God has a way of givng you just what you need, when you are at your lowest, to keep you going.
I recieved a call from a friend last night, asking if I would like to hear Dr. Cornel West today.
What an encouragement as I was experiencing a valley low. I thank God for real, true friends. We are blessed in this life if we can call even a handful of people real, true friends. I have experienced in the past few months that those whom you thought would be with you till the end, in life, in ministry and in friendship, those who have given you their word on it, are usually the ones who will depart along the way.Today I attended the St. Phillip's School and Community Center's Destiny Awards luncheon. Bearing the cold and rain, hundreds braved the weather and gathered at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center to support the St. Phillips School and to honor some people and organizations who have embodied, sacrificed and given for the cause of empowering the underprivileged and the disenfranchised.
John McCain, anchor of local ABC affiliate, Channel 8 news, was a class act as master of ceremonies. Dr. Terry Flowers, Headmaster of St. Phillip's School, was an encouragement to the crowd, recognized as a visionary leader and as Dr. King described, 'A drum major for justice.' There was even a prayer by State Senator Royce West! The highlight of the event was guest speaker Dr. Cornel West, Professor of Religion and African American Studies at Princeton University. Dr. West has always been a favorite of mine. His grasp of the intricacies of the English language. His holistic view undertaken in love and cemented in Christ of the ills of our world, beseiging our community and in our hearts is breathtaking. His writings are intricate. His ideas are intimate. His voice is imperious, honored and respected by many. His fusion of ivory tower intellect and good 'ol down home, home spun wisdom is enlivening. To read one of his books is an adventure in and of itself. Not only will you need a dictionary to read it, it is mind expanding and vocabulary building, but you will experience new vistas of mental horizons as you are challenged to think and rethink what you thought you already knew. His writing, speaking and teaching "weave together the American traditions of the Baptist Church, transcendentalism, socialism and pragmatism. His best selling book, Race Matters, changed the course of America's dialogue on race, justice and demomcracy."
His speech today covered the gamut of old school jazz, rythmn and blues and hip-hop as it relates to influencing the current political, economic and familial circumstances of today. The underlying rythmn and backbeat note of the inner blues that trancends race, creed and color to find itself staining the hearts of both men and women in their everyday lives. His geo-political view is keen, his spiritual sensitivity is sharp and his articulation of both is pointed, personal and powerful.This was my second time with the honor of hearing Dr. West speak in person and meeting him in person, while I have seen him many times on television and have read all of his books. He has been a 'mental mentor' from afar. I am continually amazed at his mind, its perspective and his expression of both. I had the opportunity to conversate with him afterwards. It was truly a moment. He is most gregarious, even to the least.
When you are in conversation with him, he makes you to feel as if nobody else exists at that moment but you and him. It is a gift. I also had a chance to speak to Ms. Badu again. This is the third time within a weeks time. My little sister said she's going to think I'm stalking her. I had to laugh. Ms. Badu is a great supporter of St. Phillip's School. I respect Badu for her involvement in the community and in the lives of young people.I had the chance to see many community friends, too many to name, and even some family. My cousin Alvin White, III's son attends St. Phillip's and it was good to see his wife Diane in the house. I want to thank my Concord tablemates for a fun and lively event. Gospel recording artist Gaye Arbuckle is a riot and a half! First lady Carter is class and fun along with the members of the Concord Church. Thanks for being a true friend Steve. I can't wait till 'Baby Brown' breaks thru and graces us with his presence. I got the 'Gucci's' for him already!
Once again, while at my lowest, God gave me the unsolicited opportunity to experience that which means alot to me, which in turn encourages me to hold on and keep going. God has a way of encouraging you through your situation, just how you need it and just when you need it most. Stay alert, sensitive and on the lookout for the little things in life that mean the most. Recieve His blessings graciously. Thank Him for his blessings voraciously.
I am thankful. I am encouraged. I will finish the journey.
AGAPE,
Pastor P
Making It Great In 08!
Loving Life And Living To Love
Ephesians 3:20
No comments:
Post a Comment