It's a common topic that everyone has talked about or will discuss eventually, LOVE. This word can be a little for some and make others melt especially when they think of that special someone. But the question I want examine in this posting today is "Do we really know what LOVE is?" First, let's look at the definition of the word from a biblical standpoint as well as a general definition. For those of you whose actually read the bible, here's the biblical reference: Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, 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. Love never fails - 1 Cor. 13:4-8. Now here is the general definition taken from Merriam-Webster: strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties.
So we have some very vivid definitions of love and how it works. Here is where the issue lies, are we using it the correct way. Some people use 'love' to control people or to manipulate people. Love has even been as an excuse for killing people.
Love, although a small word, has a huge meaning attached to it and is very complex; even more complex than it's adversary, 'hate'. At least when it comes to hate, it's pretty easy to pinpoint who or what it is that you hate. But in the case of love, there are so many questions, decisions, challenges, and problems to be examined.
For generations, men and women all over the world have tried to explain love and its' complications. In all honesty, love is actually dependent upon the individuals involved. My opinion and perspective of love may not be what y'all think about , but in the end, we all want to be loved.
Here's my advice to you: really examine the word 'love' before you jump into the next relationship or jump the broom. It is a word that overused and abused throughout the years. Let's start using 'love' the way that it was intended. For too long, we have misuse each other in the name of love. Learn how to love yourself 110 percent and then you can love others just as easily.
So, the next time you say "I love you" to someone, make sure that you actually mean it. Love y'all and thanks for the support.
'Catchup with Chano' every week right here at sammychano.blogspot.com and tune in every Wednesday at 12 Noon EST to blogtalkradio.com/chanolyric for "Chilling with Chano & Lyric"
Monday, August 5, 2013
Sunday, July 28, 2013
Getting Low
So allow me to clarify this first; the title of this blog has nothing, I repeat, nothing to do with dancing or grinding. But for those whose decided to read my blog because of the title, thanks, I need the support. Let's get started.
For the past year or so, I've been unemployed, broke, a bum, and all of the above. So during this time I have learned a lot about people (mostly my family) and myself.
Since graduating from college, I realized that I took my degree for granted. I did not understand it's importance until recently. But more so, I have changed dramatically in the last year due to this job search, especially in how I view life and others.
Let's rewind for a moment. Last year when I was preparing my graduation, I had the mindset that I would have a job by the end of the year and that I would not settle just anything. That meant I wouldn't work anywhere that I thought to be a 'blue-collar' job like working in a store or local plant. These were positions that I viewed as beneath me; bear with me, I'm being honest here. But as usual, life has its own way making us humble and receptive to what we need to know in order to survive and succeed.
It hit me one day like a ton of bricks, maybe if I tone it a little, I can find work. So that;s, what I did. I began to lower my standards. Let's be real, a job is a job and steady income is very important in this time of economic crisis. In all of this, I decided to create my own opportunities, I started an Internet radio show, this blog, I design websites for people, and I volunteer at a local shelter here in the city. Although, I'm not where I expected or planned to be a year after college, I am better than I was when I left college.
I appreciate the little things more and I realize that a title or name tag means nothing if you're not willing to put in the work and effort that comes with it. I'm privileged actually to have experienced this dilemma of finding a job, because in the process, I found myself and what I have to offer and how I can help others along the way.
So, for those of you graduating from college recently, you may not have your dream job or making six figures right after graduation, but embrace your gifts and humble yourself. With your gifts and humility, you are destined to succeed.
For the past year or so, I've been unemployed, broke, a bum, and all of the above. So during this time I have learned a lot about people (mostly my family) and myself.
Since graduating from college, I realized that I took my degree for granted. I did not understand it's importance until recently. But more so, I have changed dramatically in the last year due to this job search, especially in how I view life and others.
