MICHAEL JOSEPH JACKSON

August 1958 ~ June 2009

WORLD MOURNS MICHAEL JACKSON: Honoring the Grief Process According to God (Psalm 10:14)

Bereavement Burns Like A Fire, but as Christians we can understand how to be a source of comfort and healing by allowing God to use us. Christ was a very compassionate leader and we must be sure to walk His path even when it may be tempting to speak things that may be harmful to people. We should take care not to do this especially during a family's bereavement and afterwards.Often we get caught up in the worldly wind of a tragedy involving a celebrity. However, even during this time, we are encouraged to build each other up. (1 Thess. 5:11). We can do this by focusing on the positive contributions made by Michael Jackson. Here was a man that had the blessed favor to unite races, cultures, ethnicities, religions, sexes, political parties, and on and on. Here was a man that clearly had God's anointing.

Because we are humans, we also hurt. The book of Lamentations gives us much lament about grief from Jeremiah who is widely regarded as the "weeping" prophet. In this case, Jeremiah reminds us of God's great love and His message of hope. (Lamentations 3:19-26). What do we hope for with the passing of Michael Jackson? We should hope for continued power of the universal language to accomplish peace the way Michael Jackson was gifted to do. Music is a universal language. It means the same to each nation. The words becomes the driving force for the music to soothe, comfort, relax, minister prophetically, hope, and peace.When we understand the far reach of music to become poems to be spoken about the deep thoughts and feelings of a man's heart, we recognize why music will always be universal. Michael Jackson was an artist who was gifted and talented beyond what man will probably ever see again. His music will bring together God's children forever. Why God called Michael Jackson home is not for our carnal understanding, but all of God's children should find comfort that the Lord is close to the brokenhearted and he saves those who are crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:18). If Michael Jackson was ever crushed in spirit, he has been saved. If our hearts are broken, the Lord is nearby.

One of my favorite songs by Michael Jackson is the theme song from "Free Willy" It moved me into a trance when I first heard it and it is still deeply insightful to me today that as children of God, we are gifted to be able to reach out to other children of God for prayer and uplifting. As children of God, we must know when to discern the calls for prayer and then we must pray for our brothers and sisters without ceasing. We should not be ashamed to do so even though it may not be the popular thing to do, nor do we have to be open about seeking God for strength and comfort during the sorrow of a brother and sister. (1 Pet. 4:16). We know we should not judge, but pray instead. Here is introspection into the heart and thoughts of Michael Jackson as expressed in "Free Willy:

"Hold Me Like The River Jordan

And I will then say to Thee, You were my friend

Carry me like You were my brother, love me like a mother

Will You be there?

Weary, tell me will you hold me?

If wrong, will You scold me?

If lost, will You find me?

But they told me a man should be faithful

and walk without evil and fight to the end,

but I'm only human

Everyone's taking control of me

Seems like the world's got a role for me

I'm so confused this is choking me

Tell me You'll be there

Yeah, I'm only human

Carry, Carry me & mold me

Save me, fill me up, pull me out sometimes

Save me, I will be there,

carry me boldly and tell me You care

It gets lonely sometimes, Sometimes Iget lonely..., I get lonely

hold me up, hold me up, hold me up

This is what I learned from grief counseling:Bereavement is like the fire that burns at the door to a room. Everyone must go through the bereavement process when somebody dies and it hurts any which way you look at it. You can stay in one corner/place of the room and like the fire, it will totally engulf you.

Or, you can take the painful steps to walk out of the door and get burned somewhat rather than torched by staying inside the room. If you walk outside that burning room, you move to a new life/free space and the fires snuffs out behind you. Either way involves work and pain.

What is the difference between grieving and bereavement?

Grieving is to cause the emotion of sorrow and is triggered by the sudden loss of somebody (or thing). In either case, God brings comfort and deliverance (Lamentationss 3:26).

Bereavement is the loss of a loved one leaving one feeling alone.

The two go hand-in-hand as a process with no definite time period when someone has died. Thus, the saying, "During your hour of bereavement," means during the time you feel "lonely." This is the best time to speak words of comfort because the person needs to know that by seeking God, we are reminded that God never forsakes us. (Lamentations 3:25) (Jos. 1:5).

This is when traditionally, friends and family come together to be "near" the person who has lost a loved one and this is the time when friends and family need to be around while the "bereaved" person adjusts to life without their loved one.

Is it possible to grieve for, or with, a celebrity? Yes.

We may have periods of sadness and may even feel irritated without recognizing that it is tied to Mr. Jackson's sudden loss because we loved Mr. Jackson. (Psalm 42:11). I have learned that it is reality that "fans" actually do grieve for celebrity deaths as well. With the tragedy involving a disc jockey in my locale, the radio show allowed fans of the DJ to call in all day and express themselves. We see similar acts of expresion when fans show up in droves by the thousands to stand in front of a hospital or the celebrity's home. There is also acceptance by police that this should be permitted to allow fans to honor the grief process with respect. Thus, fans are encouraged to grieve for celebrities as a necessary healing stage. (John 16:20) We grow to love celebrities through their art and it is natural to feel a sense of loss along without them. We become dependent on their gifts in so many ways that there is also an element of fear about the affects of the loss of contribution to the arts because of the death, but we must pray and trust God. (Psalm 30:5)

It is also possible to hurt for them. We imagine ourselves in that situation and our emotions surface naturally. (2 Cor. 1:3-4)

Can you help somebody snuff out the fire of bereavement? Can you honor the grief process? Can you trust God's anointed to help you?

The National Alliance on Mental Illness at http://www.nami.org/

The Center for Loss at http://www.centerforless.com/

The American Association of Pastoral Counseling at http://www.aapc.org/

Is on the other side of the fire...Psalm 10:14



Swaggie Coleman "If you listen to the whispers, you won't hear the screams." Rev. Run (DMC) http://swaggiecoleman.blogspot.com/; Book Reviewer for RAWSISTAZ www.BlackBookReviews.net;

UNCLE E

CHILDREN'S BOOK AUTHOR

Happy Easter, everyone! What a beautiful season of spring to bring you the birth of the year of the child! As we continue to learn new and improved ways to reclaim our children in the village, I present to you a gentleman who has definitely captured my heart with his book series, “The Adventures of Diggle, Boogie & Lolo (also known as the DBL Adventures).

Sit back and relax, enjoy the absolutely beautiful pictures, and let’s get to know a very successful African-American “male” Author of children’s books, Uncle E and how his books prove to be very successful readings for children of all ages, really.

S: Uncle E, please tell us about The Adventures of Diggle, Boogie & Lolo.

U: The Adventures of Diggle, Boogie & Lolo, or as you I say for short, DBL Adventures, is a children’s book series written in rhyme that promotes family values and character development. It’s like Dr. Seuss and the Huxtables rolled into one.

S: How wonderful that it is written in rhyme because it has been proven since the beginning of time that children learn more easily and quickly through rhymes. It holds true for adult beginners as well. I like that. Now children’s books are the toughest market to become an author in, especially African-American authors. What inspired you to become a children’s book author and in a field where few African-American male Authors exist?

U: (Smiling) Well, I’m actually a wanna be actor, performer, director. My wife is a singer. Family life happened and our dreams of New York and Hollywood faded. I had a defining moment about a year and a half ago that I just couldn’t let these dreams fade away, but I also knew that we couldn’t abandon our family to pursue them, SOOOOO we decided to integrate the family into the books. The main characters are our kids. My wife and I are the supporting cast. And as far as the market, I actually saw the opposite. The children’s book market is actually ripe in the African-American community (there will always be kids). You just have to find a way to get our kids into books. And that has been one of our goals.

