Saluting Christopher Dennis Founder of Leaving It Behind (LIB)

Like an action packed movie that keeps you holding your breath, the life of Christopher Dennis plays the character that is able to walk away from the carnage of mass destruction that tried to kill him. However, this is real life and Christopher Dennis succeeded against the odds of life vs. death. Still getting a little emotional when discussing his near fatal motorcycle accident, Christopher has committed his life to helping people who keep going in the midst of struggles. When his motorcycle accident left him in critical condition, his injuries were so severe that doctors were uncertain whether he would survive. He continuously echoes that God’s mercy kept him, so he wouldn’t let go. Christopher knew that he survived for a reason and that reason was to put God first and be the best servant that God needed for him to be.

Christopher is the founder of Leaving It Behind (LIB), a non-profit organization that targets at risk youth. He maintains a community presence by reaching out to the youth and encouraging them to succeed through such projects as sporting events and walks for peace. Three things that made the change for the accomplishments of LIB, and continue to be its ongoing mantra include:

· Putting in God FIRST – By putting God first wipes away our differences and find the commonalities that make us who we are and how we should treat each other.
· Stop Calling our Neighborhoods the “HOOD”. Perception is reality. What we call ourselves will become our reflection. Leaving It Behind was birthed on this principle. We had to change the mentality to be able to change the reality.
· Build diversity under the power of inclusion and impact of exclusion. We have to close not only the diversity barriers of color, but also the diversity of social and economical structures to find common ground. This completed the circle of Putting in God FIRST.

Recently Christopher was named the recipient of the 2010 Martin Luther King, Jr. “Keeper of the Dream Award” in Charlotte, North Carolina. As a Market Data Operations Manager for Bank of America, Christopher was recognized for his strong commitment to maintaining high levels of operational improvements that meet organizational objectives. He serves as President of the Lockwood Home Owner’s Association, and has the opportunity to implement financial programs and other viable resources for the community, to offset the impacts of gentrification. Christopher also serves as a Master Sergeant of the South Carolina McIntire Air National Guard, where he manages the Ground Radio communication shop for the entire base.

The tragedies, adversities and victories Christopher experienced in his life, ignited his commitment to serving his community with passion, determination and dignity. He currently resides in North Carolina where he enjoys reading, writing and speaking poetry, spending time with family, working with youth, helping others and above all, putting God first. For further information, you may email Christopher at christopher.dennis@bankofamerica.com.

We salute you Christopher Dennis, founder of Leaving It Behind for your inspiration and dedication of service to the community and to the at risk youth you serve!

Heroes of the Recession

“A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.”
-Joseph Campbell

I’m sure that many of you saw the commercial by Allstate Insurance spokesperson Dennis Haysbert, asking the question, “Will we remember this as the Great Recession or will we remember it as the recession that made us great?” Let’s face it, things have not been easy, but as we witnessed how many people overcame the Great Depression that began in 1929 and lasted until about 1939, we too can learn from and rise above the financial carnage of this recession, and begin rebuilding our lives once again.

Incredibly, we continue to witness the growth in the amount of ordinary people unselfishly reaching out to those who are suffering, by helping out, instead of handing out. I ran across this article, “Heroes of the Recession” (http://www.beliefnet.com/Inspiration/2010/01/Heroes-of-the-Recession.aspx) and wanted to share it with you. It’s the boldness of these individuals deciding to be contributors, instead of spectators, that make them heroes in their communities. This is the thing that will make our communities resilient and stronger.

I am reminded about an email I receive a while ago where it had two pictures of people sitting around a table holding very long-handled spoons, with food placed before them. The people seated at one table were frail and looked unhealthy. The people seated at the other table were strong and looked healthy. The spoons that both groups had were about five times longer than the normal length of an eating utensil. Here’s the difference between these two sets of diners:

The frail group were struggling trying to feed themselves, but could not get the food to their mouths with the long-handled spoons. The strong group were comfortably feeding “each other” with the same long-handled spoons. See the difference? The stronger group were not self-absorbed and worked united, instead of divided.

Let’s continue to remember those who just may need a kind word to stay strong. Let’s continue to fight the perils of hopelessness just because this economy has not recoved from years of financial decline. And even when the economy recovers, let’s continue to build on those statutes that helped us to survive together and not perish solitarily.

Peace & Blessings Always!

http://www.kymgmoore.com/

Margot Le Baron Collects Books for Disadvantage Children

Drive for others is one for the books

We came across this story about an amazing teenager with a big heart. Margot Le Baron is a remarkable young lady, who wanted to do something significant and powerful in the community. The following story appeared in The Charlotte Observer on Sunday January 17, 2010. We are including the following link, but in the event that this link becomes archived or inactive, we posted the story in its entirety below. We would like to thank John Anderson, a columnist from Waxhaw, NC contributing to The Charlotte Observer Neighbors section, for sharing this incredible story with the community. http://www.charlotteobserver.com/276/story/1183237.html

Student collected more than 800 books for kids who don’t have access to them.

Margot Le Baron looks over some of the books she collected to help “A Child’s Place” assist homeless children with their ongoing education. Margot conducted her first book drive in her Hunter Oaks neighborhood in November. CAROL LE BARON

When young people develop a vision and then see a project through to completion, the effect can be powerful – for the youthful visionary and the community. Margot Le Baron is a student at Marvin Ridge High School who took it upon herself to hold a neighborhood book drive to benefit children who don’t have books as a part of their daily routine. When I heard about the project, I contacted Margot to learn more about the how and why of her efforts.

Margot wrote to tell me:
“It all started in the past year when I was thinking about doing something for the community. I really enjoy reading so I decided to collect books. I found a great association called “A Child’s Place” that helps homeless children with their school work and other necessities. I got 125 paper bags donated from Harris Teeter. Then, I made up flyers and hand delivered them to houses around the neighborhood. The flyers explained that if anybody wanted to donate books they could place them next to their mailbox and I would pick them up, which I did on a Sunday in November.”

The Hunter Oaks neighborhood where Margot lives embraced her project with enthusiasm. Melody Graham, a neighbor, described the collection process this way:
“I saw her on the day she scheduled for pickup, driving around the neighborhood gathering up a huge number of books. She’d jump out of the back of her mother’s mini-van and run up to the front door where neighbors left shopping bags of books.”

“The minivan was full by the end of the day. I later saw her and her mother riding their bikes around the neighborhood to pick up a later collection.”

Margot was surprised and gratified with the outpouring of gently used books that were donated to her cause. “My original goal was to collect 250 books, but I ended up with over 800,” she said. “The best feeling in the world was walking home with all of those bags and boxes of books. The community really responded and was so supportive.”

How did she feel when the project exceeded her expectations? “I got a great deal of satisfaction knowing that I’m helping others and that so many were willing to contribute. I’m looking forward to handing over the books to “A Child’s Place.” A Child’s Place is a private Charlotte-based agency (go online to info@achildsplace.org) with the goals “to provide stable, appropriate education to homeless students; to provide support services to enhance their opportunities for academic success and to provide services to families to ensure long-term stability and self-sufficiency.”

I asked Margot if she planned to continue with her efforts in the future. “I plan to collect books every fall and spring from now on that I will donate to interested associations or organizations. Please mention that I’m always looking for them. It was a great experience, and I can’t wait until spring.”

People Still Have A Heart

In light of the recent catastrophe that occurred this week in Haiti with a record 7.0 seismic earthquake, along with the 2004 Tsunami in Southeast Asia, Hurricane Katrina in 2005 or The 1925 Tri-State Tornado, disasters have a way of bridging gaps that separate us physically, economically, spiritually and globally. There are many who will sit, watch and say someone needs to do something and then there are others who stand, aid and comfort those who are forlorn.

There are many who analyze, evaluate, are insensitive and ridicule some humanitarian efforts, but fortunately they are a minority. We must not be entrapped by their rhetorical ignorance, because we can utilize our energy in a more positive capacity. It’s most unfortunate that we also find others who use disasters or benevolent missions as an opportunity to create fraudulent intentions to deceive the givers and invoke mistrust. Don’t worry, in time these scammers will be dealt with and trust me, payback is no joke.

