Compassion and Love Trumps Winning

There is nothing I can add to 'beautify' this Beautiful Story. This act of compassion and love speaks for itself:

http://kevin-blackistone.fanhouse.com/2010/03/13/us-puts-heart-hugs-before-goals-wins/?ncid=webmaildl5

Brian E. Payne sharing.

My Encounter with the Man Driving the Mercedes

Picture: My Mercedes outside of my new gated community.

Like most black men, I love me a nice ride. Actually, silver is one of my favorite colors for a car. I also like my music loud – but I must admit when I ride with it blaring I get a little embarrassed. Especially at a stop light. Dick Gregory is quoted, “Black men like to have their car stereos loud so that they can forget their problems.”

I remembered Dick’s comment while I was in my dirty Jeep Grand Cherokee stopped at Garrett Morgan's invention, http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/gama/gamlife.htm. Then I did something untypical. I asked the guy driving a silver convertible Mercedes, “Why are you driving with the top down on this cold misty day?” Of course, I had to motion to get his attention. He had everyone in their vehicles near him listening to Sade’s Soldier of Love,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvDaJaU5My4. Pretty hot track, by the way! The frail looking dark skin 30 something fella looked at me with so much intensity that I wanted to drive off. I could not thanks to the trash truck, the Monte Carlo with McDonalds ‘graffiti all over it (looked something like this one: http://cm1.theinsider.com/media/0/75/31/mcdonalds_ghetto_car.0.0.0x0.500x375.jpeg, the sparkling clean Audio A8, and the Ford F-150. I was literally boxed in. This time I am okay with it (the confinement) because the young man went onto tearfully respond to my question:

“I have terminal cancer. I may not live another three months. So, I wanted to see what it was like to drive a convertible. I never have until now. I wash cars at the car lot down the road, and the manager let me take a spin. I am trying to get it all in before I die.”

The light switched to the color of money. He drove off. I sat there with the horns of aggressive drivers ringing in my ears. Shocked! Get that, the young man was proceeding with his day; while I confined myself. He went on to live for the day as I sat there blown by his disclosure…

Those of you who ‘question’ my encounters. Stop! This one and most are TRUE. LOL!

Somebody/Something is trying to tell ALL of US SOMETHING every single day.

Lord knows I need to answer that ‘Call’.

Brian E. Payne sharing another installment.

Where is your Faith?

Please listen to the Christian's responses in this song.

Instead of us trying to 'solve' the problem for people we MUST direct folk back to the base: FAITH. I have said time and time again, no matter where I stand in the theology of Christianity, faith will NEVER leave me. Never. My momma instilled that. Can't get rid of it.

Listen:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8OWTlGDdNnY&feature=related

20 Years Ago

Touching. Truly Touching it was when Brian Williams of NBC Nightly News reminded me that this week marked the 20th anniversary of Nelson Mandela’s release from prison. As expected, the people of South Africa celebrated and honored a frail man who is one of the bravest men to walk the face of this earth.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032619/#35357401

http://www.nelsonmandela.org/index.php

Brian E. Payne sharing.

Life Turned Upside Down...Then Forgiveness

Humans ‘claim’ that they are capable of forgiving. I convey that with trepidation because forgiving someone for an assault on one’s emotions can be irreparable. While understanding that some deeds cannot be repaired, how can one truly forgive? Some say it is a radical decision to do so. I agree. It is a brave and humble decision too. Bold humility is what we have to attain to fully forgive. Therefore, making the concept of forgiveness a bit more complex. To be humble one has to open him/herself up to the pain. To be humble one has to become vulnerable…again. Control has to be relinquished. So, if you have forgiven, really think about if you ‘made’ yourself humble in the process.

This woman left her pain behind, embraced humility, and then forgave:

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/34934093#34934093

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/34909824/ns/today-the_new_york_times/

Brian E. Payne sharing a Touch.

A Breakthrough for African Americans

I tell ya it does not take me too long to find a story for my Touching, Truly Touching series…especially when I really search through the wreckage of life.

After last week’s tornado of bad news and the continuation of the Tiger Woods rubbish this week (lost of a Gatorade endorsement and cancellation of a congressional medal award), I thought briefly about forgoing NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams. Then I thought, ‘I might see something that inspires me. Make me smile. Or, touch me.’

The video at the link below was my gateway to remain positive about life. The story was my breakthrough. My confirmation that if we live long enough we just might see more improvements, and witness more medical cures. I am hoping this light at the end of the tunnel is a cure for the 70,000 African Americans living with a disease many believe the white American health system neglected for years.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032619/#34353258

Shared by Brian E. Payne. Inspired by my sister’s husband, Elliot Headen. He lost the battle, but left a lasting impression upon me. He was a GOOD man! The good ones leave us too soon…

Those who Made a Difference in my Life Last Week

Alicia Keys

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032619/#33791746

She is not only BEAUTIFUL, she is talented and willing to GIVE.

Sharing hope. "I wanna be a force..."

Keep a Child Alive:

http://keepachildalive.org/

Charlie Wilks

"I would rather stay blind. If I get my sight back I will then see the world again. Ya see, when you are blind you don't have to see how imperfect the world is." -Charlie Wilks

If you want to see a moving and touching story please try to catch the re-broadcast of E: 60 featuring Charlie Wilks. The clip below tells some of the story - but the 30 minute feature on ESPN is extremely POWERFUL.

http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=4641688

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/e60/columns/story?id=4637537