It's been two weeks, and it seems like forever since I've written. Life goes by so quickly, you know?
Things have been going well lately. I spent Friday afternoon re-cultivating a relationship with a NY State Assemblyman, talking politics, and attempting to position our organization. Slowly, I'm transitioning from Director of Programs to Executive Director. The organization is still in the pangs of rebirth, but we are all encouraged about its future. Times have changed, but the organization, prayerfully, will continue on!
On another note, one of my high school friends is getting married and has aksed me to officiate. I'm so excited!! It's always an honor to participate in life milestones, whether they are birth/christening, death/dying, acceptance of Christ/joining the church, or acknowledging unity of spirit and marrying. It's all part of the cycle of life, and it's that much sweeter -- and more meaningful -- when it can be shared among friends.
So I was in a generally good mood today. Got up, went to water aerobics, and had a conversation with the teacher about the cut (definition) in my legs, kettlebell classes, and TRX workouts. Came home, took some clothes to the cleaners, picked up some books and papers for church tomorrow, and took off to New Jersey to get my car's 11,500 mile checkup done. They changed the oil, but were unable to balance and rotate the tires because the car has rim locks on it, and my wonderful dealer never gave me the key. So if I have a flat, I'm in really bad shape. I'll have to try to get a key from the dealer, then go back to Jersey to let them balance and rotate the tires and do all the rest of the stuff they do in the 11,500 checkup. I also checked on the price of a new side mirror. Seems some vandals tried to pop off the chrome cover of my mirror, but apparently were too stupid to do it right, so they ended up cracking some of the actual casing around the mirror. It will cost me nearly $400.00 to get it repaired from the dealer -- because they cracked the casing, I'll need a new mirror, and since they are power mirrors, they'll have to take it off and yada, yada, yada.... I gotta go find plan B. They even suggested that I go find an aftermarket person to do it. The guy was telling me that he recently had to replace both mirrors on some car -- they were heated mirrors, and ended up costing the person $600.00. Each. $1200.090 to replace two mirrors.
So anyway. I have to get keys to the locks on the rims. So I'll go back when that's done. The place is about a half hour from NYC, but it's nice and friendly and spacious. While sitting in the parking lot, I decided it would be easier to find a Walmart in Jersey than to come to NYC and go up to Yonkers, especially since I never need anything from Walmart; I just go for the immensity of the place. I found a Walmart about 10 minutes away from the place (and in the process saw how close this place was to Newark). I went to Walmart, got my pain relief patches and some crystal light and soda.
Then I told the GPS to take me home. I knew that a mile or so down the road was an entrance to the highway, so I questioned the GPS when it told me to go in the other direction. Still, it was Saturday afternoon, I had no plans for the evening, so I went. It called the NJ pike Rt 80 and I didn't turn on it. I went a little further down the road and turned around, noticing that the map function seems to freeze on the GPS, but the voice direction is clear.
It took me on down the highway. As we were about to get on 95 back to NYC, I noticed the typical Saturday evening into-NYC-gridlock. I've waited in it for over an hour. So when the GPS took me off some other way, I figured I had nothing to lose. Long story short, my GPS has live traffic updates, and ROUTED ME AROUND THE TRAFFIC!!! It was Saturday evening, and I got from Kearny, NJ to my home in NYC in about 20 minutes, including the time it took me to get turned around before getting on the pike. Even though it usually takes me through the Lincoln Tunnel, this time it took me through some little towns in Jersey and then on the approach to the GWB, it had me switch from the lower level to the upper level. It was like the GPS navigated the traffic maze for me!
As I was getting off the highway, grinning from ear to ear, it occurred to me that God is the same way. We may think we know "the way," or we may not understand why God is leading us in a direction that appears contrary to what we think we know. At the end of the day, God's vision is quite different from our vision. God can see the traffic ahead, all those obstacles that we can't yet see. God can take us around that traffic, around those obstacles, if we simply let God. After all, we have free will. We drive the car. It's up to us whether or not we listen to God's Perfect System, or whether we try to go it on our own.
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Friday, January 13, 2012
Today was such a wonderful day!
It started very early, with a 7 am meeting. Thankfully, that didn't last long, and the person with whom I met seemed to be willing to accept my input. We'll see what the result is.
After a wonderfully transitional week at work, one in which it appears progress is on the horizon, I went to a couple of great meetings today. One was with a volunteer legal assistance program. I was able to explain to them some of the issues facing our Council, the fact that we do have a very high-powered atty on our Board, and the facility with which we could probably become clients of their organization. I have to go back and get some more paperwork, but we talked about three areas of interest to the Council. So there may be progress on the horizon. Funders are being very cooperative about providing me with the historical documents I need, both for information and to get a sense of our contractual obligations and the culture in which they were created.
So I left there, went into a 7-11 (in Manhattan!) and redeemed a $300 scratch off. I actually redeemed about 330 in scratchoffs, but the $300,00 one was the nice one. It's payday and I don't have to go to the ban for pocket change!
The law firm was near a church. It was an Episcopal Chuch, and they were about to celebrate the Eucharist. Since I am comfortable in any of my Father's houses, I came in and joined the other three women and the priest who were there. Once I found my place in the book of common prayer and could follow the liturgy, I was good. It was intertesting to note how much of the CME rituals come from the Episcipal chuch -- I always thought they were Methodist, but lots of our Eucharisc prayers are similar to those recited in the Episcopalian church. After receiving communion, we could hang around the altar for the laying on of handsl whch I chose to do.
Then I left and went upstaiirs to another fellowship meeting. I AM SO GRATEFUL TO GOD!!! I coulda been caught out there. I coulda been dead, coulda been killed before I made up my mind to come back to Christ. So I'm grateful today. Grateful that I recognize the obsession and compulsions that would rule my life, grateful that God gives me the serenity to accept thos things I cannot change, the courage to change those things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
Left that meeting early and went to a meeting of the City for its Contractors. They game is changeing, and I don't know if my board and staff are going to make themselves ready. But if they don't get ready, their programs won't get funded. I can do so much, but I'm tired of working with people who lack either the skills or the gumption to move forward with new ideas.
So anyway. I came home early, got a vegan japanese roll and a supergreens with added apple Drank on that as I came home, speaking to the Korean cleaner and the Egyptian pharmacist. Very nice. Came in and orderd pho ga from Pan Asian (an asian fusian restaurant) and it is just dancing in my mouth. The pho ga was good, and I had to lie down and get up soI oculd try some of the General Tso;s chiicken with sticky rice and extra spieces. Food for the gods! And not even any guilt when yoiu know you're going to knock the calories out tomorow.
