Friends, the family we choose.

My sister once told me about a young girl who was best friends with a girl who bullied her. She belittled her, made her cry, and spread gossip about her. Nevertheless, the girl always ran back to her “friend” teary eyed, confessing to herself, “she’s so cool and I need a friend.”

I stared at my sister in disbelief and said, “Woah! I can’t believe that.” I thought, well that’s her fault. However, is it really her fault? Did her parents teach her the characteristics of a true friend? Did this friendship have history, starting off good but later things changed, and this girl is holding onto some false hope?

I believe the definition of a friend has been altered. No one knows what it truly means anymore. When I look at some people’s choices I think to myself, “that is not a friend.”

Friends are easy to come by however, true friends are a rarity. There comes a time in your life when you should look around and evaluate the people in your life. Not everyone is out to put a smile on your face. Not everyone means you well. Not everyone deserves your friendship. I learned that everyone you befriend is not going to return your loyalty.

Young people are quick to take anyone’s friendship, unaware of the consequences afterwards. Below is a poem of a young girl ignorant of her destiny because of faulty entanglements. Later, she would die a silent death.

She’s beautiful, she’s smart, truly a work of art. Unique and caring, the most daring girl I know. Unfortunately she has the wrong friends leading her down a dark road. Chasing the summer sun, getting involved in “troublesome fun,” they call it.

She knows her parents are displeased. She just sees life through her own eyes. She lives for the now. The thrill of life. The life of rage, mischief, and strife.

Never to realize her friends are only there for a season. They’ll be gone with absolutely no reasoning. They are out to get what they want and then they’re through. To the garbage she’ll go with nothing to show, but a fragil heart and a shattered spirit.

Oh, if only you could hear her soul weeping, but only she can hear it.

~Show me your friends, and I’ll show you your future. Choose wisely.~

AK

Are YOU really living?!

I’m convinced we have a self-seeking, self-loving generation that refuses to dig deep within themselves and realize they are the problem.

Not their mother, father, sister, brother or friends-but them. When you look in the mirror you are looking at yourself; no one else.

I’ve grown up in the ghetto my whole life however, I refuse to be that way. I rise above my surroundings. 

We’re in a generation that points the finger at everyone else saying, “My daddy leaving me is the reason why I can’t commit to any relationship.” Or, “My mom didn’t raise me right, that’s why I behave this way.” Or the classic, “My friends convinced me to do it.”

We live in a generation that repeatedly says, “I’m doing me,” yet they, themselves, are mimicking every rapper, singer, or entertainer. Carbon copies NEVER outshine the original.

I thought “doing me” meant I’m different. While everyone else is out there doing that, I’m a do this. When I look around I don’t see any uniqueness. This is one lazy generation that doesn’t want to think of anything new, instead they rather take what someone already has. Instead they would rather copy someone else’s actions.

Is it wrong to desire to be like someone else? Yes, when God created you to be you, and only YOU. How are you going to be different trying to blend in with everyone else? You can’t!

You can’t continue to shred your personality for a phony one. In the end you will end up lost, confused, and void of your own identity. You can’t find YOUR purpose trying to live someone else’s life.

Stop copying and begin to make your own mark. It’s never too late to begin picking up the pieces again and begin creating your own puzzle. You only get one life, live your own. Otherwise YOU aren’t really living.

AK

Whoops…where did the time go?!

I got a text that read, “Writing is 3 percent talent and 97 percent NOT wasting time on the Internet.”

I just laughed, because I was a time waster. That’s why I had to deactivate my Facebook account, someday I will reactivate it however, I’m proud to say it’s no longer a priority.

Writing just got that much easier for me.

What has become difficult for you, is it because you’re devoting your attention elsewhere? Don’t let anything navigate you away from your purpose. Conquer it, before it conquers you. I’m just glad I was able to do so in time.

Can you say the same?

Until next time,

AK

Tap into your purpose!

Yesterday I watched one of the most exclusive events of the year, The 2010 Kennedy Center Honors. Oprah Winfrey, among others were to be recognized for their extraordinary careers in the arts at the 33rd annual gala.

As I sat there and watched them honor Winfrey for all her numerous accomplishments I thought to myself, “Wow she definitely made it. She surpassed everything that she’s ever imagined.”

Isn’t that fantastic? To find out what you’re good at, go after it with all your being, and be successful? Ultimately in the end only you are to blame if you don’t.

What is your dream? What is your passion? What do you think about constantly? I’m not talking about food, unless you want to be a restaurant owner. I’m not talking about some boy or girl, unless you want to start your own school. Get it?! I’m talking about something that links you to your purpose.

