Do You Feel Me!

Okay, I just heard something that feels like someone has punched me in my stomach, there are tears welling up in my eyes, and I feel like the wind has been knocked out of me. So I feel like I am bent over with my hands on both knees and my head down, while standing. Did I hear what I think I heard? In my head I am thinking to myself did you do this on purpose, what were your intensions, and do you even realize the consequences? I am trying to get my facial expression together before I lift my head, so how I really feel does not show all over my face. So I wait, in my head I’m beginning to think; how do I fix this, how do I make it right, how do I put this back together again, how do I pick up the pieces without leaving any behind, so maybe just maybe I can somehow become whole again. All of this is running through my head but I still can’t seem to lift my head yet, because now the tears are rolling down my cheeks and I just can’t let anyone see me like this….Oh Lord! What do I do? Who do I talk to? How do I move from this place without making a mess of the mess that is before me?

Then I think back about the times as a child when I fell down and my earthly father came to my aid and picked me up, dusted me off, and told me to try again—wiping away my tears. Right now, at this very moment, at this place in time I need that. However, I am still bent over trying to piece this puzzle together in my head so my heart will stop beating so fast—and my heart beating is all in my head. Then I hear a voice saying I am the lifter up of your head, I AM the great I AM-who do you need me to be, because I am all that and more. Then I hear the same voice say child I feel you—I feel every disappointment, every heartache, every hurt, every let down, every loss, every back stab, punch, and fall. Please believe my beloved—I feel you! I feel you, even when you can not talk about it, I feel it when there is no one you can trust to tell it to, I feel it when you chalk it up and hope it will get better—my precious I feel you. Then, the voice says you are mine, you’ve been mine before the beginning of time. I love you my beloved—no matter how anyone treats or talks to you, I feel you. Just know, I need you to remove yourself from situations and people who render you useless and not even worth your time. I wish you knew your value—I made you splendidly and I molded you in my very hand. I love you now and I will love you even until the end of times. I hope you come to know your own worth and value.

Help me, O Lord my God! Save me because of your unfailing love. Psalm 109:26

By Tina Kay (TKay) author of “TKay’s Inspirationals: Walking In Your Season”

Do You Have Room?

We have room for everything under the sun these days! Room meaning your time, attention, efforts, and energy directing at or being used for a specific thing or person. We make room for whatever makes us feel as if we have power, comfort, control and/or happiness. It is so funny that we read the nativity story and say I would have given up my bed and even prepared a feast for Mary & Joseph. That’s just it, we love to say what we would have done, but the truth about the matter is when we are in the moment, at a particular space in time, to make a decision that could ultimately affect someone else we don’t have any room for it.

This year I’ve been so lackadaisical about purchasing gifts because I’ve come to enjoy the company of loved ones verses what I can give someone that will only provide that person with a temporary emotion. What can be given to loved ones that will last forever—a lifetime? Memories, especially good ones, are a lot more important to me these days, than more gadgets, clothing, or figurines that only clutter my home even more. People don’t understand or even realize that all these things are taking up way to much room in their lives already. This year, as I do throughout the year, I have resorted to walking around my home and giving away things to people that will provide a lasting memory. I am baking and opening my cupboards to see what will benefit someone else and create lasting memories. Think about it do you remember what you received 5 years ago for Christmas. What are some of the memories you have from Christmases past?

Joseph & Mary were in desperate need of a room, someone’s room, anyone’s room and it is so ironic that no one had room for the Lord and Savior that we call upon everyday who always has room for us. I’m sure they never forgot the day Mary gave birth to her first son, who is God’s Son, and the Son that gives us access to God on a daily basis. Think about it, a stable with animals—imagine the smell. This is the memory that they never forgot all their days on this earth. On the day Mary gave birth no one had room or even wanted to make room for a couple who had a child on the way. Do we have room for Jesus Christ in our lives or do we have so much going on, too many things in our home (and lives), and trying to get this and that causing us to completely fill our schedules with lots of stuff, but no room for Jesus. I don’t really like clichés but Jesus is truly the reason for this season, make room for Him in your life, home, and in all that you do—He always has room for you.

