A Poem for Father's Day!

Come Home Black Man

Come home Black man…
You who are searching for truth only to find recycled lies.

Come home Black man...
You who are struggling for release only to be burdened down by the strain of life.

Come home Black man...
You whose cynicism and doubt have bankrupt your faith.

Come home Black man...
You who are brokenhearted, disrespected, and devalued.

Come home Black man...
You who have abandoned your destiny and surrendered to an erroneous fate.

Come home to true love – pure, warm, and complete.
Come home to the everlasting gleam of divine light.
Come home to the ultimate sage and the greatest of all mysteries.
Come home to the grace of forgiveness and true liberation.

Come home Black man...
Come Home!

God is waiting patiently for your triumphant return.


Lynn Pinder © November 2007

Against the Odds!

They said he wouldn't make it.

They said his campaign wouldn't amount to anything.

They said the political machine wouldn't let it happen.

They said America was not ready for him.

They said it was impossible for him to win.

Yet, against the odds -

Barack Obama has become the first African-American, Democratic Presidential candidate and has proved that with God ALL things are possible!

CALL TO ACTION: We Can't Let Our Young People Starve

Dear Friends,

As I watched the news last night, I was moved by the actions of a group of young people from Baltimore who launched a hunger strike as a last effort to force the City of Baltimore to provide $3 million dollars in support of a youth initiative that would employ older youth in Baltimore to tutor young children. These young warriors – the epitome of youth development - are dynamic, articulate, and engaged in a righteous fight for justice. Their actions and behavior are in direct contrast to another group of older youth who also made the news last night for their viscous attack against a young barbering student last week.

As I sat watching the two stories, the urgency in the demands of the young people participating in the hunger strike pulled my heart strings as did the response of our City leaders. I heard the following comments from our City leaders: “The money has been allocated. We don’t have $3 million dollars. We’re willing to work with the young people if they will compromise.” And I wondered why should our young people have to compromise? These young people are our leaders today. Why can’t we – the adults – figure out a way to invest in them?

Although the City of Baltimore may not have the funds to support another youth initiative, it has access to wealthy business partners who might contribute financial support if they were asked. Corporations, production companies, developers, and investors - like the Ritz-Carlton, Struever Bros. Eccles & Rouse, Inc., the Marriott, Constellation Energy, the producers of the WIRE, and HBO - could easily write-off the expense of another youth initiative in Baltimore without it ever having to be a burden on the City’s “rainy day” budget. If one were to do the math, only 20 corporations, production companies, businesses, developers, foundations, and investors would need to contribute $150,000 to support the youth initiative as proposed by the young people on the hunger strike. A sponsorship of $150,000 by 20 corporations, businesses, developers, and investors could easily turn into a win-win situation and an awesome long-term investment for everyone in this city.

As Baltimore transcends into a city of renaissance, its leaders must think outside the box in terms of supporting a variety of viable initiatives to provide positive youth development for the older youth and children of this City. We need to ask our City leaders to rethink their response to these young people. I hope you will join me in taking the following actions in their support:

1. Email and/or call City Council members (the email addresses are above/telephone number is 410-396-3100). Ask City Council to find 20 corporations, production companies, businesses, developers, foundations and/or investors doing business in Baltimore to invest $150,000 to support the youth initiative as proposed by the young people of Peer to Peer Youth Enterprises;
2. Email and/or call the Mayor’s office (the email address is above/telephone number is 410-396-3100). Ask Mayor Dixon to work with the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Business Partnership, other quasi-governmental agencies, and commercial partners to invest $150,000 to support the youth initiative as proposed by the young people of Peer to Peer Youth Enterprises;
3. Forward this email to at least five other people. Ask family, friends, and colleagues to email and/or call City Hall and to forward this email to at least five other people.
4. Pray. Pray that we, adults, step up and take more responsibility for taking action to alter the educational and economic realities of the young people in this City.. Pray for the health and safety of our young people. Pray for more economic and educational opportunities for the parents and caregivers of the youth of this City.
   

We all have a responsibility for enhancing the lives of children and youth in Baltimore. These young people who are participating in this hunger strike have organized and come together with an impressive plan. They deserve to have nourishment for their bodies, minds, and spirits. Let us adults - come together and fulfill our obligation to them.

