Be The Light

I recently read about the death of a young Black male comedian named Teddy Ray. I saw a lot of comments that expressed shock and sadness at his sudden passing, but what stood out to me the most were the comments that mentioned the impact Teddy Ray had on their lives. There were a lot of people who expressed gratitude for Teddy Ray's life because his work made their lives better. A common comment was "he was a light during the dark times in my life".?

Teddy Ray made them laugh during the dark times when they couldn't stop crying, and struggled to find a reason to smile. His fans shared a multitude of his comedy videos that are now a part of his legacy. Some people shared the Teddy Ray videos that were a light in the darkness for them while they struggled with depression or illness. It was wonderful to see how this young Black man left a legacy of laughter that helped to make the world a better place.

It was wonderful to see how this young Black man was able to live the life of his dreams during the short time he was on this earth. He realized his dreams of being up on the stage and making people laugh. I watched one of his videos where he talked about having to choose between joining a gang or the choir. He chose the choir because he loved singing, and he even did some singing during his comedy acts.?

He had to make some tough life choices growing up in a neighborhood where most Black males choose to join the gang instead of the choir. I read that he also made the choice to skip going to Job Corps to go to a comedy club to start his career. That was a destiny decision that not only changed his life, but impacted the lives of the people who needed his light during their darkest times.

Two common questions people have when someone dies is: "What happened?" and "Why?". It is understandable for the living to try to make sense of death...especially when the circumstances are hard for them to understand. Death has a way of making people reflect on their own lives and mortality, because we know that it is a part of life.?

The question of "Why?" may be common when we think about death, but it is also an important question when we think about our own lives. It is a question you need to answer when you think about why you are here. It is the question that you need to answer when you think about your purpose in life.?

Your purpose is to be the light for others.?

How you choose to do it will be your reason "Why?".

One of the questions I ask my juvenile justice involved clients is if they have any positive role models or mentors in their lives. The answer is usually "no". They were not exposed to positive Black male role models who could show them the way out of a life of crime. They didn't have Black men in their lives who could be the light for them, and show them that it is possible to live your dreams.?

Creating the life of your dreams can be full of challenges and struggles, but your reason "Why?" can give you the glimmer of light you will need during your darkest times.?

It is possible for you to be the light in the darkness for others, because you will show them that they can also live their dreams.

The next Black Men Healing Circle will be on August 30th. Join other Black men in a virtual safe space to receive healing, inspiration and self-care. Space is limited so click here to reserve your spot now or visit: BlackMenHealingCircle.com

The Rewriting Your Future Workshop is a diversion workshop designed to divert Black males from the juvenile justice system and reduce recidivism. Join us for the next workshop on October 1, 2022. Click here to register or visit: thesidcenter.com/ryf