Parents - Go Get Your Children From the Streets!

I have been watching the most recent unrest in Baltimore, Maryland.  My heart goes out to the parents - especially the mother of Freddie Gray - they young man whom lost his life.  I can't say that I understand what she is going through because I have not walked in her shoes.  But to watch her son, via video, being dragged to the police van, partially limp, screaming out in pain, and needing to have his leg lifted just to get inside the van - I share the pain that her heart must have felt.  I pray that the truth will be revealed and justice will be served.

People are tired and fed up with the injustices and the unnecessary force, mistreatment, and abuse. Yes, some of these young men may have made wrong choices; however it doesn't  give any one individual the right to be the judge, jury, and executor.  There is a process for broken laws. Unfortunately, the unrest we have witnessed across the states and now in Baltimore is the result of simply being fed up. Prayerfully, positive outcomes will eventually occur.  Perhaps there will be changes in laws, policies, as well as actions within families.

One action I will like to highlight - because it displayed the fact that some parents - mothers are raising their children to make good choices and will do whatever it takes to make sure they are not making the wrong choices.  I highly respect the mother who saw her son on television throwing rocks at the police and immediately went out to get him from the streets.  I truly understand her thoughts and why she did what she did.  Although I do not condone violence, this mother's action could be the very thing that saved her son from being another statistic.  I wish we had more like her.  Perhaps more youth would be in better control.  It takes the village to raise a child - but the power starts at home.  If we don't go get our children from the streets, the police will - with a possible end result of more and more cases such as what we have witnessed in Baltimore and other states.  

https://www.facebook.com/abcnews/videos/vb.86680728811/10153372680388812/?type=2&theater

https://www.facebook.com/TheView

In closing, I'm thankful for all of the parents who are doing it right and have children who make the right choices!  

Empowering the Youth During Critical Times

Children grow up very fast.  The first five years of their lives is the most important.  They absorb like sponges.  Fragile, but yet can be so cruel, I have often wondered what is the cause of the effects.  I have learned that in reality, there is not one primary cause.  What's more important is investing in the children - nurturing, educating them, teaching them the "how to," what's right and wrong - life's morals and values.  It truly takes the village to raise a child.  I had the pleasant opportunity to attend an award ceremony for "Professor C.J."  It was uplifting and empowering to see three men whom rallied around him.  Since January 2015, C.J. has been bullied.  He has come home -in tears- recanting the mean-spirited things that have been said and done to him.  In spite of it all, his love for learning has not changed.  He loves to play chess and is persistent in completing homework assignments and reading.  I am also thankful for the teachers whom have nurtured him along the way.

April 24, 2015, for the third time, C.J. received an "A" Honor Roll Award.  Three men (his legal guardian, Mamadou Ndiaye, Mr. Gene Bell, CEO of Housing Authority for the City of Asheville and Mr. John Legerton, Owner of Legerton Architecture) joined me to make this a special day for "Professor C.J." His face was lit up such as a Christmas tree.  The smile he displayed radiated joy within my heart.  In our busy lives, I think we tend to forget how important it is to show some love, invest some time and attention in a student.  It's the wind beneath their wings!  Thank you to all whom already invest time into our youth.

C.J., with an interest in building and maybe becoming an Architect, had two special supporters of his receiving the "A" honor roll award. Mr. Gene Bell, CEO of Housing Authority of the City of Asheville, NC Community and Mr. John Legerton, owner of the Legerton Architecture firm.

Mamadou Ndiaye and Carroll and Pat Crawford,

proud grandparents of another honor roll recipient.

Professor C.J.  

                         

Empowered! Empowered! Empowered!

Within the last month, I have attended three excellent training sessions.  The subject matter experts provided opportunity and information to empower community members and I was empowered!  Mr. Darryl Rhymes of Asheville-Buncombe Technical College increased my interviewing strategies.  Mr. Rhymes empowered me with knowledge in how to interview effectively - leaving an impression which makes the interviewer respond to the thought,  "I've got to have this individual on my team!"

Ms. Paula Watts traveled from Atlanta, Georgia and increased my knowledge of secrets in securing Federal government contracts.  Why settle for less when there is more for the reaching?"  Be your own boss was the message - and Paula isn't just talking the talk, she is walking the walk.

Ms. Earlene Morgan arranged for Mr. George Henderson and Alicia Henderson to travel from Greenville, SC to empower the community in shedding the mindset of living poor (passing over opportunities repeatedly (POOR)).  I was welcomed to my future.  I was shown a vision.  I was taught how to save money while I earn money on travel.  Through all three, I am empowered!

Please visit www.pep247@paycation.com to learn more.  "Explore the world around you!  Live the lifestyle you deserve!"  And while you are there, learn more about opportunities, book your travel, join us!  If you would like, I will be more than happy to assist you.


"Never depend on a single source of income.  You must invest to create a second source."
Warren Buffett

Remembering Those Whom Empowered Me

Every now and then  I look back over my life and think about all of the individuals  whom empowered, encouraged, and unleashed the motivation within me.  It saddens my heart that most of them have transitioned out of this world and people like them are very few.  It is no wonder that our youth are out of control.  Very few people are investing in the future. There is not enough nurturing or attention on the children.  It seems as if there is a disconnect and the children are being neglected, used, and abused.  The youth are our future.   We are destroying our future.

I must first give honor to my grandmother, whom I called "Momma and grandfather, whom I called "Daddy."   My mother birthed me at a very young age.  Momma and daddy stood in the gap.  She nurtured me, protected me, taught me how to cook and how to survive.  "Always have your own" she instilled in me.  "Don't depend on no one and help those you can."  Daddy taught me that women are not made to beat upon; and men are suppose to take care of home.  Ms. McClintock, a Nun at St. Genevieve Catholic School taught me how to behave as a young lady.  How to sit and definitely - no cursing.  My mother taught me how to take care of my children - and really how not to enable them.  My aunts show me how to be protective.  Areta, showed me how to take care of others - regardless if they are your children or not.  Betty Griffin and Ms. Eloise taught me how to shop.  My father, James "Fix-It-Man" Finley, taught me how to stand for what it is right and ethical.  Say what you mean and mean what you say.  My Uncle James Robinson taught me how to handle my business and to be professional in all I do.  Guess what, there are others whom are teaching me right now.

You see, life is a big classroom.  There are plenty of lessons to learn.  You just have to want to learn and be open to receive.  It's about choices.  So, People Empowering People 247 was created as a result of all that have been instilled in me and as a way to invest back into society.  This blog is created so that we can encourage and empower one another.  Life is for living - and living life to its fullest.  God created us for His purpose.  I have discovered that my purpose is to help others along my journey.  Giving a hand up - not a handout.  So this blog, the webpage is created to help someone. I can't do it by myself.  I need you to help, too.  There may be times I may need your help.  So let's do this!