Song "Like it's your Birthday"

Verse 1
Lord, Thank you for your gift
Now can I make a wish?
I know anything I do it won’t amount up to your presence
but I wish I could have been there to witness your resurrection

you came up out that grave and now my life is saved
so I have eternal joy and peace through gray and cloudy days
but sometimes I lose my confidence when I feel I can’t accomplish this
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through you’re acknowledgement

pull me closer to you, for me, to know you lord
as we build up this relationship I want to know much more
so I will give you all my time, to love you harder than before
as I look back on my past I say it’s time to shut the door

When my weakness got exposed, many people walked away,
so I don’t trust anybody when they tell me that they’re here to stay
and I will never trust a culprit who fake it for any reason
So when my love is lost I will depend on my Jesus

hook:

Lord I know you love me so I bring my gift to you

Give me the strength and courage to forever live through you
Navigating through this journey I know you with me on my worst day
So I will give you my attention like every day your birthday

Verse 2

Why – we come to you with our hands out
why --we lose our power in a drought
but expect for you to fix it like technicians on the curb
see the bible is the plug so I’m connected to your word

but I was once filled with ignorance and I acted so belligerent
you gave me the fruits of the spirit so we can become a little more intimate
you building me up, I’m praising you now, once was lost but now I’m found
Love, joy, peace, patience, some of my characteristics now

You died on that blue cross, and your soul began to lift off
And I still fall, but I’m packing up, moving on- uhaul
Sometimes I feel alone cuz nobody shares my dreams I feel like a franchise player on a mediocre team
2nd Corinthians 6:13 don’t hang around those who don’t believe

When my flaws got exposed, those I loved walked away
I wish they would have told me that they wasn’t here to stay
So I will never trust a culprit who fakes it for any reason
So when my love is lost I will depend on my Jesus!

hook:

Lord I know you love me so I bring my gift to you

Give me the strength and courage to forever live through you
Navigating through this journey I know you with me on my worst day
So I will give you my attention like every day your birthday

Verse 3
I just I just, can’t figure this out, NO
I just I just don’t understand the route
Of how we make you secondary when you are extraordinary
But use my heart to file away your love - I’m your secretary

But it’s kind of hard to try and be, the man in this plan you set for me
When I lose hope, you bring faith- believing in you who I can’t see
Omniscience, listen, the road to repentance, you the one gave me - existence
You calling the shots and I will be of your assistance

The road could be so long, the wait is making me strong
Sometimes I want to quit and you say boy you just hold on
Cuz your friends don’t even see the plan that I’m creating
So follow my lead cuz heaven is your final destination

When my flaws got exposed, my friends walked away
Man I wish they would have told me that they wasn’t here to stay
I will never trust a culprit who fake it for any reason
So when my love is lost I will depend on my Jesus

hook:

Lord I know you love me so I bring my gift to you

Give me the strength and courage to forever live through you
Navigating through this journey I know you with me on my worst day
So I will give you my attention like every day your birthday

Spoken Word "I Was Afraid"

What if I told you that Kadeem, had a big dream

Of emulating, Dr. Martin Luther King

But truth is, I was Afraid of living out my dream

Because that mean, I would have to change a couple things

I was Afraid, to be a real man of God

Because the world would look at me like “he’s kind of odd”

So it’s no surprise I stumbled in my walk

But I never put on a façade to try and play it off

Really, I was Afraid to go the extra mile

I felt like, giving part of my life away is something I would allow

I recollect the results are bitter sweet

Because every time I fell I rose to my feet

But, I can’t say the same for others

Most are lost and some are gone forever

Because: they’re Afraid, they’re Afraid

Yea, they’re Afraid, they’re Afraid

To commit to you, because they’ll feel captured

See they’ll only come to you when life is a disaster

Or, we can look at it the other way around

Some people feel “I don’t need church right now”

Because life is going well, look at me can’t you tell

And I’m saved, so I know, I won’t be living in hell

And then you have those who treat church like an option

They say “God you know my heart,” but I’d rather go shopping

But I’ll say prayer, isn’t that enough?

Because building a relationship with You is just too much!

See, that’s why I was Afraid, I would have to make a sacrifice

Would I miss out on anything if I give you my whole life?

I don’t know, but I’ll take a chance and walk down this road

I just hope I find a click full of soldiers, who really want to grow

2 Corinthians 6:14 - don’t be joined with unbelievers

So I will surround myself with a team - full of overachievers!

Spoken Word: "How Come"

How Come right seems wrong, and wrong seems right

How Come it seems wrong, to give you our life?

The hardest thing for us to do is cooperate with you

Because the flesh is telling us to do what “we want” to do

Those who believe in you seem to struggle the most

That’s why many people tend to lose some of their hope

The backsliders, the sinners, seem to have it all

The house, the cars, and money to show it off

How Come right seems wrong, and wrong seems right

How Come it seems wrong, to give you our life?

