1 John 3:10 “By this the children of God and the children of the devil are obvious anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor the one who does not love his brother”. (NIV)

Carson Crimeni (14) dies of drug overdose in a skate park in Langley Township, British Columbia on Aug 7, 2019.  Jamel Dunn (31) dies while drowning in Cocoa Pond, Florida on Jul 9, 2017  he was disabled. Khaseen Morris (16) dies from stab wound in chest Oceanside, NY on September 16, 2019 by an ex-boyfriend of a girl he walked home the day.   Dear Abba father all of them cried out, needed help and…

All of these fatalities videotaped by people who showed no care or concern.  What a shame living in an age where people choose to pick up a camera before pressing a few numbers to dial 911 for help.  What is even more implausible is there are no laws criminalizing such behavior.  “Am I my brother’s keeper?”, Cain unabashedly replied to God after killing his brother Abel over jealousy.  Paralelling, Obdulia Sanchez (19) on Feb 8, 2018 was convicted of gross vehicular manslaughter in the death of her sister Jacqueline Sanchez (14).  If she were asked, was she sister’s keeper, she may have indeed considered she was.  For Obdulia, found DUI (blood alcohol intake level of .1) livestreamed on Instagram, the loss of her vehicle’s control while driving.  This crash  ejected her sister out the window.  Yet to ensure that the family would have enough money for Jacqueline’s proper funeral; Obdulia continued to maneuver her way to record her sister’s dying as they both were covered with blood.  Manuela, Jacqueline’s friend was also thrown from car  and Obdulia panned over to record her as she waved in the distance desperate for help.   Manuela who survived with leg injuries blames no one but social media.  “That’s what life is now”…

The word of God says something similar in 2 Tim 3:1-5, “But mark this:  There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves..unholy…without love…lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.”  Sounds like a horror movie we already are given the ill-fated ending to.  What can we do as Christians, or as a society who wants a better ending?  NOTHING..but we can be careful not to fall into the temptation of wanting glory so much for ourselves that we hurt or are impassive to the hurt of our brothers and sisters also created by God.   Experiencing fear, insensitivity, disregard, pain and seeing others in pain can make one want isolation- for safety, quiet, peace and self-preservation. A woman after I invited her out to worship service said, “I don’t deal with all these (types of) people.  I just worship in my own way.  I have church with myself and I try to be a good person. I try to treat others good for I believe we are all children of God”.

But is that true?

According to the scriptures Yes God made us all and is the Father of all creation.  But that just means he owns us not that we are His children.  To be a parent’s child, normally means to be born or adopted into a family that created or accrued to care after and raise you.  Commonly this occurs in an accepting and belonging environment with demonstrations of variations of love and all that being a legitimate child entails.  Though there are many human arguments on the contrary this is generally the case.  Yet the Bible states there are godly requirements to be rightfully called a child of God, such as: Gal 3:27 Faith; 2 Cor 6:18 Separate from wickedness ; Rom 8:14 Led by Spirit; Gal 4:7 Are Adopted & Heirs;  John 1:12 Must Receive Him & Believe in His Name ; 1 John 3:10 Practice Righteousness & Love His Brother; John 11: 52 God will bring scattered children of His together and make them one.  * No child of God should worship Him all alone, or believe they are His just cause they exist or feel like they are—it simply is not biblical.

Jesus says in John 3:5 “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God”.  Jesus gives not one, but two “truly”s here.  This indicates he reinforces with soundness and seriousness the baptismal requirement.  In further studying the Bible, to enter this family/kingdom you must be a part of the body of Christ.  Jesus is the head of the body Col 1:18 which is the church.  Further in Col vs 21 it says we were alienated from God because of our evil behavior. You cannot be naturally his child and synchronously be his enemy living in sin.  Yes, God loves you but you have to repent of your sins and be reconciled with Him 1 Pet 2:10. Once you become a part of His people you can confidently call yourself and know you are His child.  Welcome to the family!

Concern (C):  Sister are you God’s daughter for real?  No one can tell or judge you being lost or saved Rom 2—But God,  Yet His Words which are in the Bible will! John 12:48.

Act (A):  Jesus came to seek and save what was lost.  When he comes back, it will be to gather those that are His 1 Cor 4:5; 2 Cor 5:10.   So we should act as those staying on guard and doing the right thing.  The Bible as the final word and not we ourselves.

