Keep it Real

I saw Tron: Legacy today. It was the first time that I can remember stepping into a movie theater since Taken, about two years ago. Tron was decent, not what I expected for 3D but decent nonetheless. There was a scene at the end that left me thinking, and of course my mind drifted into otherspace. I noticed that earlier today. Outside from watching or listening to something going on directly in front of me, I have trouble centering my focus. Even when I am paying attention sometimes! Please pray for me.

Be that as it may, I cannot help but to think about the human condition. Things on the outside do not always reflect what's on the inside (vice versa). That's quite terrible if you ask me. One may appear to be irresistibly attracted to someone or something, yet that person or thing may actually disgust the individual down to their inner most being. Sometimes, I can't understand how anyone would be drawn away in such a manner, though I've been subject to the same situation. What I marvel at, though, are the potential results of inner-outer reflection by us human beings. Transparency. Integrity. Reality?

Many of us are all too familiar with the phrase "Keep it real." How real are we? My Soc 375 Professor posed this same question, based on Rene Descartes' "Meditations on First Philosophy". The prof. bet anyone in the class to prove their existence, beyond "I think therefore I am." If I may submit, what is the definition of reality? Of course we may perceive many things to be real, but of what substance? After dealing with this flesh, I've had times where I was at my wits' end, questioning myself, "why". The answer is, because I had not identified myself. My identity is not in my word, or in my deeds. It's in God's Purpose, Word and Perfect Will. Let me get to the point.

The world can't define reality. No one in the world. Not even I. God is real, however, and only the things that He does are real. I'm created and exist for His purpose. If I choose not to identify with what God is doing, then I'm just a superficial trend (trends are always changing). The only way I can live in reality is by aligning with the Word, Purpose, and Will of God. Even when I do, I MUST continue and NOT be sidetracked! The Purpose of God is not just a one time quick fix. It's eternal, and it begins for me here on this earth, never ending in the Heavens.

This was not the thought I pondered after leaving the movie, although it's extremely related. Initially, I wondered about how we allow things in the peripheral to affect the things that are chief. What's least important tends to take our attention from what matters most. The Spirit of God will always let us know what's most important in His eyes!

I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back: bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth; Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.
Isaiah 43:6-7
But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
2 Corinthians 3:18

Get excited for what the Lord wants to do with you!!!

Don't tell me that!

Today has been both recovering and fantastic. I would do anything to continue in this happiness! Sometimes I need serious reminders, and ever since a child repetition has been key. After being told not to touch the stove, or the hotcomb- and actually touching them- I learned. Hardheaded! But after going through some things, how pleasing it is to actually relate with others before making the same mistakes.

Even though we haven't gone through it all yet, with preparation there is hope. After attending elementary, middle and high school, then college, I've never taken a certification exam for a professional career. With the right training in school, however, it will be just another assessment. I have been tested all of my life, and I'm persuaded that the tests will continue to come on different levels and in various formats. 

So what if you are constantly being tried in the same test? Does learning the lesson mean that you have passed? There are some lessons I've learned, and tests that I have not passed. I am also persuaded that, upon passing the test there will be something else to study for. That does sound strange, doesn't it? If I've sat through lecture and gone to class, learned the material, why do I fail? Maybe there's something I missed. Whatever the case, the only one keeping me back is me. I only fail because I haven't given full control over to  the Victor, Jesus. However, I will see His victorious light shine in my life, if it's the last thing I do! 

Don't tell me what can't be done! Yeah, you may have failed, but you're not defeated! You and I both may have seen the same situations, trials and results for years. But God! Don't limit Him! I am certainly depending on Him to pass many things, but I don't need anyone telling me that I can't do what God created me to do! He turns failures into success stories. Turns around the backward onto forward paths. Purifies the filthy. All of the above, only God will be the one to do it, so why not test yourself by making the ultimate life-changing decision- choosing Him! 

Examine yourselves to see if your faith is really genuine. Test yourselves. If you cannot tell that Jesus Christ is in you, it means you have failed the test.
2 Corinthians 13:5

But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raises the dead: 2 Corinthians 1:9

For a just man falls seven times, and rises up again: but the wicked falls into mischief. Proverbs 24:16

Haven't even listened to the whole song yet...

Same old

It's time to get back. I've enjoyed sitting around and doing nothing for the past week, and I can't take it anymore! I do need the rest. Perhaps I'll be wishing for more time to relax by February. Anyway, do you ever get tired of doing the same thing the same way with the same people all the time? I do.Unfortunately, some friends and family just don't change. But that doesn't change the fact that they're family, and a real friend or family member will be there for you no matter what.

