Positively Star

It's a New Day!

2011-03-06T07:58:00.000-05:00

We've moved!

our new address is

StarJones.com

...check us out!

Heart Health for Life

2011-02-20T16:29:00.000-05:00

2011 African American Heart Health Tool Kit

Facts about African Americans, Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke

• Cardiovascular disease, including stroke, is the leading cause of death for African-American men and women, killing nearly 100,000 annually.

• In 2007, among African Americans who died, cardiovascular disease was the cause of death in 32.0 percent of males and 35.4 percent of females.

• African Americans are almost twice as likely to have a first-ever stroke compared to Caucasians and more than 17,085 blacks die from stroke each year.

• About 44.8 percent of non-Hispanic black men and 47.3 percent of women age 20 and older have cardiovascular diseases, according to the NHANES 2005-2008. (National Center for Health Statistics and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute)

• African Americans and Caucasians in the southeastern United States have higher death rates from stroke than those in other regions of the country.

Hypertension

• The prevalence of hypertension among African Americans in the United States is among the highest in the world.

• Compared to Caucasians, African Americans develop high blood pressure at an earlier age, and their average blood pressure is much higher. As a result African Americans have a 1.5 times greater rate of heart disease deaths and a 1.8 times greater rate of fatal stroke.

• For non-Hispanic blacks age 20 and older, 43.0 percent of men and 45.7 percent of women have high blood pressure, a leading cause of stroke.

Cholesterol

• Among non-Hispanic blacks age 20 and older, 37.0 percent of men and 41.2 percent of women have total blood cholesterol levels over 200 mg/dL.

Diabetes

• Non-Hispanic black women have a 2 times higher prevalence of diabetes than non-Hispanic white women.

Weight

• Among non-Hispanic black women, 77.7percent are overweight and obese, 51.0 percent are obese; 70.8 percent of non-Hispanic black men are overweight and obese and 37.0 percent of these are obese.

Physical Activity

• Physical inactivity is more prevalent among African Americans than Caucasians. Among non-Hispanic blacks only, 29.3 percent, are considered regularly active.

• African Americans are one of the least active groups in terms of overall physical activity.

Cigarette Smoking

• In 2009, 22.9 percent of black males and 18.8 percent of black females smoke cigarettes.

• Research shows that cigarette smoking increases a person’s risk for stroke by 2 to 4 times.

Goals for a Longer, Stronger Life

• Total Cholesterol

Less than 200 mg/dL

• LDL (bad) Cholesterol

LDL Cholesterol goals vary:

- For people who don’t have heart disease and only one or no risk factors, the goal is less than 160 mg/dL.

- For most people with two or more risk factors, the goal is less than 130 mg/dL.

- For people who have heart disease, diabetes or are at higher risk for heart disease, the goal is to keep the LDL below 100 mg/dL.

• HDL (good) Cholesterol

60 mg/dL or higher for women and 40 mg/dL or higher for men

• Triglycerides

Less than 150 mg/dL

• Blood Pressure

Less than 120/80 mmHg

• Fasting Glucose

Less than 100 mg/dL

• Body Mass Index (BMI)

Between 18.5 and 24.9 kg/m2

• Waist Circumference

Less than 35 inches for women and less than 40 inches for men

• Physical Activity

All adults should do at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity physical activity or 75 minutes a week of vigorously intense aerobic physical activity or a combination of moderate and vigorous. Adults should do muscle-strengthening activities on at least 2 or more days a week. For example, you could do six to eight strength-training exercises, 8 to 12 repetitions each, twice a week.

• Healthful Eating

Emphasize a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole-grain, high-fiber foods, fat free or low-fat dairy products, fatty fish twice per week, legumes and sources of protein low in saturated fat (e.g., poultry, lean meats and plant sources) Limit added sugars and reduce sodium.

• Tobacco Smoke

If you smoke, STOP! If you don’t smoke, DON’T START!

• Doctor Visits

See your doctor regularly. If a healthful diet and regular physical activity are not enough to reduce your risk of heart disease, ask about medication and take it as prescribed. Even if you take medication, a healthful diet and physical activity are important.

Overweight and Obesity:

What You Can Do

• About 112,000 deaths each year in the United States are associated with obesity.

• 67.3 percent of adults in the United States were overweight and obese according to NHANES 2005-2008.

• Overweight and obesity are associated with heart disease, certain types of cancer, type 2 diabetes, stroke, arthritis, breathing problems and psychological disorders such as depression.

Physical Activity: Weight Control and Other Benefits

Regular physical activity helps weight control and weight loss when done in conjunction with a calorie-reduction eating plan. Besides helping to control weight, physical activity helps reduce your risk for heart disease, including stroke. It also helps to manage diabetes, slow bone loss associated with aging, lowers the risk of certain cancers and helps reduce anxiety and depression.

Physical Activity in the United States

Many people in the United States live sedentary lives. In fact, only 34.9 percent of adults in the United States participate in regular physical activity.

Heart-Healthy Cooking Tips

Eating diets that are rich in fruits and vegetables, lower in salt, and lower fat (such as the DASH diet) have been shown to reduce blood pressure for many. Focusing your diet on foods such as fat-free and low-fat dairy fruits, vegetables and whole-grain, high-fiber foods is essential to good health.

Here are some tips to help make your meals healthful:

Frying

• Steam, bake, broil or stir-fry foods in canola or olive oil instead of deep-frying in shortening or bacon grease.

Salt

• Use vinegar, lemon juice, hot red pepper flakes, garlic and onions or other low-salt spices instead of salt.

• Use little or no salt when you cook noodles, spaghetti, rice or hot cereal.

Salad Dressing

• Use low-fat, low-calorie or fat-free salad dressings.

Butter

• Use soft tub margarine instead of butter, or use other spreads that are lower in saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol, such as a stick of margarine.

Eggs

• Egg yolks are a major source of cholesterol; keep cholesterol less than 300mg per day.

Meat

• Buy fresh lean cuts of meat and trim the fat before cooking.

• Eat turkey, chicken and very lean beef or pork.

• Remove the skin from poultry before cooking except when roasting a whole chicken.

• Broil, bake or roast meats instead of frying them.

Oils

• Use canola, olive, corn or safflower oil in cooking.

• Use fat-free, calorie-free cooking spray to provide a non-stick surface for wokware, bakeware and grills.

Fat

• Limit saturated calories to less than 7 percent of your total calories and trans-fat calories to less than 1 percent of your total calories.

How To Choose Foods Low in Saturated Fat

Using low-saturated-fat, low-trans-fat, low-cholesterol recipes makes it easier to cook healthful meals. You can do a lot with your favorite recipes or everyday meals to control the amount of saturated fat and cholesterol you eat.

Here are some low-saturated-fat food substitutions:

Instead of:

Whole milk (1 cup)

TRY Fat-free evaporated milk (1 cup)

Heavy cream (1 cup)

TRY Evaporated fat-free milk (1 cup)

Sour cream

TRY Low-fat or fat-free sour cream

Cream cheese

TRY Low fat or whipped cream cheese

Butter (1 tbsp.)

TRY 1 Tbsp. polyunsaturated margarine or ¾ tbsp. polyunsaturated or monounsaturated oil

Shortening (1 cup)

TRY Tub margarine (1 cup)

Eggs (1 egg)

TRY 1 egg white plus 2 tsp. of unsaturated oil

Unsweetened baking chocolate (1 oz)

TRY 3 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder or carob powder and 1 tbsp. polyunsaturated oil or margarine. Carob is sweeter than cocoa so reduce sugar in recipe by ¼.

How To Use Cooking Oils

When cooking requires using fat, use liquid vegetable oils::

• To brown lean meats and to pan or oven fry fish and skinless poultry

• To sauté onions and other vegetables for soup

• In sauces and soups made with fat-free milk

• In scalloped potatoes

• For popping corn

• In casseroles made with dried peas or beans

• When cooking dehydrated potatoes and other prepared foods

How To Limit Salt (sodium) in Your Food

Eating more sodium than the body needs can lead to high blood pressure in some people. People with high blood pressure are more likely to develop heart problems or have a stroke.

• Limit salt in cooking.

• Use herbs and spices, instead of salt.

• When using canned vegetables, drain the liquid and rinse them in water before cooking.

• Read food labels carefully and choose products with reduced sodium or no added salt

• Watch for high levels of sodium on the nutrition facts panel.

Know the Warning Signs of Heart Attack and Stroke

Warning Signs of Heart Attack

Some heart attacks are sudden and intense, but most start slowly with mild pain or discomfort with one or more of these symptoms:

• Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.

• Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.

• Shortness of breath. May occur with or without chest discomfort.

• Other signs. These may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.

Warning Sings of Stroke

The key to recognizing signs of a stroke is that they are SUDDEN:

• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body

• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding

• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes

• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination

• Sudden severe headache with no known cause

If you or someone you know experiences any of the heart attack or stroke warning signs,

call 9-1-1 immediately. Check the time so you’ll know when the first symptoms started. It’s very important to take action immediately. Getting to the hospital in time may help reduce the devastating effects of these medical emergencies.

Where to Get More Information about Heart Disease and Stroke

• Talk to your doctor or healthcare professional. If you have heart disease or have had a stroke, members of your family may also be at risk. It’s important for them to make changes now to lower their risk.

• Call 800-AHA-USA1 (800-242-8721) or browse americanheart.org to learn more about heart disease.

• Call 888-4-STROKE (800-478-7653) or visit strokeassociation.org to learn more about stroke.

GO RED

2011-02-04T14:36:00.001-05:00

Today is Go Red for Women day to eradicate heart disease.

In March 2010 I had Open Heart surgery to repair my aortic valve. It was a tremendous success and less than a year later; I'm happy to report my heart and my health is is perfect working condition. I believe that we must all "pay it forward" when given the opportunity. So in an effort to promote heart health in women and people of color, I have become The American Heart Association's National Volunteer. My commitment is to expanding awareness of the mission of the Heart Association as it relates to women and people of color.

Today we focus on Going Red for Women!

Women and Cardiovascular Disease Facts
(provided by The American Heart Association)

Overview

More women die from heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases (CVD) than men, yet many women do not realize they are at risk. These diseases kill more women each year than the next five causes of death combined.

The contributing factors for this epidemic include:

Lack of knowledge
Women and their healthcare providers do not know the biggest healthcare threat to women is heart disease. A 2006 survey conducted by the American Heart Association found that 43 percent of women are unaware that heart disease is the leading cause of death among women.

Although women of color and of low socioeconomic status are disproportionately affected by heart disease — the death rate was 28 percent higher for black women than for white women in 20051 — only 31 percent of black women and 29 percent of Hispanic women knew that heart disease was their greatest health risk, compared to 68 percent among white women.

Among primary care physicians, only 8 percent knew that more women than men die each year from CVD.

Many women do not recognize the warning signs or symptoms of heart disease and stroke, which may be more subtle than those exhibited by men. Lack of awareness often results in less aggressive and sophisticated diagnosis and treatment by women's health care providers, with worse outcomes.

Gender Differences
Researchers have learned that gender differences play an important role in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of CVD. Heart attack symptoms may present differently in women than in men6 and they may also respond differently to cardiac medications

Although chest pain is the most common heart attack warning sign in both men and women, women may be less likely than men to report chest pain during a heart attack and more likely to report other symptoms, often resulting in misdiagnosis and delays in treatment.

Women tend to develop CVD later in life than men, and their outcomes are often worse. An exception is women smokers, who die of a heart attack caused by smoking earlier than men.

Women with acute coronary syndrome are more likely to have adverse outcomes, including death, heart attack, stroke, or rehospitalization, even after adjusting for age differences.

Previous studies and clinical trials have often been done with inadequate numbers of women in the study population, and thus their conclusions do not always apply to women. Women represent just 38 percent of subjects in NIH-funded cardiovascular studies. In addition; three-fourths of cardiovascular clinical trials do not report sex-specific results, making it difficult for researchers and clinicians to draw conclusions about their effects on women.

Researchers have identified gender differences in response to cardiac medications. Drugs that are beneficial for men may even be harmful to women. For example, the drug digoxin used to treat patients with heart failure was associated with an increased risk of death among women but not among men.

