SERIOUSLY, Can We Talk?

Saturday, October 31, 2020

A Shepherd NOT A Donkey or Elephant will Lead the Change Needed!

For months we've been inundated with ads, controversies, and antics surrounding America's coming election. It's been touted as the most important election of our generation. Record setting early voting seems to prove that point!

A smattering of Independents are on the ballot, but the country is pretty much focused on the Republican and Democratic parties. One is represented by an Elephant and the other a Donkey.

My thoughts however, tend to run toward a different pair of animals: The Sheep and the Goat!

Let me explain.

Watching the out workings of God speaking loudly into His world, I've been trained to look beyond what is seen to the unseen! It hasn't been easy. The distractions are endless. Yet through a regimen of prayer, bible study, and current event research, I've gained a little understanding. Not just about what's happening in America but globally.

I've stated in previous blog posts that I believe America is under the Lord's judgement and that we are living out End Times prophecy! These are not the rantings of yet another Doomsday prophetess. All that is really needed is a diligent study of Bible Eschatology!

Like many, I've tried to make sense of the world we are experiencing. From the bible, I've read the book of Daniel, studied the prophets, gleaned from the book of Judges and researched the leadership styles of Pharaoh, Nebuchadnezzar, and Ahasuerus. Each had a unique relationship with God's people. I found a lot of parallels in my reading to our current government leaders and situations but only one solution.

It was when I reviewed the teachings of Christ in the Gospels that I found both a warning and a peace regarding the November 3rd election no matter what the outcome! The task before America and the world at large is too big for either a Democrat or a Republican or any world leader for that matter. To straighten this mess out we're going to need Someone more equipped...a Shepherd!

NOT A REPUBLICAN OR A DEMOCRAT!

If nothing more, we should have learned by now not to put our trust in mankind. The psalmist says, Put not your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save. (Psalm 146:3). Still the weariness of soul tempts us to do just that and so it is with a measure of hope we look longingly to politicians for some much needed relief.

Here are some concerns guiding voters this Election Day:

1. Economic stability

2. Adequate Healthcare

3. Immigration control and protection

4. Social Justice and Equality

Is this not what all the world craves? Here's what I've learned. God has a plan for today's problems and concerns (Jeremiah 29:11). It could be imminent or years away. But until He makes it clear, why not develop a heart of preparedness--individually and as a nation.

Christ speaks of a time of judgement when America (if we still exist) and every nation surviving the Rapture (I Thessalonians 4:15-17) and Tribulation period (Revelation 6:15-17) will give an accounting of their national response to people in need. This will happen just before the Millennial Kingdom (Revelation 20) where He will take over all governments and reign for 1000 years.

I found it interesting that the people in need were not relegated to a specific ethnicity, geographical location, religion or class. They were just people who needed help!

Read what Jesus says in the parable of the Sheep and Goats:

THE JUDGEMENT OF NATIONS!

"The Son of Man will come again in His great glory. All His angels will come with Him. He will be King and sit on His great throne. All the people of the world will be gathered before Him. Then He will separate them into two groups as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. The Son of Man will put the sheep [good people] on His right and the goats [bad people] on His left.

Then the King will say to the good people on His right, 'Come, My Father has given you His blessing. Come and receive the kingdom God has prepared for you since the world was made. I was hungry and you gave me food. I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink. I was alone and away from home, and you invited me into your house. I was without clothes, and you gave me something to eat. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison and you visited me.

Then the good people will answer. 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and give you food? When did we see you thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you alone and away from home and invite you into our house? When did we see you without clothes and give you something to wear? When did we see you sick or in prison and cared for you?

Then the King will answer, ' I tell you the truth. Anything you did for any of my people here, you also did for me." (Matthew 25: 31-40 ICB)

No matter our failures (and we have many) God has certainly blessed America! But have we been a good steward of these blessings? Are we as generous to others as God has been to us? As we think about the policies that have been argued over the past years, the legislation that has been passed or thwarted. The systemic practices that allow for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness....but only for a select few!

Read the parable again!

What would Jesus say about our current healthcare system?

In 2019, 9.2 percent of people, or 29.6 million, were not covered by health insurance according to ACS. Up from 8.9 percent and 28.6 million. 2019 Health insurance Coverage

What would Jesus say about about how we treat immigrants?

