Peace Be Progressive

And as the third straight week of deplorable national headlines comes to a close, Henrico County Public Schools is gripped by a rumor that threatens to extend the streak.  My 17 year-old brother-in-law came home Tuesday; and after sharing some unrelated disappointing news informed me that a he heard some were going to "shoot up" Highland Springs and Varina High Schools on the last day.  Needless to say "Big Mon", the hardest 12th grader on the East Coast, begged to stay home on Friday.  Yesterday, a friend of mine expressed she heard the rumor as well.  And dozens of 'more-than-a-conqueror' parents in the county have erred to the caution side and kept their children home today.  Don't you dare mention the word scared. 

The Best There Is

Usually, I'm all for an advantage that makes my team better and the other teams worse; inside or outside of the game.  But some things are just too grand in reality and emotion for competition.  Some things happen that remind us the playing field is indeed even.  The death of a player would be one of those things.  I've never dealt with a teammates' sudden passing, but after learning what the Dallas Cowboys experienced recently (DT Josh Brent  was charged with a DUI after a car crash that killed passenger, fellow teammate, and friend Jerry Brown), my heart went out to the entire organization and both players' families.  Speculation in a situation like this is minimal.  And one thing is for certain; you can bet that when Brent took that first drink he didn't think it would lead to the death of his college homeboy. 

Fingerprint

I would assume that this includes people of all ages; but many youthful, energetic, and creative Christians struggle with their individuality.  When I say this, I'm not referring to those dealing with sexual preference issues (maybe in another work). I'm talking about the trailblazers, the trendsetters, the planers, and the executors.  Because of the personality traits that are associated with being an achieved individual, many begin to look at their driven nature as almost a curse after giving or rededicating their lives to Christ.  Along with that, the "I looked at my hands and they looked new..." phenomenon sometimes has winners in the world feeling like losers in the Kingdom. 

Anti-Doping

This might be popular in many other fields, but I've heard this phrase used mostly in NASCAR circles.

If you're not cheating, you're not trying hard enough.

Such an unethical statement still seems to make a little sense.  Obviously when competing, whether trying to win a championship or a contract, a person or a team will exhaust every possibility within the guidelines to win.  But there always comes a point where brainstorming within the boundaries quickly gets stale.  At that moment, compromise almost always enters the mind of the competitive and the driven.  Even the most sanctified people may at least review their interpretation of the rules to see if an advantage can be gained.  Others with a lower sense of integrity flat out disregard any regulation.  Yet neither of the groups can be pinned with not trying.  I mean, no one really listened to their teacher when she said it's not whether you win or lose but it's how you play the game, right?  At least, not until you get caught.

Worship Scale - Second Entry

I take my hat off to the people who grew up in church and maintained a Christian lifestyle throughout their childhood and adolescence.  I also salute the young people who currently demonstrate Kingdom living even at their young age; because although I was afforded the same opportunities, I hardly took full advantage of them.  Instead, I mostly hid the knowledge of God or used it when I was in a situation I couldn't push or weasel my way out of.  Of course I now know I wasn't successful in either, but it was the merciful Hand of the Lord that allowed me to exist.  And because of this I recognize that early in my walk, I believe my frequent reflection of those times and how I've moved on promoted my worship.  But I'm thankful that my relationship with God has grown to where I now worship Him for simply His existence; because this is not a given path of progression.

The Best Contract

In several Christian circles, variations (if not the literal statements) of Matthew 18:19 can be often heard; particularly in those branches loosely titled prosperity churches.  In this verse, Jesus Christ states "...if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by My Father in heaven."  Without doubt, this is pretty cool.  Still generally, while millions of us believe that a human being who claimed to be the Son of God came back to life after being executed, we don't all think the agreement this man talked about works.  As if resurrection is something that occurs daily, we often shun the possibility of being in full agreement with one another and instead opt out for compromise - the idea that suggests I'm not with you, but to reduce friction I'm with you.  Interestingly enough, the Bible never mentions the compromise ideal when discussing a pair or a group moving towards achievement.  I believe this is because compromise is minimally effective and has no place in the Kingdom of God; where success is maximized beyond mankinds' understanding.  Yet because of pride, many of us would rather deal with this low level of unity as opposed to living in the highest level Christ spoke of, which is agreement.

Worship Scale - First Entry

Brothers and sisters, if you're not already please include in your daily studies Old and New Testament readings.  For while we are undoubtedly under a new covenant through Jesus Christ (which is fulfilled in the New Testament), the Old Testament expands our understanding of why Jesus' act qualifies us to obtain the privilege to have a relationship with and to worship Jehovah.  It also nullifies ideals such as levels of worship; as worship (just like a pleasing relationship with God) is either on or off.  And lastly, the Old Testament provides the information needed to encourage all of us to move past the "for every mountain You brought me over" phase and to the "because of who You are phase".  Which of you parents would want their childs' love for you based on what you gave them for Christmas 17 years ago?

Not Just Anywhere

Some time ago I attended a church where the population is now dwindling.  Myself and countless others actually outgrew the focus of the ministry; while some just left for a variety of reasons.  I don't find this to be uncommon, because if the center of any ministry is not Jesus Christ, then it's time to dip.  But as stated before, not everyone moved on because of that.  And due to the non-Christ reasons for departure, many people went back.  And for a lot of them it wasn't because the Spirit moved consistently in the structure, it's just that they had to go somewhere.  I can't quite get the "go to church somewhere" philosophy.  It's almost like the goal is to be a well-rounded human by gaining a religious component to ones life.  Shallow to say the least.

Hustler vs. Customer

I gotta blow the whistle here.  For a people who are called to be separate and set apart (1 Peter 2:9) from "the world", we sure do act like the rest of these cats.  Without mentioning our celebration of several holidays and the divorce rate, there isn't much difference between the American and the American Christian.  And speaking of family life, that too has become as common as the heathen.  More particularly, we have taken on the very twisted ideals that contemporary society has given us concerning roles of a husband and wife.  For we love to harp on the man not doing his job, but if we read Proverbs 31, we can see it's not a lot of those women around either.  Now this isn't to get the finger pointing started, but it is to say that generally the man and woman who follows Jesus Christ has plenty work to do. 

Priceless Trash

I saw a statistic somewhere referring to the amount of food Americans throw away each day.  Not quoting here, but it was saying something to the effect of what's in U.S. household trash cans would be considered full course meals in several countries.  Not too hard to believe; "greatest country on earth" has always been tagged as gluttonous.  It's almost as if waste is a part of American culture.  But just think, what you cleared off your plate (maybe to much was on your plate to start with) into the garbage fed a kid...maybe even one living just a few miles away.

Hurry Up, But Don't Rush

The title of this post was one of my baseball coaches famous sayings.  Hardly ever mentioned during a game, he would blurt it out when our middle infield made an error while attempting to turn a double play; or during clean up after practice.  The saying was so brilliantly simple I'm surprised I didn't hear it before I turned 15.  What slicker way is there to express accomplishing a task quickly without moving too fast so things don't turn reckless?  Then again, the saying is diametrically opposed to our microwave culture; and really threatens our "bottom-line" existence.

Beat the Press

Now I can't remember the year, but many winters ago the John Marshall High School boys basketball team ran a suffocating full-court press defense the entire game each night they took the floor.  For the unfamiliar, a full-court press is when the team on defense attempts to smother the offensive team player for player; as close as possible without fouling them.  The goal is to not allow the offensive team to get the ball on the court.  If that happens, then the next goal is to make it extremely difficult to dribble, pass, and of course score. Each defender needs to stick to their assigned target like saran wrap.  Because the Justices were athletic, quick, and defensively skilled, they were pretty successful with this scheme.  Many teams would become frustrated; screaming at themselves for not being alert enough and crying to the referees for fouls.  In the end that all amounted to nothing and they would lose.  Still, with this brilliant plan, not even mentioning Jayem's talent, they were unable to reel in a state championship (I don't think they even won the Central Region the year I'm referring to).  Interestingly enough, it wasn't because there were many teams that were more talented than them, because that number was very small.  But those squads that were victorious had a keen understanding on how to beat the press.

Where It's Due

I think in my writings I've gotten somewhat ahead of myself and have left out some foundational pieces that are essential for life.  Maybe because of my studies or my observatory nature I've gotten conceited, but I have attempted to address the pressing objectives that I believe the Holy Spirit has been leading me to confront.  Still in doing this I've been neglectful; ignoring what all of this is truly about.  The revelation I received which is contained in those previous sentences is welcomed discipline.  Because all of what I pen is Spirit filled and driven, I'm thankful for yet another chance to get back on track.  Also, it's comforting to know that I'm being used, even with my failure to grasp the pinnacle of following Jesus the Messiah; and therefore I'm normal, relative, and in God's sight, important.  So in saying this....

Playin' Chicken

Say what you want about the media, but those sniveling snitches are some of the smartest, most crafty people on the planet.  In sheer brilliance, they bait your homegirls' president to admit he believes that marriage isn't reserved for just a man and a woman.  They recycle that statement enough for the social media reporters to run with it and so the he-saw-the-best-in-me Christians can make it known the "he" in the song was Obama and not Jehovah.  Next, they go to who they believe is one of the most successful Christians around to get his thoughts.  They don't get the answer they really want, but they get enough to work with...and it's on.  But real talk, those who take the homosexual stance in this Chick Fil-A issue have a point; although I doubt they know what it is. 

Crew Love

"Everybody wanna know what my Achilles heel is.  Love!  I don't get enough of it, all I get is these vampires and bloodsuckers." - Jay-Z, Monster 2011

Here, we see the self-proclaimed pagan god of hip-hop acknowledge that even though he is fiendishly murdering the competition (which he believes has made him a coveted but elusive target), the slaughter would be non-existent if he were to receive more love from his contemporaries.  I believe the love the artist is referring to isn't the Al Green Love and Happiness type, it's more like the Scarface My Homies kind.  It's plain to see that Jay craves for acceptance like the peons he makes fun of.  That's the common thread for all human beings...the feeling of unity with something, anything.

Same Feet, Same Hands

I literally used to do anything I wanted. Check that....75% of the time I did anything I wanted when I had to force it; and 97% of the time it was when there were wide open opportunities. Needless to say I had loads of what I considered to be fun, but unfortunately none of it was pleasing in the sight of God. Although it was diametrically opposed to any form of obedience to Him, I leaned on a couple of biblical principles-turned-excuses to clear my conscious. The "all have sinned and fall short (Romans 3:23)" worked pretty well. And the King David saga mixed with the type of teaching I was under really allowed me to make my dirt look clean. Even though I knew I was wrong, I was fairly good at manipulating myself by using the previously introduced verse; all the while behaving as ignorant as possible.  That being said, I look back on those days in embarrassment; thinking I was hot stuff but was really missing the freedom a life with Christ gives.  But here's where the ultimate give-and-take scenario comes to play.  Because of course this better knowledge of myself and my purpose has me grateful without question.  It's just that it would've been pretty cool if this renewed mind came with amnesia.

The Joy of the Janitor

At around 5:30 a.m., Randy arrives at the municipal building to begin a normal day that won't end until around 7 p.m.  And that's just at work; for waiting at his three-bedroom apartment is his pregnant wife and 4 year-old daughter.  So after cleaning the offices of the city's most well-paid schmoozers and embezzle artists, he takes a stop at the corner store to pick up his wifes' latest requests.  When he gets home, his daughter (who should've been in bed an hour ago) greets him with a flying hug and petitions for more minutes past bedtime.  Randy caves in and plays a game she's named Castle; where they are building and knocking down her pillow structures.  In between the several rounds, Randy takes trips to the kitchen for his wife, and one out to the garbage can.  After his daughter and wife are asleep, he lugs himself back to the family room to chip away at a business plan that his cousin desperately needs help with.  Randy is taking part in the ultimate joy.

16 to 60

Yo, can somebody tell me the literal translation of the phrase 'in my feelings'?  From what I've gathered, it appears to parallel the saying 'whoa is me.' And further more, why are so many adults using this phrase?  Of course I can understand the teenage private school girl openly saying this when she's been turned down for the spring formal.  However, I have some difficulty grasping how the 45 year-old woman [frequently] uses this term.  Particularly the one that's [allegedly] more than a conqueror in Christ.  Please don't take my comments as a disregard for human emotions, because those cannot be denied.  Yet I do believe many of us allow our daily lives (at least our words) to be led by them.  Friends, allow me to introduce my 16 to 60 philosophy.

The Middle Passage

I believe the only feeling that can replace the excitement of starting something great is the happiness associated with finishing something great.  Think about it; when you got accepted into that school or got that loan to start that business you were ready to conquer the planet.  But when you graduated or started turning a profit, there was nothing that could dull the shine of your pride.  That's because at the moment that you "made it" you had that 50-picture-in-2-seconds flashback about what it took to win.  And while everyone around you was celebrating your success, you rejoiced knowing that you survived the middle passage.

