Last week I spent five days at camp with about 50 members of our church Boy Scout troop. I've been doing it for over 30 years.
At 56, it's getting harder. However, my wife Joslyn makes it easier, in fact camping was almost luxurious.
We bought a giant tent, a portable queen size bed, air mattress, blankets, comforters, outdoor heaters, night lights, a table for my computer (I have to do three hours of study daily even in the woods) and many of the comforts of home.
With the exception that we couldn't make a quick walk to the bathroom, it was "home" for five days.
It reminded me of the first years of our marriage 31 years ago. We lived in a shotgun house with only a bed, a refrigerator and a kitchen table. When Joslyn finished decorating and arranging, the sofaless, chairless, shotgun house appeared to be our artistic desire rather than a reflection of our poverty.
The bible says he who finds a wife, finds a "good thing."
I hope I have been as good for her as she has been for me.
Monday, November 28, 2005
Saturday, November 05, 2005
More Than A Dinner
Joslyn and I went to dinner last night, but not alone.
Our congregation hosted a dinner for 70 evacuees of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita at Sophia's Restuarant.
Sophia's is plush Soul Food restuarant in Monroe. It's a greasy spoon without the grease.
The idea was to share a fellowship with evacuees in a setting that was not condescending or patronizing with men and women who have seen their share of misery.
Pastor Joe Adair of the Second Macedonia Baptist Chuch of Elizabeth New Jersey joined us. He brought financial gifts from the seniors of his church and the City of Elizabeth Fire Department.
As the dinner ended we distributed boxes of blankets, sheets, cleaning supplies and checks to evacuees. We intend to partner with them throughout the year to help them in many small ways.
I don't usually enjoy public dinners, banquets and formal affairs. I enjoyed this one.
I felt I was among friends although I really knew only a little about each guest and they probably knew even less about me.
Jesus was often criticized because he chose not to frequent the banquets of the rich and the affluent. His tendency to be seen frequently outside of the respectable social circles, while not completely ignoring others, was a major cause of friction in his ministry.
He seemed most comfortable where those around him needed or appreciated his prescence.
Last night Joslyn and I felt we were among those who appreciated our prescence.
I felt so comfortable...I ate some of my chicken with my fingers!
It was a memorable moment.
Our congregation hosted a dinner for 70 evacuees of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita at Sophia's Restuarant.
Sophia's is plush Soul Food restuarant in Monroe. It's a greasy spoon without the grease.
The idea was to share a fellowship with evacuees in a setting that was not condescending or patronizing with men and women who have seen their share of misery.
Pastor Joe Adair of the Second Macedonia Baptist Chuch of Elizabeth New Jersey joined us. He brought financial gifts from the seniors of his church and the City of Elizabeth Fire Department.
As the dinner ended we distributed boxes of blankets, sheets, cleaning supplies and checks to evacuees. We intend to partner with them throughout the year to help them in many small ways.
I don't usually enjoy public dinners, banquets and formal affairs. I enjoyed this one.
I felt I was among friends although I really knew only a little about each guest and they probably knew even less about me.
Jesus was often criticized because he chose not to frequent the banquets of the rich and the affluent. His tendency to be seen frequently outside of the respectable social circles, while not completely ignoring others, was a major cause of friction in his ministry.
He seemed most comfortable where those around him needed or appreciated his prescence.
Last night Joslyn and I felt we were among those who appreciated our prescence.
I felt so comfortable...I ate some of my chicken with my fingers!
It was a memorable moment.
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
Changing Glasses
I had my glasses changed this week. I'm 60/20 on distances it seems.
I'm becoming more dependent upon them as time passes. Since I'm a heavy reader and frequent computer user, I really put them to work.
I have bifocals. My wife, Josh, has tri-focals. Neither of us can see clearly without them.
There are many things I still can't see about life, even though I've changed my glasses. There are people, events, and circumstances that I can't seem to see clearly. I don't have 20/20 vision yet, when it comes to spiritual things.
The Word says, "Now we see through a glass darkly, but then face to face..."
To see God's plan clearly, I'll have to change glasses and get spiritual 20/20 vision.
I'm becoming more dependent upon them as time passes. Since I'm a heavy reader and frequent computer user, I really put them to work.
I have bifocals. My wife, Josh, has tri-focals. Neither of us can see clearly without them.
There are many things I still can't see about life, even though I've changed my glasses. There are people, events, and circumstances that I can't seem to see clearly. I don't have 20/20 vision yet, when it comes to spiritual things.
The Word says, "Now we see through a glass darkly, but then face to face..."
To see God's plan clearly, I'll have to change glasses and get spiritual 20/20 vision.
Saturday, October 08, 2005
No Drawers on My Desk
I have three offices. One at the church complex. One at my business and another at home. All three have desks.
I like my desks organized, but I don't like drawers. Drawers make it easy for me to stuff important but non-essential things out of sight. Once out of sight, they are usually out of consideration. So, I usually have desks with very few drawers or no drawers at all.
This week I cleared desktops. A matter is removed from my desktop when it is handled. Then it is filed away, otherwise it stays on the desk, in a neat stack of other items that must be completed.
With three desks, it took me some time to clear them all: Church, business and personal matters. However, since there were no drawers, I had no choice but to deal with them sooner or later.
Paul preached before Felix and Drusila about temperance, judgment and righteousness. (Acts 24:25) He laid it on their desk, but they put off their decision until a "A more convenient season." They never got around to dealing with the matters that Paul presented.
They must have had drawers on their desks.
I like my desks organized, but I don't like drawers. Drawers make it easy for me to stuff important but non-essential things out of sight. Once out of sight, they are usually out of consideration. So, I usually have desks with very few drawers or no drawers at all.
This week I cleared desktops. A matter is removed from my desktop when it is handled. Then it is filed away, otherwise it stays on the desk, in a neat stack of other items that must be completed.
With three desks, it took me some time to clear them all: Church, business and personal matters. However, since there were no drawers, I had no choice but to deal with them sooner or later.
Paul preached before Felix and Drusila about temperance, judgment and righteousness. (Acts 24:25) He laid it on their desk, but they put off their decision until a "A more convenient season." They never got around to dealing with the matters that Paul presented.
They must have had drawers on their desks.
Thursday, October 06, 2005
She Won't Do Shirts
The owner of the local laundry was pleasantly amused to learn why I spend so much money for the laundry of my shirts.
The fact that I have more than 30 shirts a month cleaned, starched and pressed was a curious plus for her business. This week a casual comment in passing, required an explanation.
When I married Joslyn 31 years ago she told me that she would go anywhere with me, do anything with me and support me in almost anything I did. However, there was a warning, "I don't do shirts."
With a few emergency exceptions, she's kept both promises.
Busy pastors use many shirts. Sometimes I have time to press them. Sometimes I don't. Hence, the laundry loves to see me walk in the door.
The Word of God says, it's better not to make a vow than to make a vow and break it. My wife has kept all of her vows to me. I hope she feels I'm doing the same.
There's one vow she keeps for sure...
Except for unusual circumstances, she won't do shirts.
The fact that I have more than 30 shirts a month cleaned, starched and pressed was a curious plus for her business. This week a casual comment in passing, required an explanation.
When I married Joslyn 31 years ago she told me that she would go anywhere with me, do anything with me and support me in almost anything I did. However, there was a warning, "I don't do shirts."
With a few emergency exceptions, she's kept both promises.
Busy pastors use many shirts. Sometimes I have time to press them. Sometimes I don't. Hence, the laundry loves to see me walk in the door.
The Word of God says, it's better not to make a vow than to make a vow and break it. My wife has kept all of her vows to me. I hope she feels I'm doing the same.
There's one vow she keeps for sure...
Except for unusual circumstances, she won't do shirts.
Saturday, October 01, 2005
Frustrated
Our church has been working to get Hurricane Katrina evacuees out of shelters into homes or back home. My wife, Joslyn, has been an energy dynamo in this area, taking one family by the hand and sifting through the paper, politics, propaganda and pushing to get them a house, utilities, financial assistance and a job.
She's one of several in the congregation who have re-routed their time to help stranded families return to normal life.
We're both frustrated today. One family absorbed a week's work. Joslyn and the church committee quickly worked to get finances for the family, take the mother to view an available housing unit, get deposits paid and to weave the family through the back door of the process that involved long waiting lines.
Mission accomplished. With keys in her hand and utilities on, the last step was to bring a small army of church women to the house to turn it into a house where a home could thrive.
Today, a group of church women were set to help, mop, sweep and help the family move into a three bedroom unit.
Yesterday, after all of the hard work, with new washer, dryer, stove and refrigerator on the the grounds, the mother decided she didn't like the house. She refused our efforts and won't move in.
Boom! Crash!
A weeks work went down the tubes. We were both so frustrated at the money and time lost, we went home, ate ice creame and watched T.V.
So what now?
We'll look at the next name on the list and start all over again.
We were not promised that our efforts would always be rewarded everytime by grateful recipients. There will be times, as we do God's work, that the only thank you will come from God.
As we work on the next family...
We'll keep a half gallon of ice cream ready.
She's one of several in the congregation who have re-routed their time to help stranded families return to normal life.
We're both frustrated today. One family absorbed a week's work. Joslyn and the church committee quickly worked to get finances for the family, take the mother to view an available housing unit, get deposits paid and to weave the family through the back door of the process that involved long waiting lines.
Mission accomplished. With keys in her hand and utilities on, the last step was to bring a small army of church women to the house to turn it into a house where a home could thrive.
Today, a group of church women were set to help, mop, sweep and help the family move into a three bedroom unit.
Yesterday, after all of the hard work, with new washer, dryer, stove and refrigerator on the the grounds, the mother decided she didn't like the house. She refused our efforts and won't move in.
Boom! Crash!
A weeks work went down the tubes. We were both so frustrated at the money and time lost, we went home, ate ice creame and watched T.V.
So what now?
We'll look at the next name on the list and start all over again.
We were not promised that our efforts would always be rewarded everytime by grateful recipients. There will be times, as we do God's work, that the only thank you will come from God.
As we work on the next family...
We'll keep a half gallon of ice cream ready.
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
Picking Up
For nearly a month we have wrestled with the impact of Hurricane Katrina and Rita. Most of the time, we have watched on television, night and day. For Joslyn and I Hurricane watching has become a ritual.
When Hurricane Rita moved through Texas and South Louisiana, we started to feel some of the winds in Monroe. Over the weekend power was out in most of South Monroe because power lines were toppled by falling trees, bent to the extremes by the wind. For many, power still has not be restored three days later.
We heard the whistling of the wind and the crackling of tree limbs around us. A giant Oak tree behind our home cracked like a toothpick as it crashed into two houses behind our home. The tree poked holes in the roofs and stuck its limbs all the way to their floors. Electrical wires snapped and dangled into the streets.
All night we heard limbs falling from the tall Pine and Oak trees in our yard. Because their branches stretch over our home like great fans in the summer, we anticipate the worse in storms. Their potontial is devastating in strong winds. We fully expected one of those trees to plunge through our house as well.
By Sunday morning, most of the neighborhoods looked devastated. Tree branches, downed electric lines, and debris were everywhere. Amazingly, we still had electric power but no cable connection. When we arrived for worship, our congregation was was miniscule. Most had been battling the storm in the dark all night.
A family of 35 from Lake Charles worshipped with us. They spent the weekend cramped in a local beauty shop. Another family of 20, also fleeing Hurricane Rita shared with us as well. The sermon God gave me addressed the moment, "Life Is Not Fair, But God is Good."
We fed our guests after the worship and returned to our homes to pick up after the storm.
All we had was just the risidual winds of the storm, and we were dislocated. Those who were actually in the storm endured more.
As we drove home the sun began shining brightly in the sky. The clouds seem to break away and allow the reassuring sun rays to make a bold entrance. It was a striking contrast to the broken community we passed as we drove.
The sun was a welcomed sight.
It reminded me that "After the storm, the SON will shine."
God is still good.
When Hurricane Rita moved through Texas and South Louisiana, we started to feel some of the winds in Monroe. Over the weekend power was out in most of South Monroe because power lines were toppled by falling trees, bent to the extremes by the wind. For many, power still has not be restored three days later.
We heard the whistling of the wind and the crackling of tree limbs around us. A giant Oak tree behind our home cracked like a toothpick as it crashed into two houses behind our home. The tree poked holes in the roofs and stuck its limbs all the way to their floors. Electrical wires snapped and dangled into the streets.
All night we heard limbs falling from the tall Pine and Oak trees in our yard. Because their branches stretch over our home like great fans in the summer, we anticipate the worse in storms. Their potontial is devastating in strong winds. We fully expected one of those trees to plunge through our house as well.
By Sunday morning, most of the neighborhoods looked devastated. Tree branches, downed electric lines, and debris were everywhere. Amazingly, we still had electric power but no cable connection. When we arrived for worship, our congregation was was miniscule. Most had been battling the storm in the dark all night.
A family of 35 from Lake Charles worshipped with us. They spent the weekend cramped in a local beauty shop. Another family of 20, also fleeing Hurricane Rita shared with us as well. The sermon God gave me addressed the moment, "Life Is Not Fair, But God is Good."
We fed our guests after the worship and returned to our homes to pick up after the storm.
All we had was just the risidual winds of the storm, and we were dislocated. Those who were actually in the storm endured more.
As we drove home the sun began shining brightly in the sky. The clouds seem to break away and allow the reassuring sun rays to make a bold entrance. It was a striking contrast to the broken community we passed as we drove.
The sun was a welcomed sight.
It reminded me that "After the storm, the SON will shine."
God is still good.
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
We All Have Our Inner Tubes
Last night a Hurricane Katrina evacuee gave a testimony. We were meeting concerning our response to the diaster. The evacuee told how her son was stranded in New Orleans on a roof top with water rising all around him.
Just when he thought he would drown, he sent up a final prayer. Suddendly an inner tube floated by and he grabbed it and floated to safety when he was picked up by a helicopter.
That innertube saved his life.
We all have our innertube situations. I have certainly had mine.
Sometimes the Lord answers my prayers in grand ways. Then sometimes he does it in small simple ways..
...like floating inner tubes our way!
Just when he thought he would drown, he sent up a final prayer. Suddendly an inner tube floated by and he grabbed it and floated to safety when he was picked up by a helicopter.
That innertube saved his life.
We all have our innertube situations. I have certainly had mine.
Sometimes the Lord answers my prayers in grand ways. Then sometimes he does it in small simple ways..
...like floating inner tubes our way!
Friday, September 16, 2005
Soles Repaired free of charge
My favorite shoe repair shop closed. 
I scanned the phone book to discover that there is only one remaining shoe repair shop in our city. One place left that repairs holes in soles.
I have a few pairs of shoes that I have been wearing for years. Each time the soles or heels wear out, I take them to the shoe shop for new half soles and heels. The shoes are just like new at a third of the cost of new ones.
\That's been my habit most of my adult life. Repair good shoes, don't throw them away.
Apparently, my method is not fashionable anymore. Folks are not getting their soles repaired; they are throwing away old shoes and buying new ones. Resultingly, shoe shops are going out of business. (They don't seem to repair anything: marriages, relationships, friendships; they just throw them away and get new ones.)
I pace, so my favorite pair of black loafers often have holes in the soles.
The other day I felt rocks on my socks as I walked. That's when I knew I needed sole repair.
I found the last shoe shop in town. The repairman looked lonely, glad to see a customer. She said I can pick up my repaired shoes Monday; they'll be like new.
There are times when I feel like there is a hole in my soul, just like my shoes. I can feel the rocks of this world making things uncomfortable.
I'm glad that God hasn't gone out of business. He's still in the business of reviving worn-out souls and making them just like new. He's not in the Yellow Pages, but he is in the Book.
My shoes will cost me about $25 Monday, but I'll have new soles.
When God revives me, though, there is no bill.
Jesus paid it all.
Sunday, September 11, 2005
Ravels, New Shirts & Cufflinks
When I returned home from the National Baptist Convention yesterday, I returned with 10 new shirts. They are multi-colored with my last name embroidered on the left collar. More importantly, they have cufflinks.
A few Sundays ago, my old white shirt that I've been wearing, with other old ones for about six years, had a ravel dangling from the sleeve. I didn't see it, but everyone else did, including thousands who watched as I preached on television.
After the service no one remembered what I talked about; only the ravel that floated through the air, clinging to my shirt sleeve everytime I moved my left hand.
Joslyn said that's the end of it. No more ravels. She said I am to get new shirts and cufflinks. Fancy shirts and cufflinks are low on my priority list. I'd rather cut the ravel off the shirt and keep wearing it; but Joslyn says the public will fault her for my ravel, saying "Why does she let him go out like that."
Now I have new shirts and some fancy cufflinks.
I'm not a flashy person. They look good, but they are not "me."
Since they won't ravel soon Joslyn will be pleased.
I have a few ravels in my life that keep showing too. Sometimes I embarass myself and can't focus on what I should be doing because I keep looking at my ravels. Fortunately, God looks at the inside and not the outside.
What does Joslyn think about that?
She says it's true that God sees the inside, but "black folks are not God they only see the ravels"...keep wearing cufflinks!
A few Sundays ago, my old white shirt that I've been wearing, with other old ones for about six years, had a ravel dangling from the sleeve. I didn't see it, but everyone else did, including thousands who watched as I preached on television.
After the service no one remembered what I talked about; only the ravel that floated through the air, clinging to my shirt sleeve everytime I moved my left hand.
Joslyn said that's the end of it. No more ravels. She said I am to get new shirts and cufflinks. Fancy shirts and cufflinks are low on my priority list. I'd rather cut the ravel off the shirt and keep wearing it; but Joslyn says the public will fault her for my ravel, saying "Why does she let him go out like that."
Now I have new shirts and some fancy cufflinks.
I'm not a flashy person. They look good, but they are not "me."
Since they won't ravel soon Joslyn will be pleased.
I have a few ravels in my life that keep showing too. Sometimes I embarass myself and can't focus on what I should be doing because I keep looking at my ravels. Fortunately, God looks at the inside and not the outside.
What does Joslyn think about that?
She says it's true that God sees the inside, but "black folks are not God they only see the ravels"...keep wearing cufflinks!
