Can I pray in peace!

Washington Post Question 11#




What’s your reaction to Sunday’s decision by voters in Switzerland to ban construction of minarets, the slender towers from which Muslims are called to daily prayer?



I am sadden and frustrated with the constant discrimination against the Muslim community. Switzerland is absolutely infringing on the Muslims freedom of religion. Throughout history the “other” has been push aside, told no, harassed, rejected, and murdered. With the harsh realities of life, the other needs a space to just be. To exist in a world of evil and hatred one must seek a space to be in the presence of God! For a person of faith it is a requirement for daily life! The minarets serve as that sacred holy place for daily prayer. It is the Muslims right to pray in peace to their God! No one or country should deny them that right. But when you are seen as the other people quickly dismiss your faith, your rituals and your God!

I have been reflecting on other religions and their forms of worship. I am thinking about the first Baptist church that was originally the white Baptist only. From that exclusion the third Baptist was form to give black Americans a place to worship. I think about the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem where Jews can go to mourn. The Catholic Church is an entity within itself. Enough said! Others races and ethical groups have a place to call their own. A space where they can be presence with God, so why not the Muslims? I believe that fear and ignorance fuels so much of this racist prejudice. If only people would take the time to listen and be open. We all have difference that should not exclude us out of society. The Swiss is not even allowing the Muslims to be apart of the society. France has the largest Muslim minority in Europe thus far. And as for now the French is only concerned about the height of the minarets. My prayer is that they do not get influence by the Swiss vote. There are reports that Italy’s Northern League has paraded pigs over mosque building sites to desecrate them. This is an insult! It reminds me of a white person putting on black face and degrading black people. As citizens of humanity we need to speak against this discrimination. Freedom of Religion gives the person the right to exercise ones faith without fear or consequences.

We as Christian believers seek fellowship with other believers and a sacred space for worship. Muslims should not be declined that right. We are of different races, cultures and religions but I mediate on Acts 2:44 which reads: all of the believers were together and had everything in common. These words should be extended to our Muslims brothers and sisters let them be together in prayer and leave their minarets alone!

Life or death: Junk science vs. Global warming

Washington Post Questions 13




Question 2:

In response to Sarah Palin’s recent claims that climate change is based on “junk science and doomsday scare tactics pushed by an environmental priesthood,” Al Gore said that “global warming is not a political issue but a moral one, “he said. Which is it? Is it immoral to do nothing about global warming?



I believe that global warming is a moral issue. God has given us the earth to tend to and take care of. The earth was made for generations to enjoy. We as the human society must take responsibility and be accountable for our earth. The earth is not something we can go to Wal-Mart or go on eBay and purchase another when it is gone. When it is gone it will be gone! We take care of our bodies. Well at least some one of do. We need to take care of our plant as well. I can understand why some people think it is junk science. In 1992 I had the opportunity to work at the EPA and discovered how important the environment is. That internship developed my holistic views in different ways. It provided a holistic ecology within me. But we must put in place preventative measure and nurture the gift of our air, water and land! I believe that we are apart of the environment and the environment is apart of us! The earth is ours to maintain until Jesus returns. Until that time let us keep up our natural resources and have a healthy, vibrant earth for generations to enjoy!

Christmas at the White House

Washington Post Questions 12




Christmas decorations at the White House includes a crèche in the East Room (despite reports that White House social secretary Desiree Rogers suggested that the Obama were planning a “non-religious Christmas.”) Should the White House whose residents serve all Americans, display a crèche or a menorah or any strictly religious symbols during the holidays?



The President is the commander and chief and serves the people of the United States who are of different races, ethnicity, culture and religions. With that being said there are different religion symbols that follow the citizens of the U.S. so yes the President should include other religious symbols during the holidays. I believe that it would be completely unfair to the citizens if we have a President who decides to represent some of the people and not all of the people. Our President is a deeply religious man who values pluralism. It was one of the things that made his campaign so attractive. Inclusive among the citizens should include everything even our religious beliefs. For Christians this time of year is Advent-God with us. We must remember the reason for Jesus coming into the world. We must remember the promises and the love of Jesus. Since we are a diverse country I feel that this holiday day season our President should remember us all! Peace on earth and good will towards all!

Be a Christian for Christmas sake!

Washington Post Week 10








Question: What do you think of American Humanist Association’s new “Godless Holiday” campaign? The ads, displayed on transit systems in five major US cities, will say: “No God? No Problem! Be good for goodness’s sake. Humanism is the idea that you can be good without a belief in God.”







Be a Christian for Christmas sake!







