What price are you willing to pay to stand on your principles? If you are Carrie Prejean, the price is not winning the Miss USA title.
On Sunday, April 19, 2009 Prejean was a finalist in the Miss USA pageant representing the State of California.
Her interview question asked whether or not she supported gay marriage. Since she was considered an odds on favorite to win the pageant, her answer would be decisive. She could give the politically correct answer and win. She could answer truthfully and lose.
She chose truth.
Prejean said that it is great that in America people have a right to choice their own lifestyles but she personally believes that marriage is between a man and a woman because that was the way she was reared.
That answer didn’t fare to well with the judges. She was named 1st runner up instead.
In the aftermath she said that she considered the question a test of her faith, especially since she had prayed not to be asked that question. Since the question was asked she viewed it as God's will and stood on her principles.
Since Sunday, the woman who did not win has become an instant celebrity. She’s appeared on television news shows, talk shows and has been the subject of thousands of news reports. In fact, the winner of the pageant is rarely mentioned.
It appears that Prejean didn’t get the title but she’s receiving the love and adoration of most of the nation, especially those who know and follow the teachings of the bible.
Standing on principles is hard to do for every Christian. We have been warned that we will pay a price for any decision that we make for Christ. We have also been promised that we will be blessed if we do.
For Prejean the blessings will be obvious. It will be Prejean that will get the book deals, movie offers and celebrity. The winner of the pageant will drift away namelessly into history.
There is a bible verse that is appropriate. Luke 21:17-19 says, “And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake. But there shall not an hair of your head perish. In your patience possess ye your souls.”
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Not throwing in the towel
Dr. James Dobson, head of Focus on the Family, analyzed the massive effort he has led to re-establish Christian values in America as a failure.
Dobson said the massive fight against abortion, homosexuality and a plethora of other ungodly living has been turned around as new generations abandon godly principles in pursuit of their own. He cited some gains but concluded that Christians are losing the moral war. He quickly added, however, that God is in control. (http://tinyurl.com/cy3w9c)
In some respects Dr. Dobson may be right. The present generation seems to be "me" oriented and not "Him" (God) oriented. This generation gives the pretense of worship because it expects something for "me" in return; not simply for the greatness of the Lord. It is long on "me" oriented praise but very short on service.
It seems to shape its values around its own expectations. To appeal to this generation, Churches have resorted to slick packaged emotionally charged concerts that tickle the ears of the crowds rather than the more difficult task of standing on principle.
To draw crowds, the standard has been lowered and social deviance has been tolerated; and in some cases promoted.
Unlike Dr. Dobson, I'm not throwing in the towel. I choose to be among the remnant that believes in old fashioned way. God, family and moral uprightness are the key elements of the old fashioned belief. Like 15 minute grits, home made biscuits, mama's pound cake; the old way is slower, doesn't attract mega crowds, but it's the right way.
There is a thought in Ephesians 6:12-13 that says, "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. "
I suspect that are millions of Christians are not as pessimistic as Dr. Dobson; they are willing to stand, if they have to stand alone.
We're not throwing in the towel.
Dobson said the massive fight against abortion, homosexuality and a plethora of other ungodly living has been turned around as new generations abandon godly principles in pursuit of their own. He cited some gains but concluded that Christians are losing the moral war. He quickly added, however, that God is in control. (http://tinyurl.com/cy3w9c)
In some respects Dr. Dobson may be right. The present generation seems to be "me" oriented and not "Him" (God) oriented. This generation gives the pretense of worship because it expects something for "me" in return; not simply for the greatness of the Lord. It is long on "me" oriented praise but very short on service.
It seems to shape its values around its own expectations. To appeal to this generation, Churches have resorted to slick packaged emotionally charged concerts that tickle the ears of the crowds rather than the more difficult task of standing on principle.
To draw crowds, the standard has been lowered and social deviance has been tolerated; and in some cases promoted.
Unlike Dr. Dobson, I'm not throwing in the towel. I choose to be among the remnant that believes in old fashioned way. God, family and moral uprightness are the key elements of the old fashioned belief. Like 15 minute grits, home made biscuits, mama's pound cake; the old way is slower, doesn't attract mega crowds, but it's the right way.
There is a thought in Ephesians 6:12-13 that says, "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. "
I suspect that are millions of Christians are not as pessimistic as Dr. Dobson; they are willing to stand, if they have to stand alone.
We're not throwing in the towel.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Giving fathers a bad name
This morning I read about a man in Flint Michigan who has been jailed because he owes $530,000 in child support for 14 children he fathered by 13 women.-Prosecutors say he's giving fathers a bad name.
I read the particulars of the incident and pondered on it.
The man's name is Thomas Frazier and he may hold the unenviable title of biggest deadbeat dad.
"This guy gives fathers a bad name," said Genesee County Friend of the Court Jack Battles.
Frazier says he's not sure all of the children are his, but he hasn't paid any support claims for that he owns. He says he's the victim because he faces about $3,000 a month in child support payments
In October of 2008, Friend of the Court officials said Frazier gave them a false Social Security number and tried to convince investigators he was someone else.
He remained under the radar until late last month when he got pulled over in Iowa for a broken taillight on his Mercedes Benz.
Frazier says he "messed up" and wants to take care of his mistakes, but hopes the Friend of the Court will knock down his bill to a more manageable $200,000 and set him free.
What is the responsibility of a father? Is it to simply father as many children as possible then leave the children to fend for themselves? A man with one child usally finds that it takes most of his time, talent and energy to provide true nurture. A man with more than one child doesn't have a life of his own anymore, he belongs to them.
Generally, children require more than just a child support check. They require a father's time, counsel, love and resources. Child support only considers the money part; and a very small part at that.
What caught the headlines for Mr. Frazier is the fact that he owes $530,000 in child support for 14 children that grows at the rate of $3,000 a month. What's not in the news is the time, counsel and love that he also owes.
Most of the children he has never seen,or spoken to, let alone provided for.
In rearing my three sons I found it necessary to be present in every aspect of their lives as a father: School PTA, Scouts, music lesson, plays, church, and recreation. It meant teaching them to type, use a computer (computers were new then), write a fluid sentence, handle money, and to be sexually responsible. Even doing all of that I fell short in many areas.
Fatherhood is a tough job.
Fathers who neglect their children provoke them in later years to hate them and to disrespect the name of image. That is not what God intended.
Ephesians 6:4 put it this way, "And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord."
It's bad enough that some fathers must be forced by courts to support their children. It's even worse, when even then they do shierk their responsibilities.
They give millions of good fathers a bad name and they lose favor with our heavenly father who never misses a day supporting us.
