LAST NIGHT (Friday January 16th) I had the opportunity to hear Kevin Powell give a message on the topic, "Black Men in America: What Obama Means to Us."  Mr. Powell was the Keynote Speaker for a quarterly men’s gathering which took place at the Bethesda Baptist Church of New Rochelle.  Let me tell you… it was one powerful presentation!  When he speaks, his humility, passion and intellect commands your attention.

For those of you who may not know, Kevin Powell is a multi-talented individual, working successfully in numerous areas revolving around Activism, Journalism, Business, Cultural Awareness, History, Politics and Entertainment.  He’s also the author of several books, the latest being The Black Male handbook .

Most of us have heard the words, "God has a plan for you."  Well, they are more than words.  It is true that God has a plan for each one of us.  The question is whether or not we want that plan.

Many of us have been told that, "God wants us to prosper."  Well, this is true as well.  The question is whether or not our definition of prosperity is the same as God’s definition.

THE QUESTION

“Outside of your job, what’s your hustle?”  An associate recently asked me this over lunch.

I never really liked this word.  In my mind it has too many negative connotations like: someone standing on the corner trying to get you to do something you don’t want to do; the telemarketer who calls during dinner trying to sell you junk you don’t need; the department store sales person who seems genuine as long as you buy something so he can reach his quota; and big business that promises you great discounts on materials already overpriced.

A LOADED WORD

“SHOW ME THE MONEY!”

This is one of the key movie quotes that made Cuba Gooding Jr. memorable!  AND it’s a question the whole world is basically asking, because our broken economy is affecting the economies of other countries.  Where has all the money gone?  How will I take care of my family?  Where will I find a new job?  ‘Show me the money!!!”  I want to help you not only find the money, but more importantly I want to help you discover your purpose so your life can move beyond money.  So, keep reading!

“HELP ME, HELP YOU.”

“Desperation” by Allen Paul Weaver III 

Here’s a piece I wrote back in 2007.  I think it may speak to where some people may feel themselves to be today.

As we enter 2009 , all of us are concerned about the economy, making ends meet, being successful and living a meaningful existence. We’ve seen the news stories about those who’ve lost their jobs, their homes and their savings; and we either fall into this category ourselves or know someone who does. Many of us are anxious about a future that seems uncertain, but I believe that the future is in fact certain… we just need ‘eyes to see and ears to hear’ in order to take advantage of the opportunities that stand before us. My life is far from perfect and sometimes I get anxious too, so I’ve been pondering my own existence, making observations and looking to the Bible for guidance. Here are five things to consider as we seek to press forward in 2009.