Millennium Magazine

Many Americans have encountered trials and tribulations since Thanksgiving 2001. The world continues to move faster than the speed of light and complaints have piled miles high. Almost everyone you encounter have a litany of heart aches and pains about how bad life has treated them. From pink slips, heinous crimes all around the world, unhappy marriages, disobedient children, sickness, and an unprecedented election year, disappointment has greeted most people. Yet, there are some people in our midst who think they are bigger than life and untouchable and thus have no need to give thanks. Believe it or not, there are some people in our midst who never stop to give thanks for just being alive. Perhaps, if we focus on the good things and praise them we would not have so much time to complain.

America, like many countries have experienced a wave of high crimes. From suicide bombers to war on the horizon that may include several nations, our world is in turmoil. The beltway sniper had the east coast in a daze for several weeks. When the culprits were apprehended America breathed a sigh of relief. The disappearance of the Sanders sisters had people on edge until they were discovered in a pond near their home. Yet, during their double funeral, witnessing their parents give praise to God brought feelings of joy to those in attendance.

Two young boys were convicted of killing their father, while a mother and father were charged in the death of their children who died from a fire in their home. The Catholic church continues to experience embarrassments in the highest order as a result of sexual crimes committed by church officials.

United Nations weapons inspectors have been deployed to search Saddam Hussein’s compounds for chemical weapons violations which could lead to a major war all around the world. Every time the news comes on television it consists of seemingly nothing but bad news. I remember a song from a Broadway play whose lyrics included, “don’t nobody bring me no bad new.” Every now and again you do not want to hear anything bad. Yet, with all of the things happening in our world it makes you wonder whether we are in our last days.

The rate of unemployment continues to rise and with corporate America involved in so many scandals, relief does not seem to be in sight. The rate of homelessness is still a disgrace in America – a place that is deemed one of the richest countries in the world. The education system continues to be in need of a major overhaul. Teacher pay remains a sin and a disgrace, especially when teachers are some of the most important people in the growth and development of productive citizens in society.

The jail population continues to escalate while historically black colleges and universities face challenges like never before. While it cost taxpayers approximately $30,000.00 per year to incarcerate a young person convicted of a crime, it cost less to educate them in some four year liberal arts colleges and universities. Read more »

What’s the difference between a good general and a great general? Courage. What makes some people crack under pressure while others seem to push themselves past their limits and succeed? Courage (or lack thereof). Finally, why is it that some men attempt the impossible while others never get off the sofa? I think you know the answer.

Courage has been the mark of great men since the dawn of time and it’s not about to change anytime soon.

Faced with the same choice of action, some people stand up to face the music and accept the challenge while others shrink away and drift into oblivion.

courage in the face of fear

It’s important to understand that courage is not the absence of fear but rather how one reacts to it. If you are faced with a challenge that causes the fear to build up within, you always have two options: take on the challenge or do nothing.

Now courage doesn’t need to be demonstrated on a Herculean scale all the time. The simple act of joining a gym if you are out of shape is a small act of courage. In the workplace, you can display courage by fighting for an idea or cause you believe in, even if your co-workers or higher-ups don’t agree with you.

The point is that courage is something that manifests itself in our everyday lives by helping us overcome our fears. We still feel the fear, but it is how we react to that fear that demonstrates to the world what kind of person we are.

discouragement

Think of discouragement as an inhibitor to courage. Discouragement is like fear in many ways. It starts in the mind and greatly affects what we do (or rather don’t do). In business, any endeavor is usually composed of many steps that are put together and ultimately lead to an ultimate goal.

Building a company, for example, requires many steps. Along the way, there is a good chance that you will get discouraged. Perhaps sales are not growing as fast as you would like; you hired some ineffective employees; there was a defect in one of your products and you had to issue a recall… the list is endless.

What you must keep in mind at all times, if you hope to become successful, is that discouragement is part of the game. That is, you will feel discouraged at times and that is when you must show the most courage.

Keep reading to learn how to be courageous and cope with adversity, with a few simple tricks that will make a huge difference in your life and make your career a success.

coping with adversity

Suppose you were a salesman having a rough month. It looks like you are going to miss your sales target and get chewed out by your boss. You start feeling down and become less productive, figuring you’re done for. This is where the process begins; you have to realize that discouragement is sinking its insidious claws into your mind.

Recognize that you are starting to get discouraged. Next, you need to remind yourself — no, drill into your head — that discouragement will get you nowhere. It will only help drag you down even more. So be quick and get it out of your system. Don’t let it get a firm hold of you or you’re toast.

Now the faster you can get rid of it and get moving to reach your goals, the better. How can you do that? Good question. The answer is through encouragement.

encouragement

I know what you’re thinking: “Great, I need to hire a cheerleader now.” Not quite, you are your own best cheerleader. Encouragement can and must come from within.

During the course of your life, you’ve certainly achieved grand things. Perhaps you won a gold medal in your grade school Olympics, got an A+ on a subject you liked, were named top salesman in your company for the week, or maybe you were elected student body president.

These are all achievements that required a certain amount of courage. More importantly, they are your achievements and nothing stops you from moving on to greater things. If you could stand up to the challenge and win back then, why not do the same today?

Tell yourself that you are capable of achieving great things, tell yourself that you’re smart, tell yourself that you’re the man for the job, and tell yourself that you’ll achieve your goals because you are willing to put in the necessary effort.

The point is that you have to encourage yourself to go for the brass ring. Don’t just sit back and assume that all will turn out okay because without your actions, it likely won’t.

