The blame game

Genesis 3:11-13 - And he (GOD) said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?”  The man said, “The woman you put here with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.”  Then the LORD God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?”  The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”

The blame game what is it all about? The blame game where we try to make another responsible for our actions, the reason for what we did and an explanation for we have said. When asked why or how come, we name a person as if it explains it; whatever it is. However providing a name does not explain anything, because it is our attraction to the distraction that moves us to act or not act. We are more committed to the immediate fun, and the future consequences we ignore. We act as if we did not know better, or were we are not informed of the possible negative consequences of our actions or in actions. Yet, we wonder why our dreams are deferred, and deferred and deferred. Or why we fail to come close to the goal, the vision promised. Although, the scriptures state people are destroyed for the lack of knowledge (Hosea 4:6). It is not the lack of knowledge in the 21^st Century instant everything with the onset of the internet, the social networks, twittering, etc. Rather it is the understanding, grasping, the expansiveness of a thing gets us every time. 

We gather the knowledge like we gather new gadgets, never fully discerning the fullest of it. We gather just enough understanding to be dangerous, but not useful to us. Thereby, relinquishing responsibility, and allowing us to put the blame on someone. When the real problem lies in our attraction to distraction because without the attraction to something, no one could convince us to do or not do anything. Yet, the blame game has never solved any problem, or resolved any dispute in our life; but we continue to use it.  What it does is create more problems; something no one needs or wants.  See the blame game is born out of ‘it is about me attitude’, this cost. Where we deceive, we separate, destroy, and provide a place for paranoia. The blame game, risking everything for a momentarily gratification without regards to tomorrow problems we are creating.  So, if you desire to reduce your self destruction, then try to own up to what you have done, or what you did not do. Then begin moving progressively forward to a better you, and growth to all connected to you. Because no matter what we think we can do to provide a shortcut or hook-up, it ain’t going to happen – There are no shortcuts to anyplace worth going to in this life. So, stop the blame game and begin to own up to your mess. It will save us all from unwanted headaches, and stress.   

We make the choice, but we never decide upon the consequences we get.... "A gem cannot be polished without friction, nor can you be perfected without trials."   - Chinese Proverb

Does diversity still matter in the 21st century consciousness?

Rom. 12:4 - For we have many parts in one body, but these parts do not all have the same function. (NASB)

Does diversity still matter in the 21^st century consciousness? This question was put to me recently. The person went further to explain, the reason for the questions – we see people of all races, genders, and ideologies interact with each other getting along. I smiled, and contemplated my response before speaking, and replied, tell what you mean, when you say diversity, so I can frame my question appropriately. The person smiled, and replied, good one, then we spoke about something frivolous, and we went our separate ways….But it nagged at me, and I began thinking, and then concluded the real problem is bigger than just diversity. It is imbedded in these two quotes by Dr. MLK, Jr. – in the end it is not words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends…and injustice anywhere, is injustice everywhere...because we as a people are so fundamentally invested in this notion, what I have the right to do, I do, and not what is the right thing to do. We fail to get the connection with what works in other areas of life, applies to our people connections. What do I mean? Well, when it comes to our money, when we invest, we are told to diversify it. When it comes to our home, we do not have all the rooms the same, there are not five bathroom or six kitchens. When it comes to our athletic teams, we do not have all members playing the same position, we have everyone playing a different one; and we like it if a person can play more than one position. Look at any organization; we have different departments regardless what product being manufactured or produced. Finally, look at our body, we have different parts to do different functions but all important to the body.  Maya Angelou had it right when she says – we can only be great in, what we are willing to sacrifice for – yes, there is always a sacrifice. What are we willing to sacrifice for is the question?  If we want to be great in living and have peace of mind, embracing diversity helps us. Although, our reality is based on our perspective, does not make our perspective right or true….things that make you go hmmmm….

 I am beginning to understand all too quickly, this fundamental principle that underwrites our very exist as Christians – obedience is greater than sacrifice. And it has nothing to do with what it feels like, or who will be on our side…Thou none go with me, I will follow – this is an old hymn but one worth remembering as we travel the road of diversity and Christianity. As we speak up against the injustices as they crossed our path, whether it is friend or foe, we must be willing to sacrifice because injustice is injustice, it not determine because of our connections or affinity. Understanding, we sometimes must let go to see, as we begin to move beyond what my mother, father or community or village of mind taught or instilled me. So, I guess diversity still matters in the 21^st century consciousness because only in our diversification do we find creation of progress, and relinquishing of – it has always been done this way attitude. …We make the choices on whether we are willing to see beyond my world, my belief, my philosophical bent, and see….

