Post by Anthony Bailey on Feb 3, 2012 17:21:33 GMT -4
"If you're not failing every now and again, it's a sign you're not doing anything very innovative." – Don Cornelius
Donald Cortez Cornelius[/b] (September 27, 1936 – February 1, 2012)[/color][/center]
{{The scene opens to the inside of The Apostolic Church of God, an African American mega church located in Chicago, IL that boasts a 4,500 seat auditorium. The memorial service for Chicago native Don Cornelius, the creator, executive producer, and host of the popular 1970’s musical variety television show Soul Train is currently taking place and a large amount of people are in the congregation. The camera slowly zooms in on the pastor, Dr. Byron T. Brazier, as he preaches from the pulpit. Clad in a long robe, Dr. Brazier’s powerful voice resonates through the entire auditorium.}}
Dr. Brazier: As we gather today in memory of Donald Cortez Cornelius, we can rely on the promises in the Word of God for comfort for a difficult time such as this. James 4:13-14 says “Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit’ yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” Don put his time here on earth to good use and he would want for all of us to do the same. Life is short and tomorrow is not promised for any of us.
As I look over all of these faces in this sanctuary, there is no doubt you have been touched by the life of this man and gripped by his death. He had a passion to help others and he always placed other people before himself. Yes, we are forced to hold our attention at death though in our generation today, life, pleasures, pursuits, having nice things and living out dreams are more appealing topics of conversation and thought. But today, we face the absolute truth of our own mortality. Please understand that we are not mere victims of death, but death according to James is the result of our sin and rebellion against God. But we are not left without hope. For God sent His only Son Jesus Christ who took upon Himself all of our sins and died on the cross and according to Hebrews, He defeated death through His resurrection.
I know this message isn’t popular nowadays because unfortunately, the average televangelist is more interested in your wallet than your life. So I plead with all of you to leave this building asking yourself “What is my life? How can I make a difference in this world?” As my good friend Dr. John Piper would say “Don’t waste your life.” May the death of Mr. Don Cornelius not be in vain and may it cause us to examine ourselves. Unfortunately, I must wrap up because the hour is late, but if you would like to converse after the service, please don’t hesitate to come see me. On behalf of the Cornelius family and friends of the family, thank you all for taking the time out of your busy schedules to grieve with us. God bless you. Before we leave, I’d like to close with a quick word of prayer. Please bow your heads…
{{As everyone bows their heads and closes their eyes for Dr. Brazier’s closing prayer, APW mega star Anthony Bailey is spotted far off standing up from his seat in the second to last row on the bottom floor. Clad in a nice dark blue two piece suit, he quietly exits the building. The angle switches from the distant camera to a closer camera and Anthony is now walking towards the camera. Many cameramen and various other members of the media along with regular civilians wait outside of the church in hopes of exchanging words with the numerous celebrities who are inside of the building. It’s a sunny day in Chicago as the camera follows Anthony away from all of the hustle and bustle to a more placid area of the church property. Anthony quietly exhales and then begins to speak.}}
Anthony "The Promise" Bailey: What a very thought provoking and timely message that was. I needed that. Man, it has been ages since I’ve gone to church. Growing up you would have thought I was a monk or priest because I was always inside of a church with my mother. But now, due to a hectic traveling schedule, I rarely find myself worshipping God in His house. Maybe if I actually did go more often, I could always be stimulated mentally and emotionally like this.
{{Anthony smiles.}}
At first, I almost felt a little foolish for being here since I didn’t grow up watching Mr. Cornelius. He was the man that ushered my parents through their adolescence but hearing from them about the impact that this man had on not only them but African American culture in general made me appreciative of his contributions to society. Unfortunately it had to end the way that it did for him, but I guess God knows best. Different people cope with life in a variety of ways and maybe Mr. Cornelius felt like he could no longer cope. But I was sitting in that pew for a reason. The ever so compelling question of “what is your life?” has pervaded my psyche ever since the pastor asked it. I don’t know why these words have affected me the way that they have but I’m glad that they did. That was the most revived I’ve felt these past few days because I was discouraged about how I performed at Survive & Conquer. Here I am forking out a vast amount of money to fly across the entire globe to get inspired only in the end to come up short.
My inner circle of friends always tell me that I’m way too hard on myself. But is it being hard on myself to actually want to make something of my life? Mr. Cornelius might have gone into that grave before it was his time but you cannot deny the fact that he went into that grave a man of action. His dreams didn’t perish along with him because he fulfilled his calling on this earth. But I constantly trouble myself with the question; will I fulfill my purpose here? What is the life of Anthony Reese Bailey? I’m only twenty-one years old but it’s never too soon to begin asking yourself that question.