The last thing you want to do is be on the sidelines and watch the parade pass you by. As Lewis Grizzard said: “Life is like a dogsled team. If you ain’t the lead dog, the scenery never changes.”

Now what could be more boring than staring at your ceiling for the rest of your life? Sure it’s safe, but have some courage, go out into the world and make a difference. After all, you only live once, and life isn’t a spectator sport!

Pictured above from left are the students who won in the different catagories at the youth awards program. Cassie Gordon, Leadership Award, W.A. Perry Middle School, Tyronda Gaskins, Journalism Award, W.A. Perry Middle School, Deanna Santoro, Talent Award, Hand Middle School and Erik Brown, Community Service Award, W.A. Perry Middle School.

Proud parents, teachers, dignitaries, community leaders and corporate sponsors crowded the BellSouth Auditorium to congratulate students in the 2nd Annual “Celebrating Your Gift” Youth Awards Program. University of South Carolina Cross Country, Field & Track Coach Education urged the teens to set high goals in life–dare to dream–and work hard.

The Millennium Magazine established The “Celebrating Your Gifts” Youth Awards to honor young people between the ages of 11 and 14 who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, academic excellence, community service and perseverance. Calvin Reese, Millennium Magazine?s President/Founder, believes that all children are capable of achieving their dreams. Recognizing accomplishments early in a child?s life is crucial and can prove to be positively life changing for our youth.

Mr. Reese was honored and encouraged by all the community business leaders and other volunteers who have offered to support this project. The distinguished group serving on the Steering Committee includes: Rosena R. Lucas (Chair), Tracie Young Cooper; Rev. Charles B. Jackson, Sr., Brookland Baptist Church; Johnson Jeffcoat, Regions Bank; Mike Kelly (Co-Chair), Suggs & Kelly Lawyers, P.A.; Stephanie Cooper-Lewter, MSW, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Columbia; Pelham Myers, P & B Promotionals; Charles Noble, Noble’s Fine Art Gallery; Clyde Shepard, Brotherhood of Grand Masonic Lodges; Martha Smith, BellSouth; Jacque Freeman, KISS-FM and Robert Wells, South Carolina Bar Association.

Pictured above from left; USC Track & Field Coach Curtis Frye, keynote Speaker, Mike Kelly, youth awards chair and Hannah Nelson, WIS-TV, program host.

Several committee members shared their thoughts on The Millennium Magazine Youth Awards. Also more photos from the event:

Every opportunity to be a part of an event which has the potential to make a positive impact on the lives of our youth is a rewarding experience. The establishment of the Millennium Magazine Youth Awards for Lexington and Richland school districts says to these young people that they are not invisible…we see them; their voices are not silenced…we hear them; their passions, desires and challenges are what we want to share with them on their journey toward the most fulfilling future possible. We, therefore, take this opportunity to reward their achievements by “Celebrating their Gifts”. Rosena R. Lucas ? Chair, Steering Committee

“I am always excited when our youth are given special consideration. We who have been blessed by God in some measure have a responsibility to pass our blessings on to the succeeding generation. Recognizing and encouraging our youth is both inspirational and motivational. It enables and empowers them to continually pursue the highest good. I believe that the greatest good we can do for our youth is not just to share our riches, but to reveal to them their own.” Rev. Charles B. Jackson, Sr.

“I have had the privilege of helping people as a lawyer for the last 25 years; Millennium Magazine and its Youth Awards Program sets a new standard for helping our community by promoting the ideal that we live to serve.” Mike Kelly

?I support the Millennium Magazine ?Youth Awards Program.? Our young people are our community?s future leaders. Community recognition of their leadership and service is vital in encouraging young people to continue to reach their full potential as they pursue their dreams.? Stephanie K. Cooper-Lewter

Above from left; Calvin B. Reese, President/Founder, Millennium Magazine, Coach Robert Reynolds, retired educator, Margaret Thomas Land and Bobby Guider, Fashions II Gentlemen’s Consignment and USC Coach Curtis Frye.

?I am extremely pleased to have been selected by Mr. Reese to be a committee member of the Millennium Magazine’s Youth Awards Program. As a native of Columbia, I feel it is my personal responsibility to do what I can to be of service, especially, to the youths and senior citizens of our community. My expertise and experience consists of the following: a business owner for over 12 years, a devoted husband of 33 years and father of two adult sons, 13 years of military service, a graduate of The University of South Carolina with a Political Science Degree, a Mason, and I am guided by a strong spiritual background.?

?I truly feel that if more adults become directly involved in the well being of our youth, less and less incidents of juvenile destructive behavior would be realized. Our youth are like diamonds in the rough, but like a rough diamond in the hands of an expert jeweler they too can become like precious jewels with our help.? Charles Noble

?It’s truly an honor to have been chosen to serve on this committee. I feel that the “Youth Awards Program” is most fitting and long overdue. So many times we tend to focus on the negative impact that our youth are having on our communities. This program will no doubt change the hearts, minds and shed positive light on their accomplishments. I commend Calvin for bringing to the community the positive deeds of our young people.? Clyde Shepard

The next “Celebrating Your Gifts” Youth Awards Program will take place in the spring of 2005.

Pictured above at the Inaugural March of Dimes African-American Achievement Awards from left; Barbara Moore, Benedict College, I. S. Leevy Johnson, Chris Leevy Johnson, Ruby Leevy Johnson, Doris Leevy Johnson, George C. Johnson, Michelle Hurley Johnson and Vince Ford, Palmetto Health, event co-chair. Photo by Calvin Reese, Millennium Magazine.
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