Omnitrans Increases Service on Ten Routes, Freeway Express Returns

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- Omnitrans is increasing service frequency on eight of its bus routes, bringing back its popular Route 290 Freeway Express route, and expanding OmniRide microtransit service in its largest service increase since 2019.

“We are so pleased to offer more convenient service and faster travel options for our community, which has stood with us through the challenges of the past few years,” said CEO/General Manager Erin Rogers.

The service change will bring Omnitrans to 99 percent of planned service for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting workforce shortages impacted all industries, including transit.

In addition to 15-minute service frequency on Routes 3, 4, 14, 61, and sbX Rapid Transit, 30-minute service will return to Routes 15, 19, and 85. Route 290 limited-stop Freeway Express service between San Bernardino and Montclair is back after a four-year hiatus, and service hours on OmniRide Bloomington, an on-demand route similar to Uber or Lyft, will expand to 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. from Monday – Saturday.

The agency’s ridership increased by 10 percent last year, and Omnitrans is confident that additional service frequency and span on a variety of service types – express, regular fixed route, and microtransit – will continue to attract community members to its safe, reliable, economical and more convenient transit options.

For details on Omnitrans service changes, click here. For information on all Omnitrans services, visit omnitrans.org.

14 New California Laws You Should Know About

By Edward Henderson, California Black Media

Several new laws took effect on Jan. 1 in California that may impact your job, business, finances, privacy, family, and day-to-day life.

During the last legislative session, lawmakers introduced 4,821 bills (1,530 in the State Senate and 3,291 in the Assembly).

Of those bills, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed 1,017 of them into law and vetoed 189 of them.

Along with the bills the Governor signed into law, other new laws signed in previous years also took effect on Jan. 1.

California Black Media combed through our new state laws and highlighted 14 new laws you should definitely be aware of:

  1. AB 2622 – Assemblymember Juan Carrillo (D-Palmdale). Raises dollar limit from $500 to $1000 for home projects that require licensed contractors.
  2. AB 413  – Assemblymember Alex Lee (D-Milpitas). Makes it illegal to park a vehicle within 20 feet of any unmarked or marked crosswalk or 15 feet of any crosswalk where a curb extension is present.
  3. AB 2017Sen. Timothy Grayson (D-Concord). Eliminates extra fees for declined transactions. State-chartered banks and credit unions can no longer charge you a fee for declined transactions because your balance is too low.
  4. SB 1061 – Sen. Monique Limón (D-Santa Barbara). Protects credit scores from medical debt. This law stops credit agencies from including medical debt on an individual’s credit report and prevents lenders from considering it in credit decisions.
  5. AB 2863 – Assemblymember Pilar Schiavo (D-Chatsworth). Eliminates subscription traps. Starting July 1, 2025, companies must get clear consent before charging customers after a free trial ends, send annual reminders about recurring charges, and make cancellation as simple as signing up. Customers will receive advance notice of any price changes, allowing time to decide whether to continue the subscription.
  6. AB 3209 – Assemblymember Marc Berman (D-Menlo Park). Allows retail stores to obtain restraining orders against people sentenced for stealing, vandalizing or assaulting their employees.
  7. AB 3209 – Assemblymember Marc Berman (D-Menlo Park). Allows retail stores to obtain restraining orders against people sentenced for stealing, vandalizing or assaulting their employees.
  8. AB 1779 – Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks). Allows California district attorneys to coordinate with other DAs to consolidate charges for suspects in retail theft crimes that occur across multiple counties.
  9. AB 1955  – Assemblymember Christopher Ward (D-San Diego). Prohibits school districts in the state from enacting policies that could force educators to notify parents if students identify astransgender or request to use a different name.
  10. SB 988  – Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco). Increases protections for independent contractors by requiring workers be paid on or before the date specified in their contract, or no later than 30 days after completion of services if no date is specified.
  11. Beginning in 2025, the new state minimum wage has increased to $16.50 an hour. This statewide pay minimum is based on a 2016 law by SB 3 by former Sen Mark Leno (D-San Francisco) signed by Gov. Jerry Brown.
  12. AB 2347  – Assemblymember Ash Kalra (D-San Jose). Allows tenants 10 business days to respond to eviction notices instead of the previously mandated 5 business days.
  13. AB 1825 – Assemblymember Al Muratshchi (D- Torrance). The Freedom to Read Act prohibits public libraries from banning books due to race, nationality, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, socioeconomic status, or political affiliation of a book’s subject, author, or intended audience.
  14. SB 1137– Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Los Angeles). Clarifies that California laws prohibiting discrimination and harassment on the basis of protected characteristics, such as race, gender, age, disability and sexual orientation, also apply to intersectional identities, where two or more of the characteristics result in a unique form of discrimination.
  15. AB 1815 – Sen. Akilah Weber (D-San Diego). Expands civil rights by recognizing multiple forms of discrimination and protecting traits associated with race, including hair texture and protective hairstyles. Weber introduced this bill last year while she was an Assemblymember representing the 79th District in the greater San Diego area.