S: And that is quite an accomplished goal. How did you come up with the characters’ names?

U: As I stated, the characters are my kids and those are their actual nicknames. My son, Eric is called “Diggle." Why? I can’t really tell you. That’s what he’s been since he was one or two. But because I have meanings for the other nicknames, Diggle has decided to let folks know “it because he likes to dig." My oldest daughter, Taylor is nicknamed “Boogie.” Her favorite song at the age of two was “Flashlight” by George Clinton. Every time she heard the song, she would start to Boogie. My daughter Lauryn is nicknamed because the first letter of her first and middle name is “LO” (Lauryn Olivia), so we call her “LoLo."


And as for me, I’m 'UNCLE E.' That’s short for Uncle Stunkle Runkle Riffy Tiffy Jiffy BLOOP BLOOP P.U. SNIFFY Ericsonville. (Can you say that backwards really fast?) From the beginning, I had planned to be in this business for a long time and make a mark like Dr. Seuss. I thought “if Dr. Seuss is going to be Dr. Seuss then I needed a pen name, too.” I chose UNCLE E
because at the end of the book(s), I just wanted to be considered another part of the family.

S: Beautiful! (laughter). Incredible! I love the whole concept of a “cast of characters.” What inspired you to do a children’s book series based on your family?

U: Well, family is THE MOST IMPORTANT element of life for me. Without family, I’m lifeless. I was abandoned when I was five years old. My mom left me at a Greyhound bus station. And like a good portion of our kids today, I had (and still have) absolutely NO IDEA who my father was. That experience really did a mind job on my identity and esteem. Fast forwarding some 20+ years later, I see that there are things that I appreciate about family life that many people take for granted if mom and dad are always there. It was important to me when my kids made their first snowman or when my son played on the basketball team for the first time. My son is eight and my oldest daughter just turned five. Five is a milestone for me because every time one of my children reach and surpass five, then they get to overcome the traumatic event that happened to me when I was five. I know that might sound deep, but I feel as if I (and now with the family, "WE") exist to promote family and family values. Divorces are on the rise. Kids are being raised by Internet and television. It’s as if the family is becoming an endangered species.


S: Excuse me folks, (hugs). Ok, I just had to give you that big warm hug. Uncle E you just spoke some very true and powerful words and the delivery of those words was first class in real time. What makes your series unique from other children’s books? Amen? Amen!

U: Well, the obvious reason is our true to life family component. A lot of kids are wowed when they see that Diggle, Boogie and LoLo are real people. In addition, with our Read-A-Long CD, my kids do the voiceover work for the book. Every time Diggle is speaking in the book, you’re going to hear the Real Diggle…the same with Boogie. We’re working on LoLo. She was just one when we started, but her vocabulary is improving. In addition to that, our books are also unique because they are FUN!!! If you can imagine a book being fun. Well actually, it’s the CDs. You have no idea how many times I hear a parent tell me how many times they have to hear the same Read-A-Long CD. One mom told me she was mad at me. She said she could not listen to her Beyonce CD because her kids always wanted to hear Diggle, Boogie & LoLo. We try to create books that are educational, morally sound, and ADVENTUROUS!!!

S: Folks you just have to purchase the series for your child(ren) and what a perfect present for birthdays, First Communion gifts, and every-day fun. One visit to Uncle E’s website will definitely make you a fan of his all-star cast! You can order The DBL Adventures by placing an order at http://www.dbladventures.com/ today, but be warned the books sell out quickly and you may have to be placed on the waiting list! Let me ask you, how does a parent introduce a child to books?

U: They just read the book to them. There is a sobering statistic that the average black/latino 12th grader is on the same reading level as the average white 7th grader. I have reason to believe that’s because our white parental counterpart expose books to their children when they are as early as one (even earlier). By the time the child is old enough to comprehend, they are in the habit of having books in their life. I hear OUR folks tell me sometime “oh he/she has too many books”. I think, WOW. You wouldn’t say, we’ve seen too many movies. We can bare to watch yet another movie!

The Cast of Stars:

Uncle E

Boogie, Diggle, & Lolo

S: HALLELUIA-er!!! Lawd, we gonna have to have church up in here today! Umm-m, Umph! Who can seriously argue with that! Now, once we get the books in our homes and sit down with our child, how does a parent make reading “fun?”

U: Perception. If reading is fun to parents, then it will be perceived to be fun to children. And children can tell the difference. They observe. They will see if mommy/daddy have a book in their hands often or if they are just making their kids read. Reading to kids is still fun and impossible to EVER go out of style! Kids love the bonding. We cannot become so busy that we don’t read to our children.

S: Whew! Absolutely! I find that when I become animated with the characters while reading, my little munchkins’ eyes light up. When it is their turn to read, they mimic the animated voices and even begin to alter their voices as the character changes. They become so good with the pictures, too. Are illustrations absolutely necessary for children’s books? Why or Why Not?

U: I believe so. I think Illustrations should come with adult books, as well (well, not all adult books, if you know what I mean). But we are a society that is image driven. Images help tell the story, define the characters.

S: (Laughter) Yes, I have to agree and as a people, we are very visual. Now, you have a very profound way of engaging the critical thinking skills through your characters. This makes The DBL Adventures very appropriate for Educators to use in the classroom setting as well. How difficult was that to accomplish?

U: Not very hard. I’m ashamed to say this, but when I write, I pretend that I’m 6 and I think about how I would process scenarios. We don’t give kids enough credit for what they process. My kids will say something about a topic sometimes that makes me say, “boy they went the extra mile to think about that.” I usually use my kids as testers to see if what I am writing is easy or hard for them to comprehend.

S: Well, it is quite evident in the The DBL Adventures that you paid particular attention to those types of details. We can learn so much from our children when we take the time to do it. What a blessing you are! Do you refer to any special children’s vocabulary resource?

U: Actually, no. I just write the story. I will admit, if we’ve received any criticism at all, it’s been because of the vocabulary. Some may feel that it is too much at one time for a Kindergartener or first-grade reader. My response is usually one of two things:

1) I always intended for our books to be read and enjoyed by the entire family. And in doing so, the parents can help their kids identify words that may be unfamiliar.

2) WE DUMMY DOWN TOO MANY BOOKS! THAT’s why they are so boring in the perception of our kids. Then we pass them through a par reading level, statistics develop like the one mentioned above, and then they get to college and are tested into basic reading classes. We purposely put words in kids that were subliminally forced to comprehend in order to continue to enjoy the story. With the Read-A-Long CD, they can get help in pronouncing the words. As we prepare to print the next edition of the books, we will include a glossary in the back to give parents a definition of these words in children’s laymen terms.

S: Uncle E, you are absolutely phenomenal and I can easily see why your book sales have topped 5,000 in sales! Again, folks, you can order The DBL Adventures from the website http://www.dbladventures.com/ today and be prepared to be placed on a waiting list, too. (Smile).

Ok, I know time is ticking, Uncle E, but please share with us why is critical thinking for a child important versus simply having fun?

U: I don’t think there is a “versus.” They have to merge in a partnership. If it’s not enjoyable, kids will feel like they are forced to do it. And as I said, kids think critically all the time. They just don’t realize when they are doing it.

S: I see. The African-American family is faced with some very difficult economic, social, and health issues today that pose a threat to family. How does a family keep a supply of good reading books for children?

U: Until the recession shuts down all the libraries, which will never happen, there is no excuse for a child not to obtain books!

S: I won’t ask you to repeat that, but I will challenge parents to make a trip to your local library while your child is on Spring Break from school. Now, do parents rely too much on teachers of young children or vice versa?