Sincerely,

Lynn Pinder
http://www.thetakeactionnetwork.com/
http://psalmsofthedaughter.com/


(The pictures above were copied from http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/bal-md.protest31may31,0,5185493.story and http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/bal-md.protest31p120080531053544,0,3884865.photo. These young people are not affiliated with The TAKE ACTION! Network)

Join Dr. Myles Munroe for LEAD SUMMIT 2008 at Restoring Life International Church (www.restoringlife.org) located 401 Reisterstown Road (21208) on Friday, May 16th (7 p.m.) and Saturday, May 17th (10 a.m.) Register online at www.restoringlife.org or call 410-415-6400 to register via telephone !

Praise God! I just self-published my first book, and it has been an extraordinary journey!

While completing my book, I came up with the idea to launch a publishing company (http://www.takeactionpublishing.com/) that would help people minster through writing about the love of God. You can support this writing project by clicking on the Donate Button toward the bottom right of this page. In exchange for any donation you feel moved to give, I will forward you a copy of my newest book, Psalms of the Daughter.

A subsidiary of Create-A-Book Baltimore, TAKE ACTION! Publishing will help aspiring and seasoned authors use online resources to print Christian-themed works of fiction and non-fiction. Additionally, TAKE ACTION! Publishing will also help individuals and organizations document their stories of challenge and/or triumph in taking action against social, environmental, and economic injustices.

This offer to receive a free copy of Psalms of the Daughter is only applicable to individuals who have found their way to my personal website and who wish to sow into TAKE ACTION! Publishing. Please note if you see me in public or visit one of my business sites (http://www.takeactionpublishing.com/ or http://www.thetakeactionnetwork.com/), I will ask you to pay the regular cost for Psalms of the Daughter. Thanks!

God Bless,
Lynn

P.S. - Please pray for healing and restoration to flow in the hearts, minds, and bodies of individuals and families throughout Baltimore, MD!

Growing Pains....

2007 and 2008 have by far been two of the most difficult years for me. Yet, through it all I have probably grown leaps in bounds in my God walk. I have experienced some major professional and personal changes that have pushed me to a place in my faith that I honestly didn't know existed. Through it all, I have to admit that I have learned some amazing things about myself and others. I thought I would share a few with you! Let me know what you think!

• I've learned that being a Christian means different things to different people.
• I've learned that many Black women in management treat other people badly.
• I've learned that many Black women in management suffer from insecurities and control issues that make it impossible for almost anyone, especially other Black women, to walk in their gifts.
• I've learned that when hard times hit life still goes on.
• I've learned the best way to overcome difficulties is to keep pushing for success, even if it is difficult to see a solution.
• I've learned the value of standing up for yourself and speaking out against a wrong situation, even when it seems like you are fighting a Goliath.
• I've learned the importance of forgiveness.
• I've learned that a "Hello" doesn't hurt anybody and to speak even when people don't speak back.
• I've learned that everyone isn't striving for excellence; some people are satisfied with just getting the job done.
• I've learned the power of a smile.
• I've learned that some people are just petty.
• I've learned the power of communication. I've learned how important it is to be able to express your thoughts with confidence and clarity.
• I've learned the importance of creativity, flexibility, and integrity.
• I've learned that life is full of opportunities to continue learning and growing.
• I've learned to cherish play time.
• I've learned to cherish my time of worship and prayer.
• I've learned to have patience with myself and others.
• I've learned that some people may never change.
• I've learned to move on!

"We live by faith, not by sight." 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NIV)

America's Promise

"I realize that some folks are supporting Hillary Clinton and if you are, you still need to read this. To me this photo is a picture of a strong man who, in the face of a setback, is cherishing a moment with the support of a strong woman who is 100% behind him. Together, they are making history. This is the America I want to live in. This is what our families should be like and can be like."

*Author Unknown*

My New Year's Resolution

Happy New Year! I read a wonderful article about resolutions in Our Daily Bread at http://www.rbc.org/odb/odb-01-01-08.shtml.

