Returning Back to Readers

It has been a while since I've blogged! Between working part-time and being a force in the community I finally have found time to blog and it feels great! Over the past month or so I am proud to say that I have organized and hosted 2 great events with the help of great friends and family, Ciara, LaTisha and Caleb. We put together a Silent Youth Rally on November 5, 2011 located in downtown Morganton, NC. We held signs that promoted positivity and gave the community awareness of youth issues. Although the crowd was small, we still had a great time and glad that we proceeded with event. On November 6, 2011 we hosted a Black Girls Rock viewing party located at Mountain View Recreation. We invited young girls of color and watched the annual showing of Black Girls Rock on BET. It was definitely a night to remember. Not only did the young girls go home feeling empowered, so did I. We discussed everything from self-image to what it is like being an African American female in society. I am happy that all the events went well. I wanted to become more hands on and do more so that is what I did. We can talk all day, but it's not worth anything unless we do as well. Actions speak louder than words and I wanted my community to know that If I say I'm going to do then that's exactly what I am going to do. Overall, its been a successful month and looking forward to great things to come in the future.

Girl Effect: Effects of African American Girls: When Socioeconomic Factors Become a Way of Life

Young girls all over the world are facing huge issues that drastically affect their lives in many ways. Socioeconomic factors influence deviant behavior and gang affiliation amongst Afican American women. In the African American communities, usually in the inner city, there is preexisting knowledge about gangs. Children are obtaining knowledge about gang violence both indirectly and directly. Indirect knowledge is obtained by television, movies, and intervention programs. Direct knowledge is obtained by gang members living in a household where there are younger children in the household as well. If these children are not seeing gang members in their homes, they are easily seeing them in their neighborhoods and communities. Studies researched by Cadwallader and Cairns found that by the age of five years old, most children have already been exposed to violence and gang activities in their communities (Source: Cadwallader and Cairns 2002).
Peer Influence
Once children have been exposed to violence and gang activities, they develop the desire to imitate those exposures. Peer influence plays a great role in the desire to imitate deviant behaviors. Children see that with violence and gang activities how quick and easy it is obtain personal success such as money, cars, and “flashy” things. Merton's theory, “goal mean gap,” states that a person wants to obtain a goal, but lacks the legit means to obtain it, which leads to pressure and later results in deviant behavior in order to obtain that goal. Another theory would be the Sutherland “Differential Association” theory. This theory states that if the friends and peers that a person hangs around with are deviant, so is that person. They are more than likely to be participating in those same acts of deviance as their friends and peers. Children who spend a great amount of time with their peers who participate in deviant behavior create a strong correlation of delinquency and substance abuse. Children who abuse drugs such as cigarettes and marijuana are prone to be affiliated with gangs (Source: Cureton 2009; Dishon, Nelson, and Yasui 2005; Wright, Fitzpatrick, and Kevin M. 2006).
Lack of Familiar Structure
Children that participate in deviant behavior and are affiliated with gangs usually lack a family structure in the household. A lot of the time the parents are out working endless jobs and do not have the time to give their children the attention that they need. Most of the times these parents are single parents who find it difficult to raise children on their own. In some cases, the parents may be abusing drugs or even in prison. Situations such as those leads children to become emotional and develop behavioral problems. Burke's research found that emotional and behavioral problems were two to three times higher among children in single-parent homes. Relationships with parents usually are not well structured. Many children develop resentment against parents who do not give them the attention that they need, which results in rebellion and more time away from home. Gangs tend to create a family structure that accepts those who are looking for a family structure. They are able to function like a family because they share a common bond of brotherhood and sisterhood (Source: Burke 1991; Burnett 1999; Danyko, Alira, and Martinez 2002; Fleisher and Krienert 2004; Ruble and Nikki M. 2000; Valdez, Mikow, and Cepeda 2006).
In conclusion, I have drawn from these studies and sources that there are many factors that occur within childhood that can lead to criminality such as deviant behaviors and gang affiliation. These factors were things such preexisting knowledge of gangs and delinquency, peer pressure, and lack of family structure. The African American community is prone to having all of these factors within it, which increases the criminality of the African American women. The thing that we can do as a mentor is to be upfront and honest about the situations and issues, but also be there to give reasonable solutions to those things. Let them know that there is a better way of living and society wants them to think that this is the only way of life, but that is false. Young girls really need our support and our positive influence in their lives. Let's stand together and help them through their troubling times of their backgrounds and help them enter into a new, bright future! Young girls have a right to live above the influence and long, healthy, strong lives!

