FULLY ENGAGED
This year has been one I will never forget. Living alone with yourself…. will teach you a lot of things. The reason why I decided to share mines is because…. I believe that we all can take inventory of our lives… and when we do… we just may learn something.THIS IS FOR FRUSTRATED DREAMERS
I was driving in to work this morning and I started thinking about all the days I dreaded going to work. I was so sick of it… the job, my boss, the people I worked with, the traffic… I would wake up angry every morning. I didn’t want to deal with the crap of the job, but I was forced to go. I had been homeless, I was broke, living paycheck to hopefully the next paycheck. I couldn’t take a day off for fear I would get fired. I was just frustrated. I thought I hated my life and the job.
It was so aggravating because God had placed all these dreams and hopes in my soul and mind and I had no idea how they were going to come to pass. To have a dream of being something better and living better than the way I was at that moment and to not see a way of getting there felt like death to me. I thought, “Dear God, why would you give me so much hope and not make a way?” But what I learned through prayer was, with no path in front of you and no road map… this is where true faith begins. With faith I realized that I wasn’t frustrated with my life or the job, I was frustrated because I was a person who had dreams for myself, a person who had visions for my life and I wasn’t living it. Have you ever been there, where you felt so strongly that there was more to this life than what you see in front of you?
One of the most difficult things about being a dreamer is the fear that the dream will never happen. I’m here as a living witness to tell you your dreams can come true. You can’t give up. And I am here to let you know that everything can work together for your good. The time that you are spending on that job that you think is a dead end is not. You’re being prepared just like I was. I was a shoeshine boy, I worked as a bill collector, a used car salesman, in housekeeping in a hotel, and they all were preparation for where I am now.
What do these things have to do with where I am now? I’m glad you asked. I am able to use skills that I learned. I shined shoes, so I know how to shine my shoes if I need them to look nice. Selling used cars was a great way to learn how to close a deal. Bill collecting taught me great negotiation skills. Working at that 5-star hotel taught me a lot about travel. Every experience in your life is here to teach you something.
Today, while you’re at work, don’t be frustrated. Look around you and ask God what are you there to learn and how will it be a part of your future dream. Honor that job, do the best you can at it, because God will bless you for honoring something that belongs to another.
I hope this inspires you today. If you need a little more inspiration then watch my first sit-down interview in years with Oprah on Oprah’s Next Chapter. It airs this Sunday on OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network at 9/8c. I talk a little about not giving up. I know it will move you.
Here’s a prayer for today: “God help me hold on, help me to get to what I dream of, help me to honor where I am today so that I can appreciate where I will be tomorrow. In Jesus’ name.”
I realized that God equipped me with Being a Visionary I have insight on things that others just don’t see, or understand…. and ITS OKAY. As a visionary you have to be able to think quickly and able to come up with solutions. You have to always have a plan B. I have a gift to vision the whole thing in progress before it even happens while sitting in my living room months before time. In doing this, I can see all the issues that may come up, and that is how this is able to go smoothly EVERY YEAR. THANK YOU JESUS.
First before I can even begin… I have to Thank God for giving me the gift of planning and the endurance to complete this task with my family and friends. I love you
As you all know I can write. I’m hoping to make this short and to the point….. but I don’t know. LOL
WE COOKED AND PASSED OUT 150 DINNERS THIS YEAR. Whenever we go out to pass out dinners, there are so many men and women who are so THANKFUL. I met this lady last night, who walked up to the van to get a dinner and I could feel that her heart was so heavy with “something”. So, I asked her … what’s wrong? ( yall know me) She said “I just lost my husband, and I’m just so lost”. She said that she didn’t know what to do. I began to minister to her and gave her a long loving hug. And this is what my Sis was talking about this morning. Sometimes we are a pay check away from being hungry.. and sometimes we’re a situation away. You can have the best job in the world, but if your mom dies, or your sisters, anyone who were a pillar to you… ITS SO EASY TO CHECK OUT OF THIS WORLD MENTALLY. And that has happened to this lady. Another thing that amazed me last night… was that a person could walk in front of you and never open their mouth to say “excuse me”. Someone could walk into a room and not open their mouth to those who were there before them to say “hello”…. but last night all you heard was “THANK YOU. GOD BLESS YOU. THANK YOU, WE APPRECIATE IT, THANK YOU WE LOVE YOU, THANK YOU FOR THINKING ABOUT US. *I’m about to cry typing this*
A few days ago, as I was writing down the names of all the donors I realized how many people that sent donations that didn’t live in Detroit. It made me emotional, because how is it that these people who SEVERAL have never met me… would dig in their purses and wallets to decided to help out with my vision to Feed the Homeless? Only God could touch their hearts in this way. For that I am TRULY THANKFUL AND GRATEFUL LORD. And this is why I have to send this special SHOUT OUT to the following people. Rubie of Georgia. Valerie of Arizona, Jodi * former 2959 Walmart Family* of Tennessee, Calandra of Chicago, Selena of New York, and my good friend….. Alex of Texas. Thank you all so VERY VERY VERY MUCH. * hugs and kisses*.
