Calm Down...

*This was emailed to me today by a friend. I'm not sure who wrote it, but it is on point!*

Psalm 46:10 'Be still and know that I am God.' So many times we make situations more than they are due to our anxiety, CALM DOWN !

God has your life under control; he knows how to handle even the seemingly complex situation with ease. SHUT UP ! Stop having pity parties and talking about your business all the time; don't you know that the power of death and life is in the tongue! Stop speaking negative things into existence in your life and in others. QUIT TRIPPIN' ! When you look at your situations through your eyes, you often read more into the situation than what is there. It's not as bad as you think particularly if God is in your life; Stop over analyzing your life. Be courageous!

2 Timothy 1:7 - 'For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of Love, and of a sound mind. Fear is not of God. Have the courage to step out on faith and do the seemingly impossible. Start your own business; go into the ministry; apply for that promotion; anything that you've been afraid to do and you know that God has called you to do - JUST DO IT! Have confidence!

Philippians 4:13 - 'I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.' Remember, greater is He that's within you than he that's in the world. You have the power of the most High God working in you, and you have His Son steadily making intercession for you. You have nothing to worry about! Walk with your head up! You say you have low self-esteem; somebody told you that you'd never amount to anything; the devil is a liar! Know that you are somebody not because Jesus said it, but because you are a child of The King! Walk in the VICTORY!

Romans 8:28 - 'And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.' Does anything else need to be said? The jury has been out and the verdict is in - YOU WIN! In your finances - YOU WIN! On your job - YOU WIN! In your relationships (married, single, divorced, family, friends) -YOU WIN!! In your health - YOU WIN! God has already worked it out for you. It may not come the way you think it should come (or when you think it should), but remember - CALM DOWN, SHUT UP, AND QUIT TRIPPIN! He's working it out for 'YOUR' good (in His time). Do not ask the Lord to guide your footsteps, if you are not willing to move your feet. Be Blessed TODAY !!

RECIPROCATE PLEASE! God determines who walks into your life, it's up to you to decide who you let walk away, who you let stay, and who you refuse to let go. I need this back. If you'll do this for me, I'll do it for you. When there is nothing left but God, that is when you find out that God is all you need. Father, bless all my friends in whatever it is that You know they may need this day! And may their life be full of your peace, prosperity and power as he/she seeks to have a closer relationship with You.

My Testimony

Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jaejdz5o8c

My Testimony

FREEDOM MEANS RESPONSIBILITY

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Freedom is the right to live as you wish.
If you wish to free yourself from enslavement, you must choose freedom
and the responsibility it entails.
There's a price for every freedom, something to be given up for every liberty.

It's up to you to weigh the price you must pay for each of your freedoms.
And everything you want has a price.

Freedom is the opportunity to make decisions.
It's the capacity to take a hand in your own development.
Freedom is the right to choose.
It's the right to create for yourself the alternatives of choice.

No one is free who is not master of himself.
You are free to do whatever you like.
You need only face the consequences of your actions.

--Author Unknown--

An Open Letter to President Barack Obama

Nov. 5, 2008

Dear Brother Obama,

You have no idea, really, of how profound this moment is for us.

Us being the black people of the Southern United States.

You think you know, because you are thoughtful, and you have studied our history. But seeing you deliver the torch so many others before you carried, year after year, decade after decade, century after century, only to be struck down before igniting the flame of justice and of law, is almost more than the heart can bear. And yet, this observation is not intended to burden you, for you are of a different time, and, indeed, because of all the relay runners before you, North America is a different place. It is really only to say: Well done. We knew, through all the generations, that you were with us, in us, the best of the spirit of Africa and of the Americas. Knowing this, that you would actually appear, someday, was part of our strength. Seeing you take your rightful place, based solely on your wisdom, stamina and character, is a balm for the weary warriors of hope, previously only sung about.

I would advise you to remember that you did not create the disaster that the world is experiencing, and you alone are not responsible for bringing the world back to balance. A primary responsibility that you do have, however, is to cultivate happiness in your own life. To make a schedule that permits sufficient time of rest and play with your gorgeous wife and lovely daughters. And so on. One gathers that your family is large. We are used to seeing men in the White House soon become juiceless and as white-haired as the building; we notice their wives and children looking strained and stressed. They soon have smiles so lacking in joy that they remind us of scissors. This is no way to lead. Nor does your family deserve this fate.

