Read: II Timothy 4:1-8
The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures, and he leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in the path of righteousness for His namesake. Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, because You are with me. Your rod and your staff comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of mine enemies, and you anointed my head with oil. Surely, goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and my cup runs over. I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Amen. (Words from my mind borne out of Psalm 23)
She lives in the chambers of my heart. It is safe for her there. It felt safe for me, when she maintained my place in her chamber of heart. A Mother-in-law of highest order. No one ever has lived or is living or shall live, who could be better in the ethical sense as a physical, legal, and moral Mother-in-law. Annie Lee Davis (January 29, 1936 - May 19, 2008). In the natural history sense the marriage of her daughter, Connie, and I last beyond the rearing of our offspring. Before Mrs. Davis died, she shared her view on marriage, when I visited her house during a period of struggle. She said: "You are family. God determined that, Luonne." I hear her voice on the regular. The grave does not silence her, because she is not of death. She is a woman of God.
Born in Washington, D.C., the Capitol of the United States of America. She was nurtured in Philadelphia, Pennslyvania until 10 years of age. She desired to be raised in Hagood, South Carolina in response to the undeniable love she found in her grandparents, the late Bennie and Annie Osborne Reynolds. Mr. Bennie Reynolds died prior to my entrance into her life. However, I met Mrs. Annie Reynolds and the sincerity in her was beyond measure. She was a "pistol" shooting bullets of honesty. So much truth and love. It was easy to understand why a child would want to live with her, she was the model Grandmother, Great-grandmother, and Great-great grandmother having held and nurtured our daughter - Lanecia. Women of God, women of integrity, women of grace, etc... a heritage for our children. I write this about Annie Lee Davis, who I came to know and love as an eternal soul.
She was present at the key events of our lives. The day before I was legally her son-in-law, she came to my defense and no matter the circumstance she maintained defense of my being a child of God unto death and beyond. She never waivered from being there for me. In April of 2002, when I broke down in grief over the death of my Mother, Mrs. Davis said: "Luonne, she don't want you to cry. Stop now, you will have me as your Mother, too." I saw her face. I knew she spoke in truth. She kept her word.
Like a "Good Shepherd," she led me and would not allow me to be outside the fold. She had the right words at the right time and in the right way to focus me on my vocational call, and my responsibility as a man of integrity and godliness. Where is my Mother? Where is my Mother-in-law? They are both in my chamber of heart. They will live there and comfort me til the day...and beyond...into our Dwelling in the House of Hearts.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, and open the door to eternity. Amen.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Christmas: A Mass For Christ
Read: Luke 22:14-23
When are you coming home?
Before April 15, 2002, Lula Alberta Woodbury Rouse would answer her telephone sounding out greetings for the holidays. She would smile every time the phone would ring, and proceed with joy to answer: "Hello! This is Lula Rouse. Merry Christmas!" I can only imagine the responses on the other end, except for the one I know so well, my own. I would always say with a huge unseen smile: "Merry Christmas, Mother!" In less than a second she would yell: "Son, my baby, Merry Christmas... When are you coming home?" Having seen me for Thanksgiving Day was never enough. In fact, before I would leave one holiday, Mother desired to know my plans for the next journey home. Her concern was not just parental love. She had a sense of responsibility to God. She once said: "You are grown and on your own, yet I still am responsible to God for your well being. Dad and I want you to be happy, Son."
When are you coming home?
Mother loved music. Her stereo or radio would be playing throughout most days. She appeared to enjoy the sound of music more than the acting on screen. One of the Christmas songs had lyrics, which said: "Bells will be ringing..." Yes, "Come Home for Christmas" was a favorite in the house. After all the season is for lovers, right? People tend to misunderstand that it is about lovers of Christ. During the last feastive supper of his life on earth, Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper. One Christmas in Columbia, SC I played the part of Jesus in a citywide production through our combined youth ministries. Mother left her sounds of music to witness my witnessing for Christ in the part of the adult Jesus. However, when at the local catholic church, she departed with Dad as soon as the play concluded, so as not to disrupt the observance of communion at the closing of Mass. We, Protestants, had the option of leaving or staying without partaking of the elements. Cool, I stayed to witness the witness of Roma Catholcs trusting in the "substantial body and blood of Christ" present in the form of his soul and divinity. Transubstantiation did not rock my world, and not to believe in it did not hinder my faith in Jesus as the Christ, the Son of our living God. In fact, it became a means of grace for me.
From that experience until now, I observe the sacrament of "The Lord's Supper" as a means of grace. No, I am not looking for some mysterious or magical character in the partaking of the "dessert at the end of worship." I just enjoy the memorial feast as much as I enjoy cheesecake at the cheesecake factory having consumed the main course. Christmas derived its name from the "mass" gathering in memory of Christ over a memorial meal, which his disciples recalled. Coming home for Christmas to me is sacred, when we as a mass of people celebrate in memory of Christ. Partaking of the bread and wine may not change one element of the my flesh and am not trying to eat the flesh of Jesus. What it does is change the references in my cognition, so that I remember over and over again that I, too, belong to God. God has declared an eternal home for me. Forgiven of my sins, I, the prodigal, came home and each day at home I am with God. This Christmas you are invited to come in mass to the feast that we are hosting in United Methodist Churches throughout the world. Our doors, our minds, and our hearts are open to you. You may be at home with us, and will be welcomed to our open table observance of Holy Communion. May the partaking of the elements or even the witnessing of the same be a means of grace in your experience of Jesus, the Son of God, as the Christ. Come knowing that you may accept or excuse yourself from the dessert of worship. Still come witness our portrayal of the living Christ. Our characterization may not earn an Emmy, but it may earn all of us a seat in the kingdom when Christ shall come...
I am smiling with each "sound of music", and sending a shout out to you: "Merry Christmas! When are you coming home?"
Agape!
Luonne Abram Rouse, third son of Lula and Bishop, a child of God, too
When are you coming home?
Before April 15, 2002, Lula Alberta Woodbury Rouse would answer her telephone sounding out greetings for the holidays. She would smile every time the phone would ring, and proceed with joy to answer: "Hello! This is Lula Rouse. Merry Christmas!" I can only imagine the responses on the other end, except for the one I know so well, my own. I would always say with a huge unseen smile: "Merry Christmas, Mother!" In less than a second she would yell: "Son, my baby, Merry Christmas... When are you coming home?" Having seen me for Thanksgiving Day was never enough. In fact, before I would leave one holiday, Mother desired to know my plans for the next journey home. Her concern was not just parental love. She had a sense of responsibility to God. She once said: "You are grown and on your own, yet I still am responsible to God for your well being. Dad and I want you to be happy, Son."
When are you coming home?
Mother loved music. Her stereo or radio would be playing throughout most days. She appeared to enjoy the sound of music more than the acting on screen. One of the Christmas songs had lyrics, which said: "Bells will be ringing..." Yes, "Come Home for Christmas" was a favorite in the house. After all the season is for lovers, right? People tend to misunderstand that it is about lovers of Christ. During the last feastive supper of his life on earth, Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper. One Christmas in Columbia, SC I played the part of Jesus in a citywide production through our combined youth ministries. Mother left her sounds of music to witness my witnessing for Christ in the part of the adult Jesus. However, when at the local catholic church, she departed with Dad as soon as the play concluded, so as not to disrupt the observance of communion at the closing of Mass. We, Protestants, had the option of leaving or staying without partaking of the elements. Cool, I stayed to witness the witness of Roma Catholcs trusting in the "substantial body and blood of Christ" present in the form of his soul and divinity. Transubstantiation did not rock my world, and not to believe in it did not hinder my faith in Jesus as the Christ, the Son of our living God. In fact, it became a means of grace for me.
From that experience until now, I observe the sacrament of "The Lord's Supper" as a means of grace. No, I am not looking for some mysterious or magical character in the partaking of the "dessert at the end of worship." I just enjoy the memorial feast as much as I enjoy cheesecake at the cheesecake factory having consumed the main course. Christmas derived its name from the "mass" gathering in memory of Christ over a memorial meal, which his disciples recalled. Coming home for Christmas to me is sacred, when we as a mass of people celebrate in memory of Christ. Partaking of the bread and wine may not change one element of the my flesh and am not trying to eat the flesh of Jesus. What it does is change the references in my cognition, so that I remember over and over again that I, too, belong to God. God has declared an eternal home for me. Forgiven of my sins, I, the prodigal, came home and each day at home I am with God. This Christmas you are invited to come in mass to the feast that we are hosting in United Methodist Churches throughout the world. Our doors, our minds, and our hearts are open to you. You may be at home with us, and will be welcomed to our open table observance of Holy Communion. May the partaking of the elements or even the witnessing of the same be a means of grace in your experience of Jesus, the Son of God, as the Christ. Come knowing that you may accept or excuse yourself from the dessert of worship. Still come witness our portrayal of the living Christ. Our characterization may not earn an Emmy, but it may earn all of us a seat in the kingdom when Christ shall come...
I am smiling with each "sound of music", and sending a shout out to you: "Merry Christmas! When are you coming home?"
Agape!
Luonne Abram Rouse, third son of Lula and Bishop, a child of God, too
Friday, September 24, 2010
Brother to Brothers
Proverbs 22:6
Conversations about God were common during dinner, around the game table, even during structured family time in the home of Bishop and Lula Rouse. Intentional training and teaching of religion took place. Religion taught well may carry you through education and life developmental stages, no doubt. It has served the three sons of the B. C. Rouse, Sr. household beyond the living of both parents on earth. So great the teachings learned that "The Scriptural Way of Salvation" in agreement with the 18th century European theologian John Wesley is deeply embedded.
Therefore, I knew the teachings were not enough, and desired to be "born again." The new birth experience is a reality and can happen for anyone. I know it to be so, because it has happened for me. Not an earth shaking, speaking in tongues, hand clapping, foot stomping revival experience though I have had many of those. The new birth came as spiritual awakening unavailable through cognitive processes, only made real by the experience of "The Holy."
I write in the "beta" sphere of being, fully awake and conscious. This is not a dream as given several Biblical writers or a meditative experience of a vision of God. I speak of an adventure of faith given evidence by the experience of liberation and reconciliation. Pure faith that I am of God and given spiritual birth in addition to the physical birth granted through our parents. Not I alone that I should boast for others, too, are saved by the grace of God. As we live, our maturation of faith in the Spirit develops. The walk of faith has new steps strengthened by the blessed assurance that there is no one religion given greater value over another for we are all creations of God. What is different by way of the new birth has to do with the glory of what God has done for us and in us. I am changed, and I have changed. I no longer strive to do good, I live for the honor of doing good to the glory of God. In these steps may I walk among spiritual champions:
Standing On The Goal Line, Fifty Yards From Where The Coin Was Tossed, Unaware Of The Latent Sunshine, Was A Boy Who Always Loss...
Staring At An Empty Booth, Waiting To Pay The Cost, Searching For Any Truth, Stood A Boy That Was Lost...
Feeling The Boy's Despairity, Wanting To Help Somehow, Riding Alone With Similarity, Came A Brother Called Know-How!
Playing A Game Without Clarity, Is Like The Moon That Jumped The Cow, Find Your Game, Play With Sincerity, Said The Brother Called Know-How!
Like The Moon That Changed The Tide, With A Will That Would Not Bow, Like A Champion In Full Stride, Swam The Boy With Know-How!
Like With Things You Fight Against, Like The Poem That Makes Some Sense, Like The Feeling Of Being Pinched, Somehow Know-How Makes A Difference! (Bernard # 26DEC85)
Our hope being rooted in the Ground of Being, we are saved by faith, bonded in love, so as to "stick like glue." We know how, not because we were taught how, but by faith we know somehow.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us, and grant help us to know... Amen.
Luonne Abram Rouse
Conversations about God were common during dinner, around the game table, even during structured family time in the home of Bishop and Lula Rouse. Intentional training and teaching of religion took place. Religion taught well may carry you through education and life developmental stages, no doubt. It has served the three sons of the B. C. Rouse, Sr. household beyond the living of both parents on earth. So great the teachings learned that "The Scriptural Way of Salvation" in agreement with the 18th century European theologian John Wesley is deeply embedded.
Therefore, I knew the teachings were not enough, and desired to be "born again." The new birth experience is a reality and can happen for anyone. I know it to be so, because it has happened for me. Not an earth shaking, speaking in tongues, hand clapping, foot stomping revival experience though I have had many of those. The new birth came as spiritual awakening unavailable through cognitive processes, only made real by the experience of "The Holy."
I write in the "beta" sphere of being, fully awake and conscious. This is not a dream as given several Biblical writers or a meditative experience of a vision of God. I speak of an adventure of faith given evidence by the experience of liberation and reconciliation. Pure faith that I am of God and given spiritual birth in addition to the physical birth granted through our parents. Not I alone that I should boast for others, too, are saved by the grace of God. As we live, our maturation of faith in the Spirit develops. The walk of faith has new steps strengthened by the blessed assurance that there is no one religion given greater value over another for we are all creations of God. What is different by way of the new birth has to do with the glory of what God has done for us and in us. I am changed, and I have changed. I no longer strive to do good, I live for the honor of doing good to the glory of God. In these steps may I walk among spiritual champions:
- Daily Prayer
- Humbly Working with Jesus Christ/Church as the body of Christ
- Assurance Thinking
- Compassionate Partnering
- Self-examination
- Self-denial
- Authentic Being
- Spiritual Experience of God
- Faith Mentoring
- Familial Development
- Self-control
- Bible Study with Spiritual Living
Standing On The Goal Line, Fifty Yards From Where The Coin Was Tossed, Unaware Of The Latent Sunshine, Was A Boy Who Always Loss...
Staring At An Empty Booth, Waiting To Pay The Cost, Searching For Any Truth, Stood A Boy That Was Lost...
Feeling The Boy's Despairity, Wanting To Help Somehow, Riding Alone With Similarity, Came A Brother Called Know-How!
Playing A Game Without Clarity, Is Like The Moon That Jumped The Cow, Find Your Game, Play With Sincerity, Said The Brother Called Know-How!
Like The Moon That Changed The Tide, With A Will That Would Not Bow, Like A Champion In Full Stride, Swam The Boy With Know-How!
Like With Things You Fight Against, Like The Poem That Makes Some Sense, Like The Feeling Of Being Pinched, Somehow Know-How Makes A Difference! (Bernard # 26DEC85)
Our hope being rooted in the Ground of Being, we are saved by faith, bonded in love, so as to "stick like glue." We know how, not because we were taught how, but by faith we know somehow.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us, and grant help us to know... Amen.