Soinjg to sleep niow. Can't se this pos; ohpe it's coming out oi.
After a wonderfully transitional week at work, one in which it appears progress is on the horizon, I went to a couple of great meetings today. One was with a volunteer legal assistance program. I was able to explain to them some of the issues facing our Council, the fact that we do have a very high-powered atty on our Board, and the facility with which we could probably become clients of their organization. I have to go back and get some more paperwork, but we talked about three areas of interest to the Council. So there may be progress on the horizon. Funders are being very cooperative about providing me with the historical documents I need, both for information and to get a sense of our contractual obligations and the culture in which they were created.
So I left there, went into a 7-11 (in Manhattan!) and redeemed a $300 scratch off. I actually redeemed about 330 in scratchoffs, but the $300,00 one was the nice one. It's payday and I don't have to go to the ban for pocket change!
The law firm was near a church. It was an Episcopal Chuch, and they were about to celebrate the Eucharist. Since I am comfortable in any of my Father's houses, I came in and joined the other three women and the priest who were there. Once I found my place in the book of common prayer and could follow the liturgy, I was good. It was intertesting to note how much of the CME rituals come from the Episcipal chuch -- I always thought they were Methodist, but lots of our Eucharisc prayers are similar to those recited in the Episcopalian church. After receiving communion, we could hang around the altar for the laying on of handsl whch I chose to do.
Then I left and went upstaiirs to another fellowship meeting. I AM SO GRATEFUL TO GOD!!! I coulda been caught out there. I coulda been dead, coulda been killed before I made up my mind to come back to Christ. So I'm grateful today. Grateful that I recognize the obsession and compulsions that would rule my life, grateful that God gives me the serenity to accept thos things I cannot change, the courage to change those things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
Left that meeting early and went to a meeting of the City for its Contractors. They game is changeing, and I don't know if my board and staff are going to make themselves ready. But if they don't get ready, their programs won't get funded. I can do so much, but I'm tired of working with people who lack either the skills or the gumption to move forward with new ideas.
So anyway. I came home early, got a vegan japanese roll and a supergreens with added apple Drank on that as I came home, speaking to the Korean cleaner and the Egyptian pharmacist. Very nice. Came in and orderd pho ga from Pan Asian (an asian fusian restaurant) and it is just dancing in my mouth. The pho ga was good, and I had to lie down and get up soI oculd try some of the General Tso;s chiicken with sticky rice and extra spieces. Food for the gods! And not even any guilt when yoiu know you're going to knock the calories out tomorow.
Soinjg to sleep niow. Can't se this pos; ohpe it's coming out oi.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
What is Wrong with People?
This little girl, Amanda Cummings, felt so battered by life that she threw herself under a bus. A tragedy. The family sets up a facebook page in her honor. Understandable. But then internet trolls start coming onto the site and making horrible, disrespectful comments about the girl. How can people be so unthinking and disrespectful? I didn't know the girl or anything about her, but her family has suffered a terrible tragedy. Why would anyone want to taunt people in their time of grief?!?
Then there's the case of Danny Chen, the Asian Army private who was bullied and either committed suicide or was beaten to death. I don't remember the specifics, I just remember that he had to endure racial taunts, and suffer racially-motivated humiliation because he was Asian.
I'll admit that, as an African American, my first thought is to say "suck it up." (Please read on before you judge). I often look at the behaviors exhibited by African Americans today (heck, I look at the behaviors I exhibit), and wonder "would you have lived through slavery times?" It's easy to be a smartass and a loudmouth today, but if somebody's cracking a whip on your back or if your life is literally not worth anything, it seems to me that the behaviors would change. My point here is that people can endure a whole lot more than they think they can.
And I realize that thought is harsh and politically incorrect. But it's my thought. I also realize thankfully, that our present society is kinder, gentler, and more evolved than it was a couple hundred years ago. We're positioned higher up Maslow's pyramid, I guess, so the bottom we can touch is also higher. Or something like that. I'm not a social scientist, and I tend to rely on Jesus as my Doctor, Lawyer, Psychiatrist, and Counselor, and generally recommend Him to others. I know everyone ain't into Jesus (remember the whole "religious not spiritual: debate,) and that, sadly, some people suffer in ways so extreme that the only option apparent to them is suicide. God rest their souls; I pray their and their families' comfort. I don't get why people would want to taunt them.
And even for those who are stronger -- there's the case of the soldier, I believe he was a Marine with a Purple Heart, but he was definitely a military man, having recently served in Afghanistan. He went to a Philadelphia Flyers game and made the mistake of wearing either a Rangers or an Islanders jersey -- I don't remember which one, just that he wore the jersey of an NY team. Those famously friendly people in the "City of Brotherly Love" sucker-punched and attacked this Marine, landing him in the hospital. The guy goes to Afghanistan and fights the Taliban for his country, only to get beat up by a bunch of drunken Philadelphia hockey fans. Philly, y'all ought to be real proud of yourselves for that one.
I know it's not a Philly thing -- I know those are actions of a few idiot individuals (who probably won't even be man enough to man up to what they've done). But it still begs my original question: What is Wrong with People?
Have we really devolved to the point that we will taunt strangers in their time of grief, will harass others who are different, and will do bodily harm to strangers just because of the clothing they wear? Are these signs of a civilized society, or are these signs of a sin-sick and thirsty world, one that yearns to know of a Love so Powerful, so All Encompassing, so Redeeming, that everyone, no matter their past, can come and sit and sup and have a Brand New Beginning?
Why does no one see it? Why does no one get it? What is Wrong with People?
Then there's the case of Danny Chen, the Asian Army private who was bullied and either committed suicide or was beaten to death. I don't remember the specifics, I just remember that he had to endure racial taunts, and suffer racially-motivated humiliation because he was Asian.
I'll admit that, as an African American, my first thought is to say "suck it up." (Please read on before you judge). I often look at the behaviors exhibited by African Americans today (heck, I look at the behaviors I exhibit), and wonder "would you have lived through slavery times?" It's easy to be a smartass and a loudmouth today, but if somebody's cracking a whip on your back or if your life is literally not worth anything, it seems to me that the behaviors would change. My point here is that people can endure a whole lot more than they think they can.
