SERIOUSLY, Can We Talk?

Friday, September 4, 2020

ARE YOU TIRED YET? Try Some Goose Sense!

Follow my example, as I follow
the example of Christ
(I Corinthians 11:1 NIV)

Remember when children played outside and you had to make them come in the house? Yeah, me too! Now it's the other way around. You have to threaten bodily harm to get them out in the fresh air (can't put the cell phones and video games down)! And that was BEFORE the Pandemic!

One thing keeping me emotionally and physically stable as this virus goes on has been getting outdoors! I walk or bike nearly every day. Just me and Jesus bopping down the street trying to see what's new and interesting in the neighborhood.

Today I saw this and thought I'd share a thought or two on how a simple scene in nature can impart a bit of wisdom and a clear perspectives on what's happening in the world today!

SAFETY DEPENDS ON GOOD LEADERSHIP!

My apologies if the above video didn't play. I'm still working on my social media skills, but hopefully you saw something that looked like this! Yep, it's those darn Canadian geese crossing the road again! One right behind the other. No pushing and shoving. Falling right in line orderly and peaceful. And their leader? He (or she) is patiently waiting until all make it to the other side! I think there's a lesson in that!

My Friends, if we're going to get to other side of the chaos we're experiencing today we need some good old fashion, goose sense! Each day I think TODAY will be different! Somebody will have learned to keep their mouth shut! TODAY, someone will say ENOUGH! It's not about politics, or whether the stock market is up or down, it's about people in pain! TODAY, before I shoot, or choke, or maim another person....I'll just take a moment to see if there's another way to work this out.

Follow the Leader was one of the games we'd play once we got out in that fresh air, I spoke of earlier. I don't know if kids still play it, but I sure hope they're keeping it on the playground and not trying to imitate real life! Folks, We are in a Real leadership drought!

We're hard put to point to any facet of our society where sin and corruption has not infiltrated. Not an institution that has not traded its moral compass for greed and power. And maybe that's exactly what our Omniscient God wants us to see...there's another way!

I saw it in the geese today.

SURVIVAL DEPENDS ON UNITY!

GEESE ARE LOYAL - Often mating for life, they are not swayed by selfish agendas. They have an innate purpose to fulfill and they stick with it. Geese take turns leading. They live and survive as a unit keeping their mates and offsprings safe.

GEESE ARE PROTECTIVE - Every gaggle of geese has a sentry or two that is on the look out for predators and when one comes near they warn the others by honking (sounding an alarm). They do not leave their sick or injured behind, often delaying flight until they are able to continue with them. Their goal is to preserve life for another generation.

GEESE WORK AND SUPPORT EACH OTHER - We've all seen the iconic "V" formation of geese flying south for the winter. It's not just a pretty design. Forming this pattern reduces the energy needed to keep every goose in flight. It assures that the trip is not too exhausting for any one of them. The leader rotates from front to back cheering and encouraging the others to keep going and maintain their speed on long flights.

Winter is coming. We need to prepare.

The next time you get down on your knees to pray, ask God to give you Spiritual Insight on how to survive. Where to place your loyalty. Who to depend on for sustenance and support. FORGET ALL THIS NONSENSE...ASK GOD FOR SOME GOOSE SENSE!

UNTIL NEXT TIME...

If you would like to leave a comment please send an email to: sisters4sisters@att.net OR scroll to the bottom of my blog page at http://alittlewiser63.blogspot.com click on the no comments by the pencil and it will change to a writing space.

Monday, August 17, 2020

What I MISS About Church during the Pandemic...and A Few Things I DON'T!!

Forsake not the assembling of yourselves...
(Hebrews 10:25)

My church gradually opened up to attendees this past month and so far it's been going well!
It's still a bit strange for some. We have strict regimens in place, and although it's God's House, safety still comes first. I'm so grateful to our leadership for that mindset!

The Attendees Feedback So Far? lt has been a GREAT worship experience!

