Build a Bridge, Not a Wall During this long ‘Summer of our discontent’, a nation divided is experiencing near crippling dysfunction. Loud and thoughtless rhetoric fills the airways, infecting the minds and hearts of countless Americans. From our televisions to our coffee shops, there is eyeball rolling, finger pointing, and increased suspicion toward those who are not of a “chosen” ancestry. Far too often divisiveness overrules reasonable thought and action. A shocking number of comments are of how wrong, how lazy, how criminal (etc.) others are; based not on their individual actions, but as members of a particular race, religion, or ethnicity. It is scary enough when these irrational thoughts and comments are in the minds, on the lips, and in the hearts of the relatively powerless and least influential. The scenario quickly accelerates from scary to frightening when the call for irrational behavior becomes the calling card of the rich, the powerful, the well connected; particularly when they aspire to lead and teach others. History teaches us hard lessons that beg not to be ignored. When we ignore those lessons, history repeats itself in some form or fashion. The isolationism of 15th Century China did not work. The policies of the Ming Dynasty eventually fell to economic reality, as those who once hid from the world now advertise to the world. The theory of Hitler’s “Super Race”, severely crippled at the 1936 Olympics and since destroyed, did not work. The Berlin Wall, climbed over and broken through thousands of times, did not work. How many times and in how many ways must the message be signed, sealed and delivered? We are much better off standing on the common ground of tolerance and mutual respect, than sinking in the quicksand of division, discourse and destruction. People sitting in Ivory Towers, looking down their noses at the economically disadvantaged, fail to understand structural integrity. If the foundation becomes too flawed, cracked and weakened, then down comes the Tower.

“Where there is no vision, the people perish” - Proverbs 29:18 Your Success Newsletter - Sep-Oct, 2016 - Published Bi-Monthly

Henry & Dianne Ford Publishers

I recently asked ”If someone had built a Wall between the U.S. and Mexico prior to Hurricane Katrina, how would the Mexican Navy have aided U.S. Relief Efforts?” I later ran across an article in the Washington Post that addresses the high cost of isolationism. The article was written by Stephen Kelly, a former U.S. diplomat who served in Mexico from 2004 to 2006. Mr. Kelly teaches at the Sanford School of Public Policy at Duke University. The Cry “we want our country back” begs me to ask the question; Who should get it back, the Indian, driven from most of their land and into near extinction, or descendants of the slaves who provided 4.1 Trillion Dollars of forced free labor to help build this nation?

Hopefully, we can find common ground if we commit ourselves to building bridges instead of walls, and supporting those who do likewise, for; “If my people who are called by my name . . . “ 2 Chronicles 7:14

IN THIS ISSUE

Pg. 1 - Build a Bridge, Not a Wall! Pg. 2 - Time Out For Me Pg. 3 - Pixel Photo Club Gallery Event Pg. 4 - Willie Johnson: A Memo to Self Pg. 5 - The Vast Reach of Unintended Consequences Pg. 6 - Shirley Williams, Toastmasters Twinspirations, PDHA (Al Cole) , World Kindness Liberia Pg. 7 - Deedee Awards Pg. 8 - Products & Services

”News to uplift and empower” - Visit us on-line at www.visionsnewsletter.blogspot.com

Reality Check - This land is our land too!

Photo Source: http://itvs.org/films/true-whispers

We Must Learn to Live Together As Brothers Or Perish Together As Fools

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Pastor - Civil Rights Leader - Nobel Peace Prize Recipient

Congratulations to Marcia Harris, the staff, volunteers, parents and other supporters of Time out For Me, Inc. The organization is making a significant impact on program participants, and the lives they touch, individually and as a community. The stated mission of the organization is as follows: “Time Out For Me Inc. is dedicated to positively impacting our youth through enhancing their self-esteem, self-confidence, and effective communication skills through individual and group sessions as well as exposure to educational and cultural events to increase their awareness of future career opportunities adding value to the youth, family, and community.” Community Service is a high priority. During a visit to Hempstead Nursing Home in June, group members interacted with residents with songs and dances. The residents were very appreciative of this community service.

Recently the organization had an event at Shawnee State University where they eagerly interacted with the staff, sharing their interests and views. A special thanks to parents, Gary Hairston, Thomas Bailey, and community leaders who helped to make this event a great success. The event was sponsored by Dominoes Pizza. Among the many other activities Time Out for Me sponsors is a preteen Annual horse camp "From Fear to Confidence" focusing on creating a refreshing experience using a whole brain strategy resulting in confidence and harmony as a individual and team player. Marcia states “It's great to see our youth compete in cleaning stalls and riding with confidence.” The program has been in existence since 1998. It's a great fit for church and youth summer programs. View this article on-line for additional links, and contact Marcia at mharris38507@yahoo.com for more information.

