Why Judge?

 

Why Judge?

 

            When it comes down to it, we all judge. It is clearly in our human nature. Society thrives off it. A sense of competition arises when drama surfaces because we all strive to keep our own image protected through speaking critically about our peers and good about ourselves. Who wants to be in a friendship with a person who is conceited, arrogant, and judgmental?  What is the purpose of a long-term friendship when we will be so quick to toss it away when our personal image is put in jeopardy? We care so much about our self-image that we have become addicted to pleasing those who surround us. We will listen to any opinion or comment made by even our closest friends that persuade us to change for them. We should not be changing for them. We should only be changing for one person and that is The Lord. He does not judge and He does not attempt to make us change just because He is not satisfied with who we are. If we are attempting to please people, we are doing it all wrong. We are on this world to be ourselves and to be different in our own unique ways. We were made as individuals and as people who have differences for specific reasons.  In the Bible, Romans 12:2 says that we should not conform to the world. We should be honest with ourselves regarding who we truly are and listen to what God wants us to do. Romans 12:6 says that we all have different gifts, or strengths that we should apply to the world. We all are unique and we all have been given different characteristics that make us one-of-a-kind individuals.  

            We cannot destroy drama or the act of gossiping because it is just part of our daily lives. Sometimes, we will catch ourselves in the situation where we notice that we are speaking negatively about one of our close friends. After reflecting on the motive behind it, the answer usually pertains to who you were surrounded with at the time. We only speak poorly about others when we are trying to help ourselves or to be superior. Either way, they both pertain to impressing the people who are listening. If we never had to impress anyone, we would have no motive to speak harshly about anyone because it would not matter.

            Understand that life is not about impressing people. The one who stands up against the societal norm is the one who will be the trend setter in the future. People will not notice that person as a leader at the beginning, but they will learn. Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr. were both two noble figures who stood up against the judgments and opinions of others and they were severely discriminated against by a large population, but today they are remembered by their leadership. Being yourself is the correct way. You may think about changing who you are, but do you really need to change or do you want to change because someone persuaded you to? Changing for the good is perfectly fine, especially if you have had an addiction, you are on the low side of life, or you truly have discovered that you need to change. However, changing to please someone or changing to make someone else happy is unacceptable. You are intelligent enough to make your own decisions. You are to be respected and appreciated for who you are. You are someone. You mean a lot to someone out there in this world. You have a purpose. You are unique. You are worthy of each and every thing available to anyone else in this world. You are human and so is everyone else. Do not let the opinions and judgments of others influence you to change being who you truly are. Do not stop being who you have dreamed to be and NEVER allow anyone to bring you down with their negative remarks. The only opinion that matters is that of The Lord. He only judges you for not being true to yourself. Proverbs 1:15 says do not walk in the way with them; hold back your foot from their paths. Every person in this world is exploring and we are all searching for our ‘calling’. We are all searching for our passion and when we find it, we will be sure of it. You must be confident with who you are and who you will continue to be. If you stay true to yourself, you will find your passion and will understand why you are on this planet. If you conform to the wants of others, you will find yourself on a confusing journey to a destination that may never end and one that may never explain why you were placed in this world. You are someone and you have a purpose. Do not let senseless opinions take you down the wrong path and change you for the bad. Rather, take the constructive opinions of the Lord and build yourself up for what the future holds for you and be proud of who you are.

 

Austin Baker

Twitter: @ABakerPresident

Email: DreamsDriveDetermination@gmail.com

Top-Ranked Long Snapper Commits, Chooses UNC-Chapel Hill

By: Austin Baker

(Ardrey Kell High School, Student Body President)

CHARLOTTE, nc. --- Kyle Murphy, long snapper from Ardrey Kell High School (Charlotte, North Carolina) has officially committed to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as a preferred walk-on.

On Thursday, December 5, 2013, the eighteen-year-old committed to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill while sitting next to Ardrey Kell Head Coach, Adam Hastings and the Head Coach for UNC Chapel Hill, Larry Fedora.

Ranked #1 in the state of North Carolina according to Rubio Long Snapping, the 6’3, 230 pound long snapper has chosen where he will take his future.

Earning the starting spot on the Ardrey Kell Varsity Football team as a long snapper in both his Junior and Senior seasons, Kyle began to prove to coaches that he was capable of playing at the collegiate level. Recruits noticed his motivation, worth-ethic, and dedication to succeed not only on the field, but in the classroom as well; proving himself to be a true, all-around athlete. In addition, most coaches and players would describe Kyle as versatile. Throughout high school, he was introduced to playing right tackle and center. Essentially, the Tar Heels will appreciate the versatility Murphy has to offer.

Before committing to the University of North Carolina, Murphy had several colleges recruiting him, including Tennessee, Appalachian State, North Carolina A&T, Furman, Wofford, and Coastal Carolina. I spoke with Murphy earlier this week and he was excited on his decision to take his future to Chapel Hill. In our conversation, I asked why he chose UNC Chapel Hill over other schools who were interested in him. He explained, “They [Chapel Hill] are a young team and are growing immensely.” In addition, he added “It’s hard to beat a Carolina education!”

