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Grarvin Amethyst Service of Praise, Thanksgiving, Celebration and Reflections of the life of
Garvin Garnett Hall “Solo Star”
Bloomed Into Life: Wednesday, February 11, 1981 Faded Into Eternity: Monday, August 01, 2011 Age: 30 Years
Service Held At Evangelistic Temple Assembly of God Fourth Terrace, Collins Avenue Nassau N. P., The Bahamas
Saturday, August 13, 2011 at 10:00am
Officiating:
Rev. Dr. Gary V. Curry
Assisted By:
Rev. Dr. Vaughan L. Cash
Musician:
Mrs. Sharon Eldemire
Burial Will Be In:
Woodlawn Gardens Cemetery Soldier Road Nassau N. P., The Bahamas
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Life
Garvin’s Life “The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away, Blessed be the name of the Lord”. On Wednesday, February 11, 1981 our world was blessed with a beautiful gift that we called Garvin Garnett. He was ours and he will remain always in our hearts, in our minds and in our memories. Garvin was always an inquisitive young child. He moved through pre-school at Annie Russell Kindergarten and then it was on to Nassau Christian Academy for His primary school education. He became a part of the Aquinas Aces school family during the 7th and 8th grade. In grade nine (9) he joined the Nassau Christian Academy (NCA) family again and remained there until his graduation in 1998. His tertiary level education took him from St. Benedictine University in New Providence, to Dillard’s University in New Orleans, to the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida and Nova Southeastern University in New Providence. His goal was to equip himself to function as a business professional in our society He was a positive young adult who loved life and loved his family. He was particularly attached to his mother Anna and his sister Audra and he showered them with loving gifts. Garvin gave of his love selflessly. Over the last three (3) years, he shared many casual days off from work with his grand-mother Audrey Lockhart. His soothing voice and loving character caused her to settle down and take orders. He was truly the apple of her eye, seeing that he was the oldest grandson. Family gatherings will never be the same. Garvin was always the comedic relief of the family. He would have everyone crying with laughter but would maintain the straightest face as if he was up to nothing at all. He kept check on all his cousins to ensure that they were always safe. In February they along with his friends surprised him with a thirtieth (30) birthday party. He always sent flowers to mark everyone’s special occasion. He will truly be missed for his generous spirit. GARVIN HALL - Solo Star
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This dependable young adult shared his skills in many work places here in the Bahamas namely Confidence Insurance, FINCO, Butterfield Bank and Bahama Health. He was known for his no nonsense character and work ethics. He was seriously committed to his work and he also liked to enjoy leisure periods afterwards. He jelled well with the young and older members of staff. Garvin’s life was committed to the civic organization The BIG GIVE. He worked tirelessly in giving of his time and energy to this charitable organization that gave to the underprivileged children and adults in our society. He recently became the Vice President of Operations for the Flash/Art. There was a serious side to Garvin’s life that many persons did not see. Vibrant and easygoing, Garvin never allowed anything negative to deter his day or week. One of Garvin’s motto’s for living life was, “Expect more from yourself”. He knew that his heavenly Father cared for him and he knew that there was a purpose for his life. Garvin attended church regularly. On Sunday, July 24, 2011 he attended the early morning service as usual.
