Pluralism – BY:KB 6.29.5

I am who I am…plain and simple. I’m not forcing people to hear me out and I am not imposing my thoughts or opinions on anyone If you read my writings you know that I am many things to many people; you know that I try to walk circumspect although, not always successfully. If you read my writings you know that I am a social justice activist. If you read my writings you know I love to discuss God, theology, religion and how we all relate to it.

With all that being said, a NO TIME did I take a poll or survey to ask people about MY LIFE. I do not seek validation – you either like me or you don’t and trust and believe I am ok with it ALL…

I am not a doorman or a valet for other people’s baggage – I HAVE MY OWN ISSUES and I refuse to allow someone’s narrow-minded, selfish, bigoted and finite definitions and parameters of Christ to build fences and walls.  I am a multi-faceted person who loves God and tries to me demonstrative in the Agape love that He preached. I refuse to allow a person or entity to make me choose one aspect of my life over another-  Mark 3:25     If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.

Call out your “isms”  is there a need for revision?

How ya livin’?

Let the Church Not Say Amen BY: KB 6.27.15

The Black church began to cry foul just minutes after the SCOTUS made its momentous decision on marriage equality. The internet was ablaze with dissent and promises of protest in the midst of the celebration.

It reminds me of the time my former Pastor, mentor and teacher was invited and then uninvited to speak at a conference of Baptist ministers (March 2015)

"For a Baptist college president to invite a lesbian bishop legally married to a woman, to be a guest speaker and worship leader on a Baptist college campus is irresponsible, scandalous, non-biblical, and certainly displeasing to God," the news release said.

https://www.tumblr.com/search/bishop%20yvette%20flunder

I’m yelling STOP THE MADNESS!!!! We have awakened hell by buying into exclusionary theology. Conservative Black Pastors have appointed themselves the modern day Sanhedrin. What they fail to realize is that they are creating a major and quite possibly irreparable rift in the body. What they fail to realize is that they are either going to force people who understand grace to do battle with those who love the law or create a body of beautiful liars living a false doctrine in a dichotomous state. What they fail to realize is that they have removed the mercy seat from the Ark of the Covenant. What they fail to realize is that they have created a forum for people to expose their short-comings that they hide from their followers. What they fail to realize is that they have emptied their congregations of SGL (same gender loving) people who seek to know Christ but are being inflicted with “church wounds” based on their scriptural interpretations. What they fail to realize is that they are alienating parents of SGL children who love their children unconditionally. What they fail to realize is that many of their sanctuaries will be devoid of music because their choirs and choir directors will no longer subject themselves to verbal “scriptural” brutality. What they fail to realize is that the once oppressed have now become the oppressors engaging in the same exclusionary tactics that were once practiced against them.

The cloud of shame does not hover over the SCOTUS but over the people who believe that they have the RIGHT to define any one individuals relationships on any level – God or people!

Rude Awakening BY: KB 6.25.15

Man oh man oh man…..I’ve consistently shared that I get up at about 2:30 am every morning. The practice became habit when I started dating someone but before that I would keep a notebook by my bed because I would wake up all through the night and write down things that plagued my dreams. Well, last night I was up at midnight, knowing full well that I get up at 2 am….I’m up texting conversation with two of my friends…… I’m saying all this to say that I woke up with a revelation from God.

After one conversation that left me second guessing, assuming and full of presumption I was fixated on this thought while I was driving into my office “People who don’t pay attention are in for a rude awakening….” I mean, I was like a hamster in a wheel with this thought. I just kept coming back to it over and over again because I have tendency to check out and get into my thoughts and my head; living in the mental abyss…hence the term rude awakenings. But, the Spirit of the Lord revealed to me that I was looking at the situation wrong. I was playing the victim and not looking at my part in how things play out in my life. The Spirit revealed that I was living in “comatosia” and praying for utopia.

Colossians 3:2      Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.

Proverbs 4:25      Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you.

Matthew 6:33       But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

2 Peter 1:10      Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to make your calling and election sure, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.

2 Timothy 1:7      For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

Galatians 6:5      For each will have to bear his own load.

My ability to focus and fixate is not necessarily a negative if I lean into my faith and trust God

How ya livin’ ?!!!!

Are You A Bully In Christ? BY: KB 6.24.15

Leviticus 19:18       You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.