Encouragement (E):  Sisters, study the Bible and Join a church that follows the truth, the Scriptures.  If a church does not follow God’s standard keep searching!  I encourage you with love, pray to find an Acts 2:38-42 body of believers.  Let the description of Jesus’ church established after his death with Peter holding the keys Matt 16:19 talking to the crowd be your checklist.

 “Peter replied, Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.  And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off-for all whom the Lord our God will call. With many other words he warned them and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.  Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.  They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”

“Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.” Titus 3:1-2 ESV

Submit-to give over or yield to the power or authority of another; to subject to some kind of treatment or influence; to present for the approval, consideration or decision of another or others; to state with deference.

On July 17, 2014  Eric Garner died.  Video footage of his death was repeatedly shown on television and media outlets across the nation.  In it Eric Garner, self proclaimed to be “sitting minding (his) own business”, had “just broken up a fight” and “did nothing wrong”.  Yet he appeared to have remained on a scene that officers wanted clear.  So acting on their original suspicion of him selling single cigarettes from packs without tax stamps they attempted to arrest him. Garner declared his innocence to the officers and was no longer going to have it (the harassment they have given him before}.   Garner and other Staten Island bystanders showed clear frustration about the injustice as plainclothes Officer Pantaleo moved up behind him an initiated a NYPD banned choke hold.  Garner with restricted breathing ability went into seizure and loss of consciousness.  Suffering from asthma, heart disease and obesity the medical examiner said were all factors in his eventual death.  Officer Pantaleo was fired as a result Aug 19th, 2019. Much respect to the Garner family.

Wearing the shirt “I can’t breathe” I marched for Eric Garner 5 years ago.  With my husband, kids and numerous others we rallied on the National Alliance Network buses led by community civil rights activist Al Sharpton.  To fight against police brutality and system injustice We did!  Marching for our beliefs on our basic human rights to life, to freedom to justice …to breathe.  Since 2001 use of police chokeholds has doubled according to the  Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB) reports.  It is something I strongly believe in and am hopeful that laws will be established now that  bill (A10170)  has been introduced so that New York City law will make chokehold tactics illegal.   Although Mayor de Blasio signaled 5 years ago he would veto it, believing such matters belonged to the jurisdiction of the PD. Councilman Rory Lanceman (D-Queens) recalled it after another recent incident.  Det. Fabio Nunez reused the tactic on Tomas Medina on July 14, 2018 after he refused to show identification.  Perhaps due to de Blasio’s Presidential candidacy run for 2020, or for whatever reasons, the bill, that Sharpton proposed become a national law, is now on the floor with penalties up to a year in jail and fines up to $2500.  It won’t bring Garner back or right the wrongs the over 1100 civilians the CCRB reported the prohibited method was performed on-but it will be somewhat of a right celebration for long awaited justice.

But Garner ultimately resisting arrest was wrong.  As the Detective’ Endowment Association Union president Michael Palladino says “When someone resists arrest, cops can’t just simply walk away..You show me someone resisting arrest, and I’ll show you an ugly video.” Complying could have saved Garner his life.

As with a lot of my friends and family accosted by police officers though innocent, it is indeed ugly, scary and a lot of times without video.  It is known in psychology that fear oft makes us choose to  fight or flight.  Police aren’t particularly sympathetic to  Blacks’ and Latinos’ responses especially after years of desensitization, lack of retraining and “blue boy club” dynamics and mentality.  We minorities have been subject to injustice for centuries and want to stop being racially profiled and intimidated-in our own communities nonetheless.   The Caucasian race, with their “white privilege” can speak up for themselves, defy injustice and get respect.  But we look threatening, are strongly opinionated, angry and  defiant.  Like Sandra Bland who died in police custody, after a traffic stop arrest in an alleged suicidal hanging.  With plans for the day and for her future protesters believe that it was she died by police strangulation.  Would she be dead today had her name been Sandra Bullock or Sandra Dee we could only speculate.