 

 

Equity Element Group: Driving Change and Empowering Communities

The San Bernardino County Equity Element Group is committed to creating a more equitable and inclusive San Bernardino County. By fostering collaboration, empowering communities, and driving systemic change, the group is shaping a brighter future for all,” said the Rev. George Lamb, chair of the Equity Element Group.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—The San Bernardino County Equity Element Group (SBC Equity Element Group) is a dynamic force for positive change in San Bernardino County. It is dedicated to addressing systemic inequities and creating a more just and equitable society for all residents, particularly people of color.

The SBC Equity Element Group was created shortly after the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors unanimously passed a resolution declaring Racism A Public Health Crisis on Tuesday, June 23, 2020. The resolution tasked the County Administrative Office with forming an equity group to represent the 11th element of the Countywide Vision.

“The SBC Equity Element Group is committed to creating a more equitable and inclusive San Bernardino County. By fostering collaboration, empowering communities, and driving systemic change, the group is shaping a brighter future for all,” said SBC Equity Element Group chair Rev. George Lamb.

“The SBC Equity Element Group is charged with determining where there may be racial disparities among our residents in the county, recommend campaigns and programs to address those issues, and identify initiatives that are already underway within County government or in the community that can be highlighted and supported,” explained San Bernardino County Administrative Assistant Executive Officer Diana Alexander.

In 2020, the inaugural SBC Equity Element Group was comprised of Black community leaders.

A Collaborative Approach to Equity

The Equity Element Group’s founding members were inspiring leaders from various community organizations handpicked by the County Board of Supervisors. This group was dedicated to breaking down barriers and championing inclusivity. Among its members were:

  • Jordan Brown – Black Voice News
  • Keynasia Buffong – National Black Grads
  • Pastor Samuel Casey – Churches Organized for Prophetic Engagement (COPE)
  • Willie Ellison – Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce
  • George Lamb – Faith Advisory Council for Community Transformation (F.A.C.C.T.)
  • Tammy Martin-Ryles – Black Chamber of Commerce
  • Tremaine Mitchell – Youth Action Project
  • Phyllis K. Morris-Green – Reimagining Our Communities (ROC)
  • Bishop Kelvin Simmons – Inland Empire Concerned African American Churches (IECAAC)
  • The late Deborah Smith-Gilbert was a highly esteemed member of the IE National Council of Negro Women. (IENCNW). Her contributions to the Equity Element Group and the community will forever resonate in our memories and be treasured deeply.
  • Terrance Stone – Young Visionaries Youth Leadership Academy
  • Bill Thomas – NAACP, High Desert Branch
  • Dina Walker – BLU Educational Foundation
  • Our departed colleague Reggie Webb was a valued member of the Cooperative Economic Empowerment Movement (CEEM) and the Westside Action Group (WAG). His contributions to Equity Element Group and the community will always be remembered and cherished.
  • Keith Willis – 100 Black Men of the Inland Empire
  • Chache Wright – NAACP

“In 2024, the SBC Equity Element Group transformed due to changes in its membership. We are proud to introduce the steering committee,” said Rev. Lamb.  “Additional members are being added and will be announced at the end of February.”

Steering Committee Members Are:

Representing San Bernardino County as Collaborative Partners Are

  • Assistant Executive Officer Diana Alexander
  • Deputy Executive Officer Gilbert Ramos
  • Executive Administrative Assistant, Sandra Abarca
  • Executive Administrative Analyst, Erica Banks

Consultants

  • Theodore B. Miller, Esq., a co-principal and co-founder, leads the engagement.

