This is a quote from an acquaintance who is actually there in the trenches, so to speak:

“…it is truly devastating here. There is water everywhere, no electricity in some places, people dead and floating in water. There are no words to explain. I left early enough and went a little north to Baton Rouge, my daughter’s house. We experienced loss of power and lots of wind. Where I actually live (Laplace) there is just loss of power. However where I lived all of my life (until two years ago), New Orleans it is like a war zone. We will not be in livable conditions for several months…we all need prayers…thanks for being concerned. “

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Out of the population in New Orleans affected by the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, 85% were African-American. People lost everything. This clothing drive is to aid the families
as they try to rebuild their lives.

Please give whatever clothing you can new or old, but in good condition.

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This information was posted by a group member in Memphis:

In light of the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the City of Memphis is working with the business and non-profit communities to provide assistance for people in our city. If you know of anyone that evacuated to Memphis and will have to remain here for a while, please pass this number along to them (1-901-543-5300).

We are opening shelters and our schools to those who will have an extended stay.

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By Christopher Donaldson, Sr.

Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. ~ Proverbs 19:21

Have you ever heard of someone who spent years of preparation for one vocation only to end up doing something completely different? Perhaps this could be said of you. Quite often we have in our minds what we believe we want to do only to have a course correction. Often the course correction comes through a major crisis that forces us into an area that we would never have considered.

Such was the case for Samuel Morse. Born in 1791, Morse grew up desiring to be an artist, and he eventually became very talented and internationally known. However, it was difficult to make a living as an artist in America during that time. A series of crises further complicated his vocational desire when his wife died; then his mother and father also died soon after. He went to Europe to paint and reflect on his life. On his return trip aboard a ship, he was captivated by discussions at dinner about new experiments in electromagnetism. During that important occasion, Morse made the following comment, “If the presence of electricity can be made visible in any part of the circuit, I see no reason why intelligence may not be transmitted by electricity.” In the face of many difficulties and disappointments, he determinedly perfected a new invention, and, in 1837, applied for a patent that became what we know today as the telegraph. He also created Morse code. It was only later, after many more setbacks and disappointments, that his projects received funding.

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Jealousy: An emotion many of us struggle with, but few admit to. The following piece by a writer in one of my writing groups identifies it for what it is so well, I asked his permission to share it with you.

Question:

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This little time saving tip was passed on to me by a co-worker so I thought I’d share it with you guys:

Locked your keys in your car ???? Did you know this??

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This post was taken from one of my writing groups on yahoo.

August 11, 2005
Entrenched Epidemic: Wife-Beatings in Africa
By SHARON LaFRANIERE

LAGOS, Nigeria - It was a typical husband-wife argument. She wanted to visit her parents. He wanted her to stay home.

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By David Sylvester - Contributed by T. Duffy

Hi Black Folks!

My name is David Sylvester and I recently completed a charitable bicycle trip in Africa, riding over 7000 miles from Cairo, Egypt to Cape Town, South Africa. The trip made me the first and only African American to cross two continents on a bicycle. I have plenty of great and fascinating stories.

Many are funny, others bittersweet, some are poignant, but all are entertaining. Surprisingly one story has stood out and if it was not for the fact that I have a picture of it, many would never believe it. And it is for that reason that I am sharing it with you.

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Legendary publisher of Ebony dies
Media Giant John H. Johnson Succumbs

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I’m in “just do it” mode today. I woke up feeling quite purposeful this morning. I haven’t yet done my daily read of Purpose-Driven Life by Rick Warren; and considering that in concluding the five (5) week series on Sin yesterday, my Pastor stomped all up and down on my corns, repeatedly, I ought to be in a funky mood. I mean, I suffered quite a few major (to me) disappointments last week. Nothing went as planned, yet, I’m at peace with myself today. Those who know me would tell you that most days this state of peace is a hard-fought, hard-won battle for me. So days like today are prize occurrences.

On a day like today, instead of talking about what I’m going to do, I just do it. Instead of fussing about the way that things should be, I just deal with what is. Instead of female dogging and moaning about who did what to me last week or last year, I forgive and forget and figure out the lesson to be learned from the occurrence.

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