Thursday, September 08, 2005
Ah Atlanta-Reborn
Joslyn and I are attending the National Baptist Convention this week in Atlanta. It is a city of high rise buildings whose pinnacles seem to touch the sky. It has beautiful parks, several wide eight lane streets and hustling commerce.
When General Sherman burned this city during the Civil War its inhabitants looked at the ashes and thought it could never be rebuilt. Margaret Mitchell even wrote a book about the determination of Atlanta citizens and Scarlet O'Hara, called "Gone With The Wind."
I see Atlanta and I think about New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurrican Katrina. It certainly can rise again.
Atlanta left behind its endearment of slavery and much of its racism. Maybe, New Orleans will have to leave a few things behind when it rebuilds.
To be born again, we can't do the same thing again. We must be brand new.
The good must rise from the spoils; the bad must be "Gone with the Wind."
When General Sherman burned this city during the Civil War its inhabitants looked at the ashes and thought it could never be rebuilt. Margaret Mitchell even wrote a book about the determination of Atlanta citizens and Scarlet O'Hara, called "Gone With The Wind."
I see Atlanta and I think about New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurrican Katrina. It certainly can rise again.
Atlanta left behind its endearment of slavery and much of its racism. Maybe, New Orleans will have to leave a few things behind when it rebuilds.
To be born again, we can't do the same thing again. We must be brand new.
The good must rise from the spoils; the bad must be "Gone with the Wind."
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
Can't write a check
My wife Joslyn has always said that computers were going to be a curse on us. Now she's partially vindicated in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.
Because I bank with New Orleans based Hibernia Bank my banking capabilities have been limited to making deposits and withdrawals up to $100.00. No online banking. No electronic transfers. Automatic withdrawals for regular payments have been halted. Credit card receipts from business activities can't be posted.
Hurricane Katrina has taken out many businesses in the New Orleans area. UPS has 2,200 employees in 22 buildings; they have not heard from several hundred of them. Georgia Pacific Railroad had 8,000 workers, they are out. BellSouth has reporte 1.6 million phones not working. Cox Communications has 1000 employees, 500 in New Orleans.
Then there is Hibernia Bank.
I'd open an account at another bank, but I can't transfer any funds.
The bible says in the last days that that the world would become totally dependent on a evil number based system that will not allow us to sell or buy anything or even make commercial transactions with the Satan's approval.
We have not reached that point in the Revelation prophesy, but the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina let's us know how close we are to the fulfillment of the prophecy.
Joslyn has been predicting a computer dependence meltdown for a long time.
However, she's not laughing about being right....she can't write a check or use her debit card either!
Because I bank with New Orleans based Hibernia Bank my banking capabilities have been limited to making deposits and withdrawals up to $100.00. No online banking. No electronic transfers. Automatic withdrawals for regular payments have been halted. Credit card receipts from business activities can't be posted.
Hurricane Katrina has taken out many businesses in the New Orleans area. UPS has 2,200 employees in 22 buildings; they have not heard from several hundred of them. Georgia Pacific Railroad had 8,000 workers, they are out. BellSouth has reporte 1.6 million phones not working. Cox Communications has 1000 employees, 500 in New Orleans.
Then there is Hibernia Bank.
I'd open an account at another bank, but I can't transfer any funds.
The bible says in the last days that that the world would become totally dependent on a evil number based system that will not allow us to sell or buy anything or even make commercial transactions with the Satan's approval.
We have not reached that point in the Revelation prophesy, but the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina let's us know how close we are to the fulfillment of the prophecy.
Joslyn has been predicting a computer dependence meltdown for a long time.
However, she's not laughing about being right....she can't write a check or use her debit card either!
Saturday, September 03, 2005
Hurricane Fallout
I went to the makeshift shelter in our community for Hurricane Katrina evacuees. The number has grown here to 2,200 in one place. Yesterday, it was announced that another 5,000 are expected.
The number of hurting people is overwhelming.
It looks like a battle zone in the relief centers. There is so much need, yet what we are able to do seems so little.
To sufficiently rise to the occasion takes a united effort. I'm afraid the disunity of our community is beginning to reveal the cracks in the dam.
The Red Cross controls the whole process, the overwhelming majority of its staff and leaders are white. The overwhelming majority of the evacuees are Black.
Black agencies such as "Community Action" and other Black community relief groups are excluded from the relief process inner circles.
When that happens it means that big money is being raised, distributed and handled. Whites have a tendency to have a great compassion for the poor when there is money available.
So, most of our churches stand on the sideline doing what they can individually, but are being excluded from the big picture as others "help" our people...for a profit.
Jesus said the "poor you will have you always."
I guess that applies to poverty and disaster scavengers too.
The number of hurting people is overwhelming.
It looks like a battle zone in the relief centers. There is so much need, yet what we are able to do seems so little.
To sufficiently rise to the occasion takes a united effort. I'm afraid the disunity of our community is beginning to reveal the cracks in the dam.
The Red Cross controls the whole process, the overwhelming majority of its staff and leaders are white. The overwhelming majority of the evacuees are Black.
Black agencies such as "Community Action" and other Black community relief groups are excluded from the relief process inner circles.
When that happens it means that big money is being raised, distributed and handled. Whites have a tendency to have a great compassion for the poor when there is money available.
So, most of our churches stand on the sideline doing what they can individually, but are being excluded from the big picture as others "help" our people...for a profit.
Jesus said the "poor you will have you always."
I guess that applies to poverty and disaster scavengers too.
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
Helping the Hurricane victims
Our city is filled with people who have come here from South Louisiana seeking refuge. Many are sleeping in cars, trailers, and tents. About 1700 are residing in the Civic Center here and hundreds more are staying in recreation centers in surrounding towns.
It is devastating to see so much hurt in South Louisiana. Even those who escaped to Monroe still have nothing in New Orleans, Biloxi and other cities. It's all underwater or destroyed by Hurricane Katrina.
It is encouraging to see people lock shoulders and help in a thousand small ways. Our church is washing and drying clothes, preparing food and our youth are walking the dogs of those stranded. Countless numbers of God's people are showing love when it is needed most.
We are compelled to act.
Jesus said what we do for the "least of these" we do for him.
We are praying and trying to help. We don't know how long that will be, but we intend to help as long as it is needed.
It's the least we can do.
It is devastating to see so much hurt in South Louisiana. Even those who escaped to Monroe still have nothing in New Orleans, Biloxi and other cities. It's all underwater or destroyed by Hurricane Katrina.
It is encouraging to see people lock shoulders and help in a thousand small ways. Our church is washing and drying clothes, preparing food and our youth are walking the dogs of those stranded. Countless numbers of God's people are showing love when it is needed most.
We are compelled to act.
Jesus said what we do for the "least of these" we do for him.
We are praying and trying to help. We don't know how long that will be, but we intend to help as long as it is needed.
It's the least we can do.
Monday, August 29, 2005
Watching the Hurricane
Joslyn and I have been up watching the path of Hurricane Katrina. It is moving toward New Orleans at the moment, expected to make landfall with 25 foot surges and winds of 150 to 184 miles per hour.
Thousands have moved out of the Hurricane's path. A storm center has been set up here in our city for hundreds of South Louisiana citizens fleeing the storm. The youth of "Top Gun" our church youth ministry, are on standby to help move in cots and supplies for those stranded.
We have friends and associates in South Louisiana. We stayed up to watch, out of concern for them. All we can do at this point is pray for them.
Storms, hurricanes and tornadoes seem to be more frequent. Inconsistencies in the weather, national discord and other events are all indicated in scripture as signs of the last days. As the last days of this system approach it is expected that conditions will get worse before Christ comes and makes them better.
The chilling effect of watching great storms and cosmic events is only balanced by our faith that God is still in control of things....even the wind and waves of Hurrican Katrina.
Thousands have moved out of the Hurricane's path. A storm center has been set up here in our city for hundreds of South Louisiana citizens fleeing the storm. The youth of "Top Gun" our church youth ministry, are on standby to help move in cots and supplies for those stranded.
We have friends and associates in South Louisiana. We stayed up to watch, out of concern for them. All we can do at this point is pray for them.
Storms, hurricanes and tornadoes seem to be more frequent. Inconsistencies in the weather, national discord and other events are all indicated in scripture as signs of the last days. As the last days of this system approach it is expected that conditions will get worse before Christ comes and makes them better.
The chilling effect of watching great storms and cosmic events is only balanced by our faith that God is still in control of things....even the wind and waves of Hurrican Katrina.
Sunday, August 28, 2005
100 New Boys in seven days
Joslyn and I have just finished the recruitment week in our youth leadership program called Top Gun. We visited schools, talked to parents and planned a weekend to invite them to the program.
We've been at it constantly since Monday.
Today we concluded the weekend, which included two overnighters for the youth who will spend seven years in the program. We're both hands-on in our involvement, so it is personally draining.
I'm relieved, tired and frustrated.
I'm frustated because four out of five of the 100 new youth from Elementary through high schools have not attended any church in their lives.
Neither have their parents.
If that is the mark of this generation, one that "knows not Joseph or the God of Joseph" then it may explain many things.
It also explains why we can go so frustrated that we stop doing what we do.
We've been at it constantly since Monday.
Today we concluded the weekend, which included two overnighters for the youth who will spend seven years in the program. We're both hands-on in our involvement, so it is personally draining.
