Kingdom - Common featuring Vince Staples! Adult language!

Common is an intellectually, socially-conscious rapper. "Kingdom," his latest song, is a profound exploration of religion and violence in Chicago. Harsh language but very thought provoking.  This is the first time I ever used sound cloud. Our young people are longing for guidance and love!

A Time to Remember by Joyce Meyer!

Joyce Meyer

"Having eyes, see ye not? and having ears, hear ye not? and do ye not remember?" Mark 8:18

I have often said I think we forget what we should remember and remember what we should forget. Jesus chastised the disciples on one of their journeys because they had forgotten about a miracle He had done. They had started out on a trip and suddenly remembered that they had forgotten to bring enough bread. He then began to chastise them, asking if they had forgotten when He fed five thousand people with five loaves of bread. Had they forgotten another amazing miracle when He fed four thousand with seven loaves? Had they remembered, they would not be worried about going hungry because of not having brought enough bread with them.

If we would remember the miracles God has done in our past, we would not so easily fall into worry and fear when we face new challenges. When David was facing Goliath and nobody was encouraging him, he remembered the lion and the bear that he had already slain with God’s help. Because of remembering the past, he had no fear of the current situation.

Are you facing something right now that looms before you like a giant in your life? Is it illness or financial lack? Is it relationship problems? Is it something you have never done before and you don’t know where to begin?

The truth is that it doesn’t matter what it is because nothing is impossible for God. Take some time right now and recall some of the things He has helped you with and brought you through in the past. Think about and talk about those things, and you will find courage filling your heart.

RIP, Maya Angelou!

Maya and Oprah

A phenomenal woman has gone to her real home. Her purpose on earth has been fulfilled.  Ms. Angelou overcame many obstacles and turned them into successes. I don't think life was easy for her, I believe she found a way to channel her challenges in such a way to make them acceptable in all of their forms. There will be many more words and expressions forthcoming about this phenomenal woman from the media. Ms. Angelou is a prime example of making lemonade when life has given you lemons.  Stand up and recognize the phenomenal women that are around you everyday!

Memorial Day, More Than Just Another Day!

Arlington National Cemetery

Monday, May 26, 2014, was Memorial Day!  This is a day of remembrance and tribute to the military personnel who gave their lives for our country. These brave men and women should never be forgotten for their unselfish actions. I feel that those still in service are being unappreciated. Granted some branches of the military are not facing immediate combat danger but that does not mean all are not facing dangerous situations.  Do you realize even boot camp can be a danger zone for some people. The rigors and disciplines that a soldier, airman or sailor will undergo can be stressful and burdensome but they are necessary for future survival.  Pray for those that survived combat might have lost their limbs and minds from the damage that war leaves behind.  They have seen things that will never be forgotten! Memorial Day is more than just a day for being off from work and cooking out!  It is a time to reflect, a time for people to think about families who will never see their loved ones again because their family members gave the ultimate sacrifice so that others can cook out, go to the beach and have a great time being free.  Let’s make time everyday to pray for our family members and those in the military.  Just like them, our lives can change in seconds.

To My Closest Friends!

I have not forgotten you!  I appreciate your texts and voicemails but I'm not ready to talk.  You are so kind and loving but I know you have questions and I'm not ready to answer.  The important thing is your health.  I pray that you are taking care of yourself.  I am undergoing a spiritual growth and revelation that I have not experienced in several years since my mother’s transition.  I have accepted and embraced the Will of God who orders my steps.  As you know, I always wanted to be in control of my destiny but I now realized that God was always in control.  I appreciate your concern and patience but I am well and blessed.  You will be hearing from me soon enough.  God bless you and take care of you.  Thank you for believing in me!  I know that you are there for me if I ever need you.

Some Things Never Change!

2014 is still the same as 1914.  Blacks have their places in society and they are not always in leadership or in authority. Some people will never like a particular group of people in any position!  It is hard to change the pattern of that kind of stinking-thinking.  Some won't even take the time to try. Like Wolfeboro Police Commissioner Robert Copeland in New Hampshire said, in an email that Obama "meets and exceeds my criteria for" using the n-word. Life is short and people still have time to hate. This man is 82 years old! Times are changing and there are people who don't like the changes.  Since the President's election there has been quite a few folks who won't admit that they don't care for him because of his skin color.  It has always been about disliking his policies but never openly admitting that they don't care for his color, too.  I don't like what the Commissioner said but at least he is honest compared to others about his dislike for the President.  We can agree that we will disagree.

Follow-up - Mr. Copeland resigned Monday, May 19, 2014.

Try To Stay On The Right Path!

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake (Psalm 23:3).

Lead me, O Lord, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before my face (Psalm 5:8).

Teach me thy way, O Lord, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies (Psalm 27:11). 

A man's heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps (Proverbs 16:9).

The longer we live the more choices we have to make.  We can get distracted by choosing something new and different as we progress with knowledge, experience and skills.  We get to a certain point that we believe we are responsible for our own destiny and in some ironic way, we are.  Ironic, because we make choices on our own and refuse to take responsibility for the consequences if the action results in failure.  We all reach forks in the road that can change our lives.

I have walked on these same trails for years and just recently realized that the paths I have been taking have been the same.  But I noticed that along the way tree roots are causing the concrete sidewalks to crack and become unleveled.  Some parts are being overcome by the natural growth around them and the areas are starting to look the same. You can get lost if you’re not careful.  In fact, I did get lost when I reversed the direction that I usually walk.  It took me 4 ½ hours to find my way back where I started.  I prayed sincerely to God to help me find my way through these unfamiliar areas.

Is this so different from our own lives?  Everything seems to be going just fine until we get off track or knocked off our feet.  It could be due to our own choices or reasons beyond our control.  Nevertheless, our faith is tested.  We don’t know if our demise is due to the enemy’s distracting techniques. We could be getting closer in our walk with God and the devil knows it or it could be God steering us in the right direction because we were already on the wrong path.

We don’t know why God is leading us a certain way.  We may not understand the reasons behind our challenges.  But God will make up for our ignorance by the Holy Spirit.  We’ll get the victory if we be faithful and trustful in His divine guidance.

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path (Psalm 119:115).