Build Another Altar, Abraham!

Let's mark this day as another monument to introspection.  Prayer and fasting have given me calmness, clarity and peacefulness after listening to the biblical prophets, Jeremiah and Nehemiah.  Because they realized their dependence and faith in God they were able to handle and overcome the challenges they faced. I won't go into the details but I can say this; you are never too old to learn!

Happy Mother's Day!

Mother’s Day Is This Sunday!

Happy Mother’s Day to all the super women who sacrifice everyday for their families and love ones to give them the best they have to offer! You are recognized everyday than just this day!  Everyday is special for you!  Kevin Durant couldn't have said it better when he accepted the NBA MVP Award!

As I Get Older…

I learned that I’m not smart at all.  I’m too quick to answer before I hear the complete message and see only from my perspective.  Not very smart because I’m doing the opposite of being quick to listen and slow to speak.  I learned that I have hurt the people that I love and that loved me.  I thought I was considerate but obviously selfish fulfilling my own needs.  I disappointed those that believed in me.  That’s not being wise just inconsiderate.  I learned that if God has ordered my steps then who am I to think that I can control my destiny?  That’s not smart period!  I learned that when people cross paths during our journey living that they all have something we can share along the way.  Whether it’s good or bad, we should take away the teachable moment.  I learned that God is a lot more patient than I am and He wants me to be patient, too.  God also wants me to share in His divine love even if I am selfish.  I learned that I can’t control my past, present and future.  I can attempt do what is pleasing to God and if I stumble or fall, He will help me recover.  I learned that if God forgives me, I should forgive others, I’ve done more wrong to Him than they did to me.  I also learned that I have a harder time forgiving and recovering from the offenses. I learned that life has a lot of challenges but I have learned that all things are possible to God, Who gives us the means to overcome those challenges.  I learned that you don’t forget the wonderful memories you gathered over the years.

Misdirected Outrage!

Let's keep it simple!  The outrage towards Donald Sterling, the LA Clippers owner, is misdirected!  The same ploy was used against Paula Deen.  The outrage should be directed to our politicians who gerrymandered the voting districts who refuse to support the military, the unemployed, the outcasts, the poor, the middle-class and progress of this country!  The Supreme Court who has allowed revising the Voting Rights Acts since there is no more racism in this country and no limits on campaign contributions.  Money talks, folks!  Where is the outrage with the Wall Street CEOs and traders who get more money in a year than most people will get in a lifetime.  Not much was said about Cliven Bundy who owes the government money and still has time to talk about Negroes!  Yes, there is a problem but why is that we only hear about a selective few?  How many people in power discuss how they feel about certain groups that we will never hear?  Like I said, misdirected outrage!

Being Christ-like Is Not That Easy!

Holy Week has passed and what have we done to acknowledge the Last Days of Christ and His Resurrection? Did we take the time to treat each other with respect, dignity and love? Did we meditate over the Last Supper and the body and blood that Jesus gave for us? And what about the suffering He went through for the sins of mankind? We seem to have forgotten exactly what Christians are really about. Going to church every Sunday doesn’t make you a Christian. Following the ways of Christ is not so easy. We need to be growing, be a part of something greater to encouraging and supporting each other. Yes, we all have our personal struggles and challenges. But by God’s Grace, we overcome them and do even better. Our actions should speak louder than our words. Treat each other the way we want to be treated. “Do unto others as you would have them do to you.” We forget this when someone does something to offend us. We hold grudges and want the same thing to happen to them. How quickly we forget to forgive! God asks us to love Him with all of our hearts, souls and minds. Put God first and trust Him! Christ broke the chains of sin and death by returning after death, but He first showed how much He loved us by giving His life. How much love can a person have to give his life for someone who even hates him? Let us all strive to be better examples of what we are supposed to be, Christ-like and practice our purposes year round.

Rest In Peace, Cookie! You Will Be Missed!

God bless you, my friend!

Happy Easter!!!

Remember the reason!

Lead Me, Lord! Guide Me!

The Will of God Will Not Take You Where The Grace of God Will Not Protect You!

April 1, 2014, was just another day the Good Lord gave us. In the biblical days, the Israelites used a rock as a monument to mark something special that occurred to them. It was a covenant memorial to God.  Even today there are many events that deserve altars. Yet, we still don't recognize our blessings. 

This first day in April was the day God’s plan for me was fulfilled! Believe me, my plan was a lot different than His! Forget that I’ve been praying for changes from my situation since last year. My compassion and trust in the workplace were gone. Ever since the previous year, subtle negative changes took place, like slow decaying of friendliness.

Undertaking new challenges can be both frustrating and stressful. When leadership is uncertain which direction to take, but still belittles the subordinates on their errors, who is really wrong? Fire burns off the dross and exposes the true character of the metal. I began to see the real people underneath their masks. Variables that we may never know influenced the outcome of the workplace’s environment. Deceit, vindictiveness, and static communication became apparent and morale was ignored. There is something to be said about a person standing at the end of the aisles to observe what time an employee comes in.  They didn't realize that they were becoming bullies. It was either their way or go. Of course, selected employees were exempted which became the norm.

My compassion and fire were replaced with distrust and discomfort. Distrust with some of the people in position and uncomfortable even being around them. I don’t put much thought in rumors because most of the time they are not true. However, there is a saying “where’s there is smoke there's fire” and sparks can start very large fires. This fire was not going to subside until it accomplished its objectives. Rumor had it that the leaders wanted to replace a certain section of office personnel, break them, discourage them and run them off.  I now question the lost reports and other irregularities. Temporarily, evil designs will bear fruit but “trouble don’t last always.” And eventually, their "deceit" will catch up with them. 