I have adopted the following resolutions for the 2008 year:

1. To do whatever is most to God’s glory;


2. To do my duty, for the good of mankind in general;


3. Never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if it were the last hour of my life;


4. To study the Scriptures steadily, constantly, and frequently;


5. To ask myself at the end of every day, week, month, and year if I could possibly have done better;


6. To expect more for myself and walk in true faith;


7. To laugh more;


8. To love unconditionally;


9. To hold sacred my body, my mind, and my spirit;


10. Until I die, not to act as if I were my own, but entirely and altogether God’s.

I pray that this New Year brings you infinite joy, peace, and blessings!

Wishing You and Your Family a Merry Christmas, a Happy Kwanzaa, and a Blessed New Year!

Taking A Selah Moment...

*excerpted from the 12/16 reading of Our Daily Bread*


"......take a 'Selah moment' to pause and worship God during the day.

• Be silent and listen to the voice of God (Psalm 46:10)

• Pause from a hectic schedule to be refreshed in spirit (Psalm 42:1-2)

• Interrupt the day to do a spiritual inventory and be cleansed (Psalm 51:1-10)

• Accentuate the joy of God's provision through thanksgiving (Psalm 65:9-13)

• Exalt the name of God for answered prayer in spite of disappointment (Psalm 40:1-3)

• End the day by reflecting on the Lord's faithfulness (Psalm 119:148)"

- Written by Dennis Fisher

My Testimony...

*This video was shared by BrothaAjay at http://youtube.com/watch?v=JXsi290F6b4&feature=related *

MEAN TO BE FREE

don't wanna be half/thing.

don't wanna be less/than/thing.

don't wanna be confined/defined/refined.

don't wanna be inna box.

don't wanna be yawn/okay/but/no/time/for/that/now/thing.

don't wanna be guilt/thing.

don't wanna be screech/thing.

don't wanna be finger/point/thing.

don't wanna be weeping/thing/fussing/thing/cussing/thing.

wanna be free/wanna be free/wanna be free.

twenty-four hours a day/

seven days a week/

fifty-two weeks a year/

straight up, dead ahead,

no breaks, no tears, no fears free!

mean to be free!

mean to be free!

mean to be free...

Written by Pearl Cleage

Thought for Today...

Compassion is love in action!

Lord, when I learn that someone is hurting.
Help me know what to do and to say;
Speak to my heart and give me compassion,
Let Your great love flow through me today.
- K. De Haan

"Ask the Holy Spirit to place someone on your heart to help in Jesus' name. Then take action. Make a difference today. Send a card. Give a gift. Offer a ride. Make a call. Love in deed is love indeed."
-Dave Branon

*Excerpted from Our Daily Bread*

Come Home Black Man...

Come home Black man...

You who are searching for truth only to find recycled lies.

Come home Black man...

You who are struggling for release only to be burdened down by the strain of life.

Come home Black man...

You whose cynicism and doubt have bankrupt your faith.

Come home Black man...

You who are brokenhearted, disrespected, and devalued.

Come home Black man...

You who have abandoned your destiny and surrendered to an erroneous fate.

Come home to true love - pure, warm, and complete

Come home to the everlasting gleam of divine light.

Come home to the ultimate sage and the greatest of all mysteries.

Come home to the grace of forgiveness and true liberation.

Come home Black man ...

Come home! God is waiting patiently for your triumphant return.

Lynn Pinder © November 2007

To My Sisters in the Lord.....

There comes a time in every woman's life when she has to take a close look at herself. Not at her circumstance, not at what she did, not how unfair life is, or at who made you do it. She has to just look at herself...

Have you ever admired a woman who has been through changes in her life? Or have you made up in your mind that she is just messed up? Before you make this mistake, take a closer look. A woman who has endured the most unusual life is someone of wisdom, someone who has been chosen by God to go through things that have made her stronger.

Think of all the great women in the Bible: Mary Magdalene, Ruth and Naomi, the woman with an issue of blood, and Esther, to name a few.

Mary was a prostitute, a very uneasy woman. But by the time Jesus was done with her, she was His closest follower. Esther was unfortunate in marrying an abusive man, but by the time God was done with her, she had married one of the wealthiest men in the land!

Women are so quick to beat the next one down instead of trying to hold her up.

Before you wonder, ' What's up with her?' ask yourself, 'What's up with me?'

That woman could be my mother, sister, aunt, in-law, stepmother, niece, grandmother, great-grandmother, neighbor, friend, or co-worker. That woman could be ME.

