Lent

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Lent 2017

• began Wednesday Feb 1
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• ends  Thursday March 29
• During this time, observers practice fasting, repentance, moderation and spiritual discipline. This is meant to imitate Jesus Christ’s actions and reflect on his life, death and resurrection. The Lenten season is also seen as a time to give up something pleasurable – which could be anything from chocolate to habits like swearing or procrastinating.
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As we end our loving month of Black History Today  is a great day to remind ourselves and someone else to give up something you planned to do at the beginning of this year. Today as you perform a random act of kindness remember all the hard work Jesus has done for you. Be a Blessing and give a Blessing!

Love and Politics

As we wind down the month of Black history and Love.  It's only fitting to close with the President of the United States  Barack Obama. Since the day he announce his run for office his Faith in God has always been challenge .

Hebrews 10:24-25

King James Version (KJV)

²⁴ And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
²⁵ Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

By the time Barack Obama began running for president in 2008, his journey his  faith was already well known. He had spoken often of a moment decades before at Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago when he "felt God's spirit beckoning me" and "submitted myself to His will." It was a turning point in his life, he said, an embrace of the religious certainty that had eluded him in his earlier years.


President Obama's desire of Affordable Housing, Equality, Education,  Health Care ,Minimum Wage ,Social Security and Tax Reform must be God's Will. I bet you thought your job  was ruff. His  bold, honest in your face approach made people like , Donna, Nothrice and I work toward his vision. Like God's vision, he want's to level the playing field for all.
As the hardest working man in the free world it is obvious his secret weapon is the Love of his life.  First lady Michelle Obama.

Today when performing  your random act of kindness consider joining an organization that is going to work for all. Be a Blessing. Give a Blessing of service!
http://youtu.be/7JXFg5KEoXg?list=PL6K2jRmHfcFCfReC_6xTHrBVr6l7WQiDG

Loving Savior

Since the beginning of time we all have and will experience trials and tribulations.  God's intention is not to punish you. God's goal is to remind you of his everlasting love.

Psalm 17:7

King James Version (KJV)

⁷ Shew thy marvellous lovingkindness, O thou that savest by thy right hand them which put their trust in thee from those that rise up against them.

Tyler Perry is a fantastic reminder how important family is in our lives . Dysfunctional or Functional as children they provide a powerful impact in our lives.


Tyler Perry

Perry was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, as Emmitt Perry, Jr., the son of Willie Maxine Perry (née Campbell) and Emmitt Perry, Sr., a carpenter.^[11] He has three siblings. ^[12] Perry once said his father's "answer to everything was to beat it out of you".^[13] As a child, Perry once went so far as to attempt suicide in an effort to escape his father's beatings. In contrast to his father, his mother took him to church each week, where he sensed a certain refuge and contentment.^[13] At age 16, he had his first name legally changed from Emmitt to Tyler in an effort to distance himself from his father.^[14]
Many years later, after seeing the film Precious, he was moved to relate for the first time^[15] accounts of being molested by a friend's mother at age 10; he was also molested by three men prior to this, and later learned his own father had molested his friend.^[16]

While Perry did not complete high school, he earned a GED.^[17] In his early 20s, watching an episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show, he heard someone describe the sometimes therapeutic effect the act of writing can have, enabling the author to work out his or her own problems. This comment inspired him to apply himself to a career in writing. He soon started writing a series of letters to himself, which became the basis for the musical I Know I've Been Changed.^[18]

You can tell Tyler Perry was blessed to have a praying mother that taught him about the love of God.  Unlike many people today that thinks their family owes them something for the pain they have experience, Tyler Perry learned how to turn a negative into a positive.  Most of Tyler Perry's work has a message base around family issues.
 When you perform a random act of kindness think about a family member. Be a Blessing give a
Blessing of encouragement.



William Becton

http://youtu.be/kW-12AkEAyg?list=PL6K2jRmHfcFCfReC_6xTHrBVr6l7WQiDG

Love and Share

I hope you have notice the impact God has made in the individuals  mention this month.

Deuteronomy 6:5-7

King James Version (KJV)



⁵ And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.
⁶ And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:
⁷ And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

Gabby Douglas

Douglas is a Christian. Douglas has spoken about her faith saying, "I believe in God. He is the secret of my success. He gives people talent”^[51] and "... I love sharing about my faith. God has given me this amazing God-given talent, so I'm going to go out and glorify His name."^[52] Douglas' mother says her name means 'God's abled-bodied one'.^{[53]
Outstanding! God is the wind beneath her wings. Gabby's mom did a great job teaching her about having Faith in God.
Today as you perform a random act of kindness share with someone where your good comes from.  Don't be scared. Be a Blessing. Give a Blessing}

Sharp Love

 I have mention this before it is perfect timing that we celebrate Black History and the month of love at the same time. As a messenger Paul was honored to spread God's desire of love and Peace. He received his orders thru Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 13:11

King James Version (KJV)

¹¹ Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.


Rev. Al Sharpton is one of God's greatest messengers. You got to love him.  Rev Al will make most people think on issues that they won't think about for ourselves. Stand Your Ground Law, Treyvon Martin, Jordan Davis, Minimum Wage, Voter Registration,Racial Profiling, Poverty, Education, Troy Davis, Birth Control , Justice and Civil Rights are just a few causes he has taken a stand for. From my view point Martin Luther King pass the baton of Civil Rights and Justice to Rev. Al Sharpton and he ran with it. It is a honor to listed to Rev. Sharpton speak on social issues but when he brings it home and talk about our purpose in life and family you need to think. 

Black Youth Project 100 (BYP 100) is an activist member-based organization of black 18-35 year olds, dedicated to creating justice and freedom for all black people through building a collective focused on transformative leadership development, non-violent direct action organizing, advocacy and education. The organization trains young activists how to lead grassroots campaigns and mobilizes young leaders on topics such as women’s issues, LGBT rights, mass incarceration and police brutality.

Today when you perform a random act of kindness think about Rev. Al Sharpton broaden someone's social consciousness . Be Bless give a Blessing of hope!
http://youtu.be/3CiqqyoX7gA

Brotherly Love

Since the new year when you made your resolutions and I told you the promises God made to all . When he created man God provided the world with an assortment. Yes it was God's desire to have us live in harmony. You should have a good idea God is all about equality, love and peace.

Psalm 55:12-16

King James Version (KJV)

Malcolm X

¹² For it was not an enemy that reproached me; then I could have borne it: neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me; then I would have hid myself from him:
¹³ But it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance.

Before Malcolm X death he was influence by the mission of Jesus Christ.

QUOTES BY MALCOLM X

"A man who stands for nothing will fall for anything"."
"We are nonviolent with people who are nonviolent with us.

"There is no better than adversity. Every defeat, every heartbreak, every loss, contains its own seed, its own lesson on how to improve your performance next time."

"We didn't land on Plymouth Rock, Plymouth Rock landed on us."

"Concerning nonviolence, it is criminal to teach a man not to defend himself when he is the constant victim of brutal attacks."

"If you're not ready to die for it, put the word 'freedom' out of your vocabulary." 

Don Lemon can be seen on CNN or heard on Tom Joyner's morning show weekly.  He is seen or heard by millions weekly.  Don recently address young men wearing sagging pant's, education and important social issues minorities tend to shy way from.  I love him because he delivers powerful messages that we need to address in our communities.

Don Lemon and Malcolm X ability to get in your face is needed in our society to address some very important social issues within the Black Community. Don Lemon does address Black on Black issues.
 After his return from Mecca and learning the teachings of Jesus Christ.  Malcolm X rededicate his Love to God.  Mecca taught Malcolm X all men are equal. Important fact that some would say cause his death .

Today like in the 60's we still have bridges over trouble waters we need to rebuild in the Black community. No one sings it better than Aretha Franklin.





Today when you perform a random act of kindness remember Malcolm X .  His journey was to equip you with the knowledge of equality and justice is for everyone. Luv is.

  http://youtu.be/_9-yfeA2JZs?list=PL6K2jRmHfcFARky4xvl1hxq4wYR-vKwon

Equal Love

God's intention is for all to live a peaceful life of equality and love.

Psalm 17:1-2

King James Version (KJV)

17 Hear the right, O Lord, attend unto my cry, give ear unto my prayer, that goeth not out of feigned lips.

² Let my sentence come forth from thy presence; let thine eyes behold the things that are equal.

 First elected to Congress in 1968, Shirley Chisholm was the first African American woman to win a congressional seat, and in 1972, she became the first African American presidential candidate for a major political party. She was also the first woman to run for the Democratic nomination. Chisholm shattered the racial barrier, but saw the need for continued progress toward equality, saying, "I don't measure America by its achievement but by its potential." In that spirit, we're looking forward to 2016 and electing the first Madam President.
Shirley Chisholm definitely knew her purpose in life.
God's vision, equality for all.

Today as you perform a random act of kindness let someone know you can do,you must do.  Be a Blessing! Give a Blessing!

Whats going on !

The month of February is a perfect time to reflect on Black History and Love.  Hopefully you are grasping God's purpose for everyone on earth is to live in love and harmony.


Psalm 97:10

King James Version (KJV)

¹⁰ Ye that love the Lord, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked.

Eric Daniels

God has always provided us with some outstanding messengers with great messages. James Brown
,Gil Scott and Sly Stone just to name a few. Marvin Gaye just happen to be my favorite with his song. What's going on. Today if one would listen to his message you can apply it to life today.

What's Going On is a song written by Marvin Gaye, Renaldo Benson and Al Cleveland. Written in 1971 and a song from the first album Marvin Gaye
produced, Rolling Stone listed it as the fourth greatest song of all time in 2004. The inspiration for the song came from the Vietnam war.
Even today with all the  troubles in America and around the world we still must ask. What's going On? Answer Is we must put God back in the mix.

Grammy nominated music producer Eric has been gifted with the ability to create an art form that can capture the attention of the masses. With songs and movie soundtracks from  Only a Women, Movement .Ghost. I'll call your name. Take me away, Like my coffee(Ledisi) and Memory Lane just to name a few.

Sometimes we underestimate the influence we have on each other.  Eric's dad directed and produce Gospel music. At the age of 4 Eric played the drums in the church choir which eventually propelled his drive to create.  Yes with my nephew it was inherent for him to step into his own greatness.

 To my brother Butch RIP because your son has taken it to the next level.  Who would have known?

As a random act of kindness let someone know they have already been gifted.  The power is within.  Be a Blessing display a Blessing of Faith.

Love and Equality

Today in America we still have people that think being Black is sub-human.
In the Bible God had a powerful message he saved for Paul to deliver from prison. God wanted all people to share in the riches of Christ.

 Ephesians 3:6-9



King James Version (KJV)

⁶ That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:
⁷ Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.
⁸ Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, ⁹ and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things.




In addition to her legacy as an entertainer, Horne was also known for her advocacy and contributions to social justice. At an early age, Horne displayed a passion for civil rights, and she first became a member of the NAACP as a student at Atlanta's Washington High School. Later, while singing for troops during World War II, she refused to perform "for segregated audiences or for groups in which German POWs were seated in front of African American servicemen." She was in attendance at an NAACP rally with Field Secretary Medgar Evers in Jackson, Mississippi on the weekend before Evers was assassinated, and spoke and performed at the March on Washington on behalf of the NAACP, SNCC and the National Council of Negro Women.

Dr. Joseph Henry Peter Westbrook

Dr.Westbrook light complexion allowed him to pass for white and
join the Klu-Klux Klan meetings and inform Afro American's of their plans.  Seems to me Clarence Thomas should take a page from his play book.

Even today in America we still have a problem within the Black community with the rainbow color of our Black skin.  Lena Horne and Dr.Westbrook  has proven their commitment to equality by their actions.
.. Today as you perform a random act kindness remember we are all equal in God's eyes. Be a Blessing give a Blessing of  knowledge. and display your beauty and love from within.

Lena Horne Someone to watch over me.
http://youtu.be/g8J2Gb-hMIY?list=PLzbw5cEusTQRmNvRrxv2ezmNiNEwTydoU

Purpose

Psalm 139:6

King James Version (KJV)

⁶ Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.
God's purpose for us is to be filled with knowledge. 

Many of our HBCUs began around the spirit of God



Historical Black colleges also known as HBCUs were established in response to the increase in the number of escaped slaves, who were considered a contraband of war during the Civil War if they managed to reach union lines, followed by the eventual passing of The Emancipation Proclamation. Public universities in the South were not integrated at the time.



Spelman College founded in 1881 by 2 black women with 100.00 began as a female seminary.
Howard University first students were white,Tuskegee University began under the leadership of Booker T Washington, Mary Mcleod Bethune and all HBCUs recognize the need to succeed.  This a powerful little known fact that should be pass down to future generations.

Step out on Faith  and believe I can do all things thru Christ that strengthen me.  As a random act of kindness let a young person know the power of Faith is built within and anything is possible.  Be a Blessing dis[play a Faith filled spirit.

http://youtu.be/yEY7vxjuuBA?list=PL6K2jRmHfcFC0SmJqNlxbBC2N9l2KKynR

Message

Proverbs 25:13

King James Version (KJV)

¹³ As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of his masters.

Today  think about the information you pass on to the next generation. In order to understand where you are going. You need to know where we have been

Fredrick Douglas

Message in the music.

Perhaps the best known use of spirituals in the service of freedom during the slave period was the imbedding of “hidden” or coded messages in song lyrics for the purpose of clandestine (secret) communication on the Underground Railroad¹². One of the first public revelations by a former slave of this practice of secret communication through spirituals is found in the autobiographical writings of the noted Black abolitionist Frederick Douglass, in which Douglass revealed to his readers that some songs interpreted by outsiders as referring to life after death in Heaven¹³, were actually understood within the enslaved.

In many communities across America we have develop a loss, mindless generation that has no respect for life or history. Their survival skills is by any means necessary.  With the lack of God, the knowledge of our history and a purpose filled life.  We have allowed criminals to take over our airwaves and headlines.


El Chapo Mexican Drug Lord

Gods purpose for all is to deliver his message of Love and Peace. That's why he sent his son Jesus Christ to tell his story.  Today I decided to tell my family a story about their great great Grandmother.

 As you perform a random act of kindness think about the message you can leave with your family.

Knowledge

Holy Angel's

Recently my cousin Carolyn stated she heard a young teen say," It's not cool being smart".  Guess what it is not cool doing 15 to life in prison. Who is stupid?  Holy Angel Catholic School,located on the South Side of Chicago makes it very cool to be educated. Holy Angel's has been part of the black community for over 125 years. 93%of their students continue on to college. Holy Angel's also has bragging right's on serving the community. Great Black History!

                                                                 

Genesis 2:9

King James Version (KJV)

⁹ And out of the ground made the Lord God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil. in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good


and evil.

If you know any young person that needs a nudge in the right direction let them know crime does not pay.  Knowledge pays very well spiritually and social. That is a great act of kindness to give.
Elise,Lynette and Thelma are 3 women  I know that have benefited from that tree of knowledge and are qualified to pass it own. Go ladies you have the power! Be a Blessing give a Blessing!
PS. Brent hang in there. You got the power

Take the Challange

Isaiah 58:6

“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:
to loose the chains of injustice
    and untie the cords of the yoke,
to set the oppressed free
    and break every yoke?

Why do we fast and Pray?  For preparation of Easter. God sent his only son Jesus Christ to die and pay for our sins.


 This

is a perfect time for us to realign our life with  God's intent  and say Thank You!.  Sometimes we or maybe our love ones have lost sight of God's purpose. 

Beginning tomorrow February 10, 2016 I will begin my fast. Every day for 40 days I will dedicate 25mins of Prayer to God.  some may think 25 min that's a lot of time.  We spend more time with the internet and TV. 
If you care to take the challenge join me and communicate with God.

  Malcolm X realize in Mecca Prayer changes things not hate. 

As a random act of kindness share with a love one Prayer changes things .  Be a Blessing display the power of Prayer

Friendships

In order to have a friend you got to be a friend.  Gods purpose for us is to care, share(God's thoughts) in love and peace.  That is a good formula for friendship.

Proverbs 22:24

King James Version (KJV)

²⁴ Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go:

Dr. Martin Luther King

 When we treat friends with love and respect we begin to develop sentimental value in our long lasting friendships. For myself some of my oldest and dearest friendships have lasted over 20 ,30 to over 50 years.

 True friends understand each others vision.That is a special friendship with a touch of love. The remainder of this month is dedicated to some form of love.

 Dr. King was surrounded by great friends like Rev.Abernathy,Andrew Young,Hosea Williams and Dr. Lowery. Millions around the world loved Dr. King because of the Christ like love he had for us.  Dr. King's friends truly understood his vision.

.As you perform your random act of kindness today be a Blessing give a  Loving Blessing to a friend.

http://youtu.be/4skytNRrLIA

Family Values

Psalm 68:6

King James Version (KJV)

⁶ God setteth the solitary in families: he bringeth out those which are bound with chains: but the rebellious dwell in a dry land.


Psalm 68:6

King James Version (KJV)

⁶ God setteth the solitary in families: he bringeth out those which are bound with chains: but the rebellious dwell in a dry land.

As children we begin to value our parents because they provide our basic needs. Out of love we learn how to care and share. Most parents like mine valued the opportunities  the Civil Rights Movement provided like education and employment. They wanted us to take advantage an exceed their standard of living.

ML King children represent many families in America. They have no emotional or spiritual value of Dr. King's Nobel Peace Prize or the Family Bible. Please don't sell it on E-bay.

MLK Estate Wants His Daughter To Give Up Nobel Peace Prize

As a random act of kindness share a precious story with a family member.  Be a Blessing give a Blessing of time.  Share the good old days.

Family

Family is where we learn to love. Our parent's  play a key role in nurturing and developing our attitudes about love.  God's intent was to Bless all families that could receive his message of love and peace.

Genesis 12:3

King James Version (KJV)

³ And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.
As we get older our family circle get's bigger and bigger as we include children, cousins,and friends. This is a powerful network when you have everyone practicing God's purpose.

Harriet Tubman created a powerful network that included Black and White people. Her underground railroad led many to freedom.

Sister Sledge
https://youtu.be/rQMzpLjZRNo

Love!

John 3:16

Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

¹⁶ “For God loved the world in this way:^[a] He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believe in Him will not perish but have eternal life.


The month of February is dedicated to Black History and Love. What a great combination. As a

Lionel Richiehttps://youtu.be/E62ZfiHiCYc

civil rights activist you must have love in your heart to withstand such inhumane treatment to fight for equal rights. First you need to love yourself. We learn to love as children from our parents. The bad, good and ugly sides of love begin at home. Why do we love? That is what God intended for us.  He sent his son Jesus Christ to teach us to live in love and peace.



Today do a  self exam and see how much you love yourself. What standard of living have you set for yourself? As you perform a random act of kindness today people will see you have love in your heart.  Be Blessed!

World Peace

Today we are witnessing a movement of Love and Peace .  It's huge.  Around the world Christians are seeking to spread Love and Peace.  We all would like to end crime, hate. and terrorist attacks.





Pope Francis

Leveviticus 19:18New International Version (NIV)

¹⁸ “‘Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.

During his time in Sri Lanka, the pope traveled to the jungles of the war-torn north for a show of solidarity with the victims of the country's 25-year civil war, urging people to forgive one another "for all the evil which this land has known."

Lately Pope Francis has covered a lot of territory reminding people about God's plan for Love and Peace. I wonder how many Frequent Flyer miles the Pope has? 

17 million march for Peace is in Paris. Get down Christians get down! Show the world what we can do.
As Christians we have a moral and Spiritual obligation to begin Love and Peace within ourselves and family.  This message can then spread into our neighborhoods and thru out the world.

 As a random act of kindness look in the mirror and begin your day with a smile. Be a Blessing and smile.  

17 million march for Peace in Paris

Come Up

As a child I watch my parents work hard for the American Dream of a home ,car, food on the table and higher education. We called that getting ahead in life. Everyone took advantage of the opportunities the Civil Rights Movement presented us. Today it is known as being on the come up.  Guess what you were born on the come up! If you remember when you made your NewYear's resolutions that is a promise God made to you. To always be there. 

The entire month of February will be dedicated to some form of love.



1 Timothy 4:14

Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

¹⁴ Do not neglect the gift that is in you; it was given to you through prophecy, with the laying on of hands by the council of elders.

On a more personal level individuals will bribe, extort and withhold care to a love one for the love of money or (come up). I have no idea why anyone would choose to mistreat their love one's. Car, home, money, and wealth are things  we should accumulate on our own merit. Remember with God's Grace we are privy to the kingdom of God's rich's.
 When we are called to care it is a loving act of kindness directed by God. Not an opportunity to extort.