Luonne Abram Rouse
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Friends, Watermelons, and Faith
Proverbs 22
Rachid became a friend, when I served a local church in Harlem, New York. I was introduced to him by his employer, who was presented to me as a friend of the people by a church member, who died after our meeting in 2004. This word is not directly about the friends, who introduced me to Rachid, they have their place of remembrance and validity in life. This word is about Rachid.
Rachid Niang is the owner of a SoulFood buffet style restaurant at two locations in Harlem. A business he learned from his former employer, who has at least eight locations of buffet style businesses. You may learn of the business, which supports his family (wife - Kim and baby - Soda) and his generosity by going to http://www.jacobrestaurant.com/. This is not about his business. However, I have chosen to speak of Rachid, because of his heart and commitment to transformation and well being of the heart, soul, and mind.
I followed him through the years of his development in business with great interest and prayer. After all, a friend introduced me to the warm greeting and genuine smile of this young progressive businessman. I have seen him dive into the water of business ownership against the odds. What I have come to appreciate is beyond his business artistry. I give thanks for his gift of "friends, watermelon, and faith."
He introduced us to Shabani Mseba and Ali Guma, who are two of the friends giving meaning to a wisdom Rachid lives by: "You must surround yourself with good people. Don't give your friendship to people living in anger and associated with hotheadedness or you may find yourself living in anger. No, you must be with friends, who are of good nature." Shabani and Ali are the in the instant type of persons you can believe to be of landmark heritage. I thank God and Rachid for the bond of friendship. Their presence in my life is a gift that I treasure and my heart needs.
Daily I am aging. In recent years my aging has been met with health issues. Rachid knew me to be aging quicker than I desired not in days, but in mind and spirit. Through all of the issues of my health, my friend would notice my actions and decisions to reconcile with God to live and not die a death of ignorance. He witnessed my adjustments to life. Being a friend, he watched closely the things I would eat. Among my favorite food items is watermelon. Watermelon became important to my diet, when my daughter Ciona asked me to do all I can to live. Therefore, I researched for myself as I would do for clients coming for "experiential therapy." Yes, I talked myself into eating right, because my daughter said: "Drink plenty of water". I discovered that watermelon is a great source in prevention of cancer, fighting heart disease, and macular degeneration (including vision loss) in addition to other issues that have no effect on me. Add the benefits of antioxidants as well as high vitamin value, then you cannot ignore the great value of watermelons. Interestingly, once choosing (like Ciona from the time she was in 2nd grade) kiwi as my fruit of choice, I now love watermelon. A southern man by birth, I am in the north loving watermelon over kiwi. Funny! Rachid provides me with gifts of watermelon, because he, too, desires me to live. Really!
Friends and watermelons are great gifts that Rachid shares. It is such a blessing to have the generosity of a transformative young leader, who is developing day by day with wings of an eagle. On the wings of an eagle your faith may increase in your ability to soar. Daily I pray. When I pray there are words desiring blessings for my relatives, friends, associates, neighbors, even my enemies. It is my most sincere desire for people to live together as one people in the one world with one love given by the only "wise" God. It is this faith that I offer Rachid as encouragement through all of life. Once swimming in financial means of comfort, I gave it up as a means of faithfulness to my vision of call. At the moment, I cannot give Rachid or our friends what I have given so many before. I cannot give away $285k or more yearly as I did in the 80s. I cannot bring friends such as Rev. Jesse Jackson, Rev. Clyde Anderson, Hugh Wyatt, etc as I once did in any given day. I am away from such wealth of resources. However, there is one resource I have never loss - FAITH, because Existence has never let go of me. As sure as I exist in Existence and Existence forever has me, I will give Rachid and all open to receive FAITH. By faith, I am happy and love has me "aging younger" by the second. By faith, I have the energy of a liberated sailor, who may sail and mature on the sea of love. Ali Guma voiced it correctly: "peace is priceless." May we live in peace with friends, watermelons, and faith.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us, and grant us slices of watermelons among friends of faith. Amen
Rachid became a friend, when I served a local church in Harlem, New York. I was introduced to him by his employer, who was presented to me as a friend of the people by a church member, who died after our meeting in 2004. This word is not directly about the friends, who introduced me to Rachid, they have their place of remembrance and validity in life. This word is about Rachid.
Rachid Niang is the owner of a SoulFood buffet style restaurant at two locations in Harlem. A business he learned from his former employer, who has at least eight locations of buffet style businesses. You may learn of the business, which supports his family (wife - Kim and baby - Soda) and his generosity by going to http://www.jacobrestaurant.com/. This is not about his business. However, I have chosen to speak of Rachid, because of his heart and commitment to transformation and well being of the heart, soul, and mind.
I followed him through the years of his development in business with great interest and prayer. After all, a friend introduced me to the warm greeting and genuine smile of this young progressive businessman. I have seen him dive into the water of business ownership against the odds. What I have come to appreciate is beyond his business artistry. I give thanks for his gift of "friends, watermelon, and faith."
He introduced us to Shabani Mseba and Ali Guma, who are two of the friends giving meaning to a wisdom Rachid lives by: "You must surround yourself with good people. Don't give your friendship to people living in anger and associated with hotheadedness or you may find yourself living in anger. No, you must be with friends, who are of good nature." Shabani and Ali are the in the instant type of persons you can believe to be of landmark heritage. I thank God and Rachid for the bond of friendship. Their presence in my life is a gift that I treasure and my heart needs.
Daily I am aging. In recent years my aging has been met with health issues. Rachid knew me to be aging quicker than I desired not in days, but in mind and spirit. Through all of the issues of my health, my friend would notice my actions and decisions to reconcile with God to live and not die a death of ignorance. He witnessed my adjustments to life. Being a friend, he watched closely the things I would eat. Among my favorite food items is watermelon. Watermelon became important to my diet, when my daughter Ciona asked me to do all I can to live. Therefore, I researched for myself as I would do for clients coming for "experiential therapy." Yes, I talked myself into eating right, because my daughter said: "Drink plenty of water". I discovered that watermelon is a great source in prevention of cancer, fighting heart disease, and macular degeneration (including vision loss) in addition to other issues that have no effect on me. Add the benefits of antioxidants as well as high vitamin value, then you cannot ignore the great value of watermelons. Interestingly, once choosing (like Ciona from the time she was in 2nd grade) kiwi as my fruit of choice, I now love watermelon. A southern man by birth, I am in the north loving watermelon over kiwi. Funny! Rachid provides me with gifts of watermelon, because he, too, desires me to live. Really!
Friends and watermelons are great gifts that Rachid shares. It is such a blessing to have the generosity of a transformative young leader, who is developing day by day with wings of an eagle. On the wings of an eagle your faith may increase in your ability to soar. Daily I pray. When I pray there are words desiring blessings for my relatives, friends, associates, neighbors, even my enemies. It is my most sincere desire for people to live together as one people in the one world with one love given by the only "wise" God. It is this faith that I offer Rachid as encouragement through all of life. Once swimming in financial means of comfort, I gave it up as a means of faithfulness to my vision of call. At the moment, I cannot give Rachid or our friends what I have given so many before. I cannot give away $285k or more yearly as I did in the 80s. I cannot bring friends such as Rev. Jesse Jackson, Rev. Clyde Anderson, Hugh Wyatt, etc as I once did in any given day. I am away from such wealth of resources. However, there is one resource I have never loss - FAITH, because Existence has never let go of me. As sure as I exist in Existence and Existence forever has me, I will give Rachid and all open to receive FAITH. By faith, I am happy and love has me "aging younger" by the second. By faith, I have the energy of a liberated sailor, who may sail and mature on the sea of love. Ali Guma voiced it correctly: "peace is priceless." May we live in peace with friends, watermelons, and faith.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us, and grant us slices of watermelons among friends of faith. Amen
Saturday, August 21, 2010
A Time To Wait
Psalm 25:16-21
Mother used to say: "Wait on the Lord. God will see you through. Do not rush your decisions. Pray and pray, Son. Wait on the Lord." What is waiting? Through the years I listened to Mother. She was my laptop theologian. Before she died on April 15, 2002, I had over a year of visiting with her and talking about life and death. I had the blessing of knowing that she was prepared to transition from life to death in the hope of eternal life.
In 2000, Mother's doctor said: "Your mother and I discussed her dying. She wants you to let her go without a fight." We understood his report. However, my two elder brothers and I had another desire. We desired Mother to live until death on earth. She knew that diabetes had brought the assurance of her pending death. And, she wanted her sons to let her go easy. We could not honor her request. She had given her all for us time and time again. We were determined to give our all in return. Hopeless in that battle against diabetes, we desired to win in the deliverance of loving her on earth. We tried.
During the days, weeks, and months of her pending death there were so many lessons learned. One lesson was in the pastoral care granted my parents by Rev. John Dicks, who was in Marion, SC during the time. Knowing my Mother was dying, John helped her live until the end. Within her last 24 hours of life he was caring for us. I learned there is a time to wait as a minister, while another child of God provides unconditional love and care. John allowed me to be a son as I waited for the ultimate healing of Mother.
Waiting is applying the fullness of love until death, yet admittedly praying for the reversal of time and healing. The demands of living life birthed from Mother and the end of life had me waiting in stress and conflict. The purpose of hope turned from earth to the afterlife. Still I could not let go.
Thoughts of persons who befriend me as well as those who wish me pain confront my reality of moments. So, I pray: "Lord, heal us, so that we are healed, indeed. Turn Yourself to me, and have mercy on me, ... Keep my soul, and deliver me; let me not be ashamed, for I put my trust in You. Let integrity and godliness be my bodyguard, for I wait for You. Our Father, who art in heaven ... Amen." Still it is a time to wait.
History and nature of my being on this earth (born in 1955) my time to wait continues. I wait not for Mother or Father nor brothers or others, it is a time to wait ...
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on my soul, and preserve me as I wait for you. Amen.
Mother used to say: "Wait on the Lord. God will see you through. Do not rush your decisions. Pray and pray, Son. Wait on the Lord." What is waiting? Through the years I listened to Mother. She was my laptop theologian. Before she died on April 15, 2002, I had over a year of visiting with her and talking about life and death. I had the blessing of knowing that she was prepared to transition from life to death in the hope of eternal life.
In 2000, Mother's doctor said: "Your mother and I discussed her dying. She wants you to let her go without a fight." We understood his report. However, my two elder brothers and I had another desire. We desired Mother to live until death on earth. She knew that diabetes had brought the assurance of her pending death. And, she wanted her sons to let her go easy. We could not honor her request. She had given her all for us time and time again. We were determined to give our all in return. Hopeless in that battle against diabetes, we desired to win in the deliverance of loving her on earth. We tried.
During the days, weeks, and months of her pending death there were so many lessons learned. One lesson was in the pastoral care granted my parents by Rev. John Dicks, who was in Marion, SC during the time. Knowing my Mother was dying, John helped her live until the end. Within her last 24 hours of life he was caring for us. I learned there is a time to wait as a minister, while another child of God provides unconditional love and care. John allowed me to be a son as I waited for the ultimate healing of Mother.
Waiting is applying the fullness of love until death, yet admittedly praying for the reversal of time and healing. The demands of living life birthed from Mother and the end of life had me waiting in stress and conflict. The purpose of hope turned from earth to the afterlife. Still I could not let go.
Thoughts of persons who befriend me as well as those who wish me pain confront my reality of moments. So, I pray: "Lord, heal us, so that we are healed, indeed. Turn Yourself to me, and have mercy on me, ... Keep my soul, and deliver me; let me not be ashamed, for I put my trust in You. Let integrity and godliness be my bodyguard, for I wait for You. Our Father, who art in heaven ... Amen." Still it is a time to wait.
History and nature of my being on this earth (born in 1955) my time to wait continues. I wait not for Mother or Father nor brothers or others, it is a time to wait ...
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on my soul, and preserve me as I wait for you. Amen.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Let's Go!
Romans 8:1-39
John Maxwell writes an understandable and good commentary on Paul navigating readers of Romans 8:1-39 in the experience of freedom from the law into a living hope with the power to be faithful children of God. I was reminded of his work this week during Vacation Bible School at our church - United Methodist Church Huntington Cold Spring Harbor. Volunteers, adults and youth, guided children on a faith journey titled: "High Seas Expedition." Following the key word each day the kids were navigated to say: "Let's Go!"
We are on a journey with new experiences. I moved to our church at the end of June, 2010, and preached for the first time on July 4th. The experience of an incoming pastor with members never before within my care is filled with hope in expectation of reaching our destination. Two weeks into the journey children have filled the atmosphere of the church with hope of learning and enjoying church. They have the liberty to go on this journey and discover life in the body of Christ to be on a sea of love - God's love.
Observing the Christian workers with the children has encouraged me on this new faith adventure. Renewed in heart, soul, strength and mind, I am ready to love people of God, who I have never known, with all that is within me. The expectations are many. We expect to build a spiritual fitness center in our church, so that anyone broken by humanity may come and be fitted for the journey in the Kingdom of God. We expect our love of one another to be so visible that neighbors and friends will know that we are disciples of Christ. We expect to have cups of coffee with strangers, friends, relatives, neighbors, associates, and significant others within and outside of the walls of Church. We expect to drink a cooler (orange and cranberry juice) from the symbolic cup of spiritual champions as we grow in discipleship and stewardship. We expect to be faithful in the fulfillment of our vows to uphold our local church with our prayers, presence, service, gifts, and witness. All expectations are in light of being soul winners for Christ. We expect you, too, to become spiritual champions. Invite persons into your church, so that we may build the Kingdom of God on earth through the Body of Christ - The Church. Its an adventure of expecting souls to be saved through the Word of God. The Word of God is TRUE - SURPRISING - INSPIRING - LIFE CHANGING - FOR EVERYONE! Let's Go!
Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us. Grant us a refreshing experience of your Word, so that we are navigated by the Holy Spirit on the journey of Spiritual Champions. Amen
John Maxwell writes an understandable and good commentary on Paul navigating readers of Romans 8:1-39 in the experience of freedom from the law into a living hope with the power to be faithful children of God. I was reminded of his work this week during Vacation Bible School at our church - United Methodist Church Huntington Cold Spring Harbor. Volunteers, adults and youth, guided children on a faith journey titled: "High Seas Expedition." Following the key word each day the kids were navigated to say: "Let's Go!"
We are on a journey with new experiences. I moved to our church at the end of June, 2010, and preached for the first time on July 4th. The experience of an incoming pastor with members never before within my care is filled with hope in expectation of reaching our destination. Two weeks into the journey children have filled the atmosphere of the church with hope of learning and enjoying church. They have the liberty to go on this journey and discover life in the body of Christ to be on a sea of love - God's love.
