There is an email circulating around the world with the thoughts and concerns of a 15 year old girl who has taken a stand against BET! I don't know if this is truly a REAL letter but I pray that it is. For it expresses my concern as well. It has also encouraged me to write a letter. What if we all did, those who are concerned, what would happen? Here is the Letter Read it and let me know your thoughts:
Dear Debra Lee,I’m Janita Patrick, a 15-year-old African-American female from Cincinnati .. Recently, I watched the 2009 BET Awards and felt the strongest urge to reach out to the program. My family is of the typical middle-class variety; both parents and four brothers. See, I'm a junior in high school (got skipped), so naturally EVERYBODY in my age group watches BET. I'm used to seeing the sagging pants, tattoos, lack of emphasis on reading and respecting women that makes up your videos. People in my class live this out everyday, while teachers tell us that we're acting just like the people in your shows.In your shows. That struck me as odd, because I would think that with your show being the primary outlet for black entertainers and musicians, and considering the context of blacks in this country, there’s a social responsibility factor to consider. I would never blame BET alone for the way a great deal of my classmates act and talk and dress. Everybody makes their own choices.
However, if anybody is aware the power of television on impressionable minds, it’s the people running the television operations. If you are not aware, then perhaps you shouldn't be running the operations.Guess who watches your network the most? Not those who are intelligent enough to discern foolishness from substance, but those who are barely teenagers, impressionable and believing. It’s awfully cruel to plant seeds of ignorance in fertile minds. You know it’s really bad when the co-founder of BET, Sheila Johnson, said that she “really doesn't watch it” anymore.I am constantly fighting against the images and messages put forth on your program. What made you think that it’s okay to bring my classmates on stage to dance behind Lil Wayne and Drake to a song talking about boffing “every girl in the world”?
Why does reality train wrecks have to thrown in our faces? Are you aware of the achievement gap going in inner-city African-American communities? A report from America ’s Promise Alliance, a non-profit group started by Colin Powell, recently stated that 47 percent of high school students in the nation’s top 50 cities don't graduate. (Fifty-four percent of males of color in Ingham County graduated from high school, compared to 74 percent of white males). This isn’t because of BET per se, but I don’t see any episodes on your show doing anything to counteract this disturbing trend. In fact, your show is a part of this cycle of media depicting us at our worst.My older brother told me something about profit being the number one goal for every business. I’m not sure I understand what that means, but I do know that your shows have to be entertaining enough to generate viewers, which is how you make your money.
But surely our culture is rich enough to entertain without anything extra to “boost” ratings; why the over-the-top foolery? I listen to classmates talk about Baldwin Hills like it’s the Manhattan Project. It doesn’t take much effort to produce a throng of degenerative reality shows, nor does it take much to eliminate socially conscious shows off the air. MTV isn’t much better, but since when does two wrongs ever make a right? It’s one thing for white television shows to depict us in a particular way, but for black television shows to do it is baffling.Why do you hate us?All of the values that my parents seek to instill in me and my brothers seems to be contradicted by a more powerful force from the media, and your show is at the forefront. Your network is the only network that features rap videos and shows exclusively to children of my color. I know that you have no control over the music that the artists put out, but you do have influence as to how you air these videos. I'm sure if a stand was taken to use the talent in your organization to actually crank out thought-provoking entertaining shows and videos, then artists will follow suit. Being that they need you as much as you need them.There was one awkward segment in the BET Awards when Jamie Foxx singled out three black doctors-turned-authors, but the introduction was so powerless that many of the viewers had no idea who they were. Had they been introduced as Sampson Davis, Rameck Hunt and George Jenkins, three brothers who overcame major obstacles to become a success without the use of lyrics that berate women, the sell of substance that destroy communities or through raps about loose gunplay, then maybe my classmates would have come to school talking about more than Beyonce, T-Pain’s BIG ASS CHAIN and Soulja Boy Tell Em’s hopping out the bed.