On opening his Bible after his death the bulletin marked Ephesians chapter 4:1 – “I therefore the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and weakness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace……” His final writing was entitled “Just Be Grateful”. The words from this passage has caused family members to realize that our loving son, brother, nephew and cousin has truly found rest and is at peace with his God. The Radiance of this “Amethyst of A Gem” will always glow in the hearts of his: Mother: Anna Hall; Father: Garnett Hall; Two Sisters: Audra Campbell and Garnette Hall; Three Grand Parents: Audrey Lockhart, Inez Butler and Joseph Hall Sr.; Fourteen Uncles: Royaural Simeon Sr., David, Philip Sr. and Elroy Lockhart Sr., Olrice Nixon, Leroy Jones Sr., Leslie Forbes, Ricardo Bullard, Anthony and Terrell Butler, Bertie Johnson, Harold, Joseph Jr. and Alfred Hall;
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Eighteen Aunts: Janet Nixon, Lydia Jones, Roslyn, Pretina and Cleo Lockhart, Sheryl Joffre, Christina Johnson, Tracey and Bianca Butler, Stacia Bullard, Sheryl Forbes, Mary Bowe, Cleomi Gibson, Elevina Nesbitt, Norolce and Bettyann Hall, Theola Cleare and Catherin Sands; Eight Grand Uncles: Osbourne Lockhart, Neville McPhee, Christopher Wallace, Atwell, Eddison, Osborne, George and Senator Michael Pintard; Eleven Grand Aunts: Barbara McKinney, Yvonne Miller, Veronica Pintard, Violet Smith, Maudline Maycock, Ethlee Lockhart, Tezel Butler, Mazie Poitier, Marsha Munroe, Stephanie Rolle and Rosemary Bowe; Numerous Cousins Including: Leterah and Jonathan Munnings, Shanette, Treniqua and Cherise Nixon, Crystal and Crista Strachan, Royaural Jr., Phillipa, Mark Jr., Elroy Jr., Philip Jr., Clement, Ramon, D’Angelo, Royann, Patrick, Mark and Anson Lockhart and Leroy Jones Jr.; Other Loving family and friends including: Dorothy and Kaylus Horton, Lambert Campbell, Rose Hepburn, Stephen Knowles, Joyce Bastian, Wesley Austin Weekes, Samantha Lamb-Turnquest, D’Angelo and Nadene Charlton, Tiffany of Texas and Kesna Pinder, Kedar and Jenique Clarke, Erin Gay, Alisha Hutchinson, Zakiya Bain, Doris Jackson, Mark Moxey, Alexandria Mackey, Obiecheryl Bowe, Denise Ferguson, Gaylord Knowles, Kendra Demeritte, Audrey Tynes, Sheldon Armstrong, Aisha and Rhodenia Johnson, Anwar Rolle, Fred Paul, Valentino Brown, Pedro Burrows, Anishka Meadows, Nhomsa Gibson, Alcondo Hepburn, Amy Sands and their families, the Lockhart, Wilson, Wallace, Maycock, Munroe and Moxey families.
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Service Order of Service
Family Enters | Video Tribute
Opening Remarks and Prayer | Rev. Dr. Vaughan L. Cash Opening Hymn | City of Gold
There’s a city of Light, where there cometh no night; ‘Tis a city of beauty untold; All my treasures are there and its beauty I’ll share, When I get to that city of gold. (Chorus) When I leave all trouble and care, I will say good morning up there; I will have great gladness untold, When I get to that city of gold There’s no sorrow up there in that city so fair And no sickness can enter I’m told; Shadows all will have flown, I will meet friend I’ve known When we get to that city of gold. Won’t you go there with me to the home of the free, Would you see heaven’s beauty unfold? If you will come along, we will sing heaven’s song When we get to that City of gold. Old Testament Reading | Isaiah 40: 25-31 | Mrs. Janet Nixon {aunt}
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“ live for your happiness” Congregational Hymn | And Can It Be And can it be that I should gain An interest in the Savior’s blood? Died He for me, who caused His pain— For me, who Him to death pursued? Amazing love! How can it be, That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
Long my imprisoned spirit lay Fast bound in sin and nature’s night; Thine eye diffused a quickening ray I woke, the dungeon flamed with light; My chains feel off, my heart was free, I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.
’Tis mystery all: thee Immortal dies: Who can explore His strange design? In vain the firstborn seraph tries To sound the depths of love divine. ’Tis mercy all! Let earth adore, Let angel minds inquire no more.
No condemnation now I dread; Jesus, and all in Him, is mine; Alive in Him, my living Head, And clothed in righteousness divine, Bold I approach thee eternal throne, And claim the crown, through Christ my own.
