Ray Williams – $$$ Broke but not Spiritually Broken!
Before logging out, I found this article on Yahoo. Sports Blog by Dan Devine. (July 2010). He writes through an interview with the Globe’s Bob Hohler, that Ray Williams, a 10-year NBA vet is now homeless. He’d “never fallen prey to drugs, alcohol, or gambling,” and he’s never been arrested, so it’s not like he’s some shiftless sociopath whom we can easily vilify. (Devine, 2010)
They give possible reasons of this ‘rags to riches’ story – mismanagement, poor planning, etc… but what catches me is this thought – “Maybe Williams’ family, former friends and associates merit some scorn for allowing him to live alone in a car in Florida; then again, maybe they’ve all had to distance themselves from Williams after 20-plus years of never getting his stuff together and failing to repay repeated loans, favors and kindnesses.” (Devine, 2010)
Lessons Learned
You can’t take everybody with you!!! People were probably around reminding him of how they helped him and how much he should help them, … Everyone has the chance to create their own dream – we are all dirt, all the same foundation. We should not feel obligated to people rather we should know spiritually how and when; to help. We all have choices and decisions. Re-read “You Might Miss your Opportunity but You Will Not Miss your Blessing” from my June 30, 2010 blog regarding what happened to me with the Oprah Winfrey’ contest. It affirms that had I’d won and was still this kind, giving, person before the revelation; this could easily have been my story!
Revelation
Ray Williams – it’s not Over!!! You are in you your ‘92 Buick listening to gospel music – praise and worship – feeding your spirit – reminding and strengthening yourself –‘ God please don’t pass me by’ I sang after this ‘ O-experience’. Keep singing it Ray ‘please don’t pass me by’ – I’ll recognize when you send my rescue, Lord.” He hasn’t – we’re still alive! Your testimony is going to be so GREAT! And you will hold on to your blessing.
The sad tale of Ray Williams: 10-year NBA vet now homeless. Devine, D. (2010). A Y! Sports blog. Retrieved July 3, 2010 from http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/blog/ball_dont_lie/post/The-sad-tale-of-Ray-Williams-10-year-NBA-vet-no;_ylt=AkafArYrcj6pEl37vfZ7dvfYrYZ4?urn=nba,253262
Continue reading Ray Williams – $$$ Broke but not Spiritually Broken!
Michael Jackson – The Long Mourning!
I finally wake up to see a part of all the Michael Jackson interviews my husband taped for the one year anniversary of his death (*June 25, 2009). It was the Jackson Five who influenced my husband’s music career and he taped everything!
There is a part in the interview, where I hear the foreign commentators state that Michael Jackson was an ‘incredible man’ and few would doubt “one of THE Greatest Entertainers of All Time” – I noticed that now that Michael is gone , there is no question of the influence and title he’d had in our lives. Now that he’s dead, there’s no argument that he is the ‘King of Pop’ – not Elvis.
Now that he is dead – the regrets, his humanitarian efforts, and the love and influence he had is being told. No one’s afraid of Michael Jackson now because he’s dead – but remember there are those who are even more powerful when they’re dead. They made sure there was a body for us to see so that people would accept his death. It reminds me of **Patrice Lumumba, independent Congolese leader first legally elected president of the Congo. Read his story.
Media wants to say that Michael Jackson’s addiction was to mask the physical pain however taking that medication masked the emotional pain.
Regarding ‘Netherland’ (his ranch) – the media commentator says that it is befitting for the closure Netherland because it ‘reminds people that something was wrong with Michael Jackson; huge stadiums remind of us of what was right’ (June, 2010) – “Us, other people, NOT Michael – Michael loved both and saw no problems with neither of these things UNTIL people made it a negative. Once again, it is to ease the conscious of those who persecuted Michael. When the molestation came up, wasn’t it after he bought the rights to the Beatles catalogue?
The interviews for Michael Jackson History/King (June, 2010) –‘We have never seen anything like him and we never will again. …God chooses people to do certain things and that it is there mission to do that thing… (They go one to quote the Gospels in the same context to Michael Jackson.)… They read ‘and the Lord God made Man from the dust of the earth and breathed into his nostrils the breath of Life and Man became a living soul’ (paraphrasing Genesis 2:7). Wow, who does that sound like they’re talking about? How many other profound people have we seen, persecuted, and missed their contribution on earth? He is only one of the many ‘Judges’ that God sends. In the Bible, the people would ask God to send them a Judge, they would be ‘good’ for a minute and then start clowning again – and what happened to the judges?
*The week before Michael died; my husband and I were watching him on television regarding his upcoming London tour. I said to my husband, “Mike tired. Mike ain’t gon’ be here – he is tired of people messing with him. He is ready to check out of here.” My husband asked me “Do you think he will make the tour?” Seeing the pain in my husband’s face that his ‘icon’ would be no longer – I lied. Slowly I dragged out my ‘lie’, “Yes, he’ll make the concert”. The next week Michael Jackson was gone. I am not saying that Dr. Conrad Murray and those responsible should not be held accountable – what I am saying is – “Michael Jackson is at peace.”
Just a thought – Shirts vs. Blouses – If Michael Jackson (shirts) played basketball against Prince (blouses) – who do you think would win? My vote would go to MJ because his brothers taught him to play! People created a rivalry between these two shy, teased, geniuses of music’. They remind me of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King.
*Centric “Michael Jackson History/King” documentary on 6.26.2010.
**Patrice Lumumba. Retrieved July 3, 2010 from www.africawithin.com/lumumba/patrice_lumumba.htm
Kimora Lee Simmons – Fab Life with a Flashback
Watching ‘Kimora Lee Simmons – Life in the Fab Lane’ (July 2, 2010)
‘Russell Simmons enters Kimora’s office.
He kisses her young assistant and Kimora says “Don’t kiss her.” Is it a fear to protect her friend from this ‘predator” whom had ‘victimized her’ when she was an under-age girl? I almost thought it was jealousy, but seeing Kimora and her interactions with her assistant, they are genuinely friends and Kimora has that “Mama protects her young.’ personality. Translation‘ Look you stay away from her, you did the same thing to me’.
That thing? – Kimora Lee was a teen age girl and Russell was a grown man when he got with her. Coming from a May-December experiences, I saw something more into this exchange.
She (Kimora) then goes into telling Russell about her volunteerism and credits him for being her inspiration in this area. I’m sure she has a good heart for which no one needs to tell her to ‘give back’ to the community – she understands ‘karma’.
Even though she is a conglomerate within her own right, there is still this psychological need to ‘please’ Russell as a child but then in another breath showing him ‘look, I’m all grown up and I don’t need you’.
She talks of how good it is to see him as well as how good it is to see him gone.’ Keep up the good work Kimora , you are a very strong, beautiful woman and mother who is already known without the last name of ‘Simmons’.
No matter how established one gets, people who were picked on, victimized, or suffered from ‘low-self-esteem’ may still seek approval from others or the person whom victimized them.
*Kimora Lee Simmons – Life in the Fab Lane (July 2, 2010)
Continue reading Kimora Lee Simmons – Fab Life with a Flashback
You Might Miss Your Opportunity but You Will Not Miss Your Blessing
Recently, I had the opportunity to enter the “OWN Your OWN Talk Show” on Oprah Winfrey’s Network to be launched 1/11/11. The short version of this testimony is that I did not complete the audition application on time and was disqualified. Understand the prefix ‘dis’ (reversal) which means I was not ‘unqualified’ but ‘qualified’ for ‘The Oprah Winfrey Network’! I am no longer in the race due to my own admonishment (didn’t do what was required).
Please read on – thank you for your support and love you all – READ ON!!!
People voted (true peeps) while some claimed to vote. Being a “winner” was not predicated on the outcome of this contest! I closed out with almost 1,300 votes in a three-day period (Thank you). Just to get there was difficult. If something is this difficult it is not from God – He always orders your steps and makes the journey easy. I’ve already worked hard for my dreams and it shouldn’t have been this difficult. But I pushed on.
Reflection
There were many distractions, some clearly identified as distractions while others were masked as opportunities; each taking time to deal with – lessening my window of opportunity. There were some people in support, while others were waiting to see the outcome. “Where is your faith now Lynette?” – Still Here, people.
Revelation
I was so stubborn that I had to have God, Jesus, and The Holy Ghost have a round-table with me! Finally, just before my window of opportunity closed, I was given the “Judas Kiss” (St. Luke 22: 47-48, Amplified Version). (Minister Ed – you told me this prophetic word in 2002 – “bitter” but I wouldn’t listen.)
I’m to keep doing my current work because God is giving me what I asked for – the ability to reach the masses through my modes of communication (books, inspirational speaking, and my website (www.lynettelove.org).
