We Can Do This!!

From the words of a brave and prophetic man, Dr. M. L King, Jr., I have submitted excerpts from his great I Have Dream speech.

“It would be fatal for the nation to overlook the urgency of the moment. In the process of gaining our rightful place we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds. Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred. We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline. We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence. Again and again we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force. I say to you today, my friends, so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream. I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together. This is our hope. This is the faith that I go back to the South with. With this faith we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day. And if America is to be a great nation this must become true.”

This speech was made at the March on Washing in August 28, 1963. Dr. King was assassinated just short of 5 years later on April 4, 1968 by James Earl Ray. Dr. King’s autopsy revealed that even though he was only thirty-nine years old, he had the heart of a sixty-year-old man, maybe a possible result of the stress of thirteen years in the civil rights movement. I find that interesting.

These are certainly bone-chilling, poignant and inspirational words that were once criticized during those turbulent times in our nation’s history. We are moving slowly in accepting them and truly practicing them. But one thing that is sure, we are moving forward despite some of those that would like for us to repeat the past. Please take the time and let these words sink in. We are all Americans and all of us regardless of our skin color, cultures religions, and etc., have made the supreme sacrifice for this wonderful country.

Where Are We Going, America?

For those of you that looked at the televised Health Care Reform Summit in its entirety, get a life! You have a problem! If you were not getting paid to sit through 7.5 hours of theatrics and posturing from both sides of the aisle, then you can be a fixture in a doctor’s office. One thing is for sure, there should not be any movies or characters sought after the mess that was shown on February 25, 2010. Was it a ploy to make our politicians look like students in a debate in elementary school? It succeeded. Could it have been handled behind closed doors? It depends on transparency. The problem when there are cameras in front of a politician’s face is that they go into automatic acting mode. Nothing was resolved, agreed, or compromised. Each political party drew the line and it was shameful. I guess they want to impress upon us their stand for being on the side of right. They both played to the television audience but not to the people. Although they were seemingly all concerned about what the American public wanted, at least in front of the cameras. Aside from the cameras they are still making deals with the lobbyists of these large insurance, pharmaceuticals, manufacturers, etc. to bulge their bank accounts one side and feigning interest in America’s welfare on the other. If you were building a house and the client didn’t like the kitchen, would you tear down the whole house? Would any contractor or builder in their right mind consider it? They would find a way to save money than start all over again! It’s too costly! Manpower, materials, craftsmen can cost additional arm and leg. Now keep in mind that these politicians are business folks who know how to make money. Then while in the world would they want to spend more when the complaint for the federal government is already spending too much? Too bad we don’t have a legitimate, respected third party system. I know we have the Independents but I’m talking about a Moderate Party that actually includes centrist thinking people. Politicians that can compromise for the people that elected them. What is at issue here, ethics, morals, politics, partisanships, or just downright stubbornness? I don’t see anything wrong with a good, civil, robust debate. There are points from both sides that could be agreed on and at the same time disagreed as long as the discussion is respectful. But I question whether or not each of these sides had a “script” that they refused to deviate from. Each seemed to be told prior to this summit that “we will hold our ground, no matter what.” Shame, shame, shame! I guess some of these politicians think that we are a bunch of idiots. Either that, or just simply following the money line instead of the voters.

The Great Deception

Since this past year, I have never seen such venomous, hate-filled speech directed at our new president. Racist banners and signs are going up everywhere at rallies and on various university campuses. It has been a no-win situation in everything he’s done or wanted to do. The president has been fighting every inch of the way. You can say what you want but I can, too. And I’m saying that the president is truly hated. The disguise can be used against his policies but the bottom line, racism is alive and well. That’s a dirty word to some because it’s either doesn’t exist or “I’m not that way.” Some will go as far to say that’s an excuse to use the race card but will not go as far as to discuss and resolve the problem. All I hear is bashing and using code words. Do our politicians think we are dumb or still inferior as in the slavery days? I think all of them should be voted out of office. Are any of them concerned about the welfare of this nation? The republicans hide behind the tea party folks and will not speak against the hate speech that is being spewed. They are ignoring the majority of their constituents in their states hoping to get reelected. The loudest voice is always heard. These politicians are not that dumb not to recognize the racist undertones in those speeches made by those discontented with the government. I question where were these people in previous administrations? It appears that some groups of people are willing to divide and destroy this nation under this administration to make a point. What they would love to say is that it was a black man that destroyed this country but won’t because they are still hiding behind the electronic media instead of hoods. Yes, I said it. There is a minority of sincere haters bent on separating the races and destroying this country. And, they don’t care! If all you have to say about me is what I do wrong but can’t offer any help or resolutions, you won’t me to fail! CPAC has not offered one good thing to say about this administration or government or to improve the way of life for all Americans. It sounds like their only interest is destroying this country. If the tea party folks are disgruntled Americans, where are the bulk of the minorities? If any group of people can be disgruntled, minorities got a lot of reasons to be angry and disgusted. I don’t see an open invitation to these tea party rallies. Hell, I would feel uncomfortable attending a klan rally.

