During this time of year I often reflect of my past. Why? I don't know but I seem to reflect more during this time... Allow me if you will to vent!! I have realized that even through my mental and emotional transitioning times I am weak. Yes although I am told I am STRONG over and over again by family and friends, right now and at times I feel completely weak and yet I press on....
The strength that I have is none other than what is provided unto me by my Creator. Lord knows the trouble I bear during these times and even though things may seem JUST FINE I'm at in war inside; Inside my mind and spirit. I have learned though, time and time again that this is the time to GO HARD!! To worship with wisdom and all I have within me. I have to tap into my inner self and allow the spirit of Most High to guide me as only Yah can.
I know you might say, what is she talking about? It seems as though she is speaking in riddles. Well when you have gone through all what I have and then some, then you too may comprehend. Ya see this life is a journey that I did not plan, yet I must walk in the shoes that fit me. The bible tells me in............
Romans 8:6
The mind of a sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is Life and Peace.
This is the reason I remind myself to refocus when this time of year comes around. I must stay focused with my mind stayed on Most High. Because the mind is so miraculous and yet corrupt in the same it must be told what to do. That can only happen when your spirit leads your mind in the direction your heart desires. I have decided that even through these times I will open my mind, soul, and heart unto my Creator, that I may live with life and peace.
Yes it gets hard sometimes, Really HARD! But I stay holding onto my Faith what I believe while remembering what God has already done for me. When I need to feel the touch of my Creator I go out and let the wind caress my face. I inhale the air that was put here just for me..(and you too). I look into the skies and admire the clouds that grace the atmospere. I listen to nature calling out to it's own.... Then I realize I was created by The Almighty and whatever this transition phase is ...it too will pass.
So I PRAISE, PRAY, WORSHIP, MOAN, CRY, and MEDITATE on the Spirit. I open myself up to all that shall and will come...VICTORY, JOY, PEACE, LOVE, and COMFORT.
I am truly thankful now for through this piece God has ministered to my soul through The Holy Spirit. For this I am truly thankful. Thank you El Elyon, Elohim, Adonai....No Words can express how I truly feel thank you for Loving me. And thank you Blog fam for letting me vent....
If you wish to allow your mind to be guided by the spirit of Most High pray this prayer:
Lord fill my mind with your thoughts, give me insight to your ways, help me to appreciate your wisdom. Let my mind behold your glory. Grant me life and peace through your spirit. Amen
Peace and Blessings, Sistah Kenya... 2009
Monday, November 30, 2009
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Ask For Wisdom, While You Are a Fool!!
As posted on http://www.theinkwell.ning.com/ by Michelle Reed, Check it out!!
I have often kept my mouth closed and not asked for wisdom from God because I have not felt worthy of asking Him, or because I have been in condemnation and guilt over my recent foolishness.Wisdom is too high for a fool: he openeth not his mouth in the gate. - Proverbs 24:7
This verse says that the very act shows that my heart is foolish. Matthew Henry concise commentary on the Bible says of this verse: “A weak man thinks wisdom is too high for him, therefore he will take no pains for it.”
GOD WANTS YOU TO ASK
Sometimes we don’t know God’s word and promises and that is why we know not what to ask for. In one of my favorite scriptures in the bible, Jesus tells us that we can seek and we shall find and that our Father wants to bless us."Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!" - Luke 11:11-13
IT'S NOT ABOUT YOU OR YOUR FOOLISHNESS
Sometimes I forget and I still think that this thing is about me, and not about God and His character, and so in my foolish state I don’t ask for wisdom, thinking it is unattainable to me. I think 'I am not worthy and have made too many mistakes to ask for wisdom at this point." or "I know better than this, God is going to be mad with me and is tired of me asking for wisdom." But what does the scripture say?If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. – James 1:5
This makes me excited! This scripture annuls the lies of the enemy who says I cannot have wisdom or you cannot have wisdom. God will not only give you wisdom, but will give generously without finding fault in you for your foolishness so far!FAITH AND EXPECTANCYKeep reading because there are conditions! Listen carefully to the next verse in James:But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. – James 1:6
DOUBT.... If you don’t believe, then not only will you become unstable like the wind tossing the sea, your doubt will come to life. If you doubt, then you are right to doubt because you won’t get anything from the Lord. Read it in James 1:7. That man [who doubts when asking for wisdom] should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; - James 1:7
Henry Ford’s famous quote comes to mind “whether you think you can or you think you can’t you are right." As does another proverb: As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.