Diagnosis and Treatment Disparities
Women are less likely than men to receive aggressive diagnosis and treatment for CVD.

Women who are at risk for CVD are often not referred for diagnostic testing that would be standard in men.

Among Medicare patients, men are two to three times more likely than women to receive an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator for the prevention of sudden cardiac death.

Only about 31 percent of all percutaneous coronary interventions, with and without stent insertions, were performed on women in 2005.

Note: This information is also available in a downloadable pdf format.

My Morning Meditation...GET MOVING!

2010-09-18T08:35:00.000-04:00

If you're not happy with the road you're on

...start building a new one!

Ezra 10:4:
Get up, for it is your duty to tell us how to proceed in setting things straight. We are behind you, so be strong and take action.”

Star's Interpretation: You are either ON the way or IN the way...so either way...time to keep it moving! No one every moved on to the next level by standing still. The positive thinker sees the invisible, feels the intangible, and achieves the impossible.

Twenty ways to keep it Positively Poppin!

2010-08-11T10:30:00.000-04:00

How do I keep it positive?

There are twenty rules that I have learned to embrace as the only way to live and love:

Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.
A sharp tongue can cut your own throat.
If you want your dreams to come true, you mustn't oversleep.
Of all the things you wear, your expression is the most important.
The best vitamin for making friends...B1.
The happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts.
The heaviest thing you can carry is a grudge.
One thing you can give and still keep...is your word.
You lie the loudest when you lie to yourself.
If you lack the courage to start, you have already finished.
One thing you can't recycle is wasted time.
Ideas won't work unless 'You' do.
Your mind is like a parachute...it functions only when open.
The 10 commandments are not a multiple choice.
The pursuit of happiness is the chase of a lifetime!
It is never too late to become what you might have been.
Life is too short to wake up with regrets. So love the people who treat you right. Forget about the ones who don't.
Believe everything happens for reason.
If you get a second chance, grab it with both hands. If it changes your life, let it.
Nobody said life would be easy, they just promised it would be worth it.

My Afternoon Affirmation: HOLD ON

2010-08-10T18:48:00.001-04:00

Lord knows I've had some rough days...publicly, but I've never even considered suicide. My faith is too strong for that.

No matter how bad it is today..the sun will come up tomorrow.

God never promised me it would be easy...but he sent me the comforter to lean on in trying times. Amen

To anyone struggling with

self-doubt

humiliation

anger

fear or
a crisis of any sort
Just HOLD ON.

Get through today...tomorrow will take care of itself.

Religion, Same Sex Marriage & Equal Protection under the law

2010-08-05T11:37:00.001-04:00

Ah...Romans1:20-31. That passage is the cause of many a fight between those who believe. I'm a Christian and I believe that the bible is God's word spoken through his prophets. However, in order to understand and interpret the bible, we must determine what biblical passages are to be taken literally, figuratively and/or symbolically. Greater minds than mine have taught me ways to decipher when to use which interpretation. I am also a lawyer, who values the Constitution of the United States and the Amendments that further define it. So for me...when you are talking about a marriage based in religious doctrine...that religion has the right to determine what constitutes a "marriage." BUT if we're talking "marriage" based in civil law...then the law must define marriage in a non-discriminatory manner.

It's called Equal Protection.

Churches can define marriage and refuse to sanction same-sex marriage...but once the government determines that special or additional rights and privileges are given to those who are "married," the law requires that marriage be accessible to all.

Oh...and while we pontificate about protecting the traditional "Christian Marriage"...be sure that you are being faithful, supportive, dependable, reliable, financially responsible, non-abusive & providing of security in your "traditional marriage"...'cause the bible says that also.

My Morning Meditation: TRUE MOTIVES

2010-08-05T10:40:00.000-04:00

Check Yourself!

When you step out to do good for someone

make sure your motives are RIGHT

...and about THEM.

Proverbs 16:2

People may be pure in their own eyes,

but the Lord examines their motives.

Star's Interpretation: You really can't judge a person's actions...until you know their motives. Doing good is great, but it ain't good if it isn't genuine.

My Morning Meditation: BE READY

2010-08-04T14:13:00.000-04:00

Be sure you can handle the responsibility that comes

with the promotion & expansion you want!

Luke 12:48
But someone who does not know, and then does something wrong, will be punished only lightly. When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required.

Star's Interpretation: We all want to succeed...but God requires MORE of us who he blesses with abundance. Can you handle the gift?

My Morning Meditation: BLESS SOMEONE

2010-07-18T10:29:00.002-04:00

"When you have an opportunity to bless someone today

...do so."

Thessalonians 5:14
Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy.
Encourage those who are timid.
Take tender care of those who are weak.
Be patient with everyone.

Star's Interpretation: Praise is like sunlight to the human spirit: we cannot flower and grow without it. When we see a friend going through a tough time, we often don't know what to do or say. I find that a word of encouragement during a failure is worth more than an hour of praise after success.

My Morning Meditation: FRIENDSHIP

2010-07-17T08:57:00.005-04:00

A true friend is with you
in the good times

...and with you
when it's not so good.

Proverbs 17:17

A friend is always loyal,

and a brother is born to help in time of need.

Star's Interpretation: Friendships are fragile things, and require as much handling as any other fragile and precious thing. It is only with INTEGRITY & CHARACTER that we preserves old friendships, and procures new.

My Morning Meditation: CHOICES

2010-07-16T08:33:00.001-04:00

You can not go wrong doing right.

Proverbs 13:6

Remember that there are always two choices.
Two paths to take. One is easy.
And its ONLY reward...is that IT'S EASY.

Star's Interpretation: If we are lucky...we all will get to face a crossroad in our life. But LUCK is a crossroad where preparation and opportunity meet. Don't be left wondering maybe if you took a left turn instead of a right you could be someone different.

My Morning Meditation: Embrace the New

2010-07-15T08:13:00.000-04:00

Things are not the same.

Everything is changing.

Let go of the past and embrace the new.

Isaiah 43:18-19:

“But forget all that—

it is nothing compared to what I am going to do.

For I am about to do something new.

See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?

I will make a pathway through the wilderness.

I will create rivers in the dry wasteland."

Star's Interpretation: Let it go. When we know better, we do better, so whatever happened in the past...is just that; IN THE PAST. You can't change it...but you can learn from it. “Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.” If you want something new and good to happen in your life, then stand in the space God has created for you, tell him Thank You for fulfilling his promise and go for yours!

Serves You Right

2010-07-15T06:43:00.000-04:00

Stick a fork in him...he's done.

If Mel Gibson knew audio tapes of his abusive violent diatribes existed...he should have written a PREEMPTIVE check to his ex girlfriend in an effort to "plug the leak!" The "dribble" of negative information has made his life the BP of the celebrity set and it is KILLING him. A lot has been made of his use of racially charged language; I'm more outraged by his misogynistic abusive language. My girl Whoopi says he's not a racist...& since I don't know him...I'll go with her on that. I don't know what fuels his anger, whether he was set up with these conveniently taped conversations with his ex or if the audio tapes were edited. I do know that I don't want Mel at my dinner party drinking up my liquor...('cause he obviously LIKES his liquor) because he just seems to be an angry mean man.

I like to think somewhere Robyn, his soon to be ex-wife, is laughing her ass off. Mel left her after nearly 3 decades and seven children for a woman who helped put him in the proverbial trick bag. Serves him right. This should serve as today's lesson for these "high profile" fellas...YOU WILL be put in TRICK BAG when you choose TRICKY chicks.

10 Questions...July, 2010

2010-07-14T19:02:00.001-04:00

Fans got questions...I have answers.

Do u have any projects in the works? We miss you!
- Well, I just finished my new book that will be published next spring (2011). It is my first work of fiction and it will be a fun and dishy look inside the world of a daytime talk show. I'm also developing several new TV and internet projects as both talent & producer for 2011. It's going to be a good year!

Why did you leave the View? I loved you on there!
I loved being on the show...for the first 8 years. The last year...not so much. In a nut shell...They decided to move in another direction with other hosts and not renew my contract. I didn't like the way they were planning to handle it so I handled it myself...on my own terms.

What are your favorite NYC restaurants for lunch and dinner?
For lunch, I love Le Bilboquet, Le Caprice (Pierre Hotel), Fred's (at Barneys) and The Monkey Bar...
For Dinner...Per Se is my favorite restaurant in the world. Otherwise, anything my significant other is cooking b/c nobody does it better...

What do you think about Ocho's (Chad Ochocinco) show? Only 3 black women!
I don't watch "reality tv" because it is neither real, nor good tv. Give me re-runs of Law & Order, Grey's Anatomy & The Practice....that's good TV!

Who dead or alive would you love to have dinner with or interview?
The Honorable Justice Thurgood Marshall. He's the reason I'm a lawyer. He personified intelligence, justice & fairness...and he was a black man.

Have you ever been star struck?
Oh yeah...three times...The first was when Derek Jeter showed me how to hold a bat and hit a ball...in Yankee stadium. It was a dream come true. The second time was when I hosted a formal charity event for Barbara Walters and General Colin Powell was my seat mate. Being ever so the gentleman, he asked me to dance and when he spun me around, I felt like Annette Benning in The American President with Michael Douglas. And the 3rd was the first time I met former President Bill Clinton. We've become friends now...but the first time was magical. You meet him and although you are only with him 5-10 minutes...he is so charismatic he makes you feel like you're the only one in the room.

Looking back at your life, what one experience changed your outlook the most?
Gaining and losing weight in front of the whole world...and having everyone "weigh" in on my decision to save my own life. It took years of therapy to come to grips with all the emotions, forgive myself and embrace the new me with NO regrets.

Did you know you have a huge gay following? My friend just said he "read" someone like he was Star Jones!
Oh yeah! I once interviewed Elton Jon & he said "inside the heart of every gay may is a black woman screaming to get out!"

Why did u choose AKA (Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.) over the other greek letter organizations?
An AKA is what a Delta isn't. What a Zeta couldn’t. What a SGRho wishes. What Qs likes, What Kappas love& What Alpha's can’t get enough of! I'm sorry...I just became 18 all over again! Skee Wee Sorors. Seriously, Alpha Kappa Alpha taught me confidence & commitment...life lessons that I have used for over 30 years now.

Of all your various accomplishments, which are you the most proud of?
I'm proudest of my law degree (because I earned it...and no one can take it away from me)...it's the ultimate trump card: EDUCATION!

And a bonus question...Would go on "The View" to promote your book when It comes out next spring?
hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. Gotta give the tabloids something to speculate on for the next 9 months! Why take all the fun out of it.

Afternoon Affirmation: KICK EVIL OUT!

2010-06-21T00:51:00.000-04:00

"Give the devil no place in your life

...and he will leave you alone."

James 4:7

So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Star's Interpretation: Evil people can't visit YOUR house if YOU don't provide them a seat at YOUR table. We all have to start by telling messy people to take their mess somewhere else! If you can't bless me with your positive, happy, intelligent, thoughtful presence in my life...then I'm sorry...but you need to go. When you can look someone in the face & confidently say those words...you've broken the cycle of victimhood. Get ready for your victory!

My Morning Meditation: Responsibility

2010-06-15T12:54:00.000-04:00

Whether we like it or not we have a responsibility to one another.

Galatians 6:3

If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important.

Star's Interpretation:
It can be tiring having to deal with trifling folk...'cause they can suck you dry like a vampire looking for blood.. But think about it..Water seeks it's own level. So bringing someone else up elevates you also. But please come correct & have your stuff together. People want to see that YOU'RE doing all YOU can before they jump in to help.

MY Morning Meditation...REST

2010-03-07T11:15:00.000-05:00

Do yourself a favor.

Relax, take time to rest and refresh yourself.

Genesis 2:2:
And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.

Star's Interpretation: After a week of work, toil and stress you need to stop, rest and feel good about what you've achieved. Sleep in, take a long bath, let your mind wander and think good refreshing thoughts. It will do wonders for your spirit and your mood. A cheerful frame of mind, reinforced by relaxation... is the medicine that puts all toxicity, fear and doubt on the run. Lesson from the Roman poet Ovid: “Take rest; a field that has rested gives a bountiful crop.”