Observing the Christian workers with the children has encouraged me on this new faith adventure. Renewed in heart, soul, strength and mind, I am ready to love people of God, who I have never known, with all that is within me. The expectations are many. We expect to build a spiritual fitness center in our church, so that anyone broken by humanity may come and be fitted for the journey in the Kingdom of God. We expect our love of one another to be so visible that neighbors and friends will know that we are disciples of Christ. We expect to have cups of coffee with strangers, friends, relatives, neighbors, associates, and significant others within and outside of the walls of Church. We expect to drink a cooler (orange and cranberry juice) from the symbolic cup of spiritual champions as we grow in discipleship and stewardship. We expect to be faithful in the fulfillment of our vows to uphold our local church with our prayers, presence, service, gifts, and witness. All expectations are in light of being soul winners for Christ. We expect you, too, to become spiritual champions. Invite persons into your church, so that we may build the Kingdom of God on earth through the Body of Christ - The Church. Its an adventure of expecting souls to be saved through the Word of God. The Word of God is TRUE - SURPRISING - INSPIRING - LIFE CHANGING - FOR EVERYONE! Let's Go!
Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us. Grant us a refreshing experience of your Word, so that we are navigated by the Holy Spirit on the journey of Spiritual Champions. Amen
Friday, May 7, 2010
Stay Safe in a World of Terrorism
ACTS 19:21-41
There are two brilliant men, who are brothers of this preacher of the Word. Respective of the birth order, one is a chemical engineer and the other a bio-chemical engineer. On another day may the writings reflect the distinctive difference between the two areas of study and work. Today, the bio-chemist emailed to people close in relations a note under the subject: "Stay Safe". Sensing the deep sincerity, I paused to prayerfully read his words of shame and pain with compassionate concern.
Shame must we be to continue a world of terrorism on our neighbors and relatives. Pain comes with the reality that "... there's trouble all around us these days ... one (you and I) must never take life for granted ... I don't know who the guys below are yet, but I am familiar with Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville ... My first assignment in Demilitarization was as a sub-contractor with" TB, "also out of Huntsville ... Along with being the Engineers for NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center (engineers for all shuttles), they manage all scientific efforts at Redstone Arsenal ... At the end of my first assignment in Utah, I opted to return to a Maryland Project and passed on the opportunities at Redstone Arsenal (Mother and Daddy were ailing) ..." (written by BJR, Sr., my brother, the bio-chemist).
He followed the above noting Mother's Day less than two days away at the time of his reading an article reporting a chemical explosion today (May 7, 2010) on Redstone Arsenal. Two men were taken from Huntsville, Alabama to medical facilities of the University of Alabama. Mothers boys blessed to become men have received heroic attention in Alabama during 2010. The University of Alabama football team heard fans cheer: "roll tide" as they became the National Football Champions in the NCAA. On this day in Alabama, pause came upon us, and we acknowledge two heroic sons as men of courage and honor. Injured for the sake of peace and aim for safety - yours and mine.
The work in the early movement of Christianity among Jews and Gentiles, alike, found men of Mothers in daily need of safety as they represented the "Way" - Jesus as the Christ. Men and women confused by the challenge to their cultural practices and spiritual understandings rose against sons, who became men of the Way. In the midst of them, it was the teacher Paul, who was allowed to bring peace unto them in words on reality. It was a fellow Jew that was pushed through the crowd to stand and deliver a call to listening and order as he said: "... we are in danger of being charged with rioting today, since there is no cause that we can give to justify this commotion." What are we to fear? Alexander could not represent Paul or the essence of the Christian movement over against the worship of idols. Alexander did represent the human calm in the midst of the storm. Because he was pushed forward, he became the source of calm for the sake of safety for all. In the end, he led the terrorizing crowd to a blessed dismissal and the assembly came to a halt.
Brave are the men burned for our safety in the search for peace on earth. May we pray for them as they lay in pain given the shame, which still rocks our nation and world.
Mother, born on May 13, 1928, died on April 15, 2002. What days of smiling must be in heaven. She is a witness to her "knee baby" and bio-chemist (a sandwich of delight to her between the elder son and baby boy) calling for prayer. One of Mother's favorite singers was Marvin Gaye, who once delivered a song relevant for the ages: "What's Going On." There is no justification for the violent state of living in our local communities, nation, and global existence. What can we do to stay safe? (I pause to ask my brilliant brothers and you)
Alexander was pushed to take a stand for righteous, and used cognitive reality to bring a people to calm and dismiss the outrage caused by some who were refusing to hear the plea for the violence to end. Do all you can to stay safe in a world of terrorism. When you have done all that you can for safety, then STAND and be not a contributor to the hate. STAND and be assured that you are not alone, because the Lord, who arose and lives is standing with you. We are winning, are you with US?
Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God have mercy and grant us peace on earth. Amen.
There are two brilliant men, who are brothers of this preacher of the Word. Respective of the birth order, one is a chemical engineer and the other a bio-chemical engineer. On another day may the writings reflect the distinctive difference between the two areas of study and work. Today, the bio-chemist emailed to people close in relations a note under the subject: "Stay Safe". Sensing the deep sincerity, I paused to prayerfully read his words of shame and pain with compassionate concern.
Shame must we be to continue a world of terrorism on our neighbors and relatives. Pain comes with the reality that "... there's trouble all around us these days ... one (you and I) must never take life for granted ... I don't know who the guys below are yet, but I am familiar with Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville ... My first assignment in Demilitarization was as a sub-contractor with" TB, "also out of Huntsville ... Along with being the Engineers for NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center (engineers for all shuttles), they manage all scientific efforts at Redstone Arsenal ... At the end of my first assignment in Utah, I opted to return to a Maryland Project and passed on the opportunities at Redstone Arsenal (Mother and Daddy were ailing) ..." (written by BJR, Sr., my brother, the bio-chemist).
He followed the above noting Mother's Day less than two days away at the time of his reading an article reporting a chemical explosion today (May 7, 2010) on Redstone Arsenal. Two men were taken from Huntsville, Alabama to medical facilities of the University of Alabama. Mothers boys blessed to become men have received heroic attention in Alabama during 2010. The University of Alabama football team heard fans cheer: "roll tide" as they became the National Football Champions in the NCAA. On this day in Alabama, pause came upon us, and we acknowledge two heroic sons as men of courage and honor. Injured for the sake of peace and aim for safety - yours and mine.
The work in the early movement of Christianity among Jews and Gentiles, alike, found men of Mothers in daily need of safety as they represented the "Way" - Jesus as the Christ. Men and women confused by the challenge to their cultural practices and spiritual understandings rose against sons, who became men of the Way. In the midst of them, it was the teacher Paul, who was allowed to bring peace unto them in words on reality. It was a fellow Jew that was pushed through the crowd to stand and deliver a call to listening and order as he said: "... we are in danger of being charged with rioting today, since there is no cause that we can give to justify this commotion." What are we to fear? Alexander could not represent Paul or the essence of the Christian movement over against the worship of idols. Alexander did represent the human calm in the midst of the storm. Because he was pushed forward, he became the source of calm for the sake of safety for all. In the end, he led the terrorizing crowd to a blessed dismissal and the assembly came to a halt.
Brave are the men burned for our safety in the search for peace on earth. May we pray for them as they lay in pain given the shame, which still rocks our nation and world.
Mother, born on May 13, 1928, died on April 15, 2002. What days of smiling must be in heaven. She is a witness to her "knee baby" and bio-chemist (a sandwich of delight to her between the elder son and baby boy) calling for prayer. One of Mother's favorite singers was Marvin Gaye, who once delivered a song relevant for the ages: "What's Going On." There is no justification for the violent state of living in our local communities, nation, and global existence. What can we do to stay safe? (I pause to ask my brilliant brothers and you)
Alexander was pushed to take a stand for righteous, and used cognitive reality to bring a people to calm and dismiss the outrage caused by some who were refusing to hear the plea for the violence to end. Do all you can to stay safe in a world of terrorism. When you have done all that you can for safety, then STAND and be not a contributor to the hate. STAND and be assured that you are not alone, because the Lord, who arose and lives is standing with you. We are winning, are you with US?
Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God have mercy and grant us peace on earth. Amen.
Sincere Ministry in Jars of Clay
2 Corinthians 4:1-19
Challenges to my personal life has caused people, who once shared in my sincerity to question the "ideal ministry", which I remain called to deliver. I understand their position. They do not have to understand or accept my decisions. The ministry has never been about my life. This ministry granted me will always be of God and about the workings of the Holy Spirit as revealed in Jesus Christ. Paul describes it as a "treasure in jars of clay." The power for sincere ministry is from God, so we may be "hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck, but not destroyed." (4:8-9)
Itinerant ministry is a way of life. It is the life I have known from the cradle and hope for into the grave until the resurrection. It is the sincere ministry known to me, which time to time has me on the edge of homelessness. Living on the edge, you give up or give out or STAND. One pastoral appointment to another within the episcopal system of the United Methodist Church has yielded one or more cities in the United States of America on an average of every four years to be considered home. Since 1976, my pastoral record reveals having been appointed 34 times between eight parishes. The tenures have ranged from 7 months before accepting a "an appointment by selection" to 119 months in a third "appointment by selection." (Types of appointment are not the concern of this message)
In only one of the appointments was a family house purchased. Even then, there was an investigation as to what, how, and when, not by the local church members but someone, who seemed to have thought himself to be wiser or smarter or even better. The pursuit gave an appearance of coming out of piety or envy or perceived power. So much time was wasted. Time that could have been used to acquire over 100 acres of property to develop the ministry. (An opportunity given before Joel Osteen even dreamed his dreams of such a leap of faith) We did not need to raise money, the owners were going to donate the properties that included buildings. All we needed was a letter of affirmation of the special appointment to develop sincere ministries of reconciliation, especially racial reconciliation.
Time that could have been shared in forming a health coalition with the local hospital system, which was part of the planned ministry. Time that could have been given to the interfaith ministries, including Ba Hai, Judaism, Islam, and Christianity. Time that could have been shared on the outreach ministries that included thousands of listeners and viewers and volunteers from Conway to Atlantic Beach back across to Murrels Inlet. Time that could have been given to campus ministry formed in partnership with Coastal Carolina University. Time that could have been spent helping construct the International Peace Wall that was built in partnership with elementary schools and Carolina Marks with Hilda Dail. Time that could have enhanced our partnership established with Sun News Media, and our two television shows on the Christian channel as well as our radio broadcast. Time that should have been given to our chaplaincy to Conway High School football team and the local community centers in Conway and Atlantic Beach. Time that would have strengthen our pastoral counseling ministry through the Grand Strand Pastoral Counseling Services. Time that would have enlarged our membership with the connectional ministries of each of the local United Methodist Churches that were to assist us in forming ministries out their facilities. Time that may have helped our partnership with the Community Technical College. Time so precious to our partnering with the golf course -Witches Links. Time for our partnership with International Paper and the historic Belin Church. Oh so much time wasted, which would have placed us the forerunner for the Air Force Base housing and chapel. Oh the shared time in ministry would have yielded global impact from our annual Racial Inclusiveness March on Myrtle Beach. Shared time in our music academy could have produced church musicians for church north, south, east, and west. And what about the children taught dance and Bible in the development of the Christian Education Ministries? Wasted time...
Instead, a house bought in 1992 would be questioned in 1996, after the death in 1995 of the bishop, who had appointed us in 1991 for the purpose of delivering racially inclusive ministries, and had relocated us back to the city of my birth after three years (we had fulfilled his requested appointment). During such times, it would be great to have a place where you are at liberty to mature in the faith and reconcile with God as a "wounded healer". (Henri Nouwen)
As 1985 was ending, my brother sent me a poem, which I would pick up for reasoning as I was being confronted:
Challenges to my personal life has caused people, who once shared in my sincerity to question the "ideal ministry", which I remain called to deliver. I understand their position. They do not have to understand or accept my decisions. The ministry has never been about my life. This ministry granted me will always be of God and about the workings of the Holy Spirit as revealed in Jesus Christ. Paul describes it as a "treasure in jars of clay." The power for sincere ministry is from God, so we may be "hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck, but not destroyed." (4:8-9)
Itinerant ministry is a way of life. It is the life I have known from the cradle and hope for into the grave until the resurrection. It is the sincere ministry known to me, which time to time has me on the edge of homelessness. Living on the edge, you give up or give out or STAND. One pastoral appointment to another within the episcopal system of the United Methodist Church has yielded one or more cities in the United States of America on an average of every four years to be considered home. Since 1976, my pastoral record reveals having been appointed 34 times between eight parishes. The tenures have ranged from 7 months before accepting a "an appointment by selection" to 119 months in a third "appointment by selection." (Types of appointment are not the concern of this message)
In only one of the appointments was a family house purchased. Even then, there was an investigation as to what, how, and when, not by the local church members but someone, who seemed to have thought himself to be wiser or smarter or even better. The pursuit gave an appearance of coming out of piety or envy or perceived power. So much time was wasted. Time that could have been used to acquire over 100 acres of property to develop the ministry. (An opportunity given before Joel Osteen even dreamed his dreams of such a leap of faith) We did not need to raise money, the owners were going to donate the properties that included buildings. All we needed was a letter of affirmation of the special appointment to develop sincere ministries of reconciliation, especially racial reconciliation.
Time that could have been shared in forming a health coalition with the local hospital system, which was part of the planned ministry. Time that could have been given to the interfaith ministries, including Ba Hai, Judaism, Islam, and Christianity. Time that could have been shared on the outreach ministries that included thousands of listeners and viewers and volunteers from Conway to Atlantic Beach back across to Murrels Inlet. Time that could have been given to campus ministry formed in partnership with Coastal Carolina University. Time that could have been spent helping construct the International Peace Wall that was built in partnership with elementary schools and Carolina Marks with Hilda Dail. Time that could have enhanced our partnership established with Sun News Media, and our two television shows on the Christian channel as well as our radio broadcast. Time that should have been given to our chaplaincy to Conway High School football team and the local community centers in Conway and Atlantic Beach. Time that would have strengthen our pastoral counseling ministry through the Grand Strand Pastoral Counseling Services. Time that would have enlarged our membership with the connectional ministries of each of the local United Methodist Churches that were to assist us in forming ministries out their facilities. Time that may have helped our partnership with the Community Technical College. Time so precious to our partnering with the golf course -Witches Links. Time for our partnership with International Paper and the historic Belin Church. Oh so much time wasted, which would have placed us the forerunner for the Air Force Base housing and chapel. Oh the shared time in ministry would have yielded global impact from our annual Racial Inclusiveness March on Myrtle Beach. Shared time in our music academy could have produced church musicians for church north, south, east, and west. And what about the children taught dance and Bible in the development of the Christian Education Ministries? Wasted time...