Family is also there for encouragement, support and guidance. Ought to be. We make families out of many different networks, don't we? I do not doubt that all types of families share the same qualities stated above. I can only imagine that the difference between families is what they encourage, support and guide individuals in. Whether the family is a secular progressive, fundamentalist, sophisticated or broken, there are associated mental dispositions within each. Ultimately, a member will share the same disposition with their family, to an extent.

It can be a church family, nuclear family, political family, work-related or gang family; "birds of a feather flock together." However, one's association ought not to define them. Let's say I drive a a Monte Carlo, a coupe. I join a car club, and everyone else has Impalas, sedans. No matter how long I ride with them, I'm always gonna drive a coupe! Same maker, different models. That's how our Father has made us; we're alike in creation but different in purpose. Conformity will definitely prolong our fruition.

Simply, I cannot afford to maintain the same old same old with anyone. I need a refreshing, and only God can give it to me! The only one keeping me from where I need to be is me, and I definitely cannot afford to let anyone else! Jesus' circle is the only place anyone can receive salvation =)

Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19
And be not conformed to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:2

The Real Reason

So, it's Christmas morning, and I can't sleep! I have to be up early, but for some nostalgic reason I'm not the least bit tired. I began to write earlier about patience, and didn't feel the post going anywhere. Let's see where this goes.

Waiting is an art. Everyday, patience is tried. Bus stops, lines at the grocery store, the doctor's office. In our house, we always had to wait until the sun rose to unwrap gifts. Regardless, the waiting process usually has something to look forward to, which is funny because unlike the old days I'm not really looking forward to anything specific today (I just want to sleep now). Anyway, everything happens for a reason, and Jesus is the reason for everything. He's why we wait, why we get up in the morning, why we go to sleep (smiley face).

What if we had to wait for an unlimited amount of time? What could possibly be the result? Would it be rewarding, or pointless? Naturally, I can only liken such a situation to sitting in jail, which can be very agonizing. But, we as beings are used to having limits. Whether stretched or reduced, having no limits is dubious and downright next to impossible (sorry Percy), for us.

I'm so glad to know someone who has never had any limits. Someone who would share their capacity with me in any situation, WHENEVER I needed it. Where's my reasoning? In Jesus. Though I may have to wait on the Lord for many things, I know that He gives me the ability to have limitless faith in Him for everything! That's one thing that we as human beings have no real limits on. Faith in Jesus will make you wait for ever! I've been waiting to see what life really has to offer, but I know I won't see it until I'm in the presence of life- Jesus!

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 10:6
Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day. 
Psalm 25:5
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. 
Isaiah 40:31

Merry Christmas to everyone. I love you all! Keep the Lord in your reasoning =)


This song is my JAM, Jesus Lives!!!!!

Travelling endurance

The things that we endure. Physically, mentally, spiritually. The body is able to withstand plenty of anguish, pain, fatigue, and even dehydration, until the moments of death. And even when that moment comes, there are chances of revival and resuscitation. We are creatures designed for survival.

Today is a glorious one! I know that I have not experienced my best days, though there are plenty of great days behind me. Expectation is resilient. It can endure even the most daunting, trivial and unfortunate moments. Although things look like they are going in the complete opposite direction of one's intent (may even be ), in the blink of an eye their expectation may be exceeded. I can't explain it, other than having own expectation exceeded in going to college. I knew I would go somewhere, but maybe only nearby; MSU would be stretching it. Never thought about getting into UM as well (Go Green). It's a sad commentary, that a great majority of black males in Detroit either drop out or make no effort to matriculate in higher ed. Am I special? Of course not. Chance and opportunity is given to all. (Ecclesiastes 9:11)

Let's take it a little further. While travelling, we go up, down and around many hills, steeps and slopes. Bear with me. Travelling presents many opportunities, decisions and changes in direction. Some benefit more than others. I have learned that where we get our directions from matters a whole lot. After trusting myself for so long, I only found myself stuck in the same valleys and awkward positions; just could not get over any hill! However, when you have a problem with your computer, remote or car, who do you question about it? The maker! "Thanks for calling Dell, how may I help you?" "Uh, yeah um this laptop you sold me crashed, I think it's still under warranty." "Okay, Sir, let's take care of that for you." We must go to our Maker for the proper direction, correction and restoration!

Endurance? What does this have to do with what I'm talking about? Well, had my hope for something better died out a long time ago, I'd still be stuck in that valley. Not only can we withstand physical distress, but the Lord will place us in faith-attacking situations, just to see who we call on! Once I stopped suffering for evil deeds, it's like all these other accusations came, just for believing in Jesus! But all throughout, He's been there for me to call on, which I absolutely adore about Him. It's gonna be His footsteps left in the sand, carrying me over the mountains. He's here for you as well. Give Him a ring.