By TKay (Tina Hughes) author of “TKay’s Inspirationals: Walking In Your Season”

City of Birmingham’s DYS 2009 T-Mobile Basketball Invitational Ticket Giveaway

(Birmingham, AL) – The City of Birmingham Mayor’s Office-Division of Youth Services (DYS) will be giving away passes to the 2009 T-Mobile Basketball Invitational taking place December 29-30, 2009 at the Pete Hanna Arena on the campus of Samford University. The two-day tournament will feature some of the country’s best and brightest high school girls and boys basketball teams, including teams from California, Tennessee, Florida, Alabama, and more!

DYS has a limited supply of tickets that will be distributed to Birmingham residents in increments of two per person (one adult and one child) on a first-come/first-serve basis, until all tickets have been disbursed. Tickets must be reserved by an adult. Tickets can be reserved by calling DYS at 320-0879.

For more information, contact Cedric Sparks, Sr.-DYS Executive Director, Beverly Meadows-DYS Public Information Officer at 320-0879.

You may also purchase tickets online at http://www.t-mobileinvitational.com/

Just an idea! Give Legion Field to Birmingham’s student athletes

Is it me or does the city of Birmingham continue to lose top athletes to other school districts?  It’s pretty obvious that parents and students feel they have a better opportunity elsewhere?   This opportunity can be summed up in coaching experience, relationships, facilities, tougher talent, community support and ultimately the opportunity to play sports after high school…. meaning scholarships.  I realize this is nothing new but my point is if there is knowledge of  this annual “student-athlete flight” shouldn’t there be some sort of plan in place by now to help remedy this problem and make Birmingham City Schools athletic programs more attractive?

In my opinion high school sports should be all about getting to the next level in life.  This is not just about playing sports in college or on the professional level but learning valuable life lessons that can carry you through just about any situation.   Understanding what it means to be a part of a team and working with others to achieve a goal is pretty much the foundation of any working adults life.  Students that participate in good athletic programs by coaches that teach not only the sport but valuable life skills always seem to come out with some sense of pride and a certain level of achievement.    It has become very shocking to see how athletic budgets are being cut from city schools and a brewing lack of sensitivity towards extra-circular activity.  Now I realize there are some great success stories out there and some really good coaches but the concern here is that the scale seems to be very unbalanced.  Let’s face it.  Coaches at inner city schools face nontraditional challenges.   They are dealing with students that may come from single family homes so the coach and his/her staff must become role models and father figures.  Trained to not only teach but give valuable life advice and compassion to their student athletes.  Secondly they are faced with the ever shrinking budget.  There is not much money for salaries, facilities, uniforms and other accessories needed to provide a decent sports program.  Finally the community and parent support may be a little sluggish and non-existent. Getting local businesses to sponsor teams is a challenge no matter where you live but proves to be even tougher in inner city schools where many of the businesses have relocated to the suburbs.   I know there are some great sports programs within the city of Birmingham and several athletes being sought by some pretty big college programs so it’s obvious that all is not lost.  However, just consider how much better these student athletes would be with state of the art facilities, top notch coaching staffs and the type of community support that garners it’s own reality show.

So with all of that said lets get to this grand idea!

Let’s create some opportunity and give Legion Field to Birmingham’s student athletes. As a graduate of West End High School (R.I.P.) I spent many years participating in the band…. that’s right first chair sax!  It was always exciting to visit Legion field and even more exciting to perform there.  It seemed larger than life and the crowds were always supportive.  Legion Field was 100 percent better than the practice field and I am sure our current athletes, bands and students have a similar feeling.