I prayed to God for His divine guidance. I had already committed myself to Him, but I expected God to do things my way. How ignorant to think God would do things my way. God’s timing, not ours, will be done! God is a merciful, loving Father. He knows what is best for all of us. We need to put our faith and trust in Him. Unfortunately, we like to be in control of our own destiny and limit our faith and trust. That is why we call on God to get us out of the mess we made! I prayed for wisdom and understanding but I left out a very important part of following God’s Divine Plan, forgiveness! 

When saying the Lord’s Prayer, say it slower next time. “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” Trespass is to offend. How many times have we offended others? Maybe we meant to and maybe not. But, how often do we ask for forgiveness when we offend someone, especially, the people we love? But love is another story, too. Can we forgive people that dislike us? Isn’t this part of the Lord’s Prayer? We definitely want God to forgive us but we find reasons to keep grudges towards others. Are we being obedient? Are we treating each other the way we want to be treated? Expect to be mocked and ridiculed doing the right thing. Hang in there! God’s purpose for us will not be denied!

I am blessed beyond my grandest expectations, I am working with people who I know that I can help and hopefully bring them hope. My faith and trust in God has grown exponentially since I have seen Him make a way out of no way. I am a witness to His awesome love and mercy. I always wondered how the men of God during the biblical days understood the power and love of God. They witnessed his grace and mercy every day! They gave God control of their lives and He never, not once, let them down. But the men did and each time was lifted up by God’s divine love and mercy.

We all have a lot to learn on this journey. If we become bitter and judgmental we block the wonderful blessings the Lord has in store for us. He’s already given the blessings to us; we must be open to receive them!

Whatever challenges and obstacles that we are faced with, thank God for the wisdom and strength to deal with them! Trust Him as a loving Father who wants the best for his children. God wants us to believe in Him at all times. When Peter took his eyes off of Christ and saw the white-capped waves, he began to sink. The foamy waves represent the obstacles and challenges we face in our lives and we sink when we let them overcome us with fear and doubt. Peter, in his moment of fear, forgot who was in control. He forgot who he was with!  I know that I have done this before.

There is a season for everything we deal with.  No matter what happens in life, never take your eyes off Jesus! The word became flesh! He knows the challenges we will undergo! He faced it here on earth and gave His life as God’s covenant with man! Let us all keep our eyes on the prize! 

A Flippant Tongue Will Cost!

James 3:1-12 (NIV) states that it’s easier to control animals by putting bits in their months to make them obey you. Ships are steered by small rudders to go into the direction where needed. But the tongue, a small part of the body compared to a small spark which can set a forest on fire. Animals of all kinds can be tamed by man but man can not tame his own tongue. With the same tongue we praise the Lord and curse our brothers. Proverbs 18:21 (NIV) says that the tongue has the power of life and death and those who love to talk will reap the consequences.

 Some of us find out the hard way! We said things in the past not realizing the consequences. We forget what was said and the past comes back to bite us. You cannot get back what was said in the atmosphere.We indeed reap what we sow. Still, it is not our timing when we want things done, but God's timing when it will be done.  I was at a point that I became distrustful and wary everyday.  That is an unpleasant and toxic environment.  It was a cloud that resulted from circumstances of more than enough but was no longer be creative, have fun, be productive and treat internal and external partners with respect.  The unspoken word was "Do it and I don't care how it gets done." I have learned that there will be those that will always be given a "special" treatment and their word will not be questioned despite the facts.  In other words, everyone will not be treated equally.

There are evil forces in high positions that cannot bear to see you doing God’s Will and they will find ways, large or small, to distract you. We must realize those folks have given in to their earthly desires of selfishness. They have forgotten who put them in positions of authority and believe now only in themselves. They can neither forget nor forgive any trespasses. Their hunger for vindictiveness will not be satisfied until the hardship is completed. How many of us have seen this happen to others or ourselves? We must pray for those. 1 Timothy 2:1-4 (NIV) petitions "prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people, for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth." 

I have seen so many miracles take place in my life and some very recent. I know that there is a God!  But, if you refuse to move when God tells you to, He will move you. It’s remarkable that the Holy Comforter gives you the desire to prepare in advance. But you will have to obey and trust Him, God is always in control no matter what. We will "trust in the Lord with all of our heart and all of our soul and will not lean to our own understandings...God will direct our paths." Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) 

 My own calmness is beyond my comprehension. I wish no evil on anyone. God is my vindicator. Proverbs 21:23 says those who guard their mouths and tongues keep themselves from calamity. The New American Standard version has "He who guards his mouth and his tongue, Guards his soul from troubles." The point of a mistake is to learn from it and try not to repeat it. God did not bring us this far to leave us. Challenges will always be around us, hopefully we grow from them and get stronger. 

My faith is growing stronger every day. I am so grateful that God is with me.  He has put in place angels to watch over me.  In particular, one that maintains a listening ear and watchful eye over me.  Do not put your trust in man because his motives might be for himself. My trust is in God, my Father, who wants only the best for me and I have to trust and believe that His Divine Guidance will get me where I need to go. 

Psalms 146 (NIV) is one of my favorite passages, there are so many. David had a direct line to God’s heart. As a sheep herder, he had plenty of time to meditate, as a fugitive he had plenty of time to praise and give thanks and as a king, he had plenty of time pray. David knew what grace was all about.

In closing, we must continue to pray for each other.

It's Been Six Years!

Time has really gone by fast but it still doesn't relieve me from the emptiness that I feel from missing my mother.  Yet, I know that she is with the Lord and He has filled that emptiness with an undying love and memory.  So many people have lost the people they love and by obeying God's Will, we will see them again.

Rest in Peace, Karen and "Fats!"

One thing that happens when you get older is that the people you knew either change or move on.  But what you realize is that moving on does not mean leaving your neighborhood, life or job.  What I found out is that moving on is moving towards a new life on another plane.  Two of my childhood friends and cousins have moved on from this world to the next.  Gerald "Fat Daddy" Webb, 57, departed this life last Wednesday, March 5, 2014.  He really wasn't fat.  His older sister, Karen Webb-Martin, 62, left the day before on Tuesday, March 4, 2014.  I don't know what happened but I do know that God's Will is done.  I pray for a blessed and peaceful journey.

