My Passion and Motivation Began at a Young Age- Wendy Wortham..

You know, I’ve often stated that if there weren’t two of us, I don’t believe that either my twin or myself would have survived, while some folks laugh, those who know me, understand.

“Rich kids go to school, poor kids go to work” was repeated so many times throughout our childhood by my grandmother that, my personal belief was education must not be very important!

It is my dear and loyal readers, education is something that no one can ever take away from you, while Cindy and I got our GED’s at a young age to enable us to work, we both returned to college while working two jobs to expand our educations.

My son attended private schools and my nieces, public. Was one better than the other, my answer may surprise you. Robert Christopher was a gift from God, my son had difficulty with writing comprehensive assignments and, this is the main reason for private schooling.

It is not well known that I struggled with a chronic stutter and dyslexia that had me assigned to Special Education coursework- you see, back in the seventies I was viewed as retarded. Was I? No. But, I was determined, perseverant and had a work ethic that no one in my circles shared- failure was NOT an option!

I wish there was a class for compassion and understanding that would teach our children to rejoice in the differences of others but, there isn’t.

Taking religion and faith out of classrooms in America is perhaps one of the most controversial things I’ve witnessed these past twenty years.

Children, like the rest of us, need something to believe in and, why not bring it back and offer varieties and education to the various religions while you’re at it?

You know, Cindy and I attended church camps and numerous healing ceremonies with my aunt Shirley as children and, as adults. We had fun singing in the church choirs and, we enjoyed Sunday School and the stories we learned there.

While I do not believe in religious zealots that flood the TV, I have a background that spans numerous religions and, is the primary reason that Texas Twins Events offers Interfaith Weddings. You see culture intrigues me, traditions and other beliefs inspire me. The desire to learn and understand the beliefs of others intrigues me.

While a television pastor may have a very large following, I continue to be amazed that these very same Pastors who obviously don’t pay taxes, brag about lavish lifestyles when the average working man can’t afford a vacation!

I started this business to fill a void of affordable weddings that was never going to be addressed in the manner of which I promised- you see, while Texas Twins Events has been involved with hundreds of ceremonies, sponsorships and events, I have never made a profit!

I realized when my niece decided to get married one year after my son that many families struggle to afford a beautiful event and since my other company addresses debt Counselling and real issues affecting struggling consumers, I decided to take on a fun and unique way to do something for them that they otherwise would never have been able to enjoy.

The reasons for my doing so surprise many of you because the very idea of giving back these days is simply a thing of the past when a community relied within itself to meet the needs of others.

You see, my belief is giving back, embracing the differences in others, learning about their cultures and beliefs can change lives and give hope.

While my numerous charitable donations and sponsorships span a very wide board- they are based on things that affect all of us in one way or another and frankly, watching someone on TV preach about sending money with no indication as to where it is spent, leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

Spreading the word of God in my humble opinion was never meant to enrich the speaker, rather it is my belief, it was meant to inspire the listener.

Turning on the TV for the various line ups, I find it difficult to believe that the working class wants to watch a show about preposterous spending habits or, lavish vacations they can’t ever envision themselves taking part in. Tragically, many of us struggle to get from one day to the next!

My own beliefs are that if you find yourself in a position of wealth, find a worthy cause to vest yourself in and by saying this, I don’t mean just send a check! Instead, go personally find a community organization that could use your help, meet these people, listen to their stories of survival and, reward yourself from the pure gratitude of the individuals you are helping.

Commercials are on a day long about sending money to this or that cause, have you ever seen a commercial that actually tells you how much money from your donation ACTUALLY goes to the cause you believe that you are supporting?

Charity begins at home and so reads through your community. For those who will be offended by my “outting ” them, it’s about time you started giving back what was given to you!

Tax free money? Humph, most Americans spend 1/3 of their income to the IRS and, approximately another 1/3 towards health care. Wondering how I know ? I’m one of these folks!

With a lifetime of health issues, my husband and I have survived the real estate crash and numerous health issues to the extent that we would go hungry to keep our health insurance premium paid.

Did you know that over 67 percent of bankruptcy is due to health crisis? That most Americans are one paycheck from poverty? These very same Americans regularly donate 10% of their income to television ministers who don’t pay taxes and, aren’t held accountable for their income or expenditures.

I am opinionated because I’ve lived a life without anything being handed to me, therefore I can. Working hard to provide information for consumers struggling with debt by selling everything I own, I have sacrificed to help others. Establishing a business to provide low cost weddings and event services, I’m not interested in making money, I’m interested in changing lives!

Turn off that TV, get off that couch and go volunteer! Immerse yourself in your own community, you will be glad you did because you will see where your effort, your money and your time go. You will get a hug of gratitude or handshake that just might change the way you think, and possibly the way you live.

I believe that singing with my sister in those church choirs and delivering food to those unable to leave their own homes gave me the drive to do more, to reach more.

Working at 6 years old with my sister? Taught both of us that nothing is free, you work for it, you share it and you give as much of yourself to others as you can and in turn, you are blessed my friend.

Life has many challenges, life has many surprises, but life has also, many opportunities, don’t let one pass you by.

Your kindness and ability to help someone other than yourself can and will make a difference in the life of someone who may need your smile, your laugh, or your generosity whether it be by volunteering or donating your time- you can help so many by just being you!