I'm still worshiping from home via Live Stream, Zoom, Teleconferences, YouTube and any other means I can find to keep me connected to God's Word, fellowship and the prayer support of mature saints. All are needed to ensure my continuous spiritual growth (Acts 2:42)

My Personal Feedback? It has been a GREAT worship experience!

So, why is my faith being questioned because I'm not holding down a pew, six feet apart, masked up, waving to fellow parishioners across the sanctuary, one hour a week? No one comes right out and says this, but we all know Church Folks are Masters of Innuendos!

DOES GOING TO CHURCH MAKE
YOU A GOOD CHRISTIAN?

Church Folks not Christians, mind you, are the ones I'm referring to...so don't get your panties in a wad....one must make the distinction. We all know that just because you go to church doesn't mean you believe or live out the Word that is taught there! (James 1:22)

I do miss fellowshipping with Mature Christians, but Church Folks? Not so much! Those are the ones who say: Please, please pray for ALL those who are STILL TOO AFRAID of the virus to come back to church! OR, God is SOVEREIGN, if you're going to catch COVID-19, you might as well get it at church! OR, the preacher and choir (both who have been faithfully ministering every Sunday for years, even on Sundays you thought nothing about missing) has NEVER PREACHED or PRAISED like this before!!!

The use of excessive superlatives to describe the church service wasn't really meant to glorify God but ignite F.O.M.O. (Fear of missing out) in non-attendees. If you sincerely miss traditional worship or feel a bit left out this my friend doesn't help. You could easily begin to experience false guilt for a decision you had every right to make for yourself.

There are two passages of scriptures that I'd like to share with True Christians, Church Folks, or Anyone who may be going through a faith attack during this Pandemic. You're probably familiar with both of them but a closer look may be helpful:

And let us consider one another in order to stir up

love and good works, not forsaking the assembling

of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but

exhorting one another, and so much the more as you

see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:24-25)

Quoted often but usually out of context, the above scripture's emphasis is not so much about church attendance but falling away from a faith in Jesus Christ alone. In this case, Jewish believers tempted to go back to Judaism because they thought the practices i.e., animal sacrifices, keeping rituals and the Mosaic law were essential to their salvation!

If anyone believes that a church service will save your soul or keep you holy, there's a bit more bible studying that needs to be done. Preferably during the week before Sunday. Yes, the church provides strength, accountability, and training through the Word of God but the great work of faith is done in your personal, private, and public life. (2 Peter 3:18)

Another point worth mentioning is the admonition to Christians to do three things whether in the church or not: (a) Stir up love; (b) do good works; (c) exhort or encourage other Christians. I don't know about your church but I've seen these three acts displayed consistently, even before the Pandemic. Brothers and sisters outside the walls of the building, putting in the sweat equity of love to help others and glorify God in service!

PREPARING TO FEED THE COMMUNITY

WITH FREE FOOD GIVE-AWAY

The third part of the verse speaks of encouraging other saints! During this Pandemic when attending church services at my church, fellowshipping is prohibited once the service is over! No time to meet and greet or have a casual conversation with a fellow saint. This again is a precautionary measure. A team cleans and sanitizes between services to assure parishioners who come next have the confidence they need to enjoy their time of praise and worship.

No fellowshipping is allowed on the church grounds, but what a great time to call, FaceTime, send cards, drop off lunch or groceries to those still sheltering-in-place. A quick chat with face mask on and social distancing in the open air, on a porch or in a driveway can be both safe and up lifting. And don't forget to pray before leaving! God hears and answers virtual prayers every day, any where!

The book of Romans, chapter 14 is another passage that bears a second look when the temptation comes to judge another Christians's faith:

Who are you to judge another's servant? To his own

master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made

to stand, for God is able to make him stand.

