It was a rather long drawn-out day working under sinks, patching walls and rewiring light fixtures but cry out I dare not. What’s to complain about  when work is required and I’m the right man for the job. Nevertheless, the body speaks aloud when at its most vulnerable. This is the quiet moments just before falling asleep, a time most often took for granted by reviewing the stressors of the day or the fears of tomorrow. This delicate transition is when the mind slips from conscious meditation, to that of the beautiful restlessness within the subconscious. Here’s where my vision began and here, is where I’ll tell the story as I laid upon hearing the final word.

Pain, pain and even more pain screams from the neck of my body, so loud it awakens and grabs the attention of the soles of my feet, restless as they are kicking and moving about under the covers of night. What are you yelping about up there? Is it not I who takes the weight of whole and bears the burden of this temple? Why do you speak in such a manner? The neck swiftly answers. You are beneath but yet you still move about even when in rest, you’ll have no counsel here tonight, for you are of little importance for I am the seat of the head and my pain shall be heard. The soles of feet in all humbleness replies, what is the seat without the wisdom gained from the travels of my journey? I’ve weathered the storms, terrains and valleys all while carrying you as the seat upon my shoulders. You are at the will of my burden and your tears within the night, overflow my cup causing  restless under the veil peace. Did someone say shoulders? It is I the barer of burden, I listen to the bellowing between the broad of my purpose everyday without submission or complaint, why must I endure the bickering between the either of you? Am I not the strength that holds the key to the heart? Am I not the forgotten treasure taken in and released like the tides of the ocean sands giving breath to our purpose?

Now boasting with pride comes an even louder voice. Stop I say! Bellows the chest. I bare the true pain of the whole, witness now as I claim the bosom of life, no more shall I trouble with the bickering of your ignorance. Then suddenly an eerie silence befalls my temple, as the darkness creeps ever so near.  Peace be still over your restless toil a voice whispers within the void. All is of purpose, all is of oneness within the temple, yet none are truly alike. Even the softness of the cheek bears the difference between tears of joy and the pain of regret, the kiss of a child’s love or the aggression of a fools anger. Your rest is soon to come, speaks the calming voice within the void of my temple. For I am the eternal and you are but dust upon the earth.

Query not within the dawn of night the eternal says, I go for only a little while to bring healing upon the dusk of your true purpose. Now rest as I open the treasure once again,  remember not death but thankfulness upon your awakening.

*This was the night of my heart attack. It reminds me how the mind and body at times battle with indifference. Such is often the case with people complaining amongst each other, judging and attempting to communicate (per opinions only). With this often becoming distracted from our collective purposes. Point is we’ll all one day return to the dust of the earth. So again with this said, let’s remember to see each other in the blessings of our lives, as opposed to taking chances with the bickering of tomorrow. I say this in wisdom after surviving the three near-death experiences of my past. Remember this, you’ll never know upon the rest of your evening, when or if the eternal will seek thee not your temple again.

Reginald O’Neal Gibson

I recall like it was just yesterday, raising my head high after a deep breath, finally a moment of peace, contentment and praise; thank you lord for yet another day. This, I uttered softly just prior to clocking out and going home. It was at this moment when I heard a young lady who appeared to be slightly frustrated say “excuse me, you are just so unapproachable!”

Needless to mention, I smiled in politeness and continued on my way. In total honesty, I’ve heard this and similar descriptions regarding my personality over the years, so please allow me to shed just a bit more light on the subject. Have you ever been busy, in a rush trying to accomplish a task or personal deadline? Maybe you’ve found yourself in a grocery store trying to multitask recipes for the upcoming week, attentively texting back and forth about what Redbox movie to get, while simultaneously budgeting to the best of your cognitive ability. Not to forget planning your families upcoming vacation!

Thinking back on this, were you polite to the cashier? Did you even noticed the elderly woman needing help lifting her grocery bag into her cart? Did you remember that last second verbal request not on your list but just so happened to be on the far opposite side of the store? You know that one particular item your child needed for a class project, which prompted you coming to the store in the first place, all in hope of beating the highway rush hour!

Here’s what I’m trying to say, at some point we all get deeply involved and focused on what’s needed to keep ourselves, our families and our goals intact. With this, for others currently not on the same path we mean no disrespect during our busy times but nonetheless, we that are committed must do what we can do to the best of our ability to fulfill our purpose.