I'm relieved, tired and frustrated.
I'm frustated because four out of five of the 100 new youth from Elementary through high schools have not attended any church in their lives.
Neither have their parents.
If that is the mark of this generation, one that "knows not Joseph or the God of Joseph" then it may explain many things.
It also explains why we can go so frustrated that we stop doing what we do.
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
Two Mothers?
I'm still trying to understand yesterday's Supreme Court ruling in California recognizing two lesbians as the mothers of a set of twins.
With donated sperm and ova donated from one of the "mothers" a set of twins was born. The couple broke up later and one of the "mothers" sued for parental rights. California says the lesbian petitioner is indeed a "mom" with all the responsibilities and rights of a mom. So the twins have two mothers.
I was reared by a whole community of mothers. Before I was seven, I lived in a dozen or more homes, with a dozen or more mothers. My father had custody and he often paid people to keep me in their homes.
When I spent the summer on the plantation with my sharecropper grandparents in Panterburn Mississippi there was a grandmother and a countryside filled with mothers.
When I came to church at Tabernacle there were dozens of mothers, all of whom who took an interest in me. The lady across the street from me became my mother too. In fact, I moved in her house for several years. There were more.
They were what Hiliary Clinton calls the mothers of the "village." They looked out for me.
I thought about something ele. The California twins had one father, a sperm donor. However, when a person accepts Christ he has one father, and a lot of brothers and sisters, and mothers too.
Even if our parents, lesbian or otherwise, give us difficult situations to live with, like having two mothers. If we know Jesus, we still have one father...
Who cares.
With donated sperm and ova donated from one of the "mothers" a set of twins was born. The couple broke up later and one of the "mothers" sued for parental rights. California says the lesbian petitioner is indeed a "mom" with all the responsibilities and rights of a mom. So the twins have two mothers.
I was reared by a whole community of mothers. Before I was seven, I lived in a dozen or more homes, with a dozen or more mothers. My father had custody and he often paid people to keep me in their homes.
When I spent the summer on the plantation with my sharecropper grandparents in Panterburn Mississippi there was a grandmother and a countryside filled with mothers.
When I came to church at Tabernacle there were dozens of mothers, all of whom who took an interest in me. The lady across the street from me became my mother too. In fact, I moved in her house for several years. There were more.
They were what Hiliary Clinton calls the mothers of the "village." They looked out for me.
I thought about something ele. The California twins had one father, a sperm donor. However, when a person accepts Christ he has one father, and a lot of brothers and sisters, and mothers too.
Even if our parents, lesbian or otherwise, give us difficult situations to live with, like having two mothers. If we know Jesus, we still have one father...
Who cares.
Saturday, August 20, 2005
I Had Chit'lins Today
I enjoy the fine culinary tastes of the best of our people, but every now and then I get a hunger for some real food.
What's "real" food? Pigtails, pig ears, pig feet, tongue, trite, brains, ham, cracklins, and of course chit'lins. Combine that with mustard greens, collard greens, corn bread, rice and gravy, sweet potatoes and a tall glass of water and you're eating high on the hog.
So, I stopped in a soul food restuarant today. I ordered myself a plate of chit'lins, mustard greens, sweet potatoes, rice and gravy and cornbread. It was a feast worthy of a polite and secretive belch. I broke every health and etiquette rule in the book!
I had grease on my mouth, so I know it was good!
Jesus talked about a different kind of hunger. Hunger for righteousness and thirst for the Word of God. He promised that those who feed their spirits on his word would never hunger or thirst. I hunger for the Gospel too. I thirst for that too.
However, I still crave a big bowl of collard greens cooked with ham hocks and served with hot buttered cornbread.
I don't need a fork, I'll eat that with my fingers!
I'm so Countreeeeeee!
What's "real" food? Pigtails, pig ears, pig feet, tongue, trite, brains, ham, cracklins, and of course chit'lins. Combine that with mustard greens, collard greens, corn bread, rice and gravy, sweet potatoes and a tall glass of water and you're eating high on the hog.
So, I stopped in a soul food restuarant today. I ordered myself a plate of chit'lins, mustard greens, sweet potatoes, rice and gravy and cornbread. It was a feast worthy of a polite and secretive belch. I broke every health and etiquette rule in the book!
I had grease on my mouth, so I know it was good!
Jesus talked about a different kind of hunger. Hunger for righteousness and thirst for the Word of God. He promised that those who feed their spirits on his word would never hunger or thirst. I hunger for the Gospel too. I thirst for that too.
However, I still crave a big bowl of collard greens cooked with ham hocks and served with hot buttered cornbread.
I don't need a fork, I'll eat that with my fingers!
I'm so Countreeeeeee!
Friday, August 19, 2005
A $423 alignment bill
I took the Honda CRX to get that wheel replaced yesterday. What was supposed to be a simple wheel replacement and alignment cost more, but it had to be paid.
It turns out I needed two tires, an alignment, tie rod ends, and a wheel rotation. Final bill $423.00. After I got over the shock of the cost I drove off in my little 1985 red CRX feeling pretty good because everything was straigtened out.
The same rings true for us spiritually. The price of our salvation was a death on a cross. It was a high price.
But, thanks to Jesus we have the assurance that everything has been straigthened out and realigned.
Jesus paid for my salvation, unfortunately I had to pay the $423.00 for little Honda. Thanks to his grace, I shelled it out and drove away.
It turns out I needed two tires, an alignment, tie rod ends, and a wheel rotation. Final bill $423.00. After I got over the shock of the cost I drove off in my little 1985 red CRX feeling pretty good because everything was straigtened out.
The same rings true for us spiritually. The price of our salvation was a death on a cross. It was a high price.
But, thanks to Jesus we have the assurance that everything has been straigthened out and realigned.
Jesus paid for my salvation, unfortunately I had to pay the $423.00 for little Honda. Thanks to his grace, I shelled it out and drove away.
Thursday, August 18, 2005
Wheels Out of Line
I like to drive a little red Honda CRX, 1985. It's old but it runs and it's paid for. My wife drives the new SUV Expedition.
Someone pointed out to me yesterday that the right front tire of my CRX is worn to the thread. I hadn't noticed. It's dangerously close to the blow out stage. I'll get my wheels aligned today and a new tire.
Our lives can really get messed up when our alignment is off. It wears our spirituality to the thread. Without a realignment, we're all close to the blow out stage.
As for the 20 year old CRX...as long as it starts and runs 30 miles to a gallon of gas, I'll keep driving it!
Someone pointed out to me yesterday that the right front tire of my CRX is worn to the thread. I hadn't noticed. It's dangerously close to the blow out stage. I'll get my wheels aligned today and a new tire.
Our lives can really get messed up when our alignment is off. It wears our spirituality to the thread. Without a realignment, we're all close to the blow out stage.
As for the 20 year old CRX...as long as it starts and runs 30 miles to a gallon of gas, I'll keep driving it!
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
Thieves and Burglars
The police surrounded my office after the alarm went off. Our district association has been meeting this week, but I had to skip out when I received a call that my buglar alarm had been tripped by burglars.
I watched as police dogs moved through the building and police officers stood outside with hands on their holstered weapons shouting commands to the burglar if he was in the building.
After about an hour the drama was over. With the exception of the broken glass and fingerprint powder everywhere, it was done. Nothing was taken apparently. The alarmed surprised the burglars.
It was a reminder that Jesus said not to put your trust in worldly goods where burglars and thieves can get to them. We should put our treasures in heavenly things where they are safe in the trust of God.
The burglars apparently didn't get the message.
For those burglars who don't follow Jesus' teaching...we buy burglar alarms.
I watched as police dogs moved through the building and police officers stood outside with hands on their holstered weapons shouting commands to the burglar if he was in the building.
After about an hour the drama was over. With the exception of the broken glass and fingerprint powder everywhere, it was done. Nothing was taken apparently. The alarmed surprised the burglars.
It was a reminder that Jesus said not to put your trust in worldly goods where burglars and thieves can get to them. We should put our treasures in heavenly things where they are safe in the trust of God.
The burglars apparently didn't get the message.
For those burglars who don't follow Jesus' teaching...we buy burglar alarms.
Wednesday, August 10, 2005
I Fell Down
I'm still laughing at myself. I know everyone present got a good laugh because I still chuckle everytime I think about it.
I went to a community meeting Monday night to hear presentations from our school board members. I sat up close to the front, shaking everyone's hand and doing the cordiality thing. When I sat down, my chair slipped from under me.
I tumbled backward as if I was drunk. My chair seemed to run away from me. There was nothing to hold on to. My feet spread apart and flew up into the air!
Once everyone saw that I wasn't hurt they had a good laugh. I did too.
There was the pastor of the Tabernacle Baptist Church and publisher of the local newspaper with his feet up in the air like a drunk man. It was too funny.
That's the way it is in life. Sometimes what you thought was there to support you is not there. You reach for something to hold on to but it's not there.
We fall down!
Thanks to Jesus, we get up!
I got up..but it was still funny.
I went to a community meeting Monday night to hear presentations from our school board members. I sat up close to the front, shaking everyone's hand and doing the cordiality thing. When I sat down, my chair slipped from under me.