On the antithetical, what minority races have to understand is that police want respect too!  Though Garner seemed respectful he was obdurate against being arrested.  This is where he got it wrong.  Officers are human too.  Being temperament, self-controlled and compliant is what they need from those they serve.  I even stress being a little courteous too would help.  Like Jesus, who was falsely accused by chief priests, elders, council members and false witnesses.  Like Jesus, arrested by the Temple guards of the Sanhedrin and handed to the Governor Pilate.  He submitted.  To the point where even when they came for him in the Garden of Gethsemane he healed the cut ear of a soldier.

Jesus was innocent.  From birth, he never committed any sin or crime  except to disobey his parents to be a servant of the will of God.  Yet he was treated extremely harshly until the point of death.  Stripped naked, spit on, slap, punched, thorns driven in head, whipped with cat o’nine tails loaded with flesh ripping items, publicly embarrassed, forced to carry his own object of torture the cross, ridiculed, teased were just a few of his experiences.  Oh and may I add he was afterwards crucified.

Jesus himself says to Pilate in John 19:11, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above.” Do we feel this way?  Do we realize that God has ultimate authority Matt 28:18.  Do we recognize that at any point we could inject more respect?  We could benefit the situation with more patience in the process, more kindness, and even more (gulp) submissiveness?  The Bible says in 1 Pet 2:13-25 ,“Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme or to governor.  For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people.  Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.  Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood.  Fear God.  Honor the emperor.

Submission is also biblically mentioned on issues in marriage, in governing authorities, the church, in one another relationships–and in slavery.  Without fully addressing it in this blog please know that Yes it is in there.  God’s word has most everything on everything, even the hard to fathom things.  So let’s look at this briefly through the knowledge of truth.  In 1 Pet 2:18 God is calling Christian slaves to submit.  And in Eph 6:9 and Col 4:1 masters are called to treat slaves fairly since He is Master of both! See with God there is no favoritism.  For anyone inclined to abuse or neglect God’s word, He reminds everyone to love one another.  Why slavery is, is a historically great question.  Men have free will and they may use it for selfish gain but one thing is certain– all men will answer to God!  And He is just in His will, Job 36:6; Lk 22:42.

Concern (C): Sister, how is your submission?  How quickly or slowly do you acquiesce your will to God?  To your husband? To your authorities? To one another?

Encouragement (E):  To submit is to love.  It is truly understanding and agreeing to God’s plan over your life.  It is fundamentally about humility.  Furthermore it is also a turn around question about how strong your pride is? Don’t be proud of pride because God is not.  Pride is a deadly sin that God detest Prov 8:13 “I hate pride and arrogance..”  So submit to others not because they are better but that God is better and bigger than all of us.  Submit not because they got us but that God does!  Sister,  God’s Got You!

Act (A):  In God we must trust and obey which equals to Submission.   Pray and petition through the unbearable and hope in faith for His deliverance.  Submit like Jesus did for His church.  Do it for the Lord, do it to respect the order of His entities.  Memorize Prov 16:20, “God blesses those who obey him happy the man who puts his trust in the Lord’.   And cast your anxieties in scripture  1 Pet 5:6, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time”.  Oh Lord help us with the “S” word!  In remembering Jesu”S” it’s so much easier to say! 

Personal Note:  In 2010 After buying my mother a pizza a block away from home, doing nothing wrong just heading back  I was approached by “undercovers.” They stated I fit the description of someone in the area accused of theft and wanted to me go with them for further investigation.   I admit I was looking a quite disheveled, I worked nights, and was going to school days. I had just run out the house to do run this errand.  But I was no criminal, I have never been arrested and so I was strongly opposed being detained or even questioned.  Knowing my rights from all my studies, that day, I was just not having it too.   I showed them my id upon inquiry then in reciprocation admonished them for not showing me their badge numbers, telling me their names or reading me my Miranda rights.  After asking them what precinct they worked out of I informed them that I have college education, was a Christian and a held a job a block away and which was on the same block my two young children went to  school on.  Fearful that they may have been abductors for all I know trying to coerce me in an unidentifiable police car, insisted they arrest me right here in public because I wasn’t going anywhere.  All the while I was praying to God for His help sisters.  Thinking strongly about my kids not having a mother picking them up or my family wondering what happened at my sudden disappearance.  No I had watched too many crime shows to know that my safety was at stake.  Whatever was going to go down  was going to happen right here.   Outside sure I was strong and intelligent, but inside I was frightened to death because honestly …I was Black and they had the guns.  But my Spirit reminded me of something greater I had God,  It was He that brought me to this situation and He who saw me out.  The officers received another urgent radio call and left me alone…”for now”.  To this day I thank God for His provision, that I am alive and all is well..but no it is not as easily forgotten.  And that is why as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, did….I march on.  Maybe tomorrow we won’t have the same struggle. 

