I cried tonight. It was a full and painful yet cleansing cry. I get the picture, I have learned my lesson.
I am closing my eyes now to await the awakening of a new day. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.
Heal me Lord. 2 Kings 20:5
I love you Lord. You are interested in me. You talk to me. You convict, cover and console me. You encourage me. You are there for me. You love me. I love you.
Al
Friday, March 7, 2008
Thursday, March 6, 2008
A Serendipitous Blessing
Today was a serendipitous blessing. A blessing unsolicited and unexpected. A surprise!
God has a way of givng you just what you need, when you are at your lowest, to keep you going.
I recieved a call from a friend last night, asking if I would like to hear Dr. Cornel West today.
What an encouragement as I was experiencing a valley low. I thank God for real, true friends. We are blessed in this life if we can call even a handful of people real, true friends. I have experienced in the past few months that those whom you thought would be with you till the end, in life, in ministry and in friendship, those who have given you their word on it, are usually the ones who will depart along the way.
Today I attended the St. Phillip's School and Community Center's Destiny Awards luncheon. Bearing the cold and rain, hundreds braved the weather and gathered at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center to support the St. Phillips School and to honor some people and organizations who have embodied, sacrificed and given for the cause of empowering the underprivileged and the disenfranchised.
John McCain, anchor of local ABC affiliate, Channel 8 news, was a class act as master of ceremonies. Dr. Terry Flowers, Headmaster of St. Phillip's School, was an encouragement to the crowd, recognized as a visionary leader and as Dr. King described, 'A drum major for justice.' There was even a prayer by State Senator Royce West! The highlight of the event was guest speaker Dr. Cornel West, Professor of Religion and African American Studies at Princeton University. Dr. West has always been a favorite of mine. His grasp of the intricacies of the English language. His holistic view undertaken in love and cemented in Christ of the ills of our world, beseiging our community and in our hearts is breathtaking. His writings are intricate. His ideas are intimate. His voice is imperious, honored and respected by many. His fusion of ivory tower intellect and good 'ol down home, home spun wisdom is enlivening. To read one of his books is an adventure in and of itself. Not only will you need a dictionary to read it, it is mind expanding and vocabulary building, but you will experience new vistas of mental horizons as you are challenged to think and rethink what you thought you already knew. His writing, speaking and teaching "weave together the American traditions of the Baptist Church, transcendentalism, socialism and pragmatism. His best selling book, Race Matters, changed the course of America's dialogue on race, justice and demomcracy."
His speech today covered the gamut of old school jazz, rythmn and blues and hip-hop as it relates to influencing the current political, economic and familial circumstances of today. The underlying rythmn and backbeat note of the inner blues that trancends race, creed and color to find itself staining the hearts of both men and women in their everyday lives. His geo-political view is keen, his spiritual sensitivity is sharp and his articulation of both is pointed, personal and powerful.
This was my second time with the honor of hearing Dr. West speak in person and meeting him in person, while I have seen him many times on television and have read all of his books. He has been a 'mental mentor' from afar. I am continually amazed at his mind, its perspective and his expression of both. I had the opportunity to conversate with him afterwards. It was truly a moment. He is most gregarious, even to the least.
When you are in conversation with him, he makes you to feel as if nobody else exists at that moment but you and him. It is a gift. I also had a chance to speak to Ms. Badu again. This is the third time within a weeks time. My little sister said she's going to think I'm stalking her. I had to laugh. Ms. Badu is a great supporter of St. Phillip's School. I respect Badu for her involvement in the community and in the lives of young people.
I had the chance to see many community friends, too many to name, and even some family. My cousin Alvin White, III's son attends St. Phillip's and it was good to see his wife Diane in the house. I want to thank my Concord tablemates for a fun and lively event. Gospel recording artist Gaye Arbuckle is a riot and a half! First lady Carter is class and fun along with the members of the Concord Church. Thanks for being a true friend Steve. I can't wait till 'Baby Brown' breaks thru and graces us with his presence. I got the 'Gucci's' for him already!