A Man without a Dream or Vision Will Perish

I had the most amazing opportunity to visit the monument of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It was the greatest experience. The scenerary was so surreal and I could feel his spirit. It is definitely breath taking and the connection was beyond words. Surrounded by the monument of himself were walls of his most famous quotes. The one that stood out the most was, "Out of the mountain of despair, a stone of hope." This quote speaks volumns. Generation after generation we have all endured a mountain of despair that seemed to be unmoveable, but by the the grace of God and someone such as Dr. King, we have reached a stone of hope. Young people today do not realize this reality nor embrace this history. They believe that hope does not exist. It's beyond sad that they have no idea that hope is what has gotten us all here today where we stand. When you look around and your circumstances may not be what you imagined at this point of life, quickly change your perspective into seeing that we have broken out of the bondage of despair. Those days are behind us, and the future is full of hope and brightness. Live for soemthing, have a dream or a vision. A man without a dream or vision will perish. Utilize the hope that has been instilled in you and believe and walk by faith that you have every right to be destined for greatness. Stand firm and strong on the stone of hope that Dr. King has created for us. That stone of hope what God has placed in our paths as a stepping stone to go forth and live out our full potential.

Take it Back

Sometimes we need to stop and think about how far we have come and take a look back. Take it back to the days when our grandmothers and grandfathers knew what it was to truly struggle. The days when they had to walk miles for water and carry huge jugs back through an old dusty trail. The days when they had to learn to appreciate the value of a penny or a nickel. The days when shoes were worn until the soles fell off. The days when looking out for our brothers and sisters existed. The days when unity meant something. The days when they trusted their brothers and sisters. The days when knowing that times were hard, but had no desire to go out and kill and destroy each other, but lean on the understanding of God and trusting he would provide. Those were the days when respect existed. Today we have no respect for one another. We have no idea how to rub a penny and nickel together. We don't know what it's like to walk miles and miles for a necessity. We ultimately don't know how to appreciate anything. Our generation has missed the mark greatly. It's time that we look back and see how far we have really come. Never forget where you come from and always embrace it. We have grown accustomed to the “good life” and have no idea what it took to get to this point. Compared to back then we have it made, but still don't appreciate anything. It's time to take it back, wayyyyy back!

Reaching Your Dreams

Over this past weekend I had the greatest time! The 2nd Annual Back to School Connection hosted by Rev. Doug Cuthbertson of Honoring God in Ministry and Gaston Chapel A.M.E. Church took place Saturday, August 13, 2011. "Project Tomorrow" had the honor to host a booth called, "Reaching Your Dreams." Ciara Felder and I came together and created a welcoming and encouraging booth for our youth. We surrounded our booth by Goal setting. The kids came by and we taught them about goals and what they were and how to set them, then ultimatly reach them. We were amazed at not only the quantity of kids that came and participated, but at the goals that each kid set for themselves for the upcoming school year. They made stars and decorated them until their hearts could take no more. It was such a joy to see kids young and old have the motivation and desire to set goals for themselves. They motivated me beyond words. This was such a great event and I was so proud that "Project Tomorrow" was able to be a part of it. This was the "opening" for "Project Tomorrow" and definitely not the last of it. Be on the look out because there is so much more to come! This event taught me that goals can be set and reached at any age and to never give up on yourself. If you believe in you and your dream, then anything is possible!

Xavier Silas: Teaching Others to be Happy&FREE Through Giving

It is better to give than to receive. I had the pleasure to interview the great and talented Xavier Silas. He is a graduate of NIU (Northern Illinois University), a talented basketball player who is patiently awaiting for the NBA lockout to be over to have his chance to live out his dream. As I came across Xavier I knew there was something amazing about him and his desire to give back. He has always spoken words of encouragement through his twitter and promotes nothing but positivity. I knew he was one that I had to interview. He is the Co-Founder of Happy&FREE.

