Author Archives: Janie M Williams
A thought came to mind recently of the term “What makes a Dad
What makes a Dad
God took the strength of a mountain,
the majesty of a tree,
the warmth of a summer sun,
the calm of the quiet sea,
The generous soul of nature,
The comforting arm of night,
The wisdom of the ages,
The power of the eagles flight,
The joy of a morning in spring,
The faith of a mustard seed,
The patience of eternity,
the depth of family need,
Then God combined these qualities.
When there was nothing more to add,
He knew his masterpiece was complete,
And so,
He Called it……DAD
To a COUNTLESS NUMBER OF DADS ON THIS FATHER’S DAY.
Everywhere Has a Thing
Everywhere has a thing, a thing that is most common, a thing that is most celebrated, a thing that serves as the core of what it takes (a group of people) to exist. Whether in Australian where the tall poppy syndrome is hard to resist, or in the In Filipinos where bayanihan practice exists.
When we encounter Everywhere in person, via television or on the world wide web, we soon recognize that there exists a culture. The culture then becomes at best, the norm or standard. The norm evolves and thus affects virtually every part of daily living, and quite often becomes so routine that participants are unaware of their specific behaviors and actions.
Everywhere has a thing, a thing that is most common, a thing that is most celebrated, a thing that serves as the core of what it takes (a group of people) to exist. There is beauty beyond measure in Everywhere if we would just take the time to see. To see, beyond what we’ve grown to be. Everywhere has a thing, a people poised to embody an internal culture, either they’re of a growth or of a fixed mindset. As an evolving civilization, we can do one of two things; we can shun the culture of others, refusing to embrace or accept it because of the difference, OR WE can embrace what is meant to bring us together in the spirit of wisdom, unity and overwhelming peace.
“The recognition of a common humanity is the first step in the celebration of our differences – differences that inform our cultures, our values, our minds, and all our ways of being in the world. Diversity is the chief informant of the creative life force and the central reality in our understanding and stewardship of it.”
References:
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Tall poppy syndrome refer to a tendency in Australian society to try and cut down people who are considered to be too successful or prominent – cutting the tall poppies down to size.
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In Filipino culture bayanihan is the practice of literally moving an entire home to a new location. The villagers gather to lift up the structures, carrying them over quite a distance.
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Appalachian State University. Why Celebrate Diversity. http://diversity.appstate.edu/celebration/why/. May 28, 2018.
When Faith Doesn’t Add Up
As it is told over and over again, in the first year of growth for the Chinese Bambo Tree, we see no visible signs of activity. Again, in the second year of the Chinese Bambo Tree still there is no growth above the soil. The third and the fourth are the same, no 
signs of anything. Finally in the fifth year – behold, a sign of growth (above soil)! What wasn’t obvious to the human eye in that five year process, was the progress of the Chinese Bambo Tree, a thin tall woody plant that grows in rainforests and the mountains of central China. Far beneath the surface it grew underground, developing a strong root system required to sustain life as it finally grows to its potential of up to 80 feet in just six weeks!
The same principle is true for us as humans along life’s path as we faithfully work toward our dreams and goals. If we are not careful, we could find ourselves spinning in a paralyzed state – questioning, when will I be rewarded? When will I see – visible fruits of my labor? This state of worry takes our focus off of what is most important…the process …. the building/preparation phase.
There are many lessons to be learned from the illustration of the Chinese Bamboo Tree, some of them are;
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Growth is not always seen immediately
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Never despise the process of starting small
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Take the time necessary to develop a strong foundation
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We are not exempt from adversity and/or challenges – stay encouraged
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All of the above is essential for sustaining latter results (Growth)
In the end and as always the reality is, the Chinese Bamboo Tree requires nurturing (watering, fertilizing of the soil, and sunshine) even though there is no visible sign of growth.
This too holds true for you and I. With the end in sight continue to press toward the mark, believing in the midst of the unseen. Your reward is pressing through even though you cannot see it. The pressure of a strong foundation and upward momentum is bound to break through soon.
My prayer for you: May you have the strength to endure beyond what is unseen in order to reap what will soon spring forth in great magnitude – your reward awaits. –Shalom
The Beginning of Everything
To everything there is an origin, a beginning, a seed of thought that blossoms into an idea and eventually gains forward momentum. The same is true with what we now call “Black History Month“.
The story of “Black History Month” began as an idea, in the mind of Harv
ard-trained historian Carter G. Woodson. Early on in the year 1915, as Mr. Carter was discussing with a group of African-American men at a YMCA in Chicago, he convinced them that an organization focused on striving for a balanced history was needed. Later in the same year (September 1915) half a century after the Thirteenth Amendment abolished slavery in the United States along with prominent minister, Jesse E. Moorland, Mr. Woodson founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH). The organization’s main purpose was to research and promote the achievements of black Americans and other people of African descent. The ASNLH today is known as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). The group sponsored a national Negro History week in 1926, choosing the second week of February to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. The creation of Negro History Week in 1926 thus paved the way for the establishment of “Black History Month” in 1976. Since its inception the celebration has grown.
Today “Black History Month” is celebrated nationwide. Schools and communities alike continue to organize local celebrations, establish history clubs and host performances and lectures all, in a collaborative effort to celebrate historical figures who range from abolitionists to jazz musicians. To everything there is an origin, a beginning, a seed of thought that blossoms into an idea and eventually gains forward momentum.
Tap Into The Whole You!
When we take the time to break from one aspect of living to equally engage in others (Physical, Emotional, Career, Spiritual, Intellectual, Social), we then begin to tap into balanced living. Although living in balance is not always easy to achieve much less maintain, it can be very rewarding.
Physical
A perfect example and probably one of the most popular in which we lack motivation, is that of the physical aspect of balanced living. Statistics shows that regular exercise or physical activity helps the body to function better. However, only 30 percent of Americans get leisure-time physical activity.
Spirituality
One Hundred and sixty people were surveyed from different faiths (Protestants, Catholics, Jews, Muslims and Buddhists). The results show that religious experiences such as prayer, meditation, yoga, etc. was significantly linked to better mental health and helped people to better cope with everyday stress.
Intellectual
When it comes to intellect, it is sad to say that for some of us, once we graduate from high school or college our pursuit of/for new knowledge deteriorates. Yes, we may be masters at what we do, but we are not learning anything new. Research clearly shows that education and learning produce favorable changes in the brain.
Social
Socializing, considered a form of mental exercise, provides stimulation for the brain, keeps one sharp, have been associated with lower blood pressure and contributes to a longer life expectancy.
Career
When achieving work life balance neglecting your mental well-being, relationships, and health can affect your productivity. Instead plan ahead, give yourself ample time to complete projects, set a work start and cut off time and define clear expectations with others.
Emotional
Improving your emotional health can be a rewarding experience. People who are emotionally healthy tend to be in control of their emotions and their behavior. Able to handle life’s challenges, build strong relationships, and recover from setbacks.
Tap Into The Whole You!
The following are a few tips for tapping into the Whole You this new year;
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Set Priorities. List all your tasks if not daily then on a weekly basis, organize them according to priorities. When prioritizing, be sure to consider each area (Physical, Emotional, Career, Spiritual, Intellectual, and Social) pertinent to living a balanced life.
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Be Flexible. It is pertinent to take a break from routine. Be flexible and adjust your schedules and priorities accordingly.
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Mind Your Mind. Subconscious beliefs are known to be self-limiting and self-sabotaging. Purposefully embrace the process of positive thinking, especially in the areas of behavioral/habit change, wellness and stress reduction.
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Establish Accountability. Enlist the help of an accountability partner to encourage you along the way.
