It is easy to say we love God when that love doesn’t cost us anything more than weekly attendance at religious services. But the real test of our love for God is how we treat the people right in front of us. We cannot truly love God while neglecting to love those who are created in his image.
(A)ccepts you as you are
(B)elieves in you
(C)alls you just to say..."Hi"
(D)oes NOT give up on you
(E)nvisions the whole of you (even the unfinished parts)
(F)orgives your mistakes
(G)ives unconditionally
(H)elps you
(I)nvites you over
(J)ust to be with you.
(K)eeps you close at heart
(L)oves you for who you are
(M)akes a difference in your life
(N)ever Judges
(O)ffers support
(P)icks you up when you're down
(Q)uiets your fears
(R)aises your spirits
(S)ays nice things about you
(T)ells you the truth when you need it
(U)nderstands you
(V)alues you
(W)alks beside you
(X)-plains things you do not understand
(Y)ells when you will not listen and
(Z)aps you back to reality
If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? 1 John 4:20
PS. What a friend we have in Jesus...
No better friend I know.
Read God's Word
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
RENEWING YOUR MIND
The Word of God says thus,
"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." ~ Romans 12:1-2
And it also says,
"And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness." ~ Ephesians 4:23-24
And so...
In order to be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God you’ve got to get rid of (Put Off) your pessimistic way of thinking and study the Word of God prayerfully daily in order to attain (Put On) an optimistic way of thinking. I know it’s easier to say than do but if we “WWJD.” (Walk with Jesus Daily) we’d learn through Him (The Living Word) His way of thinking.
Then the next time you ask yourself, “WWJD?” (What would Jesus Do?) You’ll know that enough is truly not enough because Jesus’ way of thinking will provide you with a more than enough mentality and way of living. Therefore, your way of thinking will be transformed from a carnal mind (conformed to the world) to a spiritual mind from a drifty, condemned and spacey mind to a renewed mind which is fellowship with God-minded controlled (thinking of God's promises and thoughts).
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, our real struggle with sin is exposed each and every single time we bounce it against the Word of God. Jesus pointed out what kind of lives would be required of his followers in the way He lived His life here on earth.
Are you living as Jesus taught?
Allow me to rightly divide it for you with six simple verses from the Logos, like so: It’s not enough to avoid killing, we must also avoid anger and hatred (Matthew 5:21-22 - Murder). It’s not enough to Offer regular gifts with God and others we must also have right relationships (Matthew 5:23-26 – Offerings). It’s not enough to avoid adultery; we must also Keep our hearts from lusting and be faithful, (Matthew 5:27-30 - Adultery). It’s not enough to be legally married; we must also live out our marriage commitments, (Matthew 5:31-32 - Divorce). It’s not enough to make an oath we must also avoid casual and irresponsible commitments to God (Matthew 5:33-37 - Oaths). It’s not enough to seek justice for ourselves we must also Show mercy and love to others (Matthew 5:38-47 - Revenge). You see, we are, more often than not, guilty of avoiding the extreme sins while regularly committing the types of sins with which Jesus was most concerned.
Still confused? (Too much meat)
Good news, I’ve “Got milk?” (Simplified)
It’s as simple a moving an object from “Point A” to “Point B”, or “From and to” not “not to and fro”
Here’s how as follow:
From a Unbelief Minded to a Faith/Victory Minded
From a Carnally Ruled to a Disciplined
From a Worldly Minded to a Reward Minded (seeking God with our thoughts)
From a Lazy Mind to a Word-Conscious Mind
From a Sin Minded to a Righteousness Minded
From a Weak-Willed to a Strong and Determined
From a Grudge Minded to a Forgiveness Minded
From a Passive to a Optimistic
From a Revenge Minded to a Love Minded
From a Idle to a Retrained
From a Un-Worked to a Reprogrammed
From a Self-Pleasing, People-Pleasing Minded to a God Pleasing Minded
From a Untrained to a Jesus minded (praise thoughts and thankful minded)
From a Negative to a Positive/Hopeful
From a Failure Conscious to a Success Conscious
From a Defeated to a Victorious
From a Distracted to a Focused
From a Unstable to a Stable
From a Griping, Critical and Judgmental Minded to a Restructured (both intellectually and emotionally)
And in doing so you’ll be transformed from a devil-controlled mind and into a God-controlled mind (God-controlled mind that supports your spirit man in your walk with God)
Amen.
"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." ~ Romans 12:1-2
And it also says,
"And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness." ~ Ephesians 4:23-24
And so...
In order to be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God you’ve got to get rid of (Put Off) your pessimistic way of thinking and study the Word of God prayerfully daily in order to attain (Put On) an optimistic way of thinking. I know it’s easier to say than do but if we “WWJD.” (Walk with Jesus Daily) we’d learn through Him (The Living Word) His way of thinking.
Then the next time you ask yourself, “WWJD?” (What would Jesus Do?) You’ll know that enough is truly not enough because Jesus’ way of thinking will provide you with a more than enough mentality and way of living. Therefore, your way of thinking will be transformed from a carnal mind (conformed to the world) to a spiritual mind from a drifty, condemned and spacey mind to a renewed mind which is fellowship with God-minded controlled (thinking of God's promises and thoughts).
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, our real struggle with sin is exposed each and every single time we bounce it against the Word of God. Jesus pointed out what kind of lives would be required of his followers in the way He lived His life here on earth.
Are you living as Jesus taught?
Allow me to rightly divide it for you with six simple verses from the Logos, like so: It’s not enough to avoid killing, we must also avoid anger and hatred (Matthew 5:21-22 - Murder). It’s not enough to Offer regular gifts with God and others we must also have right relationships (Matthew 5:23-26 – Offerings). It’s not enough to avoid adultery; we must also Keep our hearts from lusting and be faithful, (Matthew 5:27-30 - Adultery). It’s not enough to be legally married; we must also live out our marriage commitments, (Matthew 5:31-32 - Divorce). It’s not enough to make an oath we must also avoid casual and irresponsible commitments to God (Matthew 5:33-37 - Oaths). It’s not enough to seek justice for ourselves we must also Show mercy and love to others (Matthew 5:38-47 - Revenge). You see, we are, more often than not, guilty of avoiding the extreme sins while regularly committing the types of sins with which Jesus was most concerned.
Still confused? (Too much meat)
Good news, I’ve “Got milk?” (Simplified)
It’s as simple a moving an object from “Point A” to “Point B”, or “From and to” not “not to and fro”
Here’s how as follow:
From a Unbelief Minded to a Faith/Victory Minded
From a Carnally Ruled to a Disciplined
From a Worldly Minded to a Reward Minded (seeking God with our thoughts)
From a Lazy Mind to a Word-Conscious Mind
From a Sin Minded to a Righteousness Minded
From a Weak-Willed to a Strong and Determined
From a Grudge Minded to a Forgiveness Minded
From a Passive to a Optimistic
From a Revenge Minded to a Love Minded
From a Idle to a Retrained
From a Un-Worked to a Reprogrammed
From a Self-Pleasing, People-Pleasing Minded to a God Pleasing Minded
From a Untrained to a Jesus minded (praise thoughts and thankful minded)
From a Negative to a Positive/Hopeful
From a Failure Conscious to a Success Conscious
From a Defeated to a Victorious
From a Distracted to a Focused
From a Unstable to a Stable
From a Griping, Critical and Judgmental Minded to a Restructured (both intellectually and emotionally)
And in doing so you’ll be transformed from a devil-controlled mind and into a God-controlled mind (God-controlled mind that supports your spirit man in your walk with God)
Amen.
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
I'M NOT YOUR SUPERMAN
Lately, I’ve been nursing a series of all time lows that has caused emotional woundedness in my life. It’s been five years since I lost my best friend… mama. And though I’ve been handling it well for all those years, I miss her. And with all that pain buried deep down inside, life goes on. I continue to go on with life the same way Clark Kent did. He lives that portion of his life acting in hopes that people would see him as a human being with all our frailties.
But unlike Clark Kent, some Preachers have to walk a fine line. I’m not talking about the fine line of ideological conformity, or ecclesiastical practices, procedures and protocols. I’m talking about the fine line of being perfect in the sight of everyone. A line that says it’s impossible for a preacher to fall or become capable of making mistakes, be super invulnerable to heartbreaks, never ever be discouraged or suffer disappoints, and will never be capable of being broken down by abuse, anger, disrespect.
Recently, I’ve lost my job as an agent and advisor for a highly successful insurance company. As a matter of fact, the number one life insurance company in the entire U. S. of A. All simply because I trusted a person in a church whom I placed too much trust in. I stressed the importance of a decision being made by a deadline that would cause me to be terminated of my dream job and livelihood. It truly has affected my livelihood as well as my loved ones. I waited for a simple returned call, email or even a text message and received none. Even in the midst of being in the same vicinity, he never said a word. It was as if he just didn’t care. It was such an uncomfortable feeling to be in his vicinity without the visitation of emotions I was not proud of. So I decided to take a little time off and away from the source of my anger.
Out of that experience arrived days, weeks and months I wanted so badly to become a recluse. Get away from everything and everybody. I was too easily angered with any and every body including those I loved the most. I refused to go to church services, meetings, receive calls. Those close to me who at one time thought I could never do wrong. I was their superman. I then realize the key to all my recent pain was one I didn’t have to go through if I only gave it all to God. God took me way, way back in the day during the nineteen-sixties in my beloved hometown of Brooklyn where I first took notice of my hero, my superman, my brother Ernest.
Growing up, I remember how much Ernest loved Superman simply because he was so strong. I looked up to my brother back in those good old days and continue to do so today because of his intelligence, strength and a heavy dose of charisma. Ernest was full of energy and had a very, very magnetic personality. But there came various days in his life when his little brother witnessed, unbeknownst to him that he, “The Great Ernesto” was not super human, nor superman but only human.
My hero was vulnerable to heartbreaks, discouragements, disappointments, abuse, anger, disrespect and so much more. And even though I painfully witness those weak areas in his life, he was still my hero. The way he handled those kryptonite moments of life helps me today during those kryptonite moments in my life today as a preacher. God does not expect us to be supermen and superwomen. He simply wants us to do the possible so He in turn will take care of the impossible.
Quite a few Preachers, Pastors, Ministers and Elders of the Gospel at times are held up high on a pedestal but we must all come to the realization that no matter how magnetic, energetic, intelligent or charismatic some can be, they are all only human. They are vulnerable to heartbreaks, discouragements, disappointments, abuse, anger, disrespect and so much more.
Clark Kent fooled people sometimes, but his vulnerability was just an act. Underneath was the man of steel. Superman came to help people who were weak and needy; but he himself was never afraid, never confused. Superman never joined a twelve-step recovery group, even though he had lost both his biological parents and the planet he had called home. He never joined a lonely hearts club, although he was always alone. He never got into therapy, even though he wore blue tights, a yellow belt, some red boots and a red cape beneath his regular clothes.
So many people assume preachers are invincible. We must realize they are just men and women who are also tempted and are highly vulnerable as prime targets of the devil. Sin is also in their nature. You add that and the vicious attacks they get, it all adds up.
Preachers, pastors, and Bible teachers are on the front lines of a war. It is our responsibility to help them. We can do that in a very simple way. It's called prayer. Speaking of prayer, when was the last time you prayed for your Pastor, a Preacher, an Elder or a Minister of the Gospel?
I was reading some blogs and ran across some figures that were very upsetting. Take a look at some of this: Focus on the Family, and other respected organizations:
•80% of pastors believe pastoral ministry has negatively affected their families. Many Pastor’s children do not attend church now because of what the church has done to their parents.
•90% of Pastors feel they are inadequately trained to cope with the demands of ministry.
•70% say they have a lower self-image now than when they first started.
•Only 1 out of every 10 ministers will actually retire as a Minister in some form.
•The profession of Pastor is near the bottom of a survey of the most-respected professions.
•Over 4,000 churches closed in America last year. That’s more than 10 every single day.
