The Essays of Style's New Love

1. New Love (series): Chapter One: Inclement Weather
2. New Love (series): Chapter Two: The Gate
3. New Love (series): Chapter Three: Hi
4. New Love (series): Chapter 4: Where is Home?
5. New Love (series): Chapter 5: Business Relations

   “So you really want to know what I do? Because its not really that exciting.”
“I’m asking aren’t I?” She exclaimed.
“Well I sell the company basically. We manage companies who do not have resources or have the know how to run and manage there businesses. I know it sounds crazy how can you own a business and not know how to run it.”
“Actually it doesn’t sound crazy cause that sounds like me.” She laughed.
“Well I use to think it was crazy when I first came aboard. Until I realized the complexity and ingenuity in the services. I mean if a business could pay someone to do their payroll, taxes, workman’s comp., HR, and a bunch of other services I could care less or didn’t not have to worry about. That would leave me with more time to do what I know how to do and love the best. Which would be the heart of my business. So its a pretty cut and dry business but its beneficial.”

   She look at me smiled and then burst into laughter. “Um… umm….. What?”
“Wow country boy! Um…. Um…. You have me speechless.” She stated nervously.
“Did I say something wrong? I asked.
“No um no…. It’s just…. just when you talked about your work you um…. You get this look and um…. well…. You… Let’s just say I’d invest in your services on that presentation alone.”
“OK…. Are you ok?” I asked.
“Yes I’m fine. She replied. “Umm so how long have you been in this line of work?” She asked.
“I have been with them for about 3 years. Yes 3 seemingly long years but hey I’m a VP now.” I said with sarcasm.
“So VP that means you make good money and fringe benefits right?” She asked.
“Well I guess your right I do get paid a decent wage.”I said with smirk. “Fringe benefits well…. Here it is the holidays and I’m stuck in an airport waiting for a flight, who only God knows when will take off, on a business trip! However there is one good thing.”
“And what is that?” She inquisitively asked. “Well I at least am in the company of a beautiful, intelligent woman.” I replied embarrassingly. “Although she has verbally assaulted me on numerous occasions throughout our short conversations.” I jokingly exclaimed.
“Well thank you Byron I am also pleased to be in company with an educated, handsome, somewhat humorous gentleman…. I think.” She smile and replied.

  She reached out her hand and touched my arm as she laughed. I felt my heart start to beat faster. I can’t believe her lightest touch just sent chills through my body. Damn what the hell is wrong with me? She is just a woman. Well a very beautiful woman who is seemingly successful. I want to know more.I thought to myself.

   “So Lana enough about the country boy tell me about you and your business.”
“Well I started a marketing firm for small up coming businesses. Like you its more for business who do not have direction or know how. However my specialty is marketing. I use various resources in getting your business name out there. Also to keep their business growing. I love what I do. I love meeting new people and helping others succeed.
‘The downfall is there are lot of other larger firms out there that have more capital. So my focus is start up and small business owners. The mom and pop business where every dollar truly counts and they know the true value of personal marketing.”
“I see. So you came to Atlanta to do a presentation or something?” I asked.
“No not really I came to just visit really. My client here contributes to about 85 percent of my sales. So they are more of an asset to my business than I am to theirs. I will never tell them that.” Lana laughingly replied.

   I kept noticing that Lana had a very beautiful smile and her personality was very matching. I could see her being a successful marketer. As she spoke she displayed gestures that made me feel at ease and relaxed which in the sales world is the easy way to close. So you are pretty successful then? I asked.

   “Well I wouldn’t necessarily say that, I have about 150 clients throughout the country but most are based in the southern region. I sometimes contemplate just moving to this area but I never get pass the thought. I think overall from an economic and business stand point it would be beneficial but I don’t know from a personal stand point. I don’t want to base my life on just business.”
“Well how different really is Chicago from Atlanta?” I asked. She gave me this evil look as if that question had offended her.
“Oh I’m sorry is that the wrong question to ask?” I responded.
“No its just Chi town is far different from ATL.”
“So what’s the difference then?” I asked curiously sarcastic.
“Um well its for one Chicago that in itself is about 10 plus reasons. Also there’s not much to do in Atlanta.”
“What?” I exclaimed. “How do you figure that?” I question.
“There is trust me. And… and…. well its Chicago!”
“Oh ok I see now i understand. So you have no convinced me Chicago is far different from Atlanta.” I sarcastically remarked. “Ok so you are telling me if I asked you to move to Atlanta you would say no?” “Um huh?” She looked at me with a puzzling look.
“I was joking.” I laughed. She looked at me and smiled.
“So do you like Atlanta from what you have experienced from your visits?” I asked.
“Its cool I mean its a different from what I’m use to, but honestly I don’t even go anywhere when I’m here. I usually go to the hotel restaurant have dinner and go back to my room and watch TV or read something.”
” Oh sounds very fun.” I stated with sarcasm.
“Well the only people I really know here is my client. So what else is there to do?”
” Well I know what you can do now.” I strategically replied.
“And what’s that ole country boy?”
” Well you can now…”

   At that moment an interrupting tone came over the intercom and a woman’s voice followed saying “passengers of flight 2355, please return to the departure gate. I repeat passengers of flight 2355, please return to the departure gate.”

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The Essays of Style's New Love

1. New Love (series): Chapter One: Inclement Weather
2. New Love (series): Chapter Two: The Gate
3. New Love (series): Chapter Three: Hi
4. New Love (series): Chapter 4: Where is Home?
5. New Love (series): Chapter 5: Business Relations

“Home, well I’m from Chicago.” she replied. “And you?” “I’m from Atlanta.” “You are from here?” Yes born and raised.” “Wow a real life country boy!”. She exclaimed. ” ‘Country Boy!’, ‘Country Boy!’ What? I’m not a country boy!” I yelled. “Um you do live in the south right?” She sarcastically asked. “Yes, but but…. that doesn’t make me country. What the hell?” I laughed. “So you assume because I live in the south that I’m country. So what does that make you?” She then smiled and laughed. “Well it sure don’t make me country.” She said in a southern accent. “Oh you got jokes huh? Well since I’m getting assaulted by you can I at least know your name?” “Assaulted? Aw did i hurt the country boy’s little feelings?” “Oh damn, you do got jokes I like…. I like…. I can tell you are from up north.” I stated. “Anyways are you going to tell me your name or what?” “Sure I’m Lana.” She extends her hand out, “nice to meet you.” She says with a smirk. I folded my arms for a moment to pretend to be bothered and then smiled and extended my hand to meet hers and said “I’m Byron.” As I touched her hand i felt the warmth of her skin. Her hand was very soft which immediately began throwing me in that trance again. As I found myself drifting I quickly replied “nice to meet you too.” We both laughed.

As we stood in front of the gate laughing and talking about different things. I was amazed in my mind how this seem too much like a fairy tale meeting. I mean how often does your flight get cancelled and you end up meeting a very beautiful woman. Also having conversation with them. That kind of stuff just doesn’t happen. Well it never happens to me. However, I wasn’t about to let my doubts remove me from this situation. I motioned for us to take a seat at the gate waiting area. We had heard no word from the airline in which the flight being rescheduled or us being able to board again. Honestly I didnt even care. I was in the presence of a good company and was never really looking forward to this trip anyways. Throughout our conversation she kept referring to me as “Country Boy.” I couldn’t for the world come up with any come backs. So I kept conversing to pass time and to keep her talking to me. I really don’t know how she was feeling about our conversation but she wasn’t checking her watch so I kept talking. “So you said you were here on business?” I asked. “Yes I was checking up on a client of mine.” “So what kind of business do you do?” I graciously asked. “Well I own my own company, we do marketing for small businesses. My client here in Atlanta is my biggest one. So I make it my business to come see them at least twice a month. What do you do?” She asked. “Well I’m VP of Sales for a company call Style Management based out of Atlanta.” “Ooh Mr. Country Boy VP mm-mm…. So what do you sell?” “I sell “Management with Style” of course.” I started to laugh. She looked at me with a puzzled grin. “Management?” She asked with an inquisitive look? I replied, “Do you really want to know? Or is this a country boy joke that’s building?” “No! No!” she smile and stated “no, I just want to know what kind of management and why style?” “Well if you really want to know…”