Favor

Favor the unmerited grace in our life. The gift we were all given in some measure but not the same as another. For we each are distinct, and have a role in this cosmos call life. It does not matter what you have done. It does not require quid pro quo for it to be bestow upon us. It is the thing that comes with each of us, and as intrinsic to as breathing  because we are, not that it was asked for by us. Settling upon our souls, resting lightly on our being, and permeating through our minds to give us reassurance we matter. So can we let go, live our authentic self, and see all that we are, as well as what we are not. This acknowledgment allows us to see our truth without the veil of shame, or the rose colored glasses of distortion, and be proud. We become free, because although favor ain't fair, it resides in our lives breathing the reassurance upon us that we were not an accident, or a coincident of nature. You are an intentional blessing bestowed here by the great I AM, and who is awaiting your release of the fear that binds you. So, you can see the favor upon you, and the show God magnanimous love for each of us....Favor

Master Class

The Master Class is a television series on the OWN channel, Oprah Winfrey Network, and on this Sunday night Dr. Maya Angelou was featured as the Master. Well, I was glued to the screen because anyone who has had a deep conversation with me knows she is the one person that blesses my soul. I first heard her speak on stage during my wayward and flirty days of college, and had an opportunity to meet her a several years back but was not in a good place. I respected her energy, and calm not to bring me near her. Yet, her smooth calmness permeates into the audience and through the television to me, when she speaks. She is resolute and deliberate with every word spoken. She choosing her words carefully, she wields her words with an exactness that only a pure orator could execute, while she corrects with a precision diplomacy that nurtures and builds you up, not destroy you. For she understands words become actions, and insinuates themselves in each our lives with a seamless accuracy and propagates like a wild fire. So, she uses her words to touch souls, inspire hearts while her wisdom provides innovate catalysts, and brings authenticity to beliefs. She puts out a feast with her words of nothing but constructive tantalizing tidbits that keeps you hanging onto your seat,and invite you to be student of life, and not a survivor of hard-knocks.  She speaks, and I believe, and realizes she gets me…I am liberated and put on a natural high.

She speaks of statements that have guided her through life, and I am moved to tears. They are many but I will only present a few here, – we should all seek to be rainbows in others lives, as others have been rainbows in our…you can only be great at what you are willing to sacrifice for…love liberates, not binds…know who you are....do right....She speaks of words having power, She reference the bible, and I have found an address for them verses - John 1:1; 14 -In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God…The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. (NIV)...All of this is food for my soul, and I can never get enough of it as it fuels me. She is renewable resource for me, and I pray for the double portion upon my life. She understands the great ‘It” (her words, not mind) who formed the mountains, and the sea, thought enough to create me…The WORD was God!!...I have been to the Master Class, and I am the better for attending…words are power, choose wisely...

You are the sacrifice

Gen. 22:6-8 Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son Isaac, and he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them went on together, ⁷ Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham, “Father?”    “Yes, my son?” Abraham replied.  “The fire and wood are here,” Isaac said, “but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?”  Abraham answered, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” And the two of them went on together. (NIV)

You are the sacrifice is a concept most do not want to wrap their heads around. The fact of the matter is there is always a sacrifice. However, many times we assume the thing being sacrifice, is the actual sacrifice. Not understanding this is just the manifestation or representation of the sacrifice. When the actual sacrifice is the person sacrificing. See, this illustrated with Abraham and Isaac, Abraham was really the sacrifice, not Isaac. Isaac represented the culmination of the promised destiny of Abraham by God. See man is not wired to sacrifice or give up on it all.  What they have worked for, waited on, and the fulfillment of a purpose; yet this is actually what God asks for from us. The willingness to put Isaac on the altar for the sacrifice is Abraham ego, vanity, pride, and his all. He knew, God said, destroy it, kill it, or give it up to me, but it was hard. Thus, this does not work for us, it does not read well when I have to do, but it reads excellent when we receive the benefit for it. When we asked to sacrifice something dear, precious to us, we are done. It stymies us, a resolute stalwart is erected, metaphorically and literally, and we refuse to participate in the process any longer. Yet, somehow Abraham knew, he had to let GOD know, I will no longer put anyone, anything before you, and I fear no longer stops me from being obedient. I done that and had to put an innocent, obedient woman out because I was not obedient; I am done. You are able to do exceeding and more abundantly than I can ask for in this life. So, if my son, my soul, or me, you require, here. But you Abraham willingness - I am shall take a literary license here - to submit and sacrifice, the ‘me’ ideology which goes something like this in his head - ‘really, God?’ ‘You are really asking me to do what’, I have lost one son, and now this. I cannot do it. I cannot go any further. Do you know what my wife will do to me?  Kill me, if I do not come back with this boy… But Abraham knew, he had to submit his dependence on his familial connection for affirmation of order, and said God will provide the lamb, what a foreshadowing of the future…Sometime we are the sacrifice, and accepting it, trusting God, and obeying the request is he!#!!. Yet, we will find God does rewards, blessings, those who diligently obey Him, even if it means us being the sacrifice. For our times, and for those coming after us; so the next time you are asked to sacrifice take an intense look at what is being requested of you, and asked yourself – what is being of me, and get the lesson. Paul did and lived with favor; the woman at the well did and her life change forever, and those in her village; Ruth did, and found blessings for her and her household, and the child with the fish and biscuit did it, – and received more…Being the sacrifice is scary, much work, and ain’t easy….I know, I have been the sacrifice and found it to be worth it...…wink  

Who are we believing?