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Twinsburg Library Features Pixel Photo Club

During the month of November 2016, members of the Pixel Photo Club will display samples of their works at the Twinsburg Public Library. A large variety of photos are possible, covering astrophotography, family, landscapes, pets, sports, water scenes, and whatever else the imagination may conceive and capture in the lens. The Pixel Photo club was founded by photographer Vicki Jeromos-Blayney, owner of Jerney Studios in Aurora, Ohio. I met Vicki a couple of years ago when she conducted a photography class at the Twinsburg Library. Fortunately our paths crossed again when she founded the Photo Club. You would expect Vicki to run out of ideas or out of energy, but neither is likely to happen. The gallery showing will be the second she has organized at the library. After the photo class, Vicki encouraged participation in a showing that featured the students work. It was a great success, and a Launchpad of sorts for the upcoming November event. Several top photographers in the area are likely to show their work; some possibly for sale, and some simply for viewing. An advantage to the month long gallery showing is that you can view at your leisure without anyone following you around with a credit card scanner. The primary purpose of the venue is to display interests and talent, and to inform and inspire you, the viewing audience. Several Pixel Club members are active in the community, and many of their photos appear often in civic and school publications. During the recent Red Carpet Film Release of Voices of the Hill by filmmaker Carla Lyndale-Carter, the photo club presence was “in the house,” with Vicki, along with husband and graphic designer Jim Blayney providing photos and backdrop.

Make plans to visit the library during the month of November to view the gallery. Hint; if you come early in the month you will avoid being caught up in the rush of the Thanksgiving Holiday, and end up saying “I missed it because I got too busy.” Also, if you happen to see something that peeks your interest and is for sale, you have a better chance of purchasing the photo by contacting the photographer early rather than later. A gallery visit might also connect you with a photographer for an upcoming event. Below are several photos taken in preparation for a previous gallery showing. For library hours, visit www.twinsburglibrary.org. For more information about the Pixel Photo Club, please visit www.pixelphotoclub.blogspot.com.

Vicki Jeromos-Blayney and husband Jim Blayney at the Red Carpet release of Voices of the Hill, interrupt an evening of hard work just long enough for a photo.

Gallery Hanging from August 2014

Above: Getting Star ted

Left: Prepar ing the display

Lower Left & Bottom: Part of the completed displays

Please visit the November 2016

Display

Tap into your passion and begin to see new possibilities in yourself and the world around you. Do you remember the last time you were in the zone of "blah"? You know, the zone we have all visited at one time or another; we wake up - go to our office - and nothing seems to click. Yes - I must admit, last week, The Ambassador of Potentiality (that's me) was struggling internally to find some answers relative to my business venture and growing my brand; as well as coming up with a blog topic worthy of writing about. Well, I am glad to say that I am no longer in that zone of "blah". The answer to my temporary internal turmoil came as I listened to a dynamic teaching sermon entitled: "Get Out Of The Boat"; by my long time friend, Pastor Dexter Howard. That teaching sermon was just the nudge I needed, as it reminded me that with positive risk, one begins to understand how to become at ease with being uncomfortable. Therefore, I share with you, this blog, (written to myself), entitled "Positive Risk" - just in case you also need a little nudge to "Get Out Of The Boat". What is Positive Risk? Positive risk is a perspective, an attitude, a life philosophy that creates a shift away from the negative view of risk that so many of us were taught. Many of us go to great lengths to avoid risk, it is though taking well-thought-out chances that we make a difference in our own lives and those of others. By adopting a positive risk perspective, we will see new possibilities in ourselves and in the world around us. Positive risk means keeping an open mind, staying curious, and finding the wisdom in every situation. It is discovering ways to continue tapping into our passion so that we can continue creating our own opportunities. As we attempt new things, we find new talents. As we find new talents, we discover greater success. With greater success, our confidence builds. As we become more confident, we're willing to risk new things. This, in essence, is what can be termed a positive risk-cycle. If we choose the right risk and take it in the smartest way possible, it will create new opportunity, even if that risk doesn't turn out as we planned. We all have hopes, talents, and dreams that require us to risk. Deep inside, we want to make a

difference, and not only just in our own lives but also in the lives of others. Just as we want to give

more, we want more out of life. Positive risk then, is a way to create the meaningful life we want.

Success then, is a series of hard-won victories achieved by ordinary people, such as myself, who

take one risk at a time toward our goals; while always remembering:

"It's Never Too Late - To Live Up To Our Potential".