And I realize that thought is harsh and politically incorrect. But it's my thought. I also realize thankfully, that our present society is kinder, gentler, and more evolved than it was a couple hundred years ago. We're positioned higher up Maslow's pyramid, I guess, so the bottom we can touch is also higher. Or something like that. I'm not a social scientist, and I tend to rely on Jesus as my Doctor, Lawyer, Psychiatrist, and Counselor, and generally recommend Him to others. I know everyone ain't into Jesus (remember the whole "religious not spiritual: debate,) and that, sadly, some people suffer in ways so extreme that the only option apparent to them is suicide. God rest their souls; I pray their and their families' comfort. I don't get why people would want to taunt them.
And even for those who are stronger -- there's the case of the soldier, I believe he was a Marine with a Purple Heart, but he was definitely a military man, having recently served in Afghanistan. He went to a Philadelphia Flyers game and made the mistake of wearing either a Rangers or an Islanders jersey -- I don't remember which one, just that he wore the jersey of an NY team. Those famously friendly people in the "City of Brotherly Love" sucker-punched and attacked this Marine, landing him in the hospital. The guy goes to Afghanistan and fights the Taliban for his country, only to get beat up by a bunch of drunken Philadelphia hockey fans. Philly, y'all ought to be real proud of yourselves for that one.
I know it's not a Philly thing -- I know those are actions of a few idiot individuals (who probably won't even be man enough to man up to what they've done). But it still begs my original question: What is Wrong with People?
Have we really devolved to the point that we will taunt strangers in their time of grief, will harass others who are different, and will do bodily harm to strangers just because of the clothing they wear? Are these signs of a civilized society, or are these signs of a sin-sick and thirsty world, one that yearns to know of a Love so Powerful, so All Encompassing, so Redeeming, that everyone, no matter their past, can come and sit and sup and have a Brand New Beginning?
Why does no one see it? Why does no one get it? What is Wrong with People?
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Err, let's try that one again...
One of the great blessings in life is, I believe, one's mental capacity. And we all know we use only a fraction of our brains. Still, it never ceases to amaze me to discover what my mind can do when my conscious mind is not aware. The other night I discovered a post I'd made while sound asleep. I deleted it, and will try again, now that I'm awake.
A dear brother and twin soul, Pastor Dale Wyrick, is currently on pilgrimage to the Holy Lands. While he's not nearly as verbose as I am, he's detailing his pilgrimage here: http://holylandpilgrimage2012.blogspot.com/.
I'm including it in case people surf in from the Christian Index, the official new organ of the CME Church. A friend Facebooked me tonight to tell me I was in it, so I guess that means they published my article on last November's trip. If you're interested, please feel free to click on the links for November, 2011. I made daily blogs.
As Pastor Wyrick states, it's important for the morale of people now living in Bethlehem (which is in Palestine and illegally occupied by Israel) to know that Christians around the world remember and support them. And contrary to how it may sound, this isn't about politics; it's about justice. It's just not right for any people to live under legally-enforced apartheid.
Anyway. That's another conversation. I just wanted to make a post to welcome Christian Index people to my blog, and to give a shoutout to Brother Dale's blog. I can't wait til we organize a CME Church trip to the Holy Lands. I think that'll be AWESOME!!!!
A dear brother and twin soul, Pastor Dale Wyrick, is currently on pilgrimage to the Holy Lands. While he's not nearly as verbose as I am, he's detailing his pilgrimage here: http://holylandpilgrimage2012.blogspot.com/.
I'm including it in case people surf in from the Christian Index, the official new organ of the CME Church. A friend Facebooked me tonight to tell me I was in it, so I guess that means they published my article on last November's trip. If you're interested, please feel free to click on the links for November, 2011. I made daily blogs.
As Pastor Wyrick states, it's important for the morale of people now living in Bethlehem (which is in Palestine and illegally occupied by Israel) to know that Christians around the world remember and support them. And contrary to how it may sound, this isn't about politics; it's about justice. It's just not right for any people to live under legally-enforced apartheid.
Anyway. That's another conversation. I just wanted to make a post to welcome Christian Index people to my blog, and to give a shoutout to Brother Dale's blog. I can't wait til we organize a CME Church trip to the Holy Lands. I think that'll be AWESOME!!!!
Monday, January 2, 2012
Starting the New Year, NY style....
So since Christmas, I've been sick. Trying to play it off, but every spare minute I'm in the bed, energy zapped, and lately my voice is so hoarse I can barely be understood. The people with whom I spent Christmas have come down with bacterial pneumonia; I decided I didn't have it because I went to the steamroom and "sweated it out.."
So I'm walking around the house talking to myself and decided I didn't feel like going out. Of course, then I went out. Two things influenced my decision to walk. First of all, I'm parked in front of the house, on the Monday-Thursday side of the street. (Mind you, I pay $200.00 per month for a parking space, but that's on Park Avenue. When I can get one in front of the house, I do. When it's on the correct side, it means I don't have to get up at 8:30 tomorrow morning to move the car. So that's reason 1 that I'm walking. Reason two is that I had a buncha stuff to do: I wanted to go to the drugstore, wanted to get some coffee, and perhaps some cupcakes.
What I found is that no matter how you think you feel, if you can get up and walk a mile or so, you'll feel better. And if you can't, you should probably go see a doctor. I don't have the sweats any more, and have been doing mega doses of Emergen-C. I also was able to stop at the health food store and get a super green juice, which is always good for flushing the system.
I went to the health food store and to a couple of drugstores, only to find that they were all out of Buckley's. Good thing I have a slight tendency towards hoading: I have at least two or three sealed bottles of the stuff here in the house. I went through one bottle yesterday, anmd will drink some more tonight. It is vile, but if you can suffer through Buckley's and your cold hasn't gotten better, you need to see a doctor. Like I said, I went through a bottle of it yesterday. If my treatment tonight doesn't produce a marked improvement, I'll go....
One of the worst things about being under the weather is that food doesn't have any taste. I tried to eat some lobster salad with pita chips, but it all tasted like cardboard. I did get some cupcakes this evening, and they are full of flavor bursts, but they're also all carbs and I didn't want to eat too many.
So I'm eating some nuts now.
Last night the Giants played the Cowboys. I'm not a football fan, and kinda like the Cowboys, but when there's a contest against an NY team, I have to go with NY. The Giants led 21-0 at halftime. They let the Cowboys score a coupla times in the second half, but still won by something like 31-14. It would appear that I'm enough a New Yorker to always favor the NY teams.