I read the particulars of the incident and pondered on it.
The man's name is Thomas Frazier and he may hold the unenviable title of biggest deadbeat dad.
"This guy gives fathers a bad name," said Genesee County Friend of the Court Jack Battles.
Frazier says he's not sure all of the children are his, but he hasn't paid any support claims for that he owns. He says he's the victim because he faces about $3,000 a month in child support payments
In October of 2008, Friend of the Court officials said Frazier gave them a false Social Security number and tried to convince investigators he was someone else.
He remained under the radar until late last month when he got pulled over in Iowa for a broken taillight on his Mercedes Benz.
Frazier says he "messed up" and wants to take care of his mistakes, but hopes the Friend of the Court will knock down his bill to a more manageable $200,000 and set him free.
What is the responsibility of a father? Is it to simply father as many children as possible then leave the children to fend for themselves? A man with one child usally finds that it takes most of his time, talent and energy to provide true nurture. A man with more than one child doesn't have a life of his own anymore, he belongs to them.
Generally, children require more than just a child support check. They require a father's time, counsel, love and resources. Child support only considers the money part; and a very small part at that.
What caught the headlines for Mr. Frazier is the fact that he owes $530,000 in child support for 14 children that grows at the rate of $3,000 a month. What's not in the news is the time, counsel and love that he also owes.
Most of the children he has never seen,or spoken to, let alone provided for.
In rearing my three sons I found it necessary to be present in every aspect of their lives as a father: School PTA, Scouts, music lesson, plays, church, and recreation. It meant teaching them to type, use a computer (computers were new then), write a fluid sentence, handle money, and to be sexually responsible. Even doing all of that I fell short in many areas.
Fatherhood is a tough job.
Fathers who neglect their children provoke them in later years to hate them and to disrespect the name of image. That is not what God intended.
Ephesians 6:4 put it this way, "And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord."
It's bad enough that some fathers must be forced by courts to support their children. It's even worse, when even then they do shierk their responsibilities.
They give millions of good fathers a bad name and they lose favor with our heavenly father who never misses a day supporting us.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Early morning people
I arose this morning at 3:30 a.m. It's Sunday morning.
I'm a morning person. I do my best thinking, planning, meditation and study early in the morning. In the evenings my batteries run down. I need about four hours sleep and I'm fully charged; so I arise early.
It's not unusual for my Facebook posts, commentaries, blogs, emails and Twitter links to be posted at 4:00 a.m. in the morning because that's one of the times each day that I block out to read an respond to the prior day's mesages. Following that I have a self imposed 90 minutes of prayer and bible study in the morning and another at the close of the day (Three hours a day).
I'm at my best early in the morning. No coffeee or energy boosters; I'm rolling at full steam between 3:30 and 4:00 a.m. By 9 a.m. my day is really rolling. By noon I'm in high gear. After p.m. I'm still rolling but attend to mostly housekeeping functions, no new ideas, fresh writing, or studying complicated ideas. By 8 p.m. I begin a slow shut down. Around 9 p.m. my final 90 minutes of of reading, prayer and bible study begins. Usually by 11ish it's lights out for me.
Traditional Black preachers end their sermons with "but, Early Sunday morning he arose from the grave." The emphasis is on "Early." For over 200 years black folks have been getting excitied when we hear "Early Sunday morning!"
Early on the morning of the resurrection Christ arose from the dead.
It seems that Jesus was an early morning person too, at least on that Sunday morning.
While the world was still asleep, He arose early to complete salvation. Even to day long before we think about our problems, he's up Early, at full steam.
Some will ask does God ever sleep?
The answer is in Psalm 121, "He that keepeth Israel neither slumbers or sleeps."
I woke up early this morning, but my Lord was alread on the job!
I'm a morning person. I do my best thinking, planning, meditation and study early in the morning. In the evenings my batteries run down. I need about four hours sleep and I'm fully charged; so I arise early.
It's not unusual for my Facebook posts, commentaries, blogs, emails and Twitter links to be posted at 4:00 a.m. in the morning because that's one of the times each day that I block out to read an respond to the prior day's mesages. Following that I have a self imposed 90 minutes of prayer and bible study in the morning and another at the close of the day (Three hours a day).
I'm at my best early in the morning. No coffeee or energy boosters; I'm rolling at full steam between 3:30 and 4:00 a.m. By 9 a.m. my day is really rolling. By noon I'm in high gear. After p.m. I'm still rolling but attend to mostly housekeeping functions, no new ideas, fresh writing, or studying complicated ideas. By 8 p.m. I begin a slow shut down. Around 9 p.m. my final 90 minutes of of reading, prayer and bible study begins. Usually by 11ish it's lights out for me.
Traditional Black preachers end their sermons with "but, Early Sunday morning he arose from the grave." The emphasis is on "Early." For over 200 years black folks have been getting excitied when we hear "Early Sunday morning!"
Early on the morning of the resurrection Christ arose from the dead.
It seems that Jesus was an early morning person too, at least on that Sunday morning.
While the world was still asleep, He arose early to complete salvation. Even to day long before we think about our problems, he's up Early, at full steam.
Some will ask does God ever sleep?
The answer is in Psalm 121, "He that keepeth Israel neither slumbers or sleeps."
I woke up early this morning, but my Lord was alread on the job!
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
We still need mom and pop.
Vermont has become the 4th State to legalize same-sex marriage. Vermont's actions follows that of Iowa by only a few days. It seems to be a growing trend.
Without being overly judgmental, I fail to see the ultimate point of the clamor for the title "marriage" as opposed to civil union.
A civil union is an arrangement between two parties that is recognized in a court of law. It allows for parties to designate whom they wish to care for them, receive benefits of their benevolence and any other rights they want to extend to each other under the civil law.
In America, persons have the right to associate themselves with whomever they choose and to enter into contractual arrangements at their pleasure, even if that arrangement angers their neighbors or the their neighbor's God.
Marriage on the other hand goes beyond a mere civil union. It's purpose is procreation; which is impossible in same-sex civil unions. A marriage produces a child that has a mother and a father. A civil union, at best, can adopt a child that will either have two mothers or two fathers.
I can accept civil unions for those who choose that route; I draw the line, however, when it comes to moving one step further and calling such unions marriages.
I just keep hearing the words of Genesis 1:28 "And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth."
God ordained marriages as the means of replenishing the earth. Civil unions are ordained by man, for his own satisfaction, but without a godly sanction or procreative purpose.
It appears that God has charged his creation to be fruitful and multiply, among humans marriage is the instrument.
It may acceptable to have civilized unions, but I think we still need mom and pop.
