No one makes it to the "top" by themselves. Each step you take is guided by at least one person's blood, sweat and tears. Appreciate those who stand behind you as you rise. They are the only ones who will catch you if you fall. The ladder of success is steadiest when someone's there to support it.

Happiness will never flourish in a life bereft of optimism.

In a relationship, prudent application of the gray theory is a key ingredient in assuring years of happiness; “till death do us part”. Balance is at the center of success, satisfaction and a lifetime of love.

I understand (finally) that God does not REACT to prayers or petitions. He has ACTED. It is already done.

Why trade definite for a maybe?

Words, and faith, will only take you as far as your actions allow.

Success is determined by how little time you have to worry whether others are criticizing you, while being too focused to address them if they are.

Depending on the strength of the relationship, level of communication and one’s tolerance for discord, many people are able to get past normal skirmishes unscathed.

Stop giving the best part of you to those unworthy of that gift.

Some relationships require you have a big appetite. Chances are, at some point, you may have to swallow your pride, eat your words, lick your wounds, and stomach a lot of nonsense. While a little humble pie never hurt anyone you do have control over how much of this menu you get served and can always decide when you've had your fill.

In relationships, everyone makes mistakes. If you are forgiven for yours, don't take it for granted.

Truth be told, many couples spend more time planning the wedding and the honeymoon than they do preparing for the marriage.

Turbulence during a relationship does not mean its core, foundation and essence changes. Couples will run into obstacles. The challenge may knock the wind out of them, but it does not have to cripple their resolve. Both people must trust that on the other side of crisis still exist the qualities you appreciate.

Trying to change someone to suit your desires is a setup for disappointment.

No one should gain access to the important areas of your life if you are not absolutely sure they are there for good reason.

No matter how worldly I became, there was always that one part of me that never forgot where I came from and how simple life was there.

Ultimately, it’s about determining what matters most to you; what’s important; what it will take to achieve your intended goal. And once you’ve identified these key components to growth, shed the excess; do away with the unnecessary.

Don't let life's challenges discourage you. Some things are just out of your control. Make it work for you! The most painful lessons of the past can teach you how to survive in the present .

Don't be managed by the likelihood of mishaps. Be motivated by the promise of favor!

Never let fear of short term heartache interfere with your long term happiness.

Nothing will ever be solved if we wallow in the darkness of denial.

Keep your eyes and your mind open. Don’t be blinded by filters like fear, uncertainty, pessimism and negativity.

Occupy your thoughts with purpose and you will be so busy pursuing a meaningful future there will be no time for doubt, chaos and disappointment.

Never be afraid to love. Just be careful who you love.

Love is a two-way street, but not everyone deserves a license.

Connect with someone on a deeper level…mentally, spiritually, emotionally…and your soul will transcend the height of ecstasy.

To be fearlessly vulnerable with someone…One of the deepest, most desirable paradoxes of love.

Think of the principle as that precise moment you recall everything that makes you love that person: the number of times your partner makes you smile, comforts and supports you. During those times dig deep and shift your focus from whatever bad is happening today, at this minute, and appreciate every other day, hour and second that person spends being “the one.

The seriousness of being part of Operation Desert Storm-the first major foreign crisis for the United States after the end of the Cold War- was never lost upon us.

Staring down the reality of war, far from home, asleep among strangers, that familiarity, those memories, those ties kept us going; gave us a reason to persevere; toughened us up.

Dozens of days, experiences, and encounters have set me on a path I never dreamed possible.

The most liberating feeling in the world is to not give the negative opinions of others any traction.

Do not waste your life away by wishing for days you may not even get to see.

Make a difference, change the game for the better, leave a legacy, be a guide that someone else can follow and make better, and then someone else will follow that and make that better.

Be the start of something that is good, revolutionary and powerful. Everything after that is a bonus!

Following trends on social media will not lead to social consciousness.

My incentive? Making a peaceful spirit second nature. And that is so worth the effort.

You can't be much good to others, if you're no good to yourself.

If you truly love who you are other's opinions won’t even matter.

Door money. It’s a distraction. It impedes judgment. It blurs focus. Chasing the almighty dollar can become the root of all evil, the bane of one’s existence.