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The Essays of Style's My Battle Within

1. My Battle Within
2. Struggle
3. And The Winner Is….
4. Suspended
5. Another Lesson Learned
6. Dark
7. Fire
8. After The Rain
9. Shine
10. Again

I lay my head upon the pillow of despair. Asking myself how did I once again get here? I dream big and love strong but once again I’m back to the place where I feel all alone. So is this really my destiny, my heart and mind filled with pain? Is this the only path for me? I stand in the rain in an attempt to drown the fire. However the rains are reminiscent of Hell’s Shower. I look inside to find a piece of the undying me. In hopes to hold on but its only my reflection I see. So here I lay blinded by uncertainty….

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Have you ever gotten an email or a letter from someone who poured their heart out to you? You could practically feel the emotion oozing from the words?

This verse is like that, offering an incredible glimpse of Jesus’ heart for His people and His desire to love and protect them.

But look at the last five words–”but you wouldn’t let me.” Five words filled with sadness.

You know, loving someone who doesn’t love you back can be so painful. Ever been there? Maybe you’ve loved someone romantically who didn’t share your feelings. Or you’ve loved a child who repeatedly turned his back on you.

Whatever the situation, love that’s not reciprocated is maybe the most difficult love of all. I suppose God could’ve programmed us to love each other and Him, perfectly and completely–but that’s not love; that’s automation.

No, God created us to love by choice. You can choose to love other people or you can choose not to. You can choose to love God…or not. There’s great joy in the first choice, but incredible pain in the second. But it’s pretty much all up to you.

So, Jesus will never force you to love Him. He’ll never pressure you into having a relationship with Him. But why wouldn’t you?

Look at the picture of His heart for you in the verse today! Yeah, He’s talking to Jerusalem specifically here, but the Bible makes it clear that Jesus’ love and compassion extends to everyone, regardless of race or religion (remember John 3:16, that “for God so loved the world” verse?).

Think about it: What’s keeping you from loving Jesus–and opening up to His love for you?

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Jesus talked in parables, dropping riddles and paradoxes all through His teaching: weakness is strength, service is greatness, the poor will inherit the kingdom, you must die to live, you must become like a child to understand great things. 

It’s no wonder that so many people were puzzled and confused by Jesus. He said things that were totally unexpected, even a little “out there.” 

But never without a reason. 

Here Jesus praises His Father God that the truth has been hidden from those who think they know so much, too smart to see the truth. It’s the humble, the willing, the open-hearted who are shown the truth. Those who come like a child, eager to see and learn everything.  

Why did Jesus hide the truth from some but made it plain to others?  Probably because He knows our hearts. He knows our tendency to take credit for what we know, to become proud and boastful. No, Jesus wants us to remember it’s all God’s work and not our own.  

In 1 Corinthians 1:18-29, the apostle Paul writes about the “foolish things” that God did or used, things that didn’t make sense by our standards, like sending His own Son to endure the cross and pay the penalty for our sins. It’s all Him, and nothing we did or could ever do for ourselves.

It pleased God to hide the truth from those who didn’t really want it, and instead reveal it to those seeking it, those who were willing and ready to hear and receive it. “Foolish” ones like you and me who come to Him with the simple trust and acceptance of a child.

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The Essays of Style's New Love

1. New Love (series): Chapter One: Inclement Weather
2. New Love (series): Chapter Two: The Gate
3. New Love (series): Chapter Three: Hi
4. New Love (series): Chapter 4: Where is Home?
5. New Love (series): Chapter 5: Business Relations

 ”Ding” the bell sounded as the elevator doors open to the garage floor. I began walking to my car. My heart was racing. I kept saying to myself why am I so nervous? I always get this way just before meeting with Lana. It’s like every time we see each other my mind takes me back to the first time I ever spoke to her a year ago in the airport. When I bravely approached her and said “hi.”