Sides

The 27 year-old gang bangin' rapper struts out on the Radio City Music Hall stage with his employed friends.  His bloodshot eyes are draped with Versace shades to conceal the marijuana side effects; and also because its the look of the culture these days.  As he and his rented entourage approach the podium to receive the award for Best Rap Song, he tosses his hand in the air to signal representation of the gang he joined just last year.  Then, after he grabs the award with his left hand, daps up the male presenter with his right hand, and kisses the female presenter on the check; he pulls the podium microphone down and shouts with exuberance "what the [explicative] is up!"  The crowd goes wild.  Then he calmly utters, "First I wanna thank God...'cause you know...ain't none of this possible without the man upstairs."

Eighty-Five Year Long Party

On the eve of our first anniversary, Melicer and I had to give up our rings.  Due to maintenance and scheduled repair, our symbols of commitment were whisked away to a jeweler who the company feels should work in another location.  We completed the paperwork with the customer service reps when one of them suggested, "well, you get to be single for about 10 days."

"Nah, I'll never be single again," I responded.

"Good answer!"

Certified Illogic

"Yeah God told us to have faith, but He also said use common sense."  You ever been told that before?  Right after you've been tossing and turning half the night; wondering how this is going to get done?  How that's going to happen?  What will it look like?  Or for my achievers out there... thinking can you do it?  And then, right when you've made up in your mind that you're (ahem) walking into victory in Jesus' Name, you run across that co-worker, or that friend, or that family member...who politely tells you whatever it is isn't a good idea.  Unlike the last time when you meekly responded, "yeah, I guess you're right"; this go 'round you say something like, "I have faith that the Lord will bring this to pass!"  That's when you hear the classic phrase, "Yeah God told us to have faith, but He also said use common sense."  Along with that, the person adds the logical reason why the plan you were told by the Lord won't work the way you envision it; or won't work at all.  Seconds later, that faith you had in the midnight hours has evaporated...

All Self Righteous....

One of the sports talk shows I listen to some mornings posed this pretty good thought provoking basketball question:  Who's the best player in this generation - Kobe Bryant or Tim Duncan?  Great one; and even as a Laker fan I honestly can't give the run away answer to Kobe just yet, because Tim Duncan is arguably one of the best forwards ever.  Still, asking your general sports fan may garner an answer based mostly on emotions.  Plenty people, for no basketball reason whatsoever, hate Kobe Bryant - so they may select Duncan by default.  But there are also those who don't like Tim Duncan because of his alleged squeaky clean image.  I actually was involved in a conversation with a few people who don't want the Spurs (Duncan's team) to win because he appears "do everything right."  I'm pretty sure I would want my four-time NBA champion power forward to do everything right.  I assume winning isn't as important as having a bad boy image.

The Undercard: Chruch Folks vs. Christians

So all the the businessmen and the leaders of the area went to Reverend Sam's house and demanded, "Look, you're getting up there in age and all of your sons are off da chain.  Ain't no way they can guide us to do anything.  So we need you to give us a king like the rest of the countries got."

Sam was blown that they even had the heart to ask for a king.  Later on, he prayed to God about the situation.  The Lord said to Sam, "Listen to everything they told you, 'cause they don't have no beef with you, they're just not cool with Me being their leader.  They've been like this since I got 'em out of slavery." - 1 Samuel 8:4-8, Jones Version

Job Qualifications

Years before I decided to take my talents to Blogspot and create a ministry, I composed and performed a few songs expressing my indirect but powerful alliance with Satan.  One record in called Devil Dance, was a fictional (based on true events) depiction of me assuming there was long term value in this demonic relationship through substance abuse and the manipulation of women.  Like most of today's secular music, that work screamed devil worship without actually saying the words I worship the devil.  But at the time I did...and I was so proud of the gross unity, I recorded it for others to hear.  Even though I was torturing my spirit and killing my body and soul, I was unknowingly qualifying myself for a great work as a literal artist for the Lord.

It Ain't That Serious

...and the record books crack open once again as the City of Richmond continues to push towards experiencing a '96 throwback.  So while we crowded VCUs campus, draped with our hooded sweatshirts, our bags of Skittles, and cool, crisp iced tea; it appears that the hoodlums 'round here called a conference and decided to have a wonderful April.  I think the slogan for their meeting was While the Feelings Are Away, Let the Thugs Play.  And play they did...to the tune of 31 shootings and 5 murders.  This doesn't include a week with 5 killings in Chesterfield and a police officer shooting a man who was "threatening" in Henrico County.  Nope, none of that made our news feeds because we Cap City folk are used to it. And to be truthful, for most of us it ain't that serious.