DOOR MONEY” To focus on door money means one is paying so much attention to the amount of money they are making at the door they do not consider there is much more profit to be made inside a venue.

People who are distracted by door money, neglect the production and the audience. Money becomes their god. They sacrifice their reputation in favor of building revenue. Believe me; the former is more difficult to recover if lost.

Insecurity is debilitating. It cripples your motivation and breaks your spirit. The condition is NOT insurmountable, but healing will only begin when self loathing ends. Once you learn to love the person you are, there are no limits to the person you can become.

Becoming accomplished at what you do is no easy task, nor is the goal reached in a day. The process is time consuming, requires dedication, innovative ideas, meticulous strategizing and can be quite tedious at times. For many, the ultimate objective is to challenge the status quo, change the game, chart unexplored territory, and set a new standard of excellence. Sometimes hitting those marks is its own reward. Seeing others apply your blueprint to construct their own path to success is even more fulfilling. Leaders are motivated by believers! Bask in the imitation of others. After all, it is the highest form of flattery!

Never lose sight of the people who are the foundation of the future you are working to build.

If you have the desire, passion and enthusiasm to do something, nothing in the world will stop you.

If you continue to concentrate so deeply on the negative factors you are unable to acknowledge all the positive results.

Now is the time to realize your potential and look beyond disappointment and focus on blessings. They are all around you, if you only take the time to welcome them into your life.

A man enrich his community. A man teach and display leadership qualities for his children. A man by his presence is safety and security for his Queen. The best the thing a man can do for this world, his children and Queen is be a man.

Never apologize for the good in your life. People who try to make you feel badly because you have been blessed are consumed by self-loathing. Wear your accomplishments proudly, be it your career, your relationship, your children, your success. True friends will bask in the glow of your shine, not pray for darkness to fall.

There should always be an end game, or else all you are doing is practicing for an opportunity for which you have no idea of what it is or what it will even look like.

I just follow God's lead. One step, one day and one opportunity at a time. The hardest part is not becoming distracted.

To lead is a privilege, not an entitlement. It doesn't make you better than anyone; it helps you bring out the best in everyone. Accolades don't inspire a leader's vision; they've set their sights on the success of others. Leaders bypass shortsightedness and focus on the big picture. Leaders who always stand righteously never stand alone.

Rewards are not simply given, they are earned. Each of your trials and tribulations increases your reward. You are destined for success and greatness beyond measure. So smile to increase your endurance and laugh in the face of adversity.

We must learn to choose between lining our bank accounts and being accountable for our future.

Don't spend so much time chasing your future that you run over your present.

Once I had been introduced to depression, I realized if I wanted to help my friend and preserve our friendship, I needed to understand what the illness was all about.

Nothing in life is promised. Each day is a valuable opportunity to play an important role in this world. Treat each moment like it's the performance of a lifetime; approach every show like it's your first, respect it as if you've invested years, appreciate it like it's your last.

Military service is not just a vocation. It is a way of life, an attitude that you carry in your heart even after you are discharged.

The word friend is a label anyone can try on. You decide who is best suited to wear it. Choose wisely. The most dangerous among us come dressed as angels and we learn too late they are the devil in disguise.

Some people applaud my no nonsense approach to life. Others say my methods are “extreme”. Where I’m headed and how I get there is between me and my God. So, if you don’t know where I’m going, how can you suggest I’m taking things too far?

It’s one thing to have the respect of your peers in the business. Their opinions are not always verbalized but if you are doing the right thing you don’t need validation.

You own your feelings. You own your thoughts. You control both. No one has the right to any of it—to any of you without your permission.

Testing the wrong person can prove a massive failure for the antagonist.

Never spend more time worrying about somebody or some situation (that plays no significant role in your life) more than you do about yourself.

When I was in the Navy, everyone fell under the purview of “navy gray”. It is the military’s way of reminding its enlisted personnel that they are all equal. Man or woman, black or white, young or old, everyone was navy gray. With God's grace I can proudly say a better understanding of this concept has helped me ameliorate disputes, mend fences that appeared hopeless and find light in the midst of darkness.

Just because I understand does not mean I agree.

In the heat of the moment, rational thinking tends to elude us.

