Time waits for nothing and everything is gonna take it’s time.
Musiq-“Time”
Greetings folks. As I sit here awake at my desk typing this post it is a little after 3:00 a.m. Why am I up? Same question I’m asking. Whatever the reason, I am, and because I am I wanted to make the most of this time.
As of late I’ve been harping on my Facebook and Twitter accounts about the finiteness of life and all the things life has to offer. I’ve had intentions of following behind it and writing a post, however, I just could never find the time. In some respects the 140-420 characters in which my messages were encapsulated were enough. At least that’s what I told myself to justify not sitting down at my laptop and doing what I needed to do. The fact of the matter is, is that they weren’t enough characters and I had a lot more to say.
I was very involved in church with my family at a young age. Being so involved in the church with my family, and my parents later becoming ministers, I attended a lot of funerals. However, I’ve been fortunate enough in life not to be touched very close by death as most of the funerals I’ve attended have been for extended relatives and church members. I can only think of a few that really “touched me.” My death of both my grandmothers, one earlier this year, and the passing of my high school English teacher Ms. Ann Howard is another one that immediately comes to mind. To a small degree, my familiarity with death has created calluses for me about the subject. When I’m required to speak about the subject with friends and family I notice that I speak much more matter of fact than most. Not speaking about it doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist, it just means you’re ducking the inevitable.
There are two inevitable things in life, death and taxes. As such, it’s imperative that we prepare for what we know is coming. However, often times, especially in the African-American and Latino communities, this is a taboo subject. We don’t want to talk about it, plan for it, or even acknowledge its existence until there’s a body in the morgue. I get it. Death is difficult to deal with and most people turn and run as far away and as fast as they can from the difficult things in life. However, our aversion about the topic of death is detrimental to our families.
I’ll use my family for example. I’m very open about death with my family. I told them if I die before them to bury me in a pine box, try not to shed too many tears and keep the rest of the insurance money to go on vacation or buy a new car. They ignored me and looked at me like I was crazy. I was ignored for planning for something we all know is going to come. Grant it, I’d rather my parents not have to bury me. I saw my grandmother bury 3 of her children and was one of the hardest things to watch, let alone for her to endure. So I don’t wish that on my parents. However, in the event that they have to, I don’t want my finances, burial and last wishes to be things that they are encumbered with.
Death is a tough thing to deal with and it’s exacerbated when the person who passes away is a significant contributor to the household, they don’t have life insurance, or if their idea of a filing system is a stack of papers in a box in the attic. Who’s left to sift through the mess and try to figure it all out, their family? I’ve been there, done that too many times, and I don’t want my family to have to deal with the same problems with me.
Let me make this abundantly clear, I’m not having ideas about suicide and there have been no “mountaintop visions” that my time on this planet is nearing its end. I’ve just decided to be more rational about the subject. My name is Clinton Mitchell and one day I’m going to die. There I said it; got it out there and now I’m good. You should do the same and after you do, go get a life insurance policy, sit down, discuss with your family about what to do in the case of your death and write it down so in case anyone forgets (and for legal purposes) it’s there.
Another thing death should encourage us to do is appreciate our loved ones. As you get older so does everyone and everything around you. It’s unrealistic to think that your parents will always be around. And let’s be honest, do you really want your parents to be around forever, nagging you about your clothes, your cooking, not visiting enough, or turning the television up too loud for them? Seriously speaking, people have the habit of putting their family and friends on the backburner when things get busy at work, at home, and as we grow up. But as I mentioned earlier, as we grow up and so do our family and friends and it’s imperative that we spend as much time as we can cherishing the things about them that we love so much about them; the things that we’ll miss the most when they’re no longer around.
To my family and friends reading this, I love you. I know I don’t always tell you but hopefully you know. Just in case you didn’t know, the punches to the abdomen are in love. The fights about dinner are because I love you (and because I’m hungry and don’t think it should take 2 hours to decide what we’re eating). To those of you reading this who I don’t share DNA or regular conversations with, I love you too. Thanks for taking time out of your busy lives to read my post. Until next time, Stay Up and Be Blessed!
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Just Do It
“Who gon stop me? Who gon stop me huh?”
-Jay-Z and Kanye West “Who’s Gon Stop Me”
Greetings folks.
