Life presents a number of opportunities for happiness, pain, love, growth, despair, sorrow and faith. When we are young, we wish for play and happiness all the time. As we mature, we understand that a life well lived is a life that has consisted of all of these things. Be thankful for the past, but face forward every day and prepare for new opportunities. --Nona
"You cannot do all the good the World needs, but the World needs all the good you can do."
Let my words and my actions be a positive force that diminishes evil, but creates good works. --Nona
Very early in life we learned the power of words. Words enable us to communicate and obtain the things we want in life. Words can empower or tear down. How will you use your words today?
—Nona Ogunsula, Founder, Women Making History, #LeadershipTuesdays, & womenatliberty.com
At the beginning of every school year, I post a blog about Phoebe Prince, a 15 year old young girl from South Hadley, Massachusetts. After suffering months of bullying that culminated in an entire day of insults and harassment from school classmates, Phoebe, who was originally from Ireland, committed suicide on January 14, 2010. She hung herself in a closet in her home. Her 12 year old sister found her.
I post this blog to remind students and parents of something that is relevant to every classroom, every hallway, every team activity and every friendship. Bullying.
Today, our words don’t just stay in conversations—they travel through text messages, social media, group chats, and posts. That means what we say (or type) can follow someone everywhere.
Let’s be mindful of how we communicate and interact with others. Let’s also set a good example. Then insist that our children and those around us do the same. Lastly, let’s encourage our young people to not be afraid to stand up for others who may be the victim of individuals behaving badly. 👌🏾
“What you do speaks so loudly I can’t hear what you are saying.”
The secret of happiness is freedom. The secret of freedom is courage.
--Thucydides
"She will bear a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus [which means Savior], for He will save His people from their sins [that is, prevent them from failing and missing the true end and scope of life, which is God]."
--Luke 1:21 The Bible (Good News Translation)
Merry Christmas!
