1 True Love

1 True Love

When I first met you I was so infatuated, captivated, stimulated,

Being in your presence again is what I anticipated.

The more we talked, the more I learned,

The longer we were apart, the more I yearned.

The more we were together,

The more I thought, this could be forever.

Your style, your grace, your intellect had me intrigued,

Your versatility, your charisma, your aura filled a need.

It was more than a desire, more than lust

You filled the void I was missing, you became the one I trust.

Sometimes I get so lost just listening to and envisioning your words,

The trips you take me on, the images you conjured up are so superb.

Your presence, your style, the way you move, mere words cannot describe,

The way you command and captivate an audience, let’s just call it worldwide.

But it was more than flashing lights, parties, and good times,

Sometimes you would get so deep, drop a message and make me want to rewind.

Rewind back to a time when it was just me and you,

A hot summer day or stroll under the midnight hue.

A time when it was simple, fun, not so many distractions,

When it wasn't about the glitz, the glamour, the attractions.

Back then didn't fuss over who went first or who got the last,

Let bygones be bygones and left the past in the past.

Never was an issue over money & bills,

Just us against the world making it bend to our will.

When we first started, it was innocent and fun,

More about self-expression, learning one another, becoming one.

And even when we didn’t see eye to eye or things felt like they were coming to an end,

I knew no matter what, you would always be my lover and friend.

No distance or separation could sever our ties or tear us apart,

Whether you’re on the west and I’m on the east, you’ll always remain in my heart.

You bring tears to my eyes and put a smile on my face,

Light up the sky and make all the hurt dissipate.

The greatest of these is love and when I hear you, I know what God meant,

He loves me so much, in you, an angel He sent.

The love we share defies logic, transcends imaginations, evolves, and achieves,

Take one look, one listen, one touch, you too will believe.

You are clairvoyant, mysterious, rambunctious, righteous, and versatile,

But for me, you are bliss personified, love embodied, you make my heart smile.

No matter the tribulation, despite the trials, or on the verge of defeat,

A simple whisper from your lips lifts me back on my feet.

You are my strength and peace during the storm,

My comfort at night, what keeps me warm.

The dream-shaper, the mind-stimulator, the fire in my soul,

When I am with you is when I feel whole.

I close my eyes, envision your beauty, a creature so divine,

There is no comparison, no substitute, simply sublime.

With you, I am more than a conqueror, I feel immortal,

You are a window to a new world, my love portal.

The right word at the right time, the answer to prayers,

When all else fails, I can turn to you and share.

Share my hopes, aspirations, and fears,

Knowing you will have the right words to make it all clear.

Where would I be without you, what would I do,

At the end of the day, our love will always remain true,

Music, I love you.

Is Love A Choice?

Every part of life is directed by choices or decisions and are shaped by the proceeding effects. The choice to love is no different. I had an arousing and stimulating conversation with a group of people regarding whether or not love is an actual choice. The discussion was in-depth, provocative, informative, and left me wondering if my thought process was rational or relevant. Suffice to say, I had to go back to the drawing board to rethink some things.

For many, love is a overwhelming sense of euphoria that comes on suddenly, without warning, and renders its subject helplessly head over heels. But is that really love? {see “What Is Love ”for a reference}. Love is so much more than mere emotions. An emotion is simply a noun, a word used to name or describe a person, place, feeling, ideal, and is defined as follows: A mental state that arises spontaneously rather than through conscious effort and is often accompanied by physiological changes; a feeling: the emotions of joy, sorrow, reverence, hate, and love. In other words, it’s uncontrollable, without thought, and comes and goes at about the same rate and speed. The thing about nouns, emotions, are that they are stationary, uninvolved, lacking in movement. You may feel a certain way, an emotion may take you over, but what you do with that emotion, how you react to it, is the choice that makes the difference. It is at that moment when those emotions are demonstrated and expressed that love is realized.

So if an emotion is a noun, would you agree that love is a verb? A verb asserts something about the subject and expresses actions, events, or states of being. As one writer put it, “Love is always connected with what you do,” and what we do is love.” Love is what you do in spite of, because of, and regardless of. Still not following? Love encompasses all walks of life, is present in every relationship, and is multi-dimensional.