Happy Belated Birthday, Austin!

My baby brother is now 61!  God bless you!

What is Wrong With Some of Our Church Leaders?

Something is very wrong with this picture; it promotes fear, paranoia and hate.  Regardless, the author hurls insults at too many people except at himself.  Some much can be said about this "shepherd" bringing souls to God.  I’m sure that he could have found a better way to voice his opinion than this. (See below).

“This is devastating what Obama is doing to the black man and the black woman, and how the white homo is now moving into the black neighborhoods looking for black men that have been converted into homosexuality. But black woman let me say something to you: you have a very hard time competing against a white homosexual male. He's usually got money -- a white homo usually has an American Express card. He usually has an opportunity at the theater -- homos love the theater. They love to go out to dinners, parties, they love that kind of a thing... black people need to rise up in mass and recognize the utter destruction that Obama is going in to destroy the black family with these homosexual statements that he has done and release of demons.”

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/02/26/atlah-church-anti-gay_n_4860972.html

Thank God that His patience and mercy is for all of us!  We are all covered by the Blood of Jesus!  We need to get our house in order!

Seeing the Works of God!

Others went out on the sea in ships; they were merchants on the mighty waters. They saw the works of the Lord.... - Psalm 107:23-24

Sometimes God takes us into such deep waters that we lose control of the situation, and we have no choice but to fully trust in His care for us. This is doing business in great waters. It is in these great waters that we see the works of God.

The Scriptures tell us that the disciples testified of what they saw and heard. It was the power behind the gospel, not the words themselves, which changed the world. The power wasn't seen until circumstances got to the point that there were no alternatives but God. Sometimes God has to take us into the deep water in order to give us the privilege to see His works.

Sometimes God takes us into the deep waters of life for an extended time. Joseph was taken into deep waters of adversity for 17 years. Rejection by his brothers, enslavement to Pharaoh, and imprisonment were the deep waters for Joseph. During those deep waters, he experienced dreams, a special anointing of his gifts to administrate, and great wisdom beyond his years. The deep water was preparation for a task that was so great he never could have imagined it. He was to see God's works more clearly than anyone in his generation. God had too much at stake for a 30-year-old to mess it up. So, God took Joseph through the deep waters of preparation to ensure that he would survive what he was about to face. Pride normally engulfs such young servants who have such access to power at such a young age.

If God chooses to take us into deep waters, it is for a reason. The greater the calling, the deeper the water. Trust in His knowledge that your deep waters are preparation to see the works of God in your life. 

Source: From an inspiring email

Happy New Year, 2014!

A new year is coming! Choose to  let go of what was, learn from the experience and focus on what can be!   To your future!  May it be the best yet to come!

Have A Blessed and Safe Christmas! Merry Christmas!

There are many people stressing at this time of year for many reasons.  Some financially, some lonely, some experiencing a past or recent loss and others for unknown reasons.  We must still try our best to focus on the reason for the season.  Yes, Christmas has been commercialized, but we don't have to buy into the commercialism.  We don't need to stress out for getting the right gifts for those special someones or wanting the right gift.  Our gifts for each other are from the heart not the wallet.  The greatest gift was given to us to receive eternal life.  How great can God's love be for us? We must do our best to be patient and understanding towards each other not just during the holidays but throughout the year.  It's not easy, believe me, I know!  But we can try.  I wish you all the very best for the new year.

How Great Is Our God!

Driving to work this morning gave me time to think how blessed I am.  Despite the heavy traffic and rain, I reminisced about how much I miss my mother.  There is not a day that I don’t think about her.  I am so grateful to God that I had so much time with her. I am sure there are so many others that feel the very same about their love ones, too.  I find it more amazing that I think of my brother every day, also.  I know that we were not that close in our younger days but since my mom’s transition, I pray for his welfare and safety everyday.  As I get older, I find God’s presence in my life more than ever.  Since, my elevator experience, my friend has given me so much insight on the power of faith that I have to smile to myself and get teary-eyed when I think of her unrequited love for and unwavering faith in God.  How great is our God?  Greater than our faith and beyond any description that we can find words or descriptions for.  Christmas and Easter were two of my mother's favorite holiday seasons!  She loved them all that celebrated the love of God but these two were very special to her.  I will pay homage to her by seeking the real reasons for the birth, death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior.  Maybe, I'll be a better man doing so.

Rest In Peace, Nelson Mandala!

I can use a lot more words but we've heard a lot of accolades and praise for the man who was down but got up, forgave and became the first Black President of South Africa!  What more can be said?  Faith is the key! Believing in something you can't see but know that it will happen!

Cloud Atlas - Live Piano - Mark Fowler!

Interesting movie and casting!  The sound seems to stay with you!

Never Forget Their Ultimate Sacrifice!

Veterans Day has come and gone and for some already forgotten!  Men and women who supported this country with military service are not treated as the heroes they are.  Instead, many lose their dignity, respect, and ability to find sustaining jobs because of ill-effects from the war.  What they have seen, felt and lost will never be replaced with a thank you for your service comment.  I'm not diminishing that statement, I'm saying that because most civilians appreciate what these survivors have done.  I am deeply concerned that many of our politicians can do more for our military but instead give them lip service.  At times, some VA doctors have been treating combat PTSD vets with more medication than treating the psychological problem.  I could talk more about this but it would continue to fall on deft ears.  Our military men and women deserve more!  Remember:  All gave some but some gave all!

Happy Birthday, Mom! God Be With You, Brother!

God Is In Control!

