Authors Speak

The Book of Finance

By Karen McConnell-Jones

The road to becoming an author. What does this really look like? We know that this can look different for each of us. No two persons will travel the same road of being an aspiring author to an accomplished, and now a published author.

Nevertheless, what has been shared over the time are some basic steps that one must travel to get to the finish line. And as we continue to dive in, with technology, we will always find new ways to help us get to completion.

Aspiring Author Michael E. Barnes, Sr. shares his story with V&P about his journey and process of becoming a published author. The steps and road he must continue to travel to get to completion by this fall. “The process is real yet faith without works is dead! I am a believer of faith, of work, and most importantly of what God will have me to do.

Michael believes that all people should have their own work ethic and do right by the people they serve professionally; all while maintaining themselves with goals or aspirations for their personal, spiritual, professional, and financial life. He understands that a man or woman who lacks ambition will surely be perilous in their lives. He understands that an individual that takes no risk in life will reduce their chances of a suitable reward. In 1 Corinthians 3:14 “If any man’s work shall abide which he built thereon, he shall receive a reward.” and James 2:14 “What doth it profit, my brethren, if a man say he hath faith, but have not works? Can that faith save him?” Michael believes that the work you complete in this life should have a physical and spiritual reward attached to your actions. His mission is to help others create the goals and systems to be successful.

Michael is interested in stopping Financial Literacy in all communities and believes he can stop the Financial Curse that plagues many minorities families. He envisions a world that allows the underdog the opportunity to get ahead financially. The 13th Power is designed to educate and help Middle Income Americans recover from financial loss and financial depression. The 13th Power booklet will launch no later than October 13, 2022. With finance being in Michael’s background and life lesson learned from his grandfather, proven to serve very beneficial in his life. “Watching my grandfather who had a six-grade education; conduct business in a small town in North Carolina. He was a dedicated Pastor and Building Contractor. I would see his work ethic on Sunday morning in church, building God’s people spiritually and then during the week, I would visit him building churches, apartments, homes, and other construction projects from scratch. He taught me that no one could limit your mind and desire if you only had a plan. Watching a man with very little education but a desire to win for his family helped me believe that anything was possible. I watched him own apartments, a small garden, a family house and help some many other people in the process. He taught me some valuable lessons about life as a child. James 2:26 “For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, even so faith apart from works is dead.” In short, so many people want the promise land, but they don’t want the struggle that comes from a proper work ethic. He taught me that you must have a solid foundation financially. My grandfather made the lesson simple and used common sense. When building a house, you don’t start with the roof, walls, doors, or windows. It’s your foundation which comes first, and it will amaze you with all the people who will forgo a good foundation to make a quick buck. During this process Michael recalls those long late nights of researching and gathering data, he thought of all the people that he admires to inspire him to make it through his crutch times. He reflected on stories of inspiration from Earl Graves, Robert Johnson, Oprah Winfrey, Michael Jordan, Kanye West, Jay-Z, Roy Donahue Peebles, Madam C.J. Walker, Magic Johnson, Sheila Johnson, Floyd Mayweather, Kevin Hart, and Grant Cardone. “All these people have success stories in their own right, that helped me make it through and thanking my grandfather for being the first to give me the foundation to build from. ”

Michael also shares his tips and steps he took to make it through the process. He believed in putting his thoughts down on paper or on other multimedia sources and get it out there in the universe. By sharing it with others it holds you accountable to keep writing. He set timelines, use the no later than strategy, committee to a routine, have an accountability partner or coach, and rewarding himself for hitting the goals.

After Michael’s launch in Oct, next he sees a sequel to this book and other books to follow. “Yes, I will start with a booklet, e-Books or Books, and a workbook planner, because whatever gets measured gets done. Also, I must give a portion of my proceeds to my alma maters North Carolina Central University for scholarships and local Domestic Violence initiatives within the DMV. As a military man who is serving his country, I must always do my part on giving back to my community as well. Lastly, I must thank my beautiful/loving wife and my children for keeping me grounded. A faithful and loving family is everything, it makes for living a purposeful life.”

An Original Poem by Michael E. Barnes, Sr. MBA

Opportunities

I plea bargained with life for an opportunity and Life would ask me to pay or give more, however, I begged all night and day; When I counted my options, I wanted more.