I have to chill out and get ready to drink some more nasty Buckly's, go to bed, and pray this dreadful cold leaves my system....
So I'm walking around the house talking to myself and decided I didn't feel like going out. Of course, then I went out. Two things influenced my decision to walk. First of all, I'm parked in front of the house, on the Monday-Thursday side of the street. (Mind you, I pay $200.00 per month for a parking space, but that's on Park Avenue. When I can get one in front of the house, I do. When it's on the correct side, it means I don't have to get up at 8:30 tomorrow morning to move the car. So that's reason 1 that I'm walking. Reason two is that I had a buncha stuff to do: I wanted to go to the drugstore, wanted to get some coffee, and perhaps some cupcakes.
What I found is that no matter how you think you feel, if you can get up and walk a mile or so, you'll feel better. And if you can't, you should probably go see a doctor. I don't have the sweats any more, and have been doing mega doses of Emergen-C. I also was able to stop at the health food store and get a super green juice, which is always good for flushing the system.
I went to the health food store and to a couple of drugstores, only to find that they were all out of Buckley's. Good thing I have a slight tendency towards hoading: I have at least two or three sealed bottles of the stuff here in the house. I went through one bottle yesterday, anmd will drink some more tonight. It is vile, but if you can suffer through Buckley's and your cold hasn't gotten better, you need to see a doctor. Like I said, I went through a bottle of it yesterday. If my treatment tonight doesn't produce a marked improvement, I'll go....
One of the worst things about being under the weather is that food doesn't have any taste. I tried to eat some lobster salad with pita chips, but it all tasted like cardboard. I did get some cupcakes this evening, and they are full of flavor bursts, but they're also all carbs and I didn't want to eat too many.
So I'm eating some nuts now.
Last night the Giants played the Cowboys. I'm not a football fan, and kinda like the Cowboys, but when there's a contest against an NY team, I have to go with NY. The Giants led 21-0 at halftime. They let the Cowboys score a coupla times in the second half, but still won by something like 31-14. It would appear that I'm enough a New Yorker to always favor the NY teams.
I have to chill out and get ready to drink some more nasty Buckly's, go to bed, and pray this dreadful cold leaves my system....
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
It's all relative
Just want to write something because it's so easy to get out of the habit, and writing is so therapeutic. (At this point, a normal preacher would begin working on their Saturday evening Watchnight sermon, but not meeee.... I'm gonna grade papers. Because the Spirit is percolating within, I hope).
So the other day I'm driving home. Feeling really crummy. Ministry is about being obedient to God and meeting other people at their point of need. No one ever said it would be easy or fun or anything like that. I know that, but still had had a particularly trying day with people -- flawed, human people, who are just as imperfect as I am. But I wasn't feeling particularly reflective right then. I was feeling tired and angry and, well, you know how we can get. Sorta like those people who had me feeling that way.
Anyway. It's raining and I'm driving home in the rain, playing the Praise station on Sirius XM, making a vain attempt to get my spirit back into some kind of recognizable shape. I stop at the light on 125, and there is the guy in the wheelchair. I go into my precious parking meter stash to give him some money. I remember being very aware of the fact that I wasn't giving him money because of compassion, care, concern, or anything like that. I wanted to give him money because I could comfortably give him money, and it made me feel good to give him money. I remember thinking how selfish that was, to give not out of love or altruism, but simply because it made me feel good.
And then the brother began to thank me and to praise the name of Jesus. Oh, my goodness! Here I am with the nerve to have negativity in my spirit while I'm warm and dry and driving a car I didn't have to pay for. And here is this brother outside in the cold, and in the rain, in a wheelchair, and HE'S the one praising Jesus!!
I praised Jesus with him, and left the encounter feeling grateful. Grateful that even in the midst of my mess, even when I've got it so upside-down that I think I'm offering material comfort to someone else, even in the midst of that, God can put things in perspective and demonstrate the Source of True Joy.
So the other day I'm driving home. Feeling really crummy. Ministry is about being obedient to God and meeting other people at their point of need. No one ever said it would be easy or fun or anything like that. I know that, but still had had a particularly trying day with people -- flawed, human people, who are just as imperfect as I am. But I wasn't feeling particularly reflective right then. I was feeling tired and angry and, well, you know how we can get. Sorta like those people who had me feeling that way.
Anyway. It's raining and I'm driving home in the rain, playing the Praise station on Sirius XM, making a vain attempt to get my spirit back into some kind of recognizable shape. I stop at the light on 125, and there is the guy in the wheelchair. I go into my precious parking meter stash to give him some money. I remember being very aware of the fact that I wasn't giving him money because of compassion, care, concern, or anything like that. I wanted to give him money because I could comfortably give him money, and it made me feel good to give him money. I remember thinking how selfish that was, to give not out of love or altruism, but simply because it made me feel good.
And then the brother began to thank me and to praise the name of Jesus. Oh, my goodness! Here I am with the nerve to have negativity in my spirit while I'm warm and dry and driving a car I didn't have to pay for. And here is this brother outside in the cold, and in the rain, in a wheelchair, and HE'S the one praising Jesus!!
I praised Jesus with him, and left the encounter feeling grateful. Grateful that even in the midst of my mess, even when I've got it so upside-down that I think I'm offering material comfort to someone else, even in the midst of that, God can put things in perspective and demonstrate the Source of True Joy.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Really, Y'all?!? YAY, Russell Simmons!
Granted, I'm weighing in on a subject without being fully informed, which could be dangerous. But I read today in chron.com, a blog of the Houston Chronicle, that some Florida nutjobs (why are all the crazies from Florida?) have launched a letter writing campaign to the people who advertise on "All American Muslim."
I didn't choose to watch "All American Muslim," mostly because it didn't seem interesting. It's like watching "All American Black Folks," or "All American Asians," or "All American Buddhists." American is a country built on diversity. To juxtapose someone's Americanism with their diversity (as if the two were by definition mutually exclusive) is to somehow, very subtly imply that to be "other" is the opposite of being American. At least that's how it felt to me. The show is a look in the lives of Muslims in America.
Unlike some other TLC shows, it doesn't seem to be aimed to highlight the differences and challenges "other" people face (like the shows on the little people or the shows on the humongous families). This show's purpose seems to be to show that Muslims are Americans, too.
I'm not watching a show like that. If we need a show like that in this country, then it's already too late.