So consider this as an opportunity for Birmingham City Schools and the city of Birmingham to work together and invest in Birmingham’s student athletes.   Right now the biggest thing going at Legion Field would be UAB Football, the Battle of Bands, the Magic City Classic and the PapaJohns .com Bowl. Out of these events the Magic City Classic is the only one that comes close to filling the stadium to capacity.    Occasional opportunities for sports and concerts may find there way to Legion Field from time to time but the excitement generated from these events are temporary at most.  It’s time for some activity that keeps the community excited all year-round.

Now consider this.  Legion Field, either renovated or totally rebuilt (which ever is the most cost effective) as a multi-use sports complex for Birmingham’s student athletes.  From this point on lets just call it the Legion Field Sports Complex.   I really think former Mayor Langford was on to something with the Fair Park Renovation which could soon become an attraction for swimmers and track and field athletes all over the state.  There is no doubt that this is a huge step towards some permanent economic development for Birmingham’s west side if all goes well.  So with this Legion Field Sports Complex we give Birmingham’s student athletes the same opportunity for success that many over the mountain and rural programs have.  Lets talk about a state-of-the-art facility that features all of the bells and whistles and an opportunity to create an environment that will give all of the student athletes, student body and the community at large a sense of ownership in one great facility that is worth bragging on.

What’s in the new Legion Field Sports Complex?

• The complex would of course be anchored with the football field which would offer the best in seating, lighting, video displays, concession and other amenities.

• Locker rooms for each team - Hey why not? Legion Field is huge and can certainly house space for each team and the staff.  Right now there are only seven schools with Ramsey being the only high school without a football team at the moment. How nice would it be to have locker rooms for each team with team colors, mascots, previous team pictures and other elements to make these students feel at home.

• Next consider a massive joint work-out area with top notch exercise and rehabilitation equipment.  This would be a shared resource for the student athletes and offer opportunities to network while working out.  Student athletes no matter the sport they play will have access to the facility and access to some of the best training and work-out equipment in the state.  In fact pursue some health related grant money and open the work out facility up to all students within the school system. 
  

• Office and Administrative area with space for administrators, school liaisons, sports doctors and facilities management. Throw in class and training rooms that can facilitate seminars and training opportunities that prepare student athletes for life after high school.  This becomes a perfect environment for tutoring and mentoring sessions as well as a permanent location for coaches on all levels to gain resources, training and general experience before taking on the important role as a coach.

• A health and medical wing for out-patient orthopedics, physicals, counseling and check-ups.  This could also be a great opportunity for revenue or sponsorships from some of the areas top doctors and medical facilities.

• A large  multi-use room for “all team” meetings, conferences and banquets.  This room could also serve as a  rental venue designed to hold 500 or more.  Divided into smaller sections you could have more rental rooms for smaller events.

• Parking is a must. There needs to be plenty of parking with lights and noticeable green space for tailgating and picnics.  Development of recreational areas outside of the field such as playgrounds, basketball and soccer fields could become a huge asset to the complex.

• Perimeter development will be the cornerstone of this project.  Seeking out national food chains, local businesses and even a few hotels could offer some much needed change to the general area as well as a huge economic impact to the City of Birmingham.

• Now lets talk security. The perception of Birmingham not being a safe city has probably done more damage than anyone could imagine.  Despite the efforts of Chief Roper and the wonderful staff in blue the perception of crime in Birmingham has driven out both black and white citizens so there is a need to really step up the efforts to show the city in a new light.  A Legion Field Sports Complex Police Branch would be a create fit for this facility. Give the officers access to use the work out facility and encourage them to be participate in the centers activities. Police officers could serve as great mentors to many of these student athletes making their presence even more valuable.

Branding & Marketing becomes a very important item in the overall plan.  Successfully marketing the venue to  secure long-term tenants, sponsors, patrons, students and out of town guest should be a top concern.  

• Develop a crest or logo that has the permanent markings of the high school mascots from the Birmingham City High Schools.

