Shock Value: Entry 102 "There's No Place Like Home"

Happy SunDay My People:

I hope you all are doing the most this weekend. The kid went to see Salt on yesterday. It was better than I expected. I also paid a visit to the Apple Store. Man technology is so crazy! These cats are using their phones as cash register's and credit/debit card machines. If you are not ready to embrace the new generation of technology then you better get on the bus, because you are going to be left behind. I love apple, like we are married. LOL! Now, back to business.

Today's Topic: There's No Place Like Home

I know most of you remember Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz. On her journey she met a number of people, the cowardly lion, the tin man, and the scare crow. In the whole story, the purpose of her journey was to help others, but she realized in the midst of her triumphs and trials, that there was no place like home. She enjoyed her time in Oz, but her heart was in Kansas. To some extent, her body was in Oz, but her heart never left Kansas.

The story of Dorothy captures a message that even today, we all take for granted. There's no place like home. Some of you have moved away from your family, friends, and those who you grew up with. You have started a new life for yourself and most likely have outgrown those who you use to be extremely close with. That is all fine and dandy, but you can't ever forget where you come from. Those same people who drive you nuts or you try to avoid, helped shape you into the person you are today and you owe it to them to give back to their community or neighborhoods.

I find it weird that people move away and simply turn thier back on the ones who truly supported them in the first place. I don't care what Dad or Mom did to you, you only get one set of parents, you have to learn to forgive but not forget. Your brother or sister may have been wrong when you two had your falling out, but enough time has past, your nieces and nephews don't deserve not to have you in their life, because their parents were too stupid to say, "I'm sorry, or I was wrong." I know some of you have reasons why you don't regularly communicate with your parents, other family members, and friends, but are the valid. Sometimes is sucks like bees and babies, but you have to be the bigger person.

There is no do over in this life. Once people go over to the next life they are gone from this one---- forever. Don't let precious moments pass you by because you are letting yesterday rule today. There's no place like home. Home is where the heart is. Home is where the love is. Everyone is flawed, even you. If you are perfect, then you can stop reading right now, because there isn't a thing in this world you could learn from anyone, especially imperfect me. If you haven't seen your family members in weeks, years, or even longer, you ought to be ashamed of yourself. Yes, we all know you have made a new life for yourself, but if it wasn't for those in your old life you wouldn't be here.

Listen, we all go through it sometimes. All of us have family member who drive us up the wall. But, that is what makes us family. If you need a reference, go watch Soul Food again. This movie is a perfect example of the dysfunctional parts of a family. I am not saying you need to pack your bags, forgive everyone, and move back to your home town. All I am saying is you need to give reverence to where it all started---your grandmother's, guardian's, or parent's house. The place where the source of your talents came from.

Dorothy knew it. Even when she was faced with better opportunities in Oz then should could've every imagined back home. She constantly said it, "There's no place like home." She was right then and she still correct now. Pick up the phone or text/email someone you haven't spoken to in a minute in your family for whatever reason. See when the next reunion or gathering is and let them know you will have your face in the place. It may not make you feel better today, but you will be surprised how much other people will love to see you. True love starts with forgiveness. There's No Place Like Home, There's No Place Like Home, There's No Place Like Home!

Lata'