I might not be fully aware of that answer right at this very moment, but I am aware of the fact that I have an opponent who could care less about my internal tussles. Dan Quinn is gunning for the same Tap Out Title that I am and he will not let anything hinder him. But Dan, do not think for one second that any of what just occurred to me has me jaded or delusional. I’m ready to step into that ring with you on Asylum. If anything, today has caused me to remain sober minded and has fueled my aspirations of coming out on top in this tournament all the more. I hate to be the one to break the news to you but this isn’t East London anymore. You might have run the show over there but here…here you are side by side along with the rest of us as we set our sights on the top. Some will make it while others will fall by the wayside. I plan on making it Dan, how about you?
I’m very much aware of your brawling skills. It would not at all surprise if you have broken the jaws of many men with only a slight punch. But as painful and as threatening as that sounds, it doesn’t matter. I could care less if you are able to knock me out instantly because in this context, it’s pointless. You have to make me tap out and to your doom; I am well educated in the technical side of this sport due to my friends over in the FAWA. It seems like an honest life pays off and beating up little kids for their tea and crumpets doesn’t. I’m not knocking your upbringing, because if it was out of your control then I somewhat sympathize, but if I you willingly chose that lifestyle knowing of its consequences and the harm that it could do to others, then yes, take this as a diss because you deserve it.
Come February 12th, Johnny Stoneham, Charles Peace, Winston Churchill, heck even Prince Charles won’t be able to liberate you from The Promise. It’s kind of ironic how the true victor of the War of 1812 between my country and yours is still debated to this day. I’ll make sure that isn’t our case because the victor in our match will be very evident. There won’t be any doubts or obscurity surrounding the outcome as the referee goes to raise my hand in victory.
{{A quiet, sweet voice is suddenly heard from out of nowhere. Anthony turns around and his serious composure becomes immediately relaxed. His smile widens as actress Carmen Electra emerges on camera wearing a stunning black dress.}}
Carmen Electra: Hi…I’m not interrupting anything am I?
Anthony "The Promise" Bailey: Oh no, not at all.
Carmen Electra: Oh okay. Well I don’t want to hold you up, but I just wanted to tell you that I’m a fan and you did a great job at Survive & Conquer. Keep doing what you are doing. I like what you bring to the sport. It’s very positive and a breath of fresh air.
Anthony "The Promise" Bailey: Why thank you. I would have never guessed that the gorgeous Carmen Electra could bear to watch such a barbaric sport…
Carmen Electra: Watch it?! I was married to a wrestler for God’s sake.
{{They both laugh.}}
Anthony "The Promise" Bailey: That is true…man, I forgot all about that.
Carmen Electra: Well I try to forget about it every single day.
{{They both laugh again.}}
Anthony "The Promise" Bailey: You’re funny…did you know Mr. Cornelius personally?
Carmen Electra: Yes I did. He was such a pleasant man. He was very respectful and it was a great experience working with him.
Anthony "The Promise" Bailey: Working with him?
Carmen Electra: Yeah. I was discovered by the artist Prince on the show Soul Train. That was how I got my start in the business.
Anthony "The Promise" Bailey: Wow. That’s crazy, I never knew that.
Carmen Electra: Who knew that shaking my booty would be the pathway to my dreams?
Anthony "The Promise" Bailey: Yeah, who knew?
{{Anthony’s mother, Tracy Bailey, suddenly appears on camera.}}
Mrs. Bailey: There you are! I’ve been looking all over for you.
{{Anthony’s face nearly turns red in embarrassment.}}
Anthony "The Promise" Bailey: Mom…I’d like for you to meet Carmen Electra…Carmen, this is my other Tracy.
{{Carmen and Tracy shake hands.}}
Carmen Electra: Nice to meet you Mrs. Bailey. You have such a pleasant son.
Mrs. Bailey: Thank you Carmen…
{{Anthony, with sweat beads forming on his forehead, glances at his watch.}}
Anthony "The Promise" Bailey: Oh boy! Look at the time. Mom, we got to get out of here. Dad is probably in the limo waiting for us.
Mrs. Bailey: Yeah you’re right.
{{Anthony begins to walk off in a hurry.}}
Anthony "The Promise" Bailey: Carmen, it was really nice to meet you. Do you have a Twitter? If so, I’ll hit you up on there soon.
Mrs. Bailey: Carmen, would you like to join us for dinner? That is if you did not have prior plans.
{{Carmen is silent for a quick second but then she suddenly speaks up.}}
Carmen Electra: Yes! I would love to actually. Thanks!
