"Who's Next?"

As soon as you walk into the barbershop, you speak, give your pounds and take inventory. In all actuality, as you are speaking and giving your pounds, you are already simultaneously taking inventory. Quiet as kept you're taking inventory of who's in FRONT of you and how many YOUR barber has to cut before you can take your seat in his chair.

When it was too many people, I used to take inventory of the people that came in AFTER me and worried less about who was BEFORE me. It was easier to manage in the reverse from time to time.

All the while, the simple goal was to determine "Who's Next?"

Isn't it funny how we can put so much meticulous time and effort into figuring out "Who's Next" as opposed to realizing that in the world of success we should be claiming the fact that "I'm Next?"

LOOKING good does NOT equate to FEELING good! I began to realize that the waves that I used to brush "till the end of time" were not going to take me where I needed to go. I might look good in the process, but as my Mother used to say, "GOD don't like ugly and HE ain't studdin' beauty either." In other words what I looked like mattered NOT compared to what I was doing or what I was SUPPOSED to be doing according to HIM.

Therefore, it behooved me to understand that "Who's Next" is relative to how you position yourself. This same rule applies to everyday life. Should I arrive at the barbershop when it opens up then I need not worry about "Who's Next," taking inventory of who's in front of me or who's behind me. I didn't want someone asking me "Who's Next," when I was in the position to determine that "I'm Next!" I'm next in line! It's MY turn! This is MY life and I have made the conscious decision to BE next and not WAIT for next! You can ask "Who's Next," but I've already taken my seat in the chair, "I'm Next!"

As you traverse through your daily hustle and bustle, do not wait for someone to ask "Who's Next?" Proactively make the decision that "You're Next." You're next in line to better position yourself because you had the wherewithal to take inventory from the time you hit the door of who's in front of you as well as who is behind you. You positioned yourself with "SOMEONE" that you cannot lose with! You're next simply because of the promise of HIS Word coupled with the fact that the only thing that HE cannot do is FAIL!

I don't "HAVE" next, I "AM" next!

"Who's Next" is trivial because I know that when I walk through the door of the barbershop or any other door for that matter, the inventory that I take lies in the truth, that HE is the only one in front of me, HE is the only one on both sides of me and HE is the ONLY one that stands behind me.

I don't "HAVE" next, I "AM" next!

The barber might continue to ask "Who's Next," but all the while I'm already in his chair declaring that "I'm Next!"

Love and My Mother are the Inspiration!
Love and My Mother are the Motivation!
Love and My Mother are the Celebration!

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

"A Crack Will Do"

Opportunity MAY be knocking at your front door. That window of opportunity MAY have been left wide open for you. But what about the smaller venue in which opportunity just as happily and eagerly presents itself? What about that little CRACK or crevice that you keep overlooking because you are searching for that big UPS package and get disappointed when the mailman brings you a letter? You see that letter could very well be that CRACK that you keep on overlooking that did not come in the form of a knock at the front door or an OBVIOUS wide open window. For all you know, the contents of that letter could far outweigh the physical weight of that bulky box/package that you think holds greater worth due to its size and size alone.

Don't get me wrong, for some size does indeed matter, but for the wise, knowledge of your size matters more. Opportunity has extreme versatility! How it presents itself today will probably differ from how it will present itself tomorrow or how it presented itself the day before. How we receive our opportunity should be just as versatile. I cannot begin to think about the opportunities that I have personally passed up because it did not come in the form of a big UPS box that I had to sign for.

In retrospect, the vast majority of my biggest opportunities were delivered in the smallest of venues. That offer letter for the new job at a higher salary. Fatherhood of my two bundles of joy. The day I asked about the memorization of the Church Covenant. And that small book that I carry around in my truck and with me every Sunday morning. Therefore, that CRACK or crevice, my venue, will be more than sufficient for me to "Make it Happen." Opportunity IS as opportunity DOES.

With that said....

"A Crack Will Do" since my non-discriminatory attitude towards blessings is alive and well!

"A Crack Will Do" since HE does not need a door nor a window in order to make HIS presence known.

