PERSPECTIVE

Brothers, Please Talk About It

2012-02-01T12:07:00.000-08:00

Deuteronomy 30:19 Let heaven and earth be my witnesses against you this day that I have put before you life and death, a blessing and a curse: so take life for yourselves and for your seed:

When I say talk about it, I am not talking about any specific it. But in light of the recent death of Don Cornelius, apparently by suicide, I find it necessary to emerge from blog hibernation to ask my brothers (black and white) but especially my Black brothers to lay down your swagger (and your liquor, drugs, and side pieces) which are only band aids on the dam, and talk to somebody about whatever it is that's troubling you.

SLC

On My Knees

2012-01-24T08:14:00.000-08:00

While randomly listening to the ton of music in my collection I came across this song. I've had it for years and I have probably heard it before, but you know sometimes you really don't hear something until the time is right. Well today is the right time for me to HEAR this song that I've only played before. I pray it's a blessing to you as well.
Have a lovely day family.

SLC

My First 10 (or however many I can come up with)

2011-04-13T08:38:00.000-07:00

I have never done a list before. I miss being an active blogger. I need the interaction that blogging provides. And Mellogyrl does them so I thought I would try.

These are in no particular order.

1. 1. Not quit

a. I’m always encouraging others to stick with it (regardless of what it is), so I need to practice what I (literally)preach.

i. …….. for whatsoever is not of faith is sin. Romans 14:23

2. 2. Reintroduce

a. There is more to SLC than meets the blog. My initial reasons for blogging have long since expired. There is a greater purpose to this medium for me.

i. ………….I want you to get out there and walk - better yet, run! - on the road God called you to travel. Ephesians 4:1 (The Message)

3. 3. In relation to number 2 – counter act the negative effects of Arschloch (or Arschlochian) teachings on black men and relationships

a. You can use Google translate for the German word above

4. 4. Move from potential to Kinetic in my community ministry.

a. Great ideas are nothing without opportunities and if opportunity doesn’t knock, make a door.

i. …….. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened. Matthew 7:7

5. 5. Make beautiful music

a. It is a neglected gift that has the ability to uplift others

i. …….. He will play when the evil spirit from God comes upon you, and you will feel better. 1 Samuel 16:16

6. 6. Meet some bloggers

a. I like to travel, so any blogger between Georgia (near my mommy) and New York (near Jersey (my hometown))

7. 7. Get my first degree.

a. I consider myself intelligent, but there comes a time when you need proof of dedication so my AS in Information Technology is a step in the right direction

8. 8. School of Theology

a. I really don’t feel like I fit in with many of the theologians I know, but the opportunity to further my education in ministry, and support numbers 2, 3, and 4 on this list would be greatly aided by this pursuit.

9. 9. Become more politically vocal and active.

a. Not sure voting alone is enough for me.

10. 10. Make my presence known at my children’s schools.

a. We live in the burbs; where most of the teachers grew up, but most of the students were not born there, but moved there with their parents from the inner city. I just want to make sure that Jamaal and Shant`e are getting the same attention and support that Joey and Sally are getting.

A Dream

2010-11-03T07:47:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, I had a dream about this house.

I know it’s not much to look at, but on more than one occasion this house provided a nights rest for me, my sister, 7 male cousins, 2 female cousins, 2 sets of aunts and uncles, my mother, and the matriarch of our family; grandma. In my dream some of us were sitting round trying to decide what to do with the house and how to do it. That’s all I remember about the dream. I don’t remember the opinions, or the options that were discussed, just the topic of what to do with the house.

On Saturday morning at 5:30am, I heard my wife on the phone. I woke up. She hung up, took a deep breath and said, “Your grandmother just passed”. I then remembered my dream. While I am definitely in a melLOW mood, I have peace. I knew when I had the dream that it was a sign that I should be prepared for the inevitable. She was not particularly ill and had no specific disease to speak of. She was like Enoch, who walked with God until “he was not; for God took him”.

When I saw her last summer, she had lost my cheeks. Yes they were MY rosy cheeks. I was blessed to see her again in North Carolina for Thanksgiving dinner and I was so happy to see that MY cheeks had regained their fullness. During her last week she lived a full life and passed a message on through my mother; Vote. My grandma took the opportunity to vote early; not knowing (I think) that she would not survive to see the results. She remembered a day when she could not vote, and a time when poll taxes made it prohibitively difficult to vote, so she made sure she voted and that her children, grands, and great grands did likewise. So yesterday, in honor of my grandma, and in spite of the disheartening choices here in Virginia I voted.

Tomorrow we leave for Mobile, Alabama where I’ll cry a little, but not more than I’ll rejoice, then we’ll resume the discussion about the house.

Miss y’all, Love y’all

SLC

MARY DAVIS-JONES @ Age 82 in this photo

1922-2010

Re-Visiting You Me And She

2010-06-15T12:36:00.001-07:00

A few weeks ago, MizRepresent, the beautiful blogger dealt with the issue of man sharing. In her post there were actually three options presented:

1. Move to another state.

2. Import your man, then successfully move him to Utah, Nevada, Arizona or some remote island where the ratio of men to women is more like 100-25.

3. Manshare - in other words, take what you can get, get what you want, enjoy while you can, and most importantly no complaints.

In my comments I stated that my reply might come in two parts, so I guess this post is the second part of my reply.

I try to be careful and non-judgmental when evaluating single people and their relationship issues. Actually I hate it when people are overly critical of others behavior since they seem to have forgotten that before they were perfect and famous, they were an anonymous mess. Plus I’ve been with the same woman for 19 years including 16 married, with no sidepieces in between. I’m blessed to have someone that has been able to cope so long with the mess I am, and in fact has played a vital role in making me a much better mess. So while I will never advise anyone to share a piece of another person, my statements regarding their plight and their choices will heed the scriptural warning;

If someone falls into sin, forgivingly restore him, saving your critical comments for yourself. You might be needing forgiveness before the day's out.

(Galatians 6:1 The Message)

But that isn’t he scripture that caused me to revisit this post. I naively thought this open discussion of man sharing was new. I mean I knew it happened, but I didn’t think it was such an openly discussed topic. Unfortunately statistics and many bloggers have indicated that the scarcity of free black men that are not interested in other free black men, has left the pickings rather slim for black women, meaning they have to share a man, look in another race, find their own Ellen DeGeneres, or tough it out. I was reading an old book called Isaiah where I found a similar phenomenon of man sharing.

Isaiah 3:25 The men of the city will die in battle.

And as a result

Isaiah 4:1 That will be the day when

seven women will gang up on one man, saying,

"We'll take care of ourselves, get our own food and clothes.

Just give us a child. Make us pregnant so we'll have something to live for!" (The Message)

I was a little stunned to see today, in Isaiah. Men are being physically killed today, but more so spiritually annihilated by all the evil this society has to offer through drugs, easy sex and all the trappings of greed. Men are able to sit back and be picky saying, she’s too short, she’s too tall, she’s too thin, she’s too light etc when evaluating their choices of good women. Women are saying, he’s too locked up, he’s too gay, he’s too homeless, but, this one here has a job, a car and his own crib. I don’t have his home number, and I’ve yet to go over there, but he visits me twice a week on the regular. Unfortunately women sometimes feel as if their only choice is to settle for less until more comes along, but more never comes from the one they’ve settled for.

Anyway, to help fix this societal imbalance a little, I will continue to raise my three sons to be viable and true candidates for a good woman when they are of age.

Son number one is an honor roll student who is no longer interested in hugging his parents but has found an interest in chess and a couple of smart seventh grade GIRLS at his school. He aspires to be a veterinarian.

Son number two is a gifted musician that when eligible will probably be composing songs of his own. He is one of a handful of 6^th graders that were invited to play in the advanced band. Along with music he foresees a career in law enforcement.

Son number three will require any eligible female to wait a little longer. He is secure by himself but there are a few in his pre K class that are smitten by his intelligence and like to hold his hand on the way to the cafeteria. He is a talented singer, bongo player, and scooter rider. He aspires to be a Doctor when he grows up and currently plans on marrying his sister, but don’t worry he’ll grow out of that stage.

Our society and black men in our society have their issues. Those issues need to be addressed head on, not discussed on C-span, especially if there is no follow-up. So I’m going to try to make thing better by training up my children (and any others I encounter) right. I’ll spank them now so the cops won’t have to club them later. I’ll raise them to be men that recognize good women, and are recognizable to them. I’ll raise them to refuse to share and to know that being shared by women means they have a lot in common with public toilets.

If I really have my way, I’ll be raising them in Georgia by the spring of 2012. I heard they could use some more good men.

SLC

PROUD OF MY TOY

2010-06-10T07:16:00.000-07:00

My wife works at an inner city school teaching special education 6^th graders. She loves what she does, is good at it, and is definitely walking in her calling. The one drawback is the occasional student that threatens to kick her bitch ass. My wife usually keeps her cool, politely inviting them to do what they think they can do. So far none of them have accepted her invitation. At 5’ 2” she’s gained a little weight in the last 16 years so she’s around 120 pounds, but she thinks she’s 6’ 2” and 240 pounds. For this reason whenever she calls in the middle of the day, I’m ready to hop in my SUV and make my presence known. I also have a couple of people on standby in case I need to bring a small army with me.

Last week she gave me one of those rare middle of the day calls, so I grabbed my keys and stood up while answering my cell phone all for nothing. There was no need for me to go up to the school and whip a child like their pappy and mammy doesn’t. All she wanted to tell me was that she was voted Teacher Of the Year (TOY) for Henderson Middle School.

This is my toy with the LAST of her four children. I promise you, he is the last one.

That’s what happens when a person abides in their calling.

It’s time for me to do likewise.

BE ON THE LOOKOUT!!!

2010-05-04T13:47:00.001-07:00

Apparently one of the bloggers I glean political knowledge from (Keith) has a problem with the new immigration laws in Arizona. Somebody help me understand what the big deal is. They’ll only go after people that might be here illegally. Blog family and friends, please tell me what you think the big problem is.

On another note a crime was committed in North Carolina

and the perp is headed North on I 95

and may be headed towards Philly

after they get through Maryland.

But they may be headed south to Florida

If you see a black male between

5' 8" and 6' 2" weighing between 180 and 220 lbs,

driving an SUV or a late model Japanese sedan,

don't try to stop him, call the cops.

This excludes the following,

Rich Fitzgerald, SLC, Keith, Don, 25Champ, 12Kyle,
Moaner, All Mi T, CareyCarey, Zack,
my cousins Robert, Lorenzo, Lonell, John,
Clarence, Fitzgerald or anyone you may recognize below

Anybody else, might be him so be careful! Better yet, stay home!!!!

