Because of this scandal on last Sunday, the big day that Mr. Long had committed to speak on the alleged sex scandal, I must admit that I sat with nervous anticipation. As a man with sons, I sincerely hoped that Bishop Long would say all the right words that would comfort and soothe the souls of the people. The accusations that have been made public against him has concerned me to the core but at the same time, I am relieved as I breathe a breath of fresh air that my sons are fortunate and blessed to have me, their dad, in their lives everyday.

For as we already know, there are just too many young men who aren’t as fortunate and can’t say that their dad’s are present and in their lives. Many of these young men are so impressionable and desperately need their fathers and/or mentorship programs and support such as what many churches offer.

I really wanted to believe Bishop Long and I wanted his words and his heart to resonate with truth and justice and to spiritually align with the word of God. I hoped that after he spoke, his words and his demeanor would help to change the perception of guilt in the court of public opinion and once and for all I wanted it all to be better and ultimately go away. I desperately wanted his words to speak truth to power.

As I waited, flipping TV channels back and forth, I wondered how would he ultimately address the church members and the media and why did he wait all week to make a statement? If I were his attorney, I would have suggested that he speak out without hesitation and make a preliminary statement…declaring his innocence. Then on Sunday, I would have advised him to put the facts on the table, address his church members and go for the home run of truth.

However, to my surprise and disappointment, I didn’t like what I heard on Sunday. The man was talking in riddles. Even one of my sons ask me to explain what Bishop Long meant. I told him that I can’t really explain what a man is trying to say when he appears to be saying nothing. It was one of those teachable moments…funny and sad at the same time. I then said to my sons…”let this be a lesson sons, whenever you speak in front of people…keep it simple and make it plain, then say what you mean and mean what you say.”

I didn’t expect that Bishop Long’s attempt at making a statement for the purpose of clearing up the alleged sex scandal would create even more doubt in my mind. I didn’t expect to have to explain to my sons who continued watching, why the church members were all standing and applauding when he didn’t really say anything significant. This was actually confusing to me when I tried to explain to these inquisitive little fifth graders, what was happening. One son called his words “double talk” and the other one said “mumbo-jumbo” and I felt stupid as a grown-up having to try and explain or defend Bishop Long’s comments because at that moment, I too had the same questions and doubts.

Because I didn’t hear what I wanted to hear last week from Bishop Long, I decided to write out a statement that I wished I could have heard. Tell me how this sounds to you…let’s play a game of pretend. What if Bishop Eddie Long had said something like this instead of what he actually said on last Sunday? This is called…

STRAIGHT TALK: What I Wish Bishop Eddie Long Could Have Said…

“I am innocent! I have done nothing wrong. I am hurt and sadden by these charges that have been brought against me because I only tried to help these young men as I have tried to help tens of thousands of others. Let me be perfectly clear, you will not be ab1e to prove any of these allegations because my actions and my intentions are pure and can only reflect the sincere love and patience of a man of God with overwhelming integrity. I have provided excellent leadership and nurturing and have only acted in the capacity and role as minister and spiritual father to these young men.

My efforts to positively help shape these young men’s lives were sincere, appropriate, righteous and clean and even though I am under attack and all my sincere efforts have been undermined… I will sleep good tonight like Jesus did when he went down into the belly of the boat with troubled waters all around him.

Jesus slept in peace even though the disciples were afraid. I am not afraid and neither should you my church family be afraid for I have done nothing wrong. In the days ahead, I will calm these troubled waters just like Jesus did for even though I have never portrayed myself to be a perfect man, I can say with complete confidence that I am not that man that they are talking about. I have never abused, intentionally mislead, improperly touched or had sex or a sexual relationship with any of these young men… as God is my witness.

And just like David, I have my five stones but I have not thrown not even one stone yet but let me be very clear, I am going to fight this thing with all my might. I am going to fight and vigorously challenge every allegation and I will be victorious. Soon, I will have my day in court and the truth will be revealed and shall set me free. This I assure you will be my ultimate outcome for I know that God will see me through.

Pray for me and my family and pray for our church. Also, pray for my accusers for God is good, righteous and just – all the time and God will see us through.
Amen….Amen and Amen.”