2 Timothy 1:7       For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

Proverbs 12:18      There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

I know we ALL struggle from time to time. I know we’re all guilty of judging and critical positioning against others and some of you will even see this piece as a judgment and on some levels it is, but, I am also trying to highlight a point that we need to reflect on.

I am growing so weary of saints – emphasis on the ain’ts that have appointed themselves piety and are quick to correct based on their religious convictions. I watch these very same people tantrum out and act like babies when they don’t get what they feel they need (keep in mind their judgment for you is based on their own need.)

Strange concept isn’t it…they’re mad at you because of something you’ve said or done has taken them out of their black and white concrete thinking…. Your actions have hurled this person into thinking. They are now in the unknown land of “what if” and they have to think for themselves and how their actions line up to what they believe. These people have grown comfortable with “The Law” and their ways of breaking it but not comfortable with the concept of free will…… (let that resonate for a minute) These people preach grace but only intellectualize it because they have grown comfortable clubbing, berating, belittling, condemning in order to elevate themselves.

Everybody talking about free will ain’t free and you cannot stand on my back to pretend you’re tall………

How ya livin’?!

Shaming BY: KB 6.23.15

Proverbs 28:7     He who keeps the law is a discerning son, But he who is a companion of gluttons humiliates his father.

Proverbs 29:15     The rod and reproof give wisdom, But a child who gets his own way brings shame to his mother.

1 Corinthians 11:22     What! Do you not have houses in which to eat and drink? Or do you despise the church of God and shame those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you? In this I will not praise you.

1 Corinthians 1:27     but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong,

Wow! I have given some serious time and thought to this word. You might even say I’ve been living it out for some many months; so is has more meaning for me.

Have you ever heard the saying “wounded (hurt) people wound (hurt) others”?  With that quote I say that learning/practicing forgiveness is a major undertaking. Everything in me wants to return hurt for hurt; as a matter of fact my life has been lived as a testament to the practice. I am a “warmonger” by nature….not that I actively seek fights but I’m inclined to fight to the death when I’m challenged. Humility is a truly foreign concept and I often find it hard to wrap my brain around the principle when hurt and pain are raging against my spirituality.

My sympathies and empathy go out to those who are so hurt and fragile that they feel the need to inflict pain and hurt upon others. I understand your pain because you felt the need to inflict it upon me. The difference between your pain and main is that I know mine is temporary because I trust God. Your will continue to be with you until you surrender your pride. You will leave a trail of bodies in your path; paving stones for your temporary relief. But you forget that those stones will also be the rocks for your personal prison and the perpetuation of your own torment.

Where are you in this cycle of hurt and pain?

How ya’ livin’? 

Preaching, Puritanical and Prudishness BY: KB 6.18.15

I just recently saw a Hell’s Bells sound the alarm type video about sex education in school…..and then I read a few comments and all I can say is GET OVER YOURSELVES PEOPLE!!!

https://www.facebook.com/cbnnews/videos/10155787444830393/?fref=nf

Now, I’m not going to try to convoluted the issue but the person who was elected the “spokes model” for the traditional values coalition was a prim and proper white woman….that right there is an indication of who they’re trying to convey the message to, but I’m going to address the message none the less.

First, let me say, and this word is for everyone in the African American community…..you can pretend to be an ostrich all you want, bury your head deep in the sand but just know the deeper you dig in the more your behind is exposed….just saying.

Real hard facts:

·        African American youth continue to be one of the groups most severely affected by HIV infection in the United States. In fact, black youth represent more than half (57 percent) of all new HIV infections among young people aged 13 to 24.

These numbers underscore the need to reach a new generation with effective HIV prevention programs and messages. We simply cannot afford to lose the next generation to this potentially deadly, but preventable, disease.

·        Blacks account for almost half of the more than one million people estimated to be living with HIV in the United States (44 percent), and of new HIV infections each year (44 percent).

·         African American youth are particularly affected. Of the nearly 21,000 infections estimated to occur each year among African Americans, one-third (34 percent) are among young people aged 13 to 24.

·        According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the HIV epidemic is not the only thing that black people have to worry about.  The CDC claims that nearly half (48 percent) of all African American women between the ages of 14 and 49 are infected with genital herpes.

·        Black women have the highest rate of infection and their rate is nearly twice as high as men.   Overall, 21 percent of all women are infected, compared with 11.5 percent of men.  For the black community, 39 percent of all African Americans are infected, compared with 12 percent for whites.

