Love for one Another

John 13:34-35 "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved , that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."

This scripture brings to mind a believer's responsibility to love. Loving people is not always easy but it is best. Christ gives us a litmus test that proves whether or not we are His disciples. We must have love for one another. The key point is being able to get that love to one another. It can be in a kind gesture, a favor, a blessing. These things are easy to do for those who have your affections. What about those who do not? Take the president for example, do you love him? Some would say yes and others would say no. Though I do not agree with most of the things the president of the United States says or does, I must have love for him as a disciple of Jesus the Christ. Though many of us will never meet the president, how can we have love for him? Prayer is one of the most important aspect of our Christian walk. The bible commands us to pray for our leaders. Most people cannot however pray for someone they despise or hate. Yet, Christ has laid it out for us. Give the love I have given to you to those around you, because this will speak as to whether or not you are listening and following God. Just something to think about. So the next time George Bush or any president for that matter says or does something you do not like, I highly suggest that you pray and not just despise the man.

Katrina Remembered

This day marks the 2nd anniversary of the hurricane Katrina that swept the gulf coast. The people of New Orleans and parts of Mississippi are continuing to rebuild despite the weak efforts of FEMA and the U.S. government.The Tom Joyner Show broadcasted this morning from New Orleans at a local charter school. One reoccuring question resounded. "Where is the money?" I have a few questions myself. Where is the accounting of the Clinton Bush relief fund? Where is the money that the Red Cross accumulated. Word is that the Red Cross took some of the money and have held it in reserve the "next one". Old Dubya was in town, and though I didn't hear his address, I can imagine it was ring around the rosey type speech. A co-worker of mine, from New Orleans just recently went back home. He was fortunate and blessed to be able to get his home rebuilt. However, many homes in the lower 9th ward continue to lay in ruins. People are paying rent in FEMA trailors and Im scratching my head behind that one. Oh lets not forget the cost of rent and real estate in New Orleans has tripled in price. Not only that, but New Orleans, as reported by Bishop D. Brister claims that now New Orleans is filled with Mexicans who came to work in New Orleans. The people who wanted to rebuild New Orleans however, could not get jobs. Its a crying shame. Of course also, the levees are still not up to hurricane catagory 5 winds. I applaud the people of New Orleans for their ability to survive and over come the tragedy that they experienced. Its crazy down there but God willing they will continue to perservere.

What in the Hell is going on with the Church?

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20418259/

Okay, first it was Bishop Thomas Weeks and Juanita Bynum, now its Randy and Paula White. Okay, Randy did not put his hands on Paula but the two are getting a divorce. Something is going on the church. Some of the people with major platforms are now taking major hits. Now having gone through a divorce myself, I would not dare put myself as being better than anyone, but I will tell you, its hell getting a divorce. After all God hates divorce. I regret mine own, but now you have high profile people with a huge ministry going through this. Many people will leave and many will leave the church just because. Now things are going to be very interesting here on out. This scares me. Real Talk.

Dear Black Woman

This a poem I have written in tribute to those beautiful Black women. All of them. You are something special in my heart.

Dear Black Woman,
From before the time I emerged from the womb of a Black mother,I have always needed you.
You have been a puzzle to my mind,a piece to my heart,a friend to my soul,a nurturer to my body.I have always needed you.
Somewhere along the way called life,I forgot somethings along this crooked path.When I look at you,I see a reflection of my deeds,I see a reflection of my greed,I see a reflection of my needs.I have always needed you.
You gave me my first meal,You gave me my first kiss,You gave me my first hug,You gave me my first laugh.I have always needed you.
I remember the first gift I ever recieved,it was a cookie from a girl named Teresa in Lubbock, Texas nearly 35 years ago.Though I have met many Black women andshare my space, my time, and my bed,names I barely remember,but I always will remember her.You see I have always needed you.
Though my heart has been tainted,my deeds have been tainted,I have foolishly misused and abused the very one,who God gave me to love,I cry late into the night,fighting with myself to make things right,excuse me if I seem a bit skitzo,because I dont always understand you,I just know one thing I have always needed you.
For every sister who suffered from oppression,depression, posession, subjection, and infection,I weep for you.Black woman, I tire sometimes just trying to love you past your pain.Trying to provide a umbrella filled with holes to keep you from the rain,I am feeble and frustrated, fallen with shame.Calling you things other than your name.Oh God... I am dying inside from genocide,mentacide, and suicide all because of my pride...But I have always needed you.
I attempt to apologize but it seems so empty,I attempt to apologize but it seems so empty,I attempt to apologize but it seems so empty,Yet it is all I have left,I am sorry I am sorry I am sorryThere is nothing else in me but a longingfor your smile while walk past me,for your laughter while walk past me,for you hug while you walk past me,For you are my sister, my mother, my auntie,my grandmother, my lover, my friend.I have always needed you.I have always needed you.I have always needed you.I write this to you in hopes of being restored.I write this to you in hopes of being forgiven.I write this to you in hopes of being made whole.For I am nothing...without you.
Sincerely,One Black Man.
Richard J Wright (2007)