"A Crack Will Do" since the recognition of opportunity oft times comes in the form of hard work, hence the reason why it's missed by so many, so often.

"A Crack Will Do" to keep me on my toes as I seek HIM out in search of what HE has in store for me and the manner in which HE plans on delivering it AND me.

So go ahead and sign for your big UPS box. It may or may not hold the contents that you are in search of. Whether or not it does, be conscious of how you determine its net worth.

The next time Corey is on the lookout for a "delivery," I WILL be checking for the mailman.

What can Brown do for YOU? NOTHING......compared to GOD. HE is "one size fits all."

Love and My Mother are the Inspiration!
Love and My Mother are the Motivation!
Love and My Mother are the Celebration!

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

"Patience is Not Mandatory"

Have you ever arrived at your destination to find that someone has already been there waiting for you? The one that has just arrived implies that “Patience is a Virtue” and that you should perhaps practice it more often to perfect with meticulous comprehension what it actually means. You think to yourself “this person doesn’t get it.” I do not need to be reminded that “Patience is a Virtue!” This is the same person that would have impatiently awaited YOUR arrival had the shoe been on the other foot. What are you to do? I mean should I be so honored that the lesson is being filtered through your "conduit existence" or should I remind you “Patience is Not Mandatory?”

Therein lies the dilemma in what you should do or what should be done to not be tempted to wield your razor sharp tongue, saying the wrong thing, yet meaning every word of it! The nerve of someone to assume that without his or her presence, that the world would not/could not, still spin on its axis. Quite the contrary, but trying to convince them is an exercise in futility. The dilemma continues with no resolution, just prolonged drama. Some people truly thrive in chaos and everything wreaks of their chaotic existence, but “Patience is a Virtue,” remember? Virtue it may be, but mandatory it is not.

The amount of time that is invested in awaiting “their” arrival may not yield the necessary ROI that is needed to continue along the same path. Change IS mandatory! It is imperative to the current, present and future existence of everything that we embark upon. Patience may not be mandatory, but I am so glad that HE has been patient with me! Imagine ME telling HIM that “Patience is a Virtue.” Patience may NOT be mandatory, but I am so thankful that HE chose to await MY arrival. And to think that I have been keeping HIM waiting for so long.

Of course everything happens for a reason and exactly when it is supposed to happen, but Praise and Worship should not have just been on my daily agenda, they should have been checked off as they were being completed! No, “Patience is Not Mandatory,” but I’m so grateful that HE allowed me to “get it, catch up, pursue and catch my stride.” Patience may not be mandatory, but reciprocity SHOULD be, hence the reason I will bestow upon what has been bestowed upon me.

The next time I ponder about patience not being mandatory, I will kindly remind myself that HE could have said the same thing to me.

Love and My Mother are the Inspiration!
Love and My Mother are the Motivation!
Love and My Mother are the Celebration!

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

"All the Love I Can Muster"

I intentionally and vigorously exercise my biceps to hold you with no ambiguity relative to security. I intentionally and vigorously exercise my quads to bend down to lift you up should you stumble and fall along the way. I intentionally and vigorously stretch my limbs in the event that I may need to meet you MORE THAN halfway along our journey. I intentionally and vigorously exercise my triceps to display a show of force that attacks from the side or from the rear should reconsider in their feeble attempts due to the fact that weakness is not an option and strength is my preemptive weapon of choice. I intentionally and vigorously exercise my traps and deltoids to provide the type of support and conditioning that will always have my back. I have intentionally and vigorously exercised my calf muscles to support the "Leap of Faith" that has permitted me to arrive at my current destination.

And I intentionally and vigorously SMILE to ensure you that when the world is frowning upon you, you can depend on me to SMILE upon you.

I conduct my abdominal routines to be able to withstand the blows that are trying to knock the wind out of me. Love has me running in place, doing jumping jacks, bare knuckle push-ups until the pectorals are burning with happiness that they are being formed to stick out as a show of confidence.

My strength is beyond the physical and nothing short of the spiritual.