One person esteems one day above another, another

esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced

in his own mind. (Romans 14: 4-5)

When, where, and how a Christian honors God in worship is a matter of conscience and sincerity of the heart. The Lord alone determines what is acceptable and believe me if it is not pleasing, righteous, or in order, The Holy Spirit will let you know.

One of the things that I don't miss about Sunday church service is the time wasted on deciding what to wear! I was raised like many of you to look your best when going to the Lord's house. Not necessarily fashionable, but clean, pressed and with clothes that are modest and fit well. So, I admit, I care how I look and don't just throw anything on!

Now that I'm worshipping at home I can be a bit more casual, and I have to admit if not careful will get too casual (I'm working on that!) But in my mind, I'm still in the Lord's presence and act and dress accordingly! Still, there are some things that I don't miss while staying home.

I don't miss Church Folks mean mugging me, when I accidentally sit in their preferred seat at a different service! Or use their purse, bible, coat and/or children to save a pew seat for family and friends who are late every Sunday!

I don't miss the distraction of undisciplined children and adults who talk, text, and check their email during praise and prayer! I know it's so because with a quick glance you can see it! When did bible apps start using emoji's ???

I don't miss going up for Altar prayer, and holding the hand of someone who squeezes too tight when praying, talks so loud you can't hear the preacher leading, and almost asphyxiates me with too much cologne or perfume.

I do miss pausing at the pew of some sweet senior saint before service, letting them know how well they look and showing them love with a hug or encouraging word in person. I miss shaking the hands of the deacons or my pastor after service.

I miss the testimonies in Wednesday bible class and the thought provoking questions asked, that cause me to think deeply on God's Word and help me learn from those who have been victorious in their trials. And stopping by the church secretary's desk on my way out for a piece of candy and a quick chat.

I miss my Sunday school ladies, hugging them, playfully teasing them, and hearing what they have been up to since the last time I saw them. I miss taking their prayer requests and making visuals to use when teaching God's Word and watching their faces, when the Holy Spirit gives them an Ah-hah moment!

I don't miss the morning traffic and trying to find a place to park at church, where my car will be safe from the dings and dents of careless church goer's late and rushing to worship!

Everybody keeps talking about the New Normal! This might be it! So what is the Lord telling us about worship now and in the days to come? I think perhaps He's saying something akin to what He said to the Woman at the Well when she said:

Our fathers worshipped on this mountain and you

Jews say that in Jerusalem is the place where

you ought to worship.

Jesus said to her, "woman, believe me the hour

is coming when you will neither on this mountain nor

in Jerusalem worship the Father....

But the hour is coming and now is, when true worshippers

will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the

Father is seeking such to worship Him.

(John 4: 21 and 4:23)

It's time to put away all the false ritualist ideas and traditions that confine us to a church building and focus on doing the work of Him that has sent us (John 9:4). This you can do wherever you are! Together Apart as that COVID-19 hash tag says, we can build God's kingdom and worship Him confidently in Spirit and in Truth!

Monday, August 3, 2020

OUT OF THE SHADOWS...INTO THE LIGHT!!!

"Ye though I walk through the valley
of the shadow of death..."(Psa. 23:4)

An interesting observation I've made this year has been that there are multiple interpretations of the statement: Black Lives Matter! What was once an inspiring and positive message against violence has now actually incited violent acts.

When did this phrase become so offensive? Offensive not only to indignant white people but black folks as well. I thought I knew what BLM meant. After all, the expression has been around since 2013 when George Zimmerman was acquitted of the shooting death of Trayvon Martin.

It was the brain child of three young women of color to protest the growing violence and deaths of black men by police without retribution. Repeat occurrences in 2014 against Eric Garner and Michael Brown made national headlines but so many others didn't. The Armand Arbery and George Floyd murders this year was the ultimate tipping point. These murders united people of diverse backgrounds and brought to light injustices of every kind in a way never seen before.

