March is National Kidney Month!!!

As National Kidney Month and my Birth Month comes to a close, The Brotha takes time to reflect on his newly received "Gift of Life," given to him October 28, 2011 approximately 3:00 p.m. Chicago Standard Time (*Smile).

First let me say words cannot not even begin to express my deep, deep appreciation and deference for the love, care, support, positive thoughts and prayers by my family and friends; and those I do not know personally, which have been and continue to be poured out into the grand universe openly and privately for me.  I am indeed "blessed and highly favored," as we like to say in the church!  It has been a long five and half year journey on dialysis and nonetheless, I was not able to see it through solely based upon my own power and strength; but through the power and strength of the One God.  The same power and strength He gave to Yeshua (Jesus) and all of His servants throughout the Holy books of both the Bible and Qur'an.

In May of 2006 while living in Tampa, FL my life would change for ever as I was diagnosed with End Stage Renal Disease.  It was socking because there was no specific cause as I had never been sick and was a known health nut!  It would be the beginning of a long five and half year journey.  Many of you who "straight up" know me, know me to be a very private and internally strong person; who rarely complains or makes any fuse about my life and what I have endured.  For awhile, I would never discuss my condition in detail openly, and I kept it strictly among a close circle of friends and family, and even they may say I was reluctant to share all the details with them (*Smile)!  It was not until upon being revealed to me through several conversations over the years, which served as confirmation that I needed to share my story more often.  Thing is, I knew this was the case going into my sixth month on dialysis especially after I was able to see how many lives I was touching during that time by simply being positive and encouraging.  It took me to a place of complete humility that allowed me to surrender my self to say "It ain't all about me, anymore."  It became all about my duty as a servant leader who has been blessed with superabundant gifts, talents, and abilities that I was negligent in not fully sharing them with others.

Now, keep in mind this coming from a dude who has played D1 and D1AA collegiate football, had a brief stint in pro football, traveled all over the US and parts of the Caribbean, started a potentially lucrative business with a long time childhood friend, hung out it in cities like South Beach, Hollywood, and New York City rubbing elbows with the who's who in sports and entertainment.  For these reasons, many would say based upon perception that I was "living the good life," but as the young people say, "Not, you doin' way too much!"  I like to turn it around and say, "I was doing way too much of nothing when it really came down to it."  I was not walking in my purpose plain and simple because I was too busy trying to get away like Jonah, in the biblical account! Nonetheless, I am thankful for the experiences as they were necessary in the process so I can never down play the valuable lessons that I learned.

Your Arms Are Too Short To Box With God

Many suggests that being the recipient of a transplanted kidney is sort a like receiving a "second chance," and I agree it sure is! However, I must take it a step further; I see it not only as a "second chance," but as a mission.  A mission that puts me on "blast," as we say in hip hop culture.  A mission that lines up with why I was born into this world and what I am supposed to be doing in my life of service.  I cannot not run any longer or even stand a chance in trying to box with the Universal Power and Force of all living things.  As the title of the early 80's Broadway musical suggested, "Your Arms Are Too Short To Box With God!"  With that, I humbly submit!

Currently, The Brotha overall is doing very well as I get acquainted with this new "Gift of Life," heading into the fourth month of my post-kidney transplant process.  The new kidney is working like The Creator intended it to work through His active, perfect and permissive will!  Since late February, I have been dealing with an infection known as CMV infection, which is common among many transplant patients during the first few months after receiving a transplant.  The medication I was prescribed has not been working fast enough to remove the infection out of my body, and I was admitted last night to be switched to a different medication through an IV.  Of course, I was not happy about this but I had to "fall back" because I am not in control of the Master Plan.  I am only responsible for carrying out my divinely given and appropriately appointed assignment(s)!  Although at the hospital as I write this piece and in spite of the recent set backs in my life overall these past few weeks, I remain steadfast and unshakable!

Peace & Success Indeed,

-Bro. Lamon aka Dubie, Big L

Your Minute bka God's Minute

"I have only but a minute only sixty seconds in, forced upon can't refuse it, didn't seek it, didn't choose it.  It is up to me to use it. I must suffer if I lose it. Give an account if I abuse it, just a tiny little minute but all of eternity is wrapped up in it." -Dr. Benjamin E. Mays as recited by Tavis Smiley

Original Version:

I've only just a minute,
Only sixty seconds in it.
Forced upon me, can't refuse it,
Didn't seek it, didn't choose it,
But it's up to me to use it.
I must suffer if I lose it,
Give an account if I abuse it,
Just a tiny little minute,
But eternity is in it.

By Dr. Benjamin E. Mays