Without being overly judgmental, I fail to see the ultimate point of the clamor for the title "marriage" as opposed to civil union.
A civil union is an arrangement between two parties that is recognized in a court of law. It allows for parties to designate whom they wish to care for them, receive benefits of their benevolence and any other rights they want to extend to each other under the civil law.
In America, persons have the right to associate themselves with whomever they choose and to enter into contractual arrangements at their pleasure, even if that arrangement angers their neighbors or the their neighbor's God.
Marriage on the other hand goes beyond a mere civil union. It's purpose is procreation; which is impossible in same-sex civil unions. A marriage produces a child that has a mother and a father. A civil union, at best, can adopt a child that will either have two mothers or two fathers.
I can accept civil unions for those who choose that route; I draw the line, however, when it comes to moving one step further and calling such unions marriages.
I just keep hearing the words of Genesis 1:28 "And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth."
God ordained marriages as the means of replenishing the earth. Civil unions are ordained by man, for his own satisfaction, but without a godly sanction or procreative purpose.
It appears that God has charged his creation to be fruitful and multiply, among humans marriage is the instrument.
It may acceptable to have civilized unions, but I think we still need mom and pop.
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
Taking in the Flowers
An April freeze in Louisiana is unusual; but that's what we had last night.
The weather forecast predicted temperatures of approximately 31 degrees and the news was filled with accounts of farmers trying to protect their crops from the cold weather.
In the middle of the report was an item that made reference to the Salvation Army suspending its rules to allow repeat persons to get shelter in light of the expected cold.
My wife began a scramble to take in her pot plants that sit outside. At first she was preparing to cover them with plastic, but the newscaster said, "Don't cover your flowers with plastic," so she brought them inside.
Flowers, crops and homeless people isn't that a strange mix.
What was interesting about the newscast is that most of the report had to do with protecting flowers and crops; there was just a blurb about helping people.
In an ideal world, helping people would have been the main concern and crops and flowers last.
We should be concerned about the poor and the homeless for therein is our blessing.
There is a passage in the bible that has these words, "For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in." (Matthew 25:35)
Save the crops, bring in the flowers, but let's be sure to save the "least of these first."
The weather forecast predicted temperatures of approximately 31 degrees and the news was filled with accounts of farmers trying to protect their crops from the cold weather.
In the middle of the report was an item that made reference to the Salvation Army suspending its rules to allow repeat persons to get shelter in light of the expected cold.
My wife began a scramble to take in her pot plants that sit outside. At first she was preparing to cover them with plastic, but the newscaster said, "Don't cover your flowers with plastic," so she brought them inside.
Flowers, crops and homeless people isn't that a strange mix.
What was interesting about the newscast is that most of the report had to do with protecting flowers and crops; there was just a blurb about helping people.
In an ideal world, helping people would have been the main concern and crops and flowers last.
We should be concerned about the poor and the homeless for therein is our blessing.
There is a passage in the bible that has these words, "For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in." (Matthew 25:35)
Save the crops, bring in the flowers, but let's be sure to save the "least of these first."
Sunday, January 13, 2008
I was stingy!
Stingy! That's what we call a person who has something but will not share. There was a time when I was very stingy, tight, and miserly.
I remember when I was really stingy. I wouldn't share anything with anybody. In fact, inwardly I gloated about my own success at achieving and responded to others in a very condescending way.
I have a sneaky suspicion that others shared my childhood responses:
"You can't have any of my chips."
"You want some cookies? Buy you some, just like I did!"
"Get your own!"
Ironically, while I would not share and told many, "I ain't giving you nothing;" I was quick to say, "Gimme some."
As I got older I learned that God blesses those who share with others. I watched neighbors share food, clothing and anything they had with others. I also noticed that although they were poor they always seemed to have plenty; enough to share.
By the time I became a college student my opinion of sharing had reversed. I learned to share my time, talent and resources with others. I also noticed, that just as my friendly neighbors who shared were blessed, that I too was being blessed in the same way.
I've never had much, but always had enough to share.
So, a good way to be blessed is to share time for good causes; be a volunteer, help someone in need. Loan your talent to ventures that are worthy. Give of your finances to build great works. The blessing comes from sharing not from being stingy.
2 Corinthians 9:8 says when we share God gives us grace abundantly, "that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work."
In other words, if we share, God will see to it that we don't run out and will always have more than we need.
I remember when I was really stingy. I wouldn't share anything with anybody. In fact, inwardly I gloated about my own success at achieving and responded to others in a very condescending way.
I have a sneaky suspicion that others shared my childhood responses:
"You can't have any of my chips."
"You want some cookies? Buy you some, just like I did!"
"Get your own!"
Ironically, while I would not share and told many, "I ain't giving you nothing;" I was quick to say, "Gimme some."
As I got older I learned that God blesses those who share with others. I watched neighbors share food, clothing and anything they had with others. I also noticed that although they were poor they always seemed to have plenty; enough to share.
By the time I became a college student my opinion of sharing had reversed. I learned to share my time, talent and resources with others. I also noticed, that just as my friendly neighbors who shared were blessed, that I too was being blessed in the same way.
I've never had much, but always had enough to share.
So, a good way to be blessed is to share time for good causes; be a volunteer, help someone in need. Loan your talent to ventures that are worthy. Give of your finances to build great works. The blessing comes from sharing not from being stingy.
2 Corinthians 9:8 says when we share God gives us grace abundantly, "that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work."
In other words, if we share, God will see to it that we don't run out and will always have more than we need.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
May the force be with you
I'm a sci-fi fan so I've seen all of the Star Wars movies (and Star Trek too). I saw all four on the first day they were released.
One of the most memorable phrases of the Star Wars triology is, "May the force be with you."
In George Lucas' four Star Wars films the power of good is represented by the "Force." The power of evil is the "Dark Side."
The phrase "May the Force be with you" is often told to Luke Skywalker as he went out to fight.
The force was never really defined clearly in the series. It was an energy presence which existed within each person. This energy force guides, protects, empowers and emboldens those who follow its dictates.
The force has a dark side and a light side. The dark side is evil and sinister. The light side is the epitome of moral correction. The dark and the light side compete for the heart and soul of characters in Lucas' films, most of the times the light side wins, but not without giving up a few life essentials.
As each character departs and begins a new adventure, especially Luke Skywalker, each was told by the Jet Eye warrior, "May the force be with you."
Real life is not a movie but life does have a light side and a dark side.
Also in real life we are guided by the presence or absence of the force, except that the force is the actual presence of God.
Daily, God (the force) speaks to us. We call it our conscience or our first mind. When we ignore that voice, we later say, "I should have listened to my first mind."
