History in the making...

In less than 1 week, we will officially have a new President...President Barack Obama (how exciting). At this very moment, millions of people are preparing themselves to take the historic trip down to Washington DC to witness one of the most powerful times in our history. No matter where you are standing at the moment Barack is sworn in, your heart strings will feel a pull and the anvil of oppression will be lifted from many. The symbolism of this will change every man, woman and child from many ethnic backgrounds around the world because it means there is hope for their futures.

There was a time in my life when I wondered if certain opportunities were exclusive to certain people. Some seemed to get things so easily and others seemed to always have an uphill climb. However, the changes happening in our world as we speak is making me realize that there is no "exclusive club" the only thing that separates everyone is their knowledge, ambition, drive and ability to work hard and sacrifice for what they want.

If you look at the Obamas what I find most intriguing about them is not so much their new positions of running this country, but their love of family and community. I admire how they put family first and their main concern is their children and their well being; this combined with their dedication to community and their drive was significant in their win. The journey of this Royal Family as I call them is something to behold and learn from.

People say they want to be successful, but what does that really mean? Is it money? A good job? A loving family? A large house on the hill? What about those who say they want to be wealthy? Most likely they are speaking of money. Wealth and success is not just limited to money or material things. Most of us believe that if we got an abundance of cash and material things, life would be so perfect. However, look around, there are many with material wealth and still quite unhappy...sometimes suicidal! No amount of material wealth will make you happy if you are not self-actualized! There are many of us who are very wealthy not in dollars, but wealthy with the love of family, friends and support....this is a blessing. We often bypass this form of wealth b/c it doesn't seem tangible. However, if we ever get sick or is in need of the support of a group of people, we will quickly realize it's importance.

We are two weeks into 2009 and so much has happened. The economy is very scary right now, the stock market is uncertain and the stress level of most people have risen quite considerably. However, I urge everyone not to let that get you down. We have to help ourselves and the people around us by thinking outside of the box. When the tides shift, we have to learn to turn with those tides and be prepared for some under currents. Life is not stagnant, life keeps moving and you have to move with it. As we go deeper into uncertain times, here is what you can be sure of: Your family who loves and support you, your friends who stand by you and most of all God who created you. Your faith will always carry you through.

Pray much for the Obama family because their journey is just beginning. Even more importantly, keep your expectations at a safe level. I hear many talking of unrealistic expectations and unfair assumptions of Barack being a miracle worker. At the end of the day he's human and he has on many occasions warned that things "will get worse before they get better" so be patient with his term in office and support him and his family as much as you can. If you are one of the lucky ones to be in DC to witness the ultimate change in our history, document it and share it with everyone. If you are watching it from the comfort of your home, you are no less a part of this day, enjoy it with your family and friends because no matter where you are standing, your spirit will be just as fulfilled.

I hope 2009 has gotten off to great a start for all of you, but if it hasn't, just know that you have the power to change your direction.

May you all be abundantly blessed.