We, it seems, have been programmed, in a very special way, to not appreciate the success and the achievements of OUR OWN.

The level of negativity or hate that we publicly cast upon those within our community seems to far exceed that of other communities.

Some will emphatically say "Man please, that occurs with other races just as bad."

Maybe it does, but I am not addressing them right now.

WE seem to have been taught that to celebrate another's success is taboo or is not necessary.

We have been

"Hoodwinked and Bamboozled"

...into believing that we should always carry on QUIETLY and to celebrate is to fall short of what we have been taught to exercise throughout our lives -throughout our heritage.

To demonstrate anything other than HUMILITY has been drilled into us as an abomination.

We now even exhibit this towards our kids and oftentimes fail to celebrate them after they have achieved success.

"Act like you have been there before" was, and it seems still is, the go to line when our children, and anyone for that matter, attains an achievement for which they have strived and arduously completed the necessary work to attain it.

Yes, I do believe the celebrations should be measured. But there is NOTHING more powerful than 5 simple words.

"I AM PROUD Of YOU"!

And yes, SHOUTING IT FROM the ROOFTOP" is just as powerful as the gifting of that shiny new car, that trip to Europe, that Florida spring break, that outlandishly large allowance, that we have observed on television or witnessed first hand ?

Those 5 words carry tremendous weight and sharing it via FB, IG, TikTok, or the ROOF is not exercising a lack of humility.

Stop allowing this system to make you believe you are doing something wrong when you celebrate the successes of your children and others around you.

It may just be the encouragement one needs to pursue even GREATER THINGS!!!

OUR SPIRIT...LIVES!

PEACE!