Finally, out of all the recent stories of the tragic death of Trayvon Martin. Someone is choosing to do the right thing. Spike Lee apparently tweeted an address of an elderly couple in Sanford, FL, for George Zimmerman. The tweet caused the couple to temporarily move our their home and fear for their lives.
I was heartbroken to know that this innocent couple has suffered unjust treatment because of Spike Lee's error. However, there is a God! Spike Lee has fully admitted to his error and will fully compensate the couple for their despair.
Now, if Spike Lee can admit he was wrong. Why can't George Zimmerman admit to the same thing. Zimmerman was wrong with choosing to patrol, observe and follow an unarmed person that apparently was not in the act of burglary or vandalism.
Did Zimmerman ever think that Trayvon could have been visiting someone in that area, no! False assumption controlled Zimmerman's thinking that this young man was up to no good.
Zimmerman should do the right thing and admit he was out of order that night. He should have left that matter to the police...
Friday, March 30, 2012
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Young Black Men in America: Stereotype or Fact
In the recent tragic story of a young man by the name of Trayvon Martin. There has been a mass outcry of injustice for the night in question. How does this tragic story influence young black males in America.
I have learned through culture, experience, and research there is a huge absent rate of fathers in the homes for African-American families. There is also a high percentage of single black mothers. Now, this is in no way to say there are no absent father rates in other cultures. However, for the purpose of this blog I will speak from an African-American culture that is part of my personal heritage.
There is a problem within the black community when young men of any race feel that is acceptable to wear your pants below your waist; There is a problem within the black community when you have a high percentage of young black men being locked up for child support, drugs, or crimes; There is a problem within the black community when having an education, being independent, or having friends outside of your race is looked down upon.....
In today's society, there are higher percentages of drug activity, more children under the age 10 that roam the streets unsupervised by a parent or guardian, more young black males that feel it is okay to play loud music that disrupts the neighborhood,etc....If you were to visit a middle or upper class neighborhood you would notice less of these activities. Why is this? What happened to biblical standards of parents rearing their children in the ways of God. What happened to respecting your community and loving your neighbors? Why does this epidemic seem more higher within predominately black neighborhoods or communities.
If a person is a law-abiding citizen that works and lives a decent life to provide for their families. Who wants to live in a neighborhood that is surrounded by environments as I described. Certainly not me!!
I have learned through culture, experience, and research there is a huge absent rate of fathers in the homes for African-American families. There is also a high percentage of single black mothers. Now, this is in no way to say there are no absent father rates in other cultures. However, for the purpose of this blog I will speak from an African-American culture that is part of my personal heritage.
There is a problem within the black community when young men of any race feel that is acceptable to wear your pants below your waist; There is a problem within the black community when you have a high percentage of young black men being locked up for child support, drugs, or crimes; There is a problem within the black community when having an education, being independent, or having friends outside of your race is looked down upon.....
In today's society, there are higher percentages of drug activity, more children under the age 10 that roam the streets unsupervised by a parent or guardian, more young black males that feel it is okay to play loud music that disrupts the neighborhood,etc....If you were to visit a middle or upper class neighborhood you would notice less of these activities. Why is this? What happened to biblical standards of parents rearing their children in the ways of God. What happened to respecting your community and loving your neighbors? Why does this epidemic seem more higher within predominately black neighborhoods or communities.
If a person is a law-abiding citizen that works and lives a decent life to provide for their families. Who wants to live in a neighborhood that is surrounded by environments as I described. Certainly not me!!
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Loving God
Loving God is about being in a meaningful relationship with God. Loving someone is about loving that person for who they are. Loving the Lord is about admiration, worship, and willingness to serve. What do I mean by serve? You honor and respect those you love. For ex, my husband and I honor and serve one another. We show mutual respect and love for one another.
With God we serve the Lord by abiding in him. Trusting him and obeying his Word. I have heard some people often complain of how hard or difficult it is to be a believer or follower of Jesus Christ. The one thing people have to ask is, are you in love with God?. People that follow God out of fear or obligation are not in a real relationship. In fact, it is so false, that God says that in him there is no fear but perfect love.
Who wants to be in a relationship with someone that is only in the relationship for other reasons than love.
