ClydeStyle

Category: Appreciate

  • Do you know God as your father in heaven?

    In the Old Testament, Israel never knew God the creator as their father in heaven. In fact, nobody did until Jesus came on the scene, and when teaching his disciples to pray, he was the first to call God our father in heaven (Luke 11:1-6).

    Knowing God as our father in heaven means that we understand him as a loving, caring, interpersonal God who is the head of a larger family.

    Through trust, understanding, and intimacy, we as his children have our needs and wants provided by a loving God.

    Our God loves us unconditionally, and seeing the undone condition we are in with the inability to save ourselves, he came near to make us whole. We were not given a set of rules and regulations or a system that was against us like Moses’ law. Instead, we were given grace and mercy, and reconciliation was afforded us.

    Now, the way that we know our father in heaven should imitate the relationship we have with our children. They will learn everything they need to know about God in their younger years by how their earthly father has sustained them.

    We just celebrated Father’s Day yesterday, and many dads were celebrated for being a dad. But the hope is that each man who has fathered a child has reassured that child the same unconditional love, care, and nurturing that comes from our father in heaven.

  • Aren’t we tired of Black history month?

    As a Black man in America, it is difficult to continue to deal with Black History Month. It’s not because Blacks haven’t done many noteworthy things, nor is it that our contributions weren’t significant. But it has to do with purpose. Maybe I’m missing it, but I don’t see the benefits.

    For years, we have had telethons, walk-a-thons, and other various fundraisers for all types of ailments. Diabetes, heart disease, muscular dystrophy, breast cancer, MS, lupus, dementia and many others. We have been finding a cure for so long that most of the money raised is to really help us cope with the reality of the disease.

    We know already that many of the degenerative diseases are caused by the Western diet, but if you listen to the diet advice from the American Diabetes Association or the American Heart Association, they will tell you to eat everything in moderation basically. The point is: Why raise money to fix something that you really don’t want fixed?

    Our country is good for giving the natives “busy work” to take their attention away from the real issue. No gatekeeper in American wants to get rid of any degenerative disease.

    This is significant because I think Black History Month is more busy work, just like MLK day and the Juneteenth celebration. Busy work design to get Black activists to feel as sense of accomplishment and get them off the real issue.

    Instead of Black History, we need to tell the true American history story. Celebrate the good, bad, and ugly because it is truth. By doing this, it becomes easy to challenge the status que in talks of reparations. Many people still believe that reparations is about slavery. We don’t need reparations for slavery. Far worse scenarios have happened after that. Every decade since slavery could qualify for reparations. Instead of celebrating Black History Month, let’s talk about that for a month!

  • Detroit Lions restore their roar this year

    I have been following the Detroit Lions since 1980. I loved to watch football, and until the 80s, I had forgotten Detroit had a team.

    You see, I only really watched the playoffs, and I knew the top 4 teams in the league and the Lions were never that good. I finally saw the highlights of Billy Sims, and then I was hooked!

    Fast forward a decade, and we got Barry Sanders, and we started consistently making the playoffs. I never thought we were a Super Bowl contender, and no one ever said we were. They just had tons of respect for Sanders.

    A decade later, we went back into the dark ages and finally got a glimmer of hope with the addition of a young Matthew Stafford. Full potential was never reached. Detroit even had a winless season to its credit.

    Two years, we got Coach Dan Campbell, and they made promises and built a team. He saw things no one else saw, and it seems that overnight, we had a contender. For the first time during my lifetime, the media has commented that the Lions could actually win the Super Bowl. I have, of course, see every game this year, and right before my eyes, I saw them get better in every category, every game.

    The success is not a surprise, and the possibility of Detroit being the top team is real. I had not purchased a Lions jersey since Barry Sanders. We spent $300 on Lions gear last week. No matter what happens this weekend, the Lions have given this city hope. There is a new energy, a superior spirit, and a sense of pride. This is a blue-collar town, and our Lions have been putting in work all season. Now, the team is 4 quarters from the Super Bowl, and I am glad to be a Detroiter!

    No matter what happens in San Francisco this weekend, the Lions got their roar back!!!! Rrrrrrrrrrr!!!!

  • Who’s rooting for you?

    The lyrics to the song “Don’t you worry bout a thing” by Stevie Wonder gives as the reason not to worry is that he would be standing on the side when you check it out!

    It’s a very comforting, feel-good song that he wrote in the 70s, but the message is still good, and it influences the question of this blog. Do you know your support network? Are you aware of the people who are for you?

    The New Year is here, and no one needs to take on the challenge of a new year without a support network. Football great, Tom Brady, in a recent interview, said that his success on every level was all about the people who came into his life at the right time. He said that he was able to take full advantage of his opportunities because of the support of others who wanted to see him succeed.

    We live in a dog eat dog environment. There are many folks who would claim to support you only later to prove they were not. People are jealous, envious, full of hate, and vindictive. Many folks are hurt, and as a cost of that hurt, they hurt others. Support is the difference in behavior.

    This year, give those watching something to see. Go hard at whatever task you want to accomplish and draw strength from your team who is on the sidelines routing for you. The new year represents more.

    More in 2024! More muscle, more hustle, more appreciation, more love, more success, and more celebration. You are in control of your own destiny, and as you succeed, don’t forget to look over at the sidelines and acknowledge your support!

  • For the love of mom

    Not everyone is blessed to have a mother still living. Not everyone was blessed to have their original mom. There were some moms who were overcome by circumstances in life, and there were some moms who died in childbirth.

    Some moms were not good at mothering, while other moms could handle a large classroom of kids. Some mothers could earn a great wage, and others we rich in love. Some mothers are very spiritual, and some are great nurtures.

    But whatever your lot regarding your mother, the honor in the title is still a worthy effort. A good mom is worth more than silver and gold. Praises to all women who step up to the challenge to develop people. As cruel and as wicked as this world can be, mothers have made it bearable.

    God decided to make mothers because he knew we couldn’t naturally develop on our own. He knew how fragile we would be and how much time our minds needed to develop.

    He knew we would always need a cheerleader. We would always need someone in our corner, and we would always need someone who would love us when we weren’t loveable. We needed a defender, a partner, a style coach, a fixer, an encourager, and a protector.

    So this weekend we celebrate our first love! Give honor where it is due and give praise for what is good. It was God who gave your mother. May you forever be thankful for God’s second greatest gift.

  • Still not a fan of Black history month

    Well, I couldn’t let February exit without mentioning something about the concept of Black history month. I just don’t understand the purpose of it.

    Black people are probably some of the most talented people on the planet and it seems that in everything they take part in they end up taking it over. This is not something to brag about, it’s just a fact. In the sciences, Black people have been behind some of the greatest innovations known to man. And in most cases, some white guy took the credit because Blacks were unable to hold patents. Research all the inventions Thomas Edison is credited for and when you do you will just call him a thief.

    In the medical field, Blacks have also dominated the industry starting with the first Black man to practice medicine in America. Dr. James McCune Smith was the first in 1837; Dr. Charles Drew changed blood transfusion storage; Dr. Daniel Hale Williams performed one of the first open heart surgeries and founded the first Black-owned hospital; inventor Otis Boykin improved the pacemaker; and everyone knows what Dr. Ben Carson did.

    Of course, in sports, there are way too many to name but the greatest boxers, basketball, football, baseball, soccer, tennis, track and field competitors and golfers are people of color. Before the NHL was formed Canada already had the Colored Hockey League (CHL) and many of the innovations in hockey came from that league.

    Cooking, business, construction, you name it, but throughout history, there has been a great fear coupled with the mistreatment of people of color. Exclusion, inequality, racism, and the like have been embarrassing to this country. So it seems to have a month to celebrate the contributions is a slap in the face.

    Some of the greatest movies, music, art, poetry, and entertainment have always come from people of color. Yet somehow in all of these fields, Black people have still not benefitted financially from being the best.

    It would be better to just not have a month to discuss any minority contributions. We should just compensate them properly for their contributions and move on!

  • There is nothing like a good. . .

    There is nothing like a good teacher. Our educational system has a lot to be desired especially when being compared to foreign countries we’re not even in the top 20.

    But a truly good teacher is hard to find. Good being defined as one who unconditionally treats the children as little sponges that can absorb anything. These teachers change lives, inspire kids and builds confidents. They make learning fun and they make no distinction between the children. They do everything possible to make sure no child is left behind and they keep our kids safe.

    There is nothing like a good first responder! Whether you needed a firefighter, police officer or a paramedic these folks are gamechangers. They jump in the middle of tribulation and trials without regard for their own well being. They are selfless. They will be there when you need them without bias or fear. These individuals make the uniforms mean something and they are a blessing in any community. My heart still hearts for the Evalde, TX children who could have used such warriors but couldn’t find any. God bless our first responders.

    There is nothing like a good pastor! Someone who will lay down his life for his sheep. One who gives the right counsel in the time of confusion, a strong word in the moment of doubt and is a comfort to those in fear. A good pastor always prays, hopes, loves and endures. He has studied his craft and doesn’t live a contradicting life. He smells like sheep! Thankful for the pastor!!

    There is nothing like a good parent! It’s not easy to make a home and there are many broken and dysfunctional families in America but God bless the parent that keeps his family safe, provides a decent living, loves unconditionally, demonstrates and develops character, integrity and faith among the children. A good parent knows what the child needs before the child does. They nurture, teach, provide comic relief and empowers their children. Good parents teach their kids not to be bullies, to respect themselves and others, to work and play hard and most importantly to know Jesus. The parent is responsible for maintaining the sacred bond and trust between the parent and child for as long as they live!