**I realize after watching YouTube video listed below I could have done things a lot different. Kept more quiet  and ask if I am being detained. Please watch and view this with other videos on your rights when dealing with police.

Further info:

10 Rules for Dealing with Police. https://www.flexyourrights.org/10-rules/

The Greatest: “The Synopsis of Great Leaders” by Cyril K. Nwozor PHD

 https://www.huffpost.com/entry/eric-garner-officer-daniel-pantaleo-untruthful-investigation_n_5d5a1d13e4b0d8840ff53006

“Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things”. Phil 4:8 NIV

Robin Williams, Don Cornelius, Marilyn Monroe, Vincent Van Gogh, Cleopatra, Osamu Dazai, Pritilata Waddedar, Lupe Velez, Simone Battle & the 7 NYPD Officers.  This blog is dedicated to stars like them.
National Suicide Prevention Hotline 1-800-273-8255

Ahh Summertime!  Sit back on a warm wooden bench and gaze upon The Brick House.  Allow whatever ruminations to arise and cultivate in you the intents of both sculptor and sculpture.  Feel and experience it- What is it?  Who is it?  Why is it?  All of these grand whatevers are inimitably yours to savor and regard however you choose.

The Brick House is an imperial bronze bust of “black beauty” formed by Jamaican born artist Simone Leigh.  It sits up high at 30^th St & 10^th Ave on the spur of New York City’s High Line.  This artwork is just a block away from where Abraham Lincoln rode as the 1st passenger of the Hudson River Railroad on the way to his presidential inauguration.  Welcome to 2019’s newly opened luxuriously modern Hudson Yards !

Hudson Yards, a 25 billion dollar project stretching roughly from 30^th to 41^st St, between 8^th and 11^th Aves is a part of countless new constructions that make up what they are calling the “New New York”.  As NYC’s newest locality, Hudson Yards, is home to The Shed (a mobile building showcasing diverse artists’ talents) and The Vessel (a uniquely twisting staircase for breathtaking city views).  These two highly popularized art structures arouse both the tourist and the native visitor.  Arts and craftsmanship scientifically prove brain stimulation and increased blood flow to it by as much as 10%.  This in turn produces healthy brain functioning whereas your body gets the proper oxygen and glucose needed to think, remember, focus and improve sharpness.  Thus you look and feel better.  I digress, let’s return to art.

Venturing inside Hudson Yards, which is the only place in NY laying claim to the fame of having Neiman Marcus; is also home to many other luxurious shops.  Cartier, Chanel, Coach are a few head turning stores. Okay some others besides Cs are Fendi, Muji, Rolex Tiffany & Co.  And wow looking around, what  brand is this of stylishly bright colored, textured purse collections …oh..(praying in silent respect)  Kate Spade.  Standing still in the window I recalled the news on how this trendy mogul once a fashion visionary succumbed to suicide last year on June 5.  How could someone with such gloom produce such vitality ?From her  bio she seemed to have held the world in a bag, toting fame, family and fortune with ease.   Yet this former Mademoiselle couldn’t put a handle on her demonic battle against anxiety and depression.  I can relate to her as well  like many others..Ms. Spade is not alone. Much respect to her family and legacy.

**Suicide is the 10^th leading cause of death worldwide.  And with new reports on depression being on the rise with young millenials due to substance abuse and antisocial behavior suicide stats may be on the rise. 

Saul, Noah, Jonah, Job, Moses and King David experienced  symptoms typical of grief, anxiety and depression.  Though there are strong similarities amongst them, they are very distinctive in psychological terms.  God knows and understands all about them clearly, (singing Jesus knows all about our struggles).  And still calls us into an obedient relationship with Him.  For example King David who was known as the man “after God’s own heart” wrote some of the most heavenly psalms while descending the lowest “downcast” and disturbance in his soul Ps 42:5.  Jesus even felt “overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death” Mk 14:34.  Even God in Gen 6:6 “regretted that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubled”.  Hence the story of Noah and the Flood begins.  So sister, if you are combating sadness great or small, know this -you are in the Most Excellent company!  Know also grief and sadness generally have a shorter episode than depression but all of them can be alleviated by the Love Hope and Joy of following Christ. Note: I am not minimizing implementing medication, therapy and such treatments (absolutely seek professional help).  But as a personal contender against those issues, I strongly believe if you truly want to get well it starts and ends with Jesus’ help.  Ps 3:3 But you LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high.  Get to knowing Jesus.