How does that sound church? I don’t know about you but I believe that it’s time we all step up and demand truth and justice for all. I personally would love to have heard Bishop Eddie Long speak with sincere words that resonate with love, truth and forgiveness and skip all the “double-talk mumbo-jumbo.” Next week or very soon, I hope he will tell the people in plain language that a 5th grader can understand, “I am innocent and I didn’t do it.” This is the way real people talk when they are innocent and have nothing to hide.

Bishop, You Are Innocent…Aren’t You?

Peace,
Tony L Harris
OLD SCHOOL DAD

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Today on this special Father’s Day, as we celebrate and honor all fathers all over the world, I introduce to you a great friend and someone who is no stranger to our show, Mr. Desmond Welsh. Now here is a gentleman in my opinion who has done it right. He has been successful in raising a great son and daughter and I call him my brother. We’ve walked this spiritual journey for a long time together. In 1990, we co-founded a very unique spiritual group called Disciples of Prosperity (DOP) and that particular group was a strong and powerful catalyst for change for all of the men who joined over the next ten years. We all grew and prospered from the experience and the journey. We are truly brothers and spiritual partners in this game called life.

To tell you more about Desmond, he is a native of Jamaica W.I. previously lived in Southern California for 37 years and relocated to Austin, Texas in 2006. Desmond has fathered and parented a wonderful son who is a young adult now. His son works full time at a bank, and is entertaining a career in banking. Also, Desmond is parenting a young daughter, who is now in her 3rd year of college at an HBCU. She continues to successfully climb the educational ladder and deal with the rigors of college life.

And in honor of fathers everywhere – NEW SCHOOL and OLD SCHOOL…One Spirit – we celebrate and congratulate you Desmond on your newest and latest addition to your family…your beautiful little baby girl, known as Chinara. Chinara is now 18 months old and is simply a bundle of pure love, joy and happiness. According to Desmond he says…”Chinara is forcing me to tap into my emotional side in ways that I’ve never imagined were possible. She is truly God’s beautiful miracle and gift. Priscilla and I are so fortunate and blessed to have her in our lives.”

Desmond has worked in the mortgage industry 24 years.  He was a Real Estate broker in the State of California for 20 years and now he is also a licensed Mortgage Broker in the State of Texas.  He presently does contract work for a bank in their loss mitigation department. Desmond says, “I consider myself a spiritual person, who seeks continuous spiritual growth. I believe in a God – a non physical entity greater than myself – and I seek to develop a greater relationship and understanding with that entity/God.” 

Listen and Enjoy!

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Everyday and especially at night before you go to sleep, I will ask you both the question as if it were the very first time I had ever asked – “How Much Does Daddy Love You?” The answer to which you always reply – “More Than Life Itself!” One day my sons – you will wonder why this daily ritual was so important to me and why did I insist on speaking out loud the 3 Most Important Words – “I Love You?” Well, the truth is, I always wanted to help paint the picture and fully express the very essence and dept of my infinite love for you, so that there will never be room for any doubt on this subject. I wanted speaking about love and expressing our love to one another to be common place and as natural as breathing air.

To explain further – I have to tell you a few things about my childhood. No, this is not a story about how I had to walk ten miles to school everyday in the snow or how we didn’t have running water or only 3 channels on the television with no remote. (Smile) No, that was my father’s generation that knew more abut that experience. The truth is I grew up doing a time when parents especially fathers seemed slightly distant and reserve when it came to showing and telling their authentic feelings and emotions to their children.

My Daddy, an “Original OLD SCHOOL DAD® was no different than the average man regarding this subject called love. Like most men in our community and around the country he shared a kindred spirit and mentality about how a man should conduct himself around his family. Bottom-line, my father was a product of the non-sensitive Daddy’s of the 1940’s, 50’s and 60’s. He loved my sister and me but he didn’t know how to tell us. I can count on my fingers the number of times he actually initiated saying the 3 most important words. Don’t misunderstand…my father loved us with all his heart and soul; he just didn’t say it out loud. You see, there were not many “sensitivity parenting” classes for men to sign up for back then and even if there had been, I’m sure daddy would have probably skipped that class as would most men of his generation.

