Ray Rice-WHAT IS THE REAL ISSUE HERE?!

The world news is buzzing about Ray Rice and the fact that he knocked his then girlfriend, now wife out cold in an elevator. Thank God for modern technology because without proof from a videotape of the crime, I have to ask, would there have been any action taken against him at all?

And what about her, no one is talking about how she is feeling right now. As we often do with domestic violence victims we put the focus on what she didn’t do. "Why didn’t she leave him after the fight"? "Why did she marry him after he hit her so hard that she was knocked on conscious"? 

Should we instead of asking why is she allowing him to hit her, when he is obviously going to be stronger and hitting her could not have been an act of self-defense.  

 Should not the question be; Why is he hitting his girlfriend, a women who is now his wife and could someday be the mother of his children?

All of this controversy  over who is right and what is wrong here is confirmation that this country still has a very long way to go when it comes to understanding the tremendous harm that violence against women is doing to the American family.

The answer to the Ray Rice dilemma is that he, nor any man should hit his wife, girlfriend or any woman, EVER! 

And the implication that she LET him hit her is absurd! If you saw the video it was obvious there was nothing that she could have done to stop him. Domestic violence is never okay, she could have been seriously injured or even killed when she hit her head, but no one is thinking or talking about that. 

 The world is concerned about is how much money he is going to lose, and if the NFL  is  being fair to HIM for suspending him indefinitely-- for hitting and knocking out (with one punch) a women who he is supposed to love

The response from the world  regarding the plight of this young women is the reason that many women do not come forward. "She is the bad guy because She cost him his career"! Shame on you America!

I hope  and pray that they will not be in the news again -- that when the cameras are not around and they are in privet, that she will safe and not continue to be abused by her husband. 

A man who thought that it was okay to hit her in a public place, thinking that he was above the law and that there would be no retribution for his actions, right down to blaming his bad behavior on being raised by a single Mother!

 We  saw what he did when he thought no one was watching, what might he do when he knows that no one is watching!

This is not the first time this has happened in American--in the NFL, in the NBA , on Wall Street or  back streets-- Domestic violence is happening to women all over the country everyday of every year it is happening.

 Let’s not be up in arms because it happened in the NFL, let’s be upset that it is happening! Period!

Motivational Quotes for Enlightened Living...

Words to Live, Laugh & Grow By


"The formula for peace of mind is simple: don't worry about anything and pray about everything."

"If you control your tongue, you will master your life."
---J. Countryman

"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent."
---Eleanor Roosevelt

"You can't fix what you don't acknowledge first."
---Dr. Phil

"Insanity is doing the same thing over and over, and expecting different results."
---Einstein

"I wouldn't trade the knowledge I have now for the body I had years ago."
---Kathy Whirity

"Love may be blind, but marriage is a real eye-opener."
---Anonymous

"Be still and know that I am God."
---Psalms

"Sometimes the best we can do is the best we can do."
---Anonymous

"The greatest wealth is health."
---Ralph Waldo Emerson


Here's hoping that the rest of the week is the best of your week!

IMGF HONORS WOMEN HISTORY MONTH-GUEST POST BY MARCIE HILL

7 Ways Women Can Empower and Uplift Each Other


Women rock. We are the backbone of families, movers and shakers in the business world, and catalysts for change in our communities.
But, unfortunately we don't always come together in support, friendship and solidarity, as we should.
 Many of us not realizing that there's great truth to the adage: "There is strength in numbers."

With this in mind, here are a few ways we can uplift, encourage and inspire, that are simple, quick and "fat-free", even.

1. Say “hello”, “good morning” or whichever greeting that is appropriate during the encounter.

2. Smile. A genuine smile is the one universal language that everyone understands. It is also the absolute smallest action you can take to bless someone else.

3. Speak life into their lives. Women have so many things going on at once – work, home, community and emotions – and just never know what someone is dealing with at any given time. Whenever possible, try to speak a kind, inspiring word to a sister.

4. Pay her a compliment. This is probably the best investment of words you can make on any day. Sincerely compliment a woman on things that are obvious: her beauty, outfit, shoes, purse or smile. If nothing immediately stands out, mention her gifts, talents and accomplishments or don’t say anything at all.

5. Give her a hug. If you have a personal relationship with the young lady, this is easy. If you don’t, you just ask for permission. If you are coming from a legitimate caring place, I’m sure she won’t say no.

6. Express your gratitude, appreciation or admiration in writing. This could be a blog post; a status update on your social site; virtual flowers; or a handwritten letter or card sent through snail mail.

7. Interview her and spread the word on your blog and social sites. This is one of the best ways to acknowledge another woman’s progress and accomplishments and share them with the world. Your interview can be in text, audio or video formats.

Since I know that confident, beautiful and intelligent women who mind their own business – literally and figuratively- are reading this article, I encourage you to make a conscious effort to empower and uplift another sister through one of the actions listed above. Guaranteed, you will be doubly blessed when you bless someone else.

Happy Women's History Month.

BIO: Marcie Hill, M.S. is an author, blogger, entrepreneur and social media expert from Chicago. 

This Valentine's Day...Celebrate You!

 

Valentine's Day is one of the most celebrated days of the year.