Check out our one-on-one interview:

Shalee: What is Happy&FREE and how did it emerge?
Xavier: It's a clothing company that we started that sells clothes that promote optimism. Since you can and should be Happy&FREE with everything we do we decided to promote that. What is even better is that in this quarter with every purchase a kid in Haiti gets a new uniform for school. I figure if they look good they'll feel good and if they feel good they'll life will be a little better.

Shalee: What do you hope to accomplish with Happy&FREE?
Xavier: Make poverty history.

Shalee: How has the response to Happy&FREE been? Was it expected?
Xavier: Honestly the concept is very excepted. We are slowly but surely getting our word out there. We are still looking for sponsors to get our website up and running so that we can spread the message even more effectively. So if you want to donate or sponsor email me at XavierSilas@gmail.com

Shalee: What have you learned about yourself and or the world through Happy&FREE?
Xavier: I've learned that people want to do the right things and help the world they just need a perfect way to. And I think with our target changing frequently it's a good way for people to be involved with different aspects of the world that need our help.

Shalee: Are there any future plans for Happy&FREE?
Xavier: We plan to put smiles on people's faces. That's the only plan that matters.

Xavier has shown that giving is very important to him especially when it comes to the youth. He understands what it means to inspire and ecnourage others. Please support him and his eforts through purchasing a t-shirt by visiting http://t.co/zm1IqvZ

Check out his Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/XavierSilas
Purchasing t-shirts: http://www.facebook.com/shophappyandfree?sk=app_135607783795

Education Crisis

Good Morning yall! Hope yall have enjoyed yours thus far! Today I want to talk about the education crisis. Isn't it incredible that those two words would even follow after one another? Education is supposed to be on the the few things promised to us in America. It is supposed to be the building block for the future of tomorrow. I feel that it is ridiculous how it has now been put on the back burner in a sense for children. Children have a need for education and it is essential to their journey through life. I cannot express how important education is! I think it is awful that education is being stripped away right before the eyes of our youth. Even within our own communities we have seen this time and time again. For example, Burke County School System is living under accredidation limitations which could possibly hinder the futures of our youth. Another example would be Memphis City School System. They are currently in a LOCKOUT! When I researched this I was just amazed that such could even exist. Their terms seem to be money issues and are put under the test to have 50+ million dollars in order to break the lockout. Since when did education become based soley on monetary means? You cannot put a price on education. It seems that America truly has its prioroties mixed up because how is it that the NBA, NFL, and other professional sports get their checks with no hassel and its not that big of a problem, but when it comes to education we cannot come up with the money or any donors for that matter?? How ironic is it that the NFL and NBA both were experiencing a lockout, but now as of yesterday, the NFL officially announced theirs to be over? They will be going back to work with no worries while we have children, parents and teachers worried about whether they will have the means to obtain their education or secure their jobs. Since when did education become meaningless and of no value? I'm just fueled by all of this. Our youth should be top priority right now more than anything. If education is taken away from them imagine what roads they will have left to travel down. The youth crisis is already at an all time high and even seeing those results in small communities such as Morganton, NC. Something has to be done to redirect the primarty focus of education. Eduation will always be something you can use throughout your life and it's necessary for the economy that we're living in today. Just imagine what was going through the minds of those NFL and NBA players who never finished their college degrees due to being drafted! They had nothing to fall back on which is very dangerous. Yes, they may have millions saved up and so forth, but at the end of the day money don't last always. Education allows you to think outside of the box and prepares your for ways of adapting even when things such as professional sports fail. We have to all come together and promote the importance of education and how critical it is for our youth.

Knowing Your Purpose

Good Morning! It's been a while, I just needed to regroup and get my mind back together! I hope yall have had a great week and week thus far! Today I am talking about knowing your purpose in life. Living through life takes knowing your purpose for your life. What is the point of living if you have no idea of what your purpose on earth is? There would be know point right? In order to know your purpose you have to ask God. In time he will show you or tell you. Your purpose can come to you in any instance or timing. However, there is a process before God actually shows or tells you. Sometimes we have to go through and or experience different aspects of life. Through those things we are often molded into adapting to those things or situations known as struggles. Struggles often have a purpose behind them that are building blocks for our overall purpose of living. Over time you've adapted to those experiences and have used different techniques of life in order to be able to adapt. Adapting is just another way of learning. Not only learning how to deal with those experiences, but learning different things about yourself that give you meaning. Through that God is showing you what your purpose of living is. I truly believe after the death of my cousin, my purpose for fighting for our youth became much more clearer. I will do everything in my power to prevent things like this from happening again within our own communities and everywhere!