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“A Memo To Self”

By Willie Johnson “The Ambassador of Potentiality” Email: willie@williejayspeaks.com Web Site: www.williejayspeaks.com

Phone: (479) 409-6340

VISIONS “News to uplift and empower” - Visit us on-line at www.visionsnewsletter.blogspot.com

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The Vast Reach of “Unintended Consequences”

VISIONS “News to uplift and empower” - Visit us on-line at www.visionsnewsletter.blogspot.com

When facing challenging circumstances, please be reminded that life is seldom fair or easy, it’s just life. Oftentimes however, there are unintended (and sometimes great) consequences for those who persist. In November of 1963, minutes after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, a female co-worker stopped cheering his death long enough to ask me “Well, what are you people going to do now?” That callous remark was my first challenging circumstance of late 1963. Within weeks I was fired from my job for allegedly “Not having enough interest in your work.” With no absence, no tardiness, no reprimand, no warning; it made no sense. So in addition to “seldom fair” and not “easy,” life also sometimes appears to make “no sense;” it’s just life. Fast forwarding from late 1963, I have long understood that the forty-four hour a week job I was fired from allowed me no time to look for a better job. Less than five months after being fired, I landed a job that increased my income by 50%. That new job left my Saturday mornings free to search for other opportunities. Within sixteen months of being fired, my income had tripled from my days at ‘Bigots Anonymous.’ This was a part of the “unintended consequences” of me having been victimized by the ignorance, bigotry, words and actions of others. But there is more good news. The piercingly taunting question from my co-worker “What are you people going to do now?” has become ingrained in me. In response to those cruel and challenging words, I have developed the habit and strength of character to minimize the circumstance, and magnify my response. That habit and strength of character is an unintended consequence that I am certain was not the co-worker’s intent. Today, I often ask myself, my clients and others a more “people-friendly” version of this question; “What are you going to do?” As stated by pastor, author and educator Charles Swindoll “I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it.” We all face circumstances that are meant to deny, demoralize, or destroy us. Those circumstances can result in good and even great unintended circumstances. Our challenge is to remain faithful to our goals and vision. If there is something we must go through, we must also learn to grow through it.

I begin by admitting that the sub-title “Unintended Consequences” is borrowed from my friend Everett Pruitt. To give Everett the label of “author” is a limiting understatement. He is a multiple award-winning literary genius whose revelations will often astound you, and sometimes cause you to proclaim “Ah Ha, been there, done that!” I owe to Everett and to my audience the link to Everett’s “Unintended Consequences.” In his article, he informs us by providing a reality check about challenges sometimes placed in our path by the same people entrusted to enhance our well being. Everett then inspires by demonstrating how we can turn that which is meant to stop us into a catalyst for success. Everett excelled at the very thing that it was implied he was not qualified to do. Rather than try to tell Everett’s story, I pray that you will check it out on his blog by pressing here if you are viewing this on-line, or typing in the link below: www.writersuncorked.wordpress.com/2016/07/24/unintended-consequences/ After reading Everett’s article, I was in the “been there, done that” group. Reflecting upon my job hunting days, I recalled how often I went into an employment office and heard the words “we aren’t doing any hiring at this time,” while my white classmates were sometimes hired on the spot. What the employers did not realize (and did not care) is that we often carpooled to save money (and I also did not own a car!). Because we understood that we should job hunt alone, I was often dropped off by the driver, allowing me to arrive at the employment office first. That didn’t help. In fact on two occasions, the job that “wasn’t available” to me was filled on the spot by the person with whom I was riding. In an era long before cell phones, the first time it happened I waited around the corner for a very long time to be picked up, not knowing that my fellow job-hunter was working on the job that was “not available” when I applied five minutes before him. The second time it happened, after a few minutes of waiting around the corner, I instinctively began walking toward the nearest Bus Stop.

“Every adversity, every failure, every heartache carries with it the seed of an equal or greater benefit.”