The Rapper Sort Of Got One Right

Where I'm from, the people are the....flaky-est. 

This is the area where it's not official unless it's seen on television.  And if the product, politician, athlete, or entertainer is from here; then it/he/she must be seen on television in another state to label it/he/she official.  For the most part, trends aren't made in the African-American communities in Richmond; instead they are copied from other larger, more glamorously-perceived African-American communities across the nation.  Particularly in the Richmond hip-hop scene; where from 1980-1993 East Coast culture was Richmond.  Then Master P dropped a couple years later and we were all bouncing and talking with a little more country twang.  No one will say this...but we generally are followers; so it's no surprise that the Drake ft. Lil Wayne and Tyga track Y.O.L.O. (You Only Live Once) has spawned yet another hip-hop slogan for our teenagers, young adults, and even some 30-somethings to live by.  But you know what, this time it might benefit you to actually listen.

Hand Selected

It sounds very inspiring, and it makes for a great t-shirt slogan, but failure definitely is an option.  As a matter of fact, it's in the top two options that a person has when they set out to accomplish anything.  This notion explains the disproportionate numbers regarding the school drop-out rate, joblessness, and the ever increasing American prison population.  Even your most successful [enter dream occupation here] will proudly speak of the number of rejections he or she has encountered before experiencing the desired success.  So I hate to be the bearer of real news but unfortunately, all of us will fail at something.  Also, the percentage of us who will fail at something we believe that we cannot, must not fail at is rather high.  How can this be remedied?  And if it can't, how can a come back happen?

What's Missing From the New Civil Rights Movement - The Boycott

I can see it now.  At the end-of-the-first-quarter meeting at Mars, Inc., the CEO, with all of his regional directors, accountants, and no media gathered at the long table will say something like this:

"Even though this occurred as a result of a tragic event, we have experienced record highs in sales of our original Skittles product.  Good job, team!"

Of course, he (used figuratively) will give himself a big raise, take a trip to the West Indies, and give his directors a little bit too.  And on the vacation, he and the regional director for the southeast will chop up ways to keep churches across the nation buying Skittles...keep getting to the money.

What's Missing From the New Civil Rights Movement - Civil Disobedience

2012 A.D. - March 12 - Richmond - Confederate States of America

During prolonged deliberation about the controversial "Ultrasound Bill", individuals of various backgrounds, races, and religions protested the move; angry over the fact that the Commonwealth of Virginia was so insensitive to control one of the most intimate and unfortunate procedures a woman could ever encounter.  Unfortunately, the Commonwealth did not concern themselves with such a position, and ordered Virginia law enforcement to carry seven of the protesters off of the Capitol steps and to jail.  The 'man' coerced, warned, and pulled and shackled them to the Fairfield Way.  A throwback.

Surpassed Enough

Demarcus dragged himself with his arms across the bloody linoleum floor to attempt to comfort his screaming infant son.  A few seconds earlier he was prevented from running to him because he couldn't feel his legs.  The prior intruder more than likely was the cause of the loss, but Demarcus hoped his body was temporarily paralyzed from the gun blast.  Unfortunately he was sadly mistaken.  While he was able to protect his first born from getting injured, and to console him after the derelict kicked the door or his apartment open and shot his pistol four times before fleeing, he wasn't able to restore the strength his legs once possessed. 

At the hospital waiting room the aunt who raised him nearly fainted as the doctor reported the news. His two younger cousins clinched their fists in anger and raised their voices; shouting curses about Demarcus' sons' mother; who they determined ordered a hit on him.  Meanwhile, Demarcus laid silent and peaceful.  After the commotion receded, his sister asked him "what you gonna do now?"

Demarcus, a 5 month Christian convert, lifted his heavy eyelids and said, "I still have my life, and Christ has already done more than enough."

His cousins smirked as his sister and aunt exhaled with disgust...