•Many denominations report an “empty pulpit crisis”. They cannot find ministers willing to fill positions.
•More than 50% of all pastors are so discouraged that they regularly consider leaving the ministry.
•80% of seminary and Bible school graduates who enter the ministry will leave the ministry within the first five years.
•85% of Pastors said their greatest struggle is dealing with problem people such as disgruntled members, disgruntled Elders, disgruntled Deacons, disgruntled worship leaders, disgruntled worship teams, disgruntled board members, and disgruntled associate Pastors.
•90% said the ministry was completely different than what they thought it would be before they began.
•80% of Pastors’ wives feel left out and unappreciated by the church members.
•80% of Pastors’ wives wish their spouse would choose another profession.
•50% of Pastors’ marriages will end in divorce.
•70% of Pastors constantly fight depression.
With these figures, who would want to Pastor a church?
Anyone that does has got to care about mankind. There have been some great pastors that have sinned and been shunned completely from society. But we go on and sin and it's ok. I don't get it.
I give honor to the Pastors, preachers, ministers and teachers in my life (the good ones as well as the ones who weren't). As a preacher I too must admit that the amount of time we spend in what most folks give too much glory to, (The Pulpit) is but 5% or less of where we are used by the Lord.
To fill the job description of today’s Pastor sounds like a job for Superman. A pastor is expected to make house calls as willingly as yesterday’s country doctor, to shake hands and smile like a politician on the campaign trail, to entertain like a stand-up comedian, to teach the Scriptures like a theology professor, and to counsel like a psychologist with the wisdom of Solomon. He should run the church like a top-level business executive, handle finances like a career accountant, and deal with the public like an expert diplomat at the United Nations. No wonder so many pastors are confused about just what is expected of them and how they will ever manage to live up to all those expectations. People also forget about all visitations to the prisons, jails, hospitals, clinics, schools, the suicide attempt or so and so died phone calls in the wee hours, running a church, recruiting, motivating, administering, organizer of nurturing relationships and the list goes on and on and on.
I ask that you please keep them in your prayers. Also their families, they need it; take another look at the figures above and take in how real it is.
I pray you would position all preachers of the Gospel on your prayer list. If it seems like the list is too long choose a few names a day or a group per week but please do pray for these brothers and sisters of the pulpit. I promise you that the Lord would be mightily pleased and will bless you for it in abundance. Thank you.
PS. Please pray for me as well, I am human as well and know that no one will ever live in this walk not needing prayer.
Thank you and God bless you.
Recently, I’ve lost my job as an agent and advisor for a highly successful insurance company. As a matter of fact, the number one life insurance company in the entire U. S. of A. All simply because I trusted a person in a church whom I placed too much trust in. I stressed the importance of a decision being made by a deadline that would cause me to be terminated of my dream job and livelihood. It truly has affected my livelihood as well as my loved ones. I waited for a simple returned call, email or even a text message and received none. Even in the midst of being in the same vicinity, he never said a word. It was as if he just didn’t care. It was such an uncomfortable feeling to be in his vicinity without the visitation of emotions I was not proud of. So I decided to take a little time off and away from the source of my anger.
Out of that experience arrived days, weeks and months I wanted so badly to become a recluse. Get away from everything and everybody. I was too easily angered with any and every body including those I loved the most. I refused to go to church services, meetings, receive calls. Those close to me who at one time thought I could never do wrong. I was their superman. I then realize the key to all my recent pain was one I didn’t have to go through if I only gave it all to God. God took me way, way back in the day during the nineteen-sixties in my beloved hometown of Brooklyn where I first took notice of my hero, my superman, my brother Ernest.
Growing up, I remember how much Ernest loved Superman simply because he was so strong. I looked up to my brother back in those good old days and continue to do so today because of his intelligence, strength and a heavy dose of charisma. Ernest was full of energy and had a very, very magnetic personality. But there came various days in his life when his little brother witnessed, unbeknownst to him that he, “The Great Ernesto” was not super human, nor superman but only human.
My hero was vulnerable to heartbreaks, discouragements, disappointments, abuse, anger, disrespect and so much more. And even though I painfully witness those weak areas in his life, he was still my hero. The way he handled those kryptonite moments of life helps me today during those kryptonite moments in my life today as a preacher. God does not expect us to be supermen and superwomen. He simply wants us to do the possible so He in turn will take care of the impossible.
Quite a few Preachers, Pastors, Ministers and Elders of the Gospel at times are held up high on a pedestal but we must all come to the realization that no matter how magnetic, energetic, intelligent or charismatic some can be, they are all only human. They are vulnerable to heartbreaks, discouragements, disappointments, abuse, anger, disrespect and so much more.
Clark Kent fooled people sometimes, but his vulnerability was just an act. Underneath was the man of steel. Superman came to help people who were weak and needy; but he himself was never afraid, never confused. Superman never joined a twelve-step recovery group, even though he had lost both his biological parents and the planet he had called home. He never joined a lonely hearts club, although he was always alone. He never got into therapy, even though he wore blue tights, a yellow belt, some red boots and a red cape beneath his regular clothes.
So many people assume preachers are invincible. We must realize they are just men and women who are also tempted and are highly vulnerable as prime targets of the devil. Sin is also in their nature. You add that and the vicious attacks they get, it all adds up.
Preachers, pastors, and Bible teachers are on the front lines of a war. It is our responsibility to help them. We can do that in a very simple way. It's called prayer. Speaking of prayer, when was the last time you prayed for your Pastor, a Preacher, an Elder or a Minister of the Gospel?
I was reading some blogs and ran across some figures that were very upsetting. Take a look at some of this: Focus on the Family, and other respected organizations:
•80% of pastors believe pastoral ministry has negatively affected their families. Many Pastor’s children do not attend church now because of what the church has done to their parents.
•90% of Pastors feel they are inadequately trained to cope with the demands of ministry.
•70% say they have a lower self-image now than when they first started.
•Only 1 out of every 10 ministers will actually retire as a Minister in some form.
•The profession of Pastor is near the bottom of a survey of the most-respected professions.
•Over 4,000 churches closed in America last year. That’s more than 10 every single day.
•Many denominations report an “empty pulpit crisis”. They cannot find ministers willing to fill positions.
•More than 50% of all pastors are so discouraged that they regularly consider leaving the ministry.
•80% of seminary and Bible school graduates who enter the ministry will leave the ministry within the first five years.
•85% of Pastors said their greatest struggle is dealing with problem people such as disgruntled members, disgruntled Elders, disgruntled Deacons, disgruntled worship leaders, disgruntled worship teams, disgruntled board members, and disgruntled associate Pastors.
•90% said the ministry was completely different than what they thought it would be before they began.
•80% of Pastors’ wives feel left out and unappreciated by the church members.
•80% of Pastors’ wives wish their spouse would choose another profession.
•50% of Pastors’ marriages will end in divorce.
•70% of Pastors constantly fight depression.
With these figures, who would want to Pastor a church?
Anyone that does has got to care about mankind. There have been some great pastors that have sinned and been shunned completely from society. But we go on and sin and it's ok. I don't get it.
I give honor to the Pastors, preachers, ministers and teachers in my life (the good ones as well as the ones who weren't). As a preacher I too must admit that the amount of time we spend in what most folks give too much glory to, (The Pulpit) is but 5% or less of where we are used by the Lord.
To fill the job description of today’s Pastor sounds like a job for Superman. A pastor is expected to make house calls as willingly as yesterday’s country doctor, to shake hands and smile like a politician on the campaign trail, to entertain like a stand-up comedian, to teach the Scriptures like a theology professor, and to counsel like a psychologist with the wisdom of Solomon. He should run the church like a top-level business executive, handle finances like a career accountant, and deal with the public like an expert diplomat at the United Nations. No wonder so many pastors are confused about just what is expected of them and how they will ever manage to live up to all those expectations. People also forget about all visitations to the prisons, jails, hospitals, clinics, schools, the suicide attempt or so and so died phone calls in the wee hours, running a church, recruiting, motivating, administering, organizer of nurturing relationships and the list goes on and on and on.
I ask that you please keep them in your prayers. Also their families, they need it; take another look at the figures above and take in how real it is.
I pray you would position all preachers of the Gospel on your prayer list. If it seems like the list is too long choose a few names a day or a group per week but please do pray for these brothers and sisters of the pulpit. I promise you that the Lord would be mightily pleased and will bless you for it in abundance. Thank you.
PS. Please pray for me as well, I am human as well and know that no one will ever live in this walk not needing prayer.
Thank you and God bless you.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
TO BE LOVED
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, everyone wants to be loved yet there are moments in our lives when we feel that nobody truly appreciate nor understand how we as unique individuals desire to be loved in our own inimitable way. Every man knows well enough that he is a unique being, only once on this earth; and by no extraordinary chance will such a marvelously picturesque piece of diversity in unity as he is, ever be put together a second time. God Himself also desires to be loved in an incomparable way. He calls it agape. Yes, an agape Love is an unconditional love. A man's true value consists in his likeness to God. What gives value to his thoughts, his feelings, and his actions is the extent to which they are inspired by God, the extent to which they express the thought, the will, and the acts of God.
The Choctaw (so called Indians) are a Native American people originally from the Southeastern United States (Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana). They met my forefathers over five hundred years ago and realized that they were not fellow Native Americas but shared the unique ruddy skin, dark as mud. Their witness of our deep desire to be free, to be loved and appreciated by any means necessary that they identified us as “Tuscaloosa”, which means Black Warrior in that language.
Today, some five hundred years later, I too, a human being, a man, a Blackman, a Black Warrior desire to be loved in unique way, the agape way. You may ask, “How do you love a Blackman?” First of all, I can’t speak for all black men; as I’ve stated earlier, we are all unique in our own individual distinctive way. But as an individual Blackman if it were necessary for me to poetically simplify or better yet, poetically break it down, how I want to be loved, I would simply say that the first thing you must understand,
There is no easy way to love this Blackman.
You've got to take time to figure me out,
And study and digest what I’m really about
Knowing I’m someone you can't live without.
Then pour on the kindness
Shower me with sweetness,
Never letting me take your kindness for weakness.
For my desire is strength with a touch of gentleness
I have a tough time giving my all to you,
So be appreciative of the little things I try to do.
Let me know I can trust and confide in you,
And in return I won't have to hide things from you.
So be my supporting rock, be my friend not my foe,
When I fall don't be so quick to say, “I told you so”
Be understanding, not demanding.
Let me unwind, I face a world of rain,
So try to be my ray of sunshine.
Don't get too cozy in the comfort zone.
You might take it all for granted and end up alone.
Keep love new, exciting and just a little bit wild.
It doesn't hurt to go that extra mile;
Finding new ways to make me smile.
Keep it sexy but devout.
Because without a doubt
I want to be proud when I take you out.
Don't forget about you, never let yourself go
Love yourself, and I will love you too
Don't smother me please, just let me breathe.
The tighter you hold on, the faster I will leave.
And when you love me, love me all the way down,
Don't be afraid to explore me pound for pound.
If you don't keep it a constant thrill,
Please believe me someone else will.
Be patient, keep it real and demand respect.
And this wonderful black king is what you will get.
Show me your pride
Stand by my side.
Let God be your guide
And love will abide
Amen
“A wise lover values not so much the gift of the lover as the love of the giver" Thomas à Kempis
The Choctaw (so called Indians) are a Native American people originally from the Southeastern United States (Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana). They met my forefathers over five hundred years ago and realized that they were not fellow Native Americas but shared the unique ruddy skin, dark as mud. Their witness of our deep desire to be free, to be loved and appreciated by any means necessary that they identified us as “Tuscaloosa”, which means Black Warrior in that language.