“Now boarding flight 549″ The voice announced over the intercom. “Hi… How are you? I mean well…. Considering?” I smiled embarrassingly thinking well she probably thinks I’m an ass. However she smiled and said “good I guess…. Considering.”  She smiled and laughed. I couldn’t believe my eyes she was so beautiful and I was actually talking to her. I felt myself falling back into a trance. I looked away for a moment to clear my head. Damn! Why am I like this? I asked myself. I tried to attempt some more small talk to make things a little easier. “So where are you, I mean where were you headed?” “Back home she replied.” I tried not to bite on that response. I mean she gave me a generalized answer of back home. Hell Atlanta’s airport was the connecting station for so many airlines her home could have been anywhere. However I didn’t bite I let it go. “So how do you feel about this ‘inclement weather?’ ” She looked at me with a disgusted frown and said “yeah, inclement weather.” “Well at least she answered you. She ignored me when I asked.” “Yes she wasn’t a very pleasant person” she stated. As she spoke I felt myself falling into that trance once again what the hell is wrong with me. Her hair was long dark brown her eyes were hazel, she had a smile that captured me. I was trying to snap out of it and trying not to stare but the more I tried the more her beauty drew me in. “So where are you headed? Um excuse me! Where are you headed?” She asked with a puzzled looked. “Um oh um um Chicago on business.” I felt so embarrassed. “Are you ok” “Ah um Yes I… I…. Just was thinking about something. Anyways, I’m not holding you up from anything am I?” “Well there was this plane I was trying to catch but well…. hm-mm.” She said as she laughed. “I guess you’re right, stupid question. So um um to prevent myself from saying something stupid I’m going to ask a question that I tried to avoid. Um…. Where is home?”

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            -Style-

I’ve made many mistakes in my short lived life. Some which have affected others. I no longer dwell on the mistake but on the lean on the lesson learned. The decisions I have made have been for my benefit, that’s what I thought, in one way or another. The lessons I have learned from most of my decisions were not entirely apart of the mistake but that each mistake has a consequence. Some consequences affect more than just me unfortunately it has affected family members, friends, and even strangers. However, through it all the key was to stay positive and keep my head facing forward. I continue to follow my StylisM credo. I know that if I take the path towards the negative my journey will become tainted. My journey is not in pursuit of perfection. It’s the pursuit of realization of me. The obstacles that lay before me do not control or direct me they give me fuel and strength to endure. They add wisdom and experience to my life.

With these lessons, I give what I believe we were destined to do, teach and inspire. My words and thoughts are not law. I speak from my heart and try to relay my experiences so that it may inform or entertain my peers, family, friends or anyone who chooses to listen or read.

The irony of my journey is the paths I take are not exactly random but placed before me to form the purpose of my journey.  

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Once more he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know I love you.” Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep” (John 21:17, NLT).

“Do you love me?”

After the third time, it probably sounded like a nagging question. However, Jesus wasn’t asking merely to pump up His own ego; He was digging to find Simon Peter’s deepest convictions.

Love is a word we throw around very lightly these days. But it’s way more than hearts, chocolate and romantic movies. Real love involves commitment, sacrifice and loyalty. And Jesus wanted to know if Simon Peter was all talk or if he was ready to live out the love he’d professed.

Jesus deserved first place in Simon’s life and in his heart, so He continued to drive His point home by asking if Simon really loved Him. Simon, now Peter, wouldn’t be prepared to teach and care for other Christ followers (the sheep) if Jesus wasn’t his first and primary love.

So what about you? Do you love Jesus? Is it just in your head, or does it show in your life? Is He number one or does He get squeezed into the occasional short prayer?

Maybe Jesus is trying to get your attention because He desires your love, your loyalty, your commitment. Let love grow between you and Him. It’s the most amazing love there is.

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The Essays of Style's New Love

1. New Love (series): Chapter One: Inclement Weather
2. New Love (series): Chapter Two: The Gate
3. New Love (series): Chapter Three: Hi
4. New Love (series): Chapter 4: Where is Home?
5. New Love (series): Chapter 5: Business Relations

