Love is; "Sacrifice"

On September 17, 2008, I gave birth to my son Elias Isaiah Howard. It was the day I became a "mother". I had fears, doubt in myself, and I was "scared".I had no idea what I was about to face, but I knew with the Lord on my side, I would be okay. I truly believe that there is no love like the love you have for your child. The bond between mother and child is "inseparable". I thought about all the things that could go wrong, and how hard it would be before Elias was born. I decided that I would have my son, no matter what , despite my circumstances. I knew that being a parent would not be easy and there is no manual on how to raise a child.I had no money, I was in North Carolina, 519 miles away from home, a senior in college, pregnant in my senior year, half way there to graduation and I left to go home to New York , to go back home to live in the projects with my mom.When she found out, she was "devastated".Imagine at the point, how I felt. I was so "embarrassed". I let myself and everyone else down in my family that had high expectations for me.As time went by and I got closer to my due date,I developed this "indescribable feeling", a love for this new life that was growing inside of me. At times, I still can't believe I am a parent, but I'm glad I was chosen to become one.I remember making this vow; "I will keep my child, no matter how hard it gets, no matter how hard I struggle, he will be taken care of. I will take the road less traveled, not the easy way out and have faith that God will help me through this journey as a parent and a young woman".God has made a way for my son ever since the day he was born and he has provided food, shelter, clothing and family who love him to death. In my mind, I think Elias is more than a gift, but a treasure to God. Many may say, "I am crazy" when I say, "my child has brought me closer to God", and I say this because I learned what "sacrifice" is and what it means. According to the dictionary, "sacrifice", is defined as; "the surrender or destruction of something valued for the sake of something having a higher or more pressing claim".When I was carrying Elias in my womb, I was attending college. I gave up school and my life to take care of my child. When you love someone beyond measure, beyond what words can express or explain , you -"sacrifice". I am sure, to all of you who may read this blog has experienced a point in your life where you had to sacrifice something for someone else that you loved, because your love was that strong and genuine to make the other person happy. I think that JESUS sacrifice was the meaning of "true love". He gave up his life , to die on the cross for all of our sins!  Isn't it great to know that we have been saved from the wrath of sin because he shed his blood for us? God loved us so much, that he gave his only begotten son! Imagine how you would feel , if for example, your Mother or Father told you: "I love you but you are born for a will to be fulfilled, that is to die for all of humanity's wrath of "Sin".If this was said to you, you would probably feel outraged, angry , and above all else ask, Why? Why me? Well, that is how Jesus felt, but he loved his heavenly father and did it, despite what he had to face, which was; giving up his life for- "EVERYONE". He made the biggest sacrifice of all- "his life" and died for us.I am not here to preach to you, but I just wanted to share my testimony with you and share the "good news", of us having the chance to receive"salvation through Jesus Christ". It is never too late to accept Jesus as your personal saviour.I hope you enjoyed reading it, as much as I enjoyed writing it for you. I hope you were inspired and continue to stay encouraged, God has not forgotten about you. God bless you, and God loves you.*

                                                                                                                             Sincerely yours truly,
                                                                                                                             Inspirational Woman

"True Talent; Cut from a different cloth"

