Live. Love. Lead.

     A few Super Bowls ago talented quarterback Russell Wilson challenged stereotypes when he mentioned what his father had asked him as a younger athlete, "Why not you?"  Shortly, after the Super Bowl I used that same question to help empower and motivate my students toward greater academic success.  I expected them to believe me and get fired up on the inside and begin tackling challenges with the goal of winning.  But why does empowerment sound so good and so believable when it is coming out of my mouth to someone else; yet not as believable when it is coming out of my mouth to myself?      I am in the process of submitting my first proposal to do something that I have dreamed of doing for a long time...speaking on what I know and do best--education.  Everything in me kept reminding me of what I lack and what I need to do in order to live my dream.  "Brandy, you need to get your doctorate before you do something like this." "Bra...

     It's getting that time of year where I acutely feel there is wayyyyy more to do than seemingly time to do it.  This morning I was reminded by an amazing teacher that G-D is often building patience in us when we are in positions where we are carrying what feels like much more than we can bear.  It is during these times of carrying much that we want to stop...we want to put the carried items down...our arms and legs are shaking under the weight (so to speak)...and we're exhausted.  But, these are also the times where we CAN'T STOP! We cannot stop and run away.  HaShem is making us stronger.  Essentially, He's putting us through "cross fit" for our spirit.  When we, by His grace, keep going and refuse to stop, He is building endurance in us.        We must draw on His strength every day because this journey is more than our strength alone can endure. How do we draw on His strength?--start getting into the Word more, se...