·        A recent study by the Family Acceptance Project on the impact of family rejection of LGBT youth found that parents who identify as "strongly religious" were significantly more likely to reject their children. According to research by the Center for American Progress, there are an estimated 300,000 homeless LGBT youth in our country, and the leading cause of their homelessness is family rejection.

It doesn't have to be like this. Jesus Christ never spoke a word of condemnation against homosexuals. Churches don't have any need to condemn LGBT people, or fight against our equal treatment in our country. A growing number of church communities have chosen to be affirming and supportive of LGBT people.

Now, I don’t know about you but I rather have a little discomfort in my life than to deal with a child with an expensive and chronic medical condition. I rather deal with my own growth and enlightenment than having a kid feel like they can’t be the best of and all of who they are.

I believe in the power of prayer and I can pray and tarry with the canonized saints but seriously folks, think back to when you were young and ask yourself…was prayer the first thing that came to mind when the “feel good- hormone rages” started?

Educate your kids of the differences and the risks….don’t let their first experience be a lifelong regret!

Selfishness BY: KB 6.10.15

I have had reoccurring thoughts on this subject…..so once again I’m sounding off on the topic. I’m not addressing the momentary… “I want what I want” We all have times where we’re self-focused. I’m talking about the walking wounded who have deep emotional wounds to the point where they don’t trust people so they can’t depend on or rely on people to help which results in them USING everyone and everything in the belief that they will heal.

1 Corithians 6: 19 – 20     …Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.

If you know this why do you treat yourself and your body like something from the Dollar Store?

Everyone who knows me knows my profession and how stressful it can be sometimes….and often get angry with me because I check out and go off the grid on the weekends because I just don’t want to see people and I need to recharge. I love that I’m able to problem solve and help people get back on the right track, I wouldn’t trade the gift for anything in the world but I also have to be aware of the fact that it takes its toll on the mind and body so it’s ever so critical to stay focused and grounded…..where am I going with this?

Imagine a pre-school teacher in a room of about 30 or so 2 year olds….the epic level of “ I want it now or I want what he/she has” must be a pressure cooker for whoever is lucky enough to monitor the situation. This is what God hears and sees on a non-stop basis….now, the I wants get bigger and more demanding with the age. The ability to rationalize, justify and freely choose the poor behaviors become an affront to Him and His calling upon your life. Yet, He continues to love us and keep us from killing ourselves with our own selfishness.

Selfishness also give us permission to mistreat people; we’ve convinced ourselves that we get to judge and that our victims somehow deserve or mistreatment and cruelty.

Luke 10: 25 – 37     25 On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

26 “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?”

27 He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

28 “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.”

29 But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

30 In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’

36 “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”

37 The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”

Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”

How ya livin?

Ego-centric Thinking BY: KB © 6.8.15

Man !!! Oh Man!!! What can I say? It has been a rough couple of months for me and whatever I was going through robbed me of the desire to write. Thoughts were coming at a fast and furious pace but I had to sit with my thoughts and to sit with God…well, I’m baaaaaaaaaaaaaack!!!

This is something that has been a common thread throughout my thoughts. Some of you know me and know that I have very little tolerance for foolishness…I will hang out for a minute to see if I just happened to catch somebody on a bad day or I’m having a bad day but when certain things remain a constant….I’m DONE!!!!  

2 Timothy 3:1-5      But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.

James 3:14-16      But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.

Philippians 3:12-14      Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Which passage best identifies you and your walk?

REAL TALK you can call your madness whatever you want and justify all of your actions but the bottom line is that you do not live in a world where it’s all about you....and what's really going on with you that you require the massive amount of attention?

Apologies 6 4 15

REAL TALK from KB: I have been wrestling with the concept and constructs of apology/apologizing for a while now (serious study and contemplation since January). To be honest , it’s not a random word study….it’s a result of my personal life and choices….

The Lord finally blessed me with an answer that will satisfy my spirit…(I was mentally working out at Jacob’s gym…wrestling with it until it blessed me) God spoke this full word in my spirit this morning: A morally and spiritually bankrupt person can’t repay a debt. If they do apologize it is because social constraints dictate it…but they have justified and rationalized their actions in their hearts and minds. More often than not you will continue to revisit the situation with the individual because not apologizing has reinforced their position…….walk away and pray for that brother or sister because something or someone has caused a spiritual disconnect; if you choose to “hang tough”  the abuse you’ll suffer will only serve to add you to the ranks of the walking wounded.