We all have been put on this planet for a purpose. Some of us are meant to be leaders of men, some of us are meant to make music, and others of us are meant to serve others. The tie that binds us is that no matter who we are, no matter what race or ethnicity, and no matter what socioeconomic class we may have been born into, we all have a purpose or a calling for our lives. Unfortunately, none of us are born knowing what that is. There’s no bracelet attached to your arm at your birth that says doctor, lawyer or engineer. There is nothing that appears on our birth certificate which details the path we are to take. We must learn through trial and error what it is we’re supposed to do.
Some of us know at an early age what it is we’re supposed to do with our lives and those of us who know early are blessed. There are countless others who spend years searching, looking, hoping to find their purpose in life. They spend their lives drifting from one job to another, from one hobby to the next, hoping to find something that will not only interest them, but capture them and fill their life with a sense of purpose. The problem is, is that it’s not always what you’re good at that is what you’re supposed to do. Some people are good at selling drugs and robbing people, but I think we would agree that that isn’t a purpose anyone is born to serve.
What is paramount here is that we all realize that we all play a part in this world and that we have to find our role, learn it and play it well. We can’t be resigned to doing nothing, because laziness and apathy breed contempt. It’s not enough to point out the ills of society, we have to discuss them. Once we’ve done this, it’s not enough to discuss what’s going on in the world; we have to do something about it.
Rome wasn’t built in a day and it certainly wasn’t built by just talking. Michelangelo didn’t paint his masterpieces from his couch, and Kobe Bryant didn’t create his legacy playing video games. These people got up, found their purpose and did something to ensure that their purpose was carried out. Technology has made it so much easier to find out what’s going on in the world at what seems like a moment’s notice. However, I believe that it’s also made us much lazier. We’d rather watch CNN report the problems than get up and solve them. We’d rather read about the issues on Twitter and the internet than to go out and find them. The couch may be comfortable now but it won’t be forever. The longer we sit idly by and watch the world go by, the quicker that discomfort will come. We were born with health and good sense not to let it go to waste but to share it with the world.
We would all be better served to follow Nike’s urging and “Just Do It.” The iconic phrase “Just Do It” is captivating for a number of reasons. First of all, the athletes who’ve stood behind this logo, such as Michael Jordan, Lebron James and Tiger Woods, are some of the best in the world. Their presence alone in an advertisement with this logo is enough to sell a few hundred thousand pairs of shoes. However, dig deeper, past the iconic sports heroes and the multi-million dollar ad campaigns and you’ll see more. You’ll see a decree; a declaration to just do it. This slogan tells the audience that if the athletes in the commercial can do it so can they and that they should. They didn’t do it with fancy equipment, technology, hope, or magic. They did it by working harder and longer than anyone else to become faster, stronger, and better than everyone. They woke up, got up out of their beds like regular people and just did it.
The world’s greatest natural resource is the youth and young adult of this world. It is us whom advertising executives target the most. It is we who can determine an election. And it is us who hold the key to the future. The leaders of today will eventually pass on leaving a void. If we don’t step in and grab the reins who will? If we’re not ready to take control of our own destiny who will? We can’t wait until tomorrow to decide to lead. Leadership is cultivated over time through life experiences. The process of being a leader tomorrow starts today.
Today we must get up, get out and do something. We have to pursue that degree that we want. We have to start that business we’ve always wanted to. We have to speak out against the issues that touch our community and then do something about it. If we leave all of tomorrow’s business until tomorrow, when tomorrow finally gets her we’ll be too busy to enjoy the present.
Fear can be paralyzing, if you let it. Mary Williamson wrote these words in her best-selling novel, “A Return to Love”:
"Our greatest fear is not that we are inadequate, but that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, handsome, talented and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God within us. It is not just in some; it is in everyone. And, as we let our own light shine, we consciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our fear, our presence automatically liberates others." As you stand up, stand tall and “Just Do It” so too will others.
As we begin to write the next chapter in our lives undoubtedly we’ll be faced with adversity. Always know that “without struggle there can be no progress.” Dr. King once stated, "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." Young people, this is such a time.
