We Won!

Before I get started, I want to give all honor and praises to God for all of the sunny days and storms alike. To grow, I had to go through a storm and lay out the ebenezers detailing my journey as not everyone who reads about the battles fought will see a living testimony walking in their presence, but one thing we sometimes forget is that we may be the closest thing to God's word in action. Therefore, be mindful of any and all interactions. 

Want to know the good part?

WE WON!

I beat prostate cancer!

Thank you all for your prayers, well-wishes, and encouragement along the way! Although there is a fairly sizable group of you that I need to link up with, this victory celebration is not only for me but also all of us. For our neighbors in Springhill Manor and our family members, I may not say much but there will be signs - and coolers full of water, Dr. Pepper, and Miller Lites - next to the truck. 

What are the next moves?

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with semi-annual visits to the urologist to ensure my PSA remains at goose eggs; for those who don't know, a perfect 0.0 is the passing mark desired. For all of the brisket, pork butts, cream cheese, and other delicious foods coming from the smokers, I have to balance it out with an equal routine of exercises way beyond the fork-to-mouth one that may have contributed to my recent condition.

Making brisket clap is the Dub Shack BBQ way

Another step in being a better me is further studying the Gospels and it includes the requisite active prayer life. It is one thing for Momma and Daddy to pray for me, but it is much better that I know how and do pray for myself plus for my family, friends, and all of you. Even in an active-looking existence given my past in-the-building life as deacon, CFO, food pantry director, trustee, fire marshal, etc., I know that papering over some deficiencies is not going to get me to the next level - or the best God has commissioned me to be. Remember, being good when God calls us to be great is not our purpose. Let's go be great as we've been destined to be. Being judged for being mediocre would be a harsh pill to swallow.

Lastly, I have come to the conclusion that the work part of the work-life balance is overrated. I understand that a man must work to eat, but living to work is not anyone's idea of a good time. What good is hustling if it is in vain and all that us remembered is the grind for a bag that can never be big enough to satisfy the recipients or even be enjoyed by the one who worked so much?

I know for a fact that Chastity would much rather have me at her side on my worst days than in a box and hole in Perla Gates.

Ain't no amount of pork sushi Nori or chocolate ice cream in the world that can replace the love and protection afforded by being Caeli's Daddy.

Again, thank you for being a part of the journey the past five months and helping me whoop prostate cancer. You've been clutch and like that yellow cereal bowl I took everywhere from ages 9 to 34, God loves you - and so do I.  

God bless, I'm out ✌🏿