It’s March and one of my favorite months of the year because it is Women’s History Month and my mama’s birthday month. In the spirit of Women’s History Month and my mother, we are honoring five trailblazers who blazed a path for all women (and humankind) to follow. With so much attention paid to high-profile women, it's easy to lose sight of lesser-known women who are … [Read more...]
Singles Ladies, Why Are You Trying to Do Bad All by Yourself?
I have been thinking a lot about gender roles in relationships. I'm beginning to understand through conversations with others in my field that gender roles are even more important in relationships than I originally thought. Think about it. If a woman can do anything and everything without me, then what does she really need me for—other than a "jump off?" Whether it's … [Read more...]
Men: These 3 Moldable Character Traits Will Help You Effectively Change Your Life and Lead Your Home
Men sometimes struggle with leadership in the home because of all of the complexities of a household. Things ranging from blended families, to finances, to career decisions are among the complex issues that need an insightful committee chair and responsible decision maker. As a coach, I study what good leaders in business bring to the table, because I think it translates … [Read more...]
If God Really Told You to Lead Her, Then Here Are 2 Critical Things You Must Know How to Do
I am really intrigued with this one. When I first heard the story that Seattle Seahawks’ quarterback, Russell Wilson, has a new girlfriend, singer Ciara, it didn’t register a blip on my radar of care or concern. Then when I heard they were trying not to have sex, I was like, “Why put that out there…so if you end up having sex, then the whole world is going to judge … [Read more...]
6 Ways He Can Lead at Home When She’s the Boss at Work
It’s the year of the woman in the city where I work. With the inauguration of the 2015 elected officials, for the first time ever in Washington, DC. women are holding down the top spots in a major city. Muriel Bowser was inaugurated as Mayor, Cathy Lanier is the Chief of Police, and Kaya Henderson is the city’s school Chancellor. And they are all single. As a Christian man, … [Read more...]
The Most Important Characteristic in a Great Spouse
Growing up watching war movies with my dad was the highlight of our relationship. I remember like it was yesterday when we went to the movies to see "Saving Private Ryan". That wasn’t my favorite in comparison, to Braveheart with Mel Gibson. These movies illustrated what a leader looks like. Strong. Resilient. Brave. Courageous. Fearless. Victorious. I went from those movies … [Read more...]
Book Month: 5 Books on Leadership and Success by Black Authors
To continue with our celebration of black authors for National Book Month, I'd like to shift the focus toward leadership and success. It's something we all want, and everyone has a different definition of it. However, how do you get it? Where do you find it? What do you have to go through to obtain it? These 5 books were able to better explain leadership and success to me. The … [Read more...]
3 Ways to Become a Great Leader, Husband, and Father
During a conversation this week, I was discussing why we have the challenges we have in our community with fatherhood. I talked about how sites such as BMWK lead the charge in making differences in lives and communities. I want to share some thoughts on why we have so many single parent homes and what we can do individually to change this experience in our communities. 1. Be … [Read more...]
8 Unforgettable Lessons on Life and Love I Learned from Nelson Mandela
Although Nelson Mandela left this world in physical form on December 5, 2013, his larger than life spirit will live on forever in his beloved country of South Africa and throughout the world. When I heard of his passing, I immediately felt this overwhelming sense of grief—and just as quickly, smiled and said "Thank You” to a man whose life’s work, struggles and accomplishments … [Read more...]
How Can a Husband be a Leader if His Wife Makes More Money?
In the United States, it is a presumptive reality that men should be taking on leadership roles in their relationships. From a Christian perspective, “Man is the head and the woman is the help mate”, the good book says. And socially-speaking, isn't it awkward for a man not to be working, but dependent on his woman to support him (with an exception of stay-at-home dads). But … [Read more...]
I’m An Independent Woman Who Stands Behind Her Man
I'm an educated, independent woman with earning potential of my own. As I wrote in a previous post, my father raised me to take care of my business and to be a strong woman. But, I also stated that just because I am a strong woman doesn't mean I don't need a man. Next to God, I need my husband. Part 1 of what I am calling the "New Independent Woman Series" challenged us … [Read more...]
Why Your Marriage Needs a Husband With 4 “Faces”
Strong husbands are desperately needed in marriages today. The stronger the husband the better chance a marriage has of surviving and thriving. At the same time, the weaker the husband the more challenging it is to have a great marriage. When I say strong, I am not talking about physical strength. Addressing the challenges in manhood A few years ago I began a study with … [Read more...]
Oprah Winfrey’s School Graduates Its First Class
Despite widely publicized problems, Oprah Winfrey's school In South Africa will be graduating its first class in January. All 72 members have been accepted into universities across the United States and Canada. From The Grio: HENLEY-ON-KLIP, South Africa (AP) -- Mpumi Nobiva was raised by her grandmother in a neighborhood beset by poverty and crime after her mother died … [Read more...]
How Do We Raise Leaders?
My daughters are smart, sweet, and energetic and already know their future careers. My husband and I will be the proud parents of a future journalist, chef, artist and soccer player (keep in mind it's only two of them). But the area that needed improvement was their willingness to lead. A constant question I had was, "How do parents instill drive, motivation, and leadership … [Read more...]
10 Things Wrong With You – In Your Marriage
by Eric Payne In December of 2010 I wrote the post "Why Can't We Just Get Along". It was an open letter to all. A lamentation over the friction that exists between the sexes and within marriages. Hopefully those who were impacted by it were able to contemplate areas that they need to address. But it should not remain a mere contemplation. What Got You Here Won't Get You … [Read more...]