Progress isn’t reached driving along easy road. Progress is made walking down the road paved with trials and tribulations, headaches and heartaches, sweat, tears and muscle aches. We have to be willing to be uncomfortable for a while to have a world worth living in. It will be during these moments of “discomfort and inconvenience” where the rubber will hit this proverbial road. The grass will be cut and the snakes will show, and you’ll see just how much we all measure up as men and women. Find your calling, find your purpose, and “JUST DO IT!”
Thank you for reading. Until next time, Stay Up and Be Blessed!
-Jay-Z and Kanye West “Who’s Gon Stop Me”
Greetings folks.
We all have been put on this planet for a purpose. Some of us are meant to be leaders of men, some of us are meant to make music, and others of us are meant to serve others. The tie that binds us is that no matter who we are, no matter what race or ethnicity, and no matter what socioeconomic class we may have been born into, we all have a purpose or a calling for our lives. Unfortunately, none of us are born knowing what that is. There’s no bracelet attached to your arm at your birth that says doctor, lawyer or engineer. There is nothing that appears on our birth certificate which details the path we are to take. We must learn through trial and error what it is we’re supposed to do.
Some of us know at an early age what it is we’re supposed to do with our lives and those of us who know early are blessed. There are countless others who spend years searching, looking, hoping to find their purpose in life. They spend their lives drifting from one job to another, from one hobby to the next, hoping to find something that will not only interest them, but capture them and fill their life with a sense of purpose. The problem is, is that it’s not always what you’re good at that is what you’re supposed to do. Some people are good at selling drugs and robbing people, but I think we would agree that that isn’t a purpose anyone is born to serve.
What is paramount here is that we all realize that we all play a part in this world and that we have to find our role, learn it and play it well. We can’t be resigned to doing nothing, because laziness and apathy breed contempt. It’s not enough to point out the ills of society, we have to discuss them. Once we’ve done this, it’s not enough to discuss what’s going on in the world; we have to do something about it.
Rome wasn’t built in a day and it certainly wasn’t built by just talking. Michelangelo didn’t paint his masterpieces from his couch, and Kobe Bryant didn’t create his legacy playing video games. These people got up, found their purpose and did something to ensure that their purpose was carried out. Technology has made it so much easier to find out what’s going on in the world at what seems like a moment’s notice. However, I believe that it’s also made us much lazier. We’d rather watch CNN report the problems than get up and solve them. We’d rather read about the issues on Twitter and the internet than to go out and find them. The couch may be comfortable now but it won’t be forever. The longer we sit idly by and watch the world go by, the quicker that discomfort will come. We were born with health and good sense not to let it go to waste but to share it with the world.
We would all be better served to follow Nike’s urging and “Just Do It.” The iconic phrase “Just Do It” is captivating for a number of reasons. First of all, the athletes who’ve stood behind this logo, such as Michael Jordan, Lebron James and Tiger Woods, are some of the best in the world. Their presence alone in an advertisement with this logo is enough to sell a few hundred thousand pairs of shoes. However, dig deeper, past the iconic sports heroes and the multi-million dollar ad campaigns and you’ll see more. You’ll see a decree; a declaration to just do it. This slogan tells the audience that if the athletes in the commercial can do it so can they and that they should. They didn’t do it with fancy equipment, technology, hope, or magic. They did it by working harder and longer than anyone else to become faster, stronger, and better than everyone. They woke up, got up out of their beds like regular people and just did it.
The world’s greatest natural resource is the youth and young adult of this world. It is us whom advertising executives target the most. It is we who can determine an election. And it is us who hold the key to the future. The leaders of today will eventually pass on leaving a void. If we don’t step in and grab the reins who will? If we’re not ready to take control of our own destiny who will? We can’t wait until tomorrow to decide to lead. Leadership is cultivated over time through life experiences. The process of being a leader tomorrow starts today.
Today we must get up, get out and do something. We have to pursue that degree that we want. We have to start that business we’ve always wanted to. We have to speak out against the issues that touch our community and then do something about it. If we leave all of tomorrow’s business until tomorrow, when tomorrow finally gets her we’ll be too busy to enjoy the present.
Fear can be paralyzing, if you let it. Mary Williamson wrote these words in her best-selling novel, “A Return to Love”:
"Our greatest fear is not that we are inadequate, but that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, handsome, talented and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God within us. It is not just in some; it is in everyone. And, as we let our own light shine, we consciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our fear, our presence automatically liberates others." As you stand up, stand tall and “Just Do It” so too will others.
