http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/topic/forgiveness/definition

Do Something!!!

I returned from a very powerful event, Thank you steph!! It was the 4th Annual Tookie Williams Summit at Merritt College. Activist's spoke about Mumia Abu-Jamal, Kevin Cooper and Troy Anthony Davis. As listened to the injustice and racism against victims I began to understand THE IMPORTANCE OF creating a positive difference within our community. It's clear everyone should be committed to "DO SOMETHING" for our community. These men (Mumia Adu-Jamal, Kevin Cooper and Troy Anthony Davis) are innocent and have been on death row about 16 -20 years. Goggle them, and see the racial oppression; clear injustice. The message I received was to mobilize and work for change, stop the death penalty. I'll take it further, from the words of Troy Davis sister "DO SOMETHING". No more prisons, invest in education. Mentor a child or teen, tutor a kid, feed the homeless, volunteer for something you believe in, advocate and work make a difference. DO SOMETHING!!!

Bad Cops and Bad Youth, we need help

I am tired of hearing about black youth and/or black men being killed unintentionally! We have a serious problem happening and things need to change. First we must acknowledge that all cops are not bad and racist. Second, all black youth with sagging pants, tilted hats, hoodies and t-shirt are not a menace to society. Third, all black men do not have criminal records!! What we should be concerned about is bad cops and the youth causing havoc. Also, how cops can be wrong and get a slap on the wrist. The accountability of bad cops committing unethical acts is questionable. Its time to figure out how to get rid of the negative actions from both parties (bad cops and bad youth). What causes youth violence and how can we stop it? Why do some cops engage in police brutality and how can we stop it? How can we get the police and community to come together on one accord to understand we all want peaceful communities? Is racial profiling necessary? Does police recruiting and training need to be improved? Do police need consistant mental health services even when they show no problems? There are so many layers to the problem that its difficult for me to focus on ideas of solutions. How can we decrease the amount of prisons being build and decrease crime rates simultaneously? Can anyone address some of these issues focusing on the education system, the legal system, law enforcement, social services programs etc. I encourage you to take a stab at it be respectful but keep it 100.

The world is a mess

The world is a mess ! Some Teachers are messing with kids inappropriately, some cops are using bad judgement causing fatalities, communities are being disrupted by violence, celebrities are losing their way and ministers are walking the wrong path. With the world in such a mess you would think we would work hard to make things right. What do we need to change this mess? Every little thing counts and in order to make things better we all need to contribute something positive. So, what are you doing?

Bill Cosby and the lesson

I guess no one wants to comment about the Bill Cosby mess. But I need to say something to release my feelings about the situation. First, I'm a christian and I try to live consciously with God's grace. So, forgiveness comes to mind in this entire mess. But for those of you who have not sinned then cast the first stone. Be very careful of judging someone when your own closet is full of skeletons. We all have skeletons in our closet and we never want that door open. It may not be to the extent of rape allegations, it might be worse or it might not. The thing is its in our closet hopefully never coming out. Don't get me wrong I don't condone any rape. Abuse is wrong, period. If he did it then he'll carry it for the rest of his life. I believe the natural consequence for this is Mr. Cosby's consciousness. If he did it, its going to eat at him over and over again. No one gets away with hurting someone, I dont care how good life looks for them. What you do will come back full circle to you. You reap what you sow. People may think they get away with hurting people but they don't. Life has a way of knocking you down on your knees then you remember all that you have done. These woman waited for soooooooo long with allegations that at this point I must ask what's their intention? But whatever their intention is they must move past the pain of the alleged rape. Part of the pain is not forgiving. I know forgiveness is very hard especially when someone hurts you deeply. Its difficult to even think about forgiving when hurt goes so deep within. But at some point we must all forgive those who hurt us to release the emotional pain. Holding on just keeps us with baggage full of grief, hurt, sorrow and pain. Those old memories and felings of hurt, confusion, etc will only burn a hole in your soul. Your spirit stays broken even when life is pleasant. Release it and ask God for the spirit of forgiveness. Even when you have caused hurt and pain to someone you should pray and ask for forgiveness. Saying you forgive someone and actually forgiving them are not the same. Its easy to say it but to actually do within your heart is a high form of compassion. Have you released thr pain and hurt someone caused you? Do you think Mr. Bill Cosby should be forgiven if he did rape these women? At this point Mr. Bill Cosby's life will never be the same, his name has been tarnished. Whether its true or not. This situation hurts everyone involved Cosby, his family, the women and their families. The alleged incidents happened long ago and if its true both parties (rapist and rape victims) needed help a long time ago. Its a very very sad situation but something we all can learn from: The power of forgiveness.

What are you doing to make a change in our community?

Some people think its ok to only be concerned with themselves, just be self absorbed. I believe this is not why we are on this earth. I truly think we are here to contribute to society in a positive way, in otherwords we are here to help each other. We exist to create a life that is beyond living just to exist. We are here to touch the lives of others with warmth and inspiration. Through a peaceful and loving energy we can listen and work to achieve love for each other that GOD wants us to accomplish. So let me ask you what are you doing to make a positive change in our community? What's your contribution to make this world a better place? Let's share and take a moment to create positive energy. Give your thoughts, ideas, works and accomplishments that reflects positive change.