Love is what happens when you’ve worked 12 hours, multi-tasked and juggled corporate and family life, and still made it a purpose to read your children a bedtime story. Did you have to do that? Was your day not strenuous and exhausting? Would it have been not been easier to just put the kids to bed and take the rest of the evening to yourself? Despite all of that, your actions, your choice, was to spend quality time with the kids, to show love.

Love is what happens when, for no reason and no expectations of reciprocation, you randomly show kindness to a stranger, purchase a gift for a significant other, or go out of your way to show that special person how much they mean and are appreciated. It was done just because, with no pretense, ulterior motive, or waiting with bated breath for something in return. There are an endless number of things that you could have done with your time, money, and efforts for yourself, but it was love that led you to do for someone else, to choose to give unconditionally.

Love is what happens when your last, reserved nerve has been pushed to the limit and you are about to explode and act in a manner that is anything but Christina-like, but instead, you deter that emotion, swallow your pride, repress that anger, and regardless of who’s right or who’s wrong, you act with humility, respect, and gentleness as you turn to your significant other and say, “I’m sorry and I love you.” You may be completely right by anyone’s reasoning and logic, could have been mistreated, and feelings deeply hurt, but it is love that allows you to die of self and instead of lashing out and retaliating, extend an olive branch and emphasize and focus on love. Or putting it a different way, setting in motion resolutions, taking actions to rectify and build, choosing to move forward and not linger in turmoil.

Still uncertain, on the fence, indecisive? The “Summit Circle,” as I have affectionately titled the group of friends and peers mentioned earlier, proposed that love cannot be a choice as you have no control when love strikes or the magnitude in which it commandeers your life. Referencing Deborah Cox’s smash hit, “Nobody’s Supposed To Be Here,” and the lyrics “How did you get here? Nobody's supposed to be here. I've tried that love thing for the last time. My heart says no, no! Nobody's supposed to be here, but you came along and changed my mind.” It appears Ms. Cox was taken off guard, unaware, and even trying to fight the feeling, her emotions. But if you take a closer look, you will see the actions, the choices, she made in the name of love. Although nobody (love) was supposed to be there, she tried it, made a conscious effort, chose to see what love offered and although initially it didn’t work or offer the results she was seeking, it (love) came beckoning again and changed her mind. Meaning she processed (verb - choice), contemplated (verb - choice), decided (verb - choice) to give love (take actions) another chance and see where it led her. In spite of the past pain, because of the endless possibilities, and regardless of the unknown and numerous variables, she is choosing love again.

Love is the choice we make. We’ve all heard the cliché “fall in or out of love,” but what that is really saying is that I am experiencing a plethora of emotionally stimulating feelings. Or the opposite end of that spectrum is that plethora of emotions has dissipated and the luster has worn off. It is what we do in between, the actions we take, the choices we choose, that demonstrates love. Do we act on the exhilaration and exuberance of feelings, pursuing it and discovering new horizons? Do we replenish that lost feeling, rediscover what once excited and thrilled us, attempt to reestablish what once was? Either way "falling" in and of itself requires action, making a choice, and love is the outcome of that choice.

Ponder this as you think about love and action being synonymous. Love in manifested in four different ways. "Storge," meaning affection; "Philia," meaning friendship; "Eros," meaning sexual or romantic; and "Agape," meaning selfless. None of the aforementioned forms of love exists as simply a noun, because without action they are dead. Without choice they are irrelevant, if never expressed, they never form to fruition, and if never used, they are wasted. Love is the voluntary act of selecting what is preferred, the determination of the mind, grasping the power of opportunity, utilizing judgement or skill in what is desired. Love is a choice.

Remember, this isn’t just about U or just about Me, but all about We. The only way We grow is if We share, learn from, help, and support each other. Agree or disagree, it's all about growth. Has love been your choice or a meager emotion? How can you choose to express love, pursue love, explore love? Come back soon as we’ll dig a little deeper and forge a little further. Also, be on the lookout for U, Me, and We hitting the radio waves. We're taking it to new heights and trying to reach as many as possible.

