I am a survivor of many things. Early in life I learned that faith in God was the single most important element in surviving this journey through life.   One of my favorite quotes is- " Someone was hurt before you; wronged before you; hungry before you; frightened before you; beaten before you; humiliated before you; raped before you; yet, someone survived. - Maya Angelou"

I enjoy all types of music with blues, jazz and classical being my foundations in life.  Some of my favorite authors are:  Maya Angelou, Alice Walker, Malcolm X, Toni Morrison, Stephen King, Jeffery Deaver, Iyanla Vanzant, Edgar Allen Poe, Kahlil Gibran just to name a few.  My current favorite novel is "Graceland" written by Chris Abani, a definite must read.

Other favorite sayings:

Those who don't know how to weep with their whole heart, don't know how to laugh.  - Golda Meir

The ruin of a nation begins in the home of it's people.  - Ashanti proverb

When one door closes, another one opens. - African-American folklore

A man who stands for nothing will fall for anything. -El Hajj Malik El-Shabazz (Malcolm X)

In the solitude of your mind are the answers to all your questions about life.  You must take the time to ask and listen. - Bawa Mahaiyaddeen