• Sponsorships become a much easier challenge. Instead of different groups representing each school or team potential sponsors now have a collective opportunity for sponsors to reap the most rewards from the money they spend.   What business would not jump at the thought of reaching hundreds of thousands of potential clients each year through signage, digital displays and the many other promotional opportunities that will surface with such a complex.

• Reach out to the experts.  Again, this is where partnerships and people playing nice needs to come into play.  The City, County and School Board certainly need to be at the table with a willing attitude.  Successful event managers like The Bruno’s Event Team, Silverstone International and a few other sports related agencies could play a huge role in promoting the facility to local businesses, the community and potential patrons to fill the stadium seats.

Transportation: Let’s not stop with just the nice facility but a nice transportation system which could be housed at Legion Field.  This system would feature state-of -the-art buses decorated with the combined crest or logo and digital displays to indicate the team that is being transported.  Seek support from the BJCTA or again, local sponsors and alumni.  With only seven high schools in the system there could be a customized bus for each school.

Filling the seats: Finally once everything is in place the issue of filling the stadium seats will be at hand.  This is certainly a marketing issue which needs to employ some very good minds with a challenging problem but of course I have some suggestions!

• The Birmingham Football Classic.  This is a pre-season event designed to generate excitement among the city’s football programs. This is an opportunity to see the high school teams in action before the regular season.

• All Star Football Classic is a post season event that pits the best representatives from each school against all-stars from another city or state.

• Alumni seating and team sections could provide a great opportunity to increase the synergy and support from Alumni which could lead to more tickets or even season passes.   Even those alumni that have moved out of the area maybe more interested in supporting or even giving to an effort that offers such a great opportunity for student athletes and the community.

• The Battle of the Bands will continue to grow and despite the negative press is a great event as far as I am concerned.  Having high school students network with college students is a great thing that could help many of these young people decide what it is they want to do after high school.  Now I realize there have been problems in the past but I think the organizers have the best interest of the city in mind.  A little more support from the community and I think this event could bring people in from all over the state and eventually turn into a mega college fair showcasing not only the bands but great academic programs at a number of HBCUs.

What about UAB? Since most UAB games are played on a Saturday this could continue to be the home of the Blazers.  UAB becomes a fourth and vested partner in the facility with the City of Birmingham, County and the Birmingham School Board.  The ability to have access to top student athletes as well as students in general becomes a huge part of UAB’s goal to grow the college and support the local schools district.

Sure this idea is expensive and maybe a little far fetched but the way I see it is that this is simply an investment in Birmingham’s youth.   Please feel free to share this idea with anyone that has the will to pursue it, the charisma to get it done and the integrity to not get greedy.

Eric Essix’s 50th Birthday Bash!

If you need something to look forward to after Christmas how about marking your calendar for December 26, 2009. Birmingham’s own Eric Essix is turning 50 and will celebrate with a great performance featuring The Southern Gentlemen and former Pieces Of A Dream vocalist Tracy Hamlin.  This show is high recommended for anyone that loves great live music filled with soul from legendary performers.

Eric recorded his debut album as a solo artist in 1988 for Nova Records called “First Impressions” and years later he is still making great music and touring all over the country.  Essix has been inducted into the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame and was named the “Best Jazz Musician” for 1995 by Birmingham magazine. It was during a 1995 performance at Huffman High School that Essix encouraged a young singer named Ruben Studdard to pursue a music-industry career.  You can catch Ruben performing live on December 19, 2009 at the Old Car Heaven.

Eric Essix, Southern Gentlemen and Tracy Hamlin will be live on Saturday, December 26th at 8:00 pm.  The event takes place a the WORKPLAY THEATER located at 500 23rd Street South, Birmingham, AL 35226.

Tickets are $22 in advance at www.workplay.com and $25 at the door!Presented by Essential Recordings and The Essix Music Group, LLC

For more information on Eric Essix visit www.ericessix.com

Source: BhamWiki, EricEssix.com

The Battles We Fight

We all have battles that we fight or attempt to fight in life. Sometimes these battles catch us on our blind side where our peripheral vision does not pick up what is coming up behind us that has every intention to destroy our very being. There is a place in the bible where the Israelites who had been emancipated by God to start a new life started their never ending complaints. At this particular place in the Wilderness Moses decided to call this place “Massah (which means “test”) and Meribah (which means “arguing”) because the people of Israel argued with Moses and tested the Lord by saying, “Is the Lord here with us or not?” (Exodus 17:7) This was one of the many places the Israelites went into battle against another group of people. It was Moses’ job to lead and often times intercede for these Israelites who did not display much appreciation for the liberty God had given them. This battle required Moses to hold his staff up over his head, holding it with both hands. As long as Moses held the staff over his head the Israelites had the advantage in the battle. But it came a time over the course of the day when Moses grew tired, so two men found a rock for Moses to sit upon and the two men held up Moses’ hands so the Israelites were able to win the battle.

Our battles in this thing called life can sometimes leave us puzzled, dumbfounded, and left in disbelief because we do not know where these attacks are coming from, why they started, and what sparked these hostile encounters anyway. We push on living every day as if nothing is a struggle in our lives but we complain about the havoc that sometimes overtakes our homes, bodies, workplaces, churches, and our relationships to anyone who will listen. We tell everybody about how you just can’t take it any more or we just pretend like nothing is happening in our lives that is eating up our insides day after day. Moses knew if he did not do as God had instructed, his people—the Israelites would loose the battle. However, two men in Moses’ clan recognized that Moses needed help.

In our own lives when we have total turmoil going on in our lives there are people in our midst who recognize the help you need and may even try to help you, but you push them away because you are embarrassed or too full of pride to accept the assistant God has laid at your feet. Then there are others who love the drama so they refuse the help because they don’t know how to live drama free. God is never deficient in the help He can provide for us nor does He have a limit on the number of people He can send to help you through these on slaughters of your life and spirit.

Accepting help, no matter the situation, does not mean you are weak. We all have issues in life that cause us to accept the strength, love, prayers, endurance, and a helping hand from someone God has sent especially for you. Today, let someone find you a place to sit and rest, so they can help you lift your issues and your head up to God, because our true help comes from God.

By TKay (Tina Hughes), author of “Walking In Your Season”

www.tinakay.net

Don’t Give Up

I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running and I’m not turning back. So let’s keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you’ll see it yet! Now that we’re on the right track, let’s stay on it. Philippians 3:14-16 (MSG)

By TKay the author of “TKay’s Inspirationals: Walking In Your Season” www.tinakay.net

PJ Morton Meet & Greet

Grammy Award Winner PJ Morton to Release Fifth Album on February 9 2010! He wants to celebrate with you. Join him on December 13, 2009 at the High Note Lounge 414 21st St S. Birmingham, AL 35233-2128 for a meet and greet. The Grammy, Stellar and Dove Award-winning songwriter / producer has written and produced for a wide array of artists such as the soulful India Arie to gospel superstars Fred Hammond, Mary Mary & DeWayne Woods to working with Jermaine Dupri to co-write for Jagged Edge, Ruben Studdard and Musiq Soulchild.

For more information contact: walkalonebham@gmail.com

Click here

TOYZ N DA HOOD NEEDS YOUR TOY DONATIONS

Christmas is quickly approaching and for many Americans, this holiday season won’t be a time for joy. The latest studies show that 37 million Americans are living in poverty. Families are still displaced by Hurricane Katrina. Military families are still waiting for loved ones to return home. As a matter of fact, a greater portion of families and children live in poverty in America today than three decades ago. We need your help in making the holidays brighter for some of these deserving children. There are thousands of children who won’t have a single present to open on Christmas morning.