We then discussed a more in-depth analysis on why he chose to attend North Carolina and the pros and cons to being a preferred walk-on. Kyle noted, “Being a walk-on is not what I have intended to become, but it’s what I am currently listed as. Of course, I did not choose to be a preferred walk-on, however I do not mind it because when I earn a starting spot and prove myself valuable, I will be awarded a scholarship.” Genuine in his responses and humble in his mannerisms, Kyle is a talented student-athlete who has much to look forward to.

Kyle is extremely clear on what he wants to accomplish while attending UNC Chapel Hill. He expects to earn a degree in Business and then plans to carry his knowledge into the workplace where he hopes to work in the upper-tier of a corporation.

At the conclusion of our conversation, he described how thankful he was for the support from his family, coaches, and friends. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has a remarkable student-athlete coming their way.

 

 

For more information:

Twitter: @ABakerPresident

Email: austin.baker25@yahoo.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Where I'm From

Where I'm From

By: Austin Baker

 

I am from the South.

I am from the pinecones dropping from the edge of the gutters.

I am from the crepe myrtles; the tree that produces colorful, budding flowers.

I am from fishing and dreaming.

I am from the motivated and courageous.

I am from the parents who said “you can be whatever you want to be” and to be thankful.

I am from a family who prays for thanks, forgiveness, and the opportunity to be a part of this world every day when we awake.

I am from the cabinet that holds hundreds of pictures from day one of our family starting at the beginning until the day we are at today; too many pictures to even fit.

I am grateful.
 
I am proud to be the individual that I am.

I believe that anything is capable of being conquered.

I am from the area of the warm summers, days at the pool, summer baseball, and traveling to the beaches.

I am from the family that has told me to never give up.

I am from the family that has told me not to dream for the purpose of dreaming, but to dream for the purpose of achieving.

This is where I am from...

 

 

My Grandpa

My Grandpa

By: Austin Baker

 

New Jersey, the place of great memories and spectacular views

And also where my Grandpa resides.

My Grandpa, New Jersey’s greatest

And also New Jersey’s favorite.

The gleaming sunshine arises promptly every morning

Just as my Grandpa’s smile enlightens me when I awake.

The day starts with breakfast and SportsCenter

And my Grandpa reading his daily newspaper.

Throw a bathing suit on and load up like a polar bear with sunscreen

And my Grandpa packs the lunches and grabs the boards.

Run to the car like I’m robbing a bank

Jump in, sit back, and wait for Gramps.

The smell of the car is salty, different, but great

And my Grandpa puts on his shades and drives away towards the bay.

Driving through the town, is like driving to your neighbor’s house

And My Grandpa always says, “Looks like a great day to ride the waves.”

Passing over the blue, extraordinary bridge, gazing at all of the boats gliding across the water

And my Grandpa says the water looks as crisp and calm as he has ever seen before.

Searching for a parking spot is like searching for treasure, hard to find, but not impossible

And my Grandpa is a GPS, locating every good spot.

We jump out of the car, head to the trunk, and grab the gear

And My Grandpa closes the trunk and we head for the sea.

Walking a straight line towards the beach, like a person walking away on a railroad track

And my Grandpa and I walk up the six stairs before we cross onto the other side.

We walk on top of the scorching sand, feeling like lava unless you have your flops

And my Grandpa sets the items down and I pull my shirt off.

I race down to the shore, the wind blowing my hair back and the taste of salt reaching my mouth

And my Grandpa is not too far behind me.

I throw my body into the sea that is enormous and everlasting

And my Grandpa stands by the shore, looking into the distance as if he is in a movie.

Waves crashing down on me, drowning me underwater,

And the jittery energy that is flowing through my body.

Hours fly by, and the sun sets, only feeling if I were there for a few minutes

And I wash off at the stairs and we pack up.

Walking back to the car, feeling like I just ran a marathon; I cannot feel any part of my body.

And we reach the car and I slowly climb in, I exhale and look back on the day.

Driving back, beautiful sunset, boats coming in from their trips and the tide going out

And my Grandpa says, “Looks like it was a good day.”

This is day one with my grandpa, and it only gets better.

My Grandpa and I do a lot together, we accomplish a lot together.

If every day could be as good as this.

 

 

 

For more information:

Twitter: @ABakerPresident

Email: austin.baker25@yahoo.com

Email: DreamsDriveDetermination@gmail.com

 

 



 

 

My Right Place

My Right Place

By: Austin Baker

The right place for anyone in the world is where they feel most comfortable. It could be living alone in the wilderness, an apartment in a populated city, or it could be that dream spot on a beautiful island. As you mature and develop in your lifetime, your “right place” will change many times, just as you changed decisions on what you wanted to be when you were growing up. Every location in the world is written on a piece of paper that you must narrow down to the one that best fits you. It sounds challenging and nearly impossible, but if you find your inner self, it can be accomplished. Choosing the right place takes time, effort, patience, imagination, and a bit of courage.

