I am blessed

Today I am blessed because I am celebrating my 44th birthday. There are many people that did not live to be 44, people that I look up to and admire. I think about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X and Medgar Evers. These men did incredible things and yet did not live as long as I have.

My Lord and Savior Jesus Christ only lived on this earth 33 years. That is something to think about and be thankful for. My life has been an incredible journey. Two campaigns for the United States Senate. Nine years in the Mississippi Legislature. Fatherhood. Two wives. Jackson State University. 18 years in Chicago and 25 years in Mississippi.

I have met so many people like Oprah Winfrey (and her family), Muhammad Ali and Barack Obama. I have helped people get into college and out of jail. I have served my country and my political party. And glory to God, my journey is not over. As the poet said, "I have many miles before I sleep."

My experiences, good and bad, have been incredible. I learned first hand the devastation of drug addiction from my friends and the joy of birth through my son. I have seen a Black man become President of the United States and a Chicago sports team win a championship. I have loved hard and have suffered defeat.

I am happy, but I am not content, not while people in this world are still suffering. So, therefore, I must continue in my call, continue traversing on this journey, for my destiny has not been fulfilled, my purpose for being on this earth not culminated.

I am thankful for a loving wife and son. I am thankful for true friends. I am thankful for my political success. I am thankful for my work experiences. More importantly, I am blessed for having a relationship with God. He is my all and all and I am grateful that He has allowed me one more year in this temporary existence.

Birthdays are a time for celebration, reflection and re-dedication. I will do all three on this day for I have reason to celebrate, a need to reflect and a commitment to re-dedicate my life to God and to my mission on earth.

Thanks to all who will offer their birthday wishes today and may God continue to bless you, be with you and keep you in His favor always.