So in my case, it’s not that I’m standoffish, difficult to talk to or “unapproachable,” it’s just that I’m busy as well, fulfilling God’s purpose for my existence, i.e. multitasking between jobs and my life’s work, family and legacy. What else is there but to honor life, wife and God’s calling within the strength of this temple. So for  future friends, family, coworkers and acquaintances alike, know that I am here, but as the foundation beneath your feet, the air aloft your wings and the example of a humble servant of God’s intent for my life.

So to get to know me is to nod without judgement, smile without strings attached and uphold one another with prayer, praise and respect. I am not prideful, I have no hidden agendas, nor do I think I’m better than anyone. It’s just that I’m spiritually on task, confidently focused and committed to being the best version of myself per the will of God.

With this said if we ever cross paths present or future, let me initiate a hello! I’m Reginald. Wow! You are beautifully blessed and wonderfully made in the likeness of God the almighty. It was a pleasure meeting you, thank you and may God continue to bless your journey! If my interaction was a bit swift, please forgive without judgement or scoff! Just know that I, like many others are insatiably that way while in focused mode. As far as my self, commitment is a lifestyle, so smile and nod knowing I have your best in heart. Am I unapproachable? No, not in the least but lets be honest, I’m a married man, devoted to my life’s work and intimately involved with the teachings of christ as the living word of God. What else is there? But the occasional brief interaction in passing. So again, hello! My name is Reginald.

We all at some point pull out a soap box to stand on, just in case we need an audience to coincide with our current opinions. “Hey everybody, I believe in this and I believe in that; who’s with me!?” Then on to the checking of how many likes I get on fb but wait! First I gotta send a cute emoji/hashtag/tweet or an engaging picture. Then on to sitting back and checking every few hours in regard to the response!

The thought process that soon follows is normally along the line of ”Yeah I’m gonna change the world! I got a voice, I’m empowered and I’m going to be heard!”

When what’s really going on is the manipulation of misguided purposes, created to keep you or others distracted while siphoning your true potential! Here’s what I’m saying, we all have a voice, we have an opinion and with this we often have a perceived image, idea or understanding between the differences of right and wrong.

Only there’s a factor, a game being played out unknowingly to most and it’s called targeted idolatry. Think about it, suddenly we all have a shot at this freedom of speech on the assumption that the world can view, understand and be influence by our opinions but this isn’t always the case. The algorithm in which your “soapbox” vent is being displayed over social media is nowhere near what one expects! You think your voice, ideas or opinions are being seen or heard by millions? Not! It’s being seen by a select few, flashed within a text or tweet lifespan of less than forty-five minutes at best.

You think your message is getting out? Maybe so but only to your friends, family and extended followers, painstakingly over and over again! And yes “tagging” appears to help but honestly does anyone in your circle really believe in your soapbox of the day or are they simply giving you a polite “like?”

Going deeper within the subconsciousness of your mental storehouse, you feel in your gut the digital world of “soap box opinions” and vents are to keep a closer eye on you and your followers personal business but you tag them anyway. What better way to play on the mind of the masses by making them feel like they’re a celebrity on social media. In doing so, collecting all they’re heartfelt opinions, ideas, personal business and or historical/family issues. No wonder targeted adds pertaining to searches from other sites somehow mystically appears on your fb ads. This media influenced algorithm can care less about your opinions on worldly affairs, just as long as you keep the fight i.e. “soap box vent” to your controlled personal device, limited platform or friends and followers.

The bigger picture is to keep you so distracted by your online celebrity-ism status, that you forget how powerful your voice is in person, around the community, in the church, on the job, at city hall and the like thereof.

Your voice should be heard by ears and not so much, controlled digital text or images. Interpersonal communication is a key factor if you’re trying to convey a message of integrity. In this you can see with your own eyes, the effect you have on the people and in return they can see your actions taken “in real life,” as opposed to a character displayed, created, edited, retweeted and idolized on social media.

This is why I only have a select few and even with them, many are just being kind by offering me “polite”online company. Most truly don’t understand me or even care to know me personally for that matter, I hear I’m often “unapproachable”. The majority are fb friends by way of marriage, work acquaintance or family. And I’m totally good with that, being I’m a “lay-low for now” type of introvert. Know that I’m not against fb but honestly, most people haven’t the slightest idea what fb stands for, so here’s my take.

