Today's New Leaders

Last Friday I had an opportunity to speak with young adults and teens at the "Dare To Dream" young entrepreneur camp at the Coca-Cola Headquarters in Atlanta, Ga. I must admit, I was blown away by how advanced some teenagers are, especially in the areas of mass media communication [TV, Radio, Social Media etc]. One would think that this upcoming generation is a lost cause. We hear about the crime of adolescents; we see teenagers in the store walking with their pants sagging and we just simply shake our heads.

This event was very different. I never witnessed so many African-American teens who had a clear understanding about their purpose and business. They were dressed very professional, asked a lot of questions and understood the significance regarding the different types of corporations such as LLC's, Inc's, Sole Proprietorship etc. Most of the students already had a business plan and were incorporated at this early age.

Not only were the teens prepared, organized and academic but they were also cool. Being academic was never the "cool" way to be when I was growing up.  Matter of fact,  you were looked at as a lame, weirdo, or simply a nerd if you were smart. Fortunately, today's society enables young leaders to be  academic and have swag!

I was inspired write this blog because we hear about so much negativity about the African-American culture but rarely hear about African American teenagers graduating as valedictorians and being accepted to Harvard and Yale. Today 500 African-American men graduated from Morehouse College with President Barack Obama as their commencement speaker. Today's new leaders deserve to be celebrated. They are not locked up nor running the streets, selling drugs.  Regardless of their individual obstacles, today's new leaders are choosing higher education, entrepreneurship and striving for success.
Not only will today's new leaders inspire the world but they will leave a mark that will never be erased.

If you interested in booking me you can send engagement request to PrayOrDieTeam@Gmail.Com if you are interested in ordering Pray Or Die or Jesus Im Bout Dat Life products you can do so at  WWW.PRAYORDIE.ORG for wholesale or group discounts send email to PrayOrDieTeam@gmail.com. Thanks

A God Experience

Last night I had the opportunity to be a guest speaker in Austell, Ga at Messiah's Temple Christian Ministries and was blown away from how God moved in that place. I have been to many churches where it was little or no presence of God within the sanctuary and it seemed to be merely an monopoly. I had the opportunity to meet the host of this event, Neely Terrell many years ago at Clark Atlanta University. She remembered when God first gave me the concept of Pray Or Die! and has always been a supporter. We stayed in contact via social media and one day she asked me to come out to her event and to share a message that may inspire the people. I accepted the invite because I am always honored to share the gospel of Jesus Christ any and everywhere. As I prayed about the message, I felt Holy Spirit say, "people don't need another witty, cleaver sermon but people need to  hear a story of a real overcomer so therefore just tell your testimony."

As always,  I was very nervous when they called my name to come speak. Even though I have spoken in front of thousands of people, I can never get over the feeling of being nervous. As I walked to the stage, I thought "will the people receive me because I'm dressed in Seven Jeans, and pair of fresh black Chuck Taylor's and my "Jesus Im Bout Dat Life" sweater." I said a prayer and left my nerves all in Gods hands.  As I was speaking, I became very emotional. The presence in the room was so overwhelming that non-stop tears began to flow from my eyes as I was sharing my story. It has been a long time since I felt the love of God so strong in a church sanctuary. Immediately after I shared my story, everyone came to the altar for prayer and the pastor publicly stated, "I don't know much about you but from this point you are my son and gave me a huge hug. I felt like sharing my testimony wasn't just for the guests, but for me as well.

Erik Vance sharing an inspirational message

Even though it was the first organized event for the Gospel Cafe, it was very powerful and I look forward to witnessing the growth because it's very much needed. Young Christian adults need a place where they can can fellowship in a true organic way and feel the true presence of God. I'm humbled and thankful to have been apart and this will be an experience that I will always remember. The love was unbelievable!!!

