Tuesday, January 26, 2010
LIFE
Happiness keeps you Sweet, Trials keep you Strong, Sorrows keep you Human, Failures keep you Humble, Success keeps you Glowing , Friends Keep You Going!
ATTENTION TO DETAIL
A mad man walked onto Backra property one day.
"What yu doin here? Wat yu want?" Backra asked.
"Mi a look likkle wuk, baas," the madman said nervously.
"I doan have nuh work fo yu," Backra replied scornfully. "What can you do anyway?"
After a while, Backra noticed that the madman wouldn't leave the premises.
"Aright, come with me!" He said.
The madman walked behind him to the back of a large shed.
"Yu si dat rooster?" Backra said.
"Yes sah," the madman replied.
"A want yu fi buil a coop fi him," Backra said. "Everything you need is right there, wood, nail, mesh wire, everything."
He left the madman and drove off into town.
At the end of the day, the Backra returned home. He went to the back of the shed to see what handy work the madman had waiting for him. When he got behind the shed, there was nothing done. All the supplies were right where he left them that morning, the rooster was nowhere to be found and the madman was sitting on a stump with his head in his hand.
"Man, what you do from morning I leave here?" Backra asked. "Yu think is suh man work?
The madman sat up and looked him dead in the eye, and said, "Yu tink it easy fi buil fowl coob nuh? Frah maanin I deh ya a try fi ketch di rooster fi measure him fi buil di coob and di dyam rooster woan tan tuddy!"
"What yu doin here? Wat yu want?" Backra asked.
"Mi a look likkle wuk, baas," the madman said nervously.
"I doan have nuh work fo yu," Backra replied scornfully. "What can you do anyway?"
After a while, Backra noticed that the madman wouldn't leave the premises.
"Aright, come with me!" He said.
The madman walked behind him to the back of a large shed.
"Yu si dat rooster?" Backra said.
"Yes sah," the madman replied.
"A want yu fi buil a coop fi him," Backra said. "Everything you need is right there, wood, nail, mesh wire, everything."
He left the madman and drove off into town.
At the end of the day, the Backra returned home. He went to the back of the shed to see what handy work the madman had waiting for him. When he got behind the shed, there was nothing done. All the supplies were right where he left them that morning, the rooster was nowhere to be found and the madman was sitting on a stump with his head in his hand.
"Man, what you do from morning I leave here?" Backra asked. "Yu think is suh man work?
The madman sat up and looked him dead in the eye, and said, "Yu tink it easy fi buil fowl coob nuh? Frah maanin I deh ya a try fi ketch di rooster fi measure him fi buil di coob and di dyam rooster woan tan tuddy!"
OUR JOURNEYS . . .
Most of us like to pick out the most enjoyable parts of our life's journeys to talk about. We go on and on about the many aspects of enjoyment that we have encountered on the way, the fun we have, and all the wonderful trimmings that go with that. We spend less time, however, talking about the journeys that we have taken that are less than stellar, not enjoyable at all, or downright dirty.
Many times, we cannot relate to another person's journey, so we take the easier routes of either ignoring them, or be judgmental.
For a moment, give a little thought to the one whose journey is a never ending trip through hell. For another moment, add to that, the fact that this person did not ask for this, did not contribute to this, does not deserve this, and is powerless to stop it. Now go back to your own journey(s): Was/is it so bad?
If you said yes, and you're entitled to that, then think of this: If you're reading this note, is it/can it REALLY be that bad?
We (and I speak from the guilty podium) spend a lot of time really sweating the small stuff. We spend a lot of time, driving ourselves nuts, particularly over the things that we CANNOT control. We spend a lot of time on almost everything else except ourselves. We have every excuse in the world for not doing what we are supposed to do, can do, should do, want to do, were meant to do, owe it to ourselves and others to do, saying what we're GOING to do and never do.
For the journeys you have already taken and completed, you are a better person for it (I hope).
For the journeys you are now engaged in, you are much stronger to deal with them because of the journeys you've taken (I hope)
For the journeys you are about to take, you will be successful, for you have the confidence to go forth and take on and complete, the preceding paragraph (I hope).
Be mindful of the joys and pains of living, for you cannot speak for 'not' living, but, do not miss the point - LIVE!
Many times, we cannot relate to another person's journey, so we take the easier routes of either ignoring them, or be judgmental.
For a moment, give a little thought to the one whose journey is a never ending trip through hell. For another moment, add to that, the fact that this person did not ask for this, did not contribute to this, does not deserve this, and is powerless to stop it. Now go back to your own journey(s): Was/is it so bad?
If you said yes, and you're entitled to that, then think of this: If you're reading this note, is it/can it REALLY be that bad?
We (and I speak from the guilty podium) spend a lot of time really sweating the small stuff. We spend a lot of time, driving ourselves nuts, particularly over the things that we CANNOT control. We spend a lot of time on almost everything else except ourselves. We have every excuse in the world for not doing what we are supposed to do, can do, should do, want to do, were meant to do, owe it to ourselves and others to do, saying what we're GOING to do and never do.
For the journeys you have already taken and completed, you are a better person for it (I hope).
For the journeys you are now engaged in, you are much stronger to deal with them because of the journeys you've taken (I hope)
For the journeys you are about to take, you will be successful, for you have the confidence to go forth and take on and complete, the preceding paragraph (I hope).
Be mindful of the joys and pains of living, for you cannot speak for 'not' living, but, do not miss the point - LIVE!
THE BEST FRIEND WE IGNORE THE MOST!
There is a sometimes very annoying little fellow inside you, who, at the most inopportune time, push up himself when yu on a roll.
Him bawl out no wen yu plan fi seh yes and vice versa. Him always pick di 'good' time dem fi show up, like cockroach a tenement yaad.
Him woan shut up when di argument sweet, Him woan kip quiat when you just want to be still.
Him poke an prod yu an mek yu seh some fool fool sinting sometimes.
His name is MR. INNER VOICE.
He's a pain in di ass, but, yu si if yu doan listen to him - You will have a ROYAL PAIN IN THE ASS ON YOUR HANDS!
That's when he will introduce you to MRS. I TOLD YOU SO who will then be joined by MISS RUB - IT - IN, while being egged on by 'A GOOD'!
Him bawl out no wen yu plan fi seh yes and vice versa. Him always pick di 'good' time dem fi show up, like cockroach a tenement yaad.
Him woan shut up when di argument sweet, Him woan kip quiat when you just want to be still.
Him poke an prod yu an mek yu seh some fool fool sinting sometimes.
His name is MR. INNER VOICE.
He's a pain in di ass, but, yu si if yu doan listen to him - You will have a ROYAL PAIN IN THE ASS ON YOUR HANDS!
That's when he will introduce you to MRS. I TOLD YOU SO who will then be joined by MISS RUB - IT - IN, while being egged on by 'A GOOD'!
EVEN IF YOU THINK YOU DON'T NEED HIM . .
When you spend a lot of time at dead ends and find yourself in what seem like never ending holes, you tend to wonder what God is doing why you are where you are, or, what did you do that you're being punished?
Then one day, after many attempts at showing you why, HE hits you with that brick!
You begin to realize that you knew all the answers all along because HE gave them to you but you ignored them because they were not what you wanted to hear.
The best part is, HE knows you so well, that HE doesn't hold all that against you, HE doesn't get mad at you for it,and HE doesn't do the 'I told you so'.
HE simply shows it to you again!
The only thing HE'LL whisper is : "You don't have to tell me I was, or I am RIGHT. Just TRUST me and do it!
Well, after spending much time in holes and dead ends, you begin to try for the exit.
That's when you discover HIS patience, for HE knows your doubt of HIM and self, but HE does not abandon you for it.
HE takes each step with you, just to prove that HE won't leave!
When you see/hear your children, family and friends, remember that it is a privilege, not a right.