Concern: Sister, what do you spend your time thinking about?  And how much of your time are you pondering these things.

Encouragement:  The Bible gives us answers on what to think about and for how long.  These guidelines are not to boss us but to set us on the right course for positive thinking processes.  These things above are God’s reflections.  To meditate on His word, Isaiah 26:3 is going to save us.  “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in you”.  Have no swaying doubts on the emotional storms of sadness.  Jesus is in the boat, is the boat and is the captain for your soul.  In deep stormy waters it’s hard- But He with you! Look set at Him the joy before you-Rest back- & ride it’s safe happy sailings! (Heb 12:2, Matt 8:23)

Act:  Sister, over 23x is meditation mentioned in the Scriptures.  Like (Ps 1:1-2) “Blessed… who meditates on his law day and night”. Enact upon it immediately like a life preserver upon feeling misery and desolation.  Run down the list till you’re flooded with thinking about good things- perhaps a newborn baby or a timely gift.  Right things- like the Bible or the way the sun and moon move in order.  Beautiful things- like a rose, a smile or You Eph 2:10 “We are God’s masterpiece”. Yes You are art!  And just control to a stop, anything contrary.  If you wander back to the negative read a Psalm, or find a friend to share thankfulness with, or take a walk to some more art.  If all ideas run out on earth, look to the mountains, heavens and stars above. Beauty is endless. Then  (Phil 4:7) “he will guard your hearts and minds”.  Behold the vision of God and His Son’s love surrounding you and the universe.  Come whatever, sister, the Lord’s got you Forever!

**10/30  Editor’s Note-  I have realized after taking a mental health first aid course that I need to be more responsible in this article by providing additional resources for depression and suicide.  Mental illness effects 1 out of 5 persons.  Seeking professional help is very important if it has impacted the desirable quality of life of a person.  Many people who believe in God, pray, follow Scriptures and attend church can still suffer from depression and suicidal tendencies. “Right”eous thinking may not be easily attained or the solution for all.  Therefore therapy, medication and other forms of treatment and support services should be sought after immediately- it all depends on the individual. **

For support contact: 1-888-NYC-WELL/1-888-692-9352 (Press 2) or text WELL to 65173

Get training support for yourself, your church and other organizations at http://www.MentalhealthFirstAid.org

https://www.healthline.com/health-news/millennial-depression-on-the-rise

https://www.hudsonyardsnewyork.com/discover/high-line

Kate Spade https://google.com/search/static/gs/m06bkdx.html

Matt 5:22 “But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment.   Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, Raca, is answerable to the court.  And anyone who says, ‘ You fool! Will be in danger of the fires of hell”.(NIV)

Raca- (Jewish meaning)-  vain, empty, worthless, to spit; a word of contempt.

June 24^th – In 1958 Nina Simone released her debut jazz album, “Little Girl Blue”.  In 1509 Henry VIII is crowned King of England in Westminster Abbey.  In 1853 US President Pierce signs Gadsen Purchase buying over 76,000 sq km from Mexico for $10 mil (present day Arizona and New Mexico).  In 2019 people worldwide were urged fly Chinese artist’s Ai Weiwei’s flag marking the 70^th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UN document that sets universal fundamental human rights that are to be protected).  But I will best remember it as the birthday of my sister, eighteen years my junior.

I want to call her, wish her a happy day, make plans to hang out and rate a local New York City restaurant as was our sisterly tradition (Two Yums Up or Down).  But I remembered we are not speaking anymore.  So instead, I occupied about the same amount of time I’d be doing those things renewing my car inspection registration-not so “happy” or eventful.  In silent prayer, hoped she would be blessed and envisioned a day of our reconciliation.  It is not a fun place to love someone you cannot show and miss someone you cannot tell.  It feels like a robbing and holdup of a heart’s freedom.  As is the case with a death, a long distance move or a sharp disagreement between two people once joined together in some special, common way.