The most unique thing about the night was this guy that walked up to me and said "Pray Or Die! inspired me to started my clothing line." He went on to say that he never witnessed a faith-based movement that was so big and had everyone supporting from all walks of life and that he was inspired to start his line. He ended his statement by saying "Im just thankful to finally meet you and I just wanted to let you know that." His statement reminded me that there will always be times in life when we feel like the great things you do go unnoticed but know that many people are watching and receiving inspiration. After all, we shouldn't do things for public recognition because God is the ultimate rewarder.  Be you, be true to yourself, and the love will chase you.  I will never forget the experience from The Gospel Cafe, in Austell, Ga.

Performing Artist Doug "The Whatley"

"Jesus Im Bout Dat Life" Supporter

Erik Vance and the host Neely Terrell

If you interested in booking me you can send engagement request to PrayOrDieTeam@Gmail.Com if you are interested in ordering Pray Or Die or Jesus Im Bout Dat Life products you can do so at  WWW.PRAYORDIE.ORG for wholesale or group discounts send email to PrayOrDieTeam@gmail.com. Thanks

Marcus Lattimore Supports "Pray Or Die"

Like many southern states, SEC College football is a big deal growing up. I come from a bloodline of faithful, loyal, dedicated South Carolina Gamecock fans.  For the last 3 seasons the South Carolina Gamecocks have really made a name for themselves as a top tier program in the national rankings of college football. It all began when South Carolina's Byrnes High School standout Marcus Lattimore signed his national letter of intent to play college football for the University of South Carolina. Marcus Lattimore was considered by many sources, the top High School running back in the nation and won the top award for all of South Carolina football players. He was named Mr. Football, a state award.  As he entered his freshman season in 2010 at USC under legendary head coach Steve Spurrier, he took the college football world by storm by winning the SEC Freshman of the year and leading South Carolina to its first SEC Championship. He quickly became my "family favorite." The next year with high regards as a Heisman hopeful and preseason All-American accolades, tragedy strikes - Lattimore he tore his ACL against Mississippi State University. He had reconstruction surgery on his left knee and rehabbed and returned to the Gamecocks in 2012 only to blow out his right knee against Tennessee, which is considered one of the most gruesome injuries ever witnessed by sport fans. As a fan of the South Carolina Gamecocks and a fan of Lattimore I personally didn't know if he was going to play again. I was devastated, having to witness that type of injury because he was my favorite player. I was totally heartbroken because it seemed so unfair to a "straight and narrow" athlete who was very humble, well respected, a person of integrity and character to work so hard. Not only did he suffer once but he experienced this devastating injury twice- 2years in a row. Unfortunately, this time was worse; his ACL, MCL, and PCL needed to be reconstructed.

The most admirable thing outside of Marcus Lattimore's outstanding football ability is the fact that he is a man of God and faith.  After blowing his knee out two years in a row in both legs he wouldn't let the the feelings of being down and hopeless detour him of his dreams.  At times he could have given up on football, but Marcus fought for his dream and now he is playing professionally.  As Marcus said on ESPN Gruden's Camp,"adversity introduces a man to himself." Just like Marcus, I have was in a position where I was celebrated by many yet "life happened." The phones stop ringing, you lose a job, business is no longer going well and losing friends but it was all a great learning lesson- its how you respond to adversity that will determine the outcome. At times I totally wanted to give up on life, my goals dreams, ministry, and my clothing line but at one of the lowest points in my life God used my favorite football player to reach out to me and inspire me again to keep going. God is very strategic and will show you signs that you are on the right track. Just like Marcus, myself and everyone else, we are going to have setbacks, things are not going to be under your control but find comfort in knowing that God doesn't make any mistakes. You can overcome anything with God's strength and his power. I'm reminded of Romans 8:28, which states "all things work together for the good of those who are called according to his purpose." It all worked out for Marcus Lattimore's good because today he was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the 4th round pick number 131. Like Lattimore, its going to work out for your good.  So I would just like to encourage everyone who reads this post to get back up, try again because with faith in God and much prayer you can bounce back.  Don't give up on your goals and aspirations because anything worth having is anything worth fighting for.

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