One way of thinking about all this is: It is so bad now that there is no excuse not to relax. From your happy, relaxed state, you can model real success, which is all that so many people in the world really want. They may buy endless cars and houses and furs and gobble up all the attention and space they can manage, or barely manage, but this is because it is not yet clear to them that success is truly an inside job. That it is within the reach of almost everyone.I would further advise you not to take on other people's enemies. Most damage that others do to us is out of fear, humiliation and pain. Those feelings occur in all of us, not just in those of us who profess a certain religious or racial devotion. We must learn actually not to have enemies, but only confused adversaries who are ourselves in disguise. It is understood by all that you are commander in chief of the United States and are sworn to protect our beloved country; this we understand, completely. However, as my mother used to say, quoting a Bible with which I often fought, "hate the sin, but love the sinner." There must be no more crushing of whole communities, no more torture, no more dehumanizing as a means of ruling a people's spirit. This has already happened to people of color, poor people, women, children. We see where this leads, where it has led.

A good model of how to "work with the enemy" internally is presented by the Dalai Lama, in his endless caretaking of his soul as he confronts the Chinese government that invaded Tibet. Because, finally, it is the soul that must be preserved, if one is to remain a credible leader. All else might be lost; but when the soul dies, the connection to earth, to peoples, to animals, to rivers, to mountain ranges, purple and majestic, also dies. And your smile, with which we watch you do gracious battle with unjust characterizations, distortions and lies, is that expression of healthy self-worth, spirit and soul, that, kept happy and free and relaxed, can find an answering smile in all of us, lighting our way, and brightening the world.We are the ones we have been waiting for.

In Peace and Joy,
Alice Walker

© 2008, Alice Walker

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.

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

I Voted Today!

I voted today.
I stood in line.
I wasn't the only one.

I almost bought into the lie
that the people in my community didn't care...
that they were unconcerned...
apathetic.

But as I stood in line today,
my heart beamed with pride
as I looked around and saw so many people
young and old,
some with children,
others with friends and family members -
all in line, like me, to make history.

I heard the influx of complaints from people about the long lines.
I heard the worried cries of those concerned about being late for work, and
I offered them a warm smile and a gentle reminder
as to why their presence and their vote was so important.

I gave up my space in line to let an elder -
who was there to vote for the first time in years
and who was late for work - cast her ballot before me.

I stood in line and laughed with my neighbors,
encouraged strangers and thanked God
for the presence of mind and spirit
to be part of this day in history.

I stood in line today and I voted
for the first Black man nominated for the U.S. Presidency.
I stood in line today - not alone - but in solidarity with my community.

No cameras...no news reporters to witness this amazing sight
of hundreds of people from my crime-ridden and drug-infested neighborhood
wait patiently to use the privilege that our ancestors
died to make available to us.

I, as I know everyone else who stood in line today,
will cherish this memory in our hearts.
We will be able to tell our children and our children's children
that we made history.

We stood in line today and cast a vote for a brighter America -
a place where hopes and dreams still abound.
A place where people can stand in line and change the course of history.

I stood in line today and my country is a much better place
because of my action and the action of all those who stood in line with me.


Copyright 2008 by Lynn Pinder

U.S. History in the Making in My Lifetime!

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Prayers for the Hudson and Pressly Families

Father in the name of Jesus, I come before you today with a heavy heart. I am so thankful for your love and mercy. I am so thankful for your grace. I am so thankful for your Word and Holy Spirit, but my heart is grieving over the vicious attacks again these two families. My heart is grieving for that son, daughter, brother, sister, mother, father, cousin, uncle, grandmother that was snatached away from us.