U: Well, I don’t want to speak for parents and make any assumptions. It can be easy to lighten up with mentally stimulating your child if you know that that is somebody’s “JOB” to do it regularly. However, as our President is communicating with education reform, no reform will be successful without the involvement of the parent. There is no way around it. A parent must reiterate the principles taught in school. AND, the reality is that we, particularly in urban areas will ALWAYS have oversized classes, so the parent has to determine if what the class is learning overall is too easy or too hard for their respective child.

A parent has to be willing to become a personal tutor. If it’s too hard, the parent needs to be willing to make it make sense. If it’s too easy, what else can you give the child? My wife made sure my son learned cursive even when the rest of the kids in his class weren’t taught it. She started my daughter on reading three level words when the rest of the class was just on two.

S: Ok, parents and grandparents and aunts and uncles, etc., let’s put this into practice today! We are the village!! Of course, so are teachers. How do you believe a teacher can inspire parents to read with their children?

U: Boy this could be a long answer. The short and simple is this: School could possibly do a better job of establishing a partnership with parents and vice versa. PTAs and PTOs in our school are not well attended by parents many times. And the teachers are so tired from working with the kids all day that they don’t represent the “T” in PTA/PTO. If there is no partnership, there is no communication. If there is no communication, there is no inspiration. A partnership between Parents and Teachers is not just an added benefit, it is a necessity!

S: How does a single parent working two jobs reinforce what is learned in the classroom for young readers?

U: With a lot of grace.

S: And it can be done because I did it and anything I can do, you can do, too. (Laughter).

U: Well, there are circumstances like those that I am hesitant to speak to because I am not in those shoes. Hopefully there are aunts and cousins and siblings and other family members around that are passionate about a child’s education and are able to help take on the responsibility of preparing that child for the real world.

S: Yes, it was a village effort for me. By politely delegating babysitters and calling my kids during my work breaks, it became easier. When I arrived home, my kids already knew to have their home assignments on the dining room table for me to check. In the morning while I was preparing breakfasts, etc., I would ask them questions. The tough part, honestly, was my discipline to read their home assignments at night before I went to bed. Ok, fast forward. How do African-American parents find affordable African-American children’s books?

U: Again, with a lot of grace. Unfortunately, our books are usually a bit higher than a Dora book or a Disney book. Those books are in mainstream. Our books are usually not, so everything costs more. However, I encourage folks to make the investment. Not just in reading. Not just in African-American authors, but in the esteem and identity of our children.

S: Thank you! That was very well stated!

U: Well, the bottom line is that our children NEED to see images of kids in books that LOOK LIKE THEM! I have gorgeous daughters.

S: Aaawe…

U: No, seriously, they are gorgeous. That’s why it frustrates me that I have to convince them that they look better than Disney princesses or Hannah Montana. But if all they are exposed to are Disney and Hannah, then that will become their definition of beauty that everything else will be compared to. We have to keep books by and about us before our children at all times.

S: Be still my beating heart… Are children too young for book clubs?

U: NO, NOT AT ALL! It helps to make reading fun.

S: How do you teach “integrity” to a young reader from the Author’s perspective?

U: In our books, we don’t just suggest “you should do this or don’t do that.” We give a scenario of what can happen when you are not honest or when you disobey.

S: Do you think there is a difference in boys liking to read and girls? Why?

U: YES! I think it also has to do with the material that is currently available to boys. There are plenty of books available for girls. It seems a bit limited for boys.

S: Do you believe African-American children’s books will soar higher now that there is an African-American President?

U: There could possibly be an indirect correlation; however, I don’t believe that it will be that significant. And it shouldn’t be. We have to make it a point to make reading soar in our community no matter who’s in office.

S: Amen? Amen! We cannot stop promoting reading by our children after eight years. Are your books exclusively for African-American children?

U: No, they are primarily for children in Iowa. Kidding. (Big Laughter) Our books are about a family. Families come in all cultures and colors. We are not going to go out of our way to become multi-cultural. But we are not going to make sure our books are “PRO-BLACK” either. You will tell from our illustrations that we are who we are. And you will tell from our stories that our messages cross racial barriers.

S: Lawd, we could talk all day. However, we must wrap this up, but first how can parents get children involved in community service?

U: Find a need that they are passionate about and find an organization that can help them make a child by allowing your child(ren) to help that organization.

S: Great advice! What is next for you as an author?

U: Well, of the first two books that we’ve released, we’ve sold almost 6,000 copies…THAT’s WITHOUT A DISTRIBUTOR! That’s pure, authentic hustle. We are about to publish our third book of the series, reprint and revise the first two, obtain about four distributors and continue to brand Diggle, Boogie and LoLo. In about two years' time, we hope to launch a book series for ages 0 – 3. My youngest daughter, Symone (who is currently 10 months) will be the star of that series. And in about 3 years, we look to launch a book series for ages 9 – 16. By the next five years, we will have book series for EVERYONE between the ages of 0 – 16 years of age.

THEN WE WILL MOVE TO THE ADULTS by publishing books that deal with topics about parenting, marriage, family, in general. We are a family business promoting family values via entertainment & media.

S: Well, I tell you, Uncle E, I have had a wonderful time with you today. I am totally inspired and encouraged that DBL Adventures will make many friends in many, many homes for many, many years to come. Can you give us a final comment before I let you go back to your cast of gold STARS!

U: Yes, folks can visit our website at http://www.dbladventures.com/. We also have an online store on the website. If we are sold out by the time you visit the website, you can add your name to the mailing list. We have teamed up with investors to replenish our stocks and take this project to the next level. If you sign up on our mailing list on our website, then you will be the first to know when we are back in stock with great adventures about Diggle, Boogie & LoLo.

Also, we perform DBL ADVENTURES (Book Reading Parties), we travel to schools, churches, daycares, private birthday parties. On evenings and weekends my kids perform the Book Readings with me. They will even dress up in costume and everything. It is NOT your typical book reading. Our presentations include music, games, and give-a-ways, all while promoting reading comprehension and the learning of vocabulary, as well as a character development lesson. If you are interested in having us come to your next event, just fill out our Engagement Request Form found on the “Contact Us” page of our site. OR CALL US at 240-354-7077.

S: WOW! THANK YOU, Uncle E.

Thank you Diggle, Bubbles, & Lolo; www.DBLadventures.com; (240) 354-7077.

Swaggie Coleman2008 Black Authors Network Top 20 Award Recipient
"If you listen to the whispers, you won't hear the screams." Rev. Run (DMC) http://swaggiecoleman.blogspot.com/; Book Reviewer for RAWSISTAZ
www.BlackBookReviews.net;

ELSIE SPRUILL

S: I have returned this month to continue the celebration of the year of the child. Children are our most precious gifts and they are our future. We are the “Village” responsible for guiding them with wisdom and love in order that they become as successful as possible in their adult life. Sadly enough, sometimes we have to use a special kind of love to wrap around a child who has been harmed at the hands of adults.


Allow me to introduce you to a wonderful lady whom I had the occasion to listen to her share about her life in such a powerful way, I kept wanting to go up to the podium and give her a loving hug to gain some of her energy. I am talking about Ms. Elsie Spruill, a Baltimore, Maryland Author of the children’s book, “Dear God.” As we chat up close and personal with Ms. Spruill, you will understand quickly why we have to pay close attention to what our children are dealing with in today’s society and rush to protect them. Ms. Spruill, would you please tell us about your book, “Dear God?”


E: Thank you, Ms. Coleman.


S: Please, call me Swaggie.


E: Ok, Sistah Swaggie, “Dear God” is a book written with special emphasis for children from the ages of 7 to 70. (SMILE) I’ve added age 70 because a 70-year-old woman bought the book for her daughter only to discover that she was still living in a home where she was being abused both physically and verbally by her own husband. So this book encourages people of all ages that Domestic Violence is unacceptable behavior! “Dear God” will make an even greater impact in the months to come and perhaps it will be nominated for awards, etc. I’m just happy that it has impacted so many families and individuals to bring awareness.


S: Please continue… What is “Dear God?”


E: “Dear God” is actually a prayer. It is a faith-based book to empower children, families, teachers, and community leaders to pay attention to children who seem to be “at risk” and enduring Domestic Violence in their homes. Children still have no voice.


S: What motivated you to write this book for these ‘abused’ children?


E: Domestic Violence was in our home and my step-son would write letters to God about the abuse we were experiencing in our home. He passed away at age 27 and at that point, I knew I had to do something to honor him so I wrote, “Dear God.”


S: Why do you feel this book is necessary today?


E: Many homes, many of whom we know and some we don’t, are experiencing acts of Domestic Violence. We need an outlet. We need a voice for everyone who is going through this very traumatic experience and so my hope and prayer is that “Dear God” will somehow provide that voice.


S: That is very powerful. What message do you want for young readers to walk away with after reading “Dear God?”


E: A message of Hope – of Empowerment and Strength to walk free and away from Domestic Violence. Violence is not love.


S: You are absolutely correct! Folks, please purchase a copy of this life-changing book by visiting www.milliganbooks.com or by contacting Ms. Spruill directly at spruillelsie@hotmail.com. The topic of Domestic Violence is a very stigmatized and awkward topic for people to discuss openly. Knowing this, how can a parent begin to introduce such a topic to a child?


E: Simply by opening the line of communication with a child. Notice the behavior of a child and establish a friendly relationship with the child. Let the child know he/she can trust you and from that point, simply dialogue.


S: How can a parent or community leader prevent a child from being a victim of Domestic Violence?


E: I’m not certain that we’ve reached a place of prevention yet, but we can assure children that action can be taken if we are made aware that such violent acts are existing in their lives.


S: After reading, “Dear God,” I realized that church leaders still keep this a secret matter in their congregation. Why do you believe this is so difficult for church leaders to address or seek help?


E: Because no one wants to get involved. Church leaders fear losing their leadership and or membership if they get involved. They still view Domestic Violence as “something that should not be discussed and is a private matter” when in fact, it isn’t private at all, it’s everyone’s problem.


S: Then why aren’t there ministries for every child on Domestic Violence?


E: Again, it takes awareness. People often turn a deaf ear to family matters; even family members encourage children to be “HUSH, HUSH!” so to speak, when it comes to telling something bad about their parents.


S: How does a congregant, including the first lady, seek help against Domestic Violence in their church family?


E: Pray, Pray, and Pray is all I know to advise a first lady who is considering seeking help against Domestic Violence. This is a tough issue. I wasn’t a first lady, but we were very active in our church and when I approached my pastor about what I was experiencing; he asked me not to discuss it with anyone else and that HE would pray for us. The only way out for me was to PRAY, PRAY, PRAY and get a plan together and work the plan.


S: What do we need to know to aide a victim to seek help?


E: It’s necessary to know that victims are very, very afraid and that fear encompasses them daily. Therefore, one must gently find a way to console a victim of Domestic Violence and it’s a matter of building trust and giving them hope. It’s not an easy task.


S: I certainly agree to that. How do we teach our children to seek help from schools?



E: Well-l, we let them know it’s ok to tell somebody and to continue to tell their principal or teacher no matter what the results are children must be encouraged to TELL SOMEONE!


S: I have heard some arguments that God allows Domestic Violence for a reason. What in the world is that all about?

E: It’s not about ANYTHING! God does not allow Domestic Violence. We, the individuals who have gotten into situations where we are abused, sometimes knowingly and other times unknowingly, are allowing Domestic Violence.


Once violence has been inflicted upon us, we must get a plan together to leave the situation. God does not condone violence. In Proverbs 22:


Make no friendship with an angry man and with a furious man thou
shall not go, least you learn of his way and take a snare to your soul.


So, if we continue with an abusive man; our souls become lost. God is a God of salvation. He’s in the business of saving souls.


S: Amen? Amen! Then what is wrong with men who physically and emotionally harm a spouse or children?


E: It could be that some men were abused themselves as children. In my case, after researching my ex-husband’s childhood, I’ve concluded that he had so many hidden issues from his childhood regarding his mother until he truly does not know how to love and he also harbors resentment for his mother and, therefore, has a mistrust and hatred for women. He only knows how to abuse and he also knows how to suppress his abusive nature which did not surface at all during our four- year courtship.


S: Unbelievable! What are the symptoms readers should be aware of in a child and for an adult who are victims of Domestic Violence?


E: That is a good question. The answer is that Domestic Violence can be hidden so well in adults until it is oftentimes very difficult to recognize it in adults. Children on the other hand tend to act out at school by hitting, name calling, etc. Adults also cover up their bruises very well and they suppress every blow and internal pain they are experiencing. No one ever knew I was battered because I knew how to hide it and I hid it because of fear of my spouse’s threats to kill us all.


S: Oh, my God! Do you believe it is typical for Domestic Violence to increase during economically difficult times such as what America is facing today?


E: Absolutely! Yes, I do because marriages and relationships are always in trouble because of finances so during difficult economical times, it worsens and tempers build up due to the hardships of job loss and the inability to provide for the family.


S: How should a spouse respond if her mate has lost a job in order to avoid becoming an abused spouse?


E: Communication, caring, and encouraging one another is the key. And, of course, pray together.


E: Well, a child can only open up and tell and we all pray that someone will hear the child when he or she speaks. Children truly have no voice.


S: We have all heard about the tragic Domestic Abuse situation that two popular singers were involved in. I read many, many articles, comments, and blogs blaming one or the other for starting the “fight.” Is it ever anybody’s fault when Domestic Violence occurs?


E: “FAULT?” Domestic Violence is a sickness; it’s a devastating illness that has usually transferred from generation to generation. Hitting is not an option in any situation but as we read; we see that people tend to think it’s ok to resolve a matter by hitting rather than walking away when you know you have an anger problem. Sometimes individuals provoke people to anger knowing they will hit them. This is a SICKNESS!


S: Using the singers alleged situation, how should a lady act if another woman is “secretly” contacting her spouse? For example, should she pack up and leave or hit the spouse?


E: She should confront the issue with her spouse maturely, responsibly, and intelligently. I see no need in going to the “other woman.” Check in with your mate first – if you agree with what he has shared with you and you feel it can be repaired, stay. If not, leave and shake the dust off your feet. There are other finer fish in the sea than staying and hitting or to be hit on.


S: Of course, now how should a man behave when his mate has angered him over another woman?


E: WALK AWAY, TAKE A DEEP BREATH AND FIND THE EXIT!!


S: When is relationship counseling necessary?


E: In any situation where things are getting heated and a resolution doesn’t seem possible, but you both want to save the relationship.


S: Ok. When is it obvious that relationship counseling is not working and the individuals should separate or end the relationship?


E: I believe the individuals involved in the relationship and the counselor would be the only persons whom would know, and be able to conclude, that the relationship is not salvageable.


S: Thank you. And how do you find the courage to tell your story to strangers?


E: I’m set free and very thankful that I’ve survived. I should, and could, have died on at least two occasions. I find comfort in living to share my story because I feel people will respect my truth and make sound decisions for their lives after hearing my story.


S: And you are absolutely correct. This is very sad. How does a church community reach out to families to decrease Domestic Violence in the home?


E: Well, churches should make it a point, from the pulpit to the pews, that Domestic Violence will not be tolerated in the church. I know of only one pastor who has made it very clear that he will see the violent offenders in his church be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. That is Pastor Hagee in San Antonio, Tx.