Communications and Public Information

  • Carl M. Dameron, Creative Director Dameron Communications. An Inland Empire-based full-service advertising and public relations firm.

Key Accomplishments

The SBC Equity Element Group, in collaboration with the San Bernadino County Administrative office, has made significant strides in its mission to create a more equitable future for San Bernardino County:

Partnering with Equity and Results: retained the firm of Equity and Results, a multiracial, collectively led learning organization rooted in advancing racial equity and liberation through institutional change. The engagement is led by Theodore B. Miller, Esq., Co-Principal.

  • Collaborating with the County Purchasing Department: working to increase contracting opportunities for minority-owned businesses in the county’s procurement process.
  • Advancing Equity and Inclusivity within County Departments: Collaborated with county departments to identify and correct any policies or practices that have created or could create barriers to achieving equity.
  • Contributing to the Countywide Vision: Representatives from the SBC Equity Element Group joined the Countywide Vision leadership team to assist with developing initiatives that promote and help fulfill the countywide vision.
  • Launching a New Interactive Website: The group is excited to announce the launch of its new website in the first quarter of 2025. The website will provide a platform for community engagement, job opportunities, and business development.

A Brighter Future

“The San Bernardino County Equity Element Group is committed to creating a more equitable and inclusive San Bernardino County. By fostering collaboration, empowering communities, and driving systemic change, the group is shaping a brighter future for all,” said Rev. Lamb.

He continued, “The SBC Equity Element Group has developed a logo and slogan to emphasize that “Equity Elevates Everyone.” The Group’s initial efforts focused on enhancing equity for the Black community, and as we move forward, our work will encompass all people of color; the results will benefit everyone.”

For example, although initially perceived as a remedy for racial discrimination against Blacks, the provisions of the 1964 Civil Rights Act prohibited discrimination based on sex and race in employment practices, public accommodations, and federally funded programs. Furthermore, it bolstered voting rights enforcement and facilitated the desegregation of educational institutions. These hard-won rights not only helped Blacks be more successful, but they significantly advanced all women, Latinos, Asians, and individuals of color.


About The San Bernardino County Equity Element Group

The SBC Equity Element Group’s mission is to identify and address systemic inequities within San Bernardino County. It focuses on creating a more just and equitable society for all residents, particularly Black residents and people of color. The Group strives to dismantle barriers, promote inclusivity, and empower marginalized communities through data-driven strategies and community-centered solutions.

The County of San Bernardino Congratulates Elected Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk Josie Gonzales

SAN BERNARDINO, CA — San Bernardino County is pleased to announce the election of Josie Gonzales as the new Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk, effective January 6th, 2025. With her extensive background in public service and community leadership, Gonzales is poised to bring innovation, integrity, and dedication to her new role.

Gonzales brings a wealth of experience in local government, having worked in various capacities to support San Bernardino County residents. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a deep commitment to ensuring transparency, improving access to services, and supporting the needs of residents. Her leadership will be pivotal as the Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk’s office continues its important work in maintaining accurate property records and ensuring fair and equitable assessments for all residents.

“I am truly honored to serve as Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk for our community,” said Josie Gonzales. “I look forward to working with my dedicated team to continue enhancing the services we provide, improving transparency, and ensuring that all residents are treated with fairness and respect.”

As Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk, Gonzales will oversee the valuation of property, the maintenance of property records, and the facilitation of vital services such as document recording, birth, death, and marriage certificates, and more. Her vision for the office is focused on modernizing processes, making services more accessible to the public, and maintaining the highest standards of professionalism.

Josie Gonzales takes office following a successful election in November 2024. She is committed to building on the office’s legacy of excellence and ensuring that all residents benefit from fair and equitable services.

“I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Chris Wilhite for his professional leadership and service as Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk,” said incoming Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk Josie Gonzales. “His dedication to the office and the community during this time of transition has been invaluable.”

Chris Wilhite was appointed by the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on December 6, 2022, to a special two-year term following the unexpected passing of Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk Bob Dutton.

For more information about the Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk’s office, please visit arc.sbcounty.gov.