A Life For A Life

Yesterday was a day that I will never forget. A day that drastically changed the lives of the people around. A cousin, a son, a father, a brother, a nephew, a grandson's life was taken senselessly. As I sit here and type all I can think about is how funny and goofy my cousin was and how he always kept somebody laughing. We just have to remember the good times and never let those memories fade. Nobody deserves to have their life stripped from them in the blink of an eye. How can we keep taking the lives of our own brothers and sisters? Taking a life for another life because someone is willing to take someone else's life and give up their's to the penatentary. I will never understand the mind frame of such actions. Don't yall know this is exactly what THEY want us to do?? Research our history and trace back to the the "infamous" Willie Lynch. He was a supposedly a slave master who came from the middle east and taught the other slave master how to control their slaves. The best solution to control them was to turn them against each other. Does that ring a bell? Over 200+ years ago, we still see those same affects. Black are against each other even today and have failed as a race at coming together as a whole. There is a lack of positive influence in the lives of our young people and a lack of hope. We keep fighting the same battle, but never realize that it will never be won if we don't have positivity present and willing to take a stand. We are living in a time where it is vital that we love and support each other. It's time to stop hating each other and beefing with each other and committing senseless acts of violence! It has to stop, we are loosing each other to a never ending battle. Don't be afraid to step up and take a stand because it could help save a life. Let's stop trading a life for a life. You never imagine a tragedy like this happening so close to home, but in reality it does happen everyday. Please let this be a wake up call and a life changing tragedy to everyone. Life is too short for the nonsense and violence. Learn to love and lift up our brothers and sisters. We all we have in this world. We have to look our for each other and stop being similar to crabs in a bucket, pulling each other down. We will never make it in this world without God first and love.

Change is Good

Good Morning!! I hope yall enjoyed your weekends and are having a great week thus far!! Change is a huge lesson throughout life. As we go through life we will begin to notice things that no longer work for us that may have worked in the past. Progression is a major key of life. We can do one of two things, either change or stay the same. Change is a mere image of progression. It can be a little scary at times, but it will be worth. It consists of coming out of your comfort zones and leaving places that feel so secure and full of boundaries. But isn't leaving comfort zones and crossing boundary lines a thrill and kind of exciting? When you decide to step outside of the box that you have created for yourself, you began to live more freely. The thing about change is that it can be constant. We change for the betterment of our lives. Never change because someone wants you be act, look, or be a certain way. That will only lead to never being satisfied with who we are. Give your self the better judgment of what you need to change in your lives. Falling to be a victim of routine can only produce the same results. In life you want to constantly grow and produce new results, so it would be useless to continue to do the same things that produce the same results.

Doing the Right Thing

Heyy yall its been a few day! Hope everyone is well! Today I wanna talk about doing the right things. Sometimes in life it is hard to chose the option of doing the right things. Unfortunately its so much easier to do the wrong things verses doing the right things. We know that doing the wrong things are spontaneous and usually thrilling, but those feelings can sometime lead us down the wrong paths. Doing the right thing can be a little repetitions and boring but it's so much more rewarding! Never get tired of doing the right things. Remember good things bring good results while bad things bring bad results. A great example is the story of a former gang member. He thought gang banging and robbing other was much more exciting than obtaining his own things the honest way. He thought he was more respected and accepted by others doing those acts. After doing 10-15 years in prison he soon realized that life was easy but only lead to destruction. He now knows that the harder route of doing good and right brings about the most rewards and most importantly he has gained the respect and acceptance from those he never imagined.