"ALL BLACK LIVES MATTER"

Black Lives Matter is now a global rally cry for people of color anywhere bias exists whether it relates to economic empowerment, gender differences, or sexual identity. And as such it has also become a lightning rod for those who are pro police or have strong aversions to the LGBTQIA communities, feminism, and anything that challenges the conservative status quo.

Thus, All Lives Matter becomes a popular retort. Much like the push backs heard when the term African-American became popular (We're All Americans!) Or the celebration of Black History Month (History is History!) BUT IS IT? Those who denounce the need for such know little about life in America as an Other [anything other than a White Anglo-Saxon Protestant that's been dominating America for decades]. What is so discouraging is that profound DISTINCTIONS MUST BE MADE before visibility is possible! One MUST step out of the shadows to get rights, justice, or recognition that comes so easily to some!

EVERY KIND OF LIFE MATTERS!

This has been our path for centuries:

1794 - Richard Allen and Absolom Jones stepped out of the shadows of the mainstream Episcopal church to form the African American Episcopal Church and the Black Episcopal Congregation to practice their faith free of the underpinnings of racism.

1837 - Richard Humphreys stepped out of the shadows of the America's education system to start The Institute For Colored Youth, training for free blacks to become teachers prior to Civil War.

1864 -(Post Civil War) - HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) stepped out of the shadows of segregation to provide proper education for newly freed slaves after Reconstruction failed.

1909 - W.E.B. Dubois and others stepped out of the shadows of a apathetic Department of Justice to form the N.A.A.C.P. (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People), to ensure rights and combat violence against people of color in America.

1926 - Historian, Carter G. Woodson stepped out of the shadows of Traditional history taught in schools to institute Black History Month to tell the real story of the Negro's achievements and contributions to America's wealth and status.

I could go on and on! ALL LIVES DO MATTER. I know it from history. I know it from current events, but I also know it from Elohim, Creator of the Living and the TRUTH He inspired. It would do each side of the Black Lives Matter movement (Pro and Con) to remember:

ALL LIVES HAVE VALUE! (Psalm 139:13)
ALL LIVES HAVE SINNED! (Romans 3:23)
ALL LIVES WILL PERISH WITHOUT CHRIST! (Romans 6:23)
ALL LIVES CAN BE SAVED! (John 3:16)
ALL LIVES WILL BE JUDGED! (Hebrews 9:27)

AS YOU STEP OUT OF THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW OF DEATH

STEP INTO THE MARVELOUS LIGHT OF GOD'S TRUTH!

Wednesday, July 15, 2020

THE NEXT STATUE TO GO DOWN...LADY LIBERTY?!!

"...God is no respecter
of persons" (Acts 10:34)

It's still happening! After all we're going through! Regardless of the countless times it's being documented before the world. Permit Patty, BBQ Becky, Central Park Karen, Key Fob Kelly, SoCal Karen and their male counterparts are cropping up all over the place!

They've moved beyond the gated communities and exclusive country clubs to make their views known. It is as if they can no longer control themselves. They're going out of their way to let us know..."YOU DON'T BELONG HERE!"

KARENS:The stereotypical name associated with rude, obnoxious and insufferable middle aged white women.

-Urban Dictionary

Someone tell me, what is it about seeing a person of color that automatically causes you to look at them with suspicion and police their every move? Where is the perceived threat? What are you trying to to protect? In whose authority do you demand answers to your questions or obedience to your orders?

My fellow Americans, the offenses are piling up. Attitudes must change and with them the hypocritical language of our country. The rhetoric taught in every history and civic class speaks of our country's values, principles, and beliefs based on a shared freedom and IT IS NOT TRUE!

WHAT ARE YOU REALLY SAYING?

Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”

Worldwide there is a movement to dismantle or tear down statues and monuments glorifying past sins of hate and idolizing those who perpetuated them historically. Why not consider monuments that have become LIES in the face of current attitudes, culture, and practices, i.e., disenfranchisment, equal rights, and forced poverty?

