I close my eyes wide shut and slowly drift into a dream
I dream of the one day I am to fly away
Away from the childlike nourishment of a mother's comfort and love
To fly away from the anxious look of a father...whose stares ignite a burning question in his eyes:
When will my son leap from the boundaries of boyhood to the freedom of manhood?
To fly away from the tears of distress, agony and defeat
So earnest is my desire to fly away toward a land where dreams are fulfilled
To fly towards an unquenchable passion, an insatiable calling, an enveloping concentration,
To be an inspiration, legacy, example, mold
To fly away from the thoughts that devour my dignity
That feast on the very essence of who I am
To fly to the heightening heights of creativity
Oh, how I long to fly away
To spread my wings in the midst of the wind and soar
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Just Read It...
For the past few years I've lived a life of excess. I knew power...relative to my own experiences. I fed the appetite of my ravenous ego. After a while, though, I began to come down and want simpler things for myself and my family. The "American Dream" is what it's called; earn a significant amount of income; the kind of amount that would afford me the opportunity to pay my bills in full and on time, to take a vacation or two each year, to supply a nest egg for my wife and my winter years, to cover my kids' college expenses.
I don't pretend to know what the future holds, but it seems that God has intended for me to not settle for such a mediocre (for lack of a better word) existence.
I've fought this calling for close to ten years now. It first whispered in my ear at the tender age of 17; an age when most young men are exhausting all efforts to wind up in bed with a willing female conquest...not to say that it was not one of my many desires at the time as well, except it didn't consume me as expected.
I found myself making my way to the front of the church one Sunday morning to proclaim my desire to be baptized and thus form a covenant with the/my Lord Jesus Christ. Born out of this proclamation was a Christian ministry...though humble...it had a profound effect on my outlook on life. I would labor tirelessly over the next 3 years to witness it touch as many as would be willing to be touched by its mission to usher Christ into the lives of the youth that resided in my community. I can remember how tears would stream down my face when I would finally accept the reality on certain nights that no one was going to show up to Bible study...not because of the effort that I put into preparing the lesson or the fact that I willingly opened the door of my home to strangers, but because no one seemed to want to hear about the love, the comfort, the mercy and the grace that God had poured into my life, and was willingly to pour in all others who sought His presence. The young people in the community grew older, and slowly began to grow away.
And here I stand now, trying to eek out a "normal" existence, and God decides to bring up old news; to re-establish a covenant I had long ago put behind me; that I deemed child's play. I have this urge now, this unshakable passion, to participate in change...for the better. I see a young person now and I can't help but think of clay, and how once the Potter's hands begins to shape and mold, there will be no end to the glory that might be achieved. The trouble with being called is that it's not all milk and honey; aches and pains are experienced on a regular basis. It causes strain, stress and despair. There are many moments when you're alone in your fight, with no support; you become mocked and slandered. But somehow, God bestows upon you the strength to bear it all.
Honestly, I'm afraid of what may lie ahead. I'm trying, and not with all my might, to trust in God with all my heart, mind and soul, and I'm struggling to do so. The fools God chooses!
I don't pretend to know what the future holds, but it seems that God has intended for me to not settle for such a mediocre (for lack of a better word) existence.
I've fought this calling for close to ten years now. It first whispered in my ear at the tender age of 17; an age when most young men are exhausting all efforts to wind up in bed with a willing female conquest...not to say that it was not one of my many desires at the time as well, except it didn't consume me as expected.
I found myself making my way to the front of the church one Sunday morning to proclaim my desire to be baptized and thus form a covenant with the/my Lord Jesus Christ. Born out of this proclamation was a Christian ministry...though humble...it had a profound effect on my outlook on life. I would labor tirelessly over the next 3 years to witness it touch as many as would be willing to be touched by its mission to usher Christ into the lives of the youth that resided in my community. I can remember how tears would stream down my face when I would finally accept the reality on certain nights that no one was going to show up to Bible study...not because of the effort that I put into preparing the lesson or the fact that I willingly opened the door of my home to strangers, but because no one seemed to want to hear about the love, the comfort, the mercy and the grace that God had poured into my life, and was willingly to pour in all others who sought His presence. The young people in the community grew older, and slowly began to grow away.
