This article is part of a series in celebration of a new, dynamic voice in Black America: the NUBIANO Exchange. Brace yourself for the NUBIANO experience. 
As the spiritual leader of the 28,000-member New York Christian Cultural Center in Brooklyn, it is highly probable that A. R. Bernard has been asked numerous times about the secret to obtaining life-long happiness. Bernard's thoughts, drawn from a 30-year tenure, are shaped by the wisdom of his spiritual leadership and serve as the core of his new book, Happiness Is... Simple Steps to a Life of Joy.
Inspiration for Happiness Is... came by chance, after Bernard picked up a copy of USA Today and ran across an article by Kevin Maney entitled "Money Can't Buy Happiness, But Happiness May Buy Money," Intrigued by the article's premise, Bernard drafted a series of sermons on what happiness is — and what it isn't.
Over fifty-two chapters, A. R. Bernard outlines what happiness is, how to find it, and how to keep it. Within each, Bernard's strategies and tips are supplemented with scripture, common sense and inspirational quotations from international leaders of various social, religious and political backgrounds. In addition, at the end of each chapter, blank writing space has been left for individual reflection. Fortunately, for the reader, the breadth of wisdom shared in Happiness Is... will touch the soul, no matter one's personal beliefs.
In the book's introduction, A. R. Bernard notes that "happiness isn't a commodity that can be purchased in a store; it's a byproduct of the way you choose to live and the things you choose to think." Genuine happiness, therefore, is a way of mind and a way of life. In Chapter 18, Bernard notes that "[t]he self-fulfilling prophesy is alive, well, and living at your house." How true, indeed!
As it happens, negative thinking about oneself only lowers faith and belief in self. In consequence, a negative outlook about one's life only fosters low expectations about one's future. Hopeful thinking, as a result, is a valuable tool to improving one's life. A. R. Bernard's perception: "Thoughts are powerful things — your thoughts have the power to lift you up or to hold you down."
Article comments
1 - Aaron Cooper
I haven't read it yet, but Mr. Bernard's book sounds superb, from the review--beautifully written and right on target! It dovetails with my new book for parents on how to raise authentically happy children (and the mistakes parents are making these days that cripple the kids rather than help them). Bravo, Mr. Bernard!
Aaron Cooper PhD
author," I Just Want My Kids To Be Happy! Why you shouldn't say it, why you shouldn't think it, what you should embrace instead"