Acceptance
When my window (of opportunity) closed, I initially went through the “Five Stages of Grief” (Kubler-Ross, 1969) because of my loss. I blamed myself. I took responsibility for losing THIS opportunity, but I will not miss my blessing! The only way that can happen is if nothing was learned from this experience.
Lessons Learned
Beware of distractions disguised as opportunities. You must stay focused and keep believing in your dreams.
You can’t take everyone with you, there will be those left behind because everybody has their own destiny.
During the time I should have been focused on this task, I was helping everyone else. I will keep helping people but there will be discernment to know which people to help. I want to be a blessing to people but my work will not be held captive because people THINK they see $$$$$$***. (film)
If you miss your opportunity, stay focused, continue to have faith, and thank God you didn’t get your blessing before learning from the experience. Grow from it. Keep the faith – if it looks like the enemy has won, the battle is not over!
Keep positive, keep praying, and keep praising! People don’t have to see you hurt. The next morning after this opportunity passed, I prayed and asked God to continue to let them see the worldly light (smile) in me because life still goes on. People are on a need to know basis.
God always gives His Word in three ways: (see (real or dream), hear, and confirm it through someone else). I heard God’s words about this experience, I saw people for who they were. I listened to the Message from Pastor Marvin Winans: We cannot hide our anointing and we shouldn’t hide it. Also, we should not defend the Light (Anointing) *(Perfecting Church, 2010).
Final Words
“If I missed my opportunity to be with one of the “baddest people on the planet”, understand: God, the Almighty is Greater! He is either going to put me in the position to be with Ms. Winfrey again, or He has something even Greater for me!”
*Perfecting Church – 3:00 p.m. service, June 27, 2010
Continue reading You Might Miss Your Opportunity but You Will Not Miss Your Blessing
TREY SONGZ (BET AWARDS, 2010)
Trey Songz won “Best Male R & B Artist”. I heard him say ‘Come here baby ‘– to his mom. My husband and I got into a great debate! Mom looks great! I saw here sitting next to him in the audience, so I assumed it was his woman”. I hadn’t looked up from my work until she was on stage… and then he ‘looks around for his mom and says “Come here, baby”.
Reflection
Elvis called people “baby”, I say “sweetie, baby” and all that but it’s different with my sons.
I don’t care who else you call ‘baby’ or if calling people ‘baby’ is part of your daily lingo – I am your mother, I had you!
Revelation
We get real comfortable with our kids, and
I’m leaving this one for YOU!
KATIE HOLMES TO PLAY ‘JACKIE O ‘
Watching ET (June 29, 2010) noted that actress ‘Katie Holmes’ is cast to play the late, great ‘First Lady of the United States, Lady of Camelot, the premier fashionista of all time….’ And yes, the wife of JFK. I could go on and on – Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis.
Reflection
I remember Katie Holmes in several roles but what stood out is how she “disappeared as Katie Holmes” and became the ‘wife of Tom Cruise’ and ‘mother of Suri’. All in what’s supposed to occur in decent and in order for women (notice I said ‘supposed to’ so don’t go all ‘new age’ on me with “I don’t need to be married to have a baby, I don’t need these things to complete me, I don’t need a husband to have a baby” because I’m not judging folk). As time went on, this talented actress began to fade from my thoughts and resurfaced when I saw her in “Mad Money” (2008). She played an ‘assumed’ ditsy character that actually was a lot smarter and wiser than what was seen on the surface.
Does life imitate art or does art imitate life?
Ummm, for a while all the press was on her husband but when your “child’ gets more attention in the press, what’s up?
It is going to be interesting to see what happens after she plays this role. This is not just any role – but to transform into a strong, elegant, accomplished woman who held more than three titles at one time – with the difference being – her status remained equal in each role.
Does art imitate life or does life imitate art?
There is no way to “play” this role and not be transformed by it. It’s going to be interesting once the empowering spirit of ‘Jackie O’ is unleashed on screen and in real life.
Revelation
I just spell checked my document. ‘Holmes’ was not detected in my spell check (why not ‘Homes’?); ‘Cruie’ was misspelled and was detected as ‘Cruise’ – first choice in my spell check.
JONELLE MONAE – FINALLY!!! SOME TALENT AND ENERGY!!!
Still watching “BET WARDS 2010” on my DVR with my husband. Suddenly, this bad a** girl comes on with her ‘Elvis’ thang going on doing Princes’ “Let’s Go Crazy”. There are other energetic performers but they are performing saying “look at me” whereas Jonelle Monae’s performance screams “enjoy me, join me” to the audience. Actually, this was the best of the BET AWARDS for MY tastes.