All that I do is preparation that affords me the opportunity to strengthen me, thus strengthening us in all that we do, all that we are attempting to do and all that we will indeed become.

With "All the Love I Can Muster," my fitness for Faith, Family, Friends, Love and Life tell me that I am built for this.

With "All the Love I Can Muster," a smidgen of nothing will infiltrate the smidgen of Faith that has collected my attention, kept my interest, garnered my Praise and WELCOMED my participation.

With all the strength that I have, I absolutely adore you, with "All the Love I Can Muster."

Love and My Mother are the Inspiration!
Love and My Mother are the Motivation!
Love and My Mother are the Celebration!

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

"Prerequisites"

The arrival to the next level is strongly contingent upon proper preparation which warrants no less than the satisfactory completion of predetermined "Prerequisites."

Throughout the educational process, it has been determined that in order to take one class, you sometimes have to fulfill the obligatory "Prerequisites" that have been outlined and mandated prior to taking the NEXT level of classes.

Well life works in the same manner and capacity. In order to take your life to the next level, sometimes there are "Prerequisites" that have to be satisfied in order to appreciate the next level that we are so vigorously in search of, trying to navigate our way to.

I have personally attempted to skate around some "Prerequisites" that required my attention, but as I soon discovered, they did not and do not ever go anywhere. In all actuality, they stayed put, waiting for my inevitable return. You see, they were aware of the fact that I needed them in order to advance my personal journey. They were abundantly aware that even though I squawked at having to complete the "Prerequisites," they were well informed of the advantageous position they would later afford me.

Those "Prerequisites" were not trying to hold me back, they were trying to give me the foundation that I needed to build on. Those "Prerequisites" were trying to provide me with the necessary fundamentals that dictated that I needed to crawl before I walk, that I needed to walk before I ran, that I needed to have my support mechanisms in place to take any and all of my movements to the next level.

Within my personal transition, I have been and continue to be Blessed with "Prerequisites" that have bridged the gap between my own understanding or the lack thereof and the need to "lean not on my own understanding" to further advance my journey by coming to terms that I do not know it all. Where I am weak, HE is strong. And where I am strong, HE is even STRONGER!

GOD has been better to me than I have been to myself and I am so grateful for the opportunity to humble Corey and give "Thanks" for what my life has become and for who I am steadily becoming. A better person, a exceptional loving father, a humble spirit, a caring brother, a better friend, a spiritual warrior, a better listener (I'm trying), a proactive doer, a more patient reactive participant, a better planner, a good Uncle and an IMPECCABLE son, to HIM and my Mother.

All of my "Prerequisites" have not been taken since my refusal to cease learning and the successful shattering of the glass ceiling that once enclosed my thought process is no more. The potential to sponge and soak up as much as possible is only part of the equation. The other part of the equation begs me to formulate what I have learned and share. The "Prerequisite" for sharing is the satisfactory understanding and acceptance of the fact that I have indeed been Blessed.

With as much encouragement as I can muster, in life's next semester, do not attempt to avoid your "Prerequisites." The next level awaits your arrival and they are indeed mandatory.

Love and My Mother are the Inspiration!
Love and My Mother are the Motivation!
Love and My Mother are the Celebration!

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

"Smiles and Glow"

Have you ever found yourself in the presence of a person that possesses a spirit that is undeniable, emphatic, deliriously positive and genuinely real? The illumination is so sincere that it is not just in the steps that they have already taken, but it exists well within the steps that they have YET to take.

Even the Periodic Table of Elements desires to possess the ingredients that composes the happiness and stirs up the emotions of what you have found yourself in the presence of.

An unwavering Faith in knowing what is real, contrived or just for show. A demeanor that begs to differ with any demeanor that is not at least complimentary to THAT demeanor.

Women possess the "Smiles & Glow when they are in love with a GOOD man.

Dedicated and present father's possess the "Smiles & Glow" as they bare witness to the birth and subsequent accomplishments of their children.

Some expecting Mother's possess the "Smiles & Glow" as they gently caress their bellies, pondering the future, anticipating the inevitable arrival.