– Proverbs 23:7
GOD REWARDS YOU FOR SEEKING HIM... Are you thinking of seeking God for wisdom? Then you are already on the path of seeking Him. The very suggestion to your mind to seek wisdom is from the Holy Spirit. And as you seek Him, He is pleased with you!And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. - Hebrews 6:11
DON'T HAVE ENOUGH FAITH?
GOD HAS THAT COVERED TOO. His word is a lamp to our paths and a light to our footsteps. Know what’s in it so you can draw wisdom from inside as the Holy Spirit quickens you and reminds you all of the Word you have read. Reading the Word will increase your faith too:So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. - Romans 10:17
If you don’t feel you have faith, take a faith the size of a mustard seed and believe on it. To increase faith, pray and fast for a while. Sow into the spirit and you’ll gain harvest from it. Jesus said this [faith] comes only from fasting and prayer." 'If you can'?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes."Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" Mark 9:23-24
After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, "Why couldn't we drive it out?"He replied, "This kind can come out only by fasting and prayer. Mark 9:28-29 Take a mustard seed size of faith and believe God for wisdom. He will lead you on your path.
DON’T THINK YOU HAVE STRENGTH?
- ANOTHER THING WISDOM IS GOOD FOR
Many times I thought "I'm a strong person" but if you really saw me in the midst of some adversities and heard me complain and go back to my default thinking, you'd see I was deceived and was not strong after all. Times are hard when the devil is coming after us, our flesh is ruling us and circumstances get in the way of taking on the thoughts of God as our own! Hear what God says through His wise man, King Solomon about wisdom providing strength:If you faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small. – Proverbs 24:10
I am still learning to walk and live stronger and God has delivered me from so much weakness in my life by giving me wisdom. When adversity comes, give it to God. Seek wisdom and it will strengthen you –A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength. It is yours for the taking. – Proverbs 24: 5
GET THIS! When you go to the gate of wisdom, open your mouth and ask for it. God will help you and won’t find fault with you for asking. Even when circumstances look like they are not changing, go ahead and believe that He is giving you wisdom. God will give wisdom and in wisdom there is strength. So shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto thy soul: when thou has found it, then there shall be a reward, and thy expectation shall not be cut off. - Proverbs 24:14
PRAYER:
Our Father who art in heaven, Holy is your name, we ask for Your wisdom, strength, faith in Jesus name and believe that You will give it to us. Help us in our time of tribulation to cheer up and put on the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. Help us to ask You for the good gifts You want to give us. Bring us revelation in Your love letter to us, Your Bible and give us the discipline and thirst for righteousness to read it and spend time with You through prayer and fasting.
AMEN
This post can be found on...www.theinkwell.ning.com
I have often kept my mouth closed and not asked for wisdom from God because I have not felt worthy of asking Him, or because I have been in condemnation and guilt over my recent foolishness.Wisdom is too high for a fool: he openeth not his mouth in the gate. - Proverbs 24:7
This verse says that the very act shows that my heart is foolish. Matthew Henry concise commentary on the Bible says of this verse: “A weak man thinks wisdom is too high for him, therefore he will take no pains for it.”
GOD WANTS YOU TO ASK
Sometimes we don’t know God’s word and promises and that is why we know not what to ask for. In one of my favorite scriptures in the bible, Jesus tells us that we can seek and we shall find and that our Father wants to bless us."Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!" - Luke 11:11-13
IT'S NOT ABOUT YOU OR YOUR FOOLISHNESS
Sometimes I forget and I still think that this thing is about me, and not about God and His character, and so in my foolish state I don’t ask for wisdom, thinking it is unattainable to me. I think 'I am not worthy and have made too many mistakes to ask for wisdom at this point." or "I know better than this, God is going to be mad with me and is tired of me asking for wisdom." But what does the scripture say?If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. – James 1:5
This makes me excited! This scripture annuls the lies of the enemy who says I cannot have wisdom or you cannot have wisdom. God will not only give you wisdom, but will give generously without finding fault in you for your foolishness so far!FAITH AND EXPECTANCYKeep reading because there are conditions! Listen carefully to the next verse in James:But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. – James 1:6
DOUBT.... If you don’t believe, then not only will you become unstable like the wind tossing the sea, your doubt will come to life. If you doubt, then you are right to doubt because you won’t get anything from the Lord. Read it in James 1:7. That man [who doubts when asking for wisdom] should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; - James 1:7
Henry Ford’s famous quote comes to mind “whether you think you can or you think you can’t you are right." As does another proverb: As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.
– Proverbs 23:7
GOD REWARDS YOU FOR SEEKING HIM... Are you thinking of seeking God for wisdom? Then you are already on the path of seeking Him. The very suggestion to your mind to seek wisdom is from the Holy Spirit. And as you seek Him, He is pleased with you!And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. - Hebrews 6:11
DON'T HAVE ENOUGH FAITH?
GOD HAS THAT COVERED TOO. His word is a lamp to our paths and a light to our footsteps. Know what’s in it so you can draw wisdom from inside as the Holy Spirit quickens you and reminds you all of the Word you have read. Reading the Word will increase your faith too:So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. - Romans 10:17
If you don’t feel you have faith, take a faith the size of a mustard seed and believe on it. To increase faith, pray and fast for a while. Sow into the spirit and you’ll gain harvest from it. Jesus said this [faith] comes only from fasting and prayer." 'If you can'?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes."Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" Mark 9:23-24
After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, "Why couldn't we drive it out?"He replied, "This kind can come out only by fasting and prayer. Mark 9:28-29 Take a mustard seed size of faith and believe God for wisdom. He will lead you on your path.
DON’T THINK YOU HAVE STRENGTH?
- ANOTHER THING WISDOM IS GOOD FOR
Many times I thought "I'm a strong person" but if you really saw me in the midst of some adversities and heard me complain and go back to my default thinking, you'd see I was deceived and was not strong after all. Times are hard when the devil is coming after us, our flesh is ruling us and circumstances get in the way of taking on the thoughts of God as our own! Hear what God says through His wise man, King Solomon about wisdom providing strength:If you faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small. – Proverbs 24:10
I am still learning to walk and live stronger and God has delivered me from so much weakness in my life by giving me wisdom. When adversity comes, give it to God. Seek wisdom and it will strengthen you –A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength. It is yours for the taking. – Proverbs 24: 5
GET THIS! When you go to the gate of wisdom, open your mouth and ask for it. God will help you and won’t find fault with you for asking. Even when circumstances look like they are not changing, go ahead and believe that He is giving you wisdom. God will give wisdom and in wisdom there is strength. So shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto thy soul: when thou has found it, then there shall be a reward, and thy expectation shall not be cut off. - Proverbs 24:14
PRAYER:
Our Father who art in heaven, Holy is your name, we ask for Your wisdom, strength, faith in Jesus name and believe that You will give it to us. Help us in our time of tribulation to cheer up and put on the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. Help us to ask You for the good gifts You want to give us. Bring us revelation in Your love letter to us, Your Bible and give us the discipline and thirst for righteousness to read it and spend time with You through prayer and fasting.
AMEN
This post can be found on...www.theinkwell.ning.com
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Openness to TRUE Worship-Are you OPEN?
Often times you may find yourself wondering if your way of worship is the only TRUE and living way to worship the Most High God. I have found for myself by seeking the face of my creator that there are yet many different ways of TRUE worship. It is yet determined by our culture, history, and mindset of openness to the one whom has created us. For the longest I thought that anything other than Christianity was blasphemy unto GOD for that was what I was taught as an American child growing up in the 1980's. Of course I have learned differently now only because I allowed Most High to show me TRUTH! I had an epiphany about my ancestors-the slaves. When they were brought to this land they knew nothing about Christianity but they had a very intimate and strong relationship with the Creator-GOD! So how then, can I only profess the ways of worship of Christianity to be the only TRUE way? I can't!!
Recently I came upon a parable in the bible about Peter in "Peter explains his actions" it reads as such: Acts 11:1-18
1The apostles and the brothers throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God. 2So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him 3and said, "You went into the house of uncircumcised men and ate with them."
4Peter began and explained everything to them precisely as it had happened: 5"I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision. I saw something like a large sheet being let down from heaven by its four corners, and it came down to where I was. 6I looked into it and saw four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, reptiles, and birds of the air. 7Then I heard a voice telling me, 'Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.'
8"I replied, 'Surely not, Lord! Nothing impure or unclean has ever entered my mouth.'
9"The voice spoke from heaven a second time, 'Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.' 10This happened three times, and then it was all pulled up to heaven again.
11"Right then three men who had been sent to me from Caesarea stopped at the house where I was staying. 12The Spirit told me to have no hesitation about going with them. These six brothers also went with me, and we entered the man's house. 13He told us how he had seen an angel appear in his house and say, 'Send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter. 14He will bring you a message through which you and all your household will be saved.'
15"As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit came on them as he had come on us at the beginning. 16Then I remembered what the Lord had said: 'John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.' 17So if God gave them the same gift as he gave us, who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could oppose God?"
18When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, "So then, God has granted even the Gentiles repentance unto life."