It's a day of sending red roses, buying chocolates, romantic dinners with candle light, and Hallmark Cards with loving expressions.

It's a time honored tradition of showing love and honoring meaningful relationships.
But, even if you don't have someone to call your "honey" the day need not go uncelebrated.

Take the time to cherish you.
That's right. Who better to do it?

It's important to recognize that before we can find someone to love and value us, to appreciate our unique qualities and characteristics, we must embrace self-love.

With this in mind, here are a few timely tips to "court yourself" this Valentine's Day and beyond.

• Spend the day doing things you treasure.

Whether it's taking in a movie, eating your favorite chocolates, or having a glass of wine to unwind after a hard day.

• Consider abandoning your diet...for just a day.

But don't over indulge! There's great validity to the expression, "All things in moderation."

• Don't wish for what others have. It's a waste of time.

As the Bible tells us, there's a "season" for everything. Your time will come to find true love.
Instead of accepting what's out there, hold out to be cherished.

•  Forgive yourself for mistakes of the past.

Regrets erode growth. Learn the lesson and move on.

• Set Respectful boundaries.

In the words of Dr. Phil, "We teach people how to treat us by the things we accept."

• Consider throwing a party for your friends and other singles.

After all, there's more than one form of "love." Where would any of us be without our friends?


So this Valentine's Day, whether you're coupled-up, or by yourself, remember to honor you and celebrate how wonderful you are.

Because the "greatest love of all is inside of you."

Happy Valentine's Day!

Welcome to a New Year and New Possibilities!

Happy New Year.
It's a blessing to usher in 2014. A new year always holds the opportunity for us to learn from past mistakes, reflect upon warm memories, and yet look forward to new horizons and endless possibilities.

We hope that your year will be filled with dreams and things you treasure, good health, and prosperity.


Image: Stuart Miles

Dealing With Holiday Depression-What You Should Know

When most of us think about the holiday season, we associate it with good food, good friends, family, and good times. But unfortunately, it's not the case for everyone.

For many, this time of year conjures up painful memories, a feeling of isolation, sadness, and unmet expectations. Perhaps you're one of them.
It is reported that there's a 15% increase in the number of people who request help for emotional disorders in December. You are not alone.
The key to getting through the holidays with less grief begins with having the right perspective and
 a willingness to create new memories.

With this is mind, here are a few tips to help you experience "holiday cheer," (no alcoholic beverage needed). :-)

1. Recognize that fewer expectations lead to greater peace. Hello? Many of us get caught up in the holiday movies and commercials depicting perfect families and the exchange of great gifts. But, this is not necessarily a "reality" for all Americans. Accept this. Don't put undue pressure on yourself to do everything and be everything. Don't get disappointed if family members don't pitch in like they should. It is what it is. Holiday "peace" begins with you and your thoughts.
2. Don't compare or compete. It's not unusual, at this time of the year, to compare our progress or possessions with others. And sometimes when we do, we feel "short changed." True? Recognize that we are each blessed "differently." Chill. And give thanks.
3. Pace Yourself. Part of the reason that so many of us feel stressed over the holidays, is that we try to cram too many things into too little time. Cooking. Cleaning. Shopping. Relatives. Decorating. Don't forget that proper planning and preparation can make for a more relaxing and joyful holiday experience. And when possible, delegate.
4. Consider volunteering. One thing that helps us to realize just how fortunate we really are is to donate our time, resources, and talent to those in need. Why not volunteer at a Soup Kitchen? Or visit the elderly? Or bring a plate to a "shut-in" in your neighborhood? It will make you feel better, and help to add joy to someone else in the process.
5. Attend a Worship Service.  Several churches in your local area will have special activities devoted to the holiday season, with friendly people and warm spirits. Reach out. And remember the "divine" reason for the season.
6. Treat yourself. In the words of Dr. Phil, "Sometimes we have to give ourselves what we deserve from other people." In other words, don't wait for folks to celebrate you through gift giving. Treat yourself to a new "do". Or buy that new pair of pumps you've been "eyeing" at the mall. Just be careful not to overspend, (which also contributes to holiday stress).

Follow these timely tips for greater joy and less stress during this holiday season!
Have a safe, soulful celebration.
We look forward to connecting with you in 2014!

Thoughts?

Image courtesy: J. Banks

Thoughts of Thanks...

 

 

 

As the Thanksgiving holiday dances at our heels, there's no better time to pause from our busy schedules, reflect and give thanks for this year's blessings.

From family, to shelter, to health, to good friends and good times...the list is endless. True?

 

An attitude of gratitude helps us to focus more on what we have than what we hope for.

In keeping, here are a few quotes on being grateful and content, to take us into the next week and the next month.

 

"There shall be eternal summer in the grateful heart."---CELIA THAXTER

 

"Ignorant men don't know what good they hold in their hands until they've flung it away."

---SOPHOCLES

"The greatest wealth is health."---RALPH WALDO EMERSON

"In all things give thanks."---THE BIBLE

"Gratitude is the most exquisite form of courtesy."---JACQUES MARTAIN



We at Ina Mae Greene Foundation are eternally grateful for your donations, partnerships, friendship, generosity, prayers, and support.

From our doors to yours...Wishing you a holiday filled with abundant blessings!

Image: Freedigitalphotos.net