PAPER HERO'S

Written by Danica Hobbs-Reed

Lately all I have noticed, especially in the city where I reside is “Paper Hero’s”. “Paper Hero’s” are people who were created to be a hero by a certain group with similar interests. However when these “Paper Hero’s” are tried and tested they are nothing more than cut-out, card board paper dolls with no substance, quality or value to them. Whether its sports, entertainment, even spiritual leaders, these “Paper Hero's” can’t cut it.

A prime example of a certain particular “Paper Hero” is a local sports athlete whom thrust onto the scene in about 2005. He was held locally as a “hero” to all who perceived him publically. However, privately was a different story. He is known for domestic violence against his wife, womanizing and not being very personable in public when approached. Our hero right!!!!

Another story of a local “Paper Hero” was of a young college athlete. He was coined the next big thing in sports. Money hungry people therefore attached themselves on to him. He surrounded himself with people who never for one second had his best interest in mind. He was then put in a battle that he could not win. This ultimately led to his demise. On top of everything else he did not finish college and ended up in prison. Another wonderful hero right!!!!

Not only is the “Paper Hero” syndrome related to athletes but also spiritual leaders have not been immune to the same type of hypocrisy. A well-beloved preacher had a mega minded church. His enthusiastic manner drew many people who ordinarily would not go to church to his ministry, which is how ultimately the word of God is written to draw people. The problem is however that this particular’s preacher’s private life was likened unto David. With well known facts of women, women, and more women and a history of misappropriated funds he keeps himself very busy!!!! Our hero right!!!!

I am stating this to inform people that if you really want to be a hero take the glitz and glitter out of your eyes, roll up your sleeves and do the dirty work that comes with it. Most people want a reward without responsibility. They want a position without the paying of dues. Your reputation is worth more than gold. Cherish it. Value it. Treasure it. Saving the world ultimately begins with saving yourself first! Until next time be blessed!!!!

"DIRTY LITTLE SECRETS"

By Danica Hobbs Reed

I know I have been gone for awhile. However, I am more than glad to explain “why” to you today. In lieu of the Tiger Woods scandal, the aspect of keeping our “dirty little secrets” to ourselves is ruining the average person’s life. In this upcoming year I want people in our society to become more transparent. I believe that as mankind, if we exercise the human trait of releasing our most intimate secrets, we will be able to better relate to each other and help each other in one’s time of need. Sincere honesty is a true quality that is missing from today’s society.

You know we all have secrets. Most secrets are not good. Most secrets are devastating. Most secrets hurt. All the more, most secrets can keep you in emotional bondage while trying to keep them from being publicly exposed. On the other hand some secrets are just devastating only to the individual who is harboring the secret. People can do more harm to oneself by holding onto internally potentially harmful secrets.

As for myself, I firmly believe the truth will make you free! Who in this life does not desire freedom? So therefore, I am revealing my “dirty little secret” that I have been harboring in my own life. James 5:16 (New International Version) states: “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” I believe an emotional healing can only come with my confession. With that in mind I will now uncover my own “dirty little secret”. Here it goes. Are you ready? Come a little closer! (I know. I’m using stalling tactics!) . Seriously now, here is my ‘dirty little secret”, I am afraid of failing! No, I mean so afraid of failure that the fear of failing itself has manifested grave implications in my life.

For instance, I quit everything I ever did. Why? Because the fear of failing is so great that I could not bear not to succeed. Examples are ballet, singing, karate, etc. The most serious infarctions are relationships, college and most recently my writing!

All I ever wanted to be in life was a writer. Well that was second, next to a “Rockette” when I was a little girl!! Anyway, I began writing this blog with the expectation of me sharing my thoughts and opinions to hopefully inspire, teach and entertain the people who read it. Well unfortunately, after years of writing. No one is actually reading it but me. So therefore, once again, I quit. I did not want to fail at something once again.

Today however, since I have released my “dirty little secret”, I affirm that I quit quitting!!!! As of today I will succeed. I will become the world renowned, prolific writer that I know I am and that God has already gifted me to be.

After unveiling my “dirty little secret” I am now completely free. Reiterating James 5:16 “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed” I now have the freedom of healing , and there is nothing like it! Be blessed until next time!!!