G.R.I.N.D. - Get Ready It's a New Day

  In recent years, there has been a concerning trend of job dissatisfaction and high turnover rates among African Americans in the workforce. Despite making up only 13.6% of the U.S. population, a significant portion of our community faces challenges and discrimination in the workplace.  This article aims to explore the factors that contribute to job dissatisfaction among African Americans and shed light on the underlying issues that need to be addressed. One of the primary reasons for job dissatisfaction among African Americans is racism and the lack of transparency in salary and pay discrepancies.  Studies have shown that black employees often earn less than their white counterparts, even when they possess similar qualifications and experience. Companies that are not transparent about salaries or engage in discriminatory practices contribute to a sense of injustice and inequality, leading to frustration and dissatisfaction among African American employees.   Another contributing fact

  In recent news, the sheriffs in Polk, Brevard, and Volusia counties have been encouraging Florida citizens to obtain concealed-to-carry firearms licenses as a means of self-defense against potential criminals and terrorists.  While this suggestion may seem controversial to some, it is important to examine the context and implications of such statements. It is worth noting, however, that the decision to carry a firearm should be made responsibly and in accordance with the law.   While the sheriff's advice was very straightforward, Most African Americans know that the sheriffs weren't addressing our communities and it is crucial to emphasize that the use of firearms should always be within the boundaries of the law.  Instances where the use of force is justified, such as in cases of self-defense, should be thoroughly evaluated. It is essential to follow legal protocols and procedures when faced with a potentially dangerous situation.   It is also important to raise our concerns

     Good morning, readers! Recently, my family and I had a visit to the hospital as my wife was scheduled for a thyroid procedure. However, we were fortunate enough to receive some unexpected advice from her doctor. As it turns out, the procedure wasn't deemed necessary, and the doctor recommended an alternative approach. During the consultation, the doctor explained that based on her experience and observations, the procedure wouldn't provide any additional benefits. Instead, she suggested that my wife should continue with regular sonograms. This advice came as a relief to us, as it meant avoiding an unnecessary procedure and its associated risks. Interestingly, our visit to the hospital took an amusing turn when our autistic son, whom we affectionately call "JJ," claimed to be a doctor. In the midst of the serious discussion, JJ burst into loud laughter and started yelling. His unexpected outburst caught us off guard and brought a smile to our faces. As parents, we

    Many of us carry the weight of our past mistakes and sins, fearing the judgment and condemnation that may come if others were to discover the truth about our secret past lives. The question arises: should we confess our sins and seek forgiveness from God? According to the Bible, the answer is clear - confessing our sins is a crucial step towards finding forgiveness and freedom. In the Bible, hiding or keeping secrets about our past is equated with covering or hiding past sins. It is emphasized that true repentance involves acknowledging our sins and confessing them before God. Psalm 32:5 says, "I acknowledged my sin unto thee and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, 'I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord.' And you forgavest the iniquity of my sin." Confessing our past sins serves as a powerful act of humility and surrender. It requires us to confront the reality of our actions and acknowledge the pain we may have caused others. By confessing, we demonstr

 In my previous post, I shared my personal journey away from Christianity. As I continue to explore different perspectives and beliefs, I find myself drawn to the question of truth in the context of the world's major religions. Among these, the Three Abrahamic faiths - Christianity, Judaism, and Islam - hold a significant place in the lives of millions. Each of these religions references the Bible in various ways, but the question remains: who is the most high God? Christianity, with its roots in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ supposedly, holds that God is the most high God and the savior of humanity. Jesus, considered the Son of God, is believed to have brought salvation and redemption to all who believe in him. The Bible, comprising the Old and New Testaments, serves as the sacred text for Christians, guiding their faith and providing moral and spiritual guidance. I now know Christianity does not follow the life and teachings of Christ, first, we can read that Jesus never