Appreciate people and appreciate yourself, for no matter where you go, HE will walk with you, just to prove that HE won't leave!
There is no earthly loyalty like that!
You don't have to keep looking over your shoulder, or behind you to see if HE'S still there . . . . just keep moving forward . . . . HE'S there!
Then one day, after many attempts at showing you why, HE hits you with that brick!
You begin to realize that you knew all the answers all along because HE gave them to you but you ignored them because they were not what you wanted to hear.
The best part is, HE knows you so well, that HE doesn't hold all that against you, HE doesn't get mad at you for it,and HE doesn't do the 'I told you so'.
HE simply shows it to you again!
The only thing HE'LL whisper is : "You don't have to tell me I was, or I am RIGHT. Just TRUST me and do it!
Well, after spending much time in holes and dead ends, you begin to try for the exit.
That's when you discover HIS patience, for HE knows your doubt of HIM and self, but HE does not abandon you for it.
HE takes each step with you, just to prove that HE won't leave!
When you see/hear your children, family and friends, remember that it is a privilege, not a right.
Appreciate people and appreciate yourself, for no matter where you go, HE will walk with you, just to prove that HE won't leave!
There is no earthly loyalty like that!
You don't have to keep looking over your shoulder, or behind you to see if HE'S still there . . . . just keep moving forward . . . . HE'S there!
MY COMEUPPANCE
I have absolutely no intention of climbing on a soap box and crow that I was always faithful in prayer and my belief in God. I will, however, say, without question, that I have no doubt about the strength and efficacy of prayer.
I WILL NOT pretend to always be at the peak of faith, or pretend to always be trusting in God. I have had my days when I have questioned him, even took the liberty of challenging him, (little did that do). I have been downright vexed with him for things I believe should not have happened to me. Yes, I felt like I didn't deserve some of the things that happened to me. Still do.
I have told HIM, YES, TOLD HIM, that I have no intention of forgiving anyone who has done me wrong anymore. I have also told him that, I really don't want to wish anything 'bad' to happen to the people that hurt me, but I wouldn't mind witnessing their 'comeuppance'.
So, He listened to my carrying-ons, my cussing, (Yes - BADWUD) HE listened to me telling HIM how I was pissed off with HIM for taking some things and some people from me.(Mi still vex wid Him fi tek Mama an mi tell him to!)
HE never said a word. Still, I WOKE UP EVERY MORNING FOR THE LAST 48 YEARS. If HE was/is mad at me, I never knew it, for with all my carrying on, I WOKE UP EVERY MORNING !
Ever so often, HE would pose some serious questions. (Of course, I had an answer)
Joan, yu waan mi fi forgive yu all yu trespasses, but yu a tell mi seh yu nah forgive nuhbaddy weh trespass against YOU! Yu tink seh dat fair?
I said yes! It fair enough fa mi nevah do dem nutten!
So, HE said: "But I don't care if you did anything to them, or not, I will forgive you. However, that's unfair for you to be 'free of guilt' and they should go around with the weight of your guilt on their shoulders. That's not for you to decide. That's my job! Concern yourself, with your own soul!"
I wasn't having it. Didn't seem fair in my book. Besides, mi seh HIM too slow!
Well, HE has been poking and prodding me for years. Finally, and with much warning, on October 24, 2009, I got hit with a BRICK!
Well, 'I was coming around to it.' Still, I felt set in my ways.
So, on Sunday, November 29, 2009, HE decided that I was a 'haad ayze pickney' and I need to listen, so, there was ANOTHER BRICK.
This time, it took ALL OF YOUR PRAYERS, begging him to 'please guh easy pon har' (Believe mi people, I BEG TO! MI NUH SHAME FI SEH SUH, MI BEG FI MI LIFE LIKE A DRUG DEALAH IN FRONT OF A DEA AGENT WID A M-16!)
So, HE said to me, "All I want you to do is believe and leave everything to me! DO NOT LET ME TELL YOU AGAIN!"
So, I said: "But now mi haffi change everything!