S: Amen? Amen! Whose business is it really when there is a Domestic disturbance in your neighborhood?


E: It’s everyone’s business! We should take a strong stand against Domestic Violence. Domestic Violence leads to other negative consequences such as emotional instability, drug or alcohol abuse, or unemployment, etc. The worst thing is that children grow up to become abusers themselves and we cannot go on with allowing this SICKNESS to continue.


S: What about in your family such as a sister, niece, or cousin?


E: Allow the family member to know and understand that you are there to help them when and if they need you.


S: I have to ask, why do so many women stay in a relationship and suffer with Domestic Abuse?


E: Fear, shame, no monies, and no place to go except to a shelter. Domestic Violence victims lose everything when we leave. But we gain our freedom.


S: Amen? Amen! Is it true that children really do grow into abusers themselves?


E: If they do not receive counseling and support and encouragement, they can inherit such violent behaviors.


S: Can you look at situations like the one involving the two popular singers and say to yourself, “Yes, he (or she) came from a home with Domestic Violence?”


E: Yes, I can usually tell.


S: Uhmm-hmph, thank you. What are the “tell-tale” signs?


E: Control, separating you from friendships, family, and any goals you may have had. Also, transferring properties you may have owned and purchasing properties in one or both names so that you become solely dependent upon your spouse. I wish I had known these things when I was married.


S: Well, I pray that our readers, both male and female, reach out for help. Where can readers purchase your book, “Dear God?”


E: Yes, readers can purchase the book, “Dear God” from www.MilliganBooks.com. and Greetings and Readings in Hunt Valley or by emailing me at spruillelsie@hotmail.com.


S: Will you write another book on such a passionate social issue?


E: Yes, I’m working on a novel at this time.


S: Let me ask you, how difficult is it to get a speaking engagement because of the topic or is it a factor?


E: Believe me it’s not readily or easily accepted. People are still slightly apprehensive and fearful of the topic, but I hope to do more to open up the subject where it will be received more. I’m working on a stage production for Domestic Violence.


S: You will definitely have to return to share more about that project. Now, are schools open to having this topic discussed?


E: No, not very much at all.


S: What about the children’s literature market, is it even harder when you have this type of social issue as the theme?


E: Yes, because who and what child will have permission to be interviewed?


S: Ok, I hate to wrap up about this serious issue, but before we part, how does a victim find the help he or she needs to escape Domestic Violence?


E: There are many venues such as the national Domestic Violence hotline and many local shelters. I highly recommend Sojourn Services for battered Women and their Children as an avenue for anywhere the victim is residing. This organization is very helpful. Just do a Google search.


S: Yes, and people can also contact First Call For Help, a United Way of Central Maryland organization at 1-800-492-0618. One last question: How does a victim of Domestic Violence learn to trust again?


E: It takes a lifetime of working on oneself and empowering yourself and learning to discern people as they come to you. Domestic Violence victims become more cautious in our friendships and relationships because we MUST. It seems that the spirit of violence tries to track us down and so we stay on guard as we put our trust in God to define our relationships.


S: Amen? Amen! I regret that we have run out of time. Thank you, Sistah Elsie, for opening up to us and I pray that at least one child and/or family be saved through your efforts.


Thank you. www.MilliganBooks.com; spruillelsie@hotmail.com; or at Greetings & Readings in Hunt Valley, Maryland.

JOAN GOSIER
Author Of "Cotton Pickin' Paycheck"

Greetings, folks! Welcome back to Swaggie’s Voice. This year we will be celebrating the year of the child and I am so excited to bring you a year of truth and wisdom from folks like you and me who want our children to be very successful! You can tune in all month and be on alert for two upcoming Round-Table Discussions where you can talk to community leaders, authors, and…the Host! Moms mark your calendars for a Mother's Day Round-Table Discussion and dads, we want you back in June! However, today, please allow me to introduce to you a fantastic mother taking it up a notch! Mrs. Joan Gosier serves as the CEO of HBCU kidz, Inc. (www.hbcukidz.com). She is a loving wife and proud mom who spent over a decade climbing the corporate ladder in the pharmaceutical industry. Although Ms. Gosier is a native of Mount Vernon, New York, she moved twice during her childhood. These days, Mrs. Gosier claims Baltimore, Maryland as her hometown because that is where she proudly graduated as Class President of Milford Mill High School.


After graduating undergrad from Hampton University with a BS degree in Business Management, Mrs. Gosier lived in Indianapolis, Indiana and later relocated to obtain her MBA in International Finance and Marketing from the Ross School of Business in Ann Arbor, Michigan. In her own words, “I was blessed to do internships and assignments that took me to Johannesburg, South Africa, New York, Racine, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale and ultimately to the plantation of my ancestors in Urbanna, Virginia.”


S: Wow! You sure have a very interesting background rich with education and travels. Can we get a little more up close and personal. Just what is HBCU kidz?


J: HBCU is an acronym for Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Our goal is to identify at least 200,000 of these bright, energetic, intelligent and ambitious munchkins who are in this world. These kids are among our world’s future problem solvers! They are Doers of the future! They are our future doctors, research scientists, astronomers, physicists, biologists, nuclear specialists, teachers, lawyers, construction company owners, pilots, astronauts, poets, artists and political leaders. Our company designs, creates, manufacturers and markets gifts and tools that further inspire and reward these kids along their journey! HBCU kidz is the kids clothing line with college education in mind. Everything in our boutique strives to promote 3 things:

1) Family Heritage;

2) Education; and

3) Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Our motto is Education! Important GEAR for LIFE!


S: That’s awesome! Folks please visit http://hbcukidz.com for more information on how your child can be a HBCU kid. Now, you are also a writer, correct? How did you go from being CEO of HBCU kidz, Inc. to writing your own book?


J: Yes, wow! It has been a journey of my own for almost 25 years to write a book. Initially my outline and purpose was to inspire young teenaged girls to avoid many of the pitfalls that I had experienced and to give them a peak into my decisions to do better. Yet the book lay dormant inside of me until a few years ago. As I began to see that a new era was being ushered in under our first Black President of the United States of America, I quickly realized that my life lessons had prepared me to embrace this time and this place. I found that my purpose for living was to document this roadmap for not only young teenaged girls, but for my great great great great grandchildren. So I began with 14 pages and the last count was over 900 pages of text written in the past year!


S: OMG! Lord, have Mercy. - What is the name of your book and what is it about?


J: My first book, "Cotton Pickin' Paycheck-A 21st Century Journal of Escape from Slavery," chronicles my 21 most important life lessons learned. I am passionate about completing this very unique book of memories of the early formations of a modern day African-American family owned and operated internet business. “Cotton Pickin' Paycheck - A 21st Century Journal of Escape from Slavery” is a rarely revealed and compiled book! Most people seem to have books written for them once they have reached household name status. This book is about the regular everyday person pursuing a dream in process.

S: What a unique concept. How will these life lessons benefit parents today?

J: “Cotton Pickin' Paycheck - A 21st Century Journal of Escape from Slavery” is very practical and easy to be shared and passed down to future generations as a survival guide to "avoid the boiling pot that seems to capture so many crabs". Everyone speaks about this analogy, but I have only read a few short antidotes to immunize against the poison that seems to plague so many people. So parents will benefit by becoming inspired to begin capturing their own lessons for passing along to their own children. I believe it is always easier to laugh and poke fun at someone else’s errors. So the journal allows parents to do just that in teaching their own offspring key survival tactics.

S: Can you tell us one or two of the 21 life lessons?

J: My two favorites are actually Lesson #1 and Lesson #2 because in hindsight, they formulated who I am today as a wife and mom.