Once again, while at my lowest, God gave me the unsolicited opportunity to experience that which means alot to me, which in turn encourages me to hold on and keep going. God has a way of encouraging you through your situation, just how you need it and just when you need it most. Stay alert, sensitive and on the lookout for the little things in life that mean the most. Recieve His blessings graciously. Thank Him for his blessings voraciously.
I am thankful. I am encouraged. I will finish the journey.
AGAPE,
Pastor P
Making It Great In 08!
Loving Life And Living To Love
Ephesians 3:20
God has a way of givng you just what you need, when you are at your lowest, to keep you going.
I recieved a call from a friend last night, asking if I would like to hear Dr. Cornel West today.
What an encouragement as I was experiencing a valley low. I thank God for real, true friends. We are blessed in this life if we can call even a handful of people real, true friends. I have experienced in the past few months that those whom you thought would be with you till the end, in life, in ministry and in friendship, those who have given you their word on it, are usually the ones who will depart along the way.Today I attended the St. Phillip's School and Community Center's Destiny Awards luncheon. Bearing the cold and rain, hundreds braved the weather and gathered at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center to support the St. Phillips School and to honor some people and organizations who have embodied, sacrificed and given for the cause of empowering the underprivileged and the disenfranchised.
John McCain, anchor of local ABC affiliate, Channel 8 news, was a class act as master of ceremonies. Dr. Terry Flowers, Headmaster of St. Phillip's School, was an encouragement to the crowd, recognized as a visionary leader and as Dr. King described, 'A drum major for justice.' There was even a prayer by State Senator Royce West! The highlight of the event was guest speaker Dr. Cornel West, Professor of Religion and African American Studies at Princeton University. Dr. West has always been a favorite of mine. His grasp of the intricacies of the English language. His holistic view undertaken in love and cemented in Christ of the ills of our world, beseiging our community and in our hearts is breathtaking. His writings are intricate. His ideas are intimate. His voice is imperious, honored and respected by many. His fusion of ivory tower intellect and good 'ol down home, home spun wisdom is enlivening. To read one of his books is an adventure in and of itself. Not only will you need a dictionary to read it, it is mind expanding and vocabulary building, but you will experience new vistas of mental horizons as you are challenged to think and rethink what you thought you already knew. His writing, speaking and teaching "weave together the American traditions of the Baptist Church, transcendentalism, socialism and pragmatism. His best selling book, Race Matters, changed the course of America's dialogue on race, justice and demomcracy."
His speech today covered the gamut of old school jazz, rythmn and blues and hip-hop as it relates to influencing the current political, economic and familial circumstances of today. The underlying rythmn and backbeat note of the inner blues that trancends race, creed and color to find itself staining the hearts of both men and women in their everyday lives. His geo-political view is keen, his spiritual sensitivity is sharp and his articulation of both is pointed, personal and powerful.This was my second time with the honor of hearing Dr. West speak in person and meeting him in person, while I have seen him many times on television and have read all of his books. He has been a 'mental mentor' from afar. I am continually amazed at his mind, its perspective and his expression of both. I had the opportunity to conversate with him afterwards. It was truly a moment. He is most gregarious, even to the least.
When you are in conversation with him, he makes you to feel as if nobody else exists at that moment but you and him. It is a gift. I also had a chance to speak to Ms. Badu again. This is the third time within a weeks time. My little sister said she's going to think I'm stalking her. I had to laugh. Ms. Badu is a great supporter of St. Phillip's School. I respect Badu for her involvement in the community and in the lives of young people.I had the chance to see many community friends, too many to name, and even some family. My cousin Alvin White, III's son attends St. Phillip's and it was good to see his wife Diane in the house. I want to thank my Concord tablemates for a fun and lively event. Gospel recording artist Gaye Arbuckle is a riot and a half! First lady Carter is class and fun along with the members of the Concord Church. Thanks for being a true friend Steve. I can't wait till 'Baby Brown' breaks thru and graces us with his presence. I got the 'Gucci's' for him already!
Once again, while at my lowest, God gave me the unsolicited opportunity to experience that which means alot to me, which in turn encourages me to hold on and keep going. God has a way of encouraging you through your situation, just how you need it and just when you need it most. Stay alert, sensitive and on the lookout for the little things in life that mean the most. Recieve His blessings graciously. Thank Him for his blessings voraciously.
I am thankful. I am encouraged. I will finish the journey.
AGAPE,
Pastor P
Making It Great In 08!
Loving Life And Living To Love
Ephesians 3:20
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Hold The Phone
Hold the phone... It is a phrase we have all heard. Today, this phrase takes on a different significance for me. I recieved a call from Austin, Texas and the general Obama campaign at 3pm to be available as a Pastor in the state of Texas for a conference call at 3:30pm, with Presidential candidate Barack Obama.
Hold the phone...It is a phrase that has taken on the meaning of hope, encouragement and inspiration. I dialed in and punched in the accesss code to the conference call. The call began with Joshua DuBois, National Deputy Director of Religious Affairs of Obama For America was explaining the purpose of the call and its participants. Dr. Randy Vaughn, President of the Texas Baptist State Convention, gave the opening invocation. My pastor, Dr. Frederick Douglas Haynes, III, was next to speak on the call to give the background foundation for the purpose and concerns for the call and responsibilities to the Pastors. Pastor Haynes spoke of the need for a man like Barack Obama because of '...failed policies of an evil administration to effect Davidic change." Nobody I know can wrap it up and present it like Pastor Haynes. Dr. Ralph Douglas West, of Houston, Texas, then introduced Senator Barack Obama.
Senator Obama spoke for about 17 minutes, sharing his vision, his mission, his heart and his concern. I sat and listened with amazement at how logical and methodical his mind and thinking is. His burden for America at-large and for people individually is genuine. His faith is real. I was honored to be among those whom shared in the call and the moment.
He spoke of his campaign, by the grace of God, being more than a campaign but a movement where we can hope for better, believe for better and strive for better. His burden for the ills and concerns of every American was articulated in a straightforward yet empathetical way. He was encouraged by the main message of the grassroots footsoldiers who are engaged, show interest and are excited about what this campaign means and what the future of American can be. He asked for all Pastors support because of a 'moral and historical obligation' to Biblical mandates. He then ended by asking for prayers for his wife and family.
After Senator Obama spoke, Dr. Shaun Casey, Bishop William Watson of the Church of God In Christ and Pastor Kirbyjon Caldwell of Houston, Texas rounded out the remainder of the conference call. I am still in a 'lil bit of awe at the men of God and the person of Barack Obama with whom I had just shared a moment in time with. I am honored to engage with men whom I admire and respect for many reasons and a presidential candidate who has grabbed the attention and hearts of America like non other since John F. Kennedy.
Whatever your stance and perspective in this presidential race, I encourage you to vote. Do not let it be said that you were not apart of the process. It is a tired and worn phrase, yet it is true, your vote counts. Your vote could very well be 'the' deciding vote.
As the 'old folks used to say and sing when I was growing up, at Mount Corinth Missionary Baptist Church in Houston, Texas...I'm just glad to be in the number, one more time.
This has been a 'wild week' for me. A roller coaster of sorts....From celebrating the joys of an additional year in Pastoral ministry of a friend (preaching his 6th year Pastoral anniversary to be exact), to watching the triumphant return of Jason Kidd to the Mavericks in American Airlines Center (yeah! they won!), to meeting and partying with Erykah Badu, Biz Markie and Dave Chappelle (for a good purpose to raise funds for her non-profit that benefits youths in the hood), to meeting former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown (in town promoting his new biography), all while dealing with the emotinal roller coaster and sadness of heart of the disintegration of a relationship that I thought would last and wishing them to be there to share these experiences with, to being on the phone with presidential candidate Barack Obama. All of this, of course, is in the course of responsibility of leading and feeding a church and looking for a building for our congregation. I am looking forward to seeing the people of The Love Church and worshiping our God together in spirit and in truth on tomorrow. My spirit needs it and my soul desires it.
What a week!... but, HOLD THE PHONE, I am encouraged with Obama's speech ending matra, Yes We Can!
AGAPE,
Pastor Patterson
Making It Great In '08!
Loving Life And Livin To Love
Hold the phone...It is a phrase that has taken on the meaning of hope, encouragement and inspiration. I dialed in and punched in the accesss code to the conference call. The call began with Joshua DuBois, National Deputy Director of Religious Affairs of Obama For America was explaining the purpose of the call and its participants. Dr. Randy Vaughn, President of the Texas Baptist State Convention, gave the opening invocation. My pastor, Dr. Frederick Douglas Haynes, III, was next to speak on the call to give the background foundation for the purpose and concerns for the call and responsibilities to the Pastors. Pastor Haynes spoke of the need for a man like Barack Obama because of '...failed policies of an evil administration to effect Davidic change." Nobody I know can wrap it up and present it like Pastor Haynes. Dr. Ralph Douglas West, of Houston, Texas, then introduced Senator Barack Obama.
Senator Obama spoke for about 17 minutes, sharing his vision, his mission, his heart and his concern. I sat and listened with amazement at how logical and methodical his mind and thinking is. His burden for America at-large and for people individually is genuine. His faith is real. I was honored to be among those whom shared in the call and the moment.
He spoke of his campaign, by the grace of God, being more than a campaign but a movement where we can hope for better, believe for better and strive for better. His burden for the ills and concerns of every American was articulated in a straightforward yet empathetical way. He was encouraged by the main message of the grassroots footsoldiers who are engaged, show interest and are excited about what this campaign means and what the future of American can be. He asked for all Pastors support because of a 'moral and historical obligation' to Biblical mandates. He then ended by asking for prayers for his wife and family.
After Senator Obama spoke, Dr. Shaun Casey, Bishop William Watson of the Church of God In Christ and Pastor Kirbyjon Caldwell of Houston, Texas rounded out the remainder of the conference call. I am still in a 'lil bit of awe at the men of God and the person of Barack Obama with whom I had just shared a moment in time with. I am honored to engage with men whom I admire and respect for many reasons and a presidential candidate who has grabbed the attention and hearts of America like non other since John F. Kennedy.
Whatever your stance and perspective in this presidential race, I encourage you to vote. Do not let it be said that you were not apart of the process. It is a tired and worn phrase, yet it is true, your vote counts. Your vote could very well be 'the' deciding vote.
As the 'old folks used to say and sing when I was growing up, at Mount Corinth Missionary Baptist Church in Houston, Texas...I'm just glad to be in the number, one more time.
This has been a 'wild week' for me. A roller coaster of sorts....From celebrating the joys of an additional year in Pastoral ministry of a friend (preaching his 6th year Pastoral anniversary to be exact), to watching the triumphant return of Jason Kidd to the Mavericks in American Airlines Center (yeah! they won!), to meeting and partying with Erykah Badu, Biz Markie and Dave Chappelle (for a good purpose to raise funds for her non-profit that benefits youths in the hood), to meeting former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown (in town promoting his new biography), all while dealing with the emotinal roller coaster and sadness of heart of the disintegration of a relationship that I thought would last and wishing them to be there to share these experiences with, to being on the phone with presidential candidate Barack Obama. All of this, of course, is in the course of responsibility of leading and feeding a church and looking for a building for our congregation. I am looking forward to seeing the people of The Love Church and worshiping our God together in spirit and in truth on tomorrow. My spirit needs it and my soul desires it.
What a week!... but, HOLD THE PHONE, I am encouraged with Obama's speech ending matra, Yes We Can!
AGAPE,
Pastor Patterson
Making It Great In '08!
Loving Life And Livin To Love
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