MY Morning Meditation...LISTEN TO YOUR FRIENDS

2010-03-06T12:22:00.000-05:00

Your friends appreciate it when you just listen.

James 1:19
Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters:
You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak,
and slow to get angry.

Star's Interpretation: Listening has become a lost skill. Notice that the friends who listen to us are the ones we tend to move toward. A good listener tries to understand what the other person is saying. In the end you may disagree but at the very least you should know exactly what it is you're disagreeing with. When a friend receives us with open-hearted, non-judging, intensely interested listening, our spirits grow and our world expands. Remember that it is the province of knowledge to speak but it is the privilege of wisdom to listen. The Lesson: Listen lest your tongue keep you deaf.

MY Morning Meditation...CONFIDENCE

2010-03-05T12:00:00.000-05:00

Small beginnings can grow into big accomplishments

when you apply yourself.

Job 8:7
And though you started with little,
you will end with much.

Star's Interpretation: It doesn't matter how you start out...what matters is where you end up; and it is a sin to not reach your potential because you are to lazy to try. The Greek philosopher Plato said: “Apply yourself for without effort, you cannot be prosperous." An intelligent person is one who has successfully fulfilled many accomplishments, and still wants to learn more. Don't let others rain on your parade with their self-doubts. Let them wallow in their own insecurity...no need for you to co-sign onto their assessment of how far YOU can go. Never allow your accomplishment to be socially judged by ill defined criteria that relies on another's assessment of how YOU are doing. Remember: Confidence and perseverance are the keys because the greatest accomplishment is not in never falling, but in rising again after you fall.

MY Morning Meditation...HAVE COURAGE

2010-03-04T08:59:00.000-05:00

"Get yourself together and be courageous today!"

Psalm 31:24

Be strong and take heart,
all you who hope in the LORD.

Star's Interpretation: The greatest barrier to success is the fear of failure. So the challenge is to have your FAITH surpass your FEAR. Mental & Spiritual growth comes only to those willing to step out of their comfort zone and step up to their faith potential. Fear is normal. It reminds us we need God's grace. Courage is just faith-based resistance to fear, mastery of fear - not absence of fear. Show faith by being bold with your goals & reaching for what others are too scared to go after. Those unsure of their purpose play it safe. Remember this: A ship is safe in the harbor...but that's not where ships are meant to be!

MY Morning Meditation...SPEAK TRUTH

2010-03-03T09:06:00.000-05:00

When people don't want to listen,

speak the truth anyway.

Don't say I told you so...being right is enough!

Ezekiel 2:5
And whether they listen or refuse to listen—for remember, they are rebels—at least they will know they have had a prophet among them.

Star's Interpretation: Doing the right thing because it is right is the magic key to living your life with integrity. You can bend it and twist it... You can misuse and abuse it... But NO ONE can change the Truth; because it is what it is. It does not require many words to speak the truth. You just have to have the courage to say no & the courage to face what the truth brings. Do the right thing & it will gratify some people & astonish the rest. GOAL: For God to make me an instrument which only truth can speak.

My Morning Meditation...WORK HARD

2010-03-02T11:02:00.000-05:00

Do your best work at all times.

Especially when no one sees you.

God will reward you. He sees all.

Matthew 25:23
“The master said, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’

Star's Interpretation: Don't take on a task do a half-assed job & then complain when your result is rejected. Anything worth doing is worth doing it right! Most successful people aren't born that way. You become successful by establishing the habit of doing things unsuccessful people don't like to do. And don't expect to always get the praise, the accolades or the acknowledgement. The highest praise someone can give you is the responsibility to get a thing done. An African Proverb says: “God makes three requests of his children: Do the best you can, where you are, with what you have, now.” Do that and your reward will be magnificent as the highest reward for a job well done is not what you GET FOR IT but what you BECOME BY IT.

My Morning Meditation...LOVE

2010-03-01T12:05:00.001-05:00

Love is there when it's good, Love is there when it's bad,

Love is there when it's right and Love is there when it's wrong.

Love never fails, it is always there.

I Corinthians 13:7-8

Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
Prophecy and speaking in unknown tongues and special knowledge will become useless. But love will last forever!

Star's Interpretation: This one is simple. Love is the greatest gift you can give...because it was the greatest gift given to us. The sacrifice of our Lord was the ultimate act of Love. What have you given to the one you proclaim to love? Loving someone is encouraging them to shine instead of begrudging their accomplishments. You cannot proclaim to love, but be “jealous" because jealousy comes from self-love rather than from true love. Are you patient with, kind to & grateful for the one you love? Or do you find fault, whine and criticize everyday & everything? Find the love in your life and show how happy you ae to have; because a lot of people don't. MESSAGE: Get on with living and loving. You don't have forever.

My Morning Meditation...WALK OUT ON FAITH

2010-02-28T12:34:00.001-05:00

Walk out on the Water
...Don't be afraid!

Matthew 14:29-33

"Come," he said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?" And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."

Star's Interpretation: When Christ told Peter to walk out on the water...he wasn't testing him...he was giving him proof...that with faith...you can do anything! None of us like to fail...but if you've done everything necessary to succeed by preparing...take a chance & try something you didn't think possible. Look at your life, God has built a bridge to safety over every river, stream and ocean the world presented to you. If you realized how powerful your thoughts are, you would never think a negative thought. When you doubt your power, you give power to your doubt. Deep water shouldn't scare you off from fulfilling your purpose...your faith provides you with the ultimate life jacket. If you believe his promises...then walk out on the water and take his hand. He's got you.

Sisterhood Saturday: SHOP TIL YOU DROP!

2010-02-27T14:12:00.001-05:00

I'm a huge discount online shopper...and belong to three amazing designer shopping clubs. For those who are always looking for a bargain...just click on the name for a link to my personal invites to join:

GILT GROUP

Gilt Groupe provides access, by invitation only, to Men’s, Women’s and Children’s coveted fashion and luxury brands at prices up to 70% off retail. Each sale lasts 36 hours and features hand selected styles from a single designer.

IDEELI

ideeli is the first members-only shopping community in the U.S. We offer limited-time sale events that feature the most sought-after brands in fashion, home and beauty -- at up to 80% off. Membership is by invitation only and there is no fee to join. New brands are featured each day at up to 80% off. All events start at 11AM EST. Sales last 36 hours, or until items are sold out. We also have weekly giveaways. They have a surprise start time and last 7 hours (in most cases). Our members are notified by email, SMS, facebook and twitter each time a new sale starts.

RUE LA LA

Rue La La is... an exclusive, invitation-only online destination where Members discover premier-brand, private sale Boutiques, each open for just a brief window of time. Our focus is a well-edited collection of sought-after offerings from the best brand names in the world - combined with helpful service. Membership is free. It's also invitation-only.

My Morning Meditation...FEAR NOT

2010-02-27T13:48:00.000-05:00

The devil can scheme all he wants but God has got your back.

Fear not!

Romans 16:20

The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.

Star's Interpretation: Aristotle said “Fear is pain arising from the anticipation of evil.” I say FEAR can paralyze you if your FAITH is weak. It's very easy to claim to "trust God" when things are going well; but faith isn't faith until it's ALL you're holding on to. Evil is all around us and is manifested in those who lack character...but FAITH is deliberate confidence in the character of GOD whose motives we never have to question. Our fear makes us human, but our faith makes us a child of God. Each time we face our fear, we gain strength, courage, and confidence in the doing. FAITH is not trying to believe something regardless of the evidence; FAITH is daring something regardless of the consequences.

My Morning Meditation...TEMPER TEMPER

2010-02-26T09:38:00.001-05:00

“Temper gets you into trouble. Pride keeps you there.”

Proverbs 14:17:
Short-tempered people do foolish things,

and schemers are hated.

Star's Interpretation: The worse tempered people you meet are be the ones who are only acting a fool because they know they are wrong from the jump! People who have a short fuse scare me because they usually have an exaggerated reaction to ordinary occurrence. If you fly off the handle when faced with a problem...you don't make good decisions and bad decisions can put you in the proverbial trick bag! A Roman poet wrote: "one who cannot restrain their anger will wish undone, what their temper and irritation prompted them to do.” So make it a practice to avoid folk who lead with their MOUTHS instead of their MINDS. Because as my mother used to say: "Don't let your mouth get you into trouble that your behind can't get you out of."

My Morning Meditation...KEEP WORKING

2010-02-25T09:51:00.000-05:00

You are giving your all and it seems no one cares or even notices.

Keep working it will pay off.

2 Chronicles 15:7:
But as for you,
be strong and courageous,
for your work will be rewarded.

Star's Interpretation: When it feels like you're pushing a big boulder up a steep mountain...all by yourself and you can't see the top...keep pushing; GOD HAS YOUR BACK. Pray as though everything depended on God. Work as though everything depended on you.

“If A equals SUCCESS, then the winning formula is A = X + Y & Z, with X being " HARD WORK," Y being "PERSEVERANCE" & Z being "COMMITMENT." Anything worth having is worth working for because the only place where SUCCESS comes before WORK is in the dictionary. Work joyfully and peacefully, knowing that right thoughts and right efforts will inevitably bring about right results. Remember we want to work to BECOME, not to ACQUIRE.

My Morning Meditation...A WASTE

2010-02-24T09:47:00.000-05:00

A waste of time is trying to reason with a fool.

Proverbs 23:9:
Don’t waste your breath on fools,

for they will despise the wisest advice.

Star's Interpretation: Amen! No disrespect...but I really can't tolerate ignorant folk who think they know something...and they really don't. A wise man strives to know more today than yesterday and wants to be better tomorrow than he is is today. Smart does not always translate into wise because a lot of smart people say some dumb things. Lesson: Just because someone is anointed an "expert" doesn't necessarily make them one. Be discerning who you listen to and base your opinion on. There are well-dressed foolish ideas, just as there are well-dressed fools.

My Morning Meditation...HAPPINESS

2010-02-23T10:04:00.000-05:00

Success is not the key to happiness.

Happiness is the key to success.

Psalm 144:15

Yes, joyful are those who live like this!
Joyful indeed are those whose God is the Lord.

Star's Interpretation (with some help from my prayer partner): If you're happy with what you are doing, you will be successful. The person who is born with a talent which is suppose to be used finds their greatest happiness in using it. But remember, Happiness does not come wrapped in brightly colored packages as a “gift” given to us by others. Happiness comes when we uncover the gifts that lie within us and begin to use them to please God and bless others. Happiness flows from within. It rises up in life’s greatest tragedies when we choose to smile at what we know to be good and lasting, rather than to cry at what temporarily hurts us. Be the person who causes happiness WHEREVER you go; rather than someone who causes happiness WHENEVER you go! Being happy doesn't mean that everything is perfect. It means that you've decided to look beyond the imperfections.

Happiness is a choice.

My Morning Meditation...SEEING CLEARLY

2010-02-22T08:27:00.000-05:00

Guard your eyes.

What you see effects your whole body.

Luke 11:34
“Your eye is a lamp that provides light for your body.
When your eye is good, your whole body is filled with light.
But when it is bad, your body is filled with darkness.

Star's Interpretation: What we read, watch and see on a daily basis impacts on our mind, body & spirit; so if it doesn't bring you joy...you shouldn't be bringing it in. A Yiddish proverb says that “the eyes are the mirror of the soul;” and I refuse to allow MY soul to be influenced by YOUR mess. The goal is to look upon that which is positive, constructive & encouraging rather than negative, critical & harmful. What you SEE influences your present...and will shape your future if you let it.

“Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact.

Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth.”

-Marcus Aurelius

My Morning Meditation...WINNING

2010-02-21T10:28:00.000-05:00

Giving your best effort every-time is winning.

Proverbs 13:4
Lazy people want much but get little,
but those who work hard will prosper

Star's Interpretation: You've got to get up every morning with determination if you're going to go to bed with satisfaction. Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try. We may have no control over the outcome...but we have total control over the effort we put in. Your greatest triumph may not come from winning. Sometimes you thrive the most when at first you lose. When you go through adversity and decide not to surrender...that is the win.