I think Facebook stands for Facial Aggregation Controlling Empowerment By Others Opinionated Knowledge. To cynical? How about Featured Algorithm Containing Everyone’s Bio Of Organized Keepsakes?

Still too much? Ok, how about fb stands for FEEDBACK? And not for our own knowledge or personal data collection but for the upholding of the principalities of the world. Either way, it’s just my opinion right? It’s not like I’m on the radar with my 105 fb friends, just know that we all have an opinion but just as “faith without works is dead,” so are soap boxes if not acted upon respectively or consistency. To disperse any confusions, my purpose is greater than temporarily captivating others attention spans. That is, for the collective data use for the powers that be but rather, solidifying a seed for future generations to come.

Think about it, what’s going on in the world is on the wicked intent of distracting you to follow the chaos or the next best thing; not your created purpose. People commenting on the president regarding his successes or failures; as if he actually cares! Black, white or whatever the nationality, this elected official is a man fulfilling what he believes is his destiny and to the least of his concern is you, me and any other person, not within the scope of his generational plan.

School shootings and gun control, GMO foods and the mislabeling of health foods, americans dividing over an athlete’s decision to kneel, a wall idealized to keep others out, when in fact could seal us in. And not to forget, Influential parts of history are being replaced, redirected or hidden by online keyword searches. I can go on and on but soap boxes aren’t my thing, platform or scope of purpose.

I stand on the unfathomable wisdom of the Holy Spirit and in doing so, I speak on a much greater level than the trivial, media-influenced propaganda shoveled down the cluttered faculties of today’s mindset. I speak and act on humility, faithfulness and forgiveness. I speak on letting my actions develop my character by the living word of God, not idolization for personal or governmental use. My purpose is that of the eternal and having said this, how to lead by Christ’s example within the spirit of this reality. 

This is not a call to action! This is not about who I want you to believe I claim to be, nor when and where to purchase my next book. This is about you and finding your true purpose amongst the distractions. So have at it! Search yourself and not the web, nor guru or entrepreneur seeking his yacht downpayment.

Seek until you’re faced with your own personal issues, barriers and fears, then humbly submit to Christ. Avoid the idolatry of social media! Read within the pages of the living word of God. And please, abstain from falling into the traps of mindfulness i.e. denial, mental idolatry or separatism. Seek ye first upon your knees, until the day you’re strengthened to stand.

– Reginald O’Neal Gibson

Regarding the steps or essentials for an amazing life, there’s obviously more than what’s listed but these three (3) without fail, will lead you in the right direction. And even better, you don’t have to subscribe or enlist your e-mail address for a countdown, webinar or Master Class (at least not yet)!

The three (3) essentials for an abundant, healthy and financially stable life:

1.) How we treat, take care of and love each other. Especially within our personal,   recreational and business life.

2.) How we take care of ourselves, “CONSISTENTLY” on a physical, mental and spiritual basis.

3.) How we trust in God’s purpose for our creation, conducive to ones spiritual embodiment (not the wiles of lust, idolization or other’s opinions).

In this, we naturally develop a strong sense of faith, personal trust and confidence in all that we aspire to achieve.

“Knowing is only the beginning, “BELIEVING” is the next step towards your blessed destiny!”

– Reginald O’Neal Gibson

We all have purpose, we all have that something deep within the best expression of ourselves. Only we must identify with this “Something” and bring it to fruition. This feeling, this deeply embedded emotion, is your creative resource in which you have the blessed favor of God; if you just believe. The only thing that can stand in the way of this awesome power known as belief or faith, is your reason. Your reasoning or understanding of who you think you are and the purpose of your life. If there is no clarity of reason, there is no peace of mind. In this, life would be a struggle, life would appear to have no tangible meaning for your existence but I beg of you, accept that you are of great purpose! You have that “Something” special in your heart, mind, body and soul. What is this “Something?” It is your WHY, your driven spirit of survival and progression. Your embedded purpose to do what God has called you to do, to become and lead by representation, but only you can find what has be given. Look deep within yourself and identify with this power. Trust, believe and have absolute faith in your creation, your reason and ultimately your purpose. I humbly ask of you, spend some time in prayer, soul search within the meditation of your heart and find that something special. Again, Identify what has been given unto you, with this said; go forth and find your WHY.   – Reginald O’Neal Gibson

“A positive thought, idea or opinion means nothing, if not acted upon. You have a created purpose; use it!”