The Night I Left

Even the evangelist ain't the same no more.  Well, at least the popular one.  What used to be a brutally honest, experienced, and passionate person has turned into a sheltered, made-for-TV personality.  It may seem that I'm generalizing a bit, or a lot, but wouldn't it be nice to have one of those ministers come to you and say "I haven't arrived at all, I'm striving to get better"?  I mean, the premier evangelist Paul described it; being unable to walk consistently in the fullness of his Devine calling because of sin (Romans 7:14-20).  Yet today, we here more 'been there, done that' than 'still here, doing that' when the later statement may be more of the truth.  Now this could be because when a Christian minister of any kind eludes to still struggling, the human mind immediately gravitates to assumptions of sins involving substance abuse or immoral sex.  But it's very possible that the man or woman of God could be struggling with something not is socially vile but equally as devastating...such as not paying attention to God's specific instruction...which almost always births a great chance to sin.  Here's one of mine...

Lou to Kareem

shout out to Amer Amen for always bringing the mind-unraveling conversation...

Some months after I ended my Facebook hiatus, around the time of my birthday, an old college friend posted a three word birthday wish on my wall that said, "Happy Birthday, pimp."  My wife didn't like that too much; but not only did I see it as not a big deal, I was absolutely clueless as to why she had a problem with a male college friend wishing me a happy birthday.

"He called you pimp.  You're not a pimp," she said.

"Yeah," I said, "but, he didn't mean it like that.  It's just...you know."

I couldn't even finish defending the situation because my ignorant radar went off; telling me that I should know exactly why Melicer wasn't pleased with the friendly intent.

Mile and a Half Demon

It's been told to me and I tell it to young athletes all the time; ain't nothin' like a championship.  And that feeling doesn't die out when you no longer compete on the field or court.  It lives on with the hope that each season brings.  And on a wet and windy February night, childhood friends and their families sat together at VCU's Stuart C. Siegel Center to watch their Henrico High School Warriors trounce on it's Central Virginia neighbor (the schools are 1.6 miles apart), John Marshall Justices.  The nostalgia within this rivalry brings good feelings from those of us who have participated in the games; whether in basketball or football.  But there is a dark side that walks hand in hand with it.  Midway through the second quarter, a fight between the games' younger patrons broke out which caused the play on the court to come to a screeching halt.  Several minutes after that another squabble erupted.  And then, after halftime, a small series of scuffles occurred; one had a kid kicking another down the concrete steps of the arena.  The ill-equipped security scrambled to regain control.  On-duty faculty members criss-crossed frantically attempting to get the youth to move along.  Police set up shop outside.  Ahhh....just like it used to be.

WTTTA - The 6 P's

I was the one who would boo the talent show contestant who chose to sing "His Eye Is On The Sparrow" if he/or she sounded like a lonely dog.  People would get mad, but my logic on this I believe is respectable.  Being the event is a talent show, the contestant has opened themselves up to be examined by their talent (or lack thereof) regarding their performing arts gift (the term gift used loosely).  The unit of measure of this examination is usually in either cheers (good work) or boos (not so good work).  Furthermore, the audience member more than likely is not examining the subject matter of the art, but how the artist displays the actual art.  This is why one contestant can sing a sexually explicit song and another can sing a Christian-themed song in the same show.  It's all about the skills.  And I, for one, refused to be fooled by the contestant with lack luster skill and has attempted to get cheers by singing a gospel song.  The good news of Jesus is great, but you stink...and frankly, you are mocking who God is by trying to use a gift (to gain personal accolades) that you haven't developed or simply don't have.

Built Solid

As a man I can only speak on this from a mans' point of view, but I'm sure there's a womans' side...

It ain't rocket science.  Good wisdom would say before making a declaration on something about anything, viewing the complete ball of wax will allow a person to carefully distinguish the authenticity of the existing circumstances.  Along with that, even though the individual is responsible for the decisions of what their hands will or will not do and what will come out of their mouth; causality cannot be denied.  And regardless of the reasons, the faults, even the excuses, a bottom line always, I mean always is there. 

You (Yes You) Are the Hope of the World

This month (obviously) I've been exploring some thoughts on the origins of the negro spiritual.  I think we're pretty familiar with the general legends surrounding them...songs derived from insane plantation work and worship sessions that were limited by ownership; performed to lighten the psychological load of slave labor and abuse, as well as to communicate.  Now depending on what Christian denomination a person is affiliated with, he or she might hear these classic cuts every Sunday now--especially in the traditional Baptist church.  But when I process the words, the meanings, and the historical reference of the songs, I wonder what that says about the mental state of many of us (as related to our faith) who still sing them, and sing them passionately.