My mom's birthday is on October 21st.  She would have been 83 since her transition.  My brother is having major surgery that day.  I love them both!  God is merciful and has everything under control.  HE knows what HE doing and no one can do it better!  To God give the glory!

Grandstanding? No way!

14 days on government shutdown and the sleaze is oozing.

Cherish Our Love Ones!

Lord, we need you now more than ever.  You are calling our elders home.  You know what is best for them and there is no more suffering but peace and praise with you!

RIP, Ms. Essie Middleton!

Funeral service for Mrs. Essie Thomas Middleton will be held 1:00 p.m. Thursday at Zion Canaan Baptist Church, with burial in Crescent Hill Memorial Gardens. Wake service will be held this evening, beginning at 7:00, at Apostolic Church of Christ, 1041 Prescott Road. McCollom-Myers Mortuary & Cremation Service, 5003 Rhett Street. Surviving are her sons, James, Anthony and Sam Middleton; daughters, Mozelle Holloway, Pearline Livingston, Sandra Robinson and Marjorie Middleton; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and other loving relatives and friends.  God bless you!

RIP, Mr. Willie "Son" Irby, Jr!

Services for Mr. Willie Irby, Jr., will be held 11AM Friday, October 11, 2013 at Palmer Memorial Chapel with burial to follow in Ft. Jackson National Cemetery. The family will receive friends this evening from 6-7 at Palmer Memorial Chapel. Mr. Irby died on October 7, 2013. Born in Orangeburg, SC, he was the son of the late Annie Stenson and Willie Irby, Sr. Mr. Irby was a graduate of Booker T. Washington High School in 1950, attended Benedict College and served his country honorable in the United States Army. Mr. Irby is surviving a son, Lester (Patricia) Irby, daughters Beverly Irby and Doris Irby Drayton, three grandchildren Lester Boykins, Davielle and Dominique Drayton, one great granddaughter Mariella Boykins and other loving relatives and friends.  God bless you and the family!

This Is A Hate Crime!

This is another act of stupidity and people gone wild.  An innocent soldier celebrating the end of his service with his friends was attacked and killed because he was white.  The police in Lakewood, Washington reported that black men in a car yelled “cracker” repeated as the soldiers were walking along the sidewalk.  The two groups confronted each other but the report stated that the driver called it off after learning the soldiers were combat veterans.  But, one jerk wanted to be bad and stabbed Army Specialist Tevin Geike as they were leaving.  Not only are soldiers sacrificing their lives for our freedom everyday, we have jerks like this taking their sacrifices for our freedom for granted.  I still believe that the draft for military service should be reinstated.  It should be for all dropouts from the ages of 17-19 and mandatory for that same age group even if they have found a stabile career.  Shameful.  This country has enough problems already between the races and it seems to get worse everyday.

Wish U Were Here - Jamie Fox Live!

Day Three of the Government Shutdown!

What can I say?  Americans are held hostage by fellow Americans.  Rather than move forward towards progress, a few elected ultracons, backed by extremely rich folks, would rather keep everyone in the past.  It is amazing that if one lies enough, others will believe it as the truth.  Faux News is not telling the truth so they always resort to blame the liberal media.  I thought liberal meant being free, understanding and humanistic.  I guess aliens of some sort invaded that network.  It is a shame that they believe their own deceitful and divisive language.  It goes to show that everyone has a price.  Americans are still losing their jobs. The shutdown takes away even more from the economy.  No more visits to the Whitehouse and parks can not be worse than people being fed, losing their income and receiving healthcare.

RIP, Ms. Elease Price!

Mrs. Elease Harrison Price, 84, of 1501 Lorick Ave., Columbia, died Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2013, at Palmetto Richland Hospital following an extended illness.  The Homegoing services for Mrs. Elease Harrison Price will be 1 p.m., Monday, October 7, 2013 at Saint Stephens United Methodist Church in Orangeburg, SC with burial in the Church Cemetery. Mrs. Elease Harrison Price was born to the late James and Annie S. Johnson Harrison on September 12, 1929 in Wolfton, South Carolina. At an early age she joined St. Stephen United Methodist Church where she attended faithfully. She shared her love of cooking and baking with family, friends, neighbors and children. She leaves to cherish fond memories, one son Eddie C. (Sandra) Harrison, one daughter Dorothy P. (Edward) Bates of Columbia, SC; a special nephew Bobby (Elizabeth) Mack; one brother, Edgar Clifton Harrison of Orangeburg, SC; five Grandchildren; six Great Grandchildren; and a host of special nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends who will miss her dearly.

Read more here: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/thestate/obituary.aspx?n=elease-harrison-price&pid=167390188&fhid=23110#storylink=cpy

Choose Wisely!

Choose Wisely!

Dr. King's Eulogy for the Young Bombing Victims 9/18/1963!

Eulogy For The Young Victims
Of The Sixteenth Street Baptist Church Bombing

by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
September 18, 1963, Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, Birmingham, Alabama

[Delivered at funeral service for three of the children -
Addie Mae Collins, Carol Denise McNair, and Cynthia Diane Wesley - killed in the bombing.
A separate service was held for the fourth victim, Carole Robertson.]

This afternoon we gather in the quiet of this sanctuary to pay our last tribute of respect to these beautiful children of God. They entered the stage of history just a few years ago, and in the brief years that they were privileged to act on this mortal stage, they played their parts exceedingly well. Now the curtain falls; they move through the exit; the drama of their earthly life comes to a close. They are now committed back to that eternity from which they came.

These children-unoffending, innocent, and beautiful-were the victims of one of the most vicious and tragic crimes ever perpetrated against humanity.