The Statue of Liberty would be a good candidate. Read the words of Emma Lazarus from the poem, The New Colossus engraved on its base. We are the tired, poor, huddled masses yearning to breath free! This is the truth behind the iconic saying: I CAN'T BREATHE!

Others would be the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, George Custer's statue in Michigan and Stone Mountain in Georgia. They all represent either outright lies of heroism or misrepresentations of historical events that are being kept alive throughout generations.

Unlike what is heard from the opposition, the issue is NOT really about the statues at all. But a Day of Reckoning for the freedoms enjoyed by a few and denied to others. These liberties were paid with the blood and sweat of many races! The privileges are divine gifts from the God we've turned our backs on!

(Check out this video featuring Caroline Randall Williams, author of The New York Times Op-Ed piece: My Body is a Confederate Monument)

Lawrence O'Donnell Special

ANOTHER CONTROVERSIAL MONUMENT!

I find it ironic that there is less to do about the removal of the Ten Commandments from the lawns and places in and near government buildings than keeping the Confederacy alive! Even more disturbing is the ignorance of the meaning behind the First and Second commandments written on them - Exodus Chapter 20:1-6

20 And God spake all these words, saying,

2 I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.

3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.

5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;

6 And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.

Repetitive ACLU challenges and the Supreme Court's ambivalence as to what constitutes Separation of Church and State only spotlights what FREEDOM really means in this country! How many times does God and His people have to hear these words? YOU DON'T BELONG HERE! What even gives you that right?

UNTIL NEXT TIME...

If you would like to leave a comment please send an email to: sisters4sisters@att.net OR scroll to the bottom of my blog page at http://alittlewiser63.blogspot.com click on the no comments by the pencil and it will change to a writing space.

Tuesday, June 30, 2020

A HARP AND A SWORD: Joy in the Midst of Battle!

"How can I sing the songs of the
Lord while in a foreign land?
(Psalm 137:1)

Sixty-two days ago I enrolled in what I facetiously called Coronavirus University! This was my way of sharing with readers important life lessons I'm learning during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Well, I'm still here. New classes are steadily being added to my study curriculum and I'm getting a REAL education!

First, let's not get distracted. There's a lot going on right now but this virus has not gone anywhere! News of it just shifts in importance from time to time in our purview. Right now it's hot due to a worldwide resurgence!

What is NOT mere distractions, are the daily protests against institutional racism. They persist (as they should) even as proof of injustices is played out daily. Thanks to the world of smart phones and social media, what once was hidden can no longer remain so! The underbelly of America's historical sin patterns are front and center. With every click of the remote control or computer keyboard there is evidence! So here's my dilemma:

HOW DO WE AS CHRISTIANS REMAIN HOPEFUL IN THIS BROKEN WORLD?

Looking over the social landscape of the first half of Year 2020, I find no joy! No joy for the Racists or the Oppressed! No joy for the Wealthy or the Poor! No joy for the Republican or the Democrat! No joy for the LGBTQ or the Straight! And yet each group is committed to the fight to keep or dismantle the vestiges of the status quo.

I've come to the realization that as a Black. American. Christian. Woman of Age. I must dig deep to find this joy! With each of the above designations comes a bias. I must deal with them constantly. Deal with their impositions as well as their limitations. Without hope, I could easily become joyless and slip into what is described as The Metaphor of Double Consciousness. Noted historian and civil rights activist, W.E.B. Dubois writes:

“It dawned upon me with a certain suddenness that I was different from the others; or like, mayhap, in heart and life and longing, but shut out from their world by a vast veil.”
(W.E. B. Dubois from his book, Souls of Black Folks, 1903)

He was stating a national feeling among Blacks 117 years ago. It still exist today but not just among Blacks but other marginalized groups. This I believe is at the core of modern protests and what a lot of people still don't understand. There's lies the complexities of being black or brown, female, Christian, or seasoned in America...there is a great disconnect!