As I dealt with this loss, my graduating daughter was happily engaging in a reunited conversation with her best friend.  They had a falling out because of hurt feelings a week before school year’s end.  My best texting advice to both of them—the teenager’s preferable way of communicating– was simply this:

“Seems a lot of hurt feelings cause such strong responses.  So I always try to keep  my friendships in a forgiveness state cause we are all human-making mistakes and feeling emotional.  I wish you the best”

This advice does not work best with the world, which can be cold and look down on you as soft.  This guidance does not work best (though I loved her columns in younger years) from Dear Abby –for who can expert the specifics or really place significant change in the situation and outcome.  No this counsel works perfectly sister with The Counselor -God.  For forgiveness is a command of God!  How we should and must conduct ourselves with one another.  Matt 6:14, Col 3:19, 1 Jn 1:9 and the scripture list goes on.  God ain’t playing sister.  The Holy Spirit requires us to have loving relationship with our other brothers and sisters.  For we are not Jesus we WILL hurt each other.  But with Jesus the hurt can mutually heal.  Insightful understanding leading to Graceful mercy is always a possibility for the Lord.  Before his death, Jesus prayed it for the believers in John 17:20-21 “..that all of them may be one.  Father, just as you are in me and I am in you.”  That is some serious unity sister; the same way as God and Jesus?  Lord help us all with that goal-help ME.

Concern (C):  Sister, How many times have you harbored unforgiveness, dissent, jealousy, discord, etc with another person, others or let alone believers?

Encouragement (E):  To be in alignment with Jesus-Forgive someone asap!  Scripture shows us the urgency to get right right now!  Matt 5: 23-24, “Therefore if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you 24. Leave your gift there before the altar.  First go and be reconciled to your brother.”  Do not miss the immediate opportunity or waste any time but Do The Christ Thing and make it right today.  If you step and sin against believers (and future brother and sister believers), don’t get turned back, make the very next step to forgive them too and strive for unity.  Work it out in this life, the life to come WILL BE too late.  It may take time and space but make it a priority. Why?  TO GET TO HEAVEN.   We are not there yet sister..we are all on the road!  Don’t enjoy the ride in pride leading straight to the Satan’s side.

Act (A):  Sister Forgiver that’s your new name like Simon became Peter choose with every divisive strand in your being to be the church and not play church.  It takes an intent active decision, to get in step with the Holy Spirit’s conviction that nuh huh me and you and me again got to go get ourselves some more Love up in these here hearts.  But it starts with you, God holds you personally accountable.  He is not going to accept blame-shifting for He took all the blame on the cross.  He’s not going to accept finger pointing.  For they pointed at Him in disgraceful mocking and He still rose.  No. He’s going to look at you and try to find how much of his image is in there and call you higher to his Name.  Let perfect Jesus be your perfect example let him perfect it all through.  He sister and the treasured promises of heaven will be far worth every cheek turned.

In closing, it cannot be stressed enough your need to forgive.  Ask God to examine your heart in this area.  If there is anyone that comes to mind alive seek advisement on how to go about resolution (without mentioning names because you would may fall subject to gossiping which is a SIN.)  If they are dead or it’s a situation not advisable to contact the person write a letter to God how you set your heart to forgive them.  They murdered Jesus and Jesus still forgave.  So nothing is impossible with God.  1 John 4:20 “If anyone says I love God but hates his brother, he is a liar.  For anyone who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.  And we have this commandment from Him.  Whoever loves God must love his brother as well.“  In conjunction with the opening scripture it is certain as we teased as kids “Liar, liar pants on fire” Let Jesus be your Living Water.  Sister He is most able to quench all flames.  I love you!