And yet they died nobly. They are the martyred heroines of a holy crusade for freedom and human dignity. And so this afternoon in a real sense they have something to say to each of us in their death. They have something to say to every minister of the gospel who has remained silent behind the safe security of stained-glass windows. They have something to say to every politician [Audience:] (Yeah) who has fed his constituents with the stale bread of hatred and the spoiled meat of racism. They have something to say to a federal government that has compromised with the undemocratic practices of southern Dixiecrats (Yeah) and the blatant hypocrisy of right-wing northern Republicans. (Speak) They have something to say to every Negro (Yeah) who has passively accepted the evil system of segregation and who has stood on the sidelines in a mighty struggle for justice. They say to each of us, black and white alike, that we must substitute courage for caution. They say to us that we must be concerned not merely about who murdered them, but about the system, the way of life, the philosophy which produced the murderers. Their death says to us that we must work passionately and unrelentingly for the realization of the American dream.

And so my friends, they did not die in vain. (Yeah) God still has a way of wringing good out of evil. (Oh yes) And history has proven over and over again that unmerited suffering is redemptive. The innocent blood of these little girls may well serve as a redemptive force (Yeah) that will bring new light to this dark city. (Yeah) The holy Scripture says, "A little child shall lead them." (Oh yeah) The death of these little children may lead our whole Southland (Yeah) from the low road of man's inhumanity to man to the high road of peace and brotherhood. (Yeah, Yes) These tragic deaths may lead our nation to substitute an aristocracy of character for an aristocracy of color. The spilled blood of these innocent girls may cause the whole citizenry of Birmingham (Yeah) to transform the negative extremes of a dark past into the positive extremes of a bright future. Indeed this tragic event may cause the white South to come to terms with its conscience. (Yeah)

And so I stand here to say this afternoon to all assembled here, that in spite of the darkness of this hour (Yeah Well), we must not despair. (Yeah, Well) We must not become bitter (Yeah, That's right), nor must we harbor the desire to retaliate with violence. No, we must not lose faith in our white brothers. (Yeah, Yes) Somehow we must believe that the most misguided among them can learn to respect the dignity and the worth of all human personality.

May I now say a word to you, the members of the bereaved families? It is almost impossible to say anything that can console you at this difficult hour and remove the deep clouds of disappointment which are floating in your mental skies. But I hope you can find a little consolation from the universality of this experience. Death comes to every individual. There is an amazing democracy about death. It is not aristocracy for some of the people, but a democracy for all of the people. Kings die and beggars die; rich men and poor men die; old people die and young people die. Death comes to the innocent and it comes to the guilty. Death is the irreducible common denominator of all men.

I hope you can find some consolation from Christianity's affirmation that death is not the end. Death is not a period that ends the great sentence of life, but a comma that punctuates it to more lofty significance. Death is not a blind alley that leads the human race into a state of nothingness, but an open door which leads man into life eternal. Let this daring faith, this great invincible surmise, be your sustaining power during these trying days.

Now I say to you in conclusion, life is hard, at times as hard as crucible steel. It has its bleak and difficult moments. Like the ever-flowing waters of the river, life has its moments of drought and its moments of flood. (Yeah, Yes) Like the ever-changing cycle of the seasons, life has the soothing warmth of its summers and the piercing chill of its winters. (Yeah) And if one will hold on, he will discover that God walks with him (Yeah, Well), and that God is able (Yeah, Yes) to lift you from the fatigue of despair to the buoyancy of hope, and transform dark and desolate valleys into sunlit paths of inner peace.

And so today, you do not walk alone. You gave to this world wonderful children. [moans] They didn't live long lives, but they lived meaningful lives. (Well) Their lives were distressingly small in quantity, but glowingly large in quality. (Yeah) And no greater tribute can be paid to you as parents, and no greater epitaph can come to them as children, than where they died and what they were doing when they died. (Yeah) They did not die

in the dives and dens of Birmingham (Yeah, Well), nor did they die discussing and listening to filthy jokes. (Yeah) They died between the sacred walls of the church of God (Yeah, Yes), and they were discussing the eternal meaning (Yes) of love. This stands out as a beautiful, beautiful thing for all generations. (Yes) Shakespeare had Horatio to say some beautiful words as he stood over the dead body of Hamlet. And today, as I stand over the remains of these beautiful, darling girls, I paraphrase the words of Shakespeare: (Yeah, Well): Good night, sweet princesses. Good night, those who symbolize a new day. (Yeah, Yes) And may the flight of angels (That's right) take thee to thy eternal rest. God bless you.

50 Year Anniversary of the Church Bombing!

Photo by Rolls Press/Popperfoto/Getty Images  

Robert Chambliss - Burton Mcneely/Time Life Pictures/Getty Images

The Four Innocents- AP Photo/The Birmingham News

On Sunday, Sept. 15, 1963, in Birmingham, Ala., at 10:22 a.m., a bomb exploded at the 16th Street Baptist Church. Of the nearly 200 congregants inside, attending Sunday school classes and preparing for the 11 a.m. service, about 22 were injured. But perhaps most notably, four little innocent girls -- three 14-year-olds and one 11-year-old -- were killed, putting the bombing among the most well-known and most heartbreaking tragedies in the fight for civil rights in America's Deep South.  At what cost is hatred and bigotry?  Even now the question remains are black lives less valuable than others?  And from whose perspective?  50 years have passed and we still don't know the answers.

In 1963, Addie Mae Collins, Denise McNair, Carole Robertson and Cynthia Wesley died in a war they didn't fully understand, and died unnecessarily due to hatred.  Three of the four suspects responsible for the bombing were convicted. Two died in prison, Robert Chambliss, BobbyFrank Cherry and ThomasE. Blanton, Jr. is still in prison. In 1977, Robert “Dynamite Bob” Chambliss was convicted of murder or the bombing and sentenced to life terms of imprisonment.  He died in 1985.

Not more than seven hours after the bombing, two more people died, a sixteen year old and a thirteen year old.  They were shot by the police.  Young lives who have just begun to live. William Faulkner had it right: in the south, he once wrote, "the past is never dead. It isn't even past."