For Life is an equitable employer, He or She gives you what you are willing to work for; but once you have set your plans in place; tackled all your obstacles, then discovered…

A Why, you must carry out the assignment. I worked for a humdrum promise, Only to learn, and a bit dismayed, That any opportunities I had asked of Life, He or She would have cheerfully paid me more; only if I had a purpose and desire for more opportunities for success.

Success is only given to the man or woman who asks for it, and then goes and gets his or her opportunities!

Nothing is given, just earned!

Community News Flash

Olivia Newton-John By Marjorie M. Middleton

“You ’re the one that I want, ooh, ooh, ooh… ” A simple song tag line, from a simple musical movie that packed a lifetime punch. Forty years later, Americans are still “hopelessly devoted” to Grease, John Travolta and the recently deceased Olivia Newton-John. Newton-John took her last breath on August 8, 2022. She was 73.

In 2019, they took to the stage as Danny and Sandy for the first time in over 40 years. They were celebrating the multi-decades success of Grease. What a legacy. Tribute paid, Olivia NewtonJohn.

Released in 1978, the musical which started with less than rave reviews, worked its way into our hearts and lives. Olivia Newton-John, as Sandy, was fun, magical and she could sing! Grease is the second most successful musical, next to Beauty & the Beasts’ recent live reboot. Australian activist, singer and sometime actress, she made waves with her performance in Grease, endearing herself to fans and her co-star, John Travolta, who played her love interest, Danny. Travolta and Newton –John remained very close friends since the musical. They had a chemistry that was very readable and at times raised questions about their relationship But, they remained platonic friends and were both committed to their true friendship. Newton- John, who died after her third battle with breast cancer, was supported by her friend til the end. The two would text constantly, have dinner periodically and loved one another’s perspective families.

Many fans believe their love was unrequited. But, a choice of friendship is healthier and, many times than not, lasts longer. A decision was made by the pair that the legacy of Sandy and Danny was worth the sacrifice. If they ’d been together and broke up, the Grease pair would be forever tarnished. Loving, respecting, valuing…a most beautiful thing. Platonic love lasts more than a lifetime.

Community News Flash

Childhood Obesity

By Marjorie M. Middleton

September is Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. It is a growing issue in our country and as children experience stress and pressure obesity is experienced more by our youth. This is one reason, of many, why children can experience obesity. Another cause can be poor nutrition. Another is heredity. In this article we will explore the reasons and causes and some of the solutions that we at V&P hope are helpful. We are always here to provide our community with up to date and insightful information. In September, information is dedicated to Childhood Obesity Awareness Month in order to create conversation, solutions and prevention. Focus is placed on physical and mental health and good nutrition. These go hand in hand. Some ways to create change:

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According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, “Children with obesity are at higher risk for having other chronic health conditions and diseases, such as asthma, sleep apnea, bone and joint problems and type two diabetes. They also have more risk factors for heart disease like high blood pressure and high cholesterol. ” This month affords us the opportunity to bring attention to a battle that is fought daily. Children are the future, so the present is the best time to overcome by learning ways to combat obesity by promoting mental and physical wellness in our children. The diagnosis of obesity is often based on BMI (body mass index). It’s a serious public health concern. And, unfortunately, children who are obese often are bullied by their peers. Some are discriminated against by those same peers, teachers and others with authority and even their own family members. Stereotypes also abound around obese children.

As a community we must stand up for our children in every way. Schools should take the responsibility seriously when teaching about food and exercise. Families should, too. Education and action are the main keys to eradication. I John 4:4 “Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

regular physical and mental activity reduce the risk of depression; exercise and reading a book or engaging in games are some suggestions pay attention to and meet mental health needs. A stable environment can sometimes be the solution along with proper counseling learn about and implement good nutritional habits for children and the whole family will benefit develop good sleep habits. Children, and adults, burn more calories and are happier living active lives that require adequate rest time create family meeting times in order to have adequate time to discuss reasons why overeating may occur, any health issues that may be creating obesity or any other issues that may arise or exist. Be proactive. Watch less t.v., eat more fruits and veggies.