The Gift of Christmas

 Jesus is the Reason for the Season

Christmas is a gift. Jesus is the reason for the season. Many people who don't believe in Jesus also celebrate this holiday. It is important to realize why we are celebrating. It is not all about Santa Claus although this is an excellent extension to give our young people hope and to have a reason to give.

I remember I was around ten or eleven when I found out there was no Santa Claus. I saw my grandmother hiding gifts in the closet. I must say I think that I took it well. Some of my classmates probably knew there was no Santa Claus. However, no one was trying to spoil it for anybody else. If they believe, we let them believe until they find out on their own.

As an adult, I heard an interesting story as to why there is a Santa Claus. There was actually a man about two thousand years ago who went around giving gifts. Thus, Saint Nicholas was born, and the way the minister told it made so much sense.

The Significance of Christ

We thank God for sending Jesus. I have often heard people say that many can receive the baby, but some can't receive the Saviour. As Christians, it is up to us to influence people to Christ. Sometimes, this can take place just by you being you. People need to know that there is freedom in Christ. There is gifting in believing in Jesus. I think man sometimes gets carried away and can turn people away from Christ. The Bible declares that my commandments are not grievous (I John 5:3). It is important to know the nature of Christ. When you know the nature of Christ, you will realize what is Christ and what is not Christ when you see it. I have often heard that billionaires or others who are very wealthy start donating their money to charity when they get older. People don't want to get to heaven and have God ask them why they didn't share or feed His flock when you had much substance. By the same token, I have seen various ministries in the news because they were exposed by the media. The media said that they took from poor believers to build up their wealth. You can just google this on the web. Different newspapers have done different stories over the years. I don't want to single out any particular ministry. I know that God wants us all to have nice things. He also asks us to be sober and vigilant because our adversary will sift us as wheat (1 Peter 5:8). Understand that fornication and sins of the flesh are not the only sins in the Bible. Greed is also a sin. Jealousy is also a sin and we as believers have to constantly ask God to give us the spirit of discernment. God wants us to support ministries and give the tithe that He has commanded but God wants you to be prosperous as well. You are not wicked because you want to travel the world. You are not a sinner because you want a designer handbag. You are not greedy because you want to go to various universities or send your child to the best schools. You choose to spend your money how you choose to spend it. Some people love travel. Others love clothes. Still others love fine dining. You work hard and you live the life that you want to live. You and yours are paying your bills. There are so many people who don't even go to church. They will send their tithes but they are not impressed with all the begging and none of the outward manifestation of taking care of the least of these thy brethren. They think that the church is supposed to do it all. The church cannot do it all. If it concerns you, you might have to pick up the purpose. That's why people need to start non-profit organizations. You can take up some of the causes that the church is not taking up. You can start the after-school programs. You can start the food pantries. You can create homeless shelters if this is something God is leading you to do. You might face resistance and attack because you are actually getting to the root cause of an issue. Others might start doing what you are doing to try to make it seem like you are not doing anything. You can write the book. You can film a documentary. The church is not a bank where you give your tithes and then go back and ask them to pay your utilities. You keep your money for your own bills and give them what you understand God has commanded you to do. For whatever reason, I know when people are asking for your overage. I don't know what it is about humans that they sometimes can't stand to see the people of God increase. That is a reason why God does not always give His people what He has in store for us until we can exercise restraints at all levels. There are too many people at the gate trying to see what God is going to do and they are ready to receive or snatch what God has. No, you don't have to play the victim but you don't have to play the fool either. I pray that God will give you the discernment that you need this holiday season. I pray that you will be the lender and not the borrower. I pray that God will bless you for your charitable giving and that you will reap even where you have not sown. I pray that God will give you a bamboo blessing and it will spring up when needed. I pray that God will free you up from that taskmaster who is trying to overburden you so that you won't be able to do the work of the Lord.

The Gift of Salvation Salvation is a gift from God. If Jesus is calling you, receive Him while you can. I have heard people say that God is not calling them. Maybe, they meant that He wasn't calling them to ministry or something. I hope that they didn't mean that He wasn't calling them to salvation. To me that is scary. My Bible tells me that God is not willing that any man should perish, but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). There are so many people who do not believe. I pray that before they leave this earth God will reveal Himself to them.