Sisterhood Saturday: THE SISTERHOOD OF CHEATING

2010-02-20T08:45:00.002-05:00

Why do women sleep with married men?

I read a great article in "Associated Content" the other day who pointed out that in the movies, the other woman is typically depicted as a young, delusional being who just fell in love with the wrong person. The married man, of course, is the user. He's the great deceiver who disregards his marital vows in the effort to fulfill his deep, sexual lust. Right?

Although these stereotypes are popular, the truth is that the other woman may have a variety of agendas fueling her behavior. Depending on her age, social class and marital status, she might be carousing with another woman's man for several reasons other than love. According to the article, below are the top five.

#1 The sex is hot. Just like a lot of men, many women crave sex. As a result, when some women meet a man that they have an undeniable sexual attraction to, they rush forward and pounce. Although it's not always admitted to, this is one reason why some women just can't let a married man go. They love the sex and, as a result, refuse to end the relationship.

#2 She doesn't think it's hurting anyone. Have you ever heard the saying 'what you don't know won't hurt you?' This is a statement that some females who play the role of the other woman live by. They feel that as long as nobody knows (especially the wife) what they're doing, it's okay. As a result, this woman will never stop seeing the married man until things blow up.

#3 She loves the money. Some women barter sex for money. This exchange is as old as the bible. As a result, if a man has a lot of cash that he's willing to spend on her, the other woman will go for it without any regret. It's not that she want's to hurt anyone or even be the other woman, she just needs help paying her bills.

#4 She believes all men are dogs. You'd think that a woman who thinks so lowly of all men wouldn't wind up in a dirty affair. However, this idea is wrong. Because she thinks all men are dogs, she expects very little from them - including faithfulness. So it seems natural to her that a married man would cheat since that's what all men do anyway. If you ask her about the wife, nine times out of ten she'll tell you about the number of times she's been cheated on by a man. It's her justification for her actions.

#5 She needs to feel powerful. This point is where I believe Monica Lewinsky falls. Sleeping with the President of the United States probably lifted her self-esteem and made her feel powerful. It's a trap women fall into who like to sleep with high-profile men. They get their energy and life from an accomplished man instead of finding other ways to build themselves up.

Dr. Michelle Golland (licensed Clinical Psychologist) says that some women sleep with married men because some women just do not understand the bond of true sisterhood, and may have trouble with establishing or sustaining authentic female relationships because it is probably hard to find a nice girlfriend who would support their home-wrecking ways.

Dr. Golland says that such a woman may not have ever gotten enough attention from her father, and craves male attention at all costs. The fact that she can get a married man to stray from his wife may also feed her insecure ego, because she inherently feels in competition with other women. Which, in her twisted logic, means that getting him to stray places her as the winner and the wife as the loser. What she has really done, however, is lose big-time -- she has lost her self-respect.

The mistress probably likes the thrill of the hunt and feels her self-esteem boosted at the thought that a man would risk so much to be with her. She may like the drama and illicit experience too. The mistress also feels comfortable being the victim, because ultimately, at least most of the time, she gets lied to and cheated on herself in the end. She winds up crying alone because her romantic life has been a secret, or she simply doesn't have any friends to cry to. It becomes a sad cycle of false hope fueled by desperation and desire, while being led on by a married man who himself obviously has a host of his own issues and demons he hasn't faced.

The high of being with a married man also extends the illusion of the "Romantic Love" experience for such a woman. She is pursued, desired passionately, and the possibility of an amazing future seems almost available. "Almost" is the key word, because the married man is lying to her in order to keep the emotional and sexual attention coming (no pun intended). But 90% of the time, the cheating man knows that even the illusion of "Romantic Love" is just that -- an illusion. It is mostly hot sex and emotional attention with no strings.

Dr. Golland goes on to say, the woman willing to be a mistress was most probably hurt by a man and has real trust issues. By being the one who is cheated with, she has a false belief that she is in control of things, and that at least she isn't the one being "cheated" on. This woman will choose to believe that he doesn't "love" his wife and he really wants to be with her, so this false situation seems safer to her than being in an authentic, honest relationship with a man who is actually available.

Dr. Golland agrees with a lot of experts who say the "mistress" mistakes him wanting her body sexually for love. But she breaks it down by saying "It is not and will not ever be the same. He may love how you make him feel, and love that you allow him to not focus on the reality of his life, but remember you are not actually in his reality -- you are a part of an illusion." This illusion of his will most likely fade due to age or interest, and he will either move onto another newer and hotter illusion, or he may man up and deal with the problems in his "real" relationship with his wife.

I rarely find an expert who I totally agree with...but Dr. Golland's analysis was so on point...I had to pass it on in its entirety!

"Infidelity does not consist in believing or in disbelieving;

it consists in professing to believe what he does not believe.”

From me to you...Sister to Sister... a guy can't cheat without a co-conspirator. We as women have to make up our minds that the "sisterhood of women" is a compelling reason to say no when presented with the opportunity to cheat another woman out of the promise of a faithful marriage. Sisters being true to one another, is part of the religion of sisterhood.

Bottom line is this: If a man will cheat with you...he will cheat on you. Get your own man who will love you, honor you and cherish you in the light and the dark.

My Morning Meditation...CHARACTER & INTEGRITY

2010-02-20T08:42:00.002-05:00

A person with character & integrity
does not have divided loyalties.

Proverbs 11:20

The Lord detests people with crooked hearts,
but he delights in those with integrity.

Star's interpretation: It is lame to try to talk your way out of what you behaved your way into! Character and integrity is how we are all judged. Don't give it away by choosing the popular, fashionable or trendy position rather than the ethical, moral & honorable one. Einstein said “Weakness of attitude becomes weakness of character.” Character forms the basis of who we are...Integrity shows the world we believe the hype about ourselves.

My Morning Meditation...ANXIETY

2010-02-19T10:09:00.001-05:00

Don't be over anxious to get to tomorrow.

Live one full day at a time.

Matthew 6:34:

“So don’t worry about tomorrow,
for tomorrow will bring its own worries.
Today’s trouble is enough for today.

Star's Interpretation: There is a great difference between worry and concern. A worried person sees a problem, and a concerned person solves a problem. Tough times come to all. Winston Churchill once said: "If you're going through hell...keep going." Worrying won't get you through it. Faith will. When I'm anxious, it can overtake my entire plan of action. So every evening I turn my worries over to God. He's going to be up all night anyway. Every tomorrow has two handles. We can take hold of it with the handle of anxiety or the handle of faith. I choose faith in a God who has never left me.

My Morning Meditation...CHOOSE WISELY

2010-02-18T09:50:00.000-05:00

We all need to put our own team together.

Be sure to choose wisely.

Proverbs 13:20

Walk with the wise and become wise;

associate with fools and get in trouble.

Star's Interpretation: You will be judged by the folk you affiliate with. Associating with the wrong people will bring toxicity and drama to your life. As the German's say: “When a dove begins to associate with crows its feathers remain white but its heart grows black.” Water seeks its own level so be honorable yourself if you wish to associate with honorable people.

My Morning Meditation...GET YOUR MIND RIGHT

2010-02-17T09:26:00.000-05:00

What you believe about your own potential

is more important then what anybody else thinks.

Isaiah 50:7:
Because the Sovereign Lord helps me,
I will not be disgraced.
Therefore, I have set my face like a stone,
determined to do his will.
And I know that I will not be put to shame.

Star's Interpretation: I will not allow others to rob me of my blessing by believing them over believing in myself. People will try to discourage you from succeeding because THEY are don't want to be "left back." I will not allow others to impede my progress. If you can't hang...keep it moving because I got things to do! I choose to focus on my potential instead of my limitations & my achievements are where my dreams used to be!

My Morning Meditation...CHANGE LANES

2010-02-16T07:54:00.003-05:00

When you're on the wrong road

you can only blame yourself.

So repent, stop and change lanes.

James 1:13-14
When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed.

Star's Interpretation: If it is messed up...you've probably messed it up by being disobedient and allowing "self" to be your motivating factor. But just because you've made mistakes in the past doesn't mean you need to keep on making them. Nothing frustrates haters more than when you change it up. Admit you were wrong, figure out what needs to be done to fix it, fix it and do it right the next time. Boo Yow! “Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.” Change is the essence of life. Be wise enough to surrender what you ARE for what you could BECOME.

My Morning Meditation...BE STILL

2010-02-15T07:45:00.000-05:00

There may be fighting or distress all around

...but you be still.

Exodus 14:14
The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.

Star's Interpretation: Just because it is raining...doesn't mean you have to get wet. So when you see a storm gathering...protect yourself by taking shelter. If you live long enough, there is bound to be some pain, surely as there are storms & falling rain; just believe that the one who holds the storms will bring the sun. The wise man in the storm prays to God, not for safety from danger, but deliverance from fear. For "you block your dream when you allow your fear to grow bigger than your faith.”

My Morning Meditation...LOVE

2010-02-14T09:35:00.000-05:00

We too often love things

and use people,

when we should be using things

and loving people.

Romans 12:10:

Love each other with genuine affection,
and take delight in honoring each other.

Star's Interpretation: Love is the universal language. But LOVE is just a word until someone comes along and gives it meaning. When you are lucky enough to have someone love you...honor them by loving them for what they do for your heart...not for your lifestyle, bank account or status. Remember the four questions that show the value of life:
What is sacred?
Of what is the spirit made?
What is worth living for?
What is worth dying for?
The answer to each is the same. Only love.

"The most important thing in life is to learn how to give out love, and to let it come in.”

My Morning Meditation...HOLD YOUR GROUND

2010-02-13T07:53:00.000-05:00

During times of testing,

pray and hold your ground.

James 1:12:

God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation.
Afterward they will receive the crown of life
that God has promised to those who love him.

Star's Interpretation: You will be tested. Folk will "try" you for their own purposes. It is a testament to YOUR character how you handle the test. Don't be used to further someone else's agenda...especially when that agenda is not meant for good. Quit thinking that you must halt before the barrier of someone else's negativity. You need not. You can crash through and destroy it by not buying into it. I used to allow negativity to hurt me, but I've survived by ignoring it: it dims your light and it's harder each time to turn the power up again. That's my gift. I let negativity roll off me like water off a duck's back. If it's not positive, I didn't hear it.

My Morning Meditation...DON'T WASTE TIME

2010-02-12T08:14:00.000-05:00

Get away from those who want to waste their time

and yours on foolishness.

2 Corinthians 6:17

Therefore, come out from among unbelievers,
   and separate yourselves from them, says the Lord.
   Don’t touch their filthy things,
   and I will welcome you.

Star's interpretation: When you see that other people are trying to bring you into THEIR mess...run, don't walk...run the other way. Misery loves company, but water seeks it's own level. So make folk come up to your level, never get dragged down to theirs. “Those who wish to appear wise among fools, among the wise seem foolish.”

My Morning Meditation...HOW YOU DOING?

2010-02-11T07:59:00.001-05:00

Have fun, be merry
and do what you want to do.

Just be sure all your doings honor God.

1 Corinthians 10:31:
So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do,

do it all for the glory of God.

Star's Interpretation: Whatever you do in the dark...will always come to the light, so have fun...but use good judgment. Reaching your goals and enjoying your success is a lot more fun when you're not ashamed of the behavior that got you there. Because nothing judges us, reveals us & exposes our weaknesses, more ingeniously than our own good judgment...or the lack thereof.

My Morning Meditation...STICK TO IT

2010-02-10T08:11:00.000-05:00

Don't change your course

and quit when things get rough.

Proverbs 24:16:
The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again.
But one disaster is enough to overthrow the wicked.

Star's Interpretation: God did not promise that the road wouldn't be rocky and rough in some places. It is our obligation to have faith and when we get thrown for a loop...re-group, get back up and start again. There is no shame in succeeding the 2nd or 3rd time you try something--The glory is in the success! “Try and fail, but don't fail to try.”

My Morning Meditation...PROVE IT

2010-02-09T09:25:00.000-05:00

Let your actions prove you are good.