As we begin to write the next chapter in our lives undoubtedly we’ll be faced with adversity. Always know that “without struggle there can be no progress.” Dr. King once stated, "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." Young people, this is such a time.
Progress isn’t reached driving along easy road. Progress is made walking down the road paved with trials and tribulations, headaches and heartaches, sweat, tears and muscle aches. We have to be willing to be uncomfortable for a while to have a world worth living in. It will be during these moments of “discomfort and inconvenience” where the rubber will hit this proverbial road. The grass will be cut and the snakes will show, and you’ll see just how much we all measure up as men and women. Find your calling, find your purpose, and “JUST DO IT!”
Thank you for reading. Until next time, Stay Up and Be Blessed!
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
The End of Summer
“Summertime and the living is easy.”
“Summertime”-Ella Fitzgerald
Greetings folks. This summer has been a remarkable summer; definitely one of my best to date. Initially I didn’t know what I would do with myself having the entire summer off. I actually like working. Not all day every day, but most of the day, most days. Plus, what good does having the entire summer off do if you don’t have racks on racks on racks to enjoy it with? I do well for myself, but not well enough to sail around the world or go back-packing across Europe. That’s not to say that I didn’t travel and thoroughly enjoy myself, because I certainly did.
This summer saw trips to my second home in Chicago, where I got to reconnect with my former co-workers who I refer to as family. It also gave me an opportunity for me to introduce them to my fiancé. While we were in town, my fiancé had a lot of friends in town so we decided to have a gathering to celebrate our engagement. It was nothing fancy just friends mingling with friends and celebrating our pending nuptials. But we had a blast getting it in, in the “Second City.”
After leaving Chicago I decided to spend the rest of my summer in D.C. There wasn’t anything tying me to Miami that I couldn’t do in D.C. I viewed it as an opportunity to catch up with old friends, get away and spend some quality time with my fiancé. I must say that of all the stops I made this summer, D.C. was the best.
I also had the opportunity to spend some time in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. It’s a gorgeous place and I encourage anyone who gets the opportunity to definitely take it. It’s like a beach town meets Orlando. Plenty of stuff to do on the beach, by the pool, or you can shop and sightsee. My fiancé and I went down there to visit with her mom and grandmother and we thoroughly enjoyed our time away from the grind and can’t wait to get back.
We also took a trip to Detroit. Now I know what you’re thinking what the hell is in Detroit? First of all, my fiancé is from Detroit. She was born and raised in the D. Secondly, we were invited to a beautiful wedding of one her childhood friends, and it’s not like we really need an excuse to travel. Of course we hopped on a plane and headed to Detroit. I must have met 50 or so people whom I had only heard about. Because these people are near and dear to her heart, she wanted to make sure I was able to meet these people. The wedding was beautiful and definitely gave us something to strive for in planning ours. The people I met were all a pleasure and hopefully we won’t have to wait until next year to see them again.
The summer ended for me with our Miami engagement party. All of the important people on my side of the aisle have already met my fiancé and signed off on the union. All of the important people on her side of the aisle have met me and from what I have been told, I’ve been given the thumbs up as well. However, none of the important people in our lives had met each other. So instead of doing something huge and extravagant, we opted for something smaller and more intimate to give our family and friends an opportunity to mix, mingle and get to know each other. We had a great time getting to know each other over some great food and drinks. I can happily say there were no acts of violence and the families seem to be getting along very well. (AMEN!) We raised our glasses, toasted to us, our love and our pending union. Love you babe!
Aside from the engagement party, the weekend was filled with countless meetings, conference calls and running around to give us an opportunity to get some wedding stuff done before we retreat to our corners of the world and get back to work.
While it’s sad to see the summer go, I know that it must, because all good things must come to an end. Even the “Watch the Throne” album and the movie “The Godfather” eventually fade to black. What I’ll take with me are the memories and the moments, which will fuel my anticipation for next summer. Next summer won’t feature as much travelling as this summer as we’ll be much closer to our wedding, which makes this summer even more special. But don’t worry about me, I have the fall and all the wonderful joys it brings (FOOTBALL) to cushion my fall from heaven.
As I trade my boat shoes in for dress shoes and my t-shirts for dress shirts, I do so with trepidation, but with much anticipation of what the upcoming year will bring. Thanks for reading. Until next time, Stay Up and Be Blessed!