RIP, Mr. William Davis!

William Davis, Jr., 88, 1401 S. McDuffie St., passed away on August 11, 2013, at AnMed Health. He was a U.S. Navy Veteran. He is survived by his children, Qualma Davis Green, Leon B. Davis, Quinton E. Davis, Allen S. Davis; a host of grandchildren; two sisters, Christine Bussey and Bernell Winfield; and one brother, Charles Davis. He was preceded in death by his wife, Bernelle Singleton Davis; parents, Willie and Annie Lou Watson Davis; one son, William E. Davis; and two sisters, Wilma Reed and Vivan Edwards.

The funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, August 17, 2013, at St. Mary's Catholic Church. 

September 11, 2013!

Do you remember where you were September 11, 2001?  Do you remember the tragedies?  Do you remember what you did and what was said?  Continue to pray for the victims' families and the unity of this great nation.

I'll Cover You! Not From the Original Movie!

This is a beautiful song from another version of Rent!  Not song in the bass version as the original actors, but still touching.  Angel's funeral is inside a church which seems more profound.  We seem to have a lot to say after they are gone.  It is almost like remembering what should have been said or just realizing what should have been said.  Losing a loved one still leaves an emptiness that can't be filled.  Grief can be so painful. We have to consider to serenity they have transitioned to. Love while you can, my brothers and sisters, but keep God first in the equation.

Another Unknown Hero!

Few people have about James Hampton. I stumble across the name and his works myself.  Whatever reason people are kept in obscurity, we may never know.  But there are so many people that has contributed to this world one way or another that their value may not be important to the masses.  Yet, all of us are valuable to someone!

James Hampton was born in 1909 in Elloree, South Carolina, a small community of predominantly African-American sharecroppers and tenant farmers.  He died in 1964 in Washington, DC.  His father was a gospel singer and self-ordained Baptist minister who left his wife and four children to pursue the call to spread the word.

In 1928, when he was nineteen, Hampton moved to Washington, D.C., to live with an older brother Lee. Drafted into the Army in 1942, he served with a segregated unit that maintained airstrips in Saipan and Guam during World War II. Hampton returned to Washington in 1945, and began working a year later as a janitor for the General Services Administration. James Hampton died of stomach cancer in 1964. Although he expressed interest in finding "a holy woman," to assist with his life’s work he never married and had few close friends.

Hampton was raised as a fundamentalist Baptist, but he disliked the concept of a denominational God and attended a variety of the city’s churches. As early as 1931, Hampton believed that he began receiving visions from God, and by 1945 it appears he had made one small, shrine-like object while stationed on Guam. This piece became part of his larger work, and is now placed in front of the center pulpit.  

His work on The Throne of the Third Heaven of the Nations Millennium General Assembly probably began in earnest around 1950, when he rented a garage in his northwest Washington neighborhood, which was also the city's center of African-American business, religious, and night life.  He had emblazoned the words Fear Not above the central throne. The complete work consists of a total of 180 objects that were donated anonymously to the SmithsonianAmerican Art Museum in 1970. Many of them were inscribed with words from the Book of Revelation. The objects on the right side of the central throne appear to refer to the New Testament; those on the left side, to the Old Testament.

Although a humble man, Hampton often referred to himself as "St. James." He gave himself the title of "Director, Special Projects for the State of Eternity."  He may have considered himself a prophet like John, the author of The Book of Revelation, the biblical writing that inspired Hampton's belief in the Second Coming of Christ and his desire to build The Throne as a monument to the return of Christ to earth.

Hampton worked almost every day on his project, often starting his work at midnight after completing his janitorial duties. He continued his efforts until he died in 1964. The Throne was discovered and brought to the public's attention after his death by the owner of the garage he wanted to find out why the rent was not paid. It is most likely Hampton's monument to his faith might not be completely finished.  For 14 years, Hampton had been building a throne out of various old materials like aluminum and gold foil, old furniture, various pieces of cardboard, old light bulbs, shards of mirror and old desk blotters.  Amazingly, he had pinned it together with tacks, glue, pins and tape.

What I found interesting is his notebook titled St. James: The Book of the 7 Dispensation. Most of the text had been written in an unknown script that remains undeciphered. The text is available online and has been the subject of research.  Some of this text, however, had been accompanied by notes in English. In Hampton's writing, for example, he used the title "Director, Special Projects for the State of Eternity" and ended each page with the word "Revelation." Hampton had also written texts, some of which refer to religious visions, on various pieces of paper and cardboard and on a few pages in each of seven other notebooks.

RIP, Elder Cephas Jackson, Jr!

Prayer Works!

We do need you now, Lord!  Prayer Warriors, we have a lot to pray for, don’t we?  Sometimes we pray for ourselves, friends and family.  We pray for ourselves when faced with issues that we don’t want anyone to know about or when things are not going our way.  We pray for family and friends when it seems that they have gotten off the right path.  (As if we know what path they should stay on.  God’s ways are not our ways.)  There are so many people that we don’t know, but still need our spiritual support.  The enemy is doing all that is within his power to destroy and kill our relationship with God.  We find ourselves alone, sometimes, fighting battles that only God can help us conquer.  We get weak from the fight and focus on how big the problem is instead of how big our God is.  Remember, no matter what we face in life, we must keep a firm grip on God’s Hand.  It’s not Him that lets go, it’s us.  My angel is opening my eyes more and more but gives it all to the glory of God.  My brothers and sisters in Christ, when two or more are joined together in prayer, we can shake this world.  If you happen to read this blog, directly or indirectly, stop and say a short prayer, boldly asking the Lord to bless our fellow man with faith, love, patience, self-control, good health and abundance.  I know one thing.  God is always on time!  It may not be the time we want but He is always on time.  Do not give up!  Stay on the battlefield.  Help is coming!