We want YOU to help us put a smile on the faces of many Birmingham area children with our very own holiday toy drive. Now underway, Black Toast presents “Toyz in the Hood”, in an effort to reach beyond and into the lives of families in underprivileged communities all over the Atlanta area.

You can help by donating a new, unwrapped toy or age-appropriate item. For more information please email BLACKTOASTSOUNDS@GMAIL.COM

You may also bring a donation to the December Show being held inside The VS Lounge (Downtown Ensley) featuring artists from all over the area uniting in a effort to spread love back into the community.

GOODFELLAS RADIO Drop Off Locations:
SAT 12/5 -City Gear (Western Hills Mall)
SAT 12/12 -City Gear/Marty’s (Palisades off Greensprings)
FRI 12/18 -City Gear/Marty’s (5 Points West)
SAT 12/19 -Marty’s (Centerpoint)

We accept toys and items for male and females ranging from newborns to 15 years old. Below you will find a few suggestions:

Infant & Toddler Items:
Rattles, squeeze toys, stacking toys, brightly colored books, toy phones, See & Say toys, musical toys, pop-up toys, shape sorters.

Pre-school & School Age:
Dolls, play sets, books, matchbox cars, Magna Doodles, plastic play food, action figures, Fisher Price Toys, sports toys, Barbies.

Older Teens:
journals, sketchbooks, popular music CDs, books, photo items, gift cards, tote bags, wallets, purses, clothes, etc.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE EMAIL US @ BlackToastSounds@Gmail.com or call (205) 989-4092

Black Nativity hailed as an “Entertaining Christmas Gift”

“Black Nativity” was inspired by the original work of Langston Hughes, and similar to William Shakespeare, Hughes’ text allows the play’s directors to layer its scenes as they like with various interplays that bring life to Hughes’ vision.

It’s 60-member plus cast of actors, singers and dancers makes one feel as though they are witnessing a professional Broadway ensemble cast.

“Black Nativity” starts out with vocal powerhouse Kristen Webster rendering a jazz rendition of the Christmastime standard “Carol of the Bells.” The scene is enhanced with an almost dark theater with cast members holding candles in the aisles as dancers silently enter the forestage and perform a dance, which morphs into a jubilant musical performance of “Joy to the World.”

The two biggest numbers of the play that are sure to please the audience are the scenes surrounding the Immaculate Conception of Mary and the birth of Christ.
In the former scene, we see an ensemble of dancers representing the Holy Spirit and other heavenly hosts do a tribal dance that musically crescendos into the conception of Christ as the angel Gabriel and other angels are garbed in traditional African garments. The birth scene echoes the production’s African motif with Mary giving birth as almost mystical incantations of chimes and piano-dominated new world music shifts into one of the most recognized songs of the season, Handel’s “Messiah.”

Among its other impressive musical and dance numbers, which are a blend of jazz and gospel, are such hits as “We Three Kings,” “Oh, Holy Night,” “Total Praise,” “Mary Did You Know,” and one of the play’s showstoppers, “Anthem of Praise.”

Look out for a stellar performance by Chante’lle Robinson, a young sophomore from Talladega, who performs the musical number “Grateful,” and whose  voice makes one feel anointed.

The acting, singing and dancing shine through to make each scene of “Black Nativity”enjoyable, entertaining and a new Christmas tradition for the tri-county area, much like other beloved Christmas performances of “The Nutcracker”or”A Christmas Carol.”

Jazz-infuzed Christmas carols, gospel music and African culture bring to life the true meaning of Christmas in Langston Hughes’ joyful and inspiring re-telling of the birth of Christ.

SHOWTIMES:
FRIDAY, DEC. 4th at 8 pm
SATURDAY DEC. 5th at 3 & 8 pm

LOCATION:
THE ALABAMA THEATER

TICKETS:

CALL 800-982-2787 OR VISIT WWW.ALDRIDGEREP.ORG

TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL TICKETMASTER OUTLETS

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