by James Weeks | Sep 2, 2020 | Blog
Like the rest of the world I was shocked and saddened by the passing of Chadwick Boseman — our beloved Black Panther.
…Yet I am also inspired by the incredible legacy he left us all.
My son, Diallo, broke the news to me late Friday evening. Then, over the next 48 hours, I learned what had been hidden for so long.
Mr. Boseman had been diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer in 2016, which eventually progressed to Stage 4.
Yet, Chadwick
“persevered through it all and brought you many of the films you have come to love,” his publicist said. “From ‘Marshall’ to ‘Da 5 Bloods’, August Wilson’s ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’ and several more, all were filmed during and between countless surgeries and chemotherapy.”
And Oprah Winfrey said:
Chadwick was a “gentle, gifted soul. Showing us all that greatness between surgeries and chemo. The courage, the strength, the Power it takes to do that. This is what Dignity looks like.”
Chadwick Boseman as Tchalla, The Black Panther
Even “during this summer’s wave of protests against systemic racism and police brutality, he expressed support for the Black Lives Matter movement and joined other black entertainers and executives in calling on the industry to cut ties with police departments,” says the New York Times.
To prepare for his role in Black Panther, Chadwick studied the speeches of Nelson Mandela, grooved on the music of Fela Kuti, interviewed a Yoruba diviner, trained in the African martial arts, and traced his African roots through DNA.
Then, in the final months of his life, Chadwick married Taylor Simone Ledward.
“Simone, you’re with me every day. I have to acknowledge you right now. Love you,” Chadwick told her during his acceptance speech for Outstanding Actor.
How did Chadwick do it all? How did he stand tall, and perform at peak levels as his body was failing?
One quote by Chadwick circulating on the internet gives us a clue:
“When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope I would not have a single bit of talent left, and can say I used up everything you gave me.”
In passing, I can’t help but feel Chadwick is challenging us all.
What are we willing to endure? What excuses are we willing to drop? What will we contribute to the world? How can we make the best use of the time we have left TODAY and every day?
If you’ve been feeling stuck or overwhelmed that’s understandable. After all, 2020 has presented daunting challenges none of us could have foreseen.
But knowing what we know now, surely we can imagine that Chadwick Boseman often woke up to challenges that felt overwhelming.
He gave us his all, and in passing he is challenging us all.
I think you might agree that the legacy of the Black Panther will be etched into our memory forever.
And it’s a legacy of majesty, brilliance and wonder!
Rest in power, good brother. The ancestors are proud.
I would love to hear what Chadwick or the Black Panther meant to you. So feel free to respond and I’ll write you back asap.
Wakanda Forever,
James Weeks
Author Meditations Across The King’s River
P.S. Still available for spiritual readings.
P.S. If you still don’t have a copy of my book, Meditations Across The King’s River, you can order one here: https://www.meditationsacrossthekingsriver.com/
by James Weeks | Nov 16, 2019 | Uncategorized
Mom made her journey home to the ancestors in September.
I’ll never forget that moment. I’ll never forget that smile, and I’ll never forget her love.
It happened early one Monday morning… I went to check on Mom before my morning walk; she wasn’t breathing. Her face was still warm, but she was was among the ancestors.
I’m in a good place. Because Mom is at peace, I’m at peace. Because Mom is free, I’m free.
Mom was a mentor and mother to many. Children were her first love. She worked as an early education teacher for many years. Once a teacher, always a teacher.
Even after she left earth, Mom has been busy teaching me profound things: lessons about patience, faith, vision, love. I witnessed miracles after Mom passed, blessings beyond imagination. Can’t tell you about the miracles right now, but what I can tell you with full confidence is this:
- Your ancestors have a vision for your life; trust it and trust them.
- Your ancestors have the resources you need and will assist you.
- Even when things don’t seem to be going your way, keep the faith.
- There is nothing to fear; you’re being guided and will be taken care of.
I bet you’re probably wondering why things have been so difficult for you if your ancestors and spirit guides really have your back? That’s a good question. The answer, from my experience, is that we all need to be tested in order to grow spiritually. Bob Marley said “the harder the battle, the sweeter the victory.”
Believe you’re on your way to living your best life. Dig deep; take action; have confidence. I’m happy Mom will be guiding me as an ancestor. Trust and believe powerful ancestors are guiding you too. Expect good things… Have to run, but I would love to hear from you. If you write, I’ll respond as soon as I can. Still available for spiritual readings if you need one, so let me know. All my love.
James
by James Weeks | Jan 3, 2019 | Uncategorized
Greetings…
It’s time to set new goals…
That’s what my friend, Jewel Love, told me when we met for coffee in Oakland about two weeks ago.
Jewel is a therapist and the founder of Black Executive Men…
He’s also my accountability partner. We help each other stay on track professionally.
Jewel Love
When we met for coffee, I was reminding him that less than two years ago we were sharing our dreams. He was hoping to build his private practice as a therapist, and I was telling him about my plans for launching my book Meditations Across The King’s River.
Today, Jewel’s business is booming, and my book has arrived in many homes around the world. We are both grateful.
Near the end of the second chapter of my book, I share strategies that help keep me focused each day.
But since 2019 is here, I just wanted to share a tip on goal setting. You don’t necessarily have to set new goals, but you absolutely must decide what goals are most important to you and focus on them.
Having too many goals is just as unwise as having zero goals.
Since Jewel is a gifted therapist, I’ve asked him to share three tips for coping with depression and anxiety as you navigate through 2019. Here’s what he suggested:
Therapy: Don’t be afraid to seek therapy, says Jewel, who’s specialty is psychotherapy. If you’re struggling emotionally from current or past wounds, meeting with a gifted therapist can help you heal.
Have a Wellness Practice: Meditate, walk in nature, eat a balanced diet, and stay away from toxic people who leave you feeling drained. Pick a wellness practice that resonates with you, and commit to doing it at least three times a week.
Share Your Gifts With The World: “Many people are depressed because they’re not living in alignment with their purpose and higher calling,” says Jewel. “As you give your creative gifts away, it will likely lessen the load in your own soul.”
This is all for now. To get more wellness tips from Jewel Love, sign up for his FREE newsletter at Black Executive Men.
Please know I will be here to guide you through 2019. Feel free to inbox me and share your goals for the new year. As you know, I always write back.
On behalf of my family and elders in Africa, I wish you and your family a prosperous, healthy and happy new year.
Thanks for your support of my new book and for your well wishes over the years. Here’s the link to get your copy of Meditations Across The King’s River
All my love,
James Weeks
Author Meditations Across The King’s River
P.S. Don’t forget to get your copy of Meditations Across The King’s River, and don’t forget to sign for Jewel Love’s FREE newsletter at Black Executive Men.
by James Weeks | Dec 25, 2018 | Uncategorized
Thank you for supporting the launch of my book Meditations Across The King’s River.
Since we launched the book last weekend, copies have been shipped to countries around the world.
I am grateful for your support of this popular book.
My elders in Africa are working spiritually to get this book in the hands of as many people as possible…
If you didn’t get a chance to order Meditations Across The King’s River yet, you can do so by visiting acrossthekingsriver.com.
Even if you only embrace a few of the spiritual or financial strategies in this book, 2019 can be a better year for you. This book has sixteen essays and powerful affirmations.
In the chapter, Nigeria: Escape and Immersion, I talk about my spiritual journey to Africa with my son, but I also talk about something we all struggle with — and that something is loss.
Loss is painful but it’s part of the human journey; it’s one of the most difficult spiritual lessons to learn. But we all have to learn it.
Loss can come in many ways: death of a loved one, a relationship or friendship, but there are other forms loss.
I can relate to your feelings of loss because I’ve experienced loss too…
But here’s what I’ve learned, Paulette. On a spiritual level, the lessons of loss challenge us to appreciate each moment, and to appreciate who’s still in our life, even though we may still miss those who are not.
Loss also teaches us that like nature, everything in life follows cycles and patterns.
When something ends, a new beginning is on the way, and it can be beautiful even though it’s difficult.
If you’re struggling with loss or anything else, feel free to send me an email…
I’ll respond as soon as I can. I’m slightly behind on emails, but I try to make it a point to respond to all emails I receive.
Again, here’s the link for more information about my book which can be purchased at Balboa Press.com, Amazon and Barnes and Nobles, acrossthekingsriver.com.
Until we speak again, have a safe and wonderful holiday season with your family.
All my love.
James Weeks
Author Meditations Across The King’s River
by James Weeks | Dec 25, 2018 | Uncategorized
I’ve just launched Meditations Across The King’s River.
I invite you to be among the first to hold a copy of this book in your hands.
Meditations Across The King’s River is now available at Balboa Press, Amazon, and Barnes and Nobles.
To order a copy for yourself and your loved ones, and to read what others have to say about it visit acrossthekingsriver.com.
If your goal for 2019 is spiritual wellness, emotional wellness, and financial wellness, then this book is for you.
If you want tips for connecting to spirit and the ancestors this book is for you…
If you want to learn more about African spiritual traditions and how you can benefit from them, this book is for you.
If you want sound, practical strategies for improving your finances this book is for you.
This book was written with love..
And it was written with you in mind. I know this hasn’t been an easy year for you.
But here’s what I learned. Things can get better, especially, if you have spiritual support and the right tools to work with.
Well, Meditations Across The King’s River is a book of powerful tools, essays and affirmations.
You’ll also bust out laughing at times, and I’ve even included a chapter on delicious African and Caribbean cuisine in case you get hungry along the way. (I know you like to eat:) ,
Here’s the link to be among the very first in the world to own this book, acrossthekingsriver.com.
Send me an email after you place your order today, and i will ask my elders to say a special prayer for you and your family. Trust me, we know and understand what you are going through.
Every bit of prayer and spiritual energy helps.
Thanks for your support, and don’t forget to email me after you place your order so we can include you in our prayers.
…And please share the link with others who want to be blessed with an uplifting spiritual book to guide them through 2019.
Once again, here’s the link. acrossthekingsriver.com
All my love,
James Weeks
Author, Meditations Across The King’s River