Today, some five hundred years later, I too, a human being, a man, a Blackman, a Black Warrior desire to be loved in unique way, the agape way. You may ask, “How do you love a Blackman?” First of all, I can’t speak for all black men; as I’ve stated earlier, we are all unique in our own individual distinctive way. But as an individual Blackman if it were necessary for me to poetically simplify or better yet, poetically break it down, how I want to be loved, I would simply say that the first thing you must understand,
There is no easy way to love this Blackman.
You've got to take time to figure me out,
And study and digest what I’m really about
Knowing I’m someone you can't live without.
Then pour on the kindness
Shower me with sweetness,
Never letting me take your kindness for weakness.
For my desire is strength with a touch of gentleness
I have a tough time giving my all to you,
So be appreciative of the little things I try to do.
Let me know I can trust and confide in you,
And in return I won't have to hide things from you.
So be my supporting rock, be my friend not my foe,
When I fall don't be so quick to say, “I told you so”
Be understanding, not demanding.
Let me unwind, I face a world of rain,
So try to be my ray of sunshine.
Don't get too cozy in the comfort zone.
You might take it all for granted and end up alone.
Keep love new, exciting and just a little bit wild.
It doesn't hurt to go that extra mile;
Finding new ways to make me smile.
Keep it sexy but devout.
Because without a doubt
I want to be proud when I take you out.
Don't forget about you, never let yourself go
Love yourself, and I will love you too
Don't smother me please, just let me breathe.
The tighter you hold on, the faster I will leave.
And when you love me, love me all the way down,
Don't be afraid to explore me pound for pound.
If you don't keep it a constant thrill,
Please believe me someone else will.
Be patient, keep it real and demand respect.
And this wonderful black king is what you will get.
Show me your pride
Stand by my side.
Let God be your guide
And love will abide
Amen
“A wise lover values not so much the gift of the lover as the love of the giver" Thomas à Kempis
Thursday, February 19, 2009
IF A MAN WANTS YOU...
If a man wants you, nothing can keep him away. If he doesn't want you, nothing can make him stay. Stop making excuses for a man and his behavior. Allow your intuition (or spirit) to save you from heartache. Stop trying to change yourselves for a relationship that's not meant to be. Slower is better. Never live your life for a man before you find what makes you truly happy. If a relationship ends because the man was not treating you as you deserve then heck no, you can't "be friends." A friend wouldn't mistreat a friend. Don't settle. If you feel like he is stringing you along, then he probably is. Don't stay because you think "it will get better." You'll be mad at yourself in a year later for staying when things are not better. The only person you can control in a relationship is you. Avoid men who've got a bunch of children by a bunch of different women. He didn't marry them when he got them pregnant, why would he treat you any differently? Always have your own set of friends separate from his. Maintain boundaries in how a guy treats you. If something bothers you, speak up. Never let a man know everything. He will use it against you later. You cannot change a man's behavior. Change comes from within. Don't EVER make him feel he is more important than you are...even if he has more education or in a better job. Do not make him into a quasi-god. He is a man, nothing more nothing less. Never let a man define who you are. Never borrow someone else's man. Oh Lord! If he cheated with you, he'll cheat on you. A man will only treat you the way you ALLOW him to treat you. All men are NOT dogs. You should not be the one doing all the bending...compromise is a two-way street. You need time to heal between relationships...there is nothing cute about baggage... deal with your issues before pursuing a new relationship You should never look for someone to COMPLETE you...a relationship consists of two WHOLE individuals...look for someone complimentary...not supplementary. Dating is fun...even if he doesn't turn out to be Mr. Right. Make him miss you sometimes...when a man always know where you are, and your always readily available to him- he takes it for granted. Don't fully commit to a man who doesn't give you everything that you need. Keep him in your radar but get to know others. Share this with other ladies..... You'll make someone SMILE, another RETHINK her choices and another woman PREPARE. They say it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them and an entire lifetime to forget them.
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, the author of this very moving letter is yet to be found. It is considered to be penned by Oprah Winfrey. In attempting to get to the bottom of this mystery, many have read through three life histories of Oprah’s. None contained any of the supposed quotes, but those biographies could have been published before she made these remarks, so not finding them proves nothing. Some have e-mailed The Oprah Winfrey Show to ask about the list. While some did immediately receive a standard auto-reply thanking them for writing (which at least confirms it went to the right place), many have heard nothing since.
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, the author of this very moving letter is yet to be found. It is considered to be penned by Oprah Winfrey. In attempting to get to the bottom of this mystery, many have read through three life histories of Oprah’s. None contained any of the supposed quotes, but those biographies could have been published before she made these remarks, so not finding them proves nothing. Some have e-mailed The Oprah Winfrey Show to ask about the list. While some did immediately receive a standard auto-reply thanking them for writing (which at least confirms it went to the right place), many have heard nothing since.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
I am Abundantly Blessed
DEAR GOD,
I want to thank You for what You have already done.
I am not going to wait until I see results or receive rewards;
I am thanking You right now.
I am not going to wait until I feel better or things look better;
I am thanking You right now.
I am not going to wait until people say they are sorry or until they stop talking about me;
I am thanking You right now.
I am not going to wait until the pain in my body disappears;
I am thanking You right now.
I am not going to wait until my financial situation improves;
I am going to thank You right now.
I am not going to wait until my son is safe and asleep and the house is quiet;
I am going to thank You right now.
I am not going to wait until I get promoted in this life or until I get the job;
I am going to thank You right now.
I am not going to wait until I understand every experience in my life that has caused me pain or grief;
I am thanking You right now.
I am not going to wait until the journey gets easier or the challenges are removed;
I am thanking You right now.
I am thanking You because I am alive.
I am thanking You because I made it through the day's difficulties.
I am thanking You because I have walked around the obstacles..
I am thanking You because I have the ability and the opportunity to do more and do better.
I'm thanking you because, Father, You haven't given up on me. Even during this season in my life has pierced my heart with pain. I will forever have faith in You. Abba, we've been here before and I trusted You in the past as I will do so no matter come what may. Lord, I love you dearly and more than anything in the world and that is why I will in anything and everything continue give You praise and glory. For this is Your will in Christ Jesus concerning me!
I want to thank You for what You have already done.
I am not going to wait until I see results or receive rewards;
I am thanking You right now.
I am not going to wait until I feel better or things look better;
I am thanking You right now.
I am not going to wait until people say they are sorry or until they stop talking about me;
I am thanking You right now.
I am not going to wait until the pain in my body disappears;
I am thanking You right now.
I am not going to wait until my financial situation improves;
I am going to thank You right now.
I am not going to wait until my son is safe and asleep and the house is quiet;
I am going to thank You right now.
I am not going to wait until I get promoted in this life or until I get the job;
I am going to thank You right now.
I am not going to wait until I understand every experience in my life that has caused me pain or grief;
I am thanking You right now.
I am not going to wait until the journey gets easier or the challenges are removed;
I am thanking You right now.
I am thanking You because I am alive.
I am thanking You because I made it through the day's difficulties.
I am thanking You because I have walked around the obstacles..
I am thanking You because I have the ability and the opportunity to do more and do better.
I'm thanking you because, Father, You haven't given up on me. Even during this season in my life has pierced my heart with pain. I will forever have faith in You. Abba, we've been here before and I trusted You in the past as I will do so no matter come what may. Lord, I love you dearly and more than anything in the world and that is why I will in anything and everything continue give You praise and glory. For this is Your will in Christ Jesus concerning me!
SIX REASONS WHY MEN LEAVE
I’m a true believer in that any relationship without God will not work. A right relationship with God leads to right relationships with fellow believers. Although we will not always feel loving toward all other believers, we must pursue peace as we become more Christ-like. The Bible says in 1 John 4:20, “If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?” My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, this single verse tells it all. Broken relationships can hinder our relationship with God. If we have a problem or grievance with a friend, we should resolve the problem as soon as possible. We are hypocrites if we claim to love God while we hate others. Our attitudes toward others reflect our relationship with God.
After a relationship ends, whether it's a 20 year marriage or a promising romance, women ask themselves over and over, what went wrong? They ask themselves, their girlfriends and their therapists. Sometimes they even spend weeks and months blaming themselves and become afraid to try again. Once they know what really happened, it's always easier to move on.
Below are some top reasons men leave and some guidelines on how to handle this.
1. THEY'RE WAITING FOR THE PERFECT PARTNER:
Some men have a secret fantasy which whispers that a perfect partner is somewhere, around the corner, waiting for him. This perfect partner will not only accept him as he is fully, but he'll finally be able to express the parts of himself that are hidden. She'll bring out the best in him. Rather than criticize and make demands, the perfect partner will give unconditionally and fulfill his every need. This fantasy should not be discounted, as it fuels much of this man's inner life. When a woman understands this fantasy fully, she has a secret for helping the man really thrive.
2. THEY HEAR A CALL TO ADVENTURE
As soon as some men see a relationship as stifling his basic need for adventure, he can feel himself to be trapped in a prison without bars. Many men then blame the relationship for the dilemma he is in. They do not realize that their true need is to find adventure in the relationship. A woman who does best in this kind of relationship is one who provides challenge.
3. THEY SUFFER FROM A FEAR OF COMMITMENT.
The fear of commitment is widely misunderstood. Commitment is inevitable when a man is living from the truth of who he is. When a man, however, is in a relationship out of obligation, guilt, on or to fulfill a false sense of self-esteem, no real commitment is possible. If he's not committing, it's because he doesn't feel things are right for him.
4. THEY FEAR THAT THEY CAN'T SATISFY THE WOMAN
There are some women who can never be satisfied no matter how much a man gives or tries to please. Some men become tied up in knots in these relationships and start to feel terrible about themselves. No matter how hard they try, they can't get the approval they are hungry for. Some just live for those rare moments when they are acknowledged and thanked.
5. HE’S ACTING OUT THE REPETITION COMPULSION
The Repetition Compulsion is the unconscious compulsion to repeat a painful situation or relationship over and over, in the hopes it will turn out differently this time. Usually each time is worse, brings more pain and disappointment. Even in the rare instances when the person gets what he wants, the original hunger does not subside. The only solution to this compulsion is to go back to the original trauma, face it fully and work it out.
6. HE'S INVOLVED WITH THE GHOST OF A PAST RELATIONSHIP
These Ghosts are memories, dreams and longings that linger from past relationships, which have been finished but are not over. A man can hold onto the memory of a former wife or lover and idealize her to such an extent, it prevents him from being available to anyone in the present. These memories can also become projected on the current relationship. These men must learn to say forgive the past, say good-bye, and develop the courage to love again. Here are some guidelines for all my dear sisters and brothers in Christ to help understand relationships better and behave in a way that is helpful for all.
FOR MY DEAR SISTERS IN CHRIST
A. Realize the turbulence a man goes through often has nothing to do with you - and cannot be avoided.
B. Give him space to discover himself, without guilt. His changes do not mean he does not love you. Allow him to be all that he is. Acceptance is love.
C. Get busy becoming all the person you can be too. There is nothing worse for a relationship than a man feeling you are clinging to him for your life.
FOR MY DEAR BROTHERS IN CHRIST
A. Restlessness and painful feelings come so you can understand yourself better. Don't blame them on the relationship. This is not a time to run away, but stay put and understands what is going on inside.
B. While you are unsettled and confused is not the best time to act. Choices made during this time are often ruled by feelings and needs from the past.
C. Make sure you help the woman realize what you are going through. Do not blame her for it. Be patient with her and yourself. - Understand that craving other women can become an addiction and escape from intimacy, bringing only more pain and repetition in its wake.
Beloved brothers and sisters, all this reminds me of a story of a young lady in Bible College who began dating a fellow. During their first month of dating, they decided to study the Bible together. With her plot well set, one night the young lady opened her Bible to Proverbs 18:22 and read, “He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.” She then looked up, winked, and said to the young man, “Couldn’t you use a little favor from the Lord?” The young man, a Bible scholar, was quick with his reply from Proverbs 10:10—“He who winks the eye causes trouble.”
