I was watching ABC This Week with Jake Tapper and during the show there is a roundtable portion. Democratic Strategist Donna Brazile was one of the guests. Donna made this statement that resonated with me and I am compelled to speak further on it. “It is ok to disagree with someone but do not demonize them in the process!” This is in regards to the Tea Party movement.
I am trying to gain a better understanding of the Tea party movement. The group is name after a taxation movement against Great Britain. This modern day version seems to be against anything Obama! The more I hear and learn about them the more it sounds like miss information and racial rhetoric! Let me explain further. The tea partiers shouts, “I want my country back!” First off it was never their country to begin with just talk to the Indians!
Secondly they are against the nuclear bill. Well former President Ronald Regan is well remembered for talks with President Mikhail Gorbachev regarding nuclear arms!
Thirdly it is not about territory at all. Truth be told the partiers want the country back out of the hands of President Obama because now the balance of power has shifted! Mr. Obama wants to help the poor, the marginalized and the disfranchised. And because of his compassion to help it appears that the partier’s goal is to dehumanize him. When you dehumanize someone you paint them evil with no soul! Fueling fear into any given situation will bring chaos and terror. Is this movement really reform or a lynch mob? What happen to the days of good old debating and shaking hands afterwards? In today’s debates you must agree if not you are the anti Christ! That makes no sense to me. But for some change is scary. This leads me to Jesus ministry here on earth. It was not always welcome and sometimes met with opposition. In Luke 4:14-30 when Jesus went back to his hometown of Nazareth. He was in the synagogue were he read from the scroll of the prophet of Isaiah. Jesus was expressing his purpose for this ministry on earth! Jesus plans were to preach good news to the poor, give freedom to the captives, recover sight for the blind, and release the oppressed and to declare the year of the Lord’s favor. After this speech the town people ran Jesus to the edge of a cliff but he did not go over!
President Obama is doing what he feels right in his heart and conscience. This is the platform for his Presidency. Helping the poor should not make you a demon but should make you a giver of humanity.
Tea Partiers if you don’t like Mr. Obama’s direction then seek to challenge his opinions but do not kill his character and demoralize him to make your point. Social movements should be based on intelligence, strategies and resolutions. It should not be based on lies, miss information and scare tactics. It is fine to disagree; some of us might prefer coffee to tea! But don’t call me evil because I don’t want to drink your tea!
Monday, April 19, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
No Facebook during Lent! Say What???
My schoolmate shared with me that he gave up facebook for Lent. At first I was completely in shock! Why! I demanded to know! I heard of giving up food, drinking or shopping. But facebook is it that serious? He looked me directly in the eye and reminded me that the 40 days of Lent is to rededicate ourselves, do reflection and offer repentance. The fasting is to give up the things that stand in the way of our devotion to Jesus Christ. I know this but I cannot believe that a social network tool has taken control over his life. Don't get me wrong I love facebook and the connection it establish with my friends and family. But nothing will stand between me and my Jesus! Our conversation then turned serious. My friend shared his love for the social networking tool but explained how it has basically taken control of his life. As ministers we must stay focus and used the tool to spread Jesus’ message of love and salvation. We must not let the social networking tool use us in the process. Lent is the time that we prepare for resurrection Sunday. Nothing should be that strong were it interferes with our faith and take away from our God! Now I can understand it, support it and pray with him during this Lenten season. I ended our conversation with one of my bad jokes, and replied that Jesus already answer our friend request and his status is always updated with hope, peace, joy and love! Looking forward to a glorious Easter Sunday!
Sunday, December 20, 2009
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!
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!
Friday, December 18, 2009
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!
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!
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!
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!
Thursday, November 26, 2009
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.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)