At least, that's the way my idealist (and apparently simplistic) mind thinks. But the Florida Family Association seems to think the exact opposite. They're leading a campaign to have companies pull their advertising from the show. It's apparently been effective. The report says that 65 of the 67 companies it targeted have pulled their advertising.
I found particularly interesting the excerpt from their letter that states "The show profiles only Muslims that appear to be ordinary folks while excluding many Islamic believers whose agenda poses a clear and present danger to the liberties and traditional values that the majority of Americans cherish, ...”
First of all, you idiots, what's the number of people who "pose a clear and present danger to the liberties and traditional values that the majority of Americans cherish?" Who has decided that? If we were to do a poll, would we find there are more Muslims or more fundamentalist Christians who pose the clear and present danger to those liberties and traditional values? THERE ARE CRAZIES IN EVERY REALM OF LIFE (as your actions so clearly demonstrate). Wouldn't the greater good be served by calming the hysteria and instead focusing on loving our neighbor?
I'm reminded of the Parable of the Good Samaritan, and Dr. King's Mountaintop Speech, where he talks about the Road from Jerusalem to Jericho and the dangers inherent in that winding and treacherous pass. He imagines how the priest and the Levite might have asked, "If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me?" That seems to be the position of the Florida Family Association: "If we think of 'others' as normative, what will happen to our Traditional American Values?"
The greater question, said Dr. King, was posed by the Samaritan. "If I do not stop to help this man, what will happen to him?" I will turn the question around and ask "If we do not begin to think of 'others' as normative, if we do not begin to embrace the diversity that is America, what will happen not only to those "others," but what will happen to America? What sort of putrid cesspool of hatred will we become when we are unwilling to look beyond someone's difference and see their essential humanity? How shallow are our minds and our vision when we cannot look beyond another's religion and see their souls or spirits?
I'm really glad to hear that Russell Simmons bought up all the remaining ads. And if what I read is true, then shame on Lowe's, Bank of America, Campbell Soup, Dell, Estee Lauder, General Motors, Goodyear, Green Mountain Coffee, McDonald's, Sears, and Wal-Mart. I can't believe they're really that stupid and insensitive. I would hate to believe that.
Here is Sheila Musaji's blog on The American Muslim and her reports on this anti-Muslim campaign. For those who don't know -- Islam, like Judaism and Christianity, is a religion "of the Book." The Qu'ran includes the first five books of the Bible, and Islam understands both Jesus and Mary. As one of my Muslim friends says, "We believe in Issa (Arabic name for Jesus); we just don't believe he's Allah's son. If we can live side by side with Jewish people, why can't we live side by side with Muslim people. Terrorism, you say? Do you know how the Nation of Israel was founded? Fundamentalism, you say? Islam is about 1200 years old. Look at what we Christians were doing when Christianity was about 1200 years old.
Come on, folks. God has put us all together on this Big Blue Marble. We are way more alike than we are different. It's not that hard -- learn to love the Lord your God with all your heart, your soul, your mind, and your strength (which leaves you no available resources for hatred and judgement, btw) -- and then learn to love your neighbor as yourself. You put your effort and energy into that, and I guarantee you the rest of the stuff will sort itself out.
So I apologize for calling the Florida Family Association a bunch of idiots. They, too, are God's people, and today my struggle is to love them just as Jesus has loved me in the midst of my own insanity.
Yeah. That's enough for today.
*******************
12/14/2011
Adding this link because Jon Stewart says it so much better than I could....
I didn't choose to watch "All American Muslim," mostly because it didn't seem interesting. It's like watching "All American Black Folks," or "All American Asians," or "All American Buddhists." American is a country built on diversity. To juxtapose someone's Americanism with their diversity (as if the two were by definition mutually exclusive) is to somehow, very subtly imply that to be "other" is the opposite of being American. At least that's how it felt to me. The show is a look in the lives of Muslims in America.
Unlike some other TLC shows, it doesn't seem to be aimed to highlight the differences and challenges "other" people face (like the shows on the little people or the shows on the humongous families). This show's purpose seems to be to show that Muslims are Americans, too.
I'm not watching a show like that. If we need a show like that in this country, then it's already too late.
At least, that's the way my idealist (and apparently simplistic) mind thinks. But the Florida Family Association seems to think the exact opposite. They're leading a campaign to have companies pull their advertising from the show. It's apparently been effective. The report says that 65 of the 67 companies it targeted have pulled their advertising.
I found particularly interesting the excerpt from their letter that states "The show profiles only Muslims that appear to be ordinary folks while excluding many Islamic believers whose agenda poses a clear and present danger to the liberties and traditional values that the majority of Americans cherish, ...”
First of all, you idiots, what's the number of people who "pose a clear and present danger to the liberties and traditional values that the majority of Americans cherish?" Who has decided that? If we were to do a poll, would we find there are more Muslims or more fundamentalist Christians who pose the clear and present danger to those liberties and traditional values? THERE ARE CRAZIES IN EVERY REALM OF LIFE (as your actions so clearly demonstrate). Wouldn't the greater good be served by calming the hysteria and instead focusing on loving our neighbor?
I'm reminded of the Parable of the Good Samaritan, and Dr. King's Mountaintop Speech, where he talks about the Road from Jerusalem to Jericho and the dangers inherent in that winding and treacherous pass. He imagines how the priest and the Levite might have asked, "If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me?" That seems to be the position of the Florida Family Association: "If we think of 'others' as normative, what will happen to our Traditional American Values?"
The greater question, said Dr. King, was posed by the Samaritan. "If I do not stop to help this man, what will happen to him?" I will turn the question around and ask "If we do not begin to think of 'others' as normative, if we do not begin to embrace the diversity that is America, what will happen not only to those "others," but what will happen to America? What sort of putrid cesspool of hatred will we become when we are unwilling to look beyond someone's difference and see their essential humanity? How shallow are our minds and our vision when we cannot look beyond another's religion and see their souls or spirits?
I'm really glad to hear that Russell Simmons bought up all the remaining ads. And if what I read is true, then shame on Lowe's, Bank of America, Campbell Soup, Dell, Estee Lauder, General Motors, Goodyear, Green Mountain Coffee, McDonald's, Sears, and Wal-Mart. I can't believe they're really that stupid and insensitive. I would hate to believe that.