And here I stand now, trying to eek out a "normal" existence, and God decides to bring up old news; to re-establish a covenant I had long ago put behind me; that I deemed child's play. I have this urge now, this unshakable passion, to participate in change...for the better. I see a young person now and I can't help but think of clay, and how once the Potter's hands begins to shape and mold, there will be no end to the glory that might be achieved. The trouble with being called is that it's not all milk and honey; aches and pains are experienced on a regular basis. It causes strain, stress and despair. There are many moments when you're alone in your fight, with no support; you become mocked and slandered. But somehow, God bestows upon you the strength to bear it all.
Honestly, I'm afraid of what may lie ahead. I'm trying, and not with all my might, to trust in God with all my heart, mind and soul, and I'm struggling to do so. The fools God chooses!
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Did You Know...it's a Gift?
Life, as fragile and cherished as a new born.
We can plan, plan, and plan some more.
But Life doesn't submit to any one's will or anything.
Life, it turns to the right and jerks to the left.
Rises to the pinnacle and plummets to the lowest of depths.
Life is both sweet, like your first kiss and as bitter as your first heartbreak.
Seconds turn to minutes...minutes turn to hours...hours turn to days...days turn to weeks...weeks turn to months...and months turn to years.
And there you have Life...a passing of time.
And what will this time equate?
The most benevolent gift ever bestowed.
Not asked for, never asked for.
But protected with strength and fervor.
God at work at His most gracious.
We can plan, plan, and plan some more.
But Life doesn't submit to any one's will or anything.
Life, it turns to the right and jerks to the left.
Rises to the pinnacle and plummets to the lowest of depths.
Life is both sweet, like your first kiss and as bitter as your first heartbreak.
Seconds turn to minutes...minutes turn to hours...hours turn to days...days turn to weeks...weeks turn to months...and months turn to years.
And there you have Life...a passing of time.
And what will this time equate?
The most benevolent gift ever bestowed.
Not asked for, never asked for.
But protected with strength and fervor.
God at work at His most gracious.
Before You Know It...
As a youth I experienced the freedom of being without necessity. I answered to, for the most part, no one, nor did anyone answer to me. I would find myself caught in a daze not regretting yesterday, nor analyzing today, nor preparing for tomorrow. I would float in a tranquil state of limbo, coming nor going. Full of vigor about what I might become, but not sure of what I might become, and not at all afraid about not knowing.
Ah, to be young...throwing caution to the wind. I knew not of consequences nor did I care to know. When my heart desired something, and most times the choosing would be made in haste, I would pursue with the reckless abandon of a hurricane or tornado, devouring all that dare to stand in its path, all that stands in defiance of its self-gratifying rage, my self-gratifying rage. The emotions that drove me; rage, lust, conceit, impatience, envy, jealousy. How I would long to bend, manipulate, and seduce. I would flatter and deceive with the cunning of a serpent. I would appear to be one thing at one moment then something of the contrary the absolute next. Not to capture, but to hunt is what enticed me to no end. What tactic or grand strategy should implore at this go-around? The question would cause the tingling sensation of goose bumps to populate the backs of my arms and neck. I knew no bounds...and why should I've? I was but an adolescent.
Then, completely out of no where, with no identifiable cause...wham, bam, boom, you wake up one day and your mind is absolutely racing. Tomorrow becomes today so fast it makes your head spin. For some illogical reason the short and long hands on the clock change places, and because of this, you some how seem to no longer identify things through the same lens you once did. The world has discovered that you do in fact exist and your hibernation has come to an unmistakable halt. Decisions, decisions, decisions...around every corner awaits a decision to be made. The masses assemble to gorge on your being; leaving you with mere portions of your once-upon-time self. Your mind no longer chases after desires and passions. However, you've become almost programmed to worry endlessly about your needs...food, shelter, clothing, gas, taxes, insurance (of every kind). Transportation, communication, companionship and loneliness...you don't sleep so silently, so softly anymore. You grow dependent..."this will make me attractive, powerful, adored, needed, wanted...this will make me something, anything, so long as I don't have to deal with the degraded, bottom-feeding existence which is my life, my reality."