Y’all really need to pray for me

March 24 - This Day In History

2010-03-24T20:34:00.001-07:00

March 24 - This Day In History (A day late - I know)

In 2008 I was desperately in need of an outlet. I had also just finished a writing class that really enabled me to communicate with some parts of me that had been neglected. During this season I also joined a social network setup for graduates of Paterson’s Eastside High School. While reading through the profile of someone that had sent me a friend request, I noticed she listed a website. I disregarded the fact that she dumped me after a few short weeks in high school (she claims it’s the other way around lol), and I visited her blog anyway. Needless to say, I was impressed with what she had to share. I was not surprised since I always knew she would be a success. I took the time to go through her blog roll and came across a very entertaining, exhilarating, exciting, enticing, (and some word that starts with an e and means nasty) blog and immediately added it to my favorites.....................................but not for the nasty parts like beds going through the floor, just the other stuff. His main blog is just as awesome as it keeps me informed of current events. I am amazed at how well he handles two non-junk blogs. He should be paid, and one day soon he will be.

On March 24 of 2009, I was shocked to find that this intelligent woman and this man of God who is artistically diverse, politically enlightened, and Spiritually inclined share a birthday. Call me crazy, but I believe the cosmonautical, literary, karmaneutical, atmosphere created by their day caused another favorite blogger to return from his sabbatical today.

So today as we remember past events of March 24 like;

1837 Canada gives blacks the right to vote
1930 1st religious services telecast in U.S. (W2XBS New York City)
1941 Richard Wright and Paul Green's "Native Son," premieres in New York City
1952 Great demonstrations against apartheid in South Africa
1987 1st Soul Train Music Awards: Janet Jackson, Luther Vandross
2002 74th Academy Awards Oscar Ceremony, Whoopi Goldberg hosts, Denzell Washington and Hallie Berry win lead acting awards,

I would like to just say thanks to the birthday honorees for being great bloggers, and even better people.

SLC

GOOD OR BAD, BE MY FRIEND?

2010-02-24T09:37:00.000-08:00

Along with changes to the layout of my little, somewhat neglected blog, I have added a facebook badge, however apart from that (facebook) I would like to ask your for your friendship. In recent weeks I have found myself continuously thinking about the disappointing shenanigans of the well known professional golfer that will remain nameless for now. I am astonished that many people portray themselves as taking the high road and being individuals of class, but they do so by highlighting the glaring failures of others. That is not the type of friend I'm looking for. I'm looking for a friend that will tell me when I have done wrong. Tell me when I have made a complete anus of myself. Even laugh in my face and say, "man what were you thinking"? I'm looking for a friend that will say those things to me. TO MEEEEE!!!!!

The world famous golfer I am referring to is, his royal highness, Lord Jesper Parnevik. I know I know all of you have been following his career. Jesper stated that he regretted introducing Elin, his former nanny to Tiger. He also stated that she should have used a driver. What a friend.

To all my potential friends, I do not plan on disappointing you , but if I do, and if at that time I happen to be a little more famous than I currently am, and if reporters from ESPN, or CNN, or Vibe give you a noose with microphone on the end, please don't hang me. Tell them, "that was stupid and I can't wait to see him so I can tell him". After that let ME have it. There's a little scripture that talks about speaking the "truth in love", do that to me and for me, and when you do something astronomically asinine I will hug you, wipe the tears from your eyes and ask you, my friend, in love, ARE YOU CRAZY!?!?!?!?

Live creatively, friends. If someone falls into sin,

forgivingly restore him, saving your critical comments for yourself.

You might be needing forgiveness before the day's out.

Galatians 6:1 (The Message)

ADOPTION OPTION

2009-12-08T11:05:00.000-08:00

An associate of mine just shared some private information with me, which means I probably should not be sharing it with you, but since you don’t know them I’m going to share it anyway. They have been trying unsuccessfully to conceive a child throughout their 10 years of marriage. Due to their lack of success they are looking for an opportunity to adopt. They are a beautiful and responsible pair and I will be praying that she conceives or they find themselves as parent through adoption soon.

I told my associate that I would be praying for them because they are a good pair, as opposed to the pairs I see on a regular basis that are doing no more than contributing to the delinquency of minors and siphoning tax money for their kids Jordans as they WIC and food stamp their way through life. Poppin’ out babies, future pimps, hos, and wanna be rap stars.

After leaving this conversation I was reminded of something Bradley Lockhart said about his relationship with Shaniya Davis’ mother. He stated that the relationship was really a “one night stand”. One night, he hit it raw and months later his child was born to a relative stranger who would go on to prove that death reigns in living bodies as she sold her own child to people as sick as herself.

Situations like this cause people to support pro-choice, gay unions with adoption rights, and amnesty programs allowing mothers to leave their babies at hospitals without fear of prosecution, when they decide they don’t want the baby any longer. In this post I’m not stating my stance on any of those issues, but the issue of irresponsible procreation. Creating babies, dressing the babies like midget thugs and tramps, parading the babies through the malls and the skreets, but not raising the babies to be more responsible than them.

Most of my single, buck wild, hittin’ it raw, friends use some other form of contraception so the worst thing that can happen to them is a lil gonorrhea, syphilis, or AIDS, but to the rest of them and to any one you may know that enjoy a little bareback once in a while, consider the options available to you before creating a living soul you have no intentions of giving a life. Use Tiger like diligence to leave no cubs behind. And if you do, consider adoption. It’s a Go(o)d plan.

Been So Long

2009-11-26T06:25:00.000-08:00

I had to cop the title of this post from Anita Baker's song, but the sentiments are all mine. it's definitely been too long since I've posted and it has not been for lack of content, just a lack of time. See my wife's got these four crazy kids..........................Oh yeah go ahead blame 'em all on me.

Anyway my hiatus is over and what better way to end it than by publicly saying Thank God for you. I still correspond with many of you on facebook, but for the others you are a regular part of my prayer life and are just as appreciated.

I truly Thank God for each of you and look forward to resuming this perspective.

And now for album cover idea number 1.

I love y'all. Enjoy your Thanksgiving.
SLC

Speak Life SLC

2009-08-24T10:34:00.001-07:00

I’ve been in a funky mood since the middle of this weekend. I found myself feeling as if I was on everyone’s back burner except God’s. Making matters worse, I wouldn’t keep my big mouth shut. I didn’t have anyone to vent to so I just followed in the footsteps of my ancestors; I murmured and complained.

And the whole congregation of the children of Israel

murmured against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness:

Changing gears here.

In the parable of the sower, Jesus said that the “sower soweth the word”, or, “The farmer plants the Word.”

Somewhere else Paul said, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”

Putting all of this together, I’ve decided to stop sowing negatively into myself. Doing so only makes one madder, angrier, more depressed, and isolated. A much better idea is to speak life.

It is the spirit that quickeneth;

the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that

I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. John 6:63

Death and life are in the power of the tongue:

and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

Proverbs 18:21

Have a Blessed Week Family.

Celebrate Life With Me

2009-08-06T06:53:00.001-07:00

On August 6, 1994 I tried to sleep the whole day away. I had been married 6 months and 1 day, and one of my wife's few gripes was that I would never sleep late on Saturdays. She could snore until almost noon, but I would always wake up at 7 and twittle my thumbs until 8. But, this Saturday was different. It was my birthday and I wanted to sleep through it.

Over the course of my life I had become accustomed to the awkward coincidence that my grandfather passed away a few years before I was born. I believe the date was August 6, 1962. Yep. What a coincidence. I of course never met him, but from what I hear any strengths I possess including any ministerial aspirations came from him; a well respected minister and pillar in the community and the church. But back to 1994; the day I tried to sleep away, because of August 6, 1993.

The previous summer, I celebrated my birthday by getting treated to lunch. I also remember my co-workers father having a mild heart attack that day and there was a tornado that hit central Virginia, but circled around the city of Richmond. That night I went to church and afterwards a local gospel DJ treated my fiancé and me to dinner at an upscale restaurant. We talked about our upcoming wedding in February and other stuff. I was looking forward to having both of my parents there on my special day. I had finally matured enough to possibly pursue a relationship with the man I was named after, in spite of years of him not really being a father to my sister or I.

When I got back to my apartment after dinner I had messages from my mother and others telling me to call home to New Jersey. I immediately got pissed because I knew something was wrong. I called one of the people who left me a message and said "What?" they just said call you mom. So I did. I woke her up out of an unsound sleep. She told me SLC senior had a heart attack and they rushed him to the hospital. I said, "Yeah, how is he". She said, "he died", as if I knew already. I said ok I'll put my suit in the cleaners and wait for you to drive through Virginia on your way to Alabama for the funeral. And that was that so I thought. Later that day I had a severe meltdown. It really surprised me.

When I arrived in Alabama, I really only wanted to see one thing; the obituary. It confirmed my fear; he died on my birthday. So needless to say the next birthday was one I wanted to skip. When I finally woke up on the anniversary of his death/ my birthday, my wife gently suggested we go out to breakfast; my favorite meal, and later that day we went to see my mother-in-law. She had purchased me a new pair of jeans, a card and a cake. They really helped me that day by gently helping me celebrate life.

Every year since then I've gone all out to celebrate my birthday. The coincidences creep into my thoughts but I've decided to live life responsibly to the fullest just like my grandfather, and avoid the traps that sent my father to an early grave.

So be sure to post a comment with your jubilant birthday wishes, and know that although I'm not registered anywhere, you can send gifts whenever you like. Let me know and I'll send you my address through your profile or through facebook. Shoe size 10 œ. Shirt 16 œ 34. Pants 34/34 (and hopefully shrinking to 32/34). Music Jazz, Gospel, Old Skool, Neo.

Thanks for stopping by and of course I'm only (not) joking about the gifts.

SLC

How Strong Are You?

2009-07-29T08:17:00.001-07:00

The title of this post is also the theme for an event this Saturday where I have been asked to speak to a group of men from this topic. The individual that asked me to speak is a relative stranger, so I really don't know what he expects me to say, but as soon as he mentioned the theme I was drawn to the scripture that contains the words, "my strength is made perfect in weakness".

In the last week I encountered a volatile situation. To be more specific, a volatile church situation. To be even more specific, a volatile church situation involving grown Christian men. From my perspective they are both right and the both will win and they both will have their way. NOT! From what I see their strength has the ability to doom an entire congregation. This situation calls for a weak man?

This Saturday I hope I can help these men see that the most dangerous man on earth is a strong man. A man that is strong in his awareness of his strength and in the power of his might, as opposed to the suggestion of Ephesians 6:10 saying "be strong in the Lord, and in the power of HIS might."