-Reginald O’Neal Gibson

Whatever it takes, wherever it takes you, you’ll find yourself right on track towards your destined purpose in life. See you at the DAYTON BOOK EXPO April 28th 2018! Take advantage of my “in-person discount” on THE CONSCIOUSNESS OF MAN and THE BOOK OF WISDOM: the Age of Mindfulness. Get your books autographed and become apart of something worthy of  eternal thankfulness! Thank you. – Reginald

Time: 11am-4pm

David H. Ponitz Conference Center – Sinclair Community College

(Great Hall Building 12)  444 West Third Street

More information: Visit http://www.daytonbookexpo.com

Photo by HILLSPIRATION

Here’s a little something personal about the man God created in me. For those who “kinda” know me, either through my work, acquaintance of my wife or even online presence. Know that most people accept others solely by the character they display or the result of their actions. For the most part, this is the best we can do. The majority often assume, become judgmental or simply fall into speculation (I was like this once upon a time). This being it’s far more comfortable to view someone else’s life, through one’s own opinions, understandings and even moral values.

Simply put, when it comes to interpersonal communications,  some people may not have developed the skill level to really listen, (mainly men from what I’ve been told) nor  have they developed the patience to share empathy or even ask questions in honest regard; especially at the beginning of another’s relationship. People consisting of family and friends often for the purposes of (polite gossip), unmerited curiosities or just plain playing the devil’s advocate, try to fit in their own understanding or picture. Thus, choosing to fit the pieces of their own puzzled mind into their reality. So in this mindset and years later, I’d like to offer a bit more about who I am, what I claim my purposes to be and what makes me tick/think or react, in the manner of a leader by example. This gets a little personal being at one point in my life, it was considered to be embarrassing but such is life; if lived right.

My upbringing like many was not the greatest but was blessed beyond my years of youthful understanding. Moreover, I grew up hard, rigid and continuously hurt. In my teen years I became overly protective, closed off and blinded to the goodness in life. My early adult years were of anger and oppression but fortunately I found solitude, with a numbing-physical strength I came to fall in love with (called fighting). By this time in my life, my body was scarred with bullets and knife wounds, my hands and knuckles were callused, leathery and always clenched. My eyes only seen the darkness of the world, as I constantly prepared for the worse case scenario around every corner.

Tangible goals held too closely only to crumble upon my feet, was just another day of expectance. I was always preparing for the next fight or like thereof, as the study of ninjutsu was my (or so I thought) Innate passion. I recall enduring hundreds of fist pushups on concrete and broken glass, shin kicking trees and mastering weapons of battle, just because it was feasible to my outlook on life. I endured this act of insecurity and pain, until I became content with a lifestyle of misery and turmoil. After a while of this form of lustful denial, I started to enjoyed the sensation of pain whether mental or physical. What could I say, being it was the only sensation my body could feel. Rigid in the bliss of my ignorance, I felt I could no longer be hurt, challenged or even caught off guard, so pridefully I journeyed out into the world. Soon afterwards, I did something unlike the warrior I cherished within. I took an unlikely turn at the flip of her hair, seemingly flowing “in slow motion,” landing just right in the glimmer of light over her shoulder. At the time I didn’t know what I was thinking! I knew it wasn’t lust but more so of the spirit.

In short, I met my future wife Kelly! Completely opposite of what I’d thought a woman to be, she was strangely different. She was quirky, unimaginably lively and for some reason always glowing with smile. Nothing about her attracted me or so I thought, until her light entered the darkness of my dreams and corrupted understandings. Now I was officially confused! Simultaneously the spirit that dwelt in me since childhood, started to speak louder and with more clarity, almost yelling within the thought process I’ve grown to adored. “She is for you!” Over and over again “she is for you!” I tried to fight this thing but her exuberant personality taunted my ego to no end! How could she see past my roughed, perfectly perfected “stand-offish” ways! Her smile was almost as if I was missing out on something completely meant for my purpose.
On many occasions I tried to break this connection because I knew that in kelly’s world the rain didn’t exist but in my world, I welcomed the brute of the storm, hands raised high boldly playing in the drench of the cold, daring to be struck by lightning. Why didn’t she let me be? Why did the Holy Spirit wake me from the comfort of my nightmarish ways? At the time I didn’t know but as I stand today, I fully understand that I was created not to be of the storm but to survive it, if and when it comes to pass.
Now growing within the created purpose of my life, I am whole. I am happy to say, I am alive in mind, body and spirit and to say the least it’s absolutely amazing. My body has surprisingly regenerated in ways that even the doctors are astounded but I know this to be the workings of God. It’s as if the previous 20 years of hardship has somehow been magically erased. All I know is, Kelly is the beauty to my beast, the water that fills my cup to capacity and the God send that has change the very essence of my soul.