Instead, a house bought in 1992 would be questioned in 1996, after the death in 1995 of the bishop, who had appointed us in 1991 for the purpose of delivering racially inclusive ministries, and had relocated us back to the city of my birth after three years (we had fulfilled his requested appointment). During such times, it would be great to have a place where you are at liberty to mature in the faith and reconcile with God as a "wounded healer". (Henri Nouwen)
As 1985 was ending, my brother sent me a poem, which I would pick up for reasoning as I was being confronted:
- "HOMETOWNS, USA"
Somewhere In America... There're Places You'll Want To See, Where Waving Flags Tell The Saga Of A Land For The Free!
Where Working Moms With Things Undone And Dads Who Punch The Clock, Come Together And With Fun Help The Ones Who Have Not;
Where Old Folks Like Young Folk Hurry To Find A Vacant Park Bench, To Tell A Story, Swap A Glory Or Discuss The World's Defense;
Somewhere In America... Somewhere Close To Me... A Waving Flag Tells The Saga Of A Land For The Free!
Where Country Girls View The World While Strolling Down Main Street, And City Girls Doing Curls - Can Still Sweep You Off Your Feet!
Where Homeboys Like Cowboys Displaying Nerves Of Steel, Went Riding Off To Hanoi To Keep Our Freedom Real!
An All American Team... A City At The Edge Of A Bay, Where People Like You Are Found - Hometowns...Of The USA! (Bernard # 25DEC85)
Jars of clay...where within are ministries of men and women, human beings seeking to fulfill the image of God in the mission of Christ.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us, and grant us a place, grant us a home, grant us peace. Amen.
Luonne Abram Rouse
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Divine Is The Family of Faith
Ephesians 6:10-20
Islam is not the enemy of Christians. Christianity is not the enemy of Muslims. Christians and Muslims have it wrong, enemies their religions of never been. People of both faith groups need to look in the mirror and pray the enemy away. Who or what is the enemy?
The enemy is opposition to the will of God. The nature of God is for believers to do good and live in righteousness. Followers of God cannot be soft on the doing of the will of God. In the Holy Scriptures of Jews and Christians, there is a teaching describing the duty of believers, which is also relevant to Muslims. Ecclesiastes 12:13 reads: "The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God, and keep his commandments; for that is the whole duty of everyone." (NRSV)
Religious leaders opposing the above may be suffering from the "spirit of the enemy". The spirit of the enemy will enlarge the ego of human beings, so as to have them yearning for fame and recognition. If for some reason they are denied their wishes, then they reflect a nature of passive-aggressiveness. After having presented themselves in the soft manner taught in the love nature of their faith, shame and pain in being disappointment, even in small matters, causes them to war against their so-called opposition. What should we do, when it seems that our views are not acceptable to humanity?
People of Islam and Christianity should take the "leap of faith", when it appears they are in bondage to the spirit of the enemy. Blind to the reality of being in opposition to the will of God, persons entangled by the ways of the enemy points the finger at others as being the reason for the discord. They refuse to accept that the current disappointment resulted from their living or speaking in opposition to God's will. What is the will of God?
Islam and Christianity are marked by love as the will of God. When love is lived among Muslims and Christians, then divine is the family of faith. The agape of God has diversity in the ways and means of being expressed. However, current scholarship has an understanding that the compassion required of Christians and Muslims challenge them to live the faith they proclaim and be born anew through prayer, repentance, surrender, and contentment. People of faith in both of these religions would benefit to seek unity in the midst of diversity, coming to the Lord for an understanding of ecumenism. Ecumenism has to do with the ability to lay down your differences, so as to love the children of God from all walks of life. Ecumenism is the laying down of bitterness and praying for peace with justice, while maintaining your righteousness though others appear to have abandon the same.
We need the power of prayer to heal our land. Theology being the study of God in relation to humanity, there should be an acceptance of a school of thought that is blessed. It has to do with the thought of brothers and sisters born into "creation", not made by man, being relatives by way of the Divine Allah - God. Really? Yes, really. Look at the latest communication concerning Franklyn Graham and President Barack Obama, then you say ...
Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy upon us, so that we may accept each other in the divine family. Amen
Islam is not the enemy of Christians. Christianity is not the enemy of Muslims. Christians and Muslims have it wrong, enemies their religions of never been. People of both faith groups need to look in the mirror and pray the enemy away. Who or what is the enemy?
The enemy is opposition to the will of God. The nature of God is for believers to do good and live in righteousness. Followers of God cannot be soft on the doing of the will of God. In the Holy Scriptures of Jews and Christians, there is a teaching describing the duty of believers, which is also relevant to Muslims. Ecclesiastes 12:13 reads: "The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God, and keep his commandments; for that is the whole duty of everyone." (NRSV)
Religious leaders opposing the above may be suffering from the "spirit of the enemy". The spirit of the enemy will enlarge the ego of human beings, so as to have them yearning for fame and recognition. If for some reason they are denied their wishes, then they reflect a nature of passive-aggressiveness. After having presented themselves in the soft manner taught in the love nature of their faith, shame and pain in being disappointment, even in small matters, causes them to war against their so-called opposition. What should we do, when it seems that our views are not acceptable to humanity?
People of Islam and Christianity should take the "leap of faith", when it appears they are in bondage to the spirit of the enemy. Blind to the reality of being in opposition to the will of God, persons entangled by the ways of the enemy points the finger at others as being the reason for the discord. They refuse to accept that the current disappointment resulted from their living or speaking in opposition to God's will. What is the will of God?
Islam and Christianity are marked by love as the will of God. When love is lived among Muslims and Christians, then divine is the family of faith. The agape of God has diversity in the ways and means of being expressed. However, current scholarship has an understanding that the compassion required of Christians and Muslims challenge them to live the faith they proclaim and be born anew through prayer, repentance, surrender, and contentment. People of faith in both of these religions would benefit to seek unity in the midst of diversity, coming to the Lord for an understanding of ecumenism. Ecumenism has to do with the ability to lay down your differences, so as to love the children of God from all walks of life. Ecumenism is the laying down of bitterness and praying for peace with justice, while maintaining your righteousness though others appear to have abandon the same.
We need the power of prayer to heal our land. Theology being the study of God in relation to humanity, there should be an acceptance of a school of thought that is blessed. It has to do with the thought of brothers and sisters born into "creation", not made by man, being relatives by way of the Divine Allah - God. Really? Yes, really. Look at the latest communication concerning Franklyn Graham and President Barack Obama, then you say ...
Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy upon us, so that we may accept each other in the divine family. Amen
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
The Value of Faith and Wisdom
James 1:2-9
Preachers should preach the main event, in season and out of season, praying to win souls. Within the salvation story is a "blessed assurance", a foretaste of divine glory. With a deposit of faith, men and women of God proclaim that believers have the victory. Now, this is it - faith in the acts of Jesus the Christ gives us more than a symbolic cross of death, it grants us the symbol of the Christian faith. Wearing the cross is an inspirational sign of victory. "Spiritual Champions" are soul winners, and the cross is as meaningful as a champion ring on the finger of the World Series Champions in baseball. People aspire for the ring in baseball and the cross in the adventure of faith.
Baseball has been called: "The American Pastime!" Children play at it. Some men are blessed playing the game in Major League Baseball. There is thrill in the game for the winners, and a hope to win on another day for the losers. There is no doubt, when you play the game, you play to win. "Some body has to win, some body has to lose." The ultimate value in the game is to come out on top as a proven winner - a champion. The integrity of baseball rest in the heart of those with the wisdom to give their all, even when their all seems to be short of the championship ring. Millions will watch day after day during the season of baseball with hopes of their team winning.
Every season carries reasons to watch, pray, and cheer for "victory in Jesus." It is no game, yet its a life for champions. It is a life of soul winning, which is the goal of spiritual champions. Winning souls has to do with applying the essence of love. Equipped with loving God with our hearts, souls, strength, and minds, we win souls as we love our neighbors. Who are the neighbors of spiritual champions? Our neighbors are the people we dare to ask: "If I do not have you, who will? Who will help you through the injustice, the hurt, the rape, the incest, the robbery, the disease, etc? Who, if not I who love you." When I come to the end of the journey, I will not seek the ring of a champion, because I it is my desire to have given it to the true victors - those responsible for the winning of my soul. Do you have love for me, Spiritual Champions? Will you love and forgive me, when I have failed in the love of you? Pray for me, Neighbor of faith. The first base of faith is not enough. The second base of hope is not enough. The third base of friendship love is not enough. It is the last inning, full count with two outs and I have struck out three times. The pitch has been released, and I am swinging ...
Agape!
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner, and save my soul that I may be safe at home. Amen.
Preachers should preach the main event, in season and out of season, praying to win souls. Within the salvation story is a "blessed assurance", a foretaste of divine glory. With a deposit of faith, men and women of God proclaim that believers have the victory. Now, this is it - faith in the acts of Jesus the Christ gives us more than a symbolic cross of death, it grants us the symbol of the Christian faith. Wearing the cross is an inspirational sign of victory. "Spiritual Champions" are soul winners, and the cross is as meaningful as a champion ring on the finger of the World Series Champions in baseball. People aspire for the ring in baseball and the cross in the adventure of faith.
Baseball has been called: "The American Pastime!" Children play at it. Some men are blessed playing the game in Major League Baseball. There is thrill in the game for the winners, and a hope to win on another day for the losers. There is no doubt, when you play the game, you play to win. "Some body has to win, some body has to lose." The ultimate value in the game is to come out on top as a proven winner - a champion. The integrity of baseball rest in the heart of those with the wisdom to give their all, even when their all seems to be short of the championship ring. Millions will watch day after day during the season of baseball with hopes of their team winning.
Every season carries reasons to watch, pray, and cheer for "victory in Jesus." It is no game, yet its a life for champions. It is a life of soul winning, which is the goal of spiritual champions. Winning souls has to do with applying the essence of love. Equipped with loving God with our hearts, souls, strength, and minds, we win souls as we love our neighbors. Who are the neighbors of spiritual champions? Our neighbors are the people we dare to ask: "If I do not have you, who will? Who will help you through the injustice, the hurt, the rape, the incest, the robbery, the disease, etc? Who, if not I who love you." When I come to the end of the journey, I will not seek the ring of a champion, because I it is my desire to have given it to the true victors - those responsible for the winning of my soul. Do you have love for me, Spiritual Champions? Will you love and forgive me, when I have failed in the love of you? Pray for me, Neighbor of faith. The first base of faith is not enough. The second base of hope is not enough. The third base of friendship love is not enough. It is the last inning, full count with two outs and I have struck out three times. The pitch has been released, and I am swinging ...
Agape!
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner, and save my soul that I may be safe at home. Amen.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
A Sister Forevermore
Proverbs 31:10-12
Linda Booker, became a Rouse in the 1970s. Difficulties would find her, it seems, much too soon to some, but in time to others. Whatever the matter of facts, she has handled life by making good decisions through it all. In one of the most significant cities in the United States of America, she came through public schools, earned a degree in education, and raised her children to be positive contributors in the world. Linda is "Mother" to a successful Christian novelist - Nicole, and the belated Bernard II, who was murdered in 2004 south of the metropolis. He was taken too soon from the world he had come to know with Tangie, his wife, and three children (at the time of his death, Tangie was five months pregnant with their third child.
Linda married into a family where parental love was worn on the shoulders. Mother Rouse and Daddy Rouse (both deceased) had no shame in showing their favor toward their children. With three sons they learned to both favor the elder son and share times in favoring the 2nd and 3rd sons with Mother holding tight to the "knee baby", while Daddy nurtured the baby boy. Linda married the knee baby, and the embrace of Mother Rouse was nothing short of that for a daughter she longed to cherish. Mother Rouse died on April 15, 2002, but the knowledge of her love for Linda remains in the awareness of all concerned. Ms. Booker, a strong matriarch, widow, and beloved mother in her own right, has been the role model for Linda and the wind beneath the wings of all her children. So, when Linda faced surgery recently there was the love of her Mother yet alive, and the representative love from a Mother, who died.
Alarming was a recent message sent from Mother's "knee baby", who is being adored and attended to so well by a loving wife - Ruth. His message called the family to prayers for Linda. Giving immediate attention to the matter, her sister-in-law, who had married this baby boy in 1977 discerned with a sense of overwhelming compassionate need to reach our novelist. She learned the life threatening nature of Linda's condition and also issued a call to pray in remembrance of the times.
The times of love and war. The times when heart matters triump over mental discord and legal disconnects. The times of precious memories yeilding times for precious people to care. A time to pray for healing and reconciliation. A time for a yearning philosopher to feast on how precious love is beyond the self. Soren Kierkegaard, the "singular universal" left a mark of universal significance, when he wrote prolific on the matter of "ideal creatures" - women.
Reflecting back through the years, there among the assurances is the fact that Linda Booker Rouse is a sister forevermore, and am praying for her recovery. I, the least of all, remember so very well how boys becoming men take girls to be precious women, and then ... What follows the then in life? You choose.
Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us and heal, so that we are healed indeed. Amen.
Linda Booker, became a Rouse in the 1970s. Difficulties would find her, it seems, much too soon to some, but in time to others. Whatever the matter of facts, she has handled life by making good decisions through it all. In one of the most significant cities in the United States of America, she came through public schools, earned a degree in education, and raised her children to be positive contributors in the world. Linda is "Mother" to a successful Christian novelist - Nicole, and the belated Bernard II, who was murdered in 2004 south of the metropolis. He was taken too soon from the world he had come to know with Tangie, his wife, and three children (at the time of his death, Tangie was five months pregnant with their third child.
Linda married into a family where parental love was worn on the shoulders. Mother Rouse and Daddy Rouse (both deceased) had no shame in showing their favor toward their children. With three sons they learned to both favor the elder son and share times in favoring the 2nd and 3rd sons with Mother holding tight to the "knee baby", while Daddy nurtured the baby boy. Linda married the knee baby, and the embrace of Mother Rouse was nothing short of that for a daughter she longed to cherish. Mother Rouse died on April 15, 2002, but the knowledge of her love for Linda remains in the awareness of all concerned. Ms. Booker, a strong matriarch, widow, and beloved mother in her own right, has been the role model for Linda and the wind beneath the wings of all her children. So, when Linda faced surgery recently there was the love of her Mother yet alive, and the representative love from a Mother, who died.