He was a complex man but he made life seem simple. He was hard-working and God-fearing. He loved his family, country and community and showed his love by providing for his family and helping others. He never got sick, never missed work, didn’t drink alcohol and went to church more than I care to remember. I say that with love because when daddy went to church that meant we all had to go to church. What I”m trying to say is this…daddy wasn’t attempting to reinvent the wheel…he was very content with simply replicating it by being the best dad he could be based on how his dad had demonstrated fatherhood to him.

Every now and then…Dad and I would have a real moment and he would try so hard to communicate (to me – his little man-child) how much he cared about me. What I remember about those times was how it always felt awkward for both of us. It was like trying to pretend you knew the latest dance steps but your feet were totally off beat. Ultimately, we would look and sound clumsy but never-the-less, the act itself was overwhelming. I loved spending time with him. I felt that he physically was so strong and powerful and smart and I believe that there was nothing we couldn’t overcome as a family if he was driving the bus. So, more importantly, than having a smooth ride, I knew what he was trying to say even when he failed to say it. Even if the words may have escaped his lips…his kind eyes told the truth. He really did love me even if he couldn’t say it. And it didn’t really matter. What mattered most to me was that I felt safe and I knew that he cared. For my father, I think it was more important to show his feelings for his family through hard work and dedication and through his generous acts of kindness and deeds. He believed that man-kind was fundamentally good and he always tried to help improve upon that goodness.

Spankings? Yes, Yes and Yes…from time-to-time we did get spankngs. Who knows…before you judge it – keep in mind that the jury is still out on that issue. After all these years, we are still split down the middle on this question. I certainly believe that I turned out okay and Lord knows I got my fair share of spankings. Not just from my parents…but teachers, principles and concerned church members and neighbors. Back then we really did accept and practice the idea that “it takes a village to raise a child.” Maybe, the bible is correct when it suggest that “he that spare the rod – spoil the child.” (Proverbs 13:24) But one things is for sure…Dad was there and his presence was always felt throughout the house and I am so grateful that it worked out that way for me. I was always proud of him and I never told him enough until much later in life. I should have…but I guess I didn’t know how to express my feelings either back then and I didn’t think much about the notion that one day he would be gone. I realize now that no one knows the hour when life will say “Game Over!” So, this is why I want to express in this moment just how much I love you and want the absolute best for you.

Maybe you’re thinking…”why are you writing this daddy?” Well, I write this article today for you (Jacob and Joshua) because I want you to know that we are a proud family with proud traditions and heritage and it is now your opportunity and responsibility to take your life to the next level. I plan to be there with you leading the charge until at some point you will say to me – ”Dad, I Got This…I Can Handle It!” It has taken me many years to recognize this fact about my relationship with my Dad but now that’s what makes each moment of my relationship with you boys even more special.

My mother use to tell me and it’s true that “God doesn’t put more on you than you can handle.” So, get on with it. Get on with life. Live each day as if it were your last because one day…you will be right. The truth for us as a family is that you are standing on the shoulders of a lot of strong, intelligent, successful and fantastic people and we can not be separated not even in death. It is your father’s fathers’ fathers’ fathers’ fathers’ father’s father’s blood that you have running through your veins and there is no separation. We Are One! Forever and Always! So Do You Know The Answer?

I Love You,

Daddy

* John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends (sons).

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Today’s special occasion is about honoring our children. This is a story about a beautiful little girl and a father who didn’t know she existed. Deborah was sixteen when they first met and already feeling the peer pressure and challenges of being a teenager. Listen in and hear their story and how their lives were changed in an instant from their very first meeting. That was the beginning of their inseparable journey and for Deborah, it was an awakening that has inspired her to live life to the fullest, become a writer and publish her first novel titled, “Divine Order”. As Deborah would say, “Having her father in her life means everything to her.” It has assisted her each step alone her journey to have faith in God and believe in the power of love. We salute this Dad and Daughter duo and their fantastic journey. Listen and Enjoy!

Deborah L. Harris resides in Chicago, IL where she currently resides with her husband and son. She is currently employed with the United States Postal Service. Deborah has enjoyed the craft of writing for many years. She feels that writing has allowed her the opportunity to communicate ideas beyond her wildest imagination.