God's spirit must go where we go; everyday.
Philippians 4:9 says, "The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you." Philippians 4:9
As we rise to challenge each new day, let's be guided by the things God has taught us and shown "and the God of peace will be with you."
One of the most memorable phrases of the Star Wars triology is, "May the force be with you."
In George Lucas' four Star Wars films the power of good is represented by the "Force." The power of evil is the "Dark Side."
The phrase "May the Force be with you" is often told to Luke Skywalker as he went out to fight.
The force was never really defined clearly in the series. It was an energy presence which existed within each person. This energy force guides, protects, empowers and emboldens those who follow its dictates.
The force has a dark side and a light side. The dark side is evil and sinister. The light side is the epitome of moral correction. The dark and the light side compete for the heart and soul of characters in Lucas' films, most of the times the light side wins, but not without giving up a few life essentials.
As each character departs and begins a new adventure, especially Luke Skywalker, each was told by the Jet Eye warrior, "May the force be with you."
Real life is not a movie but life does have a light side and a dark side.
Also in real life we are guided by the presence or absence of the force, except that the force is the actual presence of God.
Daily, God (the force) speaks to us. We call it our conscience or our first mind. When we ignore that voice, we later say, "I should have listened to my first mind."
God's spirit must go where we go; everyday.
Philippians 4:9 says, "The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you." Philippians 4:9
As we rise to challenge each new day, let's be guided by the things God has taught us and shown "and the God of peace will be with you."
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
I Don't Feel Like It!
There are times when I just don't feel like it.
It's those days when you say, "I'm not feeling that."
Work. School. Finances. Dealing with other people.
Baby/Mama - Baby/Daddy drama.
Issues.
"I'm not feeling that."
I wonder if I'm by myself.
I guess there are times even the best of us get dispirited. We know we should go but we stay. We know we should speak but we remain silent. We know we should act, but we take no action. Usually we don't "feel like it" in times of distress, strain or worry. Such circumstances rob us of our enthusiasm and spirit and even at our best we can only offer lackluster appearances.
I have learned that one of the times to be cautious is when I "don't feel like it." Sometimes opportunities come when we don't feel like it and we miss them. A job is offered but we don't feel like going to apply. A chance for success may be missed if it comes when we "don't feel like it."
Issues can stress you out so much that you just don't feel like it. When that happens you don't sing, smile, laugh or find any interest in anything. You want to do absolutely nothing because you don't feel like it. Those are the days that the devil slipped in during the night and stole your joy. We were not on guard and we woke up the next morning "not feeling it" -without knowing why.
When you are not feeling it that's when we read Psalm 51:12, "Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit."
If you don't feel like it today, remember one day Christ carried a cross for you. I'm sure that day he wasn't feeling it either; but he did it anyway.
After thinking about that and reflecting on that verse then I usually push myself out of bed and start "feeling" the joy of meeting the challenges of the new day.
With a fresh infusion of inspiration from on high, the devil is defeated and I start "feeling it" again..big time.
It's those days when you say, "I'm not feeling that."
Work. School. Finances. Dealing with other people.
Baby/Mama - Baby/Daddy drama.
Issues.
"I'm not feeling that."
I wonder if I'm by myself.
I guess there are times even the best of us get dispirited. We know we should go but we stay. We know we should speak but we remain silent. We know we should act, but we take no action. Usually we don't "feel like it" in times of distress, strain or worry. Such circumstances rob us of our enthusiasm and spirit and even at our best we can only offer lackluster appearances.
I have learned that one of the times to be cautious is when I "don't feel like it." Sometimes opportunities come when we don't feel like it and we miss them. A job is offered but we don't feel like going to apply. A chance for success may be missed if it comes when we "don't feel like it."
Issues can stress you out so much that you just don't feel like it. When that happens you don't sing, smile, laugh or find any interest in anything. You want to do absolutely nothing because you don't feel like it. Those are the days that the devil slipped in during the night and stole your joy. We were not on guard and we woke up the next morning "not feeling it" -without knowing why.
When you are not feeling it that's when we read Psalm 51:12, "Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit."
If you don't feel like it today, remember one day Christ carried a cross for you. I'm sure that day he wasn't feeling it either; but he did it anyway.
After thinking about that and reflecting on that verse then I usually push myself out of bed and start "feeling" the joy of meeting the challenges of the new day.
With a fresh infusion of inspiration from on high, the devil is defeated and I start "feeling it" again..big time.
Saturday, January 05, 2008
I don't like scary movies anymore
Scary movies are funny, but life can give you a scare.
When I was a child (back when dinosaurs roamed the land) I watched Godzilla, The Creature from the Black Lagoon, and Dracula. Frankenstein and Dracula were my monsters of choice.
I took a girl to the movie and pretended not to be afraid. I waited for her to grab my arm to show my bravado, but always closed my eyes just before the moment a character was sliced up, chopped up or bitten. I'd opened my eyes and asked, "What happened?"
There are so many scary movies today that those who like them can have their pick: Chuckie the little doll that kills people now has a bride. Monsters get married you know, first there was Frankenstein, then the Bride of Frankenstein. Then there is the Mummy, King Kong and many versions of the Wolfman.
Does Jason ever die? It amuses me how Jason, the star of the Halloween movies, is brought back to life in each new film.
There are always vampires from the old fashion Dracula to the modern Blade played by Wesley Snipes. There are even funny, lovable, if not ugly monsters like Shrek and his foul mouthed donkey friend.
Many youth like scary movies. They like to see the blood from the Texas chain saw splashing against the wall. They like to scream or watch the girls scream.
As we mature and face reality, we realize that death is not funny, humorous or exciting. There is no humor in tragedy.
Life gives us a wake up call, "If you shoot your boyfriend, kill your wife, or commit suicide you don't come back in the next movie."
A recent gallop poll shows that today fewer youth actually believe in: astrology, ESP, witchcraft, ghosts, Big Foot, The Lockness Monster and ghosts. That's what makes the movies attractive; no one really believes they are true.
The same poll revealed that as youth mature they increasingly believe in angels. The more of life they experience, reality soaks in and deep down they start searching for God; they want an angel to help them and protect them when they face the scary things in life.
A bible verse in Number 20:16 says, "And when we cried unto the Lord he heard our voice and sent an angel.."
Life can get scary and it's certainly not funny. The prospect of AIDS, addiction, cancer, suicide, accidental death, and a plethora of other scary things is sobering.
It is good to know that we can turn to God and he will send an angel to correct us and protect us when we face the scary things of life.
