Monday, July 18, 2011

In 1952, Earnest Lamar Jones was born to Obie and Erma Jones, Sr.—and 11 other siblings (not in that order, but it makes it more interesting—touché). He had a daughter. On Saturday, July 16, she got married at the Civic Center in Minden, Louisiana.

Despite being my uncle, this story is newsworthy because of the family dynamic of the bride. Rarely, in a large family do you find every sibling alive, well and doing fine. In my family, the Jones family, that’s exactly what you’ll find.

And we were all there. There are eight girls and four boys in the Jones family. All of them are still alive, in great health and doing well in spite of our grueling economy. Now, here’s the kicker. So are all of their spouses, children and grandchildren—except for two. My grandfather, the PINNACLE of our family, and tragically, one cousin is gone. But in the words of his two-year old daughter, he was there in our hearts.

So Uncle Earnest, Aunt Estelle and newly crowned Mrs. Taylor, thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of THE most beautiful wedding I’ve attended in my life!

They say fairytales don’t come true. But on July 16, 2011, one most certainly did. The aesthetics were dynamic! I had never attended a wedding where lemons were the centerpiece, lemon-heads candy replaced mints and a candy bar was just as significant as the beverage bar. However, it so appropriately fit Amber’s personality: unique and refreshing, like lemonade on a lazy summer day.

The yellow made the atmosphere electric! It was lemony-fresh brought to life. But even more spectacular, you could actually feel the magic breezing through the air! Like a roller coaster ride, it was breathless!

My uncle was proud (looking off as the groom saluted his bride) and my aunt was moved. But Amber’s energy was powerful! At most weddings, brides are visibly nervous, but she was breathtaking! So much so, her future husband, Mark Taylor, was profoundly moved. She was simply, stunning! Mark was emotionally overwhelmed when he saw her; awed that the Queen that stood before him was about to matrimonially belong to him.

Amber, you took command of your day in the most “grown-woman” way possible. But your childlike innocence was in tact right up until you whispered, “I do.” Your day was flawless!

Aunt Estelle, you have an amazing daughter. Amber, you have extraordinary parents whose love clearly shows every time they look at you! A miracle happened that day at your wedding: not ONE Jones complained about ANYTHING!! EVERY regurgitation was pleasing. The only complaint I have is that the moments you walked down the aisle and danced with your dad didn’t last forever!

A wedding does not a marriage make. But Amber, I know your mom has equipped you with all the wife stuff it takes to make your marriage last. Add your personality and your dad’s shotgun to the mixture and I guarantee you have the recipe to keep your marriage as magical as your wedding day—until death do you part.

*Note: That's not a very good image of the couple and I don't yet have one of the entire Jones family. As soon as they are available, I will edit this post.

Saturday, July 2, 2011

Steve Harvey’s Prescription for Healing: Mentoring Weekend for At-Risk Teen Boys | Rolling Out - Black News, Celebrity Videos, Entertainment, Business & Politics

Please click on the title above or link below to read my latest story. Enjoy, then go mentor someone!

It doesn't have to be a young man. There are just as many young women in the world that need guidance too. And any color: black, white, Asian, Hispanic - kids are kids. And definitely any sexual preference. There are so many gay teens that need help these days against bullying, ridicule, low self-esteem and just plain rejection.


Steve Harvey’s Prescription for Healing: Mentoring Weekend for At-Risk Teen Boys | Rolling Out - Black News, Celebrity Videos, Entertainment, Business & Politics