While I was in New York this past week, our good friend Kevin Singleton of Elevate New York, invited me to attend a morning prayer at the Charity Water offices. Charity Water is a nonprofit organization bringing clean, safe drinking water to people in developing countries. 100% of all public donations directly fund water projects. I’ve been a fan of Charity Water for a while now, so it was beyond awesome to attend the prayer and get to check out the offices. On top of that, I got to meet the man who founded the organization and started it all, Scott Harrison. I encourage the entire organization to continue to keep up the great work! Check after the jump for more pics:

I set My rainbow in the cloud, and it shall be for the sign of the covenant between Me and the earth. 14 It shall be, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the rainbow shall be seen in the cloud; 15 and I will remember My covenant which is between Me and you and every living creature of all flesh; the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh. 16 The rainbow shall be in the cloud, and I will look on it to remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.” 17 And God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant which I have established between Me and all flesh that is on the earth.” – Exodus 9:13-17

Montage from my recent trip from Detroit to San Francisco to New York, as we prepare for Merit’s launch. Everywhere I went, I ran into a constant theme/question; What makes you different? What makes you unique? Why will people gravitate towards you or your product? If you can’t answer this question, find the answer quickly. And once you do find the answer, simply and cleanly tell us why you’re worth picking.

Photos – New York Visuals – San Fran Visuals

Last month in New York, I had the privilege of meeting with Mentoring USA’s Executive Director, Stephen Powell. Mentoring USA’s mission is to create positive and supportive mentor relationships for youth ages 7-21, through a structured site-based model. Since 1995, it has provided mentors for more than 5,000 children. Stephen joined Mentoring USA back in 2005 and has since expanded the program across the nation in major cities such as Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Chicago, and also in Newark, NJ.

Let’s do this more often!

Man o man! I’m not a food guy. I’m not. I pretty much eat to survive. I do like chips a lot. And candy. I can eat that stuff all day. But on Sunday evening, after attending Detroit Soup, Kuhu and I went to Slows Bar B Q. I tell ya! The food there is downright awesome. I went with the Catfish, Brisket, and Jambalaya and I was not disappointed. On top of that, I got fries and mac n’ cheese as sides. The best part? My entire meal was only $20. Are you kidding me? If you haven’t been to Slows Bar B Q, make a reservation tonight!

2138 Michigan Avenue Detroit, MI 48216
(313) 962-9828

Check out some of the pics from the evening after the jump:

Yesterday was so awesome! I was 12 when my father, Bishop Andrew Merritt, founded Hope Academy back in 1998. Hope Academy is a public charter school that began with grades K-3. Yesterday, Hope Academy dedicated their new school building, which will not only house grades K-8, but will also offer high school grade levels this upcoming school year! Hope Academy recently received a multi-million dollar grant to renovate what was previously Winterhalter Elementary School at Broadstreet and Elmhurst in Detroit, MI. And the renovation is amazing!

The reason yesterday was so awesome was because it really was the first time that I comprehended my Dad opening up a school. Like literally, yesterday was the first time. Like he opened a school! And the school is growing! And the school has a new building! Like what???? That’s amazingly crazy. I’m just honored to be this guy’s son. I’m so proud of my father and I’m proud that Hope Academy will continue to nurture young people throughout Detroit!

I had a convo the other day and it went like this:

“What’s going on Mike?” – Me

“Dave what’s up man?” – Mike

“Nothing much – What’s good your way?” – Me

Typical intro conversation. Happens all the time right? But this time was different. I immediately thought about what I had just said, “Nothing much.”

NOTHING MUCH? That’s what I’m speaking into existence? Someone asks me what’s going on with me… they ask what I’m up to? And I say, “NOTHING MUCH?” I immediately was disappointed in myself.

I order the Italian. Original Size. With Bacon. On White. It’s the same order I get every time. Every week. But this time when I got to the counter, I realized my wallet was still in my car. I quickly told the cashiers and started to move towards the door, when they stopped me. “Don’t worry about it. This one is on us.” I was shocked. Perplexed. “Are you serious?” They were! Shout out to the kind folks at Potbelly on State St. in Ann Arbor, MI, for making my day this past Tuesday! I thank God for your generosity.

I love New York. No doubt about it. Late in May, I made another trip to NY that not only included meeting Seth Godin, but all the wonderful things that are portrayed below: