasn't until one fateful day when his girl decided to
move away for a job opportunity that James truly faced the
reality of his situation. As he stood in his now empty
apartment, surrounded by boxes and memories of their time
together, he felt lost and alone. He had always thought that he
needed someone else to be whole, but now he realized that
he needed to find himself first.
With a heavy heart, James made the decision to take time out
for himself. He needed to learn who he truly was and how
much strength he possessed on his own. It was a daunting
prospect, but he knew it was necessary for his own growth
and well-being.
As days turned into weeks, James threw himself into new
hobbies and activities. He went hiking in the mountains,
started painting again, and even took up cooking classes.
Through these experiences, he began to rediscover parts of
himself that had long been forgotten. He found joy in the
simple things, in the beauty of nature, and in the satisfaction
of creating something with his own hands.
But it wasn't all smooth sailing. There were moments of doubt
and loneliness, of wondering if he would ever find someone
who truly understood him. But through it all, James remained
steadfast in his journey of self-discovery. He knew that he
needed to stand on his own two feet, no matter how difficult it
may be.
And as he watched the sun set over the horizon one evening,
a sense of peace washed over him. He realized that he had
come a long way since that day his partner had left. He had
learned to embrace his own company, to find happiness within
himself, and to trust in his own strength.
James knew that the road ahead would be challenging, but he
also knew that he was ready to face whatever came his way.
He was no longer afraid to confront the truth of who he was
and ...

Chapter 3: Facing the TruthJames had always been the type to pour his heart and soulinto his relationships. He believed ...
04/05/2024

Chapter 3: Facing the Truth

James had always been the type to pour his heart and soul
into his relationships. He believed in giving his all and being
there for his partner through thick and thin. However, as time
went on, he realized that he had lost a part of himself in the
process. He had become so reliant on his partner for his
happiness and validation that he had forgotten who he was
outside of the relationship.

It wasn't until one fateful day when his partner decided to
move away for a job opportunity that James truly faced the
reality of his situation. As he stood in his now empty
apartment, surrounded by boxes and memories of their time
together, he felt lost and alone. He had always thought that he
needed someone else to be whole, but now he realized that
he needed to find himself first.

With a heavy heart, James made the decision to take time out
for himself. He needed to learn who he truly was and how
much strength he possessed on his own. It was a daunting
prospect, but he knew it was necessary for his own growth
and well-being.

As days turned into weeks, James threw himself into new
hobbies and activities. He went hiking in the mountains,
started painting again, and even took up cooking classes.
Through these experiences, he began to rediscover parts of
himself that had long been forgotten. He found joy in the
simple things, in the beauty of nature, and in the satisfaction
of creating something with his own hands.

But it wasn't all smooth sailing. There were moments of doubt
and loneliness, of wondering if he would ever find someone
who truly understood him. But through it all, James remained
steadfast in his journey of self-discovery. He knew that he
needed to stand on his own two feet, no matter how difficult it
may be.

And as he watched the sun set over the horizon one evening,
a sense of peace washed over him. He realized that he had
come a long way since that day his partner had left. He had
learned to embrace his own company, to find happiness within
himself, and to trust in his own strength.

James knew that the road ahead would be challenging, but he
also knew that he was ready to face whatever came his way.
He was no longer afraid to confront the truth of who he was
and what he needed in life. And for the first time in a long
time, he felt truly free.

Chapter 4: The Journey Within

As James reflected on the words of wisdom from his
therapist, he knew that he had to take a step back and focus
on himself. He had always been the type of person to put
others before himself, especially in his relationships. But now,
he realized that he needed to prioritize his own well-being in
order to truly find happiness.

With a newfound sense of determination, James embarked on
a journey of self-discovery. He started by taking up new
hobbies and activities that he had always been curious about
but never had the time to pursue. He spent hours hiking in the
mountains, immersing himself in nature and finding solace in
the quiet solitude.

As he delved deeper into his own thoughts and emotions,
James began to confront the uncomfortable truths that he had
been avoiding for so long. He acknowledged his fears and
insecurities, and slowly began to let go of the need for
external validation. He realized that true strength comes from
within, and that he had the power to stand on his own two
feet, no matter what life threw his way.

Through this process of self-discovery, James also learned to
set boundaries in his relationships. He no longer relied on
others to define his worth, and instead, focused on building a
strong foundation of self-love and acceptance. This newfound
sense of independence brought a sense of freedom and
empowerment that he had never experienced before.