Reflection
It’s been “a while” since I was that excited about a new performer. I’m old school and I miss my “Funk’ days of 1978-1990. Exactly when “funk” changed is unclear but to me after this era, along with the great basketball days of ‘Magic and Jordan’ (NBA)… music changed.
I understand that everything evolves with time but real meaningful music is fading!!!
As long as these artists keep sampling ‘old school’ music, it hasn’t died. It’s just waiting for a full resurrection!
Do you notice that all the young men sound alike – their voices all sound the same? Long gone are the voices of Otis Williams (Temptations), Barry White, Richard Sterban* (The Oakridge Boys), Michael McCary (Boys to Men). Can you name any new “deep voices” currently in the industry? Is it the fact that there is so much ‘studio magic’ or is there something in the water or food?
Embrace change!!!
Old school must adapt or accept to “New School” as the generations before us had to adjust to the same things from the young folk.
Revelation
**Michael Jackson (The Jackson Five) sang “Young Folks” (1970). ‘You better make a way for the young folks – here we come’ (1970). They are not asking for permission. They’re making a ‘definitive statement’ – HERE WE COME! (Regardless if you’re ready or not; they’re not asking for anyone’s permission – young folk are comin’).
*www.Answers.yahoo.com* (June 29, 2010)
**Retrieved June 29, 2010 from http://www.hitparade.ch/showitem.asp?interpret=The+Jackson+Five&titel=The+Young+Folks&cat=s
Continue reading JONELLE MONAE – FINALLY!!! SOME TALENT AND ENERGY!!!
This ‘blog’ section is intended as a reflection of what I see in celebrity life. I am a spirituality coach and assist people with life transitions (from poverty to prosperity). I work with people from all walks of life. I believe that celebrities are people who just happen to have an open life and career with money. They are the children we grew up with who were bullied and teased by others who even may be the one who did these nasty things to other kids!
If the personal issues are never dealt with, they are now adults (who happen to be celebrities) with the same issues and behaviors. What’s difficult is being able to move ahead and not look back nor allow anyone remind them of “I remember when you used to…”
Look for me to ‘blog’ my thoughts and observations on things I see on television, the news, and even…what other fans talk about when we’re together. I will present information, not giving advice; just giving insight. Not being negative… You know, the things that make you say “Ummm…”
Why You’re Not on the Guest List!
A friend was dis-invited from a “free” business trip that had a personal meaning for them. When they disclosed the significance to me, I immediately thought, “Why would you want to go without the person who made the memory significant?”
Their conversation was as if they were “getting over” by getting a “free” trip while keeping the “personal significance” a secret.
First of all, nothing is Free!! Salvation is for those who believe and know that Jesus PAID for the price for us. Everything else is in disguise. If it’s “free”, then there’s a flaw somewhere!
Unbeknown-st to them, God wanted to keep that “special place” special for the two it was meant for. Enjoying it without your “significant other” changes the meaning altogether.
Reflection
Sometimes what we think is a dis-invitation is an invitation by God to enjoy the “party” only with those people who it’s intended to be. Notice the person didn’t say “uninvited”. “Dis” is a prefix that means reversal – you were okay at first but you did something; means you were invited but due to your own admonishment*, you were “removed” from the invite. For this friend, they “disrespected” a superior (in front of other people). You might not like what one says but you have to respect their position. They were removed them the guest list. “Guest means ’ you’re here because I let you be in my company’.
Lesson Learned
Leaders are by ascribed (title) status or through achieved (earned) status, but nevertheless deserve respect.
Enjoy the “party” with those whom you’ll have the most fun with and whom will appreciate the moment.
Revelation
Nothing is free! – Someone, somewhere, somehow – paid for it so you didn’t have to.
*To remind of something forgotten or disregarded, as an obligation or a responsibility* (answers.com).
How Times Change (Is it a good thing?)
I attended The Time and Teena Marie concert at Detroit’s Fox Theater. The show was Great!! What was interesting was to see how a lot of the women were dressed (or lack of). I can’t say that I’ve never worn a mini skirt or cleavage showing top… but I saw women wearing A-shirts (negatively referred to as wife beaters) as a dress. Some of their hemlines were right at their…
Also, bringing cameras to a concert isn’t new but to watch people texting and tweeting IS new for me! If you got to give someone play by play, then they should have bought a ticket! It was irritating and distracting!
I know times must change but what are they changing into?