We live in a world with an ever-growing population. Personal space these days is at a premium. Physically, we are practically tripping over our fellow man. Mentally and spiritually, the divide among us seems to widen.

Don’t hate on someone whose hard work placed them on the road to success, while your envy and ill-intent put you on a path toward failure.

Ignorance is a progressive thinker’s enemy; acceptance, awareness, accountability and action are the tools of the informed; of people who want change and do all they can to achieve it.

Shutting out your problems does not dismiss them. Ignorance is not bliss. On the contrary, it creates an opportunity for those problems to grow.

It's been said that actions speak louder than words. Sometimes, it's what you don't say or do, that sends the loudest message.

Each day, speak as if someone may be listening in and act as if someone could be watching. Do not say it if you do not mean it or know it to be true. Do not do anything privately that would shame you publicly. Good judgment should not cease simply because you think no one will ever know. Everything performed in the darkness is always revealed in the light. The Universe has an uncanny way of laying your life bare. Make sure you can deal with what may eventually be revealed.

If you promise to love, trust, respect, support and stand by someone no matter what, do not just speak those words when times are good. Live those words when challenges arise. The stronger the love and commitment, the more unbreakable the bond. United hearts will never be easily divided.

One truth that has helped me accept some of the most difficult moments and heartbreaking decisions in my life is that I already have all for which I ask. I am blessed! I am delivered from my worries!

I love what Jacksonville taught me and where it led me. The good, the bad and the indifferent all helped shape me. I may not live there anymore but it lives inside me. It is and will always be my foundation.

From the moment I could even understand what “respect” was I knew it was not a choice but the ONLY option.

Dwelling on a disappointing situation is like walking through drying cement; eventually you will get stuck. Instead make a mental note, picked yourself up and continued living life. #forward

Focus on patience, loyalty, intelligence, greed, dissatisfaction and pride.

Accept that you will not always deal with situations with polished sophistication but trust that you have the power and exercise the will to improve how you cope.

Each day, wake up with a plan. Don’t just approach your days in an unfocused void. That state of mind leaves too much room for discontent, opposition, unhappiness and hopelessness.

When someone loves you for who you are (completely) without judgment, impossible conditions or pretense...your heart awakens, your soul comes alive, your senses are stimulated and you know true happiness.

As someone who has dealt with his fair share of disappointment, I’ve learned the best way to cope with trouble is to approach every situation with eyes wide open; focused and determined.

My parents and grandparents did not tolerate idle thoughts or behavior. If the action did not have a purpose or lead you in a positive direction, their feeling was “why bother?” This is how I was built. This is why I refuse to fail.

Our dedication to charity guides our purpose. The love of laughter inspires our vision. The generous support of supporters, friends and fans along with the finest businesses in Houston and throughout America helps drive our mission. Thank you to those who generously donate to one or all of the charities Sol-Caritas supports.

You should always be your greatest motivator. Never leave that power in someone else’s hands. Once you learn to love the person you are, there are no limits to the person you can become.

If you can train yourself to be actionable instead of reactionary, you will break out of the negative space that is typically furnished with fear, uncertainty and inaction, and move into that peaceful zone of determination, power, decisiveness and growth. Life will become less complicated.

Issues can only be resolved if each person accepts accountability in the problem.

There's "good" in all things. You just have to find it.

It's not the fact that some people disagree with the protests. That is as much a right as the protests themselves. It is the hateful, profane, condescending way some have expressed their discontent that baffles me. How do you criticize actions you've deemed disrespectful and divisive and an affront to civilized behavior with rhetoric to the same end? That's like the devil judging the Grim Reaper for harvesting souls.

It’s the simplest things in your life that help you achieve the greatest BLESSINGS. None of those things cost you, yet they can bring abundant reward. Faith, honesty and good manners will take you places and assist you in obtaining things that money NEVER will.

Most men can make moves, decisions, mistakes, plans, money, babies, love, war, progress, or even history. Not all men have what it takes to make a worthwhile difference in this world. Substance, drive, dedication, intelligence, faith and values; that comes from within. Its not what a MAN can make but what a MAN is made of that's impressive.

We are confusing making “progress” with eradicating the larger problem.

