I was in bed by 10:00 PM but I couldn't sleep. I should have known better. Sleep doesn't come to me too easily these days; especially when there is an important event about to occur in my life. Sometimes it is my dreams that cause me restlessness, other times it is the mere thought of nearly everything else. I sometimes take a natural sleep aid to get a good 8 hours or more, but that does not happen too often. I can't stop thinking about the day. You see, I went to the wake of my dear friend's son this evening. I listened to my music in the car all the way there but I honestly did not hear any of the songs. I arrived at the funeral home and noticed that my breathing become shallow as I parked my car. I did not know what to expect as I walked towards the entrance. I immediately spotted a woman from the VA hospital where I once worked walking towards the same door I was entering and we smiled at each other, spoke greetings and hugged. Once inside, she spoke to her daughter who accompanied her and stated that she needed to first visit the restroom. That was not odd to me because I had to do the same. Besides, I needed a little more time to pray. The hall was crowded with people. Some were standing around in groups talking, some were sitting in sofas. All were trying to be strong. I wondered what many of them, including myself, would have given to not be gathered for such a sad and solemn occasion. No one wanted to be at a wake but everyone believed in paying their respect to the departed and showing their sincere love and support to the family. I greeted some of the people from the hospital that I used to work with and then I entered the processional that was lined up nearly to the rear of the room. The mother of the young man was seated at the foot of the casket in which her son lay. "She had been here since it began at 1:00 pm", a young woman said. A girlfriend of hers from work had made it her duty to routinely take her a soft drink at specific periods of the evening. The mother, my dear friend, had a serene look about her. She looked at you but looked through you. She greeted each well-wisher with a smile and a hug. She was strength enough for all of us who came to see her baby. And he looked so good. He looked as if he were merely sleeping and could awaken at any moment. I hugged the young man's step-father at the head of the casket and we shared a moment that was cordial, but painful, at the same time. "Remember, "Farther Along " at the service tomorrow", he said. "I have everything ready", I smiled, and left his side. At this very moment my chest hurts. Actually there is a heaviness inside of it. I want to cry but I am afraid I won't be able to stop myself. I will sing for their son tomorrow. I will sing and imagine the gates of Heaven opening up to usher him in; this young man, this poor young man who knew too much pain too soon in his life.
"And may the peace of God which passes all understanding keep your hearts and mind through Christ Jesus".
I'm going to try to get some sleep now. If not, there is always tomorrow night.
Love your family now. God bless.
Dennis
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
While I am On My Way
It's early and I am alone. The wife has gone to work and my son has ridden off on his school bus. "Today is Tuesday", he remarked as he exited the door. Yes, it is Tuesday, I thought, and I have a busy week ahead. I would be openly telling a lie if I said that I missed getting up at 5:30 am, (sometimes much earlier), to get ready for work. This morning I have thoughts; many thoughts, and I can't go back to sleep just yet. I am listening to my CD play in the background. Listening to it is a constant reminder of how God has blessed me beyond what I could ever have imagined. I pray that others find my music comforting as they listen to it. I will be getting dressed tomorrow. It is no longer a standard to see me dressed to the hilt on a daily basis since I have retired. I was asked to render a few music selections at the funeral of our friend's son who recently passed. I consider it an honor whenever asked to express my gift at an event, however; funerals are particularly special. Yes, I know that we shall all see death at some time but no one likes to say goodbye to a loved one; especially when the death was not readily anticipated. I am glad that death is not the end; "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed with so great a cloud of witnesses", and that with each person's death we are to be renewed with a desire to live life to the fullest, to love unconditionally, to trust in impossible things in our lives and in the lives of others, and to persevere beyond the expectations of others who may doubt in our abilities to do so. And yes, even doubt from our own selves. "Let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily besets us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us". Hebrews 12:1.
The word for today is Symbiont. This is when two organisms which are distinctly different exist together. The symbiont organism is always the smaller of the two and usually derives its benefit from the larger organism. This is the relationship that we, (the symbiotic), have with God. We exist with Him and in Him and it is by His life that we benefit in our own lives. But the relationship goes far beyond just being connected to God. We are also connected to one another. It is a sad man or woman who never learns that we are all one; regardless of race, occupation, gender, socioeconomic status or beliefs. Everybody wants to go to heaven but we must realize that not one person has the "key" to getting in. So much of what we perceive to be "good works" will be left at Heaven's gates and not allowed in because these perceptions are only acts of formalism and tradition and hammered down religiosities which served their purpose on earth but were never designed for God's plan. And so it is true of some of the ideals we have grown to reject as we journey in this life. We should therefore keep it simple; Love the Lord your God with all your heart and love your neighbor as you would love yourself.
Have a great day. I love you all.
Dennis
The word for today is Symbiont. This is when two organisms which are distinctly different exist together. The symbiont organism is always the smaller of the two and usually derives its benefit from the larger organism. This is the relationship that we, (the symbiotic), have with God. We exist with Him and in Him and it is by His life that we benefit in our own lives. But the relationship goes far beyond just being connected to God. We are also connected to one another. It is a sad man or woman who never learns that we are all one; regardless of race, occupation, gender, socioeconomic status or beliefs. Everybody wants to go to heaven but we must realize that not one person has the "key" to getting in. So much of what we perceive to be "good works" will be left at Heaven's gates and not allowed in because these perceptions are only acts of formalism and tradition and hammered down religiosities which served their purpose on earth but were never designed for God's plan. And so it is true of some of the ideals we have grown to reject as we journey in this life. We should therefore keep it simple; Love the Lord your God with all your heart and love your neighbor as you would love yourself.
Have a great day. I love you all.
Dennis
Sunday, March 27, 2011
A Loss In The Family
You never know which way your day will lead you. All the more reason the proverb instructs us to "Acknowledge Him in all your ways and He shall direct your path". We do well to simply wake up each morning with the full use of our minds and bodies; let alone have sufficient food, clothing, and shelter at our disposal. The weather has recently made a drastic change from sunny skies to snow and chilling winds. The family and I had decided to retire to the comfort of our home and enjoy a movie together. We had even gone as far as to put on our pajamas. My cell phone rang about 30 minutes into the feature and when I answered it the familiar voice of my dear friend whom I had met while working at the Veterans Hospital. The strain in her voice alerted me that there was something that was amiss. "Dennis, my son is dead. My son is dead". I quickly collected their address and the family and I proceeded to get dressed. Getting ready to leave was another story. Tears freely fell from my wife's eyes as she ironed a blouse. I numbly selected a tie from my closet to accompany my black shirt and trousers I had chosen. My friend had just lost a 24 year old son; her husband, a step-son. Without elaborating too much, I will merely say that the wounds of the loss of our own 25 year old son, my step-son, four years ago were all to familiar to us. I read a verse from 2 Corinthians, prayed with Eddrenna and David, and we were on our way. Did my wife and I intend on going to our friend's home to tell them that they will be alright or that we are living examples of "How I got over"? Far from it. We were prepared to do nothing but cry alongside of them. Whatever words were to be spoken would have to come from the Lord. Later that evening our gathering was mixed with tears, andl aughter, (their pastor was there and it is always amusing to hear of the strange foods he likes to consume such as alligator and guinea pig). We ate KFC and listened to each other's conversations, reviewed photographs, and sang songs and prayed. Love covers a multitude of faults. There were no accusations being made in their home; no angry words being yelled out towards God or any person. Only a tender quietness that those who love God and each other can manifest in a single room of such a diverse group of individuals.
I believe that our friends will get better as each day passes; but the days will noticeably pass by much slower than before. So many questions, so many hopes, so many prayers and yet....
Farther along we'll know all about it, farther along we'll understand why. Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine. We'll understand it all by and by.
Love one another extra hard today, and forgive.
Dennis
I believe that our friends will get better as each day passes; but the days will noticeably pass by much slower than before. So many questions, so many hopes, so many prayers and yet....
Farther along we'll know all about it, farther along we'll understand why. Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine. We'll understand it all by and by.
Love one another extra hard today, and forgive.
Dennis
Thursday, March 24, 2011
A Message From Tyler Perry
I wanted to share this email from Tyler Perry. It speaks strongly of so many things I believe.
Thanks for the congrats on the 2011 NAACP Image Awards! It was a fun night. What made me feel so great about 19 nominations is that 16 of the 19 were for actors or actresses that have worked or are working on something produced by my studio. What a blessing that is! Thank you for allowing me to be able to put so many people to work. I also gotta say that I'm so happy for David Mann (Mr. Brown). He won his first image award! He is so talented and so funny. Congratulations sir!
After the show, I threw a party and called it the "Rise Above It" celebration and I dedicated it to all the folks who are trying to keep their dreams alive.
This party was for everyone who has to go on 1,000 auditions just to get what a lot of others can get in one or two. This party was for the people who have to knock on 1,000 doors to get a break when others seem to be able to make one phone call and get things done. This party was for the people who felt like their dreams were fading to black and white. I spoke to the crowd about all of this, and then I went on to encourage them just as I'd like to encourage you. Don't let your dreams lose their color.
I called the party "Rise Above It" because that's what we have to do sometimes. I could sit thinking about a million things that are wrong, but instead I choose to think on what is right. So "as a man thinketh so is he". In order to see any kind of good success you've got to think positively so that positive things can start to happen in your life. This I know for a fact--IT WORKS! Your thoughts are so powerful. You've got to rise above negativity. Not all of it, but most of it. I say that because even the smallest battery has a positive and negative charge and they both are needed in order for it to work. If you get criticism that is vitriolic and full of venom, don't let that in. Venom kills the spirit. If you get criticism that is constructive and full of love, take it under consideration and learn. It takes a little wisdom to be able to know the difference.
My mother, God rest her soul, when I was a kid in New Orleans, taught me something about higher ground. Every time a hurricane would threaten the city she would gather us up and take us across the lake to higher ground. New Orleans is 6 feet below sea level and she would always tell us that we would be safe if we were up higher. No matter what the forecast called for, even if the storm was just coming close to the city, she would take us to my grandfather's house. He lived 80 miles away in a town that was much higher than New Orleans.
Now, as a man, I recount that. When I deal with negative things in this life, in this business, I "rise above it". I stay on higher ground. I don't come down from the safety of a higher place to deal with the foolishness or danger of what is beneath me. I tell you it works. It frees your soul to be free. If you haven't tried it you should. It will mess your enemies up. If I can leave you with anything, I will leave you with this--in this life there will be a lot of things thrown at you. Take them as they come. Some things you fight, but most you don't. Rise above it! Nothing can hurt you when you stay in the high place. It's safe there. And don't worry about your enemies. The 23rd Psalm says, "Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies", which means, in order for you to eat, then your enemies have to be present! (smile)
Thanks for the congrats on the 2011 NAACP Image Awards! It was a fun night. What made me feel so great about 19 nominations is that 16 of the 19 were for actors or actresses that have worked or are working on something produced by my studio. What a blessing that is! Thank you for allowing me to be able to put so many people to work. I also gotta say that I'm so happy for David Mann (Mr. Brown). He won his first image award! He is so talented and so funny. Congratulations sir!
After the show, I threw a party and called it the "Rise Above It" celebration and I dedicated it to all the folks who are trying to keep their dreams alive.
This party was for everyone who has to go on 1,000 auditions just to get what a lot of others can get in one or two. This party was for the people who have to knock on 1,000 doors to get a break when others seem to be able to make one phone call and get things done. This party was for the people who felt like their dreams were fading to black and white. I spoke to the crowd about all of this, and then I went on to encourage them just as I'd like to encourage you. Don't let your dreams lose their color.
I called the party "Rise Above It" because that's what we have to do sometimes. I could sit thinking about a million things that are wrong, but instead I choose to think on what is right. So "as a man thinketh so is he". In order to see any kind of good success you've got to think positively so that positive things can start to happen in your life. This I know for a fact--IT WORKS! Your thoughts are so powerful. You've got to rise above negativity. Not all of it, but most of it. I say that because even the smallest battery has a positive and negative charge and they both are needed in order for it to work. If you get criticism that is vitriolic and full of venom, don't let that in. Venom kills the spirit. If you get criticism that is constructive and full of love, take it under consideration and learn. It takes a little wisdom to be able to know the difference.
My mother, God rest her soul, when I was a kid in New Orleans, taught me something about higher ground. Every time a hurricane would threaten the city she would gather us up and take us across the lake to higher ground. New Orleans is 6 feet below sea level and she would always tell us that we would be safe if we were up higher. No matter what the forecast called for, even if the storm was just coming close to the city, she would take us to my grandfather's house. He lived 80 miles away in a town that was much higher than New Orleans.
Now, as a man, I recount that. When I deal with negative things in this life, in this business, I "rise above it". I stay on higher ground. I don't come down from the safety of a higher place to deal with the foolishness or danger of what is beneath me. I tell you it works. It frees your soul to be free. If you haven't tried it you should. It will mess your enemies up. If I can leave you with anything, I will leave you with this--in this life there will be a lot of things thrown at you. Take them as they come. Some things you fight, but most you don't. Rise above it! Nothing can hurt you when you stay in the high place. It's safe there. And don't worry about your enemies. The 23rd Psalm says, "Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies", which means, in order for you to eat, then your enemies have to be present! (smile)
For Your Benefit
"So it is with life. Everyday has its worthwhile rewards for work well done. Everyday offers its chance for happiness. But those rewards seem so small, those chances so petty, compared with the big things we see ahead. So we pass them by, never recognizing that the great position we look forward to, the shining prize we see in the distance, is just the sum of all the little tasks, the heaped up result of all the little prizes that we must win as we go along."
Robert Collier, author of "The Secret Of The Ages, The Master Code To Abundance And Achievement"
My friends, I wish that you all may prosper and be in good health.
Have a great day.
Dennis
Robert Collier, author of "The Secret Of The Ages, The Master Code To Abundance And Achievement"
My friends, I wish that you all may prosper and be in good health.
Have a great day.
Dennis
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Being Alone
Today it took an extra amount of effort to get started with my day. I believe that it was largely due to my being awake until 4a.m. I had so many thoughts to decipher. I believe that it is wrong to worry so I try to remain cognizant as to whether I am falling into that mode of thinking. I sometimes get these feelings that something extraordinary is looming just above my head. The anticipation and wonder I feel inside is concerning it is awesome. I have seen God do so much this year in just a short amount of time and I have become accustomed to asking and receiving like I never have before in all of my life.
This morning as I was standing on the front porch waiting for David's school bus to arrive I had a moment of sadness pass over me concerning a few friends and associates who had gone on before me. I think of them every now and then and I wonder if they left this earth feeling as if they had lived a fulfilling life or if they were just getting started. I am very active in my retirement. No one day is mundane or uneventful and I have learned that we are in control of our lives, our spirit, our happiness and our attitudes. My family and I have already vowed to do some things differently this year and beyond. We are no longer slaves to time, other people's issues, or finances. I can't say that I am "Livin' the Vida Loca" (Crazy life) but I am having a good time and it is getting better everyday. Why? Because I call for it. Do you?
Life is too precious not to enjoy.
Dennis
This morning as I was standing on the front porch waiting for David's school bus to arrive I had a moment of sadness pass over me concerning a few friends and associates who had gone on before me. I think of them every now and then and I wonder if they left this earth feeling as if they had lived a fulfilling life or if they were just getting started. I am very active in my retirement. No one day is mundane or uneventful and I have learned that we are in control of our lives, our spirit, our happiness and our attitudes. My family and I have already vowed to do some things differently this year and beyond. We are no longer slaves to time, other people's issues, or finances. I can't say that I am "Livin' the Vida Loca" (Crazy life) but I am having a good time and it is getting better everyday. Why? Because I call for it. Do you?
Life is too precious not to enjoy.
Dennis
Monday, March 14, 2011
Lando
I once had a son named Illando. We called him Lando; his friends called him "Ill". He was about 14 years old when I began dating his mother. By having to be the ""man of the house" since his mother's divorce he was very resistant to my coming into his his mother's life but I was in love with her and I was not going to back off easily. Once he realized that my intentions towards his mother and he and his sister were sincere Lando and I eventually became good friends. As with all teenagers, Lando and I had our problems but his mother and I were able to see him through his most troubleding times and he graduated from high school and joined the Air Force. One day while we were riding in my car he and I got into a conversation about a young lady he was dating and desired to marry. I will not get into the details concerning the conversation but I will simply say that I openly voiced my objection to his proposed union to the young lady, (largely based on my experience with certain females in my past), and Lando angrily rejected it. We were able to remain cordial after that conversation but it was evident that our relationship had forever changed. Lando experienced some physical problems while enlisted and was forced to leave the Air Force for medical reasons. He never married the young lady we had the disagreement over but went to join up with Haliburton and go to the middle east to work as a computer specialist. Our communication became non existent after that and he only spoke with his mother from that moment on. I always loved him and I was hurt that we were not close anymore, but I had to guard my feelings. I was tired of being hurt. Lando was very god at his job and he flourished. He traveled the world, learned to play golf, had a beautiful girlfriend, and bought a fast motorcycle.
One day while at work at the Tuscaloosa VA Hospital I received a call in my office that my wife needed me in her office upstairs. I immediately left my desk to find out that she had received a call that Lando had been killed in Bahrain while riding his motorcycle. He died almost instantly. It would be futile to tell you that we have been alright since his death. There is not a day that passes that he is not felt or seen. His mother and I are fortunate to still be together throughout all of the heartache we have experienced. I know that Lando and I had a special relationship. He is still with me when I watch our NBA teams or when I go to see the latest movies. I wish I could have hugged him and told him how proud I was of all that he had accomplished.
I wish he was still here as my son.
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