As he continued on his journey, James found himself
becoming more in tune with his innermost desires and
passions. He discovered a newfound sense of purpose and
direction, and felt a renewed sense of excitement for the
future. With each passing day, he grew more confident in his
ability to navigate life's challenges with grace and resilience.

The journey within was not an easy one, but James knew that
it was necessary in order to truly find fulfillment and
happiness. He embraced the process wholeheartedly,
knowing that the path to self-discovery was a lifelong journey
that required patience, perseverance, and self-reflection.

And so, with a newfound sense of clarity and purpose, James
continued on his path of self-discovery, eager to uncover the
depths of his soul and unlock the limitless potential that lay
within.

Chapter 5: Embracing Change

As James continued on his journey of self-discovery, he found

himself faced with a new challenge – embracing change. He
had spent so much time focusing on his internal growth and
development that he had neglected to consider how his
newfound strength and independence would impact his
relationships with others.

One day, as he sat alone in his favorite coffee shop, sipping on
a latte and reflecting on his progress, he received a text
message from his long-time girlfriend, Sarah. She wanted to
meet up and talk about their future together.

As James read the message, a wave of anxiety washed over
him. He knew that his journey of self-discovery had changed
him in ways he never could have anticipated, and he wasn't
sure if he was ready to confront the truth of his changing
feelings towards Sarah.

Despite his uncertainty, James agreed to meet with Sarah
later that evening. As they sat across from each other at a
quaint little bistro, the tension between them was palpable.
Sarah looked at James with a mixture of curiosity and
concern, sensing that something had shifted within him.

After a few moments of awkward silence, James took a deep
breath and began to speak. He shared with Sarah his journey
of self-discovery, his newfound sense of independence, and
the realization that he needed to prioritize his own well-being
above all else.

Sarah listened intently, her expression softening as she began
to understand the depth of James' transformation. She, too,
had noticed a change in him over the past few months, but
had been hesitant to address it for fear of what it might mean
for their relationship.

As James finished speaking, Sarah reached across the table
and took his hand in hers. She looked into his eyes with a
mixture of sadness and understanding, knowing that their
paths had diverged in ways they could no longer ignore.

And in that moment, James felt a sense of peace wash over
him. He realized that his journey of self-discovery had led him
to this moment – a moment of clarity, honesty, and
acceptance. He knew that he had to let go of his fear of
change and embrace the uncertainty of the future.

As the evening drew to a close, James and Sarah parted ways
with a bittersweet smile and a silent understanding. And as
James walked home under the moonlit sky, he knew that he
was one step closer to truly standing on his own two feet,
ready to embrace whatever changes lay ahead.

Chapter 6: Embracing Change

As James continued on his journey of self-discovery, he found
himself facing new challenges and opportunities for growth.
He had come to realize that change was inevitable, and that in
order to truly evolve and grow, he had to embrace it with open
arms.

One of the biggest changes that James encountered was in
his career. He had always been comfortable in his job, but as
he delved deeper into his own desires and passions, he began
to question whether it was truly fulfilling him. After much
contemplation, James made the decision to take a leap of faith
and pursue a new career path that aligned more closely with
his values and aspirations.

The transition was not easy, and there were moments of doubt
and uncertainty along the way. But with each step forward,
James felt a sense of liberation and excitement that he had
never experienced before. He realized that by letting go of the
familiar and venturing into the unknown, he was opening
himself up to new possibilities and opportunities for growth.

In his relationships, James also found himself embracing
change. He had always been the type to hold on tightly to
those he cared about, fearing that if he let go, he would be left
with nothing. But through his journey of self-discovery, he
learned that true love and connection could only thrive in an
environment of freedom and growth.

James began to let go of his need for control and instead,
embraced the ebb and flow of life's changes. He learned to
trust in the process and allow his relationships to evolve
naturally, without trying to force them into a predetermined
mold. And in doing so, he found a newfound sense of peace
and harmony in his interactions with others.

As he continued on his journey, James also realized the
importance of embracing change within himself. He no longer
clung to the limitations of his past or the expectations of
others, but instead, opened himself up to the endless
possibilities that lay before him. He embraced his
vulnerabilities and imperfections, knowing that they were an
integral part of his journey towards self-discovery and
personal growth.

