Wait! You’re not attending?

Many of my friends have chosen to pass up the one day they’ve worked tirelessly to finally see. Why? Were the participation costs for the big day just too much after paying off tuition for your last semester? Was the color of the robe unflattering? Couldn’t get time off? None of the guests you invited RSVP’d yes? Was the ceremony scheduled for Saturday or Sunday so you can’t attend because of religious observance? Whatever the reason, I can’t imagine why one would choose to miss out on such an important day in your academic career. I can proudly say that I haven’t missed any of my graduation ceremonies. I could never get tired of attending them (Pre-K, fifth grade, eighth grade, high school, college) . As a matter of fact, I’ll be preparing for my sixth graduation ceremony in June 2013 when I’ll graduate with my master’s degree.

If none of the reasons why many miss out on turning the tassel did not apply to you, then I’d love to hear your reasons for missing out on the festivities, after all, you already paid for it. Remember that annoying bill that pops up every semester called tuition? Well, not only does it help pay for your professors, the staff, and maintenance of the college or university grounds, it also covers special programs and events–like graduations.

If you’re not going to attend for yourself, attend for your family and friends who have “hopefully” cheered you on from start to finish. Let me share some of the reasons why I attend each ceremony and I hope you’ll be inspired enough to change your minds and attend your next one. I attend because I’ve invested my time, money, and energy into my academic success. I attend for those who do not have the same opportunity to get an education, because of their finances or legal status in this country. I attend for those who did not make it to the finish line because they were robbed of their opportunity by violence. I attend to prove those who thought I couldn’t make it because of my race, family background, or gender WRONG. I attend as an example to my siblings and others who depend on me to set the example for them as a role model.

If those reasons are not enough then I don’t know what is. All I know is I’ve reserved my seat and I plan on filling it when that glorious day comes, rain or shine.

Let me also state that impressions are not only made by the people we interact with. We can also be impressed by the things we see and hear. For example, movie plots. I don’t know how many of you have seen this film, but it struck a chord in me that I haven’t been able to silence ever since.

The Bucket List, starring Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson, was released on December 25, 2007. They were random strangers who met after they became roommates in a hospital, dying from cancer. They decided to create a list of activities to do and places to see before they died. They had a blast checking off every single one. So after watching that film, I got to thinking, what would be on my bucket list? I’m not one to talk about death. I’ve attended too many funerals in my lifetime and I haven’t even hit 30 yet. I’m already on number three for this year and it’s just January. While I understand it’s a natural part of life, it doesn’t mean that we ought to dwell on it. All that we can do is make the best of life. So here goes.

I’m not going to share my bucket list on here, but I’d invite you to explore your own heart’s desires. You may be amazed at the things that wind up on your list. For those of us in the city, we rarely have time to search for ourselves–let alone figure out where our passions and desires really lie. Well, now’s the time to get the party started. It’s a celebration of life. Who said we had to wait until we’re dying to cross off the things we’ve only dreamt about doing or even better, never in our wildest dreams thought would be possible?

What are you waiting for? Time is a-wasting. Get moving already!

Joy was replaced by despair, laughter with silence, and happiness with sadness. Where did they go wrong? What happened to the love they once shared for each other?

Was it outside interference? distractions? Had they settled for each other, rather than waiting on God to match them with their soulmates?

There are so many families in this very same position, stuck in neutral, unable to move forward or backwards. Their once happy home is now a war zone. Who can hurt the other the most with their words or deeds?

Ever wonder why so many people no longer believe in marriage? Why has it now become a farce? As quickly as they marry, these couples file for annulments or divorce. Our news is plagued with the syndrome that has run rampant across the states. We gawk at celebrities who have no choice but to lead public lives. We find their divorce settlements entertaining, but God doesn’t. How can something he designed to be pure. sanctified, and a form of worship become so defiled?

Marriage was never meant to be taken lightly. It’s a lifelong commitment to love, support, and care for your partner until you are parted by death. There were no clauses or pre-nups in its original design.