I tumbled backward as if I was drunk. My chair seemed to run away from me. There was nothing to hold on to. My feet spread apart and flew up into the air!
Once everyone saw that I wasn't hurt they had a good laugh. I did too.
There was the pastor of the Tabernacle Baptist Church and publisher of the local newspaper with his feet up in the air like a drunk man. It was too funny.
That's the way it is in life. Sometimes what you thought was there to support you is not there. You reach for something to hold on to but it's not there.
We fall down!
Thanks to Jesus, we get up!
I got up..but it was still funny.
Sunday, August 07, 2005
Bubble Bath and A Wake Up Call
After a week at the Youth Encampment at Southern University, I had a chance to take a full bath, instead of just a shower yesterday. The showers at Southern were very nice but nothing takes the place of a good hot bath.
I drew a full tub of water, added fragranted bubble bath. The temperature of the water was hot enough to boil a cob of corn I suspect; but I like hot baths.
With bubbles everywhere, I sat in the tub. It was relaxing.
I wonder if there will be bubble baths in heaven? I guess not; especially since we won't get dirty or smelly or tired.
I'll miss the bubble baths when I get there, but I'm sure I'll get over it..quickly.
Before I knew it I dozed off to sleep..in the tub. I dreamed about bubble baths in heaven. I was running around on clouds, wrapped in a towell, blowing bubbles! I passed Moses and Elijah and blew bubbles at them. I shook hands with Martin Luther King, and said hello to Mary McCleod Bethune and Marian Anderson. I blew bubbles as I raced past all of them, floating like an astronaut in space from one cloud to the next.
Floating!
Blowing bubbles!
Then the phone rang!
When I woke up, the bubbles were gone. The water was luke warm and the bubbly dream was gone too.
I don't know what heaven will be like, but one thing is for certain, once the dream of eternity begins we won't wake up to find that the bubble are gone!
I drew a full tub of water, added fragranted bubble bath. The temperature of the water was hot enough to boil a cob of corn I suspect; but I like hot baths.
With bubbles everywhere, I sat in the tub. It was relaxing.
I wonder if there will be bubble baths in heaven? I guess not; especially since we won't get dirty or smelly or tired.
I'll miss the bubble baths when I get there, but I'm sure I'll get over it..quickly.
Before I knew it I dozed off to sleep..in the tub. I dreamed about bubble baths in heaven. I was running around on clouds, wrapped in a towell, blowing bubbles! I passed Moses and Elijah and blew bubbles at them. I shook hands with Martin Luther King, and said hello to Mary McCleod Bethune and Marian Anderson. I blew bubbles as I raced past all of them, floating like an astronaut in space from one cloud to the next.
Floating!
Blowing bubbles!
Then the phone rang!
When I woke up, the bubbles were gone. The water was luke warm and the bubbly dream was gone too.
I don't know what heaven will be like, but one thing is for certain, once the dream of eternity begins we won't wake up to find that the bubble are gone!
Tuesday, August 02, 2005
Getting to the real me
I'm attending the Louisiana Baptist Youth Encampment this week in Baton Rouge. It's a week long retreat for Louisiana youth to reflect on their spirituality, sponsored by the State Convention at Southern University.
Yesterday, as I ate breakfast, I watched the myriad of youth pass by with a variety of fashions. Then I noticed that the adults were similar in their fashion statements, just more conservative. It struck me how far we go to present a face to the public that may not be the real us.
A weave looks good, but it's not the natural hair of the wearer. A girdle can make me appear thinner. Contacts, fingernails, padded bras and hips, false teeth, girdles and rows of gold plated teeth, all present an image to the public that may not really be us.
It's not just youth, it's adults too. We all seem to mask who we really are behind something else. There are several layers of articificial appearances and personalities that we have dig through to get to the real us.
God cuts to the chase. He's ignores our weaves, contacts, pads, clip ons, etc. He looks straight at our heart. Man sees the outside and can be fooled by appearances. God judges the heart.
Our outward masks may give us an artificial appearance before others, but they won't change the way God sees us.
God saw us in the shower!
He knows the real deal!
Yesterday, as I ate breakfast, I watched the myriad of youth pass by with a variety of fashions. Then I noticed that the adults were similar in their fashion statements, just more conservative. It struck me how far we go to present a face to the public that may not be the real us.
A weave looks good, but it's not the natural hair of the wearer. A girdle can make me appear thinner. Contacts, fingernails, padded bras and hips, false teeth, girdles and rows of gold plated teeth, all present an image to the public that may not really be us.
It's not just youth, it's adults too. We all seem to mask who we really are behind something else. There are several layers of articificial appearances and personalities that we have dig through to get to the real us.
God cuts to the chase. He's ignores our weaves, contacts, pads, clip ons, etc. He looks straight at our heart. Man sees the outside and can be fooled by appearances. God judges the heart.
Our outward masks may give us an artificial appearance before others, but they won't change the way God sees us.
God saw us in the shower!
He knows the real deal!
Saturday, July 30, 2005
Another Case of Popcorn Today
I bought a case of popcorn yesterday. It's the kind in the packages complete with the oil and popcorn salt in the same package. I buy popcorn by the case. I don't like micro-wave popcorn. Either pop it in a pot on the stove or churn it out of a popcorn machine.
So, I gave myself a present a few years ago. I bought a popcorn; just like the one in the movies. It's always filled with hot, fresh kernels. When I walk in my door the smell of popcorn meets me everyday. It's my favorite snack.
The problem is that my favorite snack often replaces my meals. Even though it's low on calories and has plenty of fiber, it's short on protein. It's quick, convenient and tasty, but not very nutritious. It's supposed to be a snack; not a meal.
There was a time when I tried to exist spiritually on snacks; everything really nourshing took too long or had a high cost. The problem with snacks, you know, a little praise here, a little worship there; a bible scripture every now and then is that they were not really nourishing. They were spritual snacks.
I learned that I need more spiritually to be fully nourished; snacks were fine but not sufficient.
Now I study regularly, pray constantly, worship, serve and give. I believe I'm on the right right level of the spiritual food pyramid.
But that popcorn machine that keeps turning out the snacks...that's a horse of different color.
So, I gave myself a present a few years ago. I bought a popcorn; just like the one in the movies. It's always filled with hot, fresh kernels. When I walk in my door the smell of popcorn meets me everyday. It's my favorite snack.
The problem is that my favorite snack often replaces my meals. Even though it's low on calories and has plenty of fiber, it's short on protein. It's quick, convenient and tasty, but not very nutritious. It's supposed to be a snack; not a meal.
There was a time when I tried to exist spiritually on snacks; everything really nourshing took too long or had a high cost. The problem with snacks, you know, a little praise here, a little worship there; a bible scripture every now and then is that they were not really nourishing. They were spritual snacks.
I learned that I need more spiritually to be fully nourished; snacks were fine but not sufficient.
Now I study regularly, pray constantly, worship, serve and give. I believe I'm on the right right level of the spiritual food pyramid.
But that popcorn machine that keeps turning out the snacks...that's a horse of different color.
Thursday, July 28, 2005
Where are the volunteers?
A group of young people from across the nation come to our city every year to spend a week repairing the homes of the poor and the needy.
This year, the group called "Work Camp" is spending a week in 100 degree heat helping 18 famlies repair their homes. They are painting, repairing screens, steps and making other changes.
The youth pay over $300 a week for the "privelege" to stand in the heat and sweat for a week helping people they do not know. At night, they sing and pray and sleep on the floors at a school.
After a week they return to their homes. Hundreds of youth like these are doing the same across the nation.
This week's Sunday School lesson is about helping the needy in the name of Christ. At Bible Study last night we talked about the need for missionary service. The "Work Camp" volunteers were given as an example. They were praised.
Why is it that, allowing for a few exceptions, most volunteers such as these are whites helping Blacks?. It's rare for Blacks to volunteer to help whites in such efforts.
The people in the neighborhood watched as they worked in the sun. They thanked them. They praised them.
It just appears that we won't volunteer unless we are being paid to volunteer. We are definitely not going to pay over $300 for the privelege of working in 100 degree heat, working for free and sleeping a hard school floor.
As I reviewed Sunday's lesson from Matthew 25:31- I thought of the "Work Camp" volunteers and wondered to myself, "Where are the volunteers?"
Are we sheep or goats?
This year, the group called "Work Camp" is spending a week in 100 degree heat helping 18 famlies repair their homes. They are painting, repairing screens, steps and making other changes.
The youth pay over $300 a week for the "privelege" to stand in the heat and sweat for a week helping people they do not know. At night, they sing and pray and sleep on the floors at a school.
After a week they return to their homes. Hundreds of youth like these are doing the same across the nation.
This week's Sunday School lesson is about helping the needy in the name of Christ. At Bible Study last night we talked about the need for missionary service. The "Work Camp" volunteers were given as an example. They were praised.
Why is it that, allowing for a few exceptions, most volunteers such as these are whites helping Blacks?. It's rare for Blacks to volunteer to help whites in such efforts.
The people in the neighborhood watched as they worked in the sun. They thanked them. They praised them.
It just appears that we won't volunteer unless we are being paid to volunteer. We are definitely not going to pay over $300 for the privelege of working in 100 degree heat, working for free and sleeping a hard school floor.