“Summertime”-Ella Fitzgerald
Greetings folks. This summer has been a remarkable summer; definitely one of my best to date. Initially I didn’t know what I would do with myself having the entire summer off. I actually like working. Not all day every day, but most of the day, most days. Plus, what good does having the entire summer off do if you don’t have racks on racks on racks to enjoy it with? I do well for myself, but not well enough to sail around the world or go back-packing across Europe. That’s not to say that I didn’t travel and thoroughly enjoy myself, because I certainly did.
This summer saw trips to my second home in Chicago, where I got to reconnect with my former co-workers who I refer to as family. It also gave me an opportunity for me to introduce them to my fiancé. While we were in town, my fiancé had a lot of friends in town so we decided to have a gathering to celebrate our engagement. It was nothing fancy just friends mingling with friends and celebrating our pending nuptials. But we had a blast getting it in, in the “Second City.”
After leaving Chicago I decided to spend the rest of my summer in D.C. There wasn’t anything tying me to Miami that I couldn’t do in D.C. I viewed it as an opportunity to catch up with old friends, get away and spend some quality time with my fiancé. I must say that of all the stops I made this summer, D.C. was the best.
I also had the opportunity to spend some time in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. It’s a gorgeous place and I encourage anyone who gets the opportunity to definitely take it. It’s like a beach town meets Orlando. Plenty of stuff to do on the beach, by the pool, or you can shop and sightsee. My fiancé and I went down there to visit with her mom and grandmother and we thoroughly enjoyed our time away from the grind and can’t wait to get back.
We also took a trip to Detroit. Now I know what you’re thinking what the hell is in Detroit? First of all, my fiancé is from Detroit. She was born and raised in the D. Secondly, we were invited to a beautiful wedding of one her childhood friends, and it’s not like we really need an excuse to travel. Of course we hopped on a plane and headed to Detroit. I must have met 50 or so people whom I had only heard about. Because these people are near and dear to her heart, she wanted to make sure I was able to meet these people. The wedding was beautiful and definitely gave us something to strive for in planning ours. The people I met were all a pleasure and hopefully we won’t have to wait until next year to see them again.
The summer ended for me with our Miami engagement party. All of the important people on my side of the aisle have already met my fiancé and signed off on the union. All of the important people on her side of the aisle have met me and from what I have been told, I’ve been given the thumbs up as well. However, none of the important people in our lives had met each other. So instead of doing something huge and extravagant, we opted for something smaller and more intimate to give our family and friends an opportunity to mix, mingle and get to know each other. We had a great time getting to know each other over some great food and drinks. I can happily say there were no acts of violence and the families seem to be getting along very well. (AMEN!) We raised our glasses, toasted to us, our love and our pending union. Love you babe!
Aside from the engagement party, the weekend was filled with countless meetings, conference calls and running around to give us an opportunity to get some wedding stuff done before we retreat to our corners of the world and get back to work.
While it’s sad to see the summer go, I know that it must, because all good things must come to an end. Even the “Watch the Throne” album and the movie “The Godfather” eventually fade to black. What I’ll take with me are the memories and the moments, which will fuel my anticipation for next summer. Next summer won’t feature as much travelling as this summer as we’ll be much closer to our wedding, which makes this summer even more special. But don’t worry about me, I have the fall and all the wonderful joys it brings (FOOTBALL) to cushion my fall from heaven.
As I trade my boat shoes in for dress shoes and my t-shirts for dress shirts, I do so with trepidation, but with much anticipation of what the upcoming year will bring. Thanks for reading. Until next time, Stay Up and Be Blessed!
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Don't Hate the Player
“I ain’t done. Name one thing that I ain’t done. It hurts when you say that I ain’t the one. Haters how do I gain your favor? I need to know cause I care. I need you to love me I swear.”