The company you keep determines how others view you. Identify with mediocrity and you will be labeled sub par. Collaborate with questionable people and your reputation becomes suspect. Guilt by association can end a career, hurt your business and cost you friends. Choose alliances wisely or you may be condemned for someone else's sins.

Before we ask where the leaders are, we should look in a mirror and ask the person we see “Why are you not leading”?

The foundation that my parents and grandparents instilled in me is unyielding, especially the principle that teaches me to keep God first in all I do.

Be careful who you share your personal life with. If someone you confide shares secrets with you, that they were asked not to divulge, chances are your secret's already out there too. Everything is not for everybody.

In the midst of combat, we learned a great deal about mankind and its many different races, creeds and beliefs.

Sharing pillow talk with the wrong people can make a hard bed to lie on, and will surely lead to nightmares in your relationship.

Under no circumstance is any proverbial player ever more significant than the collective.

Each of our lives is the sum of its parts. No ONE individual is the driving force. And no one person can stall its progression. If everyone plays their position, life evolves without drama, opportunities flourish and ultimately we ALL benefit. When you selfishly overstate your part you only weaken the whole.

Pride is the problem. Everyone wants to be right so badly they overlook the "rights" of others.

We need to get our minds right, because right now we are behaving as if we are out of our right minds.

What a tragedy, to stand in the middle of your world, watch everything around you fall apart, and realize, your actions precipitated this free fall! Take more time to consider the consequences of your thoughts and actions. One day, you WILL call out for help. Don't let bad judgment disconnect your lifelines.

When you know who you are, what you stand for and that all your intentions are forthright, it will not matter what anyone labels you. You walk taller, you act with assurance, you speak with certainty, you carry yourself with dignity, you convey honesty and you embrace all this with humility. Classify that attitude however you like. I know what it really is: giving honor to God by being a reflection of His goodness. Never be ashamed to wear that label proudly.

Living up to other people's expectations, limits your potential. You'll either find they are unreasonably high, or set so low you should consider it an insult. Only you should determine how far you're prepared to go and what you'll do to get there. And no one can lay claim when you achieve success. Don't worry about meeting the standard when you are the standard

Just when the devil tries to steer me in the wrong direction I learn how powerful God's GPS really is. (Evil will not re-route my journey). He has mapped my success to the final destination.

As a divorced man, I can say from experience that there may come a time when a couple decides it is best to live separate lives: where you have different dreams and are no longer willing to make sacrifices to achieve the other’s goal.

INSECURITY breeds JEALOUSY / JEALOUSY creates ENVY / ENVY causes self-destruction / a hater is made up of all three. Just remember you are an opportunity away from being hated on yourself!

At some point in any adult life, we have to understand that business decisions cannot be made with an emotional bias.

When you sever ties with the unit purely for self-serving intentions, you are likely to find yourself stranded and struggling to survive; fighting to keep your head above water. What’s more, there is no one to save you because you’ve turned your back on your comrades and snubbed your support system.

The tide seldom shifts in favor of a selfish individual.

The first step to receiving more blessings is appreciating the ones you have.

My Dad used to tell me not to wish my life away by praying it was Friday, or wishing for a day that was a ways off. Soon days will pass so fast you will pray for them to slow down. Nothing in life is promised. Each day is a valuable opportunity to play an important role in this world. Treat each moment like it's the performance of a lifetime; approach every show like it's your first, respect it as if you've invested years, appreciate it like it's your last.

Inasmuch as you cannot predict if and when you will be disappointed, once it happens you have only two choices: You can either let it consume you, until you become bitter and resentful. Or, you can accept what has happened, learn from it and move on. It really is that simple. What we tend to do is over analyze.

Maturity doesn't mean you stop fighting, you just change the things you fight for.

I discipline my mind to see past distractions, to scrutinize deceptive tendencies and to pay careful attention to details whether I am conversing with others or I’m just a passive observer.

There will never be a point in my life where it is acceptable to waste time.

Every thought, every action, every statement should have meaning.

When God chooses you to deliver a message, to have a purpose, no one and nothing can reverse the course of His plan.

Until we become the change we seek, the change we seek will never come.

I want you to identify your strengths or talents and to find something about yourself that makes you unique and special and refer to that image each time you find yourself feeling insecure or unsure.