We are only as free as the truth we live…<3

Some are taught to keep secrets to minimize the pain; many are told to lie so that others will not be hurt by their actions; and others are encouraged to paint fairy-tale pictures to replace harsh realities.

The problem with all these things is that they take away from the greatness that we could experience in life.

Give yourself the freedom to live your best life. God has a purpose and plan for you that is greater than you could ever imagine. Your past does not determine the quality of your future.  Everything you experienced was to get you to the very point you are at now. Break free from the things that keep you tied down and Live Your Truth.

As the mother of a teenage son, it is becoming a little too hard for me to be comfortable with the thought of him being out of my sight.  You see, fortunately, my son grew up to be a tall, handsome young man, surpassing others on the growth charts.  But society says he does not fit the mold.  He is not permitted to “act his age” because people would rather see him act his size.  Not only is his size an issue, his appearance altogether is an issue.  In addition to general parental guidance, I have to tell him he’s not allowed to wear his hoodie on his head, he’s not allowed to walk to the corner store, and now I have to warn him about his music when starts driving next year…the irony is, we do not live in a war zone, we live in “the land of the free, thanks to the brave”.  Many members of my family are the those brave soldiers that fought and continue to fight for “our” freedom and yet I have to treat my child as a prisoner of war.

There is a real problem when the life of a child is no longer a priority.  I have witnessed more compassion for animals than for children who resemble my son.  These attacks on the youth are coming from all directions.  So, as a parent, am I to keep my child under lock and key to protect him?  Is it ok for him to feel like he is not welcomed in his community, city, or state?  How is he supposed to feel when society says his life is worthless?

Parents, aunts, uncles, sisters, brothers, grandparents, and all others that make up our support systems…please continue to love on our sons.  Let them know that no matter who is against them, they have God and us in their corners.  Ensure that they are allowed to be kids.  A child should never have to worry about carrying out normal activities.  With us fighting for their lives, the harder it will be for others to take them.

Tonight after Florida State won the BCS Championship, Jameis said he had to remember he has a team for a reason.  He went out in the first half trying to destroy the opponent himself, forgetting he did not have to fight this battle alone.

In life, God assigns us all the people and resources necessary to reach our destinies.  It is up to us to allow the people placed in our paths to fulfill their purpose.  Often times we cut off our blessing because we do not make our needs known.  God has already put someone in place to meet our needs but we try to do everything on our own.  Independence is a necessary trait but you must not let your independence hinder your dependence on God.

I am so thankful for my family and friends who stand in the gap for me.  My son is best, not because he’s perfect but because he is my biggest supporter and cheerleader.  He thinks I’m pretty awesome and randomly likes to tell me that he loves me.  As a parent you can only hope your children are proud of what you do and who you become.  My family and friends encourage me every step and always pray for me.  No matter what my profession is or how many times I stumble, they are there.  I am covered, God assembled the perfect group of imperfect people who I needed.

Always remember, you are not alone, you have a team for a reason.  Am I my brother’s keeper?

Chorus for today: “When he’s pushed to the edge, when he’s out on a ledge, can I help him to think with his heart.  When he’s wrong,  when he’s right, I’ll be there to remind him, that he’s made in the image of God.  When he’s struggles with troubles, he needs to know that his mistakes don’t define his life.  I’m a living example that there is a chance for redemption on the other side.
Am I my brother’s keeper? Yes I am!~IA

Today I saw the movie The Butler.   Not only did I get a look into the life of  the butler, I saw a glimpse of the world surrounding him.  I saw relationships fall apart and be rebuilt.  I saw wars, internal and external.  Most importantly, I saw people on all different walks of life trying to figure it all out.  The movie was insightful and thought-provoking.  I wanted to share a little of  what I saw but please go see it for yourself.  It reminded me that there is always so much more than what we see on the surface;  In life we have choices, even when we think we don’t;  Everything won’t feel good but they will work as they should; and Often times we struggle so the next person won’t have to.

Mothers-life doesn’t come with a manual, you will make mistakes.  Communication will always be the key.  Our kids need to know that we love them and we don’t expect perfection. Our husbands need us to love, support, and inspire them.  Remember you’re not perfect and no one expects you to be.

Fathers-although your wife needs to know you can take care of your family, it means nothing if you’re not there to show her that you love her and that she plays an important role in your life.  Your children need to know you can take care of them but they need to know you love them more.  They need to know that you support them even when you don’t necessarily agree with their decisions.  Remember you’re not perfect and no one expects you to be.

Leaders-although people depend on you to have all the answers, you’re human and will get things wrong.  Learning from your mistakes is important.  You have a support staff for a reason, you don’t know everything.  Remember you’re not perfect and no one expects you to be.

Children-one of the most difficult things you have to realize is, your parents are not perfect.  They will make mistakes.  Your parents will also do whatever they have to in order to make your life better than theirs.  Never take that for granted.  Remember you’re not perfect and no one expects you to be.

The main point I took away from the movie is that, no matter who you are, you have an impact in the world.  Never think because you hold a specific position, you’re less important.  You might not change the world but you could be the voice in the person’s ear that does. Think of all those who have made an impact in the world, someone said something to spark  or heighten their curiosity to step out and reach for something further than their eyes could see.

Today, go be GREAT!!!  Someone is looking for exactly what you have to offer,