When I was a child (back when dinosaurs roamed the land) I watched Godzilla, The Creature from the Black Lagoon, and Dracula. Frankenstein and Dracula were my monsters of choice.
I took a girl to the movie and pretended not to be afraid. I waited for her to grab my arm to show my bravado, but always closed my eyes just before the moment a character was sliced up, chopped up or bitten. I'd opened my eyes and asked, "What happened?"
There are so many scary movies today that those who like them can have their pick: Chuckie the little doll that kills people now has a bride. Monsters get married you know, first there was Frankenstein, then the Bride of Frankenstein. Then there is the Mummy, King Kong and many versions of the Wolfman.
Does Jason ever die? It amuses me how Jason, the star of the Halloween movies, is brought back to life in each new film.
There are always vampires from the old fashion Dracula to the modern Blade played by Wesley Snipes. There are even funny, lovable, if not ugly monsters like Shrek and his foul mouthed donkey friend.
Many youth like scary movies. They like to see the blood from the Texas chain saw splashing against the wall. They like to scream or watch the girls scream.
As we mature and face reality, we realize that death is not funny, humorous or exciting. There is no humor in tragedy.
Life gives us a wake up call, "If you shoot your boyfriend, kill your wife, or commit suicide you don't come back in the next movie."
A recent gallop poll shows that today fewer youth actually believe in: astrology, ESP, witchcraft, ghosts, Big Foot, The Lockness Monster and ghosts. That's what makes the movies attractive; no one really believes they are true.
The same poll revealed that as youth mature they increasingly believe in angels. The more of life they experience, reality soaks in and deep down they start searching for God; they want an angel to help them and protect them when they face the scary things in life.
A bible verse in Number 20:16 says, "And when we cried unto the Lord he heard our voice and sent an angel.."
Life can get scary and it's certainly not funny. The prospect of AIDS, addiction, cancer, suicide, accidental death, and a plethora of other scary things is sobering.
It is good to know that we can turn to God and he will send an angel to correct us and protect us when we face the scary things of life.
Friday, January 04, 2008
You won't like me when I'm angry
What do you do when you get angry?
At work, school, home or in relationships it is easy to become angry.
Sometimes folks can get on your last nerve. Everyone gets angry: preachers, teachers, leaders, spouses, boyfriends, girlfriends, siblings; everyone you know has been angry at one time or another.
Some have been angry with each other for years.
Charles Swindol in his book "Three steps forward and two steps back" says there are phases of anger that begin with irritation. The next are: wrath, fury, and rage.
When we get to rage we become the Incredible Hulk. That's when we tear things up, hit, shoot and kill. The Hulk always says, "Don't make me angry, you won't like me when I'm angry."
I get angry sometimes. I can feel myself moving up the scale: irritation, wrath...then I have to do something stop before I become the Hulk. (I have been the Hulk a few times, what about you?)
No one likes that side of us; we are out of control when we get to the point of rage. There is nothing wrong with anger. Even Jesus became angry and ran the money changers out of the temple. The trick is to keep it under control.
First, we should never let anyone know the buttons they can push to send us into a rage. They'll push them for the fun of it.
Second, take Thomas Jefferson's advice, when angry count to 10 before you respond. If you are really angry count to 50 or 100. Slow yourself down.
Third, never go to bed angry with your spouse, friend, teacher, employer, etc.
The Hulk never counts to 10, becomes destructive in a rage and regrets it later. So do we.
There is a bible passage in Ephesians 4:26-27 that says, "Be angry but do not sin.Do not let the sun go down on your anger and do not give the devil an opportunity."
That means that it's OK to be upset about wrong things you see or injustices but not to the point that you go into a rage; and never to the point that you begin to hate.
Dealing with anger is a life-long struggle.
Nobody likes us when we become the Hulk.
In fact, we don't even like ourselves.
At work, school, home or in relationships it is easy to become angry.
Sometimes folks can get on your last nerve. Everyone gets angry: preachers, teachers, leaders, spouses, boyfriends, girlfriends, siblings; everyone you know has been angry at one time or another.
Some have been angry with each other for years.
Charles Swindol in his book "Three steps forward and two steps back" says there are phases of anger that begin with irritation. The next are: wrath, fury, and rage.
When we get to rage we become the Incredible Hulk. That's when we tear things up, hit, shoot and kill. The Hulk always says, "Don't make me angry, you won't like me when I'm angry."
I get angry sometimes. I can feel myself moving up the scale: irritation, wrath...then I have to do something stop before I become the Hulk. (I have been the Hulk a few times, what about you?)
No one likes that side of us; we are out of control when we get to the point of rage. There is nothing wrong with anger. Even Jesus became angry and ran the money changers out of the temple. The trick is to keep it under control.
First, we should never let anyone know the buttons they can push to send us into a rage. They'll push them for the fun of it.
Second, take Thomas Jefferson's advice, when angry count to 10 before you respond. If you are really angry count to 50 or 100. Slow yourself down.
Third, never go to bed angry with your spouse, friend, teacher, employer, etc.
The Hulk never counts to 10, becomes destructive in a rage and regrets it later. So do we.
There is a bible passage in Ephesians 4:26-27 that says, "Be angry but do not sin.Do not let the sun go down on your anger and do not give the devil an opportunity."
That means that it's OK to be upset about wrong things you see or injustices but not to the point that you go into a rage; and never to the point that you begin to hate.
Dealing with anger is a life-long struggle.
Nobody likes us when we become the Hulk.
In fact, we don't even like ourselves.
Thursday, January 03, 2008
X-Rated Life Movies
Have you ever watched an X-Rated movie?
The X-Ray movies are generally considered ponographic because they appeal to the prurient interests of the viewer and exhibit little or no artistic value.
They are hard-core, raw, and go beyond the boundaries of decency. Yet, most of us have taken a peek at least once.
Some are still peeking.
If our lives were rated in heaven, I wonder what the rating would be?
X-Unsaved sinner who sins, loves it and plans to continue.
R-Church members who feel they are old enough to sample the world. They sin a little, feel bad, then come back to church.
PG-Youth who believe in God but are fascinated by and attracted to the sinful life.
G-the Godly person who chooses to live for God, without peeking, pandering or having any interest in the life of sin.
What rating describes you right now. I never never made it to X but I can remember being "PG" and "R." What about you?
Some say the godly life is no fun; is that true? What I've discovered is that the godly don't need to get drunk, use drugs, engage in illicit sex or wild parties to have a great time.
The godly enjoy their families, lead successful lives, love their spouses, enjoy sports, art, music, and recreation. They fly airplanes, play basketball and are romantic, too.