As I reviewed Sunday's lesson from Matthew 25:31- I thought of the "Work Camp" volunteers and wondered to myself, "Where are the volunteers?"
Are we sheep or goats?
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
He wore flip flops to church
I read the morning paper today and saw another in a series of editorials I've been reading on the internet, in newspapers and TV news about the the young ladies who wore flip flops to the White House a while back.
The articles hit home because Sunday, one of the youth of our congregation came to worship wearing short pants and flip flops.
On one side the young man is very active in our congregation, volunteers, studies and lives a pretty straight life. He has a fascination with flip flop shoes. He has a pair to match everything: plain flip flops, designer flip flops; etc.
On the other hand I feel like I have failed him. I have taken him half way around the world and given him the best instruction I know; but somehow I can't get it over that there are standards beyond his own. The same rings true with others concerning sagging pants, gold plated teeth, and hoochie mama dresses.
The WORD says that there is a way that seems right to men. Until we can see with spiritual eyes what we do always seems right, if the only persons to be pleased are ourselves. When God is left out of the picture, anything goes.
The young ladies who wore flip flops to the White House fouled up a golden opportunity. If they failed to learn when and where to wear flip flops; then there are probably other social graces they haven't learn either.
I feel compelled to be sure that those who are around me won't get invited to the White House; or worse become President wearing flip flops.
The articles hit home because Sunday, one of the youth of our congregation came to worship wearing short pants and flip flops.
On one side the young man is very active in our congregation, volunteers, studies and lives a pretty straight life. He has a fascination with flip flop shoes. He has a pair to match everything: plain flip flops, designer flip flops; etc.
On the other hand I feel like I have failed him. I have taken him half way around the world and given him the best instruction I know; but somehow I can't get it over that there are standards beyond his own. The same rings true with others concerning sagging pants, gold plated teeth, and hoochie mama dresses.
The WORD says that there is a way that seems right to men. Until we can see with spiritual eyes what we do always seems right, if the only persons to be pleased are ourselves. When God is left out of the picture, anything goes.
The young ladies who wore flip flops to the White House fouled up a golden opportunity. If they failed to learn when and where to wear flip flops; then there are probably other social graces they haven't learn either.
I feel compelled to be sure that those who are around me won't get invited to the White House; or worse become President wearing flip flops.
Sunday, July 24, 2005
Finished the Book
I finished reading John Grisham's "The Testament" yesterday.
I started reading it on the plane from Hawaii. There are a few fiction authors that I read every year. I started reading Grisham novels a few years ago. I also read John Jakes, and Michener. Pure entertainment.
I picked up the habit of reading fiction from my wife. I usually read non-fiction religion, politics,social science, journals and what she calls "heavy" stuff. When we met in 1973 she ordered romance novels from a book club by the box and read whole boxes in two weeks; then ordered more. I'd listened as she described the places, scenery and other details of her mental visits to the scenes of the novels.
So, I went half way. The authors I read tell a good story but pack it full of what I'm interested in: history, religion, politics, social science, etc. That way I kill two birds with one stone. So, occasionally she listens as I describe the scenes of the places I have visited in my latest read. In 31 years, we have traveled the world.
The testament is about a billionaire who leaves 11 billion dollars to an illegitimate daughter who is a missionary for Christ in the jungles of Brazil. The thrust of the novel is the quest to find her and convince her to accept the money.
When they find her they learn that she is totally committed to Christ, and is uninterested in the money at all. The unsaved lawyer who finds her is impressed by her sincerity and devotion. Ultimately, he finds peace with God himself. The daugher contracts malaria, but in a dying act, accepts the 11 billion dollars, puts it in a trust for Christian causes and places the converted lawyer over it to dispose of as the Lord leads him.
In the process I learned a lot about lawyers, wills, courtroom battles and a tremendous amount of history about the Panatal in Brazil, malaria, floods, Anacondas, and the Indian tribes of the region.
It was a good read. I enjoyed reading about Brazil. I wouldn't want to visit; not even a day.
I started reading it on the plane from Hawaii. There are a few fiction authors that I read every year. I started reading Grisham novels a few years ago. I also read John Jakes, and Michener. Pure entertainment.
I picked up the habit of reading fiction from my wife. I usually read non-fiction religion, politics,social science, journals and what she calls "heavy" stuff. When we met in 1973 she ordered romance novels from a book club by the box and read whole boxes in two weeks; then ordered more. I'd listened as she described the places, scenery and other details of her mental visits to the scenes of the novels.
So, I went half way. The authors I read tell a good story but pack it full of what I'm interested in: history, religion, politics, social science, etc. That way I kill two birds with one stone. So, occasionally she listens as I describe the scenes of the places I have visited in my latest read. In 31 years, we have traveled the world.
The testament is about a billionaire who leaves 11 billion dollars to an illegitimate daughter who is a missionary for Christ in the jungles of Brazil. The thrust of the novel is the quest to find her and convince her to accept the money.
When they find her they learn that she is totally committed to Christ, and is uninterested in the money at all. The unsaved lawyer who finds her is impressed by her sincerity and devotion. Ultimately, he finds peace with God himself. The daugher contracts malaria, but in a dying act, accepts the 11 billion dollars, puts it in a trust for Christian causes and places the converted lawyer over it to dispose of as the Lord leads him.
In the process I learned a lot about lawyers, wills, courtroom battles and a tremendous amount of history about the Panatal in Brazil, malaria, floods, Anacondas, and the Indian tribes of the region.
It was a good read. I enjoyed reading about Brazil. I wouldn't want to visit; not even a day.
Friday, July 22, 2005
The Bald Heads
I went to the Louisiana Baptist Convention yesterday. The President, Dr. Harry Blake, gave his address. It was dynamic and powerful.
He is a good looking 70 plus man who likes to make jokes about his bald head. He usually gets plenty of laughs when he talks about other leaders in the convention who are also bald headed.
As I looked across the stage it dawned on me that nearly all of the leaders of the convention were either gray headed or bald headed; and all men(Except for the Women's Deparment Leader).
There was a noticeable absence of young, non-traditional pastors; and since the convention does not embrace women preachers, a noted abscence of female ministers. (Those who were there were not recognized as such).
Then it dawned on me that I was a gray head, everyone on my row was a gray head or bald head and the women who made up the majority of the crowd, were not recognized at all.
The spoken message of the President was euphoric.
The unspoken message of the bald heads was troubling.
He is a good looking 70 plus man who likes to make jokes about his bald head. He usually gets plenty of laughs when he talks about other leaders in the convention who are also bald headed.
As I looked across the stage it dawned on me that nearly all of the leaders of the convention were either gray headed or bald headed; and all men(Except for the Women's Deparment Leader).
There was a noticeable absence of young, non-traditional pastors; and since the convention does not embrace women preachers, a noted abscence of female ministers. (Those who were there were not recognized as such).
Then it dawned on me that I was a gray head, everyone on my row was a gray head or bald head and the women who made up the majority of the crowd, were not recognized at all.
The spoken message of the President was euphoric.
The unspoken message of the bald heads was troubling.
Thursday, July 21, 2005
Movie Provided Sunday School Insight
During our bible study last night there was a lively discussion about forgiveness, which is the subjection of Sunday's International Sunday School Lesson.
Most participants easily said they were willing to forgive offenses; that is until the subject of the marital infidelity arose.
The issue surfaced as Tyler Perry's "Diary of a Mad Black Woman" was raised. The movie made the point that the heroine would not be really free until she forgave the husband who dogged her out and cheated on her. In the movie she helped her dog of a husband find himself, regain his spirituality and get back on his feet. Then she left him for another man.
The issue raised is whether or she actually forgave him in the spiritual sense. His infidelity gave her a scriptural way out of the marriage. Even though she had an "out" she did not have to use it. Forgiveness means to forget the past and restore an offending person to their previous status.
Did she really forgive him?
Those who freely said they were willing to forgive had a variety of views when it came to forgiving a cheating, dog of a spouse.
Forgiveness is a tough pill to swallow. The main point of the lesson is that if we have been forgiven ourselves, and we have, then we should be willing to forgive others.
It's easier said than done.
Hmmmm
Most participants easily said they were willing to forgive offenses; that is until the subject of the marital infidelity arose.
The issue surfaced as Tyler Perry's "Diary of a Mad Black Woman" was raised. The movie made the point that the heroine would not be really free until she forgave the husband who dogged her out and cheated on her. In the movie she helped her dog of a husband find himself, regain his spirituality and get back on his feet. Then she left him for another man.
The issue raised is whether or she actually forgave him in the spiritual sense. His infidelity gave her a scriptural way out of the marriage. Even though she had an "out" she did not have to use it. Forgiveness means to forget the past and restore an offending person to their previous status.
Did she really forgive him?
Those who freely said they were willing to forgive had a variety of views when it came to forgiving a cheating, dog of a spouse.
Forgiveness is a tough pill to swallow. The main point of the lesson is that if we have been forgiven ourselves, and we have, then we should be willing to forgive others.
It's easier said than done.
Hmmmm
Tuesday, July 19, 2005
Shouting over the vacum cleaner
For two days now, I've been pushing a vacum cleaner and carpet steamer!
