Pressing on in thanksgiving

This Thanksgiving weekend 2009 has been a remarkable one. I chilled, relaxed and got plenty to eat - to much. Family and friends were together and the joy of the holiday brought about a certain peace of mind that's much welcomed.

I spent time in my office, too. During this time, I reflected on the direction I want my business, Soaring High Media Group, to go. I pictured the new clients I want to join forces with and, of course, the money I hope to earn. I contemplated how much am I worth to my clients? As an advertising and public relations specialist, I pondered what value can I add to my clients' bottomline? What intangibles are there that I'll have to deal with and overcome? This is an evolution of thought...

A burst of fresh renewal filled my being this past September as I moved my office from my basement into a multi-purpose building. I realized that my sun is rising, the light is bright and the heavens have no limits. This rejuvenation in my spirit comes after being laid off January 20 -President Obama's inauguration day - from Clear Channel Communications following 12+ years in advertising sales.

Teaming with business partners who also have their own individual businesses, we created "Kingdom Resources International," a "families of companies"(a term borrowed from my cousin, Elisha Brown of Brown-Kortkamp Realty/Moving & Storage/Elisha Brown Insurance Agency/Urban Planning & Development) to provide administrative and marketing support services to emerging ministries and small businesses. We have warehouse type building where we can offer space for special events such as concerts, seminars as well as temporary office space and a mailing center.

I'm writing this blog from my home, in the basement where I once housed my office. On the wall is a poster of a man climbing bleacher seats in a stadium. The caption reads in big, bold letters: "PRESSING ON." Underneath is the scripture - "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:14

I'm pressing on, pushing forward, believing in the impossible, managing around my weaknesses and capitalizing on my strengths. That's what life is all about.

To that end of knowing I'm not perfect, I admire people like my wife, Nina, who has always pushed forward and provided me the love and support.

I thank God for Earl Wilson, head of the St. Louis Gateway Classic Sports Foundation, whom I briefly worked for in the mid-90s as a media/public relations specialist. As a business man, Earl was a tough, self-centered, mean, rude and extremely unorthodox in his business approach, which some would term "crazy." But he taught me to stick to my guns - no matter what people thought of you. He would tell me to "chew on the good and spite out the bad." Earl's heart was to give back to underprivileged African-American children in St. Louis neighborhoods and see economically challenged black kids go to college. That he has accomplished by donating more than two million dollars to kids organizations and to educational scholarship money from proceeds from the annual black college football game.

And I'm thankful for my former pastor, Dr. Richard Burruss of Transformation Christian Church & World Outreach Center, who went home to be with the Lord as few years back. He showed me how to be a man despite yourself.

I didn't know where this blog was going; I still don't. But I'm finished, for now.

I'm pressing on!