Wow! This has been an interesting year and an even interesting election. I thought I was going to help celebrate the first woman President. Now, I am helping to celebrate the first traditional businessman President who doesn't have a political background. What I wasn't expecting was the backlash. I really wasn't expecting him to win, but I was not expecting these not my President campaigns. I hope he is not really the racist that people have portrayed him to be. I hope that America can be civilized and work together.
I do know that the Russian President seems really excited about Donald Trump being President. I know that elevation comes from God. So, there is a reason why Donald Trump is President. God allowed Him to get the votes. One thing his election does is continue to give people hope about obtaining various offices. We have an African-American President and broke that barrier. Now, we have someone who didn't go to Harvard Law School or law school anywhere from what I know.
I hope that President-Elect Trump will be a President for all people.
Tuesday, November 29, 2016
Saturday, October 29, 2016
Get Out the Vote
In a few weeks, we will have a new President. It really is a toss up on who will win office. I have my own political views, but there are millions of people in America who will cast their votes. There is a lot at stake. No matter who wins, we will make history. We could have the first woman President. We could also have the first non-traditional politician, I believe to become President.
This is quite interesting. I know the world is watching the United States to see who we will elect. Who will be good at developing foreign policy? Who will bring jobs back to America and stimulate the economy? Will we still have health care for all? I have heard people who work non-traditional jobs brag that until the health care reform took place, they didn't have health insurance. It seems like that is the least thing that we can do for our citizens is to make sure that everyone has access to health care.
I just hope that we not only have a smart President but also someone who really wants to cut taxes and ensure that the middle class doesn't have a higher rate than billionaires. Nevertheless, get out and vote or you should not complain about who ends up in office.
This is quite interesting. I know the world is watching the United States to see who we will elect. Who will be good at developing foreign policy? Who will bring jobs back to America and stimulate the economy? Will we still have health care for all? I have heard people who work non-traditional jobs brag that until the health care reform took place, they didn't have health insurance. It seems like that is the least thing that we can do for our citizens is to make sure that everyone has access to health care.
I just hope that we not only have a smart President but also someone who really wants to cut taxes and ensure that the middle class doesn't have a higher rate than billionaires. Nevertheless, get out and vote or you should not complain about who ends up in office.
Thursday, July 7, 2016
Monday, June 27, 2016
This Far and No Farther
There has been so much going on since we last spoke. There was a young pop star killed in Orlando, Florida. A shooter killed 49 people in Orlando, Florida and injured nearly as many. A 2-year-old was snatched from near his parents by an alligator and taken to his death. Now, England has pulled out of the EU.
Where I live in Memphis, Tennessee, crime is becoming ridiculous. Yes, it is time to pray but it is also time for drastic measures. My church recently had a shut-in. A shut-in is where people of faith gather to pray overnight. It started at 9 p.m. and ended at 6 a.m. I felt compelled to participate since I had been asking why isn't the church doing anything about crime, etc. Obviously, prayer is the most effective method of getting things done. I would like to share with you a link on shut-ins.
http://www.charismamag.com/spirit/prayer/9497-keys-to-all-night-prayer-that-releases-god-s-power
Now, our church doesn't have shut-ins every few months. I can remember with clarity over a few years the number of shut-ins held. That is one thing that I never really felt compelled to attend. When I think of shut-ins, I think of the church mothers getting together and petitioning God on their knees. I didn't really think the Bishop or First Lady was showing up.
I did attend. The Bishop or Pastor of our church and the First Lady were there. I saw lots of folks from the church who I deem as regulars in Sunday School, Tuesday night service and in regular Sunday service. I also saw people in various levels of ministry like elders, deacons, ushers and choir members. Now, we did get an email in the choir and were encouraged to attend. It was a great experience even though we sacrificed sleep. We all came together in unity petitioning God for our city, county, nation, the world, neighborhoods, communities, family members and yes our own personal needs.
Don't leave your church hanging when they petition the body of Christ to participate. If your church doesn't have shut-ins, I think it's okay to participate in other ministries. I felt like I had made a personal investment in my spiritual life. I wasn't expecting all of that. I was just expecting to pray and sacrifice sleep.
I don't feel like giving the devil any ground. I feel that God will make as much room in Heaven for as many people as He needs to. I also feel that we shouldn't give up on people. Some folks you can't really advise them, but you can pray for them. They don't even have to know you're praying for them. We are to pray without ceasing.
It's time to tell the devil this far and no farther in your home, this far and no farther on the job, this far and no farther in our schools, this far and no farther with your finances, this far and no farther with your children, and this far and no farther in your mind. I have set some boundaries for the enemy and he has got to go.