 Throughout my life, I have been a follower of Christianity, finding solace and guidance in the teachings of the Bible. However, as I delved deeper into my faith and questioned the customs and traditions that have become prevalent in today's society, I found myself reevaluating my beliefs. It is important to clarify that my departure from Christianity does not mean that I no longer believe in the Bible. On the contrary, I still hold the sacred text in high regard and recognize its significance in shaping moral values and providing spiritual guidance. However, my journey has led me to question the interpretations and practices that have evolved over time. One of the key factors that contributed to my shift in perspective was the realization that many of today's customs and traditions are not explicitly present in the Bible and are paganistic in nature. As I studied the scriptures more closely, I found that certain practices and rituals had been incorporated into Christianity ove

From COVID-19 to Common Cold: Reflecting on Last Year's Health Challenges As we approach this time of the year, it's hard not to reflect on the challenges we faced just a couple of years ago. My wife and I vividly remember contracting the COVID-19 virus, an experience that took a significant toll on our health and well-being. Today, we find ourselves on the other side of that battle, recovering from a common cold. It's moments like these that make us appreciate the value of good health and the resilience of the human body. Looking back, it's almost surreal to think about the impact the pandemic had on our lives. The fear and uncertainty that gripped the world, the relentless news updates, and the constant worry about our loved ones' safety. It was a time when we all had to adapt and make sacrifices to protect ourselves and those around us. Now, as I watch the news and see the snowstorm that recently hit Chicago, I can't help but feel a sense of gratitude for liv

 Man! It sucks to get old, those over the age of fifty-five years old should understand where I'm coming from. Besides the aches and pains that come with age, when your teeth decide they no longer want to stay in your mouth because you neglected to care for them properly really sucks! Well, I had to see the dentist because three of my teeth were broken, one of my front teeth was loose, and I found it difficult to chew food properly. So I decided to have them all removed so that I could receive dentures. My problem after that was that I thought I would get new teeth right away, but that wasn't the case at all! Let me tell you, the journey to dentures requires patience. After my teeth were extracted, I had to wait for the gums to heal before the dentures could be fitted. It took a few weeks for the gums to fully heal, and during that time, I had to be careful with what I ate. Soft foods became my best friend, and I had to say goodbye to my favorite crunchy snacks for a while unle

  The Challenges of Encouraging Healthy Eating for Autistic Children  As a parent of an autistic child, I know it can be challenging to navigate their specific dietary preferences and restrictions. One common experience is having a child who is a foodie but is resistant to trying new foods, especially healthy options. This can be particularly frustrating when the fact is the cost of healthy food is higher compared to junk food. However, it's important to approach this issue with understanding and exploring strategies to encourage healthy eating within your means. The Unique Food Preferences of Autistic Children Autistic children often have sensory sensitivities that can affect their eating habits. They may have strong preferences for certain textures, flavors, or colors, and find it difficult to try new foods. This can lead to a limited diet consisting of familiar foods they feel comfortable with. While this can be concerning from a nutritional standpoint, it's essential to rem

  Traveling to Africa with an Autistic Child: Finding the Perfect Destination The thought of journeying to an exotic destination like Africa fills many with excitement. The vibrant cultures, visually stunning landscapes, and rich, diverse wildlife offer an incredible experience for travelers of all ages. However, as a parent of an autistic child, traveling to such a destination can inspire a unique blend of anticipation and apprehension. You might worry about how your child will handle the journey or whether the destination will cater to their unique needs and interests. Through careful planning and consideration for your child's needs, it's possible to find a place in Africa where your family can have a safe and enjoyable trip. The following sections explore some of the factors to consider when choosing the best destination for your family and some suitable options within Africa. Considerations when Choosing Your Destination When planning a trip with your autistic child, it

  The Presidential Race: Evaluating the Candidates Hey, folks! Have you been keeping tabs on the presidential race? If you have, you might be feeling a bit like a tennis match spectator, with your attention constantly swinging from one side to the other. Let's dive into the fray and take a hard look at the candidates. Dress sharp, words might fly! Age and Acumen: Democrat Joe Biden So, let's talk about that elephant in the room - or should I say donkey, considering we're talking Democrats? It's the age and mental acumen of Joe Biden. After his term as Vice President, he's back on the scene, but his years aren't exactly making a lot of people comfy, and that's putting it mildly. And let's not skimp around; he's had a few hair-raising moments where he mixed up words that have made some of us question if he's still sharp as a tack. However, writing somebody off because of their age? Come on, people! Remember that age often comes with wisdom. But hey