Lord, I know that you have a plan for every situation and action. Lord God, I ask that your Holy Spirit provide comfort and peace to the Hudson and Pressly Families. Lord, I ask that you be with them in this time of grief and sorrow. I ask, also, that you compel the perpetrators of this crime to come forward. Lord, don't give them peace...make them uncomfortable...make them restless until they take responsibility for their actions and turn themselves in for committing these crimes. Lord, I ask that you soften the heart of those who know the perpetrators. Lord, give them the courage to come forward and speak out against the viscious attacks. Lord, turn what the enemy meant for tragedy into a blessing for these families. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

A Prayer for the Hudson Family

*This video was shared by Truustar at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzhCul8oNG8&eurl=http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home *

Father God, in the name of Jesus, we come before you today in thanksgiving and praise for all the blessings that you have bestowed in our lives. Lord, we are so thankful for your enduring love, mercy, and grace. Lord, we ask for a special prayer of mercy and protection for the Hudson family. We ask that you extend Your Holy Spirit to be with them - around them and in them - during this time of grief. Lord, we don't always understand the circumstances of life or why bad things happen to good people, but we do know that you are a loving and awesome and good God and we ask that you send your angels to comfort this family. We ask that you soften the hearts of those who perpetuated this violent act against this family and that you compel them to do the right thing, even now. And we ask that even in this tragedy that your will be done. God, let your light and love and goodness shine even in this hour of sorrow for this family. Equip the people closest to the Hudsons to be steadfast in your Word and filled with Your Holy Spirit. Equip the family with individuals with their best interest at heart and with counselors and spokesperson with a mind stayed on you, God. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

East Baltimore Residents TAKING ACTION!

**The video above was shared by Franktalk at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8DzrIXD-rQ **

My Daily Meditation

If you decide for God, living a life of God-worship, it follows that you don't fuss about what's on the table at mealtimes or whether the clothes in your closet are in fashion. There is far more to your life than the food you put in your stomach, more to your outer appearance than the clothes you hang on your body. Look at the birds, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, careless in the care of God. And you count far more to him than birds.

Has anyone by fussing in front of the mirror ever gotten taller by so much as an inch? All this time and money wasted on fashion—do you think it makes that much difference? Instead of looking at the fashions, walk out into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They never primp or shop, but have you ever seen color and design quite like it? The ten best-dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them.

If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.

Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.

--Matthew 6:25 - 34 (The Message)

Celebrating My Day: October 11th

Jesus replied: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind."

Matthew 22:37

My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him.

Psalm 61:1

The two scriptures popped up for my daily devotions on my two blogs. I smiled to myself as I thought how timely these scriptures were for me right now in my life as I celebrate 37 years of life on this earth. My journey to me has been long and difficult - filled with too many regrets, too much heartache, and too much pain. However, these years have also been filled with many blessings.

I was blessed with the opportunity to gleam from my birth mother, my step mother, my father, my three grandmothers, my two great-aunts, my two grandfathers, my three older sisters who think they are my Momma, my younger sister who thinks she is my Momma, and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, and extended family members who over the years have showered me with tons of love and support. I also have a host of friends and mentors - from Baltimore to Savannah to Atlanta to Miami to San Francisco - who over the years have shared their love, insight, and economic support with me. In some cases, they have become like family providing emotional, financial, and sometimes physical assistance when my blood family was unable to do so.

I have traveled across the United States and visited two continents. I have travelled to West Africa and South Africa. I have visited two Native American reservations. I have attended an United Nations sponsored conference. I have worked for some amazing organizations - all (the amazing ones and not so amazing ones) have helped me grow personally and professionally. I have participated in numerous fellowships and leadership programs which have introduced me to some of the most talented, witty, and creative people on this planet. I have launched and run a nonprofit organization which helped me plant positive seeds in the lives of youth. I have launched and run three for-profit businesses. I have written and published a book. I have had the opportunity to help empower adults by equipping them with literacy and leadership skills. I have had the opportunity to serve under pastors who walk in love and integrity. I have had the opportunity to engage in conversations with people from all backgrounds and ethnicities. I have had the opportunity to know and experience true love.

And although I have many deficits that I feel need "fixing," I am here: sane, healthy, secure, and saved. I didn't start this year with all four of these traits and too be honest I just slid into my birthday clinging on to all four. Yet, I am here and I am so thankful for my life!

Miracle at St. Anna - Don't Believe the Critics! This is one of the BEST movies EVER!

I went to the movies today to see the Miracle at St. Anna, and I was blown away by the rich story line and the superb acting. Spike Lee did a phenomenal job telling the story of what it was like for Black men serving in War World II . Don't believe the critics. This is an excellent movie that will have you on the edge of your seat - sometimes laughing, sometimes crying but always thinking about the complex messages that jump out at you from every scene. Spike Lee has really grown as a producer, and this movie is evidence of his creativity and genius.