Proverbs 28:18:
The blameless will be rescued from harm,

but the crooked will be suddenly destroyed.

Star's Interpretation: Talk is cheap. When people show me who they are...I believe them. As Bill Maher once said: “You are what you do. It’s about actions.”

My Morning Meditation...EXPECTATION

2010-02-08T09:56:00.000-05:00

With hope head towards your future

with great expectation.

Psalms 146:5

But joyful are those who have the God of Israel as their helper,
whose hope is in the Lord their God.

Star's Interpretation: When you say a situation or a person is hopeless, you are slamming the door in the face of God. Hope is a desire with an expectation of accomplishment. You may not know where you're going...but when you have God in your life...you absolutely know who will help you get there.

My Morning Meditation...LISTEN

2010-02-07T08:03:00.000-05:00

Daily God will guide you...

if daily you will listen.

Isaiah 50:4-5:
"The Lord’s Obedient Servant"

   The Sovereign Lord has given me his words of wisdom,
   so that I know how to comfort the weary.
   Morning by morning he wakens me
   and opens my understanding to his will.
   The Sovereign Lord has spoken to me,
   and I have listened.
   I have not rebelled or turned away.

Star's Interpretation: We often spin our wheels seeking solutions to problems when the answer is staring you right there in the face. We seek "miracles" as a way out of a situation...when practical thinking is all that is required.

Did you hear the story of the huge flood that caused an entire town to be swallowed up by the waters. Well, this very religious man was caught in the flood and he went up to his roof, raised his hands to the heavens and asked God to help him. Right then his neighbor comes by in a little row boat and says "Come on dude, get in, get in!" The religous man replies, " no I have faith in God, he will grant me a miracle." An hour passes and the Police and Rescue Agencies are now running all over the place trying to get people to safety. They too saw this same man with his hands stretched to the heavens asking for help and they sent the official rescue boat over to his house where the water was now lapping around his ankles and they say "Come on, quickly, there isn't much time"

To which he says "Nah, it's ok, God will Provide"

So another hour passes and the coast guard is now involved, they are looking for any additional survivors and as they zoom by this same area that has already been checked for survivors, they notice the guy's still there, only the water's up to his waist, almost at the top of the roof.. "Quick" they say, get in the boat, it's going to get worst before it gets better.

"Nah, don't worry - God will Provide"

An hour after that a search and rescue helicopter flies over the area and notices the guy, who must be standing on the peak of the roof now, with only his head and shoulders out of the water. "GRAB THE ROPE!" they cry "IT'S YOUR ONLY HOPE!"

"Don't worry" he replies calmly "God will provide."

So he gets drowned of course. And he goes to heaven, and is a little ticked off with God for drowning him like that, and expresses his concern saying "I had FAITH, I BELIEVED in you - and still you didn't help me"

"HELP YOU?!" God replies "What MORE did you want - I sent you three boats and a helicopter!"

This joke should make us all think about the people who complain about how hard they've got it and how everyone else gets the breaks.

It's not GETTING the breaks that counts, it's RECOGNIZING them when they come...and seizing the opportunity. When God sends you a gift. Just say thank you...and use it to his glory!

My Morning Meditation...PERSONAL INTEGRITY

2010-02-05T07:57:00.000-05:00

Remember what you do in the day

and at night reflects on you,

and your family too.

Proverbs 10:9:
People with integrity walk safely,

but those who follow crooked paths will slip and fall.

Star's Interpretation: Everyone knows that it takes many years to build a reputation and mere minutes to ruin it. There are certain places I don't go...and certain people I don't affiliate with; because to do so could put me in a trick bag. I learned the hard way to keep a firm distance away from any impropriety in my life or situations that could lead me to compromise the integrity that I hold dear. But I am always more concerned with my character than my reputation, because my character is what I really am, while my reputation is merely what others think I am. Lesson here: "The way to gain a good reputation is to try to be what you desire to appear.”

My Morning Meditation...MIND WHAT YOU SAY

2010-02-04T07:48:00.000-05:00

“Who gossips to you,

will gossip of you”

Ecclesiastes 5:3:
Too much activity gives you restless dreams;
too many words make you a fool.

Star's Interpretation: A bunch of folk telling the same lie doesn't make it true...it just makes it a widespread lie. Be careful of the gossip, rumor and innuendo you help to spread; because no matter what people say...mean-spirited gossip hurts when you're the subject of it. Remember, “if fifty million people say a foolish thing, it is still a foolish thing.”

My Morning Meditation...A TIME FOR EVERYTHING

2010-02-02T11:40:00.000-05:00

When things get choppy & start to change

...be flexible & optimistic.

Change is going to come.

Ecclesiastes 3:1
There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven.

Star's Interpretation: If you need help adapting to change in your life. Just remember that in ALL things there is a REASON, a SEASON & a TIME. No regrets...just thank God for the REASON he presented the challenge, the SEASON of the trial that you overcame and the TIME that someone special entered your life.

My Morning Meditation...BELIEVE!

2010-02-01T08:26:00.000-05:00

Fear will keep you from success.

Don't let it.

Have faith and believe only.

Matthew 21:21-22:
Then Jesus told them, “I tell you the truth, if you have faith and don’t doubt, you can do things like this and much more. You can even say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. You can pray for anything, and if you have faith, you will receive it.”

Star's Interpretation: Whenever I feel afraid or anxious about anything...all I need to do is pray. I feel rejuvenated when I pray. It gives me power over my fear. So it goes without saying: No prayer...no power. Little prayer...little power. Much prayer...Much power. You have the POWER to succeed in anything you do, if only you ask God for his divine guidance through prayer!

My Morning Meditation...IT STARTS WITH YOU!

2010-01-31T07:06:00.000-05:00

JUST is what we hope for worldwide

but it happens with one individual acting JUSTLY.

Micah 6:8:
   No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good,
   and this is what he requires of you:
   to do what is right, to love mercy,
   and to walk humbly with your God.

Star's Interpretation:  True character shows when you act justly, assist readily, adventure boldly, react patiently, defend courageously & show loyalty. It doesn't take a lot to do the right thing in ALL situations. Be humble, be merciful...& walk with God!

My Morning Meditation...CAUTION!

2010-01-29T08:53:00.001-05:00

When you see danger coming don't stay there!

Get out of the way.

Proverbs 27:12
A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions.
The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.

Star's Interpretation: Those bells you hear ringing and the yellow lights that are flashing are called "caution" signals for a reason...pay attention so you don't trip! Acting in haste causes us to make mistakes that using caution could have prevented.

My Morning Meditation...DIVERSION!

2010-01-28T07:14:00.000-05:00

When you are being pulled in the wrong direction

...stop, turn around

and run the other way.

Proverbs 1:10

My child, if sinners entice you,
turn your back on them!

Star's Interpretation: Toxic people interject THEIR mess into YOUR life in an effort to distract you and divert you from your path. Don't let anyone block you from YOUR goal as that gives THEM power. Ignore, disregard & dismiss. Keeping it poppin' in the face of diversions gives YOU the power!

My Morning Meditation...CONTROL!

2010-01-27T07:52:00.000-05:00

If someone wants to provoke you to anger,

get you to say something you'll later regret,

just walk away.

Keep your self-control.

Proverbs 6:4
Don’t answer the foolish arguments of fools,
or you will become as foolish as they are.

Star's Interpretation: Never allow an unhappy person to make you so mad you step outside of yourself...and get down in the gutter with them. Remember...water seeks its own level. So make folk come UP to your level...never go DOWN to theirs.

My Morning Meditation...MAKE IT HAPPEN!

2010-01-26T07:47:00.000-05:00

"To get something you never had,

you have to do something you never did."

Proverbs 14:23

Work brings profit,
but mere talk leads to poverty!

Star's Interpretation: When God takes something from your grasp, he's not punishing you, but merely opening your hands to receive something better. Stop waiting for something good to happen to you...make something good happen for yourself!

My Morning Meditation...THE VALUE OF FRIENDSHIP

2010-01-25T06:24:00.000-05:00

We must be careful who we give our friendship to…friends of value will value you. Those with none will hurt you.

Matthew 7:18-20:
A good tree can’t produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can’t produce good fruit. So every tree that does not produce good fruit is chopped down and thrown into the fire. Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions.

Star's Interpretation: There comes a point in your life when you realize:

Who matters,

Who never did,

Who won't anymore...

And who always will.

So, don't worry about people from your past,there's a reason why they didn't make it to your future.

My Morning Meditation...TRUST = FAITH!

2010-01-24T08:32:00.000-05:00

If you are feeling stressed out about life or anything

...start trusting God.

Matthew 8:26
Jesus responded, “Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!”
Then he got up and rebuked the wind and waves,
and suddenly there was a great calm.

Star's Interpretation: Life will hand us all our share of ups and downs. Hopefully, there will be more sunshine than storms in life; but be assured that the WILL of God will never take you where the GRACE of God will not protect you. Trusting God's promises is the surest way to show OBEDIENCE...and showing OBEDIENCE is pure evidence of your FAITH. So prove to God that YOU trust HIS word by allowing him give you "the desires of your heart"...that HE promised!

My Morning Meditation...POSITIVE THINKING!

2010-01-23T10:33:00.001-05:00

A positive mental attitude

can help everything you're doing go the right way.

Proverbs 15:15

For the despondent, every day brings trouble;
for the happy heart, life is a continual feast.

Star's Interpretation: Only NEGATIVE people start their day looking for MESS...so choose to be POSITIVE, find the JOY in life & you will see the blessings flow!

My Morning Meditation...BE SMART!

2010-01-22T09:14:00.001-05:00

Take your Time.

Do not act in haste!

Proverbs 20:25

Don’t trap yourself by making a rash promise to God

and only later counting the cost.

Star's Interpretation: Make your goal every day to have the courage to THINK and then ACT in all situations; rather that REACT to situations. You'll be the better for it!

My Morning Meditation...CONFIDENCE is PRAISE!

2010-01-21T07:38:00.001-05:00

Hopped up off the bed...
turn my SWAG on

took a look in the mirror,
said WASSUP!

-Soulja Boy

Psalm 100:1-3

Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.
Worship the LORD with gladness;
   come before him with joyful songs.
Know that the LORD is God.
   It is he who made us, and we are his;
   we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

Star's Interpretation: In a million years you couldn't have convinced me that Soulja Boy would provide me with my shouting "theme song!" But he is right. The way I present myself to the world shows confidence...and confidence is PRAISE! Putting your "swag on" may be a new jack way of saying it...but the point is old school: when I am confident, positive and assured of my place in HIS kingdom, I'm praising God!

I got up this morning. I am breathing this morning, I have some place to go, I have something to do, I can walk, talk, run and play...but I can also be still and give GOD praise this morning.

Thank you Lord for life! Thank you for the ability to sing your praises for my happiness, my blessings and my SWAG!

My Morning Meditation...COURAGE

2010-01-20T10:10:00.000-05:00

Challenges always come so you can be strong and brave.

Joshua 1:9:
This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Star's Interpretation: Learn to step out on faith as if there is an invisible road ahead. You may not see where you're going...but God does...because he set you on that specific path.

My Morning Meditation...IGNORE THE HATERS!

2010-01-19T09:07:00.001-05:00

If other people are trying to whittle you down, ignore them.
Rejoice in whose you are and go on and reach your full potential.

Luke 6:22-23:
What blessings await you when people hate you and exclude you and mock you and curse you as evil because you follow the Son of Man. When that happens, be happy! Yes, leap for joy! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, their ancestors treated the ancient prophets that same way.

Star's Interpretation: Ignore the "haters" & STAND in the space God has created for YOU!

Happy Martin Luther King, Jr. Day!

2010-01-18T08:43:00.000-05:00

“The time is always right to do what is right.”

My Morning Meditation...FAITH

2010-01-18T08:08:00.000-05:00

Fear will keep you from success.

Don't let it.

Have faith and believe only.

Matthew 21:21-22
Then Jesus told them, “I tell you the truth, if you have faith and don’t doubt, you can do things like this and much more. You can even say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. You can pray for anything, and if you have faith, you will receive it.”