HE said: Not everything. Those things that need to be changed leave them to me!
I have received my comeuppance!
I WILL NOT pretend to always be at the peak of faith, or pretend to always be trusting in God. I have had my days when I have questioned him, even took the liberty of challenging him, (little did that do). I have been downright vexed with him for things I believe should not have happened to me. Yes, I felt like I didn't deserve some of the things that happened to me. Still do.
I have told HIM, YES, TOLD HIM, that I have no intention of forgiving anyone who has done me wrong anymore. I have also told him that, I really don't want to wish anything 'bad' to happen to the people that hurt me, but I wouldn't mind witnessing their 'comeuppance'.
So, He listened to my carrying-ons, my cussing, (Yes - BADWUD) HE listened to me telling HIM how I was pissed off with HIM for taking some things and some people from me.(Mi still vex wid Him fi tek Mama an mi tell him to!)
HE never said a word. Still, I WOKE UP EVERY MORNING FOR THE LAST 48 YEARS. If HE was/is mad at me, I never knew it, for with all my carrying on, I WOKE UP EVERY MORNING !
Ever so often, HE would pose some serious questions. (Of course, I had an answer)
Joan, yu waan mi fi forgive yu all yu trespasses, but yu a tell mi seh yu nah forgive nuhbaddy weh trespass against YOU! Yu tink seh dat fair?
I said yes! It fair enough fa mi nevah do dem nutten!
So, HE said: "But I don't care if you did anything to them, or not, I will forgive you. However, that's unfair for you to be 'free of guilt' and they should go around with the weight of your guilt on their shoulders. That's not for you to decide. That's my job! Concern yourself, with your own soul!"
I wasn't having it. Didn't seem fair in my book. Besides, mi seh HIM too slow!
Well, HE has been poking and prodding me for years. Finally, and with much warning, on October 24, 2009, I got hit with a BRICK!
Well, 'I was coming around to it.' Still, I felt set in my ways.
So, on Sunday, November 29, 2009, HE decided that I was a 'haad ayze pickney' and I need to listen, so, there was ANOTHER BRICK.
This time, it took ALL OF YOUR PRAYERS, begging him to 'please guh easy pon har' (Believe mi people, I BEG TO! MI NUH SHAME FI SEH SUH, MI BEG FI MI LIFE LIKE A DRUG DEALAH IN FRONT OF A DEA AGENT WID A M-16!)
So, HE said to me, "All I want you to do is believe and leave everything to me! DO NOT LET ME TELL YOU AGAIN!"
So, I said: "But now mi haffi change everything!
HE said: Not everything. Those things that need to be changed leave them to me!
I have received my comeuppance!
FAITH
I have no faith, but I have begun to acquire it.
I don't care anymore about those who would pass judgment on me for that shortcoming - I have already spoken to God about it.
I am afraid and I am not ashamed to say it. I also told him so, and HE said it was ok but that HE would also take care of that.
I told him that I am worried about my children - He said there is no need to be because they are great kids and he has been looking after them from day 1 so it's not like it's a 'new job' or anything like that.
So, here I am, telling all of you about one of my conversations with God. I told him that I felt particularly bad because It's not like I don't know about HIM, but I was quite upset, and downright disappointed in the way he handled some things.
Well, he said a few things: (a) I know all about YOU! You can't tell ME nothing about you! (b) YOU need to understand that what I do and THE WAY I DO IT is done because YOU NEED TO TRUST ME AND NOT WORRY ABOUT HOW OTHERS ARE DOING IT, OR WHY! (c) When I say KEEP YOUR EYES LOCKED ON ME, YOU MUST DO THAT! THAT IS THE ONLY WAY YOU WILL WALK ON WATER!
Well, I'm not here to tell you that I am this overnight bastion of faith, or that I have made a 100%, 360 degree turn around overnight. I've lied to myself enough. (can't lie to him anyway, HIM KNO EBERYTING!)
I can and will tell you that I AM SURE THAT I AM HERE ONLY THROUGH THE GRACE OF GOD.
All the aforementioned issues are unnecessary concerns because of subtitle (c)!
So, my journey has begun . . . . one day at a time.
I don't care anymore about those who would pass judgment on me for that shortcoming - I have already spoken to God about it.
I am afraid and I am not ashamed to say it. I also told him so, and HE said it was ok but that HE would also take care of that.
I told him that I am worried about my children - He said there is no need to be because they are great kids and he has been looking after them from day 1 so it's not like it's a 'new job' or anything like that.
So, here I am, telling all of you about one of my conversations with God. I told him that I felt particularly bad because It's not like I don't know about HIM, but I was quite upset, and downright disappointed in the way he handled some things.
Well, he said a few things: (a) I know all about YOU! You can't tell ME nothing about you! (b) YOU need to understand that what I do and THE WAY I DO IT is done because YOU NEED TO TRUST ME AND NOT WORRY ABOUT HOW OTHERS ARE DOING IT, OR WHY! (c) When I say KEEP YOUR EYES LOCKED ON ME, YOU MUST DO THAT! THAT IS THE ONLY WAY YOU WILL WALK ON WATER!
Well, I'm not here to tell you that I am this overnight bastion of faith, or that I have made a 100%, 360 degree turn around overnight. I've lied to myself enough. (can't lie to him anyway, HIM KNO EBERYTING!)
I can and will tell you that I AM SURE THAT I AM HERE ONLY THROUGH THE GRACE OF GOD.
All the aforementioned issues are unnecessary concerns because of subtitle (c)!
So, my journey has begun . . . . one day at a time.
UNFINISHED WORK
I found myself asking many questions this morning and throughout the day. Yes, I still have questions for God.
Those who would say I have no business questioning the Almighty, may be right. However, I got permission!
I am never in doubt that he is GOD ALMIGHTY, so, that is a non-issue.
I have questions like: How do I change myself? Am I expected to do a 360 in 24 hours? Or am I expected to reform and renew piece by piece? If the latter is the way, which piece is first?
How can I suddenly decide that I have forgiven all my transgressors and still say i am being honest, when I know some are harder to forgive than some?
If I stop suddenly, doing some of the things I used to do, then I keep looking back at those things, where is the honesty?
Am I expected to change totally, or do I retain some of my original self? If yes, do I have the strength to do it, but, more importantly to maintain it? If no, what parts/qualities do I keep? How will I know?
I am praying while I'm asking . . . . I am unfinished work.
Those who would say I have no business questioning the Almighty, may be right. However, I got permission!
I am never in doubt that he is GOD ALMIGHTY, so, that is a non-issue.
I have questions like: How do I change myself? Am I expected to do a 360 in 24 hours? Or am I expected to reform and renew piece by piece? If the latter is the way, which piece is first?
How can I suddenly decide that I have forgiven all my transgressors and still say i am being honest, when I know some are harder to forgive than some?
If I stop suddenly, doing some of the things I used to do, then I keep looking back at those things, where is the honesty?
Am I expected to change totally, or do I retain some of my original self? If yes, do I have the strength to do it, but, more importantly to maintain it? If no, what parts/qualities do I keep? How will I know?
I am praying while I'm asking . . . . I am unfinished work.
TRANSFORMATION IS INDEED SLOW . . . BUT SURE!
So, now that you are in a position where you have begun to slowly transform your thinking, and redefine your mindset, you find yourself creating lists.
There is the list of the things you use to do/are still doing, then, there is the list of the things you ought to/ will be doing.
Ok, you don't expect to suddenly start doing all of these things, but you know that, with practice and diligence, you will.
So now, your challenge becomes, finding the strength to focus on the things you ought to/ will be doing, while eliminating, one by one the things you used to do . . . .
The journey continues . . . .
There is the list of the things you use to do/are still doing, then, there is the list of the things you ought to/ will be doing.
Ok, you don't expect to suddenly start doing all of these things, but you know that, with practice and diligence, you will.