All jokes aside, I agree with you wholeheartedly but prophetically speaking, we must realize that dating doesn't train young people for marriage; it prepares them for divorce. Dating typically involves a series of short-term relationships. Even those who end up with a solid marriage often have to deal with a lot of painful emotional baggage from previous dating relationships.
A lot is said these days of abstaining from sex before marriage, but there is a great need for emotional abstinence as well. Courtship in the context of the family enables young people to get to know each other and yet still maintain their physical and emotional integrity.
ADD GOD TO IT
I beseech you my dear brothers and sisters in Christ simply and wholeheartedly add God to you relationships and He will bless it or guide you through it. And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken. There are advantages to cooperating with others when you add God to it. Life is designed for companionship, not isolation, for intimacy, not loneliness. Some people prefer isolation, thinking they cannot trust anyone. We are not here on earth to serve ourselves, however, but to serve God and others. Don’t isolate yourself and try to go it alone, add God to it. Seek companions; be a team member and add God to it.
We are wrapped up in Jesus by the threefold cord of the trinity that abides in us and us in them! Keep a piece cord in your Bible to remind you of the strength you have if you just God to it!
PS. Oh by the way, did I say, add God to it? Oh, yes I did. Amen!
After a relationship ends, whether it's a 20 year marriage or a promising romance, women ask themselves over and over, what went wrong? They ask themselves, their girlfriends and their therapists. Sometimes they even spend weeks and months blaming themselves and become afraid to try again. Once they know what really happened, it's always easier to move on.
Below are some top reasons men leave and some guidelines on how to handle this.
1. THEY'RE WAITING FOR THE PERFECT PARTNER:
Some men have a secret fantasy which whispers that a perfect partner is somewhere, around the corner, waiting for him. This perfect partner will not only accept him as he is fully, but he'll finally be able to express the parts of himself that are hidden. She'll bring out the best in him. Rather than criticize and make demands, the perfect partner will give unconditionally and fulfill his every need. This fantasy should not be discounted, as it fuels much of this man's inner life. When a woman understands this fantasy fully, she has a secret for helping the man really thrive.
2. THEY HEAR A CALL TO ADVENTURE
As soon as some men see a relationship as stifling his basic need for adventure, he can feel himself to be trapped in a prison without bars. Many men then blame the relationship for the dilemma he is in. They do not realize that their true need is to find adventure in the relationship. A woman who does best in this kind of relationship is one who provides challenge.
3. THEY SUFFER FROM A FEAR OF COMMITMENT.
The fear of commitment is widely misunderstood. Commitment is inevitable when a man is living from the truth of who he is. When a man, however, is in a relationship out of obligation, guilt, on or to fulfill a false sense of self-esteem, no real commitment is possible. If he's not committing, it's because he doesn't feel things are right for him.
4. THEY FEAR THAT THEY CAN'T SATISFY THE WOMAN
There are some women who can never be satisfied no matter how much a man gives or tries to please. Some men become tied up in knots in these relationships and start to feel terrible about themselves. No matter how hard they try, they can't get the approval they are hungry for. Some just live for those rare moments when they are acknowledged and thanked.
5. HE’S ACTING OUT THE REPETITION COMPULSION
The Repetition Compulsion is the unconscious compulsion to repeat a painful situation or relationship over and over, in the hopes it will turn out differently this time. Usually each time is worse, brings more pain and disappointment. Even in the rare instances when the person gets what he wants, the original hunger does not subside. The only solution to this compulsion is to go back to the original trauma, face it fully and work it out.
6. HE'S INVOLVED WITH THE GHOST OF A PAST RELATIONSHIP
These Ghosts are memories, dreams and longings that linger from past relationships, which have been finished but are not over. A man can hold onto the memory of a former wife or lover and idealize her to such an extent, it prevents him from being available to anyone in the present. These memories can also become projected on the current relationship. These men must learn to say forgive the past, say good-bye, and develop the courage to love again. Here are some guidelines for all my dear sisters and brothers in Christ to help understand relationships better and behave in a way that is helpful for all.
FOR MY DEAR SISTERS IN CHRIST
A. Realize the turbulence a man goes through often has nothing to do with you - and cannot be avoided.
B. Give him space to discover himself, without guilt. His changes do not mean he does not love you. Allow him to be all that he is. Acceptance is love.
C. Get busy becoming all the person you can be too. There is nothing worse for a relationship than a man feeling you are clinging to him for your life.
FOR MY DEAR BROTHERS IN CHRIST
A. Restlessness and painful feelings come so you can understand yourself better. Don't blame them on the relationship. This is not a time to run away, but stay put and understands what is going on inside.
B. While you are unsettled and confused is not the best time to act. Choices made during this time are often ruled by feelings and needs from the past.
C. Make sure you help the woman realize what you are going through. Do not blame her for it. Be patient with her and yourself. - Understand that craving other women can become an addiction and escape from intimacy, bringing only more pain and repetition in its wake.
Beloved brothers and sisters, all this reminds me of a story of a young lady in Bible College who began dating a fellow. During their first month of dating, they decided to study the Bible together. With her plot well set, one night the young lady opened her Bible to Proverbs 18:22 and read, “He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.” She then looked up, winked, and said to the young man, “Couldn’t you use a little favor from the Lord?” The young man, a Bible scholar, was quick with his reply from Proverbs 10:10—“He who winks the eye causes trouble.”
All jokes aside, I agree with you wholeheartedly but prophetically speaking, we must realize that dating doesn't train young people for marriage; it prepares them for divorce. Dating typically involves a series of short-term relationships. Even those who end up with a solid marriage often have to deal with a lot of painful emotional baggage from previous dating relationships.
A lot is said these days of abstaining from sex before marriage, but there is a great need for emotional abstinence as well. Courtship in the context of the family enables young people to get to know each other and yet still maintain their physical and emotional integrity.
ADD GOD TO IT
I beseech you my dear brothers and sisters in Christ simply and wholeheartedly add God to you relationships and He will bless it or guide you through it. And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken. There are advantages to cooperating with others when you add God to it. Life is designed for companionship, not isolation, for intimacy, not loneliness. Some people prefer isolation, thinking they cannot trust anyone. We are not here on earth to serve ourselves, however, but to serve God and others. Don’t isolate yourself and try to go it alone, add God to it. Seek companions; be a team member and add God to it.
We are wrapped up in Jesus by the threefold cord of the trinity that abides in us and us in them! Keep a piece cord in your Bible to remind you of the strength you have if you just God to it!
PS. Oh by the way, did I say, add God to it? Oh, yes I did. Amen!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
THE MIND OF A MAVERICK
Have you ever wondered why you are unsettled in your spirit about a variety of people, places, things and/or ideologies?
You are probably a maverick and just don't realize your true identity! Webster defines a maverick as someone who is a pioneer or an individual who does not go along with the group. History records many men and women who pioneered new areas and colored outside the lines of tradition and conformity.
Lee Iacocca was a maverick who came from the outside to reinvent Chrysler from the top down.
Mavericks meet opposition in their quest for the new and untried ways of doing things. When offering ideas or suggestions, you may have received some of the following responses.
* That's not the way we do things around here.
* Are you suggesting that what we are doing is wrong?
* We have always done it this way.* That can't be done.
* When you have been here as long as we have, you will understand that what you are suggesting is impossible.
Anyone who accepts what I do,
Accepts my Father, who sent me.
Matthew 10:34-40 (The Message Translation)
You are probably a maverick and just don't realize your true identity! Webster defines a maverick as someone who is a pioneer or an individual who does not go along with the group. History records many men and women who pioneered new areas and colored outside the lines of tradition and conformity.
Lee Iacocca was a maverick who came from the outside to reinvent Chrysler from the top down.
Mavericks meet opposition in their quest for the new and untried ways of doing things. When offering ideas or suggestions, you may have received some of the following responses.
* That's not the way we do things around here.
* Are you suggesting that what we are doing is wrong?
* We have always done it this way.* That can't be done.
* When you have been here as long as we have, you will understand that what you are suggesting is impossible.
Why are you meeting such opposition? It is because you are a maverick! Don't allow the pressure of a calcified routine to kill the maverick spirit inside you. Don't allow the opposition to cause you to be limited to coloring inside someone else's lines.The world is waiting for you to bring it out of a fading glory and into its finest hour. Be who you are! Be the maverick that the world is waiting for!
Don't think I've come to make life cozy. I've come to cut Make a sharp knife-cut between
Son and father, Daughter and mother, Bride and mother-in-law, cut through these cozy domestic arrangements and free you for God. Well-meaning family members can be your worst enemies.
Don't think I've come to make life cozy. I've come to cut Make a sharp knife-cut between
Son and father, Daughter and mother, Bride and mother-in-law, cut through these cozy domestic arrangements and free you for God. Well-meaning family members can be your worst enemies.
If you prefer father or mother over me,
You don't deserve me.
You don't deserve me.
If you prefer son or daughter over me,
You don't deserve me.
You don't deserve me.
"If you don't go all the way with me, through thick and thin,
you don't deserve me.
If your first concern is to look after yourself,
You’ll never find yourself.
You’ll never find yourself.
But if you forget about yourself and look to me,
You’ll find both yourself and me.
You’ll find both yourself and me.
"We are intimately linked in this harvest work.
Anyone who accepts what you do,
Accepts me, the One who sent you...
Accepts me, the One who sent you...
Anyone who accepts what I do,
Accepts my Father, who sent me.
Matthew 10:34-40 (The Message Translation)
My dear sister in Christ, Minister Tracy Curtis, Thank you so much for allowing me to share the word of encouragement your Bishop sent you.
Though I've always considered myself as a maverick, I will never quarrel about issues that are matters of opinion. Differences should not be feared or avoided, but accepted and handled with love. Don’t expect everyone, even in the best possible church, to agree on every subject. Through sharing ideas we can come to a fuller understanding of what the Bible teaches. Accept, listen to, and respect others. Differences of opinion need not cause division. They can be a source of learning and richness in our relationships.
All Christians are part of God’s family. Believers share a unity that runs even deeper than that of blood brothers and sisters. To "agree with one another," allow for "no divisions" and "be perfectly united in mind and thought" does not require everyone to believe exactly the same.
There is a difference between having opposing viewpoints and being divisive. A group of people will not completely agree on every issue, but they can work together harmoniously if they agree on what truly matters, Jesus Christ is Lord of all. In your church, speak and behave in a way that will reduce arguments and increase harmony. Petty differences should never divide Christians.
Words from Mrs. Vicenta Ventura Vazquez' only baby boy, now a wise young man but forever the middle child, the one she called, Andy.
Elder J. Andres Vazquez.
A Prayer for O.N.E. (One Nation Empowered)
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He has chosen as His own inheritance. Psalm 33:12
Almighty Father, God, You merely spoke and the heavens were created. You breathed the Word, and all the stars were born. You assigned the sea its boundaries and locked the oceans in vast reservoirs. We praise Your name forever and ever, for You possess all wisdom and power. Father, thank You for blessing the United States of America with abundance and prosperity. Thank You for surrounding our nation with Your favor, grace, and mercy. Jesus, thank You for shedding Your blood for our redemption. Holy Spirit, thank You for Your guidance and power. You are an awesome God!
Heavenly Father, let Your kingdom come and Your will be done in our nation. Your Word states that we are to pray for kings and all people who are in authority, so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives that are marked by godliness and dignity. We know that this is good and acceptable in Your sight. Today, we pray for our new President, Barack Obama, and his presidential administration. We declare that as they prepare to lead our nation, they will trust in You with all of their hearts. They will not depend on their own understanding, but they will seek Your will in all they do and we expect that You, Lord, will show them which path to take when making decisions for the American people.
We decree that our local, state, and national leaders will not walk in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of the scornful; but their delight will be in the law of the Lord and in His law they will meditate day and night. They will be like trees planted by the rivers of water that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf will not wither and whatever they do will prosper. Gracious Father, some nations boast of their chariots and horses; but we boast in the Name of the Lord, our God.
We submit to Your care, President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid, Hillary Clinton, Timothy Geithner, Robert Gates, Eric Holder, Ken Salazar, Thomas Vilsack, Hilda Solis, Tom Daschle, Shaun Donovan, Ray LaHood, Steven Chu, Arne Duncan, Eric Shinseki, Janet Napolitano, Leon Panetta, Dennis Blair, Lisa Jackson, Robert Mueller, Lawrence Summers, James Jones, Susan Rice, Peter Orszag, Ron Kirk, Robert Gibbs, Rahm Emanuel, the U.S. Congress and all governmental officials.
Holy Spirit, unite this new administration and remind all of our leaders that they are working for the good of the nation and not for the advancement of self. Please help our leaders to put aside “politics” and operate in the best interest of the American people. Heal the wounds that negative politics, fear and ignorance have created within our nation. Empower us, the Body of Christ, to lead the effort in the healing process. Eternal God, Lord of Heaven’s Armies, we ask You to bless and protect our leaders’ families. Please continue to protect our troops and our borders. Increase the courage and strength of our servicemen and women as they fight courageously for our country.
Merciful Father, we repent on behalf of our nation for our many sins. We acknowledge that our actions have created problems that only You can solve. Forgive us for all sin, including greed, arrogance, selfish ambition, disobedience, rebellion, hypocrisy, injustice, jealousy, hatred, violence, ageism, sexism, racism, and dissension. Father, forgive us for shedding innocent blood and denying Your power. We confess that we have not loved the world as You love the world. We ask You to heal our land and make us one, even as You and Jesus are One. Please have mercy upon all of us and help us! As a nation, show us those we need to forgive and help us to forgive.
Lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from the evil one.
Now, unto You, the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture References for the Written Text: Psalm 33:6-7, Daniel 2:20, Matthew 6:10, I Timothy 2:1-3, Proverbs 3:5-6, Proverbs 11:14, Proverbs 4:6, Proverbs 22:4, Psalm 1:1-3 (NKJV), Psalm 20:7, Philippians 4:19, Matthew 6:13, I Timothy 1:17
On this historic day Barack H. Obama, who campaigned for the presidency with a sweeping promise of "change we can believe in, is now officially the the first black president of the United States and this country's 44th president.
Almighty Father, God, You merely spoke and the heavens were created. You breathed the Word, and all the stars were born. You assigned the sea its boundaries and locked the oceans in vast reservoirs. We praise Your name forever and ever, for You possess all wisdom and power. Father, thank You for blessing the United States of America with abundance and prosperity. Thank You for surrounding our nation with Your favor, grace, and mercy. Jesus, thank You for shedding Your blood for our redemption. Holy Spirit, thank You for Your guidance and power. You are an awesome God!
Heavenly Father, let Your kingdom come and Your will be done in our nation. Your Word states that we are to pray for kings and all people who are in authority, so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives that are marked by godliness and dignity. We know that this is good and acceptable in Your sight. Today, we pray for our new President, Barack Obama, and his presidential administration. We declare that as they prepare to lead our nation, they will trust in You with all of their hearts. They will not depend on their own understanding, but they will seek Your will in all they do and we expect that You, Lord, will show them which path to take when making decisions for the American people.
We decree that our local, state, and national leaders will not walk in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of the scornful; but their delight will be in the law of the Lord and in His law they will meditate day and night. They will be like trees planted by the rivers of water that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf will not wither and whatever they do will prosper. Gracious Father, some nations boast of their chariots and horses; but we boast in the Name of the Lord, our God.
We submit to Your care, President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid, Hillary Clinton, Timothy Geithner, Robert Gates, Eric Holder, Ken Salazar, Thomas Vilsack, Hilda Solis, Tom Daschle, Shaun Donovan, Ray LaHood, Steven Chu, Arne Duncan, Eric Shinseki, Janet Napolitano, Leon Panetta, Dennis Blair, Lisa Jackson, Robert Mueller, Lawrence Summers, James Jones, Susan Rice, Peter Orszag, Ron Kirk, Robert Gibbs, Rahm Emanuel, the U.S. Congress and all governmental officials.
Holy Spirit, unite this new administration and remind all of our leaders that they are working for the good of the nation and not for the advancement of self. Please help our leaders to put aside “politics” and operate in the best interest of the American people. Heal the wounds that negative politics, fear and ignorance have created within our nation. Empower us, the Body of Christ, to lead the effort in the healing process. Eternal God, Lord of Heaven’s Armies, we ask You to bless and protect our leaders’ families. Please continue to protect our troops and our borders. Increase the courage and strength of our servicemen and women as they fight courageously for our country.
Merciful Father, we repent on behalf of our nation for our many sins. We acknowledge that our actions have created problems that only You can solve. Forgive us for all sin, including greed, arrogance, selfish ambition, disobedience, rebellion, hypocrisy, injustice, jealousy, hatred, violence, ageism, sexism, racism, and dissension. Father, forgive us for shedding innocent blood and denying Your power. We confess that we have not loved the world as You love the world. We ask You to heal our land and make us one, even as You and Jesus are One. Please have mercy upon all of us and help us! As a nation, show us those we need to forgive and help us to forgive.
Lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from the evil one.
Now, unto You, the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture References for the Written Text: Psalm 33:6-7, Daniel 2:20, Matthew 6:10, I Timothy 2:1-3, Proverbs 3:5-6, Proverbs 11:14, Proverbs 4:6, Proverbs 22:4, Psalm 1:1-3 (NKJV), Psalm 20:7, Philippians 4:19, Matthew 6:13, I Timothy 1:17
On this historic day Barack H. Obama, who campaigned for the presidency with a sweeping promise of "change we can believe in, is now officially the the first black president of the United States and this country's 44th president.
My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, the following prayer was created by created by S. Caldwell of Windsor Village and has become a national prayer for our leaders. Please join in the prayer for the leaders of our country on this day that we celebrate the birth and accomplishments of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. If you choose to share this prayer, please be sure to include that the source is Caldwell Ministries.
~Elder J. Andres Vazquez~
I Have A Dream
Let us never forget the summer of August 28, 1963; Martin Luther King electrified America with his momentous ‘I Have A Dream’ speech, dramatically delivered the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. Since that day, Dr. King's speech has become the most famous public address of the 20th century, and had a profound impact on American history. In celebration of his birthday, it is privileged and honored to post his speech on this historic day Barack H. Obama, who campaigned for the presidency with a sweeping promise of "change we can believe in, is officially the 44th Commander in Chief of the United States of America.
I am happy to join with you today in what will go down in history as the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of our nation.
Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand today, signed the Emancipation Proclamation. This momentous decree came as a great beacon light of hope to millions of Negro slaves who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice. It came as a joyous daybreak to end the long night of their captivity.
But one hundred years later, the Negro still is not free. One hundred years later, the life of the Negro is still sadly crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination. One hundred years later, the Negro lives on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity. One hundred years later, the Negro is still languishing in the corners of American society and finds himself an exile in his own land. So we have come here today to dramatize a shameful condition.
In a sense we have come to our nation's capital to cash a check. When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men, yes, black men as well as white men, would be guaranteed the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note insofar as her citizens of color are concerned. Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, America has given the Negro people a bad check, a check which has come back marked "insufficient funds." But we refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt. We refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation. So we have come to cash this check — a check that will give us upon demand the riches of freedom and the security of justice. We have also come to this hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of now. This is no time to engage in the luxury of cooling off or to take the tranquilizing drug of gradualism. Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy. Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice. Now is the time to lift our nation from the quick sands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood. Now is the time to make justice a reality for all of God's children.
It would be fatal for the nation to overlook the urgency of the moment. This sweltering summer of the Negro's legitimate discontent will not pass until there is an invigorating autumn of freedom and equality. Nineteen sixty-three is not an end, but a beginning. Those who hope that the Negro needed to blow off steam and will now be content will have a rude awakening if the nation returns to business as usual. There will be neither rest nor tranquility in America until the Negro is granted his citizenship rights. The whirlwinds of revolt will continue to shake the foundations of our nation until the bright day of justice emerges.
But there is something that I must say to my people who stand on the warm threshold which leads into the palace of justice. 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. The marvelous new militancy which has engulfed the Negro community must not lead us to a distrust of all white people, for many of our white brothers, as evidenced by their presence here today, have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny. They have come to realize that their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom. We cannot walk alone.
As we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead. We cannot turn back. There are those who are asking the devotees of civil rights, "When will you be satisfied?" We can never be satisfied as long as the Negro is the victim of the unspeakable horrors of police brutality. We can never be satisfied, as long as our bodies, heavy with the fatigue of travel, cannot gain lodging in the motels of the highways and the hotels of the cities. We cannot be satisfied as long as the Negro's basic mobility is from a smaller ghetto to a larger one. We can never be satisfied as long as our children are stripped of their selfhood and robbed of their dignity by signs stating "For Whites Only". We cannot be satisfied as long as a Negro in Mississippi cannot vote and a Negro in New York believes he has nothing for which to vote. No, no, we are not satisfied, and we will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream.
I am not unmindful that some of you have come here out of great trials and tribulations. Some of you have come fresh from narrow jail cells. Some of you have come from areas where your quest for freedom left you battered by the storms of persecution and staggered by the winds of police brutality. You have been the veterans of creative suffering. Continue to work with the faith that unearned suffering is redemptive.
Go back to Mississippi, go back to Alabama, go back to South Carolina, go back to Georgia, go back to Louisiana, go back to the slums and ghettos of our northern cities, knowing that somehow this situation can and will be changed. Let us not wallow in the valley of despair.
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 this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal."
I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.
I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.
I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.
I have a dream today.
I have a dream that one day, down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of interposition and nullification; one day right there in Alabama, little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.
I have a dream today.
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.
This will be the day when all of God's children will be able to sing with a new meaning, "My country, 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. Land where my fathers died, land of the pilgrim's pride, from every mountainside, let freedom ring."
And if America is to be a great nation this must become true. So let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire. Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York. Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania!
Let freedom ring from the snowcapped Rockies of Colorado!
Let freedom ring from the curvaceous slopes of California!
But not only that; let freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia!
Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee!
Let freedom ring from every hill and molehill of Mississippi. From every mountainside, let freedom ring.
And when this happens, when we allow freedom to ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual, "Free at last! free at last! thank God Almighty, we are free at last!"
My dear brothers and Sisters in Christ, Martin Luther King had a dream for all of us. What is your dream? What are you doing to realize your dream? Sieze opportunities and your dreams will come true.
Elder J. Andres Vazquez
I am happy to join with you today in what will go down in history as the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of our nation.
Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand today, signed the Emancipation Proclamation. This momentous decree came as a great beacon light of hope to millions of Negro slaves who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice. It came as a joyous daybreak to end the long night of their captivity.
But one hundred years later, the Negro still is not free. One hundred years later, the life of the Negro is still sadly crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination. One hundred years later, the Negro lives on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity. One hundred years later, the Negro is still languishing in the corners of American society and finds himself an exile in his own land. So we have come here today to dramatize a shameful condition.
In a sense we have come to our nation's capital to cash a check. When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men, yes, black men as well as white men, would be guaranteed the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note insofar as her citizens of color are concerned. Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, America has given the Negro people a bad check, a check which has come back marked "insufficient funds." But we refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt. We refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation. So we have come to cash this check — a check that will give us upon demand the riches of freedom and the security of justice. We have also come to this hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of now. This is no time to engage in the luxury of cooling off or to take the tranquilizing drug of gradualism. Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy. Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice. Now is the time to lift our nation from the quick sands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood. Now is the time to make justice a reality for all of God's children.
It would be fatal for the nation to overlook the urgency of the moment. This sweltering summer of the Negro's legitimate discontent will not pass until there is an invigorating autumn of freedom and equality. Nineteen sixty-three is not an end, but a beginning. Those who hope that the Negro needed to blow off steam and will now be content will have a rude awakening if the nation returns to business as usual. There will be neither rest nor tranquility in America until the Negro is granted his citizenship rights. The whirlwinds of revolt will continue to shake the foundations of our nation until the bright day of justice emerges.
