June 30, 2025
“I know Althea and you have prepared him. I honestly believe the most important thing that I have found is the spiritual foundation and the ability to seek help when pressure comes." – A Member of the Village
As you begin your journey into adulthood, I want you to know that I am proud of you. I want you to know that you inspire so many. You have blessed your entire (immediate) family academically, economically, and most importantly --- spiritually. I want to be clear: You’re ready! So, here are some things I want you to remember…We have given you three names with purpose. Represent them well! You were given a nickname…it was NOT by accident! It was given because of a belief in what we believe you can be in all the things you do. It is a testament of what you will be when you embrace all that you are. Last, but not least, you got baptized! And while it might feel like a long time ago…don't forget what it means. Your life is just not your own. You are a child of God who believes Jesus died for your eternal salvation. And until your death day, you are to be the light of the world that seeks to make Jesus proud.
As you start your university experience, please remember to enjoy the experience. Enjoy the experience of getting the opportunity to figure out things in an environment that gives you the space to fail without life-altering negative consequences. I want you to take risks. You won't know all the things you're able to do or all the things you're interested in doing, without taking risks. If you aren't willing to try and take risks, you miss the opportunity to open your mind in a way you have never even dreamed of. Take risks that can make your body do things you weren't aware it could do. And while taking risks are part of going to a university, all risks ain’t good risks. If you are not sure about the risk, pray on it!
Be true to you! Don’t deny who you are! Lean into it! Lean into studying
effectively. You know what works for you when it comes to studying. You
know what it takes to gain the most out of the experiences in the classroom.
Lean into that. You know self-care is important. Make sure your actions align
with that fact. Make sure you are taking care of your mind, your body, your soul…and
know that if your soul is not where it needs to be, it's hard for your mind and
your body to do what they need to do. Be real about unhealthy behaviors you
already know about. Don't pretend they don't exist. When you pretend, you can't
fix something that you don't acknowledge exists. If you don't acknowledge that
it exists, there's no game plan for how to get better. These are the times for
you to figure out what kind of person you are. Whether you want to remain
satisfied with the status quo of your reality, or whether you want to evolve in
your development as a young man. Please remember it’s OK to seek improvements. Give
yourself grace to master new healthier habits because they won't come
overnight.
My final ask: build your vision! For me, that means making time to see beyond the present. Be open to detours. Don't just put your head down in route to reaching your destinations or goals. There is so much to see! And when you make time, you give yourself the opportunity to see the possibilities that can be. So, look up! When you do, create space to enjoy the journey. And if you need a little bit of guidance, I’m only a phone call away. When you call, I’ll remind you what you already know…you got everything you need! #BeHurd ...
You’re ready!
Love,
Daddy