Where I live in Memphis, Tennessee, crime is becoming ridiculous. Yes, it is time to pray but it is also time for drastic measures. My church recently had a shut-in. A shut-in is where people of faith gather to pray overnight. It started at 9 p.m. and ended at 6 a.m. I felt compelled to participate since I had been asking why isn't the church doing anything about crime, etc. Obviously, prayer is the most effective method of getting things done. I would like to share with you a link on shut-ins.
http://www.charismamag.com/spirit/prayer/9497-keys-to-all-night-prayer-that-releases-god-s-power
Now, our church doesn't have shut-ins every few months. I can remember with clarity over a few years the number of shut-ins held. That is one thing that I never really felt compelled to attend. When I think of shut-ins, I think of the church mothers getting together and petitioning God on their knees. I didn't really think the Bishop or First Lady was showing up.
I did attend. The Bishop or Pastor of our church and the First Lady were there. I saw lots of folks from the church who I deem as regulars in Sunday School, Tuesday night service and in regular Sunday service. I also saw people in various levels of ministry like elders, deacons, ushers and choir members. Now, we did get an email in the choir and were encouraged to attend. It was a great experience even though we sacrificed sleep. We all came together in unity petitioning God for our city, county, nation, the world, neighborhoods, communities, family members and yes our own personal needs.
Don't leave your church hanging when they petition the body of Christ to participate. If your church doesn't have shut-ins, I think it's okay to participate in other ministries. I felt like I had made a personal investment in my spiritual life. I wasn't expecting all of that. I was just expecting to pray and sacrifice sleep.
I don't feel like giving the devil any ground. I feel that God will make as much room in Heaven for as many people as He needs to. I also feel that we shouldn't give up on people. Some folks you can't really advise them, but you can pray for them. They don't even have to know you're praying for them. We are to pray without ceasing.
It's time to tell the devil this far and no farther in your home, this far and no farther on the job, this far and no farther in our schools, this far and no farther with your finances, this far and no farther with your children, and this far and no farther in your mind. I have set some boundaries for the enemy and he has got to go.
Sunday, May 22, 2016
Time to Pray
I don't know if you really have a prayer life, but as a newlywed I realize that it is time to pray. It is not even about the new husband who is fabulous. It is about haters related or not who spend some of their waking hours trying to cause unrest. I thank God that I have a prayer life and that I have some gifts operating. I ask God to let them operate even the more. I wish that I could share candidly with you some of the foolishness that I have witnessed or heard about over the last few weeks.
I say to myself people who are saved ought to act saved and then you might bring others to Christ. I remember a conversation that I had with someone at Trinity Broadcasting Network. I would often call for prayer during the telethons or whenever I needed someone to agree with me. You can have people pretend that they will agree with you in prayer but that is not always the case. I was speaking with them about a certain relative and said, "That person is supposed to be saved." I was shocked when a prayer warrior shared that even those with God's spirit act totally out of character. I just found that baffling considering the example I had given them.
Today being saved sometimes doesn't mean much for some because everyone is not walking the walk and think it not strange when various people or issues come up against you. Sometimes, people have their prophetic insight working and they see where God is taking you and it nearly makes them crazy. I have talked to people and even children who are basically scared of church because of some of the people who they have encounter.
One time Pastor Rod Parsley of Breakthrough Ministries said that you should look for these things when joining a church: 1) People are getting saved. 2) There is a strong distinction between right and wrong. 3) The Pastor is not afraid to speak out regarding sin. 4) The Holy Ghost has free reign. 5) The Word of God is going forth.
I may not have them listed in the order that he gave but it was somewhere along those lines. Everyone that is in a church is not always saved. I believed that a good percentage of them are and that there is a small percent that has a hidden agenda. The devil will use anyone who is willing. Just don't let him use you.
I still consider it a small miracle that I actually got married. Not saying that I am not marriage material but of the people who have dedicated their lives to being a hindrance. I was raised by my grandmother and that is enough to tell you what I have to deal with. My parents are still alive. My father is a pastor in Detroit and his wife assists him. He is to be admired as an old man who God called to pastor a church later in life. My father seeks to stay busy and is of a sound mind and has the right spirit most of the time when he does things as far as I know.
My mother is single and never married. I have several siblings on my mother's side and my father's side. So, like David in the Bible I have many half siblings. As a matter of fact, all of my siblings are half.