Do you remember the Good ol' days of "real" and "genuine" hip hop music?  I  recall a time like artists/Emcee's such as; Eric b and Rakim, Krs-one, Public Enemy, Doug E.Fresh, Salt n Pepa as well as Slick Rick that had- "something to talk about". When the line dropped; "My mic sounds nice/check one/ my mic sounds nice/ check two/ my mic sounds nice/ check 3 / Are/ U/Ready?!/. I believe that's when Hip Hop was at it's "best" and it was "authentic". When I fell in love with Hip Hop was when I heard Doug E. fresh and Slick Rick's record, "The show". My mom told me when I was at the age of 4 , I jumped out of my sleep and made a pose- then, I started "dancing". I really "miss those days".Growing up in the 80's was cool, and it was about "enjoying life", having a "good time" and "staying out of trouble". Alot of Emcee's back then covered everything, and did not just talk about "sex" and how much "money they had". It wasn't about "killing each other", over money, and "personal beef", either. Now at days, you would never hear an emcee talk about ,"do the right thing", or "stay in school" in their raps. It' s about the "mighty dollar". Well, I have got to tell you about a "new" and "upcoming artist". He is definetely "cut from a different cloth". This artist goes by the name of ,"E-double A.P.M.C."(All purpose Emcee). I have not heard anyone who sounds like him. "His lyrics make you think", as a "concious rapper". He covers "all aspects", of the challenges as a young black man in "society" and the things that matter to him and how he "envisions the world", in his mind.He is not only an artist, but he is "growing" to make the transition to be"great as a father" and an "Emcee". It is," not an easy job", on both sides of the spectrum.  When he is"not in school" or "working at one of two jobs",he "devotes his time in the studio",as well as making time for his son as well. He is a "true artist", in the making. He has "not" let any obstacle stop him. He is 25yrs old, ready to graduate college and ready to accomplish his goals "by any means", as he quotes , "Malcolm X". He was raised in the section of Clinton hills-Washington ave area of brooklyn. His mother Vanessa Howard was not only a poet, but a mother who has raised two boys and made it through college. He knows that being a parent isn't easy and makes time to see his son and takes care of all his needs "financially", "mentally" and "emotionally". He is nowhere near close to "fabrication" or "diluting", when it comes to the essence of real "Hip Hop".  He defines the term- "Original". As a "supporter" and the "mother of his son", I guarantee you that this young artist/Emcee is about making "postive progression" and "bringing back that good 'ol feeling", we felt back then of real hip hop be brought "back to life", with a twist of his own style he will bring to the "Hip Hop game". He has lyrics filled with an extensive and creative plethora of  vocabulary, with catchy choruses and metaphors that will, "capture your attention". I assure you that he is, "worth your time" if you are "willing to listen", to the message he wants to deliver. Feel free to check him out on; Myspace, twitter, facebook and BBM. His name is All Purpose M.C. on blogspot.com.  To all of my readers, thank you for taking time out of your day to read my blog and Godbless you all, I hope you were "inspired". 


                                                                                                                    Written by:
                                                                                                                     Tania Tavarez   
                                                                                                                   

" Growing up in the projects"

As a young woman, I have learned alot, seen alot and experienced alot growing up in the projects. I can honestly say , I would not change a thing about it. Why?  because I have learned what it means to be alert, how to protect myself and survive amongst the trouble around me. It took me a little while, to realize that just because I grew up in the project development does not make me less than any oyther person. I will not become the product of my envireonment. What I will do is become a "great product" out of my envireonment. I have seen fist fights, experienced being a part of a shootout and even been in a fight. However, I have continued to excel, despite the minor bumps I have come across. It's true, you do have to be strong in the mind, and be a leader, and it is hard. Whoever may not have experienced this , wont understand the feeling of "entrapment" or be able to relate to it, but from my heart to yours, I say that it is no easy road, but I will paint my vision through the words on this paper, and I hope it will- "inspire you". Most people call it the "hard knock life", but you know what I call it a "gift" and a "curse". The reason why I refer to it as a "gift " is because of the great people from all walks of life that live around each other and we all share that struggle. The "curse" is, trying to understand how can people from other countries understand us? We all encounter physical and mental pain in our lives, but how can we come together? We are all different in our own way, no matter what color or race you may be, we all strive to "make it" and be "successful". I look at it this way; We all experience grief at some point in our lives.There is a time when we all cry, laugh and even bleed in our lives. The main point I want to get across to you, is that no matter where you came from, it does not- "define who you are or your destiny". What I posses is a "backbone" and "common sense" as a result of growing up in the projects. I did not have everything, but I was given exactly what I needed, by being blessed with two great parents that did not get "high" or "drink", and chose to be hardworking parents to provide for me.I thank God for allowing me to be given two parents that always did their best to "provide" for me and raise me with "morals' and to have "respect" for my elders. I know some of the smartest and most talented people who come from the projects, and I am one example of that. I hope anyone who reads this, understand that poverty does not mean less, but brings you to a level of humbleness, greatfulness and an undeniable desire to-"achieve the impossible". When you face poverty, you appreciate the small things in life and no matter what happens,you know that with determination, even from the projects you can be an "inspiration" to anyone in the world. All it takes , is just a little bit of "faith".