Do you ever feel like your back is against the wall? That nothing seems to be going right and you just can't figure it out? Walk around and just feel down on yourself because you can't do anything right and you think that you're doing all of the good in the world and not seeing anything good coming from it? Those people that are out there doing everything that the world does is reaping all of the benefits: they are living the "good life" and so happy that you want what they have? They have everything that they want and you're losing loved ones left and right. They are living in the luxurious two story house and you're struggling to pay the rent in your one bedroom apartment. You look up and ask God "What am I doing wrong? I'm doing all you want me to do but nothing good is happening for me!?!?"
If you are one of those people, I can honestly say that I was in your shoes not too long ago. If you've read my blogs or know me, you know that my father passed when I was 7 and also both of my grandmothers passed away from cancer within a year of each other when I was in middle school. I'm not the only person who has ever dealt with issues like this but at the time I felt like God was constantly testing me and in better words, "picking" on me. While all of this was happening I just couldn't get a grasp on why all of these things were happening to me when I didn't feel like I deserved this. Looking back on it now, He gave me all of these trials so that I could grow and be a stronger person.
More recently, I had troubles with finding a teaching job. In May of 2011, I took my Math certification test and made a 239 out of 300. That comes out to be a 79.67%, well I needed to make a 240 or 80% in order to get my certification. I was crushed to say the least. Every single interview turned out to be a bust. I had all of the credentials, but I needed that ONE point to even be considered a contender for the job. All I needed one person to give me a shot; that person was the Athletic Director at Quitman HS, Ron Callahan. He called me for an interview and believed that I was the man for the job. Others weren't too sure that I was the guy but he kept fighting for me. He gave me a shot when no one else would all because of one point. After 60 days, I retook the test and made a 256 (85%) and made a 95 on the other test that I needed in order to be highly qualified. The crazy thing is that the test seemed so much easier: it was as if God had threw a couple of easy ones in there that weren't there before. It's just crazy how He works. After all of the tests were taken and the contract was signed, I was introduced as the new math teacher/coach at QISD.
I say all of these things not to brag on me, but to brag on God. He truly does have all control. I truly believe that Quitman is where I was supposed to go. It's been a total learning experience and He has blessed me over the past four months more than anyone knows. There was truly a reason I was brought there. Although it wasn't where I originally wanted to be, I couldn't think of a better place to begin. Also, who knew that I'd meet an amazing woman who came all the way from San Diego, California to be at this tiny school in east Texas. If you don't believe God does things for a reason, you just might be crazy.
Whenever you feel that you're going through it all, just know that God does have a plan. He has the blueprint for your life already mapped out and we're just his pieces that he is moving around. If you try and figure it all out when you're going through it, you're going to stumble and might even fall flat on your face. But if you trust in Him and just let him work his magic, He'll surely provide. You have to go through it before you can see what is actually happening. Looking back isn't always a bad thing, it's just knowing when to do it.
Be blessed.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Thursday, July 21, 2011
TBH (To Be Honest) to Myself
TBH...It's been a long 23 years. You've dealt with deaths that some can't even imagine. Losing your father at the age of 7 and growing from it is admirable in itself. You're family is full of different personalities but you have grown together and learned from all of the things you've been through. If there's one thing you can do better, take better care of your sister. She needs you although sometimes you don't think so. Tell your mom you love her just a little bit more, kiss her goodbye from time to time. BE THERE FOR YOUR FAMILY.
You've made plenty of mistakes along the way. You've broken a few hearts, been heartbroken a few too many times, broken a few laws, knocked a guy out in a basketball game, been jumped at a party, played a few too many games of BP, danced a little too much at a bar more than a few times, said a few too many cuss words, but all in all you've grown from a chubby immature teen, into an inspirational young man.
Although you've had all of these bumps along the way, you managed to from graduate high school and junior college with honors and graduated with a good GPA from TAMU-University Commerce. You've got a great head on your shoulders and I know you're going to touch the lives of many teens not only in Texas, but in this world. Teaching and dealing with the youth of this world is your calling and I know you'll be great at it. Your effect on this world can be limitless if you allow God to take control.