And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me. Psalm 50:15
Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 2 Timothy 2:3
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:105

This guy sounds black, but looks white!

Time, joy, trust

I've been a lazy bum today, due to staying up until 6am this morning. The day hasn't been lazy towards me though. Time is funny like that, one of the things that man has no real harness or control over. It can be managed and maximized only through our actions.

It's been said that in an average day, the human brain processes over 70,000 thoughts, about 1.2 per second (there are 86,400 seconds in a day). Wow. That means that, even if you ponder a particular decision or course of action, you are still maintaining other thoughts while coming to any resolve. So, whatever is or isn't on your mind has a say so in that decision! As I continue to digress, let's just say that I may as well have about 80,000 plus thoughts a day.

Keeping all of that in mind, is one's joy and peace predicated upon the decisions that they make? Or do they depend on given circumstances? Really, reply your answer before you continue reading. If joy were dependent upon our own decisions, then that would insinuate our thought processes having control over our experience... and that we are knowledgeable enough of what is right and wrong for us. So then, we would be able to please ourselves in all things and in any given situation. But we all know that occasions come where man has no clue what to do. Given all of the above, it is impossible to have no faith. I will attest that self faith only leads to utter destruction, however. Destruction of joy, hope, pleasure, etc. I might be able, for one moment, to temporarily find such joy. But it would not sustain all of the other moments that life throws.

Progress with me. Now, let's say things are lining up in one direction. A whole lot going. Even though I do not try to control these things, do they dictate my joy? Good job, loving wife & family, great neighborhood. Bills paid. Even though my father has just died (hypothetically), I still have all of these to fall back on. Happy?  I lose my job, my wife is getting paid, but same happiness? A fact is that, no matter what anyone's condition may be, anything can happen. This is where pure faith is inserted (here). Pure faith is that where our cumulative thoughts cause us to trust and hope within that power higher than ourselves, in the power of God. Such faith causes us to not trust our own selves, but to lean on the promises and grounds which are able to dictate our situation for the better; to trust in the fruition of God's Word. Stay with me!

I'm forced into a situation. I must make a decision. After thinking about it, I decide. Though everything looks terrible, I can try my best to get around it, to bring it to resolve. Or, I can go through the situation without a care, while truly depending on the power of God to trim the problems and while remaining faithful to His service. May sound crazy to some, but I have witnessed such help from God in the midst of the fire. The three Hebrew boys in Daniel 3 did as well, and had God with them the entire time, to confirm them while they were in the fiery furnace! They could have joined the crowd, and followed the dictation of Nebuchadnezzar. By faith, they stood out for God, and chose to react differently than their natural mind told them. Even if God wasn't going to deliver them, they had their mind up that they would continue to honor Him! And He did, because He was pleased by their faith. Simply, God is the giver of joy, and he only grants it when we do those things to please Him, by faith!

For God gives to a man that is good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy... Ecclesiastes 2:26
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that comes to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Hebrews 11:6
Thou will show me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. Psalm 16:11

Anyone can experience His joy!

The Spearhead

Who knew that starting a blog would be so easy? Not me. However, this is the first of maybe a few projects that I will begin in attempts to display some of the random activities that situate my mind. Some are futile, others provoke much thought. My original intent was to publish encouraging and uplifting pieces that many might identify with in sporadic situations... hopefully that will be accomplished as well.

There's a lunar eclipse tonight.  Some circumstances prevent us from certain shared experiences, which situations may prove to be good, bad or indifferent. For example, you're so caught up in debt that while struggling to pay one bill, you forget about your tuition bill and scramble at the last minute to register for classes. Or, the one day that you're not so broke, you're able to treat a good friend for dinner. Perhaps one day, you wake up for class, turn off the alarm and consciously go back to bed. Say there's a party going on, and you miss it. Just so happens that your buddies get shot at and one of your closest friends is killed. All of the above have happened to me. I guess that's why I'm not that pressed about making plans and keeping up with what everyone else is doing. I didn't get to see the eclipse, though it would have been nice to look at. It's pretty cloudy out anyway. 

This post is titled Spearhead, in hopes that there will be a nice follow through project behind it, though I'm not counting on it. I've actually taken up journaling as a hobby, which consists mostly of private entries, prayers, and hopes. This may just be for reflection, idea creation and commentary on the things pertaining to common experiences. Jesus is with me, and I plan to be with Him as well. There's so much to say about my Lord, so even if you do mind there will be plenty of exaltation in Him! One thing that I absolutely do not enjoy is self glory and boasting of myself. I am nobody. However, I am who I by the grace of God, and it's through my experiences that I've come to know Him! He's the greatest =)

The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, and he delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the LORD upholds him with His hand. Psalm 37:23-24

Now listening to