Napoleon Hill

- Page 6 - VISIONS “News to uplift and empower” - Visit us on-line at www.visionsnewsletter.blogspot.com

About twenty years ago I made the surprising discovery that my second book, The Power of Association had been recommended by a United Nations training organization in South Africa. Since that time, I am frequently reminded of what a small world this is and how valuable we can be to one another. I am blessed to have shared my message aboard cruise ships, and in places as far away as Sydney, Australia, speaking to and learning from people of different ages, nationalities, religions and cultures. I was blessed to interact with the Kuna Indians on the remote San Blas Islands, including one, who after being educated on the Mainland of Panama, returned to his roots to help ‘build bridges’ of hope. From the remoteness of the San Blas islands to the high-tech and fast moving world of ever-changing technology, the importance of international connections persist. My early introduction to Social Media was guided and inspired from across the border. As I stumbled blindly into Social Media, It was my good fortune to meet a young lady who had founded an organization consisting of members representing over 160 countries. Shirley Williams guided me into Social Media with knowledge and patience. I am certain that most people I know would identify her as “African American.” Born in Great Britain and a longtime resident of Canada, Shirley refers to herself as Black British Canadian (BBC), holding dual citizenship. She is a trained scientist, and has served on the board of directors with for-profit corporations. She has traveled extensively, including long term work assignments in The Far East. If you knew all that, you must already know Shirley. Shirley defies so many stereotypes that I won’t even try to list them.

In my local community is a reminder of the positive impact of opening ones mind and heart to the world. The Twinspirations Chapter of Toastmasters, International (above) is evidence of our diversity.

Education and learning extend beyond the high school or college graduation ceremony, and opportunity goes beyond borders. Several years ago, thanks to my mentor Harvey Alston, I connected with Al Cole, formerly of CBS Radio. Al is a communications leader, author, musician and speaker. Soon after Al and I became acquainted he invited me to join him in a movement that would reach beyond borders to “acknowledge the Unsung Heroes who are helping our human family.” Al’s vision, passionate determination and ability to connect with other hard-working visionaries resulted in the People of Distinction Humanitarian Awards (PDHA). Through this fast growing worldwide organization I’ve met dozens of people representing countries around the world, and work with some on a continuing basis. The diversity of the organization goes deep, crossing physical borders, and borders “of the mind.” In spite of the real and perceived differences of its members, the organization is a cohesive and powerful force for positive change.

World Kindness Liberia (WKL) is making a significant difference in Liberia. Executive Director Neabei Toah refuses to accept conditions such as hunger and lack of adequate water in war-torn Liberia as normal. In spite of numerous challenges and constant danger, Neabei and a determined group of like-minded individuals are changing the landscape one person, one life, one project at a time. WKL’s reaching out for help is far surpassed by their outreach to others. I have witnessed them dismantle obstacles and overcome setbacks for several years, truly leaving their mark on history.

Beyond Challenges and Across Borders: Building Bridges instead of Walls

Shirley Williams

Al Cole

Peter Tokpah, Uranus K. Nixon, Reuben Toah, Linda Momo, Neabei Toah, Samson Decee, Philemon Dee

Recently I was honored with an opportunity to be a presenter at the Deedee Entertainment/Humanitarian Awards Ceremony. Although my schedule does not allow me to participate, I want to publicly thank Uba Onwudiwe, who first recommended me for an award from Deedee Entertainment. Uba is a Nigerian born (resident of Canada), multiple award winning actress, peace ambassador, and much, much more; and yet has the humility to refer to me as her mentor. I also thank Demian Ndubuisi Chukwu, founder, president and CEO of Deedee Entertainment/Records for honoring me last year with the Deedee Humanitarian Award. I pray that my relatives, friends and associates in the Washington, DC area will attend this year’s ceremonies, and let me know what a good time I missed. As we hear suggestions of building walls, isolationism and exclusion from some who seek to lead this great nation, I am reminded of the inherent value we all possess. While there is in each of us unique strengths, abilities, and passions that astound and amaze, that is not where the true potential ends. While one might marvel at a feat of strength and ability in someone else, that someone else may hold in awe the mental abilities of others. The knowledge, wisdom, training and intuitiveness of the medical technician is undeniable and priceless to a suffering and confused patient looking for a miraculous cure. Consider the possibility that the recovered patient is a master plumber. Imagine that plumber being called to the home of the medical technician. Imagine that a pipe has burst and a rising tide of water is approaching priceless paintings and irreplaceable family treasures. Who is valuable and necessary and appreciated at that moment? Our value and our ability to survive and prosper is based not so much on our individuality, but on our collectively talents, actions, and outreach to others. We must position ourselves to connect with, support, inspire, and protect one another. Alone we are strong, but together we are powerful! The people featured in this article are among those who understand and practice these concepts. I take this opportunity to say Thank You to those who work tirelessly to help us all overcome our most significant challenges, envision our greatest possibilities, and achieve our highest potential.

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Beyond Challenges and Across Borders: Building Bridges instead of Walls

To register for the Awards Ceremony or for additional information about

Deedee Records please visit http://deedeerecords.com/

Ubu Onwudive Demian Ndubuisi Chukwu

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Henry Ford - Author, Consultant, Publisher Challenging, Compassionate, Culturally Aware

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