Alarming was a recent message sent from Mother's "knee baby", who is being adored and attended to so well by a loving wife - Ruth. His message called the family to prayers for Linda. Giving immediate attention to the matter, her sister-in-law, who had married this baby boy in 1977 discerned with a sense of overwhelming compassionate need to reach our novelist. She learned the life threatening nature of Linda's condition and also issued a call to pray in remembrance of the times.
The times of love and war. The times when heart matters triump over mental discord and legal disconnects. The times of precious memories yeilding times for precious people to care. A time to pray for healing and reconciliation. A time for a yearning philosopher to feast on how precious love is beyond the self. Soren Kierkegaard, the "singular universal" left a mark of universal significance, when he wrote prolific on the matter of "ideal creatures" - women.
Reflecting back through the years, there among the assurances is the fact that Linda Booker Rouse is a sister forevermore, and am praying for her recovery. I, the least of all, remember so very well how boys becoming men take girls to be precious women, and then ... What follows the then in life? You choose.
Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us and heal, so that we are healed indeed. Amen.
Monday, April 26, 2010
The Day Janice Came Home
1 John 1:1-10
Her bedroom had been empty for three years. She thought little of it, because her mind had been in a state of shock. In 1999, Bob ripped her violently and forced her into undesirable positions. He heard her cry for an end to the misery, but kept Janice in pain until his pleasures were done.
Beating her into silence, he dared her to breathe a word to anyone about the exploitation of her private honor, dignity, and body. He was a man her father thought he knew and her Mother tolerated. A man Janice once called: "Uncle Bob." Who would believe her, since she, herself, could not believe what had happened?
Uncle Bob had come to live with his brother, while looking for a job in the hometown his brother never left. In fact, Bob's only separation from the beloved town was to serve several years in prison. Bob had been accused and convicted of date rape. Janice's father welcomed Bob into the family home. It was the least he could do, since Bob, his twin brother, served time for his crime. And, the beat goes on and on.
Some of you know at least one story, similar to the above. You may have lived it or had a love one to experience such. Too often the experiences of rape, incest, domestic violence occur and leaves a "ghost in the bedroom." Like little Janice, many children switch rooms or residence, when they can. Some seek shelter away from home to keep it from happening again. Too many spend years being pounded by a relative or family friend or some character seeking favors at their expense.
At Monday night's Prayer Therapy gathering, someone asked in response to the reading of Scriptures from Ephesians 2 and 1 John 1: "Are we really saved?" Some would think it is more of a question of safety, others know it to be a question of the behavior of so-called Christians. Ghost come out of the bedroom as preachers, teachers, lawyers, other professionals, as well as, former prisoners, molesters, alcoholics, and other abusers. One thing is sure, the victims are victims of uncles, cousins, fathers, mothers, friends (male and female), and need more than Sunday come to church directives. People need people.
Janice left home in 1999, and her loving parents thought it was because she wanted the experience of boarding school. At the age of eleven, Janice came home for the funeral and burial of Uncle Bob. Three years and Bob had stayed relatively silent in the house of his twin brother. Her bedroom had been empty, until the day Janice came home. In church she heard the minister say: "Bob attended church Sunday after Sunday. He was faithful to sharing his tithe of finances, talent, service, and time. Yet, he was uneasy dying for cancer and asked me to be sure to tell Janice, his niece that he lived with sorrow for having hurt her, and was sorry for taking up her space at home. Thus, he was leaving all of his savings to her, in case she wants a new home." All eyes turned to Janice that day of repentance and resurrection. Repentance, because Janice let go and released her uncle to God. She did not want his money or a new home. So, she prayed for God to hold the soul of Uncle Bob in peace with justifying grace. Resurrection, because it is the hoped by many that there is sanctifying grace for a repentant sinner, even in death. Salvation or safety? You choose.
Lord, Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us and heal our souls. Amen.
Her bedroom had been empty for three years. She thought little of it, because her mind had been in a state of shock. In 1999, Bob ripped her violently and forced her into undesirable positions. He heard her cry for an end to the misery, but kept Janice in pain until his pleasures were done.
Beating her into silence, he dared her to breathe a word to anyone about the exploitation of her private honor, dignity, and body. He was a man her father thought he knew and her Mother tolerated. A man Janice once called: "Uncle Bob." Who would believe her, since she, herself, could not believe what had happened?
Uncle Bob had come to live with his brother, while looking for a job in the hometown his brother never left. In fact, Bob's only separation from the beloved town was to serve several years in prison. Bob had been accused and convicted of date rape. Janice's father welcomed Bob into the family home. It was the least he could do, since Bob, his twin brother, served time for his crime. And, the beat goes on and on.
Some of you know at least one story, similar to the above. You may have lived it or had a love one to experience such. Too often the experiences of rape, incest, domestic violence occur and leaves a "ghost in the bedroom." Like little Janice, many children switch rooms or residence, when they can. Some seek shelter away from home to keep it from happening again. Too many spend years being pounded by a relative or family friend or some character seeking favors at their expense.
At Monday night's Prayer Therapy gathering, someone asked in response to the reading of Scriptures from Ephesians 2 and 1 John 1: "Are we really saved?" Some would think it is more of a question of safety, others know it to be a question of the behavior of so-called Christians. Ghost come out of the bedroom as preachers, teachers, lawyers, other professionals, as well as, former prisoners, molesters, alcoholics, and other abusers. One thing is sure, the victims are victims of uncles, cousins, fathers, mothers, friends (male and female), and need more than Sunday come to church directives. People need people.
Janice left home in 1999, and her loving parents thought it was because she wanted the experience of boarding school. At the age of eleven, Janice came home for the funeral and burial of Uncle Bob. Three years and Bob had stayed relatively silent in the house of his twin brother. Her bedroom had been empty, until the day Janice came home. In church she heard the minister say: "Bob attended church Sunday after Sunday. He was faithful to sharing his tithe of finances, talent, service, and time. Yet, he was uneasy dying for cancer and asked me to be sure to tell Janice, his niece that he lived with sorrow for having hurt her, and was sorry for taking up her space at home. Thus, he was leaving all of his savings to her, in case she wants a new home." All eyes turned to Janice that day of repentance and resurrection. Repentance, because Janice let go and released her uncle to God. She did not want his money or a new home. So, she prayed for God to hold the soul of Uncle Bob in peace with justifying grace. Resurrection, because it is the hoped by many that there is sanctifying grace for a repentant sinner, even in death. Salvation or safety? You choose.
Lord, Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us and heal our souls. Amen.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Inspirations Are Divine
2 Timothy 3:16
President Barack Obama has given inspiration to the world. He has placed the might of his office into the space program, which has the promise of future human adventures for the good care of creation. On this move along, all people of the universe should support his reelection, so as to give opportunity for the full development of the new direction for the space program. A call for the necessary ways and means to control the space world is on point. President Obama is the leader for the moment and the future moments beyond his time. The decisions being made under his administration have the potential of bringing into fruition a merger of exploration and education for the extension of human understanding of the universe.
The earth serves a purpose of fulfillment for human existence as we understand it. The inspirations we have received from the Holy Scripture, which includes Jewish history and the relatedness of Gentiles to the same, are divine. Things are changing on earth, which threatens the good and safe existence of life on earth. It is a divine inspiration for leadership of the earth to think and plan beyond current existence into future possibility of life in the world beyond our known realities. Booster lifts in the process of reaching Mars with the possibility of life there and beyond is encouraging.
Though many of us may never see the full development of life on Mars or anywhere beyond the earth, we are witnessing the brilliance of the new frontier. More than exciting, it is inspiring. We have only the fear of God, when we have the means of securing life beyond the circumstance and changes in the environment as we have experienced it. There will be doubters, for sure. There will be skeptics, I know. Even I cannot believe, I will live to see it. Whatever your thoughts, remember this: Who thought in 1955 - 2007 that we would live to see a person of color elected President in the United States of America?
Well, not only has President Obama taken the oath of office, he is running the country as a visionary, while transforming the current. Join me in saying: "Mr. President, we may not understand it all, but that is why you are elected President. Keep inspiring us, and we will change the course of history."
Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy and bless the world. Amen.
President Barack Obama has given inspiration to the world. He has placed the might of his office into the space program, which has the promise of future human adventures for the good care of creation. On this move along, all people of the universe should support his reelection, so as to give opportunity for the full development of the new direction for the space program. A call for the necessary ways and means to control the space world is on point. President Obama is the leader for the moment and the future moments beyond his time. The decisions being made under his administration have the potential of bringing into fruition a merger of exploration and education for the extension of human understanding of the universe.
The earth serves a purpose of fulfillment for human existence as we understand it. The inspirations we have received from the Holy Scripture, which includes Jewish history and the relatedness of Gentiles to the same, are divine. Things are changing on earth, which threatens the good and safe existence of life on earth. It is a divine inspiration for leadership of the earth to think and plan beyond current existence into future possibility of life in the world beyond our known realities. Booster lifts in the process of reaching Mars with the possibility of life there and beyond is encouraging.
Though many of us may never see the full development of life on Mars or anywhere beyond the earth, we are witnessing the brilliance of the new frontier. More than exciting, it is inspiring. We have only the fear of God, when we have the means of securing life beyond the circumstance and changes in the environment as we have experienced it. There will be doubters, for sure. There will be skeptics, I know. Even I cannot believe, I will live to see it. Whatever your thoughts, remember this: Who thought in 1955 - 2007 that we would live to see a person of color elected President in the United States of America?
Well, not only has President Obama taken the oath of office, he is running the country as a visionary, while transforming the current. Join me in saying: "Mr. President, we may not understand it all, but that is why you are elected President. Keep inspiring us, and we will change the course of history."
Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy and bless the world. Amen.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Calm and Quiet
Read Psalm 131
On March 16, 2010 Geneva Blount Rouse told her beloved daughter - Ghussan Rouse Greene she was tired. She wanted the daughter, who held her deep within to let go, and allow God to carry her from earth to heaven. Within three days "Granny Rouse" open her eyes, took her last breath, closed her eyes and flew away.
A loving woman born in Robeson County, North Carolina with eight siblings. Granny Rouse was best known for loving Uncle Jesse and Aunt Ghussan (Auntie G). Jesse preceded her in death. It was more of a blessing for him, then for her heart, but that is another story. The story of her home going features Auntie G and her husband Uncle G (George Greene).
Granny Rouse moved in with Auntie G and Uncle G six years before she died. It was the blessing of a lifetime for our grandmother. Really! Auntie G and Uncle G are superstars in care giving to the elderly. When it came to the care of Granny Rouse, they did it right!
Granny Rouse had a terrible fall, which she never fully recovered from. Our aunt and uncle never failed in caring for her. They provided angelic care, which included precious home attendants. Applauds! She was so excited about being with them. She never mentioned it to me, but I knew there was no way she was going to do the nursing home or assisted living business. It is good for some, for sure, but there was nothing better then being at home and maintaining a dignity of life for Granny Rouse. So, before her health went completely down, she was safe at home with family and home attendants, who became as family.
Over thirty four years in ministry, including clinical training as a therapist, I grieve in the "calm and quiet." I was encouraged by Granny Rouse to master the art of calm and quiet grief processing. She once told me at the death of my parents: "If you are crying now, Boy, you will not be able to do my funeral." There was always a known sense of my deep love for her. Perhaps matching her deep love for people. Everyone, who came to know Geneva Rouse, could feel comfortable and loved. My Mother had a chorus of asking from time to time: "Does Granny Rouse know that I am your Mother, she thinks you love her more than me." I would chuckle, because she also said with mutual love: "Granny Rouse is my best friend."
Granny Rouse had away of bringing you into her best, and allowing your best to be given to her. Because of her best ways and means, the best of my grief processing has come in the form of what I call a "level headed ministry." A level head is necessary to comprehend the full experience of a life lived. In the midst of the calm and quiet Auntie G informed me: "Well, she is gone". I heard an immediate inner voice saying - "wipe your tears and live."
I desire Auntie G and Uncle G to wipe their tears and live. They gave so much of themselves through the years. Now it changes. Much of their life style will change. The Perspectives on their responsibilities will change. The voice asking for fish and other items of a delicious meal will no longer be heard. Change.
One of the changes that would be helpful is the change of communication with Auntie G and Uncle G. I pray our family members will be cognizant of what has changed for our beloved, and shower them with love and appreciation. When care givers transition into bereavement, persons who love them may be of benefit. I encourage the finding of 1000 ways to help wipe the tears and provide loving opportunities for life to be lived to the full extent.
Wow! Granny Rouse lived over 98 years, and still lives on. She is abiding now with our God, who dries weeping eyes and grants eternal life. To all who are lachrymose there is one command: "dry your eyes and live." And, there is one request, remember Aunt Ghussan and Uncle George in kind affirming ways.
Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us, and thank you for the love of Auntie and Uncle G. Amen.
On March 16, 2010 Geneva Blount Rouse told her beloved daughter - Ghussan Rouse Greene she was tired. She wanted the daughter, who held her deep within to let go, and allow God to carry her from earth to heaven. Within three days "Granny Rouse" open her eyes, took her last breath, closed her eyes and flew away.
A loving woman born in Robeson County, North Carolina with eight siblings. Granny Rouse was best known for loving Uncle Jesse and Aunt Ghussan (Auntie G). Jesse preceded her in death. It was more of a blessing for him, then for her heart, but that is another story. The story of her home going features Auntie G and her husband Uncle G (George Greene).
Granny Rouse moved in with Auntie G and Uncle G six years before she died. It was the blessing of a lifetime for our grandmother. Really! Auntie G and Uncle G are superstars in care giving to the elderly. When it came to the care of Granny Rouse, they did it right!
Granny Rouse had a terrible fall, which she never fully recovered from. Our aunt and uncle never failed in caring for her. They provided angelic care, which included precious home attendants. Applauds! She was so excited about being with them. She never mentioned it to me, but I knew there was no way she was going to do the nursing home or assisted living business. It is good for some, for sure, but there was nothing better then being at home and maintaining a dignity of life for Granny Rouse. So, before her health went completely down, she was safe at home with family and home attendants, who became as family.
Over thirty four years in ministry, including clinical training as a therapist, I grieve in the "calm and quiet." I was encouraged by Granny Rouse to master the art of calm and quiet grief processing. She once told me at the death of my parents: "If you are crying now, Boy, you will not be able to do my funeral." There was always a known sense of my deep love for her. Perhaps matching her deep love for people. Everyone, who came to know Geneva Rouse, could feel comfortable and loved. My Mother had a chorus of asking from time to time: "Does Granny Rouse know that I am your Mother, she thinks you love her more than me." I would chuckle, because she also said with mutual love: "Granny Rouse is my best friend."