“Hate”-Jay-Z ft. Kanye West
Greetings folks. I was watching “Pardon the Interruption” yesterday and saw something very disturbing. “Pardon the Interruption” is a sports show hosted by sports columnists Michael Wilbon and Tony Kornheiser about pertinent topics in sports. On yesterday’s show (8/9) the topic of Lebron James came up. Tony Kornheiser was out so Bill Simmons filled in via satellite. Michael Wilbon asked Bill Simmons about Lebron James, specifically about Lebron deciding to work with NBA Hall of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon to hone and improve his low-post game, a decision I definitely support. Wilbon asked Simmons, “If Lebron improves his low-post game does this make him one of the best players ever.” Seems like a simple, straight forward question, to which a person who isn’t a sports journalist could have answered. However, what occurred was anything but a simple answer. What manifested was a clear bias and disdain for Lebron.
As Bill Simmons began to answer the question he started talking about why it took Lebron James 8 years to want to work on his low post game, how he “left a ring on the court” with his performance in the NBA Finals. He stated how Lebron’s failure to take advantage of smaller players in the low post led to the Heat’s demise in the finals. That may or may not be true but that wasn’t the question. But you know what, maybe he misheard it. In an attempt to guide the Simmons back to the question Wilbon asked him, “Do you think that it’s better late than never?” Simmons continued to rant and rave about not having any sympathy for Lebron and how it won’t matter.
In another attempt to get the Simmons to answer the question that was posed at the beginning of the segment, Wilbon mentioned the fact that other NBA stars such as Dwight Howard and Kobe Bryant both sought the instruction of Hakeem to improve their low-post game. The result was a clear improvement in Howard’s offensive production this past season and Kobe who nearly doubled his low-post attempts after working with Olajuwon. Simmons went through the painstaking task of differentiating Kobe from Lebron. He said Kobe’s (who he specifically stated he isn’t a fan of) decision to work with Olajuwon was out of necessity because he’s getting older and he has to find other ways to excel. There are so many things wrong with this statement, but I’ll take 2. (1) Kobe was the 5th leading scorer in the NBA last season (not too shabby for an old guy); (2) Whatever his reason behind wanting to improve, he still did it!
Mr. Simmons you don’t like Lebron James. You don’t care for him as an individual. You may not go as far as to say you hate him, but if he got traded to your favorite team, you would probably opt to cover cricket on the other side of the world than to cover Lebron. You really dislike him. That’s fine. You’re entitled to your opinion. I’m not a huge Kobe Bryant fan myself. After the events that transpired, which led to Shaquille O’Neal leaving for the Miami Heat I saw Kobe in a different light and no longer held him in as high a regard. However, I in no way deny the fact that he is one of the best players in the NBA and one of the best players ever (not better than MJ but up there). My personal feelings about him have NOTHING to do with his game. And despite the fact that I don’t own a Kobe jersey, and perhaps may never will, that doesn’t mean I won’t go the AAA and watch the Miami Heat play the Lakers.
You can feel how you want to feel about Lebron, “The Decision” and the “Big 3’s” grand introduction to the world. I admit, and so did Lebron, that there were mistakes made. One of the biggest discoveries a man can make is that he’s imperfect and how to work on those imperfections. Lebron is on the quest to that discovery and we’re criticizing him for that too. What’s next, getting upset with him because he chose Nike over Addidas? Over being angry with Lebron because we think he should have a different color headband on?
My problem is that it seems as though Bill Simmons and many others are under the misguided notion that they don’t make mistakes. Often times we expect way too much from our public figures. Anything you’re inclined to do, they may be guilty of as well. It doesn’t mean we shouldn’t hold them to a high standard, because we should. Once you decide you want to be in the public realm you should be held to a high standard. However, that standard is not and should not be PERFECTION. No one is perfect. And when our athletes, entertainers and politicians make mistakes we should forgive them; if for no other reason than because we want others to forgive us when we make mistakes.
While you may be angry that Lebron didn’t land with your team, or pissed that he “took his talents to South Beach” (which is a misnomer, because the Heat don’t play on South Beach. The arena is in downtown Miami) get over it and move on. I’m not asking you to run out and buy Miami Heat #6 jerseys. I’m asking you to be more objective in your assessment of this man, his talents and his life. While he may be bigger, stronger, faster and richer than us, at the end of the day he’s like us in at least one way. We all share imperfections and that’s something we should never forget.
Thanks for reading. Until next time, Stay Up and Be Blessed!