Whatever was in the shot the doctor gave my wife Sunday, charged her up. She left Sunday evening for Alexandria to attend the Louisiana Baptist State Convention. She wanted to operate a booth during the convention this week to meet many of the Louisiana ministers who share with us all year.
I stayed behind..to do the house work while she went to the convention.
House work is more than a notion. It's been ten years since I've done this. My wife has been doing this for 31 years, while she kept up with me, and mothered our three sons. I see, it's more than a notion. I'll have to raise her pay.
I washed the dishes, but soon as I washed them, they seemed to reappear, one by one: a glass, a dish, a spoon; pretty soon the bottom of the sink vanished out of sight.
Where did all of those dirty towels come from? If you clean something once, why doesn't it just stay clean?
If the floors have been saved from dirt once, aren't they always saved?
If the towells have been been washed in the suds, why can't they stay clean?
If the floors have been anointed with shampoo, many years ago, why do they still get dirty?
When you come to my house don't you know my floors have been anointed? Someone brought the world in on the bottom of their shoes and messed up the shampoo I did ten years ago!
My goodness there is a spider web! It wasn't there the last time I swept there about 10 years ago. If I removed the spider web 10 years ago, why does it keep coming back? Forget about, "Who let the dogs out", I want to know, "Who let the spider in?"
Somehow I get the idea that cleaning a house is much like our spiritual lives. We may have cleaned house sometime ago, but the devil keeps looking for ways to dirty our dishes, walk on our clean floors and build spider webs on unused gifts.
Theses dirty floors are witnessing!
Somehow I feel a whoop coming on! The broom is testifying! The vacum cleaner is glorifying! And the clothes in the dryer are shouting..."I been washed...I've Been redeemed!"
I'm about to have church over this vacum cleaner!
I feel a whoop coming on!
..now back to the real world. I still have eleven rooms to go!
Whatever was in the shot the doctor gave my wife Sunday, charged her up. She left Sunday evening for Alexandria to attend the Louisiana Baptist State Convention. She wanted to operate a booth during the convention this week to meet many of the Louisiana ministers who share with us all year.
I stayed behind..to do the house work while she went to the convention.
House work is more than a notion. It's been ten years since I've done this. My wife has been doing this for 31 years, while she kept up with me, and mothered our three sons. I see, it's more than a notion. I'll have to raise her pay.
I washed the dishes, but soon as I washed them, they seemed to reappear, one by one: a glass, a dish, a spoon; pretty soon the bottom of the sink vanished out of sight.
Where did all of those dirty towels come from? If you clean something once, why doesn't it just stay clean?
If the floors have been saved from dirt once, aren't they always saved?
If the towells have been been washed in the suds, why can't they stay clean?
If the floors have been anointed with shampoo, many years ago, why do they still get dirty?
When you come to my house don't you know my floors have been anointed? Someone brought the world in on the bottom of their shoes and messed up the shampoo I did ten years ago!
My goodness there is a spider web! It wasn't there the last time I swept there about 10 years ago. If I removed the spider web 10 years ago, why does it keep coming back? Forget about, "Who let the dogs out", I want to know, "Who let the spider in?"
Somehow I get the idea that cleaning a house is much like our spiritual lives. We may have cleaned house sometime ago, but the devil keeps looking for ways to dirty our dishes, walk on our clean floors and build spider webs on unused gifts.
Theses dirty floors are witnessing!
Somehow I feel a whoop coming on! The broom is testifying! The vacum cleaner is glorifying! And the clothes in the dryer are shouting..."I been washed...I've Been redeemed!"
I'm about to have church over this vacum cleaner!
I feel a whoop coming on!
..now back to the real world. I still have eleven rooms to go!
Sunday, July 17, 2005
My Son Will Take Care of the 5th
After reading my last post, my son Robert, sent me an email. He says, he'll buy the 5th and put it in my refigerator for me.
He questions why I would even be concerned with what others think since I have freely stood alone against public opinion in the past. It's pretty easy to stand alone when you know you are right. It's harder to do when you know that Word does not back up your action.
The problem with me standing in a line in a liquor store is that it clashes with
1 Thessalonians 5:22 which says believers should, "Abstain from all appearance of evil." A prominent, nationally known pastor standing in line at a liquor store somehow seems to give the appearance of evil to me; even though I know that the 5th would be used for medicial purposes and would probably take 30 years to consume.
Well it turns out that we didn't need the 5th anyway. Sunday morning, Dr. Claude Minor, a deacon of our church and his wife Dorothy, a registered nurse, came to Joslyn's rescue. They came to our home in a "house call" and pulled out the old needle to the arm. A fresh shot of anti-biotics runs away the germs which caused, what turned out to be bronchitis.
The issue of avoiding the appearance of evil is a dilemma of many pastors who are constantly aware that often innocent acts may be perceived by others as an evil that will diminish their witness. It should be an issue for everyone who is a Christian.
For example, when my son walks into the liquor store to buy the 5th for me; someone from the church where he serves as musician is bound to see him with the little brown bag. They won't ask why, they'll just repeat what they saw, "the church musician was in the local liquor store. He bought a fifth of whiskey, put it in a brown bag and walked out of the store."
What they will report will be the truth, but not the whole truth. Since the whole truth won't be told to explain questionable activities; many believers have learned to avoid known questionable activities. This is done for the good of those who would be devastated by our misinterpreted action.
Preachers live in fish bowls. Everyone watches every action.
What some people forget is that non-believers put all Christians in the same fish bowl.
He questions why I would even be concerned with what others think since I have freely stood alone against public opinion in the past. It's pretty easy to stand alone when you know you are right. It's harder to do when you know that Word does not back up your action.
The problem with me standing in a line in a liquor store is that it clashes with
1 Thessalonians 5:22 which says believers should, "Abstain from all appearance of evil." A prominent, nationally known pastor standing in line at a liquor store somehow seems to give the appearance of evil to me; even though I know that the 5th would be used for medicial purposes and would probably take 30 years to consume.
Well it turns out that we didn't need the 5th anyway. Sunday morning, Dr. Claude Minor, a deacon of our church and his wife Dorothy, a registered nurse, came to Joslyn's rescue. They came to our home in a "house call" and pulled out the old needle to the arm. A fresh shot of anti-biotics runs away the germs which caused, what turned out to be bronchitis.
The issue of avoiding the appearance of evil is a dilemma of many pastors who are constantly aware that often innocent acts may be perceived by others as an evil that will diminish their witness. It should be an issue for everyone who is a Christian.
For example, when my son walks into the liquor store to buy the 5th for me; someone from the church where he serves as musician is bound to see him with the little brown bag. They won't ask why, they'll just repeat what they saw, "the church musician was in the local liquor store. He bought a fifth of whiskey, put it in a brown bag and walked out of the store."
What they will report will be the truth, but not the whole truth. Since the whole truth won't be told to explain questionable activities; many believers have learned to avoid known questionable activities. This is done for the good of those who would be devastated by our misinterpreted action.
Preachers live in fish bowls. Everyone watches every action.
What some people forget is that non-believers put all Christians in the same fish bowl.
Saturday, July 16, 2005
After 24 years, The bottle was empty
After 10 hours on an airplane, it was good to touch ground in Monroe yesterday.
The warmth and beauty of Hawaii is a nice post card memory, but Dorothy had it right, "There's no place like home."
When we entered the airport all of the youth were met by their parents with smiles and hugs. My wife and I were met by our luggage. We loaded it all in our vehicle and made it home.
There were newspapers and mail stacked neatly inside by my youngest son looked after things while were away. Everything was just as we left it.
The cold that my wife, Joslyn, wrestled with during the whole trip, came down hard on her once we made it home. She was coughing and weazing something terrible. She tried all of the medicines we usually use for colds, but they didn't work.
I would have made her a hot "totty" (A tea with a shot of whiskey) but the 5th of whiskey that we used for 24 years for such occasions was gone. It was given to us by an elderly woman who told us about "hot totties." It took 24 years for us to use it up. I could have bought one in Hawaii but it would have been my luck for someone to see me buying a fifth of Whiskey on a church trip in Honolulu. Neither was I about to be seen standing in a liquor store buying a 5th of whiskey at 1 a.m. in the morning in Monroe! Try to explain that on Sunday morning!
So at 1:45 a.m. this morning I was standing in Walmart with two bottles of Night time Nyquil. It wouldn't be as effective as the "Hot Totty" but it would have to do.
She coughed and weazed for a while until the NyQuil kicked in. About 2:30 this morning I finally dozed off too.
It was a great trip. The Lord favored us with a safe journey and return.
Before I dozed off I had a very silly thought, "I have to figure out a way to get another 5th without standing in line at the liquor store. At age 56, the next one will have to last about 30 or 40 years."
As I smiled to myself, I said, "Maybe someone will send me one, like I was given the first one. Home remedies beat Nyquil anytime." Then I dozed off to sleep
The warmth and beauty of Hawaii is a nice post card memory, but Dorothy had it right, "There's no place like home."
When we entered the airport all of the youth were met by their parents with smiles and hugs. My wife and I were met by our luggage. We loaded it all in our vehicle and made it home.
There were newspapers and mail stacked neatly inside by my youngest son looked after things while were away. Everything was just as we left it.
The cold that my wife, Joslyn, wrestled with during the whole trip, came down hard on her once we made it home. She was coughing and weazing something terrible. She tried all of the medicines we usually use for colds, but they didn't work.