Focus

Heyy yall!! I hope everyone enjoyed the weekend and the 4th of July!! Today I saw one of the realest tweets from @teracarissa via @youngfitandfly which stated, "Stop keeping tabs on the competition. Start keeping tabs on U. U should NEVER know more about your "competition" than U know about yourself." Now, if that tweet does not say more than enough I don't know what will! This is so true a lot of the times we have our minds focused on our competition and not enough on ourselves. When you have a goal at hand that should be your main focus. This applies for not only competition but friends, relationships, aquaintances, etc. There is no time to look to the left or the right. No time to worry about what he or she is doing. You are your main priority and focus and what everyone else is doing should not matter. When those people and things start to matter it only becomes a hindrance to your success and personal growth. So today I encourage you all to stop loosing focus and sleep on the things that have no power over you or any limitations on elevating your life. Stop keeping tabs on your comepetion and start keeping tabs on YOU!

Work With What You Got

Good Morning! I have been a little MIA the last couple days! But I'm back! Today I would like to talk about working with what you got. In life we are not all granted with a golden spoon in our mouths and we have to learn to work with what we have. Money is not always everything when pursing your dreams. I feel that as long as you have an honest passion for what you do and believe in, then the means of pursing will come. Your passion and your dream will always take your farther than any amount of money could. Having been granted the tools and talents of your dreams you are already set for success. Don't be discouraged bc you don't have the monetary means to take your dream to the next level. As long as you keep your head up and look to the hills from whence cometh your help, God will always make a way. I believe He has already went ahead and predestined your footsteps and your lack of monetary means is just a test of faith to see if you really believe that He will do what he said He will do. If you truly believe that it will take you farther than you even dreamed of. So, don't get caught up in the monetary aspect of dreams, but learn to work with what you got and see how things will work out! All things work together for the good of those who believe! Hope you all enjoy the rest of your weekend!

"No" Does not Mean Never

Good Morning!! Hope everyone is enjoying Hump Day! It's almost the end of the week! Today I just want to encourage everyone to stay encouraged and don't be afraid of being told "No". When pursuing your dreams you are going to knock on tons of doors. Some doors are going to say "no," in fact, MOST doors will say "no." It's not the issue of being told "no," but how you react to that "no." It is easy to just turn away and give up, but the key to being told "no" is the instant motivation that is instilled within you. You have to keep pushing forward and take that "no" as a stepping stone to get closer to pursuing your dreams. A "no" is just something that you should get used to hearing and not feel offended by it, because when pursuing dreams you will probably hear "no" more than "yes." The drive that a "no" instills in you is priceless. Nothing should make you want to work harder than being told "no." You should continue to push forward and keep knocking on doors. I have been told "no" numerous times, but it has not stopped me from going after what I love to do. The more persistent and driven that you are, the more likely you are to get to a "yes." And believe me, due to my persistence I have come across some "yes's"! People look for that in a person and it shows great character. So, I encourage you all to keep knocking because although one door may not open, God will open another!

Keeping the Dream Alive

Good Morning everyone!! I hope you're enjoying your morning thus far! I had something like an epiphany yesterday when thinking about my website "Keeping the Dream Alive." It originated from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Speech, "I Have a Dream." I have just been inspired by him time after time again even in his absence. His legacy has given me passion and inspiration to pursue the betterment of our people and community through raising up the new generation. As I was sitting in prayer service yesterday God was speaking to me and "Keeping the Dream Alive" came to me and it became a whole new meaning. Through this process of me pursing my dream of becoming a successful youth activist, I have realized that I was not only living through MLK's dream, but also my dream as well. I have been keeping it alive through my consistency and devotion to pursing it. It is an ongoing process that takes time, dedication and hard work. It was a means of confirmation for me to continue to work hard and strive for the best through this journey. Even though I am so close, It is still only the beginning. There is so much that I not only want to do for the youth, but I WILL do for them. Today, I just want to encourage you all to keep your dreams alive, bc the dream is so real! Just continue to keep God first, stay focused and work hard! Dreams do come to life!!