Let's rewind for a moment. Last year when I was preparing my graduation, I had the mindset that I would have a job by the end of the year and that I would not settle just anything. That meant I wouldn't work anywhere that I thought to be a 'blue-collar' job like working in a store or local plant. These were positions that I viewed as beneath me; bear with me, I'm being honest here. But as usual, life has its own way making us humble and receptive to what we need to know in order to survive and succeed.
It hit me one day like a ton of bricks, maybe if I tone it a little, I can find work. So that;s, what I did. I began to lower my standards. Let's be real, a job is a job and steady income is very important in this time of economic crisis. In all of this, I decided to create my own opportunities, I started an Internet radio show, this blog, I design websites for people, and I volunteer at a local shelter here in the city. Although, I'm not where I expected or planned to be a year after college, I am better than I was when I left college.
I appreciate the little things more and I realize that a title or name tag means nothing if you're not willing to put in the work and effort that comes with it. I'm privileged actually to have experienced this dilemma of finding a job, because in the process, I found myself and what I have to offer and how I can help others along the way.
So, for those of you graduating from college recently, you may not have your dream job or making six figures right after graduation, but embrace your gifts and humble yourself. With your gifts and humility, you are destined to succeed.
Sunday, July 21, 2013
Taking Notes on Life
During my transition to Philadelphia, I'm learning a lot about life, people, and most importantly, myself. On Thursday, as I was leaving home to go to work, I was stopped by my neighbor.
He asked, "How they treating you?" Now, my response was,"They're treating good. I'm enjoying life here in Philly." And I proceeded to tell him about my job at the shelter. He looked at me for a while, then said, "I was talking about life, the world; how are they treating you?" Honestly, for a minute I was dumbfounded. So I explained that the job search wasn't exactly booming, but it was a start and everything would soon work out. He looked at me and said something so profound. (Disclaimer: These are his words exactly, not mine.)
"When you come out of your house everyday, you have to make a decision." he said. "There's a pile of shit in the world and you are either on the top of it or at the bottom of it. Which one will you be?" This guy was starting to preach a little right there on the stoop. It was a little unorthodox, but it was honest, hardcore truth that everyone don't get on a regular basis.
The conversation/pep talk really made me re-evaluate why I do what I do. He asked why do I write or volunteer. Was I doing it for my own purposes or was I doing it to empower someone else life. I thought about it for a minute. Although volunteering, writing, and designing websites are good for resume purposes, but how are those things benefiting the community.
He said something that was, at first a little offensive, but I eventually took note of what he was saying. "What I noticed about people who are communication majors or supposed to be communication type people; they can express anything online through computers, but put them in front of an audience and you get nothing out of them."
I had to agree with him, I've seen many people, even myself at one point, that could proclaim to be such a great activist or catalyst for change, but in person, they stagnant, they just do it for a cover up.
Overall, the conversation made me think, why did I choose this path that I've taken in life. Is it because I want the accolades that comes with it or do I really want to help and empower someone else. Let this be a note in life for you, whatever path you choose, make sure that it benefits the greater population, not just yourself.
In the words of the great trailblazer, Shirley Chisholm, "Service is the rent you pay for room on this earth." Make your purpose is not only good for you but good for others too. Find your service and you'll find your purpose.
Be sure to read 'Catch-up with Chano' every week and then tune in to my show, "Chilling with Chano and Lyric" every Wednesday at Noon on www.blogtalkradio.com/chanolyric Thanks for the support!
Saturday, July 13, 2013
Trayvon Martin: An American Tragedy
Its sad to say that this is my first blog, but I shall continue. As we all have observed, George Zimmerman was acquitted 'Not Guilty' of murdering 17-year-old Trayvon Martin by an all-female jury.
Trayvon Martin was a 17-year-old African-American male visiting his father and while walking back from the local store was confronted, I apologize for that incorrect term, I meant followed, stalked, whatever word is fitting by George Zimmerman.
As I listened to the 911 recording last year, it was evident that Zimmerman was not suppose to leave his car. It does not take a rocket scientist to see that Zimmerman was in fault for what took place.