Deborah enrolled in a six week writing course titled, “The Writer’s Loft” in which Jerry Cleaver was the instructor, where she was taught that a good story can never be denied. She also took a few writing courses on line in which the fundamentals of writing were refreshed, and instrumental in providing her with the proper writing technique. Deborah applied the tools given to her, along with her creative mind, and decided that ideas without execution are dead and committed to writing her first novel titled “Divine Order.”

Since the release of her self published novel in July of 2008, she has been on several radio stations interviewing about her new novel throughout the country. Divine Order was featured in Denver’s “Body Of Christ News” for Black History Month. She recently took second place in a competition on the “Out The Box” Blog Talk Radio, which is connected with the “Go On Girl Book Club” the largest African American Book Club. Deborah will also launch off her first major book signing in Chicago in June at E.T.A, one of the most well known and oldest establishments for entertainment. Deborah also will visit several other cities promoting her book in the upcoming months.

Emerson Featherstone, President of Featherstone Production Records and Promotions, originally from Chicago, IL but has lived in Los Angles for almost 40 years. His love and passion for music and representing talented singers and musical groups are endless. Some of the many talented artists that he’s represented and been associated with are the following:

DUICE – “Girls in the Daisy Dukes” (250,000 copies sold) * The DRAMATICS
* TAG TEAM – “Whoop-There It Is” * Johnny Guitar Watson * The CHI-LITES * Jody Watley – “Affection” * Tyrone Davis -“For The Good Times” * The MANHATTAN “Turn Out the Stars” * Theodis Ealy- “Stand Up In It” * BAR-KAYS – “The Real Thing” * Johnnie Taylor – “Soul Heaven” (This was Johnnie Taylor’s very last album) * Barry White – “The Right Night” and “Sho You Right” * Jean Shy and he is currently working on a new album release with L.J. Reynolds of The DRAMATICS.

As much as he is proud of his body of work for 30 plus years and his many accomplishments in the music industry, he is most proud of his family and the unconditional love that he shares with his daughter and other children and grandchildren.

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Lewis said, “It is almost too much to take in.”

Amen, brother.

In spite of my long, checkered lifetime on “roads less traveled,” certainly by my birth family, — roads that should have allowed me to speak out and take at least a measure of ownership, of gut-clenching fear, and overwhelming joy at this remarkable accomplishment, I find myself stifled, almost choking, by emotion that has no outlet. For I am a stranger in a strange land. I have no one to share this emotion with, except the folks on television.

It is almost too much to take in.

I am a stranger in a strange land. A white woman by birth, accidentally exiled in redneck, provincial, Republican Idaho that often seems stuck somewhere in the 1950s. But I am also a black woman by schizophrenic choice, accidentally exiled in that same redneck, provincial, Republican Idaho – a world where only a few people in my circle would have a basis for understanding these feelings, or my choking silence.

I am a 72 year old relic of another time, another place, another life – a life on the margins of a racial and inter-racial world – a life that was not completed in the ways I anticipated when I made the choice to cross that invisible border into Black America. I find myself wondering about “Obama’s Mama,” daughter of Kansans; my contemporary in age – and perhaps background – a rebellious adventurer into a cross-cultural, international cross-racial adventure – and I think how easily that could have been me…..for much of my California Chaffey College experience in the mid-1950s was spent in that international, cross-cultural, cross-racial world. In that brave new world of the idealistic and romantic college freshman, it could as easily have been Hassan Adam of Sudan or Kahlid TuckTuck of Jordan as Napoleon Harris of Oklahoma who caught my eye and changed my life.

Now, unlike Anne Dunham, I have lived to see a bi-racial American elected President of the United States. A bi-racial American whose heritage parallels the heritage of my own bi-racial daughter’s background and ancestry. A mom whose own life paralleled, but exceeded my own, in her journey across similar but wider margins; a mom who struggled, as I did, to raise a healthy, well-adjusted bi-racial child in an era that parallels within 3 years my own bi-racial child’s era.

It is almost too much to take in.

As a 30-something white woman raising a bi-racial child in conservative Independence, Missouri, I worried about her future. I worried about whether she would be able to identify equally with her bi-racial heritage. I worried that she was more comfortable in the white world, as was her father before her. I worried about whether she would be able to keep and transmit the black heritage that was hers in equal measure, while dealing with an emotionally distant father, and while the “black family of my heart” seemed lost to us forever. Her godfather, African American freedom fighter “Sandy Browne,” who always understood me better than I understood myself, often reminded me that the problems we faced would not be the ones she or her children would face – that we were standing on the threshold of earth-shattering change.

At the time, I doubted it. It was 1970-something; the world was still not easy for people of color, and change was agonizingly slow in coming, filled with stinging backlash. Yet today, she is a successful career woman of 50, with a good marriage and great kids; her children comfortable with who they are. And today, bi-racial Barack Obama and his beautiful African American wife and charming daughters will move into the White House. Sandy Browne, love of my life, gone to his reward these 17 years, was right, as usual.

It is almost too much to take in.

And yet……the Indians say that it takes 7 generations for a conquered people to recover and resume their rightful place in the world. If a generation is calculated at roughly 20 years, and we begin with Emancipation in 1865, it is seven generations to 2005 —- and just four years later, we see the old African American leadership fade, and a new, dynamic leadership take its place. Barack Obama is just one of that new generation. Just imagine…….

It is almost too much to take in.

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In America then, college students were being asked to show their willingness to participate in a movement that would perhaps improve the quality of life for all who dared to dream the American dream. I, along with six other willing but apprehensive students, received my training and directives from a well-established fraternal organization (Alpha Phi Omega Inc.) We were told where, when, what time, how to dress, and what to expect during our first Sit-In demonstration.

I will never forget the feeling of oppression when we were told we may be yelled at, called niggers or roughed-up by the police. However, dressed in what we called “Sunday clothes” I, along with the others, listened carefully to the very detailed instructions, “Always look forward, don’t raise your voice or use profanity, and remain calm and polite under all circumstances.”

01 Apr 1960, Marshall, Texas, USA --- Police in Marshall, Texas arrest two African-American students from Wiley College after they staged a sit down protest in a drug store. --- Image by © Bettmann/CORBIS

Upon ordering coffee, service was quickly denied and we were told to leave. In fact, we were told several times to leave, but we held steadfast to our orders to sit until we felt we had made a statement without words. Sitting at the counter wondering how the sit-in would end felt like an eternity.

After four decades, I can only remember the names of two individuals who shared this experience with me: Herman Ferlough and John “Doc” Coss. But I will always remember the heart-wrenching sound of pistols being cocked by police officers insisting that we leave. Being careful to move slowly out of the door with no sudden moves, I wondered how long black Americans would have to fight to be accepted in the one nation under God that claims to give liberty and justice to all.

Times back then were difficult for black people; educated and non-educated had to fight for the simplest level of justice, equality and respect. That day, only six of the seven who participated in the Walgreens sit-in went to jail and remained in holding until the next day. I have yet to find out why I was not taken to jail like my classmates. Yes, that was then, when people were sacrificing their lives for justice like Andrew Goodman, James Chaney, and Michael Schwerner who were brutally murdered in Mississippi as they worked to assist African Americans execute their constitutional voting privilege. Although our sacrifice was small in comparison to many, it was very significant during the struggle back then.

Now, times have changed for the better as a result of the Civil Rights Movement led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and other pioneers. Now, we have a newly elected President, Mr. Obama, who happens to be black. Unlike then, now, Americans can be proud to live in this country and truthfully say that we are indeed making tremendous strides to be one nation under God, with liberty and justice for all. Thanks to God that he allowed me to live long enough to see, cherish, enjoy and appreciate THE NOW!

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My fellow citizens, I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors. I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition.

Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because We the People have remained faithful to the ideals of our forbearers, and true to our founding documents.

So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans.

That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.

These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics. Less measurable but no less profound is a sapping of confidence across our land – a nagging fear that America’s decline is inevitable, and that the next generation must lower its sights.

Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America – they will be met.

On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.

On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.

We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.

In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of short-cuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted – for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things – some celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labor, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom.

For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and traveled across oceans in search of a new life.

For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West; endured the lash of the whip and plowed the hard earth.

For us, they fought and died, in places like Concord and Gettysburg; Normandy and Khe Sahn.

