HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KEVIN, MY SON!!!

Well, I realize how my son may feel about this, but my mind goes back to a Monday morning, 

34 years ago - 

Even before birth, he was filled with so much energy! I realized  that he would always need to have things that would keep him interested and happy.  And in due time, he would be going places, and practically ministering to so many.  

Always surrounded by plenty of books and music, he first sang a gospel song when he was 15 months old, in key, and lead an invocation at age 3. Was already very familiar with the 3 R's (reading, writing, arithmetic) during his 1st year of elementary school!  In fact, his teacher became upset because he was so much smarter than many of other kids in the class, and she didn't have enough work to give him! 

Kevin at 2 months

Always very curious, as well as studious, and never met a stranger! His first paying job was as a helper in a local neighborhood store, just so he could have money to play video games!  What an incredible Renaissance-minded young man in the making!

Now look at him! An esteemed college graduate with a blooming career in his field, married almost 9 years to his college sweetheart, who is an amazingly astute, beautiful young lady herself, experiencing good life in the Lord, while living in their beautiful home together.  In his spare time, tutoring and motivating interested kids through the Boys and Girls' Club of America, he continues to share his compassion and expertise with anyone willing to learn. 

The Lord truly showed me that my son, with His help, would reach and attain greater heights in his life, and He remains faithful, keeping His Word!  Even though I say this often, I am so extremely elated of my son, and thankful that The Father has shown Himself throughout, keeping him safely, just like He has promised! 

HAPPY BLESSED BIRTHDAY TO YOU, Kevin Arturo!!! I LOVE YOU, and will always be proud of the wise, gifted man you continue to become!

Happy Birthday To ME! 45 YEARS LATER: What HAVE We Learned, AND What's Next???

"Father, I Thank YOU, for THIS day, bringing me this far in life, and continuing to reveal how YOUR Word is STILL ALIVE!  I am so GRATEFUL FOR YOUR LOVE TOWARD ME!"

This week is a poignant reminder in history!

1968, exactly 45 years ago - 

When moments of childhood were changed dramatically, taking on an abrupt and sad turn, yet a fulfillment of prophecy.  

I remember, so emphatically, what it felt like that year, with my emotions constantly working into overdrive.  Trying to figure out why so much was taking place around me, was a question of ultimate proportions, such that it would not make sense to me, but then revelation speaks clearly.

 We were just informed in December 1967 that Otis Redding was killed in a small plane crash, during his live performance tour dates, along with some members of band The Bar-Kays (Soul Finger).  An amazingly, incredible music artist, famous for composing songs like "I've Been Loving You Too Long," "Try A Little Tenderness" and "R-E-S-P-E-C-T," as well as those relating to his life, such as "Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa  (Sad Song)," he proved his writing ability was absolutely stellar.  

 The following month, his all-time, familiar tune, "(Sitting On) The Dock Of The Bay," was released, and played on radio stations all over New York City, and we cried because it was so bittersweet listening to his compelling voice, so soon after his transition. 

The year had already begun to reflect a weird sense of loss and deep concern.  For some reason, the air of knowledge that my upcoming birthday did not feel too special to me.  The clouds flourished all around the city, and I did not have a sentiment of happiness.

Lo, and behold, there was Thursday, April 4th, 1968!  

After my father walked in from work, the Special Report flashed on all the major TV networks.  His favorite news anchor, CBS News correspondent Walter Cronkite, announced the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It was, and still is, quite a mournful loss.  People all over felt the effects.  Dad commanded us to stay inside the house the rest of the weekend, because of everything that was taking place in the streets.  Pandemonium, looting, and sheer anger struck the hearts of many.

Two days later, what was supposed to be a celebration of 10 years since my birth, turned out to be extremely despondent for me.  We had a nanny at the time, and she thought it would be nice to throw an intimate party for me.  However, I was not in a partying mood, because of what was going on around the country.  We had lost a great, prolific leader, someone who tried to walk in the ways of Our Lord, strongly commending all of us to do the same.  Not with violence, but compassion, while projecting a united sense of equality for everyone.  I just couldn't stop crying!

Tuesday, April 9th, and the funeral of Dr. King was televised as a special report.  Our family quietly sat in the living room, taking in every moment, listening to every word, Sis. Mahalia Jackson, belting "Precious Lord, Take My Hand," even hearing a portion of his taped voice from his last sermon.  He spoke emphatically how important it was to him that people would one day speak of his wanting to make a difference in every person's life, not for monetary profit or fame, but stating in his role, having the Drum Major Instinct, "If I can help SOMEBODY, then my living shall NOT be in VAIN!"  That taught me to keep in mind that we still have work to do, not for ourselves, but in the Will, to the Glory of God, Our Sovereign Heavenly Father.  

School was re-opened the following day, and assembly was called to order by the principal of P.S. 133.  We entered the auditorium; as tradition would have it, girls were dressed in white blouses, with black or navy blue skirts.  Boys were decked in white shirts and dark pants.  After prayer invocation was given, we all stood and grabbed hands, rocking from side to side, as we sang "We Shall Overcome."  Every color, creed, race, in my school, hugging each other, feeling the same way, but also having a filled with determination to continue moving in what we were taught by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., no matter what was going on, or what we have to endure in our life.  Prophetically Dr. King knew what his purpose was, ready for the .  GOD'S Truth Should Still March On!!!