Here is Sheila Musaji's blog on The American Muslim and her reports on this anti-Muslim campaign. For those who don't know -- Islam, like Judaism and Christianity, is a religion "of the Book." The Qu'ran includes the first five books of the Bible, and Islam understands both Jesus and Mary. As one of my Muslim friends says, "We believe in Issa (Arabic name for Jesus); we just don't believe he's Allah's son. If we can live side by side with Jewish people, why can't we live side by side with Muslim people. Terrorism, you say? Do you know how the Nation of Israel was founded? Fundamentalism, you say? Islam is about 1200 years old. Look at what we Christians were doing when Christianity was about 1200 years old.
Come on, folks. God has put us all together on this Big Blue Marble. We are way more alike than we are different. It's not that hard -- learn to love the Lord your God with all your heart, your soul, your mind, and your strength (which leaves you no available resources for hatred and judgement, btw) -- and then learn to love your neighbor as yourself. You put your effort and energy into that, and I guarantee you the rest of the stuff will sort itself out.
So I apologize for calling the Florida Family Association a bunch of idiots. They, too, are God's people, and today my struggle is to love them just as Jesus has loved me in the midst of my own insanity.
Yeah. That's enough for today.
*******************
12/14/2011
Adding this link because Jon Stewart says it so much better than I could....
Monday, December 12, 2011
Why Christmas Makes Me Sad
Yeah, Christmas makes me sad. Don't get me wrong -- I am grateful that God came to Earth in the human form so that I might have a claim to divinity. I'm grateful and I'm happy about that. But c'mon, look at us. Look at this country. Look at this world.
Here in the US, we don't want to even mention the name of Christmas, lest we offend someone who's not Christian. I still don't quite understand the logic behind that -- in a country where 70+% of the people have ties to Christianity, how have we gotten to a place where it's politically incorrect to acknowledge that religion? I understand separating church and state, but why is "Merry Christmas" met with "Happy Holidays" on the subway? It's like we are ashamed to acknowledge the birth of Jesus Christ. And when we do that, don't we crucify Him all over again?
Here's something that was on someone's facebook page today:
Jesus: Santa.
Santa: Yes?
Jesus: I'm sad.
Santa: Why are you sad? It's Christmas right? It's your birthday!
Jesus: Yeah. That's the point
Santa: Why?
Jesus: Because whenever its Christmas the kids only wait for you and not me! They only celebrate Christmas because of you! Why Santa, why not Jesus? -Dec. 25 is for Jesus not for Santa. (Repost if You Believe in Jesus !) P.S He Knows You Looked ♥ -deny me in front your friends and I will deny you in front of my Father
But it's not even that that makes me sad. It's the fact that we go on these mad shopping frenzies, we have all these parties, we do all this "stuff," and nothing changes. We may go to church, we may sing a little "Joy to the World" or "The First Noel" or "Hark the Herald." but OUR LIVES DON'T CHANGE. And I'm talking about myself as much as anyone else.
What's the point of Jesus having come into the world if something doesn't change? What's the point of Him being born or dying if we don't change? What's the point of going all out on December 25 if we're going to be the same on December 26?
In the end, it seems sorta fake and pointless. It seems like we're caught up in the celebration, but we've somehow forgotten the Guest of Honor. In addition to being ironic, it makes us look silly and thoughtless.
So. How do we change? How do we usher in the Spirit of Christ during this Christmas season? Another FB friend has a post that sort of hits the nail on the head: "If you truly desire to honor God, honor God in acts of love, not "solely" in acts of piety. Piety is for the self, acts of love extend outward. Give to someone a drink, some food, help those in need. In doing that, you honor God."
If we want to honor Christ this Christmas, let's go OUT and show some CHRISTian love. How do you react when you see that guy bumming change? How do you react when you see that streetwalker? How about the guy with his pants around his knees smoking that blunt? How do you react to him? What would Jesus Do? More importantly, What Would Jesus Have ME Do? That's how we show the Spirit of CHRISTmas, not just on December 25, but all year long.
And it's true. Christmas usually begins for me when I give an anonymous present to a needy kid, or when I volunteer at a retirement home or a mental healthcare facility. Lately, since my fulltime job is taking care of people who are homeless, sick, and/or have mental health issues, I've forgotten that this is what's really important. I've forgotten that this is exactly what God has called and equipped and placed me here to do. It doesn't matter what anyone else does or says; it's the love that needs to shine through.
Lord, at this Christmastime, let me decrease and You increase. Please allow me to put myself aside and recognize that YOU ARE the Reason for this Season. And while it won't be an instant thing, perhaps my seasonal sadness will be replaced with the oil of gladness!
*********************************
The power of life and death is in the tongue. Who'da thunk that, soon after that posting, I would have the opportunity to put it into action? I was called to address an issue and in the midst of it, found myself reminded of what a great privilege it is to serve. I hope I did some good; it certainly felt good. There are folks out there with very real needs, and some of us, no matter how limited we may think our resources are, some of us are actually able to offer them help. That's a privilege, one that makes me both happy and grateful.
Here in the US, we don't want to even mention the name of Christmas, lest we offend someone who's not Christian. I still don't quite understand the logic behind that -- in a country where 70+% of the people have ties to Christianity, how have we gotten to a place where it's politically incorrect to acknowledge that religion? I understand separating church and state, but why is "Merry Christmas" met with "Happy Holidays" on the subway? It's like we are ashamed to acknowledge the birth of Jesus Christ. And when we do that, don't we crucify Him all over again?
Here's something that was on someone's facebook page today:
Jesus: Santa.
Santa: Yes?
Jesus: I'm sad.
Santa: Why are you sad? It's Christmas right? It's your birthday!
Jesus: Yeah. That's the point
Santa: Why?
Jesus: Because whenever its Christmas the kids only wait for you and not me! They only celebrate Christmas because of you! Why Santa, why not Jesus? -Dec. 25 is for Jesus not for Santa. (Repost if You Believe in Jesus !) P.S He Knows You Looked ♥ -deny me in front your friends and I will deny you in front of my Father
But it's not even that that makes me sad. It's the fact that we go on these mad shopping frenzies, we have all these parties, we do all this "stuff," and nothing changes. We may go to church, we may sing a little "Joy to the World" or "The First Noel" or "Hark the Herald." but OUR LIVES DON'T CHANGE. And I'm talking about myself as much as anyone else.
What's the point of Jesus having come into the world if something doesn't change? What's the point of Him being born or dying if we don't change? What's the point of going all out on December 25 if we're going to be the same on December 26?