Granny Rouse had away of bringing you into her best, and allowing your best to be given to her. Because of her best ways and means, the best of my grief processing has come in the form of what I call a "level headed ministry." A level head is necessary to comprehend the full experience of a life lived. In the midst of the calm and quiet Auntie G informed me: "Well, she is gone". I heard an immediate inner voice saying - "wipe your tears and live."
I desire Auntie G and Uncle G to wipe their tears and live. They gave so much of themselves through the years. Now it changes. Much of their life style will change. The Perspectives on their responsibilities will change. The voice asking for fish and other items of a delicious meal will no longer be heard. Change.
One of the changes that would be helpful is the change of communication with Auntie G and Uncle G. I pray our family members will be cognizant of what has changed for our beloved, and shower them with love and appreciation. When care givers transition into bereavement, persons who love them may be of benefit. I encourage the finding of 1000 ways to help wipe the tears and provide loving opportunities for life to be lived to the full extent.
Wow! Granny Rouse lived over 98 years, and still lives on. She is abiding now with our God, who dries weeping eyes and grants eternal life. To all who are lachrymose there is one command: "dry your eyes and live." And, there is one request, remember Aunt Ghussan and Uncle George in kind affirming ways.
Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us, and thank you for the love of Auntie and Uncle G. Amen.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Giving Thanks for the Ludicrous
Matthew 10:16-42
"Those who find their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it." (Matthew 10:39) JB appeared at our local church on the night of his 29th birthday. He said that he lost his life, and needed to be restored. In the process of being restored, he had no where to live, not even a shelter would be possible for him. On that night, he felt he had no where to lay his head beyond the church, which has "open hearts, open minds, and open doors" - Metropolitan Community United Methodist Church, New York, New York.
The vision of the local church is clearly stated on the back of Sunday morning bulletins: " ... is a body of Christ responding to the challenging call to love with compassion the children of God. Through Christ centered worship, we strive to achieve spiritual growth, and development with congregational outreach ministries that address the personal, social, and spiritual needs of the interfaith community in New York."
Members are challenged to show respect, care, clear listening, and empathy with a young man they have never heard or met before. As uncomfortable as it is, this congregation of Christians are called to be couragous in the outreach ministries toward JB. The required information on his background has not been given. The senior pastor decided not to even asked for it. Odd, you say? In error, you pronounce? Understand, JB has been welcomed by a few beyond the senior pastor. However, there is a miracle in his staying here. His idenity is not known among the elite. The evidence of his identity as a professional rapper is no longer online. Among the homeless he is not known, because he has been inside the local church and not on the outside with the marginalized. The miracle is that he must be here by the grace of God, who has yet to be identified by the image seen in JB, while those who support the senior pastor are said to be as ludicrous as the pastor.
Who JB is really, may never be known? Tonight he is known as being the one who is giving thanks for the ludicrous. And, the senior pastor? Well, I can speak for me: In thanksgiving for the grace of God, which has me here and not on the streets, I am the "so-called" ludicrous senior pastor believing JB, too, to be a child of God needing the miraculous act of agape.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us. Amen
"Those who find their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it." (Matthew 10:39) JB appeared at our local church on the night of his 29th birthday. He said that he lost his life, and needed to be restored. In the process of being restored, he had no where to live, not even a shelter would be possible for him. On that night, he felt he had no where to lay his head beyond the church, which has "open hearts, open minds, and open doors" - Metropolitan Community United Methodist Church, New York, New York.
The vision of the local church is clearly stated on the back of Sunday morning bulletins: " ... is a body of Christ responding to the challenging call to love with compassion the children of God. Through Christ centered worship, we strive to achieve spiritual growth, and development with congregational outreach ministries that address the personal, social, and spiritual needs of the interfaith community in New York."
Members are challenged to show respect, care, clear listening, and empathy with a young man they have never heard or met before. As uncomfortable as it is, this congregation of Christians are called to be couragous in the outreach ministries toward JB. The required information on his background has not been given. The senior pastor decided not to even asked for it. Odd, you say? In error, you pronounce? Understand, JB has been welcomed by a few beyond the senior pastor. However, there is a miracle in his staying here. His idenity is not known among the elite. The evidence of his identity as a professional rapper is no longer online. Among the homeless he is not known, because he has been inside the local church and not on the outside with the marginalized. The miracle is that he must be here by the grace of God, who has yet to be identified by the image seen in JB, while those who support the senior pastor are said to be as ludicrous as the pastor.
Who JB is really, may never be known? Tonight he is known as being the one who is giving thanks for the ludicrous. And, the senior pastor? Well, I can speak for me: In thanksgiving for the grace of God, which has me here and not on the streets, I am the "so-called" ludicrous senior pastor believing JB, too, to be a child of God needing the miraculous act of agape.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us. Amen
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Civil Rights Movement: Historical & Theological Perspective
Deuteronomy 32:48-52
When African Americans were known as Negroes in the United States of America, they rose in the mid 1950s to form a "new" Civil Rights Movement in the nation. Throughout the USA, people of color were waiting for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored of People (NAACP) to achieve goals of freedom with justice for all in the land. The progress was too slow for the people in the south, who were being denied respectable seating on the bus, when whites came aboard. Eating establishments and other public facilities, including schools were segregated. Discrimination made separate, but equal a first class joke and a dream deferred.
While many had prepared themselves to make success in the battle of life, the cause for liberation needed a leader. One man was chosen in Montgomery, Alabama to head a movement protesting discrimination in public transportation. Historically known as the Montgomery Boycott, the young preacher recently graduated from Boston with a PhD. in Sacred Theology, Martin Luther King, Jr. was chosen as the voice of the people. He came to be more than a voice. Martin adhered to the call of God and became the sacrificial lamb. Mercy.
During the months of January (he was born on the 15th day of the first month of the year in 1928) and February (known for Black History Month), many people view the contributions of MLK, Jr. and other important leaders in the civil rights movement. Yet, when we pass through March, we enter the reality of April 4, 1968, when Dr. King was rifled down and his mind blown into death with the cessation of his life. Mercy.
On that 4th day of April in '68, pause became the reality for the civil rights movement. In many ways, we having been pausing ever since. It is not that there has been no leaders or leadership. What has happen among the people now called African Americans is a moment by moment mentality of acceptance and toleration that too often resembles a need for recycling. In a time that is calling for repentance, in order to achieve reconciliation, people are pausing to celebrate a few social advances, slow political progress, and joyous entertainment economics. What has been good for the so-called gifted and talented has left the United States of America drenched in sorrows and sufferings of the poor of every race, creed, and color, along with the African American, who is ever so reminded that to be Black is different and not always acceptable at any economic rate.
Martin Luther King, Jr. stated on the last night of his living something resembling a Mosiac experience: "I have been to the mountaintop, and I have seen the promised land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight that we as a people will get to the promised land." The promised land, Canaan, the so-called heaven on earth was seen but not entered by Moses. Moses was not allowed to enter "because" he had broken "faith with" God "in the presence of the Israelites at the waters of Meribah Kadesh in the Desert of Zin and because" he "did not uphold" God's "holiness among the Israelites." King did not enter the promise land, because evil infected the people in our nation, even the people of goodwill. We as a people are still waiting to occupy the land held by the giants. You may even say that we remain on the mountaintop looking at the promised land, because we have had some mountaintop experiences.
I say: Let us leave the mindset of the promised land and go to the reality of Calvary. The Lamb of God was crucified, but arose for the new life of believers. We are no longer in need of Canaan, we need the New Jerusalem.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us. Amen.
When African Americans were known as Negroes in the United States of America, they rose in the mid 1950s to form a "new" Civil Rights Movement in the nation. Throughout the USA, people of color were waiting for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored of People (NAACP) to achieve goals of freedom with justice for all in the land. The progress was too slow for the people in the south, who were being denied respectable seating on the bus, when whites came aboard. Eating establishments and other public facilities, including schools were segregated. Discrimination made separate, but equal a first class joke and a dream deferred.
While many had prepared themselves to make success in the battle of life, the cause for liberation needed a leader. One man was chosen in Montgomery, Alabama to head a movement protesting discrimination in public transportation. Historically known as the Montgomery Boycott, the young preacher recently graduated from Boston with a PhD. in Sacred Theology, Martin Luther King, Jr. was chosen as the voice of the people. He came to be more than a voice. Martin adhered to the call of God and became the sacrificial lamb. Mercy.
During the months of January (he was born on the 15th day of the first month of the year in 1928) and February (known for Black History Month), many people view the contributions of MLK, Jr. and other important leaders in the civil rights movement. Yet, when we pass through March, we enter the reality of April 4, 1968, when Dr. King was rifled down and his mind blown into death with the cessation of his life. Mercy.
On that 4th day of April in '68, pause became the reality for the civil rights movement. In many ways, we having been pausing ever since. It is not that there has been no leaders or leadership. What has happen among the people now called African Americans is a moment by moment mentality of acceptance and toleration that too often resembles a need for recycling. In a time that is calling for repentance, in order to achieve reconciliation, people are pausing to celebrate a few social advances, slow political progress, and joyous entertainment economics. What has been good for the so-called gifted and talented has left the United States of America drenched in sorrows and sufferings of the poor of every race, creed, and color, along with the African American, who is ever so reminded that to be Black is different and not always acceptable at any economic rate.
Martin Luther King, Jr. stated on the last night of his living something resembling a Mosiac experience: "I have been to the mountaintop, and I have seen the promised land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight that we as a people will get to the promised land." The promised land, Canaan, the so-called heaven on earth was seen but not entered by Moses. Moses was not allowed to enter "because" he had broken "faith with" God "in the presence of the Israelites at the waters of Meribah Kadesh in the Desert of Zin and because" he "did not uphold" God's "holiness among the Israelites." King did not enter the promise land, because evil infected the people in our nation, even the people of goodwill. We as a people are still waiting to occupy the land held by the giants. You may even say that we remain on the mountaintop looking at the promised land, because we have had some mountaintop experiences.
I say: Let us leave the mindset of the promised land and go to the reality of Calvary. The Lamb of God was crucified, but arose for the new life of believers. We are no longer in need of Canaan, we need the New Jerusalem.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us. Amen.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Bringing the Best Out of the Worst
Read Genesis - Ruth
In December of 2009, a decision was made that transformed my deliverance of the Word in the local church. For the first time in thirty four years of preaching, I decided to preach from Genesis to Revelation within the same year. The sixty-six books of the Bible are meaningfully connected in purposes and proclamation of the promises of God.
From the Father of faith to the great, great grandmother of King David and ancestor of Jesus, the Christ (not named in the first eight books of the Bible, but acknowledged in Matthew 1:5) God is at work ushering in redemption by way of a wanderer and a prostitute. An awesome God is transforming the world by way of bringing the best out of the worst.
Enjoy reading the Word of God through each of the Books of the Bible as you join me in this journey of faith. Below find selected verses from Genesis to Ruth. Promise to stay with me through the Word, and I promise that God will deliver on the Word.
Now the Lord said to Abram. "Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great , so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed." (Genesis 12:1:3)
The Lord passed before him, and proclaimed, "The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for the thousandth generation, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, yet by no means clearing the guilty, but visiting the iniquity of the parents upon the children's children, to the third and the fourth generation." And Moses quickly bowed his head toward the earth, and worshiped. He said, "If now I have found favor in your sight, O Lord, I pray, let the Lord go with us. Although this is a stiff-necked people, pardon our iniquity and our sin, and take us for your inheritance." (Exodus 34:6-9)
Thus you shall keep my commandments and observe them: I am the Lord. You shall not profane my holy name, that I may be sanctified among the people of Israel: I am the Lord: I sanctify you, I who brought you out of the land of Egypt to be your God: I am the Lord. (Leviticus 22:31-33)
And now, therefore, let the power of the Lord be great in the way that you promised when you spoke, saying: "The Lord is slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, forgiving iniquity and transgression, but by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the parents upon the children to the third and the fourth generation." Forgive the iniquity of this people according to the greatness of your steadfast love, just as you have pardoned this people, from Egypt even until now. (Numbers 14:17-19)
When you go out to war against your enemies, and the Lord your God hands them over to you and take them captive, suppose you see among the captives a beautiful woman who you desire and want to marry, and so you bring her to your house: she shall shave her head, pare her nails, discard her captive's garb, and shall remain in your house a full month, mourning for her father and mother; after that you may go in to her and be her husband, and she shall be your wife. But if you are not satisfied with her, you shall let her go free and not sell her for money. You must not treat her as a slave, since you have dishonored her. (Deuteronomy 21:10-14)
"...Be strong and courageous; for you shall put this people in possession of the land that I swore to their ancestors to give them. Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to act in accordance with all the law that my servant Moses commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or the left, so that you may be successful wherever you go. This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth; you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to act in accordance with all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall be successful. I hereby command you: Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:6-9)
After Abimelech, Tola son of Puah, son of Dodo, a man of Issachar, who lived at Shamir in the hill country of Ephraim, rose to deliver Israel. He judged Israel twenty-three years. Then he died, and was buried at Shamir. After him came Jair the Gileaditee, who judged Israel twenty-two years. He had thirty sons who rode on thirty donkeys; and they had thirty towns, which are in the land of Gilead, and are called Havvothjair to this day. Jair died, and was buried in Kamon. (10:1-5)
Then the woman said to Naomi, "Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you this day without next-of-kin; and may his name be renowned in Israel! He shall be to you a restorer of life and a nourished of your old age; for your daughter-in-law who loves you, who is more to you than seven sons, has borne him." Then Naomi took the child and laid him in her bosom, and became his nurse. The women of the neighborhood gave him a name, saying, " A son has been born to Naomi." They named him Obed; he became the father of Jesse, the father of David. (Ruth 4:14-17)
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us, now and forevermore. Amen
In December of 2009, a decision was made that transformed my deliverance of the Word in the local church. For the first time in thirty four years of preaching, I decided to preach from Genesis to Revelation within the same year. The sixty-six books of the Bible are meaningfully connected in purposes and proclamation of the promises of God.
From the Father of faith to the great, great grandmother of King David and ancestor of Jesus, the Christ (not named in the first eight books of the Bible, but acknowledged in Matthew 1:5) God is at work ushering in redemption by way of a wanderer and a prostitute. An awesome God is transforming the world by way of bringing the best out of the worst.
Enjoy reading the Word of God through each of the Books of the Bible as you join me in this journey of faith. Below find selected verses from Genesis to Ruth. Promise to stay with me through the Word, and I promise that God will deliver on the Word.