No longer does the warm and ever so gentle rays of the sun peaking through your shades wake you from your slumber; not the aromas of scrambled eggs, toast, and milk with honey; not the melodious melody of the wind blowing, accented by the sounds of the birds chirping on your window seal. No longer will nature's symphony transition you from a coma like slumber to a zestful rise and approach to the out-set of the day.
What wakes you now, you may be wondering? The alarm clock, at a most uninviting hour. It throws you to your feet from your often short lived, inadequate rest...rise and shine, it's time to walk, run, stop, go, turn, smile, jump.
Surprise...you're all grown up!
Ah, to be young...throwing caution to the wind. I knew not of consequences nor did I care to know. When my heart desired something, and most times the choosing would be made in haste, I would pursue with the reckless abandon of a hurricane or tornado, devouring all that dare to stand in its path, all that stands in defiance of its self-gratifying rage, my self-gratifying rage. The emotions that drove me; rage, lust, conceit, impatience, envy, jealousy. How I would long to bend, manipulate, and seduce. I would flatter and deceive with the cunning of a serpent. I would appear to be one thing at one moment then something of the contrary the absolute next. Not to capture, but to hunt is what enticed me to no end. What tactic or grand strategy should implore at this go-around? The question would cause the tingling sensation of goose bumps to populate the backs of my arms and neck. I knew no bounds...and why should I've? I was but an adolescent.
Then, completely out of no where, with no identifiable cause...wham, bam, boom, you wake up one day and your mind is absolutely racing. Tomorrow becomes today so fast it makes your head spin. For some illogical reason the short and long hands on the clock change places, and because of this, you some how seem to no longer identify things through the same lens you once did. The world has discovered that you do in fact exist and your hibernation has come to an unmistakable halt. Decisions, decisions, decisions...around every corner awaits a decision to be made. The masses assemble to gorge on your being; leaving you with mere portions of your once-upon-time self. Your mind no longer chases after desires and passions. However, you've become almost programmed to worry endlessly about your needs...food, shelter, clothing, gas, taxes, insurance (of every kind). Transportation, communication, companionship and loneliness...you don't sleep so silently, so softly anymore. You grow dependent..."this will make me attractive, powerful, adored, needed, wanted...this will make me something, anything, so long as I don't have to deal with the degraded, bottom-feeding existence which is my life, my reality."
No longer does the warm and ever so gentle rays of the sun peaking through your shades wake you from your slumber; not the aromas of scrambled eggs, toast, and milk with honey; not the melodious melody of the wind blowing, accented by the sounds of the birds chirping on your window seal. No longer will nature's symphony transition you from a coma like slumber to a zestful rise and approach to the out-set of the day.
What wakes you now, you may be wondering? The alarm clock, at a most uninviting hour. It throws you to your feet from your often short lived, inadequate rest...rise and shine, it's time to walk, run, stop, go, turn, smile, jump.
Surprise...you're all grown up!
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Virtues Series: Beginning with Patience
Patience is one of the most important/critical virtues that any one individual can and should posses. It frees the mind. Anxiety, fear, frustration disappear in the presence of patience. It is through patience that other virtues are able to bubble to the surface of our being, such as understanding, faith, love, endurance.
I believe reading and meditation are two of the most important activities any one individual can and should take part in.
Back to patience...
Patience opens the door for faith.
Fear knocked at the door.
Faith answered.
There was no one there.
How free we are to become as a people (body of believers) when we are able to overcome our fears; fear of death, persecution or hardship; and place our faith, in totality, in God, recognizing that He is greater than our greatest adversary or obstacle. Imagine the strength that comes from abandoning our self-interests and following/submitting to the will of God.