To Nesha my baby. Thank you for always asking me when you know Im about to get stressed ” you’re okay momma”. That challenged me to regroup, because whatever was bothering me in doing this… you made me aware of it. Thanks for your generous donations… you see first hand what it takes to put this together. Thank you so much for being my #1 stunna * gurl*. I LOVE YOU MOMMY MOMMY.
Thank you to MY COUSINS Darcella and Anderson, To Mzlena and her BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTER, My aunt wana for making chicken and dressing, and my aunt Faye for the string beans. TO my niece lash… thank you. To my #1 Walmart Family gurl in the WORLD lajuana.. when I tell you I LOVE THIS gurl….believe me! She gave me her debit card while she was working and said… here is my debit card AND NUMBER go and get what you need. So, I’m like okay.. I went and got 2 cases of pop, and returned her card. Then she said what else do you need….. tell me…. here take this card and get some MORE stuff. Wow….how do you THANK A PERSON with a heart like this? HOW? What do you say to this kind of person. Thank you Lajuana so much for your kindness. Thank you for being a friend. * don’t be jealous ruby…. *insider* I love you too boo matter of fact you were my first donor.
To my gurl Myra…. ooo myra please don’t kill me. I was running late to meet you, but you took the things to the service desk anyway. I really wanted to see you… my fault. Thank you so very much for constantly being in touch with me, when you live so far away. You came all the way from where you live to make sure I had what I needed. THANK YOU BOO. To tammy, darron lee, my Sisters Yolanda and Electria.. OMG What did I do so great in GOD eyes to have Sisters like you both? Huh.. Like for real. How did God say.. okay Imma match Cree, Na and Peedie up as sisters? I dunno the math … but IM SO GLAD HE DID. I LOVE YALL SO MUCH!! TO trya my god daughter… baaaaaaaaaaaaaaby when I tell yall this lil gurl *she’s 15* worked…. SHE WENT TO WORK!!!! My sister went in her purse and gave her some money. LOL LOL LOL LOL A special love note to Ms Karen my Walmart Manager… who always go way beyond the call of duty. This lady made 150 BROWNIES with her own money and TIME. This is not her first time either and every time she makes them… I HAVE TO FIGHT PEOPLE OFF ASKING ME CAN THEY PLEASE HAVE A BROWNIE…. and yalp I had to do it again this year. LOL Who makes 150 brownies? Who does that? THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH MS KAREN.. I JUST LOVE YOU!!!
Thank you to my gurl Nicole and her beautiful daughters. This was there first time going out with us…. and when they came in, they were like “okay what do you want us to do”. They got right to work!!!! They came to serve and that’s what they did. Looking back on it… hadn’t they came in…. it would have been a battle getting all of that stuff packed up. We put Ford to shame with our assembly line. WE DID THE THANG BABY LOL !!! THANK YOU JESUS FOR THEM ALL. Thank you to Charlene my BFF for PHYSICALLY being * hands on* to what we do. At the last min when I asked you to make some mac and cheese… you said “bring it over… I’ll do it”. I was so happy…. God knows I needed that. Sometimes I just don’t know how to ask for what I need… and people like you made it easier for me to communicate. You were working so HARD… that I couldn’t stop having laughing out burst. LOL LOL * water* I LOVE YOU SOOOOOOOOOO MUCH… THANKS for putting me in my place when I need it, cause everybody knows I CAN GET OUT OF ORDER… YOU KNOW ME BEST. LOL LOL Thank you to Ms Gloria…. My SISTER my RIDE OR DIE TILL THE WHEELS FALL OFF!!! You have been with me feeding the homeless for 5 years and 7 total runs including Valentines Day Personal items, and making sandwiches for the homeless. Every time I pick up the phone and say… Ms. gloria.. I need you… your response is…. WHEN? Yesterday when you walked in the house to start making plates… little did you know… you were the glue to my day. * tears* THANK YOU SO MUCH… AND I LOVE YOU.