Mafia Style Hits Astros

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2993335

Well, Uncle Drayton, decided to put two hot slugs in his leadership today. Though the move is not unexpected, it is humorous given the Astros recent celebration of the retirement of #5's Jeff Bagwell. This season has been ridiculous and forgetful except for Craig Biggio's 3000th hit. Leave it up to Uncle Drayton to cap his general manager and baseball manager, the same day right after last night's celebration. Some people blame Drayton McClain as well for the Astros bottomless pit ride. Well, he certainly isn't going to fire himself. Duh. While the central division is the weakest division in baseball; one may take note that the World Series Champs, the St. Louis Cardinals is in the division. Isn't that ironic? Truth of the matter is the Biggio Bagwell regime is over and now we have a new interim manager and general manager at the helm. Cecil Cooper, a Black man is now the manager. I wont even go there, because given the Astros history of keeping brothers on staff is flaming retarded as well. But, that's another story. Tal Smith, another culprit in the Astros losing season fiasco will conduct general manager duties. Will the Astros keep the brother on for next season? I doubt it. I hope so, but like this season, Im simply confused. Stay tuned. Oh yeah, before somebody thinks Dusty Baker has a shot, I can hear Drayton locking and loading already.

Going green?

Okay. I am a tad bit upset right now. I get to school to find out they now charging us to use the copy machine. 10 cents per page. Now, to some of you thats not a big deal. Well when are paying enormous money for credit hours, you would think that would be apart of the tution. Not anymore. They have decided to go "green" what ever the hell that means. I guess the green stands for the green in our pocket. I can not stand those who fleece the sheep with no shame. The University of Phoenix in Houston should be ashamed of themselves. I'm irritated with the fact that this same copier last week was not even working. The resource center is real empty tonight, I wonder why.

she's so flyy: meme weekend- randomness

she's so flyy: meme weekend- randomness

Alright Muse,
i dont know if im doing this right or having any business doing it but here goes nothing...

Accent Yeah being from the south, I have a country accent, its not thick but I do have a drawl.

Drink Soda... orange juice... water... kool aid (tha purple kind) lol

chore I hate washing clothes

pets none (i love dogs, but they are a headache at times)

essential electronics my cellphone and computer

perfume My favorite now is Tommy Bahamas, but that David Beckham is nice, Prada is good, hella expensive...
far as sisters go... I do like J-Lo, and any thing out of victoria secret

gold or silver im old school gold all day

insomnia i am a nite creature

job title truck driver

most admired trait physical uh.. some sisters like my eyes, they say they are bedroom eyes... (i do use them to flirt) lol
personality i am comedian for the most part with a big heart for people in general

kids one daughter, Ashley i did have step children (3) but when their mother stepped, they did too. (lol)

religion (non denominational)

siblings one brother (thank God!)

time i wake up (5:45 am during week, 8:30 on weekends)

unusual talent/skill (i cant say that here)

vegetable I refuse to eat beets ugh

worst habit procrastination

my favorite meal bbq ribs with french fries

Texans Win

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/5084030.html

Well, the Texas did that. They looked sharp and looks like we are going to see more wins this season than years past. The running game looks real good. Now will we beat Indy in a meaningful game. Heh, lets not be delirious but Texans fan do have a good season to look forward to.