{{Anthony’s jaw drops in dismay as his mother and Carmen Electra walk off hand in hand. The scene slowly fades to black}}
Donald Cortez Cornelius
{{The scene opens to the inside of The Apostolic Church of God, an African American mega church located in Chicago, IL that boasts a 4,500 seat auditorium. The memorial service for Chicago native Don Cornelius, the creator, executive producer, and host of the popular 1970’s musical variety television show Soul Train is currently taking place and a large amount of people are in the congregation. The camera slowly zooms in on the pastor, Dr. Byron T. Brazier, as he preaches from the pulpit. Clad in a long robe, Dr. Brazier’s powerful voice resonates through the entire auditorium.}}
Dr. Brazier: As we gather today in memory of Donald Cortez Cornelius, we can rely on the promises in the Word of God for comfort for a difficult time such as this. James 4:13-14 says “Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit’ yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” Don put his time here on earth to good use and he would want for all of us to do the same. Life is short and tomorrow is not promised for any of us.
As I look over all of these faces in this sanctuary, there is no doubt you have been touched by the life of this man and gripped by his death. He had a passion to help others and he always placed other people before himself. Yes, we are forced to hold our attention at death though in our generation today, life, pleasures, pursuits, having nice things and living out dreams are more appealing topics of conversation and thought. But today, we face the absolute truth of our own mortality. Please understand that we are not mere victims of death, but death according to James is the result of our sin and rebellion against God. But we are not left without hope. For God sent His only Son Jesus Christ who took upon Himself all of our sins and died on the cross and according to Hebrews, He defeated death through His resurrection.
I know this message isn’t popular nowadays because unfortunately, the average televangelist is more interested in your wallet than your life. So I plead with all of you to leave this building asking yourself “What is my life? How can I make a difference in this world?” As my good friend Dr. John Piper would say “Don’t waste your life.” May the death of Mr. Don Cornelius not be in vain and may it cause us to examine ourselves. Unfortunately, I must wrap up because the hour is late, but if you would like to converse after the service, please don’t hesitate to come see me. On behalf of the Cornelius family and friends of the family, thank you all for taking the time out of your busy schedules to grieve with us. God bless you. Before we leave, I’d like to close with a quick word of prayer. Please bow your heads…
{{As everyone bows their heads and closes their eyes for Dr. Brazier’s closing prayer, APW mega star Anthony Bailey is spotted far off standing up from his seat in the second to last row on the bottom floor. Clad in a nice dark blue two piece suit, he quietly exits the building. The angle switches from the distant camera to a closer camera and Anthony is now walking towards the camera. Many cameramen and various other members of the media along with regular civilians wait outside of the church in hopes of exchanging words with the numerous celebrities who are inside of the building. It’s a sunny day in Chicago as the camera follows Anthony away from all of the hustle and bustle to a more placid area of the church property. Anthony quietly exhales and then begins to speak.}}
Anthony "The Promise" Bailey: What a very thought provoking and timely message that was. I needed that. Man, it has been ages since I’ve gone to church. Growing up you would have thought I was a monk or priest because I was always inside of a church with my mother. But now, due to a hectic traveling schedule, I rarely find myself worshipping God in His house. Maybe if I actually did go more often, I could always be stimulated mentally and emotionally like this.
{{Anthony smiles.}}
At first, I almost felt a little foolish for being here since I didn’t grow up watching Mr. Cornelius. He was the man that ushered my parents through their adolescence but hearing from them about the impact that this man had on not only them but African American culture in general made me appreciative of his contributions to society. Unfortunately it had to end the way that it did for him, but I guess God knows best. Different people cope with life in a variety of ways and maybe Mr. Cornelius felt like he could no longer cope. But I was sitting in that pew for a reason. The ever so compelling question of “what is your life?” has pervaded my psyche ever since the pastor asked it. I don’t know why these words have affected me the way that they have but I’m glad that they did. That was the most revived I’ve felt these past few days because I was discouraged about how I performed at Survive & Conquer. Here I am forking out a vast amount of money to fly across the entire globe to get inspired only in the end to come up short.
My inner circle of friends always tell me that I’m way too hard on myself. But is it being hard on myself to actually want to make something of my life? Mr. Cornelius might have gone into that grave before it was his time but you cannot deny the fact that he went into that grave a man of action. His dreams didn’t perish along with him because he fulfilled his calling on this earth. But I constantly trouble myself with the question; will I fulfill my purpose here? What is the life of Anthony Reese Bailey? I’m only twenty-one years old but it’s never too soon to begin asking yourself that question.
