The US Capitol Police officer who died in the DC riots was a President Trump supporter from New Jersey who served in the military — including a deployment to the Middle East — before joining the force.

Brian Sicknick, 42, died Thursday, a day after collapsing when he returned to his division office following the attack on the Capitol, according to the USCP, which said he was injured “while physically engaging with protesters.” (New York Post)

Brian was twice a PATRIOT by putting himself in HARM’S WAY on behalf of his country in Iraq and in his own country.

He didn’t die on the battlefield in Iraq.

No, he came home to serve his country a 2nd time as a United States Capitol Police Officer.

But, he was eventually killed in the halls of Congress.

He lived and died a PATRIOT!

Have mercy on him Lord and all the PATRIOTS who keep us safe!

Let’s never forget the ULTIMATE PRICE paid by our fellow citizens. Most of them were young boys aged 18 to 25 who never realized their dreams of love and life!

Freedom is not free!

Four people died yesterday.

As hard as it is to believe, our DEMOCRACY is not guaranteed!

When something bad happens, there is usually a lesson to be learned.

The lesson to be learned is, “HOLD ONTO OUR DEMOCRACY WITH BOTH HANDS!”

Pay attention to the decisions being made by our leaders and hold them accountable.

We must also call out leaders who spread misinformation in an attempt to destroy our DEMOCRACY and replace it with a dictatorship.

Every day, appreciate the freedom we have to make our own decisions and determine our own destiny.

Each of us must also become more accepting of one another, including people we don’t know.

I think it would be wise to talk more about our DEMOCRACY and what it means to us.

If not today, when?

Are we believable?

Do our actions validate our words?

In order to live with ourselves, we must be true to ourselves.

Our actions must be proof-positive of what we say.

And we must remember that our children and grand children are watching and listening.

They will learn much more from what we do than what we say.

There is a related issue here. It is your ability to positively influence your world.

It is impossible to do that if you’re a hypocrite!

Your words, however, have real power if your listeners know you practice what you preach.

BE A TRUTH TELLER!

If not today, when?

These sandpipers are SMART! They don’t walk away from danger, THEY RUN!

They go into the surf as the wave recedes to gather nutrients left by the salt water.

When the next wave rolls in, they sense the danger and run.

How about you?

Are you in a dangerous relationship?

Do you have friends who are leading you astray?

Is it best to keep your distance from certain co-workers?

There is enough negativity in the world without inviting it into your daily life.

Your life will largely be the result of the decisions you make.

Who will you allow to influence you?

Are they a source of reliable information or misinformation?

And will those influences set you back or take you forward?

Become more discretionary when choosing how and with whom to spend your time.

Your time is precious and actually in short supply.

RUN FROM DANGEROUS RELATIONSHIPS IN 2021!

If not today, when?

Winston Churchill, Prime Minister of England during World War II, issued many orders each day.

Some of the orders had a red sticker attached that read, “DONE THIS DAY!”

As written, he wanted it done by the end of the day. No excuses!

How about you? Do you have self-imposed deadlines or do you “let it slide?”

If you want to accomplish something in this world, you must be a good manager of YOU!

Good self-management means NO EXCUSES!

Yesterday, we were having lunch next to a playground.

We noticed kids attempting to pull themselves across an overhead ladder with their hands. One of the kids always made it across. Another always quit half way.

Which one are you?

It’s a new year! Make it happen!

If not today, when?

We just made an 1100 mile change of scene.

After driving through 3 days of solid rain, we reached our destination.

And sunshine!

“The sun’ll come out tomorrow, Bet your bottom dollar

That tomorrow there’ll be sun!”

Will the sun come out in your life?

Since Covid-19 intruded into all our lives, our freedoms have been curtailed.

It will take a while before we get vaccinated.

In the meantime, even a small change of scene might lift your spirits.

And I’ve got GOOD news!

I read this morning that a leading economist predicts that the U.S, economy will come roaring back and have sustained growth because personal savings accounts are 173% higher than before the pandemic.

So, the sun will come out tomorrow for us!

We just have to persevere a while longer.

Diba Gaye lost his wife to Covid-19 in April. He lost his job and is at risk of being evicted in East Harlem, New York. (New York Times 1/2/21)

Do you have troubles? Walk for a day in his shoes. Do the shoes fit?

He is our brother. Yes, we are all related to him. He is a suffering member of our human family.

And he is black. The black members of our family, unfortunately, had to take a different path to adulthood.

That path was not smooth!

Now that he is an unemployed widower a few days from eviction, the path has not become any smoother.

You may ask, “Where is God?”

Oh GOD is still here!

HE sent you and me to smooth paths with HIS love.

Are we up to it?

If not today, when?

Did it make or break you?

It’s usually one or the other.

The influence of childhood experiences follow us forever.

Did you come from a loving home wherein your parents stayed together “Till death do us part?”

And were they good role models steeped in a good value system? That was my childhood.

Today, unfortunately, dysfunctional families are much more prevalent.

The consequences kids endure remain with them forever.

And when they come from a bad marriage and don’t know what a good marriage looks like, they and their spouse struggle to make it work.

If you are the child of an improper upbringing, how about seeing a marriage counselor before you get married?

I suggest this because it may help you start your new relationship on the right foot.

There are three marriage possibilities: Good childhood marries another good. Good childhood marries a bad. Bad childhood marries another bad.

Lifelong love is possible in all three scenarios, but you may need some help.

If not today, when?

Considering that the NEW YEAR begins this Friday, you should TAKE INVENTORY!

I don’t think you should jump into New Year’s resolutions, however, until and after you have first analyzed what you bring to the party.

It’s easy enough. You have two categories: Strengths & Weaknesses.

Once identified, will you try to maximize your strengths or correct your weaknesses, or a little of each?

This is an important process and should not be ignored nor taken lightly.

If you want to DO more, you must BE more!

Be honest with yourself. What has to change?

And once you’ve decided on changes, that’s only the first step.

What will be your calendar of deadlines and plan of action be to successfully make those changes?

Do you think you are worthy of such an exercise. Absolutely, God doesn’t make junk?

If not today, when?

Marriages begin with quite a bit of hoopla!

There are bridal showers for the bride and bachelor parties for the groom.

A great deal of planning goes into the wedding itself.

Many gifts are given to the soon-to-be married couple.

Another great prelude to the big event is the rehearsal dinner.

Finally the big day arrives attended by friends and family.

The new couple begins building a new life together.

After facing all the challenges throughout the years, their senior years are upon them.

Eventually, one of them may succumb to an illness of some kind.

The end is not as glorious as the beginning, but is much more profound!

Hopefully, life together was filled with an enduring love.

Your marriage is in your hands. Make it a great one!