Happy birthday wishes to Jehkya K. Shepperson, Nov. 29, Richmond; Nikira Gilmore, Nov. 29, Creery N.C.; Camari Stovall, Nov. 30, Drakes Branch; Flora White, Nov. 30, Charlotte Court House; Jakale Vaughters, Dec. 1, Clover; Lucy M. White, Dec. 1, Keysville; Mary Ferrell, Dec. 3, Keysville; Barnaby ‘Barney’ Prophet, Dec. 3, Drakes Branch; Barbara Powell, Dec. 3, Charlotte Court House; Virginia Spencer, Dec. 4, Charlotte Court House. May this day bring countless happiness and endless joy and live with peace and serenity. Happy birthday!

Get well wishes to all of the sick and shut in. I hope all of you are well soon, up and about. You are in our prayers.

Sympathy to all of the families who lost a loved one recently. Our heartfelt prayers and good wishes go out to each of you in your time of need. You have our deepest sympathy.

Thought for the week: Hope will always find a way, don’t give up.

CONFIDENCE

Confidence is preparation. Everything else is beyond your control. If you have no confidence in self, you are twice defeated in the race of life. With confidence, you have won even before you have started. Confidence is that feeling by which the mind embarks in great and honorable courses with asure hope and trust in itself. Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence. Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love. With confidence, you have won before you have started.

News is due by 5 p.m. Friday. Any news received after this time will not be included in this column. News can be submitted by calling (434) 568-0596.

Virginia Freeman is a community Columnist for The Charlotte Gazette. She can be reached at vstars@pure.net.