You've met a once in a lifetime woman in Marissa and you better do everything in your power to make her happy! God brought you to Quitman to meet her and now it's time to grow in your relationship. Never let her go and treat her like every single day is the first time you met. Tell her how beautiful she is, how much you care about her, etc. If she wants you to keep her on her toes, knock her off her feet by showing her what true love is and she'll forget all about that ;).
You've accomplished a lot in life and it's only the beginning. In just your second year in the profession you've went from a 2A to a 5A. Some never reach that level and you're doing it at 23. Keep up the hard work and continue to touch the lives you come across in life. Things are only going to get better from here. P.S. I know your dad and everyone else in your life are proud. Keep it up :)
(Yes I just did a TBH for myself...deal with it)
You've made plenty of mistakes along the way. You've broken a few hearts, been heartbroken a few too many times, broken a few laws, knocked a guy out in a basketball game, been jumped at a party, played a few too many games of BP, danced a little too much at a bar more than a few times, said a few too many cuss words, but all in all you've grown from a chubby immature teen, into an inspirational young man.
Although you've had all of these bumps along the way, you managed to from graduate high school and junior college with honors and graduated with a good GPA from TAMU-University Commerce. You've got a great head on your shoulders and I know you're going to touch the lives of many teens not only in Texas, but in this world. Teaching and dealing with the youth of this world is your calling and I know you'll be great at it. Your effect on this world can be limitless if you allow God to take control.
You've met a once in a lifetime woman in Marissa and you better do everything in your power to make her happy! God brought you to Quitman to meet her and now it's time to grow in your relationship. Never let her go and treat her like every single day is the first time you met. Tell her how beautiful she is, how much you care about her, etc. If she wants you to keep her on her toes, knock her off her feet by showing her what true love is and she'll forget all about that ;).
You've accomplished a lot in life and it's only the beginning. In just your second year in the profession you've went from a 2A to a 5A. Some never reach that level and you're doing it at 23. Keep up the hard work and continue to touch the lives you come across in life. Things are only going to get better from here. P.S. I know your dad and everyone else in your life are proud. Keep it up :)
(Yes I just did a TBH for myself...deal with it)
Thursday, July 14, 2011
A Blessing In Disguise
The basketball season of my senior year just happened to be one that would change my life forever. This little 7 year old boy showed up at my game in a replica jersey which resembled my jersey. I thought it was awesome that he was wearing my jersey but I figured I'd only come across him a few times and that would be it. His mother took a picture of us on the court and I was on my way to the locker room and I was on my way. Little did I know, but my life would be changed forever.
I never knew that that kid and his family would be such a blessing to me. Ryan, now 12, just amazes me at everything he does. He is a great athlete and one of the smartest PEOPLE, not kids, that I've ever talked to about sports. He is the little brother that I never had and I thank God for him. His sister Lauren, 16, is a little sister to me. She never ceases to cheer me up when I'm down and she is the most mature 16 year old that I've ever came across. His dad Tory is the cool dad that everyone wants. The relationship he and Ryan have is the father-son relationship you'd see in movies. I cherish every moment that I spend with them two.
I never knew that that kid and his family would be such a blessing to me. Ryan, now 12, just amazes me at everything he does. He is a great athlete and one of the smartest PEOPLE, not kids, that I've ever talked to about sports. He is the little brother that I never had and I thank God for him. His sister Lauren, 16, is a little sister to me. She never ceases to cheer me up when I'm down and she is the most mature 16 year old that I've ever came across. His dad Tory is the cool dad that everyone wants. The relationship he and Ryan have is the father-son relationship you'd see in movies. I cherish every moment that I spend with them two.Daidre gets her own paragraph...she IS my mother. She has always treated me as if I were her son. She's been at my graduations, been generous on every birthday, holiday, etc. She is always there for me when I need advice or just someone to talk to. She's there to straighten me out when I'm being stubborn. She truly is a person that I don't know what I'd do without.