"Love is a verb. Love is something you do: the sacrifices you make, the giving of self. If you want to study love, study those who sacrifice for others. Love - the feeling - is a fruit of love the verb." Stephen R. Covey

One Bad Mother

One Bad Mother

Since the beginning of time you've shined like the morning sun, watched over and protected us like a full moon

Helped raise and nurture men from sons, daughters you’ve cultivated and groom

Never given a blueprint, manuscript, or instructions to follow or sample,

Ma’Dear, Big Mama, and Mommy was how you learned, they were your example

The heart and backbone of the family, quiet security and insurmountable strength

More power than a 100 armies, a will than can never be bent

Don’t believe me, go after her offspring and watch this Mama bear, this lioness attack

Or witness the miracle of birth and see this wonder woman bounce right back

One of the baddest creatures walking earth,

So bad that God designated you to give Jesus Christ birth

I repeat, so bad that God designated YOU to give Jesus Christ birth,

Tell me, what man can measure your worth

Not saying she is Jesus reincarnated, but a lil something like Him,

Jesus took 5 loaves and 2 fish, while mom took 50 cents of luncheon meat and a loaf of bread to feed men

Some beans and some rice, and all u could say after was, that was nice

Mom fed the stomach and the soul, showed wisdom and understanding with a spoon and a bowl

A Proverbs 31 woman living amongst man, quick to hit you with a timely scripture and when needed, the back of her hand

Don't get it twisted, God-fearing, bible-following, holy and redeemed woman,

But cross her, talk back, or get out of line and all you'll be able to say is, wish I saw that Daniel Green coming

Never spared the rod or spoiled the child, but dished out love and affection

Kept her children covered in Jesus’ blood and Mother’s protection

Helpmate, matriarch, disciplinarian, supporter, are only a few of the names and people you portray

Let’s not forget master chef, genie in a lamp, doctor, advocate, made all the sorrows and worries of the world fly away

Who else could wear all those hats, fill all those shoes, heal the sick, cure the blues

There just isn’t another, because when you’re finished with all of that,

you still have to be friend, wife and lover

Simply put, you are one bad Mother

Definitely... Without a shadow of a doubt... 100% bonafide and true, God blessed us all when He made you

God took a look at His masterpiece, broke the mold and threw out the design

Said to Himself, this is beauty personified, magnificence divine

Delighted in His work, He breathe life into you and said go shine,

Leave none untouched, leave no one behind

Show the world far and wide, be an inspiration to all man,

Let them know that through you, they have become a part of My master plan

Whether they call you Mom, Mama, Dear, or Madre, there is no other.

No questions asked, you are one bad Mother.

What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.

You are the pulse that makes our blood flow, the breath in our lungs, the spirit of our heartbeat

And whether here with us or in Heaven above,

There is no one, no thing, or no distance that can match your love

There is no one, no thing, or no distance that can match your love

There is no one, no thing, or no distance that can match your love

Love unconditional, love in abundance, love so strong it can never broken,

Love given freely, without reservation, love given with hugs and kisses like game tokens

She is all of this and so much more, the salt of the Earth, the stars in the sky

Everything in one, appointed by the Most High

One of a kind, an angel amongst us, often imitated, but never duplicated, there just is no other

To sum it all up, just call her ONE BAD MOTHER!!!

© BlakkDiamond 2010

What Is LOVE?

Hello World, I’m Baaaaaaaaaaaack… With a loaded question to boot. I’ve been pondering this thought for a while and as I processed the notion in my mind, I began to ask the question out loud seeking others’ thoughts and opinions. In the midst of one of these Q&A sessions, a trusted friend and mentor made me rethink the question, its true meaning, and whether or not there was an answer.

That being said, I believe there is. I simply think that anything that is felt can be expressed, and anything that is expressed can be defined. It may sound like I am talking in circles, but bear with me.

What better place to start than scripture itself and how the Holy Bible defines love. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 reads, Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, 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.” Whatever you may believe or subscribe to, I think we can all agree that throughout our lives we have experienced some form of what we believed to be love. Whether it was the feelings you felt towards your parents or siblings, the joys of being a parent watching your child grow, or the fire that burned within when spending time with your significant other. But love far exceeds a relationship with others or mere emotions. Some have fond affections for money, music, possessions, fine art, traveling, certain cuisines, and the list goes on and on, and we have all used the term whole-heartedly and loosely, “I love {fill in the blank}” as a way to describe these affections/feelings/emotions.