Somewhere in American culture Christmas has gotten lost. My earliest memory of Christmas gone wrong was watching adults on television fight over Cabbage Patch Kids the popular doll of the 80’s. My Christmas excitement turned from asking Santa for this doll to watching my parents and grandparents go through hell and hot water to get it for me! Somewhere in my family agony, stress and pain my Christmas spirit diminished and reality of gift giving set in.



America has been allured by the big box store with the help of the media to give big gifts at so called bargain prices. A day has been set aside to shop in person (Black Friday) and if you’re still not done you can make up for it on Cyber Monday! It is amazing how some people can not show up to church on time but they can campout at Wal-Mart and other stores waiting for the 4:00 am opening. Christmas has shifted from the birth of Jesus to door busters.



If Christians no longer want to honor December 25th as the day for our saviors birth then the season is now open! It is open to whoever can come in and make a good argument against it, come up with a catchy one line slogan and tell you to be good! Remember Santa Claus use that same method telling children to be good boys and girls. Humanists are using the same premise be good with out God! So I have come up with my own one liner: For unto us a child is born! Remember this? Does it not sound familiar? Wait there is more: And he will be called wonderful counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. This is Jesus Christ! The one who came that we might have life!



Christians please don’t just give away the holiday that is set aside for our savior birth. Humanist believes that you can be good without the belief in God. But for Christians we do good because of our belief in Jesus. In this purpose, his teachings, his examples, his promises and his love! The gift of Jesus into this world is for us! Please don’t give this gift away.



We must reclaim our belief and faith in God! We must reclaim Advent! We must reclaim our savior the Lord Jesus Christ! By the way Santa aka my mom did bring me that Cabbage patch kid baby doll, but I treasure the baby in that manger much more!

Where is the thanks???

Today is Thanksgiving and I can not help but wonder where the thank you is??? TV is filled with Black Friday specials and door busters. No one on TV has stopped to say thank you to the soliders. Oprah gave praise and thanks on her show but so far that is it. The talk is more troops, the couple who crashed the state dinner and how to prepare turkey. What about the folks who don't have anything to eat today! What about the family that is dealing with the loss of a love one! What about the lonely people who have no where to go today.

Today is about giving thanks for all that we have in our lives. The good and the bad. The more and the less. Give thanks for this moment, the past and the future. So stop and take the time before we all get caught up in the madness of the holiday (black Friday, door busters and Christmas gifts) and say thank you. Then a thank you to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Without his sacrifice all that we have or accomplish would not have been possible.

It feels good in my spirit: 25 years of service

Tonight I was talking to my cousin/sister. She wanted my take on Oprah's announcement regarding ending her show. I quoted a line from one of my favorite movies," a lady always knows when to leave" all jokes aside. Oprah came she saw she conquered! Oprah has transformed and enriched so many lives, and found herself in the process. In God we live move and have our being. Oprah has let the holy spirit lead her. She has served humanity and our God well. I'm sure our Lord is saying well done good and faithful servant! Indeed it feels good in her spirit! Peace and Blessing dearest Oprah!

For Precious Girls and Boys everywhere!!!

Now I understand what director Lee Daniels meant when he said people are thirsty for the truth! Precious tells the truth and shows us how to breakthrough from the hell of our realities!
The film Precious had everything incest,self hate, hopelessness, rape, illiterate,poverty, HIV, obesity, light skin/dark skin issues, cruelty and insecurity.
There is a scene in the film where MoNique is quick to correct Mariah Carey and say firmly " I did not allow drugs in my house" What the hell! Evil is evil! There is no such thing as one sin out trumps another. I have heard that same crazy philosophy from my own family members.
It also shows us that people who have authority over us for example mother, father, grandparents can destroy us if they have unresolved issues.
This was a cycle of hatred.
I pray that everyone goes to experience this truth. This is a call to action! If we are broken we must seek healing and break the cycle of pain. If we know of someone we must help. Break the silence and be the person that God desired you to be. Remember we are all Precious in his sight!

We are Precious!

Lee Daniel's movie Precious will come out this friday Nov 6th. I can not wait to see it. But not a lot of people are excited. I was reading an interview with the cast and director Lee Daniels said that black people are thirsty for the truth. Wow some of the blacks I know do not want to know the truth. I think that is why some people are avoiding it. To stand up and not be ashamed takes courage and faith. It sometimes that another person to offer support and kindness. It hard to find those things today! I say everyone should see the movie and think about our self love and self acceptance. I will write on this again after I see the movie. Remember we are Precious in his sight!
Peace Brenda

Prayer works!!!