With each passing day, James felt a sense of liberation and
empowerment that he had never experienced before. He knew
that change was not something to be feared, but rather,
something to be embraced and celebrated. And as he looked
towards the future with renewed hope and excitement, he
knew that the journey of self-discovery was far from over.

Chapter 7: Embracing the Journey

As James continued on his journey of self-discovery, he found
himself facing new challenges and obstacles that tested his
strength and resilience. But with each hurdle that he
overcame, he felt a sense of empowerment and growth that
fueled his determination to keep pushing forward.

One of the biggest challenges that James faced was learning
to let go of the past and forgive himself for his past mistakes.
He realized that holding onto guilt and regret only held him
back from fully embracing the present moment and moving
forward towards a brighter future. With the help of his
therapist, he worked through his emotions and learned to
practice self-compassion and forgiveness.

Through this process, James also began to cultivate deeper
connections with those around him. He let go of the fear of
opening up and being vulnerable, realizing that true strength
lies in being able to authentically connect with others. He
reached out to friends and family, sharing his struggles and
victories, and in return, found a network of support and love
that uplifted him in times of need.

As he continued to explore his passions and pursue his
dreams, James found himself stepping into his true power and
authenticity. He no longer felt the need to seek validation from
others, as he had learned to trust in his own intuition and inner
guidance. He embraced his unique gifts and talents,
recognizing that they were meant to be shared with the world.

One day, as James stood at the top of a mountain, looking out
at the vast expanse of nature before him, he felt a deep sense
of gratitude and peace wash over him. He realized that the
journey within had led him to a place of self-acceptance and
love, and that he was finally able to stand tall on his own two
feet, ten toes down.

With a renewed sense of purpose and passion, James knew
that he was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead with
strength and courage. He embraced the unknown with a
sense of curiosity and excitement, knowing that the journey of
self-discovery was a lifelong adventure that would continue to
unfold with each new experience and lesson learned.

And as he gazed out at the horizon, feeling the warmth of the
sun on his face and the wind in his hair, James knew that he
was exactly where he was meant to be - living a life of
authenticity, love, and fulfillment.

Chapter 2: The Call of RighteousnessJames had always felt a tug on his heart, a calling tosomething greater than himself...
04/05/2024

Chapter 2: The Call of Righteousness
James had always felt a tug on his heart, a calling to
something greater than himself. As he looked at his entire family, he knew that he needed to embark on a journey to
find that path to righteousness that God was leading him
towards. So, he made the difficult decision to leave them
behind and set out on his own.
With a heavy heart and a sense of purpose, James headed
south towards Florida. He thought maybe he would find the
answers he was searching for in the sunshine state. But as he
traveled, he encountered trouble at every turn. His car broke
down, his funds ran low, and he found himself lost and alone in
a place that was unfamiliar to him. Eventually, James found himself incarcerated, abandoned by
everyone he knew. It was in that dark moment that he realized
that the path to righteousness was not to be found in the
physical world, but in the spiritual one. As he grew older and
wiser, he understood that the only true road to righteousness
was through the narrow gate, and that Jesus Christ was the
way that would lead him to salvation.
Covered by the blood sacrifice of Christ, James knew that he
was the righteousness of God. And so, with a renewed sense
of purpose and faith, he set out on a new journey - one that
would lead him to a deeper understanding of his calling and
his place in the world.

04/05/2024
“Road to Righteousness: A Journey of Redemption and Faith”In Road to Righteousness, I invite you to walk alongside me on...
04/05/2024

“Road to Righteousness: A Journey of Redemption and Faith”
In Road to Righteousness, I invite you to walk alongside me on a transformative journey—one that traverses the valleys of despair, scales the peaks of hope, and ultimately leads to the radiant path of living righteously before God. This book is a testament to the power of faith, resilience, and divine grace.
In the depths of mental illness, I grappled with shadows that threatened to consume my soul. The darkness led me to places I never imagined: incarceration, homelessness, and the shattering of my marriage. But amid the chaos, a glimmer of light emerged—a beacon of hope that would change my life forever.

04/04/2024

I only shop local and Organic most of the time but organic food you have to cook it within a few days. That is how God originally created our fruits and vegetables. Preservatives make money for the farmers and main grocery stores like Walmart but it puts our health at jeopardy. Shop local and Organic. Love your Life.

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