Wishing all Graduates Congratulations! ACE Love

For more info:
https://www.youthforhumanrights.org/what-are-human-rights/universal-declaration-of-human-rights/articles-1-15.html

https://video.search.yahoo.com/yhs/search;_ylt=AwrC4St5EhVd3i8AegMPxQt.;_ylu=X3oDMTByMjB0aG5zBGNvbG8DYmYxBHBvcwMxBHZ0aWQDBHNlYwNzYw–?p=little+girl+blue+nina+simone&fr=yhs-pty-pty_email&hspart=pty&hsimp=yhs-pty_email#id=1&vid=86d4fd8456cbd69f29d392e6be4098e3&action=view

Ephesians 6:12 “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”  NIV

On May 30^th, 1868, “for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion” was issued General Orders No. 11 by General John A. Logan after the ending of the Civil War.  What we now called Memorial Day was originally named Decoration Day by this Grand Army of the Republic General.

Its official federal renaming was in 1967 and its declaration as a national holiday in 1971.  Recognized nowadays on the last Monday of May, we honor the deceased military men and women of the various branches of the United States Armed Forces.  These soldiers fought and died to preserve our freedoms and serve our country.  We Americans venerate them with parades and festivities, ceremonies and reflective observances.  This particular year to watch the National Memorial Day Concert which occurs on the West Lawn of the Washington DC Capitol is how I chose to acknowledge the day.

One particular tribute performed by acclaimed actors Dennis Haysbert and Joe Mantegna was somberly gripping.  An experience between two very different men who became like brothers during the Vietnam War was shared with great emotion.  Ernest “Pete” Peterson who is Black and from the South and Brad Kennedy who is White and from the North proved that devotion overcomes division.  During the time of Civil Rights Movements with racial clashes being at fought in their home country America; they were fighting against another people while still there were documented interracial clashes happening in the military abroad.  Yet these men in united front, faced the same enemy, moving in like commonality for one joint cause.  As Christians we are enrolled to do the same!  See our cause is Christ, our enemy the Devil, our home country is heaven with God and our commonality is the Holy Spirit! We remember Christ every day to the glory of God.  Each day is authentically Memorial Day.   For out of all noble objectives, no mission is more ideal than the glorious plan of God.

I am prompted to disclose a personal story about my journey to overcome racial prejudice.  For to become truly united with the diverse cultures within the kingdom of God is a prayer of the Lord!  For the bible also says “Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen” 1John 4:20 This is difficult in these times!  See I recall the first time being called the “N” word at 7 yrs old by the parents’ of a neighborhood playmate.  Being told not to play with him anymore, is a thorn that pricks my memory whenever I face racism today.  My spiritual strategy is to battle thoughts and revengeful action with the memorized scriptures from God’s word.  Furthermore, I must forgive others and I am telling you- it is more challenging still.  I am not perfect but am being made perfect through the sufficient blood of the Lamb.  For He is also witnessing nightly news, my son and his friends upset over a recent police harassment and the prolific, ignored injustices faced internationally.  But understand one thing-our Great Shepherd sees it all.  It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the Living God.  To truly attain the fullness of Christ is to allow the waters of baptism to continually wash and overflow our hearts with His love—especially for our haters.  Prov 20:22, Eph 4:31-32; 1 Thes 5:15

Concern (C):  Sister, be honest do you hold any prejudices/discrimination in our heart against others based on-age, gender, weight, politics, religion and ethnicity?

Encouragement (E):  As a daughter of Christ let’s crucify and continually put to death our bigotries.  Along with the all other sins such as murder, lying, adultery etc- Jesus died.  Remember Him when He spoke to the Samaritan woman at the well, that’s two prejudices he conquered right there, etc.  Samaritans were considered half-breeds and despised by Jews.  And women were marginalized.  Like Romans for Pharisees, he healed, respected and desired to seek and save all types of people.  Though often ridiculed Himself and discriminated by others like Nathaniel saying “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” in John 1:46.  Or the teachers of the law saying, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?”, in Mark 2:13-17.  Our Savior only cared to please his Commanding Officer 2 Tim 2:4.

Act (A):  Sister Soldier our target should be likewise.  Let us not miss out on the blessing David so sang about in Ps 31 vs. 23-24.  “Love the Lord, all his faithful people! The Lord preserves those who are true to him, but the proud he pays back in full.”  Only by answering the call of duty from God, by employing in our lives true discipleship will there bring about the change in us and in others that change the course!  It’s the toughest job you’ll ever love, all it takes it a few good women (and men), loving past enmity, chauvinism and every Satanic device.  Sister, May God shed His Grace on Thee.

Check out this link for further info: https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/top_10_strategies_for_reducing_prejudice