Now the Lord said to Abram. "Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great , so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed." (Genesis 12:1:3)
The Lord passed before him, and proclaimed, "The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for the thousandth generation, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, yet by no means clearing the guilty, but visiting the iniquity of the parents upon the children's children, to the third and the fourth generation." And Moses quickly bowed his head toward the earth, and worshiped. He said, "If now I have found favor in your sight, O Lord, I pray, let the Lord go with us. Although this is a stiff-necked people, pardon our iniquity and our sin, and take us for your inheritance." (Exodus 34:6-9)
Thus you shall keep my commandments and observe them: I am the Lord. You shall not profane my holy name, that I may be sanctified among the people of Israel: I am the Lord: I sanctify you, I who brought you out of the land of Egypt to be your God: I am the Lord. (Leviticus 22:31-33)
And now, therefore, let the power of the Lord be great in the way that you promised when you spoke, saying: "The Lord is slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, forgiving iniquity and transgression, but by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the parents upon the children to the third and the fourth generation." Forgive the iniquity of this people according to the greatness of your steadfast love, just as you have pardoned this people, from Egypt even until now. (Numbers 14:17-19)
When you go out to war against your enemies, and the Lord your God hands them over to you and take them captive, suppose you see among the captives a beautiful woman who you desire and want to marry, and so you bring her to your house: she shall shave her head, pare her nails, discard her captive's garb, and shall remain in your house a full month, mourning for her father and mother; after that you may go in to her and be her husband, and she shall be your wife. But if you are not satisfied with her, you shall let her go free and not sell her for money. You must not treat her as a slave, since you have dishonored her. (Deuteronomy 21:10-14)
"...Be strong and courageous; for you shall put this people in possession of the land that I swore to their ancestors to give them. Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to act in accordance with all the law that my servant Moses commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or the left, so that you may be successful wherever you go. This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth; you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to act in accordance with all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall be successful. I hereby command you: Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:6-9)
After Abimelech, Tola son of Puah, son of Dodo, a man of Issachar, who lived at Shamir in the hill country of Ephraim, rose to deliver Israel. He judged Israel twenty-three years. Then he died, and was buried at Shamir. After him came Jair the Gileaditee, who judged Israel twenty-two years. He had thirty sons who rode on thirty donkeys; and they had thirty towns, which are in the land of Gilead, and are called Havvothjair to this day. Jair died, and was buried in Kamon. (10:1-5)
Then the woman said to Naomi, "Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you this day without next-of-kin; and may his name be renowned in Israel! He shall be to you a restorer of life and a nourished of your old age; for your daughter-in-law who loves you, who is more to you than seven sons, has borne him." Then Naomi took the child and laid him in her bosom, and became his nurse. The women of the neighborhood gave him a name, saying, " A son has been born to Naomi." They named him Obed; he became the father of Jesse, the father of David. (Ruth 4:14-17)
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us, now and forevermore. Amen
Monday, February 8, 2010
Success in the Battle of Life
Joshua 1:6-9; 24:14-15
Mentored by Moses, Joshua feasted on the Book of Law as the Word of God, prospered and gained success in the battle of life. Leading the people of God into worship beyond the River of the place of their forefathers, Joshua challenged them to make up their minds to worship the gods of their forefathers or the gods of the Amorites or come unto the blessings worshipping God. One thing for sure, he knew that the key to success in the battle of life was to obey the commands of God, being "strong and very courageous". At some point in life a stand has to be taken, even when it is to be taken alone or with family. In his farewell address, Joshua announced that " ... as for me and my house, we shall serve the Lord."
The battles of the Civil Rights Movement have been many. The Rev. Jesse Louis Jackson, Sr. has been known to say: "We never won a battle we fail to fight, and we never lost a battle we fought." The current generation of leaders in the Civil Rights Movement are agents of change facing old issues. Still on the table for discussion are among other things: housing foreclosures, student loans and credit card debts, the needs of the poor, political prisoners, heath care and heath disparities, etc. The battles are many, and the fight for social change often has few agents of change. People are often afraid to be change agents. Some times best of workers become tired or frustrated with the process or time requirements to change. Endurance and other attributes of power must abound in the courageous champions of social change.
Being successful as change agents in the social arena requires knowledge of the laws and facts surrounding life, strength to with stand those who oppose change to unjust laws, and courage to make change were change is possible. Change is still necessary in rural areas of the United States of America. Agricultural Secretary Tom Valsack announced the availability of $449 million to 128 businesses in rural areas of the nation. This represents the ability for persons with good ideas and valid skills to access the capital necessary to making positive change. People who have the right ideas, and recognize their weaknesses may hire persons more skilled as mentors to aid in their success with the capital being available. This is a project of hope for rural areas of the nation.
What about your concerns? No idea has to be a failure. The failure is in not trying to fulfill the dreams birthed from the idea. You have an idea? Gather all you need to know about the facts surrounding your idea. Then, negotiate and network with person able to help with the facilitation of your ideas. Sharpen your skills in the area of concern, and go for the bucks to make it happen. There are many ways to seek funding, so research until you settle on the best means for you. Above all of this, remember who to serve and worship.
The keys to success are not the monies or the popularity. The keys to success in the battles of life are: 1) Respect for God and the creativity given to you, 2) Striving to the fulfillment of the promise for your endeavor, 3) Recalling the teachings of your mentor, 4) Working the plan, so that the plan works for you, and 5) Be strong and courageous in taking the leap of faith. Victory may not be seen in the beginning. Holding on to the directives for success and working to bring about the changes necessary will lead into the fulfillment of the promise.
Bernard Jerome Rouse, Sr. buried his only son, brother of his only daughter, in January of 2004. Bernard, Jr. was gunned down by two carjackers as he was driving home following a work day. His wife with two alive children was five months in pregnancy with who is now Bernard, III. How my brother survived such a destruction to the life of his son and disruption to the family is known to me. He survived by faith. The faith that I discovered at the age of eleven, when Bernard my second elder brother was sixteen and thought to be at risk of death with cancer. Following an operation in Columbia, SC, Dr. Spain determined that Bernard would have to have a second operation, which would disfigure his face at the least. My parents then brought him to New York City and entered him into the hospital system of which I am currently in partnership as a therapist and local church pastor. However, in 1966, I was just a little brother wanting his elder brother to live.
So, on the day of his operation, I arose from bed in the home of the local church members my parents entrusted my oldest brother and me to stay with as while they were in NYC. Before going to school, I knelt down on my knees and prayed a prayer I have never forgotten and never stated to Bernard: "Lord God, don't let my brother die. Do not allow his face to be disfigured. He is so much better than I am. Let him live and take my life. Mother needs him. But, thy will be done. So, if he is to die, grant me the strength to live for both of us. I promise to be good. And, if you allow both of us to live, I promise to preach for you all of my days. Please Lord, hear my promise (following the Lord's Prayer, I said: Amen). I left school early that day and rushed back to the member's house. Later the call came that Bernard was not only alive, but his face was not disfigured and they went in through the same incision with no cancer found. We fought the battle of life with faith in God, and we won.
The cowards, who shot my nephew did not grant us the change to fight with the sword of the spirit. Yet, they could not destroy the faith of my brother or others in our family. When I work on Saturdays with a movement to free persons, who are unjustly imprisoned, I work with a transforming faith. When I walk the streets of New York City in the heat of the nights, I travel with a Slavic faith. This is the faith that yields success in the battle of life. It is strong and courageous faith. Believing that prayer changes things and people. A faith my nephew had to have in the midst of opposition to his life. I pray to God that my life will be a witness to his victory over death, because I believe. "Bernard, Jr., like you, Uncle Luonne is standing strong and courageous in the faith."
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy as I heed your command to cry no more, and take a stand for righteousness and justice so as to prosper and succeed in the battles of life. Amen.
Mentored by Moses, Joshua feasted on the Book of Law as the Word of God, prospered and gained success in the battle of life. Leading the people of God into worship beyond the River of the place of their forefathers, Joshua challenged them to make up their minds to worship the gods of their forefathers or the gods of the Amorites or come unto the blessings worshipping God. One thing for sure, he knew that the key to success in the battle of life was to obey the commands of God, being "strong and very courageous". At some point in life a stand has to be taken, even when it is to be taken alone or with family. In his farewell address, Joshua announced that " ... as for me and my house, we shall serve the Lord."
The battles of the Civil Rights Movement have been many. The Rev. Jesse Louis Jackson, Sr. has been known to say: "We never won a battle we fail to fight, and we never lost a battle we fought." The current generation of leaders in the Civil Rights Movement are agents of change facing old issues. Still on the table for discussion are among other things: housing foreclosures, student loans and credit card debts, the needs of the poor, political prisoners, heath care and heath disparities, etc. The battles are many, and the fight for social change often has few agents of change. People are often afraid to be change agents. Some times best of workers become tired or frustrated with the process or time requirements to change. Endurance and other attributes of power must abound in the courageous champions of social change.
Being successful as change agents in the social arena requires knowledge of the laws and facts surrounding life, strength to with stand those who oppose change to unjust laws, and courage to make change were change is possible. Change is still necessary in rural areas of the United States of America. Agricultural Secretary Tom Valsack announced the availability of $449 million to 128 businesses in rural areas of the nation. This represents the ability for persons with good ideas and valid skills to access the capital necessary to making positive change. People who have the right ideas, and recognize their weaknesses may hire persons more skilled as mentors to aid in their success with the capital being available. This is a project of hope for rural areas of the nation.
What about your concerns? No idea has to be a failure. The failure is in not trying to fulfill the dreams birthed from the idea. You have an idea? Gather all you need to know about the facts surrounding your idea. Then, negotiate and network with person able to help with the facilitation of your ideas. Sharpen your skills in the area of concern, and go for the bucks to make it happen. There are many ways to seek funding, so research until you settle on the best means for you. Above all of this, remember who to serve and worship.
The keys to success are not the monies or the popularity. The keys to success in the battles of life are: 1) Respect for God and the creativity given to you, 2) Striving to the fulfillment of the promise for your endeavor, 3) Recalling the teachings of your mentor, 4) Working the plan, so that the plan works for you, and 5) Be strong and courageous in taking the leap of faith. Victory may not be seen in the beginning. Holding on to the directives for success and working to bring about the changes necessary will lead into the fulfillment of the promise.
Bernard Jerome Rouse, Sr. buried his only son, brother of his only daughter, in January of 2004. Bernard, Jr. was gunned down by two carjackers as he was driving home following a work day. His wife with two alive children was five months in pregnancy with who is now Bernard, III. How my brother survived such a destruction to the life of his son and disruption to the family is known to me. He survived by faith. The faith that I discovered at the age of eleven, when Bernard my second elder brother was sixteen and thought to be at risk of death with cancer. Following an operation in Columbia, SC, Dr. Spain determined that Bernard would have to have a second operation, which would disfigure his face at the least. My parents then brought him to New York City and entered him into the hospital system of which I am currently in partnership as a therapist and local church pastor. However, in 1966, I was just a little brother wanting his elder brother to live.
So, on the day of his operation, I arose from bed in the home of the local church members my parents entrusted my oldest brother and me to stay with as while they were in NYC. Before going to school, I knelt down on my knees and prayed a prayer I have never forgotten and never stated to Bernard: "Lord God, don't let my brother die. Do not allow his face to be disfigured. He is so much better than I am. Let him live and take my life. Mother needs him. But, thy will be done. So, if he is to die, grant me the strength to live for both of us. I promise to be good. And, if you allow both of us to live, I promise to preach for you all of my days. Please Lord, hear my promise (following the Lord's Prayer, I said: Amen). I left school early that day and rushed back to the member's house. Later the call came that Bernard was not only alive, but his face was not disfigured and they went in through the same incision with no cancer found. We fought the battle of life with faith in God, and we won.
The cowards, who shot my nephew did not grant us the change to fight with the sword of the spirit. Yet, they could not destroy the faith of my brother or others in our family. When I work on Saturdays with a movement to free persons, who are unjustly imprisoned, I work with a transforming faith. When I walk the streets of New York City in the heat of the nights, I travel with a Slavic faith. This is the faith that yields success in the battle of life. It is strong and courageous faith. Believing that prayer changes things and people. A faith my nephew had to have in the midst of opposition to his life. I pray to God that my life will be a witness to his victory over death, because I believe. "Bernard, Jr., like you, Uncle Luonne is standing strong and courageous in the faith."
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy as I heed your command to cry no more, and take a stand for righteousness and justice so as to prosper and succeed in the battles of life. Amen.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Bitter and Sweet Experiences
Exodus 15:26
This week has been interesting in the practice of psychotherapy. Clients have revealed the necessity for skilled care. Women having been molested or raped. Men discovering their spouse to be interested in another person as a lover. Teenagers in the midst of temptation. Visitors with hopes of becoming resident stars having to return to their home of origin. Friends experiencing pain and suffering in Haiti. Former members engaged in pre-marital counseling. Christian friends wanting to strengthen evangelism in the United Methodist Church. Diverse situations, which present evidence of the importance of talk therapy in the faith community.
Life provides bitter and sweet experiences. The story of Marah and Elim tells of Moses leading the people of Israel from the Red Sea crossing into the Desert of Shur. Three days into the journey water was yet to be found. Then they came to Marah and the water there was to bitter to drink. The people grumbled against their leader and asked: "What are we to drink." Moses cried unto the Lord, and the Lord lead him to wood, which is threw into the water, which became sweet. There the Lord tested them saying: "If you listen carefully to the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in this eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on your any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you." Perhaps for the moment they passed the test, in that they then came to Elim, where there were twelve springs and seventy palm trees around which they camped.
The destruction of Haiti is not a test from God. I do not buy that theory or thought. What happen in Haiti on January 12, 2010 is a reality check on the damage an earthquake can bring. Apparently giving no signs the crust of the earth erupted by way of its plates and people were killed and others were wounded, and health professionals from various places are among those assisting in a long term process toward healing.
A doctor friend of mine and her brother -who is an Episcopal priest are there. While Father BC (initials) has a parish there, Dr. KC (initials) travels by private plane in and out caring for people. She has been doing so for at least five years. This time having departed there on December 30, 2009, she did not go back until she had missed the traumatic earthquake and had some fun on the beaches of the Bahamas. "Go Girl!" She flew back in just before January 25, 2010 and discovered an "Oh my God" reality of life. From one of the experiences she wrote: "I got up 4:30 am and ran to the top of the hill behind the hospital. I do it alot when am not on call. This morning it was so dark I barely realized I was at the top. I had my ipod on and 'Glory Days' at max volume obscured any noise. All of a sudden I realize there were people all around me. I pulled my earphones out and realized they were singing. The top of the hill has a tree and prayer flag. Usually there are 2 to 3 Haitian women sitting or standing praying out loud. This time there must have been a dozen. When I first witnessed the ritual, I would stand back and try not to let them see me. Active religions freak me out. As I had ran right into the middle of them in the dark, I couldn't really back up so I just sat down and bowed my head like a good Episcopalian. They prayed for Port au Prince, they prayed for the dead, they prayed for the hospital, then they prayed for the people, who could not walk. Seriously. I don't know how they knew I was freaking out about the rehabilitation but God must have told them." My friend went from the bitterness of sensitivity of human lost into the sweet experience of prayer for health.