If we look around, despite the idleness and narrow-mindedness that plagues the thoughts and hearts of so many, we still witness tremendous human compassion that is colorblind to race, creed, demographics and economics. May we continue to embrace the fruits of our spirit, stay prayerful and never forget to do for the least of these, not just in times of disasters, but always. No matter what, it still warms my spirit to watch daily eyewitness accounts of people who still have a heart, doing some incredible things within their reach. If our children can do it, then it behooves us to do even more.

http://www.kymgmoore.com/

January is National Mentoring Month!

Mentor: \ ˈmen-ˌtȯr, -tər \ A trusted counselor, guide, tutor, adviser or teacher.
Function: noun
Etymology: Latin, from Greek Mentōr

General Colin L. Powell is headlining this year’s campaign and shares, “Nothing is more important to our Nation’s future than preparing our children to lead productive and fulfilling lives. And they need good role models. You can play an important part by volunteering as a mentor. It doesn’t require special skills, just a willingness to listen and to care. You will experience the satisfaction that comes from inspiring a young person to reach for the stars.”

Mentoring happens in a number of ways and is needed more now than ever. January is National Mentoring Month. To learn more about this campaign, visit http://www.nationalmentoringmonth.org/. Be inspired, get involved and then be an inspiration!

Reflection in the Midnight Waters

While penning some thoughts in my journal of recollections from the day’s events, something mystical interrupted the flow of my writing. For many people who know me, you understand how fascinated I am by the celestial kaleidoscope that appears on a clear night, especially when there’s a full moon perched in the heavens among the stars. I must share this experience with you stargazers out there who would appreciate this reflection. On the first night of this New Year, January 1, 2010, I walked by one of the Palladian windows in our house and the bright light that reflected through the window magnetically drew me to its presence. If anyone noticed and if it was a clear night in your neck of the woods, there was a perfect full moon casting its heavenly bright light over the land. As I stood awestruck, I was compelled to get a better look at this breathtaking wonder from my back door.

We have a small lake at the back of our house, and while you could see the reflection of house lights rippling amid the currents in the midnight waters, the reflection of that full moon took center stage and was simply mesmerizing. I cannot begin to tell you what an ethereal feeling this was, just to stand there looking up at that bright, spotlight shining down on little ole me. I had to thank God for another opportunity to witness such an incredible gift that He created on the 4th day, in the Beginning.

So even if you missed this beautiful sight on that first night of this New Year, just remember that some of the most incredible beauty lies among the heavens in a galaxy beyond our grasp, but no doubt a panoramic snapshot reminding us to embrace its exquisiteness. A love song reminded me of these special moments of intimacy that was recorded by a group named The Stylistics (circa 1970’s). It’s called “Stop, Look, Listen (to your heart)”. Sometimes you feel so unworthy by the natural wonders that surround us in one way or another on a daily basis. However, I cherish those special moments, any time of the day or night, where I feel that incredible connection and intimacy with God. It is then, I am reminded, that I am anchored in His love, mercy and grace. So every now and then, look up and humbly embrace the presence of Almighty God through His awe-inspiring wonders. And the best part: There is no purchase required!

HAPPY NEW YEAR! It's 2010 ya'll...

Well, the day is here that we have awaited for 365 days now. It’s 2010, and we must ask ourselves what type of person will we be? The type who always wonders what happened, always watches things happen, always wait for things to happen or the person who will courageously make things happen? As we leave our daily footprints in the sands of life, let them be so positive and unique that when people bend over to look at them, they will be the types of tracks that everyone will know led to your greatness!

Cherish every day and never take them for granted. You never know when you may be looking at your last minute. Here’s to your good health, the love within, unlimited prosperity, the presence of peace and the pursuit of happiness.

“Few will have the greatness to bend history itself; but each of us can work to change a small portion of events and in the total of all those acts will be written the history of this generation.”
- Robert F. Kennedy

Happy New Year everyone!
Kym Gordon Moore
http://www.kymgmoore.com/