Without God we are NOTHING

Good Morning! Sorry to have neglected yall over the weekend but I've been working for God with my prayer team's "Feeding The Community!" Itwas such a great experience to give back once God has blessed you! Today I want to talk about the 2011 BET Awards from last night. I was just so amazed that the only person to acknowledge God while receiving a reward was Steve Harvey! He really took a stand last night and proclaimed to EVERYONE where his help comes from and knew it was all God! He even stated, "Without God I am Nothing!" That's major and so true. We need to acknowledge God for everything bc it is HE who gives us life, health, strength and our TALENTS to share with the world. Some celebs need a reality check and need to know that if it wasn't for God's grace and mercy they would not be where they are! I feel that everyone should have given him honor and praise last night while in the eyes of the world. The word says, "Who ever denies me before men, I also will deny before my father who is in heaven." Matthew 10:33. I just feel that God is often left out in the hands of success. Once a person has "made it" they often forget who got them there. Yes, you may have had a great team along the way but it was God who put that team of people together and worked through the many talents to make that team possible. My message overall today is to say that anything you do in life keep God first always and never put him to the side! With God we are everything and can do anything! Without Him we are NOTHING!

If What You See is All You See, You Will Miss So much more

Good Morning yall! I hope yall are enjoying your day thus far! I thank God for another day and all his many blessings! Sometimes in life we find ourselves looking and only seeing what is visible. There is so much more to life than what we see with our own perspectives. Things are not always what they look like or what they feel like. Your perspective will be different of that of someone else's. Changing your perspective is necessary a lot of the time. Sometimes we have to change our mind frames in order to change our perspectives on the things we see. If you think negativity, then you will see negativity. If you think positivity, then you will see positivity. So no matter what your situation may be at this point in your life, look at that situation and speak words of life to it, words of encouragment and watch just how fast it will get better! The people and or things that you surround yourself with are other factors of your perspectives. If you hang around negative people, more than likely something within you will percieve yourself as negative as well. Also, your surroundings become filled with negativity. Surround yourself with people that are of good character and positive. As the old saying goes, "You are the company that you keep." Influence plays a huge role on our lives. Positive influence will ecourage you to do positive things. So, today learn to change your perspectives because if all you see is what you see, then you will miss so much more!

Recap: From Hip Hop to Positivity

Good afternoon yall! I hope all is well! It's officially summer and I'm definitely feeling it lol! Today I just want to do a recap on yesterday's blog! I feel that Hip Hop music has so much influence on the lives of our youth today. Kids would much rather pick up their ipod over their school books or bible for that matter. Music has always had an impact on the ways in which we think and act. I feel that SOME, not all of today's music has had a negative impact on the lives of our youth. Whatever you feed your mind is what you are going to act on eventually. Hearing your favorite rappers and singers talking about drugs, fast money, and sex make those things sound "cool" in the minds of our youth. It's sad when the motivation of our youth comes from the negativity to today's music. I thought why not change some of those negative connotations into positive connotations. Music will always be around and we cannot control what kinds are being produced, but we can change those connotations around for positivity.

From Hip Hop to Positivity

Hey yall! I hope yall are feeling blessed and having great days! I just finished working out and decided to leave yall a post! Enjoy the rest of your day!

As Weezy would say, stand “6 foot, 7 foot” with pride, drive, and motivation through this life with no hesitation. Be all you can be and let no one tell you differently. Work hard when people are watching, but as Ace Hood would say, “Hustle, hustle, hustle, hard” when no one is watching. You have nothing to prove to anybody in this life but God. Each and every day you wake up you have a purpose. People are going to hate, but wake up and shout them out as Diddy would say, “Hello, Good Morning” and continue to strive for better. Don’t trade hate for hate, just pray that you will be like Rhianna and “Turn all of the lights up” through your desire. You’ll be able to shine nice and bright so that they can see and possibly lighten their paths so they can find their way to where they are going in their lives. Some will see and some will continue to travel in darkness, but hey, as Lupe Fiasco would say, “The show goes on.” Helping those along the way will bless you abundantly and when you finally arrive you can look back and say as Chris Brown would say, “Look at me now.” Even when you make it you may think back as Nicki Minaj would say, “I did it on ‘em.” But the work is still undone. You must continue to work hard so you will be able to share that “Moment for life.” Now that you have made it, don’t forget about those who helped you along they way. First start with mama and ask her what she wants as Fab would say, a “Beamer, Benz, or Bently!” Then don’t forget where you came from! As Travis Porter would say, “Now bring it back” and give back to the community!