Join her and others who are praying over again the disease bound country. Father BC wrote: "The one observation I will make is that the lack of sanitary facilities-basically ways of getting rid of human waste is a HUGE problem in Port au Prince and its making a miserable situation almost unbearable. The refugee camps that are spread all over create a concentration of people in small spaces that is toxic. Being anywhere close to one of those camps is an assault on one's senses that I have never experienced before - even in Haiti. ... While most Haitians are accustomed to living in difficult circumstances, this situation is much more difficult and much more unpleasant, not to mention dangerous." Bitter will be the spread of disease. We may help by sending donations to their type of Elim, a non-profit that helps create jobs in Haiti and supports the sisters: 1000 Jobs/Haiti, Inc. 336 West Main Road, Little Compton, RI, 02837. http://www.1000jobshaiti.org/
Bitter are the stories of pain and suffering, but "tis so sweet to trust in Jesus", who suffered much for the salvation of the world. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on people through the world and provide us more instruments of salvation in the likeness of the Sister and Brother "C". Amen.
This week has been interesting in the practice of psychotherapy. Clients have revealed the necessity for skilled care. Women having been molested or raped. Men discovering their spouse to be interested in another person as a lover. Teenagers in the midst of temptation. Visitors with hopes of becoming resident stars having to return to their home of origin. Friends experiencing pain and suffering in Haiti. Former members engaged in pre-marital counseling. Christian friends wanting to strengthen evangelism in the United Methodist Church. Diverse situations, which present evidence of the importance of talk therapy in the faith community.
Life provides bitter and sweet experiences. The story of Marah and Elim tells of Moses leading the people of Israel from the Red Sea crossing into the Desert of Shur. Three days into the journey water was yet to be found. Then they came to Marah and the water there was to bitter to drink. The people grumbled against their leader and asked: "What are we to drink." Moses cried unto the Lord, and the Lord lead him to wood, which is threw into the water, which became sweet. There the Lord tested them saying: "If you listen carefully to the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in this eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on your any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you." Perhaps for the moment they passed the test, in that they then came to Elim, where there were twelve springs and seventy palm trees around which they camped.
The destruction of Haiti is not a test from God. I do not buy that theory or thought. What happen in Haiti on January 12, 2010 is a reality check on the damage an earthquake can bring. Apparently giving no signs the crust of the earth erupted by way of its plates and people were killed and others were wounded, and health professionals from various places are among those assisting in a long term process toward healing.
A doctor friend of mine and her brother -who is an Episcopal priest are there. While Father BC (initials) has a parish there, Dr. KC (initials) travels by private plane in and out caring for people. She has been doing so for at least five years. This time having departed there on December 30, 2009, she did not go back until she had missed the traumatic earthquake and had some fun on the beaches of the Bahamas. "Go Girl!" She flew back in just before January 25, 2010 and discovered an "Oh my God" reality of life. From one of the experiences she wrote: "I got up 4:30 am and ran to the top of the hill behind the hospital. I do it alot when am not on call. This morning it was so dark I barely realized I was at the top. I had my ipod on and 'Glory Days' at max volume obscured any noise. All of a sudden I realize there were people all around me. I pulled my earphones out and realized they were singing. The top of the hill has a tree and prayer flag. Usually there are 2 to 3 Haitian women sitting or standing praying out loud. This time there must have been a dozen. When I first witnessed the ritual, I would stand back and try not to let them see me. Active religions freak me out. As I had ran right into the middle of them in the dark, I couldn't really back up so I just sat down and bowed my head like a good Episcopalian. They prayed for Port au Prince, they prayed for the dead, they prayed for the hospital, then they prayed for the people, who could not walk. Seriously. I don't know how they knew I was freaking out about the rehabilitation but God must have told them." My friend went from the bitterness of sensitivity of human lost into the sweet experience of prayer for health.
Join her and others who are praying over again the disease bound country. Father BC wrote: "The one observation I will make is that the lack of sanitary facilities-basically ways of getting rid of human waste is a HUGE problem in Port au Prince and its making a miserable situation almost unbearable. The refugee camps that are spread all over create a concentration of people in small spaces that is toxic. Being anywhere close to one of those camps is an assault on one's senses that I have never experienced before - even in Haiti. ... While most Haitians are accustomed to living in difficult circumstances, this situation is much more difficult and much more unpleasant, not to mention dangerous." Bitter will be the spread of disease. We may help by sending donations to their type of Elim, a non-profit that helps create jobs in Haiti and supports the sisters: 1000 Jobs/Haiti, Inc. 336 West Main Road, Little Compton, RI, 02837. http://www.1000jobshaiti.org/
Bitter are the stories of pain and suffering, but "tis so sweet to trust in Jesus", who suffered much for the salvation of the world. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on people through the world and provide us more instruments of salvation in the likeness of the Sister and Brother "C". Amen.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Rev. Jesse Louis Jackson, Sr.
Proverbs 2
Jesse Louis Jackson, Sr. stood on a table, while attend a theological seminary and challenged students to attend the march for justice in Selma, Alabama. There was a hunger within him and a few others to join the civil rights movement. He has been marching ever since those days of the sixties. Marching of social and economic justice among other civil rights issues. History captures note worthy stories to be share through timeless ages for the benefit of human minds and betterment of communities.
In this brief notation, there is no attempt to tell the Jesse Jackson story. There is no one better to record the history of Jesse, then the Rev. Jackson himself. While he is yet alive may he tell it ever so well. On this page may you hear the witness of faith as oppose to individual facts of life.
Jesse is a compassionate leader. His respect for human beings is sincere and genuine. He cares for the people. He walks with God. God has found favor in with Jesse. Wisdom has been granted unto him. The steps he take are with confidence and assurance. However, the strength in the movement is to be found in his encouraging others to step up and walk the pathway of justice and equity. He ask that it happen not just for some, but for every one.
Compassion does not call for its practitioners to walk in fear of or to fall in love with any situation or condition that should be reduced or minimized. For instance, human beings should not fear or fall in love with poverty. Fear of poverty will yield sleepers, who lay in a bed of depression, while others are on the job attempting to end depressing situations and conditions of poverty. Falling in love with poverty renders manipulators enjoying the "poverty dance." Those enjoying the poverty dance do not work to get out of system, but seek rather to become the best dancers in the system as to reap so-call benefits. Such dancing is kept alive in well by "streetology" not theology. Streetologers misinterpret the reality of "the poor will always be with you" as to mean once poor always poor. A closer theological grasp of the saying of Jesus may yield that in every era some persons, if not all, may go through some form of being poor in spirit or economics or socialization, etc. Yet, we do not have to stay in the situation of condition of being poor. Stop dancing and stop the music of poverty delight or entitlement pity. Bathe your feet in some fine oil and prepare to be a blessing in the world even unto death. Climb out of depression and live a purpose driven life.
Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr. has the steps toward justice and equity well developed not for a dance at the avoidance party in the halls of injustice. The steps of knowledge, awareness, presentation of facts and suggested resolutions are masterful. Step to the love of justice and truth assertively in the halls of banks and other societal institutions. Stand up for righteousness and justice verses bailing out for recreation and vacations. People of all ages should be encouraged to engage with Rev. Jackson in ethical relevance so as to open doors between walls of separation. Give a passage way in and out of conditions and situations that have for too long upheld, if even by default, ugly disparities. We need an entrance into the places where injustices are rooted, so as to liberate the abuser from abusing, and to deliver the abused from victimization.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us and grant of wisdom as to unite with the wise. Amen.
Jesse Louis Jackson, Sr. stood on a table, while attend a theological seminary and challenged students to attend the march for justice in Selma, Alabama. There was a hunger within him and a few others to join the civil rights movement. He has been marching ever since those days of the sixties. Marching of social and economic justice among other civil rights issues. History captures note worthy stories to be share through timeless ages for the benefit of human minds and betterment of communities.
In this brief notation, there is no attempt to tell the Jesse Jackson story. There is no one better to record the history of Jesse, then the Rev. Jackson himself. While he is yet alive may he tell it ever so well. On this page may you hear the witness of faith as oppose to individual facts of life.
Jesse is a compassionate leader. His respect for human beings is sincere and genuine. He cares for the people. He walks with God. God has found favor in with Jesse. Wisdom has been granted unto him. The steps he take are with confidence and assurance. However, the strength in the movement is to be found in his encouraging others to step up and walk the pathway of justice and equity. He ask that it happen not just for some, but for every one.
Compassion does not call for its practitioners to walk in fear of or to fall in love with any situation or condition that should be reduced or minimized. For instance, human beings should not fear or fall in love with poverty. Fear of poverty will yield sleepers, who lay in a bed of depression, while others are on the job attempting to end depressing situations and conditions of poverty. Falling in love with poverty renders manipulators enjoying the "poverty dance." Those enjoying the poverty dance do not work to get out of system, but seek rather to become the best dancers in the system as to reap so-call benefits. Such dancing is kept alive in well by "streetology" not theology. Streetologers misinterpret the reality of "the poor will always be with you" as to mean once poor always poor. A closer theological grasp of the saying of Jesus may yield that in every era some persons, if not all, may go through some form of being poor in spirit or economics or socialization, etc. Yet, we do not have to stay in the situation of condition of being poor. Stop dancing and stop the music of poverty delight or entitlement pity. Bathe your feet in some fine oil and prepare to be a blessing in the world even unto death. Climb out of depression and live a purpose driven life.
Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr. has the steps toward justice and equity well developed not for a dance at the avoidance party in the halls of injustice. The steps of knowledge, awareness, presentation of facts and suggested resolutions are masterful. Step to the love of justice and truth assertively in the halls of banks and other societal institutions. Stand up for righteousness and justice verses bailing out for recreation and vacations. People of all ages should be encouraged to engage with Rev. Jackson in ethical relevance so as to open doors between walls of separation. Give a passage way in and out of conditions and situations that have for too long upheld, if even by default, ugly disparities. We need an entrance into the places where injustices are rooted, so as to liberate the abuser from abusing, and to deliver the abused from victimization.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us and grant of wisdom as to unite with the wise. Amen.
Friday, January 8, 2010
A Servant of God
Read: John 14: 1-21
I am a member of the body of Christ. Some people are honorable members of the Church. I am so honored to be a member that I prefer to describe my participation in the life of the faith community as one humble member. You will not find my name listed or my person being noted as honorable. In fact, you will not find humble as the description for me either. I am laughing out loud thinking about it. If you ever search me out among the people of God, I will be described as pastor.
Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. What a wonderful name. Jesus. I appreciate the name of Jesus, however, the power of the name for me is in the life of Jesus. In the private revelation of Jesus in the Gospel of John 13-17, we read of the inclusion of believers in the life of Jesus. By faith Jesus lives in believers. Faith in Jesus is so powerful that it assures eternal life and paves the way to knowing God. Jesus did not promise that would understand God. The fulfilled promise of Jesus is that through Him people of faith will come to know God and be known by God. To know Jesus is to love Jesus. Loving Jesus is loving the children of God. I am extremely humbled to know that God so loved the world, including me, that He gave us Jesus, so that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but enjoy everlasting life. Oh, how I love Jesus! Do you?
Inez Small was born on February 2, 1917 in Andrew, South Carolina. I recall playing basketball in 1971 and 1972 in that little rural area of South Carolina. My Mother provided social work in the area, when we lived in Kings tree, SC. It was known for having beautiful girls, and Inez had to be one of them. I met her on the first Sunday in December of 2003. Her youth had been removed, but her beauty was captured within her smiled until her death on January 2, 2010. After high school and a youthful wedding, she said hello to life in New York City.
She joined Metropolitan Community United Methodist Church in Harlem in the early fifties. Her faithfulness to the body of Christ - the Church has been noted as exemplary. Because of the love of Jesus Christ, she reached for Christian perfection through Christian service. We do not have a "hall of fame" in our local church. Should we ever design one, Inez would be among those described as honorable. Since we do not have a hall of fame, you may sincerely write on the memory wall of your heart: Inez Small lived and died as "A Servant of God."
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, because of your everlasting love, believers are granted eternal life. Savior, we thank you. Amen.
I am a member of the body of Christ. Some people are honorable members of the Church. I am so honored to be a member that I prefer to describe my participation in the life of the faith community as one humble member. You will not find my name listed or my person being noted as honorable. In fact, you will not find humble as the description for me either. I am laughing out loud thinking about it. If you ever search me out among the people of God, I will be described as pastor.
Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. What a wonderful name. Jesus. I appreciate the name of Jesus, however, the power of the name for me is in the life of Jesus. In the private revelation of Jesus in the Gospel of John 13-17, we read of the inclusion of believers in the life of Jesus. By faith Jesus lives in believers. Faith in Jesus is so powerful that it assures eternal life and paves the way to knowing God. Jesus did not promise that would understand God. The fulfilled promise of Jesus is that through Him people of faith will come to know God and be known by God. To know Jesus is to love Jesus. Loving Jesus is loving the children of God. I am extremely humbled to know that God so loved the world, including me, that He gave us Jesus, so that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but enjoy everlasting life. Oh, how I love Jesus! Do you?
Inez Small was born on February 2, 1917 in Andrew, South Carolina. I recall playing basketball in 1971 and 1972 in that little rural area of South Carolina. My Mother provided social work in the area, when we lived in Kings tree, SC. It was known for having beautiful girls, and Inez had to be one of them. I met her on the first Sunday in December of 2003. Her youth had been removed, but her beauty was captured within her smiled until her death on January 2, 2010. After high school and a youthful wedding, she said hello to life in New York City.
She joined Metropolitan Community United Methodist Church in Harlem in the early fifties. Her faithfulness to the body of Christ - the Church has been noted as exemplary. Because of the love of Jesus Christ, she reached for Christian perfection through Christian service. We do not have a "hall of fame" in our local church. Should we ever design one, Inez would be among those described as honorable. Since we do not have a hall of fame, you may sincerely write on the memory wall of your heart: Inez Small lived and died as "A Servant of God."
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, because of your everlasting love, believers are granted eternal life. Savior, we thank you. Amen.
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