Lesson #1 is: “Do not depend on anyone but yourself and do not depend on the opinions of anyone "outside of core using your F.O.R". F.O.R. means your frame of reference. Your F.O.R. always changes based on your exposure to certain environments and situations, but it allows you to have an open mind to become educated about what you do not know vs. allowing others to deceive you into embracing their own perceptions and realities.

S: O-kay...

J: And Lesson #2 is: “It is important to continually learn so that you can teach others. Always invest in a book and read it. Take notes about life and history as it is occurring. Connect the dots when you can. Pass it on.” I explain about the history of mankind using World Book Encyclopedia and other reference tools beginning with Adam and Eve in Africa through why many people judge others based on manmade barriers. I introduce possible origins of the N-word and why I want my children to remain focused on achievement vs. falling victim to distractions created by society.


S: Amazing! Thank you. You know, as I begin celebrating the year of the child, the age-old question comes up about whether to limit “black history” to just one month of teaching about and celebrating African-Americans or all year long. What are your thoughts?

J: Oh, there is just waaaay too much for a child to learn and review in 28 days! I have been fortunate to take several courses in college and graduate school on African and African-American History. We must realize that our children need to know more than about slavery and Jim Crow. They need to know that reconstruction and early African civilizations are a part of our history too. Therefore, black history should definitely be taught and celebrated all year long!

S: Well, I certainly thank you for making your contribution to our history with your book, “Cotton Pickin' Paycheck - A 21st Century Journal of Escape from Slavery.” When did you start writing your book?

J: My journey as a writer really began through my daily diary entries as an early teenager. I felt the urge to compile a book of lessons when I had a near-death experience at age 14 years old. I did not get the motivation to act upon this goal of writing “Cotton Pickin’ Paycheck-A 21st Century Journal of Escape from Slavery” until last year. When I was living back in my ancestors’ hometown on a 40 acre parcel of land, I became inspired to hurry and finish this book since we were living in a historical moment of time. A favorite cousin of mine often reminds me that it is no coincidence that at age 40, I would be living on the land that my ancestors were actual slaves. As I often had the time to sit back and reflect over my life’s transition periods, this book began burning my finger tips each day!

S: I see. How did you arrive at the title?

J: You know, I don’t really recall anything other than my husband and I jointly wrote the words to what became a poem shortly after I resigned from a very lucrative and promising management career with a major pharmaceutical company. After I took a breath and saw that those feelings on paper gave me the strength and courage NOT to change my mind in my decision, I knew. This HAD to be the title to my “book in progress for decades”! I immediately saw the book title in my mind of making the life choices required to achieve personal FREEDOM.

S: How will “Cotton Pickin' Paycheck - A 21st Century Journal of Escape from Slavery” differ from other books?

J: I think people will see that my book is like looking at a colorful mosaic artwork. Each person reading it will find a little bit of themselves deep down, but rarely will two people see the exact same thing in my stories and the respective lessons. I believe that it will almost be equivalent to an inspirational volume of ideas to escape economic and personal bondage for many. I deal with a broad range of life choices from abortion to choosing to attend a black college to handling corporate politics to parenthood to launching an internet company to watching the presidential election unfold.

S: What do you want readers to take away from the book of life lessons the most?

J: Well, I have been told by many different readers that it has indeed inspired them to DO something with the lessons and stories swimming around in their conscience. It is like coming across a love letter to my great-great grandchildren and their descendents that I am allowing the world to share now. If people suddenly feel the courage to DO what has been in their heart and souls, then I know that my purpose has been fulfilled.

J: I want readers to be compelled to reexamine their own lives and embrace new ways on how to raise up a child to avoid distractions or petty behaviors that lead to "crab mentality" urges. I would love to know that lives have been positively inspired by me sharing my stories and lessons learned.

S: What is the “crab mentality” you refer to?

J: Well, many people cite it as crabs pulling each other down from getting ahead. My mom taught me another way of seeing the analogy before she died, though. You see I am a person who used to live near the Chesapeake Bay and even actually had a job picking crabs….this story I shared in an earlier chapter on my experience with modern day slavery... I wonder if people realize when they use that analogy it is not completely accurate. When crabs are in a barrel or cooking in a pot, they are not pulling each other down in an effort to hold one another back. It is a survival action of self-preservation.

S: O-kay, I see.

J: Yes and if you were to watch them, they are simply trying to get OUT of the pot or container that an outsider put them in. If they sat still and politely chatted with one another...they ALL would die. If they had brains and could strategically maneuver themselves to reach, climb, pull, reach, climb, pull...well if an outsider was not WATCHING the pot/container...they might actually find it feasible for one or two or more to quickly get out of the pot and get away. They don't know that they can't get out of that pot solo which is why they all scramble around on top of each other trying to desperately get out of the pot. Regardless of what folks say, we are not dumb crustaceans. Some black people have figured a way to build a link out of the proverbial pot and are trying to help others without getting caught and thrown back in.
My mom used to say to me "See, if you live your life right and don't go chasing false bait...you will never let yourself get thrown in that pot to begin with".

S: Alright…! (Laughter) That is incredible and wise, too.

J: Uh-huh, and we have got to avoid the false bait. We must keep people from sticking us in "a pot.” It is a very big world out here. There is plenty for us all. Blacks with a bachelors degree or more only make up 2 percent of the U.S. population. That is 2 percent and not 12 percent. If you put 100 people in a room, only 2 would be black with a college degree or higher. We need to reach, climb, pull before we can stand up. The lazy will stay in the pot and burn. When one of us crawls out of the pot, there is always anger that there still seems to be too many crabs left behind. It takes just as much energy to keep out of the pot in the very first place. Don't let people stereotype you into a pot.

Everyone has a gift and a talent that can be used to fulfill God's purpose. How you do it is not because you feel you are superior to another child of God. How you do it should be authentic and pure because of what is in your soul...regardless of your skin color. Let people be. We need to really stop and think before we drop another soul into a pot. You are NOT a dumb crustacean...if you don't choose to chase false bait, you will find yourself LESS likely to be thrown into a pot. If you are NOT in a pot, no need to scramble and pull on ANYONE but YOURSELF. If you are NOT in a pot, you can choose who you keep around. That is why I am VERY CAREFUL about WHO I CHOOSE to hang around in life and WHO I CHOOSE to listen to...LIFE IS ALL ABOUT CHOICES!!

S: Preach on, sistah. amen? Amen! How do you teach children to avoid the “crab mentality?”

J: EXPLORATION! DISCIPLINE! APPLICATION! Build the child’s knowledge base through EXPLORATION to feel real good about their own culture and to be curious about the world at large, provide them with the discipline they need to confidence in their independent thinking skills and teach them how to APPLY their new knowledge to every day living. When they see that there is a great big world out there to conquer, I believe there is no room for a crab mentality. We all have different gifts and there is no need to compare, but to celebrate the portfolio of talent!

S: Whoo-whee…How else will “Cotton Pickin' Paycheck - A 21st Century Journal of Escape from Slavery” really encourage the next generation?

J: “Cotton Pickin' Paycheck - A 21st Century Journal of Escape from Slavery” inspires people to step out on faith that there is a greater purpose in their lives! Children will pay attention to how they see adults interact. I want folks to DO vs. YAP! I want these lessons to help them to fall in love with their lives and livelihoods. I want these lessons to really encourage and inspire us to fall in love with our own personal heritage.

S: There are so many stories for us to capture during this great historical time. I imagine the future generation flipping through books to learn what we were doing when the first African-American President was elected. What advice could you give to a parent about writing a love letter to their own grandchildren and descendants?

