My Unique Fingerprint: Writing and Inspiring Others to Read

"I've come to believe that each of us has a personal calling that's as unique as a fingerprint--and that the best way to succeed is to discover what you love and then find a way to offer it to others in the form of service, working hard, and also allowing the energy of the the universe to lead you." Oprah Winfrey In combing through my last journal, an entry that I wrote earlier in the year stands out, "Lord, I ask that you present opportunities before me. Allow doors to open and windows to crack. Enable my writings, children's stories, and presentations to be valued and appreciated by others." Well, I'm humbled to say that that is happening... Since my calling is writing and inspiring others to read, I have joined the board of the Charlotte Writer's Club, an organization that creates a supportive writing environment and promotes writing opportunities within the Charlotte community, and I've joined the the board for the Literacy Council of Union County, a non-profit organization that focuses on adult literacy. In addition, I have been asked to support a reading initiative and cause to spur the excitement of reading for the community of Morven, North Carolina with the HOLLA! Community Development Corporation, a United Way organization. And of course, I am continuing my freelance writing assignments and my promotional efforts of my third book, My Soul/African American Spirituals: Embracing the Journey. While embracing these unique opportunities, lately I find myself humming the Civil Rights Classic, Keep Your Eyes on the Prize, Hold On!, partly because I've been immersed in the anniversary events relating to the March on Washington, but also because I am experiencing the results of why it is important to honor my instincts and to wait for the right time. Humming and singing this song and others like it reminds me to reflect, focus, and center myself on the nature and force of my personal journey and how it can serve others. Thankfully, I am in a space where I can appreciate my purpose, my journey, and my unique fingerprint for this present age. Think about your unique fingerprint and how it can favorably impact others as well.