There are in America, people who just don't fit in! Those who cannot find their place. They are the lumps that didn't get dissolved in the Melting Pot! They work, pay taxes, raise children, and give their lives in defense of this country. They comprise the best and the worst of all human kind but are somehow portrayed as an aberration and NOT worthy of equal respect or opportunities.

If you are familiar with the theological teaching of Imago Dei, (humans are created in the image of God from Genesis 1:27) then you know that this should not be so. Every life has value and purpose. If not, they wouldn't be here. So why do we support and maintain systems and institutions that contradict this?

...WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL?

Those in denial of these truths are quick to say we are not patriotic. We are terrorists or anarchist. We represent a threat to democracy and America's heritage. And yet they expect the marginalized to not only be satisfied with their plight but take off their hats and sing! Sing....The National Anthem, America the Beautiful, The Battle Hymn of the Republic, and God Bless America!

Psalm 137:1-3 says: By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept when we remembered Zion. There on the poplars we hung our harps, for there our captors asked us for songs, our tormentors demanded songs of joy; they said, sing to us one of the songs of Zion!
In verse four, the writer of this psalm asked the question: How can I sing the songs of the Lord while in a foreign land?

The United States of America for People of Color, Christians, and others feels like a foreign land today. Racism, xenophobia, disunity among believers over politics; abuse of Christian liberties and the passing of anti-biblical laws are incompatible with America's inalienable rights (life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness). They are indeed contrary to God's will, word and His heart!

While in Babylonian captivity the Israelites mourned the good ole days back in Jerusalem, where they led an imperfect but comfortable life. Here in the midst of their suffering they are despondent. They feel that joy will never come again. They hung up their harps in hopelessness!

DON'T HANG UP YOUR HARPS TOO SOON!

There are those still among us who are longing for the days of yesteryear. In those days America was Great!? They want creature comforts without consequences; peace without propitiation, and economic restoration without repentance. They gravitate toward a promise that will never be fulfilled and a joy that is temporary and empty!

If we are to sing with truth: God Bless America, land that I love, Stand beside her and guide her through the night with the light from above... we need a Harp and a Sword! We need the LORD guiding us through this present night of turmoil (Psalm 30:5).

The Harp is a symbol of joy, worship and praise to the ONLY God in our lives! Jesus Christ is our only HOPE! (I Peter 1:3-6). The Sword is a symbol of divine chastisement, what I believe we are experiencing today (Deuteronomy 32:25; Psalm 78:62). It also represents the Word of God (Hebrews 4:2; Ephesians 6:17, and Revelation 1:16). This is NOT the time to give up! Not on America and certainly not on yourself!

Pick up your Sword then pick up your Harps!

Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those

who have nothing prepared.

This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of

the Lord is your strength.

(Nehemiah 8:10)

Monday, June 15, 2020

WE'RE MORE ALIKE THAN YOU THINK!!

From one man He made every
nation of men...(Acts 17:26)

I am among many things a visual person. Images move me emotionally and I guess that's why a photo making its round online really took me to a place hard to describe! (Click on the link below and see if you don't agree!)

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7642231/Cute-pic-black-white-classmates-goes-viral-school-dressed-twins.html

These innocent ones speak a truth that we seemed to have missed or chose to dismiss these past months....we're more alike than unalike! Considering all that is going on you'd think that would be obvious!

People of all ethnicities, in every corner of the world are burying their dead from COVID-19. Apparently there's no racial disparity with this disease. They are feeling the pain of social unrest and the indignation of systematic injustices permeating our world. Even the Aboriginals of Australia are protesting!

I recall seeing the spattering of whites marching with civil rights leaders in the 1960s but nothing like a recent scene in Oregon on the Burnside Bridge where there were thousands! This happened in a state with a black population of less than 6%.

Americans, no matter which hyphen you use to identify yourself, are suffering from the impact of a floundering economy. I'm speaking in general. Let's not get bogged down with degrees! Small and large businesses are shutting down. Unemployment is a new reality for many and the homeless community just welcomed an onslaught of new neighbors! We're more alike than you think!