J: Follow your heart. Get started! My biggest suggestion is to just invest in some clear Ziploc bags and began capturing your memory so you can see them. They will begin to trigger thoughts and ideas through your subconscious that can help you leave a legacy.

S: That’s a brilliant idea! What surprised you most about becoming a writer?

J: It is a whole lot of work! I have had days where I have pretended NOT to be in the middle of writing a life-changing story. Then there are days where I have admittedly did very little towards it at all because the thought of completion was so overwhelming. Yet, I have also had nights where I could not sleep until I could actually print out the finished thoughts and feel the paper in my hands. The satisfaction was seeing a chapter on my nightstand. I was very proud…and sleepy. (Laughter)

S: Amen? Amen! What kept you inspired to write “Cotton Pickin' Paycheck - A 21st Century Journal of Escape from Slavery?”

J: Just making the plan of action to DO IT! I also think blogging always seemed to give me something to respond to or jog a memory.

S: How did you just do it?

J: A lot of prayer. It was an added blessing hearing from various readers who all gave me their personal testimony and support and encouragement. That truly motivated me to keep on going. I had to stay focused and this caused some people in my life to be uncomfortable. If it was not contributing to a chapter in my book, I tended not to spend a lot of time discussing or engaging in it. So celebrity gossip or nitpicky activities tended to be shut out during my writing time.

S: What can we expect from you in the future?

J: There will probably be more books from my munchkins because they are inspired to see me write. My 6 year old has a manuscript already called "My Timeline About Me" that she finished the other day. It contains 5 chapters and she has illustrated it herself!

S: Why are illustrations so important in children’s books?

J: The children begin to learn symbols through the pictures. They learn that the symbol for an apple or cat or building have meanings. I believe the connections to the meanings and uses of words are reinforced by giving them a trigger for their imaginations. My 6 year old seeks stories with pictures right now because she is still growing her vocabulary. She doesn’t like to get stuck on a page and not have a clue on what the author is trying to convey!

S: Ah-ha, now I get it! Ok, let's jump ahead a little. Briefly, there was a split-second controversy over the creation of dolls in the image of the daughters of President Obama? As a businesswoman, will having dolls in the likeness of the Obama daughters teach family values to children?

J: I think the dolls definitely teach family values and I know my daughters would have loved to have one. Yet, I do respect that as a businesswoman and mom, there is a strong concern for doing the correct thing to get your proper clearances for a novel idea using someone else’s child.

S: Of course.

J: I actually dream of a doll that uses “REAL” African-American textured hair to teach tolerance and embracement of REALITY for many young girls who are “perm free." I think that something that can be touched and felt like a doll or a puppet often has a more immediate impact than literature. I have seen examples when selling World Book’s Early World of Learning program where they magnify learning when they are integrated. We had a set of puppets Zak (letter Z) and Amy (letter A) who were also featured as the main characters in every one of the books and work lessons. So the brain did not have to focus on learning new characters for each new story or lesson. The children could focus their attention on the NEW elements because they had grown familiar with their puppets. So, I definitely think that integration is beneficial for learning.

S: Well, it's time to wind down now, but I tell you, I could talk with you forever. Can you share with us your latest news about your upcoming book release?

J: Certainly. Our family business, HBCU kidz, Inc., is launching a new educational campaign this year that is spearheaded by my 6 year old called, "09 W.A.S.S.-We ALL start small." Also, there is a new website http://www.weallstartsmall.com/ for that endeavor. I am working with an illustrator to create a book that will be the first in a series that pays tribute to our rich cultural legacy of dreamers, leaders, and achievers. So in the spirit of integrated learning, the books will be identical to the line of t-shirts, bibs, and other gift items so the children will grow very familiar with their historical figures. My 6 year old has already drafted a list of the next 3 years worth of honorees for an annual series!

S: Beautiful! How can we purchase a copy of “Cotton Pickin' Paycheck - A 21st Century Journal of Escape from Slavery?”

J: Oh, yes! I invite everyone to visit my site at http://www.cottonpickinpaycheck.com/. Currently, I am offering a 50 percent discount to the first 100 customers. Please check out the site and make it one of your favorites as I am always updating it with something inspiring and motivating.

S: Absolutely! Thank you Mrs. Gosier for being up close and personal with us. I look forward to sharing more of your insight in May when I will host the Mother’s Day Round-Table Discussion. Won’t you please return and join me and other guests?

J: Definitely!

S: Amen? Amen!

Thank you Joan Gosier, www.cottonpickinpaycheck.com, http://hbcukidz.com, www.WeALLstartsmall.com; www.weallstartsmall.com

Swaggie Coleman2008 Black Authors Network Top 20 Award Recipient
"If you listen to the whispers, you won't hear the screams." Rev. Run (DMC)

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Merry Christmas EVERYBODY! Thank you so much for joining me on this very special day as we continue to give honor to the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ! Amen? Amen!!!!!Rejoice, for this is the day the Lord has made!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WOW- What a Christmas Morning Breakfast Buffet, huh? The children are finishing up their photos with Santa, I see. While we wait for them to get back to their seats up front, I want to thank our guests for the lovely messages of good will and our performers of Ave Maria this morning, the Church Sisters Mass Choir. Let’s give them a hand everybody and we are right on schedule!

I tell you, Ave Maria is one beautiful song. How many of y’all knew all the words of the song when the Church Sisters Mass Choir switched to singing Ave Maria in Latin? (Ha, ha, ha) Well, that’s all right, too. Ok, ok, I see we are just about ready to announce this year’s 2008 Image of God Award winner!

Let’s just take a moment to recap what a year this has been! Amen? Amen! Did we witness the coming of the glory of the Lord or what?! Whoo-whee! Amen? Amen! Our Lord certainly did show up in time to give us all a very merry Holy-day season as we have witnessed America elect its first African-American President, Mr. Barack Obama! Let’s give Mr. Obama a Swaggie round of applause!

Ok-, we are gathered here this Christmas morning to celebrate a very special person and Award that individual with the “Image of God Award.” The person who will receive this Award has a commitment of reflecting God’s light through literature. This person is dedicated to the African-American community and has shown unwavering devotion to promoting peace, love, unity, happiness, joy, and wisdom through his work. The recipient of this second annual Award willingly dedicates self to the service of others and today we will show our love and appreciation of that person Swaggie style…..,

but first, many of you this morning have been asking about my boss, Mizz Levine. Well, I am pleased to announce that Mizz Levine has been working tirelessly with the Obama Healthcare Advocacy Committee as they prepare for their very first official healthcare summit on Saturday, January 17, 2009, at the Navy Memorial in Washington, DC.

Let’s give Mizz Levine a special Swaggie round of applause for her undying commitment to give members in our society with special needs a voice for a quality life! Now, I have something real special for you distinguished guests, I arranged for Mizz Levine to speak with us briefly before we announce the award. (passing keyboard to telephone technician) (uh-hm)…

ML: “Hello?” “Hello?…”

S: Good morning…Merry Christmas!

ML: Good morning, Swaggie. Merry Christmas everyone and thank you for joining us this morning!

S: Everybody give Mizz Levine a big warm Merry Christmas! (uh-hmm) Ahhh, was that special or what? Now, Mizz Levine, I know the Obama Team has been working extremely hard into the wee hours of the morning with all the plans for the Inauguration ceremonies and the expectance of millions of people in our nation’s capital in just a few short weeks. How are you holding up…?

(Guests watch photo clips of the 2007 Image of God Recipient, Mr. David W. Johnson, Jr. Author of, "If We Save Our Children...We Save America and President of Levine-Oliver Publisher, Ms. Agnes B. Levine as children dance to celebrate Kwanzaa...shuffle, kick, walk-it-out...Lawd, Lawd, Lawd).