Who are we believing? Belief is our conviction, we accept as true. It does not matter what it is, or who it is, if we believe it and trust it; it is.  However, we have gone astray in this category because our actions and words do not always follow, what we say, we believe in. We put move from focus on the main thing, we focus on what or who is representing, and not who the person or thing represent; thus, we missed our blessing and fall short of our destiny…

Some of you have heard of this saying, that I grew up on – when you know better, you do better. Yet, we have taken this axiom of life of our ancestors and blown it. For the record, I am not saying we should or have to be perfect…However, sooner or later; we should begin to change our behavior and our words. Out of the heart the mouth speaks, we make the choice, the body follows, and we reap the benefits; good or bad….We make the choice, but we do not decide the consequence… The problem is we are not convinced of what we say, we believe, or the beliefs we profess to hold. I was always taught growing up, your actions will speak louder than your words. See, we model what others will follow, take to heart what people demonstrate in their behavior (intended and unintended both sends messages) because people communicate more with their actions, than with their words. Yet, we wonder why generations Gen-X, Z, Twitter, whatever you label it, is losing out. Part of the problem is those who should model, be the example of what their teaching, have disconnected from it. As if we refuse to believe what being shown to us – the adage of do what I say, not what I do, does not work for me or latter generations. Too many want to teach, but we are not reaching where those we are meant to help. Yet, we sit back discuss, debate, and argue about what we should do, but it begins with us being the change, we wish to see in others. This is called process, and no one wants to endure that…But I watch movie a couple of weeks ago, Fireproof, and it illustrated this point clearly through a book called Dare to Love. It was 40-days fast or journey one person sacrifice in love to win back their spouse. Although, this was about marriage, it is applicable to all things because we all should do out of love; I think it is in the bible somewhere...lol…Throughout the process the partner got frustrated with the process and wanted to give up, because desired was not being acknowledge or the desired outcome was not manifesting. So do we, and this is why what we say we believe, our conviction is not observable or believable to others, therefore, they do not follow because we do not follow...In the movie, the person did endure the process, and not only changed the relationship but also self and perspective....

It is stated in the old testament, if you follow what you believe Lev.26:3-6 - "If you follow My statutes and faithfully observe My commands, I will give you rain at the right time, and the land will yield its produce, and the trees of the field will bear their fruit. ⁵ Your threshing will continue until grape harvest, and the grape harvest will continue until sowing time; you will have plenty of food to eat and live securely in your land I will give peace to the land, and you will lie down with nothing to frighten [you]. – (HCSB)

Now when you do not follow the statues, the opposite is true in equal proportion  (read the rest of this chapter, I did not include because, we  all need to read for yourself). Even though the wording is agricultural; it is applicable to our life and posterity today..What are we believing? Demonstrate it, and see life change around you!!!..Your choice, you choose….

Mercies!

Lam. 3:22-23 -It is through the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Thy faithfulness. (21^st KJV)

 I heard this verse along with many other verses this morning, and I just zoomed in on this one. I zoomed in on it because of this ‘the LORD mercies’. I was able to purchase over the holidays a full set of Matthew Henry’s commentary unabridged of the entire bible (it was recommended to me by my pastor). So, I went to it to see what he said about these two verses. He basically said, is God’s is an inexhaustible fountain of mercies granted to us inspite of what we have done. The Father bestows upon us, even in our consequence of bad choices, what we are not due. However, in speaking to the 21^st century audience, the question is asked, and I too asked is – what is mercy? I went to digging. Mercy according the dictionary has several meaning but the two that stuck out to me, and I think we identify with today is - easing of distress of pain and a welcome event that provides relief from something unpleasant. While the thesaurus has these words – forgiveness, kindness, compassion, benevolence, etc. And when I look into other version of these, mercies is interchanged with loving-kindness. Then I realized these verses, many have quoted, taught about, or used as a context for preaching a sermon, no one has not said to this - simply not to let life overwhelm us. We should not let the stresses in life overwhelm us, to where we are pre-occupied with it all because God will never let any of it take us, or over tax us. God is faithful to his promise. So, when the promotion or new job does not come, know God gotcha. The relationship did not work; He is there in the form of angel that guides you through it. When people do not understand and others distance themselves from you, you feel along and no one cares, know God is there in the smile or the unexpected hug delighting your soul. All of this is part of the process we must go through, to get to the other side, and God’s loving-kindness, mercy comes from an exhaustible fountain, and every morning it is as full as the day before. It is important to understand in this time of environmental consciousness; we have a renewable resource that cannot ever be depleted.  It is still under utilized in today’s spiritual market place, while impacting our concrete world-view, and pragmatic approach to problem solving.  So, exhale and be free because we having someone loving some me…So much so, the crown was laid down, the robe was pulled off, throne was left, and the pain was taken so we would not be consumed by life woes, and compassionate would be known as an unlimited resources…that is good!!!