Being patient with God, experiencing revitalization during meditation, growing stronger, discovering His strength in our weakness.
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. (Romans 12:2)
God will not continuously bless and utilize those who have yet to evolve, change or grow intellectually, emotionally, spiritually. We must renew the way that we see, feel, speak, and respond.
Ultimately, patience leads to growth.
For further reflection on patience, read Romans 5:1-4, Luke 8:11-15.
I believe reading and meditation are two of the most important activities any one individual can and should take part in.
Back to patience...
Patience opens the door for faith.
Fear knocked at the door.
Faith answered.
There was no one there.
How free we are to become as a people (body of believers) when we are able to overcome our fears; fear of death, persecution or hardship; and place our faith, in totality, in God, recognizing that He is greater than our greatest adversary or obstacle. Imagine the strength that comes from abandoning our self-interests and following/submitting to the will of God.
Being patient with God, experiencing revitalization during meditation, growing stronger, discovering His strength in our weakness.
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. (Romans 12:2)
God will not continuously bless and utilize those who have yet to evolve, change or grow intellectually, emotionally, spiritually. We must renew the way that we see, feel, speak, and respond.
Ultimately, patience leads to growth.
For further reflection on patience, read Romans 5:1-4, Luke 8:11-15.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Thoughts
God has predestined me to be an extraordinary man. Greatness has its presence in my future. I can feel it, taste it, the thought sometimes causes a manic rage to stir up in my heart, it consumes me, envelops me. I also feel inspired, it feels as though the arc is just around the corner but I have to be weary of my steps; the wrong move could cause irrevocable damage.
I'm torn, not so much torn because the one feeds off the other. My wildest dreams, aspirations and my obligation to my family, to provide. It at times feels as if I'm caught in a whirlwind. I want so badly to chase my passions, my desires, however, I'm not too sure as to what exactly I am passionate about. My greatest desire or goal is to ensure that my children have options as adults; to pursue higher learning, to travel the world and experience different cultures, to ultimately allow nothing to stand between themselves and their dreams. But I too want these things. I too want options. I believe I'm too young to surrender to the role of the sacrificial lamb, who gives up all hope of ever seeing his own plans come to fruition for the greater good of others, to live vicariously through others...the others being my precious offspring.
I have dreams too. It doesn't help that I'm constantly surrounded by images that so closely resemble the life that I envision for myself. I frequently come in contact with executives who have made leaps and bounds up the corporate ladder, business owners who have grappled with the fear of venturing out on their own. I read of poets, politicians, dignitaries, authors, philanthropists, social activists and heirs. Individuals who have devoted their talents to what they were in fact destined, designed and called to do. Not wasting away, grinding it out, but in fact chasing after their heart's desire.
I would love to spend my days reading novels, biographies about prominent and historic figures, writing short stories and poetry, and lending my talents, passion and intellect to the betterment of my community. I don't believe me that lucky. But why not me? Why not fate or destiny shine its smile upon me and radiate me? Have me join the ranks of the few who've had the audacity, the guts, the might, the intestinal fortitude to see their vision become reality. Not only see but participate; become witness to their own anguish, toil, agony, sometimes defeat...only to experience the sweet, satisfying taste of victory. I want to walk amongst those who proclaim, "I am my own boss," who say, "I love what I do." To know in my heart that I'm making a difference. I suppose I am chasing my dreams when I pause and give it considerable thought. It actually began not so long ago...when I woke up one day and found myself to be a husband and a father.
Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.
Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow.
-Dreams, by Langston Hughes
I'm torn, not so much torn because the one feeds off the other. My wildest dreams, aspirations and my obligation to my family, to provide. It at times feels as if I'm caught in a whirlwind. I want so badly to chase my passions, my desires, however, I'm not too sure as to what exactly I am passionate about. My greatest desire or goal is to ensure that my children have options as adults; to pursue higher learning, to travel the world and experience different cultures, to ultimately allow nothing to stand between themselves and their dreams. But I too want these things. I too want options. I believe I'm too young to surrender to the role of the sacrificial lamb, who gives up all hope of ever seeing his own plans come to fruition for the greater good of others, to live vicariously through others...the others being my precious offspring.
