50 things about being 50!

#6 Salvation and Sanctification

When I became a Christian, I learned that being "saved" meant that I did not have to pay the penalty of death (separation from God) for my sins. I also discovered that God's desire for me is to grow and mature so that I can become more like Him each day. It is a life long journey of keeping in step with God and it is a road filled with failure, triumph, fist pumps, raised arms, tears and more. I take comfort in knowing that I am completely loved and accepted by God no matter what I do and that gets me out of bed each day. 

50 things about being 50!

#5 College Degree

As a child, I did not know what college was all about, but family, friends and teachers encouraged me to stay in school. I decided that I wanted to go college at age nine, although I had no idea how hard it would be to achieve that goal. In high school, my journey from the 'hood to the valley under a voluntary busing program would be paved with many challenges along the way. In essence, I was not prepared for the social and emotional implications of such an environmental change. But I got through it all and as God would have it, I applied and got accepted to UCLA. I recall my mom being on the phone when I opened that acceptance letter. When I signaled to her that I got in, she gave me a thumbs up sign and had the biggest smile on her face. I realized then that my life would never be the same. I enjoyed college and believe that I learned more outside of the classroom! It took me five years, but I earned a B.A. in Psychology. 

50 things about being 50! #4 High School Diploma

Born and raised in South Central Los Angeles, I entered a world in high school that was very different than the world in which I grew up. In fact, my claim to fame is that John Elway, hall of fame quarterback for the Denver Broncos, was a senior when I entered the 10th grade. Back then high school started in the 10th grade! The contrast of these two worlds created cultural challenges that I did not know even existed. It turned out to be a blessing in disguise as it prepared me for college life. 

As I looked around me, there were not a lot of kids in my neighborhood who aspired to get their diploma and I knew all too well that the chances of many of us graduating from high school were not great. But my parents, relatives, teachers and coaches encouraged me to stay in school and now I understand why they did so. On June 18, 1981 I had the dubious distinction of being the first in my family to graduate from high school. It was a day I will never forget! 

50 things about being 50!

#3 Great Friends
One of my favorite quotes from the classic movie, It's A Wonderful Life, is A toast to my big brother George: The richest man in town! If you have seen the movie, then you know that he was referring to all of the friends that George did not realize he had. Like George, God has blessed me with many wonderful friends over the years and I cannot imagine life without them. They have contributed to the woman that I am today:

• They care enough to be honest with me and call me out when I am out of line. 
• They spur me on to love and good deeds. 
• They pray with me and for me. 
• They provide timely words of wisdom.
• They are patient with me when I blow it. 
• They have come to my rescue. 
• They listen. They laugh. They cry with me. 
• They give me nicknames...

...and the list goes go on and on. The Bible says A man of too many friends comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. I have learned the value of true friendships whether they happen for a season or a lifetime. If great friends come a dime a dozen then I am the richest woman in town!

50 things about being 50!

#2 My Family Ties 

I smile when I think about the fond memories of my family. My mom, biological father, five siblings and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins are all alive today. That brings a smile to my face because so much of who I am stems from those family connections. Ma did all that she could to keep "young-ins' grounded and my stepfather did his best to help along those lines. My eldest brother, Ricky, was the best athlete. He could juke and move with a football like no other. The second eldest brother, Virgil was the comedian. He kept us laughing until it hurt.

I was the one who loved school and extra curricular activities and lived to excel inside the classroom and outside. My brother after me, Prince, was the fastest runner and a great dancer, but he liked to hang in the background and not show off his skills. My sister, Yvette, is the affectionate and sensitive one. She'll tell you many times a day that she loves you. Shariece, the youngest, is a reader and comedian too. She got jokes!

Although things haven't worked out well for some of family members, every day brings new hope that life will get better and lives will change. We're separated by the miles but our love for each other remains constant. I believe that God has used different circumstances and moments in my family to develop my character and teach me how to love like Him. I love my family and thankful that we still get to make memories! 

50 things about being 50! 

#1: 29 Years of walking with God
I started going to church at a young age. Both my pastor and my uncle explained to me what it meant to be a Christian and led me through a prayer to invite Jesus Christ into my heart. I did that twice, but it was all "lip service" and no true commitment. I continued to do my own thing and as I entered college, my only goals in life were to graduate, get a job, get out of the 'hood, and make a lot of money. Summer following my freshman year in 1982, I went to live with my grandparents. It was there, in my grandmother's living room, that I bowed my knees and decided to make a true commitment to follow Jesus Christ. 

But once classes began again, I left my faith at grandma's house and lived life as if God did not exist. Social life seemed to be my major because I spent more time hanging out than studying for classes. That is, until I got to the point two years later where I realized that there had to more to life than parties and sporting events. A good friend invited me a Bible study small group and my faith started to soar. I learned that I had not just invited Jesus Christ into my heart at grandma's house, but I had established a personal relationship with Him. It was such a foreign concept to me that I could get to know God and talk to Him like I would a friend. But that perspective revolutionized my Christian growth.

I made the decision to put Him first in my life and have not turned back from following Him since that moment. That was in 1984 and the journey has been incredible. I have learned so much about God's Word, His will and His ways and have grown in character, compassion, and conduct. He took an angry, bitter, selfish, sharp-tongued, opinionated sista from the 'hood, and transformed her into the image of His beloved Son Jesus Christ. You know you've changed when family members ask how long can you stay rather than when are you leaving! 

The Bible says in the book of Ephesians chapter 2 verse 10 (Eph. 2:10) "For we are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them". It only gets sweeter in Christ and I wouldn't have it any other way!

I cannot believe that I am 50 years old today. Wow where has the time gone? It has been an incredible journey of gittin' it in with Jesus Christ and growing to be more like Him each day. I can honestly say that life is great with no desire to go back and do anything differently. Things happen for a reason and God is in the midst of it all and He is not surprised by any of it. He is in control even at times when it appears he is silent. I don't know how much longer I have but I want to make the most of my days on earth. Here's to 50 great things about being 50 and the things for which I am most grateful. 

# 1 on the list: 29 years of walking with God. Stay tuned...