Five Things Our Community Needs in 2012

I know there are a ton of us trying to do things different or better in 2012 than we did in 2011. I want to talk about the five things our community needs in 2012.

5. We need Tom Joyner on "The Tom Joyner Morning Show." Much respect to Skip Murphy for filling in while you were gone, Tom, but there is nothing like hearing your voice coming through the speakers. Glad to have you back.

4. Better eating habits. In 2012, we need to learn the definition of the word "moderation" when it comes to food. Defined as the avoidance of excess or extremes, especially in one's behavior, I hope that in 2012, each of us learns how to reduce portions and add those very boring, but important things to our diet called vegetables. It is hard for many of us to find affordable produce, but too many of us can't afford to consume fresh greens from the earth. And no, weed doesn’t count. You don’t have to be down with the Friendly Fat People Cruise Crew if you don’t want to.

3. In 2012, we have to register to vote, educate ourselves and our families about the candidates and issues and on Nov. 6, get out and vote. It is not the only thing we can do to make life better, but it's something we can't afford NOT to do. No matter who you decide to vote for, make sure you engage, but I believe we need to get activated because in 2012, we need to re-elect Barack Obama as president of the United States. Those that oppose him will be going hard. We need to go harder.

2. Better images of black women. While the images of black men have never been overwhelmingly positive, 2011 illustrated that the images in the media of black women could reach an all-time low. From too many TV productions that show black wives as nothing more than angry and bitter divorces to YouTube videos that portray the worst home-training known to modern man, enough is enough. Please share videos and stories of the sisters who are getting and doing it right. More Black Girls Rock, young girls in YouTube videos that inspire us and stories of wives and mothers who, even if the marriage didn’t work, didn’t lose their class and dignity in the settlement. Our daughters and sons deserve it.

1. And finally, love. Not lust, not infatuation, and definitely not delusion. In 2012, like every year before it, we need pure, unadulterated love - love for each mankind, our children and those we claim we want to be with.

The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 13, "Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails." It then goes on to say in verse 13: “And now abide faith, hope, love, these three, but the greatest of these is love."

I hope that each of you loves in 2012 and has someone love you back. For when everything else goes away, it's what really matters.