WE HAVE A COMMON PROGENITOR

Science has finally caught up to the bible which always told us that all of mankind comes from Adam and Eve. Eve's name means the Mother of All Living (Genesis 3:20) or in human genetics, the Mitochondrial Eve. The matrilineal most recent common ancestor of all living humans. Through each of our current mothers regardless of ethnicity or gender we have the same progenitor. We're all brothers and sisters!

So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground. (Genesis 1:27-28 NIV)

WE HAVE A COMMON SIN PROBLEM

Hatred between brothers and sisters is an age old problem. The root emanates not solely from perceived superiority, power or the need to dominate but something we inherited at the Fall of Humankind, our Sin Nature (Genesis 3; Roman 3:11, 23; 6:23). It is genetic! It is generational! It is self perpetuating until it is completely eradicated!

A biblical example that has been repeated throughout history is the story of Cain and Abel (Genesis 4:1-16). Two brothers, each uniquely gifted with unlimited potential. Brothers strong and growing in their confidence as men. Yet one brother is distracted by innate pride and kills the other. Black on Black Crime, White on White Crime, Black on White Crime, Police on Citizen Crime. It goes on and on! The pivotal question asked in verse 9 of this biblical text is: Am I my brother's keeper? In the 21st century we're asking the same. Only your heart will tell you!

WE HAVE A COMMON DESTINY - JUDGEMENT

The writer of Hebrews 9:27 says: And it is appointed unto man once to die but after this the judgement. It seems that especially now we should be considering exactly where we are going with all this mayhem? Martin Luther King, Jr. reminds us:We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools! And perishing we are... in great numbers! JUDGEMENT DAY IS COMING! Sinner or Saint there WILL be a time of reckoning for these times (Romans 2:5-6; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Revelation 20:11-15).

THERE IS A COMMON REMEDY

No doubt when (and if) we get back to professional sports events like the NFL football games, we'll see people geared up in their favorite team colors with different signs and placards of another sort on display. Among them will be a few touting JOHN 3:16. We've all seen them right? It's a scripture from the bible! Don't have a bible? GOOGLE IT! Don't have time to do that?--Read it below. It gives the ONLY solution to the injustices of this world:

For God so loved the world that He gave

His only begotten son, that whosoever

believeth on Him shall not perish but have

everlasting life! (John 3:16)

AMERICA LET'S FACE IT - IT'S TIME FOR A CHANGE - A HEART CHANGE!

Take a closer look at those five year olds in the link at the beginning of this post. Is it becoming a bit clearer now? They really ARE twins!

Not everything that is faced can be changed,

but nothing can be changed until it's faced

-James Baldwin

Saturday, May 30, 2020

WHAT VIOLENCE WON'T DO! - A Remedy for Injustice

George Floyd, Ahmad Aubrey, Breonna Taylor, Eric Garner, The Emmanuel 9, Trayvon Martin....What emotions do these names evoke in you?

Forgiveness probably isn't one of them!

America is angry! Angry because they are hurt, frustrated, and we're showing it in a myriad of ways! Some with peaceful demonstrations and others with burning, looting, and hate speech spewing throughout every social media outlet available.

This anger is very familiar to me. I was a teen in the Sixties and remember vividly the deaths of Martin Luther King and Malcom X and the violence that ensued. I recall with clarity the Watts and Detroit riots that turned urban areas into visions from hell and the aftermath like scenes from The Book of Eli! My memory is acute and intact so... WHY DO I NEED RERUNS NOW!!!

HAS HISTORY TAUGHT US NOTHING?

I know you don't want to hear this because the ANGER is so fresh! But the only remedy for injustice is FORGIVENESS! Yes, I said it! There are OTHER ways to appease your anger! And FORGIVENESS is one of them! (Ephesians 4:26)

Civil Resistance WILL work! Redistribution of power (once identified) is a formidable force against majority ruled racist institutions! Forgiveness is STILL an effective strategy if seen in the right perspective. The BIBLICAL perspective.