  The Stop Woke Campaign: Examining School Curriculums In recent times, the term "woke" has gained significant attention, with debates surrounding its meaning and implications. Some argue that Florida is where "woke comes to die," while others attribute this statement to Governor Ron Desantis. The Stop Woke campaign has emerged as a response to what some perceive as an agenda to alter black history or manipulate narratives. As a concerned parent, I find myself grappling with various issues, including the amended Individualized Education Program (IEP) for my autistic son. He has been labeled as "too dangerous to go to school," resulting in a reduced schedule of only two days per week. Furthermore, these challenges have prompted me to delve deeper into the Stop Woke movement and investigate any potential changes in the school curriculum. The Stop Woke campaign aims to change or modify historical narratives and educational curriculums. While it is important t

  Understanding the Importance of an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) JJ’s Educational Journey: A Case Example Enter JJ. An autistic bright young lad with a multitude of potential, unfortunately, bogged down by the label of "too dangerous to go to school." This label, as harsh as it is, is due to his behavioral issues and being on medication, but, here's the kicker, every school that he previously attended knew about his condition and took necessary precautions. Imagine the change of gears in his world. From having been offered online courses and home tablet access to being told, "Hey, you've met the graduation criteria for a standard diploma now. So, no more extra accommodations." It's like being handed a winning lottery ticket only to be told that the validity of it has just expired. Yeah, bummer right? Now, he was supposed to continue his journey towards a post-secondary transition curriculum and fulfill his individual IEP goals, with his diploma

  Returning to School: A Second Chance for JJ January 3, 2024: JJ's New Beginning Hey there, dear readers! Brace yourselves because it's happening. Today, JJ's making his grand entrance back into the world of school after being expelled. I'm sure we all remember that infamous incident where he was base-jumping off the school roof with nothing but a homemade parachute and a grin (alright, I may be exaggerating slightly, but you catch my drift). The staff had stamped JJ as "too dangerous to be in school"—quite the notorious title, don't you think? A Tablet, A Ticket to Learning But amid the drained coffee cups and endless paperwork, the higher-ups have made an unusual call: They're letting JJ back in the gates. Every student deserves a second shot, right? They didn't want to just cast him aside, giving up on a mind yet to fully bloom. So, the school decided to hand JJ what essentially counts as a golden educational ticket, disguised as a sleek tablet

  2023: A Year of Crazy Adventures and Important Milestones What a whirlwind of a year it has been! The hard labor of love, the laughter, the tears - all shared with my vibrant life-loving son JJ, my cornerstone, Ann, and our merry band of family and friends. Ambling through life is seldom a smooth ride, but boy, in 2023, you were really a rollercoaster! Let me take you on our adventure of the past year, a wild ride from start to finish. Moving Adventures The year hit the ground running faster than a toddler on a sugar rush - we transitioned from our cosy apartment to a roomier one. Talk about an emotional and logistical marathon! It was necessary as our family tree was outgrowing its pot; you know, when you buy a small potted plant and wake up one day to find it's turned into a sequoia? Yep, that was us. The move wasn't without its hitches, but, like fitted sheets in a linen closet, we somehow managed to make everything fit. And here we are in our new hub of memories. The Hunt

  Understanding the Reasons Behind JJ's Expulsion from School Understanding the Reasons Behind JJ's Expulsion from School The Incident Picture this- a P.E. teacher, a woman of strong stature and athletic build, lying flat on her back in the middle of the school grounds. And smack dab by her side, big fellow, JJ, standing there, his innocent face as surprised as any. Before you conjure up some odd James Bond movie scene, let me clarify that it wasn't intentional. At least, it wasn't meant to be. But yes, JJ was, unfortunately, the one who pushed her. Almost like a comical domino effect , she fell forward and landed on the ground, completely caught off guard. Come to think of it now, it would have probably made a funny yet hilarious, horror blooper scene. JJ, in his mischief, didn't stop there. His little deeds of pushing others from behind became a regular occurrence, like clockwork. "Those were accidents!" he would always exclaim he didn't do it, his s