He left His Father’s throne above So free, so infinite His grace— Emptied Himself of all but love, And bled for Adam’s helpless race: ’Tis mercy all, immense and free, For O my God, it found out me! New Testament Reading | Ephesians 4:1-6 | Treniqua Nixon {cousin}
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Solo | Errol Newton Tribute | Kesna Pinder {friend} Congregational Hymn | How Great Thou Art O Lord my God, When I in awesome wonder, Consider all the worlds Thy Hands have made; I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder, Thy power throughout the universe displayed. (Chorus) Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee, How great Thou art, How great Thou art. Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee, How great Thou art, How great Thou art! When through the woods, and forest glades I wander, And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees. When I look down, from lofty mountain grandeur And see the brook, and feel the gentle breeze. And when I think of Go d his son not sparing Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in; That on the Cross, my burden gladly bearing, He bled and died to take away my sin. When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation, And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart. Then I shall bow, in humble adoration, And then proclaim: “My God, how great Thou art!” Reflections | D’Angelo Charlton {friend} Solo | Sakinah Duncombe
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“God didn’t design us to be unhappy and to settle for any and everything.”
Reflections | Mrs. Leterah Munnings {cousin} Congregational Hymn | Safe In The Arms of Jesus Safe in the arms of Jesus, safe on His gentle breast, There by His love o’ershaded, sweetly my soul shall rest. Hark! ’tis the voice of angels, borne in a song to me. Over the fields of glory, over the jasper sea. (Chorus) Safe in the arms of Jesus, safe on His gentle breast There by His love o’ershaded, sweetly my soul shall rest. Safe in the arms of Jesus, safe from corroding care, Safe from the world’s temptations, sin cannot harm me there. Free from the blight of sorrow, free from my doubts and fears; Only a few more trials, only a few more tears! Jesus, my heart’s dear Refuge, Jesus has died for me; Firm on the Rock of Ages, ever my trust shall be. Here let me wait with patience, wait till the night is over; Wait till I see the morning break on the golden shore. Sermon | Rev. Dr. Gary V. Curry
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Prayer for the family | Minister Recessional Hymn | It Is Finished There’s a line that is drawn through the ages On that line stands an old rugged cross On that cross, a battle is raging To gain a man’s soul or it’s loss (Chorus) It is finished, the battle is over; it is finished, there’ll be no more war It is finished, the end of the conflict; it is finished and Jesus is Lord On one side, march the forces of evil All the demons, all the devils of hell On the other, the angels of glory And they meet on Golgotha’s hill The earth shakes with the force of the conflict And the sun refuses to shine For there hangs God’s son, in the balance And then through the darkness he cries Yet in my heart, the battle was still raging Not all prisoners of war had come home These were battlefields of my own making I didn’t know that the war had been won Oh, but then I heard the king of the ages Had fought all the battles for me And that victory was mine for the claiming And now praise his name, I am free.
“If you are not happy with your relationship, job, friends, life, family or whatever turn to God.” 10
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We Will Always
Remember…
Tribute by: Audra Campbell
Never in my whole life had I thought I would have to bury you my own brother Garvin! I still don’t believe this is true but God needed another angel to protect me and my family. From day one, without knowing it I loved you with all my heart, I’m pretty sure when mommy brought me home you probably was there poking me trying to make me cry. You were always there to make me laugh, cry, happy, mad, or sad.
And you always tried to maintain a positive outlook on life “Making the best out of everything. Even though I don’t ask for much I just want something special and for ME. Things may not be what you want, but there is a blessing in everything. I’m keeping this attitude and seeing my BLESSINGS in EVERYTHING!!!” – Garvin Hall
As I grew older I looked up to you and to no other. Yes, we fought many of times but you supported, and encouraged me in everything I did. As you stated on a Facebook note “I want so much for my sister to realize her potential... so I gern kick her until she gets the point”, you always wanted the best for me. Well you kicked me really hard with this and I’m going to realize my potential and “expect more” out of this life and make you proud. You were there for me whenever I needed anything and I was always there for you whenever you needed anything... only after a few insults and an argument but this was just the way we showed your love.
