ClydeStyle

Category: celebrate

  • 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!

  • Religious beliefs are the biggest trick on Halloween

    Halloween is more than 2000 years old. It is something that immigrants helped to develop in this country. Halloween has everything to do with the Celtic celebration of old, where they welcomed the harvest at the end of summer by dressing up in costumes to wart off ghosts and celebrate the occasion. It was always festive and always fun.

    Like everything else, religion tends to put a damper on many things as some attempt to make others feel extra guilt about their sins. There are some who believe almost everything is bad, and for them, religion has everything to do with stopping people from going too far.

    For the sake of religion, there was a time in this country where women who were believed to be witches or practice witchcraft were burned alive. Somehow, these religious nuts only see the downside to everything, and if we follow their teaching, we would not be allowed to do anything.

    Biblically speaking, the bible does prohibit any practice of witchcraft or worship of anything other than the Almighty God. I am sure there is a small percentage of Halloweeners who have gone too far into the festivities and use it as a time to practice evil. But that is definitely not the majority.

    My 3 year old granddaughter loves to play dress up. In fact, when her mom was that age and older, we bought her many beautiful dolls to play with. Kids today like to dress like the dolls. My grandbaby doesn’t have one Disney princess doll, but she has all the Disney princesses gowns — all of them!

    She loves Spiderman, and she has several spidey costumes. She knows exactly what Halloween is, and she loves to dress up and get candy. It’s her third favorite holiday behind Christmas and her birthday!

    My point is that if you are one of those super duper Christians that complains every year about Halloween and you are the only house on your block with the porch light off during tricks or treats, I need you to know that you are sending a message but it is not the one you want to send. You will never be able to convince anyone of your beliefs by going so far against the grain.

    This year, 175 million people will celebrate Halloween. For a change, why don’t you join them?

  • Columbus Day should be put out of its misery

    We welcome October with a plea to the government to put an end to the big lie surrounding Columbus Day. Everyone already knows how far the truth was stretched to cover up the evil that this day represents.

    Even if some turn a blind eye to the offense of this federal holiday, others have already begun to replace the celebratory part of the holiday with something called Native American Day or Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

    Originally, Columbus was credited as the discoverer of America despite the fact that millions of people were already here. Columbus made four expeditions to the Caribbean and South America enslaving and decimating populations paving the way for European colonization.

    The White House made a proclamation last year to the holiday, and sadly, it gave the true history of the holiday. In speaking about Italian-Americans, it says, “Things have not always been easy; prejudice and violence often stalled the promise of equal opportunity.  In fact, Columbus Day was created by President Harrison in 1892 in response to the anti-Italian motivated lynching of 11 Italian Americans in New Orleans in 1891.  During World War II, Italian Americans were even targeted as enemy aliens.  But the hard work, dedication to community, and leadership of Italian Americans in every industry make our country stronger, more prosperous, and more vibrant.  The Italian American community is also a cornerstone of our Nation’s close and enduring relationship with Italy — a vital NATO Ally and European Union partner.”

    Now, I agree with these sentiments regarding Italians, and there are other cultures that contribute to many positive things in America. However, I can make a powerful argument that African-American contributions far exceed the others, and despite having Republicans and Democrats make promises of change, Black people have continued to struggle.

    Columbus Day is a slap in the face. It needs to be a part of some museum where we put our troubled past away forever. I love the idea of celebrating the originals. And paying homage to the true innovative beings that dared to follow scientific theories to get to the New World.

    It is as if you can’t believe anything that was told to us in “American history.” With so many lies, it makes you wonder what else they are hiding.

  • 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!

  • 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?