Deceived to Death

...and it continues.  People will be drinking and dancing; making war and imitating love; buying, selling, claiming, and denouncing...before many of us vanish.  Even afterwards when those who understood why we disappeared will be very vocal about the reason, to the point of martyrdom; people will still be drinking and dancing; making war and imitating love; buying, selling, claiming, and denouncing.

It's popular to talk about the Rapture in this sense, because it allows for us Christian cats to drum up a ministry for those "lost ones".  You know, preach the goodness of Jesus to the ends of the earth, right?  Interestingly enough, Jesus said everybody who always brings up His Name will be right along with the so called lost ones....being lost (Matthew 7:21-23).  Hmmmm.....

Casual Clay - A Testimonial

The voice of my first friend in life let me know it was a trill situation.  His quivering speech was unfamiliar and startling, but it led me to be prepared.  At his request I urgently shut down my computer and packed my bag while telling my colleague that I needed to head to the hospital.  My friends' report was bleak to say the least; and because of that I praised God during the entire drive to Hanover for revelation of life; for without it I would have been a wreck.  Yet and still, as I walked through the parking lot of the campus, as I entered the lobby and greeted other patrons, in the silence of the elevator and the stroll past the nurses and the beeping machines, and even when I arrived at the the Critical Care Unit room to see him...his eyes a quarter open due to the induced paralysis...his face layered with patches and tubes...his body dependent on medical technology...I remembered the Adrian we called Casual Clay.

1996, senior year, Henrico High; where all the guys were corny but the girls were mad fly...
(inspired by Butter-Tribe Called Quest, The Low End Theory, 1991)

WTTTA (Special Edition) - Vapor

Some things are highlighted in my mind when I remember watching my friend Earl transition from the human phase of life to the [complete] spiritual phase of it.  One of the most significant moments was when he got baptized in the hospital.  His chemo filled body gingerly made his way to the seat (he was too weak to actually get submerged) where he and his pastor conducted the ceremony that made us witnesses to his Kingdom commitment.  As an extremely sad young adult, I went and told my dad about my visit and the ceremony.  He responded with an exuberant, " oh, he straight then!"  At the time I couldn't understand my fathers joy. 

The Mother's Day after my grandmother transitioned, I had the thought of visiting her grave site when the Holy Spirit said to me, "why you going there to reminisce and honor her...she's not there."  I was comforted by that revelation of truth.  I was also reminded that we as humans have a distorted view about vapor.

WTTTA - What God Has For Me Is For Me

Yeah, yeah, yeah....live and direct from the Cap.  So here's the deal.  I would like to take some writings to investigate a few of the traditional [Baptist] Christian sayings that have seemed to be ingrained in our society; and I've identified three reasons for why I feel this should be addressed:

1. The sayings are derived from the depressive spirit that comes from American slavery, and throughout history have been used to supply false hope of achievement while disregarding the truths in the Bible (i.e. God never puts more on you than you can bear).

2.  They twist scriptural principles to allow for false self-assurance, or plainly, as an excuse to justify a sinful lifestyle (i.e. only God can judge me; God knows my heart).

3.  They make this self-serving American culture feel good, regardless if they're in the Bible or not (i.e. favor ain't fair).

I call this the Where They Teach That At Series...

Can't Have It Both Ways

If you ever get a chance, please take a few hours from your day to hang with an African-American senior citizen from any state that was once a member of the Confederacy.  Listen to their stories and try to feel their perspective on the world they come from and the world they are in now.  Question them about their participation in the events that gave us the right to attend any public school, apply for any job, eat at any restaurant, or use any bathroom we want to.  Glean from their experiences of the black family and neighborhood they were raised in.  And after that time, when you fill your head with all of that nostalgia, you may realize that our fore fathers and mothers got what they wanted, and much, much more.

Sure...

The term 'you' or any variation of the term is not meant for any person in particular.  However, all Facebook philosophers/ministers should pay attention.

Of course you're going to go into 2012 fresh and new.  Most definitely you are cutting off all old things (and people) and living the life that you always should have.  Certainly this is going to be a prosperous year with your new businesses and houses and cars and boyfriends/husbands and girlfriends/wives.  It's all so clear because you express it just like you did this time around last year...when everything was pretty much the same and for some odd reason stayed that way.  But forget all that; this year is different because you proclaimed it and you can feel it.  At least you can while we're still in January, I'll check back with you in April.