A STILL TONGUE MAKES A WISE HEAD

By Vernalee

“A still tongue makes a wise head” refers to a person who only speaks when it has been determined that it is appropriate to do so. Can you say that again? They are not chatter boxes and are wise enough to not just say whatever comes to mind. Being a good listener helps you to exercise control and discernment which will ultimately reflect good judgement.

My Mother provided me with wise counseling decades ago. “We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.”

Of course, it took me years to fully apply that wisdom. Admittedly, sometimes, we learn the hard way because we just want to do things our way! A still tongue also serves to protect and guard us against unnecessary conflict. Allow me to “Vernalize” this for you.

Simply put - Mind your business. Stay in your own lane. Guard your thoughts; guard your tongue. Be selective about what words come out of your mouth. Proverbs 17:28 provides wise advice: “Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues.” It will behoove us to do just that!

Shh! Did I hear, “The cat‘s got your tongue.” For some -– that’s a good thing! Silence can be golden! Photo credit: www.pininterest.com

TRAFFIC STOPS - DO'S AND DONT'S

Nothing beats knowledge!

Stay informed.

For starters, let’s begin with traffic stops.

Many of us have been stopped by police officers while driving our cars. Traffic stops are embarrassing and often times intimidating. It seems like all eyes are on us - as drivers and pedestrians pass by!

We have been taught - Never argue with police officers. After all, they carry guns!

Every week, the news reels are on fire with alleged wrongful shootings and catastrophes.

From the videotaping of Rodney King’s beating by LA policemen on March 3, 1991 to the incidents involving Eric Garner & Michael Brown in 2014, to the questionable death of Sandra Bland on July 13, 2015 (after being stopped by police officers three days prior), alongside several other recent high profiled cases - many of which involved severe beatings, violence, and even fatalities, conduct from police officers has been questioned.

Many times, the issue starts with traffic stops …which have produced considerable debates and controversies.

Hence, “Black Lives Matter” was formed.

Here’s a fact.

Unquestionably and statistically Blacks, particularly Black males are pulled over at alarming rates for traffic stops.

Therefore, it is imperative that we know our rights and what to do.

So if you are stopped by police officers while driving, these steps may be helpful. 1. Pull over as soon as the police car lights come on. 2. Provide your registration, license, and proof of insurance. 3. Keep your hands visible. 4. Exit the car only if asked. 5. Be polite and respectful. 6. Don’t argue with the police officers; argue in court. 7. If you are registered to carry a gun, tell the officer. 8. Your car can be searched for reasonable cause. You do not have to consent. 9. Don’t lie to the police officers. 10. Passengers should remain quiet. 11. Put out cigarettes if smoking. 12. Turn off the radio. Police Officers are guided by codes of conduct.

Police play a vital role in our community and face life or death decisions on a daily basis. Police officers should enforce the law while respecting the constitutional and civil rights of the population.

Their job is to protect the public.

For sure, we need their services.

Officers have a lot of discretion.

They are also bound by the law.

Body cameras and video taping tell the story in a visual manner that are indisputable.

Often times, it may be a thin line, but interpretation of the laws and justice are rights that belong to all of us.

Be informed.

Apply the law, not your emotions.

Knowing your rights is critical.

It may save your life!

If this Information was helpful, honk your horn! Source: www. azcentral.com Photo credit: NBC News

ARE YOU A PERSON OF YOUR WORD?

By Vernalee

Are you a man or woman of your word? Do you do what you say? Is your word your bond? Does a handshake deal mean anything anymore? Don't answer me, your words and actions tell the truth every time!

Listen Up!

When you tell folks that you will do something, you create an expectation. In some cases, that expectation forms a reliance. So when you don’t execute on what you committed to do, not only were you untruthful, you disappointed and failed people who relied upon your word/commitment. Untruthfulness damages when your actions don’t coincide with your words! Once again, that small tongue caused big harm! It created an expectation that was not executed. It became a deep rooted and lingering by product that entered the memory banks of a person mind and buried its pain in their hearts. Lies have the ability to stick to a person’s heart like glue. It’s no wonder that when your words become lies that people become heartbroken! The answer to it all is really quite simple. Do what you said! Be a man/woman of your word! Photo credit: www.wordsonimages.com