I just finished my senior year in college and they are here for me just like on day one. They have been a blessing financially and emotionally when it comes to school. If I ever needed ANYTHING, they were there for me. Whether it was a book for class, or just a swift kick in the butt to get me motivated, they were there to give it to me. This is just a small letter of appreciation to them, I could go on and on about how much I appreciate what they have done but I'll save you the time because you'd be here awhile.
Some don't understand my relationship with their family, but in our eyes, they are my family. They are an inspiration to me and I strive to have a family half as successful as them. I'm truly grateful for all that they have done for me. God put them into my life for a reason and I know that they'll be here for the rest of my life.
Be blessed, Thanks for reading
"A family is a unit composed not only of children but of men, women, an occasional animal, and the common cold."
Special Thanks to Fieldhouse Sports and the Motes family for working around my crazy school schedule and everyone else who have helped me along the way.
"Family isn't about whose blood you have. It's about who you care about."
Thursday, June 16, 2011
It Could've Been Worse
Whenever we think about our lives, we seldom think about how good we actually have it. We often get caught up in the things that I don't have, not the things that we have already been blessed with. We rely too much on finding happiness in the material things in life and not the simple things.
We complain about the cost of gas without thinking that some people would die to be able to have a car and pay that $3.50 a gallon. People fail to think about those people who have to walk in the hot sun to and from work. We complain about our jobs when we are in an air-conditioned building all day, there are people who are out in the heat of the day just slaving away getting paid less than us and we think we have it bad. We complain about the rent being too expensive and how it's not worth how much we pay. We often forget that there are people who are homeless and living on the streets of huge cities without food or anything to drink. Their homes are cardboard boxes or sleeping bags and although we may have springs sticking out of our bed, we still have a place that we can call our own at the end of the night. We complain about light bills, there are people who don't even have lights. Think about that before you open your mouth to complain. Give thanks for the things that we have, don't complain about the things that we can't have. There are people who would kill for the things that we take for granted on a daily basis.
We complain about how hard life is and talk about how much we have been through. A lot of us honestly have no clue how hard life can be. Next time you think you have a headache or a small pain, think of the following two stories.
Years ago, Randy Seals was in a serious car accident and broke several bones in his body. He was in a coma for approximately six weeks and the doctor told his wife that if he were to live, he would be a vegetable and would not be able to do anything on his own. He asked his wife if she wanted to pull the plug and end Randy's life. His wife made the decision that she was going keep him on life support and give it to God. Not only did that decision impact his family's life, it impacted mine. Randy Seals is now the pastor of Cherry Grove Baptist Church which is the church I attend. He has been there over a year now and is truly a living testimony. He is not just a wonderful pastor, but a role model and friend. He has affected my life tremendously and I thank God for him.
Bennie Harris was also involved in a serious car accident in the mid 1990's. He fell asleep at the wheel and totaled not only his vehicle, but his body as well. His main injury was a broken neck and many didn't know if he would be able to function correctly. He endured many surgeries and rehabilitation and eventually came to a full recovery. From that day forward, his life was turned around. I did not know him at the time, but this man ended up becoming my step-dad. He is truly the hardest working person that I know. I would give everything to know half of the things he knows how to do. He is the definition of Mr. Fix-it. Although he is not my biological father, God has given me the best father figure that I could have ever asked for.
Be Blessed
We complain about the cost of gas without thinking that some people would die to be able to have a car and pay that $3.50 a gallon. People fail to think about those people who have to walk in the hot sun to and from work. We complain about our jobs when we are in an air-conditioned building all day, there are people who are out in the heat of the day just slaving away getting paid less than us and we think we have it bad. We complain about the rent being too expensive and how it's not worth how much we pay. We often forget that there are people who are homeless and living on the streets of huge cities without food or anything to drink. Their homes are cardboard boxes or sleeping bags and although we may have springs sticking out of our bed, we still have a place that we can call our own at the end of the night. We complain about light bills, there are people who don't even have lights. Think about that before you open your mouth to complain. Give thanks for the things that we have, don't complain about the things that we can't have. There are people who would kill for the things that we take for granted on a daily basis.