So now, your challenge becomes, finding the strength to focus on the things you ought to/ will be doing, while eliminating, one by one the things you used to do . . . .
The journey continues . . . .
SCHOOL DAYS . . .
C-cut
O - off
N - nanny
T - titty
E - eat
N - nanny
T- titty
S - sweet . . . .
S- some
T- teachers
N- never
E- eat
T- til
N- nine
O- o
C- clock!
O - off
N - nanny
T - titty
E - eat
N - nanny
T- titty
S - sweet . . . .
S- some
T- teachers
N- never
E- eat
T- til
N- nine
O- o
C- clock!
CHANGE
Is it on to new things now?
Is it repackaging parts of 2009 that you felt 'wasn't so bad'?
Or, is it a merger of parts?
You know - parts from 2009 you think will fit nicely with some 'anticipated' parts you see coming down the pike?
Will your mind, your emotions, and your body be up to the merger or the repackaging?
Ok, so not everyone is thinking like this. Hell, some people aren't even done partying yet!
I want to know what you think. Maybe I want to compare your answers to mine!
This is my take on the whole thing:
It is definitely a forward march on to new things, while repackaging some of the not so bad things and merging them with some 'anticipated' parts, expected down the pike.
However, before all these things take place, you need to prepare you body, mind, and emotions for the journey.
Welcome to 2010. This is the time when we are adamant about the things we want/need to change.
Everything from bad habits to bad people . . . bad hairdos, bad attitudes. We already know who we are, and what we need to do.
So we make lists of things to do and we set out to do them. Some of us more determined than some, some of us with more confidence than others.
Sometimes we repeat the things we changed and for many reasons. Most, if not all the reasons are never good ones.
With that said, the objective should not be to punish ourselves for a failing or two, but to make the decision to take the steps to rectify them.
We've punished ourselves enough!
Resolve to revisit (in our minds, people) whatever shortcoming you may have repeated, as well as, the solutions you applied, and/or the changes you made.
Hopefully, you'll be better equipped to deal with it because you already know the anatomy of your problem.
You will be able to compare the solution you applied with the one you plan to apply this year. Are there any similarities?
Are you prepared to isolate them to arrive at the proper solution, or will you make excuses for the similarities ?
Welcome to 2010 . . . . the year of decisions!
Is it repackaging parts of 2009 that you felt 'wasn't so bad'?
Or, is it a merger of parts?
You know - parts from 2009 you think will fit nicely with some 'anticipated' parts you see coming down the pike?
Will your mind, your emotions, and your body be up to the merger or the repackaging?
Ok, so not everyone is thinking like this. Hell, some people aren't even done partying yet!
I want to know what you think. Maybe I want to compare your answers to mine!
This is my take on the whole thing:
It is definitely a forward march on to new things, while repackaging some of the not so bad things and merging them with some 'anticipated' parts, expected down the pike.
However, before all these things take place, you need to prepare you body, mind, and emotions for the journey.
Welcome to 2010. This is the time when we are adamant about the things we want/need to change.
Everything from bad habits to bad people . . . bad hairdos, bad attitudes. We already know who we are, and what we need to do.
So we make lists of things to do and we set out to do them. Some of us more determined than some, some of us with more confidence than others.
Sometimes we repeat the things we changed and for many reasons. Most, if not all the reasons are never good ones.
With that said, the objective should not be to punish ourselves for a failing or two, but to make the decision to take the steps to rectify them.
We've punished ourselves enough!
Resolve to revisit (in our minds, people) whatever shortcoming you may have repeated, as well as, the solutions you applied, and/or the changes you made.
Hopefully, you'll be better equipped to deal with it because you already know the anatomy of your problem.
You will be able to compare the solution you applied with the one you plan to apply this year. Are there any similarities?
Are you prepared to isolate them to arrive at the proper solution, or will you make excuses for the similarities ?
Welcome to 2010 . . . . the year of decisions!
PROMISES
Sometimes I try to measure myself to see if I make the grade. My yard stick will always be biased. I worry that, even with my best efforts I have not lived the best life I can. In fact, I know it. I also have a list of very good reasons( that's what I think) why I haven't. I spend a lot of time trying to figure out where I went wrong, and ways to fix it. Some things I do fix, others, I lose patience.
The thing is, once I realized that I don't need to put myself through the ringer, trying to solve every little problem, or, obsessing over every faux pas in my life, I can relax long enough to hear my inner voice. I also realize that God is really willing and able to remove the weight from my head.
All I need is to remember how disappointed I've been, the many times I have chosen not to listen to the right voice.
The thing is, once I realized that I don't need to put myself through the ringer, trying to solve every little problem, or, obsessing over every faux pas in my life, I can relax long enough to hear my inner voice. I also realize that God is really willing and able to remove the weight from my head.
All I need is to remember how disappointed I've been, the many times I have chosen not to listen to the right voice.
RECKONING WITH YOURSELF
I am guilty and so are you! Yes, we all are!
We go about the business of living and we never really think about the fragility of life. After all, if we walk around everyday, all day, thinking about it, we wouldn't be living, would we?
Then, one day, something happens. We are shocked beyond our wildest dreams, we are brought to our knees in submission, our tears seem to know no end, our hearts and minds are overwhelmed with fear.
We immediately begin to think of all the different scenarios that could make the situation worst before we think of what could make it better.
We pray a thousand prayers, never finishing any of them. We are engulfed in our desperation. Our minds are torn between looking at the bright side or the other side.
Plus, let's be honest : How many of us TRULY learn the lessons, or take heed, the WARNINGS, ALL THE TIME?
Some people seem to get more than they can bear. Maybe they have, but while we sympathize we cannot become judges.
For, who are we to decide how much is too much, or enough, or insufficient? By what criteria do we decide who gets what and how much of it?
How about if we try to be the best we can to as many people as we can for as long as we can?
It's an old saying, but it's not the age of the adage that's important. It's how we apply it.
So, who am I to say these things? As I've said up top, 'WE' are all guilty of it. That includes ME.
However, take a look at how many times we have personally and collectively accused ourselves and each other for these same shortcomings? Yet, many of us have not done enough, if anything, to change it.
What are we waiting for? The next hurricane? Tsunami? Earthquake? Shooting? War?
There's no single answer. Each of us has our own list of reasons. Each of us will determine how justifiable that list is . . . or, if the list is worth it.
No matter where we come from, we are all members of the HUMAN race and whether we care to admit it or not, we carry each others pain in one way, shape, or form.!
For me, there are many changes to be made, and that's my journey.
I am not here to pass judgment, or to determine who needs to do what. I am spending time to take the speck from my own eye, so I will be able to see clearly, not necessarily the speck in my brothers eye.
Just to see clearly.
Remember, no matter how huge the cloud, there is always a flicker of light somewhere.
Jus' Gimme Di Light . . .
We go about the business of living and we never really think about the fragility of life. After all, if we walk around everyday, all day, thinking about it, we wouldn't be living, would we?
Then, one day, something happens. We are shocked beyond our wildest dreams, we are brought to our knees in submission, our tears seem to know no end, our hearts and minds are overwhelmed with fear.
We immediately begin to think of all the different scenarios that could make the situation worst before we think of what could make it better.
We pray a thousand prayers, never finishing any of them. We are engulfed in our desperation. Our minds are torn between looking at the bright side or the other side.
Plus, let's be honest : How many of us TRULY learn the lessons, or take heed, the WARNINGS, ALL THE TIME?
Some people seem to get more than they can bear. Maybe they have, but while we sympathize we cannot become judges.
For, who are we to decide how much is too much, or enough, or insufficient? By what criteria do we decide who gets what and how much of it?
How about if we try to be the best we can to as many people as we can for as long as we can?
It's an old saying, but it's not the age of the adage that's important. It's how we apply it.
So, who am I to say these things? As I've said up top, 'WE' are all guilty of it. That includes ME.
However, take a look at how many times we have personally and collectively accused ourselves and each other for these same shortcomings? Yet, many of us have not done enough, if anything, to change it.
What are we waiting for? The next hurricane? Tsunami? Earthquake? Shooting? War?
There's no single answer. Each of us has our own list of reasons. Each of us will determine how justifiable that list is . . . or, if the list is worth it.
No matter where we come from, we are all members of the HUMAN race and whether we care to admit it or not, we carry each others pain in one way, shape, or form.!
For me, there are many changes to be made, and that's my journey.
I am not here to pass judgment, or to determine who needs to do what. I am spending time to take the speck from my own eye, so I will be able to see clearly, not necessarily the speck in my brothers eye.
Just to see clearly.
Remember, no matter how huge the cloud, there is always a flicker of light somewhere.
Jus' Gimme Di Light . . .
THE JUDGES
The Bible has warned about 'false prophets' and we can see a lot of them a mile away. Those, however, are the flamboyant ones who haven't quite perfected the art of deception.
There are those who will flaunt thier qualifications as a means to convince you that they 'know what they're talking about'. These are the so-called 'experts'.
If you dare to question their theories, or worse, disagree with them, thEn you are doomed to hell. That is their 'judgment'. What happened to, "Judge not, lest ye be judged?"
There are those who expect you to believe wholeheartedly and never challenge their teachings, even though it is a matter of clarification, and not necessarily defiance.
How comes when you pray to God you ask all kinds of questions?
You ask your fathers questions . . . He is your Father, so why shouldn't you ask him questions? Besides, he has told you, in no uncertain terms, to "Ask and it shall be given. Seek and ye shall find."
Why do we insist on being judges?
"The Haitians made a pact with satan." So said one of the supposed authorities on Christianity.
Ok . . . . If the Haitians made a pact with the devil back in the 1700's, what responsibility does the innocent men, women, and children of that nation today have to that? What does that have to do with helping them here and now in their time of need?
Listen people : Remember that cracker you lifted fom yu Granny wen yu was 6? Yu great, great, great (multiply the 'great' couple times) will pay dearly for it! What yu goin to do?
God said he will forgive you your sins if you are truly sorry and ask for his forgiveness . . .but the way these people are talking, it seems He is keeping track of it for the sole purpose of punishing generations to come! At least that is what they would have you believe!
Mi Granny used to seh: Watch di smaddy weh bawl out 'TEEF' inna di crowd, doan watch di crowd!
There are those who will flaunt thier qualifications as a means to convince you that they 'know what they're talking about'. These are the so-called 'experts'.
If you dare to question their theories, or worse, disagree with them, thEn you are doomed to hell. That is their 'judgment'. What happened to, "Judge not, lest ye be judged?"
There are those who expect you to believe wholeheartedly and never challenge their teachings, even though it is a matter of clarification, and not necessarily defiance.
How comes when you pray to God you ask all kinds of questions?
You ask your fathers questions . . . He is your Father, so why shouldn't you ask him questions? Besides, he has told you, in no uncertain terms, to "Ask and it shall be given. Seek and ye shall find."
Why do we insist on being judges?
"The Haitians made a pact with satan." So said one of the supposed authorities on Christianity.
Ok . . . . If the Haitians made a pact with the devil back in the 1700's, what responsibility does the innocent men, women, and children of that nation today have to that? What does that have to do with helping them here and now in their time of need?
Listen people : Remember that cracker you lifted fom yu Granny wen yu was 6? Yu great, great, great (multiply the 'great' couple times) will pay dearly for it! What yu goin to do?
God said he will forgive you your sins if you are truly sorry and ask for his forgiveness . . .but the way these people are talking, it seems He is keeping track of it for the sole purpose of punishing generations to come! At least that is what they would have you believe!
Mi Granny used to seh: Watch di smaddy weh bawl out 'TEEF' inna di crowd, doan watch di crowd!
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