This Saturday if any man sticks his chest out and reminds me that wives are supposed to submit themselves to their husbands, I will hold my bird chest in and tell them that in the same chapter the Bible says, "Husbands, go all out in your love for your wives, exactly as Christ did for the church - a love marked by giving, not getting." (MSG) I think Otis Redding would say, Try a Little Tenderness."

This Saturday I hope I can impress upon them the fact that a man with all the answers all the time has become a God unto himself. They need to know that it's OK not to know the answer, as long as they know The Answerer.

I hope I can get them to understand that if they've never been hurt, not physically hurt, but hurt in their soul, then they really haven't lived except unto themselves. For even Jesus was "moved with compassion" when he saw the multitude. Even "Jesus wept" at the sorrow filled events that preceded the raising of Lazarus from the dead.

I'm not exactly sure what I'm going to say or how I'm going to say it, so I think I'll just delight in my oratory weakness and let God handle it.

Now I take limitations in stride, and with good cheer,
these limitations that cut me down to size -
abuse, accidents, opposition, bad breaks.
I just let Christ take over!
And so the weaker I get, the stronger I become.
2 Corinthians 12:10 The Message

Facebook - Blogger - Addictive?

2009-06-10T09:39:00.001-07:00

These thoughts were supposed to be a comment for a post on
Character Corner, but I thought it was a little to long so here it is.

Although I've lived in Virginia for 21 years, I've always missed my hometown; Paterson New Jersey, and all the people I grew up with. My wife's entire family is here; both of her brothers, both step sisters, and both sets of parents. Occasionaly I find myself feeling out of place, or not a part of this extended family picture. These feelings increased after my family had a reunion in Richmond Virginia last year. When they all departed for their homes up and down the East Coast, I went home to Varina County (Richmond suburb) to settle back in to my routine of Family, Church, Work......Family, Church, Work......Family, Church, Work.

About a month later I was checking out Character Corner, a blog by my homegirl and fellow Eastside HIgh School graduate Attorneymom. This led me to the creation of Perspective, and somehow eventually lead me to facebook.

I had heard a lot of crappy things about facebook, but when I found out who was using it, I realized it couldn't be all bad. Attorneymom, Free Spirit, Stacye, Tammy, Myriam, and Keith. All bloggers whose character I respect as much as their writing.

Facebook has also allowed me to reconnect with people I haven't seen in over 20 years. When I last saw these people I was a weird combination of shyness, buck wildishness, and Schlitz Malt Liquorness. Now I'm a weird combination of Christian and crazy. It's great to know that if I have a problem and needed some friends to intercede in prayer on my behalf I've got two mediums that enable me to reach over 100 people (90 fb friends, plus blog family) in a matter of seconds. Even if I just want to vent a little. At the same time, if I need a laugh I can go to one of your blogs or FB updates and read about beds crashing through ceilings, sleeping under the bed with the dog, or shenanigans at the local barbershop. I consider it an escape, not a replacement.

Am I addicted to FB and blogger? Probably.

So, in the future just to be safe and sure, I'm going to try and ignore my laptop (conveniently located in the family room) and make a concerted effort to give individualized attention to each of my four children (Gladys knight and the li'l pips) and of course to my wife and counselor of 15 years Urenthia. BUT, when it's me time I'll be in the WORD ,blogging, or facebooking.

Guess my word for the moment should be balance.

Have a Great Weekend

2009-05-28T19:50:00.000-07:00

I long for weekends

My job is not my calling

It's time for a change

From Not A Poet

Repair or Replace

2009-05-18T08:00:00.001-07:00

My sister's HP laptop is on the blink. There's power, but there is no display. She asked me if I thought she would need to buy a new one. My response was I hope not since it's such a hassle trying to retrieve all of your important information off the old hard drive. So it becomes a question of repairing what you have, or starting from scratch with a new one. I personally know a lot of people who have always opted to replace without giving it a second thought; that is until something goes wrong with the replacement that makes them long for the replaced. The more I've though about this, the more I realize I'm know longer thinking about, laptops, computers, TV's, or cars, but people and relationships. I mean maybe nothing was wrong with what was replaced. Maybe it was operator error. I know people who long to go back, not to the one that got away but to the one they threw away. I guess sometimes hindsight really is.....

Love y'all

SLC

Victory On The Coat Rack. I Mean Treadmill

2009-04-27T08:24:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago I paid a visit to the Dr. to take care of some respiratory issues; namely asthma which had returned with a vengeance after taking a winter break. I spent the rest of that week trying to catch up on the rest I had lost during the more severe times which were mostly at night. By the beginning of the next week I was feeling better but decided to try to help my cause by changing my diet and exercising. This was also influenced by the Fat Smash Diet, which Attorney Mom invited fellow facebookers and bloggers to participate on.

Well Monday night I felt pretty good and even spent some time on that thing in the playroom that collects dust and holds clothes. I had my mp3 player tuned to the music of my high school days, so I had Luther saying "Never Too Much", Patty saying "If Only You Knew", and of course Frankie saying "Before I let Go". But Tuesday something was wrong with me. I was more tired than I thought I should have been and my mood had changed to depressed and grumpy. These moods in the past have usually preceded an asthma flair-up. But I can be stubborn and I was determined to get on that thing again.

Like the previous evening I set my player to the R&B genre, but after 5 minutes things just weren't working out, but I was still stubborn and refused to get off. I made once change however and that was switching to the Christian Genre. Slowly but surely I got stronger and stronger. Starting with

Israel

and New Breed singing, "No limits. No boundaries. I see increase all around me." Then they sang "Take the Limits Off", and that's how I was feeling about asthma, Lord take that limit off of me. And he did. Then I was reminded by Fred Hammond and RFC that "No Weapon Formed Against Me Shall Prosper."

After 30 minutes I cooled off to a song that said, "What an honor and a privilege to be in the presence of a King", and indeed that's where I was. The playroom had become my personal sanctuary and the treadmill was changed to an altar. I felt like the Praise and Worship allowed me to have an out of body experience, which did more for my inner being than the treadmill did for my body. I'm glad to say that by the end of the week I was easily going 30 minutes on the treadmill, played a little basketball in 90 degree weather, and I've shed a few pounds.

I hope to be a little more active blogging and facebooking in the next few days 'cause I miss y'all, but If you don't hear from me keep me in prayer as I keep things in perspective.

SLC

PS. Free Spirit this is my freckle picture mentioned in an earlier post.

Standing In For Standing Able

2009-04-21T13:13:00.000-07:00

Hello family. This is just a (late) quick post to ask everyone to continue in prayer for Stacye's mom. If you don't know Stacye that's ok, as long as you know God. Prayerfully within the next few days we'll be getting a positive report from Stacye.

God Bless Y'all
SLC
From a recent post of hers;

Well, I don't care what he says, we serve a God that is able,
and if He doesn't perform a miracle with this
necessary operation (yes, He gives us wisdom) He is still ABLE to.

So, the surgery is scheduled for April 21st and of course,
I will be off for that week and maybe the following week as well.

So, everybody send me some LOVE for the next few weeks
leading up to the 21st of April and I will still post until
the 20th and then I will be handling
my responsibilities concerning my MOTHER.

I LOVE YOU GUYS AND I KNOW THAT YOU
ARE PRAYING FOR US AND KNOW THAT
WE ARE PRAYING FOR EACH OF YOU AS WELL!

With A Sincere Heart,
Stacye

PAY IT FORWARD

2009-04-17T11:37:00.001-07:00

After receiving the Honest Scrap Award from Keith and Shaz I had every intention of paying it forward quickly but I.......See what had happened was............
Then Myriam tagged me near the end of March and then I ................well you know....
No excuses. I appreciate the affirmation received and I'm sorry for taking so long to get to this. I think my problem was trying to find things to share about me that I thought were interesting.
Interesting or not, here goes............

1 On the first date with my wife we were actually with the wrong people, but we dumped them and reconnected three years later at Church that I only visited because of the invitation from another ex so; thanks ex's.

2 Although I play keyboards at Church, my true instrument is the trumpet. I like to play in such a manner that people forget about saxophonists. Passionate like Kirk Whalum yet moving like Grover Washington only with a trumpet instead.

3 Although I now live in Richmond, Virginia, I was born and raised in Paterson New Jersey and attended Eastside (Lean On Me) High School with fellow blogger Attorneymom.

4 I'm fighting the Good Fight of Faith against asthma and I will be victorious. As part of my fight I aspire to make a homemade demo playing trumpet to the Glory of God. The eventual album will be called Larger Than Life, and the first single will be Savior More Than Life to Me.

5 I have freckles. Way too many freckles. So many; that if I get rid of them now, my face would look empty. In grammar school the boogers called me Howdy Doody and Richie Cunningham. I like the blogger profile pictures. Small so you can't see the dots. I recently had a photo similar to Free Spirits eye catching closeup, but I deleted it because the dots were just overpowering.

6 If I'm up and tired at 11:30PM, I struggle to stay awake so I can catch (read) another episode of Escapades. This is the closest I've ever come to being hooked on a soap opera.

7 I love playing around with blogger templates, and at times redesign templates for other bloggers. They don't know I do it so it's really just for fun. The one I'll reveal today is a little too dark, but the header picture of the Philadelphia night-line is a keeper. Anyway, this bloggers daughter is an excellent photographer so he could easily use one of her works of art. I hope he doesn't mind, but if you do send me an email laying me out. The posts are actually imported from perspective so I could get a feel for how the blog would actually look.

8 Influenced by my fellow bloggers I quietly have started a poetry blog; appropriately titled not a poet

9 I love Praise and Worship; at Church in the Car. I ain't picky.

9 Still like my old school music; you know the kind that could get you in trouble; Teddy, Luther, LTD, Minnie Ripperton, Isley, Donny Hathaway etc...

10 I pray for the members of my blog family.

AND NOW.

CARRY ME HOME

INK ON THE SHEETS

ME MYSELF AND I

MIZ'S WRITE FOR LIFE (I'm sure this is a repeat for you)

A BLACK MALE'S PERSPECTIVE

LIVING LOVING LAUGHING

You have been tagged.

I know some of you don't even know me since I don't comment just for the sake of commenting, but I like reading your thoughts and hope this works to introduce you to, and to you, other bloggers I appreciate.

The official rules are below, but I really only have one rule (request) and that is, keep being the blessing God had made you.

SLC

When accepting this auspicious award, you must write a post bragging about it, including the name of the misguided soul who thinks you deserve such acclaim, and link back to the said person so everyone knows she/he is real.
Choose a minimum of seven (7) blogs that you find brilliant in content or design. Or improvise by including bloggers who have no idea who you are because you don't have seven friends. Show the seven random victims' names and links and leave a harassing comment informing them that they were prized with Honest Weblog. Well, there's no prize, but they can keep the nifty icon.
List at least ten (10) honest things about yourself. Then pass it on!

Silent Wednesday

2009-04-08T07:52:00.000-07:00

Greetings from Myrtle Beach South Carolina. It's spring break for 5 out of 6 of us, and the other one (moi) is simply taking a week off from work. So now the question is, "why is this post titled silent Wednesday?" Well this is Passion Week and the Scriptures record nothing regarding the activities of Christ on Wednesday. Some people believe that this is the day that Judas set up the betrayal of Jesus. Whether or not that is true, it does show that many times when we're enjoying a moment of relaxation, the enemy is planning his next attack.

Now I know I should be sleeping or eating, but I brought my laptop along and when I got out of bed and opened up firefox the first msn.com article I saw was entitled, "End of Christian America? What a decline in self-proclaimed Christians means".
Some points from the article.

"Americans who claim no religious affiliation
has nearly doubled since 1990, rising from 8 to 15 percent."
"the percentage of self-identified Christians has fallen
10 percentage points since 1990, from 86 to 76 percent."
"the percentage of people who say they are unaffiliated
with any particular faith has doubled in recent years, to 16 percent;"
"the number of people willing to describe themselves
as atheist or agnostic has increased about fourfold
from 1990 to 2009, from 1 million to about 3.6 million."

Now as I've already stated, I'm on vacation with my family and so I’m not really blogging this week, but I have never and will never take a vacation from being a Christian. I am a Christian. I have confessed with my mouth what I believe in my heart and that is that God raised Jesus from the dead. That is good news. That is the Gospel and I am not ashamed to say so.

I think Newsweek was down on it’s luck that day and just asked the wrong people. I’m convinced that this scripture applies to my country in a different way, “But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. (Hebrews 11:16 KJV)” This references a desire for heaven, but what I’m talking about is a Heavenly manifestation on Earth. (Thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven)

Will you help me? Will you please vote and help solidify my belief that this country is no going to hell in a hand basket while we sit around and watch? As I’ve already stated, I’m on vacation, but I did take the time to vote (Top Left Column)! Thank you for your participation.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. Romans 1:16 KJV

I’m Just an Ordinary Servant

2009-03-28T21:13:00.000-07:00

A few years ago I found myself amongst a large group of Christians that had become very entrepreneurial minded. Around that time I made business cards for my wife and me. These card were not for business, but were given to people we met who wanted to keep in touch, hang out, whatever. Anyway I decided that maybe my business would be making business cards for people since I've always liked anything related to computers and stuff like that. I was quickly able to round up some customers in my Church and had a great time doing what I do (or did). There was only one problem. I could never accept any money for what I had given them. It just didn't feel right to me so I just gave them away. I had no problem with everyone else's pursuit but I couldn't do it.

Another trend I encountered some time ago was a hunger in the Church. This was not an entrepreneurial hunger, nor was it truly a Ministry hunger, and no, it wasn't a hunger and thirst after righteousness. It was a hunger for titles. What I began to long to see at this point were some good old fashioned ordinary balanced Christians. You know people that loved God, went to work, came home, loved their spouse, loved their children, corrected their children, taught their children, went to Church, were honest, hardworking, and secure; knowing that they were in the perfect will of God and would not let fame or fortune pull them away from the basic things Christians should do; the things which cause major headaches and embarrassment to the Body Of Christ when they are neglected.

As I mentally and spiritually survey the various people I’ve encountered through blogging, I’m glad to say I’ve been befriended by some balanced Christians. Some of them are entrepreneurs because that’s what God has called them to be. Some of them are titled because God has called them. But all of them on a daily basis strive to simply do the right thing, first by God, and as a by-product of that, everybody else.

Stacye stated some truths about some of you on Free Spirit’s post about insignificant service that I could echo, but I won’t. Suffice it to say if you’re reading this, you probably aren’t as famous as Chris Brown, Jimmy Swaggart, Jim Baker, Bill Clinton, or Ted Haggard. People that have reached the tops of their profession or Ministry, but they’ve all been associated with failures that took place off the stage, away from the pulpit, or outside of the oval office (ok maybe not).

I hope before I leave this Earth I do some great, inspiring, soul saving, life enhancing, things for people through a Christ centered ministry that starts with myself and spirals outward, but if it starts and ends at my house with a happy wife and kids, then maybe I’ll still hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” Matthew 25:23 KJV
Love y’all

I’m just an ordinary servant, willing to be used
For whatever You have for me to do
I’m just an ordinary servant, may be least qualified
But I offer you a sacrificial life

For I believe if You can use a shepherd boy and turn him into a king
Then I believe that your ordinary servant
Has an extraordinary purpose
Lord, use me for whatever You please

I’m Your ordinary servant
With an extraordinary
Lord, use me for whatever You please

(Sha Simpson - Ordinary Servant)

Ode To Bessie Lou

2009-03-25T07:55:00.000-07:00

This weekend I had the pleasure of traveling two hours south of Richmond to Rocky Mount North Carolina. I and my three sons traveled with my cousin and his three sons. We went there to celebrate my uncles sixty-somethinth birthday the best way we know how - eating. There was house full of food, people, and most importantly, love. There was only one small wrinkle in the festive occasion. That was the one I call Bessie Lou.

On Friday, Bessie Lou got delivered to the back yard of the farm style house and was immediately tied up and placed in the dog house. When my aunt arrived home, she called her son, my cousin in Richmond, and asked him to speak to his father about sparing the precious little Bessie Lou. Unfortunately for her and Bessie Lou, my cousin did not oblige, and my uncle followed through with his plans.

By the time we arrived Saturday, the house was full of family, friends, and people I have yet to categorize. We gathered around the table and my uncle asked me to bless the food. I did as I was asked, and did so quickly, knowing that I can't stand it when somebody prays a looooooonnnngggg time when I'm ready to eat. I waited about twenty-five minutes before I made my plate. And my first question was, "Where is Bessie Lou?" My uncle pointed to the foil pan in the middle of the table and said right there. For some reason, I could not bring myself to take a bite of Bessie Lou (goat) barbecue.

Growing up in Jersey I had a number of friends who served goat. But just like I don't visualize the chicken running around the yard before it's fried, my New Jersey friends didn't show me the goat before they shot it.

Fortunately, food was not the focus for the gathering, but family. Sorry Bessie Lou.

Before and After

Pray for Her Daddy

2009-03-16T09:53:00.000-07:00

A week ago my one and only daughter participated in the Gospel Music Workshop Of America Richmond Chapter's concert. My mother in law took her to rehearsal all week long and she was blessed to be able to solo on the children choir's first selection. McKayla shared something with her mother that she did not share with me. Apparently, some 10 year old boy tapped her on her barely 9 year old shoulder and informed her that his friend liked her. Now I don't know why she didn't tell me that. Also after the concert one of these two young farts was trying unsuccessfully to get her attention. While I am proud of her for ignoring these lil' boogers I wish someone had came and got me from wherever I was so I could have laid hands on the precious little lads. I mean, I'm getting the impression she doesn't trust daddy in situations like this. She knows I was joking when I said she would live with us after she graduated from college, and of course I was joking about her holding off marriage until the age of 47, I mean I aint crazy. Ok maybe a little.

But she is my only daughter, and sanctification is a process that I am still in so y'all pray for me, and if not me, pray for the little boy cock roaches cause I'm a can of Raid and I'm on the war path.

Here she is right here. Introducing McKayla

Better Late Than Never * Part 1

2009-03-11T13:38:00.001-07:00

I want to start by apologizing to Tammy, Keith, and Shaz, all of whom tagged me in the last couple of months.. The tags included instructions that I have yet to follow and for that I apologize, but today I'm paying it forward.

Before I go any further, I'd like to acknowledge my five. They represent the five souls that first welcomed me to the wonderful world of blogging, and they are listed across the top in the order in which I met them. To them I am forever appreciative and grateful.

Today - The Superior Scribbler!

THE RULES

Each Superior Scribbler must in turn pass The Award on to 5 most-deserving Blog Friends. Each Superior Scribbler must link to the author & the name of the blog from whom he/she has received The Award.

Each Superior Scribbler must display The Award on his/her blog, and link to This Post, which explains The Award. http://scholastic-scribe.blogspot.com/2008/10/200-this-blings-for-you.html. Each Blogger who wins The Superior Scribbler Award must visit this post and add his/her name to the Mr. Linky List. That way, they'll be able to keep up-to-date on everyone who receives This Prestigious Honor!

Some of us are trying to lose a little (or a lot) of weight and some of us are just trying to maintain a healthy diet and life. To aid you in this endeavor please visit Lisa Shaw at Living A Fit Life. When I think of this blog I think of, "Dear friend, I am praying that all is well with you and that your body is as healthy as I know your soul is." 3 John 1:2 (NIV). For your soul, please Visit Lisa at Sharing Life with Lisa.

There's an old song that says, "I'm coming up on the rough side of the mountain". I'm not knocking the song but someone else on that same mountain may have had a different perspective and saw it as something to embrace, the same way Shaz embraces life On Her Way to Fabulous and 40. She's a sister at peace with her past, embracing the present, while excited about the brightness in her future. "Parents can provide their sons with an inheritance of houses and wealth, but only the LORD can give an understanding wife." Proverbs 19:14. Jeffrey is sho nuff blessed!

The Lord GOD hath given {her} the tongue of the learned, that {she} should know how to speak a word in season to {anyone} that is weary: Shanita Waters, another Philly blogger, delivers the Word of God without restraint via her blog, By His Stripes We Are Healed. She's not been as active lately, but fortunately for us the Word of God has no time restraints so pay her a visit and check out the archives.

Challenging. Blunt. Honest. Intelligent. Those are just a few of the words I can think of to describe Zack of Go Zack fame. He may not realize it but I catch all of his posts. I don't always comment, but I always read. Because I don't comment often, Zack isn't aware of the times I've respectfully disagreed with his self assessments. That being said, I fall back on the Biblical Story of Gideon. While Gideon may have been accurate in his self assessment, God still showed that HE was correct in describing him as a "Mighty Man of Valor." Zack, you're blessed and a blessing.

I hope you take the opportunity to visit these blessed individuals, and thanks for stopping by.

SLC

Next Time - Honest Scrap

Before the Huxtables and the Obamas

2009-02-25T08:26:00.001-08:00

Years ago I was touring with Dr. Odell Hobbs, and the Virginia Union University concert choir. We had stopped in Tennessee at a Hardees for breakfast; all 50 of us college students. Not long after our arrival, some of Tennessee's finest decided they would stop for breakfast at this same Hardees, eschewing their regular trip to 7-11. It didn't take long for them and the other patrons to relax and get down to enjoying their biscuits and coffee, since we obviously were paying them no attention. After we re-boarded the bus, Dr Hobbs mentioned an insult he received during breakfast One of the patrons who just happened to be white commented/complimented him on how well behaved we were. R. Hobbs was polite, yet un-accepting, letting her know that this was the norm, not the exception.

I thought about that incident as I reflected on all the talk I've heard over the last few months referencing the Obama family and the wholesome picture of black families they reveal to the world. During that time I've also heard a number of references to the fictional family, the Huxtables from back in the '80s. After hearing enough of these references I like Dr. Hobbs became annoyed.

I'm not blind to the harsh realities of the world we live in regarding the makeup of American Households, I was raised by a single strong woman, but I'm also not blind to the positive realities of American households.

Before the Huxtables made Thursday night "must see TV", the Beasleys; my aunt and uncle, were successfully raising three children in Paterson New Jersey. Before the Huxtables, The Wilsons; my other aunt and uncle were successfully raising my cousin, who's now married and raising three boys of his own. My Uncle John and Aunt Dee adopted and raised a pair of brothers. And I can't forget the Jones, another aunt and uncle, who successfully raise five boys in a place called the projects. Five boys, who became five men, happily married, successful in business, active in church, and in the lives of their children (I envy dem boys). Right now, fifteen feet away from me is a happily married man whose teenage daughter was recently elected to the Greater Richmond Youth Association local bowling hall of fame for teens (Jessica Overton); having learned the sport from her dad who was elected a few years ago, the same week that she received a full academic scholarship.

Even as I browse the blogosphere, I see numerous examples of black families making marriage work. When you get a chance, visit Donovan McNabb's mom or, read about Keith's night out bowling with his wife and a bunch of other married couples. If bowling isn't your thing then read about his trip to the movies with 75 other couples. Please pay a visit to Tammy to read about her Funny Valentine. And, before you sign off say a prayer for our sister Lisa Shaw who's been fighting illness lately but still managed to start Marriage Flavor.

While I admire all of these examples, I also admire those of you that have suffered through the pain of divorce, the trauma of abuse, or the salted wound of infidelity, but have somehow managed to keep your sanity and your integrity intact. I mean, I like the Huxtables, but you've overcome a whole lot more with a whole lot less.

DEDICATED TO SHAZ AND HER SOULMATE

LET'S GET READY TO RUMBA

2009-02-20T08:13:00.001-08:00

It's been a long time since I've posted anything. Everything's fine and I've sure enough had a lot of thoughts running through my mind about a variety of things. I've also had continuous problems with one of my son's teachers, so please keep him in prayer, and for the sake of the teacher's safety, pray for me also. Ok I was just joking. But seriously, as an anniversary gift , I took my wife ball room dancing. We are learning how to do the Rumba. Last night, after having discussions about Ms Migilicutty (or is that Ms Crabtree) we departed for our third lesson. While the dancing is fun, the therapy is the most beneficial aspect and I REALLY needed therapy last night.

Now I'm not one to brag, but I can dance. I mean I can put it down. I mean, in college I helped choreograph some of the steps for the marching band. I'm glad to say that I have not lost a step. BUT the rumba is a little different, and in a moment of timidity, I looked at my wife and said now what. She looked at me and gently yet firmly said, "You lead". Those words were liberating. They enabled me to enjoy myself without fear of failure. For the rest of the night we continued to learn new steps, step on each others toes, and bump knees together.

I think that dancing philosophy has unknowingly allowed our marriage to last in spite of both of us coming from so called broken homes, or in her case two blended families. I have some friends that I'd like to go with us. Unfortunately, one won't go because as they said, "saints don't dance", but this saint told their spouse that, "If you don't stop this discussion and go to sleep, I'm going to punch you in your mouth". Sooooooo you can't go to a dance studio (not even a bar), but you can bust your spouse in the face and go to a divorce lawyer.

For the record, I'm saved, and I represent Christ in everything I do but I try not to be tooooo deep. To deep, is shallow all over again.

Until next time, get yo rumba on!

Fifteen Years - And Counting

2009-02-04T23:34:00.000-08:00

I'd like to start of by thanking Shelley. Shelley, my ex, called me at work in 1988 and asked me if I wanted to go with her co-worker and her boyfriend to Virginia Beach. I said ok, and we rode two hours in a 1976 Celica GT with Urenthia and Aubrey to the beach. We parked on the side of a Days Inn and went walking on the beach and boardwalk. We also went to McDonald's. Conversation flowed easily. Especially between Urenthia and I but I thought nothing of it. Later that year, everybody broke up with everybody else.

I grew up during the next three years and somehow ended up at Jerusalem Holy Church (Now New Jerusalem ICM). Urenthia had been there for a couple of years already. If Shelley had not introduced us three years earlier, my shyness would have hindered me from striking up a friendly conversation. This conversation led to some trips to Denny's and more conversations about God, His Word, our upbringing in broken and blended families, and other subjects including our desire to make our marriage work. Not OUR marriage, but her marriage when she got married and my marriage when I got married to whomever we might get married to.
Well as God (not luck) would have it she was the one, and today is our 15th wedding anniversary.

ENJOY THE MEMORIES
FEBRUARY 5, 1994

Some Things Won't Change

2009-02-03T10:23:00.000-08:00

I and the rest of the world received news last week that Pfizer will be buying Wyeth for something like 69 billion dollars. I actually started reading the rumors about this transaction a few days before it was finalized. My interest was peaked by the fact that Wyeth Consumer Healthcare has been the primary vehicle from which I tithe. When the news broke here at work I noticed calmness in everyone here, probably because they’ve become accustomed to this type of news here. After coming so close to losing my job last year, this news had no effect on my spirit. I was my normal crazy self.

Later during the week, my wife’s employer, Richmond Public Schools, announced that they would be closing at least one school, reducing teacher salaries, and laying off teachers and administrative staff. She called me one day to inform me that some teachers were told their last day would be that Friday.

The second half of last year was difficult for me, knowing that I would be leaving here after 10 years of service, but I can honestly say I never doubted God’s ability to provide. And with the potential of both of us being laid off this year looming over our heads, I’ll be fighting in the Spirit to make sure that confidence does not get shaken. While I’m definitely no super saint, I have a high expectation that God will bless me, my wife, my 12 year old, 10 year old, 9 year old, and 4 year old. Whatever that blessing is, I know I don’t deserve it but I still expect it.

The last thing I would want to do is insult God by acting like he’s gonna drop me after all these years. He’s kept us from foreclosing in the 90’s when we had one child. Three years later we had two more children and needed more space, so we put the house on the market on Saturday and the next Friday we had 3 offers. Of course we took the one that was above the asking price. He kept me sane while the five of us lived with my in-laws (not my idea) while our new house was being built. He had a co-worker tell me that “white people get a raise when they get a house, but black people don’t get nothing”, just so he could prove the devil is a liar and bless me with a raise two weeks after moving into the new crib. A raise not based on race but favor.

I could go on and talk about more raises and that last child my wife snuck on me but I’ll save that for another day. The bottom line is God is not affected by the economy so……….

Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns.
Philippians 4:6 The Message

Ode to Circuit City

2009-01-21T08:01:00.001-08:00

In November of 1996 a good friend of mine won a discrimination suit against Circuit City. Coincidentally, three years earlier I had mentioned this friend and others in a conversation with my then new boss. He seemed disinterested which I later found out to be his demeanor with most of the employees he didn’t hand pick. Over the next three years I grew weary of coming to work and asked God to get me out of this mess. I probably should have been more specific, but coincidentally on the same day my friend won her case I was fired. Coincidentally her boss was married to my boss.

Having already met with the Washington Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights on one occasion regarding issues on the job, I considered contacting them but decided to focus on other matters, like finding another job and preparing for the birth of my first child which was only 8 weeks away. Fortunately for me Circuit City’s reputation around town made it easier for me to find employment. Coincidentally my new boss was the head of human resources. Coincidentally she was rejected for jury duty by Circuit City’s lawyers.

My Christian friend is (and was then) an active member in her Church and a leader in our prayer and Bible study group. My other Christian friend, who was one of the original nine plaintiffs was and is an active member of his Church and community and was a groomsman in my wedding.

Many accountants and market analysts will give many reasons explaining why Circuit City is closing their doors after 50 years, but what they’ll miss is the ramifications that come when you mess with God’s people. In 1 Chronicles 16:22 God said "Do not touch these people I have chosen, and do not hurt my prophets." Well Circuit City touched them. The Bible later says in Galatians 6:7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. It’s no coincidence that since the time I first heard about this case Circuit City struggled to maintain their dominance. It didn’t help that they continued to appeal the verdict for over three years.

I never wish bad on anyone especially since the Bible says to pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you, but I can’t deny knowing that Circuit City victimized a few Saints and for that reason 30,000 people, most of them innocent will suffer.

Since I left Circuit City (or they left me) my life has been good, and in spite of it all, I hope a miracle takes place not specifically for Circuit City, but for the sake of the many good people and friends that are still there. I hope CC learned something on November 4^th and January 20^th. I hope CC learns that their greatest asset is people; all people.

SLC

Extra Info

Lowery held both an undergraduate and masters degree in business
administration.

Shortly after Turner became manager of the Management Recruiting Department, she decided to create a new position titled Supervisor of Management Recruiting. Turner interviewed everyone in the department for the new position, including Lowery and Paige Bell (Bell), who, along with Lowery, had expressed interest in the position. Bell is white. Ultimately, Turner offered the new position to Bell, who had less seniority than Lowery, less supervisory experience before joining Circuit City than Lowery, and held neither an undergraduate nor a masters degree in business administration.

Don’t Miss The Hidden Blessing.

2009-01-08T10:47:00.000-08:00

This is just a quick little post to say hello and I miss my blog family.

I had a little more than a week off from work and really enjoyed the time with my family.

I returned to work fat and depressed, but I’m working on it. I was depressed because I miss the family since they are a constant source of love and free entertainment. I was fat because I slept and ate more than normal. Anyway……

I had an interesting conversation with a co-worker. A group of us would always meet once a week for Bible Study. Somehow I became the recognized leader of the group so one day this friend stopped by to apologize, saying she wouldn’t be able to come to Bible Study because she had to go pay a bill. As I looked at her I could see that she was down about missing the study and maybe frustrated at having to handle this business at lunch time. So I asked her, “You got a bill?” She said in a draaaagging way, “Yeeeeaaaaaahhhhh”. I said again, “You’ve got a bill?” and she said again in a draaaaggging way, “Yeeeeaaaaaahhhhh”. Then I said, “You’ve got a bill and you’re going to go pay it.” Suddenly a light went on and she said, “Yeah, I’ve got a bill and I can pay it.” We had people showing up to Bible Study praying about how to pay bills, but she actually had the answer in her bank account. Sometimes it’s so easy to see issues and problems but this year I’m focusing on seeing the blessing that the enemy would try to hide.

(Complaint) The CD changer in my truck won’t change (play or eject), (blessing) so all I can do is sing and all I know is worship soooooooo a worshiping I go. It’s also an opportunity to hear from God.

(Complaint) My wife may take an evening class, meaning I’ll have to pick up the baby, bring home the bacon, fry it up in a pan, and ………..(blessing) have some exclusive time being entertained by Gladys Knight and the Pips. (I have one girl and three boys who put on a great show). (other blessing) And somehow even after Christmas, my oldest son's birthday in January , my youngest son's birthday in January, my wedding anniversary on February 5th, and my daughters birthday in February, we can somehow still afford the cost of this masters level course and books.

(Complaint) I may not be able to post 51 more times this year as I hope to do, but (blessing) I can dedicate more time to visiting your blogs and praying for y'all.

See ya next week if not sooner

And I will give you treasures hidden in the darkness – secret riches. I will do this so you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, the one who calls you by name. Isaiah 45:3 (NLT)

My Job Has Been Saved! So Why Aint I Jumping?

2008-12-14T21:17:00.000-08:00

I found out a couple of weeks ago that my job will not be moving to Great Valley Pennsylvania. Instead my position will be merged into another department here. When I got the news I was stunned. In my discussions with the two VP’s in our division I sensed that they were expecting me to do back flips in excitement over the news, and maybe they were a little surprised and disappointed in my calm reaction to the good news. After a couple of days of allowing the news to sink in I began to feel little weird and couldn’t figure out why, but now I think I know what my problem is.

I dove head first into the swimming pool of the future and although this pool was filled with unanswered questions, this pool was fresh, exciting, exhilarating, passion filled, elevating, anointed, interesting, unfamiliar………………you know, everything my current job is not. I began to feel guilty because I know that it’s the favor of God that afforded me this opportunity, but I can’t help but think about what it would have felt like to sell our home here in Virginia and move to Georgia or Massachusetts. I even entertained the thought of moving a couple of hours north. Maybe I could have found a chaplain position with a police department. Instead I get to continue doing a job that has had all of the challenging aspects of it stripped away and shipped to other states and soon to other countries.

Fortunately I'm able to find comfort in three places. Third is in my life long desire to be every bit the man my father wasn’t by continually providing everything my family needs, Spiritually, physically, and Financially. The security afforded me in this position enables me to do that. Second is the opportunity to be a light to new crew of souls. My first source of comfort comes from a scripture I found some years ago that encourages me to use where I am to get where I want to be.

Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather.

1 Corinthians 7:21 KJV

MUSICAL PROPS

2008-12-03T13:23:00.001-08:00

I Love Music

I may not keep this specific template for long. It's a little dark and gloomy, but the three column format allows me to better showcase other blogs. I was recently honored with an award from A Strong Black Woman (literally and figuratively). While I have every intention of paying it forward, I wanted to express my thoughts about five people who were my first interactions in the world of blogotropalis.

And now on to my musical play list (to your right).

I was inspire to blog by a young lady from my hometown who's success as an attorney, mother, and wife come as no surprise to those of us who were fortunate enough to cross her path at Dear Old Eastside High in Paterson New Jersey. Her ability to keep it intellectually stimulating and real, even going as far as promising to place herself on her infamous SYAD list show's real upstanding CHARACTER. Highly successful but still down.

In the courtroom, or on the courts. A Special Lady and a VERY Exciting Majorette.

To my spiritual big sister who has a gift for saying what edifies. She's also able and willing to give a WORD in season to anyone who's perspective has been thrown off by the cares of this world. Larue Steward sings, I am free, no more chains holding me, but the song for Free Spirit Butterfly reflects what enables her to do what she do.

Speak to my heart Holy Spirit, Give me the Words that will bring new life..

A few months ago I watched a tribute concert to Smokey Robinson. I know a lot of people that can sing, but I know very few people that have a gift for writing words that move you. Thank GOD I'm married. I mean let's be real y'all some of the things that happened in your past were musically, but even more so lyrically influenced. The smoothness of old school lyrics that left know doubt to where you were headed, but always placed as much emphasis on the journey as they did on the final destination.

Check out the Quiet Storms, Soft and Warm over at ESCAPADES. It's very spiritual indeed.

Get up get get get down! Strong Black Woman is coming to your town... on a book signing tour. Date to be determined. To get an idea of what you're in store for check out her Diary and her blog. I've often heard it said that whatever doesn't kill you will make you stronger. A word from Romans, We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us - they help us learn to endure. (Romans 5:3NLT)

Strong Black Woman it's all in you. (Sorry it's not the Chaka Khan version)

Standing Able A survivor, a warrior, a victor, and someone still in the process of being healed; healed to the extent that your immune system is stronger than it ever was before, and your ministry will be more potent than ever because of the completion of the healing process. 2008 (new beginning) was the year of the open door and the elevation that manifested this year was a part of that, but 2009 is the year that 2008 is put in proper perspective through the clarifying of the purpose of the elevation experienced in 2008.

You've heard it before, now hear it again for the first time. No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn.

Although this song isn't listed "Before I Tell Them" by Yolanda Adams is for Cutting it Straight and By His Stripes. The time you take studying to show yourself approved is appreciated more than you'll ever know.

To everyone on the Blog Roll and the Holy Roll God Bless You and Stay Safe.

SLC

Color – Race – Is Their a Difference?

2008-11-17T13:32:00.001-08:00

When I lived in Jersey, whenever a conversation about a new girl broke out the question was always asked, “What does she look like”. I got sick and tired of the first words always being, “she light skinned, she got pretty eyes………….” If I was interested, that description changed my mind immediately. My boy M got me to meet this chick whom he described as light skinned, but never said much else about her. Well there wasn’t much else to say. She was light skinned with no face, no body, and a personality to match. I was (am) light skinned, and I was color struck to the other extreme. I was drawn to chocolate. Any female lighter than me wouldn’t get a second look in Jersey because I HATED my color, although I LOVE my race. I had no brothers but plenty of male cousins that I felt looked better than I because of their color. I felt like the odd one in the bunch. I think this inferiority contributed to my shyness throughout grade school and high school.

When I ventured south to Richmond, Virginia my perspective changed but not for the better. One tradition here is when a baby is born they look at the baby’s ear color to see if the kid will be light skinned. Foolishness like that made me detest my color even more.

The rumor at that time was that the new University President was voted in due to a groundswell of support from women who thought he had pretty hair.

On campus, there were fellas called pretty boys. One female mistakenly called be a pretty boy and I mistakenly called her a………….. Ok any way. I apologized profusely, explaining to her that I didn’t fit that stereotype. Ironically the same way she typecast me, is the way I typecast light skinned girls on campus. If they were light, I assumed they were stuck up and would never look their way, not even for the time of day. I ended up dating one of the choclatiest girls I could find, and surely I missed out on some great friendships due to my own issues. In hindsight I realize the people I met were not as predictable as I assumed. Just like stupidity, stuck uppity came in all shades of black, not just pale, and I reacted to what I considered shallow thinking with more of the same. I didn’t believe in reincarnation but I always said I would come back as Big Daddy Kane or Kool Moe Dee. Anyway, my prejudices did nothing to bring unity to our campus and did nothing to change my skin, my complex (ion), or my internal conflicts which went way beyond skin color.

It took God delivering me from a number of things to change my perspective of me. Of course the biggest task was getting delivered from my own inferiority complex. Then it took me getting delivered from people and their hang-ups. So what if the kids in Paterson, NJ called me Howdy Doody? Who cares if they called me Ritchie Cunningham? And yes, when my wife asked my then 5 year old daughter, “What color is the new girl in her class”, my daughter replied, “She’s white like daddy”. You can laugh but I aint think it was funny. Fortunately I got over it and she should be off punishment by her 9^th birthday. It took me until my early twenties, but I’m finally cool with my color (or lack thereof). Now if I could only do something about the freckles.

PLANS – A Letter to Console A Friend

2008-11-13T13:46:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to write you a letter letting you know that I feel your pain and understand your frustration over your apparently failed plans. But please allow me this opportunity to try and encourage you based on my own experiences and what I know about God.

Don’t get mad when I say this, but sometimes, in spite of how smart you are, and in spite of how well you know yourself, you still don’t know what’s best for you. Stop looking at me like that. I mean let’s face it. Every time I make plans, I make them based on the assumption that future events will fall into place the way I want them to, enabling me to achieve a certain goal, experience a certain event, be at a certain place, acquire a certain object, or do whatever on a specific date. Now let’s face it you’re not much different than I am in that regards. Ok. I see your not really listening to me so let me hit you with some scripture and I’ll leave you a lone. Or at least I PLAN to leave you alone.

Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. (Proverbs 16:3 NIV)

Stop thinking you don’t have to check in just because you’ve got a plan. Matter of fact, how about checking in before you get so engrossed in your plan?

In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. (Proverbs 16:9 NIV)

Once you get started remember your steps are ordered by God, so obey the orders even if they seem to conflict with your plans.

Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails. (Proverbs 19:21 NIV)

Remember To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven (Ecclesiastes 3:1). Your plan may be ok but the season may not have arrived yet, so be patient because ultimately “it is the Lord’s purpose” not yours that prevails.

I’ll be praying for, and you can plan on me coming back with some more WORD FOR YOU!

SLC

Someday............Is getting Closer.

2008-11-06T07:25:00.000-08:00

And I’m proud to be an American,
where at least I know I’m free.
And I won’t forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.

In the spring of 2006 I played trumpet in a pair of Memorial Day concerts with the Henrico Pops Chorus. I was one of only two black people participating. I don’t consider myself to be very patriotic. I was playing just because I like to play. I was primarily featured on the Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, with small parts on some other songs. One of the last songs of the concert was Proud to Be an American. I had never heard the song before in my life, but everyone else apparently had heard it numerous times.

With current events being what they are I thought about that song today and the lyrics and realize that while they may have grew up singing Proud To Be an American, I grew up singing and hearing We Shall Overcome, and hearing my mother sing “Before I’ll be a slave, I’ll be buried in my grave and go home to my Lord and be free.”. While they sang “at least I know I’m free”, I knew I was free to be picked up by the police while walking down the street because I fit the description; that description being 5’ 10” tall, 145 pounds, 16 years old, and black. While they couldn’t forget the men who died who gave them that right to be free, I couldn’t forget the black men and women who died to give me something they knew they themselves might never experience. Remember the words, “I might not get there with you”?

Well, I’m excited about the events of the last couple of days, but I’m not convinced we’re standing in the Promised Land yet. We are closer but not close enough to relax, and we’ll never be in position to forget those who set us up to have this vantage point. As Dr. King stated, “We as a people will get to the promised land”. A promise that says, Someday We’ll ALL be (truly) free.

Keep on walking tall, hold you head up high.
Lay your dreams right up to the sky.
Sing your greatest song.
And you'll keep, going, going on.

Take it from me, Someday we'll all be free.

(Donny Hathaway)

Now Our Real Work Begins - Prayer

2008-11-04T20:31:00.000-08:00

November 4, 2008 11:46PM
First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, requests, and thanksgivings be offered to God for all people; for kings and all others who are in authority, that we may live a quiet and peaceful life with all reverence toward God and with proper conduct. This is good and it pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to come to know the truth. For there is one God, and there is one who brings God and human beings together, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself to redeem the whole human race. That was the proof at the right time that God wants everyone to be saved,
- 1 Timothy 2:1-6 GNB

Barack is President because of votes, but his success as president and even his protection is dependent upon our prayers because ultimately, God Is Still In Control.

SLC

Do You Know Mephibosheth?

2008-10-31T10:16:00.001-07:00

Mephibosheth. What a name. The name Mephibosheth actually means exterminating the idol, but for this post, I’ll say his name means dropped. So; Do you know Mephibosheth?

According to 2nd Samuel 4:4, Saul's son Jonathan had a son named Mephibosheth. Mephibosheth was five years old when the news came from Jezreel that Saul and Jonathan had been killed. The woman who cared for Mephibosheth {was scared that the enemy was coming, so she} picked him up and ran away. But while running away, she dropped the boy. And he (Mephibosheth) became crippled in both feet.

A war was going on. It wasn’t Mephibosheth’s war. He was only 5 years old. This was an adult war. One that left him crippled for life.

Let me ask you again. Do you know Mephibosheth? Do you know a child born to be a great, lawyer, teacher, preacher, or even president, but they got dropped before their destiny was fulfilled? Do you know the boy that calls that man daddy, and then that man daddy, and for a couple a months another man daddy; one contentious mommy daddy war after another; mommy dropping him, then daddy dropping him, then another daddy dropping him, then daddy dropping him again.

Do you know Mephibosheth; The little girl, whose momma was so desperate for love that she forgot that the daughter loved her and needed her momma’s love and attention? Then momma found what she thought she was looking for in him, and the little girl got dropped by momma ‘cause momma found what she needed. Momma didn’t know it but that man caught that girl, had that girl, then dropped that girl again, and her momma never noticed a thing. Momma got saved years later but can’t understand why Mephibosheth is so hot in the pants.

I know Mephibosheth (not hypothetically). While in high school, Mephibosheth was the 3 year old girl, sleeping between her mommy and her mommy’s new man. Unfortunately the old man, her daddy still had a key, and a bucket of acid. Daddy threw it on the bed where he knew his ex lay with another man, realizing too late that the baby girl, his baby, took most of the punishment in this adult war. Scarred for life at age 3.

The next time you see a wayward child or teen, try to see through God’s eyes who they were destined to be before they got dropped, and pray that someone, maybe me, maybe you, can pick them up and get them restarted towards that destiny God called them to.

Love y'all,
SLC

Now That One Hurt.

2008-10-28T09:27:00.001-07:00

A few weeks ago my wife informed me that a friend of mine had been shot outside of his house by a couple of assailants. My reaction was, “Are you serious?” “That’s messed up.” Although I assumed at that time that he was dead, after a few minutes of conversation about him I returned to regularly scheduled programming (life). Now you may be thinking, “What kind of friend is SLC”? When I use the term friend, I’m not necessarily talking about someone I’m yoked to, or deal with on a personal level on a regular basis. This particular person is a friend through music only and should probably be called an acquaintance. Since 1988, I’ve worked with him in various capacities including re-writing music parts to fit specific instruments, assisting in writing parts for hand bell choirs, performing with groups or as a soloist (trumpet) at churches where he was minister of music, or helping out in a high school production of Dream Girls. When the music stopped, so did our time together.

Although he generally carried himself well, I suspected he was gay, and a little freaky. Being gay doesn’t automatically mean you’re freaky, but in this case I felt he was. About 8 years ago I heard about his arrest for child molestation (high school teacher). I hadn’t seen him in about 6 years. I wasn’t surprised about his arrest. I may have been a little disappointed since I know there are a lot of nasty adults willing to satisfy any perversion, but I wasn’t surprised. And I’m sad to say that when he got shot it was just a blip on the radar screen.

I thought about him more on Monday October 27, when I went to the web to get an update on the Hudson family tragedy. I don’t want to become desensitized to murder in any case, and I questioned why I wasn’t affected more by the shooting of someone I knew for 20 years, but was silenced and saddened by the death of Julian. When I looked at the web page and saw Julian’s face for the 100th time, I looked away. When there was still a chance he had survived it was different, but knowing now that his life was taken in the same way my friend’s life was almost taken hurt. Yes. That one hurt. And I’m glad it did.

Along with praying for the Hudson family, join me in prayer for that community. Pray that in the future when shots ring out, someone will place a call “just in case”, and that they lose the de-sensitivity that occurs in neighborhoods where gun shots are a daily occurrence.

Love y’all
SLC

Bullet Prayer - I Need You Lord!

2008-10-20T07:52:00.001-07:00

I had an overwhelming weekend. As the man of the house everyone else was fine so to some extent my job was done. I helped my wife complete a project for her technology class. I cooked dinner and gave a son a haircut. But I still had a lot of things I needed to do for me. Problem was I felt like I was running on empty. Spiritual empty. I started walking through the house mumbling, but this time my mumbling was productive. I couldn’t remember any Greek or Hebrew or any fancy lyrically potent words to pray. I didn't even have a scripture come to mind so I just said Lord, I need you. Lord I need you. Lord I need you now. From that simple prayer I gained an immediate sense of relief. It reminds me of an article I read some years ago about bullet prayers. Those are the prayers you pray when you can’t avoid an accident so you just say JESUS! Or GOD HELP! Or you scream anything and God hears you and he avoids the accident for you. It's also a good prayer to use when you're feeling run down, or overwhelmed. Anyway if you find yourself short on words or time try a bullet prayer; like this one………

Mrs SLC. Sure About Her Call

2008-10-10T13:03:00.000-07:00

I recently had the privilege of visiting my wife’s school. I went by there to catch her since I knew she would faint when I told her the repairs on her car would total $1,200. But a funny thing happened while standing in her classroom. Her 5^th and 6^th grade special education students were returning from the awards ceremony.

Now for the record I love kids especially our four, but I have no interests in dealing with somebody else’s children. Taking into consideration that her students are either Learning Disabled or Emotionally Disturbed gives me more reason to cling to my four and know more, but for some reason that was beyond me she can never wait to go back to work.

When they first began entering her class my wife was grieving over the money we would be putting out to repair her car, but when the first of many students came running to show her the award or certificate they had received for academic achievement, Urenthia’s (my wife – pronounced just like it looks) countenance changed. These were students she had disciplined (see the word disciple in there), students who lived with neither parent, or students accompanied by a parent who wanted to tell my wife thanks for not giving up on their child.

At that moment it was ever so clear to me that I could get a teaching job, so I could have summers off but I would be doing those kids a great disservice. I’m proud of the fact that many of her students have been transitioned to regular education classes and some of them have even made the honor roll. She knows this because they always come back to say thanks.

I couldn’t be effective in that area because it’s not my calling. So while I would like to have the holidays and the summers off with my wife and four kids, I better stay in my own lane where I have a positive effect on a variety of people (mostly adults) and an appreciative view of her.

Therefore, my brothers and sisters, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall

2 Peter 1:10

Meet The Rest Of The Family Here

THIS FINANCIAL MESS (OF PRAYER)

2008-10-08T11:05:00.001-07:00

Many years ago prayer was officially removed from the classrooms of our country. It took a while, but eventually prayer was replaced by guns and contraception. Many of the people educated in these prayer-less public schools are now CEO’s and board members of major corporations. Maybe this is a stretch, but if these people were educated in a system in which the loving conviction that comes from God for doing wrong was absent; a system in which acknowledging God was essentially forbidden until God was totally forgotten; are now responsible for a large chunk of the wealth of this nation, is there any wonder why the economy has gone to hell in a hand basket? If I could get Obama and THAT ONE on the phone I’d tell them to add a dose of prayer to the top of their list of what to do to fix the economy. If not, greed will continue to rule the day and increased poverty will be the result.

He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.
Proverbs 14:31

A WORD FOR WRITERS - PERSEVERANCE

2008-10-07T08:25:00.000-07:00

Perseverance is all too rare a commodity these days. Theodore Giesel's first children's book was rejected by twenty-three publishers. The 24th publisher sold six million copies. Years later, "Dr. Suess" died knowing his perseverance resulted in entertaining and educating millions of children.

The value of perseverance is highlighted in many places in the Bible. For example, Galatians 6:9 says, "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." Persistence is a vital quality for leaders today.

My question for you is, "Are you being tempted to quit where you need to persevere?"

Source: Winner's Way
(Minneapolis: Mac Hammond Ministries, 2003)

The Blogging Ten Commandments

2008-10-04T14:54:00.000-07:00

COMPASSION

2008-10-02T07:35:00.001-07:00

Jude 1:22 And of some have compassion, making a difference:

Compassion is a profound human emotion prompted by the pain of others. More vigorous than empathy, the feeling commonly gives rise to an active desire to alleviate another's suffering.

Are you prepared to do your part on Wednesday November 5, 2008? Although I have heard less of this talk this year, there are still many people that feel as if their vote isn't important and won't change a thing. Since I don't consider myself a political activist or this blog a political site, I will refrain from discussing my thoughts on that opinion, however I would like to share my thoughts on your ability and hopefully your desire to make, not just see change happen regardless of your voting stance.

I have searched and studied and have yet to find any information on how Jesus voted, but I have found a wealth of information on how he lived. How he lived was driven by how he felt. What he felt consistently was compassion.

Matthew 9:36 - But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.

Matthew 14:14 - And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.

Luke 7:13 - And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.

When you wake up on November 5^th there will still be hunger near your neighborhood (I don't care how rich you are; it's closer than you realize). There will still be job instability. Poverty will still exist. The hungry, the poor, and the unemployed will not ask for your voter registration card, and they may not ask who you voted for, or even care if you voted at all. They'll be looking to see if the love of Jesus survived the election in you. Keep you Godly focus. Keep your Godly passion. Keep your compassion.

This is SLC. I'm running for Jesus, not president, and I approved this message.

But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him,

how dwelleth the love of God in him?