Purpose is the reason why something exist. Do you know why you exist today? What is your purpose? Too many people know everyone elses purpose except their own. Heck, a guide dog knows its purpose so why don’t you?

Each and every human being has a reason for their existence, you are NOT a mistake. God has a divine plan for your life. It’s up to you to tap into it. I encourage you to figure out that plan and put it into action. Anyone can talk, but what are you doing?

I’m taking a step closer towards my dreams everyday and I want you to do the same. Hey, one day you may see me getting honored for my extradinary career and you could be sitting right next to me, being acknowledged as well.

Tap into your purpose today. ©

Until next time,

AK

I’m fasting FACEBOOK?!!

Hi my name is Adrian Kendrick and I am a Facebook addict.

Here is goes…I’m giving up Facebook. Yes, I Adrian Kendrick vow to not even so much as glance at the word Facebook for 40 days and 40 nights. I can’t even believe I just typed that last sentence.

Yes, me the girl who gets a thrill out of constantly checking her Facebook page or can’t wait to see the latest updates in her newsfeed. I am truly hooked and I need help! So I’m starting this Sunday, Dec. 5. On the 4th I will deactivate my account. Facebook is like a drug and I am absolutely positive I will have withdrawal symptoms.

Hey don’t judge me at least I can admit it!

So what am I to do besides stalk people (cough, cough) I mean log onto Facebook everyday. I’m going to report to you about what I do instead. Every time I get a craving for Facebook I’m a replace it with something else…what? Who knows?! All I know is that I will blog about the experience everyday whether it’s about my dreadful desire to log back on, or my ubber fun activity I did to keep my mind off this sick addiction. Either way I will report to you my latest progress.

I am kinda excited that I am attempting to break my obsession. Nonetheless, right now as I’m typing I have the urge to log onto Facebook-yes it’s that bad. I don’t even change my status constantly, I just like getting a glimpse of everyone else’s-yelp this is serious. I waste entirely too much time on social media.

Would you like to join me on my Facebook fast? You can do a different amount of days if you like? If so, let me know your experience also. I’d love to hear about how you overcame your addiction.

I am thankful Mark Zuckerburg invented Facebook however, maybe I can think of something just as fabulous as Facebook-if my mind wasn’t always so consumed with it?!

Are you an addict? Be honest with yourself. Don’t let it take control or you may end up like me. This break up won’t be easy, but it will be beneficial.

Wish me the best, I’m going to need it. (Sigh) ©

AK

Words DO hurt?!

Teasing means to irritate or provoke with persistent petty distractions, trifling raillery, or other annoyance.

Many young people wake up to the reality of this every single day. For many the harassment will focus on their race, weight, intellectual ability or lack thereof, religion—anything that sets them apart.

We as human beings will always have disagreements and our own way of thinking however, that doesn’t mean someone should be harassed because they think different. There is a better way to go about stating your opinion. I guarantee if you think about it thoroughly, there’s a mature way to handle it without offending others.

Last week alone I heard about five teens that committed suicide. Anytime a life is lost it’s devastating. All because someone’s words penetrated their soul to the point where they thought… life is not worth living anymore.

Sticks and stones may break my bones but WORDS WILL NEVER HURT ME! Ever remember hearing that phrase? Sounds good huh?

However, that is false. Words do hurt. Words can be like daggers piercing the heart. Words can cause you to be on an ultimate high or a depressing low. Words have life to them and that life comes with a price…whether good or bad.

What words are you using against others? Are you uplifting people or are you tearing them down?

Are you speaking words of life? Or are your words death? Whose day have you made worse because of your careless words? Our tongue is so small, but it can do great damage.

I challenge you to watch what you say today. I challenge you to use wisdom before you speak. To stand up for the weak, and defend those that seem to be unlovable in everyone else’s eyes.

If only we treated others the way we wanted to be treated. If only we TRULY loved one another.

Tired of hearing about all this negativity? I challenge you to be the example you want to see.

Sometimes doing the right thing means you’re going to have to stand alone. Take a stand today!

AK

You need a TRUE hero!

It’s funny how life turns out. How your family changes. How your friends change. And how suddenly you look back on life and think, how did I get here?

You have a long list of people to blame for the predicament you’re in. But in reality the only person you can blame no matter how hard it hurts is—yourself.

Life is a series of choices. Wake up or stay asleep? Listen or not to listen? The list endlessly continues on. Whether you like it or not you have to face the choices you‘ve made, whether good or bad. As humans we won’t always make the right choice; however there are resources available for you to seek the right answers.