I have dreams too. It doesn't help that I'm constantly surrounded by images that so closely resemble the life that I envision for myself. I frequently come in contact with executives who have made leaps and bounds up the corporate ladder, business owners who have grappled with the fear of venturing out on their own. I read of poets, politicians, dignitaries, authors, philanthropists, social activists and heirs. Individuals who have devoted their talents to what they were in fact destined, designed and called to do. Not wasting away, grinding it out, but in fact chasing after their heart's desire.
I would love to spend my days reading novels, biographies about prominent and historic figures, writing short stories and poetry, and lending my talents, passion and intellect to the betterment of my community. I don't believe me that lucky. But why not me? Why not fate or destiny shine its smile upon me and radiate me? Have me join the ranks of the few who've had the audacity, the guts, the might, the intestinal fortitude to see their vision become reality. Not only see but participate; become witness to their own anguish, toil, agony, sometimes defeat...only to experience the sweet, satisfying taste of victory. I want to walk amongst those who proclaim, "I am my own boss," who say, "I love what I do." To know in my heart that I'm making a difference. I suppose I am chasing my dreams when I pause and give it considerable thought. It actually began not so long ago...when I woke up one day and found myself to be a husband and a father.
Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.
Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow.
-Dreams, by Langston Hughes
Monday, November 24, 2008
Dreams
Why is it that two individuals with relatively the same intellectual capacity can find themselves on such uneven playing fields due to the environment in which they come from? Socio-economic, demographic and other factors can play key roles in determining one's successes and failures in life. If given an opportunity, like exposure to influential role models; a financially stable, nurturing and supportive household where both parents are present; access to the best education and training that money can buy; even the least ambitous of the lot can increase their chances ten-fold of affording themselves a better chance of becoming a productive member of society, who ultimately finds stimulus in his/her calling.
How do we then grant equal access to the education and training necessary for the legions of underprivileged, underachieving individuals in the world? I remember the old saying, "it takes a village." Parent, community, school and church must each play their part in raising the world's youth. We must invest in the futures of our young: providing community based scholarship programs for financially deficient homes; mentorships as rites of passage, giving tomorrow's leaders a clear and concise vision to aspire; after school programs, counseling, job training/career counseling, and so much more and more and more. As a community, we must pool together our resources, unite as one in the effort to salvage the future of our children.
It burdens my heart to the very core to know that there are those who have come before me, who are this day, and who will never see their dreams come to fruition simply because they were not surrounded with the tools they so desperately needed in order to "be somebody." What saddens me more is that issues like these can be avoided in droves, if only we were to open our eyes and rise above the ignorance that plagues and cripples us as a people.
But thank God for tomorrow, for it promises to be a better day.
Wake up!
DeLunte J. Lewis
Founder & President
Career Solutions
careersolutions.lewis10@gmail.com
How do we then grant equal access to the education and training necessary for the legions of underprivileged, underachieving individuals in the world? I remember the old saying, "it takes a village." Parent, community, school and church must each play their part in raising the world's youth. We must invest in the futures of our young: providing community based scholarship programs for financially deficient homes; mentorships as rites of passage, giving tomorrow's leaders a clear and concise vision to aspire; after school programs, counseling, job training/career counseling, and so much more and more and more. As a community, we must pool together our resources, unite as one in the effort to salvage the future of our children.
It burdens my heart to the very core to know that there are those who have come before me, who are this day, and who will never see their dreams come to fruition simply because they were not surrounded with the tools they so desperately needed in order to "be somebody." What saddens me more is that issues like these can be avoided in droves, if only we were to open our eyes and rise above the ignorance that plagues and cripples us as a people.
But thank God for tomorrow, for it promises to be a better day.
Wake up!
DeLunte J. Lewis
Founder & President
Career Solutions
careersolutions.lewis10@gmail.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