I will miss coming home to the sound of you blasting your music, your big bright smile, your laughter, your love, your humor, You. I have a life time of memories and thoughts but I just can’t seem to put them down in words because this just isn’t something I want to accept and do. But I will be forever loving and missing you.
Garvin you were always the life of the party and everything that you did. You had so much potential and was so excited about life. You were so focused on furthering your education and your future. Like you said “So much to do and only one me. If I keep positive I will get it done. I can’t be having everyone contributing to the world and I standing round like some of these fools just partying my life away.”
I just wish I could have been there for you like you were always there for me, to guide and protect you. Till we meet again my guardian angel! Loving you forevermore! Your little big sister Audra! Don’t let small things keep you from your blessings!!! The next person you see that might be smiling may not have anything left but God’s breath and they are happy with that. We need to get it together and embrace setbacks for what they are... just a temporary bump for us to figure out if this is where we need to be. LIVE BIG, LOVE BIG, PRAY BIGGER!!! –Garvin Hall GARVIN HALL - Solo Star
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R.I.P.
My Cousin ‘G’ How can one cope at a time like this? Honestly the lost of my cousin Garvin has hit me hard considering we just spoke in the bank Friday 29th August. When I heard the news about 7:30 a.m Monday morning it was odd considering I just left my spa Andree’s house at 10:54 p.m. that Sunday night and we had just finish talking about Garvin and his car. Like why? What really happened? Anyone who knows my cousin can tell you whenever he goes out to parties his car always know how to find home? Garvin why you leave us so soon, I just can’t understand considering the status of mum, this isn’t fair. I must say 30 years of excitement, entertainment, loving and enjoying life to the fullest you surely endured. Even when you were out of a job you still remained positive and lively and kept a smile on everyone’s face. Garvin, I thank you for helping to groom me in the banking sector and in my everyday life one thing I can say, you were always there to motivate, crack jokes and party. We grew up like a brother I’ve always wanted and now you left me....again I ask how does one cope? Audra my lil cousin or my lil sis so ppl would say I can’t imagine how you felt or what you feeling but you hang and there and be strong. Aunt Anna to you my loving aunt, who I could look forward to feeding me most of the time we don’t know what it is exactly you’re feeling but I
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can speak for most when I say you did well. You raised two beautiful loving kids, Garvin mannerly, good looking, good job, doing well for himself..... he went to church, he did his devotions and even though he partied he knew God. Words I leave to the family and friends we will cry and weep for Garvin but please let us celebrate the joy of Garvin that he shared, the excitement and laugh and jokes he brought to each and everyone one of us. Lets thank God for being able to know Garvin who has lived 30 wonderful exciting years......who knew that this year would’ve been the last time I shared a birthday with you, or the last time we spoke face to face.......had I known I would’ve said to you Friday when you came to me at work Garvin I love you and would have embraced you with a never ending hug and kiss......and I would’ve waited on the response where you said girl what the heck is your problem you better get off me here. I just want to say Garvin I love you and I miss and I love you. As I close the words of Fantasia Burrino stick with me.......Pass Me Not Oh Gentle Savior, Hear My Humble Cry.......While On Others Thou Art Calling......Do Not Pass Me By......Savior, Savior, Hear My Humble Cry......While On Others Thou Art Calling, DO NOT PASS, LORD PLEASE DON’T PASS ME BY.
R.I.P ‘G’ Love Risey.
Garv, The shock of your homegoing literally broke my heart. To think, the friend I could always depend on to help resolve my issues would be the very one to add such inconsolable hurt in the end. We’ve both always been so blessed to have so many great friends, but hands down, you’ve ALWAYS been my most reliable friend. We grew in our careers together and took great joy in each other’s successes. When I didn’t think I was ready to excel, you encouraged me in your exact words, “Stop being a loser bey!” You put a new found drive me Garv and for this and our everlasting friendship, I’m eternally grateful to you! The void of your loss can never be filled, but I find peace in knowing you’re now living, “The Good Life!”