God is good that he even teach you how to love if you do not know how. How awesome is that!!!
With God we serve the Lord by abiding in him. Trusting him and obeying his Word. I have heard some people often complain of how hard or difficult it is to be a believer or follower of Jesus Christ. The one thing people have to ask is, are you in love with God?. People that follow God out of fear or obligation are not in a real relationship. In fact, it is so false, that God says that in him there is no fear but perfect love.
Who wants to be in a relationship with someone that is only in the relationship for other reasons than love.
God is good that he even teach you how to love if you do not know how. How awesome is that!!!
Success at Marriage
In order for any marriage to be successful it takes two. In order for any marriage to be a failure it takes two. Marriage is not designed for one person to only consider their self in all things. That is what you would call being single. There is nothing wrong with being single and there is nothing wrong with being married. The key to both is that you are happy.
I have often heard many people complain about married life and unfortunately some result in divorce. I have learned that with anything in life that involves effort, commitment, and patience is worth pursuing. Whether working on a job, pursuing a college degree, or remodeling an old house. Everything requires effort, commitment and patience. Just so with marriage are the same qualities. The only difference with marriage is that it has to be two people that are wanting what it takes to sustain a healthy relationship.
I have learned that in God all things are possible in a marriage, especially if God ordained the marriage.
Here are few rules to what marriage is and what it is not:
Marriage is Marriage is not
communication silent treatment/ holding things inside
giving selfishness
receiving stealing
caring uncaring/insensitive
trusting no trust
compassion no compassion
love hatred/jealously
faithfulness infidelity
comforting non-supportive
dependency independent of spouse/lack of true partnership
worshiping God allowing the enemy to control one another
I have often heard many people complain about married life and unfortunately some result in divorce. I have learned that with anything in life that involves effort, commitment, and patience is worth pursuing. Whether working on a job, pursuing a college degree, or remodeling an old house. Everything requires effort, commitment and patience. Just so with marriage are the same qualities. The only difference with marriage is that it has to be two people that are wanting what it takes to sustain a healthy relationship.
I have learned that in God all things are possible in a marriage, especially if God ordained the marriage.
Here are few rules to what marriage is and what it is not:
Marriage is Marriage is not
communication silent treatment/ holding things inside
giving selfishness
receiving stealing
caring uncaring/insensitive
trusting no trust
compassion no compassion
love hatred/jealously
faithfulness infidelity
comforting non-supportive
dependency independent of spouse/lack of true partnership
worshiping God allowing the enemy to control one another
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Sunday, March 11, 2012
The Help...REVIEW
I finally watched a movie released in 2011 called "The Help". I was so disappointed with this movie, words cannot begin to describe how I felt.
The story-line is about how black maids were treated by their white female bosses, prior to the civil right movements. I thought this movie did nothing but create a stereotype and division of African-American women and white women.
I am not one to believe that racism does not still exist. In fact, it is more powerful now than back in the days of slavery. Today, you have racism among Whites, Blacks, Hispanics, and other cultures. Racism is the most powerful within one's own race.
I was born in 1974. So, fortunately I was not brought up in a time of such chaos. I was also raised by parents that did experience some of those unjust treatments. In fact, I have a personal photo of them standing in hotel across from a sign that reads "Whites Only". I can recall stories they told me of how blacks had to go to separate schools, sit in different areas of restaurants and movie theaters. I was told stories of hate crimes like burning crosses, history of the KKK, Martin Luther King, and the term N____r!
I have always had friends and family that are different in race from White, Black, Indian, Puerto-rican, Mexican, etc.... Just because some individuals were of less intelligence is no reason to be unfair to others.
My parents were never racist or bias of anyone that were different, even though they experienced discrimination. It takes God to heal your heart from such mistreatment. Also, it is left up to a person to believe in their-selves and their own worth instead of what someone else says.
I have learned that it is important not to subject movies that keep the spirit of hatred and injustice popular. It is important to promote a message that incorporates love, growth, and forgiveness...
The story-line is about how black maids were treated by their white female bosses, prior to the civil right movements. I thought this movie did nothing but create a stereotype and division of African-American women and white women.