Marriage which was designed to bring two people together as one, the union itself, the unity candle or God’s knot ceremonies have now become obsolete.

This post is not to offend anyone. It’s to open our eyes on the sad reality that we live in, where too many have chosen to set aside God’s rules for marriage and create our own. Where has that road led us? We can’t seem to admit that our ways usually end in failure. Only God’s plans are guaranteed to succeed. So why not adhere to His guidelines?

There are several reasons your marriage may have failed. You may have experienced abuse (emotional, verbal, physical, or mental), adultery, or fear for your life. I’m not here to judge or criticize you. I just pray that you did not enter into your marriage without serious consideration or pre-marital counseling. There are many factors that we must consider before we choose to spend the rest of our lives with someone. Often times, we hurry to the altar or the courthouse just months after meeting who we thought was “the one,” but in actually became our worst nightmare.

The world that we live in is not what it once was. Be careful! Choose wisely! Most importantly, seek His guidance.

For years I’ve watched Fear Factor, wondering if I’d ever be able to complete any of their stunts. Sadly, I haven’t found one yet. So I got to thinking. Wouldn’t it be interesting to list my fears, well the ones I know of, and at least try to conquer them once and for all? I don’t know if any of you have ever come to that conclusion, but I guess after watching thousands face their fears, I wonder if I can do the same.

I’ve never actually written down my fears. I’ve known just the basic fears–failure, success, reptiles, drowning, heights, etc. Just days into the new year, I think it may be interesting to see how far this personal challenge will take me. If you’re daring enough, I invite you to come along for the ride and face your own fears.

I know that I won’t do anything to the extremity of the show. Facing my fears is enough of a challenge without the extra stakes added to it for heightened reactions from the competitors and audience. So here goes.

Two years later, the island of Haiti is still in despair. They still live amongst the rubble. Many still call tents home. Many are crippled by the fear of death by entrapment–refusing to return to their homes. Sadly, not enough progress has been made, because many have forgotten Haiti.

Throughout this past week, we’ve seen invitations to numerous events in commemoration of this tragic anniversary. Concerts, fundraisers, vigils, or  memorials,  to honor the memories of those lost and to reflect on those who continue to struggle for survival. The media has conducted countless interviews of the people, their families, and government officials. We have seen images of their despair and yet many of us continue on with our lives as if their pain isn’t our own.

Two years later, these people are still haunted by the images they saw and the sounds they heard. Many lost everything and everyone. The agony they felt is immeasurable. The scars they now bear, whether they are emotional; physical; or mental; may never heal. Yet, despite it all, these people turned to their faith to pull them through yet another trying time in their nation’s history –in their lifetime.

How can we call ourselves humans if we have not done something, anything to help this nation? I’m deeply troubled by the lack of involvement, the lack of consistency,  the lack of coverage, and CONSTANT CRITICISM. We have the great responsibility to look after our brothers and sisters. God has charged us to be each other’s keepers. It is not too late to lend a helping hand. I encourage you to identify local, national, or international organizations that are working diligently to provide help to Haiti, the “Pearl of the Antilles.” Volunteer, donate, and spread the word about Haiti. Let us do our part to make sure that no one ever forgets Haiti. January 1, January 12, or May 18 should not be the only dates when Haiti is remembered. We owe this nation so much. For if it had not been for them, many of our nations would not have been able to celebrate our own independence.

I applaud those who remain on the ground, providing as much assistance as they can. I applaud those who have given in the past and continue to give. I applaud those who travel back and forth to build homes and bring medical supplies or other volunteers to help. Stop criticizing those who have donated their time, talents, or funds to the cause. Get involved!

Rebuilding Haiti will take years, but many have already given up before we have even begun. If the people of Haiti will ever have a fighting chance, then we must renew our steadfast commitment. We must remain vigilant, but most importantly, we must lift ourselves,  our governments, and the island nation of Haiti in prayer.

Let us unite as we did on January 12, 2010 and the days that followed. L’union fait la force!