But they weren’t introduced like that. It seemed like a throwaway obligatory tribute to appease some irritated fans. It missed the mark. Big time. Ask Michelle Obama if she watches BET or encourages Sasha and Malia to do so. Ask President Obama. It’s a reason he is the leader of the free world, and it isn’t because of Buffoonery Exists Today.You’d be surprised how smart young black children can be with the absence of Blacks Embarrassing Themselves. If your goal is to deter engaged, forward-thinking articulate black minds, then consider your goal fulfilled. It’s hard-pressed to think that your shows are working to promote cultural betterment. However, it’s quite easy to conclude that the destruction of black children through the glorification of immoral behavior and rushed production is by design.. Poison is being swallowed by every viewer who adores your network, and the worse thing is, these viewers - my classmates - are not even aware what they’re swallowing.
There is nothing edifying for black women on your show. I don’t judge people who do throng to your programs though; I mean, if a jet crashes in right in front of me, I’ll watch it too. That’s why I don’t flip by your channel…I don’t even want to be sucked in.I have aspirations of acquiring a law degree and possibly entering the public sphere, so I can counteract conditions in my community perpetuated by the images on your channel. So I should thank you, because in a weird sense, your shoddy programming is the wind behind my back. And it is my hope that I can accomplish my dreams despite BET’s pictorial messages, because Lord knows it won’t be because of them.
Sincerely,Janita Patrick
Friday, September 18, 2009
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Once a Victim Now a VICTOR!!
I was once a victim of many unfortunate circumstances
My mind tends to ponder and often wonder
What would my life had been like if I was never molested
Would I be the strong woman that I am now?
Confident in my self because of the many struggles I've endured
If I had never been sexually assaulted would I be able to SAY NO to unwanted demons
If I was never promiscuous and full of drama would I be able to decipher true love now?
Had I not given my life over to my Creator would I still be a hot mess?
I know without a doubt that I have come thus far only because of GRACE
I am loved so much by my Creator that I am already deemed a VICTOR
Not just because of accomplishment and successes but because I am a chosen one
I had to grow through trial and tribulations, I had to suffer through so that I may be able to help
Help others that would endure..Like you and You!
I tell you the truth, being a victim is never any fun but
When you have made up in your mind that enough is enough
You will be healed and released from your pains
It will take time but never be ashamed, for this is nothing you have brought on yourself
It's only a stepping stone to your destiny of Victory!!
I believe in me and I believe in you and together we can build our bridge to VICTORY.
I pray strength and power for you...May you find Peace and Joy beyond your hurt
May you be all that you were born to be... Once a Victim now a VICTOR!!
Forever you'll see!
Peace and Blessings
Copyright © 2009 Sistah Kenya
My mind tends to ponder and often wonder
What would my life had been like if I was never molested
Would I be the strong woman that I am now?
Confident in my self because of the many struggles I've endured
If I had never been sexually assaulted would I be able to SAY NO to unwanted demons
If I was never promiscuous and full of drama would I be able to decipher true love now?
Had I not given my life over to my Creator would I still be a hot mess?
I know without a doubt that I have come thus far only because of GRACE
I am loved so much by my Creator that I am already deemed a VICTOR
Not just because of accomplishment and successes but because I am a chosen one
I had to grow through trial and tribulations, I had to suffer through so that I may be able to help
Help others that would endure..Like you and You!
I tell you the truth, being a victim is never any fun but
When you have made up in your mind that enough is enough
You will be healed and released from your pains
It will take time but never be ashamed, for this is nothing you have brought on yourself
It's only a stepping stone to your destiny of Victory!!
I believe in me and I believe in you and together we can build our bridge to VICTORY.
I pray strength and power for you...May you find Peace and Joy beyond your hurt
May you be all that you were born to be... Once a Victim now a VICTOR!!
Forever you'll see!
Peace and Blessings
Copyright © 2009 Sistah Kenya
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Grown in the mind of YAH!!
The thought of me unraveled and my physical being became
The mission I'm to accomplish was wrapped up in my DNA
The roads I would travel and the valleys I would walk through
All pinned out in a map called life!!
Most High's energy filled the universe and all those whom heard the call
Answered within their spirit...Although the advesary has set traps
YAH's energy within my soul has encouraged me to live
I have chosen the source of everlasting life, one that gives true Love, Joy and Peace..
I have all that I will ever need for I have been Grown in the mind of YAH
From the beginning of times as we know it
all lives in the All in All...My most creative energy has come from within this Spirit
My existence only represents a small portion of my creator's mind
I yearn to dwell inside, to convey the message untold
But I am not fully capable of such things at this time..
One day though I will be
The Logos of Yah will be revealed and I shall totally intertwine
And know all the things that I have yearned to know all my life..
I am thankful that I was grown in the mind of YAH!
All Praises be to the Most High God
Shalom
Copyright © 2009 Sistah Kenya
The mission I'm to accomplish was wrapped up in my DNA
The roads I would travel and the valleys I would walk through
All pinned out in a map called life!!
Most High's energy filled the universe and all those whom heard the call
Answered within their spirit...Although the advesary has set traps
YAH's energy within my soul has encouraged me to live
I have chosen the source of everlasting life, one that gives true Love, Joy and Peace..
I have all that I will ever need for I have been Grown in the mind of YAH
From the beginning of times as we know it
all lives in the All in All...My most creative energy has come from within this Spirit
My existence only represents a small portion of my creator's mind
I yearn to dwell inside, to convey the message untold
But I am not fully capable of such things at this time..
One day though I will be
The Logos of Yah will be revealed and I shall totally intertwine
And know all the things that I have yearned to know all my life..
I am thankful that I was grown in the mind of YAH!
All Praises be to the Most High God
Shalom
Copyright © 2009 Sistah Kenya
Monday, August 24, 2009
The World Knows Us Not!!..Just Me Venting!!
1 John 3:1
Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
As a child of the Most High God have you ever felt that you were in the world but not of it? This is a common feeling to have. I often wondered why it seemed as though my life was just as normal as anyone else's but in all truth it was nothing like theirs. For now I realize I am a peculiar person.
The word tells us in 1Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light...
I am often reminded that I am not like the normal or average person in the secular world. I tend to revert back to my old ways of thinking sometimes once those who are still yet in the world provoke me with talk that offends the character I now possess. For that I have to ask my creator for forgiveness. In this I learn to pray for others, for they know not what they do unto me(hurting my feelings and such). I realize every one who does not share the like of life such as my self will not understand this journey.
For I am called a daughter of the Most High God and those in the world received him not so why should I expect them to receive me? I'm learning though.... Even in the lack of understanding of my peers I must do as the word of God says:
1Thessalonians 5:11
Therefore encourage (admonish, exhort) one another and edify (strengthen and build up) one another, just as you are doing.
Even when I am tempted to tell people or even fellow brethren and sistern kind a piece of my mind I must remember the word of the Most High God.
1 Thessalonians 5:14
And we earnestly beseech you, brethren, admonish (warn and seriously advise) those who are out of line [the loafers, the disorderly, and the unruly]; encourage the timid and fainthearted, help and give your support to the weak souls, [and] be very patient with everybody [always keeping your temper].
For as it is written in Galatians 6:7
Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap
So even in those moments when I am tested and judged by the theories of the world I shall remember that to them my Creator's word, my life, walk, culture, and understanding is foolishness for they have not opened themselves up to this spiritual realm of understanding. It is not my place to judge or criticize anyone and so I won't but I will speak on how I feel.
Today I am blessed in the fields, in the city, when I come and when I go. Not because of anything that I have done to deserve this but because my God loves me and he cares for me. I will forever praise and lift up Jehovah, El Elyon, Elohim, Adonai!! For the Lord is worthy! I shall cast my prayers for those who are my enemies and those who pretend to be friends. I pray much for them that their relationship with the most High God will flourish and be seasoned according to God's perfect will.
As I close this blog I will say be mindful of your position in this world! As a child of God you are in it not of it!! And if you should happen to be of it, then you are in a place where I used to be..I pray much for you that you too will join me in the land of eternity! Peace and Blessings
May the Lord add a blessing to the reading and hearing of this blog....
Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
As a child of the Most High God have you ever felt that you were in the world but not of it? This is a common feeling to have. I often wondered why it seemed as though my life was just as normal as anyone else's but in all truth it was nothing like theirs. For now I realize I am a peculiar person.
The word tells us in 1Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light...
I am often reminded that I am not like the normal or average person in the secular world. I tend to revert back to my old ways of thinking sometimes once those who are still yet in the world provoke me with talk that offends the character I now possess. For that I have to ask my creator for forgiveness. In this I learn to pray for others, for they know not what they do unto me(hurting my feelings and such). I realize every one who does not share the like of life such as my self will not understand this journey.
For I am called a daughter of the Most High God and those in the world received him not so why should I expect them to receive me? I'm learning though.... Even in the lack of understanding of my peers I must do as the word of God says:
1Thessalonians 5:11
Therefore encourage (admonish, exhort) one another and edify (strengthen and build up) one another, just as you are doing.
Even when I am tempted to tell people or even fellow brethren and sistern kind a piece of my mind I must remember the word of the Most High God.
1 Thessalonians 5:14
And we earnestly beseech you, brethren, admonish (warn and seriously advise) those who are out of line [the loafers, the disorderly, and the unruly]; encourage the timid and fainthearted, help and give your support to the weak souls, [and] be very patient with everybody [always keeping your temper].
For as it is written in Galatians 6:7
Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap
So even in those moments when I am tested and judged by the theories of the world I shall remember that to them my Creator's word, my life, walk, culture, and understanding is foolishness for they have not opened themselves up to this spiritual realm of understanding. It is not my place to judge or criticize anyone and so I won't but I will speak on how I feel.
Today I am blessed in the fields, in the city, when I come and when I go. Not because of anything that I have done to deserve this but because my God loves me and he cares for me. I will forever praise and lift up Jehovah, El Elyon, Elohim, Adonai!! For the Lord is worthy! I shall cast my prayers for those who are my enemies and those who pretend to be friends. I pray much for them that their relationship with the most High God will flourish and be seasoned according to God's perfect will.
As I close this blog I will say be mindful of your position in this world! As a child of God you are in it not of it!! And if you should happen to be of it, then you are in a place where I used to be..I pray much for you that you too will join me in the land of eternity! Peace and Blessings
May the Lord add a blessing to the reading and hearing of this blog....
To God be all the Glory!!
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
I's Married Now!!!
First and foremost given Honor to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I am so blessed to say that I am now married to Mr. AJ Woodson. Lord knows I thought I never would see the day when I would actually be married. Yes I always planned for it, always wanted it, had been engaged two times, but never did really think it would finally come to pass especially not like this.This shows that when you give your life to God and begin to live for him according to his perfect will, then and only then shall you recieve the desires of your heart! 3 years ago I made a promise unto God that I would change my ways and do as much as I could to live a life pleasing unto Jehovah. (Seek ye the kingdom of God first and everything else shall be added unto you!!)Since then I have been growing spiritually and the Lord has shown me favor.
No I'm not perfect! I don't always do things right but I strive to do as best I can. I live daily and allow the ressurection of Christ to live within me everyday. I make a conscious descision to do the will of my creator. Why am I telling you this, you may ask? because I am a living witness to what my God can do. as my life's motto goes "there is no success without struggle!" so along this journey there has been many obstacles but All Praises be unto the Most High God that I am still here.I realize this union is not just for my enjoyment but for employment and my service has just now been elevated. I will do my fathers will until I die. No weapon formed against me shall prosper! I am on the Lord side and Jehovah's got my back! The Lord is my light and salvation, Whom shall I fear? I will stand on the solid rock for life.Thank you Spiritual Minded Fam for all your support love and prayers... Once again To God be all the glory!! The journey has just begun!
August: Women's Month @ Shaw Temple
This month is women's month at Shaw Temple and Great things are happening. I was delighted to start the month off with a retreat in Toccoa, GA at Toccoa Falls with the women of Shaw. We spent two days fellowshipping, praying, meditating, learning and growing together. I was really intrigued by the breakout sessions facilitated by some of our very on ordained evangelists of Shaw Temple. The roster was as follows; Francilla Allen, Merchuria "Chase" Williams, Andrea Jallah, Kristen Berry, and Andrea Jones.
My favorite session was Mind, body, and Spirit facilitated by Rev. Andrea Jones.I was really moved by this session and I felt the power and annointing of God move during this session. God allowed me to see the great work he was doing through my sistah (Rev. Jones). She truly empowered me and gave a great word of encouragement to my spirit.
All my life I had wanted to fellowship with the women of God on a retreat, but I often hesitated because of the stereotypes of hackling women and gossiping going on. I have never been one for the drama!! I am relieved and honored to say though, through this retreat because, I kept my eyes on God all worked together for the good!!
The retreat was followed (a week later) by a Mother daughter bruncheon that me and my daughters attended and really enjoyed! It was another opportunity for fellowship and worship. I praise God for my sisters at Shaw for this is truly what has helped me to grow as a better chrsitian woman. Iron sharpens iron.
This past Saturday was a charitible event...the ladies got together to give products needed to the community-Back to school items, and they also provided things for battered mothers in shelters. I wasn't able to attend because I got married on this day but I look forward to the next couple of events that will be ending this years women's month @ Shaw Temple. Please check out the upcoming events on our website @ www.shawtemple.org The extravaganza will be held on August 30th 2009 at Shaw Temple @ 3pm There will be selections rendered by the women's 100 choir and praises unto God shall go up for another successful year of the women's months events. All praises be unto the Most High God.
A special thank you to all the women on the Women's Month committe that made all events possible! may God forever bless you and smile on you!
My favorite session was Mind, body, and Spirit facilitated by Rev. Andrea Jones.I was really moved by this session and I felt the power and annointing of God move during this session. God allowed me to see the great work he was doing through my sistah (Rev. Jones). She truly empowered me and gave a great word of encouragement to my spirit.
All my life I had wanted to fellowship with the women of God on a retreat, but I often hesitated because of the stereotypes of hackling women and gossiping going on. I have never been one for the drama!! I am relieved and honored to say though, through this retreat because, I kept my eyes on God all worked together for the good!!
The retreat was followed (a week later) by a Mother daughter bruncheon that me and my daughters attended and really enjoyed! It was another opportunity for fellowship and worship. I praise God for my sisters at Shaw for this is truly what has helped me to grow as a better chrsitian woman. Iron sharpens iron.
This past Saturday was a charitible event...the ladies got together to give products needed to the community-Back to school items, and they also provided things for battered mothers in shelters. I wasn't able to attend because I got married on this day but I look forward to the next couple of events that will be ending this years women's month @ Shaw Temple. Please check out the upcoming events on our website @ www.shawtemple.org The extravaganza will be held on August 30th 2009 at Shaw Temple @ 3pm There will be selections rendered by the women's 100 choir and praises unto God shall go up for another successful year of the women's months events. All praises be unto the Most High God.
A special thank you to all the women on the Women's Month committe that made all events possible! may God forever bless you and smile on you!
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Summer Youth Fest
Come join us as we worship CHRIST in Spirit and TRUTH!!
Hosted by Christ Discipleship Ministries
114 West Campbellton St. Fairburn, GA 30123
Concert starts @ 7pm FREE ADMISSION
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