Hope Restoration Specialist

Gee, it's been awhile since we talked. I think my goal was once a month. If that's true, I am accomplishing that goal. A lot happened last month. Things I remember most are:
Juvenile Justice Conference
a trip to Washington, DC for a Neglected and Delinquent National Meeting
two funerals: one in Kansas City, Missouri and one in Houston, Texas
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You'll notice my new title "Hope Restoration Specialist" - HRS. This was given to me by Dr. Brenda Caldwell-a speaker at the Juvenile Justice Conference. I was so validated and assured that what I do is what I should be doing. She showed a young man his future-graduation, people cheering for him & proud of him-which was quite different from his past. I cried. His name D. Williams. I hope to be able to attend his graduation and be a huge blessing to him; he doesn't know me-I was just one of the hundreds of people in the audience, but I have a responsibility to every CHILD I come in contact with to do what I can-no matter how great or small.

I was e-mailing my cousin in Atlanta. I'm so proud of her. I was just thinking how many people have been in my house. How much my husband and I have sacrificed and given of ourselves. My best friend calls our house M Motel. :) I don't mind that. I''m proud. My house is a vessel for family and friends to accomplish the work God has called them to. I've had two sister-in-laws, 2 of my cousins, 2 of my husband's cousins and their families, and a niece and her 1 yr old nephew to come and LIVE with us. The shortest stay was for 6 weeks. My niece & nephew have been living with us over a year. But I can say they are all success stories. They are taking care of themselves and being a blessing to others. My cousin in Atlanta is able to take care of her mom who recently had a stroke... I feel our sacrifices are paying off.

I think as Christians, you have a responsibility not only to children, but to every PERSON we come in contact with to do WHAT we can-no matter how great or small.
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My trip to Washington was interesting. I saw a classmate while there. Our 20th class reunion is fast approaching. We deeply discussed the difference between being arrogant and being confident. His defense was weak, but interesting. I explained that I felt the major difference was not seeking relationships for selfish reasons only. Arrogance = thinking what can the person do for me; how would the relationship or conversation benefit me?
Confidence = thinking I can benefit from all relationships & conversations; we can both learn something; He mentioned a friend he would be meeting, bragging of the friends accomplishments, networking capabilities, etc... again BASICALLY what the relationship with the guy could do for him. His defense was why would I hang with someone who's not doing anything or accomplishing anything. Yeah, yeah, yeah, if you want to be an eagle, soar with them... True, but don't devalue your role in the life of the chicken. What do you think?
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The funerals I attended were both good experiences and further confirmed my title as a Hope Restoration Specialist (HRS); The first in Kansas City was awesome. The whole weekend and experience was awesome. We began Friday night with awesome praise & worship. It was like a person concert by a family member. We cried and praised. I was full-no overflowing. Trish's voice was so calming. She was truly anointed. The funeral was truly a celebration of Mae's life. A recording artist gave songs of praise and worship. There was a slide show of photos. It was wonderful. Mae gave a "sermon" at a family reunion in New Orleans a few years back. It was a "light bulb" moment for me and many gathered that night. She talked about Choices Decisions & Consequences (CDC). I knew everything she was saying, but it didn't really come together until I heard her say it. Sometimes we need to fast forward & look at the consequences and decide if that's the outcome we desire or decide if we can handle them.

The other funeral was in Houston. They talked about how she installed values in her children that emphasized family and being responsible. I remember giving her a ride during a family reunion held locally. This ride was only about 15 minutes, but I could tell she was full of wisdom. In all our conversations, I never heard her speak negatively about anyone or gossip about anyone. That's definitely a unique characteristic. She was soft spoken, but when she did speak, you probably should listen. Reminds me of my mother...

Well, I'd better go. Talk to you later.