Chapter Two: The Gate

As I got to the gate I glanced out of the window. The rain was coming down so hard you could barely see the runway lights. I walked up to the gate attendant where my flight was to departure from. The gate attendant was repeating “flight 2533 has been canceled due to inclement weather.” I was thinking ‘ain’t that a bitch!’ At this point I was boiling inside. Although the rain was coming down extremely hard I couldn’t believe it had the power to cancel my flight. So at that moment I buried my anger and frustration and asked the gate attendant “what is the inclement weather you guys are talking about?” I guess she didn’t hear me or was completely ignoring me. She had this monotone voice as she spoke into the microphone. I then proceeded to raise my voice as I repeated myself. “Excuse me ma’am can you tell me what is this inclement weather you speak of?” She without a word pointed towards the window where the rain was beating against the glass. Although I knew what she was trying to tell me I didn’t want to accept it. As I turned towards the direction she pointed towards I felt like I was in a cheesy movie. As my eyes caught the view of the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. She had a perfect bronze complexion even in the terrible airport lighting. Her hair was long and brown. She was wearing a navy blue business type skirt suit. She was walking towards the gate attendant. I tried not to stare but her walk had me in a trance. It was like everything around her had faded away and all I could see was a glow surrounding her as she gracefully came closer. When she got to the attendant I was finally able to break free of my trance and had to look away to keep her from thinking I was some crazy freak. I over heard her ask the attendant why the flight was cancel when it was only raining? I looked up at that time and looked over at her again. I couldn’t believe my eyes she was gorgeous. My eyes caught her eyes they were light brown like hazel she smiled as I began to fall into the trance once again. It was immediately interrupted by the sound of the attendant “Ma’am the flight is not only canceled because of the rain but also because of the lightning.” We both looked back at her. I thought to myself why couldn’t she have just told me that? However, things were starting to look up I mean at least I had some eye candy. At that moment I did something I had never done before. I walked up to her she turned towards me and smiled. I fought hard to not fall once again into a trance. But I manage to find the strength and courage to just say “Hi.”

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The Essays of Style's New Love

1. New Love (series): Chapter One: Inclement Weather
2. New Love (series): Chapter Two: The Gate
3. New Love (series): Chapter Three: Hi
4. New Love (series): Chapter 4: Where is Home?
5. New Love (series): Chapter 5: Business Relations

Chapter One: “Inclement Weather”

“Have a good weekend”, said one of my coworkers. The sun was almost gone and the moon was a crescent that back lit the sky. It was a rather normal day no big deadlines no gripes however I was happy the day was ending and the night was beginning. I sat in my office chair and thought damn I have been single for over a year. Although the time to myself has had its rewards I still missed the companionship that love brought. I looked out my office window and said to myself it’s Friday and this weekend belonged to my new love.

I was nervous yet anxious to spend our first weekend together. It has been awhile since I felt this way. I began to update the last of my files and shutdown my computer. I got a chill as I watched my computer go through the shutdown process knowing the time was getting closer. I really didn’t know why I was so nervous I have been on weekend trips before. I guess it was more than just a weekend trip it was a start of the next level. I grabbed my jacket and walked down the hallway towards the elevator. “Hey guys have a great weekend.” I said to everyone that was still at the office. As I got to the elevator the doors opened automatically. That has never happened before, maybe it was a sign. Nah! I pushed the button for the garage. As the elevator made decended to the garage floor I thought about when I first met Lana my new love.

I was on my way to a business meeting over the holidays. I remember stepping out the elevator at the airport and seeing an onslaught of people aimlessly trying to maneuver throughout the airport. I dodged my way throughout he holiday crowd. Even though it was a mad house inside I was glad to be away from the rain outside. It had been raining for what seem like forever but it had only been two days. I don’t even remember seeing what the sun looked like. I looked at the flight board as I started seeing flights being cancelled one by one by similar weather at there destinations. I was hoping, no praying my flight wouldn’t be delayed. Although I would only be traveling for work purposes it was far better than being stuck in a crowded airport during the holidays. I guess that’s the joy of being promoted to regional sales VP. I had recently received the promotion but I remember thinking it was my life that need some kind of promoting. I couldn’t even at that time remember the last date I was on. And sex, well just say, it wasn’t an issue because there was none issued to me. As I got to the gate area and after having my bags, shoes, and jacket searched. I heard over the intercom “Flight 2533 has been canceled, repeating flight 2533 has been canceled due to inclement weather.” Son of a bitch! This is fucked up! I thought to myself. Inclement weather? It’s just raining! I kept walking to the gate to find out how long my flight was canceled and what exactly is “inclement weather.”

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