I might not be fully aware of that answer right at this very moment, but I am aware of the fact that I have an opponent who could care less about my internal tussles. Dan Quinn is gunning for the same Tap Out Title that I am and he will not let anything hinder him. But Dan, do not think for one second that any of what just occurred to me has me jaded or delusional. I’m ready to step into that ring with you on Asylum. If anything, today has caused me to remain sober minded and has fueled my aspirations of coming out on top in this tournament all the more. I hate to be the one to break the news to you but this isn’t East London anymore. You might have run the show over there but here…here you are side by side along with the rest of us as we set our sights on the top. Some will make it while others will fall by the wayside. I plan on making it Dan, how about you?
I’m very much aware of your brawling skills. It would not at all surprise if you have broken the jaws of many men with only a slight punch. But as painful and as threatening as that sounds, it doesn’t matter. I could care less if you are able to knock me out instantly because in this context, it’s pointless. You have to make me tap out and to your doom; I am well educated in the technical side of this sport due to my friends over in the FAWA. It seems like an honest life pays off and beating up little kids for their tea and crumpets doesn’t. I’m not knocking your upbringing, because if it was out of your control then I somewhat sympathize, but if I you willingly chose that lifestyle knowing of its consequences and the harm that it could do to others, then yes, take this as a diss because you deserve it.
Come February 12th, Johnny Stoneham, Charles Peace, Winston Churchill, heck even Prince Charles won’t be able to liberate you from The Promise. It’s kind of ironic how the true victor of the War of 1812 between my country and yours is still debated to this day. I’ll make sure that isn’t our case because the victor in our match will be very evident. There won’t be any doubts or obscurity surrounding the outcome as the referee goes to raise my hand in victory.
{{A quiet, sweet voice is suddenly heard from out of nowhere. Anthony turns around and his serious composure becomes immediately relaxed. His smile widens as actress Carmen Electra emerges on camera wearing a stunning black dress.}}
Carmen Electra: Hi…I’m not interrupting anything am I?
Anthony "The Promise" Bailey: Oh no, not at all.
Carmen Electra: Oh okay. Well I don’t want to hold you up, but I just wanted to tell you that I’m a fan and you did a great job at Survive & Conquer. Keep doing what you are doing. I like what you bring to the sport. It’s very positive and a breath of fresh air.
Anthony "The Promise" Bailey: Why thank you. I would have never guessed that the gorgeous Carmen Electra could bear to watch such a barbaric sport…
Carmen Electra: Watch it?! I was married to a wrestler for God’s sake.
{{They both laugh.}}
Anthony "The Promise" Bailey: That is true…man, I forgot all about that.
Carmen Electra: Well I try to forget about it every single day.
{{They both laugh again.}}
Anthony "The Promise" Bailey: You’re funny…did you know Mr. Cornelius personally?
Carmen Electra: Yes I did. He was such a pleasant man. He was very respectful and it was a great experience working with him.
Anthony "The Promise" Bailey: Working with him?
Carmen Electra: Yeah. I was discovered by the artist Prince on the show Soul Train. That was how I got my start in the business.
Anthony "The Promise" Bailey: Wow. That’s crazy, I never knew that.
Carmen Electra: Who knew that shaking my booty would be the pathway to my dreams?
Anthony "The Promise" Bailey: Yeah, who knew?
{{Anthony’s mother, Tracy Bailey, suddenly appears on camera.}}
Mrs. Bailey: There you are! I’ve been looking all over for you.
{{Anthony’s face nearly turns red in embarrassment.}}
Anthony "The Promise" Bailey: Mom…I’d like for you to meet Carmen Electra…Carmen, this is my other Tracy.
{{Carmen and Tracy shake hands.}}
Carmen Electra: Nice to meet you Mrs. Bailey. You have such a pleasant son.
Mrs. Bailey: Thank you Carmen…
{{Anthony, with sweat beads forming on his forehead, glances at his watch.}}
Anthony "The Promise" Bailey: Oh boy! Look at the time. Mom, we got to get out of here. Dad is probably in the limo waiting for us.
Mrs. Bailey: Yeah you’re right.
{{Anthony begins to walk off in a hurry.}}
Anthony "The Promise" Bailey: Carmen, it was really nice to meet you. Do you have a Twitter? If so, I’ll hit you up on there soon.
Mrs. Bailey: Carmen, would you like to join us for dinner? That is if you did not have prior plans.
{{Carmen is silent for a quick second but then she suddenly speaks up.}}
Carmen Electra: Yes! I would love to actually. Thanks!
{{Anthony’s jaw drops in dismay as his mother and Carmen Electra walk off hand in hand. The scene slowly fades to black}}