Love Sam Lamb-Turnquest It’s funny how life is; no longer than a week before your demise we talked about our deaths and how we would react. “When you die, I gon shut Nassau down” you said. Not to make you feel any better, my comeback was “When you die, I ain even coming to the funeral”. We both laughed. Who knew that either of us would have to prove our words so soon. Ever since I met you, my life has been well managed, extremely comical and easier to live. Your nature was to support and encourage selflessly and I totally admired that about you. It got to a point where I frequently called you to confirm my agenda for the day, since you knew most of it anyway. Every endeavor I took on since meeting you, you have supported and assisted wholeheartedly. You quickly became a friend I thought that I would have for the rest of my life. Up until August 1, I knew that we were unstoppable and everything we had planned would come to pass. But just as we both believed and often reiterated, “When God overrides our plans, they
always turn out much better than we could ever imagine”. I’m also amazed at the faith you had in me, especially when I could barely see it myself. I vividly remember our conversation on your last Friday; “Look, if you give up now, I’d punch you! I don’t hang with losers, so don’t give me that. Am I not always there for you?” As I replay that conversation in my mind, I am given strength to carry on. Today, despite the pain I feel right now, I am so grateful to have had you in my life. You were undoubtedly the greatest friend to everyone that called you “friend”. I’m grateful we laughed, cried (mostly me), partied, prayed, shared and created together. God allowed me enough time with you to help develop me into a better person. Our plans, be they many, I pray that God allows me to see through to completion. Though it’s going to be very hard without you, you’ve taught me that the power I possess through God, is unstoppable! Most people may not know this, but I often challenged you; “What is it that you would most like to do with your life?” Initially I was shocked when you blurted, “I actually wanna be a Life Coach!”. As I’m writing at this very moment, I look back over the impact you have had on my life and that of so many others, and I am pleased to bring to everyone’s attention that Garvin’s life’s mission was complete, for through his life, he coached us directly and indirectly on how to live your best life NOW! For the final time, “Gaffin” I love you ma boy!
Kedar (KEY-dar…as you would jokingly say) GARVIN HALL - Solo Star
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Service
Service at the Cemetery Hymn | Oh I Want To See Him
As I journey through the land, singing as I go, Pointing souls to Calvary—to the crimson flow, Many arrows pierce my soul from without, within; But my Lord leads me on, through Him I must win. (Chorus) Oh, I want to see Him, look upon His face, There to sing forever of His saving grace On the streets of glory let me lift my voice, Cares all past, home at last, ever to rejoice.
When in service for my Lord dark may be the night, But I’ll cling more close to Him, He will give me light; Satan’s snares may vex my soul, turn my thoughts aside; But my Lord goes ahead, leads whate’er betide. When in valleys low I look toward the mountain height, And behold my Savior there, leading in the fight, With a tender hand outstretched toward the valley low, Guiding me, I can see, as I onward go. When before me billows rise form the mighty deep, Then my Lord directs my bark; He doth safely keep, And He leads me gently on through this world below; He’s a real Friend to me, oh, I love Him so. Prayer | Minister Committal | Rev. Dr. Gary V. Curry
“This life that we have been given is a tremendous gift...” 14
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Hymn | Glad Reunion Day There will be a happy meeting in heaven I know When we see the many loved ones we’ve known here below. Gather on the blessed hilltops with hearts all aglow. That will be a glad reunion day. (Chorus) Glad day, a wonderful day, Glad day, a glorious day; There with all the holy angels and loved ones to stay, That will be a glad reunion day. There within the holy city we’ll sing and rejoice, Praising Christ the blessed Saviour with heart and with voice. Tell him how we came to love Him and make Him our choice. That will be a glad reunion day. When we live a million years in that wonderful place Basking in the love of Jesus, beholding His face. It will seem but just a moment of praising His grace. That will be glad reunion day. Remarks | Funeral Director Benediction | Rev. Dr. Vaughan L. Cash
“Live your life dreams and be happy with yourself...” GARVIN HALL - Solo Star
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Grattitude Message of Gratitude “In The Words of Helen Steiner Rice”
People everywhere in life, from every walk of life have given us so many things intangible and dear. We couldn’t begin to count them all, or even make them clear; we only know we owe so much to people everywhere. You have brought sunshine into our home; you have visited, prayed, through gifts of all kinds, called asked about us and simply cared. For this we are thankful. Our sorrow is easier to bear with the help from God and friends like you. We appreciate all you have done for us during our hour of bereavement.