To my brother in law Darren… I knew you had to work yesterday, you even came in tired. But see what you all don’t know is…. even though I love to drive and know a lot of places…. once the food is in the car… I don’t know how to physically get to all the spots we go to pass out food. Its like once the hard work is done…. I cant even think to drive anymore. So, I thank you so much for always willing to lead us to our destination. Do you know when it was over, I didn’t even know my way home.. gloria had to guide me back? LOL So when I tell you that I appreciate you…. BELIVE ME.. . Thanks for riding with me since DAY ONE OF THIS MISSION. I LOVE YOU
TO my MOMMY.. I LOVE YOU SO MUCH.. It was you who called me out of the BLUE AND SAID…. THIS YEAR WE ARE FEEDING 150 PEOPLE. I said huh mommy… in my mind…..I said I cant even focus on that right now. You said… we’re going to do it this year and I’m cooking. At that point… all I felt in my Spirit was YES. Because with my mentality at that time.. I didn’t want to do anything!!!!! It was God who told you to call me up.. I don’t remember you even saying HEY ZEE AS YOU DO when you first call. Thank you so much for everything mommy. Thank you for the loving kindness you displayed… you didn’t “snap” at me that much in front of my friends, LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL TOLD YALL MY MOMMA BE SNAPPING. LOL
Thank you to all of those who wanted to help and couldn’t for whatever reason. I REALLY FELT THE LOVE FROM YOU. I saw the messages….I read the in boxes.. But that’s okay… it really is because MARCH 2014… WE ARE GOING BACK TO THE STREETS to pass out sandwiches. chips, drinks, and snacks at lunch time. For all those who want to be apart of it…. we will be doing it ONCE A MONTH. There’s always an opportunity to give and to be apart of something special. I look forward to working with different faces for 2014 as well as my “regulars”. THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH.. THANK YOU AND THANK GOD FIRST, BECAUSE HE WAS THE ONE WHO GAVE ME THE VISION!!!!!!! Alex TigerCat Moses Tammy Frazier Lashanna Thomas Neish Walk
So, God says to me…. LaCrease I know, and you know.. that you can set this little post office area off right? He said I allow you to be angry… and you can have your moment SILENTLY.. so what I did was because it made me so mad.. I had to walk around in my little square area of the post office to calm down… and what I do when I’m angry is think about things that make me happy which are….. Trees, flowers, water, the sky, and green grass. THESE THINGS CALMS ME ALL THE WAY DOWN. Once I calmed down… I HAD TO SHOW THEM HOW TO GREET PEOPLE… So what God did was… he let 5 people walk through the door…. a few asked the same QUESTION I DID…. And when they did I made sure I greeted them, NEVER GIVING THEM ANY TIME TO OPEN THEIR MOUTHS… I was the one who told them that they opened at 9:30.
I laughed at the gurl in the drive thru.. cause she has no idea that doing that to me…. BACK IN THE DAY… that she was very close to having a VERY VERY VERY VERY VERY VERY BAD DAY. The beauty in this is…. again God says .. Lacrease I KNOW, AND YOU KNOW.. you have the POWER in you to “set it off”… so do something differently… so I LAUGHED AT HER PAIN *of putting ketchup in MY bag” WOW WOW WOW Cause real talk…. if putting ketchup in my bag caused you to have seizure like episodes….. you aint mad at me boo… YOU MAD AT THE WORLD.. YOU MAD AT YO-SELF, YOU MAD AT YOUR LIFE. LOL LOL LOL PEOPLE LIKE THAT I LAUGHS AT. LOL LOL LOL And I kept it moving, driving down gratiot while digging in my bag… eating my french fries. LOL GURLBYE
The POWER is not in showing them you can nut up too… the POWER is really in.. showing them that you’re going another route. 10 years as a cashier at Walmart … baaaaaaaaaby I got it together. LOL LOL LOL LOL
Where works of the flesh exists, there is NO joy
Good Morning…. Soooooooo today I walks into the post office around 9:20am… and there were a man about my age and a black older lady. I was kinda shock to see them standing there. So before I went any further as they were “ALREADY STARING AT ME” I looked at them both and asked…..are they open? The lady looks at me with this spooky smile and sarcastic voice and said…. “if they was we wouldn’t be standing here” I said to myself ….Oh Lawd Jesus ….. ITS A FIRE!!!!….When I FIRST meet a person, and they get smart… all types of bells and whistles, choirs , little kids singing, dogs barking, cat scratching, horns, guitars, drums, organs and all these things start INSTANTLY goes off in my head. All I could do is look at her…. she KNEW I wasn’t playing after I stared at her for about 40 minutes non stop * just playing*. Not that I would go off on her, because I have self control PRAISE GOD and I would never disrespect anyone. So, I said so the answer is NO? They both said.. very quickly a the same time…. No, not until 9:30. As I stood there to calm down… I realized that they open that part of the post office up for those people who have mailboxes, and they were just standing in that area until they opened. See, that was my reason for asking why were they standing there. I thought it all opened at the same time.