Star's Interpretation: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said it best: “Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase.”

My Morning Meditation...TRUST

2010-01-17T09:22:00.001-05:00

Now is the time to trust.

Trust yourself, trust your ideas

and most of all trust your GOD!

Psalm 23:5

You prepare a feast for me

in the presence of my enemies.

You honor me by anointing my head with oil.

My cup overflows with blessings.

Star's Interpretation: We honor God when we make choices and then trust ourselves. Trust for me is a true belief in HIS promises and an EXPECTATION that blessings will flow.

My Morning Meditation...PURPOSE

2010-01-15T07:44:00.001-05:00

You have thought about it,

talked about it

and prayed about it.

Now it’s time to do something.

Colossians 3:23
Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.

Star's Interpretation: It's time to "walk the walk" and stop just "talking the talk" when it comes to fulfilling your purpose. "Excuses are tools of the incompetent. Those who excel in them...seldom excel in anything else!" God has done his part...do yours!

My Morning Meditation...TRUST

2010-01-14T08:24:00.000-05:00

"It's difficult to see the whole path of your life.

It is best to trust God in it."

Proverbs 3:5-6:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
do not depend on your own understanding.
Seek his will in all you do,
and he will show you which path to take.

Star's Interpretation: Just when I don't know what path to take...what direction to go in or what choice to make...I remember all I have to do is TRUST HIM...and I am clear!

My Morning Meditation...COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS

2010-01-13T09:54:00.003-05:00

Never start counting your troubles

until you’ve counted at least a hundred blessings.

Start with the air you breathe!

Read: Psalm 77:11-12
I will remember the deeds of the LORD;

yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.
I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds.

Star's Interpretation: Sometimes we get so busy rehearsing, reviewing and recounting the negatives in our lives when we should be counting our blessings instead...they are many!

My Morning Meditation...STEP OUT

2010-01-12T08:17:00.000-05:00

"When you step out to do anything be sure to do your best."

Proverbs 22:29

Do you see any truly competent workers? They will serve kings rather than working for ordinary people.

Star's Interpretation: If you want to be affiliated with the best...then you have to bring YOUR best. An "A game" is required to be on the "A list!"

Breakfast...Lunch & Dinner...a plan of action!

2010-01-11T16:28:00.001-05:00

Eat breakfast like a KING,

lunch like a PRINCE &

dinner like a BEGGAR

What does this mean? Breakfast should be your biggest meal because you have all day to burn off the calories. Lunch should be carbs and protein with a little fat to recharge your body. Dinner should be very lean. Protein and a salad. This is because you don't want to eat alot of calories before you go to bed. Remember... calories are energy. If your body doesn't use up the extra energy, then guess what it will do to it? Store it as fat!!

I don't know about you, but after 8-12 hours without food my blood sugar is at rock bottom. According to my nutritionist, 25% of my day's calories need to be consumed at breakfast to keep me going until lunchtime. Research tells us that the brain needs constant glucose to function properly and therefore breakfast is very important and not only that, I can tell you that when I eat a healthy breakfast...I'm a happier person.

PROTEIN in the morning gives me energy and provides me with my "brain food" to start the day. CARBOHYDRATES in the middle of my day makes me feel calm, serene and happy...and help me keep my energy up for work, interaction with others and my fitness routine. By the end of the day...I'm burnt, so I don't need energy...I need rest. I eat dinner out several times a week for business and social obligations, so it is virtually impossible during the week for me to eat dinner before 7pm or 8pm. So when I can make a choice, I choose fish, chicken or meat...and vegetables or a salad. I can skip desert...it won't kill me. Weekends...I have fun. I eat what I like...but I don't overdo it; because Monday is coming!

This is the goal...I know that I won't always meet my goal...but in 2010...I'm going to try!

My Morning Meditation...WORRY

2010-01-11T15:40:00.001-05:00

If you have a tendency to worry stop it!

Worry is not from God.

I Peter 5:7
Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.

Star's Interpretation: Prayer focuses & calms me & it removes all doubt. As my mother always says" if you pray you don't need to worry...& if you gonna worry...why you praying?"

My Morning Meditation...BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS

2010-01-10T08:00:00.002-05:00

"Make a practice of building healthy relationships

by sharing and caring."

From Psalm 133:1
How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!

Star's Interpretation: It makes sense to be in fellowship with our neighbors because hate can't move into a neighborhood where friendship and understanding already live.

My Morning Meditation...Being a Friend

2010-01-09T11:37:00.000-05:00

"As a friend be there, listen

& care more about your friend

then you do yourself."

This is reflected in Philippians 2:3-4:
"Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too."

Star's interpretation: Try to be "Selfless" in dealing with others rather than"Selfish." It doesn't show weakness...it shows humility.

My Morning Meditation...VICTORY

2010-01-08T16:54:00.000-05:00

"You can move yourself from the place of the

VICTIM to VICTOR

when you truly forgive."

This is reflected in Luke 6:35
“Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked."

Star's interpretation: Personal Relationships are often complicated, but those worth HAVING...are worth WORKING on.

2010 Resolution Handbook for Happiness

2010-01-01T00:00:00.042-05:00

“For last year's words
belong to last year's language

and next year's words
await another voice.”

-T.S. Eliot

I am resolving right now that 2010 is going to be a year to show RESPECT, extend KINDNESS, grow in LOVE, and PRAISE GOD for his goodness and mercy! For all those in agreement, join me by taking the pledge to use this 50 point "handbook" to improve your HEALTH, polish your PERSONALITY, strengthen our SOCIETY and perfect our LIVES.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT I WILL:

Drink plenty of water.
Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.
Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.
Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy
Make time to pray every single day.
Play more games.
Read more books than I did in 2009.
Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.
Sleep for 7 hours.
Take a 10-30 minute walk daily; and while I walk...smile.
Not compare my life to others because I have no idea what their journey is all about.
Say "I love you" to my partner...because I do.
Not have negative thoughts about things that I cannot control.
Invest my energy in the positive present moment.
Not over do it.
Focus on my health...because in the end...that's all that matters.
Make more donations to those less fortunate because regardless of my situation...I'm not missing any meals or sleeping on the street.
Not take myself so seriously; because no one else does.
Exercise more and talk about exercise less.
Not waste my precious energy on gossip.
Dream more while I'm awake.
Remember that envy is a waste of time. I already have all that I need.
Forget issues of the past.
Not remind my family, friends or partner of his/her mistakes of the past.
Not ruin my present happiness.
Remember that life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
Make peace with my past so it won't spoil my present.
Be in charge of my own happiness.
Realize that life is a school and I am here to learn and problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class; but the lessons I learn will last a lifetime.
Smile and laugh more.
Not have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
Call my family more often.
Give something good to others each day.
Remove all toxic people, places and things from my life.
Forgive everyone for everything...because it's not that deep.
Spend time with people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.
Try to make at least three people smile each day.
Stay in my own lane and out of other people's business.
Stop worrying about what other people think of me because it is none of my business.
Remember that my job won't take care of me when I'm sick. My family & friends will; so I need to stay in touch with folk who matter in my life.
Do the right thing!
Call my parents...just to say thank you.
Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
Open myself up to new experiences that take me out of my comfort zone.
Organize my personal space because excellence cannot operate in chaos.
Know that no matter how good or bad a situation is, it can and will change.
No matter how I feel...I will get up, dress up and show up.
Open my eyes every morning and when I realize that I am still alive; I will thank GOD for it.
Remember that God is in control...so I will let go and let God!
End my day with a prayer of thanksgiving because God has already promised that the best is yet to come.

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

Ending 2009...in Reflection

2009-12-31T10:33:00.000-05:00

On this last day of the year my morning has been spent in meditation; and I'm sure like most of you...is being used as a time for reflection.

I don't know about you, but 2009 has been an amazing year filled with tremendous highs and even some minor lows. Members of my family & several friends have faced serious health issues that could have either debilitated them or killed them; yet they have been healed! That in and of itself is a reason to shout.

On the professional front, work...although not perfect...was exhilarating, lucrative and plentiful enough for me not to miss a meal or fail to pay my bills...and 2010 is already looking good with new possibilities and new avenues to pursue.

In 2009, I have grown as a person, a woman, a friend, a partner in a loving relationship & most of all, as a Child of God! My faith has been unshaken, my spirit has been renewed and my resolve has been fortified. God has plans for me in 2010.

So if you're feeling me on this...join today's Morning Meditation: "Take time to reflect on everything that is lovely." It comes from Philippians 4:8...

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing.

Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable.

Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

The WORD in Philippians is a powerful instruction from God. He wants us to find the things in OUR lives that allow US to give HIM praise.

And all you have to do is watch the blessings flow...

Simply Blessed Sunday: Going Places

2009-12-06T19:14:00.000-05:00

Life might alter the path we want to take

but that doesn't mean

we can't still get to where we want to go!

This "word" is for all who have had to deal with change and faced ups, downs, sideways and noways. I believe that every challenge is a God sent "speed bump" that is the Lord's way of forcing us to slow down and allow him to work a miracle in our lives.

Go to the WORD for verification and edification!

Isaiah 58:11

The Lord will guide you continually,

giving you water when you are dry

and restoring your strength.

You will be like a well-watered garden,

like an ever-flowing spring.

BET "Heart of the City...Dying to Eat in Jackson"

2009-11-16T00:32:00.002-05:00

To watch "Heart of the City
...Dying to Eat in Jackson,"

click HERE

To watch more of the
Roundtable discussion,

click HERE

Loving YOURSELF enough to be healthy...by ANY means necessary!

2009-11-15T14:07:00.006-05:00

I love myself. I love my brain, my heart, my smile, my candor, my inquisitiveness, my interest in others, my confidence, my ability to forgive and show love. I love the law. I love that I know God...and he knows me. I love that I'm smart, strong, confident, courageous, honest and trustworthy. I love ME! This is not a recent revelation; it is a lifelong reality.

But for a long time it was incomplete; for you see...even with all that I loved about myself ...I didn't love myself enough to be a healthy weight.

I didn't use that famous strength, confidence, honesty and courage in the one area that matters above all: taking care of my health.

When it came to my weight...I was weak, shy, sneaky, conniving, secretive, ashamed and emotionally cripple. I defined myself partially through carrying those extra pounds. I liked being the smart "chubby" girl in the room without having to compete with the vapid "pretty"ones. I could be "one of the girls" because they never saw me a competition and I could be "one of the boys" because they never saw me as potential. I thought I had it made...

That was until I found myself unable to sleep through the night, unable to breathe without sounding like I was having an asthma attack, unable to walk without being winded, developing pulmonary and heart issues and on the cusp of diabetes; that I realized I didn't love myself at all. All those things I loved about me would be gone and forgotten if I died because I was too scared, lazy, undisciplined and proud to get help with the greatest health challenge I had ever faced. I was morbidly obese and slowly killing myself.

It wasn't like I didn't know I was overweight.

Sadly, I'm not the only one. Everyone I know or have talked to over the last six years since I had weight loss surgery and began this journey has said the same thing to me..."It's not like I didn't know I was fat." 300 pounds is pretty hard to hide. But honestly, it all became real to me when I stopped using words like "heavy" "full-figured" "plus-sized"& "phat" & start saying "obese" "morbidly obese" "unhealthy" and "dying" instead.

Harsh words for a harsh reality. I could smile at the world in public...like anyone else; but when you find yourself alone in your bathtub and you're too big to stretch your arm across the tub to adjust the water temperature...no one needs to point out that you are too damn big. But it took instances like that to make me decide to step out on faith for ME.

As most people now know, after serious consultation with my doctors, I decided to have Gastric Bypass Surgery. It wasn't the "easy way out." It was the "necessary way in" for me.

It is important for me to convey with all sincerity that my path is not necessarily your path to healthy weight loss. Only you and your doctor can design a plan that will work in the long-term for you. Weight Loss Surgery is a major life altering change and I had great insurance, financial resources, tremendous support & no obligations other than me. This doesn't make me "special"...just really blessed and I don't for a minute take it for granted. However, let me say this, having Weight Loss Surgery started me on a healthy path, but changing my lifestyle habits, portion control, exercise and discipline has kept me on that path. Six years after surgery...I have stayed within 5 pounds of my target goal weight for FOUR straight years. It is truly the greatest accomplishment of my life.