It would be better though, if we could see you through a telescope

For you to pierce through the sky, and make your love tangible

Sometimes I get angry, because I feel like I’m living a lie

Wish I could throw a rope in the air and pull you out of the sky

Because it’s making me sick, to see these imbeciles getting rich

And it makes me wonder, is the plan you have for me really legit

But I’m not all about the money; I just want what I deserve

That’s when you remind me, all I deserve is your word!

Because the greatest gift, is something money can’t buy

So Lord, thanks for not being mad at me for writing this alibi!

Michael Vick: A second chance at $100 Million



Eagles QB Michael Vick

Michael Vick has been on an uncharted journey within the last five years. Vick had gone from one of the biggest stars in the NFL to one of the most hated athletes in America when he plead guilty to a federal felony of illegal dog fighting in 2007. Due to his actions Vick lost his NFL salary, his endorsements, and spent 21 months in prison followed by two months in home confinement.

Fast forward to August 31, 2011 and the Newport News native is thankful for the opportunity that the Philadelphia Eagles have given him. After two seasons with the Eagles, the franchise has rewarded Vick with a six-year $100 million deal that includes $40 million in guaranteed money.

“I never thought I would come to this point to be honest,” Vick said. “But like I said earlier it goes to show how much I know and I’m very thankful for the opportunity that’s been given by this organization….. I’m just thankful because I never knew that this point would come in my life, they committed two years ago and they’re still committing so now I feel like the feeling is mutual.”

The former No.1 pick in the 2001 NFL Draft was the 2010 NFL Comeback Player of the Year, and he finished second in the MVP race to quarterback Tom Brady of the New England Patriots after passing for 3,018 yards, 21 touchdowns and 6 interceptions. With a $100 million deal, the signing of cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, the addition of quarterback Vince Young and the return of star receiver DeSean Jackson, the pressure is on Vick to bring this organization a Super Bowl ring.

"Nothing will make me happier than to put a ring on this guy's finger right here next to me, and mine as well," Vick said Tuesday, sitting next to Andy Reid, the ink barely dry on the new deal. "That's my focus. That's what I'm setting out to do. And that's what I'll rally this team to do." (Ashley Fox of ESPN.com)

At 31-years-old, Vick’s persona has changed. Vick appears very humble and grateful for the blessings he has received from the Eagles. Vick is no longer selfish and arrogant; he is now a leader in the locker-room, on the field, and he has gained the respect of his teammates.

With this contract many analysts and fans will be critiquing Vick’s demeanor to see if his motivation remains at a high level. Many wonder if he will become settled, or show the passion that is needed to lead the Eagles to the Super Bowl.

Eagle’s Nest commencement speech, June 19, 2011

Morehouse College Commencement 2011

I LOVE MY LIFE. After all of the things that I have endured, the last three years have really been a relief. It has been full of excitement, and to top it off I can be mentioned in the same sentence as Spike Lee and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as graduates of Morehouse College. My Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has opened the doors for my friends and I to fly, and we have been blessed.

After completing my freshman year at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona I decided to transfer because my dream, since my youth, was to attend Morehouse or UCLA. In the fall of 2008 I embarked on a journey to attend Morehouse College which demanded that I go on a faith walk to get there; I had less than half of the money to attend school, but I refused to stay in LA and I put my whole mission in God’s hands. After a month on campus, I was rewarded with the Coca Cola scholarship and a couple of private loans that allowed for me to matriculate and to become the first college graduate in my family.

Attending a prestigious institution to attain a higher education was the ultimate challenge for me. It took time, dedication, and persistence to achieve this academic foundation. My God given dogged determination to succeed empowered me to overcome my dysfunctional and marginalized background.

Therefore, I would like to say thank you to my mother, Gayle Johnson. Together we have experienced many trials and tribulations that have presented many challenges. I know that you have been challenged with my rebellion, expulsion from schools, and my father rejecting raising me. In spite of it all we made it. Many hardships could have led to the demise of our relationship, but as the first of the four spiritual laws state, God loves me and offers a wonderful plan for my life.

My life has moved from the ordinary to one that aspires to a life of substance. Therefore I am now determined to shape my identity by denouncing mischievousness, intemperance, and anger, by embracing servitude, responsibility, and accountability. Does my past mean nothing? No. It means that I will allow God to exalt me through the wisdom that God has enabled me to learn from my past.

Now I’m on a journey that God has solely mapped out for me, which is to be a role model for those who are traveling down the same path that I was blessed to escape. This expedition is a ride that I have loved since August 23rd 2007, the day I rededicated my life back to Christ, and it continues to get better. Even when life’s pressures peak, I know that God will not allow for me to be shaken. My intestinal fortitude is founded in Philippians 4:13; I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me! Thus, when life has its sharp edges and thorns, just remember to always *Pray Hard, Pray Tough, and Pray Strong*

2011 NBA FINALS



(left) LeBron James (right) Dirk Nowitzki



The Dallas Mavericks upset the Miami Heat in game 2 of the 2011 NBA Finals by rallying from a 15-point deficit with less than seven minutes left in the fourth quarter. The Heat led 88-73 before the Mavericks, led by Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Terry, engineered a 22-5 run with six minutes remaining to defeat the Heat.