Pray for Israel

I am sure you are aware of what has been happening in the Middle East. Hamas has attacked Israel. They have killed and kidnapped many including Americans. God encourages us to pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6). Hamas is basically located in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. Israel is the apple of God's eye. If this is something that you struggle with, get over it. It was before our time and has to deal with thousands of years ago and the Abrahamic covenant. Read Genesis chapter 22 for further insight. A lot of what is happening has much to do with what God promised Israel and how He would increase them. A lot of the increase had to deal with possessing land, taking territory, and fighting enemies. Not much has changed. Unfortunately, other people are being affected by this in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. They may not be terrorists, but this is the result of conflict.

The Significance of Israel to Christians

Jesus came to this earth through Jewish lineage. He came so that those who were not Jewish might be saved. This was a part of God's plan. Yes, those who are Jewish don't all believe in Jesus, but that is not for us to deal with. We thank God that we were grafted in and God loves us like He loves Israel. However, the enemy knows what salvation costs. He knows about God's covenant with Abraham and he just wants to keep up some mess. Like a thief in the night, the enemy uses whoever he can to keep issues brewing in the Middle East. These are things that we just have to deal with. The United States is an ally of Israel and is supporting them. Of course, this is smart since scripture has asked us to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. God has constantly covered the United States from an abundance of evil. I realize we had 9/11 but some countries like Israel or Ukraine live with that threat on the regular. Let's Get Ourselves Together! All of these issues that are going on in the world are a sign for us to get ourselves together. The Bible reads that in the last days, there will be wars and rumors of wars. Read more in Matthew 24:6-7. It speaks of a nation rising against a nation. There shall be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in diverse places. Recently an earthquake in Afghanistan killed over two thousand people. In September, an earthquake struck Morocco killing about three thousand people. According to the Bible, these are the beginnings of sorrow. Those who are reading this newsletter have survived the Covid pandemic. Many of us witnessed loved ones, co-workers, church members, and those in the community who did not make it. These are the times to try men's and women's souls. Stay encouraged. Stay prayed up. Stay connected to a good ministry. You would be amazed at how affiliation will keep you in the day of trouble. A good pastor prays for his flock. No matter what is going on, keep praise. You are still alive for a reason and it is to witness those who may be lost. Pray for the Unsaved and the Uninformed! Let's pray for those who are not saved and who feel that God and Jesus are not relevant. This is not a time to straddle the fence. However, God and Jesus are the only ones who will help you in these last and evil days. Some wonder how Israel didn't know that Hamas was planning an attack. America was blindsided by 9/11. That's what the enemy does. He catches you off guard. He majors in distractions that keep your focus off the main thing. Israel is not the first country to be blindsided and unfortunately, it won't be the last. Let's just pray for peace in the Middle East and ask God to cover America. Heavenly Father, we ask you to forgive us for all our sins. We pray for the Peace of Israel and countries in the Gaza Strip and West Bank. We ask that your angels will guide those in bondage to safety. We pray that you will make a way of escape for those who have been kidnapped. Help those who are being forced to flee to find refuge and help in a time of need. Cover all who call on your name and help them. You said, "You would save your anointed. Hear from your holy heaven, and pull them up with your mighty hand."(Psalm 20:6) Hide those who are fleeing from their enemies (Psalm 64:2-8). Give those who are charged with rescue angelic assistance. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen

Good With God

I was listening to a sermon today and was shocked to find out some information.  The preacher said that one of the top theological schools in the country now had an atheist residing over their chaplains.  Of course, I had to Google to see if this was the case.  So many times people just toss out information and at times it is not always accurate. Upon conducting a brief Google search, I found out that it was true. Some of the references were from a few years back.  To me, it is unclear if he is still in charge of the chaplains there, but he is still one of their chaplains.  Harvard has many chaplains from different backgrounds.