“Hate”-Jay-Z ft. Kanye West
Greetings folks. I was watching “Pardon the Interruption” yesterday and saw something very disturbing. “Pardon the Interruption” is a sports show hosted by sports columnists Michael Wilbon and Tony Kornheiser about pertinent topics in sports. On yesterday’s show (8/9) the topic of Lebron James came up. Tony Kornheiser was out so Bill Simmons filled in via satellite. Michael Wilbon asked Bill Simmons about Lebron James, specifically about Lebron deciding to work with NBA Hall of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon to hone and improve his low-post game, a decision I definitely support. Wilbon asked Simmons, “If Lebron improves his low-post game does this make him one of the best players ever.” Seems like a simple, straight forward question, to which a person who isn’t a sports journalist could have answered. However, what occurred was anything but a simple answer. What manifested was a clear bias and disdain for Lebron.
As Bill Simmons began to answer the question he started talking about why it took Lebron James 8 years to want to work on his low post game, how he “left a ring on the court” with his performance in the NBA Finals. He stated how Lebron’s failure to take advantage of smaller players in the low post led to the Heat’s demise in the finals. That may or may not be true but that wasn’t the question. But you know what, maybe he misheard it. In an attempt to guide the Simmons back to the question Wilbon asked him, “Do you think that it’s better late than never?” Simmons continued to rant and rave about not having any sympathy for Lebron and how it won’t matter.
In another attempt to get the Simmons to answer the question that was posed at the beginning of the segment, Wilbon mentioned the fact that other NBA stars such as Dwight Howard and Kobe Bryant both sought the instruction of Hakeem to improve their low-post game. The result was a clear improvement in Howard’s offensive production this past season and Kobe who nearly doubled his low-post attempts after working with Olajuwon. Simmons went through the painstaking task of differentiating Kobe from Lebron. He said Kobe’s (who he specifically stated he isn’t a fan of) decision to work with Olajuwon was out of necessity because he’s getting older and he has to find other ways to excel. There are so many things wrong with this statement, but I’ll take 2. (1) Kobe was the 5th leading scorer in the NBA last season (not too shabby for an old guy); (2) Whatever his reason behind wanting to improve, he still did it!
Mr. Simmons you don’t like Lebron James. You don’t care for him as an individual. You may not go as far as to say you hate him, but if he got traded to your favorite team, you would probably opt to cover cricket on the other side of the world than to cover Lebron. You really dislike him. That’s fine. You’re entitled to your opinion. I’m not a huge Kobe Bryant fan myself. After the events that transpired, which led to Shaquille O’Neal leaving for the Miami Heat I saw Kobe in a different light and no longer held him in as high a regard. However, I in no way deny the fact that he is one of the best players in the NBA and one of the best players ever (not better than MJ but up there). My personal feelings about him have NOTHING to do with his game. And despite the fact that I don’t own a Kobe jersey, and perhaps may never will, that doesn’t mean I won’t go the AAA and watch the Miami Heat play the Lakers.
You can feel how you want to feel about Lebron, “The Decision” and the “Big 3’s” grand introduction to the world. I admit, and so did Lebron, that there were mistakes made. One of the biggest discoveries a man can make is that he’s imperfect and how to work on those imperfections. Lebron is on the quest to that discovery and we’re criticizing him for that too. What’s next, getting upset with him because he chose Nike over Addidas? Over being angry with Lebron because we think he should have a different color headband on?
My problem is that it seems as though Bill Simmons and many others are under the misguided notion that they don’t make mistakes. Often times we expect way too much from our public figures. Anything you’re inclined to do, they may be guilty of as well. It doesn’t mean we shouldn’t hold them to a high standard, because we should. Once you decide you want to be in the public realm you should be held to a high standard. However, that standard is not and should not be PERFECTION. No one is perfect. And when our athletes, entertainers and politicians make mistakes we should forgive them; if for no other reason than because we want others to forgive us when we make mistakes.
While you may be angry that Lebron didn’t land with your team, or pissed that he “took his talents to South Beach” (which is a misnomer, because the Heat don’t play on South Beach. The arena is in downtown Miami) get over it and move on. I’m not asking you to run out and buy Miami Heat #6 jerseys. I’m asking you to be more objective in your assessment of this man, his talents and his life. While he may be bigger, stronger, faster and richer than us, at the end of the day he’s like us in at least one way. We all share imperfections and that’s something we should never forget.
Thanks for reading. Until next time, Stay Up and Be Blessed!
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