The Mavericks were in a bit of a shooting slump throughout the first three quarters, but their defense remained honest even though the Heat were able to pull ahead by 15. Nowitzki turned on his “clutch” gene and was able to nail the final nine points for the Mavs. The comeback was sealed when Nowitzki tied the game at 90-90 after converting a left-hand layup with 57 seconds to go after an Udonis Haslem turnover.

Nowitzki game winning layup

Nowitzki hit the go ahead three with 26 seconds remaining, but Mario Chalmers responded with a corner three to tie the game 93-93. With eight seconds to go, Nowitzki ran an isolation at the top of the key and converted another left-handed layup to give the Mavs a 95-93 lead with three seconds left. Dwayne Wade missed a last second three that would have won the game for the Heat.

Though the Mavs ended well, scoring didn’t come easy.

“Their defense is suffocating, we really couldn’t get any good looks until the end” Nowitzki said.

The series now heads back to Dallas tied 1-1 with three straight home games for the Mavs since the NBA Finals format is 2-3-2. Throughout the playoffs the Mavs have been shocking their opponents with late game comebacks; they stunned the Los Angeles Lakers in game 1 by overcoming a 16-point deficit, and rallied from 15 down against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals.

In his reaction to the disappointing loss, Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra conveyed:

“We have a lot of guys with character and toughness that will be able to respond in moments like this… we have a resilient group and by the time we get on the plane they will get their minds, bodies and spirits ready for game 3.”

Wade led the Heat with 36 points and six assists, LeBron James added 20 points and eight rebounds, and Chris Bosh chipped in with 12 points and eight boards. The “Big 3” had a little help from Mike Bibby who scored 14 points, but it wasn’t enough.

Mavs celebrating win

“They played very well, we pride ourselves on defense, but they were able to break us down at the end and we made some mental mistakes…. they deserved the win and we didn’t” Wade said.

Nowitzki led the Mavs with 24 points and 11 rebounds, Shawn Marion scored 20 points and grabbed eight boards, and Terry added 16 points and five assists.

Many analysts are looking forward to game 3 to see if the Heat can rebound from their fourth quarter downfall. Game 3 is in Dallas on Sunday June 5^th at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

Heat Advance: Eastern Conference Finals



Chris Bosh, Dwayne Wade, LeBron James

LeBron James and Dwayne Wade have finally gotten the Boston Celtics monkey off their backs. Wade and the Miami Heat were defeated by the Celtics 4-1 in the first round of the 2010 playoffs, and the Celtics defeated James’s Cleveland Cavaliers 4-2 in the Conference Semifinals. This postseason, things turned out differently.

The Heat dismissed the Celtics from the 2011 playoffs in game five with an epic performance by James. Tied at 87-87 with 2:30 left in the fourth quarter, James scored the Heat’s final 10 points by sinking two three’s and converting two dunks to put the Heat up 97-87.



James with the dunk

With 4:29 remaining the Celtics had a six point lead 87-81, but they couldn’t hold on to force a game six back in Boston. Ray Allen had the hot hand for the Celtics as he shot 5-10 from behind the arc, Kevin Garnett chipped in with 15 points and 11 rebounds, but Paul Pierce struggled with foul trouble and only contributed 12 points.

Many analysts believe that this dismissal is the end of the Celtics era as an elite team because of their age and injuries. After their all-star point guard Rajon Rondo suffered a dislocated left elbow in game three, the Celtics could not run their offense smoothly and effectively in games four and five. Though Rondo played in the final two games, he was not able to participate in the fourth quarters. 

By defeating the Celtics, and with the sweep of the Lakers by the Dallas Mavericks, the Heat are now the favorite to win the NBA Finals. Their “big three” has been playing very well and their offense has been phenomenal in this playoffs. James is averaging 26 points, nine rebounds, and four assists per game, Wade is pouring in 26 ppg, seven boards, and five assists per game, while Chris Bosh is putting up 16 ppg and nine rebounds per game.

Wade celebrating Heat's win

James admitted before game five that their trio was inspired by the Celtics to form a “super team,” as the Celtics did in the summer of 2007 when they added Garnett and Allen. Some critics also believe that the rumor of relations between James’s former teammate, Delonte West, now a member of the Celtics, and James’s mother, Gloria James, played a role in his decision to “take his talents to South Beach.”

Thus, with the Heat’s trio playing this well, it will be hard for their opponents to defeat them.

The next challenger for the Heat will either be the Chicago Bulls, who are led by the league’s MVP Derrick Rose, or the Atlanta Hawks. The Bulls and Hawks will face off in game six tonight at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN.