I wrote a book, and it almost killed me. I hit publish, and it’s up on Amazon. But what started out as a personal experiment felt like it would be the end of me. 

If you're a big guy like me—6'4", 300 pounds, with size 15 feet—you know finding a dope pair of shoes that fit right and can handle the hustle is like trying to find Biggie in a room full of Tupacs. Dern near impossible, right? Well, I'm here to tell you about what changed the game for me: the Lems Trailhead Shoes in Onyx.

We often expect things to go one way in our lives but then are surprised by the actual turn of events. We expect to have a great vacation weekend, but then you get a call that a beloved family has died and you have to attend a funeral. You were planning on a much-needed promotion only to come into work and find out that your role had been eliminated due to financial cutbacks in the company. Like many of you, I have started my day with plans and expectations, only to end up in the hospital with an unexpected health emergency.

Nice guys often find themselves stuck in the friend zone, unable to make that romantic connection with the women they're interested in. There are even married folks, whose sex lives suffer becuase they are too nice–its crazy! This persistent lack of romantic success can lead to a deep sense of isolation and feelings of inadequacy. It's not just about being alone, it's about feeling invisible and undervalued despite their apparent niceness and unspoken intentions.

What is the real cost of being nice? Being nice has long been praised as a virtue. Can the price of being nice be too high? We will explore the personal impacts of always putting others first, using the concept of the "Nice Guy Rebel" and the "Mr. Nice Guy" as examples.

I've been writing and speaking about leading and living with integrity for years. Much of what I’ve learned, tested, and proved is in this book, but I was never able to say it so bluntly before. Looking around at men, especially those in the church, I realized this message—overcome people-pleasing—was an essential part of my life’s work.

Life can be tough. It throws challenges and setbacks at us when we least expect them. But as Charlie Mitchell, the 'Nice Guy Rebel,' found out, with the right mindset and determination, you can overcome any obstacle. In this blog post, we'll explore a little bit of my story, the lessons I’ve learned, and how I turned setbacks into moments of growth.

In the realm of Christian Hip Hop (CHH) and mainstream rap, where artists often grapple with the pressure to conform, Minor stands out by forging genuine connections through unflinching honesty and a deep understanding of his audience’s struggles.

Many people believe that questioning God is not acceptable, but I often wonder why. Job asked, “How many wrongs and sins have I committed? Show me my offense and my sin. Why do you hide your face from me and consider me your enemy?” - Job 13:23-24

It's natural to question and doubt when faced with challenges. What's essential is not letting these doubts consume you.

Have you ever felt the cold, gut-wrenching realization that you've been naive, a pawn in someone else's game? That moment when the world seems to crumble under the weight of betrayal and self-doubt. You're not alone. Many have walked this painful path, but there's a way out. This article is your guide to healing, moving from self-blame to self-empowerment.

Snoop said it best, “I got my mind on my money and my money on my mind…” This poetic statement has been the motto for over a generation. For many, the pursuit of wealth isn't just an aspiration. Getting to the bag is the pathway to escape the constraints of poverty and the deceptive comforts of middle-class suburban life. But what if the realm of success extended far beyond the accumulation of wealth? 

When a family crisis erupts, like a sudden storm, the ability to stay calm is more than just admirable—it's crucial. In those moments, with one child injured and the rest of my family reeling, I discovered a profound truth: your strength during a crisis doesn’t come from a singular moment. It's the result of how you’ve prepared for life's inevitable storms. 

Entrepreneurs, have you ever felt caught between two worlds? Between where you come from and where you’re aiming to go? Nehemiah, a biblical figure often considered distant and almost superhuman, is someone you might relate to more than you'd think, especially for up-and-coming entrepreneurial leaders.

For as long as we can remember, the Bible has been a source of comfort, direction, and insight for people all around the world. Yet, in our data-driven, analytical age, we often approach the Bible as another book to dissect rather than as a gateway to the eternal where we connect with God. 

Social media is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it connects us. At the same time, it is seeking to deceive us. The digital world is filled with influencers and self-proclaimed love and life advisers, who often present themselves with a glamorous or articulate facade. However, some of these figures have a murky background, and their true intentions may be concealed.

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the constant pressure to fix the world's problems? If you have, you're not alone. Many of us feel a deep sense of responsibility to help those around us and positively impact the world. This drive often stems from a sense of duty or moral obligation. Still, it can become an addiction that leaves you drained and unfulfilled. Despite your best efforts, saving everyone is impossible, and you must learn to accept your limitations.

To the black and brown cycle breakers, standing at the intersections of expectations and realities, this is your guiding light. “When the winds of change blow, some people build walls, and others build windmills.” That’s an old Chinese proverb, but I’m gonna remix it for our contemporary trailblazer: “When the winds of expectation blow, some crumble under its pressure, while others stand tall, guiding like a lighthouse.”

“Sometimes, breaking the mold means you'll be misunderstood. Yet, staying true to your pace, your journey, and your truth is paramount. It's a lesson deeply rooted in history, even in the life of Jesus.” The modern black trailblazer walks a tightrope. On one side, they're praised as heroes—overcoming odds, rewriting narratives, and bringing change to their communities. But on the other, they're weighted down with colossal expectations.  The responsibility of lifting generations, saving kin, and being the ever-resilient beacon for everyone can be staggering.

With each stamp my passport collected, I began to see myself not just as a young person from Harlem Heights but as a true citizen of the world. The experience was nothing short of transformative, and I will always look back on Brussels as the place where everything changed for me. But here’s the deal: No matter where I went – whether it was Central America, Africa, or even when I was home in Europe – I often found myself as the only black dude among my missionary peers. 

A quiet but fierce competition is raging in homes today: fathers vs. the digital realm. As a father, I've often felt sidelined by the captivating allure of YouTube, video games, and the digital dimension that seems to envelop my son. But recently, an innocent stroll around the neighborhood shifted my perspective and revitalized my connection with him.