In fact, the truly godly are having so much fun leading G-Rated lives that they have no interest in peeking, sneaking or venturing into the world of those who can't have fun unless everything around them appeals to their prurient interest.
The godly life is a blast.
The bible says in Psalm 1, "Psalms 1:1-2 (TLB) "Oh, the joys of those who do not follow evil men’s advice, who do not hang around with sinners, scoffing at the things of God. But they delight in doing everything God wants them to, and day and night are always meditating on his laws and thinking about ways to follow him more closely."
Sounds pretty good to me, especially since only lives rated "G-godly" are blessed by God.
The X-Ray movies are generally considered ponographic because they appeal to the prurient interests of the viewer and exhibit little or no artistic value.
They are hard-core, raw, and go beyond the boundaries of decency. Yet, most of us have taken a peek at least once.
Some are still peeking.
If our lives were rated in heaven, I wonder what the rating would be?
X-Unsaved sinner who sins, loves it and plans to continue.
R-Church members who feel they are old enough to sample the world. They sin a little, feel bad, then come back to church.
PG-Youth who believe in God but are fascinated by and attracted to the sinful life.
G-the Godly person who chooses to live for God, without peeking, pandering or having any interest in the life of sin.
What rating describes you right now. I never never made it to X but I can remember being "PG" and "R." What about you?
Some say the godly life is no fun; is that true? What I've discovered is that the godly don't need to get drunk, use drugs, engage in illicit sex or wild parties to have a great time.
The godly enjoy their families, lead successful lives, love their spouses, enjoy sports, art, music, and recreation. They fly airplanes, play basketball and are romantic, too.
In fact, the truly godly are having so much fun leading G-Rated lives that they have no interest in peeking, sneaking or venturing into the world of those who can't have fun unless everything around them appeals to their prurient interest.
The godly life is a blast.
The bible says in Psalm 1, "Psalms 1:1-2 (TLB) "Oh, the joys of those who do not follow evil men’s advice, who do not hang around with sinners, scoffing at the things of God. But they delight in doing everything God wants them to, and day and night are always meditating on his laws and thinking about ways to follow him more closely."
Sounds pretty good to me, especially since only lives rated "G-godly" are blessed by God.
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Try God's Way this year
Did you fail last year? Did you give up? Try it again, but do it a different way.
There are two ways to approach life goals. One is the way popularized by a song written by the late Frank Sinatra called "My Way."
In that song Sinatra boasts that he lived his life, "My Way."
He is not alone. There are many who are trying the "my way" approach: living, loving and dying according to their own rules. To do it "my way" is to do it alone without any divine assistance. It is also a formula for unhappiness and often failure.
That's what happened to many people last year.
Some used or sold drugs or became addicted to something or someone.
Some lived so wild that they slipped way off course.
Some never got started; they proscratinated
Some nearly died.
Things work out a little better on the Godside of life. That's when you decide to do it "God's way." The difference is that God's way gets us godly support and favor for our efforts because what we do is according to his plan. It also points us away from destructive activity and points us to things that build us up.
When we do it God's way we may fall down..but we picks us up and we try again.
The bible says in Proverbs 14:12 "There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death."
Many saw their dreams die last year. They did it their way.
When we do it God's way we may fall down..but we picks us up and we try again.
This year, try God's way.
There are two ways to approach life goals. One is the way popularized by a song written by the late Frank Sinatra called "My Way."
In that song Sinatra boasts that he lived his life, "My Way."
He is not alone. There are many who are trying the "my way" approach: living, loving and dying according to their own rules. To do it "my way" is to do it alone without any divine assistance. It is also a formula for unhappiness and often failure.
That's what happened to many people last year.
Some used or sold drugs or became addicted to something or someone.
Some lived so wild that they slipped way off course.
Some never got started; they proscratinated
Some nearly died.
Things work out a little better on the Godside of life. That's when you decide to do it "God's way." The difference is that God's way gets us godly support and favor for our efforts because what we do is according to his plan. It also points us away from destructive activity and points us to things that build us up.
When we do it God's way we may fall down..but we picks us up and we try again.
The bible says in Proverbs 14:12 "There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death."
Many saw their dreams die last year. They did it their way.
When we do it God's way we may fall down..but we picks us up and we try again.
This year, try God's way.
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Appreciate the little things this year
Don't underestimate the power of the little things.
We are moving at a quick pace; in fact it is so quick that we often look for the big picture and overlook the the small things.
When we think about it, it's the little things that bring us the most lasting pleasure.
That may explain why sometimes a child gets a big present but instead of playing with the present he plays with the box and pops the little plastic bubbles in the packaging.
We look for the big superstar experiences and relationships and overlook the fact that only a few of them stay married or even have the pleasure of doing the little things, such as sitting on a porch and watching the cars go by without a frenzy of photographers.
Howard Thurman once wrote that "Little things make big differences."
A little thank you is big when someone feels unappreciated.
A little kindness can soften an angry response.
A little time can bring more lasting please than a lot of gifts without the giver. Little things can make the difference.
That applies to our relationship with God, too.
There is a bible verse in Numbers 16:9 that says, "Seemeth it but a small thing unto you, that the God of Israel hath separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD.."
Time to pray, worship and think about God in this world of MySpace, Facebook, cell phones and the internet, may seem like a little thing, but it goes a long ways with God.
While we talk to God about the big things..don't underestimate the little things.
We are moving at a quick pace; in fact it is so quick that we often look for the big picture and overlook the the small things.
When we think about it, it's the little things that bring us the most lasting pleasure.
That may explain why sometimes a child gets a big present but instead of playing with the present he plays with the box and pops the little plastic bubbles in the packaging.
We look for the big superstar experiences and relationships and overlook the fact that only a few of them stay married or even have the pleasure of doing the little things, such as sitting on a porch and watching the cars go by without a frenzy of photographers.
Howard Thurman once wrote that "Little things make big differences."
A little thank you is big when someone feels unappreciated.
A little kindness can soften an angry response.
A little time can bring more lasting please than a lot of gifts without the giver. Little things can make the difference.
That applies to our relationship with God, too.
There is a bible verse in Numbers 16:9 that says, "Seemeth it but a small thing unto you, that the God of Israel hath separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD.."
Time to pray, worship and think about God in this world of MySpace, Facebook, cell phones and the internet, may seem like a little thing, but it goes a long ways with God.
While we talk to God about the big things..don't underestimate the little things.
Monday, April 02, 2007
Crucifixion on Friday?
When I began preaching in 1969, for many years I closed my sermons
with something like..
"One Friday, they nailed him to an old rugged cross!"
or
"One Friday he died for all my sins!"
I had the whoop and everything. I really pushed it hard.
