I Consider Myself Fortunate

Instead of my my pontifications and fluf that can be summed up by saying that I’m a year older now, I wanted to share one of my private traditions with you when July 26th comes around.

A few days before this day comes around I take inventory of the past 365 days. I ask myself four simple questions,
(1) Did I accomplish the goals I set for myself last year?
(2) What I didn’t accomplish and why?
(3) What can I improve upon?
(4) What do I need to have achieved this time next year?

Last year I wanted to build upon a resolution I made to myself the previous year and that was to walk with confidence in faith and not put much emphasis on sight. I believe that I have better applied this principle in all areas of my life, since last year.

Also, I said that I was going to apply the truth to all facets of my life regardless of how critical it may be. I just found that the path of walking by faith is clearer when you apply the truth to the leaves and debris of doubt and inadequacy falls in your path. The truth is like the broom you use to sweep the dirt off of the walkway.

The other thing was to appreciate more, because I’m not promised tomorrow. This means that I’m not promised my life, family, friends and opportunity. This is the primary reason why I consider myself fortunate. I’m blessed to have lived 35 years in good health. Unfortunately, I have seen some of my friends die, but I’m still here. I have both of my parents, while other are putting theirs in the ground or decide to let the things of the past stifle their relationship.

God continues to demonstrate to me that a man who finds a wife finds a good thing. I have a good wife. I am fortunate to have had a father who by example showed me what a father is suppose to be and do. My son knows that I love, support, teach and encourage him. I get to see subtle acts of that everyday when I watch him interact with me. Something that far too many men don’t realize. Although I miss my sister I know that distance can’t silence that the fact that she loves me and knows that I love her unconditionally. I have 3 brother-in-laws (technically 2, but anyway) who all unknowingly have taught me what being a brother really is. I never had a brother, so I didn’t know really how to be one to a guy. Who can beat that? Lets not forget my lone sister-in-law who I can honestly say that I understand and love her compassion and spirit, although I enjoy just making her laugh. Also, true friends and family who I’ve tried to spend more time with. I never want to be the estranged family member, although some of my family members are strange. I do my best to look past the things that doesn’t really matter and love just because. I’m not promised anything, but I’ve been given so much opportunity that I intend to utilize for good.

I really don’t want any material thing from anyone. What I’ve learned through various examples of what’s really important in life is your service to others. Although I will gladly accept a BMW X5 or 745Li if someone wants to buy me one. Seriously, when I look back over the 35 years of life that God has allowed me to live, all I can do is say WOW! And consider myself fortunate.


This is my birthday gift to you.

You have my love.


Timothy A. Valentine

The Death of Yolanda Denise King

As most of you probably are learning, Ms. Yolanda Denise King died yesterday, Tuesday, May 15th in Santa Monica, CA of an apparent heart attack. She lives a legacy just as great of that of her parents, Mrs. Coretta Scott King and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. left the world. She was only 51 years old at the time of her death. The days are getting longer and longer and the cords of memory shrink more as each day passes by since that gunshot on a Memphis motel balcony. A year ago we lost Mrs. Coretta King, now we loose the first born.

I've only had the pleasure of being in the same room with Ms. Yolanda King's younger brother, Mr. Martin King, III and the honor of receiving a signed response to a letter I wrote to Mrs. King. My prayers are with her siblings, Aunt (Mrs. Christine King Farris) and the rest of that outstanding family.

Please take time to visit Ms. King's website referenced below.

Yolanda D. King
http://www.yolanda-king.com/

MY EVERYDAY STRUGGLE

I struggle everyday to be the example of the achiever and the role model that I want my son to model his life afterwards. The thoughts, ideas and suggestions of being “less than” that I and others are bombarded with each day can wear you down if you allow it. I remind myself that I have to walk be faith and not by sight, remain encouraged and optimistic throughout the lowest valley of your life experiences. I remind myself that it’s not about me, but who will come after me. I have to be the leader that I want to follow.

I hug and kiss my son before I leave each day and when I return for multiple reasons. Because it’s not about me, but about who comes after me. It doesn’t matter how frustrated I am with my job, who or how much I owe, who may disagree with me or what I don’t know how to do. What matters is the example that I offer to those around me. By reminding myself to stay encourage and to be optimistic in spite of the circumstances.

This is more for me, but if you can get something out of this then I guess I have done my job for today.

Feel free to email me your thoughts or comments.

AM I BLACK ENOUGH?

When I first heard this question a few weeks ago my mind raced back to a Rap song that was released in 1989 titled, “Am I Black Enough For Ya” by Schoolly D. When I realized that the question was directed towards Senator Barack Obama it actually made me mad.

What other qualifications does Barack need to run for President?” Isn’t Liberty and Freedom the concept America prides itself on. We have the most diverse selection of presidential candidates to choose from ever. We actually have a Black, a Woman, a Hispanic, a Mormon and White Man running for president in 2008. So why is there a need to single out the Black guy? If we ask this question, maybe we should ask the same question to all candidates. Is ______ Brown enough? Or Is _________ White enough? Or Is ______ Religious enough? You wouldn’t do that, because the first thing people would say is, “it’s not about color”, although the question was raised about Obama.

I can’t believe that people are actually raising the question, “If Senator Barack Obama is Black enough?” If you think about it, this question is absolutely ignorant. I wondered if people understand the history behind this question. I recommend you begin by reading the history of the “One Drop Rule”.

Although I understand the question, I can’t understand why it should be asked. A person actions and tendencies will answer this question. If you’re Black in America and you look back as far as you can at your ancestry I’m sure that you will find some White in there. You’ll probably find some Cherokee or Navajo in there too. So are you Black enough for what you do or want to do? That’s like asking Senator John Edwards if he’s White enough. If you take time and look at his background you’ll find some similarities to Blacks or your ethnic background. So is he Black enough? Judge Clearance Thomas is Black, but has consistently had to answer this question. The real question is, “Do you agree or will you support my interests?”

During a political campaign the candidates put their best face on, rather that be a White face, Black Face, Brown Face, Religious Face, Business Face or Tough Face on. Look at the person for who they are and not what they do for a living.


SOURCE OF REFERENCES:
• You can learn about the “One Drop Rule” or “One Drop Theory” by following this link.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/One-drop_rule
• TIME Magazine article by Professor Orlando Patterson “The New Black Nativist” can be found at  http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1587276,00.html
• Senator Barack Obama  http://www.barackobama.com/
• Senator John Edwards  http://johnedwards.com/
• Professor Orlando Patterson  http://www.wjh.harvard.edu/soc/faculty/patterson/
• MC Schoolly D  http://www.artistdirect.com/nad/store/artist/album/0,,159619,00.html