50 Years Anniversary - I Have A Dream Speech!

 The final refrain of Martin Luther King Jr.'s most famous speech will echo around the world on Wednesday, August 28, 2013, at 3:00 pm,  as bells from churches, schools and historical monuments "let freedom ring" in celebration of a powerful moment in civil rights history.  The walk on Washington is being conducted as it was 50 years ago by all Americans who supported civil rights.

Turning Around for Me (Live) - VaShawn Mitchell!

Ride For My Team – Dinobrite Productions!

This is Gamecock Country!

Jeremiah 29:11-13 (New International Version (NIV))

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.  You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

AMEN, AMEN, AMEN!!!

God’s On Your Side – Andrae Couch!

The Isaac Woodard Story

Isaac Woodard

I believe in peaceful dialog instead of fighting and yelling.  I want to see progress towards a peaceful settlement.  I can’t always have what I want but this is what I prefer.  People sacrifice their lives for a cause because it something they believe in.  They expect certain consequences and in the process will always be remembered.  Some innocent people have given up their lives due to other people bizarre behavior.  They happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.  All of us can vouch for this.  We might not have been through some extreme circumstances but we have witnessed those unforgettable occasions.  Then, there are some innocent people who simply mind their own business and become victims of another person’s hostility.  I don’t want those innocent people to be forgotten.  Isaac Woodard lost his eyesight because of racial hatred.  I can't seem to find more information on Sheriff Shull. Despite the differences that our skin complexions are different, the major barriers between the races are what we believe and think.

In February, 1946, a black soldier named Isaac Woodard, was on his way home to South Carolina.  He had just been discharged out of the Army. At a stop along the way, Woodard had a verbal altercation with the driver over permission to use the restroom.  After using the restroom, he returned to his seat without incident. At Batesburg, the next stop, the diver contacted Sheriff Linwood Shull, who forcibly removed Woodard from the bus.  After demanding to see his discharge papers, a group of officers took Woodard, still in uniform, to a nearby alleyway and beat him with nightsticks. He was then taken to jail and arrested for disorderly conduct.  Overnight, more beatings and jabs in the face with a nightstick resulted in both of Woodard’s eyes being ruptured, and the onset of partial amnesia.  The next day, Woodard was brought before a local judge, found guilty and fined fifty dollars. Not knowing where he was and still suffering from amnesia, Woodard ended up in a nearby hospital receiving substandard care.  It took his family ten days to find him.  The story eventually reached the ears of President Truman, who angrily demanded that the Attorney General take action.  The resulting trial of Sheriff Shull, who admitted he had blinded Woodard, was a shameful failure, resulting in the courtroom breaking into applause when Shull was acquitted after 30 minutes of deliberation. The Blinding of Isaac Woodard – Woody Guthrie.  Isaac Woodard was born March 18, 1919, in Fairfield County, South Carolina.  He died September 23, 1992, in the Bronx, New York.  

Here is a link to Isaac Woodard in his own words.

Prior to this event, another horrible incident took place. On July 16, 1943, an African American soldier was on his way home to LaGrange, Georgia to visit his wife and infant. He was traveling by bus from Charleston, South Carolina which made a stop in Augusta, Georgia. He got off to stretch his legs and as soon as he took his seat again the driver told him to get off without giving him an explanation. The soldier proceeded to the driver what the problem was and the driver replied by telling him “for blowing your top you will be leaving on the next bus at one-fifteen in the morning.” At that point two military policemen walked up and he asked one why he could not ride on that particular bus. One responded in a nice manner and the other insultingly. The officer who responded rudely replied to his comrade, “you let a nigger talk to you like that,” and told the soldier if he didn’t like the way things were then, he would send him back to Charleston and he ought to arrest him.

The postwar era was characterized by a total lack of response to the needs of Black Americans from the legislative branch of government. President Truman, however, was angry over the treatment of black Americans, particularly war veterans, and although his commitment to civil rights was tempered somewhat by political necessity, several milestones were achieved during his administration.  On December 5, 1946, Truman established by executive order the President’s Committee on Civil Rights. The committee was instructed to investigate the status of civil rights in the United States and propose measures to strengthen and protect the civil rights of American citizens. Truman became the first president to address the NAACP, at the Lincoln Memorial on July 29, 1947.  On July 26, 1948, President Truman issued ExecutiveOrder 9981, banning segregation of the armed forces.  Senior military officials protested but the Korean War prompted the integration of combat units, without the predicted loss of combat effectiveness.

Here are some links to the newspapers at the time.  Each newspaper has its own spin.

http://faculty.uscupstate.edu/amyers/lighthouse.html Local Black Newspaper

http://faculty.uscupstate.edu/amyers/recordnov.html Local White Newspaper

  

If you are interested in reading more about Black Americans in the Military, read Strength for the Fight: A History of Black Americans in the Military by Bernard C. Nalty.  Brothers in Arms: The Epic Story Of The 761st Tank Battalion, WWII’s Forgotten Heroes by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Anthony Walton.

 Sources:   History Engine – Tools for Collaborative Education and Research

                 Civil Rights in The Postwar Era: 1946-1953 

"Already Done" - Margaret P. Douroux & The Heritage Mass Choir!

Faith can change things!  But it changes the believer most of all! Glory to God!  We all are going through struggles and when we look back, we wondered how did we get through!  Nobody but God brought us through!

The Verdict Is In – Not Guilty!

What did you expect?  Too many factors, too many biases, too many opinions shaped this trial of Trayvon Martin and George Zimmerman from the beginning.  The trial seemed to me that the victim was the oppressor and the oppressor was the victim.  Isn't that the current culture we seemed to be facing?  Minorities despite where you live and how they are dressed are still considered threats to society. It doesn't matter if you hold the title of President of the United States, as a minority you are a threat to the very life of this nation!  This is another polarizing trial meant to maintain the country’s segregation of the races.