I’m not sensitive about people using that word or actions as an excuse to be sensitive. Because, if they were ever discriminated against, they, too, would be tired of being oppressed. I know what’s it like to be called directly “nigger.” I know what it’s like to use “colored only” facilities and they were not clean. Evidently, some people thought that animals didn’t care where they drank or ate as long as they were fed. Animals were what some people thought of us and some people still do. That’s why they want to repeat the past. We were lazy but somehow managed to work the fields. They fed us the line about being dumb and inferior so long that when we did show our intelligence, we became “uppity.” This is one of the reasons if not the main one that our president is being shown such lack of respect. How shameful! You would have thought being indentured servants who gained their freedom would have changed. As Christians, many of us seem to forget the reason we go to church. If we’re not going to change why bother going at all? We’re not listening or practicing love for our neighbor. Since we have problems doing that, we have problems accepting the Lord, our God! I got some news, people! God is control and will always be in control. Let’s not ever forget it!
One more thing. Is the media that obsessed with Tiger Woods apologies? The world is falling apart around us and this is major news, a rich, black man cutting out on his wife. Seems to me there are a lot of guys cutting out on their wives. Why is this major news? That’s why we can’t go forward, we’re into other peoples’ business rather than our own. Wars, domestic terrorism, foreign terrorism, health care reform are just a few of the major problems we as a nation are facing. But, the media would rather be concerned if Tiger and his wife are getting back together. We’re becoming a society of hypocrites. Our politicians vote in public against policies to look good and behind closed doors they want the benefits of those same policies that were voted against. Hypocrites!

Missing My Mother!

My mother truly loved being kind to people, it seemed to be her nature. Even when I was young she was either running errands for the shut-ins or cooking dinners on Sundays for them. I remember because we had to make those deliveries. Little acts of kindness go a long way. She seemed to know most people but spoke to everyone. During her quiet moments when we would all watch TV together, I can still her laughter at the funny scenes. I remembered when we went to see the Passion of Christ how much she cried at His scourging and the horrible abuse he received from the hands of men. Whenever she cried, I cried. Mom said how can anyone be treated so bad. As I have gotten older, I see what she meant. Now when I look at movies that make me laugh, I think of her and tear up because the joy reminds me of her. I miss my mother, she was my best friend. I am so thankful to God for giving me all of these years with her. There are many of us that are/were blessed with wonderful mothers. There are also these new mothers that are starting there legacies now. You can see and hear how much they are involving themselves in their children’s lives. I work with these mothers and they are wonderful, too! I pray that their children will realize it one day!

I Wish Everyone a Blessed Valentine's Day!!!

Where Is Our Faith!

It is our human nature to be impatient, easily discouraged and depressed. It is also the devil’s goal to get and keep us there. Our choices, if we choose, are either stay in these dark areas or seek help from God who has given us the keys to handle these situations. Instead, we try to handle these problems our way and they become mountains. They are now worse than they were. Luckily for us, it is never too late for God. Another problem of ours is turning things over to him. It’s hard to let go. But what is faith? In Hebrews 11:1; Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Faith is a gift from God to the Christian and faith can be increased by the growth of the "believer" through God's Holy Word and through various actions detailed in God's Word. Belief has action but without "substance" until faith has been applied by the giver who is God. Does it sound complicated? I hope not. Which brings us to hope. Hope is the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best. Hope is a belief in a positive outcome related to events and circumstances in our lives. And we trust God enough that we don’t need to worry about our problems because he told us to trust in him already. Proverbs 3:5-6.

Leave the Judging To God

A newborn baby is excited, curious, and overwhelmed by the sights and sounds in this new world. But the infant can’t understand what they are and communicate about it. Even so he’ll only trust the people that have been taking care of him. We are adults and might still feel that same way. We lose that innocence as we get older. We don’t bounce back so fast after rejections and disappointments. In fact, it’s harder for us to get over it. As children when we hear the word no, it hurts for a little while but we don’t dwell on it. We accept it and keep moving forward. But our support system can’t be here for us forever and we tend to draw on others for encouragement and support. It’s just not the same. Life gets harder as we grow older. If we don’t force ourselves to get into the Word, we will be lost.

The sage, Sirach, paints a realistic picture of life’s ups & downs. That the lives of every man, rich or poor, from birth to death is burdened with fears, anxieties, and trouble. That they occur during the days and nights and at nights keep us awake. That death will overtake everyone as it has before us and will continue to do after us. It is God’s will and we should accept it. It is how we live our lives through His laws will allow us face the inevitable.

It is a battle everyday to do right. The more wisdom we gain, the more about living is revealed. Be careful how you judge others, you can’t objectively judge yourself. Let's keep our focus on God, He'll guide us!