Empire Talks Back Broadcast 12-29-2024

This broadcast features interviews with Professor Brian Levin. Mr. Levin is a court-certified expert on extremism in the United States and England. He has appeared on every network and cable television evening news broadcast and various network magazine shows on the subjects of civil rights, criminal law, and extremism. He has also appeared in every major American newspaper, news magazine, and wire service.
Also featured is Mrs. Nichole Williams-Artry. She is passionate about empowering Black Communities in the High Desert through the Ubuntu Project.
The discussions acknowledge the impact of hate and how reporting hate and spreading the love is appropriate and can be effective.

Single Black Mom Denied a Promotion, Sues PNC Bank Over Alleged Discrimination

NATIONWIDE—- Brandie Falice, who is from Atlanta, Georgia, filed a lawsuit against PNC Bank, alleging she was denied a promotion because she is a single African American mother despite her years of experience at the bank.

“I felt discouraged and I felt the time I spent with this company and my efforts to reach my goals in that space were shot down because of something that I love about myself,” Falice told WSB-TV.

The lawsuit states Falice, a six-year employee aiming for a higher management role, was told she wasn’t a good fit because she is Black and that most customers at the branch are white. The regional manager also said her being a single mother might affect her availability on weekends.

Falice felt this treatment undermined her worth, causing her lasting emotional distress.

“It does feel like you’re judged and it feels like you’re not worthy as other people,” she said. “It was very disrespectful and I questioned my worth altogether because of that.”

Falice, who has a Bachelor of Business Administration from Georgia State University, joined PNC in 2018. She moved up during the pandemic and had hoped to advance to a higher position at the Peachtree Corners branch after 6 years with the company.

In response, PNC Bank denied the allegations, asserting that Falice was treated fairly and in line with their company policies.

“We believe Ms. Falice was treated fairly and consistent with our company values, policies and practices,” it said in a statement. “PNC does not tolerate discrimination or retaliation and we look forward to presenting the facts in court.”

Falice’s lawyer, Artur Davis, is calling for PNC to take responsibility for the alleged bias, pointing out how many women of color might face similar challenges.

Falice has left PNC in April 2024, according to her LinkedIn profile. She is now working as a senior account executive at an IT company in Atlanta.

Jamie Foxx Seeks Legal Action Against Person Who Threw Glass at His Face

NATIONWIDE — Jamie Foxx is pursuing legal action after an alleged assault at Mr. Chow’s in Beverly Hills, where a glass was thrown at his face, injuring his mouth. Foxx is determined to have the person responsible prosecuted to prevent future incidents.

No arrests have been made yet, but actor and rapper Jasper Dolphin, known for the 2022 movie Jackass Forever, is reportedly being investigated by authorities in connection with the incident, according to TMZ.

The incident occurred when Foxx was celebrating his 57th birthday with his daughters and friends. A prankster projected a vulgar image onto his table using a laser pointer.

The stunt, allegedly organized by the Jackass crew, angered Foxx, leading him to confront the individuals involved. The situation escalated when someone threw a glass at him, causing a cut to his mouth.

The investigation is ongoing, with Foxx fully cooperating. Police are reviewing footage from the restaurant and interviewing witnesses, though they have not shared details about the footage.

Neither Foxx’s legal team nor Dolphin has commented on the ongoing investigation.

7 Questions for Sacramento’s New Mayor Kevin McCarty

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

In November, former California Assemblymember Kevin McCarty was elected Mayor of Sacramento.

He was sworn into this new role on December 10.

Before becoming Mayor, McCarty represented the 6th Assembly District for 10 years. This district includes most of Sacramento and parts of Sacramento County.

During his time in the Assembly, McCarty authored over 90 measures that became law including the Universal Preschool Act, the American River Parkway Conservancy Act, Independent Investigations in Police Shootings, among others.

McCarty and his wife Leticia have twin daughters, Victoria and Barbara.

California Black Media (CBM) spoke with McCarty as he concludes his term in the Legislature to reflect on his accomplishments this year as he enters his new role as Mayor.

Looking back at 2024, what stands out to you as your most important achievement and why? 