We complain about how hard life is and talk about how much we have been through. A lot of us honestly have no clue how hard life can be. Next time you think you have a headache or a small pain, think of the following two stories.
Years ago, Randy Seals was in a serious car accident and broke several bones in his body. He was in a coma for approximately six weeks and the doctor told his wife that if he were to live, he would be a vegetable and would not be able to do anything on his own. He asked his wife if she wanted to pull the plug and end Randy's life. His wife made the decision that she was going keep him on life support and give it to God. Not only did that decision impact his family's life, it impacted mine. Randy Seals is now the pastor of Cherry Grove Baptist Church which is the church I attend. He has been there over a year now and is truly a living testimony. He is not just a wonderful pastor, but a role model and friend. He has affected my life tremendously and I thank God for him.
Bennie Harris was also involved in a serious car accident in the mid 1990's. He fell asleep at the wheel and totaled not only his vehicle, but his body as well. His main injury was a broken neck and many didn't know if he would be able to function correctly. He endured many surgeries and rehabilitation and eventually came to a full recovery. From that day forward, his life was turned around. I did not know him at the time, but this man ended up becoming my step-dad. He is truly the hardest working person that I know. I would give everything to know half of the things he knows how to do. He is the definition of Mr. Fix-it. Although he is not my biological father, God has given me the best father figure that I could have ever asked for.
Be Blessed
"Embrace your struggle, because no matter what, it could've been worse." - Lyfe Jennings
This blog is dedicated to my step-father Bennie Harris and Pastor Randy Seals.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
The Foundation Of Friendship
“A friend is someone who understands your past, believes in your future, and accepts you just the way you are.”
Every time I turn around I see someone getting married; I turn around again and I see a divorce. People are in such a rush to have someone to fall in love that they forget to build a strong foundation. That foundation shouldn't be partying, money, security or sex: the foundation of a relationship is a strong friendship.
"We come to love not by finding a perfect person but by learning to see an imperfect person perfectly." - Unknown
When a relationship first begins, the label boyfriend/girlfriend is given and too often the word "friend" is forgotten. When you take those vows, you take on the label of husband and wife/husband and husband/wife and wife (Don't want to leave anyone out) and the word friend is gone but it shouldn't be forgotten. A true marriage should consists of two people that are best friends.
“A successful marriage is an edifice that must be rebuilt every day.” - Andre Maurois
A couple should be able to just have fun by being in each other's presence. If you can lounge around with that person all day and still have the time of your life, you know that's something special. When you think about that person and you can't help but to smile. Although he/she may not be "perfect", they should be perfect of you.
“If you live to be 100, I hope I live to be 100 minus 1 day, so I never have to live without you.” - Winnie the Pooh
A marriage should be thought of as something that's going to last forever. Before you say "I do.", you should be 171% sure that you want to be with that person for the rest of your life. Don't rush into a marriage, you have the rest of your life to find that perfect person for you. Take time to build that friendship, that perfect foundation, because there are going to be many obstacles along the way but you have to get over them together. Not if, but when times problems occur, don't be afraid to discuss them but an argument isn't necessary. But most importantly, find that companion. When you say "I do.", remember that it's forever and no matter how frustrated/annoyed/angry/upset/displeased (and whatever else you want to put there) you get with that person, you can work it out with just that small amount of effort.
You don't need someone that's going to walk behind you or in front of you, find that person that's going to walk beside you for the rest of your life.
TRUST, COMMUNICATION, FRIENDSHIP AND LOVE
God Bless
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
The Power of Prayer
“What do you first do when you learn to swim? You make mistakes, do you not? And what happens? You make other mistakes, and when you have made all the mistakes you possibly can without drowning - and some of them many times over - what do you find? That you can swim? Well - life is just the same as learning to swim! Do not be afraid of making mistakes, for there is no other way of learning how to live!” Alfred Adler
As I sat in church this past Sunday and my pastor gave his topic for his sermon: Perseverance, I began to think about my blog. I thought about how this could be something that could not only help my friends and people close to me out, but also, it was something that I needed to work on as well.