Well, it's now 2013!  What have we learned decades later?  What do we think of others, and how do we treat them, whether they are like us or not?  How have we trained, and what lessons are we teaching our children, how they should treat others?  Should they be spoiled, given every amenity to boast upon, making other kids feel inferior, or despised?  Mark 10:42-45 tells us:

Jesus called them together and said, "You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them.  Not so with YOU! Instead, whoever wants to become GREAT among you MUST BE your SERVANT, and whoever wants to be FIRST must be slave of ALL.  For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, BUT TO SERVE, and to GIVE HIS LIFE as a Ransom for MANY!"

What are we doing today?  Are we revealing that same loving compassion to ALL people?  What are we PROJECTING, and what is our DREAM?  When our children see someone sleeping on the street, do they laugh or mock them, quoting things like "why don't they go somewhere and get a job?"  Or do they pray for that person, asking that God bless them, providing a place to live, and a decent job, so they won't have to make the alley grounds their home?  Are we still teaching by example, to believe that God's blessings will fall on everyone, not just the rich, or well to do?  What about lifting prayers that those who are enduring various difficult issues, in or outside of church congregations, will look to trusting Our Sovereign Heavenly Father for direction in all things?

It's in God's purposeful ways that we should walk victoriously, wanting to serve others, so that no one will be ignored, just as our beloved teacher, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. showed us.  Let's remember what he stood for, through the ways of the Lord, and continue allowing those edifying attributes he exhibited, to convey in our lives, as well as the lives of our children!  Saved TO SERVE!!!

Guest Post: World's Longest Married Couple Has the Secret to Lasting Love

This week we are delighted to showcase Guest Blogger, Janelle Harris: 

http://thestir.cafemom.com/blogger/88/janelle_harris 

Ms. Harris provided true testament, an inspirational story of love partnership that can be proven to actually work long-term!

I think it is so ridiculous how often the forms for divorcement are being filed more often today than applying for bank accounts!!!  One of the most endearing relationships is a married couple, especially one being together throughout their whole lives!  We can learn much from them, which in turn would help us not to give up so quickly, instead of making it work, through love, patience, understanding, and motivation.

Read how this particular couple is noted for being the world's most enduring married couple alive, and learn from  them!  Thank you, again, Ms. Harris! <3

Herbert and Zelmyra Fisher

Herbert and Zelmyra Fisher have had what may very well be the best reason to be on the books at Guinness World Records: The North Carolina couple went down in history for having the longest marriage. 

For 86 years, 9 months, and 16 days. That’s eighty and a six. Years. That’s a lot of laundry, dinners, dishes, and—goodness gracious—bills. A lot of learning how to kiss and make up and enjoy each other and be a partner. Granted, they got hitched back in 1924, when folks stayed together out of a sense of duty, as much as they did for love. But what an inspiration, particularly because there are more folks treating divorce as flippantly as a high school breakup than there should be.

Mr. Fisher passed away in February at a remarkable 104 years old, leaving his 101-year-old wife for the first time in almost nine decades. But the precious pair with the priceless story shared some relationship advice for their admirers and marathon marriage wannabes to mill over. On Valentine’s Day a few years ago, they took to their Twitter page (yes, they have a Twitter page) to share their secret for building a long marriage.

More from The Stir: How to Keep Your Marriage Strong at Every Age
The secret is there is none, according to them. No a-ha discovery.  You just have to be invested in it and make it work the way you need to make it work.  Here’s a little of what they said:

What made you realize that you could spend the rest of your lives together? Were you scared at all?

H&Z: With each day that passed, our relationship was more solid and secure. Divorce was NEVER an option—or even a thought. 

What is your advice to someone who is trying to keep the faith that Mr. Right is really out there?
Zelmyra: Mine was just around the corner!  He is never too far away, so keep the faith—when you meet him, you’ll know. 

What are the most important attributes of a good spouse?
Zelmyra: A hard worker & good provider. The 1920s were hard, but Herbert wanted & provided the best for us.  I married a good man! 

At the end of bad relationship day, what is the most important thing to remind yourselves?

H&Z: Remember marriage is not a contest—never keep a score.  God has put the two of you together on the same team to win. 

Does communicating get easier with time? How do you keep your patience?

H&Z: The children are grown, so we talk more now.  We can enjoy our time on the porch or our rocking chairs together.

More from The Stir: Gwyneth Paltrow's Love Advice Is Surprisingly Solid

But above all else, they said, you have to be willing to stick it out.  Well, that’s obvious.  I’m pretty sure Mr. Herbert plucked Ms. Zelmyra’s nerves somewhere along the line, just as much as I’m certain that Ms. Zelmyra rubbed Mr. Herbert the wrong way in 86 years. That’s a mighty long time to know a person, much less to grow and co-habitate with them. But 5 kids, 10 grand-kids, 9 great-grands, and one great-great grand later, they made it work and stick. That’s the program I’m trying to be on.  So along with my grandparents, Wayman and Mildred Harris, my pastors, Revs. Harold and Kellie Hayes, and Cliff and Claire Huxtable, I’m adding the Fishers to my inspiration list. 

I’ve been thinking a lot about how different couples operate their love, how they make it last, how they grow together, even through life’s changes and challenges.  Last year, I interviewed Niecey Nash (who is cute as a button, by the way) before she strolled down the aisle, and she had one of the best pre-nuptial ideas I’ve ever heard.  Instead of having the standard bachelor/bachelorette shindigs—and probably all of the drama that goes along with them—she and her fianceé decided to host a dinner party with couples who had been married 20, 30, 40 years. 

I let her know, at the end of our conversation, that I would be stealing that idea when it comes time for me to be a bride.  I’m willing to sit at the feet of any older person.  They’re so full of hard-earned wisdom, especially when it comes to matters of the heart. 

Which couples in your life give you relationship inspiration?