Stay prayerful. It is time to pray. Don't let the enemy trick you into being a hindrance. You never know who God is trying to use and you don't want to get in the way and have God's wrath unleashed and you don't know why. Ask God to keep you in His will and out of His way.
I say to myself people who are saved ought to act saved and then you might bring others to Christ. I remember a conversation that I had with someone at Trinity Broadcasting Network. I would often call for prayer during the telethons or whenever I needed someone to agree with me. You can have people pretend that they will agree with you in prayer but that is not always the case. I was speaking with them about a certain relative and said, "That person is supposed to be saved." I was shocked when a prayer warrior shared that even those with God's spirit act totally out of character. I just found that baffling considering the example I had given them.
Today being saved sometimes doesn't mean much for some because everyone is not walking the walk and think it not strange when various people or issues come up against you. Sometimes, people have their prophetic insight working and they see where God is taking you and it nearly makes them crazy. I have talked to people and even children who are basically scared of church because of some of the people who they have encounter.
One time Pastor Rod Parsley of Breakthrough Ministries said that you should look for these things when joining a church: 1) People are getting saved. 2) There is a strong distinction between right and wrong. 3) The Pastor is not afraid to speak out regarding sin. 4) The Holy Ghost has free reign. 5) The Word of God is going forth.
I may not have them listed in the order that he gave but it was somewhere along those lines. Everyone that is in a church is not always saved. I believed that a good percentage of them are and that there is a small percent that has a hidden agenda. The devil will use anyone who is willing. Just don't let him use you.
I still consider it a small miracle that I actually got married. Not saying that I am not marriage material but of the people who have dedicated their lives to being a hindrance. I was raised by my grandmother and that is enough to tell you what I have to deal with. My parents are still alive. My father is a pastor in Detroit and his wife assists him. He is to be admired as an old man who God called to pastor a church later in life. My father seeks to stay busy and is of a sound mind and has the right spirit most of the time when he does things as far as I know.
My mother is single and never married. I have several siblings on my mother's side and my father's side. So, like David in the Bible I have many half siblings. As a matter of fact, all of my siblings are half.
Stay prayerful. It is time to pray. Don't let the enemy trick you into being a hindrance. You never know who God is trying to use and you don't want to get in the way and have God's wrath unleashed and you don't know why. Ask God to keep you in His will and out of His way.
Saturday, April 16, 2016
The New Civil Rights Struggle: Education
Over the years, I have often been asked, "Are you related to Fannie Lou Hamer?" I even started doing some research. Back in those days, the central library was located on Peabody Avenue. I went through a lot of the Census records on microfiche. My grandmother on my father's side was a Williams. My grandfather on my mother's side was a Hamer. I started researching the Hamers starting in Benton County, Mississippi. Fannie Lou Hamer resided in Ruleville, Mississippi which is in Sunflower County. After realizing that this is going to be a long search because most of the people seem to have 15 kids or more, I decided instead to write the book and do what I needed to do. I have always had that Fannie Lou Hamer spirit. She coined the phrase "Sick and tired of being sick and tired." I have a disdain for hindrance tactics. I personally think that it is a level of demonic activity.
Even in the Bible, the Jewish people were being held back and God sent Moses and commanded Pharaoh to let my people go. Pharaoh didn't want to do it, and you know the story of how he had no choice until tragedy struck his house and then he was forced to let the people go.
Also, the Bible makes reference to the fact that an Angel was trying to bring the answer to Daniel. The angel was withstood for 21 days from the prince of the kingdom of Persia. From what I have read and interpreted, this prince of Persia is a principality from the kingdom of Satan. Since the devil is not omniscient, he has to enlist the help of his highly organized group of devils and demons. So, he can't be everywhere at once. If they will withstand men and women of God, they will withstand you and me.
So when people act like, hindrance tactics are basically nonexistent or a figment of my imagination. I am thinking, you really need to wake up and smell the coffee because the struggle is real.I am thankful for the connection to Fannie Lou Hamer. I believe in broadcasting it opened doors for me. Over the years, I have interviewed or had chance encounters with many Civil Rights legends. I have interviewed and interacted with Reverend Samuel Billy Kyles, Judge D'Army Bailey, Stockley Carmichael, Dr. Vasco and Mrs. Maxine Smith, Dr. Benjamin Hooks, Andrew Young and Vivian Malone Jones, just to name a few. All have taken note of my name and whether I said I was related to her or not felt the need to impart information that the struggle needs to continue. Many have just assumed the relationship because of the rarity of the name.