I am not one to believe that racism does not still exist. In fact, it is more powerful now than back in the days of slavery. Today, you have racism among Whites, Blacks, Hispanics, and other cultures. Racism is the most powerful within one's own race.
I was born in 1974. So, fortunately I was not brought up in a time of such chaos. I was also raised by parents that did experience some of those unjust treatments. In fact, I have a personal photo of them standing in hotel across from a sign that reads "Whites Only". I can recall stories they told me of how blacks had to go to separate schools, sit in different areas of restaurants and movie theaters. I was told stories of hate crimes like burning crosses, history of the KKK, Martin Luther King, and the term N____r!
I have always had friends and family that are different in race from White, Black, Indian, Puerto-rican, Mexican, etc.... Just because some individuals were of less intelligence is no reason to be unfair to others.
My parents were never racist or bias of anyone that were different, even though they experienced discrimination. It takes God to heal your heart from such mistreatment. Also, it is left up to a person to believe in their-selves and their own worth instead of what someone else says.
I have learned that it is important not to subject movies that keep the spirit of hatred and injustice popular. It is important to promote a message that incorporates love, growth, and forgiveness...
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Keeping Up With The Joneses: Hidden Jealously
I am sure you have encountered a person that always seems to make a showcase of themselves. This could be someone in our neighborhood, family, church, or job.
I was raised on the ethics of giving to the less fortunate and be thankful everyday that the ALMIGHTY wakes you up every morning.
There was a time in society when everyone had something in common. Now, everything seems to be a competition on who has more money, clothes, homes, educational background and in some cases more "holiness". Here is my question: What is the big deal?
I have learned that individuals that try to present themselves to more than what they are, suffer from hidden jealous. This means that some individuals try to identify their worth and value into things and people.
So, the next time you come across someone that likes to showcase their money, degrees, family, children, or power status. Remember, they are suffering from "hidden jealously"- a sickness so deadly they are not even aware of it.
I was raised on the ethics of giving to the less fortunate and be thankful everyday that the ALMIGHTY wakes you up every morning.
There was a time in society when everyone had something in common. Now, everything seems to be a competition on who has more money, clothes, homes, educational background and in some cases more "holiness". Here is my question: What is the big deal?
I have learned that individuals that try to present themselves to more than what they are, suffer from hidden jealous. This means that some individuals try to identify their worth and value into things and people.
So, the next time you come across someone that likes to showcase their money, degrees, family, children, or power status. Remember, they are suffering from "hidden jealously"- a sickness so deadly they are not even aware of it.
Friday, March 9, 2012
Speak and believe your own destiny...
How often do you read or hear about someone that succumb to defeat or failure. In my personal experience, I have learned that you must control and determine your own personal destiny.
My mother always said, "you can do whatever you want, as long as you put your mind to it". Those words have given me hope and comfort throughout my life.
I can remember going through an extremely rough period in my life. I was battling with depression over the death of my mother in the year 2000. I would say about 2 years after my mother's death, it seemed as though everything in my life was spinning out of control. I had no focus or thought for anything. I guess you could say I was living by the day. I had lost my job, car, apartment, and self-esteem. So, before I knew it, I was seeking the real me in what other's thought of me, instead of what I thought of me. I battled with this for nearly 12 years.
The bible literally saved my life and God's spirit began to slowly bring me back to life. I soon began to cut off unhealthy relationships that were toxic to my soul, which included certain family members. I began to start believing in me. However, it did not come without a price. I went through a phase of brokenness.
I thank God that he kept my mind from obstacles that could have destroyed me. I soon began to start pursuing the goals and desires I wanted, not what others wanted.
It is possible to believe the impossible, for with God all things are possible.
Preaching on Facebook
Okay, it is one thing to express your faith or encourage someone. It is entirely different to start forcing your beliefs on others or condemning someone for not believing in your beliefs.
I initially started on Facebook to connect with high school and college classmates. Facebook was also beneficial for me connecting with long distance family. Currently, I enjoy playing some of the Facebook games such as "Farmville" and "It Girl". I also enjoy being a part of some groups on Facebook that promote awareness, education, and growth. Plus, it is great to chat with my family and friends.