"Does anybody know about Friday?"
"One Friday!"
"ooooh Friday!"
I took a seminary class and learned that I had been wrong about Friday. The instructor painstakingly showed us that despite the old tradition that Christ was not crucified on Friday, but Wednesday.
That really upset me because it meant I had been teaching and preaching the wrong information for about three years. I was so troubled because in my zeal I did not seek knowledge and mislead hundreds of people in the process.
The key to understanding the error is Matthew 12:40. Jesus said he would remain in the grave for three days AND three nights (72 hours).
I tried all of the fancy explanations the old preachers gave me to make sundown Friday to early morning Sunday three days and three nights but none of them would work.
Have you heard the explanations? "They had a different calendar or they
counted days differently or it was not literally three days."
As I studied, I realized my professor was right. I had to change my message to fit the truth I found.
If you are interested in this topic there is a website that gives the same information my professor gave me.
As I learned better I changed. It's worth a look.
http://members.aol.com/member888/goodfriday.htm
with something like..
"One Friday, they nailed him to an old rugged cross!"
or
"One Friday he died for all my sins!"
I had the whoop and everything. I really pushed it hard.
"Does anybody know about Friday?"
"One Friday!"
"ooooh Friday!"
I took a seminary class and learned that I had been wrong about Friday. The instructor painstakingly showed us that despite the old tradition that Christ was not crucified on Friday, but Wednesday.
That really upset me because it meant I had been teaching and preaching the wrong information for about three years. I was so troubled because in my zeal I did not seek knowledge and mislead hundreds of people in the process.
The key to understanding the error is Matthew 12:40. Jesus said he would remain in the grave for three days AND three nights (72 hours).
I tried all of the fancy explanations the old preachers gave me to make sundown Friday to early morning Sunday three days and three nights but none of them would work.
Have you heard the explanations? "They had a different calendar or they
counted days differently or it was not literally three days."
As I studied, I realized my professor was right. I had to change my message to fit the truth I found.
If you are interested in this topic there is a website that gives the same information my professor gave me.
As I learned better I changed. It's worth a look.
http://members.aol.com/member888/goodfriday.htm
Saturday, December 02, 2006
Grandpa on the Web
I have a myspace page! I found that the young hang out on the web.
They hang out mostly on wesites called "myspace.com" "Tagged.com" and a few more.
This year I decided to be a 57 year old youngster and hang out with
the youth of America on myspace.
On myspace you see a side of people that you never knew including
their music, fantasies, fears and ideas of fun.
I found it a great way to minister as well.
I also have tagged.com page. It's strickly for the young at heart.
If you choose to open a myspace page, you must keep an open mind.
You will learn a lot about today's young people and get the pleasant
opportunity to minister to many in a private way.
I learned more about the youth of my church on myspace than I ever
learned in person.
I'm 57, hanging out with the youth.
However, I found out that many of them enjoy their myspace grandpa.
For many, I am the father figure they never had.
You can set up a page for yourself. You'll be surprised to know how
many of your friends have a page too.
If you are curious, he's the link to my page:
http://myspace.com/rooseveltwright
Love Ya
Grandpa on web
Roosevelt Wright, Jr.
They hang out mostly on wesites called "myspace.com" "Tagged.com" and a few more.
This year I decided to be a 57 year old youngster and hang out with
the youth of America on myspace.
On myspace you see a side of people that you never knew including
their music, fantasies, fears and ideas of fun.
I found it a great way to minister as well.
I also have tagged.com page. It's strickly for the young at heart.
If you choose to open a myspace page, you must keep an open mind.
You will learn a lot about today's young people and get the pleasant
opportunity to minister to many in a private way.
I learned more about the youth of my church on myspace than I ever
learned in person.
I'm 57, hanging out with the youth.
However, I found out that many of them enjoy their myspace grandpa.
For many, I am the father figure they never had.
You can set up a page for yourself. You'll be surprised to know how
many of your friends have a page too.
If you are curious, he's the link to my page:
http://myspace.com/rooseveltwright
Love Ya
Grandpa on web
Roosevelt Wright, Jr.
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Three Door Cadillac
Have you ever prayed for something and did not receive it?
How did you feel?
When I was nine years old I heard the minister at Tabernacle say that if we asked God for something and believed it, we would receive it.
I took him at his word. That night I prayed for a long Cadillac with three doors like I saw President Eisenhower step out of on television. I went to bed comfortably believing, without a doubt, that my prayer request would be answered. The next day I anxiously ran to the front door looking for the Cadillac. It wasn't there.
Had the preacher lied? I was confused.
When I questioned him later, he reminded me that I heard what I wanted to hear. I didn't hear the part about my request being in the "will of God." The car was "my will" but it was not "God's will." -I didn't hear that part.
There are many adults today who do not hear that part either. We pray for many things that may not be according to God's will and get frustrated when we don't receive them.
He promised to give us anything we ask for that will help us to accomplish his will for our lives.
Anything.
Owning a Cadillac limo at nine years old certainly was not in his will for me. It works the same way with other requests too. I prayed for pizza for breakfast, that didn't happen. I prayed not to get a whipping for acting up at school, that didn't happen. I prayed to be rich and famous, that didn't happen either.
One day I prayed for a good wife and a successful ministry.
That happened.
It was according to his will.
How did you feel?
When I was nine years old I heard the minister at Tabernacle say that if we asked God for something and believed it, we would receive it.
I took him at his word. That night I prayed for a long Cadillac with three doors like I saw President Eisenhower step out of on television. I went to bed comfortably believing, without a doubt, that my prayer request would be answered. The next day I anxiously ran to the front door looking for the Cadillac. It wasn't there.
Had the preacher lied? I was confused.
When I questioned him later, he reminded me that I heard what I wanted to hear. I didn't hear the part about my request being in the "will of God." The car was "my will" but it was not "God's will." -I didn't hear that part.
There are many adults today who do not hear that part either. We pray for many things that may not be according to God's will and get frustrated when we don't receive them.
He promised to give us anything we ask for that will help us to accomplish his will for our lives.
Anything.
Owning a Cadillac limo at nine years old certainly was not in his will for me. It works the same way with other requests too. I prayed for pizza for breakfast, that didn't happen. I prayed not to get a whipping for acting up at school, that didn't happen. I prayed to be rich and famous, that didn't happen either.
One day I prayed for a good wife and a successful ministry.
That happened.
It was according to his will.
Friday, October 27, 2006
Just Plain Roosevelt
I received a letter addressed to "Dr." Roosevelt Wright, Jr. recently. I was amused.