    And finally, there is nothing like a good neighbor!! One who shows themselves friendly. A person who is helpful, resourceful and positive. A good neighbor cultivates a relationship that benefits both parties and does things never expecting any credit for it. A good neighbor keeps and eye on their surroundings to make sure it’s safe for all and they know when to get involved and when not to. Good neighbors build strong neighborhoods and even elevates the property value! Long life the good neighbor!

    Hopefully this blog as got you thinking of other good people in your life that are making a difference and to remember to give them their flowers before they die. 2023 is a good year to begin showing gratitude for the wonderful people God has place in your life!

  • Playing the blame game

    Now that the new year has started it seems that we all would want to make some positive changes in our lives. There should be some kind of learning curve from year to year.

    Each area of our lives should be re-examined to see if certain things need adjusting. One of our greatest wastes of time is or need to blame others. There is a such thing as the “blame game” and we play it when we feel at a disadvantage. That disadvantage could be that we already know we were wrong and we want to divert attention away from it or we are expecting to be blamed for something we didn’t do. In either case, we want to get the first “shots” fired.

    Does it really matter who’s to blame? It just seems as though finding a fix or solution for the issue or problem would make more sense. It seems like we are infatuated with drama. Somehow the detailed facts of the drama captivate us to the point that we lose focus on what really matters. What a time waster!!!

    It’s time to leave this time waster in the past and begin anew the things that are more profitable to us. As the 90s group TLC would suggest: Start solving and managing your own problems and don’t get siked out trying to chase waterfalls. Just stick to the rivers and the lakes that you’re used to.

    Treat your time as precious and valuable as it is and don’t participate in untruthful arguments or conversations this year. Let’s this year be the year of peace and tranquility. Covet your rest and relaxation and stay hydrated. Stay busy and active and watch what you eat as food can greatly effect your mood.

    And finally, regularly pray. Talk to God about everything and then meditate and get read for his answer to your prayers. Trust God and live your best life!! Go be great!!!

  • Defining self: Hello 2023

    We are now at the conclusion of 2022 and hopefully this has been a prosperous year for all. With all that has happened in this year, there was much to learn about life, love, liberty and our pursuit of happiness.

    We saw much corruption on display in our government. We saw a few billionaires fold. We saw what great lengths people would go through to deceive the masses and we saw many people die, including in Hollywood.

    We were also exposed to a real fact about people: With all the wonderful things that should come from the internet, we coveted cancel culture. People’s lives are being forever changed because of mistakes they make. We are allowing for one moment in time to define a lifetime of who we are.

    There are many examples of this but the most memorable is probably the slap heard around the world during the Oscars. Will Smith versus Chris Rock — the battle that shouldn’t have happened.

    Both aides of this coin were hurt, but Will’s hurt seems to be the gift that keeps on giving. From threats of violence to Smith and his family to derogatory things said about his wife, the former box office sensation is being defined and punished for his actions that night.

    Of course he’s not above the law and his broad appeal becomes dangerous because everyone has an opinion. And because of those ongoing opinions his livelihood will take a huge hit! And the work and life he lived before the incident no longer matters.

    The message here is simple: Never allow a single incident to make or break the life you have been living. The value you have aquired over the years does not change with one simple moment in time.

    Rumors about Jesus got him killed just a week after he came to town and was celebrated for the work he was doing. Don’t allow mankind’s opinion of you to be the main thing that defines you — whether you have made a huge mistake or found a cure for cancer. We are all human and there is nothing else we can be. So just be the best human you can and be thankful for another year! If you get to see 2023, it means you have more time to do good things or over come the bad.

  • Celebrate the women you love!

    I don’t believe women are celebrated enough!

    I mean an argument could be made for celebrating anyone but from a male perspective, our female partners have a lot to put up with in life. They are still looked at as second-class citizens in regards to wages in America. They can’t seem to turn off their nurturing abilities meaning that in today’s society they do a lot more of nurturing grown men than kids.

    Women make things beautiful, they are long-suffering, forgiving (most of the time) and extremely helpful. Most of them are resilient, patient, compassionate and strong.

    When a woman is happy she can effect an entire building with her happiness. Her wrath works the same way. Women are fighters, like their animal counterparts they will defend their children with their very lives.

    I wonder how many women are the sole support of their families? During the absence of men, women have had to be everything to everybody and they hardly complain. Whenever a women is not able to do this it’s because someone somewhere ruined her. They clipped her wings or took something so precious from her that spoiled her will to thrive.

    A woman is similar to water as she is strong enough when she needs to be, comforting enough when the situation calls for it and can adapt to any situation you put her in.

    This holiday season we need to go all out for the women that make the trials of life much easier to bear. What would we do without them?