Posted in Domestic Violence, Juanita Bynum, Thomas Weeks | 11 Comments

11 Responses

1. on August 27, 2007 at 4:11 pm | Reply asabagna

   BB,

   Excellent post! When you reach “rock bottom”, regardless of the circumstances, situation, choices and/or the journey that landed you there, the true measure of an individual is whether they give up and wallow there, or do what it takes to climb up the “positive” side of the mountain. You are an inspiration.

   On a more personal note, thanks for the love at the end of your video post. One of the things I will teach my son is to look for and emulate positive role models among “regular” folks and not “celebrities”….. folks who have overcome the adversities within their lives, to become responsible and accountable members of our communities. For me, this is the true measure of success. One day, I will introduce him to you.

   Asabagna I

   
   
2. on August 27, 2007 at 5:19 pm | Reply Ross

   Well done, good positive message, but we have to find ways to prevent ourselves and young people from hitting rock bottom for all of our people are not strong enough to recover from hitting the bottom. We must learn from others, especially those unfortunate brothers and sisters who have hit rock bottom. I don’t have to learn from personal experience that sharks are dangerous. I have read enough stories about sharks bitting arms and legs off of others, so keep em coming.

   
   
3. on August 27, 2007 at 7:09 pm | Reply belizebound

   Asa, I look forward to that day. Thanks for the encouraging comments!

   Ross your points are well taken. And there’s a lot of wisdom in learning from the mistakes of others. I have observed that there are a lot of people who feel youth is for making mistakes. That wrong doing during our teenage and early 20′s is just part of what everyone does. However that is not necessarily the case. There are a lot of young people these days that are knocking it out the box, and apparently they did not feel obligated to make a few knuckle headed mistakes before doing so.

   I hope to let everyone know that if you’ve made a few mistakes, that you haven’t permanently blown it, you’ve just got some serious work ahead of yourself. We need to make that commitment for ourself and our loved ones. There’s nothing we should be unwilling to do when you’ve got “little man” watching our every move..

   B.

   
   
4. on August 28, 2007 at 6:22 am | Reply thefreeslave

   Nice. As someone who has gone to jail for .30, hit multiple bottoms and somehow seen the light, that is a boss post. Progress, not perfection. There is a place for forgiveness IF folks are willing to take responsibility for their actions. And change.

   I like the video changeup. Keep ‘em coming.

   Lubangakene

   
   
5. on August 28, 2007 at 1:20 pm | Reply belizebound

   I often see people discussing their successes as if they’ve never known a setback in life. They seemingly breezed right through life on their way to becoming masters of the universe. I’m not knocking this; but I have to be honest when I say this is not my story.

   Bishop Weeks has a hard road in front of him and it is one that is familiar to me. He will be forced to get some professional help as part of any sentence that he receives. I hope he accepts and takes advantage of this.

   It feels good to get encouragement from you brothers. I appreciate and respect your opinions, so thanks.

   
   
6. on September 1, 2007 at 12:55 am | Reply mark bey

   I feel and understand where you are comming from Belizbound. I too have struggled and made mistakes just like most people I know.

   I will never ask for perfection, but I will insist that we (black people) do more than we are currently doing to keep making mistakes people all around us make all of the time. But I do feel you on redemption and forgiveness.

   
   
7. on September 1, 2007 at 12:57 am | Reply mark bey

   Asa congratulations on the birth of your son, I know you will make an excellent father as you are an excellent human being.

   
   
8. on September 1, 2007 at 1:03 am | Reply mark bey

   Also I forgot to add that I think a preacher who physically abuses his wife should be banned from the clergy for a 5 year period.

   Also before he returns to preaching he should have to go get some serious therapy. Just my opinion but great post Belize, thanks for sharing this part of your life with us.

   
   
9. on September 1, 2007 at 2:02 am | Reply asabagna

   Yo Mark! Thank you for your kind words!

   
   
10. on September 2, 2007 at 10:15 pm | Reply belizebound

    I agree with you Mark. IMO, a preacher that abuses his wife can receive forgiveness, and even earn back her trust through hard work. Getting back in the pulpit one week later? I don’t think so.

    My goal is not so much perfection, as it is in “pursuing perfection”. It’s about the pursuit. High expectations for myself and my community. For me, that’s what it’s all about.

    
    
11. on September 4, 2007 at 2:46 am | Reply A. Johnson

    Great post. Also, Asa is correct in that our children need to see heroes in everyday folk.