I had a bill that was an urgency measure that was signed in June. It creates a new class for high school students to learn about financial literacy; to learn about dollars and cents and what it means to be a young person today as far as credit cards, student debt, buying a house and all the things that

come that come with being an adult. I’m excited that my bill became law.

How did your leadership and investments contribute to improving the lives of Black Californians? 

Black Californians are certainly a part of my legislative agenda. My Assembly district was very similar to California, way less than 10% Black population. But the issue is that education and health care and housing and poverty loom large — how they impact Black Californians.

What frustrated you the most over the last year?

We are in a downturn in our economy with our state budget. So, I wasn’t able to score some final victories on some of my top priorities like the middle-class scholarship to make college debt-free.

What inspired you the most over the last year?

There’s so much work to be done and this was my final year in the Legislature. So, looking at all of our successes and trying to be able to make a difference and help change people’s lives throughout California.

What is one lesson you learned in 2024 that will inform your decision-making next year?

It takes time. This work is not easy. Look at this firestorm we’re in right now about reparations and what we did and didn’t do. This work is not easy. If it was easy, we would have done it a long time ago.

But it’s our job to continue to fight, push forward and keep at it.

In one word, what is the biggest challenge Black Californians face?

Patience.

You know, we want some of these reparations policies to happen now. So, it’s hard to be patient. We want to see change now and so we just have to keep plugging along.

What is the goal you want to achieve most in 2025?

I won the race for Mayor here in my hometown, Sacramento.

So, I will continue work in public service, serving people and making a difference in people’s lives. Just a different vantage point being a Mayor versus an Assemblymember. But it’s always the same thing. It’s helping people, public service, making a difference, and remembering those who don’t always have government on their side.

7 Questions for Former Assemblymember Chris Holden

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

In 2012, Assemblymember Chris Holden was first elected to the California State Assembly representing the 41st District in the San Gabriel Valley.

He was re-elected to that position for the following four terms.

While in office, Holden championed efforts to improve education outcomes for students and advocated for social and racial justice. Legislation he wrote or sponsored also focused on, innovation in transportation, protecting developmental disability service providers and improving public health, more broadly.

Holden, a graduate of San Diego State University, lives in Pasadena with his wife, Melanie, and children Nicholas, Alexander, Austin, Mariah and Noah. Holden is the son of former State Senator and LA City Councilmember Nate Holden.

Before he closed out his final year of service in the Assembly, California Black Media (CBM) spoke with Holden. He reflected on his accomplishments this year and his goals moving forward.

Looking back at 2024, what stands out to you as your most important achievement and why? 

I’m really blessed to be at a particular point right now where I can say that a project I’ve been working on for well over 36 years — the light rail system — made its way into Pasadena from downtown LA. Now it’s making its way through the San Gabriel Valley to Pomona.

We didn’t have the money to complete it through from Pomona through Claremont to Montclair. We were able to get the money in this year’s budget. I’m glad that I was able to be a part of the Legislature at that time, to be able to do the hard work to put those resources into place, along with my colleagues.

How did your leadership and investments contribute to improving the lives of Black Californians? 

I’m the first African American to be elected to the legislature from the San Gabriel Valley, representing the 41st Assembly District, where African Americans make up about 7% of the population.

For me to have an opportunity to represent a multi-ethnic and diverse district is exciting, but to be able to bring a voice for a lived African American experience from the San Gabriel valley is very important.

What frustrated you the most over the last year?

I still am frustrated that we aren’t seeing the kind of progress on affordable housing to allow underrepresented communities to be able to afford to live in the community that they grew up in. California has become so expensive and finding the techniques and the ability to create affordability and more housing is a struggle.

What inspired you the most over the last year?

There has been a lot of movement around reparations through community engagement. Dr. Shirley Weber put forth the bill to establish a reparations task force and that task force met for a number of years. Two members of our caucus served on it, Sen. Steven Bradford and Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer. A thousand-page report and a hundred recommendations or more came out of that. And now we’re in the process of finding ways to implement some of those recommendations. It’s going to be a longer process, but I’m hopeful because California, once again, is on the front end of taking on a really challenging issue.

What is one lesson you learned in 2024 that will inform your decision-making next year?