Relationship Residue

Relationships have a tendency of wanning after awhile. When a relationship ends, many things take place. Complacency, bitterness, anger, joy, etc. Often times a relationship dies only when those people in the relationship cease to embrace. People fall out all the time, but that does not mean the relationship dies. However, when the relationship does die; trouble can follow. One person may be trapped in time. Another may just move on without consent or thought of the other or others. In the church, people come and people go. Some just stop going because of sin, bitterness or straight up rebellion. In these instances we are to "restore such a one in the spirit of meekness". Too often, pride prevents this from happening. In marriage, when divorce takes place those people involved are angry and bitter. I had the distinct pleasure of attending a course ordered by the court when I took custody of my daughter. It was a course on "children and divorce". There were people there who were angry and people who were pleasant with one another who were getting a divorce. It was weird. I am in a situation with my ex-wife where we are "friends". Will be the best of friends? Probably over the span of time, not. Its really just residue. I dont know if we will ever reconcile. I am hopeful as far as God is concern but my ex isn't trying to hear that. So I let bygones be bygones. Its easy to slip into a "friends with benefits type mode" but in the long run, it will serve nothing but a waste of time. Sometimes its just best to let the residue dry up and move on from there. If you are in are relationship like this, its just best to let it die, so if God desires ressurrect it, He can without our mess being the catalyst. God will not share His glory with anyone. Therefore, if God will get the glory, its best to let Him work and let our work cease.

The goodness of change...

When things begin to change, there is nothing more to do except adjust with the climate. No matter what is going on in your life, there will be changes, modifications, upgrades, downgrades, transitions, evolution and periods of assessment. The whole idea is to keep your head through the processes of life itself. Somethings can be overwhelming, yet nothing can overtake you. Things can only overtake you when you let it. Its unfortunate sometimes how you try your best to be better only to receive the same results. The truth is that is a form of insanity. When you find yourself in those elements, its time to change. Life is wrapped up in seasons. We will all experience them; winter, spring, summer and fall. Spiritually and emotionally we will find ourselves there. Many people do not have the wearwithall to handle such changes, yet God has equipped each of us to do so. It takes courage to face each season. There will be dry seasons, seasons of death and life. Its a fact. You really find out a lot about yourself when you are under pressure. How do you adjust? Pressure has been known to take out people. Yet, those of us who are able to survive, can look back and encourage those who have been there. Life hits harder than any gun or bat. It is up to us to get back up and keep going. Ultimately, the obtaining of knowledge, wisdom, and understanding lies there. It has been said that experience is the best teacher. I concur. One can never get to wrapped up in where they are, because soon or later the climate will change. When those changes in the climate occur it is based upon the attitudes of those in the climate that will determine their ability to move from that climate or season to the next one. I like to use the analogy of the leather coat. A leather coat looks good and is nice to wear when its cold, but its not beneficial in the heat. Living in Houston, the heat can be oppresive but when the temperature dips into the high 50s you can see people wearing them as if they were in Chicago or something. When the temperature changes, the garments we wear change. Sometimes we can be stubborn and resist change. However, God is not impressed by our resistance. No matter how much you hate winter, winter is going to come, so get over it and dress accordingly

Something We all Need to Know

Psalm 121:1-4

I will lift up my eyes to the hills from whence comes my help?

My help comes from the Lord. Who made heaven and earth.

He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber.

Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber not sleep.

Its a beautiful thing to know that God is on the job. No matter what I am going through, God is always aware. He doesn't require sleep as we do. He knows exactly where we are and how He is going to bring us through our storms in life. I thought I would share this because it just a good thing to know. God is charge and in control! So do not worry yourself sick, God will always be God.

Juanita Bynum Weeks Assaulted

http://www.knowmoremedia.com/2007/08/juanita_bynum_assaulted_by_tho.html

Well,

Just when I thought I had heard it all, something surprises me. Prophetess Juanita Bynum Weeks was assaulted by her husband Bishop Weeks. The "Bishop" apparently lost his mind and beat his wife 4 o' clock in the morning at a hotel in Atlanta. What is going on? They had one of the most extravangant weddings ever produced, built a great marriage ministry, etc. The brother now has a warrant out for his arrest for felony assault. I feel so bad for the sister. She has had a tough life, endured many hardships, and now after supposedly finding her ideal mate, he turns out to be a batterer. Its a shame and it leaves you speechless. I know we are all human and we make mistakes. Yet, one has to wonder what happened. Fear is a monster. Lord help us. Pray for Prophetess Bynum Weeks and definitely pray for Bishop Weeks because he is going to go through something terrible.

