Wanna Be Startin' Something?

Yes, yes, yes I am a TRUE Michael Joe Jackson fan. My earliest recollections of him date back to 1987 when I was 4 years old. When I was 5 I wanted to marry him. I'd watch Michael Jackson: Moonwalker at least once a day. I wore that poor VHS out! I even had an MJ doll...The man kept me mesmerized. I didn't care about all the negativity swarming about him. I just knew I loved him and felt a sense of connection and understanding with him. Just standing on a stage and removing his sunglasses made millions of people scream and pass out! Amazing! When people would laugh at me and ask if I really liked him, I'd proudly say, "Yes!" Leave Me Alone is one of my favorite MJ videos. I never understood why the media wouldn't leave him alone. It was apparent the heights his fame took him too and the sadness he felt from lack of privacy and lack of a "normal" life.

Ever felt that way? To the point you want to shout/sing "Just leave me alone!"

In the event of his death so many have totally overlooked his numerous contributions to society. He was true inspiration...

Wanna Be Startin' Something? Start giving. Luke 6:38 (New International Version)
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Wanna talk about Michael? Talk about how he was a giver.

Michael was intently a blessing to others.

Here's a list that highlights the positive things Michael contributed to, aside from his awesome music(I am sure he gave to plenty of others):

AIDS Project L.A.
American Cancer Society
Angel Food
Big Brothers of Greater Los Angeles
BMI Foundation, Inc.
Brotherhood Crusade
Brothman Burn Center
Camp Ronald McDonald
Childhelp U.S.A.
Children's Institute International
Cities and Schools Scholarship Fund
Community Youth Sports & Arts Foundation
Congressional Black Caucus (CBC)
Dakar Foundation
Dreamstreet Kids
Dreams Come True Charity
Elizabeth Taylor Aids Foundation
Juvenile Diabetes Foundation
Love Match
Make-A-Wish Foundation
Minority Aids Project
Motown Museum
NAACP
National Rainbow Coalition
Rotary Club of Australia
Society of Singers
Starlight Foundation
The Carter Center's Atlanta Project
The Sickle Cell Research Foundation
Transafrica
United Negro College Fund (UNCF)
United Negro College Fund Ladder's of Hope
Volunteers of America
Watts Summer Festival
Wish Granting
YMCA - 28th Street/Crenshaw

Makes me feel like taking up a collection!

*Smile, God LOVES you*

Rejoice!

This is the day that the Lord has made, REJOICE!

This morning I took a walk and just communed with God and nature. Amazing! I took notice and admired all the things God created. You would've thought I was in some tropical paradise the way I was admiring (oohing and ahhing) everything. All I did was walk around the neighborhood!

My days can be so busy at times which cause me to have serious tunnel vision. It felt good to notice how God intricately designed the trees, birds, grass, air, clouds, etc. What really puts me in awe is that all He created has a purpose. All I could do was praise Him for his works. What other God can be called Elohim(Creator, Genesis 1:1)? None! No one else can take credit for earth's creation.

If you ever get a chance get out and get you some fresh air, take note of creation. Then read Revelation 14:7 which talks about how we should praise the One who created earth, seas, etc.

Will You Count Me In?

In the past couple of years I haven't had much time to watch 106th and Park but for some reason I was led to watch it today with my niece. The episode was about body image issues, in case you didn't see it. The highlight of the show for me was when co-host Rocsi Diaz opened up about her battle with anorexia. It was so real and forced me to come to terms with my own image issues. I felt her pain because I know how daunting my insecurities are.

It makes me think twice about laughing at someone because they have big lips or big ears even if they are a celebrity. Who am I to point out someone's flaws when I have my own to deal with? For a while it was hard for me to hold my head up and look people in the eye for fear they'd stare at my flaws. I was constantly comparing the size of my breasts to those of others. I would always fold my arms across my chest and always hoped I come across someone with less than me. Shame...the silly lengths we go through to make ourselves feel better.

I totally commend Rocsi and all the other young ladies who had the courage to stand up in front of a live audience full of strangers and admit their issues. Rocsi also raised awareness about anorexia not just being something white girls deal with. I was relieved to know I wasn't the only one covering up things...Now it's time to be free! ;)

Releasing those insecurities and accepting yourself are major steps to authentic confidence. We were all created different for a reason. Look in the mirror and see past your flaws, that's what I'll be doing!

The bottom line is God loves us how we are. Here's proof that you can count on, check it out for yourself...Genesis 1:27 (NIV) God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. Psalm 139:14 let's us know that we can praise God because we are fearfully and wonderfully made. See yourself they way your creator sees you.