I learned from this passage that even Peter, a follower of Christ looked upon others as unclean and had a closed mind to the worship of others according to their culture. For a Jew to go to the home of a Gentile was considered to be taboo during this time but Peter did so in Acts 10:28 because the Lord told him to do so.
Acts 10:28
28He said to them: "You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with a Gentile or visit him. But God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean.
In God revealing this important word unto Peter he realizes that he had false apprehensions about the Gentiles and he had to repent. Often times I have found myself making accusations about a nation of people according to their way of worship. For example The nation of Islam- Muslims, Hebrew Israelites, Persons who practice Hinduism, and Scientology. I know now that I am no one to judge them in their worship nor denounce them from their right relationship with the Most High GOD. Just like Peter I now repent...Father for give me. For in due time someone will look at my God given insight as some sort of empathetic excuse to ordain a ONESS in God amongst all Nations. Be knowingest to them this would be inaccurate but Only God can reveal such things to that being only if they are in a place to receive it.
How opened are you to TRUE worship? What is TRUE worship to you?
These Gentiles worshipped God in spirit and in truth with all their heart. Just as others practice their cultural religions and worship God with all their heart and in truth. Who am I to judge them are call them out of the lifestyle that has been given unto them? Granted I will still follow in the way of My Creator and yet at the same time remaining open to all that Yahweh is willing to show me. You see, I have learned that my God is a God of many names and these names derived from many different languages and cultures yet these people all worship the Most High! Hopefully something I have written has pricked you in such a way that you yourself would be torn and yet have to seek the Face of your creator to gain clarity. All while searching the word (scriptures) for answers and maybe even gaining insight from a spiritual leader such as a Pastor, Rabbi, Elder, or lay person.
Most importantly gaining a relationship with the Most High. By having this encounter with your creator you shall find clarity about the assumptions you have contemplated about the world. God has a plan for this world and we cannot continue to tie Yahweh down to our systems of understanding. It goes so far beyond what even we could imagine. Once you truly encounter your creator in the greatest depths your ways of thinking will be totally transformed. Your worship will be affected, you'll be called to do things you would've never thought to do and you will gain relationships with those you would've never thought to build with. Once you gain spiritual obedience it will stretch you in unpredictable directions.......
Yes this is lengthy and yet full of thought and compassion. I leave with you these inspired word of the scriptures: Romans 12:2
2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Shalom-Peace and Blessings- As-Salāmu `Alaykum
Recently I came upon a parable in the bible about Peter in "Peter explains his actions" it reads as such: Acts 11:1-18
1The apostles and the brothers throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God. 2So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him 3and said, "You went into the house of uncircumcised men and ate with them."
4Peter began and explained everything to them precisely as it had happened: 5"I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision. I saw something like a large sheet being let down from heaven by its four corners, and it came down to where I was. 6I looked into it and saw four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, reptiles, and birds of the air. 7Then I heard a voice telling me, 'Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.'
8"I replied, 'Surely not, Lord! Nothing impure or unclean has ever entered my mouth.'
9"The voice spoke from heaven a second time, 'Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.' 10This happened three times, and then it was all pulled up to heaven again.
11"Right then three men who had been sent to me from Caesarea stopped at the house where I was staying. 12The Spirit told me to have no hesitation about going with them. These six brothers also went with me, and we entered the man's house. 13He told us how he had seen an angel appear in his house and say, 'Send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter. 14He will bring you a message through which you and all your household will be saved.'
15"As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit came on them as he had come on us at the beginning. 16Then I remembered what the Lord had said: 'John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.' 17So if God gave them the same gift as he gave us, who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could oppose God?"
18When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, "So then, God has granted even the Gentiles repentance unto life."
I learned from this passage that even Peter, a follower of Christ looked upon others as unclean and had a closed mind to the worship of others according to their culture. For a Jew to go to the home of a Gentile was considered to be taboo during this time but Peter did so in Acts 10:28 because the Lord told him to do so.
Acts 10:28
28He said to them: "You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with a Gentile or visit him. But God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean.
In God revealing this important word unto Peter he realizes that he had false apprehensions about the Gentiles and he had to repent. Often times I have found myself making accusations about a nation of people according to their way of worship. For example The nation of Islam- Muslims, Hebrew Israelites, Persons who practice Hinduism, and Scientology. I know now that I am no one to judge them in their worship nor denounce them from their right relationship with the Most High GOD. Just like Peter I now repent...Father for give me. For in due time someone will look at my God given insight as some sort of empathetic excuse to ordain a ONESS in God amongst all Nations. Be knowingest to them this would be inaccurate but Only God can reveal such things to that being only if they are in a place to receive it.
