I found this in my home office when I was going through some old items. It is a picture of a small cardboard card that my late uncle H. Elliott Thompson gave to me when I was in my early twenties. Many of us cousins and his children knew him for dispensing answers to questions we did not even ask and sharing wisdom he thought would put our lives on the trajectory that was best for us. So I thought I would share with you what my uncle shared with me. It is timeless wisdom that reminds us of the simple ways that our elders and ancestors have always known would make our paths easier: PRAY: It is the greatest power on earth. LOVE: It is a God-give privilege. READ: It is the fountain of wisdom. THINK: It is the source of power. BE FRIENDLY: It is the road to happiness. GIVE: It is too short a day to be selfish. PLAY: It is the secret of perpetual youth. LAUGH: It is the music of the should. WORK: It is the price of success. SAVE: It is the secret to security. Now ...
Today I had someone say to me: “I thought because you were a minister…. you would help me!” This was in response to quoting a price for my legal services that included a payment plan. If I actually listed the terms here, both ministerial and legal colleagues would then ask if I was intending to GIVE my services away and open a free legal aid clinic!! Let’s just say it was a highly conflictual family law matter that most attorneys would start their opening retainer quote at $5,000.00. I required no down payment and, a weekly payment that would likely not cover my gas costs to court! What is important about this interaction is not the market cost of legal services, my potential sacrifice, nor the person’s glib statement (borne out of fear regarding fighting for their children's safety and wellbeing). What I am inviting you to consider is, that there is a misunderstanding about Christian ministry and it is this: ministry services should be free. Well ...
FREE EVENT FOR PARENTS, CAREGIVERS AND CHILDREN. The End of Summer Bash: School Success Readiness Workshop is tomorrow, Friday, September 4th, 2015 @ 1:00pm-3:00pm. At this free event, there will be advice from experts, food, raffle, music, kids activities, and giveaways (child must be present to receive a backpack). My apologies for lateness of information, I just learned about this one!
EVENT LOCATED AT: Family Alliance for Change, 3627 W. Vernor St., Detroit, MI 48216.
Please spread the work widely!!
This event is made possible through collaboration between Detroit Wayne Mental Health Authority, Connections Wayne County System of Care, Youth United, Family Alliance for Change, The Guidance Center, and American Indian Health and Family Services.