Let's Get Ready To Rumble: Mother and Child Edition

Many of us get into it with our mothers from time to time.Even as adults, we may not still curse or talk back to them. But there has seemingly been a collective head bumping since puberty that seems to take decades to taper off.

I can speak from experience here. My mom and I have gotten really heated at times. We have had to fall back from each other for often days at a time. Yes we have an awesome relationship but it's not all peaches and cream.

It seems like girls are more than likely to fight and fuss with their mothers, while guys typically want to be more protective and quiet.  Also with guys, you want to treat your mother well. That's where it starts as a child. You will tend to treat other women well.

Here are four quick tips on facilitating the healing after a blowout with your mom.

1. Distance

Realize what has happened and back away from the situation. Trust me here. Give it a day or two, then talk it out like civilized adults.

2. Admit your shortcomings.

Yes when mama's unhappy, everybody is, even when she's in the wrong. Admit your own faults, and try to find common ground. 

3. Let It Go

Sometimes it's simply not that crucial to be getting all upset about. It could also have long term effects. You may win the battle, but you'll lose the war. Choose your words and battles carefully and know when to leave it alone.

4. End the altercation in peace.

This is the hardest but after common ground, find some peace in the midst of conflict. You may need a buffer to assist,  but you don't wanna leave things too tense for too long. Most of us want peace and not war anyways, especially with the person that brought us into this world.

Remember fights are often inevitable but there's usually nothing beyond repair. Keep it moving and don't stop loving your mother. You only have one after all.

What is the worst fight you and your mother ever had? How did you deal with it?

The Save Our Children Movement Inc: Impacting Children's Lives One Event At A Time

Service organizations, especially those involving our youth, have always been important to me. I am currently involved in three such groups. One of the most active is The Save Our Children Movement Inc, or SOCM ("sock em") for short.

SOCM is a non-profit organization which was founded by my cousin Rodney McGill, whom is also the president and CEO.Rodney, along with our other cousin, Greg "G-Baby" Gaines (vice-president) have grown up and have witnessed firsthand the despair regarding the youth situation in Gastonia, NC. These two, along with others, have taken action and wanted to make matters better.

In 2014, SOCM has taken off full blast. To date, there have been a total of 15 different events that this organization has sponsored or headlined over four cities in North and South Carolina. SOCM has been in Gastonia, Kings Mountain, NC, Clover, SC and Charlotte, NC. These events have included cookouts, school supply giveways, free haircuts for the children, a movie night, a health fair, and a weekend of Halloween parties. Free stuff such as food, beverages, clothes, candy and school supplies have been available at each and every SOCM event. One of the next events is slated to be a day trip for 30 children and 10 adult chaperones to the aquarium in Atlanta, GA, depending upon funding. SOCM has definitely been on the move. They have been all about positive action.  They also received an award at event #15 in Charlotte for outstanding community service. Word is definitely getting around not only on social media and the streets but to major movers and shakers.

There have been many people, donors and sponsors that have assisted throughout this year. Some include Sean Boyd (Rodney's youngest brother) , Lewis Tate (another cousin of ours) , Hope Boyd, Ananasa Wright, Chris Wallace (our DJ) , Rodney Barber (appropriately named since his business provides the free haircuts for children), Sonji Williams, Cynthia P. Stitt at the Highland Health Center, and Martha Bratton, who is our SOCM liaison in Clover. Other sponsors include Primary Care Solutions, Cardinal Medical, American Gold Label, Absolute Steam and Star Faith Ministries.

SOCM is truly taking the Carolinas by storm and making a positive mark. For further information or to make a donation towards one of our events, email info@socminc.org or call (704)937-1617 or visit www.socminc.org. They are there to help and uplift youth of all cultural, socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds. Simply come to an event and witness the positive action in motion!

Seven Things I Want To Teach My Future Child

I look forward to the day that I have my own child. It will be work, but I'm ready to give my future son or daughter a good foundation and skillset. The following are seven things that I want them to learn.

1. About love, and loving the Lord

I cannot say yet whether or not I have a preference which denomination my kids are raised under. My main focus is that they know who the Lord is, read the Bible, and about Heaven and Hell.  I want to teach them love and how to love and be loved. What better way to do that than by teaching them God's love and Jesus's sacrifice for us. God is love and I want them to know that.

2. How to cook and grill

Being that I'm adept on the grill and come from a long line of awesome cooks, this is something I want them to know how to do, male or female. I want them to be self sufficient and independent and this is one way. Nowadays it seems no one cooks anymore. They microwave and eat out. I don't want this art to be lost on my seed.

3. Reading and Writing Well

I want them to be well read and educated. I would like them to at least finish high school and possibly college, military or tech school.  I mentioned before about cursive writing being phased out. Well I want my children to understand the basics of signing your name and communicating well in numerous areas. Sharing this gift and skill can help them in their futures.

4. Play at least one musicial instrument.

Music is the universal language, and I want them to understand it. It could be piano lessons, the school band, church or the orchestra. I want them to at least give it a try. I am all about enhancing the brain and expanding horizons.

5. Computer knowledge

The schools teach technology even more, and technology drives our everyday lives. I want my children to have a piece of what I have learned: past, present, and future.  No illiteracy of any kind will exist in my house, and computers are no different.

6. Basic Law Knowledge

My grandmother told me that knowing the law is so important and applicable to many situations. I want them to know due process, how to treat and talk to law enforcement, and to know their legal rights. The intent will not be for them to live above the law but abide by the law, and to protect themselves against unfair practices.

7. Mechanical knowledge (car, home)

I don't want my children feeling like they need to have Triple A on speed dial. I want them to be able to change their oil, tires, and maintain an automobile. I also want them to at least be able to swing a hammer and know how to properly use a wrench. This goes back to being self sufficient. I want them to be better than me in many aspects, and being mechanical is one of them.

I am a realist and I know they may not grasp everything I show them or may live a different life. However, I want to do my part, not be forceful, and then leave them in God's hands.