But what is love? What is it that stirs that emotion, conjures up those deep-rooted feelings, ignites every sense, and forces us to not only act upon these urges, but also utter the word, LOVE? Love cannot be measured or quantified, contained or subdued, stifled or ignored. It is limitless and boundless and depending on the circumstances, it manifests in a multitude of ways, sometimes simultaneously, and even emerges unexpectedly.

However, the core, the basis of love, will always remain the same. No matter the object of your love, it stems from the giver. Love is something that can be received only when and if it is given. Read that again. Love can only be received when and if it is given. You can’t receive love from a house or a plant, but you can give love to them, nurture them, and help them grow and prosper, thus the house or plant receives love, and so is the same with people and relationships.

If I had to use one word as a parallel or summation of love, it would be selflessness. Simply put, “Love is the willingness to unconditionally give of one self in spite of.” The readiness to put all inward and outward desires aside for the sake of someone else, knowing that it may never be reciprocated or appreciated, but in the end, it will make a positive affect on their lives. It is an outward display of an inward manifestation that demonstrates the givers fervor, zeal, heartiness… LOVE.

This is only one writer’s opinion, notion, and this topic can and will be explored for millenniums to come and hopefully you’ll join me on this journey of exploration into LOVE. There’s plenty more to discuss and I attend to touch on some of it all, but I will leave you with this.

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, He gave His only begotten son….” God, Allah, Yahweh, Elohim, whatever name you choose to use, He is the personification, the epitome, the epicenter and He willingly, without hesitation, forsake, bequeath, His desires and feelings, the one thing, person, that was inimitable, unrivaled, and unparalleled, all for someone else (you and me) so that we may have a better life, be happy, and experience the fullness and riches of life. If that’s not love, then what is?

What is Love to you? How would you define it? Remember, this isn’t just about U or just about Me, but all about We. The only way We grow is if We share, learn from, help, and support each other. Come back soon as we’ll delve deeper into this thing called LOVE.

Making a List and Checking It Twice...

Hello All,

I know I have been MIA lately and I apologize for my absence. The past month was a monster and I needed time to recollect, re-examine and refocus, but I am good to go and ready to spark the conversation again.

In lieu of the holiday spirit I have been thinking about how as kids we all made lists in regards to what we wanted Santa to bring us, but it didn’t stop there. As teenagers we continued to make lists and as adults we refined and expounded on those lists. I’m not talking about the lists of material things, i.e., houses, cars, vacation spots, etc., but that mental, and sometimes written list, of what we wanted and looked for in a mate, spouse, or significant other.

As each of us grew and learned more about ourselves and what we wanted, the list changed, developed and was amended, or got scrapped altogether. Either way, a list of desires, wishes, dreams, do(s) and don’t(s) was formulated at some point and time. It was this list that was the beginning point of any relationship and without knowing, everyone who crossed your path was measured against the list and silently and mentally bombarded with a plethora of questions and subjected to a test they had no idea they were taking or knew the answers to. What are their physical traits? What are their career objectives? What are their hobbies? Do they drink/smoke? Are they marriage material? Do they want kids? It goes on and on and is solely at the discretion of the person doing the critiquing.

True indeed, we all realize there are certain expectations and/or desires in any relationship, but until you have spent quality and substantial time getting to know each other, there is no possible way of knowing the other person’s expectations, let alone fulfilling them.

And there lies the rub. How realistic is the list? Is it beyond moral turpitude? Is it based on an insurmountable ideal? Or possibly is it too simplistic and possesses no challenge? What is your list? What is most important to you in a spouse, a mate, a significant other? What are the core principles that will define everything and are deal breakers? How has the list changed over time? What is still on the list and what has been erased? There are no wrong or right answers, but only your answer and that answer is strictly based on what you desire and seek.

Single, married or divorced, where does your current situation stack up against the list? Pull it back out if you need to, go over it again, and determine just how the list factors in your relationship. Is that person all you dreamed of or did they redefine the list and make you think outside of the box?

Comment, speak up, share your lists. This isn’t just about U or just about Me, but all about We. The only way We grow is if We share, learn from, help, and support each other. FYI: I haven’t forgotten about “Be Careful What You Ask For.” I’ll get back to that. Trust me, it ties into this very topic. And don’t let your list adversely affect today’s situation. The list is ever evolving.