But there is something that I must say to my people who stand on the warm threshold which leads into the palace of justice. 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. The marvelous new militancy which has engulfed the Negro community must not lead us to a distrust of all white people, for many of our white brothers, as evidenced by their presence here today, have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny. They have come to realize that their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom. We cannot walk alone.
As we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead. We cannot turn back. There are those who are asking the devotees of civil rights, "When will you be satisfied?" We can never be satisfied as long as the Negro is the victim of the unspeakable horrors of police brutality. We can never be satisfied, as long as our bodies, heavy with the fatigue of travel, cannot gain lodging in the motels of the highways and the hotels of the cities. We cannot be satisfied as long as the Negro's basic mobility is from a smaller ghetto to a larger one. We can never be satisfied as long as our children are stripped of their selfhood and robbed of their dignity by signs stating "For Whites Only". We cannot be satisfied as long as a Negro in Mississippi cannot vote and a Negro in New York believes he has nothing for which to vote. No, no, we are not satisfied, and we will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream.
I am not unmindful that some of you have come here out of great trials and tribulations. Some of you have come fresh from narrow jail cells. Some of you have come from areas where your quest for freedom left you battered by the storms of persecution and staggered by the winds of police brutality. You have been the veterans of creative suffering. Continue to work with the faith that unearned suffering is redemptive.
Go back to Mississippi, go back to Alabama, go back to South Carolina, go back to Georgia, go back to Louisiana, go back to the slums and ghettos of our northern cities, knowing that somehow this situation can and will be changed. Let us not wallow in the valley of despair.
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 this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal."
I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.
I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.
I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.
I have a dream today.
I have a dream that one day, down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of interposition and nullification; one day right there in Alabama, little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.
I have a dream today.
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.
This will be the day when all of God's children will be able to sing with a new meaning, "My country, 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. Land where my fathers died, land of the pilgrim's pride, from every mountainside, let freedom ring."
And if America is to be a great nation this must become true. So let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire. Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York. Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania!
Let freedom ring from the snowcapped Rockies of Colorado!
Let freedom ring from the curvaceous slopes of California!
But not only that; let freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia!
Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee!
Let freedom ring from every hill and molehill of Mississippi. From every mountainside, let freedom ring.
And when this happens, when we allow freedom to ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual, "Free at last! free at last! thank God Almighty, we are free at last!"
My dear brothers and Sisters in Christ, Martin Luther King had a dream for all of us. What is your dream? What are you doing to realize your dream? Sieze opportunities and your dreams will come true.
Elder J. Andres Vazquez
Saturday, October 25, 2008
BECAUSE YOU ARE WOMEN
Because you are womenYou keep deep inside
The hopes and the dreams
You think you must hide.
You strive to be best
Make the top of the heap
Because you are women
The climb is so steep.
The ceiling of glass
A must to be broken
It only exists
Because you are women.
From morning to night
Multi-tasks you perform
Because you are women
It’s often ‘til morn
Because you are women
To nurture is norm
But when it’s your turn
You are left in the storm.
So wet are the tears
You shed late in the night
Because you are women
You don’t share your plight.
With anxiety high
Self esteem at a low
Because you are women
You don’t let it show.
Because you are women
There is power within
To believe in yourselves
You always will win.
United you stand
With strength and with force
Because you are women
Together on course.
The lesson you learn
Is the matter of trust
Because you are women
In each other a must.
Because you are women
You open your hearts
To the caring and love
That today you have sparked
Possibility abounds
Opportunity awaits
Because you are women
It’s all yours to take.
First and formost, I give honor to God. Now, I thank you my dear friend M.J. Waldock, for inspiring me to personalize this poem to the four women in my life, (Vicenta, Leticia, Alicia and Olga) who raised me from my youth to adulthood to become what the world has proven throughout history as rare. A man with great sensitivity, honor, love and respect for all women. All too frequently today, people are starved for a little praise. Whether we are willing to acknowledge it to others, or even admit it to ourselves, we all need a little praise in our life. Marlene, thank you for your poem entitled, "BECAUSE WE ARE WOMEN". All credit for my version belongs to you.
Andres
Saturday, October 11, 2008
NOTORIOUS
Though multi-unit semi-detached row houses were typical where I grew up, my family lived in the Fiorentino Plaza Projects, a predominantly African American, low-income, residential neighborhood located in a part of eastern Brooklyn, a borough and commuter town of New York City, known as East New York.
Like most New Yorkers, I will never claim being from any other city. Brooklyn runs through my heart and I will never deny my Brooklynight roots. Though I can candidly say that East New York, Brooklyn was an exciting place to grow up, I wouldn’t recommend it as a tourist attraction because to this day it is still one of New York's most dangerous neighborhoods. Though crime has declined in recent years you are very unlikely to do anything in this neighborhood except traverse it on the way from Kennedy Airport (JFK) to points west.
My beloved ENY was surrounded by other neighborhoods such as Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn Heights, Brownsville, Bushwick, Coney Island, Crown Heights, Cypress Hills, Flatbush, Flatlands, Fort Greene, Fort Hamilton, Park Slope, Red Hook, Sheepshead Bay, and Starrett City, which is now known as Spring Creek Towers, the only city in the entire world located in the borough of another city. Starrett City is considered by many to be one of the safest communities in the United States because it maintains its own Special Police Force. Excluding Starrett City, Brooklyn was infested with countless of deadly congregations known by some as thugs, hoodlums, criminals or gangsters but to most, they were recognized as gangs.
Yes, I wholeheartedly dare call them congregations because congregations are those who gather for worship on a particular occasion, or those who habitually attend a place of worship. But unlike the congregations we know in churches or synagogues, this one gathered for worship on deadly, bloody occasions and their habitually attended place of worship was in the streets. Such congregations then known as The Crazy Homicides, The Sex Boys, The Hardy Boys, The Savage Skulls, The Dukes, The Majestic’s, The Latin Kings, The Jolly Stompers, The Lords, The Eagles, The Tomahawks, The Satan Souls, The Black Spades, The Ghetto Brothers, The Universal Zulu Nation, The Young Lords, The Chaplains, The Horsemen, The Bishops, The Phantom Lords, The Outlaws, The Nomads, The Henchmen, The Bachelors and many, many more but I’m surprised I remembered the ones I’ve already mentioned.
Back in those days I had a wide reputation as a decent fighter due to the outcome of fights I was involved in. Thank God for the instructions I received from a man who actually caught me shop lifting fruits from a Chinese fruit stand in the Chinatown section of Manhattan. He was impressed with the way I defended myself as he attempted and succeeded to detain me with ease. He then told me that he was slightly impressed and asked me where I did learned the moves I displayed. I told him that I use what I've learned from boxing taught to me by both the Saint Johns Recreation Center in Flatbush and Bronxville Boxing Team then combined them with the Kung Fu taught to me by the East New York Police Athletic League. He then promised me he would not turn me over to the owners of the fruit stand nor the police if I promised to apologize to them, help clean their fruit stand for a week and commit to learning lessons from an art he called Hung Ga Kung fu. In less then a year of those lessons combined with the ones I’ve learn from my mother and the Word of God, I learn so much about high moral character, commitment, respect and dedication than I have in my entire life at that time. And yes, the bag of fruits after each and every lesson wasn’t too bad either.
My mother used to say, “Andy, tell me who you’re walking with and I’ll tell you who you are”. In other words, if you hang out with thugs, hoodlums, criminals and gangsters, you became a mirror image of those notorious, disgraceful, dishonorable, thugs, hoodlums, criminals and gangsters.
Was I actually notorious? To some, not likely, then again, to others, I was every bit a notorious Brooklynight and more. I wasn’t such a terrible youngster, I was a church boy. Or so I thought I was simply because the only people I enjoyed beating down were the ones I thought needed a good old fashion beat down. The ones we called bullies. I know that sounds like a great thing to do but the closer I got to God over the years the more I regret handling bullies the way I did. In reality, I thought it was the noble thing to do, that’s until the moment the news of my actions got to my mothers ears.
I can remember how disappointed she was because she’d always remind me that two wrongs don’t make a right. She yelled at me in Spanish, “MATÓN NOTORIO”, translated in English “NOTORIOUS BULLY”. She made me realize that my actions towards bullies transformed me into the mirror image not just a bully but of a notorious one at that. So if a bully is known as an individual who tends to intimidate and harass others, always imposing their approach by force and I intimidated and harass bullies, always imposing my approach by force, then in Gods eyes, I was no different then they were… oppressors.
"Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways." Proverbs 3:31
We must never choose the way of the oppressor. Bullies as children are not to be looked up to. We must not even fellowship with those who choose to oppress others. The worldly wealth that some acquire with their oppression of others should never be envied or desired. Evil and good are like oil and water. They cannot mix.
Bullies and the devil have three things in common. A bully is a boisterous person who walks around the neighborhood seeking those he can demean and the devil constantly walks about earth, like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. The only difference is the bully does it in the physical or carnal realm and the devil does it in the spiritual but in the long run, both are accountable to the LORD for all that they do.
Now there’s a difference in which we must handle our battles against bullies and the devil.
When dealing with any human being, whether their bullies or not, God wants us to love them as we love ourselves. We would not figure up evil against ourselves, so we must not against anyone else as well.
"Devise not evil against thy neighbour, seeing he dwelleth securely by thee. Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm."Proverbs 3:29, 30“
We should not live in strife and fussing, but should learn to live peaceably with all men. If we live for the Lord, we are promised that even our enemies will be at peace with us. This does not say that there is never a time for strife. If your enemy attacks you, you may defend yourself; but you must not start strife nor keep it going. God said be meek, He didn’t say be weak.
Now as for our battles with the devil, we as children of the Lord are soldiers in the army of the Lord, therefore go get your bayonets, knives, swords, handguns, shotguns, submachine guns, Rifles, assault weapon, grenades, lasers, detonators, Iron Bar, rough stick, wooden club, Billy-club, lead pipe, axe handle, or even if you’re a black belt in martial arts and can think of many more weapons made by the hands of man and throw them away because they are not going to work at all.
First of all we must,
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." James 4:7
It is within our willpower to resist the devil and the temptations that he puts before us. We have been given the power of attorney to use the wonderful, mighty and matchless name of Jesus to defeat the devil. The temptations that the devil brings our way are really temptations of the flesh. These temptations will leave, if we say no to it. God will not over-rule our will. He gives us the power to choose. We must decide right, or wrong, for ourselves. The minute you emphatically say no to the devil and his temptations, he will go on to someone else and leave you alone. Flee means leave in a hurry. A heart and will controlled by God will have no difficulty in saying no to the devil and his temptations.
Secondly, we must,
"Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places]." Ephesians 6:11, 12
To fight against our enemy we must learn who he is and what he’s all about. The enemy that you cannot see with your physical eye is the most dangerous, because you do not know when he is on the attack, or just which way he is coming from. Realize that this is a spiritual battle. The devil, old Lucifer himself, and his angels who are actually demons, or devil spirits, are the enemy. His tactics are to tempt the flesh of man. The flesh of man is earthy. These battles are more real as real can be.
I was never involved with the gangs, but because of my ability to easily win fights against other teens and men older and bigger than me, I was constantly scouted, asked, and threatened to join various gangs. Yet, each and every time I turn them down. Their actions against me, due to their displeasure with my decisions, are another story, for another time. At one point, rival gangs united together to do me in. I will never forget the countless hours I spent hiding inside a dumpster to avoid the bloodthirsty gang bangers who were looking for me. I came to the realization that I had to flee from my beloved Brooklyn immediately.
Throughout my teen years I was feared as a fighter, but God got a hold of me and took away the fear I had by reminding me that He did not give me the spirit of fear; but of power, love and a sound mind.
"Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh. For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken." Proverbs 3:25, 26
Yes I left Brooklyn and the only weapon I took with me was my Sword, which is the Word of God, which is my Bible. And since the Lord changed the way I saw my world, and since then He's used me to fight, not against flesh, but against spiritual evil through the power of the Holy Spirit. No matter how notorious I may have been I learned that the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds. Without God on my side, I was no match for spiritual battles. Therefore I cast down my imaginations and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and I bring into captivity every thought I have to the obedience of Christ.
I serve the Lord with humility of my mind. I put on therefore, as the elect of God, meekness, loving-kindness, and longsuffering. God keeps me in perfect peace because my mind is stayed on Him. I trust in Him with all my heart and I do not lean to my own understanding or reasoning. I acknowledge Him in all my ways and He keeps all my paths straight. I am careful for nothing, but in everything by prayers and supplications I let my requests be known to Him. Now I can say that I more powerful than I could ever have been at any stage in my entire life because I have the mind of CHRIST. For God has not given me the spirit of fear, but of love, power and a sound mind; and he that searches the hearts knows what is the mind of the spirit, because He makes intercession for the saints according to His will.
No longer known as a notorious or a great conqueror in the flesh in my own efforts,
But more than a conqueror in the spirit through Christ Jesus,
I am now forever free.
Amen!
Thursday, October 02, 2008
The Strength Of A Man
The strength of a man isn't seen in the width of his shoulders.
It's seen in the width of his arms that circle you.
The strength of a man isn't in the deep tone of his voice.
It is in the gentle words he whispers.
The strength of a man isn't how many buddies he has.
It's how good a buddy he is with his or "your" children.
The strength of a man isn't in how respected he is at work.
It's in how he is respected at home.
The strength of a man isn't in how hard he hits.
It's in how tender he touches.
The strength of a man isn't in the hair on his chest.
It's in his heart... that lies within his chest.
The strength of a man isn't in how many women he's loved.
It's in how true he can be to the ONE woman he's trying to love.
The strength of a man isn't in the weight he can lift.
It's in the burdens he can carry.
The strength of a man isn't in how much food he eats from your table.
It's in the effort he puts forth when you are unable.
The strength of a man isn't in how he makes love.
It's in the understanding that there is more to making love......
than making love.
It's seen in the width of his arms that circle you.
The strength of a man isn't in the deep tone of his voice.
It is in the gentle words he whispers.
The strength of a man isn't how many buddies he has.
It's how good a buddy he is with his or "your" children.
The strength of a man isn't in how respected he is at work.
It's in how he is respected at home.
The strength of a man isn't in how hard he hits.
It's in how tender he touches.
The strength of a man isn't in the hair on his chest.
It's in his heart... that lies within his chest.
The strength of a man isn't in how many women he's loved.
It's in how true he can be to the ONE woman he's trying to love.
The strength of a man isn't in the weight he can lift.
It's in the burdens he can carry.
The strength of a man isn't in how much food he eats from your table.
It's in the effort he puts forth when you are unable.
The strength of a man isn't in how he makes love.
It's in the understanding that there is more to making love......
than making love.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Use Me Lord
Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Don't you know that God can and will use you right where you are Today.
You don't need to do anything else for God to begin to use you now. You don't have to read another book, listen to another cassette tape, memorize another passage, plant another seed gift, or repeat another creed or confession. You don't even need to attend another church service before God can use you.
God uses willing vessels, not brimming or overflowing vessels. Throughout the Bible, in order to fulfill His plans for the earth, God used all kinds of people from all walks of life:
He used Matthew, a government employee who became an apostle
He used Gideon, a common laborer who became a valiant leader of men
He used Jacob, a deceiver and refugee whose' name became Israel and who became the father of the twelve tribes of Israel
He used Deborah, a housewife who became a judge
He used Moses, a stutterer who became a deliverer
He used Jeremiah, a child who fearlessly spoke the Word 0 Lord
He used Aaron, a servant who became God's spokesman
He used Nicodemus, a Pharisee who became a defender 0 faith-
He used David, a shepherd boy who became a king
He used Hosea, a marital failure who prophesied to save Israel
He used Joseph, a prisoner who became prime minister
He used Esther, an orphan who became a queen
He used Elijah, a homely man who became a mighty prophet
He used Joshua, an assistant who became a conqueror
He used James and John, fishermen who became close disciples of Christ and were known as the "sons of thunder -
He used Abraham, a nomad who became the father of I112: nations
He used John the Baptist, a vagabond who became the forerunner of Jesus
He used Mary, an unknown virgin who gave birth to the Son of God
He used Nehemiah, a cupbearer who built the wall of Jerusalem.
He used Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, Hebrew exiles, became great leaders in the Babylonian Empire
He used Hezekiah, an idolatrous father's son, who became a king renowned for doing right in the sight of the Lord -
He used Isaiah, a man of unclean lips who prophesied the birth of God's Messiah
He used Paul, a self-righteous persecutor who became the greatest missionary in history and the author of two thirds of the books of the New Testament.
Thank you so much brother John L Mason for help in inspiring me to write and for blessing me with your wonderful book, "Enemy Called Average". Thank you for reminding me that this same God who use our brothers and sisters in the past is still using willing vessels today, therefore, He can also use me. I will never forget you.
Elder J Andres Vazquez
You don't need to do anything else for God to begin to use you now. You don't have to read another book, listen to another cassette tape, memorize another passage, plant another seed gift, or repeat another creed or confession. You don't even need to attend another church service before God can use you.
God uses willing vessels, not brimming or overflowing vessels. Throughout the Bible, in order to fulfill His plans for the earth, God used all kinds of people from all walks of life:
He used Matthew, a government employee who became an apostle
He used Gideon, a common laborer who became a valiant leader of men
He used Jacob, a deceiver and refugee whose' name became Israel and who became the father of the twelve tribes of Israel
He used Deborah, a housewife who became a judge
He used Moses, a stutterer who became a deliverer
He used Jeremiah, a child who fearlessly spoke the Word 0 Lord
He used Aaron, a servant who became God's spokesman
He used Nicodemus, a Pharisee who became a defender 0 faith-
He used David, a shepherd boy who became a king
He used Hosea, a marital failure who prophesied to save Israel
He used Joseph, a prisoner who became prime minister
He used Esther, an orphan who became a queen
He used Elijah, a homely man who became a mighty prophet
He used Joshua, an assistant who became a conqueror
He used James and John, fishermen who became close disciples of Christ and were known as the "sons of thunder -
He used Abraham, a nomad who became the father of I112: nations
He used John the Baptist, a vagabond who became the forerunner of Jesus
He used Mary, an unknown virgin who gave birth to the Son of God
He used Nehemiah, a cupbearer who built the wall of Jerusalem.
He used Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, Hebrew exiles, became great leaders in the Babylonian Empire
He used Hezekiah, an idolatrous father's son, who became a king renowned for doing right in the sight of the Lord -
He used Isaiah, a man of unclean lips who prophesied the birth of God's Messiah
He used Paul, a self-righteous persecutor who became the greatest missionary in history and the author of two thirds of the books of the New Testament.
Thank you so much brother John L Mason for help in inspiring me to write and for blessing me with your wonderful book, "Enemy Called Average". Thank you for reminding me that this same God who use our brothers and sisters in the past is still using willing vessels today, therefore, He can also use me. I will never forget you.
Elder J Andres Vazquez
IN MY PREACHER'S MIND
In my preacher's mind I see a meeting going on. Only problem is, I can't tell you when this meeting took place. (Somewhere on the other side of the purple curtains of eternity) Why? Because it took place before "when" ever was. I can't tell you where this meeting was being held. Why? Because this meeting took place before "where" was given a place to be. This meeting took place before "when" was ever given time to keep, or before "where" was ever assigned an identifiable location from which to exist. I don't know when the meeting took place, and I can't even tell you where this meeting happened. Oh, but I do know Who was at the meeting. God was there. He was there in His tri-unity. What you talking about preacher? He was there in the person of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. God was having a meeting with Himself. If you don't believe me you ought to turn your Bible to Genesis 1:26 where He said, "Let us make man I our image, after our likeness."
In my preacher's mind this is how I hear the meeting going. God the Father, Who is the supreme architect and creator of the universe says, "Let us make man." God the Holy Spirit, Who knows all and sees all says, "If you make man, he's gonna sin." But Jesus, Who is the Savoir of us, all steps forward and says, "If man sins, I will go down and redeem man from his sins."
And so it was agreed that as a part of bringing man into the world he would need to be redeemed and saved from his sins. So as the Son prepared to go down through 40 and 2 generations in order to redeem sinful man the Holy Spirit told Him when you get there you better show man some signs if you expect him to believe on your wonderful and holy name. The Holy Spirit said: "When you get there you better perform some signs, so they can know just Who you are.
When you turn water into wine, show them your mastery over quality and that salvation is by your Word.
When you heal the nobleman's son, show them your mastery over time and distance and that salvation is by grace.
When you heal the paralytic, show them your mastery over long- term infirmity and that salvation is available to all.
When you feed the 5000, show them your mastery over quantity and that salvation brings satisfaction.
When you still the raging storm, show them your power over nature and that salvation brings peace.
When you heal the blind man, show them your power over darkness and that salvation brings light.
When you raise Lazarus from the grave, show them your power over death and that salvation brings life.
Use all of these signs to reveal your deity, that you truly are the Son of God. Use these signs so that they might believe and have eternal life through your name."
My brothers and my sisters, the Good News of Miracles is that they have significance for us even today.
You don't have talk about the miracles that Jesus performed 2000 years ago; tell unbelievers about the miracles that the Lord has performed in your life. Tell unbelievers, “Jesus________”. (You Fill In The Blank!)
In my preacher's mind this is how I hear the meeting going. God the Father, Who is the supreme architect and creator of the universe says, "Let us make man." God the Holy Spirit, Who knows all and sees all says, "If you make man, he's gonna sin." But Jesus, Who is the Savoir of us, all steps forward and says, "If man sins, I will go down and redeem man from his sins."
And so it was agreed that as a part of bringing man into the world he would need to be redeemed and saved from his sins. So as the Son prepared to go down through 40 and 2 generations in order to redeem sinful man the Holy Spirit told Him when you get there you better show man some signs if you expect him to believe on your wonderful and holy name. The Holy Spirit said: "When you get there you better perform some signs, so they can know just Who you are.
When you turn water into wine, show them your mastery over quality and that salvation is by your Word.
When you heal the nobleman's son, show them your mastery over time and distance and that salvation is by grace.
When you heal the paralytic, show them your mastery over long- term infirmity and that salvation is available to all.
When you feed the 5000, show them your mastery over quantity and that salvation brings satisfaction.
When you still the raging storm, show them your power over nature and that salvation brings peace.
When you heal the blind man, show them your power over darkness and that salvation brings light.
When you raise Lazarus from the grave, show them your power over death and that salvation brings life.
Use all of these signs to reveal your deity, that you truly are the Son of God. Use these signs so that they might believe and have eternal life through your name."
My brothers and my sisters, the Good News of Miracles is that they have significance for us even today.
You don't have talk about the miracles that Jesus performed 2000 years ago; tell unbelievers about the miracles that the Lord has performed in your life. Tell unbelievers, “Jesus________”. (You Fill In The Blank!)
Time Will Separate
Not everyone who enters the House of Worship enters to worship God. Some come because church going has become habitual to them, others, because church going carries along with it a measure of respectability in the community. There are those who faithfully share in the activities of the community of faith because it is an excellent opportunity to make or secure business deals. Some come to see if they can get something started. Some come because they do not want to miss out just in case something does get started.
However, Time Will Separate . . .
The real from the unreal,
The walkers from the talkers,
The workers from the shirkers,
The promise keepers from the promise breakers,
The genuine from the counterfeit,
The saints from the sinners,
The faithful from the faithless,
The lawful from the lawless,
The sacred from the profane,
The credible from the corrupt,
The dutiful from the devious,
The virtuous from the vindictive
Time has a way of revealing the hidden and the unknown. As time passes, heated situations will arise. And the mask that so many believers attempt to hide behind can only take so much heat, and then it begins to melt.