I would have made her a hot "totty" (A tea with a shot of whiskey) but the 5th of whiskey that we used for 24 years for such occasions was gone. It was given to us by an elderly woman who told us about "hot totties." It took 24 years for us to use it up. I could have bought one in Hawaii but it would have been my luck for someone to see me buying a fifth of Whiskey on a church trip in Honolulu. Neither was I about to be seen standing in a liquor store buying a 5th of whiskey at 1 a.m. in the morning in Monroe! Try to explain that on Sunday morning!
So at 1:45 a.m. this morning I was standing in Walmart with two bottles of Night time Nyquil. It wouldn't be as effective as the "Hot Totty" but it would have to do.
She coughed and weazed for a while until the NyQuil kicked in. About 2:30 this morning I finally dozed off too.
It was a great trip. The Lord favored us with a safe journey and return.
Before I dozed off I had a very silly thought, "I have to figure out a way to get another 5th without standing in line at the liquor store. At age 56, the next one will have to last about 30 or 40 years."
As I smiled to myself, I said, "Maybe someone will send me one, like I was given the first one. Home remedies beat Nyquil anytime." Then I dozed off to sleep
Thursday, July 14, 2005
"Ohana" and "Aloha"
We are packing up to leave Hawaii today. Last night we attended a Hawaiian cultural feast in the spirit of "Ohana" and "Aloha." Aloha means, hello, goodbye and love in a spirit of warmth and friendship. Ohana means family.
There were plenty of activities at the feast, plenty of food: poi, cake,chicken, beef, fish, fruits of every kind and loads and loads of rice.
There were many couples who were celebrating their wedding anniversaries, some as new as four days old. One couple marked their 60th anniversary. There was friendship everywhere.
Our youth are required to keep journals, recording their impressions of what they saw and experienced. I have not been to sleep. I stayed up all night long, editing their journals and measuring the effectiveness of these eight days on their spirituality.
The idea is to learn to see Christ in every experience. With many of them we achieved our goal.
There are others that have a ways to go, before they can see Christ in every experience.
I saw Christ in the words that were spoken by the Hawaiian guides as they constantly reminded us of "Ohana" that we are related by virtue of having the same spiritual father. There was a special moment at the feast when 1,200 people of different races, cultures, colors and kindred all joined hands in the spirit of Ohana and asked blessings for the food. It was a snapshot of what will be when the savior returns. One family.
We parted the same way we met, with Aloha.
In life we live with Aloha (love). When we leave it is with Aloha (farewell). But, when Christ comes back, he'll probably say something that sounds pretty close to "Aloha!"
I'll get an hour or so of sleep; then catch the plane back to Louisiana.
Aloha!
There were plenty of activities at the feast, plenty of food: poi, cake,chicken, beef, fish, fruits of every kind and loads and loads of rice.
There were many couples who were celebrating their wedding anniversaries, some as new as four days old. One couple marked their 60th anniversary. There was friendship everywhere.
Our youth are required to keep journals, recording their impressions of what they saw and experienced. I have not been to sleep. I stayed up all night long, editing their journals and measuring the effectiveness of these eight days on their spirituality.
The idea is to learn to see Christ in every experience. With many of them we achieved our goal.
There are others that have a ways to go, before they can see Christ in every experience.
I saw Christ in the words that were spoken by the Hawaiian guides as they constantly reminded us of "Ohana" that we are related by virtue of having the same spiritual father. There was a special moment at the feast when 1,200 people of different races, cultures, colors and kindred all joined hands in the spirit of Ohana and asked blessings for the food. It was a snapshot of what will be when the savior returns. One family.
We parted the same way we met, with Aloha.
In life we live with Aloha (love). When we leave it is with Aloha (farewell). But, when Christ comes back, he'll probably say something that sounds pretty close to "Aloha!"
I'll get an hour or so of sleep; then catch the plane back to Louisiana.
Aloha!
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
Which body clock do I use?
After six days in Hawaii, I'm finally getting adjusted to what they call "Jet Lag."
My body clock has been out of sync for nearly a week. My secretary calls me at 8 a.m. Louisiana time, but it's 3 a.m. in Honolulu. I call her at 1 p.m. and she's gone for the day because it's 6 p.m. in Louisiana.
I try to compensate by setting my watch to Louisiana time to keep reminding myself of the real-time. That helps.
I find spiritual truth in this frustration. The Christian is constantly striving to live by God's time. Often, like many people, I'm trying to push him to move on my time. Maybe I should set my spiritual watch by heaven's time; that would help me overcome spiritual jet lag.
Anyway, there's just one more day to go, then we board a plane back for Louisiana.
The beaches, palm trees, and sunny weather are nice, but Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz had it right; "There's no place like home."
When I get home, then I'll be on the right time, all the time.
That goes both ways! Hallelujah!
Monday, July 11, 2005
The View from Honolulu
I've been in Honolulu since Thursday. Along with my wife and two deacons from Tabernacle, our youth are here for eight days and seven nights. It's part of our fellowship and cultural study for youth. This makes state #50. Last year it was Alasaka.
Sunday, we attended the Waikiki Baptist Church. It was close to our hotel. We didn't know what to wear. So All 25 of us put on suits and ties, like most traditional Louisiana Christians. We were over dressed. No one had on a tie, not even the preacher.
We didn't feel odd though, we dressed they way we felt comfortable for worship. We felt safe in a Baptist Church. In a strange city where the hotels have four bibles in the desk instead of one, is a little unsettling. There was the "Sayings of Buddha","The Book of Mormon","The King James Bible" and "The Aloha Testament." We didn't know what to expect. We looked for a Baptist Church or least a Methodist or a COGIC congregation nearby. We didn't know what "Non-Denominational" would mean since that has no clear meaning and changes from culture to culture. We saw a Baptist Church and chose to attend the Waikiki services.
We attended Sunday School and I was impressed with the wisdom of the instructor. The class and its members were very warm and receptive. If we had reservations about being Black and 4,500 miles away from home, the mixed cultured class took away our reservations. They were accustomed to people of many races. Visitation at this congregation just blocks from the largest hotels was 75 percent of their Sunday attendance.
We should have noticed it at first, but it took some time for us to really realize what we were experiencing. The truth we learned left a sad note in our hearts. There were absolutely no youth. No youth department. No babies. No teenagers. All senior citizens.
The minister who preached talked about Stewardship. But the bulk of his message was about leaving a gift to the church at death, living wills, and illustrations about dying and leaving something behind.
The people themselves were so friendly. They were very warm, friendly and welcomed the large audience of visitors from USA, Russia, Australia, New Zeland and other places. One family of visitors brought brought a young child about seven years old.
There were children in the house; but they were all visitors.
The expected skirms and figitry of youth, amidst the aging silence of this congregation of sainted souls said more than words could say: A church that does not cultivate its youth has only one thing to look forward to in this life...living wills and figuring out how to live without children or grandchildren to carry on the legacy of its local congregation.
It's a picture that I will keep in my mind and reflect on it the next time someone criticizes our congregation for spending so much time and money developing our youth.
Amid the excitement, culture and leisure of Hawaii; that single picture lingers.
Sunday, we attended the Waikiki Baptist Church. It was close to our hotel. We didn't know what to wear. So All 25 of us put on suits and ties, like most traditional Louisiana Christians. We were over dressed. No one had on a tie, not even the preacher.
We didn't feel odd though, we dressed they way we felt comfortable for worship. We felt safe in a Baptist Church. In a strange city where the hotels have four bibles in the desk instead of one, is a little unsettling. There was the "Sayings of Buddha","The Book of Mormon","The King James Bible" and "The Aloha Testament." We didn't know what to expect. We looked for a Baptist Church or least a Methodist or a COGIC congregation nearby. We didn't know what "Non-Denominational" would mean since that has no clear meaning and changes from culture to culture. We saw a Baptist Church and chose to attend the Waikiki services.
We attended Sunday School and I was impressed with the wisdom of the instructor. The class and its members were very warm and receptive. If we had reservations about being Black and 4,500 miles away from home, the mixed cultured class took away our reservations. They were accustomed to people of many races. Visitation at this congregation just blocks from the largest hotels was 75 percent of their Sunday attendance.
We should have noticed it at first, but it took some time for us to really realize what we were experiencing. The truth we learned left a sad note in our hearts. There were absolutely no youth. No youth department. No babies. No teenagers. All senior citizens.
The minister who preached talked about Stewardship. But the bulk of his message was about leaving a gift to the church at death, living wills, and illustrations about dying and leaving something behind.
The people themselves were so friendly. They were very warm, friendly and welcomed the large audience of visitors from USA, Russia, Australia, New Zeland and other places. One family of visitors brought brought a young child about seven years old.
There were children in the house; but they were all visitors.
The expected skirms and figitry of youth, amidst the aging silence of this congregation of sainted souls said more than words could say: A church that does not cultivate its youth has only one thing to look forward to in this life...living wills and figuring out how to live without children or grandchildren to carry on the legacy of its local congregation.
It's a picture that I will keep in my mind and reflect on it the next time someone criticizes our congregation for spending so much time and money developing our youth.
Amid the excitement, culture and leisure of Hawaii; that single picture lingers.
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