GIRLS

GROWING through the delicate times trying to find your place in this huge world. INSTILLING power and determination to be anything in this world. Even rule the world with the strong, unstoppable hands of being a girl. REALIZING that your worth is just as important as the worth of a man. Knowing that and pledging to carry yourself in that very manner each and every day. LIBERATING yourself from all the things that try and limit your expectations and soaring your wings as high as the sky. STEPPING through your journey of life with your head help high. Believing in yourself and achieving all of the advantages of being a young, beautiful girl!

Do Good and Be of Good Courage

Good Morning!! I hope you all have enjoyed your weekend! It's a rainy Monday morning and I am super tired, but I will NOT complain! Today I want to talk about when you're trying to do good and something always wants to stop you. When you're trying to do good, there will always be something or someone that will try and stop you. It would be so much easier to just give in and fall off, BUT I would much rather take the harder route and continue doing good and do it with courage. Always remember that anything that comes easy in life, is more than likely no good for you. Constantly work hard and never be fooled by taking short cuts. You're going to have some people that want to see you fail and do bad, those you just have to take with a grain of salt and shake them off. It is just a part of life that we must learn to embrace and be prepared for. You should keep your focus on the task at hand and not the ones to the left or to the right. They have no power over your future unless you give it to them. So, today I just encourage you all to do good and be of good courage and God will do the rest. Work hard when people are watching and work even harder when no one is watching! Your hard work will pay off!

Happy Father's Day!!

Happy Father's Day! I would like to take the time out to thank my mother for playing both roles of being the mother and the father! She has always been there and I don't really feel like I've honestly missed out on having a male figure to call "dad" when my mother was all of that and more. Having a father who is addicted to drugs and has a lot of mental issues has only made me into a stronger person. I don't dwell on the issue of his absence, but I do often pray for him. It has not affected my outcome for myself and I don't see it as an obstacle. So, no matter if you have an absent parent whether it be your mother or your father, it does not have to determine how your life will turn out! I have turned out to be a strong, black woman on the way to success and my background of not having father around has not had a negative impact on my life or my future. God said that he will be a father to the fatherless and a mother to the motherless and with him you can do anything in your life!

It's Never Too Late

Good Morning! I hope this blog finds you all well and blessed this morning! Over the last couple of days I have been taking my older cousin to school in order to get his GED.  He is 28 years old and he never graduated from High school.  During his years throughout school he was very intelligent and athletic.  Somewhere along the way he lost focus and began stirring down the wrong road.  He started hanging out with the wrong crowd of people and lost sight of his hopes and dreams.  It's a part of life and it happens to the best of us.  Now, he has 3 kids and he wants to do better by his kids and start by obtaining his GED.  At first he was a little apprehensive about going back to school since he is now 28.  He felt as if people were going to judge him and look down on him.  Truth is there are people older than him going to school as well trying to get their GED as well.  Everyone there is there for the exact same reason, so there was no need to feel discouraged. I have to commend him because he is doing so well and his teachers told him that he was very intelligent and has great potential, which I already knew that! So for anyone that has never graduated from High school or obtained their GED, It's never too late! Don't be discouraged and talk yourself out on bettering yourself.  Things are not always what they look like or what they feel like.  Sometimes in life we go through things that only make us stronger and give us the strength to better ourselves.  You have to first start by believing in yourself and giving your self a chance.  No matter how much time you may have wasted or have lost over the years, it's NEVER too late.  This applies to any other things that you may feel like it's too late.  Whatever it is, know that God is not constantly reminding you about it, if it was too late to do it!  Get up today and take back what your past has stolen from you!!

Hello!

Hi, I just wanted to take a moment and introduce myself.  My name is Shalee Forney and I am a young woman on a mission to change the world.  I have a strong passion for the youth of today bc they are the future of tomorrow.  I know this is my calling and I am very exciting for the things to come along the way of my journey. A lot of young people don't believe they have a chance in life due to their surroundings and or backgrounds, but that is not true at all! If young people are aware of their potential and know that there are people who believe in them, what amazing things they would do with their lives.  It is my job to make sure that there is HOPE instilled within them and they know that someone is advocating for their well being.  As stated earlier, this is just an introduction of who I am and what is to come.  I hope you all will have a blessed day, keep God first and work hard towards your dreams!