Always be mindful how quickly the winds can change. We’ve gone from 10 years of having budget surpluses to this year having a $45 billion deficit. Being able to go from having resources that you can put in a budget to address some of the community’s needs to this year — not having the ability to do as much of that. We must always be mindful of the fact that in public policy, you have to be mindful of how to prepare for times that may not be as fruitful.

In one word, what is the biggest challenge Black Californians face?

Inequality.

What is the goal you want to achieve most in 2025?

Well, I won’t be in the legislature in 2025, but I love public policy. I’d like to find myself in a position where I’m continuing to have an influence on how public policy is shaped and formed. Term limits have a way of weeding out a lot of institutional knowledge. And so, I’d like to be in a position where priorities I stood for don’t get lost in the public discourse in terms of helping to shape some of the things. I would have loved to have been able to continue on as a legislator, if I had more time on the board. But I’m just looking forward to being a vital voice going into next year in a different role. It will also be an opportunity to lay a foundation to take another run, possibly for a seat on the LA County Board of Supervisors in 2028.

“Thank You Lord, Thank You Lord, Thank You Lord!”

By Lou K. Coleman | WSS News Contributor

Blessed, to see a New Year– 2025.

Oh, bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits. [Psalm 103:1-5]. [2 Corinthians 9:15].

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is [his] faithfulness. [Lamentations 3:22-23].

Lord, I just wanna praise you forever and ever for all you’ve done for me Lord. Blessings and glory and honor they all belong to you. Thank you, Jesus, for blessing me. [ I Just Want to Praise You – Maurette Brown Clark].

I tell you; Grace gives us a lot to celebrate! It is a gift from God! It changes everything! Grace makes all things new! So, as you step into this New Year, know that God is inviting you to experience His renewal. Release the burdens of the past and walk forward with hope, knowing that His plans are good, and His mercies are new every morning. Let this year be one of transformation, renewal, and abundant faith in the God who makes all things new. Receive the new things He wants to do in your life this year. For as [Ecclesiastes 3:1] says: To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.

The old year ends, a new begins with pages clean and new; and what is written on each page will now depend on you. You can’t relive the year that’s past, erasing every wrong; For once a year – or day – is spent, it is forever gone. But don’t give up in dark despair if you have failed some test; Seek God’s forgiveness and resolve henceforth to do your best. Resolve each precious day to do things good and kind and pure; though days and years may pass away, these things shall still endure. You know not where your path may lead nor what’s beyond the hill. But know that God walks at your side, if you will do His will. All things are possible with God, though days be bright or dim; so, do your best and know that you can leave the rest to Him. [Author Unknown].

Give this whole year to God, let God set the agenda, let God decide what you need to do and when to do it, where you need to be, who you need to talk to, and what to say. For the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. [Psalm 37:23]. For Jesus declares in [Jeremiah 29:11] – I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. [Psalms 32:8]. Commit your way to Me; trust Me and I will do this. [Psalm 37:5; Proverbs 16:3; Proverbs 16:9; Matthew 6:33]. Also, he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” [Revelation 21:5].

O Lord, the voices of a million angels could not express my gratitude. All that I am and ever hope to be, I owe it all to Thee. [Andrae Crouch – To God Be The Glory].

Thanks be to God for His inexpressible gift!  The chance to wake up to a new day, a new year.

Thank you, Lord, for your love, grace, and mercy. Into Your hands, O Lord, I commit this New Year to you. I surrender all to you Lord, my plans, dreams, possessions, relationships, everything, even my life itself. [Matthew 6:24-25]. I surrender it all to your plans and purposes. [Proverbs 16:3]. Total surrender Lord, letting go of my wants, rights, and expectations and fully embracing Your perfect plan for my life. Laying it all down at the feet of the One who gave it all for me. Knowing that your plans for my life are much better than anything I could come up with myself. [Isaiah 55: 9]. Father, not my will, but Yours be done. [Luke 22:42].

I give myself away. Here I am, here I stand Lord, my life is in your hands Lord, I’m longing to see Your desires revealed in me. I give myself away. Take my heart, take my life as a living sacrifice. All my dreams, all my plans Lord, I place them in your hands. [I Give Myself Away – William McDowell Lyrics].

May the Lord bless?you and keep you, make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace. [Numbers 6:24-26].

Happy New Year!