Thanks
May God richly bless you all, the family!
Special Thanks To:
Bahama Health, Confidence Insurance Brokers and Agents, Big Give Organization, Office of the Attorney General, Chief Justice Sir Michael Barnett, Justice Claire Hepburn, Justice Rhonda Bain, Hon. Alfred M. Sears MP, Hon. Carl Bethel MP, RBC-Finco family, Nassau Christian Academy and Aquinas Classes 98, and Butterfield Bank, Rev. Dr. Gary V. Curry, Rev. Dr. Vaughan L. Cash and Evangelistic Temple Assembly of God Family.
Honorary Pall Bearers
Active Pall Bearers Robert Gayle D’Angelo Charlton Wentworth Collie Elroy Lockhart Jr.
Sheldon Armstrong Gaylord Knowles Marc Moxey Alcondo Hepburn
Garnett Hall Wesley Austin Weekes David Lockhart Elroy Lockhart Sr. Joseph Hall Sr.
Lambert Campbe Royaural Simeon Philip Lockhart S Leslie Forbes Alfred Hall
Funeral Arrangements made by:
Uniquely
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By Garvin Hall: On Tuesday, July 19, 2011 at 11:55pm I’m sure we’ve all said, “just be grateful” to a friend when we heard them complain about something, but do we really listen to what they are saying. Over the past several months things have not been going the way that I thought it would be at this stage in my life, but I have been hearing this phrase a lot and to be honest its killing me.
God didn’t design us to be unhappy and to settle for any and everything. Yes, He sends struggles our way, but that is only because He wants us to turn to Him and have unyielding FAITH that He will provide for us. If you are not happy with your relationship, job, friends, life, family or whatever turn to God. Don’t just listen to someone saying “just be grateful” if you aren’t happy. Live for your happiness
Don’t get me wrong I am forever grateful to have God’s breath in my body, but there are things in my life that I am not happy about. Sometimes when I’m venting there is always someone in the background saying, “just be grateful”. Should I be grateful for being in a situation that I am not happy about. Do we realize when we tell someone to “just be grateful” we have to look at their whole situation. Take for instance a woman that is married to a man that might not beat her but verbally abuses her. She vents to family and friends and their response is, “Just be grateful” he does pay all the bills, take care of the children, have her driving a nice car and gives her money. Really people do you realize how powerful “just be grateful” can be to someone. You may have just convinced someone to stay in a situation that they are not happy with and that could eventually cause them their life. Another example is that I was talking to a friend that has been working at the same place for the past 11years, and they told me that they were never happy from the day they started. I am sure when they told people that they wanted to leave their job to pursue a dream someone slipped in “Just be grateful” you have a steady job. The part they didn’t say was you don’t have to be happy you just have to survive. Ummm FOOLISHNESS
I’ve been thinking about this for awhile and I am happy and grateful to be where I am in my life. Not happy with all my circumstances but I will not let myself fall into the trap of anyone telling me to “Just be grateful”. If standing on your own against what all of your family and friends think is best maybe that’s what you need to do. We need to stop settling in life and using “just being grateful” as a crutch and letting others scare us away from what we feel deep down inside as what we need to do.
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This life that we have been given is a tremendous gift and us settling for anything that doesn’t make us happy is wasting the precious moments that we have. It’s okay to not be alright, but it’s a shame to stay that way. Live your life dreams and be happy with yourself, because if you don’t have inner happiness that’s a wrap. If you want to “just be grateful” about something be grateful God is real and that if you trust in Him anything and everything is possible. EXPECT MORE FOR YOURSELF AND LIVE FOR YOUR HAPPINESS
“Solo Star”