As for the case itself, it sucked, it could have been conducted better, but who am I to say, I'm just a concerned citizen, not a lawyer with an Ivy League degree.
As for the families of Zimmerman and Martin, I weep and pray for both because for one family, justice has not been served whereas the other family life will always be in danger in regards to retaliation. I cannot complete this post without commending the parents and family of Trayvon Martin for their class, dignity, and the respect they have for themselves. You all have broken and proven wrong every stereotype of a typical African-American family.
To all those who read this, do not look at this case in terms of race, but let's examine the truth here. We as a people, not just African-Americans, but all Americans have stopped the fight for justice for all. We have allowed ourselves to become more concerned about material items, preferably money more than our fellow man.
If we really want to point fingers and convict someone, lets convict ourselves due to lack volunteering in our communities and educating within our communities. In other words, African-Americans have allowed our own people, in some cases, not all, to kill each other and self destruct, yet we say nothing, because its considered 'snitching.'And we ponder the reason why a white Hispanic (because Zimmerman was of mixed heritage; white and Hispanic) has been set free for something we have been doing for years.
Don't misinterpret what I'm saying, I wish the outcome was different also. But we have to realize that this another opportunity to stand up and never be seated for justice in a nation where an African-American male can be profiled and killed.
Let this be an eye-opener, once and for all, we need to stand up and do what is right in our communities before something else like this takes place. This happened because we have allowed it to happen. Remember, you have rights as a citizen of the United States to have laws changed, but you cannot do that if you are not a registered voter or an active citizen in your community. Know your rights, the law, as well as your history because all these things will help us as a nation, not just African-Americans, not just white people, but the entire nation to create a country where anyone can walk down the street without being profiled.
Join me next week for Catch-up with Chano. I'm LIVE every Wednesday at 12 Noon EST on blogtalkradio.com/chanolyric
Trayvon Martin was a 17-year-old African-American male visiting his father and while walking back from the local store was confronted, I apologize for that incorrect term, I meant followed, stalked, whatever word is fitting by George Zimmerman.
As I listened to the 911 recording last year, it was evident that Zimmerman was not suppose to leave his car. It does not take a rocket scientist to see that Zimmerman was in fault for what took place.
As for the case itself, it sucked, it could have been conducted better, but who am I to say, I'm just a concerned citizen, not a lawyer with an Ivy League degree.
As for the families of Zimmerman and Martin, I weep and pray for both because for one family, justice has not been served whereas the other family life will always be in danger in regards to retaliation. I cannot complete this post without commending the parents and family of Trayvon Martin for their class, dignity, and the respect they have for themselves. You all have broken and proven wrong every stereotype of a typical African-American family.
To all those who read this, do not look at this case in terms of race, but let's examine the truth here. We as a people, not just African-Americans, but all Americans have stopped the fight for justice for all. We have allowed ourselves to become more concerned about material items, preferably money more than our fellow man.
If we really want to point fingers and convict someone, lets convict ourselves due to lack volunteering in our communities and educating within our communities. In other words, African-Americans have allowed our own people, in some cases, not all, to kill each other and self destruct, yet we say nothing, because its considered 'snitching.'And we ponder the reason why a white Hispanic (because Zimmerman was of mixed heritage; white and Hispanic) has been set free for something we have been doing for years.
Don't misinterpret what I'm saying, I wish the outcome was different also. But we have to realize that this another opportunity to stand up and never be seated for justice in a nation where an African-American male can be profiled and killed.
Let this be an eye-opener, once and for all, we need to stand up and do what is right in our communities before something else like this takes place. This happened because we have allowed it to happen. Remember, you have rights as a citizen of the United States to have laws changed, but you cannot do that if you are not a registered voter or an active citizen in your community. Know your rights, the law, as well as your history because all these things will help us as a nation, not just African-Americans, not just white people, but the entire nation to create a country where anyone can walk down the street without being profiled.
Join me next week for Catch-up with Chano. I'm LIVE every Wednesday at 12 Noon EST on blogtalkradio.com/chanolyric
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