In the end, it seems sorta fake and pointless. It seems like we're caught up in the celebration, but we've somehow forgotten the Guest of Honor. In addition to being ironic, it makes us look silly and thoughtless.
So. How do we change? How do we usher in the Spirit of Christ during this Christmas season? Another FB friend has a post that sort of hits the nail on the head: "If you truly desire to honor God, honor God in acts of love, not "solely" in acts of piety. Piety is for the self, acts of love extend outward. Give to someone a drink, some food, help those in need. In doing that, you honor God."
If we want to honor Christ this Christmas, let's go OUT and show some CHRISTian love. How do you react when you see that guy bumming change? How do you react when you see that streetwalker? How about the guy with his pants around his knees smoking that blunt? How do you react to him? What would Jesus Do? More importantly, What Would Jesus Have ME Do? That's how we show the Spirit of CHRISTmas, not just on December 25, but all year long.
And it's true. Christmas usually begins for me when I give an anonymous present to a needy kid, or when I volunteer at a retirement home or a mental healthcare facility. Lately, since my fulltime job is taking care of people who are homeless, sick, and/or have mental health issues, I've forgotten that this is what's really important. I've forgotten that this is exactly what God has called and equipped and placed me here to do. It doesn't matter what anyone else does or says; it's the love that needs to shine through.
Lord, at this Christmastime, let me decrease and You increase. Please allow me to put myself aside and recognize that YOU ARE the Reason for this Season. And while it won't be an instant thing, perhaps my seasonal sadness will be replaced with the oil of gladness!
*********************************
The power of life and death is in the tongue. Who'da thunk that, soon after that posting, I would have the opportunity to put it into action? I was called to address an issue and in the midst of it, found myself reminded of what a great privilege it is to serve. I hope I did some good; it certainly felt good. There are folks out there with very real needs, and some of us, no matter how limited we may think our resources are, some of us are actually able to offer them help. That's a privilege, one that makes me both happy and grateful.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Stew Leonard's
I go to Stew Leonard's because it has the best lobster salad I know (Thanks, Charlie!). There's something about the combination of their lobster salad on a croissant (a real, buttery croissant, not that flour-y stuff they sell in the corner stores, or the dough-y stuff they sell in the supermarket. I'm talking about the melt-in-your-mouth croissants, Not even Stew Leonard's own croissants are good enough to eat with their lobster salad). There's something about the combination of Stew Leonard's lobster salad and real croissants that is somewhere between divine and perfection.
So I go once a week or twice a month, and I buy their lobster salad. Now, if I were more astute or more observant or if I gave a hoot about such things, I probably would have realized that a person named Stew Leonard might have been Jewish. But I didn't. The thought never occurred to me, since their stuff is like farm fresh (there's all these annoying cow sounds throughout the store), and I just never associated the thought of farmers with Jewish people in the Diaspora. I just didn't.
So last time I'm there, I see this huge sign for a Menorah Lighting Ceremony. I immediately look around for a Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, but don't see one. Oh, I think, maybe he's Jewish. I think no more of it. But as I'm driving up today, I see a huge sign for "TREES" on sale. Not "Christmas Trees," just "TREES." I'm thinking, so you can't even ACKNOWLEDGE Christmas? I get it that you don't celebrate it, but what about your customers who do? Or is this a message that Christian customers aren't welcome in your stores?
So I drive up to the store, and there is a HUGE traffic jam. Lots of people leaving have trees on their cars, and I'm thinking, "are those Christmas trees? Why are they buying them here? Don't they get it that this guy is dissing Christmas?' (Notice that I have these thoughts but they don't stop me from going for my lobster salad....)
So I get a parking space, and I walk into the store. There's the Menorah Lighting ceremony sign, and there's all the greenery -- there's wreaths, and evergreen balls -- and then I see this sign for Fir Crosses, that will last all season. I didn't see the crosses, but I saw the sign. And then I saw another one. And finally I saw what was left on a display case of crosses made with some evergreen. Many of them had a little red bow in the center, but I picked out one that's a 24" boxwood (whatever that is) cross. It was the only one left with a purple bow trimmed in gold. Purple, of course, is the liturgical color for Advent, which is the coming of Christ the King.
Like I said to the checkout lady, this is the first time in maybe 30 years that I've bought a Christmas decoration. Because it's a Christmas decoration, not a holiday decoration. There are generic holiday decorations there for those who choose. The poinsettias seemed to be selling well, and there are the evergreen balls, and there are the (pagan) trees. And that's wonderful for people, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindus, Buddhists, agnostics, atheists, whatever -- for people who are like into decorating their houses and want some non-religious holiday decorations, they are there at Stew Leonard's. As an astute businessperson, in recognition of the fact that many of his customers may celebrate Christmas, there are the crosses, bedecked with all the symbolism of the holy season. But there's no Christmas trees, no reindeer, no Santas, no elves, none of the popular mythology that goes along with the commercialization of Christmas and which could be difficult to explain to a non-Christian child. There is plenty of year-round entertainment for kids; it's never seasonal. For observant Christians, there are the crosses, and for observant Jews, there's the Menorah lighting. Everyone's religion is acknowledged; the Jewish guy who owns the store gets to observe his religion his way, acknowledges my religion, and doesn't mingle, mix or distort either of them with popular cultural mythology. I saw really astute marketing today, but with religious and cultural integrity.
I'll keep shopping there.
So I go once a week or twice a month, and I buy their lobster salad. Now, if I were more astute or more observant or if I gave a hoot about such things, I probably would have realized that a person named Stew Leonard might have been Jewish. But I didn't. The thought never occurred to me, since their stuff is like farm fresh (there's all these annoying cow sounds throughout the store), and I just never associated the thought of farmers with Jewish people in the Diaspora. I just didn't.
So last time I'm there, I see this huge sign for a Menorah Lighting Ceremony. I immediately look around for a Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, but don't see one. Oh, I think, maybe he's Jewish. I think no more of it. But as I'm driving up today, I see a huge sign for "TREES" on sale. Not "Christmas Trees," just "TREES." I'm thinking, so you can't even ACKNOWLEDGE Christmas? I get it that you don't celebrate it, but what about your customers who do? Or is this a message that Christian customers aren't welcome in your stores?
So I drive up to the store, and there is a HUGE traffic jam. Lots of people leaving have trees on their cars, and I'm thinking, "are those Christmas trees? Why are they buying them here? Don't they get it that this guy is dissing Christmas?' (Notice that I have these thoughts but they don't stop me from going for my lobster salad....)