Then, I also found out that this man also wrote a book called Good Without God.  You can Google yourself to find out who the author is. That is why I am adamant about people supporting Christian authors, Christian films, Christian TV Shows, and Christian anything.  We often have to jump through many hurdles to get our messages out there.  I would like to make a declaration that I am good with God and that He has made all the difference in my life.

It is so easy not to have any accountability, standards, or conscience. So many people just want to do any darn thing, but if you are a Christian you are held to some standards. Don't get me wrong.  We live in a free country and we can believe what we choose to believe.  But please stop trying to shoot down everything that Christians have to say.

Nowadays, the government wants to threaten ministries that take a stand. We need to let ministries take a stand.  We also need to put prayer back in schools.  How long will we let the assault on our young people continue?  There have been so many school shootings in the last few years that it is just sickening.  Not to mention, the assaults happening on college campuses. We have tried a little of this and a little of that. Now, it's time to try a lot of praying.

Sometimes when the list of billionaires comes out, I would Google to see who believes in God.  I was encouraged when I found out that Rihanna is actually a Christian.  I think Oprah might have said that she believes in God. Why is it that when people make so much money they want to denounce God? Could it be that they are into idol worship?  Or maybe, they just don't want to have any connection to a higher power? Who knows? I will just say that I am good with God and hope to remain good with Him.

Glory...the Hair Booksigning

 Saturday, April 22, 2023

8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

New Direction Church

6120 Winchester Road

Memphis, Tennessee 38115

Join me as I sign copies of my book GLORY...the HAIR at the Women in Finance and Business event sponsored by Memphis Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated.

The event has free entry and includes vendors such as myself.  There will be food trucks, vendors, and speakers.

Keep Memphis Lifted in Prayer

This is still the start of the new year. I had planned on writing about something related to goals for 2023. Yet, I find myself asking those who have a prayer life to keep Memphis lifted in prayer. By now, you have heard of the senseless killing of Tyre Nichols through police brutality. There were several people on the scene. They are being held accountable. Five fired police officers face about seven fresh charges, including second degree murder. Two more officers have been relieved of duty pending an investigation.

From the Sky Cop camera and body cam footage that we saw, they just jerked Mr. Nichols out of the car and started beating him. This is why people say it seems personal. There was no, “May we see your license and registration?” There was no, “You were going 55 in a 45 mile per hour zone.” This has not been standard operating procedure in Memphis.  

These officers are a part of the now defunct Scorpion Unit that was created two years ago by our fairly new police chief, CJ Davis, to fight street crime. Our district attorney general is moving swiftly. The fire department has even fired two paramedics and a fire lieutenant who were on the scene.

My heart goes out to his family because Tyre knew there was nothing to do but run. They had blood on their minds from the word go. Our young people should not be fearing for their lives. I should not be fearing for my life. I know we need police officers and special units, but they need to put more money into training them.

CASH STRAPPED AMERICA

I am glad that things are getting better for people.  I like seeing people hustle and try to obtain the things that God wants them to have.  Hard work hasn't ever hurt anyone and we need to instill this in our young people.  Get a plan for your life.  Go to college or trade school.  I realize as a teacher we have been taught to encourage our kids to go to college.  That's true, but it's also true about the many other professions out there where they can make good money.

I am so excited about Memphis and the surrounding area and the companies that are coming here like Ford Motor Company in Stanton, Tennessee with Blue Oval City. We have to continue to build up our educational systems.  Give the schools money for buildings.  Make sure excellent charter schools are getting their fair share.  There are also many foundations in Memphis that give money.  I encourage them to give to some of these excellent charter schools.  On their website, I have seen that some don't fund charter schools.

My husband always reminds me that college isn't for every child.  That is the reality.  We thank God for the ones who are able to graduate from high school and go to college.  We also thank him for the ones who find their niche in other trades.  I am encouraged by the fact that they put the technical emphasis back in the schools.  When we were in high school, they had home economics, Future Homemakers of America,  DECA, Future Farmers of America, and shop.  We also have to understand the reality that a lot of our children come from low-income backgrounds.

