Snoop said it best, “I got my mind on my money and my money on my mind…” 

This poetic statement has been the motto for over a generation. For many, the pursuit of wealth isn't just an aspiration. Getting to the bag is the pathway to escape the constraints of poverty and the deceptive comforts of middle-class suburban life. But what if the realm of success extended far beyond the accumulation of wealth? 

When a family crisis erupts, like a sudden storm, the ability to stay calm is more than just admirable, it's crucial. Here are five ways you can build and maintain an internal calm for when your family needs it the most.

Entrepreneurs, have you ever felt caught between two worlds?Between where you come from and where you’re aiming to go? Nehemiah, a biblical figure often considered distant and almost superhuman, is someone you might relate to more than you'd think, especially for up-and-coming entrepreneurial leaders.

For as long as we can remember, the Bible has been a source of comfort, direction, and insight for people all around the world. Yet, in our data-driven, analytical age, we often approach the Bible as another book to dissect rather than as a gateway to the eternal, where we connect with God. 

The digital world is filled with influencers and self-proclaimed love and life advisers, who often present themselves with a glamorous or articulate facade. However, some of these figures have a murky background, and their true intentions may be concealed. The digital veil allows them to hide their true nature until an unfortunate slip-up reveals their true colors

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the constant pressure to fix the world's problems? If you have, you're not alone. Many of us feel a deep sense of responsibility to help those around us and positively impact the world. This drive often stems from a sense of duty or moral obligation. 

To all those feeling the weight of being the floodlight for everyone else, remember, even a lighthouse needs maintenance. Drawing parallels between an iconic lighthouse and Edwin Friedman's work, Failure of Nerve, this framework serves as both a reminder and a guide to cultivating a non-anxious presence in the storms of life and leadership.

The modern black trailblazer walks a tightrope. On one side, they're praised as heroes, overcoming odds, rewriting narratives, and bringing change to their communities. But on the other, they're weighted down with colossal expectations. 

As I set my foot on Belgian soil at the age of 15, I was struck by a strange mix of emotions - feeling like an outsider and yet, inexplicably, right at home.

A quiet but fierce competition is raging in homes today: fathers vs. the digital. As a father, I've often felt sidelined by the captivating allure of YouTube, video games, and the digital dimension that seems to envelop my son. But recently, an innocent stroll around the neighborhood shifted my perspective and revitalized my connection with him.

Being nice often gets you accepted. People find it easy to like you because you're agreeable, non-confrontational, and generally easy to get along with. But acceptance is not intimacy.

Remember the days of Black Planet? Well, it's a new era now. We've moved from the traditional dating sites like E-harmony and Match to the world of Tinder, Bumble, and OkCupid. But as we swipe left and right, it's crucial to pause and reflect on what we're really seeking in these digital corridors of love.

That's something I've learned through a personal experience that started when I was 13, with the loss of my dad. I am now 41, and the weight of his absence hasn't lessened; it's heavier now than ever before. Over the years, I've lost many family members, each loss adding a layer to my web of emotions. There's no "getting over" these losses. The best you can do is move forward. But moving forward doesn't mean you have to move on from grieving. 

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble" (Psalm 46:1). In the chaotic whirlwind that life often becomes, it's far too easy to lose sight of the presence and promise of divine help. In these moments of struggle, we must remind ourselves of our Heavenly Helper.

This guide is for urban church planters navigating tight budgets, tough neighborhoods, and big dreams. Discover how to build a resilient, rooted church in the city using real-world strategies, spiritual grit, and kingdom clarity.

Interracial love in America has always come with a lot of legal, social, and emotional baggage.  For centuries, anti-miscegenation laws criminalized the union of Black and white Americans. These laws weren’t just regional; they were the norm. It wasn’t until 1967, with the landmark Loving v. Virginia case, that the U.S. Supreme Court struck down bans on interracial marriage nationwide. But legality doesn’t erase stigma.

You’re riding through your neighborhood. You see the boarded-up homes, the kids on bikes with nowhere to go, the corner boys posted up, the mama carrying groceries while holding two toddlers’ hands. And something in your heart breaks.“I have to do something… I think I’m supposed to plant a church right here.” That’s how it starts for many of us. A burden. A calling. A conviction to bring the gospel to our community. But somewhere between the block and the blueprint, you get pulled into a machine. The Church Planting Industrial Complex.

Nothing beats choirs singing and bacon frying on a Sunday morning. The aroma of Sunday mornings revolved around the classic gospel music echoing in Black households. Fast forward to today, the beats of spirituality have undeniably changed. They have transitioned to a rhythm that encapsulates the multifaceted experiences of the modern Black individual. 

The Pinocchio Planter is an urban church planter who, like the character Pinocchio, begins their journey with a deep desire to fulfill a divine mission, to plant a church in a way that authentically serves their community. However, over time, they find themselves increasingly entangled in “strings.”

Fatherhood, as I’ve discerned, isn’t confined to the roles of provider or protector. It’s about being a weaver of experiences, a curator of cherished memories. My mission is to guarantee that as my children criss-cross the expanse of life, they do so not only with cheap trinkets but with a profound sense of being deeply loved.