AggieStrong the Ultimate Life Coach

Faith is a huge part of Black culture. On the last Sunday of Black History Month, I took the liberty of visiting Toronto’s first Black church and establishment—First Baptist Church.  It was a true jubilee. Rev. Dr. Wendell Gibbs's message was powerful and deeply moving. He reminded us of our identity in Christ, declaring, “Black history didn’t begin with slavery or emancipation but in the Genesis beginning.” He also spoke of “The anguish of our ancestors… those who died [so we could have] peace… May humanity never again perpetrate such injustice against humanity. [And] we… vow[ed] to uphold this.” The service reached a pivotal moment when the congregation joined the choir in singing: I’m no longer a slave to fear I am a child of God. Founded in 1826 by formerly enslaved people who sought refuge in Canada, First Baptist Church has long stood as a pillar of the Black community. While the original congregation laid its foundation nearly two centuries ago, the current building, complet...

A New Year's Eve Devotion - The Hands of God My own hand laid the foundations of the earth, and my right hand spread out the heavens. ~Isaiah 48:13 NIV What I woke up to this morning. I quickly sprang from my bed, okay, sofa where I have been sleeping for a while now, and grabbed my phone quickly to capture the vision in front of me. Half hour later, I am still snapping pix and vids. If only my camera could see what I could see. One of the best things about living in this space is the marvellous sunrise and moons I get to experience. REFLECT & PRAY The vision inspired me write a poem reflecting what the image of God's hand was saying to me: THE HANDS OF GOD: Crimson Curtain, Sunrise Framed Through crimson curtains God kissed my eyes, A glowing dawn begins to spread. The city rests still and serene, While crimson skies ignite the scene. A balcony, aged but full of grace, Embraces the glow in its weathered space. Below, a waking town appears, Its shops and streets, calm pion...

A personal Sunday reflection of my brother’s life and legacy, in what I call the three stages of life—birth and development, the pursuit and the chase, and sickness and dying— illuminating the gift of mortality. Rest in peace, my brother. Life often demands reflection in its quietest moments. It's no wonder some people are always busy. The recent passing of my brother, Donovan, brought me to one of these moments—confronted by the stillness of an early morning ten days after his departure, I had an epiphany . In that silence, I considered the arc of life, its inevitable stages, and the truths that define us. From the beginning of birth to the vigour of youth and its pursuits of adulthood, to the finale—the fragility of aging and dying. I contemplated that life unfolds in three distinct but interconnected phases: birth and development, the pursuit, and sickness and dying.   Birth and Development: The Foundation of Self Life begins with hope and infinite potential. Each birth represe...

my brother and I Check out my latest LinkedIn article in the link. It's a personal Sunday reflection on what I gleaned from the life and legacy of my beloved brother. It emphasizes what I call the three stages of life—birth and development, the pursuit and the chase, and sickness and dying and illuminates the gift of mortality. Rest in peace my brother.

"Comparison is the thief of joy." - Theodore Roosevelt As we embark on 2024, adorned with resolutions, the warmth of the new year, and the promise of joy, it's essential to reflect on the profound wisdom in Theodore Roosevelt's timeless quote. In a world steeped with social media highlight reels and the constant urge to keep up with the Kardashians, this sentiment is more relevant than ever.  Instead of appreciating our unique journey and the progress we have made, comparison shifts our attention to external standards that may not align with our authentic desires and values. It creates a never-ending cycle of seeking validation and trying to measure up to an ideal that may not be genuinely fulfilling. The Origin of the Quote: The words "Comparison is the thief of joy" is a profound and insightful quote often attributed to Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States, a man known for his wisdom and insights into human nature. Roosevelt's w...

In our fast-paced and often chaotic world, finding a sense of inner peace and tranquillity can seem like a daunting task. However, the wisdom of various thinkers and spiritual leaders provides valuable insights on how to navigate the challenges of life while maintaining a calm and centred mind. Let's explore ten powerful quotes and delve into ways to cultivate the essence they convey in our daily lives. "In the midst of movement and chaos, keep stillness inside of you." - Deepak Chopra In a world full of constant motion, Deepak Chopra reminds us of the importance of cultivating internal stillness. To achieve this, consider incorporating mindfulness practices such as meditation into your daily routine. Taking just a few minutes each day to pause, breathe, and center yourself can profoundly affect your overall well-being. "The present moment is the only time over which we have dominion." - Thich Nhat Hanh Thich Nhat Hanh encourages us to focus on the p...

The Truth About Mindfulness: 5 Practical Tips That Will Make Us More Mindful Everyday  As we head into the new week and month, may I remind you to stay mindful. Mindfulness doesn't require us to pray, meditate or carry out any rituals; mindfulness merely asks us to pay attention to our surroundings, how we feel inside and how we make people feel while in our presence. It is intentionally being present in each moment of our experiences without evaluating it as good or bad.  So when I speak of mindfulness, I do not speak in the Eastern sense or spiritual realm of emptying the mind of thoughts or watching our breath. For me, mindfulness invites us to WATCH: Watch our  W ords.  Watch our  A ctions. Watch our  T houghts. Watch our  C ompanions. Watch our  H abits. Watch our Words This tip reminds us to be mindful of the words we choose to use, as they can have a powerful impact on others. It encourages us to choose kind, inclusive, and respectful words...