FORGIVENESS IS NOT: Condoning or excusing injustice! It is not ignoring or pretending an offense didn't happen! It is not sitting around doing nothing and playing the victim! It is very vocal. It is collaborating and unifying in thoughtful and skillful ways giving attention to problems that go beyond the 15 minutes of notoriety viewed on CNN or MSNBC.

What the Eyes Can't Deny!

FORGIVENESS IS: Exposing evil where it can be seen in the brilliant light of truth. Where it can no longer hide behind unjust laws or public policy! (John 1:5) There is a reason that pictures of dogs and fire hydrants turned on peaceful protestors in the south shocked and shamed America into turning Jim Crow laws into the desegregation laws of the 1960s. And why rioting neighborhoods in D.C., Detroit, Pittsburgh, and Watts left behind more squalor, violence, unemployment, and drugs than before. Some have never really recovered!

FORGIVENESS IS: Exchanging the POWER given to the Enemy keeping you in poverty, and ignorance for EMPOWERMENT! Impulsive and emotionally charged behavior like looting exploits already fragile neighborhoods. Exercising the power of the DOLLAR and the VOTE builds and strengthens them.

HERE'S WHY FORGIVENESS IS A BIG DEAL IN BOTH THE POLITICAL AND PERSONAL REALMS OF YOUR LIFE!

It's a Command NOT a Suggestion- (Matthew 18:21-35; Ephesians 4:31-32; Matthew 6:14-15; Mark 11:25): John 14:15) When Jesus told Peter in Matthew 18 to forgive not seven times but 70 times 7 He was saying that we can't put limitations on forgiving! We just have to do it!

It's A Choice You Make Not a Feeling You Get! Jesus does not tell His followers to do anything that He does not empower them to do! In fact forgiveness is impossible without this enablement. (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 1:8), John 15:5)

It Begins in the Heart! You have to want to forgive your offender! Do you trust God to execute justice on your behalf? Is feeding your pride, vengeance, and bitterness more important than receiving forgiveness for your own sins. The ones you have committed toward others? (Matthew 6:14-16; Matthew 18:33-35)

It's Okay to Set Boundaries! Boundaries are for your protection and may be readjusted as trust is restored. But barriers/walls are built with no intent of going over or allowing the offender to breach. The offense is rehearsed over and over, no grace enters the situation and the root of bitterness sets in. YOU then become the very thing you detest--a hypocrite! (Matthew 7:5)

Pardon Until You Can Forgive! Pardon assumes the offender is guilty. It doesn't wipe it out but may help you move toward the state of forgiveness. A pardon give YOU time to pray and humble yourself before the Lord. But the goal is always FORGIVENESS! If allowed to linger too long it becomes a spiritual stronghold that must be torn down. You become a pawn of Satan until this is accomplished (2 Corinthians 10:3-5)

HOW DO I KNOW I HAVE GENUINELY FORGIVEN?

1. When you heart catches up with your mouth! You sincerely wish your offender well. You have no desire for their harm or you're no longer jealous of their blessings.

2. You have compassion for their weaknesses! You do not let past offenses keep you from being charitable toward them (giving them the same consideration you'd give to someone who hadn't offended you).

3. You don't react in the flesh when you see them. (Romans 8:8-9). Peace overrides your emotions when painful thoughts or memories are triggered (Hebrews 12:14-15).

4. When you stop telling others about the offense and stop trying to make your offender look bad!

AT SOME POINT WE'RE GOING TO HAVE TO CHOOSE TO FORGIVE GEORGE FLOYD AND AHMAD AUBREY'S MURDERERS! BUT REMEMBER IT WON'T BE TOO LONG BEFORE GOD WILL HAVE TO CHOOSE TO FORGIVE YOU TOO!!!!