The Pink Column by Diamond Jones

Dawning of a New Day
Written by Diamond Jones
© 2008 Diamond Girl Publishing

No more stale ideas – don’t want to continue in the same vein
People are ready for something new
Don’t want to necessarily piggy back on past
New times call for new measures
It’s a new day
Can’t turn my back, don’t know how to
When all else is faultering and crumbling, we hafta stand tall
We still have hope
Let our lives be an example and inspire hope
Not because we always did everything right
But because of He who is above and He who abides within us
We can be pure, blameless, and NOT GREEDY

It is an exciting but serious time
We have a dual responsibility
The challenges that our children face
But also restoring hope to those who we ask for support
That there still is a Light
Power to change generations and generations
The True Prosperity

Be given and broken for other people
One foot out and one foot in is not going to get it
Need a comprehensive approach
Touch every area of their lives
And in conjunction inspire other adults to do the same
And they will also be touched in the process as well w/o even realizing it

Going to camp Oh-Neh-Tah was such a mind-blowing experience
And the ladies who I went with can attest to that
But I think we all can agree that it doesn’t stop there
It doesn’t end or begin with “drinking” fundraisers
They have been midly successful and served a purpose
Not for nothing I will give props
But this is a different time that we are living in
And that is not what we stand for
We hafta lead by example
We hafta sow good seeds into this organization
That is not the only way to make money or raise funds
That is not the only way to “have fun”
We need to shift the focus from “our audience” to “the people and community we serve”
In this tough economy, we need the money, but we also need to be creative
If there is anything this has taught us, it is the fact that it is not all about $$$$
We are called for a higher purpose
Get away from the self-focus that has plagued and distracted our society
We cannot afford to sit by the sidelines and be lukewarm
We owe it to the people on the outside and we owe it to the kids on the inside
We hafta do our part to prepare them
And that goes outside of bars, camps, and just mentoring
Sowing a seed, touching lives, inspiring and empowering them to “pay-it-forward”

It is about being fully aware of the challenges and being connected with the community
And not being afraid to get your hands dirty and go to bat
We have to be friendly, nice, and approachable, but not compromising our morality
It’s not an “us” and “them” kinda thing
I have worked in this organization
And also in the community
I am aware of what is going on
I don’t live in a bubble and feel like I am doing this to “give back”
I do not want a pat on the back
It is not a hobby or a pastime
THIS IS MY LIFE
I am dedicated to service
My desire, every beat of my heart, the passion that burns deep inside of me
I live in Harlem, I have been all over to bad parts and good parts
It kills me to see people gone by the wayside

The very unique qualities of a woman
And being a lady
Embedded into her framework as a little girl
Not being ashamed
Of etiquette, manners, education, compassion, tenderness and kindness
Being polite and refined
NOT BAVARDE

Unity
We are all One
This current crisis unites
The bad situation with our kids, the youth, unites
Partnership
Teamwork
Not this “I’m better than you” attitude – GET YOUR NOSE OUT OF THE AIR
Stop always focusing on being right (“I’m right, I’m right”)
And instead focus on DOING what’s right
And treating people right
With Love and In Peace.