Sup.

Reaching Out.

Peace!...with 2 fingers;)

2 with 2.

Peace!...with 2 fingers;)

Southside Economic Development Project.

Own Terms.

Peace!...with 2 fingers;)

Jeremy's Bestie.

Peace!...with 2 fingers;)

Enough.

Peace!....with 2 fingers;)

Southside Economic Development Project.

Fight Alone.

Peace!...with 2 fingers;)

Shutter.

Peace!...with 2 fingers;)

Inspiration.

"Take the time 2 show sincere empathy & understanding of others for 
it's NOT always about you!"

Those are the wise words from 

Mama Weddington 

who is responsible for this 

one wreck of a man;)

As a center piece in her community, 

she's a dedicated server of Christ, 

single mother of 5 

& GED @ 36.

Inspiration. from The Weddington Adventures. on Vimeo.

Let me add her Associates @ 38. 

Bachelors @ 40....
Masters @42.

Did I say 5 children living the 

burrows of Altgeld?

What a wonderful achievement 

&always remember that it's NEVER 2 late.

(Just saying...)

Now how's that for "inspiration"?

Peace!...with 2 fingers;)

Scars.

When 29 year old actor Lee Thompson Young didn’t show up on the set of TNT's Rizzoli & Isles, the show’s producers were concerned and contacted the police. Soon after, Young was found dead, believed to have shot himself. He didn’t leave a note.

Perhaps the “mystery” was depression  Sources close to Young claim that he suffered from it for months leading to his death.

Young isn’t alone. Over the past few years, we have lost a number of Black men to suicide: Soul Train’s Don Cornelious, Capital Steez, Freddy E, Violator Management founder Chris Lighty and Kansas City Chiefs player Jovan Belcher.

And yet, this issue isn’t often talked about. But what more do we need as a community to start taking this issue seriously

How long are we going to keep labeling mental health issues as The Other Person problem?”

The unwillingness to discuss & acknowledge mental health has become another unfortunate hurdle especially given that the data is clear that suicide rates are on the rise.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide is the third cause of death among African-American males between ages 15 and 24, behind homicide and accidents. And while suicide rates among Black men are lower than their white counterparts, the rates have increased dramatically.   

Meanwhile, Black men are least likely to access mental health services. Why?

Poor access to quality health care/counseling is a major factor to why seeking early detection is a nonpriority. Another barrier is the cultural stigma that states no need for therapy / medication for 

religiosity will make a way.

But one unseen factor that deserves attention is how Black masculinity serves as a huge barrier to seeking care.

Whether the media or just daily conversation, Black men receive messages daily to be hyper masculine, super strong & angry.

“Man up!”

“Real men don’t cry.”

“Showing emotion makes you soft.”

“Being vulnerable makes you weak.”

These types of attitudes continue to help foster a culture of silence that allows for Black men to sit and suffer alone.

There's a greater need to begin serious dialog where people are able to express themselves, be vulnerable & speak about the pain. 

So...lets stop equating being "devoid of emotions" with manhood & step up.




Peace!...with 2 fingers;)

Blink.

As time moves on, a greater appreciation for where 
we are & what we do takes place. 

A constant reminder of things surrounded in strife brings about a true understanding of perspective.

Everyone is counted & things can happen in a simple "BLINK" of an eye. 

Boom!...Just like that. 

Now how's that for vunerability?

Knowing that may not sit well for most but 
keeping it on the positive seems 2 be the better option.... 

Yep!

Peace!....with 2 fingers;)

Jennifer's 2.

Peace!...with 2 fingers;)

Never 2 Late.

Peace!...with 2 fingers;)

Minott's.

Peace!...with 2 fingers;)

Chapter #3 - Ancient.

The adventure continues on as we set 
off 2 church for some worship & H.S 
(that's holy spirit for short...he, he, he.) 

Witnessing prayer on a level such as this allows me 
2 re-evaluate my personal position. 

Oh yes it does!

While there, myself along with John 
& Danielle was finally baptized in a lake. 

Yes a lake. (lol)
(No way possible I could make this up.)

Ancient. from The Weddington Adventures. on Vimeo.
Now that was surely something of the totally unexpected 

but then again, I'll take it.

The team was supportive & made me feel so much more at ease during this life changing process. 

God is a great God that's for sure;)

Hmm...I wonder what else is in store on this amazing journey.....

Guess we shall see....

Peace!...with 2 fingers;)

Deeper Roots.

Peace!...with 2 fingers;)

Chapter #1 - Valley.

Valley. from The Weddington Adventures. on Vimeo.

This marks the beginning of a newfound adventure...

(...you know how much I love those.)

Ometepe, Nicaragua is the destination along with a wonderful group of spiritual soldiers by way of the Rock Church in Scarborough, Me.

....on to Boston then over 2 Miami....a 3 hour plane ride 2 Nicaragua & finally a ferry 2 Ometepe.

(whew!)

The trip itself was such an experience, we could hardly imagine what an entire week would bring!

As we embark on this spiritual journey, we're sure 2 be filled with God's love & the gift 2 serve with beautiful purpose.

Living this life, eyes have opened a bit more than before where true joy comes 
with nothing attached.

Now that's one wide open lens with true perspective.

Chapter 1.

Peace!...with 2 fingers;)

Broken Crayons.

Dare 2 Fail.

Peace!...with 2 fingers;)

The Wileys.

Peace!...with 2 fingers;)