Mother's possess the "Smiles & Glow" as they watch their children become parents of their own, instilling all the things that are sacred and pure.

The Faithful possess the "Smiles & Glow" as they stand on the Promising Word of their Lord and Savior.

"Smiles & Glow" have a way of righting any wrong that you may have endured. "Smiles & Glow" tell the story of survival because once upon a time those "Smiles & Glow" were probably non-existent. Yet here you stand: Revealed, Healed and full of much needed Zeal!

The very next time you walk into a room, be that same presence that you once found yourself in the presence of. Be that undeniable, emphatic spirit that is genuinely real and deliriously positive.

Should you be unaware, find out what brings about your "Smiles & Glow?" Whatever it may be, keep it in your presence. Whomever it may be, always keep them nearby. Wherever it may be, visit it often. Should it be you, contagiously infect as many as possible as often as possible.

HE represents my eternal "Smiles and Glow."
She represents my Love, "Smiles and Glow."
They represent the legacy of my "Smiles and Glow."

And here's to the longevity of ALL of YOUR "Smiles & Glow."

Love and My Mother are the Inspiration!
Love and My Mother are the Motivation!
Love and My Mother are the Celebration!

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

"Glimmer of Hope"

Just a flicker of a spark, a tiny beam of light, a crack in the window of opportunity, a positive gesture in a negative-filled atmosphere, all represent a "Glimmer of Hope." A hope that I can cling to, albeit the last strand of a once impenetrable rope that has withered through the storm, yet managed to resemble itself through its determination to "hold on," all the while representing a "Glimmer of Hope."

"It may not be what it once was, but it still is."

Taking the scenic route towards accomplishing your goals often feels like you are inching your way over an elongated period of time in what should have taken you less time and resources to accomplish the same thing. But the fact that you have not given up means that there still exists a "Glimmer of Hope."

"I may not be what I once was, but I still am."

Determined to give it another chance, another try, another go-round confirms that all that is needed is a "Glimmer of Hope" to light that spark, to ignite that fire and douse those flames in a symbolic gesture to show that you have arrived because HE, never left. All the while HE was awaiting your arrival. And now that you are here, standing on HIS promise, recognize the fact that the only thing that HE cannot do, is fail."

GOD has always been who HE said HE was and HE still is."

Holding on to that rope, that last "Glimmer of Hope," is easy to do knowing that HE, is on the other end.

Love and My Mother are the Inspiration!
Love and My Mother are the Motivation!
Love and My Mother are the Celebration!

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

"Hand It Over"

Sometimes victory is within our hands and we simply "Hand It Over." Sometimes victory is right within our grasp and we do not extend our arms out to reach it, thus we simply "Hand It Over." Sometimes we get tired of trying and our actions just take victory and "Hand It Over."

Sometimes we look to fabricate the truth instead of being part of the truth. Sometimes we say no, when there is no reason NOT to say yes. Sometimes we are the very company that misery loves to keep. Yet we find it necessary to verbalize how tired we are of our predicaments, all the while holding on to the past as if it is our sole and most prized possession.

Well, moving on requires letting go! Moving on requires the mental, emotional, spiritual AND physical action of literally moving on. Fear has no place within FAITH. The two simply cannot coexist.

I am moving on with the rest of my forever. Keep up like your happiness depends on it! Keep up like the nourishment of your smile craves it!

TASTE the victory with a single tastebud!
SMELL the victory through the deviated part of your deviated septum!
HEAR the victory through your damaged eardrum!
SEE the victory through your bad vision!
FEEL the victory in everything you TOUCH!

Use every one of your senses to realize the VICTORY through your entire existence.

Play to win! Refuse to "Hand It Over" ever again. Its at hand and its all YOURS!

No longer will you "Hand It Over."

Love and My Mother are the Inspiration!
Love and My Mother are the Motivation!
Love and My Mother are the Celebration!

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

"The Audacity of GOD"

Failing to realize and selectively realizing the difference that has been afforded to you by the hands and thoughts of someone else, via the conduit commonly referred to as "Blessings," begs me to wonder about the audacity of those individuals thinking that they are entitled to the "Blessings" that befall them.

How dare you to think that you are who and what you are, all and solely because of YOU and YOUR efforts ALONE! How ridiculous of you to walk about as if you have the cure for the common cold stashed away in your wallet or a cure for cancer tucked away in your purse. The denial of allocation of time from me to you would be justifiable EVEN in the eyes of the shadiest prosecutor working in the most horrific "justice-less" courtroom in the system.

But the one thing that compels me to "pray for instead of argue with" is The "Audacity of GOD!" How HE allows me to navigate through the thorny vines of life with not even a scratch or a prick is proof positive that HIS audaciousness means that there is an understanding bigger than me! There is a LOVE greater than mine! There is a way that can only be illuminated by HIM! There is a presence that is unparalleled, uncompromising and omnipotent! The "Audacity of GOD" drives me to overlook the buffoonery of such characters that strut about as if their presence alone is enough contribution to humanity as a whole.

I'm not impressed! Get over yourself! Or watch what you possess in the palm of your hands dissipate right before your very eyes.

The next time you think you have it going on and should be revered as such, compare your accomplishments to those of HIS! Then after you put yourself in check ask for the wisdom and knowledge that will truly make others revere you, yet keep you humble enough to know from wince it all came.

The "Audacity of GOD" is a wonderful, beautiful, magnificent thing. Talk about somebody that's REALLY got it going on!

Love and My Mother are the Inspiration!
Love and My Mother are the Motivation!
Love and My Mother are the Celebration!

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

"Lean Not on Your Own"

Have you ever answered a question before it was even asked? Have you ever seen a contestant hit the buzzer on Jeopardy before Alex finished, compelling them to offer up what they THINK is being asked of them? That is what my Mother used to refer to as "Putting the cart before the horse." How could you possibly begin to bring forth an answer if you have not even heard the question in its entirety? A lot of the time, we THINK we understand more than what we actually DO. And once we have HEARD the question we then realize that patience should have been on our side at the moment the question was being formed because we wound up being totally off base and kind of look silly for being too presumptuous for our own good.

Life requires the same patience from us. Too much of the time, we jump to conclusions or offer up our own explanations, when they have nothing to do with nothing, and out of fear of rejection or better yet, CORRECTION, we try to hurry up and justify why our reflexes were working faster than our brains at that moment.

This is exactly what I want to illustrate in the point of the title, "Lean Not on Your Own." I am in the process of learning the importance of "Leaning Not on My Own Understanding" because too often, as the Jeopardy contestants, I have been guilty of hitting the buzzer too soon, answering the question before it was even formed, let alone asked. And just like others, without confession of my act, I tried to offer up my opinions on why my reflexes were working faster than my brain, at that moment.

In order to understand what is going on I need to exercise more patience and practice understanding that is OTHER than my own. I cannot allow myself to draw my own conclusions because being right is not the point. Being UPRIGHT is better than being right. If I am working too hard at being right all of the time, then my understanding will falter, thus hindering my progress, growth and development in a space that is greater than the one that I personally occupy.

I absolutely must NOT lean on my own understanding to avoid the deployment of erroneously incorrect information, further falsifying the truth and contributing to a perpetual cycle of inconsistencies. I absolutely MUST "Lean Not on My Own Understanding" so that I can contribute to the positive energy of the REAL understanding and from wince it came.

It is absolutely imperative to "Lean Not on My Own Understanding" since any understanding contrary to that would be out of sync and not representative of the beginning OR the end of an understanding that is not unique to my birth and will endure long after my death.

I will work harder to "Lean Not on My Own Understanding" because it is simply, "Not About Me." Together we should ALL "Lean Not on Our Own Understanding" and await the question in its entirety before we hit the buzzer and begin to offer up a response.

"Lean Not on Your Own"

Love and My Mother are the Inspiration!
Love and My Mother are the Motivation!
Love and My Mother are the Celebration!

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey