God's blessings are myriad and varied. No two are alike and they are too numerous to count. We used to sing in Sunday School general assembly while growing up at Mount Corinth Missionary Baptist Church in Houston, Texas, with Sis. Pollard on the piano playing for the congregation, "Count your many blessings, name them one by one. Count your many blessings, see what the Lord has done."
Well, actually, His blessings in our lives are inumerable. They are like the stars in the sky and the sand on the beach. There is just no way possible to quantify the blessings of God in our lives. Suffice it to say, everytime I turn around, He's making a way! Every day is a new blessing, a new revelation of His presence in my life. A new comprehension of just how blessed I really am.
However, what is most amazing is that everynow and then, above and beyond ALL God does on a daily, moment by moment basis in our lives, He gives us a 'lil something 'extra!' Well, it is a 'leap year.' A time, every four years, as counted by the calendar, we are granted an 'extra' day.
My question to you today is, what have you done with this 'today,' this 'extra' that God has given you? Think about it, today God gave you an 'extra' 24 hrs! Time is one of the most precious things we have. When it is gone, you can never get it back, but today God has given us some 'extra' time! Did you use this time wisely? Did you use it to your advantage? Did you use it for the glory of God? Did you use it to encourage somebody, to pour into and invest in someone else's life? Did you tell someone you love them today? Did you put love in action today toward someone? Did you share the love of Christ today?...
What did you do with your 'extra' 24? ... I did this today, told someone I loved them and missed them and guess what kind of response I recieved. I recieved a shortened form of the word thanks, "thnx" in a text. Isn't that the way we do God far too many times? He gives us His best, His 'extra' and we respond as if it is little to nothing, if we respond at all. Might I suggest that we don't do God like we do others so many times and more often than not. Do God right, for He has been amazingly gracious to you. How do we do God right? We do God right by how we treat others in our lives. Remember, 'as we do it unto the least of these, we have done it unto Him.'
The good news is, whatever you did that did not measure up, you can redeem the time! Guess what, tomorrow will be another day! Another chance to get it right! Another chance to tell someone you love them! Another chance to show someone you love them! Another chance to forgive someone! Another chance to forigve yourself! Another chance to give to someone, without thought of anything in return! Another chance to pour into and invest in someone's life, something positive, even if it's simply a word, a kiss, a hug or even just a simple genuine smile.
Whatever you do when you awake in the morning, be sure to thank God for the 'extra' in your life! Remember, we do not deserve it and have not earned it, He just gave it! What a supernatural example of dealing with people in our lives. They do not deserve it, and have not earned it, but we can still give it! We do not deserve it, and cannot earn it, but somebody gave it to us! Show God's kindness, love and forgiveness to someone today and watch it come back to you, in love! Give a 'lil 'extra' to somebody today for God gave you something 'extra' yesterday.
Agape,
Pastor P
Making It Great In '08!
Loving Life And Living To Love
Friday, February 29, 2008
Jim Crow, III
Jim Crow laws were an attempt to keep a 'sliver of slavery' in manifest action in America. Jim Crow laws were enacted for the purpose of 'serperate but equal' status for Blacks/Negros, we weren't called African-Americans until the 80's. These were state and local laws enacted and enforced from 1876 to 1965. In reality, this led to treatment and accomdations significantly inferior to those provided for White Americans.
(see.. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Crow_laws )
When Jim Crow laws were legally abolished in 1965 with the Voting Rights act, 'Jim Crow, Jr' was born. Outright, law abided racism was dead but legalized racism was in the gym running the treadmill of preconcieved prejudices and pumping the iron of cultural fear. 'Jim Crow, Jr' is the redlining by banks to give depressed and usually urban metropolitan areas high risk and high interest loans to blacks, while denying them access to suburban areas and low interest rates. It is the refusal of many developers and landlords to rent to people of color, in particular African Americans. It is the banks steering us to APR's for housing and transportation rather than low fixed rated interest loans. It is, as Operation Push founder and president Rev. Jesse Jackson says, 'we are the last hired and the first fired.' It is being overlooked and denied, even as the best qualified candidates for employment and for promotion. It is not the blatant racism experienced during the Civil Rights era, yet it is the institutionalized, instrinsic, systematic racism by pen and paper. It is not the 'blue color' racism of the 60's but it is the 'white color' racism of the 70's and 80's. It is not the loud and screaming racism of White only and Black Only signs, waterhoses, Police dogs and batons, but it is the silent racism of the Mont Blanc signing policies and procedures in company manuals.
Today, we are experiencing what I like to refer to, to keep the analogy alive, 'Jim Crow, III.' This is a mixture, the lineage of Jim Crow 'Sr' and Jim Crow, Jr. This is what has sparked outrageous acts of racism in Arlington, Texas in 2007 and rally on the steps of the Arlington City Hall in 2008!
Pastor P
Making It Great In '08!
Loving Life And Living To Love!
(see.. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Crow_laws )
When Jim Crow laws were legally abolished in 1965 with the Voting Rights act, 'Jim Crow, Jr' was born. Outright, law abided racism was dead but legalized racism was in the gym running the treadmill of preconcieved prejudices and pumping the iron of cultural fear. 'Jim Crow, Jr' is the redlining by banks to give depressed and usually urban metropolitan areas high risk and high interest loans to blacks, while denying them access to suburban areas and low interest rates. It is the refusal of many developers and landlords to rent to people of color, in particular African Americans. It is the banks steering us to APR's for housing and transportation rather than low fixed rated interest loans. It is, as Operation Push founder and president Rev. Jesse Jackson says, 'we are the last hired and the first fired.' It is being overlooked and denied, even as the best qualified candidates for employment and for promotion. It is not the blatant racism experienced during the Civil Rights era, yet it is the institutionalized, instrinsic, systematic racism by pen and paper. It is not the 'blue color' racism of the 60's but it is the 'white color' racism of the 70's and 80's. It is not the loud and screaming racism of White only and Black Only signs, waterhoses, Police dogs and batons, but it is the silent racism of the Mont Blanc signing policies and procedures in company manuals.
Today, we are experiencing what I like to refer to, to keep the analogy alive, 'Jim Crow, III.' This is a mixture, the lineage of Jim Crow 'Sr' and Jim Crow, Jr. This is what has sparked outrageous acts of racism in Arlington, Texas in 2007 and rally on the steps of the Arlington City Hall in 2008!
As Malcom X once commented, thereby requitting censorship from the Nation Of Islam and the late Honorable Elijah Muhammad, on the death of President John F. Kennedy, as a case of "...chickens coming home to roost." We live in a nation that is built upon the very bedrock of violence and racism. To ignore this fact of American history is to ignore cancer in the body, sooner or later it will completely destroy, and malign in the meantime.
My Pastor, Dr. Frederick D. Haynes, III, spearheaded a community, no, a multi-city-wide rallying cry for justice on behalf of a law abiding couple who experienced 'Jim Crow, Sr,' in your face type racism in Arlington, Texas in the year 2007. The E.R.A. Movement (End Racism in Arlington) was a coming together of warriors for justice on behalf of of those done unjustly. In 2007, an Arlington home owning couple, Broderick Gamble and Silk LittleJohn were brutally attacked and their property was ... Viciously attacked by a neighbors dog and beaten. A neighbor directed racial remarks at Mr. Gamble's fiancée and attacked her, police said. The couple's car was also damaged and a racial slur was spray-painted on their garage.The garage doors of their house were spray painted in red with the words "Kill and Die Nigger!"
I am encouraged at the commuties response, the galvanizing of leaders and concerned citizens, that justice be heard, seen and done. A rally of local officials, leaders and Pastors was held on the steps of Arlington's City Hall to demand this justice and to seek a change in the climate of the city of Arlington. Pastor Haynes rallied the crowd as only he can ringing the clarion call for justice. He spoke from a list of 10 Community Demands To The City Of Arlington and from The Family's Demand List. It was empowering and hopeful to see others stand up and fight for someone else.
Currently, police have arrested Grace Head on suspicion of assault with intent to do bodily injury, criminal trespass and failure to identify herself to a police officer. She is also accused of damaging the hood of the couple's car, police said. Arlington Police Chief Theron Bowman has asked that the charges against Ms. Head be upgraded to include Hate Crime elements.
I am simply reminded of the famous quote from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., whom is a Morehouse College schoolmate of mine, "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." Do not think that what has happened to Broderick Gamble and Silk Littlejohn cannot happen to you. We are all intimately tied to this atrocious act together. Justice for one is justice for allSee http://www.endracisminarlington.com/ for more information
THE STRUGGLE CONTINUES!
AGAPE,Pastor P
Making It Great In '08!
Loving Life And Living To Love!
Night 'N Day... A worldwind experience in 24 hrs
Wow! What a difference a day makes... We have all heard the phrase, but have you 'lived' it?The last 24 hrs has been a worldwind sort of existence, and I love it! Having a zeal for real life is about varied experiences and getting the most out of each that you can. Well, the pendulum has swung from far left to far right within 24 hours. Sometimes, all I can do is hold on for the ride and experience the rush! Gotta love life!
Night before last I had a 'lil fun (I did get to get my groove on afterall!), and all for a good cause! In celebration of her latest CD release, New Amerykah, Erykah Badu held a CD signing session at Bill's Records & Tapes on Lamar on Tuesday, a CD listening party and jam session at The House of Blues on Wednesday and a charity fundraiser party at The W Hotels, Ghostbar, for her non-profit B.L.I.N.D. on Thursday. B.L.I.N.D. stands for Beautiful Love Incorporated Non-Profit Development that 'is making positive social change through economic, artistic and cultural development in South Dallas.'
The party was off the chain! It was a straight old school jam! In the house and on the mike was Erykah Badu and Talib Kweli. It was mad funkyness on the mike! Freestylin' and freeflowin'. In the DJ booth and on the mike, was none other than the party starter and house rocker himself, Biz Markie! (...Oh baby, you, you got what I need, but you say he's just a friend, you say he's just a friend!) The place was jumpin' with 'ol school track after 'ol school track! Everytime he mixed in a new song, the place went wild! I thought the floor was going to cave in! Then there was a surprise appearance from who else, but Dave Chappelle! It was a total riot and a complete jam!
Now, once again, how I got these coveted tickets is another story. And how we ended up in VIP is another story! Suffice it to say, this always happens to me. Somehow, someway, without asking, I end up in the best of places, meeting the most interesting of people. We actually ended up, in a packed Ghostbar, behind the ropes in VIP, on the right hand side of the stage. So close, we couldn't get any closer. Our hands were on the stage! I am high-fiving Dave Chappelle as he tells jokes and goes off on people in the dance contest and in the crowd! It was side-splitting hilarious! As you saw in my previous post, I had met Badu again, two days earlier, but tonight she celebrated her birthday complete with cake with a single sparkler on it. Now I have met, Biz Markie (it's nostalgic for me because we used to do the Biz Markie parties in college at Morehouse all the time...Biz over Kid Capri anyday!) and Dave Chappelle, who actually shook my hand and held a conversation, albeit short, but he was mad cool! Chappelle was your everyday, average kind of guy whom you would overlook if you didn't know who he was, and many did as he strolled through the room. But just looking at Chappelle is funny unto itself! Hilarious!
Fast forward to last night, or yesterday evening and it is a totally different scene, but no less exciting! Now I am in the Dallas Public Libray's Auditorium, with distinguished elite in the city of Dallas attending the Dallas Public Library and World Affairs Council's author lecture series, "AuthorSpeak." From the City Manager of Dallas to other city coucil members, former candidates for mayor, radio personalities and business men and women from all arenas of life. I might have been the youngest person in the room amid all the self-styled sophistication, to hear Former San Francisco Mayor and Speaker of the California State Assembly Willie Brown, Jr., speak on his new biography, Basic Brown: My Life And Our Times.
Mayor Brown, as he is affectionately known, is one of the most engaging personalities you will ever meet. He is a consumate storyteller and shameless self-promoter, who has an obvious zest for life and is completely in love with himself! Yet, his narcissim is palatable and even enjoyable because of his intellectual prowess and humorous wit. Both black and white, all older, where laughing out loud at his recantations of foible political events in his life. It was completely magnetic. Here again, as I spoke of Barack Obama, charisma is not something you can learn, it is inate and Willie Brown has it.
Once again, I had the privilege of meeting him afterwards, shaking his hand and holding an albeit brief conversation while he signed my copy of his book. All this while he was checking out my haberdashery (that's clothing for those of you who don't know) because he is a self-proclaimed unapologetic fashion fanatic! I must humbly submit your boy had Mayor Brown beat hands-down today! Check the picture for yourself! Ha!Nevertheless, it was quite an experience and I cannot wait to begin reading the book. Very few things are as fulfilling to me as a good book. I am excited by the law and politics and the lives of those who have shaped our country in some form or another through these means. It promises to be an interesting read.
The night was capped off with dinner at the ultra-hip steakhouse NINE in Victory Plaza across from American Airlines Center. This is not your father's steakhouse. No wood panelling. No pictures of ducks on the wall. No oversized and overstuffed highback, button-punched leather booths. This is an open kitchened, marbled walls and floors, shimmering colums, color changing neon-mood lighted, suede boothed tricked out steakhouse. It is hip to the 'NINES", get it?! The filet mignon with bernaise sauce was tasty and tender, the lobster bisque was slammin' and the Tres' Leches cake topped it off for desert and I didn't have to pay! It was a good day!
I simply want to thank God for the few real friends in my life. People who really don't want anythig from me, but just like to be around and give to me. Thank you. Thank you for being consistant. Thank you for being positive. Thank you for being sacrificial and doing even when you don't feel like it! Thank you for bringing a slice of joy and peace to my life.
(btw...this day (the last 24 hrs) reminds me of the kind of woman I desire in my life, by my side. A woman who can groove to Badu and get hyped with The Biz and yet enjoy intellectual stimulation and show class and style while listening to Mayor Brown. Fun and sophistication all wrapped up in a beautiful package that undoubtedly loves the Lord!)
One mo' thing! Today is the last day for early voting in the Texas primaries! Participate in the process! GO VOTE!
Life is good!
AGAPE,
Pastor P
Making It Great In '08!
Loving Life And Living To Love
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
He Said, She Said, They Said... A Debate
Well, I did not get to 'get my groove on' with Badu (see previous post). I had forgotten about the MSNBC Democratic Debate coming on last night. Sorry Erykah, but politics over party this time! I chose instead to watch the Clinton/Obama debate with some friends. The 2oth debate overall, the third Clinton/Obama debate and the last debate before the ever so important coming Tuesday primaries, including Rhode Island, Vermont, Ohio and Texas. This is a 'Custard's Last Stand' moment for Hillary Clinton. The outcome will greatly determine whether her campaign continues or concedes to 'Obamamania.'
I actually wanted to leave this political race alone, however, I am compelled to comment because of the underlying, coat and tie wearing, insolent yet silent racism of 'Jim Crow, Jr-ism' of the slick-willy media and the unstable 'circus atmosphere' presented by the emotional filled and entitlement riddled 'buckshots' from the Clinton campaign. She continues to 'fire' at Obama rather than firing up a nation with excitement for her campaign and message. When will we learn, even in our interpersonal, one on one relationships, that attacking a person is 'anti-success' to your aim.
There is an underlying, intrinsic attempt in the media to 'Jedi mind trick' by race baiting the unassuming populace subconcious into hate mongering. Hence the Farrakhan question posited by debate co-moderator Tim Russert and Hillary Clintons subsequent pressing of the matter. It is classic 'Tsun Zu', engaging a battle/war principle known as divide and conquer. Division, along with fear, will cripple anyone, including an entire ethnic group, including even a nation. One African-American political pundit on CNN stated the Farrakhan question, '... is a bizzare right of passage for African-Americans running for office in the public arena' to appease whites and assauge their guilt and fear of and for the treatment of our race. He went on to give the analogy of former Senator Trent Lott supporting John McCain. He said, Trent Lott supported former South Caroline Senator Strom Thurmond, the longest serving United States senator and the most racist, and now Trent Lott supports John McCain. Yet, no one is calling for John McCain to 'denounce and reject' Trent Lott because of his support of former Sentor Strom Thurmon and his past racist views, actions and comments, as Senator Clinton did during last nights debate. The utter disparity propogated by some popular political pundits toward blacks is apalling and sickening, yet it is a public 'plumb line' that most African-Americans are blind, ignorant or simply apethetic to.
As it relates to Hillary Clinton, per last nights debate and previous actions heretowith, I am utterly in awe. I have never seen a candidate, whose claim to fame is that she has it all together, has been 'fully vetted,' and is the 'presumed nominee to be' before the race had even begun, whose campaign is without a compelling central message (and blows in the wind with what is currently catching the minds of the electorate). Whose campaign is so arrogantly wasteful in spending. Whose campaign has seen a personell implosion at the top level with the firing of her campaign manager. Whose campaign has contracted the disease of entitlement. Whose campaign complains instead of communicates her message. Who whines instead of working the grass roots level. Whose campaign has shown the sad signs of 'bi-polar personality disorder.' Whose campaign is schizophrenic in nature. We have seen her 'laugh out of turn in sarcastic tones' in a debate. We have seen her cry croccidile tears at a town meeting when she finally 'found her voice' 8 months into the campaign. We have seen her rant and rave like someone stole her dog, at a grass roots rally.
It begs the question and makes you wonder... which Hillary Clinton will show up at any given moment and time? Will the real Hillary Clinton please stand up? We have heard the 'experienced' Hillary. We've seen the 'teary-eyed' Hillary. She has tried on the 'strong' Hillary. She has modeled the 'getting picked on' Hillary. She's currently wearing the 'fighter' Hillary, with the 'emotional' Hillary as an accessory. Will the real Hillary Clinton please stand up? Oh wait, this is the real Hillary Clinton, a criminally indicted campaign chameleon, willing, ready and able to change 'colors' at any moment to fit the environment in order to stay alive. Beware of the Squamata reptilia among us (look it up if you must!)!
I actually wanted to leave this political race alone, however, I am compelled to comment because of the underlying, coat and tie wearing, insolent yet silent racism of 'Jim Crow, Jr-ism' of the slick-willy media and the unstable 'circus atmosphere' presented by the emotional filled and entitlement riddled 'buckshots' from the Clinton campaign. She continues to 'fire' at Obama rather than firing up a nation with excitement for her campaign and message. When will we learn, even in our interpersonal, one on one relationships, that attacking a person is 'anti-success' to your aim.
There is an underlying, intrinsic attempt in the media to 'Jedi mind trick' by race baiting the unassuming populace subconcious into hate mongering. Hence the Farrakhan question posited by debate co-moderator Tim Russert and Hillary Clintons subsequent pressing of the matter. It is classic 'Tsun Zu', engaging a battle/war principle known as divide and conquer. Division, along with fear, will cripple anyone, including an entire ethnic group, including even a nation. One African-American political pundit on CNN stated the Farrakhan question, '... is a bizzare right of passage for African-Americans running for office in the public arena' to appease whites and assauge their guilt and fear of and for the treatment of our race. He went on to give the analogy of former Senator Trent Lott supporting John McCain. He said, Trent Lott supported former South Caroline Senator Strom Thurmond, the longest serving United States senator and the most racist, and now Trent Lott supports John McCain. Yet, no one is calling for John McCain to 'denounce and reject' Trent Lott because of his support of former Sentor Strom Thurmon and his past racist views, actions and comments, as Senator Clinton did during last nights debate. The utter disparity propogated by some popular political pundits toward blacks is apalling and sickening, yet it is a public 'plumb line' that most African-Americans are blind, ignorant or simply apethetic to.
As it relates to Hillary Clinton, per last nights debate and previous actions heretowith, I am utterly in awe. I have never seen a candidate, whose claim to fame is that she has it all together, has been 'fully vetted,' and is the 'presumed nominee to be' before the race had even begun, whose campaign is without a compelling central message (and blows in the wind with what is currently catching the minds of the electorate). Whose campaign is so arrogantly wasteful in spending. Whose campaign has seen a personell implosion at the top level with the firing of her campaign manager. Whose campaign has contracted the disease of entitlement. Whose campaign complains instead of communicates her message. Who whines instead of working the grass roots level. Whose campaign has shown the sad signs of 'bi-polar personality disorder.' Whose campaign is schizophrenic in nature. We have seen her 'laugh out of turn in sarcastic tones' in a debate. We have seen her cry croccidile tears at a town meeting when she finally 'found her voice' 8 months into the campaign. We have seen her rant and rave like someone stole her dog, at a grass roots rally.
It begs the question and makes you wonder... which Hillary Clinton will show up at any given moment and time? Will the real Hillary Clinton please stand up? We have heard the 'experienced' Hillary. We've seen the 'teary-eyed' Hillary. She has tried on the 'strong' Hillary. She has modeled the 'getting picked on' Hillary. She's currently wearing the 'fighter' Hillary, with the 'emotional' Hillary as an accessory. Will the real Hillary Clinton please stand up? Oh wait, this is the real Hillary Clinton, a criminally indicted campaign chameleon, willing, ready and able to change 'colors' at any moment to fit the environment in order to stay alive. Beware of the Squamata reptilia among us (look it up if you must!)!
I must give kudos to Obama, if for nothing else, than for refusing to succumb to negative tactics and personal smears. 
Senator Clair McCaskill (D-Mo), National Co-Chair for the Obama campaign, stated on CNN this morning that his appeal is authentic and magnetic for a number of reasons including, 'He has refused to participate in the old style 'slash and burn' politics of the Clintons' and has remained above the foray with a positive message of hope.
Whatever the political outcome, I am still at peace, and you should be too, and look forward to the future because of the Word of God. Those of us who believe can rest in the fact that whoever is in the White House, be it Obama, Clinton or McCain, does not ultimately matter because "The king's heart is in the hands of the Lord...He turneth it whithersoever He will." Proverbs 21:1 KJV... Simply put, it's in the Lord's Hands! Your house, the White House and the world is in God's hands! Praise the Lord!
By the way, I almost forgot...GET YOUR VOTE ON!!...And remember the importance of the 'Texas Two Step,' you must vote TWICE TO MAKE IT COUNT!
AGAPE,
Pastor P
Making It Great In '08!
Loving Life and Living To Love
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
We be 'Badu-in' it like a 'Maverick!'
Even a young, single Pastor has to have fun every now and then!
Not only did I get a chance to let my hair down at the Mavs game, but I also got the opportunity to check out and meet one of my favorite artists, Erykah Badu, again. I first met her when she dropped her cd 'Mommas Gun.' That was back when Tower Records was still in business on Lemmon Avenue. I met her again, along with Prince and Chaka Khan, when she threw an impromptu late night jam session at her Black Forest Theatre a couple of years back. Well, a few years later and another new cd 'New Amerykah,' I got another chance to be up close and personal again. I plan on going to get my groove on as well tomorrow night at the House Of Blues. Very few 'stars' are as hands on in the community and available to their fans as is Badu. She's genuine, open and real. Kudos to Badu, for being 'real with the people!'
I have been asked the question so many times, 'Pastor P, what do you do for fun?' Well, my answer varies because I have many interests and an extreme personality. I love to travel and experience other cultures. I love art galleries and symphony concerts. I love action, drama and documentary movies and there is nothing like curling up with a good book. But I also love the exhiliration of living life full tilt! I love roller coasters and jet skis! I love speed and free falls! I plan on going sky diving sometime next month!
However, tonight was more conventional fun. I wanted to see the return of Jason Kidd to the Dallas Mavericks lineup and he did not disappoint. The Mavs silenced the Chicago Bulls with a 102 to 94 win at the American Airlines Center. 'Kidd's Last Stand' in Dallas was in December 1996, when they still played at Reunion Arena, but he played tonight like it was his rookie season. He has not lost a step nor a drip of excitement. I needed a Red Bull (to go along with my loaded hot dog! lol!) in the stands just to keep up with him on the floor. Dirk, that would be Nowitzki, was the high scorer of the night, but Kidd was the 'show' of the night! With Jason Kidd in the lineup, not only will Dallas be a title contender, but it will also be 'showtime' everytime they take the floor. I WANT SEASON TICKETS!!
Not only did I get a chance to let my hair down at the Mavs game, but I also got the opportunity to check out and meet one of my favorite artists, Erykah Badu, again. I first met her when she dropped her cd 'Mommas Gun.' That was back when Tower Records was still in business on Lemmon Avenue. I met her again, along with Prince and Chaka Khan, when she threw an impromptu late night jam session at her Black Forest Theatre a couple of years back. Well, a few years later and another new cd 'New Amerykah,' I got another chance to be up close and personal again. I plan on going to get my groove on as well tomorrow night at the House Of Blues. Very few 'stars' are as hands on in the community and available to their fans as is Badu. She's genuine, open and real. Kudos to Badu, for being 'real with the people!'Oh yeah, and IHOP was off the chain too! LOL! There is nothing like late night pancakes and hot syrup at the International House Of Pancakes! It's just one of those good nights, no stress, no drama, just lots of smiles and some fun. Life's simple pleasures...who ever said Monday's had to be blue?!
AGAPE,
Pastor P
Making It Great In '08!
Loving Life And Living To Love
Monday, February 25, 2008
6 Years
Yesterday, I had the blessed privilege to preach a friends 6th Year Pastoral Anniversary. Pastor Edwin E. Favors and Praise Fellowship Church of Wilmer, Texas celebrated 6 years of ministry. Pastor Favors is a one of kind individual whom I met thru a mutual friend, Pastor Henry Batson, III. Pastor Favors is a spirit full of energy, life and giftedness. He is an accomplished singer and instrumentalist and has led many choirs and taught in the music genre, but his primary calling is to preach.
This year promises to be a miracle season for Pastor Favors. After celebrating 6 years of ministry at Praise Fellowship, this week he turns 33 years old and is engaged to be married in June. What a year! After five moves as a congregation, to their current facility, which they own debt free, they are are soon to unveil plans to raise funds for a 3.8 million dollar building project for the glory of God. U. S. Highway 45 South will never be the same.
Allow me to say, the Spirit was thick in the house on yesterday. Folks were shouting, running and a few even were straight laid out on the floor, just plum gone! We just covered them with sheets and kept on preaching! It was a 'tsunami of the Spirit.' I live for experiences like that of yesterday. For me, it is both cleansing and empowering. I am grateful when He comes thru like He did on yesterday. I would never want to even attempt to preach or pastor a people without the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. I am grateful for the anointing. It is the anointing that breaks the yolk and sets people free. The anointing makes the difference.
Shouts out to my pulpit mates for the evening Pastor Moore, Pastor Batson and Pastor Stephens. A special shout out to my church, the greatest church south of Heaven, The Love Church, who sacrifically came all the way south down 45 to Wilmer in numbers strong, and gave of themselves to minister and give financially on the spot to be a tangible blessing to Pastor Favors. We are truly a giving congregation. I feel like a proud papa for the way you guys responded! The Voices Of Judah prepared the atmosphere for the Word and the youth tore the house down with the dance ministry! It was off the chain!
I am grateful for many things in this life. Particularly, yesterday reminded me that I am most grateful for relationships and the anointing. Thank you Father, for your grace and your mercy in my life, for which I am so undeserving. Thank you for people whom you have placed in my life, who continue to pour into me and push me to higher heights. Thank you for every encouraging word. Thank you for every selfless deed. Thank you for every intercessory prayer. Thank you for life itself. Everyday I wake up, I am anxious and excited to unwrap the gift of today.
AGAPE,
Pastor P
Making It Great In '08!
This year promises to be a miracle season for Pastor Favors. After celebrating 6 years of ministry at Praise Fellowship, this week he turns 33 years old and is engaged to be married in June. What a year! After five moves as a congregation, to their current facility, which they own debt free, they are are soon to unveil plans to raise funds for a 3.8 million dollar building project for the glory of God. U. S. Highway 45 South will never be the same.
Allow me to say, the Spirit was thick in the house on yesterday. Folks were shouting, running and a few even were straight laid out on the floor, just plum gone! We just covered them with sheets and kept on preaching! It was a 'tsunami of the Spirit.' I live for experiences like that of yesterday. For me, it is both cleansing and empowering. I am grateful when He comes thru like He did on yesterday. I would never want to even attempt to preach or pastor a people without the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. I am grateful for the anointing. It is the anointing that breaks the yolk and sets people free. The anointing makes the difference.
Shouts out to my pulpit mates for the evening Pastor Moore, Pastor Batson and Pastor Stephens. A special shout out to my church, the greatest church south of Heaven, The Love Church, who sacrifically came all the way south down 45 to Wilmer in numbers strong, and gave of themselves to minister and give financially on the spot to be a tangible blessing to Pastor Favors. We are truly a giving congregation. I feel like a proud papa for the way you guys responded! The Voices Of Judah prepared the atmosphere for the Word and the youth tore the house down with the dance ministry! It was off the chain!
I am grateful for many things in this life. Particularly, yesterday reminded me that I am most grateful for relationships and the anointing. Thank you Father, for your grace and your mercy in my life, for which I am so undeserving. Thank you for people whom you have placed in my life, who continue to pour into me and push me to higher heights. Thank you for every encouraging word. Thank you for every selfless deed. Thank you for every intercessory prayer. Thank you for life itself. Everyday I wake up, I am anxious and excited to unwrap the gift of today.
AGAPE,
Pastor P
Making It Great In '08!
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Obamians!
Well, I'm back on the 'Barack bandwagon.' The term has been coined labeling these fanatic types as 'Obamians!'I am not an "Obamian' because I still remain a 'Christian,' yet I am moved to write on my experience at the ObamaDallas rally at Reunion Arena. In a simple statement, it was an 'once-in-a-lifetime-experience.' The throngs of people riding, walking and some I even saw being pushed and rolled in to see and hear Senator and Presidential Candidate Barack Obama were inumerable. I was reminded of words in the poem The New Colossus by Emma Lazarus on the base of the Statue of Liberty, "...give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to be free..." A basketball arena packed to some 17,000 strong of standing and screaming fans. I sat in Renunion Arena in VIP (Thanks Pastor Haynes!), with my special friend who showed up late (you know who you are!) second row from Obama and on the isle seat next to seven, yes count them, seven white men in a row! Every nationality was represented. Every age was in tow. All were excited! Many were even in tears as Obama spoke. It was Kennedy-esqe! Camelot in remix!
For agendas sake, the rally began with Rev. Dr. Frederick D. Haynes, III, kicking things off with a 'prayermon,' that's a prayer that turns into sermon! Gotta love Pastor Haynes, he is one of a kind! Local singer turned national recording artist, Rick James, no not 'that one!' , led a rousing soulful rendition of The Star Bangled Banner that had folks of all colors in tears. Local ObamaDallas organizers then hit the stage with instructions on volunteering and early voting. Former Dallas Mayor Ron Kirk then introduced Obama and was joined onstage at the mike with former Dallas Cowboys running back and Hall of Famer, Emmitt Smith to rouse up the crowd. Next, was thunderous applause, cheering and chanting as Obama approached and hit the stage to music like a Heavyweight boxers entrance to a title bout! It was a quite the staged event to say the least.
The pure excitement that swells and surrounds Obama and his campaign is contagious. Simply put, it is electric. In person, it is a million times more affective. You can feel it. You can sense it. You can actually see it. You can hear it as people respond in kind. Obama has the kind of charisma that cannot be taught or coached. Someone once said, either you have it or you don't. It is always exciting to me, in whatever arena, to see one operate in their gift and move in their time.
Obama is igniting a nation because of his 'Audacity To Hope!' The Word of God says "Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when the desire comes, it is a tree of life." - Proverbs 13:12 This simply means hope, like a tree, is strong and sturdy and keeps us 'rooted.' It also means it is a 'life-giving' force. A trees fruit will give and continue to give life.
Hope is contagious. Hope is enlivening. Hebrews 6:19 says 'Hope is the anchor of the soul." When the winds of adversity blow in our lives, 'hope' is the anchor of the soul that keeps us from being blown to and fro. Hope says I can have a meaningful and happy marriage. Hope says I will break and beat this addiction. Hope says my mind is experiencing perfect peace as I keep my mind stayed on Jesus! Hope says love will find a way! As a matter of fact, God's hope for mankind gave us Jesus Christ to die on the cross for our sins! Thank God for hope!
Hope is the belief and anticipation of what is, will come.
What does disturb me in this political process is the approach taken by the Clinton campaign. It is what Lauryn Hill called 'the hypocrisy of democracy.' Never have I seen such audacity of arrogance in an 'attitude of entitlement' to a position. As if she and she alone is crowned and ordained for the job. On the flip side of the same coin, never have I seen such an utter disdain for those contending for the same position, as if one does not deserve or warrant serious desire for what she feels she is entitled to. Smear tactics and back room deals are politics of old. What has caused Campaign Obama to soar above the fray is his willingness and desire to run a 'positive' campaign and stay above the dirty politics of old time Washingtonians.
Allow me to encourage us in life to keep it true and keep it positive. Keep it God!
I am encouraged to see someone on the national level keeping it as clean as they can, only responding when absolutely necessary, and thereby gaining the respect and votes, of millions along the way. Yes, you can do right and play fair, and win! What is sad to say is that there is even 'dirty politics' in the church! I have been a recipient of such foolishness and foolheartedness. Fortunately, those of us of faith, know and recognize, that 1) if they did it to Jesus, who are we not to think it will not be done to us, 2) whatever seeds we sow, are the seeds we will reap and 3) that vengence is mine said the Lord. Whatever is done to you in this life, take the hit, do good to them that perpetrated against you and praise God for the experience. You will be blessed as a result in the end! If we want to reign with Him, we must first suffer with Him. No cross, no crown!
Whomever your choice for candidate for the Presidency, make it your duty to vote! Your voice and choice is necessary for the maturity of our country. Democracy is only democracy when people are involved. Take a stand. Make a choice. Vote.
Moreover, greater than your vote for President of the United States is your vote in your daily life to live for Christ! Vote God!
AGAPE,
Pastor P
Making It Great In '08!
Saturday, February 16, 2008
We Be BaRack-in' It!
We are experiencing history before your eyes.
Senator Barack Obama has excited within the soul of the nation a spark that is becoming a wildfire of hope! The audacity of a mixed-raced, Harvard educated, United States Junior Senator, whose mom died of cancer to run for the Presidency of the United States and whip-up on the presumed self entitled and super entrenched nominee-to-be, is simply exciting.
With all due respect, in times past, the 'black man's' run for the Oval Office was a sitcom at best, a run with a story-line but ultimately nothing more than a 'laugh track.' However, it did plant the seeds and set the stage and state for what has been a long time coming and is long overdue. What makes Obama's run plausible and legitimate, is that he is the right candidate in the right climate of a nation primed and desperate, ripe for change.
Throughout the Word of God and modern day history, circumstances ushered the most unlikely into positions of honored liberators and revered deliverers. As a matter of fact, the people we respect the most in history never sought platforms or positions for personal gain or individual accomplishment, but were urged, even ushered by the circumstances that tornadoed around them and propelled them into the history books. Kate Zernike says in her New York Times article, 'The Charisma Mandate', that "It is in these special moments that true leaders emerge at a time of crisis or national yearning." There are Biblical examples like Moses, against the demoralizing enslavement of an Egyptian Pharoh and David against the Philistines and the leader of its insepid armym, Goliath in the Old Testament and of course quite naturally Jesus against the establishment in the New Testament. There is the famous modern-day example such as our own Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who was initially a resistant participant in heeding calls to leadership in the Civil Rights movement. However, each gave in to the 'inner call' of self realization of purpose and the 'outer call' of self confirmation of the people. I like to refer to this 'inner/outer call' as the 'clarion call' to leadership, which then in turn morphs into leadership with hope, which is a movement, when it is now greater than the leader.
Obedience to the 'clarion call' of circumstances, even in our own lives. has forced us individually to get up, face our circumstances and do something constructive about them. History has a way of making us who we become. As a nation, we stand on the brink of the balance of quintessential change. This race is already historic if for no other reasons than race and gender. Can you believe it, there is no 'white middle aged man' as contender for nonimee of the Democratic party for President of the United States. I asked my father, if he ever thought he would have seen this in his lifetime and he had to admit, no. It is an exciting time to be alive.
As I participated in an Obama conference call for the ObamaTexas onslaught of the campaign on last night, the air of excitement, momentum and expectancy was electric. The commraderie between people who normally would choose sides was amazing. The efficency and efficacy of the Obama leadership in explaining the processes, and the processes themselves, was astounding. The plan is solid. The people are sure. The purpose is clear and the pursuit is relentless. I am excited to be privileged to see the winds of history blow as agents of change in a world, nation and mindset that so desperately needs it. We have been held hostage by a simple mind in the presidents seat, a greedy mind in the vice-presidents seat and limp, lame, yes-men and women in cabinet seats for far too long. It is time for a change.
Regardless of the outcome, what Senator Obama has managed to awaken in the hearts and minds of many Americans, and dare I say around the world, is of the ultimate value. That is, no circumstance can chain your calling and no situation can saddle your dreams, if you have the 'audacity to hope!' I must return to the now infamous quote of the other famous Black man who ran for the Presidency in 1984, pf whom Obama himself said, "It is because people like Jesse ran that I have this opportunity to run for President today," Jesse Jackson, founder of Operation Push whose refrain is heard ubiquitously today, "Keep hope alive!"
First comes hope, then comes help, then comes healing. Our country is in desperate need of healing and Senatro Barack Obama may just be the prescription this nation needs.
I encourage everyone, regardless of your choice, to become an active participant in this election process and vote. Yes, you've heard it to many times before but it is true, especially in this tightly contested race, you're vote counts. Your vote is needed so that we do not experience another 4 to 8 years of a presidency without a cerebral cortex attached to the brain.
This blog is not an advocacay of who I am voting for, but it is a brief expose on my hearts happiness to see a nation electrified, history in the making and change inevitable. Hopefully, this is not only a run for the history books but also a run for the future articles to be written in the lives of Americans.
See ya' at the polls!
AGAPE,
Pastor P
Making It Great In '08!
Senator Barack Obama has excited within the soul of the nation a spark that is becoming a wildfire of hope! The audacity of a mixed-raced, Harvard educated, United States Junior Senator, whose mom died of cancer to run for the Presidency of the United States and whip-up on the presumed self entitled and super entrenched nominee-to-be, is simply exciting.
With all due respect, in times past, the 'black man's' run for the Oval Office was a sitcom at best, a run with a story-line but ultimately nothing more than a 'laugh track.' However, it did plant the seeds and set the stage and state for what has been a long time coming and is long overdue. What makes Obama's run plausible and legitimate, is that he is the right candidate in the right climate of a nation primed and desperate, ripe for change.
Throughout the Word of God and modern day history, circumstances ushered the most unlikely into positions of honored liberators and revered deliverers. As a matter of fact, the people we respect the most in history never sought platforms or positions for personal gain or individual accomplishment, but were urged, even ushered by the circumstances that tornadoed around them and propelled them into the history books. Kate Zernike says in her New York Times article, 'The Charisma Mandate', that "It is in these special moments that true leaders emerge at a time of crisis or national yearning." There are Biblical examples like Moses, against the demoralizing enslavement of an Egyptian Pharoh and David against the Philistines and the leader of its insepid armym, Goliath in the Old Testament and of course quite naturally Jesus against the establishment in the New Testament. There is the famous modern-day example such as our own Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who was initially a resistant participant in heeding calls to leadership in the Civil Rights movement. However, each gave in to the 'inner call' of self realization of purpose and the 'outer call' of self confirmation of the people. I like to refer to this 'inner/outer call' as the 'clarion call' to leadership, which then in turn morphs into leadership with hope, which is a movement, when it is now greater than the leader.
Obedience to the 'clarion call' of circumstances, even in our own lives. has forced us individually to get up, face our circumstances and do something constructive about them. History has a way of making us who we become. As a nation, we stand on the brink of the balance of quintessential change. This race is already historic if for no other reasons than race and gender. Can you believe it, there is no 'white middle aged man' as contender for nonimee of the Democratic party for President of the United States. I asked my father, if he ever thought he would have seen this in his lifetime and he had to admit, no. It is an exciting time to be alive.
As I participated in an Obama conference call for the ObamaTexas onslaught of the campaign on last night, the air of excitement, momentum and expectancy was electric. The commraderie between people who normally would choose sides was amazing. The efficency and efficacy of the Obama leadership in explaining the processes, and the processes themselves, was astounding. The plan is solid. The people are sure. The purpose is clear and the pursuit is relentless. I am excited to be privileged to see the winds of history blow as agents of change in a world, nation and mindset that so desperately needs it. We have been held hostage by a simple mind in the presidents seat, a greedy mind in the vice-presidents seat and limp, lame, yes-men and women in cabinet seats for far too long. It is time for a change.
Regardless of the outcome, what Senator Obama has managed to awaken in the hearts and minds of many Americans, and dare I say around the world, is of the ultimate value. That is, no circumstance can chain your calling and no situation can saddle your dreams, if you have the 'audacity to hope!' I must return to the now infamous quote of the other famous Black man who ran for the Presidency in 1984, pf whom Obama himself said, "It is because people like Jesse ran that I have this opportunity to run for President today," Jesse Jackson, founder of Operation Push whose refrain is heard ubiquitously today, "Keep hope alive!"
First comes hope, then comes help, then comes healing. Our country is in desperate need of healing and Senatro Barack Obama may just be the prescription this nation needs.
I encourage everyone, regardless of your choice, to become an active participant in this election process and vote. Yes, you've heard it to many times before but it is true, especially in this tightly contested race, you're vote counts. Your vote is needed so that we do not experience another 4 to 8 years of a presidency without a cerebral cortex attached to the brain.
This blog is not an advocacay of who I am voting for, but it is a brief expose on my hearts happiness to see a nation electrified, history in the making and change inevitable. Hopefully, this is not only a run for the history books but also a run for the future articles to be written in the lives of Americans.
See ya' at the polls!
AGAPE,
Pastor P
Making It Great In '08!
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Valentine's Day '08
Well, I did promise this blog would be a transparent, open and honest exposition of my life... a naked rendition of the truth of how things really happen and how life goes down. My goal is to help encourage somebody along the way to understand that we all go through 'rough patches' but we are protected and provided for by the grace of God.
None of us 'goes thru' alone, and none of us are unique in our circumstances, yet we are all survivors. My intent is give you hope, in which you can find help and ultimately healing. I debated and bartered with the truth to let me leave this alone but in order to work thru my own imperfections, as well as to assuage the hurt of recent events in my life, I must share the truth. Not for the innate TMZ.com-ness in us, but for the cathartic effects telling the truth gives to the spirit, for the Word says, the truth shall set you free.
Here I am on Valentine's afternoon, no date, no flowers, no gifts, on the couch, watching 'Matched In Manhattan' on the Lifetime channel, all by myself and I'm enjoying it! HELP! Somebody call ESPN for me, I need an ALL DAY NFL PASS! Now, normally, this would not be a problem for I treasure my 'me time.' I give so much of my time to others, that pure and extended 'me time' is invaluable to me. I love it and I look forward to it. There is something about the solace of being able to be by yourself and being cool and at peace with it. To be alone with your thoughts and feelings without distractions or interruptions is sometimes a daunting thing, but most times a grounding thing. Sadly, most of us do not like being alone with ourselves, because deep down inside we do not like ourselves. Hence, we always have to have something 'on', the radio, the television, a DVD, CD or even now adays it's the computer. Email has replaced entering into the presence of God. MySpace has replaced 'HisSpace' and Facebook has replaced 'Facetime' with ourselves and with God. We always have to be 'somewhere' where there is something going on to keep our minds off of ourselves. We always have to be with 'somebody' because we can't stand to sit in silence and face ourselves. There is never any literal, quality 'quiet time' spent with ourselves or even our God. I enjoy being alone. However, this time is different for me because I would not be alone in this particular instance were it my choice. But, I have come to understand that much like a patient undergoing an operation, only the one's central, primary and necessary to a successful operation are allowed into the operating room. The less people inside the 'OR' the better. Our lives are the same, when God gets ready to operate on you and in your life, He reduces the number of people to only those necessarily needed to get the job done. He starts to take people away and allow people to leave in order to have a successful operation. Interestingly enough, even family members are sometimes barred from the 'OR', but can sometimes watch from the viewing room. Meaning, they can see what is happening in your life, but they can do nothing about it!
Since the new year.... I've had an old friend, a trusted church member and an intimate friend turn on me...Well, being a 'pop' psychologist and somewhat of a perfectionist (that's one of my pissues! -personal issues), I have been taught well to EMPATHIZE and place myself in the position of others. Feel what they feel, see what they see and conclude from it... I was taught, if you are the common denominator, it just might be you who is the genesis for the problem. So i did. I critiqued myself. I criticized myself. I had others critique and criticize me. I came to the conclusion that sometimes we are the victims, while most times we are part victimizers while being victimized. Whatever the reason, I cannot deny the pain these actions and events have caused in my heart and spirit. A deep burning pain. A haunting pain. The kind of pain that keeps you up at night and consumes your mind during the day. A bewildering pain that keeps you hunting for a reason for the happenings. This is what the enemy wants to create in our minds, hearts and spirits, a distraction from the love and grace of God in our lives. But the Word says, that Jesus Christ said He will keep our minds in perfect peace if we keep our minds focused and stayed on Him.
What is most painful to me is that how we can hurt the most by the ones we love, trust and invest in the most. Those with whom we are most open have the greatest capacity to do us harm. However, we cannot fully experience life behind closed doors, walls and fences. To put it simply, vulnerability breeds intimacy and intimacy breeds vulnerability.
Since the new year, I have been ...used, betrayed and abandoned, in the worst way, from the people I deemed closest to me. Now, I can readily admit, that I believe in the seed time and harvest principle. Whatever we 'sow', in time, we will 'harvest'. The world says it like this, what goes around comes around. The boomerang effect! (note: the cinematic classic 'Boomerang' should be in your DVD collection! classic Eddie Murphy!) Hence, I've had to honestly ask myself, during this season, have I ever covered someone else with the actions I am experiencing from others today. Of course, now all of us can find reasons for what currently befalls us, but with intentionality, I honestly cannot. Yes, I have faults, a whole lot of them, but to intentionally do harm is not my makeup.
I have been used and thereby others in relationship to me have been used as a result, and this in the worst way. I find it very difficult to deal with when hurting me, you hurt others whom I care about. I can handle myself, but don't mess with those around me! I wish I could explain to the extent, but to protect the guilty parties involved, the situation will have to remain general and nameless. Howbeit, it is a dangerous thing to mess with the children of God, especially when you know better. Even the Word says, touch not my anointed and do them no harm. Like Satan in Heaven, wanting to ascend himself to a level above God and recieve all the glory. A purely selfish nature, is a life that is doomed for failure. The Word teaches us that God will not share His glory! It was all about them.
I have been betrayed. All after personally sacrificing, believing in and befriending them by supporting them in their efforts. Like Judas, money was more important than the relationship and maturing process of the soul. In the end, it was too late for Judas for he hung himself in guilt. However, it is never too late for us to turn from ourselves and turn to God. The genius of Christianity is that we can start where we are and Christ will receive us, just as we are.
I have been abandoned by whom I believed would be there, by choice, regardless. Like Peter who said, I will be with you to the end and never deny you, but the end came, the denial happened and they went on their way. The good news in God is that while we denied and walked away from Him, He never denied and walked away from us! Thank the Lord! And the place we will find Him, is the place right where we left Him!
Ultimately, I have learned, beyond my initial shock, anger and now deep hurt (u can see I’m going thru the 'process'), that we can only ultimately depend on and trust in God. Yes, in this life, we will be used in disrespectful ways, betrayed in selfish ways and abandoned in guiltless ways, but it is apart of living life and learning to love. Jesus said it best Himself, "if they will do these things to a green tree, what more will they do to a dry tree?" Meaning, if they will do these things to me, Jesus the Christ, what more will be done to you, man and woman? Jesus was used, betrayed and abandoned. As a matter of fact, Jesus was crucified! Therefore, it is to be expected in our lives. He is our example, not only in how "to" treat others, but also in how we will be treated.
Without learning to love, I would immediately fall into the ...revenge, blame and depressed states of being hurt. However, I am learning to love more, in a most agape way. Agape love is a God-kind of love. It is love without the thought of reciprocity. It is love unconditional. Agape love is giving others what they need most when they deserve it the least! In that, I am learning to turn the other cheek, consistently, not just when it benefits me in the end. I am learning to give more than what has been given, beyond the urge to cut the flow trying to show somebody that I am upset with them. I am learning to pray for those that use me on purpose. I am learning to do good to those who hate me! Haters beware! I am learning to bless those who curse me, without a heart of malice or revenge.However, the pain of trusting and being taken advantage of still looms large in my spirit. But now, instead of wallowing in it and seeking revenge for it, it is now replaced with the love of God in me and for them. I know God loves me and I know that I love Him and I have Godly love for each of them who have used me, betrayed me and abandoned me. It is a pure, non-expectant love. He has done so much for me, that if He never does anything else, He has done more than enough. I know that all things work together for the good of them who love Him... and I do. I love God with all my heart, mind and soul. I love you Lord, for you first loved me and you continue to love me, knowing me through and through. Because of His love for me, I have learned to love the unlovable. John 13:35 says "By this shall men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one for another."
As a result of all of this in the first two months of this year, I am learning the gift of 'release'. Release in two ways. Release to those who choose and want out and release by choice of the things and people that may hold me back in my relationship with Christ. I have learned to release those who want 'to go.' For to keep them, will only result in false love and loyalty. You cannot force someone to be or do what is not in their heart to be or do, but you can free them. The old people used to say, if you love someone, set them free. If they come back to you, it was meant to be and if not, God has something better in store for you. Here is something I learned in my readings of the New Testament, Jesus never begged anyone to stay, who made a choice to leave... but if they made the 'choice' to come back, He, like the prodigal's father, received them with open arms as if nothing happened and poured into them His love! We should emulate the same, and receive unconditionally those who 'choose' to return. This is my heart and my peace because somebody in my life, received me unconditionally and continues to pour the love of Christ into my life and for that I am grateful.
The old me used to hold on to things for eternity. This in turn put me in a prison of my own construction, without 'furlough'. Actually, I relegated myself to 'solitary confinement'. Now, I have been released! My self-sentencing has been commuted! When I free others to be who they are, I free me to be who I am and all God wants me to be. I free things to be as they should be and I free things to come to me. Things like real love, pure joy and lasting peace. Things like inner patience and unqualified understanding. Things that matter most in this life.
Monday night, I sat in an office with a group of others along with the person who used me and encouraged them in their spirit, to their face, eye to eye. I have not seen nor heard from the person who betrayed me, but I have prayed for their blessing and prosperity daily since the last time I heard from them. The person who abandoned me has not returned, but I have tried to empathize in order to understand and I have prayed for their maturation, blessing and prosperity daily as well.
Some lessons in life are like pop-quizzes, easily and quickly taken, while other lessons in life are like mid-terms and final exams which take time and effort to complete. I am through the 'multiple choice' section of my mid-term exam and now I’m taking the 'essay' part. I am now 'writing it out' in my own life in my response to them particularly and my in my continued relationship with Christ singularly. He alone will never use you, betray you nor leave you. I have confidence in my relationship with Him because he never changes. He is the same dependable, forgiving and loving God He was yesterday, as He is I need Him to be today and depend on Him to be tomorrow. Thank you for showing me, me! Thank you for allowing me the opportunity for growth and to grow through my own personal painful experiences. Thank you for being there with me, when I felt all alone, despite having others around me. Thank you for forgiving me of my sins, cleansing me of all unrighteousness and giving me another chance and a fresh start, all without holding it against me. Thank you for continuing to bless me throughout the process. Thank you for the destiny you have in store just for going through in the first place. Thank you for my past, my present and for my future!
Use me Lord, to be a blessing to someone else, so that my living and experiences would not have been in vain.
I am thankful for love.
What a mighty God we serve!
Agape,
Pastor P
Making It Great In '08!
None of us 'goes thru' alone, and none of us are unique in our circumstances, yet we are all survivors. My intent is give you hope, in which you can find help and ultimately healing. I debated and bartered with the truth to let me leave this alone but in order to work thru my own imperfections, as well as to assuage the hurt of recent events in my life, I must share the truth. Not for the innate TMZ.com-ness in us, but for the cathartic effects telling the truth gives to the spirit, for the Word says, the truth shall set you free.
Here I am on Valentine's afternoon, no date, no flowers, no gifts, on the couch, watching 'Matched In Manhattan' on the Lifetime channel, all by myself and I'm enjoying it! HELP! Somebody call ESPN for me, I need an ALL DAY NFL PASS! Now, normally, this would not be a problem for I treasure my 'me time.' I give so much of my time to others, that pure and extended 'me time' is invaluable to me. I love it and I look forward to it. There is something about the solace of being able to be by yourself and being cool and at peace with it. To be alone with your thoughts and feelings without distractions or interruptions is sometimes a daunting thing, but most times a grounding thing. Sadly, most of us do not like being alone with ourselves, because deep down inside we do not like ourselves. Hence, we always have to have something 'on', the radio, the television, a DVD, CD or even now adays it's the computer. Email has replaced entering into the presence of God. MySpace has replaced 'HisSpace' and Facebook has replaced 'Facetime' with ourselves and with God. We always have to be 'somewhere' where there is something going on to keep our minds off of ourselves. We always have to be with 'somebody' because we can't stand to sit in silence and face ourselves. There is never any literal, quality 'quiet time' spent with ourselves or even our God. I enjoy being alone. However, this time is different for me because I would not be alone in this particular instance were it my choice. But, I have come to understand that much like a patient undergoing an operation, only the one's central, primary and necessary to a successful operation are allowed into the operating room. The less people inside the 'OR' the better. Our lives are the same, when God gets ready to operate on you and in your life, He reduces the number of people to only those necessarily needed to get the job done. He starts to take people away and allow people to leave in order to have a successful operation. Interestingly enough, even family members are sometimes barred from the 'OR', but can sometimes watch from the viewing room. Meaning, they can see what is happening in your life, but they can do nothing about it!
Since the new year.... I've had an old friend, a trusted church member and an intimate friend turn on me...Well, being a 'pop' psychologist and somewhat of a perfectionist (that's one of my pissues! -personal issues), I have been taught well to EMPATHIZE and place myself in the position of others. Feel what they feel, see what they see and conclude from it... I was taught, if you are the common denominator, it just might be you who is the genesis for the problem. So i did. I critiqued myself. I criticized myself. I had others critique and criticize me. I came to the conclusion that sometimes we are the victims, while most times we are part victimizers while being victimized. Whatever the reason, I cannot deny the pain these actions and events have caused in my heart and spirit. A deep burning pain. A haunting pain. The kind of pain that keeps you up at night and consumes your mind during the day. A bewildering pain that keeps you hunting for a reason for the happenings. This is what the enemy wants to create in our minds, hearts and spirits, a distraction from the love and grace of God in our lives. But the Word says, that Jesus Christ said He will keep our minds in perfect peace if we keep our minds focused and stayed on Him.
What is most painful to me is that how we can hurt the most by the ones we love, trust and invest in the most. Those with whom we are most open have the greatest capacity to do us harm. However, we cannot fully experience life behind closed doors, walls and fences. To put it simply, vulnerability breeds intimacy and intimacy breeds vulnerability.
Since the new year, I have been ...used, betrayed and abandoned, in the worst way, from the people I deemed closest to me. Now, I can readily admit, that I believe in the seed time and harvest principle. Whatever we 'sow', in time, we will 'harvest'. The world says it like this, what goes around comes around. The boomerang effect! (note: the cinematic classic 'Boomerang' should be in your DVD collection! classic Eddie Murphy!) Hence, I've had to honestly ask myself, during this season, have I ever covered someone else with the actions I am experiencing from others today. Of course, now all of us can find reasons for what currently befalls us, but with intentionality, I honestly cannot. Yes, I have faults, a whole lot of them, but to intentionally do harm is not my makeup.
I have been used and thereby others in relationship to me have been used as a result, and this in the worst way. I find it very difficult to deal with when hurting me, you hurt others whom I care about. I can handle myself, but don't mess with those around me! I wish I could explain to the extent, but to protect the guilty parties involved, the situation will have to remain general and nameless. Howbeit, it is a dangerous thing to mess with the children of God, especially when you know better. Even the Word says, touch not my anointed and do them no harm. Like Satan in Heaven, wanting to ascend himself to a level above God and recieve all the glory. A purely selfish nature, is a life that is doomed for failure. The Word teaches us that God will not share His glory! It was all about them.
I have been betrayed. All after personally sacrificing, believing in and befriending them by supporting them in their efforts. Like Judas, money was more important than the relationship and maturing process of the soul. In the end, it was too late for Judas for he hung himself in guilt. However, it is never too late for us to turn from ourselves and turn to God. The genius of Christianity is that we can start where we are and Christ will receive us, just as we are.
I have been abandoned by whom I believed would be there, by choice, regardless. Like Peter who said, I will be with you to the end and never deny you, but the end came, the denial happened and they went on their way. The good news in God is that while we denied and walked away from Him, He never denied and walked away from us! Thank the Lord! And the place we will find Him, is the place right where we left Him!
Ultimately, I have learned, beyond my initial shock, anger and now deep hurt (u can see I’m going thru the 'process'), that we can only ultimately depend on and trust in God. Yes, in this life, we will be used in disrespectful ways, betrayed in selfish ways and abandoned in guiltless ways, but it is apart of living life and learning to love. Jesus said it best Himself, "if they will do these things to a green tree, what more will they do to a dry tree?" Meaning, if they will do these things to me, Jesus the Christ, what more will be done to you, man and woman? Jesus was used, betrayed and abandoned. As a matter of fact, Jesus was crucified! Therefore, it is to be expected in our lives. He is our example, not only in how "to" treat others, but also in how we will be treated.
Without learning to love, I would immediately fall into the ...revenge, blame and depressed states of being hurt. However, I am learning to love more, in a most agape way. Agape love is a God-kind of love. It is love without the thought of reciprocity. It is love unconditional. Agape love is giving others what they need most when they deserve it the least! In that, I am learning to turn the other cheek, consistently, not just when it benefits me in the end. I am learning to give more than what has been given, beyond the urge to cut the flow trying to show somebody that I am upset with them. I am learning to pray for those that use me on purpose. I am learning to do good to those who hate me! Haters beware! I am learning to bless those who curse me, without a heart of malice or revenge.However, the pain of trusting and being taken advantage of still looms large in my spirit. But now, instead of wallowing in it and seeking revenge for it, it is now replaced with the love of God in me and for them. I know God loves me and I know that I love Him and I have Godly love for each of them who have used me, betrayed me and abandoned me. It is a pure, non-expectant love. He has done so much for me, that if He never does anything else, He has done more than enough. I know that all things work together for the good of them who love Him... and I do. I love God with all my heart, mind and soul. I love you Lord, for you first loved me and you continue to love me, knowing me through and through. Because of His love for me, I have learned to love the unlovable. John 13:35 says "By this shall men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one for another."
As a result of all of this in the first two months of this year, I am learning the gift of 'release'. Release in two ways. Release to those who choose and want out and release by choice of the things and people that may hold me back in my relationship with Christ. I have learned to release those who want 'to go.' For to keep them, will only result in false love and loyalty. You cannot force someone to be or do what is not in their heart to be or do, but you can free them. The old people used to say, if you love someone, set them free. If they come back to you, it was meant to be and if not, God has something better in store for you. Here is something I learned in my readings of the New Testament, Jesus never begged anyone to stay, who made a choice to leave... but if they made the 'choice' to come back, He, like the prodigal's father, received them with open arms as if nothing happened and poured into them His love! We should emulate the same, and receive unconditionally those who 'choose' to return. This is my heart and my peace because somebody in my life, received me unconditionally and continues to pour the love of Christ into my life and for that I am grateful.
The old me used to hold on to things for eternity. This in turn put me in a prison of my own construction, without 'furlough'. Actually, I relegated myself to 'solitary confinement'. Now, I have been released! My self-sentencing has been commuted! When I free others to be who they are, I free me to be who I am and all God wants me to be. I free things to be as they should be and I free things to come to me. Things like real love, pure joy and lasting peace. Things like inner patience and unqualified understanding. Things that matter most in this life.
Monday night, I sat in an office with a group of others along with the person who used me and encouraged them in their spirit, to their face, eye to eye. I have not seen nor heard from the person who betrayed me, but I have prayed for their blessing and prosperity daily since the last time I heard from them. The person who abandoned me has not returned, but I have tried to empathize in order to understand and I have prayed for their maturation, blessing and prosperity daily as well.
Some lessons in life are like pop-quizzes, easily and quickly taken, while other lessons in life are like mid-terms and final exams which take time and effort to complete. I am through the 'multiple choice' section of my mid-term exam and now I’m taking the 'essay' part. I am now 'writing it out' in my own life in my response to them particularly and my in my continued relationship with Christ singularly. He alone will never use you, betray you nor leave you. I have confidence in my relationship with Him because he never changes. He is the same dependable, forgiving and loving God He was yesterday, as He is I need Him to be today and depend on Him to be tomorrow. Thank you for showing me, me! Thank you for allowing me the opportunity for growth and to grow through my own personal painful experiences. Thank you for being there with me, when I felt all alone, despite having others around me. Thank you for forgiving me of my sins, cleansing me of all unrighteousness and giving me another chance and a fresh start, all without holding it against me. Thank you for continuing to bless me throughout the process. Thank you for the destiny you have in store just for going through in the first place. Thank you for my past, my present and for my future!
Use me Lord, to be a blessing to someone else, so that my living and experiences would not have been in vain.
I am thankful for love.
What a mighty God we serve!
Agape,
Pastor P
Making It Great In '08!
Saturday, February 9, 2008
First Sunday @ ANFC
This past Sunday I had the privilege of preaching in Garland, Texas at All Nations Fellowship Church pastored by Rev. Robert Canady, III.
Pastor Canady is a friend and brother and fellow church planter. We became friends at Friendship West Baptist Church, where Pastor Canaday was then Mininstry Leader of Operation BLAAC, FWBC's Men's Ministry. Operation BLAAC became an influence and force in the community under his leadership. As a result, Pastor Canady was eventually elevated to Pastor of Pastoral Care where his gifts and talents made room for him. God then placed on his heart to plant a church in the North East section of the Dallas-Ft Worth Metroplex. Well, that was five years ago, and the Lord has blessed. Now in a building of their own, two services and a vision for the future, ANFC is on the move and "Reaching New Heights In Chritst!"
Thank you Pastor Canady for being a friend in Christ. The service was awesomely anointed! The atmosphere was electric! It is easy to preach at All Nations. I felt a special anointing on Sunday. I am learning more and more that pain processes the anointing. We must be crushed, like the olive, before the oil can freely flow and we can be used by God to our greatest ability! Even in your own life, when you are going thru and experiencing the hurt and pain of life, it is preparation for the next level in life. PAIN IS PREPARATION FOR THE PROMISE! We all know the familiar phrase, no pain, no gain! Let God do His work in your life for He is either trying to do one of two things, remove something in you that should not be there or getting ready to put something in you that should be there! Either way, it's a blessing!
It was both a blessing and cathartic for me preaching this past Sunday at ANFC, First Sunday at that. I am grateful for the opportunity to preach and to take communion, asking God for forgiveness of my sins and shortcomings, accepting and recieving another chance and the remembering in honor and respect what His Son Jesus Christ accomplished on the cross of Calvary for me, and us.
This is a testing and proving season in my life, in preparation for the next level and and I am grateful for every moment. However painful it may be, I understand the process for pain always comes before promotion and production. He has taken some people out of my life, a few with me kicking and screaming trying to hold on, and others freely and at the same time He has added others whom I would have never met had it not been for true friendship relationships. I am thanking God daily as I mature for the gift of relationship. We honor God, we express God and we see God on earth thru relationship. There is nothing more important in life, other than sharing Christ and saving souls, than our relationship with others.
Treauser your intimate relationships, honor your familial relationship, respect your friendly relationships and be open to relationships in the future. For God knows, as my Pastor, Dr. Frederick D. Haynes, III, says, what you need, when you need it, how you need it and JUST WHO TO SEND WHERE WITH WHAT for your need and He is going to do it thru relationship!
When relationships begin they are exciting and motivating. As relationships mature, they are testing and maturing of ourselves as it relates to others and ourselves. When relationships end, it is most times painful and difficult to process and can either stunt us or propel us to the next season. However, all things work together for the good of them who love the Lord AND are called according to His purpose....don't forget 'that' part of the verse as well. In the end, it is always a moment of growth with the possiblity to mature in Christ.
Hence, I thank God for those whom He brings into my life and for those whom He removes. I pray and hope that my reason for being in their lives is and was accomplished accordingly. I thank God for family, friends (on all levels), and those who just come and go along the way. For no interaction is by accident in the grand scheme of things. It's all in the plan!
First Sundays, always remind me of that. How one that came to be a blessing ended up being crucified by the very ones He came to bless. We are commanded to love, even when we are not loved in reciprocity, and even flat out rejected... keep loving!
For love is the greatest commandment and the greatest expression!
It's all about the LOVE!
AGAPE!
Pastor P
Making It Great In '08!
Pastor Canady is a friend and brother and fellow church planter. We became friends at Friendship West Baptist Church, where Pastor Canaday was then Mininstry Leader of Operation BLAAC, FWBC's Men's Ministry. Operation BLAAC became an influence and force in the community under his leadership. As a result, Pastor Canady was eventually elevated to Pastor of Pastoral Care where his gifts and talents made room for him. God then placed on his heart to plant a church in the North East section of the Dallas-Ft Worth Metroplex. Well, that was five years ago, and the Lord has blessed. Now in a building of their own, two services and a vision for the future, ANFC is on the move and "Reaching New Heights In Chritst!"
Thank you Pastor Canady for being a friend in Christ. The service was awesomely anointed! The atmosphere was electric! It is easy to preach at All Nations. I felt a special anointing on Sunday. I am learning more and more that pain processes the anointing. We must be crushed, like the olive, before the oil can freely flow and we can be used by God to our greatest ability! Even in your own life, when you are going thru and experiencing the hurt and pain of life, it is preparation for the next level in life. PAIN IS PREPARATION FOR THE PROMISE! We all know the familiar phrase, no pain, no gain! Let God do His work in your life for He is either trying to do one of two things, remove something in you that should not be there or getting ready to put something in you that should be there! Either way, it's a blessing!
It was both a blessing and cathartic for me preaching this past Sunday at ANFC, First Sunday at that. I am grateful for the opportunity to preach and to take communion, asking God for forgiveness of my sins and shortcomings, accepting and recieving another chance and the remembering in honor and respect what His Son Jesus Christ accomplished on the cross of Calvary for me, and us.
This is a testing and proving season in my life, in preparation for the next level and and I am grateful for every moment. However painful it may be, I understand the process for pain always comes before promotion and production. He has taken some people out of my life, a few with me kicking and screaming trying to hold on, and others freely and at the same time He has added others whom I would have never met had it not been for true friendship relationships. I am thanking God daily as I mature for the gift of relationship. We honor God, we express God and we see God on earth thru relationship. There is nothing more important in life, other than sharing Christ and saving souls, than our relationship with others.
Treauser your intimate relationships, honor your familial relationship, respect your friendly relationships and be open to relationships in the future. For God knows, as my Pastor, Dr. Frederick D. Haynes, III, says, what you need, when you need it, how you need it and JUST WHO TO SEND WHERE WITH WHAT for your need and He is going to do it thru relationship!
When relationships begin they are exciting and motivating. As relationships mature, they are testing and maturing of ourselves as it relates to others and ourselves. When relationships end, it is most times painful and difficult to process and can either stunt us or propel us to the next season. However, all things work together for the good of them who love the Lord AND are called according to His purpose....don't forget 'that' part of the verse as well. In the end, it is always a moment of growth with the possiblity to mature in Christ.
Hence, I thank God for those whom He brings into my life and for those whom He removes. I pray and hope that my reason for being in their lives is and was accomplished accordingly. I thank God for family, friends (on all levels), and those who just come and go along the way. For no interaction is by accident in the grand scheme of things. It's all in the plan!
First Sundays, always remind me of that. How one that came to be a blessing ended up being crucified by the very ones He came to bless. We are commanded to love, even when we are not loved in reciprocity, and even flat out rejected... keep loving!
For love is the greatest commandment and the greatest expression!
It's all about the LOVE!
AGAPE!
Pastor P
Making It Great In '08!
Dinner & Dialogue @ Texas Caribbean Foods
This past King Holiday was an eventful day to say the least. It began early with a breakfast gathering of Morehouse College brothers. This gathering of 'Men of the Mystique' is always an empowering and gratifying experience. This was a gathering of young and old whom had matriculated and graduated from 'The House.' I can truly say, beyond any other organization, that Morehouse men have an indescribable bond of brotherhood, wherein, whether it is years later or continents apart, it is like you are transported right back to your days 'on the yard' whenever you see another true Morehouse brother. It is genuine brotherhood.
Second on the agenda was the African-American Pastor's Coalitions, of which I am apart, Martin Luther King, Jr., Celebration Service. This an annual event, that is very well attended and covered each year by the local news organizations and their cameras, because there is always the true possibility that something will be said or done by someone that will 'light up' the community and make the evening news sound bites. In addition, the service moves each year to a church of one of the member Pastors so that there is always a 'fresh' environment of excitement and electricity among the members, visitors and atmosphere. This year the service was held at the Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church off of Washington and Ross Avenues near Cityplace, where the Rev. Curtis W. Wallace is the Senior Pastor.
This years guest was one of my personal favorite preachers from Chicago, Illinois, Pastor Stephen J. Thurston of the New Covenant Missionary Baptist Church. Pastor Thurston holds the distinction of being the youngest President of the National Baptist Convention of America, Inc. I am thankful to Pastor Thurston as he has been a friend to me since I began my ministry, he has opened his pulpit to me as I have preached there on a number of occasions and I admire his approach to the preaching art and moment. We, a group of young preachers, once asked him at a convention, why do you preach so hard? His response was, God has been so good to me, I never know when it will be my last time, so I preach every time like it is my last time. Wow. That statement has sunk into and stuck with me over the years and I have taken that approach as my own, because God has been just that good to me, and more.
The last event of the day was a Dinner & Dialogue invitation only gathering at Texas Caribbean Foods at the ever popular South Side On Lamar. Ms. Jan Gore is the proprietor and cook extraordinaire of this establishment. I must say before going any further, the food is 'off the chain!' Hence, one of the reasons for my current diet, for all the weight I have gained eating here. From the jerk chicken wings and rice to the Jamaican meat and vegetable patties to her personal Island Iced Tea to the slammin banana pudding and key lime pie desserts, this is a treat you don't want to miss out on. Come by South Side On Lamar to experience the total flavor of Texas Caribbean Foods, ask for Jan and tell her I sent you!
What made this night special, was the gathering of distinct individuals and characters from all walks of life, status and race. This, mixed with the intent to provide a means of dialogue about the meaning of the message of and the man Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., was ingenious and possibly explosive. The night was one of learning, sharing and exposing the sometimes limited views and colored perceptions we have of each other because of our own life experiences and even cultural upbringings. At my table were two whites and three blacks, among them were Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Dwaine Caraway. Needless to say, our table was the most lively of the night. I have much respect for the way this man's mind works, the burden he carries for our people and the tireless work he invests to uplift them. I also had the privilege to meet at our table a banker, a developer and the founder of the original 'Dining Table' concept held here in Dallas every year. This is where a cornucopia of cultures gather to discuss meaningful ideas and exchange life experiences while sharing over food. Even since Biblical days, the 'table' has always been a place of gathering and sharing. Not only where one's physical self fed, but also one's spirit and mind were nourished. Even now, in most cultures, most significant gatherings take place, 'around the table.'
What a night this was. I was challenged to examine some of my own beliefs and belief systems. I was forced to see myself as others see me and no just how I see myself. I was pushed to move beyond the personal perimeter of my comfort zone to relate and receive the personal experiences of others and how it affected their lives and their interactions and most times misconceptions of others, including me. I left enlightened, educated and encouraged. I left with three new friends. I also left with the clear understanding that although we are uniquely different and most times highly opinionated, we are more alike than our differences.
I will be a consistent participant in future Dining Tables and in Jan Gore's Dinner & Dialogue's. The experience was enriching and needless to say, very, very tasty! If not for the awesome people whom I met that night, to the friendships created, the food alone is worth it.Check out www.texascaribbeanfood.com, look Ms. Jan Gore up, and go get a taste of the Caribbean right here in the southern state of Texas! You'll love it 'Mon!'
Agape,'
Pastor P
Making It Great In '08!
Second on the agenda was the African-American Pastor's Coalitions, of which I am apart, Martin Luther King, Jr., Celebration Service. This an annual event, that is very well attended and covered each year by the local news organizations and their cameras, because there is always the true possibility that something will be said or done by someone that will 'light up' the community and make the evening news sound bites. In addition, the service moves each year to a church of one of the member Pastors so that there is always a 'fresh' environment of excitement and electricity among the members, visitors and atmosphere. This year the service was held at the Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church off of Washington and Ross Avenues near Cityplace, where the Rev. Curtis W. Wallace is the Senior Pastor.
This years guest was one of my personal favorite preachers from Chicago, Illinois, Pastor Stephen J. Thurston of the New Covenant Missionary Baptist Church. Pastor Thurston holds the distinction of being the youngest President of the National Baptist Convention of America, Inc. I am thankful to Pastor Thurston as he has been a friend to me since I began my ministry, he has opened his pulpit to me as I have preached there on a number of occasions and I admire his approach to the preaching art and moment. We, a group of young preachers, once asked him at a convention, why do you preach so hard? His response was, God has been so good to me, I never know when it will be my last time, so I preach every time like it is my last time. Wow. That statement has sunk into and stuck with me over the years and I have taken that approach as my own, because God has been just that good to me, and more.The last event of the day was a Dinner & Dialogue invitation only gathering at Texas Caribbean Foods at the ever popular South Side On Lamar. Ms. Jan Gore is the proprietor and cook extraordinaire of this establishment. I must say before going any further, the food is 'off the chain!' Hence, one of the reasons for my current diet, for all the weight I have gained eating here. From the jerk chicken wings and rice to the Jamaican meat and vegetable patties to her personal Island Iced Tea to the slammin banana pudding and key lime pie desserts, this is a treat you don't want to miss out on. Come by South Side On Lamar to experience the total flavor of Texas Caribbean Foods, ask for Jan and tell her I sent you!
What made this night special, was the gathering of distinct individuals and characters from all walks of life, status and race. This, mixed with the intent to provide a means of dialogue about the meaning of the message of and the man Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., was ingenious and possibly explosive. The night was one of learning, sharing and exposing the sometimes limited views and colored perceptions we have of each other because of our own life experiences and even cultural upbringings. At my table were two whites and three blacks, among them were Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Dwaine Caraway. Needless to say, our table was the most lively of the night. I have much respect for the way this man's mind works, the burden he carries for our people and the tireless work he invests to uplift them. I also had the privilege to meet at our table a banker, a developer and the founder of the original 'Dining Table' concept held here in Dallas every year. This is where a cornucopia of cultures gather to discuss meaningful ideas and exchange life experiences while sharing over food. Even since Biblical days, the 'table' has always been a place of gathering and sharing. Not only where one's physical self fed, but also one's spirit and mind were nourished. Even now, in most cultures, most significant gatherings take place, 'around the table.'
What a night this was. I was challenged to examine some of my own beliefs and belief systems. I was forced to see myself as others see me and no just how I see myself. I was pushed to move beyond the personal perimeter of my comfort zone to relate and receive the personal experiences of others and how it affected their lives and their interactions and most times misconceptions of others, including me. I left enlightened, educated and encouraged. I left with three new friends. I also left with the clear understanding that although we are uniquely different and most times highly opinionated, we are more alike than our differences.
I will be a consistent participant in future Dining Tables and in Jan Gore's Dinner & Dialogue's. The experience was enriching and needless to say, very, very tasty! If not for the awesome people whom I met that night, to the friendships created, the food alone is worth it.Check out www.texascaribbeanfood.com, look Ms. Jan Gore up, and go get a taste of the Caribbean right here in the southern state of Texas! You'll love it 'Mon!'
Agape,'
Pastor P
Making It Great In '08!
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