Time and again these men and women struggled and sacrificed and worked till their hands were raw so that we might live a better life. They saw America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions; greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction.

This is the journey we continue today. We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on Earth. Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began. Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year. Our capacity remains undiminished. But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions – that time has surely passed. Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.

For everywhere we look, there is work to be done. The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act – not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth. We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together. We will restore science to its rightfu l place, and wield technology’s wonders to raise health care’s quality and lower its cost. We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age. All this we can do. All this we will do.

Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions – who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short. For they have forgotten what this country has already done; what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage.

What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them- that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply. The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works – whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified. Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end. And those of us who manage the public’s dollars will be held to account – to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day – because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.

Nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill. Its power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched, but this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control – and that a nation cannot prosper long when it favors only the prosperous. The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our Gross Domestic Product, but on the reach of our prosperity; on the ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart – not out of charity, but because it is the surest route to our common good.

As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our Founding Fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience’s sake. And so to all other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and we are ready to lead once more.

Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.

We are the keepers of this legacy. Guided by these principles once more, we can meet those new threats that demand even greater effort – even greater cooperation and understanding between nations. We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people, and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan. With old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the specter of a warming planet. We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.

For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus – and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.

To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual20interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society’s ills on the West – know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.

To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world’s resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it.

As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains. They have something to tell us, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages. We honor them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service; a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves. And yet, at this moment – a moment that will define a generation – it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all.

For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies. It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours. It is the firefighter’s courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent’s willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate.

Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends – honesty and hard work, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism – these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility – a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.

This is the price and the promise of citizenship.

This is the source of our confidence- the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.

This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed – why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent mall, and why a man whose father less than sixty years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.

So let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have traveled. In the year of America’s birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river. The capital was abandoned. The enemy was advancing. The snow was stained with blood. At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people:

“Let it be told to the future world…that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive … that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet [it].”

America. In the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children’s children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God’s grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.

Thank you. God bless you. And God bless the United States of America.

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Coach Cleamons played nine year in the NBA on four different teams (the LA Lakers, Cleveland Cavaliers, the New York Knicks, and The Washington Bullets).

In 1976, Cleamons was selected to the NBA ALL-DEFENSE 2ND TEAM.
In addition to his playing career, Cleamons was the head coach of the Dallas Mavericks for slightly over one year, from 1996 to 1997. Cleamons was also an assistant coach for the New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets. Since July 19, 2006, Coach Cleamons has rejoined the Lakers coaching staff to assist in the continuation of the Lakers winning tradition.

In his career, Coach Cleamons has won a total of 8 NBA championships first as an athlete and then as a coach. His successful basketball career now extends well over 40 years and he has no plans of slowing down. He has won championships at every level of his career from childhood until now…As an Athlete and As a Coach. We are honored to have him with us today as we approach and ponder the Real Measure and Soul of a Man.

If there’s one statement that defines the heart and soul of Jim Cleamons it would be this…
”There Goes A Man That Did The Best That He Could Each and Every Day That He Could”

Thank you Coach Cleamons for Sharing Your Story and for Helping to Make A Difference.
It Is Truly An Honor!

Listen and Enjoy!

The Real Measure and Soul of a Man

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After completing his four year term on the football team, he received an offer from the Detroit Lions to try out for the team as a free-agent draft. However, Brown chose to focus his efforts on graduating from college; he received his B.S. Degree in Science and Health & Physical Education in 1962. Immediately he began his coaching career and gained experience coaching basketball, football and track. Ultimately, Brown’s love of basketball overshadowed his football and track interests, and he pursued only basketball coaching positions which enabled him to build impressive basketball records. He has experiences on the Middle, High School, and University levels.

Brown was selected to coach Division One Basketball at McNeese State University in Lake Charles, Louisiana where he later obtained a Master’s Degree in School Administration and Supervision. Years later, Brown took a break from coaching to operate a successful insurance office, but soon accepted an Assistant Basketball coaching position at Georgia Southwestern State University where he served as coach for four years.