When I decided to have Gastric Bypass, I knew I'd take some criticism. I honestly didn't know it would be as intense as it was...and I didn't help by trying to be slick and telling only what I wanted to tell about what I was going through. I didn't lie about it...not once...to ANYONE. I just didn't talk about it in public because, I wasn't ready to talk about it. No apologies, no further explanations...just straight talk.

It has taken me years of therapy to get to this point because I was used to evaluating my self worth through the eyes of others, but the day I stopped worrying what others thought about what I did to take care of me...was the day I REALLY got healthy. So let me put this issue to bed once and for all as bluntly as I can: I didn't get healthy for YOU...I got healthy for ME...so I talked about it when I could handle it. I talked about it when I figured it out. I talked about it when I was no longer afraid that I would go back to my old habits. I talked about it when I had something to say.

And I'm saying something in "Heart of the City...Dying to Eat in Jackson," a documentary for BET that addresses the obesity epidemic in the African American community. We as a community are slowly killing ourselves with Diabetes, Heart Disease, Stroke and High Blood Pressure; and the weapon of choice is food. That is not a slogan...it is a fact.

The statistics are staggering. Every single state in the US (except for Colorado) has obesity rates in excess of 20%. The poorest states have obesity rates of 30% or more and Mississippi has the highest obesity rate in the land at nearly 1/3 of all residents being obese or morbidly obese. When you isolate the African-American community, in nearly every state we are at a 35-45% obesity rate and some statistics suggest that black women are particularly at risk...in many states, nearly 50% fall into the obese category. When I saw the obesity trends among children (black girls ages 12-19 are almost at 30%...double the rate of caucasian girls!) I started to cry...

That's when I decided it was time for me to say something.

I'm one of the few public people in news, entertainment, philanthropy and law who can or will say that I know what it feels like to weigh 300 pounds, to lose more than I now weigh and to maintain that weight loss for significant period of time. God has given me an amazing public platform to share my thoughts, ideas, opinions, knowledge and expertise. It would be unfair and tremendously selfish of me if I didn't use it for the good of my people and my community.

There are resources out there. But the first step starts with loving yourself enough to be healthy...by any means necessary!

My BET "Heart of the City" documentary on Obesity premieres Sunday, November 15th at 10pm/9c on BET. Click here for a sneak peek.

Note: All of the highlighted links connect you to further information on this vital topic!

Thank you to the people of Jackson, Mississippi who welcomed me, BET and our cameras into their lives. Your stories and your struggle with save lives.

FAKER ALERT! I AM NOT ON FACEBOOK

2009-11-14T18:21:00.002-05:00

PRETENDING TO BE THAT WHICH YOU AREN'T

PREVENTS YOU FROM BECOMING THAT WHICH YOU COULD BE!

~Star Jones

Now you've done it. My sister Sheila is pissed! She just found out that someone is impersonating me on FACEBOOK. How did she find out? We were talking about social networking and how much I enjoy my "Twitter" family and she asked why I hadn't "updated my Facebook page." When I told her that I didn't have a Facebook page...I thought her head was going to spin off her neck! You see my sister, four of my cousins, my aunt and countless other longtime friends and associates have been "friends" to this person for months thinking it was me. All I can say is Damn.

To all the people who have "befriended" this person; please know that I have NEVER been on Facebook and this page is not my page or anyone affiliated with me.

Do not correspond with this account thinking that you are interacting with me...

Now...on the real... impersonating someone on a social networking site is pathetic on so many levels, it boggles the mind. First of all, my life isn't that interesting. I'm just as real as the girl sitting next to you in the hair salon. If you really knew me...you'd know that. Second, the people who join as friends don't deserve to be put in a trick bag of fakery because of a silly obsession. There might be legitimate questions or issues that these "Facebook Friends" are dealing with and to waste their time is cruel and mean-spirited. Not to mention pitiful.

Yes, I will be having it taken down, because the REAL Star Jones can do that; but my best advice to the person who set this silliness in motion is to focus on what is real in YOUR life so you don't have to reside in MINE.

Oh...and by the way...if you really want to be me; I got some bills you can pay. Just tell me where to send them!

Rihanna & Chris...What I should have learned at Eight

2009-11-07T08:22:00.000-05:00

After watching Rihanna discuss Chris Brown on ABC for the last two days I felt compelled to comment because the issue of domestic violence is important and deserves discussion. Most times when a major issue is in the news, I take to my laptop and the words just flow freely and quickly and it is like a bomb explodes in me and everything inside of me must come out.

I must confess that this time it was different. I honestly found myself trying to walk a "fine line" around the issue; so as to see "both sides." Huh? What the hell was I thinking searching for words that would comfort that which is uncomfortable, explain the unexplainable and defend the indefensible. I'm still figuring out why...even as I type...

This should be easy for me...the ex-prosecutor. For these are the facts:

Battering on women is the most under reported crime in America.
Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women between the ages of 15 and 44 in the United States; more than car accidents, muggings, and rapes combined.
Three to four million women in the United States are beaten in their homes each year by their husbands, ex-husbands, or male lovers.
One woman is beaten by her husband or partner every 15 seconds in the United States.
About 1 out of 4 women are likely to be abused by a partner in her lifetime.
Approximately 95% of the victims of domestic violence are women.
Police report that between 40% and 60% of the calls they receive, especially on the night shift, are domestic violence disputes.
Battering occurs among people of all races, ages, socio-economic classes, religious affiliations, occupations, and educational backgrounds.
Domestic violence is not only physical and sexual violence but also psychological.
A battering incident is rarely an isolated event.
Battering tends to increase and become more violent over time.
Many batterers learned violent behavior growing up in an abusive family.

Then it hit me...even knowing what I know to be fact on the issue of Domestic Violence, I was trying to find a way to justify not put Chris Brown "on blast" for his behavior. I was looking for an excuse for him "going off" in such a violent way. I was searching for a way to justify his behavior because of his youth, immaturity, background, fame and temper or her youth, immaturity, background, fame and temper. I was also annoyed that this young couple had become the poster children for domestic violence when it happens every day to many more people who are not famous and who don't get the attention. I was pissed that other people seem to get a "pass" for bad behavior. I was disheartened that "sisters" were so critical of Rihanna and questioned her motives. I was having trouble formulating my comments; because I was focused on the big picture of this issue.

And then my nephew Tyson flashed in my head.

About two years ago, Chris Brown was on tour and my then seven-year-old nephew Tyson desperately wanted to see him in concert. When I tell you this kid loved him some Chris Brown...I don't exaggerate. He danced like him, sang all his songs, had him on his IPOD...the whole nine yards. Tyson doesn't ask me for a lot...so when "Auntie Star" gets a specific request...I jump through hoops to get it done. So I pulled some strings and got some VIP passes for Tyson and the little girl from his class he adored "Cierra" (who he described as having eyes like "snowflakes"...yeah, I know...the kid is deep) and off they went (chaperoned by my sister and brother-in-law) for a night on the town in Richmond Virginia. They had a great time and Chris didn't disappoint. Tyson clearly because a junior stud in the eyes of Cierra...and "Auntie Star" was again "Fairy Godmother."

Fast forward about a year later to February 2009 Tyson now eight years old and all over the news is Chris Brown. This time not for a cool new concert, but for beating up his then girlfriend Rihanna. Now, as much Tyson loved Chris Brown the performer, he could take Rihanna or leave her; but this wasn't about Chris' music today. My Dad said Tyson purposefully sat with him and watched the news, Entertainment Tonight, etc. about the "incident." He saw Rihanna's badly bruised face, he heard the 911 tape and then he very deliberately asked for a trash bag. Eight year old Tyson got up from the sofa, gathered every CD, tee shirt and poster of Chris Brown he had and put it in the bag and gave it to his grandfather. He said "here, I don't want it anymore." My Dad (I adore this man so much...) then told Tyson he might want to wait to hear all sides of the story before jumping to conclusions. And according to my father, Tyson asked one question: "Did he hit her?" Dad said, "it looks that way." Tyson then brought it all home with one phrase: "Pop Pop, boys don't hit girls."

Tyson didn't need a law degree, facts and figures, a 20/20 interview or a Larry King confession. He knew a universal truth that he learned at an early age that gave him all the information he needed. "Boys don't hit girls." Period.

There is no question that Rihanna was brutally beaten by Chris Brown. I'm not sure if she initiated, instigated, ignited or provoked the situation that lead to the altercation...and I really don't care. Bottom line is Chris Brown repeatedly hit Rihanna in the face so hard that it left her bloodied, bruised and beaten...and that is unacceptable on any level. Any man who would do so deserves to be prosecuted and punished and any woman who is the victim of it needs to run...not walk as fast as she can away from the situation because that relationship is toxic and dangerous.

There, I said it. Thank you Tyson...

I wish no ill will towards Chris Brown, I'm proud that he took responsibility for his actions and took his punishment like a man. I hope he gets the help he needs to control his anger, deal with the history of violence in his family and grows into the man he knows he can be. Chris Brown deserves the chance to change, to grow and to prove himself to be worth of the adulation of his fans. Those are my hopes for Chris...but my prayers are with Rihanna that she finds the strength and the courage to love herself enough not to ever accept that a volatile and violent relationship is love.

Love is kind, love is passionate, love is pleasurable...there is no hitting in love.

Innocence: Badly Beaten...and Bruised

2009-11-01T10:52:00.005-05:00

October must be the month for school dances in California.

Three weeks ago, I flew out to Los Angeles to help my 15 year old god-daughter prepare for her first one. I think I was more excited than she was at one point in the evening when she let me do her makeup and hair, help her pick out jewelry and once we figured out she was wearing open toed shoes...I even painted her toenails; 'cause that's what "Aunties" do! She and her 5 girlfriends had chipped in for a limo for the evening and I cried as the baby I held in the front of a church 15 years earlier standing next to her parents...left for her first school dance. I was so filled with joy for what this would mean in her memory bank. The jokes they would tell, the stories they would have, the boys they would giggle about. Oh, to be 15 on this night...I wouldn't want it again...but I sure as heck wanted the experience for her.

Fast forward just two weeks later and I imagine another family doing something very similar in Richmond, California. A 15 year-old and her mother or "Aunties" helped pick out a cute dress, some high-heeled shoes and decided on the hair do that would "set it all off" because the big dance at Richmond High School was that night. I'll bet she met her girlfriends at the dance, they laughed and danced and pointed out the cute fellas. Boy was she going to have stories when her dad picked her up from the dance. At 15, she probably walked out of the gymnasium thinking...this is the best night of my life...

She couldn't have be more wrong. At around 9:30pm, she walked out of her school and accepted an invitation to hang a little bit longer in a courtyard...literally yards from the school.

What she walked into was not a group that wanted to add to the joy of her night, but a group of about a dozen boys and young men already well into gallons of vodka. I don't know if it was peer pressure that made her drink with these guys or a desire to just extend the fun of the evening, but soon after a few drinks of brandy, the guys starting propositioning and pressuring her for sex. Probably sensing the imminent danger she was now in, the girl said no. But these men weren't taking no for an answer.

What ensued was 2 1/2 hours of vicious and horrific beatings and raping, at times with a foreign object. The scene attracted onlookers, some calling others over by cell phone, and eventually there were as many as 10 men or boys sexually assaulting the girl while another 20 looked on, laughing and snapping pictures. After suffering a horror that cannot be adequately described or imagined, the police finally rescued this semi-conscious, beaten, bloodied and brutalized child.

She has a long road to recovery. I've interviewed enough rape victims over the years to know that no woman ever "gets over" a rape...the best you can hope for is to "get through" the trauma and re-build your trust in humanity. I send this child and her family prayers of strength as she starts that process.

Becoming "whole" again is her job with the help of her friends and family, but we, as a society have a job also. First and foremost, we owe it to her to find each and every one of her attackers, and all those who induced, persuaded, convinced, prompted, encouraged, instigated, incited, urged, goaded, aided, assisted and facilitated this attack to be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

We in the media owe it to her to report this story and follow this investigation with the same fervor and attention that we would give the family of a six year old allegedly floating through the sky in a makeshift balloon.