So Much for That

Well, I finally got the nerve up to open the letter from my lawyer's office. It was the divorce decree. I was somewhat disturbed. Yeah, I already knew that I was divorce but legal documents have a way of making things "real". I was sad, angry, confused and disturbed nonetheless. Some will say that Its a brand new day, there are new opportunities yada yada yada. The problem is I wanted my wife back. I worked at it and acknowledged my faults but she still wanted the divorce. I never got married to get divorced and yet it happened. Oh well, even a broken clock is right twice a day. So much for that.

The Micheal Vick Tragedy

Unless someone has been under a rock, you have no doubtedly have heard the mishaps of Micheal Vick, Atlanta Falcons quarterback. Accused of being a ringleader in a dogfighting ring. Which has the dubious distinction of being a criminal enterprise. It is sad day to think that a millionaire, who is young, black and gifted; finds himself with so much down time that he decides to invest in training dogs to fight. The paperwork which can be viewed on www.thesmokinggun.com , details the devestating evidence that was leveled at Micheal Vick and some of his friends. The Feds who headed up the investigation have some incredulous information. Well, so much for friendship. Vick's pals began to throw him under the bus as soon as there was a sign of jail time on the horizon. Its unfortunate, because of the NFL's most talented quaterback now stands to spend at least a year and half in jail because he made a bonehead decision. Sportcenter will not be the same.

For Better or Worse

As I prepare to graduate next month, I sometimes think about my marriage. Initially, I wanted to be a blessing to my wife, her kids and my daughter. Now that I'm officially divorced (final papers came today in the mail). I do not have that opportunity. I went through a lot of emotions and setbacks during my time in school. I wonder what would have happened if I had decided to stay, instead of leaving. I felt I had no choice at the time. If I would have thought long and hard about my vows, maybe that would have sustained me. The portion which states "for better or worse" should have been my response instead I decided to protest. I had a conversation with my mother about it and she thinks I should be happy because she thinks my ex did not want to be married. The truth is, I am not happy about it. What is success if you cannot share it with those you love. My daughter, if the Lord says the same will be blessed yet, my ex and her kids will kind of be on the outside looking in. I tried to reconcile but I was unsuccessful. I can only imagine how I will feel when I go across the stage. It will be bitter sweet. I did this for her and our family. Yet, even now as I type this blog; there will be a sadness about it all. It is funny how things work out. I really know now what my vows means. Its just too bad that I found out too late. God forgive me.

The Fear of Fear Itself

You have heard the old saying, there is nothing to fear but fear itself. That is very true. Those of us who claim the old rugged cross, know that fear has no place in the life a believer. Yet, since we are people, fear is a challenge sometimes to over come. Some will say that they fear no man, but rest assured they all fear something. There are many kinds of fear. Fear of failure, fear of success, fear of family perception. There are all kinds of things. The scriptures teach us that God did not give us a spirit of fear but of love and sound mind. Having a sound mind, means nothing can overtake us. 9/11 was interesting because people in America found out something about themselves. They were vulnerable and fear gripped their hearts. Churches all over were packed with confused and fearful people. Nowadays those same people have left the churches and gone back to the lives that they once held onto. Fear has a tendency to drive people away from their territories, their inheritances, their God given rights. Just look at the Patriot Act, a licence for the government to throw away the constitution. If you ask me, the people now really have something to fear. As for the born again, blood bought, fire baptised believer there is nothing to fear except fear itself.

The Trouble of weekends

You know sometimes the weekend is the worst time. Maybe if I had more than two days off I would be appreciative. In a few hours I gotta get up and go work. Thats a blessing in itself but I could use another day off. I would call in sick, but Im out of sick days. Plus I dont want to work if I do get sick. I dont know. Have you ever called in sick only to wish you was at work later on? I am probably the only human being who has ever felt that way. I have issues. Pray for me.