It’s time we faced the racial separation in this country and have a candid, honest talk about it.  I don’t care if you married across racial lines; I don’t want to hear you say that you married one of the good ones. A segment of any population can cause stereotypes.  The penal system might house a majority of minority population, but for what reasons?  White collar crimes suffer less time and punishment than being arrested for carrying 2 joints and/or a nickel bag.

Why are we running away from a national racial discussion?  Zimmerman said that “they always get away.”  Well, Trayvon didn’t.  How many non-minorities walked that neighborhood and were never considered to me a threat to Zimmerman?  How many got away?  Zimmerman was not held accountable.

They are some complex variables that are working behind the scenes and the voters are not noticing until it’s too late.  Haven’t you noticed Congress’ actions that they are not listening to the voices of America.  They are only paying attention to the constituents in their district because they reapportioned (gerrymandered) the lines that support ultra-conservative viewpoints.  Don’t ask how they got away with it, they did it in full view while many apathetic voters sat at home.  You don’t vote, you don’t have a say.  There is a push to change laws back to the old days such as changing Voting Laws.  Reform the Immigration law but in the process let’s keep them from being a part of America until hidden agendas are obtained.  Look at how the Ultra-cons are treating women and their rights now.  What is going on?

Look at this way.  The devil knows that his time is short but his aim is to kill and destroy.  If you leave the door open to your heart.  He will enter, tear it to shreds, and have you believe that it was the right thing to do.  You didn’t do anything to stop him, slow him down, or looked to God for help.  Now that everything is turned upside down, you are still wondering what happened.  We went to sleep while the devil never sleeps.

We are directing our anger at the wrong people.  Has anyone paid attention to the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC)?  ALEC is an American organization composed of legislators, businesses, and foundations which produces model legislation for state legislatures and promotes free-markets, limited government, and federalism at the state level.  In other words, these groups support states sovereignty.  Give power back to the states, keep the government out an let the state make the laws.  We are already seeing the effects.  It’s amazing that the many of the members of ALEC are the same businesses that we consumers support everyday. Examples, AOL, AT&T, BP, Charter Communications, DirecTV, Dow Chemical, DuPont, EBay, Fedex, Koch Industries, Taser International, Time Warner, UPS, Verizon, Visa and a large list of people we do business with and laugh at us after they got the money.

For decades, ALEC has been a conduit for the oil, tobacco, and pharmaceutical industries to push legislation that changes the rules to limit accountability when a corporation’s products or actions cause injury or death -such as when a Koch Industries pipeline explodes and kills teenagers, or when the tobacco or pharmaceutical industries withhold evidence that their products are dangerous.

Cooler heads most prevail.  We must look at the overall picture and not let tunnel vision act out our emotions.  Diversion and distraction are a few common methods used by the media to cause or maintain confusion.  They are designed to misinform and keep the people off balance even to the point of polarization.  Race is always a hot topic, it provokes deep-seated emotions and arguments but not enough for all us to sit down and discuss.  We can get too sensitive sometimes, but it’s better to talk about our differences and understand each other.  

If the media truly cared what is happening among races in America, it will also write about possible solutions, it would cover more on the homicides in Detroit and Chicago.  From January 1^st to the 4^th of July 2013, 200 homicides have taken place.  In 2012, there were an overall number of 500 shootings.  I question if the media is concerned at all about black on black crimes when there seems to more interest in the racial aspect of the crime.  

We Americans can use this upsetting moment to be respectful of Trayvon's parents by not destroying or offending anyone.  We can do something to show unity in our struggle for equity and equality.  We must vote not only in the primaries but get out there for the midterms.  If the states want IDs and voter registrations, let's get them.  Let's show these politicians that they can not continue to use us or ignore us.  Let's exercise our civil right to vote!

Chrisette Michele – A Couple Of Forevers!

Happy Birthday, 14th Amendment! (Ratified July 9, 1868)

The 14th Amendment, now 145 Years Old, was the second of three Reconstruction Amendments passed in the years following the Civil War. The 13th banned slavery, and the 15th prohibits denying the right to vote based on race.  The 14th Amendment resolved the legal status of former slaves–it granted them citizenship and “equal protection of the laws.” Today, the 14th Amendment is referenced frequently in court cases making claims for legal equality.

XIV AMENDMENT

SECTION 1.

All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the state wherein they reside. No state shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.

SECTION 2.

Representatives shall be apportioned among the several states according to their respective numbers, counting the whole number of persons in each state, excluding Indians not taxed. But when the right to vote at any election for the choice of electors for President and Vice President of the United States, Representatives in Congress, the executive and judicial officers of a state, or the members of the legislature thereof, is denied to any of the male inhabitants of such state, being twenty-one years of age, and citizens of the United States, or in any way abridged, except for participation in rebellion, or other crime, the basis of representation therein shall be reduced in the proportion which the number of such male citizens shall bear to the whole number of male citizens twenty-one years of age in such state.

SECTION 3.

No person shall be a Senator or Representative in Congress, or elector of President and Vice President, or hold any office, civil or military, under the United States, or under any state, who, having previously taken an oath, as a member of Congress, or as an officer of the United States, or as a member of any state legislature, or as an executive or judicial officer of any state, to support the Constitution of the United States, shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof. But Congress may by a vote of two-thirds of each House, remove such disability.

SECTION 4.

The validity of the public debt of the United States, authorized by law, including debts incurred for payment of pensions and bounties for services in suppressing insurrection or rebellion, shall not be questioned. But neither the United States nor any state shall assume or pay any debt or obligation incurred in aid of insurrection or rebellion against the United States, or any claim for the loss or emancipation of any slave; but all such debts, obligations and claims shall be held illegal and void.

SECTION 5.

The Congress shall have power to enforce, by appropriate legislation, the provisions of this article.