Time and time again, we aren't happy with the way things are going in our lives and all we do is complain. We complain to ourselves and to our friends but we often forget that we can "complain" to God. It's funny because our friends don't necessarily want to hear our complaining but they're the first person we go to talk to. For some reason, talking to God is always the afterthought. If you think about it, what can our friends do for us other than try to tell us what they THINK we should do? God can guide us the right direction and He is never wrong.
When we want something bad enough we have to learn how to work towards it. Often times we do something one time and expect it to happen. Ladies, do you diet one day and expect to reach your goal? Men, do you go to the gym and lift weights one time and expect to look like Hulk Hogan? I'll answer that one and the answer is no. You'd have a better chance of finding a $7 bill, oh wait...there aren't any. The point I'm trying to make is that if you want something, you don't just try one time and give up! You have to learn to work hard for whatever you want in life. It doesn't matter if it's that perfect girl/guy you've been looking for, that perfect beach body, the high corporate job, professional athlete or even The President of the United States.
The same goes for praying. When you pray for something, whether it be happiness, friendship, love, health or even a promotion, you have to learn to pray for it constantly. Praying doesn't have to be something that you do when you wake up or right before you go to sleep. You can pray when you get in your car, when you're brushing your teeth (mentally), at work, on Facebook, taking a test, etc. Talk to God anytime of day and I promise you, He hears you. He has a blueprint for your life already mapped out and we are just going along with it. Praise Him in advance and act like it's already happened because it will. God works in mysterious ways and although we may not see the results right then, He is working and His will will be done.
Be Blessed
“Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan "press on" has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race” President Calvin Coolidge
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Turning Negatives Into Positives
When I was 7 years old, my father passed away in a motorcycle accident. For years I would cry myself to sleep and ask God "Why???". 14 years later, I have found the answer to that question.
God took away my father so that I would be a stronger person. I knew that when my father died on that summer night that my life was going to change drastically and it was up to me whether or not it was going to be a change for the worse or for the better. I decided that I was going to do everything in my power to make my father proud although he was no longer with me. I graduated from High School in the top 10%, graduated from Junior College with honors and I'm going to graduate from Texas A&M University-Commerce with a 3.3 in August. My mom and step-dad never bothered me about grades and staying out of trouble, I guess they always trusted that I would do well. Truth is, I have had someone that I have been trying to make proud my whole life.
Every time I want to give up, I know that he wouldn't accept that. He overcame so much during his lifetime and I try everyday to live up to his expectations. I took something that could have made me hate the world and be sad the rest of my life and turned it into something positive.
During my four months of student teaching, I saw so many kids that felt like the world was against them. Not every person has that inner drive to make them want to be successful in life. I believe we should should push our youth and help them see that this world is not against them. Help them to see the positives out of every single negative thing that they may come across. Many people have died while fighting for the freedoms that we have today. It's our job to make their lives not lost in vain.
Be blessed.
This post is dedicated to my father.
R.I.P. Gerald Darnell Washington
God took away my father so that I would be a stronger person. I knew that when my father died on that summer night that my life was going to change drastically and it was up to me whether or not it was going to be a change for the worse or for the better. I decided that I was going to do everything in my power to make my father proud although he was no longer with me. I graduated from High School in the top 10%, graduated from Junior College with honors and I'm going to graduate from Texas A&M University-Commerce with a 3.3 in August. My mom and step-dad never bothered me about grades and staying out of trouble, I guess they always trusted that I would do well. Truth is, I have had someone that I have been trying to make proud my whole life.
Every time I want to give up, I know that he wouldn't accept that. He overcame so much during his lifetime and I try everyday to live up to his expectations. I took something that could have made me hate the world and be sad the rest of my life and turned it into something positive.
During my four months of student teaching, I saw so many kids that felt like the world was against them. Not every person has that inner drive to make them want to be successful in life. I believe we should should push our youth and help them see that this world is not against them. Help them to see the positives out of every single negative thing that they may come across. Many people have died while fighting for the freedoms that we have today. It's our job to make their lives not lost in vain.
Be blessed.
This post is dedicated to my father.
R.I.P. Gerald Darnell Washington
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