When Tragedy Takes The Stage

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/7499442

In the news of late, there has been a story developing from the shooting of a NFL player, Sean Taylor. The above link is from an article written by a writer out of Kansas City, named Jason Whitlock. This article has been a proverbial lightning rod since it hit the net. I have heard a couple of interviews with Whitlock on the radio. One of the interviews was conducted by a local morning show here in Houston. The morning show hosts were a bit upset and I guess they decided to take a run at Whitlock, who for the most part was not the least bit intimidate or stumped. In fact, the hosts for this morning show were the ones who were stumped. Whitlock introduced some food for thought and the hosts had to resort to making jokes as opposed to really debating the issue that they accused Whitlock of doing which was blaming hip hop for the murder of Sean Taylor. I recently discussed with a friend the idea or concept that we in the Black community "wink" at our selves in our questionable behavior. I cannot refute what Whitlock is saying, however I wonder what purpose does he serve ultimately. Will he get a nod from whites who generally believe the same thing or will he get a nod from upstanding citizens in our community who feel the same way. I cannot be mad at Whitlock for his takes on our plight in the community. I dont know if attacking rappers will save lives in the long run. Its a pickle indeed but it is what it is. Self assessment is necessary for all people but for one reason or another we don't like to call a spade a spade. Its unfortunate, prayfully some dialogue will begin to take place among our people because we need each other regardless of music tastes.

To Finish Something in Life

In life itself, there are many things that we start. We start school, we start jobs, and we start families for example. Yet, it is not guaranteed that we will finish any of those things. I used to scratch my head at why some schools have kindergarten graduation. Now, I understand. Its about climbing levels and finishing something you start. Just last night, I completed the course work required to recieve my Bachelor's degree. It was a sigh of relief, it was a time of happiness, it was also sad. The Lord has blessed me tremendously. I am so grateful to God for the people in my life who helped me along the way. I have many good and bad memories of school itself. I remember Brenda and Spring, two women who I worked with first in school on learning teams. I remember, Crystal, another woman who I became friends with over our debates about life, family and school. I remember Mr. Sandoval, one my earliest teachers who is no longer among the living. I remember so many people who have touched my life. Now today is a new day and I am just as excited and scared as I was that first day way back in 2003. Foolishly, I did not count the cost, when I started school. I knew that there were challenges but at the end of the day, I did not know how much I would have to pay, in time, in sacrifice and money. Yet, it was worth every frustrating moment. One night in particular at school, I remember sitting in my car, recently after my separation from my wife and crying. I wanted to give up. I wanted to quit. I wanted to run away, but God and school taught me the value of finishing what I started. I started many things in my life but failed to finish many of them. In the bible, Jesus tells us that importance of finishing. His last words on the cross are reported to have been "It is finished". The work that He came to do was completed. He no longer had to endure suffering and persecution in the process of completing the work His Heavenly Father had assigned Him to do. It will be well with us to complete the work we have been assigned to in life. There is no quitting. Quitters often languish in life. It is the one who endures that inherits and is blessed. "Blessed are they that endureth, for they shall inherit all things". My small accomplishment is great in the eyes of God, because it is what He ordained for my life. Now, the real work begins. I encourage one and all to endure. Struggle and strive. Last night, a word came to me. It was this. "You will never be good without striving for excellence". It has a double meaning. You will never receive a good grade (B), without striving for an (A). If I dont labor to recieve an A, at least, I will not recieve a B. Both A and B are the best grades one can recieve in school. Mediocrity and being average will never produce good or excellence. In order to finish something in life, you must ascribe to that principle.

Learning from my Mistakes

Divorce is one great big educator. At least for me that has been the case. It was really something else. After being divorced only 3 months ago I have slithered into the acceptance stage reluctantly. Yet, experience has been the greatest education anyone can recieve. The bible says in Ephesians that every man leave mother and father and cleave to his wife. Cleaving has been my problem. Ironically, I have tried to cleave too little too late. When one makes mistakes, all one can do is try to learn from them. If there is a next time for this ol guy then I will certainly cleave with all my heart. I have encouragement in that I can tell guys or girls that they can make it, despite how they feel. If I tell someone to leave, then I am only perpetuating a destructive cycle. If one knows how to put away selfishness then one can certainly save a marriage on the rocks. God loves marriage, its divorce that He hates. I too now hate divorce because I know what can happen when one goes through it. I know that with God all things are possible. Especially when you learn from your mistakes.