My background is poor, low economics, or whatever buzzword we are using today. I was raised by my grandmother because she did what parents do.  She helped her kids raise their kids. There was not a lot of industry in Grand Junction, Tennessee.  To this day, there is still not a lot of industry there for whatever reason. Everyone didn't want to work in the cotton fields in the 60s, and I couldn't much blame them.  They probably weren't paying much.  My Mom like her siblings went to Memphis to get a job.  My Dad and many of his siblings moved north to Detroit and Illinois.  My dad retired from Ford.  

We thank God for parents who were able to support their children while they went somewhere to make a life. Of course, my Mom always came to check on me, Jackie, and Carl.  She had my brother Will with her. Then my brother Carl went to stay with her.  After my grandmother died, she raised my sister Jackie, and I stayed with her during summer breaks or holiday breaks while attending college.  Happy to say that all of my siblings have careers and have gotten educated.  All of my siblings have started businesses. My grandmother and Mom didn't play about raising kids.  My siblings are no different.

As a parent, you need to demand to your school board that these technical programs are available in high school.  I have taught many young girls who were looking forward to going to high school to take cosmetology.  I am not sure how many schools have this program, but you can make a good living as a hairstylist.  Our young men can make a good living as plumbers, electricians, mechanics, carpenters, HVAC specialists, and many other trades. The Hispanic population has come to America and basically, they are taking territory in construction and landscaping.  Why are many of our urban inner city youth being left out of the loop? Yawl better wake up. 

This crime rate in Memphis will go down when we equip our young people with some ways to make legal money once they leave high school.  Unfortunately, some of our parents will have to do a better job getting a handle on their child's behavior at an early age.  They need to be disciplined and know who runs this.  If not, they will try and run you when they get older. My parents weren't going and I wasn't trying to try anybody because you would end up on the ground.

I plan to do more installments of Cash Strapped America.  If there is a particular topic that you are interested in with my blog or if you are one of my newsletter subscribers, hit me up at shamer@sandrahamer.com.  I work by day, but I am trying to take my writing to the next level. It's my husband, family, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority sisters, church members, co-workers, my social media followers, newsletter followers, Memphians, folks from home like Grand Junction and Hardeman County, former television news viewers, former bosses, and many others who have encouraged me.  I just want to thank you.  If I missed anyone, as the older people say, charge it to my head and not my heart.

Integrity Check

Integrity checks are happening now.  The Bible says "And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men everywhere to repent." (Acts 17:30)  So, it is safe to say that it is time to come clean and live the best everyday life that you can possibly live.  We will be held accountable for our actions down here. God wants us to be joyful. God wants us to have fun.  God wants us to be healthy and prosperous.  But, God does not want us to wound people in the process of obtaining stuff.  God does not want us to be a hindrance to others or to ministry.

If I didn't watch the news, I would not be aware of the crime happening in my community and throughout the country.  After Japan's prime minister died, I saw their crime statistics.  They don't have many shooting deaths like we do in America.  I hear Japan's low crime rate comes with some flaws, but if it is saving people's lives and keeping people from committing violent crimes, I think that is positive.

We also must invest more in the front end of education.  Teachers need to be paid more.  We also need to make sure that people are sending children to school by age 5.  If parents say they are homeschooling their children, they need to provide proof of a homeschooling network they are a part of. We owe this to our children.  Sometimes homeschooling can lead to excellent reading outcomes, but at the same time, the math, Algebra, and Geometry skills may be lacking.  I think we have fabulous parents, but they are not experts in all subjects unless they are teachers.

When I was growing up, I could see the collaboration between the teachers and my grandmother.  She did not question the teacher's comments on my report card.  These teachers were a part of our community.  Some of them attended the church that I attended.  They had also taught my mother, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Most importantly, they had worked with my grandmother who had been a cafeteria worker.  If you know people, you know a lie when you hear it and you also know the truth.

Parents must go back to partnering with the teacher to raise their children.  I don't think most teachers spend their time lying on students.  I would hope that they have better things to do than that.  A lot of individuals are called to teach.  I realize we have skeptics who question this, but once they learn to follow God's instructions then they can believe that other people are actually doing what God called them to do the first time He said it.