Next, he became an Assistant High School Principal, and in 1999 he acceptance a Head Principal position at Dougherty County Middle school in Albany, Georgia. In 2000, Brown was ordained as a minister and became the spiritual leader of Weldon Springs Baptist Church in Albany.

Currently, he is retired and resides in Newnan, Georgia with his wife Mary and their fourteen year old son Billy Ray Brown, II. Billy Ray Brown, Sr. enjoys reading the Bible, teaching bible study as the minister of the Bridge Builder’s Ministry at St. Smyrna Baptist Church, and managing his home-based business. Brown is the author of a defensive basketball book titled SAMM (Systematic Approach to Manipulative Movements).

Now that Coach Brown has officially retired, he and his wife Mary are the proud authors of a new and exciting series of motivational books for kids entitled “SAMM I Am” and “Grandpa’s Regret.” Brown is also the author of his newly revised basketball manual entitled “SAMM. A Systematic Approach to Manipulative Movement.” Brown says, “This is the book of all books for basketball coaches and players who know that defense is the key to winning games.”

It is with great honor that I present to you Coach Billy R. Brown, Sr.

Memoirs of an Old School Dad

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“Have you that something, that burning desire?
Have you that something, that never doth tire?
Oh, if you have it — that Heavenly Fire!
Then let the world know there is something within.
Something within me — that holdeth the reins,
Something within me — that banishes the pain;
Something within me — I cannot explain,
All that I know is — there is something within.
I met God one morn, my soul feeling bad,
Heart heavy laden with a bowed down head.
He lifted my burden and made me so glad,
All that I know — there is something within.
Something within me — that holdeth the reins,
Something within me — that banishes the pain;
Something within me — I cannot explain,
All that I know is — there is something within.”

- By L. E. Campbell

I was contacted this morning by Tony to consider a contribution to this phenomenal tool called – “Old School Dad.” I was asked to share a personal life experience that others could benefit — by their reading it on the blog. I said to him, “I will simply write a healing message to myself.”

I have retired from two careers. One is from public service as an accountant and the second one is from Bible teaching. When asked by many who have known me for years what I am doing now —I have to tell them about my plate that overflows. Many who ask simply stand in awe – and wonder how I am able to do the things I do in my retired years.

I currently raise three children (two nephews-15 and 9, one niece-14). At the same time, my 90 yr. old mother now lives with us and she is almost totally dependent for help with almost everything. Added to this responsibility her capacity is diminishing it seems by the day. Her awareness however, is still strong enough to resist accepting outside help that she obviously needs which increases the stress in the home.

A trip to the emergency room with her complaining about aggravating headaches revealed that she is experiencing symptoms from “an old stroke” — that somehow went undetected even though she has maintained monthly visits with her doctors for years.

The children have been with me since the ages of 5 and 6 (now 15 and 14) and their brother who is now 9 has been with me since he was nearly two. They have lived a privileged life never needing or wanting for anything and have always had more than many children have — including love and a healthy social life. After all this however, I am experiencing a challenge with them — not having an innate desire for success. This has cost me a tremendous amount of money, time and stress in schools for the last two years — because I know that if I don’t keep doing what I am doing for them — then their life could go in the same direction both their parents’ went — which is to the streets.

No one needs advanced degrees in education to know that their lives have been negatively affected by their past. It is shameful that so many children are affected in this manner — with many lives irreversibly destroyed — simply because someone chose to have a few many minutes of pleasure in exchange for the destruction of human life. And then after that, they are able to walk away from the life they created — as if it were a puppy in a shelter or worse — on the streets.

I am no longer able to do the work that I loved for so many years which is to travel from city to city and state to state, teaching the Bible and preaching the Word. This always gave me the greatest joy I ever experienced in life. Instead, I chose to serve as a “Life Angel” — for these three children and to serve as a “Transitional Life Nurse” — for my mother. I do this with minimal help from my family and my revenue generating ability has been handicapped. Still I am able to maintain in all areas.

Many times I am asked — “How do you do it?” I can still find the joy I once had — when I was teaching and preaching — it always rises in my heart when I answer the question by saying to those who ask this question —

“Something within me — that holdeth the reins,
Something within me — that banishes the pain;
Something within me — I cannot explain,
All that I know is — there is something within.”

And So It Is.

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