Prayer works point blank! I was happy to hear the testimony of the robber who gave the bullets over to the woman he had at gun point! As I watched GMA and Oprah it was wonderful to hear that God sees and hears and answers!! Have faith, believe and pray! It works!!!
Praying for you now as you read this blog.
Brenda

Chris Rock in my hair!!!

Comedian Chris Rock has a new documentary called Good Hair. It seems that some black women are upset!!!!

As I watched the Oprah show, women were on skype, sending emails and in the audience and they were angry! One women said that Chris is giving away our secrets! What secrets? That we have a desire to be beautiful, have healthy, gorgeous hair even if some of it is purchased!

Chris broke it down and said: I am paraphrasing, at the end of the day do you!!! What matters most is on the inside! That is what counts. God sees the heart and knows your works! The creator of the universe does not care about length, texture, smooth edges or your kitchen! So therefore rock your hair ANYWAY!! If it is your hair cool, if you bought the hair that's cool too!

What would happen if Jesus came back and said I am looking for inner beauty and you are lacking in your inner beauty? You can't buy a hair weave for the soul! Let's make this a call to action and work on our inner beauty. It would be a shame if Jesus came back and we are pretty on the outside but tore up on the inside!

Real Hair Brenda

Keep your eyes on the Prize!!!

President Obama received the Nobel Peace Prize last week and there are some who are pissed! Wow, this black man can't win for losing! It is my belief that some of the discourse is because he is black! I said some, please let me explain. If we go back into history when Dr. King won the prize probally the same veribage or even worst! Back then the N word was in common use.

Critics say he has not been in office long enough and he has not achieve anything. Well I have been going to the gym faithfully and I have not lost any weight but I am giving all my effort and I am making progress. Should all of that be in vain?

The committee likes President Obama's speeches. OK now I think this is interesting. They like his talk about peace. Words are heavy and they can change things! President Obama talks a good game and I feel that he can bag it up! I am looking at this as the things yet to come!

The Israelites had faith in a God they never seen and that God delivered them from slavery.

The Nobel Committee has faith in a man that has words and compassion of peace. Who else out their on his level is standing up for theirs??? ( I mean humanity)


I have no doubt in my mind that President Obama can not deliver, so let's keep our eyes on the prize!!!

Peace, Brenda ( and I really do mean PEACE)

GOD is the new COOL!!!

I am a seminarian student at Chicago Theological Seminary. I am an African American generation X women. I am a member of an African American Mega church. I am a lover of popular culture. I was raised by two God fearing African American women who pride themselves on integrity and manners. I remember when I rudely interrupted a conversation between my mother and another adult. It was hell to pay!!! It was simply not tolerated. Mama, Auntie, Big Momma would not go for it if you cut up in public or behind closed doors! The old school southerns did not play that type of behavior. I feel that Generation X is the last of that old school mentality when it comes to manners and home training.


Last week the media showed clips of Tennis Star Serena Williams going off on an official and Kanye West interrupting Taylor Swift at the VMAs. They are both products of parents who don't play that! Being rude is not cool! Life is hard but we have to remember to hold our composure. Do not lose your cool! Serena said on Good Morning America that we don't see what is really happening on the court. I can only imagine the drama! Kanye wants black people art recognized and get the credit it deserves. We all get passed over now and again. I am not saying that their behavior is right. I am saying that life is hard and it will take you there! Just don't follow. Serena just wrote a book and Kanye is making music. You are the role models like it or not!

Jesus encounter all types of drama especially during the last days. But he remain cool and keep his composure even on the cross. The next time you are about to go off and lose your cool. Remember being rude is not cool, look to Jesus as your example, your role model......GOD is the new COOL!!!

Embracing Technology to talk Theology

This experience is bitter and sweet. I am excited that I have started Public Theology with Dr. Susan Thistlewaite! But I am not comfortable with blogging and not happy about Twitter. But a Theologian has to do what a Theologian has to do!

I must confess that I just started texting, I just did not want to do it. I takes a lot of time to type and I am not a good speller. I did not want to embrace that skill set. But I did.

I must confess that I am now OK with the millions on Facebook who are not using it for school purposes. I did not want to embrace the social networking. But I did.

I must confess that when Dr. T told us to Tweet. I just did not want to embrace that technology. I know this is weird coming from a Technologist but I did not want to talk this way! But it is what it is! I'm doing it!

I am embracing my call no matter what form of media I have to use. Facebook, Twitter, Blogging bring it!!!

Jesus help me take Theology to a whole new level with Technology to glorify your name!