For several years my name was listed among the faculty of the National Baptist Congress of Christian Education as "Dr." I wasn't amused, I was embarassed. Although I have college degrees, what's the point in wearing them on my sleeve?
A seminary in Philadephia wanted to confer a life time "doctorate" upon me, and I politely thanked them but refused.
Why?
When I began in the ministry as a 19 year old, I vainly sought to impress others with titles.
I put a "Rev" in from of my name. After college I put my degree notations after my name.
Then I saw the wisdom of being just plain Roosevelt, without all of the titles and self describing adjectives.
Now after 37 years of ministry and 30 years pastoring the same church, I'm still just plain "Roosevelt."
Whether I'm in front of large audiences, rubbing shoulders with the big wheels, rapping with the youth, or serving food to the homeless, I'm very comfortable being just plain "Roosevelt"-Servant.
That's the only title that will count before God anyway.
For several years my name was listed among the faculty of the National Baptist Congress of Christian Education as "Dr." I wasn't amused, I was embarassed. Although I have college degrees, what's the point in wearing them on my sleeve?
A seminary in Philadephia wanted to confer a life time "doctorate" upon me, and I politely thanked them but refused.
Why?
When I began in the ministry as a 19 year old, I vainly sought to impress others with titles.
I put a "Rev" in from of my name. After college I put my degree notations after my name.
Then I saw the wisdom of being just plain Roosevelt, without all of the titles and self describing adjectives.
Now after 37 years of ministry and 30 years pastoring the same church, I'm still just plain "Roosevelt."
Whether I'm in front of large audiences, rubbing shoulders with the big wheels, rapping with the youth, or serving food to the homeless, I'm very comfortable being just plain "Roosevelt"-Servant.
That's the only title that will count before God anyway.
Sunday, August 13, 2006
Are We Still Niggas?
I see many of my young friends still refer to themselves as “Niggas.” They say, “My Nigga” and “Good Nigga” “Still my Nigga.” That’s sad.
I’m aware that the hip hop culture now says that “Nigga” is a term of endearment and affection. So when a person says, “What’s up my Nigga?” It means he is down with the hip hop culture. In the hip hop world even whites call each other “Niggas.” In the world of hip hop it carries no negative meanings at all; in fact it’s just the opposite.
However, the label Nigga or Nigger is not viewed that way by the rest of the world. It is still a stereotype of a poor ignorant person who can’t read, can't spell, is lazy and performs poorly everywhere except in bed, on the basketball court and the football field.
The Hip Hop culture has helped this generation to internalize a self degrading and negative label. The slave master called us that but he could never get us to believe it and wear it as a badge of pride; especially outside of our racial circles.
The Hip Hop culture has succeeded in doing what the Klan and racists couldn’t do for 300 years. It has convinced our young that it’s a good thing to be a “Nigga.” Many of our youth have accepted the lie.
The late James Baldwin once said, "You can only be destroyed by believing that you really are what the white world calls a nigger.”
When we start believing it and accepting it, we are conquered.
There is a verse in the bible in Romans 8:37 that talks about God’s people overcoming the negatives, having conquered them through his power. The words are, “in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.”
To see another generation dive into a pool of negative spit and swim in it means that this generation has not become conquerors; it has been conquered.
If the present trend continues, when Jesus returns to begin the rest of eternity he will probably be greeted affectionately by millions of young believers, who will shout with one voice, “What’s up my Nigga?”
I wonder how he will respond?
I’m aware that the hip hop culture now says that “Nigga” is a term of endearment and affection. So when a person says, “What’s up my Nigga?” It means he is down with the hip hop culture. In the hip hop world even whites call each other “Niggas.” In the world of hip hop it carries no negative meanings at all; in fact it’s just the opposite.
However, the label Nigga or Nigger is not viewed that way by the rest of the world. It is still a stereotype of a poor ignorant person who can’t read, can't spell, is lazy and performs poorly everywhere except in bed, on the basketball court and the football field.
The Hip Hop culture has helped this generation to internalize a self degrading and negative label. The slave master called us that but he could never get us to believe it and wear it as a badge of pride; especially outside of our racial circles.
The Hip Hop culture has succeeded in doing what the Klan and racists couldn’t do for 300 years. It has convinced our young that it’s a good thing to be a “Nigga.” Many of our youth have accepted the lie.
The late James Baldwin once said, "You can only be destroyed by believing that you really are what the white world calls a nigger.”
When we start believing it and accepting it, we are conquered.
There is a verse in the bible in Romans 8:37 that talks about God’s people overcoming the negatives, having conquered them through his power. The words are, “in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.”
To see another generation dive into a pool of negative spit and swim in it means that this generation has not become conquerors; it has been conquered.
If the present trend continues, when Jesus returns to begin the rest of eternity he will probably be greeted affectionately by millions of young believers, who will shout with one voice, “What’s up my Nigga?”
I wonder how he will respond?
Saturday, August 12, 2006
Who is the Pilot?
I saw a funny commercial today. It was the one where the man goes up in a helicopter only to find that the pilot is still on the ground. He asks the man who is sitting in the cockpit, "You are not the pilot?" and the man answered, "No, but I did spend a night at the Holiday Inn Express."
I rolled over laughing. He actually got in a helicopter and left the real pilot on the ground! Ha Ha Ha! Hee! Hee He!
What's not so funny is that often we often jump into life and leave the pilot on the ground. We do whatever pleases us at the moment and take off with the pilot on the ground screaming at us, warning us!
Sometimes we crash. There have been many near misses.
Who has been your pilot? Your mother? Grandma? Father? Spouse? Have you taken off in your own direction and left them screaming?
Is the person or thing driving your life now ....competent?
And there is God. Often we want to let him drive, but we don't want to go in that direction.. not now. So we take another path.
There is a verse in the pilot's manual (Bible) in Proverbs 3:6. It says, "In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."
That's the bible's way of saying..."Don't leave the pilot on the ground!"
I rolled over laughing. He actually got in a helicopter and left the real pilot on the ground! Ha Ha Ha! Hee! Hee He!
What's not so funny is that often we often jump into life and leave the pilot on the ground. We do whatever pleases us at the moment and take off with the pilot on the ground screaming at us, warning us!
Sometimes we crash. There have been many near misses.
Who has been your pilot? Your mother? Grandma? Father? Spouse? Have you taken off in your own direction and left them screaming?
Is the person or thing driving your life now ....competent?
And there is God. Often we want to let him drive, but we don't want to go in that direction.. not now. So we take another path.
There is a verse in the pilot's manual (Bible) in Proverbs 3:6. It says, "In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."
That's the bible's way of saying..."Don't leave the pilot on the ground!"
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