I hope you take the time in the next week or so to buy a ticket to see this movie. We need more movies like Miracle at St. Anna that tell our story with grace, honor, and dignity. For now, let's support this movie and make it a blockbuster. If you are an educator or a parent, I would encourage you to use the movie as a teachable moment for teens or adults attending ESOL and GED programs. There are some extremely graphic killing scenes and at least one partial sex scene, so you should use good judgment and probably only encourage young people aged 14 or over to see the movie.

Wisdom Pearls...

Last week, I had the opportunity to attend a book signing by Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi. Among other things, she is the author of Know Your Power: Message to America's Daughters. One thing that struck me during her talk was her constant references to family, God, and community.

House Speaker Pelosi, a native Baltimorean, shared the story behind the catch phrase, "Know your Power." She spoke fondly of former Congresswoman Lindy Boggo who originally told her, "Know thy power and use it!" I grasped the following wisdom pearls from Speaker Pelosi's talk:

• "There is a spark of divinity in every person"
• "My parents raised me to be holy"
• "Public service is a noble cause; we all have a responsibility to help other people"
• "You must own the ground"
• "You only had a conversation, not a political action"
• "We all have an obligation to give a new president cooperation and respect; that is our responsibility as American citizens"
• "silent subjects"
  

Her talk reminded me of a Ghandi quote I keep seeing in and around Baltimore on advertisements by JHU:

"Live like you are going to die tomorrow. Learn like you are going to live forever."

Both challenge me to focus daily on the really important things in life -like living free - and to not get boggled down with self-doubt, indecisiveness, petty arguments, reprehension, and reproach.

Random Ramblings...As Arsenio Hall Used to Say, "Things that Make You Go Hmmmm!"

I have a former colleague/friend who would always challenge people in his presence to - as he would say - be "intellectual honest" about their intentions and motives. As I encounter people... strangers on the street and get to know the people I work and/or volunteer with I am always intrigued with people's intentions and motives. Like what's up with people who know you and will search you out at an event, but don't come over to speak to you? One of my friends called them "playa haters." She described them as people who want to know what you are into and/or doing but who do not have sincere intentions of supporting you. Hmmm...

What's up with people who volunteer with other people who volunteer for the same cause but feel it necessary to create caste systems or to talk down to people they feel aren't important enough to warrant respect. The other day I witnessed an interchange between a so-called lead volunteer and a general volunteer. I was amazed at the need for this particular volunteer to assert a kind of "lead" status and watched as this volunteer talked down to another woman with more than three decades of community service, leadership, and outreach in the community. Hmmm...

What's up with people who need to define themselves by their economic status? I met someone recently who made a great effort to distinguish her "middle class" self from low-income (class) people who live in the City. When I told her I was from a low-income family and lived in a low-income community, she looked at me and said something to the effect of "that is hard to believe." Why do we spend so much senseless time dividing ourselves? Hmmm...

The other day I was at a festival selling books. I greeted everyone that walked by the table with a, "Hello" and a smile. What's up with people who just give you a blank stare and no response? Do they think a return smile or "Hello" will signal an agreement and/or interest to sell books. Hmmm...

What's up with nonprofit organizations that tell their staff and/or students that it is unlawful to register clients to vote on-site because it is against the law for nonprofits to be involved in politics? I met a really nice lady who told me that this is what management at her organization told her and other employees. Hmmm...

What's up with guys who would rather spend a lifetime being promiscuous in uncommitted relationships rather than take the time to build committed relationships with women of substance? Hmmm...

What's up with a government that frowns upon so-called "welfare states" and "hand-outs" but will create an $800 bail out for big businesses? Why is it that the rules change when wealthy people with problems need help, but when poor people with problems need help it is business as usual? Hmmm...

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

In the Eye of the Storm...

Lord, I thank you for the opportunity to come before you today. I thank you for your love and grace. Lord, I ask that you have mercy on the families in Louisiana and the Gulf Coast Region. I ask that you send your holy spirit to protect and comfort those who have been evacuated and those who are left behind. I pray in Jesus name, Amen.