Unity

There have been few days in our nation's history that shared a moment of unity like the inauguration of our current president Barack Obama. Skeptics and supporters alike knew what an opportunity of healing it meant. Sadly, that unity began to fizzle almost as soon as the next day. Republicans began their strategy of just say no and break Obama at all costs. Democrats began to jockey for positions of importance and take advantage of the country's good will toward Obama for their own personal gain. From the GOP (with some sinister assistance) came the tea party movement. Other divisions arose within the republican party to make it obvious to all that they can not seem to get it together and unify for their common cause, which is purely anti-Obama. Democrats have not been without their own in-fighting. We can see it even within black leaders such as Tavis Smiley and Al Sharton. What happened to that feeling of unity and good will that was all too short lived? When will we learn that we all want the same basic things in life, to live in peace with at least reasonable prosperity and happy healthy families? There is more that we share in common than what divides and separates us. Let's come together for the greater good of humanity.


J

My Take on Tiger

I could go so many directions with this one. (LOL) If you take nothing else away from what I'm about to say, please remember this....STOP MAKING CELEBRITIES ROLE MODELS. We have ALL sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. This does not make any sin excusable, but it's a fact. Whatever goes on in Tiger's marriage is between God, him and his family. We have become a society of voyeurs, and especially into the lives of celebrities. Somehow because their careers make them public figures, the huge salaries they command, and the glamorous lives they lead we feel that their personal lives are ours to pick apart. WRONG!! They are simply fallible human beings just like each of us.

We need to take responsibility for our contribution to this voyeuristic phenomenon. The media feeds us what we consume. What do we do to change things? Stop watching television programs that promote celeb voyeurism, stop buying the tabloid magazines and stop commenting on-line. If we would all turn our interests to our lives then such public fiasco's as the Tiger scandal would become irrelevant. We must also teach our children who their real role models should be and that list should not only include athletes and celebrities. We should celebrate individuals who make great contributions to the betterment of mankind. Sometimes that list will include athletes and celebrities, many of which have shown themselves to be benevolent to many worthy causes and charities.

I was disturbed to hear during a broadcast of a show here on the radio station that the vast majority of our local schools, public and private, have not acknowledged Black History Month. How sad!! Instead of remembering what this month is supposed to be about, the focus is on something as shallow as Tiger's infidelity. SMH! What a shame.

J

Quick Encouragement

For anyone going through something, take comfort in these scriptures:


1 I love the lord, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications.
2 Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him
as long as I live.
5 Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful.
12 What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits towards me?
13 I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord.

Psalm 116
I was blessed by that word in my personal Bible study last night. It was a reminder to me that God hears our prayers and is gracious to answer. For that I am beyond thankful!

Be blessed,

J

Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day in advance to all of you! Regardless as to whether you are single or married, widowed or otherwise. Valentine's Day has its share of critics, and with valid points, but I choose to look it at it as a holiday set aside for celebrating love in all its forms. Sure, there is the materialistic side of the holiday and I feel the fellas when they say that they are held hostage to buying flowers, candy and jewelry. BUT, the most memorable thing you can do is simply say "I Love You." Take back the holiday for what is should be about, love. Go out of your way to tell someone how much they mean to you. Write a letter, make a call, give them face time. However you choose to do it, do just that. At the end of the day it's not about how much money you spend. The flowers will die, the jewelry may tarnish and the chocolates will be consumed, then what? What is the motive for the gift? Believe me when I tell you, no matter how much money you spend, if it's done so in duress and insincerity you might as well forget it. Genuine love is free! We won't remember the gifts, but we will remember what you do day to day to show us love. Love is comforting us when we are grieving or sick. Love is putting other's needs ahead of your own. Love is being there just because. See what I mean? Give love on Valentine's Day! Give yourself.

Peace and Love,


J

Just a Reminder!

Tomorrow is election day! Please come on out and show your support for this very important local and state election. You will have until 7:00 pm tomorrow evening to vote! Many key positions are up for grabs! Make your voice heard in EVERY election.


J