Soulmates

Have you ever felt that undeniable attraction, that gravitational pull, that feeling that runs so deep that it touches your soul? It’s a feeling that is unexplainable and cannot be quantified or measured. It’s uncanny, surreal, and some say causes feelings and emotions never felt before. Have you found your soulmate?

A soulmate, someone whom you have an immediate connection and can relate to on every level. Someone who brings a sense of peace, calmness, and happiness to your life, instantly dispelling the harshness and unpleasantness that life can present. That person that fulfills a desire you never knew existed or experienced and makes you question and doubt everything prior. The sort of kinship that makes you yearn for and literally ache when you are apart. The most gratifying and satisfying personal experience you have ever encountered. The Yin to your Yang.

The question remains, is there such a thing as a soulmate? Furthermore, is that soulmate singular or can they manifest in multiple people? Do you believe there is someone out there specifically designed and created just for you? Not the notion that there is someone for everyone, but a unique individual whose character traits, likes and dislikes, predilections, aspirations, and desires are a perfect mesh. Or can you find those same idiosyncrasies in a multitude of diverse people and personalities? Or possibly it has to do more with where you are in your life and how you have evolved not only as a person, but more importantly, your outlook on life and what you truly desire from a mate and what will give you that ultimate happiness.

Despite it all, to find a love, a companion, that transcends the superficial, but sparks a kindred relationship that burns deep in the soul and opens itself to boundless options, is something mystic, divine, blessed and it’s the sort of relationship everyone dreams about, quietly speaks about, and meticulously seeks out. But it is a true labor of love, because there is no formula or time frame, and worse, no guarantee that it will ever come to fruition.

So keep searching, keep looking, keep pursuing your heart’s desire. It’s the journey, not the destination, that shapes the outcome and the more you discover the more you’ll be able to recognize. The more you’ll be able to separate and dissect and determine what’s best for you. And maybe, just maybe, as you continue on your journey, you will come across that person who ignites something in you so rare, so overwhelming, and so incredible that it causes you to slow down and explore a little deeper, stay a little longer, pursue a little harder, until one day turns into a lifetime. Never know what you may find or who may find you. You may find your solumate!

Comment, speak up, voice your opinions, share your stories. If you've found your soulmate, still in search of your soulmate, or feel you have lost your solumate, let us know. This isn’t just about U or just about Me, but all about We. The only way We grow is if We share, learn from, help, and support each other. Read the previous posts and comment on them as well. Suggest new topics and ideas, be active, spread the word.

Check back soon for the next post entitled, "Be Careful What You Ask For!"

Life Is a Theater

Below is a piece of literature from one of the most profound and inspirational experiences I have had in quite some time. I had the honor and pleasure of listening to a gentleman by the name of Dennis S. Brown and his motivational techniques and prowess truly inspired me and sparked what I hope to be a new way of thinking and living not only for myself, but for anyone who is seeking to live a happier and more abundant life. Read it a few times, let it sink in, and take a long look at who is sitting in the seats of your life and whether they really belong there or should they be kicked out! Enjoy, digest and comment.

LIFE IS A THEATER: Invite Your Audience Carefully

Not everyone is healthy enough to have a front row seat in our lives. There are some people in your life that need to be loved from a DISTANCE. It's amazing what you can accomplish when you let go of, or at least minimize your time with, draining, negative, incompatible, not-going-anywhere relationships/friendships.

Observe the relationships around you. Pay attention. Which ones lift and which ones lean? Which ones encourage and which ones discourage? Which ones are on a path of growth uphill and which ones are going downhill? When you leave certain people do you feel better or feel worse? Which ones always have drama or don't really understand, know or appreciate you?

The more you seek quality, respect, growth, peace of mind, love and truth around you...the easier it will become for you to decide who gets to sit in the front row and who should be moved to the balcony of Your Life.

"If you cannot change the people around you, CHANGE the people you are around."

Remember that the people we hang with will have an impact on both our lives and our income. And so we must be careful to choose the people we hang out with, as well as the information with which we feed our minds. We should not share our dreams with negative people, Nor feed our dreams with negative thoughts.

It's your choice and your life..... It's up to you who and what you let in it...... Author Unknown