Lately, I have noticed that individuals on my page are starting to preach and condemn, more than encourage. Again, religious people feel that Facebook is some type of pulpit for them throw around their foolish doctrines that have nothing to do with Christianity. Yes, I could simply remove them but I have a reason to keep them. It helps me in my faith walk not to do the things as religious people. After all, the bible does declare to love your enemies and keep them close (Luke 6).
Facebook is a great tool for networking in different areas like education, politics, religion, and entertainment. However, it should not be intended for personal attacks on one's beliefs, lifestyle, or culture.
I initially started on Facebook to connect with high school and college classmates. Facebook was also beneficial for me connecting with long distance family. Currently, I enjoy playing some of the Facebook games such as "Farmville" and "It Girl". I also enjoy being a part of some groups on Facebook that promote awareness, education, and growth. Plus, it is great to chat with my family and friends.
Lately, I have noticed that individuals on my page are starting to preach and condemn, more than encourage. Again, religious people feel that Facebook is some type of pulpit for them throw around their foolish doctrines that have nothing to do with Christianity. Yes, I could simply remove them but I have a reason to keep them. It helps me in my faith walk not to do the things as religious people. After all, the bible does declare to love your enemies and keep them close (Luke 6).
Facebook is a great tool for networking in different areas like education, politics, religion, and entertainment. However, it should not be intended for personal attacks on one's beliefs, lifestyle, or culture.
Freedom or Bondage
Galatians 3, gives a detailed description of how some people in the church were bewitched or put under a spell to lead them away from the faith in Jesus Christ.
How often have some of us witnessed extreme behavior with religious people in our childhood or presently. I grew up in a Methodist church were little of the gospel was mentioned. It was not until my late 20's, I began to seek an understanding of God. I grew up always believing that you go to church every Sunday; play no worldly music on Sunday; and treat people right, when you die you go to Heaven. The most I can every recall about Jesus Christ was Easter egg hunts and a man that died and came back to life on the third day. But there was no emphasis on why he died or forgiveness of sins.
My concept of God was this big creator in the sky, no existence of Hell or sin was brought to my attention. Well! I am a living witness that all of it was a lie!
I could never understand why some people would go to church on Sunday, shout and cry, then act like the devil soon as service was over. Simply answer, not born again believers but believers of church doctrine by man. At least, I can honestly say I was a devil everyday until I came into knowledge of the truth.
Being free in God means having sound mind, power, and love without fear(2 Tim 1:7). So, why are so many "Christians" walking around with attitudes and sour faces? They are not free but bound to religion. The bible often calls them "wolves in sheep's clothing"(Matt 7:15).
Loving and living for God means you are free to be happy and at peace, even in the midst of tribulations. Jesus said all you have to do is have faith the size of a mustard seed and keep his commandments. Simple right? So, why do some church folk and preachers make salvation seem so difficult. Because they are not lovers of Jesus or born-again believers of the faith.
How often have some of us witnessed extreme behavior with religious people in our childhood or presently. I grew up in a Methodist church were little of the gospel was mentioned. It was not until my late 20's, I began to seek an understanding of God. I grew up always believing that you go to church every Sunday; play no worldly music on Sunday; and treat people right, when you die you go to Heaven. The most I can every recall about Jesus Christ was Easter egg hunts and a man that died and came back to life on the third day. But there was no emphasis on why he died or forgiveness of sins.
My concept of God was this big creator in the sky, no existence of Hell or sin was brought to my attention. Well! I am a living witness that all of it was a lie!
I could never understand why some people would go to church on Sunday, shout and cry, then act like the devil soon as service was over. Simply answer, not born again believers but believers of church doctrine by man. At least, I can honestly say I was a devil everyday until I came into knowledge of the truth.
Being free in God means having sound mind, power, and love without fear(2 Tim 1:7). So, why are so many "Christians" walking around with attitudes and sour faces? They are not free but bound to religion. The bible often calls them "wolves in sheep's clothing"(Matt 7:15).
Loving and living for God means you are free to be happy and at peace, even in the midst of tribulations. Jesus said all you have to do is have faith the size of a mustard seed and keep his commandments. Simple right? So, why do some church folk and preachers make salvation seem so difficult. Because they are not lovers of Jesus or born-again believers of the faith.
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