The so-called life of friendships

You know something has been missing from my life lately. Friendship. Being now divorced and dealing with a woman who wants to be friends is like the consolation prize. Hurray. Anyway, I do need to find some friends to be around. Its ridiculous how some of the friends I have are just too busy. I almost called a friend tonight and then I realized that 9 out 10 times she would be tired or working. You know how depressing it is to speak to someone who is always tired? Lord knows I love her but no one should work that much. We are talking about 15 to 20 hours overtime. Ridiculous. I have another friend who returns calls after about 72 hours. People are just too busy. The truth is people find time for those who are interested in the same things. If you know the person a is a happy hour type person, then meeting them at happy hour is not a problem. Its weird like that. I have been thinking of the friendship I lost about 7 years ago. I was friends with a guy for like twenty plus years and we fell out. I always said that friendships are like batteries, some just last longer than others.

When Starting Over is Scary

I have a confession. I am recently divorced. The thing about divorce is that sometimes based on your experience, it will leave you feeling like a loser. You start to wonder whether or not something is wrong with you. (actually this is true to an extent) The bummer is being able to get on your feet and get back into the relationship race. Now, honestly I am not looking forward to it. Of course if someone like a Halle Berry meets Jill Scott meets Juanita Bynum Weeks sister comes walking along hey... I am not mad at all. How practical is that? Not at all. Sometimes a person's excitement can get the best of them. You begin to think about the next girl and how will she look or be. You automatically compare her to your ex. Its human nature to do so. Then you have to get passed the skeletons, the drama and the whole nine yards to get to the real person. That is traumatic at times. Yet, you hope for the best. I can be shallow and retarded at times. What man isn't? Yet, we know that above all. We want peace. Now as far as the ex goes, depending on your breakup things can be well or worrisome. I dont want my ex to date. Hey shoot me. Im extremely loyal and jealous. I think any good man would be, unless he doesnt care who the person he once shared time and space is with. I was a bit angry at the whole thing but life happens and you move on. Fortunately for me, we are friends. Yet, I know that when her mister wonderful comes calling, the phone calls will stop. Its cool. Its divorce. It sucks. I dont care how bad some people make marriage out to be. It is the greatest thing God made for man. People are selfish and they are the ones that make marriage hell. Other than that, its cool. My ex approached me with the idea that we should be friends with benefits. I paused and laughed at that because thats what I thought marriage was. Anyhow, you live and learn. People are people and they make mistakes, miscues, missteps and everything. Starting over is not depressing but it can be scary. Maybe thats why it can be depressing. Lord Knows. I laughed with a friend when I told her that I guess I had better hit the supermarkets because Im told old to go into a club. Instead I will take it one day at a time. After all. Thats all any of us have, right?

Has the church out lived its usefulness?

I had an interesting conversation about the church on last night. A young lady informed me that she did not need the church. She stated that the church is for those people who need it. When I asked why she felt it wasn't neccessary, she said that people are actually being hurt by the church and people are even hating God because of it. It was disturbing by an honest answer from someone who felt that way. I informed her that God established the church. She wasn't moved by that fact. She knows scripture and she even declared that spiritually you can be in a place where you dont need to go and hear the word. It's a interesting thing to hear something like that. I feel its dangerous but I do believe that there is something to her mindset. If we are not careful, the enemy will utilize that kind of thinking into getting us to believe we dont need the church. There are a few doctrines today that have misled people into thinking like this. Its a dangerous thing. My pastor a few years ago told me that most people know enough bible to make them dangerous. That is a incredible but disturbing fact.

Has the church out lived its usefulness?

When did the main thing stop becoming the main thing?

In Christian circles, the idea of preaching the gospel has somewhat been relegated to only a few. Preachers who are on television are not talking about salvation. At least when I watch it. Evangelism is only discussed on specialized programming. See way of the master with Kirk Cameron. Why have many preachers left the story of the death, burial, & ressurection? Could it be its boring? Or could it be an agenda set forth to distract people from the truth of the gospel message. Yeah you know where Im going? Why have prosperity messages become the norm? I will begin to do some research and share my findings. I do not want to assume that no one is talking about gospel. However, something fishy isn't going on. (pun intended). Stay Tuned.