Law Enforcement owes it to her to passionately pursue justice on her behalf as if she were a 15 year old blond middle class girl gang raped by a bunch of thugs outside a suburban homecoming dance. The community where the attack occurred may be minority, poor and notoriously violent, but justice should be blind to race, economics and culture. When violence happens to wealthy photogenic "good" girls we take it on as a nationwide pain; well this child of a working class community deserves our collective pain as well.

I refuse to believe that I live in a society that deems the life and pain of a less privileged woman less important. But allow me to remind you that when Kanye West hijacked the microphone from Taylor Swift at the Video Music Awards, the collective outrage was palpable. Society cared so much that Twitter crashed and everything from Facebook to the talking heads of every news network, blog, and radio station across the country was awash in calls for Kanye's head. I pray that we show this young woman who will need a "village" to help her heal from the wounds of this attack that we don't live in a culture in which oceans of humanity will speak up for a celebrity who hardly needs attention or help, but have no voice for a girl is brutalized behind a school by two dozen men and boys.

My 15 year-old god-daughter came home from her school dance with a cadre of memories that will last a lifetime...so did this 15 year old and it breaks my heart. I can't close my eyes now without thinking of what she endured...and survived. And none of us should sleep soundly until justice is done.

Celebrate our Differences!

2009-10-25T13:39:00.001-04:00

“Diversity is the one true thing we all have in common.
Celebrate it every day.”

Toxic Relationships

2009-10-10T09:25:00.005-04:00

Toxic relationships are like broken glass.

It’s better to leave them broken...

than hurt yourself trying to fix it.

Thought For The Day...Discovery

2009-10-04T15:00:00.000-04:00

"Life's challenges are not supposed to paralyze you,

they're supposed to help you discover who you are."

Roman Polanski: Crazy never takes a day off...

2009-10-01T08:50:00.018-04:00

Please, someone tell me what would possess any reasonably sane individual to rise in defense of a man who at 44 years old, admitted having sex with a 13-year-old child? Is my moral compass off so much that it is now acceptable to admit to sexual acts with children? Should you be given a "pass" because you absconded from the jurisdiction of the criminal justice system 30 years ago because you thought you were going to have to go to jail?

I'm sorry Hollywood, I got my legal training in Texas and my practical experience in Brooklyn and where I come from, when a grown ass man has sexual intercourse with a 13 year old little girl, whether it's 3 days, 3 months or 30 yrs ago...it's called RAPE. Whether she was "experienced", a "virgin", or a victoria secret model in a g-string...it's called RAPE. Whether the victim forgives the assailant, doesn't want him to go to jail or saw his latest movie...it's called RAPE. Whether he is a school bus driver, a priest, a teacher or a world class director...people, it is called RAPE.

The fact that anyone has to explain this, argue this or even entertain the discussion is absolutely ludicrous. I know the victim has had to carry this burden for 30 years and wants the case dropped so she can put this whole sordid event behind her...but sorry, she isn't the only one a criminal case is about. She may have been satisfied with time and a civil settlement; but justice has not been served and society needs to know that this is wrong.

Thirty years ago, Roman Polanski pled guilty in open court to having had "unlawful sexual intercourse" with a girl who was not his wife that he "knew to be 13 years old" at the time; and that was the lowest level sex crime in the indictment. The original allegations and subsequent grand jury testimony of the young girl as to what happened is so graphic...it wasn't released to the public until years later. Not to obscure this debate with facts...but this young girl told the court and authorities that Polanski gave her champagne, drugs, took nude photos, got in the jacuzzi naked with her & performed oral, vaginal & anal sex on a 13-year-old.

If that is not "rape, rape", then I have sent a bunch of folk to jail in my former career as a prosecutor for a hell of a lot less.

Am I advocating that Roman Polanski be jailed or sent to prison for these crimes? Actually I'm not.

Subsequent information has come to light to suggest that his legal team has valid arguments for misconduct, abuse of process and serious grounds for dismissal of the original charges in the interest of justice. I'm in total favor of Polanski exposing the alleged misconduct of the judge & probably having the charges dismissed because of it. But he chose to live all these years as a fugitive and now that he has been caught, he must face the ramifications of all his actions...just like any other person.

Polanski is not above the law, the warrant is still valid, the case is still pending and there are legal procedures that should be followed. Bring him back to the US, allow him to make the arguments for dismissal and decide the case on the facts and the law.

Now "Hollywood" is coming out in support of Roman Polanski trying to apply pressure to the DA's office to drop the case. That is mind boggling to me especially given the comments Roman Polanski made in an interview soon after he left the US for France that were recently unearthed by another journalist. The Telegraph's Michael Deacon dug up an explosive interview that Polanski gave to the novelist Martin Amis in 1979, that included the following quote:

"If I had killed somebody, it wouldn't have had so much appeal to the press, you see? But … fucking, you see, and the young girls. Judges want to fuck young girls. Juries want to fuck young girls. Everyone wants to fuck young girls!" [Telegraph UK]

Let's give him another Oscar!

I recently read the story of a 12 year old little girl who is pregnant down in North Carolina, other than my utter sadness at the sentence I just had to write...if it comes out that her child was fathered by a 44 year old man who babysat her...will we be ok with that?

What about Jaycee Duggard. She was kidnapped at 11 years old & raped repeatedly over 18 years & now has children by her assailant...aren't we prosecuting him? Don't we want this pervert under the jail? Suppose Jaycee said, "it's ok...I love him now...I forgave him years ago"...How would society feel?

Don't we go after abusive priests years after molesting kids?

I'm just asking questions that should make us think about the ramifications of accepting & dismissing deviant behavior when it comes to the abuse of children. Honestly, there is an elite angle to this story that really bothers me. My friend, anthropologist and sociologist Dr. Marc Lamont Hill asked me "I wonder how long Spike Lee would've been allowed to chill in France on a charge like this." That actually made me laugh out loud because if Spike Lee has done some skullduggery like Polanski...no one would be rallying behind him...unless they had a rope!

Why, you ask, is my heart heavy about this case? Because I can't help but remember the story I covered of young Genarlow Wilson from Georgia who at 17 years old was convicted and sentenced to 10 years in state prison for having consensual sex with a 15 year old girl. Wilson was an honor student, a football star and his high school's homecoming king before his conviction. The young girl, her parents and the videotape of the incident all said it was consensual; but the law said it was a crime and the sentence for this felony charge in Georgia was 10 years...mandatory.

Something tells me that Genarlow too knew he was probably going to get screwed over by the justice system before, during and after the trial; but he didn't have a passport, a plane ticket or a European chalet to escape to.

The Georgia law was ultimately changed, but it was not made retroactive to include Genarlow Wilson and he had to serve more than two years of his sentence until the Georgia Supreme Court finally stepped in to right this true injustice. Genarlow was released from prison two years ago this month and is now a student in college...and doing very well.

Who knows...maybe after the famous movie director is finally returned to the US and confronted with American justice, he and his Hollywood friends might want to consider doing a film about Crime, Justice and the American Way...based on a true victim, Genarlow Wilson.

Going Places!

2009-09-27T09:16:00.004-04:00

“I see my path,

but I don't know where it leads.

Not knowing where I'm going is what inspires me to travel it.”

-Rosalia de Castro

Best Friends

2009-09-19T13:15:00.002-04:00

Lot's of folk can claim to be your "best friend", but I can truly say that

“My best friend is the one who brings out the best in me.”

Dealing with Disappointment

2009-09-14T08:12:00.001-04:00

We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope

(Martin Luther King, Jr.)

Between Healthcare Reform and The US Open Tennis Tournament, this past week has taught me more lessons. The biggest one however is how to deal with disappointments. If there is one thing I know for sure; it is this: Try as you may...things don't always work out the way you'd like the to.

Such is the nature of life. We are destined to engage in a series of celebrations interspersed with a series of disappointments. How we deal with those disappointments is a matter of maturity, discipline and personal strength. I've been reading, writing and collecting again...so I've culled these suggestions from some of my favorites:

1. Adjust your expectations. Even champions lose. Remember disappointment lies not it what you get; but what you expected to get. Not every team wins the Super Bowl or Olympic gold. Not every applicant gets the job. Illness happens. Not every marriage soars. If your highest hope is in achievement, you will eventually be disappointed—success is transient. King Solomon wrote, "As I looked at everything I had worked so hard to accomplish, it was all so meaningless . . . like chasing the wind" (Ecclesiastes 2:11). On the other hand, if we're so afraid of disappointment that we lower our hopes, we can close ourselves off from what God may have in mind. The proper balance can be elusive. Of course you want to set a high bar for success; but when it depends on other facts (as everything in life does) understand that the win is in the trying even if you don't come out on top every time and when you do; it is a fabulous bonus on top of your winning fight!

2. Learn from your defeats. Disappointment and failure build character and patience, when allowed to do so. They can teach you to win and lose with grace, an increasingly lost art these days. Romans 5:3-4 says it like this: "We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us—they help us learn to endure. And endurance develops strength of character . . . " Inner spiritual strength, the kind resulting from sincere faith in God, helps cultivate that attitude.

3. Build friendships. God often ministers to our hurts through other people. It can be tempting to put up walls when you're feeling especially vulnerable, but if you shut out friends, you could be sealing off healing and hope. Friends will help you realize that you're not alone and that others have overcome similar problems. And speaking of friends, don't disappoint them and chances are they'll never disappoint you, but if they do, forgive them, for how can someone hurt you if you forgive them? If you appeal to the best side of your friends, the chances are you won't be disappointed.

4. Go deeper with God. Friends are essential, but humans can let us down and err in judgment. I had earlier discovered that God would never desert me. He said, "I will never fail you. I will never forsake you" ( Hebrews 13:5). His friendship had sustained me over the years amidst criticism from friends and adversaries, financial challenges, educational disappointment, and broken relationships. God had a good track record; it made sense to trust Him. The apostle Paul found strength and hope through his friendship with God. He wrote, "If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since God did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won't God, who gave us Christ, also give us everything else?" (Romans 8:31-32) Paul was convinced nothing could separate him from Christ's love: "Death can't, and life can't. The angels can't, and the demons can't. Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can't keep God's love away" (v. 38). The more we stake our security in God's enduring love, the less power disappointments will have to undermine our hope.

5. Focus on ultimate hope. During those dark times in life, let me remind you of what Paul said in this same letter: "God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God" (v. 28). While we sometimes get stuck focusing on the here and now, our present situation isn't the end of the story.

Finally, cultivate patience, for as Joseph Addison (1672 ~ 1719) wrote, "Our real blessings often appear to us in the shape of pains, losses and disappointments; but let us have patience and we soon shall see them in their proper figures." Expect nothing more from life than what it offers and you will never be let down. Welcome the opportunities it provides by making the most of the cards you're dealt.

Thought For The Day...How to be a Friend

2009-09-13T09:03:00.002-04:00

“A friend is someone who understands your past,

believes in your future,

and accepts you just the way you are.”

Honoring the Victims of the 9/11 Attacks...with Acts of Service

2009-09-11T07:14:00.003-04:00

“The best way to find yourself

is to lose yourself in the service of others.”

The tragic events of the 9/11 attacks left America raw with pain, but filled with a collective sense of community. We remember the thousands that lost their lives that day and their families who continue to suffer the loss. We also remember the tens of thousands who volunteered to help with the recovery and clean up of the World Trade Center site and continue to suffer physical and emotional challenges in the aftermath oftentimes without assistance or acknowledgment.

One thing is certain: we were all attacked on that fateful day. Our way of life was attacked. Our sense of security was attacked. But as a nation, our FAITH survived. The Bible in James 2:17 says that "faith without works is dead;" and there is no better way to show our faith, than by giving service to others.

President Obama has proclaimed September 11, 2009 a "National Day of Service" in honor of the victims of the 9/11 attacks. As we remember our collective loss; let's join together on this day in collective assistance, help, aid and kindness to others.