So, obviously they were first and second in line when they finally opened. They wanted to be my friend so bad… I WOULD NOT LOOK AT THEM. they kept turning around looking at me. So after my turn. the lady waited around for her package.. she looked at me with a nice smile * like she should have had done in the first place” and said have a nice day. I smiled back and said.. “you too maam”. Then here come homeboy…. you pretty, why you so pretty? Can I have your number…. I SAID IM MARRIED and jumped in my van. I KILLED THEM BOTH WITH KINDNESS. When people were coming in after me asking the same question.. I made sure their smart mouths didn’t spoil the atmosphere for others like they did me… I said to everyone who came in.. they open at 9:30. LOL
Question… why do people have smart mouths… why couldn’t she just say… they open at 9:30? Just a few nights ago, me and Nesha was at Wendy’s drive thru.. we ask the lady for ketchup… she rolled her eyes so hard… all I could see was THE WHITE PART IN HER EYES. And I’m looking at her like guuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuurl back in the day… I WOULD HAVE SNATCHED THOSE HEAD SETS OFF WITH YOUR EAR!!! LOL LOL LOL Yall who know me KNOW THIS IS TRUE. All I could do was bust out laughing in her face. I said to myself gurl you have no idea how GOD IS REALLY SAVING YOU RIGHT NOW! LOL People…. show yourself friendly… no matter what kind of mood you’re in. Smile, you’re only in strangers lives for a few minutes… aint no sense in acting funny. Be helpful, listen to others, make short conversation in showing yourself friendly…. … I TRY TO LIVE THIS life everyday. SMILE
PART 2 COMING UP * THE RESPONSE*
Its been almost a whole year since I moved into my apartment. My life has changed so much. I pray more and talk to God everyday around the 5 o clock am hour. I’m more stronger as a person. I listen more, and I pay attention to everything. I love to learn people. And since I work with teens, I pay attention to their behavior, and more importantly ADULTS.
Hey,
6 Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: 7 (For lwe walk by faith, mnot by sight:) 8 nWe are confident, I say, and owilling rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.
John 14:18
I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
I went to the movies to see The Best Man Holiday. That movie was one of the best I’ve seen in years. I really enjoyed this cast. Such a beautiful and talented one. I never in a million years expected to cry all through the movie as I did this one. Even the things that happened was done decent and in order. The comedy was perfect and expected from everyone. I’m very well pleased about this movie…. I mean really. Now if we could get a Love Jones 2, and Why did I get married 3….that would be great!
As I wrap up…. allow God to comfort you during hard times. Don’t just “say” it… let it happen. Think about the good times you’ve shared with this person…..let that being you peace and comfort. This is one reason who God gave us a memory right? One is that we can remember when our family and friends are no longer with us. Enjoy and Praise God for the fact that we are allowed this joy.
Sometimes I just sit and wonder how did we come to a place where all we think about is material things. Don’t get me wrong there is nothing wrong with having a nice place, a car that gives you no problems, and money to pay off your bills. If you’re going to tell a story….tell the story. Braggers are the worst. Now, I have to sit here and hear someone go through something that they missed all because of GREED.When you chase after money, and “stuff” you miss out on LOVE. When you chase POWER AND CONTROL… you miss out on LOVE. And those are the PEOPLE CONSTANTLY reminding others with this MESS…..”I can’t trust nobody” Well before you realized what your money can buy, you should have known that LOVE is going to out last your material things……and NO… you cant trust everybody! Material things can burn up in a fire…. LOVE CANT. Pray and ask God if you can get back the LOVE you lost…. and next time boo…..remember this Scripture Matthew 6:19-21 ESV /“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
It puzzles me sometimes how I prayed to work with children and even though I’m not making near as much as I’m worth… I enjoy going to work everyday. But what I didn’t expect is to work with a few women who makes the atmosphere very uncomfortable. I just knew those days were over when I left Walmart. Maybe this is why I’m taking it so hard…. I thought working with adults was over and that I can only focus on the children. Its a shame when OLDER women are still so childish and immature. I’m very good at ignoring people, but when you have to communicate and it doesn’t happen….. its terrible. This really makes me want to start my own Non Profit Organization… I need team leaders and players. People who are there for the children. People who care for them, and not sit up and say ” I don’t care what they do”. I just have a HUGE problem with people who take jobs that are not really into it…. especially when it comes to caring for other peoples kids.
I have a lot on my mind… nothing bad… just “stuff” LOL So, I’m going to bed. Good Night and Be Blessed.