Lots of young people seek untrustworthy counsel when wise counsel is readily available. What is wise counsel? Wise counsel is your parents, or an elder, books, or the Internet. In all cases, of course those suggestions won’t be the best choice. However, they are better than running to someone who is ignorant of your problem.

So many people are hurting, confused, lost and doubt there is anyone who can stop their pain.

Pain they try to end by cutting themselves. Thinking the dripping blood will cause the pain to diminish.

Pain they try to hide by craving words into their skin. Thinking the words will somehow replace the pain hidden inside their troubled heart.

Pain they try to hide by having sex with anyone that winks their way. Thinking the pleasure will cause them to forget the pain they will have to face once the intercourse is over.

Pain they try to destroy with every sip they take from their alcoholic beverage. Thinking they will no longer feel the hurt that has been repeatedly done to them.

No matter how much you cry, whisper, or yell out for help no human being can rescue you from your distress. No matter how much knowledge people have or how fancy their appearance is, human assistance will only get you so far.

Until you find yourself in a deep, dark pit once again.

You need the help of a risen savior. Who cares so deeply for you that He took your burdens all on the cross. A savior who was beaten and scarred so you no longer have to suffer the pain. He bore it all so you can be free. Jesus Christ is the greatest super hero you’ll ever know, and cares for you more than you care for yourself.

Isn’t it amazing that someone would die for you, so you wouldn’t have to suffer? Don’t carry your burdens, when you don’t have to. Turn the pain over to the Lord for He cares for you, and watch Him perform a miracle in your life. ©

AK

REALLY love!

I truly believe the world is lacking this so called “love” that people always rap or sing about.

People always say ‘I gotcha back,’ ‘we ride or die together,’ or ‘I don’t care what people say I love you.’ If one truly meant any of that they would stick to it. Or at least attempt to, and not run as soon as a problem arises. The words are:

to have and to hold
‘from this day forward;
for better, for worse,
for richer, for poorer,
in sickness and in health,
to love, cherish, and obey,
till death us do part’

That means you’re going to go to the end of the road together. I believe society is so intrigued by love stories such as ‘Titanic,’ ‘The Notebook,’ and ‘A Walk to Remember’ because rarely do we see that type of love displayed. I love the old school songs, because they talk about TRUE love . Not the lustful love that this current music industry portrays. This current music is just full of lust and lust only gets you sex. But what about after that?

Do you have love that will last all eternity or only for just a few minutes of pleasure? Maybe if ladies truly loved themselves enough they would get that true love in return. ©

AK

You’re AMAZING!

Not enough people truly believe they are amazing-just the way they are.

The definition of amazing is astonishing, or awe-inspiring. Most people believe they have to change something about themselves in order to get even close to amazing.

I get it, sometimes it may be difficult to think of yourself as amazing… but hey, why not? We are created in God’s image, that in itself already makes you super amazing. Then add on your talents, looks, and personality-that’s truly amazing. No one is like you. You are special. You’re only inferior if you allow yourself to be. Nobody is competition unless you make them.

Don’t compare yourself to anyone. You are you, and that’s amazing. Accept it!

I’m sure plenty of people think you’re amazing… you just don’t give yourself enough credit. Start giving yourself the credit you deserve.

Say it aloud, “I’m amazing!” Yelp you sure are. 😉

This blog was inspired by one of my favorite songs at the moment entitled, “Just the way you are” by Bruno Mars. Love it!

AK ©

Gratefulness is flowing from my heart!

It seems that we as people forget about the small things in life. We focus on other meaningless things that we tend to overlook the many blessings we already have.

We may not have everything we want, but we have the necessities to be grateful for.

We have eyes to see and be aware of our surroundings.

Our ears to listen to wise counsel.

Our mouth to speak positive words of encouragement.

We have our hands to reach out to others in need.

We have our legs to go and spread peace. And our minds to perceive the unimaginable and make things attainable.

Most of all with our bodies we are equipped to make a difference. However, it’s up to you to make the most of what you have. People complain everyday about what they want or lack in their lives, but it’s about what you already have.

At least you are still here.

Someone out there is less fortunate than you. Someone out there is blind. Death. Crippled. Mute. Someone out there is suffering and needs you to provide what you already have to bless them. We are blessed to be a blessing. Shine your light for all to see.

Quit complaining and be grateful for what you have.

This post was inspired by the song entitled “I’m here” by Fantasia Barrino. Please tune in, it’s a great song that really puts things into perspective. ©

AK