Live and Give

This is the first entry on my blog site. The title, Live and Give is derived directly on how I live my life. My Grandmother, Sarah Margaret Gabriel instilled this way of life in me at an early age. It simply means to enjoy life to its fullest and give to those who need you.

I plan to use this blog spot to share my personal growth, life experiences, instances of "paying it forward" that we may miss everyday. I hope that people will visit here and share their personal insight on life. As we are all on our personal journeys to fulfill our purpose in life, that road is made easier when you have people who genuinely care, share the road with you. So with that it my hope for this blog to touch someone's life in a way that, absent of this space they wouldn't have received that spirit.

I have been on a quest for self-actualization. Last year (2006) I lost 2 very important people in my life. My Grandmother, Sarah passed away in October and my very close friend John Bullard was murdered in November. At 29 years old, this was an experience with death so close to home. At John's funeral the pastor posed the question, "What will people say about you when GOD calls you home?" That has stuck with me since that day. My friend, John Bullard has left an impression/influence on my life that will last until GOD is ready for me to join them. His legacy with all who knew him is one that is very memorable. People have a lot to say about the way John lived his life. He lived life to the fullest, he loved with all of his heart, and he gave more than any of us can ever imagine. My friend, my brother is missed everyday.

My Grandmother lived her life in a way that I strive to and pray that my children will embrace. She was not a "church goer", she had a strong belief in GOD and always carried a blessing aura with her. She liked to laugh and have fun. She enjoyed life! However, she always had time for those that needed her. That included family, friends, neighbors and sometimes total strangers. She was "Live and Give". She taught me that giving is not always monetary. Time, energy, an ear or shoulder are all great ways to give. She showed me that we must give to those that we can, with regard for ourselves and our families. That is not always an easy thing to determine and requires you be be in tune to the needs of your family.

When I say family, I'm personally speaking about my wife Keisha and daughters Saniya(4) and Aaryn (20mos). I have uncles, aunts, cousins that I'm very close with as well. My family also includes my mother, father, sister, brother, neice, Grandparents. I don't have any "in-laws"...when Keish and I were married, they became a part of my family. The name "in-law" never really set will for me.

I find myself "shouldering the load" for a lot of these people in my life. I have fought this notion for a couple of years, but I'm beginning to see that GOD has placed me here to not "shoulder the load" but rather help to steer the ship in our lives. I know many young folk are thrust in this situation without preparation and would love to hear from them.

As a party of this journey, I am learning that giving also includes steering....steering them in the right direction. Providing insight that will point them and not trying to "fix" everything. That is stress...a killer!

I love life! I love living life with my family and people that I keep close. Again, I hope this blog spot can be a place that all who visit can join in discussion of personal growth, insight on life experiences, and receive something as a part of visiting "Live and Give." I plan to post a few times per week but will visit everyday. See you all soon. Peace