Now when people look at us, I’m sure someone or two (even in the kindness of their heart) still wonder a bit. That is, for those of inquisitive nature still trying to fit the pieces together, please rest assure. Kelly and I have a connection far stronger than physical lust, contentment or denial. Simply put, Its spiritual on every positive level of human understanding. Moreover, as my children touch and pamper the scars, calluses and old wounds etched across my body, I’ve become even more-so filled with thankfulness and joy. Now I can truly feel the sensations of care, love and innocence (with the occasional action figure impressed within the muscles of my back after a rough nights sleep). I can feel the warmth of my wife’s gentle touch, as she pulls me in to cuddle. Not to forget that seemingly immovable crumb, trapped under my bed sheet at night; such are the joys of being physically and mentally awaken from a mindbogglingly-nightmarish life.

Here’s what I’ve learned, life can be so amazingly wonderful and understood, If we’d just open up and listen to the spirit of wisdom. Life can truly be filled with abundance, growth and overjoy. If we’d just/trust and get out of the way of our created insecurities, fears and judgments.

From what I gather, most people really don’t know Kelly and I’s story, but know that it’s a story we all share to some degree. If we’d all just change the perception of our lives and boldly choose love, faith and commitment over doubt. In this we’d easily find ourselves overcoming the storms, annoying crumbs and mind-numbing obstacles scattered within the world.

In conclusion, let us not stress over the missing pieces, seemingly lost from the big picture of our perceived understandings but rather continue on, until God’s picture of our life is complete.

by  REGINALD O’NEAL GIBSON

Photo By HILLSPIRATION

Let’s be honest, by now we’ve got a pretty good idea on the present, regarding days, appointments and everyday routines. We know that if it’s Sunday, Monday will soon without fail follow. If it’s December, January is just right around the corner. If today you’re in a heightened state of awareness, it’s well understood that one day you’ll have a mentally not so focused off day; such is life.

With this said, going into this new year, please remember to stay prayed up and confident in every facet regarding your connections with others. Do your best to make sure these interactions are meaningful, worthwhile and truly heartfelt. Enjoy conversations over lunch or dinner with friends and family, share stories and experiences. Exercise without concerns or stress, do this in a carefree manner. Whatever capabilities you have, remember to save a little of your capability for others in need.

Physically prepare yourself everyday to prove futuristically, the doctor’s negative prognosis wrong. If you can’t afford something at this specific moment in time (i.e. material lusts), wait until you have the overflowing means to do so. Maybe by this time you’ll realize, you really didn’t need the item of interest in the first place. Now take that overflow, save half and with the other half surprise someone and be a blessing with it! Lastly, love and become even more affectionate to someone deserving of your commitment starting today! Just pour on the love, forgiveness and kindness, especially for those who requires it the most.

Relax and be faithful of the good seeds sown, this will benefit you on those seemingly long days when life appears to catch you off guard. So the question remains, why get caught off guard? Here’s the answer, “don’t even stress it, just keep showering people with love, respect and affection without fail, whether you believe they’re deserving or not.” In this everyday practice, it will soon become a paradigm shift in your life. Within this shift, you’ll never have to ponder the posed question or those long dreaded days of doubt again. Extend your heart, humbly sow a physical, financial or spiritual seed upon those closest and one day you’ll reap a bountiful harvest by way of God’s delight. Upon this, keep it going!

Continue this process over and over again, creating a legacy as God intends for our lives. It is my faith that we’d together, find that someone in need or has been “caught off guard” in life and usher in a personal blessing in Jesus name. May God continue to wonderfully bless and have favor over your journey my friends; Merry Christmas and Happy Healthy Holidays. – Reginald O’Neal Gibson