My entry into broadcasting was paved by many brave journalists of National Associaton of Black Journalists(NABJ) who take it personally when it comes to mentoring up and coming journalists. Now, that I am in education I see the challenges that districts face in funding urban school districts and the belief by some that districts can operate on not enough funds.
I see people who have the time and the means to get out and be active but are waiting on others to take the lead and their children are the ones in the school district. Why can't others take a stand? Why can't all who are able to vote, vote? Why are you waiting on someone else to do something when you can do it yourself?
One of my bosses in TV once told us, "If you stand for nothing you will fall for anything." I believe that the school districts are doing the best that they can with the money that they have, but I am really tired of people thinking it can be run on a shoestring budget. Everyone can't put their child in a private school. Actually, I think quite highly of public schools. It could be because I was educated in public schools and had good teachers. It could be because I am a teacher. It might also be because of the level of research that I have done that keeps me aware of how effective education can be for anyone at any age.
It might also be because of the Word of God that says, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge" (Hosea 4:6). People send their children to public schools because for many it is all they can do. For others, it is because they have confidence in the school system and for others they realize that's what it's for. They are supposed to educate our children because of the law.
If you are not already doing it, do something different this year. Stand for children. Stand for the future. I often tell my students that I teach the importance of education whether they want to hear it or not. They know Mrs. Smith is on her soapbox. I am trying to make you the best version of yourself. That's what parents and teachers are called to do. You are supposed to help make your child or student the best version of themselves even if it means out shadowing your own accomplishments. That's love. That's purpose. Forget about whether or not they will appreciate it. You just do the best that you can by them and if they don't already appreciate it, they will one day.
Even in the Bible, the Jewish people were being held back and God sent Moses and commanded Pharaoh to let my people go. Pharaoh didn't want to do it, and you know the story of how he had no choice until tragedy struck his house and then he was forced to let the people go.
Also, the Bible makes reference to the fact that an Angel was trying to bring the answer to Daniel. The angel was withstood for 21 days from the prince of the kingdom of Persia. From what I have read and interpreted, this prince of Persia is a principality from the kingdom of Satan. Since the devil is not omniscient, he has to enlist the help of his highly organized group of devils and demons. So, he can't be everywhere at once. If they will withstand men and women of God, they will withstand you and me.
So when people act like, hindrance tactics are basically nonexistent or a figment of my imagination. I am thinking, you really need to wake up and smell the coffee because the struggle is real.I am thankful for the connection to Fannie Lou Hamer. I believe in broadcasting it opened doors for me. Over the years, I have interviewed or had chance encounters with many Civil Rights legends. I have interviewed and interacted with Reverend Samuel Billy Kyles, Judge D'Army Bailey, Stockley Carmichael, Dr. Vasco and Mrs. Maxine Smith, Dr. Benjamin Hooks, Andrew Young and Vivian Malone Jones, just to name a few. All have taken note of my name and whether I said I was related to her or not felt the need to impart information that the struggle needs to continue. Many have just assumed the relationship because of the rarity of the name.
My entry into broadcasting was paved by many brave journalists of National Associaton of Black Journalists(NABJ) who take it personally when it comes to mentoring up and coming journalists. Now, that I am in education I see the challenges that districts face in funding urban school districts and the belief by some that districts can operate on not enough funds.
I see people who have the time and the means to get out and be active but are waiting on others to take the lead and their children are the ones in the school district. Why can't others take a stand? Why can't all who are able to vote, vote? Why are you waiting on someone else to do something when you can do it yourself?
One of my bosses in TV once told us, "If you stand for nothing you will fall for anything." I believe that the school districts are doing the best that they can with the money that they have, but I am really tired of people thinking it can be run on a shoestring budget. Everyone can't put their child in a private school. Actually, I think quite highly of public schools. It could be because I was educated in public schools and had good teachers. It could be because I am a teacher. It might also be because of the level of research that I have done that keeps me aware of how effective education can be for anyone at any age.
It might also be because of the Word of God that says, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge" (Hosea 4:6). People send their children to public schools because for many it is all they can do. For others, it is because they have confidence in the school system and for others they realize that's what it's for. They are supposed to educate our children because of the law.
If you are not already doing it, do something different this year. Stand for children. Stand for the future. I often tell my students that I teach the importance of education whether they want to hear it or not. They know Mrs. Smith is on her soapbox. I am trying to make you the best version of yourself. That's what parents and teachers are called to do. You are supposed to help make your child or student the best version of themselves even if it means out shadowing your own accomplishments. That's love. That's purpose. Forget about whether or not they will appreciate it. You just do the best that you can by them and if they don't already appreciate it, they will one day.
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