December 21, 2008

A Night at the Movies - Cadillac Records


I spoke to two friends of mine and each of them encouraged me to see the movie, Cadiallac Records. Both of them spoke highly of the actors, the acting, and the story. I treated myself last night to a movie after vending at the mall. It was a hard choice. Me, being the movie buff I am had a difficult time choosing which movie to see - Beyonce's Cadillac Records, Will Smith's Seven Pounds, or Will Smith's son's The Day the Earth Stood Still. In the end, I chose Cadillac Records. I figured it had been out the longest and this might be my last opportunity to see it on the big screen.

I must admit the actors, the acting, and writing were exquisette. Cadillac Records was just as good as my friends said it would be minus some of the nudity. Yet, I wasn't prepared for the sadness I felt after watching the stirring performances by Columbus Short, Gabrielle Union, Beyonce Knowles, and Jeffrey Wright. As I left the movie, I was overcome with a heaviness that hit me like a ton of bricks. I literally had to fight back tears on my ride home and was a little perplexed as to why the movie put me into such a serious funk of depression. Then, my Christian mind kicked in and I realized that all of the characters in the movie struggled with their own personal demons - drugs, sex, infidelity, anger, alcohol, hate, and rejection - wandering lost without any hope or any understanding of the love of Christ. I was reminded of how at times in my life I, too, was reckless and living without hope. I realized that I, too, had once felt the similar hurt, longing, and rejection. The only difference is that I have now surrended my life to Christ who continues to wash away all of the pain, the hurt, and the longing. I can only hope that the actors who played the parts and the real individuals whose lives are portrayed in Cadillac Records who are still living find peace of mind and solace in God. I pray that Ms. Etta James walks into her healing in Christ and that she is healthy, wealthy, and healed. I also pray that viewers gleam the other messages of self-determination and economic independence in the movie that the character Howlin Wolf represents.

In the end, I think Cadillac Records is an adult movie - worth seeing. It could serve as a dynamic ministry tool for those of us who see what the darkness in the movie truly represents and who have the calling to share God's light.

December 1, 2008

A Prayer for Christian Entrepreneurs

Father God,
You are so awesome and great.
Lord, I thank you for your Holy Spirit, your love, and your grace.
I come before you today asking for covering and protection as a Christian entrepreneur.
Lord, help me make wise decisions.
Help me to walk in discipline and diligence.Guide my hands, my mind, and my actions so that I act responsibly professionally and personally.
Give me a gentle and honest spirit that draws people for your glory.Help me to be hospitable and just.
Never let me forget that my businesses stand as a testimony of your mercy and power.
Lord, you are my rock and fortress.
I take your shield of faith and I quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
I stand on your Word and your promise.
I will study to be quiet and to do my own businesses and to work with my own hands as you commanded.
I will walk honestly toward them that are without and I will lack nothing.
I will receive your mercy, God, and faint not.
I will renounce dishonest business practices.
I will not walk in craftiness nor will I handle the word of God deceitfully but by manifestation of the truth commending myself to every man's conscience in the sight of God.
I will be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, and in patience.
I will walk in excellence and remember that pleasant words are like as honeycombs - sweet to the soul and health to the bones.
In all I do, I will make the voice of Thanksgiving heard and tell of all your wondrous works.
I will seek peace and holiness in all I do.I will give you the first fruits of my business.
I will be a lender not a borrower.
Lord God, I ask that like your servant Abraham you bless my children and my children's children.
I ask that like Jabaz you enlarge my territory.
Extend your favor to me Lord so that I might prosper in the natural (economic) and supernatural (spiritual) realms.
Release the fear, doubt, and hesitation.
Give me the courage to stand on your Word and walk in faith.
In Jesus name, I pray. Amen