Women are the carriers of life, not the channels of death. Let's build and encourage each other, as did Ruth and Naomi. Share this with all the women in your life.

Encourage and love, forgive and forget, and trust that the woman that receives this message will be touched in some way!

*Author Unknown*

A drunken man was in an Oldsmobile they said had run the light that caused the six-car pile up on Highway 109 that night. When broken bodies lay about and blood was everywhere, the sirens screamed out eulogies, for death was in the air.

A mother trapped inside her car was heard above the noise. Her plaintive pleas near split the air, "Oh, God, please spare my boys," she cried! As she fought to loose her pinned hands, she struggled to get free, but mangled metal held her fast in grim captivity. Her frightened eyes then focused on where the back seat once had been, but all she saw was broken glass and two children's seats crushed in. Her twins were nowhere to be seen, she did not hear them cry and then she prayed they'd been thrown free, "Oh, God, don't let them die!

Then firemen came to cut her loose, but when they searched the back they found therein no little boys, but the seat belts were intact. They thought the woman had gone mad and was traveling alone, but when they turned to question her they discovered she was gone.

Policemen saw her running wild and screaming above the noise in beseeching supplication,"Please help me find my boys! They're four years old and wear blue shirts. Their jeans are blue to match." One cop spoke up, "They're in my car, and they don't have a scratch. They said their daddy put them there, and gave them each a cone. Then told them both to wait for Mom to come and take them home. I've searched the area high and low , but I can't find their dad. He must have fled the scene,I guess, and that is very bad."

The mother hugged the twins and said, while wiping at a tear,"He could not flee the scene, you see for he's been dead a year." The cop just looked confused and asked, "Now, how can that be true?" The boys said, "Mommy, Daddy came and left a kiss for you. He told us not to worry and that you would be all right. And then he put us in this car with the pretty, flashing light. We wanted him to stay with us because we miss him so, but Mommy, he just hugged us tight and said he had to go. He said someday we'd understandand and told us not to fuss. And he said to tell you, Mommy, He's watching over us."

The mother knew without a doubt that what they spoke was true. For she recalled their dad's last words, "I will watch over you." The firemen's notes could not explain the twisted, mangled car and how the three of them escaped without a single scar. But on the cop's report was scribed in print so very fine,"An angel walked the beat tonight on Highway 109."

*Author Unknown*

Spoken Word

*The video above was shared by foreverfocused at http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=d967ccc167929e2ee94a*

Condolences to Kanye West and Family

Kanye,

I extend my deepest sympathy to you and pray that you remember to praise Him even in this storm! God Bless!




*This video was shared by henderlovesjesus at http://youtube.com/watch?v=uHdcyue0bSw*

Who Am I?

*The video above was shared by peggydejarme at http://youtube.com/watch?v=ZGU76is9BuY*

Motivation for Today

If the Lord has you on hold... Hold on!

If the Lord has said "NO" to you... Thank Him!

If the Lords is molding your heart and mind... Go with His change!

If the Lord opens doors that you have asked Him to open...Praise Him!

Be blessed wherever you are in your life today!

God has His hands on the situation!


You say: "It's impossible"
God says: All things are possible
(Luke 18:27)


You say: "I'm too tired"
God says: I will give you rest
(Matthew 11:28-30)


You say: "Nobody really loves me"
God says: I love you
(John 3:16 & John 3:34 )


You say: "I can't go on"
God says: My grace is sufficient
(II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)


You say: "I can't figure things out"
God says: I will direct your steps
(Proverbs 3:5-6)


You say: "I can't do it"
God says: You can do all things
(Philippians 4:13)


You say: "I'm not able"
God says: I am able
(II Corinthians 9:8)


You say: "It's not worth it"
God says: It will be worth it
(Roman 8:28 )


You say: "I can't forgive myself"
God says: I Forgive you
(I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)


You say: "I can't manage"
God says: I will supply all your needs
(Philippians 4:19)


You say: "I'm afraid"
God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear
(II Timothy 1:7)


You say: "I'm always worried and frustrated"
God says: Cast all your cares on ME
(I Peter 5:7)


You say: "I'm not smart enough"
God says: I give you wisdom
(I Corinthians 1:30)


You say: "I feel all alone"
God says: I will never leave you or forsake you
(Hebrews 13:5)


*Author Unknown*