with Kim Jackson
Heartfelt Declaration
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.”
So beautiful…don’t you agree? I absolutely love this part of this passage. Yes, (for my heathens out there) it’s part of a bible passage. Now, don’t get antsy…when or when you don’t go to church or temple; it’s strictly your business. But, I just wanted to share something with you.
Every time that I read this; it strikes me. It’s like the epitome of pure unconditional love written on paper. When we were young, we knew nothing of the power of unconditional love. Yet, we were easy to come by those words…I love you. We took puppy love for the real thing and I am not faulting anyone. At the time that it was said or said to us; we really believed that we meant it or felt that the other person was declaring truth. It wasn’t until we became older and experienced life that we realized that what was felt wasn’t exactly the ‘real’ thing. Sadly, some of us still make this declaration because of some intense attraction or lustful connection. But, this is not love…not true love. What happens if that connection is broken? What happens if that person gains or loses weight? Hey…it depends on what you’re attracted to…I’m only stating fact. That feeling that you declared will quickly diminish. And both of you will be wondering what the problem is. I can tell you what the problem is…you declared something that wasn’t true.
At the time that you declared…I love you; you may have thought it to be true. But, I have a little exercise for you. Think about the person that you love…right now, go. At this time; you’re probably sitting there with a little silly grin on your face. It’s okay…that’s natural. Now, think of this person with someone else. Happy, married, and in love. Did that smile go away? Did your eyebrows wrinkle with disdain? Did you get a bit of an attitude or get angry? Guess what? You may care deeply about that person…but love it is not. When you love someone and you do this exercise; it may hurt a little, until you imagine the look of love on their face and you smile again. You want that person to be happy…even if it’s not with you.
Now, before you go attaching comments…telling me that I can’t tell you if you love somebody or not. You’re right. I can not tell you what you feel, but I can tell you this. The next time you’re thinking about telling someone that you love them, try this exercise. You just might change your mind.

This 18 yr old isn't a bad kid (legally speaking). He has never been in any real trouble.Has never been arrested, never been involved in any criminal conspiracies, and never really harmed anyone intentionally. So what's the problem you ask?
This 18 yr old man barely finished high school. He graduated with a 1.6 GPA and is currently looking for employment, but has yet to find any leads on a job. He currently lives with his mom and states, "School is not for me!" So he's not going to college, has no job, and his mom doesn't know where to turn.
So we ask, what's next for this young man? He is a good kid overall, and he's trying his best to stay out of trouble and follow the right crowd.Neither of his parents have a degree,but they’ve been working since they were little. He's been watching them work 8-10 hrs per day since he was little and is following in their footsteps. He just can't find a job right now and once he does,he'll land on his feet and be able to move out and live on his own.
In the mean time, he's sitting at home most of the day. The electric bill is rising as he has the heat on all day because it's nice to have heat on a cold winter's day. They are shopping for more food because the young man gets hungry during the day and has to eat to keep his energy up for his job search. This young man also has a cell phone, which is paid for by his mom, that he uses to call about openings while he searches for employment. His mom is working, her overtime has been cut, and she still has to pay the mortgage, all of the expenses at home, as well as any maintenance and gas for her car.
Did I mention that her son takes her to and from work everyday? He needs the car to ensure that he has transportation to an interview during the day if a job calls. Since he doesn’t have employment, he can't afford to put gas in the car. His mom ensures that he has enough gas in the car and she leaves him with some spending money for just in case situations.
This mother is at her wits end now. It’s been 8 months, he is still not employed, and his confidence is shot.Her son doesn't know what to do and feels like he has given everything and nothing is working out for him.
UPH, where do you think this mother should turn and/or what should she do to help her son out in this situation?
Cast member interviews from the smash stage production "I Tune Into Love"
Two shows only on April 2nd and 3rd. Go to www.oneproduction.org and buy your tickets now!
(part duex) with Kim Jackson

Last week I asked about your plan to escape the drudgery that is your job; that is...if you want to escape. But, something came to me; as most things do, in the midst of conversation with others. How do you escape? No, not how do you wind down and relax for the weekend. But, how do you escape everything else?
How do you escape from a never-ending conversation? No matter how many times you say ‘Alright, now; I’ll talk to you later'...they always got another question, comment, or blah, blah, blah.
How do you escape from a dead-end relationship? No matter how many times you say 'No, I'm sorry; but we can’t be together anymore'...they always have another compromise, promise, or way to put you on a pedestal while they suffer just so they can be with you.
How do you escape being a parent? Okay, don.t get your undies in a bunch...work with me here. Being a parent is hard work and yes, you can get a break here and there with Grandma and the occasional sleep over; but, how do you make sure that they know that they are on borrowed time because they can’t live out the remainder of their days mooching off you?
Something happens when we come to the realization that control is out of our grasp. That's simply what the issue is...a matter of control. You want the conversation to end. You want the relationship to end. You want the never ending responsibilities to end. I hate to break it to you...but it's not totally up to you. Although some people think that it is; and often become emotional on a number of levels when they are faced with the truth that they can't control anything. There are a number of things outside our realm of control. The weather. Time. Other people. Did you catch that last one? You can only control yourself. You may think you have some control…'I told her, she betta be in the house at 11. I don't care about it being girl's night out.' Like I said...you may THINK you have that control. You see, a person will only give you as much control (or power) as they are willing to let you have. Now, I must point out that I am speaking in regards to normal people. Not the ones that feel inadequate or have self depreciating and self debilitating insecurities. And if that describes you...I sincerely apologize and COWBOY up! We've had spines for eons...USE IT! But, you can't become emotional when you lose that control or you realize that you never really had it anyway. Honestly...you just shouldn't. And in case you were wondering...why can't I show that I'm upset? Or hurt? It's simple really...because you are too old to be throwing tantrums. And essentially...that's what you're doing.
And bottom line...a grown man or woman throwing a tantrum because they can't have want they want, is a very sad and disturbing sight. And should be recorded for the rest of us to laugh at you later.

Samantha Lynn Frazier says she heard two pops when she walked into Herman's Place early Saturday. The 35-year-old then felt pain and saw blood on her hand after she grabbed her left side.
Atlantic City police say Frazier was an innocent bystander. Detective Lt. Charles Love says the gunman was aiming for a man who escaped with a bullet hole in his down jacket.
Frazier said: I'd been hollering how I want to lose weight... I don't want to lose weight anymore. I want to be as big as I can if it's going to stop a bullet.