How opened are you to TRUE worship? What is TRUE worship to you?
These Gentiles worshipped God in spirit and in truth with all their heart. Just as others practice their cultural religions and worship God with all their heart and in truth. Who am I to judge them are call them out of the lifestyle that has been given unto them? Granted I will still follow in the way of My Creator and yet at the same time remaining open to all that Yahweh is willing to show me. You see, I have learned that my God is a God of many names and these names derived from many different languages and cultures yet these people all worship the Most High! Hopefully something I have written has pricked you in such a way that you yourself would be torn and yet have to seek the Face of your creator to gain clarity. All while searching the word (scriptures) for answers and maybe even gaining insight from a spiritual leader such as a Pastor, Rabbi, Elder, or lay person.
Most importantly gaining a relationship with the Most High. By having this encounter with your creator you shall find clarity about the assumptions you have contemplated about the world. God has a plan for this world and we cannot continue to tie Yahweh down to our systems of understanding. It goes so far beyond what even we could imagine. Once you truly encounter your creator in the greatest depths your ways of thinking will be totally transformed. Your worship will be affected, you'll be called to do things you would've never thought to do and you will gain relationships with those you would've never thought to build with. Once you gain spiritual obedience it will stretch you in unpredictable directions.......
Yes this is lengthy and yet full of thought and compassion. I leave with you these inspired word of the scriptures: Romans 12:2
2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Shalom-Peace and Blessings- As-Salāmu `Alaykum
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Fighting to STAY the Course...Praise confuses the adversary!
Lately my soul cries out for the Lord
I know I am enduring much not because of the times
I live in but because of whose child I am
I have been chosen to lead many while yet following
Following the Spirit of the Most High God
And my spiritual leaders Most High has chosen to guide me
There are times even in my journey when I feel downcast
Witihin my soul; but I know I serve a God that is able
Able to keep me from falling, able to sustain my walk
I put all my hope in Yahweh and yet will I praise my Lord
I remember from the lands of which I was brought and still yet tread
The lands of abuse, promiscuity, spiritual ignorance, and poverty
While I'm going through now I realize how much I've grown
Most High has kept me and given me much knowledge and wisdom
Wisdom to share with my brothers and sisters
Love and compassion for all
Although lately my soul has been disturbed within
I press forward toward the higher mark...that higher calling
For I will yet praise my Savior
I put ALL my hope in the one who is ABLE
Adonai, El Elyon, Elohim, El Shaddai, Jehovah, Yeshua
My Messsiah has come, died, has risen and still yet lives
The Ruach Hako'desh (Holy Spirit) is my comforter
My mind is stayed on thee for only Yah can purify me
I pray for those who are going through just as I am now
Not knowing whether they are coming or going but yet still holding on
I too shall hold on to see what the end gon' be
I will continue to declare the Lord
Praise and worship the Most High
From dawn to sunset I will praise
Even in the night my soul will rejoice in song
Today I go through another battle and tomorrow
I know that the Victory is already WON!
**Inspired by Psalms 42 and 46
I know I am enduring much not because of the times
I live in but because of whose child I am
I have been chosen to lead many while yet following
Following the Spirit of the Most High God
And my spiritual leaders Most High has chosen to guide me
There are times even in my journey when I feel downcast
Witihin my soul; but I know I serve a God that is able
Able to keep me from falling, able to sustain my walk
I put all my hope in Yahweh and yet will I praise my Lord
I remember from the lands of which I was brought and still yet tread
The lands of abuse, promiscuity, spiritual ignorance, and poverty
While I'm going through now I realize how much I've grown
Most High has kept me and given me much knowledge and wisdom
Wisdom to share with my brothers and sisters
Love and compassion for all
Although lately my soul has been disturbed within
I press forward toward the higher mark...that higher calling
For I will yet praise my Savior
I put ALL my hope in the one who is ABLE
Adonai, El Elyon, Elohim, El Shaddai, Jehovah, Yeshua
My Messsiah has come, died, has risen and still yet lives
The Ruach Hako'desh (Holy Spirit) is my comforter
My mind is stayed on thee for only Yah can purify me
I pray for those who are going through just as I am now
Not knowing whether they are coming or going but yet still holding on
I too shall hold on to see what the end gon' be
I will continue to declare the Lord
Praise and worship the Most High
From dawn to sunset I will praise
Even in the night my soul will rejoice in song
Today I go through another battle and tomorrow
I know that the Victory is already WON!
**Inspired by Psalms 42 and 46
Friday, September 18, 2009
When are We going to take a stand AGAINST Bafoonery in the Entertainment Industry?
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
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
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
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