So I get a parking space, and I walk into the store. There's the Menorah Lighting ceremony sign, and there's all the greenery -- there's wreaths, and evergreen balls -- and then I see this sign for Fir Crosses, that will last all season. I didn't see the crosses, but I saw the sign. And then I saw another one. And finally I saw what was left on a display case of crosses made with some evergreen. Many of them had a little red bow in the center, but I picked out one that's a 24" boxwood (whatever that is) cross. It was the only one left with a purple bow trimmed in gold. Purple, of course, is the liturgical color for Advent, which is the coming of Christ the King.
Like I said to the checkout lady, this is the first time in maybe 30 years that I've bought a Christmas decoration. Because it's a Christmas decoration, not a holiday decoration. There are generic holiday decorations there for those who choose. The poinsettias seemed to be selling well, and there are the evergreen balls, and there are the (pagan) trees. And that's wonderful for people, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindus, Buddhists, agnostics, atheists, whatever -- for people who are like into decorating their houses and want some non-religious holiday decorations, they are there at Stew Leonard's. As an astute businessperson, in recognition of the fact that many of his customers may celebrate Christmas, there are the crosses, bedecked with all the symbolism of the holy season. But there's no Christmas trees, no reindeer, no Santas, no elves, none of the popular mythology that goes along with the commercialization of Christmas and which could be difficult to explain to a non-Christian child. There is plenty of year-round entertainment for kids; it's never seasonal. For observant Christians, there are the crosses, and for observant Jews, there's the Menorah lighting. Everyone's religion is acknowledged; the Jewish guy who owns the store gets to observe his religion his way, acknowledges my religion, and doesn't mingle, mix or distort either of them with popular cultural mythology. I saw really astute marketing today, but with religious and cultural integrity.
I'll keep shopping there.
Friday, December 9, 2011
A Charge To Keep, I Have
In another forum, a member posted a quote from this old standard, "A charge to keep I have, A God to glorify, A never-dying soul to save, And fit it for the sky."
That song is soooo appropriate for me right now. It's the end of the year, and the press of contract compliance is upon me. It's another year where incomes remain flat but expenses continue to rise. I literally got into my car the other day, lifted my hand to the ceiling, and said "Lord, I don't think I can keep doing this."
Then, it seems, a tiny bit more Grace was imparted to me, and I was able to start the car and drive to my next destination. Which was my kettlebell class.
There's nothing like throwing an off-center iron ball around -- picking it up, putting it down, cleaning it, snatching it, swinging it, and pressing it -- to get your mind off whatever was ailing you. When you're throwing around 10-15 lbs of cast iron, you begin to focus on how your body supports it, and how it comes back to your body. John and Jane and their issues aren't really on the horizon.
So it is, or should be, in our Christian walk. The kettlebell is difficult, but at the end of the day it makes us stronger, leaner, more powerful, and more flexible. It's the same way with God's Word in our lives. It's difficult to hold up God's Word. It's difficult to wield God's Word in our lives. Right now, I'm angry, annoyed, feeling let down, probably more than a little bitchy (I think "petulant" would be an accurate polite description). These feelings are all the result of personal character defects or shortcomings, and all of them could be addressed by my intentionally applying God's Word in my life.
Which I do on a regular basis. But just like when I lifted and did cardio on machines, it was a good workout, but sometimes we need an INTENSE workout. Kettlebells engage every muscle of the body, dynamically, in a short period of time. Perhaps I need a spiritual intensive to engage every bit of my spiritual being, intensely, either over a short period of time or over the longer haul.
What I know is that my spiritual body needs to be nurtured and fed more, and what I'm able to do on my own isn't working. I pray, study, and teach, but that's not enough. I have a charge to keep, a God to glorify, so I've got to press on to higher heights. Just like I get special food for my physical body, perhaps I should consider special food for my spiritual body. Perhaps I need some sort of spiritual concentrate to help process everything I need to be taking in.
I don't know. I just know that I have work to do, and the way I'm feeling now, while valid, is not my best self, and it's not conducive to the work I have to do. I don't want to linger in these feelings, and I certainly don't want to act on them. A charge to keep, I have; a God to Glorify.
Lord, I need you......
That song is soooo appropriate for me right now. It's the end of the year, and the press of contract compliance is upon me. It's another year where incomes remain flat but expenses continue to rise. I literally got into my car the other day, lifted my hand to the ceiling, and said "Lord, I don't think I can keep doing this."
Then, it seems, a tiny bit more Grace was imparted to me, and I was able to start the car and drive to my next destination. Which was my kettlebell class.
There's nothing like throwing an off-center iron ball around -- picking it up, putting it down, cleaning it, snatching it, swinging it, and pressing it -- to get your mind off whatever was ailing you. When you're throwing around 10-15 lbs of cast iron, you begin to focus on how your body supports it, and how it comes back to your body. John and Jane and their issues aren't really on the horizon.
So it is, or should be, in our Christian walk. The kettlebell is difficult, but at the end of the day it makes us stronger, leaner, more powerful, and more flexible. It's the same way with God's Word in our lives. It's difficult to hold up God's Word. It's difficult to wield God's Word in our lives. Right now, I'm angry, annoyed, feeling let down, probably more than a little bitchy (I think "petulant" would be an accurate polite description). These feelings are all the result of personal character defects or shortcomings, and all of them could be addressed by my intentionally applying God's Word in my life.
Which I do on a regular basis. But just like when I lifted and did cardio on machines, it was a good workout, but sometimes we need an INTENSE workout. Kettlebells engage every muscle of the body, dynamically, in a short period of time. Perhaps I need a spiritual intensive to engage every bit of my spiritual being, intensely, either over a short period of time or over the longer haul.
What I know is that my spiritual body needs to be nurtured and fed more, and what I'm able to do on my own isn't working. I pray, study, and teach, but that's not enough. I have a charge to keep, a God to glorify, so I've got to press on to higher heights. Just like I get special food for my physical body, perhaps I should consider special food for my spiritual body. Perhaps I need some sort of spiritual concentrate to help process everything I need to be taking in.
I don't know. I just know that I have work to do, and the way I'm feeling now, while valid, is not my best self, and it's not conducive to the work I have to do. I don't want to linger in these feelings, and I certainly don't want to act on them. A charge to keep, I have; a God to Glorify.
Lord, I need you......