It's about the journey.

It's not about the end result. It's about the journey. Enjoy it every step of the way. Fill your life with things you're passionate about. That makes life ever so joyful. It doesn't matter how long it takes for things to come to fruition, because I already know they will. It doesn't matter if no one but you sees it. As long as you see it, that's all that counts.

Once God gives you a vision. No man, woman, or it can stop it. Ignore your circumstances because that is not your reality. Reality is what you see when you close your eyes. Reality is what you see in your dreams. That's the truth. That's your future. That's the life you've always known you would live. Take it one day at a time. And watch the beauty unfold. :-)

Yeah, I did that.

I can honestly say, that I've gotten everything out of my system. I've lived in places I dreamed of living. I've traveled to cities that I didn't even know I wanted to go. I've literally done everything I've wanted to do. Do I still have dreams or visions to fulfill? Of course I do, but they are not my dreams or visions. They are God's. If it was up to me, I would hang out in church all day and eat fruit. lol

Paris, London, Belgium, Scotland, Ireland...I've been there. Los Angeles? I had ridiculous life changing experiences there. Some pretty amazing people have crossed my path. Lived by the beach and absolutely chilled? Yep, done that. Created whatever I wanted, businesses, film, etc...I did that. Lived in freaking Manhattan?!! Yep, did that...Ummm, I'm good. There's nothing else I desire to do. There's no other place I dream of living. I've done what I wanted to do.

I said all of this, not because I'm bragging. But there comes a point in life when you stop running. Kinda like Forest, you know Forest Gump. Remember he ran, ran, and ran to his heart's content. Then, he just stopped and went home. It's like that. In this life we live in, we should exhaust everything inside of us. Nothing should be left. We shouldn't wonder, "What if...?" We should say, "Yeah, I did that."

When you're silent and do nothing... #Trayvon

When you're silent and do nothing while injustice being done, it's the same as you giving the okay. Your silence or lack of action is saying, "I agree with you."...The faces may change, the names may be different, but it's the same story. It's not so much a black or white thing, but it's a system thing. The system continues to allow such travesties to take place within our community. Today it is Trayvon Martin, but tomorrow it could be your daughter or son. 

Marches and protests are great, but what will you do about the system which allowed this to take place? After you march, are you going to go back to your comfy car and your comfy house? We haven't been given this blessed life, just to say, "As long as my family is good, everything is alright."

We must stand in the gap for those who have no voice. We must move to action for those who come after us. Isn't that what our ancestors did? What if they were only concerned about their households and not the generations after them? We wouldn't be who we are today. God has given you a voice, talents, and skills. He has called you to greatness. What are you going to do with that call? Are you going to make a difference or are you going to say, "I'm good"?

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 

Is their heart after God?

When God brings someone into our lives, He isn't concerned about our lists or types. His focus is on pairing two individuals, to achieve the destiny He has set for them. To ensure they fulfill the God given purpose He has for their lives. He looks at their heart, nothing more, nothing less.

When we mature as Christians, we realize love has nothing to do with what a person has or how they're packaged. The question is, "Is their heart after God?" Because if their heart is after God and they truly love Him, then they will know how to love you. Oftentimes, that individual will not even remotely be packaged according to what we desire. God's best will far exceed what and who we limit ourselves to.

© Copyright 2013-2014, Juan Hagger. All rights reserved.

And yes, even He hangs out in Brooklyn.

You don't have to be inside of a church, to spend time with God. He's inside of us and all around us. Just open your eyes, you'll see. Whether it's the beach, a beautiful flower, or even snowflakes. Last night, I sat on the steps of the Brooklyn Museum. I love that place.

Those steps mixed with the cool of a Brooklyn night, made the perfect place to chat with God. There wasn't any laughter going on, but definitely a lot of heart cleansing prayer. No matter where you are, God is with you. He's always there waiting with his arms open wide. He's my confidant, my heavenly father, my everything. And yes, even He hangs out in Brooklyn. :-) 

© Copyright 2013-2014, Juan Hagger. All rights reserved.

What are you in need of?

A few years ago, a lady approached me in a parking lot. She told me, she was about to be evicted and needed rent money. She had a daughter that lived with her. I had just finished feasting on salad and Red Lobster's biscuits. I was just about to close my car door, when she appeared. 

I asked for her landlord's number and she gave it to me. I called and he confirmed the amount she needed. At this time, I had just left my flight attendant job, was working on a show, and completely living by faith. Heck, I wasn't even sure how my 4 figure rent was going to be paid...

Before heading to church later that day, I went to the address given to me. Yes, it was dangerous. Yes, it was on Crenshaw. Yes, it was sketchy. But, I went to the office and paid her rent. I don't remember her name, but for whatever reason we crossed paths that day. 

Whatever you are in need of, give it. When you meet people who are in need, help them. I may not have had money to pay my rent, but I had enough to pay her rent. The money, wealth, and things you have, are not for you to keep to yourself. It is our responsibility to serve and help those in need. God always makes sure those who give, will always have more to give.

People are mystified why the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. No matter what your beliefs are, giving opens the door to your blessings. The tighter you hold on to things, the less you will have. Open your hands up, give, and allow God to use you. Happy Sunday! :-)

There is one who scatters, and yet increases all the more, and there is one who withholds what is justly due, and yet it results only in want. The generous man will be prosperous, and he who waters will himself be watered. ~ Proverbs 11:24-25

© Copyright 2013-2014, Juan Hagger. All rights reserved.

Greetings from NYC :-)

Today is January 7th. I just absolutely love sevens, don't you? I believe they're an indication you're on the right path. That you're in line and where God wants you to be at that particular moment of your life. So much has transpired in my life since starting this blog. It seems as though those earlier days of writing were just as much for me, as for those of you who traveled along this journey with me. 

Where am I now? I finally moved to my beloved New York City. How awesome is that?! If you've read any of my previous posts which were dedicated to my love of NYC, then you would know just how momentous this change has been for me. I moved one day before my birthday. I wanted to be sure that I started the next year of my life, in the city of my dreams. It's been awhile since I've written. I guess that goes along with the territory for such bloggers as myself. I feel for one to blog, they have to be in a blogging space mentally. I've been living a life set out exactly as this blog title states, "Passion Filled."

How can one reside in NYC and not be stimulated creatively? I do believe it's absolutely impossible. The energy of this city makes you want to be the best person you can possibly be. It's as if the streets are whispering, "Go ahead you can do it, I know you can. You know, be every bit of who you were created to be." This is exactly where I need to be at this point in my life. I'm absolutely elated that I've moved here! Well, stay tuned for future posts. It's good to chat with you today. Ciao! 

The gorgeous view from my NYC balcony. :-)

© Copyright 2013-2014, Juan Hagger. All rights reserved.