"ML: Well, Swaggie, I know you have been really holding everything down for me while I’ve been in D.C., and I want to say, “Thank you, too.” Now, working with such energetic people from around the country to finalize the Healthcare Summit is truly an eye-opening experience for me. I have met some of the most beautiful people who are making this experience absolutely phenomenal for me as well.


S: amen? Amen! Can you tell us if you have actually been in the same room with Mr. Obama and if so, how did it feel?


ML: Oh, no, Barry-- I mean Mr. Obama -- has not been at any of the meetings, but we have had lengthy discussions with U.S. Healthcare Nominee, Mr. Tom Dascle. Now, y’all thought Mr. Obama never slept…(laughter).


S: Praise Him! I have another short question for you if you have more time.


ML: Of course.


S: I know this is not your first time working with a presidential administration on healthcare advocacy. Did you ever expect to be working with the Obama Healthcare Advocacy Team?


ML: Well, I cannot honestly say that I did. However, it was a thrill to be asked because this is nothing but one majestic historical event. Just the energy in Washington, D.C. alone is draining. There’s a lot of work to do in America and I want to say that each and everyone present this morning can do a small part to make sure Mr. Obama’s healthcare agenda is turned into policy.


S: We certainly will. Now, will you be having any fun at any of the many Inauguration events planned?


ML: Oh, absolutely! I have my security clearance and I will be enjoying every second of history in the making. For me, the weekend will kick off with the Healthcare Summit at the Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C. on the 17th of January beginning at Noon. There are opportunities for grassroots advocacy groups all over the country to come together to begin developing strategies to take the Obama Healthcare agenda, under the direction of Mr. Tom Dascle, most effectively to your jurisdictions.


We have a panel of experts from around the country attending the Summit. And you know this blessed opportunity was purposed for me, Swaggie, ‘cause guess what?


S: Uhh—yess….


ML: You know how worried I have been about mobility in Washington during Inauguration weekend. Well, the Navy Memorial is right on the Marc Train stop. Every meeting has been conveniently held within minutes of the Marc Train stop in D.C.!


S: Ahhh, yes, indeed. Yes, indeed. And you’ve been teaching your babies and then racing to hop the Marc Train to D.C. haven’t you?


ML: Absolutely! But the Obama Team is very, very high-tech, too. Remember we have folks uniting from all around the country (sometimes the world) to support this new leader’s policy for Change. A lot of the work we’re doing is by way of electronic communication and transmittal. So, forgive me everybody if I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year quickly so I can spend time with the Lord getting needed rest. Congratulations to this year’s 2008 Image of God Award…may I announce the winner now, Swaggie?


S: Sistah, I know you need your sleep, but before you do, you just gotta let me tell you what was on the breakfast buffet this morning. Annnnd...I was just wondering with you now working with the Obama Healthcare Advocacy Committee, will Levine-Oliver Publisher be making any, uh-hmm, promotions or anything? (uh-hm)


ML: Well, o-kay, Swaggie. I tell you your appreciation for just the simple things always amazes me. And, no, Levine-Oliver Publisher will cut back on its hours of operations and for an indefinite period, not take on any new projects, but thank you for asking. (uh-hm. teehee)


S: Oh, thank you. (uh-hmmm...no raise here). Ok, I couldn’t let you go without letting you know how I spent your money (uh-hm) (laughter). Okay-so here is the run down…


Spanish egg omelets (chopped green peppers, red peppers, and Jalepeno with cheddar cheese);
Canadian ham;
Fried biscuits;
Hominy grits with cheese;
Sausage Gravy;
Buttermilk pancakes,
Strawberry-filled crepes sprinkled down in powdered sugar;
Belgian waffles;
Authentic Vermont Maple Syrup;
Christmas Morning Bread (Cinnamon, cream cheese filling)
Scrambled Eggs;
Thomas’ English Muffins;
Fresh-squeezed Florida Orange Juice;
Tropical Fruit Bar; and
Pastries, coffee, and, of course, Flavored Red Bush Tea!


ML: Oh, my goodness! That sounds dee-licious! I hope everyone really enjoyed him and herself this morning. Ok, Swaggie, can you get us a drum roll, please?


S: You bet! You should see all the children running around here with their gifts from Santa, too! Ok, One, two, three … (insert drum roll here)(uh-hmm).


ML: O-kay, thank you for tuning in for this second annual “2008 Image of God Award” blog. Thank you friends and supporters for the subscriptions to Swaggie’s Voice and supporting Swaggie in the African-Americans on the Move Book Club’s award nomination for Professional Blogger of the Year! You can continue to cast your vote as often as you like at http://aambcvoting.blogspot.com/ until the AAMBC’s polls close!


I would also like to take a minute to thank the first recipient of the “2007 Image of God Award,” Mr. David W. Johnson, Jr., Author of the book, “We Save Our Children,…We Save America” for his impeccable patience in receiving his award. We had a lot of technical delays, but hopefully, all that is behind us now.


Alright, ladies and gentlemen, children, and Saints, the recipient of the second annual 2008 Image of God Award is Mr. Emmanuel Brown for his continual words of wisdom, Seeing Growth (http://www.seeinggrowth.com/) and the website, Voices and Visions (www.voicesandvisions.com). Let’s give Mr. Brown a huge round of applause.


S: (joyous laughter) Wow—that is one huge round of applause. (uh-hmm) Whoo-whee! Amen? Amen! Congratulations, Mr. Brown! Mr. Emmanuel Brown will receive $100.00 and his very own custom-made 2008 Image of God Award! Amen? Amen! I’m going to ask Mr. Brown if he will share some words with us and then maybe give us a special Christmas Seeing Growth Reminder.

MERRRRRR-Y CHRISTMAS EVERYONE

HAPPY KWANZAA
AND MAY YOU BE BLESSED WITH
GOOD (Obama) HEALTH AND PROSPERITY
AND TO ALL A GOOD (DAY)!
Amen? Amen!

Swaggie Coleman2008 Professional Blogger of the Year AAMBC-Award Nominee
"If you listen to the whispers, you won't hear the screams." Rev. Run (DMC)
http://swaggiecoleman.blogspot.com/; Book Reviewer for RAWSISTAZ www.BlackBookReviews.net; Cast Your Vote Today at: http://aambcvoting.blogspot.com/

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Being interviewed by Swaggie Coleman and receiving the 2008 Image of God Award that followed my nomination has shown me that I am not just a dreamer. Dreams can become visions and visions can become reality. Receiving the 2008 Image of God Award was not expected, but it helped me see that others believe in SeeingGrowth.com and the members who have made it their home of visions and realities.

This award means much more to me than some people might realize. The year 0f 2008 was full of struggles that made us all dig down deep into our reserves just to maintain. I can say this from experience and no matter how much I felt like I had exhausted myself there were people just like Swaggie that gave me the strength to find enough inspiration to continue working towards Seeing Growth, sharing my many Voices and Visions, and to continue counting my blessings.

Every member of SeeingGrowth.com, the people who have supported me for the few years that I have been on the Internet, the people that knew me before SeeingGrowth.com was even an option, my family, and even the people who had less than faith in me deserve this award because SeeingGrowth.com would not exist without the roles that they played. I want to thank each and everyone who made this possible for a very rewarding year and for motivating me to bring nothing less than flawless motivation in this upcoming year.

Who would have thought that anyone would have saw a Godly image in someone who grew up on 58th Street and Sangamon, in the Englewood District, in the city of Chicago. It goes to show the entire world that anything is possible and we can be guided towards the light by simple words, actions, and the support of others.

Thank you Swaggie for the opportunity, the belief and the support.

Emmanuel Brown of SeeingGrowth.com