google-site-verification: google0e688bd979c6ae6e.html The Preferred Life

Friday, June 19, 2020

Our Child's Worry, Parents Nightmare on Juneteenth 2020


Lonnie Chavis' Letter to his Mother


"This is Us" star Lonnie Chavis wrote a letter to his mother to process his emotions after the death of George Floyd and has now shared that letter to the world. Lonnie tells us about his thoughts, feelings, and experiences as a 12-year-old experiencing racism in the United States. 

My life matters, but does it? America paints a very clear picture of how I should view myself. America shows me that my Blackness is a threat, and I am treated as such. I actually didn’t learn about being Black and what that would mean for me until I was 7 years old. I thought I was a peach man, so my parents educated me on being a Black man really quick with long talks, books and movies like Amistad and Malcolm X. I was overwhelmed with confusion, fear and sadness. I had to lean on my faith in Christ for hope, protection and understanding.

Being a young Black boy in Hollywood made it even more fearful. I can recall the time when I realized there are not a lot of people that look like me on these Hollywood sets and asked my mom where all the Black people were. I also remember being invited to events but then being treated very poorly by security or entrance checkers, like I wasn’t supposed to be there, until I had a publicist to announce me. I think of going to Hollywood events with other actors and actresses where I was constantly asked if I’m the boy from Black-ish or the boy from Stranger Things. I guess we all look alike since we are all Black. Can you imagine being confused for any other Black kid just because you all share the same profession? I can.

I can recall a time on set when I started crying listening to an actor portray a racist grandmother toward my character. The director and writers told me that they didn’t need me to cry for the scene. However, it was hard for me not to cry as I witnessed what I had just learned was my reality. I wasn’t acting, I was crying for me. Can you imagine having to explain to a room full of white people why I couldn’t hold back my real tears while experiencing the pain of racism? I can.

It didn’t stop there. I was racially profiled at a restaurant in San Diego while visiting one of my young Black costars. Her Black cousins and I were accused by a young white girl working the cash register of trying to steal the few tips in her tip cup. It was a huge ordeal that almost led to police being called on us while we were with our parents — until some wonderful fan who happened to be white told them that I was a professional actor on two television series currently airing and argued that he doubted I would need to steal her few dollars. My mother never played the “he’s an actor” card. She definitely knew and argued that we were being targeted merely because we were a group of young Black children. Can you imagine someone thinking you are a thief just because of the color of your skin? I can.

At this point, I knew by experience that this nation will never take it easy on me, and that all Blackness could be perceived as a threat in America. My mother was taking me to work one morning, just blocks from the Paramount Studio lot, when she got pulled over in our new BMW. The white cop approached my mother’s window and asked her, “Whose car is this?” — not about her license and registration, or even why he pulled us over. I had been taught about how to behave if ever getting stopped by the police, but nothing prepared me for this. My mom was guilty of driving while Black. She had to go to her trunk for more paperwork, and I watched the cop hold his hand on his gun as if my mom was a threat. I was scared for her; I was scared for me. I didn’t know what to do in that backseat, but just to get on the phone with my dad. It became clear to me that the other three times we were pulled over in Hollywood/L.A. areas after that were because we were Black in a nice car. Can you imagine it being normal to start recording with your cellphone as soon as your mother is pulled over for a traffic stop? I can.

My 10th birthday fell on Thanksgiving in 2018. After coming home late with my family from my birthday party, a Long Beach police officer twisted my dad’s arm behind his back and pulled him from our doorstep with the door opened, claiming he was being detained for a traffic ticket. My mother ran to my room and told me with fear in her eyes to go into my little brother’s room and stay away from the windows. She put my new baby brother in my arms and told me that no matter what I hear from our front yard to not come to the door — no matter what. I held my baby brother and cried as I could hear my mother yelling outside of our home. I thought my parents were for sure going to die going up against the police. By the grace of God, they are both still with me, and that racially motivated harassment against my father was dismissed. Can you imagine holding on to your three little brothers while thinking that you are all going to be orphans? I can.

If you don’t understand what’s going on in the world, then understand this: This is what the world looks like for me. A 12-year-old Black boy. This is my America. Policies need to change, laws need to change, the police need to change, Hollywood needs to change, hearts need to change, America needs to change. Change has got to happen for unarmed Black citizens to not live in fear of being murdered. Can you imagine being me in 2020 and wondering what the future holds? I can’t.





https://kellyandryan.com/uncategorized/lonnie-chavis-letter/

Monday, June 1, 2020

"Forgive Them Father, For They Know Not What They Do"

"Forgive Them Father, For They Know Not What They Do"

Jesus was born in a manger.  He bled and suffered on the Cross for our Salvation.
Ask the Father God Almighty into your life, and he will show up.  Jesus loves you.  He created the heavens and the earth.  Remember your personal testimonies on how Jesus got you through.  They are real.

We all go through trials and tribulations.  When facing any and all difficulties, drop to your knees and ask God Almighty for guidance, understanding, peace, wisdom and love.  He will never forsake you.  He has never turned his back on any promises made to you.

Ask God to walk into your life, and He will show up.

One world is enough for all of us.

In the words of my daddy, "Turn right," "Stay straight," "Hold tight," and "Hang tough."  To me that translates well into my Sunday school lessons of "Fight the Good Fight," "Finish the race," and "Keep the Faith."  But remember that you must LTO to God The Father:  "Listen, Trust, and Obey."

"Thank you Jesus, Thank you Jesus, Thank you Jesus, Thank you Jesus!"  I love and worship you God Almighty because you have shown me who you are, "I AM THE LORD, I AM THE LORD, I AM THE LORD, I AM THE LORD!"

Amen.




Wednesday, October 9, 2019

Please remember "GOD LOVES YOU!!!" Have a blessed day. Enjoy it!










Thursday, September 19, 2019

Are We So Self Absorbed That We Choose To Sacrifice The Basic Life Requirements That Our Children Need: Oxygen, Water, Food?


Greta Thunberg Testifies to Congress Over Climate Crisis
by:  Guardian News

Time:  2:01:27
Please listen and understand.  
One World is Enough for All of Us.  
Care About the World Around You.  
God has given us all that we need, and are we so thoughtless as not to be true caregivers of this world? 
Remember the 40 years in the desert--Read your bible.  
Know the true meaning of "In God We Trust."  
Out of the mouths of babes.  
As my daddy would say, "Got your ears on?"  
This affects all of us.  
Facts not fiction.  
Listen to science.
Are things disappearing around you?  Why?
As my mother would say, "Be willing to suffer the consequences of your actions."  
Be willing to put in the work.
You've got to go through it to get to it.
No oxygen, no water, no food:  Are we so caught up that we can't see?
Wake Up or It'll be too late.
Give Back.
HELP!!!
Don't be so selfish.
Take a look at the man in the mirror.
What will you do?
PLEASE!!!

Saturday, August 4, 2018

A Testament to His Faith!




Isaiah 40:28-31
"Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary 
and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary, and
young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary, 
they will walk and not be faint."

Pvt. Desmond T. Doss:
United States Army, Army Medical Service, B Company, 1st Battalion, 307th Infantry, 77th Infantry Division, 1942-1946

Awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor by President Harry S. Truman in 1945.  Known as the conscientious objector (contributor) who voluntarily enlisted in the U.S. Army to serve as a medic, Pvt. Desmond T. Doss prayed for, searched for, retrieved, and saved the lives of 75 U.S. and Japanese soldiers that were left for dead at Hacksaw Ridge in the Battle of Okinawa during World War II.  He completed this great feat single-handedly over an exhaustive 2 day period without the use of any live ammunition while in combat.  Doss vowed, through his religious convictions, to serve his country by saving lives without the use of a single weapon.  His strength, conviction, faith, and trust in God guided him to persevere through both individual and career challenges in both friendly and enemy territory while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.  Pvt. Doss' fellow soldiers terrorized, taunted and beat him, while the United States Army attempted a court martial against him.  One of his most infamous prayers at Hacksaw Ridge was "Lord, help me get one more."  Through his faith in God, "Preacher" returned home to the love his life Dorothy, honorably served his country, saved numerous lives, kept the Sabbath and never fired one gun.  Pvt. Desmond Doss learned that Freedom is not free, while experiencing that Faith in God is pure and true.
Desmond Doss
DossDesmondT USArmy.jpg
Doss about to receive the Medal of Honor in October 1945
Birth nameDesmond Thomas Doss
Nickname(s)Preacher
BornFebruary 7, 1919
Lynchburg, Virginia, U.S.
DiedMarch 23, 2006 (aged 87)
Piedmont, Alabama, U.S.
Allegiance United States
Service/branch United States Army
USA - Army Medical Corps.png Army Medical Service
Years of service1942–1946
RankUS Army WWII CPL.svg Corporal
Service number33158036
Unit77th Infantry Division.patch.jpg B Company, 1st Battalion, 307th Infantry77th Infantry Division
Battles/wars
World War II
AwardsMedal of Honor ribbon.svg Medal of Honor
Bronze Star Medal ribbon.svg Bronze Star Medal (1 OLC & "V")
Purple Heart ribbon.svg Purple Heart (2 OLC)
Spouse(s)
  • Dorothy Schutte (m. 1942; d. 1991)
  • Frances Duman (m. 1993; d. 2009)
Children1

Monday, July 16, 2018

Flau'jae Made Her Daddy Proud

Appearing on Season 13 of "America's Got Talent," 14 year old Hip Hop Ambassador Flau'jae made her father proud, Jason "Camouflage" Johnson.  Born November 3, 2003, Flau'jae Johnson never met her father, but lives in his loving shadow to become a great rap icon.  Camouflage was trajically gunned down while he and long time girlfriend, Kia Jones anticipated their daugther's birth.  In this music clip, Flau'jae carries the torch in the delivery of "Put Your Guns Down."  At the end of her performance British television personality, judge and producer Simon Cowell got out of his chair to say, "That was incredible!"  Noting he doesn't know much about rap, Simon does recognize talent and the start of a big time career.  So does Atlanta, and Savannah, GA and the Frank Callen Boys & Girls Club.  

Ladies & Gentlemen, introducing Flau'jae.


UA-35893866-1