Parents of 545 children separated at the Brownsville, TX border near Mexico beginning in 2017 cannot be found. About 60 children were under he age of 5 when they were separated. 545 Children Separated From Parents

What would Jesus say about social justice and the equity of citizens in systemic biased social and economic producing institutions?

The blinders are off! Denial is no longer possible! The institutions built and sustained over decades for the elite, rich, and prosperous people of America is rife with historical practices of racial, economic, and gender inequities. Systemic Racism and Injustice

The Day of Reckoning is Here!
The Darkness is Exposed!
Where will New or Existing leadership Lead us?
PRAYERFULLY...
To a Greater Faith in Jesus Christ!

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.

Wednesday, September 30, 2020

DISCERNING THE ''SIGNS'' OF OUR TIME!

Remember those funny little cartoon prophets in white robes and long beards holding signs saying "Repent...The End is Near!!"?

WELL THEY AIN'T SO FUNNY ANY MORE!

I'm a people watcher! One of those weirdos who gets a kick out of watching the mannerisms, habits, and ways people (and sometimes animals) navigate situations when they think no one else is watching.

As a long time observer of life, I enjoy seeing people express their particular views about what's happening around them. Sadly, the pandemic has severely limited my field studies. I'm no longer sitting around in large crowds for extended amounts of time peeping someone's game!

Instead from a distance, I can still speculate where a person stands politically, religiously, or culturally by simply reading the messages printed on their clothing or signs posted in their yards. Let me share a few of them here.

FREE SPIRITED AND NON-CONTROVERSIAL

This person with one sign lets the world know how he feels about EVERY THING! Their live and let live attitude is the answer to today's culture war going on. As you can see, there's a strong emphasis on equal rights and social justice. In theory every statement on this sign feels right in spirit! It is tolerant, open-minded and in some ways even loving. But it lacks context, boundaries, and a reliable standard of truth that could lead to dangerous thinking and actions.

It reminds me so much of two powerful scriptures in the Old Testament: All a man's ways seem right to him, but the LORD weighs the heart. (Proverbs 21:2) The second one is even more revealing. In those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes. (Judges 17:6; 21:25)

The social movements of our time, even those with justifiable motives, will never achieve their ultimate goals without a heart transformed and molded in a righteousness by God (John 15:5). Even so, I find it sad that many protests starting out peaceful and law-abiding have been invaded by fringe groups pushing their own selfish agendas. This has caused confusion and allowed hostile interventions that were not initially present creating more violence.

LOOKING FOR A SAVIOR ALREADY HERE

It's been a tough four years for America! What we've had to endure has shaken the foundations of every belief system one can imagine. Not since the Civil War has there been so much chaos, divisiveness, and violent unrest in our nation. Corruption continues to be exposed from the church house to the White house and our level of trust for governing authorities is at an all time low and still we look for hope in the wrong places!

Mind you, the vote is still a powerful tool in the hands of citizens and must be preserved at all cost in America! God may in His unfathomable wisdom use it to stem the flow of sin permeating our cities. VOTE! VOTE EARLY! VOTE PRAYERFULLY!

BUT DON'T BE FOOLED ... VOTING WILL NOT BE ENOUGH!

True, we are in a battle for the soul of this nation and everyone would like to see America great in the eyes of the world again, but not because of our democracy, economy or status is at risk. Not because our favorite candidate is elected! But by putting our faith in the ONE WHO IS ALREADY IN CHARGE! Upon whose shoulders all governments rest (Isaiah 9:6)!

We are in jeopardy of losing a precious gift: GOD'S MORAL COMPASS that guides the decisions and actions of our earthly leaders. Romans 13 says, the authorities that exist have been established by God (vs 1). They are God's servants (vs 4). He is the one who puts people in authority! And be sure we will all have to give an account one day(Romans 14:12; 2 Corinthians 5:10). That day somehow seems closer than we want to think.

A TIME FOR THOUGHTFUL DECISION MAKING

This sign found in a neighbor's yard shows the level of frustration people are feeling over current situations. We can all relate. Yet these generalized feelings of despair, unrest, and insecurity from the harshness and violence surrounding us are further signs that last days are near. There is a greater need. One that a job, healthy economy, equal rights, and personal power or pleasures won't satisfy! WE NEED JESUS!

DISCERN THE SIGNS OF OUR TIME

REPENT!

12 Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold,

13 but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

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!

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)