I was listening to an interview recently from Mike Epps, (a well known Black actor) as he reflected on his time filming the popular Black classic “Juice” with Tupac Shakur. He said he didn’t realize how big the film would be as well as the other films he was doing in the 90’s. He didn’t know he was apart of a historical moment. But you know what? Tupac did. Epps said “Tupac was well aware back then that they were creating art that would surpass their own lifetimes.” I think Tupac was accurate with his assessment due to a simple scripture: 

He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.

Ecclesiastes 3:11

God has put eternity in our hearts.

You know what’s in my heart these days? A dream. A dream to create, write, and build. It burns in my heart like a forest fire. It yearns, springing up all the way back from times when my ancestors wandered the earth. It screams with every beat of my heart and is exhaled with every breath from my lungs protruding in the ringing of my ears or whispering from its crevices. Whether screaming or whispering the message is always the same.

“The time is now.”

I had a conversation with a friend who is a government teacher. She is passionate about government and has found her niche with molding our youth into Citizens. We discussed various historical moments that are happening today. When I look back on my life I know there are so many in just the few decades I’ve been on the planet. World events are happening daily and sometimes it’s hard to keep up. I felt a nudging form the Father recently to realize that these times would one day be taught in our classrooms and read by our students. What an odd view to think that the “now” will one day be history and that the things we witness or are apart of will be spoken of and studied by perfect strangers. But eternity is in our hearts.

Can I tell you a secret? I have a desire to write an Urban Classic. I have such fond memories of watching movies and reading books that became staples in my community. The 90’s was a Black Renaissance in terms of creativity. There was such a platform for creatives and artists to bring forth the new, whether it was music, comedy or movies. So many of those projects influenced my youth and marked times with loved ones. I desire to offer that same gift to our youth and families of today.

Yesterday I did an IG Live with a fellow creative. We met years ago and this young woman is truly goals as she has multiple businesses and is spreading health and healing to her community using her platform as a licensed mental health therapist. I shared with her the desire to build a legacy and she agreed that we should want to create projects that outlive ourselves. I think every great artist desires that and that is one of the reasons I appreciate the written word, because it outlives the writer.

What are those dreams that are stirring in your heart dear reader? What things influenced you and molded you that can be used for you to influence others? In what ways have you, and are you, and will you make history?

A prominent social media figure was announced dead just a few days ago by the name of Kevin Samuels. I personally did not follow his work closely but knew enough to have an opinion on his beliefs and teachings. Regardless of what your opinion is on the man I think we can all agree that he was taken suddenly at 57 years old. Many would say that is young and I think when people pass suddenly it is a reminder to us that tomorrow is not promised. Today is the only thing that is certain. This moment is the only thing that is certain. But what are we going to do with it?

I know what I want to do with my moment. Do you know what you want to do with yours?

In other news, did you know that I have a monthly newsletter? You can email me if you would like to receive it, or sign up on my website! Just click on “Blog”, go to any blog post, then scroll down until you see “Join Our Newsletter”! I share all of my updates on events I am selling books at and the latest happenings in authorship! You can also view the latest newsletter on my linktree.

Are you on Instagram/Facebook? If so, please reach out! I have started a series called “Word of the Day Wednesdays” where I share 5-10 minutes worth of nuggets that are on my heart, which I hope are encouraging to others on IGTV/FB Live! I have these also posted on my Youtube channel.

Have you read “Stories for the Urban Soul” and are eager to dialogue about your favorite characters, lessons learned, and so much more? Well, now you can download 20 Dialogue questions available on my website to discuss with your friends! Just enter your email in the pop up box and its there!

If you have read “Stories for the (Urban) Soul, please put up an Amazon review here! I was SUPER encouraged and blessed when a new reader put up her review for my 2nd book which you can view here :).

Did you know I have a FREE preview of my book? You can learn more by downloading here. Scroll all the way down and you will see the Kindle Version of the book depicted.

As always thank you for your support!

SHALOM