1 John 3:17 (KJV)

Too Much Darkness, But Light Still Prevails

2008-09-30T12:16:00.001-07:00

On September 23, a Strong Black Woman ended a post with the question, "Why don't we realize the value of life?" This was asked in regards to something disturbing she had seen where a man was beaten by two men with bats for his gold chain, his cell phone, and a wallet. After reading an article about the bodies of two adopted children found in a freezer; apparently placed there by there foster mom over a year ago, I was disturbingly launched back to SBW's question. I didn't claim to have an answer then, and I don't claim to have one now, but I think I know where to start looking. Darkness.

Maybe this is a stretch, but the first issue God dealt with was darkness. And God SAID, Let there be light: and there was light. (Genesis 1:3) It was God's Word that brought light then and it still is. The Bible says that the entrance of God's Word gives light (Psalms 119:130). Without it an individual is subject to do what you and I consider unthinkable.

Paul surmised it like this, "Their closed minds are full of darkness; they are far away from the life of God because they have shut their minds and hardened their hearts against him." (Ephesians 4:18)

I myself need to be careful that I don't live in situational darkness. If there is something I want to do so badly, that I decide not to seek God or Godly counsel, I could be allowing darkness to prevail in a situation for the satisfaction of my flesh. It may not be murder, but if it includes the rejection or ignoring of God's Word, then it's killing something in my relationship with God.

My goal, and my prayer for you is that we harden not our heart, and allow God's word to be a lamp for our feet and a light for our path, that shines first for our benefit, and secondly to draw people out of darkness.

The light shines through the darkness,

and the darkness can never

extinguish it.

John 1:5

Explore God's Truth

2008-09-29T06:37:00.001-07:00

Some people think that faith and reason are incompatible. They believe that you have to check your intellect at the church door and they're wrong. The truth of God's Word will stand up to the most rigorous scrutiny. You don't have to lay aside your questions to begin a relationship with God.

In fact, He extends us an open invitation to explore His truth and His ways. In Isaiah 1:18 He says, "Come now, and let us 'reason' together." As the author C.S. Lewis once wrote: "Anyone who endeavors to be a Christian will soon find his intelligence being sharpened."

Have you fallen for the myth that faith in God isn't reasonable?

(From Mac Hammond Ministries)

If You Cant Get To Church - Make One

2008-09-26T11:15:00.001-07:00

When I tried to understand all this, it was oppressive to me

till I entered the sanctuary of God;

then I understood their final destiny.

Psalms 73:16 & 17 (NIV)

One of my favorite old jazz songs is Come Sunday by Duke Ellington. I also like Tri-City's recording of When Sunday Comes. But I've come to realize that the issues of life can't always wait till Sunday to be resolved, especially the internal struggles that keep you up, or don't allow you to rest though you may get plenty of sleep. Once when David was in the wilderness he told God that he wanted to see his Glory as if he was in the sanctuary. He couldn't wait for the service and sometimes neither can I. In the 73rd Psalm David voices his frustration (I think he was bloggin) over some things that troubled him. When he tried to understand these things on his own they were to much for him and he sunk into a depression, but only until he went in to the sanctuary. Then, he understood. Wherever your old, dry, depressing wilderness may be, you can open up your mouth and lift up your eyes to GOD in that mess and create a sanctuary for just the two of you. So if for some reason you can't wait until Sunday comes, or you can't get to Church this weekend, make one.

Exodus 25:8

And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.

Blogging Provided

2008-09-22T07:49:00.000-07:00

Over the last several months the company I’ve been employed at for 10 years has been steadily laying people off. These layoffs included two of my Spiritual big sisters. They were always conveniently located when I needed a Word in the middle of the day. So when I recently found myself in a crappy mood, magnified by the knowledge that I too would soon be unemployed, I needed an outlet, and blogging provided.

Blogging provided what I needed when I wanted to get something off my chest in a way that wouldn’t hurt anybody. Blogging provided an outlet for me when I was given a new PERSPECTIVE on the election and wanted to share it with someone; anyone. Blogging provided when I wanted to share my frustrations which are intertwined with my passion.

But that’s not all.

When I wanted top see beyond the political shenanigans and see the Character issues (Thanks Attorney mom) ignored by others, blogging provided. When Don posted his response to a friend in despair over his (ex) girlfriends cheating, just at the time I needed a laugh, blogging provided. When I found a pink motorcycle (Stacye) that reflected God’s healing favor at its finest; blogging provided. When I needed someone to say, keep on giving Potent Praise even in (or especially in) your trying times, blogging provided. When I needed a Word to help me stay focused on what God has called me to do (free spirit butterfly) blogging provided.

I’m not sure I fully understood the impact blogging would have on me from the receiving standpoint. The diversity in the Body of Christ is awesomely displayed through blogging. We can give a word in season to someone that’s weary through blogging. We can change the Spiritual atmosphere in another time zone through blogging. We can even empathize with a hurting brother or sister through blogging.

A season of loss and change in my life has become a season of increase and giving because God has provided blogging and you.

Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.

Proverbs 27:17

Have a blessed week y’all and thanks

SLC

BEAT UP A DUMMY DAY

2008-09-18T11:38:00.001-07:00

IF YOU'VE EVER FELT LIKE WHUPPIN A

CO-WORKERS BEHIND

Psalms 25:20 O keep my soul, and deliver me: let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust in thee.

Psalms 39:1 I'm determined to watch steps and tongue so they won't land me in trouble. I decided to hold my tongue as long as Wicked is in the room. (Message Translation)

The scriptures above were found during the midst of a frustrating day at work. Like a butterfly I should have flown away (or called in sick) before the work day started. When I found myself with an overwhelming desire to cuss someone up one side and down the other I knew I had to do something so I took a walk. They should be glad I did. Afterwards I wanted to find some scriptures that dealt with refraining from hanging a size 10 œ Sketcher...........you know.

The first scripture is a reminder that I've got to represent. I'm an ambassador after all representing a leader that's out of this world. The people around me have enough issues without me dousing my spiritual flame and body slamming them.

The second scripture is a reminder that the most powerful thing I have is my tongue, and no matter what it's always better to speak life than to tell someone to go to hell. Oh don't get me wrong it feels good for a moment but if the relationship is going to continue, then I want to be the one that paves a road of peace for my subjects to follow (Yes I Am Royalty).

Peace

Turn your back on sin; do something good.

Embrace peace - don't let it get away! Psalms 34:14

Father Father

2008-09-16T12:13:00.000-07:00

Since I started checking out the various blogs I’ve found two posts that really dealt with me in an area I prefer to avoid. Fathers. Early last week I read a post from A Free Spirit Butterfly in which she talked about America's fascination with BASEBALL! I thought baseball?!?!? What she talkin’ ‘bout baseball for?!?!? Well it wasn’t about baseball; it was about dad’s excitement over being able to share one of his loves with his girl. I was happy for her; happy with a touch of envy. Then my blogging inspiration, Attorneymom, posted a wonderful tribute to her Father. She was even able to describe the soul of her father not just the looks. I felt heaviness for AM and prayed for her. But; still a little envy. Don didn’t write much but he did say of his own father that he missed him. I felt for Don but still with envy. I only miss not knowing what could have been if I had pursued a relationship. On August 6 of 197sumthin I celebrated my 5^th birthday and my father was already gone back to Mobile, Alabama. I would see him whenever I visited my maternal grandma, but he wouldn’t return to Paterson, New Jersey until I graduated from Eastside High. It was cool that he was there, but it was my graduation so his presence after so many years couldn’t make it any greater. The first time he had a significant impact on me was in 1993. I was engaged, living in Richmond Virginia, and it was again August 6, my birthday. I went out to dinner with my fiancé and a local DJ and got back to my place after midnight (August 7). I had a few VM messages telling me to call my mother in New Jersey. I was pissed ‘cause I knew something was wrong. So I called mom who told me, “Sam got sick. He had a heart attack or something”. I was more pissed and said, so how is he. She said “He died. He didn’t make it.” I said ok. I’ll put my black suit in the cleaners. Let me know when you’ll be coming through Richmond to pick me up. The impact of what had happened didn't hit me till I went to church. I still had hopes for a relationship with my father. After all the years of distance and neglect, I was still hoping to have my parents together in the same place on my wedding day. I think my sister thought "good riddance". Anyway 15 years later I now put EXTRA effort into celebrating my birthday. And extra effort into trying to be the type of man my grandfather (died 1963) was. They both died on August 6, but one was a preacher that had 6 kids and raised many more, the other was an alcoholic that had 2 kids and raised none. I took after the preacher. Maybe I'm silly, but I still hope I get a chance to see Sam again.

This is toooo loooong but if your still here, Thanks.

ENJOY YOUR PASSION

2008-09-09T07:46:00.000-07:00

ENJOY YOUR PASSION

To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion……………Acts 1:3

Not long ago I was pastor of a congregation of about 40 people (5 or 6 families) , but due to death, depression, marriage, divorce, drugs, and my own inexperience, I’ve found myself starting back at square one. In trying to figure out why I just would not throw in the towel I found myself looking for the word passion in the Bible. I found it, but it’s in their only one time and strangely enough in this usage it means suffering. In my simplicity I realized that anything you have a passion for (not a lust for), you’ll suffer for. Whatever God has called you to do; whether ministerial, political, educational, or social, your enemy will oppose, but because it’s your passion from God the Grace you need to sustain you through any crucifying experiences will make you greater at whatever you do, so don’t begrudge or even fear the suffering. ENJOY YOUR PASSION.

From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee,
when my heart is overwhelmed:
lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
Psalms 61:2

2008-09-05T12:38:00.001-07:00

Mommy She Looks Like You

Having paid closer attention to Democratic and Republican primaries than ever before in my life, I had grown exceedingly tired of politics. I had even begun watching Sports Center in the morning instead of CNN just to get a break from it all. All of that changed on the night Michelle Obama spoke. My wife and I had put our three older children to bed, but our three year old was wide awake so we let him stay downstairs with us. We turned to NBC and caught the tail end of her bothers introduction. As Michelle began speaking my son, whom I was holding at the time, turned to my wife and said, “Mommy she looks like you.” Although I didn’t see a resemblance, through those words, I was pulled back into the process and began enjoying the most significant African American achievement of my life. Yes. I like Michelle am proud of my country for the first time in my adult life. I love my country, but I wasn’t proud until I realized that a significant number of white, yellow, red, brown, and black people had helped a black man and woman achieve the highest political office ever attained by a minority in this country. Yes I am aware that L. Douglas Wilder was the highest elected black official when he became lieutenant governor and the governor of Virginia, but as the first presidential nominee of a major party this moment is greater. It’s so great, even my son Elijah realized he was seeing someone speaking on television that had something in common with the most important person in his life. So while governor Palin knocks community organizers, I applaud them if only because my three year old son can see something familiar and positive in them.