However, Time Will Separate . . .
The real from the unreal,
The walkers from the talkers,
The workers from the shirkers,
The promise keepers from the promise breakers,
The genuine from the counterfeit,
The saints from the sinners,
The faithful from the faithless,
The lawful from the lawless,
The sacred from the profane,
The credible from the corrupt,
The dutiful from the devious,
The virtuous from the vindictive
Time has a way of revealing the hidden and the unknown. As time passes, heated situations will arise. And the mask that so many believers attempt to hide behind can only take so much heat, and then it begins to melt.
Do More...
Today I will...
Do more than exist-live.
Do more than hear-listen.
Do more than agree-cooperate.
Do more than talk-communicate.
Do more than grow-bloom.
Do more than spend-invest.
Do more than think-create.
Do more than work-excel.
Do more than share-give.
Do more than decide-discern.
Do more than consider-commit.
Do more than forgive-forget.
Do more than help-serve.
Do more than coexist-reconcile.
Do more than sing-worship.
Do more than think-plan.
Do more than dream-do.
Do more than see-perceive.
Do more than read-apply.
Do more than receive-reciprocate.
Do more than choose-focus.
Do more than wish--':believe.
Do more than advise-help.
Do more than speak-impart.
Do more than encourage-inspire.
Do more than add-multiply.
Do more than change-improve.
Do more than reach-stretch.
Do more than ponder-pray.
Do more than just live-live for Jesus.
Do more than exist-live.
Do more than hear-listen.
Do more than agree-cooperate.
Do more than talk-communicate.
Do more than grow-bloom.
Do more than spend-invest.
Do more than think-create.
Do more than work-excel.
Do more than share-give.
Do more than decide-discern.
Do more than consider-commit.
Do more than forgive-forget.
Do more than help-serve.
Do more than coexist-reconcile.
Do more than sing-worship.
Do more than think-plan.
Do more than dream-do.
Do more than see-perceive.
Do more than read-apply.
Do more than receive-reciprocate.
Do more than choose-focus.
Do more than wish--':believe.
Do more than advise-help.
Do more than speak-impart.
Do more than encourage-inspire.
Do more than add-multiply.
Do more than change-improve.
Do more than reach-stretch.
Do more than ponder-pray.
Do more than just live-live for Jesus.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
WORDS
It has always been my amazement at the significance of words. Think of it:
The Son of God is called the Word (John 1:1)
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
The universe was created with a word (Heb. 11:3)
Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
All things are held in existence by the word (Heb. 1:3)
Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;
God reveals himself to us through the word (1 Sam. 3:21)
And the LORD appeared again in Shiloh: for the LORD revealed himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of the LORD.
Jesus healed and cast out demons with a word (Matt. 8:16)
When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick
Faith is sustained by words (Heb 3:13)
But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
We fellowship with God by the words of prayer;
We worship him through the words of song and confession and preaching;
Our relationships are all sustained and nurtured by words;
We speak our love to each other by words;
kings rise and fall by their words;
Politics, news, entertainment, business, education, international relations, even families and friendships are all possible because of words.
Language is God’s idea.
It belongs very close to who and what he is.
It has huge potential for good and catastrophic potential for evil.
The tongue, James says, is seemingly untamable.
“With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God” (James 3:9-10).
All issues today, be it political, religious, educational, theological, etc
They all relate to the way we use words. We think them in our heads and we speak them with our mouths.
What would the world be like…?
Our homes,
Our churches,
Our schools,
Our communities…
If words were used the way Jesus used them?
That is not an easy question.
What say you?
The Son of God is called the Word (John 1:1)
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
The universe was created with a word (Heb. 11:3)
Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
All things are held in existence by the word (Heb. 1:3)
Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;
God reveals himself to us through the word (1 Sam. 3:21)
And the LORD appeared again in Shiloh: for the LORD revealed himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of the LORD.
Jesus healed and cast out demons with a word (Matt. 8:16)
When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick
Faith is sustained by words (Heb 3:13)
But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
We fellowship with God by the words of prayer;
We worship him through the words of song and confession and preaching;
Our relationships are all sustained and nurtured by words;
We speak our love to each other by words;
kings rise and fall by their words;
Politics, news, entertainment, business, education, international relations, even families and friendships are all possible because of words.
Language is God’s idea.
It belongs very close to who and what he is.
It has huge potential for good and catastrophic potential for evil.
The tongue, James says, is seemingly untamable.
“With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God” (James 3:9-10).
All issues today, be it political, religious, educational, theological, etc
They all relate to the way we use words. We think them in our heads and we speak them with our mouths.
What would the world be like…?
Our homes,
Our churches,
Our schools,
Our communities…
If words were used the way Jesus used them?
That is not an easy question.
What say you?
Friday, July 25, 2008
I Hate You So Much Right Now
No, I didn't like what you told me last night.
Nor do I appreciate the fact that you made me look at myself in a flawed light. That's not what I have you here for. I hate you sooo much right now. Mirroring my own reflections. Angling it so I never miss a side of myself, even those sides long tucked away.
I hate you soooo much right now.
Making me re-live my past. The pain, the ridicule, the humiliation. You don't know what I had to go through to finally learn to disassociate myself from all that pain. And here you come, unyielding in presence, undaunted in mission. How dare you! Who are you to tell me that it’s OK to believe in things and people again? How dare you take me out of my safe hideaway and force me out in the open? Suddenly my sunshine turned to rain. Drowning rain or cleansing rain?
It’s not supposed to work like this. It wasn't supposed to be this way.
You took away my control of the relationship. You took the reigns right from my hands. Give me back my clothes. I am not used to be naked. Being this vulnerable. Out there. Out there in the folds of life.
I hate you soooo much right now.
What gives you the right to make me understand that I don't have to champion life alone? That I can ask for help and receive it. What gives you the right to give me the vehicle for appreciating love and understanding that to live love and lose is OK and that better days will come. That I can have hope. Don't you know that pain gives me a shield, that pain allows me the liberty to close myself, and the contempt that opening up that pain brings?
I hate you sooo much right now.
Damned Florence Nightingale, freaking goody two shoes.
I am a man, damnit. I was not raised to be concerned with intimate feelings. You can't simply show me how wrong I was to believe in a historical practice of assuming and not asking, critiquing and not supporting, of taking and not giving. Don't you dare tell me that what I learned from my father was wrong, what I learned from grand-father was wrong, what I learned from my uncles and brothers was wrong. You can't show me how to treat a woman; I have been doing it for years. Who the hell do you think you are? Do you think just because you are my mate that I should treat you uniquely? Do you think that I should treat you the way you want to be treated and not the way I want to be treated? You said that when you treat someone the way you want to be treated, it’s wrong because the way you want to be treated is different than the way I want to be treated. What a crock! You know you want to assume.
So, NO! I did not like what you told me last night.
And I truly hate you!
Damn you for draining my moat, for breaking down my walls of fortification, for stripping me of my armor and leaving me defenseless. I am in a relationship, damnit. I need my defenses. I need to protect my heart. I have to insulate myself from the hovering pain of failure, the uncompromising hurt of rejection. I NEED MY PROTECTION!
I hate you soo much right now!
Most people spend hours each week maintaining their outward appearance; they should do even more to develop their inner character. While everyone can see your face, only you and God know what your heart really looks like. There comes a time in everyone’s life when we must stop being judgmental of others and look into the mirror and be honest with ourselves and realize that we all have issues needing rectification. How we long for fair treatment from others, but do we give it? We hate those who base their judgments on appearance, false evidence, or hearsay, but are we quick to judge others using those standards? Fortunately, God judges by faith and character, not appearances. And because only God can see on the inside, only he can accurately judge people.
Nor do I appreciate the fact that you made me look at myself in a flawed light. That's not what I have you here for. I hate you sooo much right now. Mirroring my own reflections. Angling it so I never miss a side of myself, even those sides long tucked away.
I hate you soooo much right now.
Making me re-live my past. The pain, the ridicule, the humiliation. You don't know what I had to go through to finally learn to disassociate myself from all that pain. And here you come, unyielding in presence, undaunted in mission. How dare you! Who are you to tell me that it’s OK to believe in things and people again? How dare you take me out of my safe hideaway and force me out in the open? Suddenly my sunshine turned to rain. Drowning rain or cleansing rain?
It’s not supposed to work like this. It wasn't supposed to be this way.
You took away my control of the relationship. You took the reigns right from my hands. Give me back my clothes. I am not used to be naked. Being this vulnerable. Out there. Out there in the folds of life.
I hate you soooo much right now.
What gives you the right to make me understand that I don't have to champion life alone? That I can ask for help and receive it. What gives you the right to give me the vehicle for appreciating love and understanding that to live love and lose is OK and that better days will come. That I can have hope. Don't you know that pain gives me a shield, that pain allows me the liberty to close myself, and the contempt that opening up that pain brings?
I hate you sooo much right now.
Damned Florence Nightingale, freaking goody two shoes.
I am a man, damnit. I was not raised to be concerned with intimate feelings. You can't simply show me how wrong I was to believe in a historical practice of assuming and not asking, critiquing and not supporting, of taking and not giving. Don't you dare tell me that what I learned from my father was wrong, what I learned from grand-father was wrong, what I learned from my uncles and brothers was wrong. You can't show me how to treat a woman; I have been doing it for years. Who the hell do you think you are? Do you think just because you are my mate that I should treat you uniquely? Do you think that I should treat you the way you want to be treated and not the way I want to be treated? You said that when you treat someone the way you want to be treated, it’s wrong because the way you want to be treated is different than the way I want to be treated. What a crock! You know you want to assume.
So, NO! I did not like what you told me last night.
And I truly hate you!
Damn you for draining my moat, for breaking down my walls of fortification, for stripping me of my armor and leaving me defenseless. I am in a relationship, damnit. I need my defenses. I need to protect my heart. I have to insulate myself from the hovering pain of failure, the uncompromising hurt of rejection. I NEED MY PROTECTION!
I hate you soo much right now!
Most people spend hours each week maintaining their outward appearance; they should do even more to develop their inner character. While everyone can see your face, only you and God know what your heart really looks like. There comes a time in everyone’s life when we must stop being judgmental of others and look into the mirror and be honest with ourselves and realize that we all have issues needing rectification. How we long for fair treatment from others, but do we give it? We hate those who base their judgments on appearance, false evidence, or hearsay, but are we quick to judge others using those standards? Fortunately, God judges by faith and character, not appearances. And because only God can see on the inside, only he can accurately judge people.
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
ONE
Left - RightUp - Down
Top – Bottom
Old - New
Rich - Poor
Little - Big
Happy - Sad
Good - Bad
Hard - Soft
Rough - Smooth
Bitter - Sweet
Love - Hate
True - False
Tall - Short
Hot - Cold
East - West
Husband - Wife
Man - Woman
God - ?
And the scribe said unto Him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but He: Mark 12:32
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About Me
- Elder Vazquez
- I'm just a nobody, trying to tell everybody about Somebody who can save anybody. I give all honor to the Father for the privilege of being His instrument, through whom He lives and works for His glory alone. I served in the U.S. Navy for 21 years, retiring in September 2003. In my final three years, I was co-pastor at Greater New Refuge COGIC in Fallon, Nevada, under Pastor Gregory L. Brown. I supported my pastor and church by helping with a new sanctuary's construction and caring for all ministry needs while staying true to my mandate to preach the Word of God without compromise. In November 2002, I was licensed to preach and ordained in June 2003. While stationed in Virginia Beach, I served at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church for 17 years under Bishop-Elect W.D. Scott, Sr., and now I serve at Calvary Revival Church in Norfolk, VA, under Bishop B. Courtney McBath. I also earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Religion from Saint Leo University, deepening my foundation and commitment to this path of faith.