About the Author

YBP from Jacksonville, FL. Currently in Miami working as an attorney for the Guardian Ad Litem program.

Other posts by Garry Bevel

There Are 8 Responses So Far. »

1. 

   Comment by 3BAAS on 18 July 2007:

   Hello YBP Guide,

   We’re thankful that we just came across your website and like what you’re doing here.

   It would be great if you added us to your blogroll. Check us out over at http://www.threebrothersandasister.blogspot.com

   When you stop by, you’ll see that we just added you to our site!

   Peace
2. 

   Comment by Fredric on 18 July 2007:

   done!

   good lookin’ out.
3. 

   Comment by Shon on 19 July 2007:

   When I read this article, I felt like it was sent to me, personally. Don’t get it “twisted,” I know it wasn’t, but you’ll understand what I mean as you further read. I will warn you…it is rather lengthy, and I do apologize to you all for the length.

   I am a 36 y/o Black woman who has an obvious disability…and who has a PhD. I have taught at two different universities, worked as a counselor, and written grants, until deciding that I want to do more community/grassroots work, and, thus, taking a position with a national non-profit organization…which, ultimately, came to my demise.

   At that place, prior to moving to this state, I was told one salary, but ended up with a completely different one….so much so that I had to live off of savings and that salary. It was so bad that I couldn’t even by my medication. Besides that, I was hired as a Programs Manager, but that was all a façade, but was really a glorified secretary. It was terrible in so many ways.

   Although I was the only one there with a terminal degree, you would think that I dropped out of the third grade by the mistreatment. In the end, I told the CEO that I think that he hired me because I was a Black woman with this disability…and not because of my talents…providing him examples. I walked out. After all, I was not getting any extrinsic or intrinsic rewards from working there.

   It was hurting me in many ways, physically and mentally. This national association was not what I thought they were about at all…Their mission stated one thing, but they did another.

   So, I applied for other jobs, of course….got hired to one, the one I wanted…a govt, management position.

   Although I am very THANKFUL that I was hired for the new job, sadly, HR personnel kept pushing (and keeps pushing) my start date back because my background check’s results had not been cleared, yet. This, of course, affected me adversely.

   I was at a point where my rent was not paid. Fortunately, I kept my apt manager informed about everything. She was understanding and patient with me. I, of course, do not fault her at all for doing her job. I am THANKFUL for her patience.

   I was scared, never been in this situation, in a city where I new no one, except for one former co-worker. Court? Me? I only wanted to go to court when I was either “fighting for the cause” or fighting on someone’s behalf, not because of nonpayment of a month’s or any amount of rent.

   I am THANKFUL for my former co-worker, Anne, who offered to help me, who, herself, cannot pay her bills every month. She too worked at that non-profit.

   I am THANKFUL to my brother, James, who offered to help me, while he is over in Kuwait. James keeps me informed about the family. Imagine that.

   I am THANKFUL to my friends and family, Lisa, Stephanie, Stacye, Anna, and Anthony who offered to send me money for the bus and groceries, and who encouraged me to “hang in there.” One even sent me Tylenol in the mail.

   Just when I was about to get my letter of pending court date regarding my rent for July, I talked to my oldest sister, Patsy, who I had not talked to for months….simply because I was TRYING to get myself together before calling her.

   Even though we had not talked in months (She sent me an IM tonight, and I replied.), she offered to pay my rent for July. In the 11th hour, my rent was taken care of that night. Unbelievable.

   I am THANKFUL for her “IMing” me, stating she just wanted to know what was going one with me.:)

   I am THANKFUL for her paying my rent, while still encouraging me. She said, “You know this is only temporary for you.” I told her that I know that “God burdens not any soul beyond its capacity.” I have always said that to myself. Even if I had my things packed and prepared to be on the streets or shelter, I knew it was something I could handle.

   Although I have always been an independent and proud woman, always proud that I was self-sufficient, in a weird way, I am THANKFUL for my current experiences. They have taught me , among other things, that needing help is not something to be ashamed of at all, especially when you need it.

   I have always been the person that others came to for help, and never thought that I would be on the opposite end of the stick, but I am.

   I am THANKFUL for being stronger and wiser, even when I thought I was already strong. I don’t know if I ever thought I was “wise.” More importantly, I am THANKFUL for God watching over me.

   I have cried many nights and days over this situation, wondered where I went wrong, wondered “How can I be in this situation,” as well as “how I would get out of this.” I am THANKFUL for the fact that I know just how close we are to becoming homeless. I have read the statistics, know there is a high correlation between having a disability and poverty, but it is truly different when you know you are about to be apart of that statistic.

   I am very THANKFUL to GOD for showing me that he truly is watching over me, as he has been all of my life, and that he has some wonderful people in this world…and I am proud to know many of them.

   I am THANKFUL for my ancestors, because I know I would not have accomplished anything without any of them, and I, definitely, would not have this inner-strength, which is sometimes a little shaky.

   One more, LAST, thing, sorry, everyone, about the length: I am THANKFUL for being able to share this with you all, and for the information shared by the YBPG.

   As Salaam Alaikum.
4. 

   Comment by GIB on 19 July 2007:

   Shon, thanks for sharing that. It was inspiring. It is difficult to look at the storm AND be thankful. But, the sun is shining during the storm, even if we can’t see it. Being thankful means we will at least feel it. You are a blessing to this world!!
5. 

   Comment by ETS on 19 July 2007:

   We are so ignorant when it comes to recognizing our own privileges and blessings. It’s always nice to be reminded of them.
6. 

   Comment by omi on 19 July 2007:

   “gratitude lists” (check out “mama gena’s school of womanly arts”) are a major part of my life. i even use them in my blogs (which, except for the exceedingly personal, has all but replaced my paper & pen journaling…).

   i find it extremely helpful to remind myself of the little-big things i’m grateful for, particularly when i’m feeling stressed out or beaten down.
7. 

   Comment by Shon on 20 July 2007:

   Thanks, GIB. I appreciate your comments, and I agree with you regarding the sun and the storm….so true.

8. Pingback by Are you Successful? | Young Black Professional Guide on 2 October 2007:

   [...] you enjoying the process? You should! There’s so much to see, so much to love, and so much to be thankful for right [...]

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