            Time is a big word that holds a lot more than four letters. Time is starting and also stopping, time is a lifetime, and time is everything. As a kid, you are always eager to try new things, immediately. Your parents say, “Hold on” and you say “Hurry up”. Your parents say, “Time to go” and you say “One more.”  Everything is fast in life, but you have to turn it down one notch and ease your foot off the pedal. Being first as a kid is great, but being first as an adult is not a hopeful sign. Time is an important aspect in finding your right place. You need to learn from what you do. As simple as it seems, the most difficult problem society has is not learning from their mistakes. Therefore, you must mature in wisdom and search for the moments and aspects of life you enjoyed as a kid and which ones stuck with you as you grew up.  Time teaches patience which sounds dull and unappealing to people, but it teaches people to review what they experience and it gives feedback so they can change or stick with what they are doing. Time and patience are like money in a bank. If you spend all of your money early in life, your future will not hold any purpose and the idea of a right place will be meaningless. But if you save and put your money away for your future, you will have an idea later in life and you will have a better sense of what to do with yourself.

            Effort is key to all parts of life. You must try and put up a fight if you have any hope of being that person who will do extraordinary things in this world. Every day competition is portrayed in the business world with people being fired and others being hired. At school kids are competing for the highest class rank so that they can become the valedictorian or go to a top ranked university. Even animals in the wilderness display competition by fighting to survive. Life is not easy and we are meant to face challenges so the people who can handle difficult situations are separated from the ones who cannot. I know that if you wish to find the right place, you will have to put effort into searching for it and no matter how long it takes, you must have determination to keep seeking that perfect place. Courage is shown when you have the strength to keep going and the hard work ethic to never give up. Once you narrow down the list of right places, you will have to take a risk to go one way or the other and that takes the courage of a bull.

            Imagination is given to few but attainable by everyone. Imagination brings out the dreams of people and the things that everyone wishes and wants. Many people have an imagination but do not choose to use it once they pass the age of a teenager. Using your imagination will help you visualize the perfect place and view the things that are in it. You have to go back to being a kid and just dream about the place you have always wanted to go or the place that you loved most. It takes time and effort, but it will come.

I change my mind everyday about my right place and it is not something I believe is meant to be an overnight decision. My right place is not just where I want to live, it is much more; it is indescribable. I have the imagination of a piece of paper with every memory, picture, person, object, or thing I have ever seen written and drawn on it. I think every day of where I will attend college, where I will live when I grow up, what job I will be doing, the girl who I am going to marry and much more. I am not yet at the maturity stage where I am patient enough to slow down and relax, but I am working towards that direction. I have the courage to take risk, I have the effort to give it my all and never give up, and I have the imagination that will provide me with a glimpse of my right place. At this moment, my right place is out there, but I don’t know where it is. I have half of a map to guide me; the other half is my heart. As I mature in life and gain more wisdom, I will find my perfect place.

 

 

For more information:

Twitter: @ABakerPresident

Email: austin.baker25@yahoo.com

Email: DreamsDriveDetermination@gmail.com

 

 

US Army All-American Decommits From Texas

By: Austin Baker

(Ardrey Kell High School, Student Body President)

CHARLOTTE, nc. --- Corbin Daly, punter from Ardrey Kell High School (Charlotte, North Carolina) has officially decommitted from the University of Texas at Austin.

As the #2 punter in the nation in the Class of 2014, the 6’3 190 pound football star has been highly recruited by Texas, South Carolina, UNC Chapel Hill, Ohio State, Michigan State, Texas A&M, UNC Charlotte and several other Division I universities.

I spoke with Daly early this morning on his decommitment from the Home of the Longhorns and he had positive remarks on the decision he made on the night of Tuesday, December 3, 2013. He noted that he was thankful for the opportunity to attend and play football at the University of Texas, however he felt that Texas was not the best fit for what he wanted to accomplish.

He spoke with Mack Brown and Major Applewhite late Tuesday evening and discussed his decommitment and informed them that he was focused primarily on staying close to home on the East Coast.

Daly informed me that he was contemplating his decision on attending the University of Texas when he first heard of the rumors and claims that Mack Brown, the head coach for the University of Texas would be fired at the conclusion of the 2013-2014 season. Adding on to this, Daly believed staying close to his family in Charlotte, North Carolina was one of the most significant aspects that would determine where he would attend college.

Corbin Daly is a remarkable athlete. Earlier this week, he was presented with an invitation to play in the US Army All-American Bowl held inside the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. He represents one of ninety players selected from all across the United States to play in this premier high school football all-star game, which will take place on January 4, 2014.

 

For more information:

Twitter- @ABakerPresident

Email- austin.baker25@yahoo.com