Boy is everyone a critic nowadays? Maybe it’s just me, or maybe it’s social media. Expressing ourselves for many often come with a condescending tone, and any take not consistent with the norm is met with shame. Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve been privileged to watch a documentary by Tariq Nasheed, “Buck Breaking” that journeys through the sexual exploitation of Blacks in America and abroad; and the generational trauma it has left in the Black Community. Now before I get into my review, let me give praise to all those who were involved as I found this piece to be phenomenal work.
This wasn’t the first documentary I watched from Tariq. I remember vividly when I watched Hidden Colors after hearing about it from word of mouth. There was heightened spiritual activity at that time and for better or for worse, very little has changed today. I won’t make this blog long so I will make highlights on the things I appreciated the most about the film.
In High Definition: The video did it’s best to bring the concept of buck-breaking to different spheres; sexual, political, physical, economical, etc. Bringing awareness to the totality of Buck Breaking can help tackle the social oppressions peculiar to the US and abroad.
Historically Informative: As depressing and repulsive America’s past can be, there were some gems I found in this documentary that I didn’t know of myself. For the record, I won’t give any spoilers. You’d have to watch the film yourself.
Call to restoring Black Dignity: To make a country that is a melting pot work, there needs to be common values and principles. What I began to see in this documentary was a brief overview of how to repair the damage done to the Black family. Of course there are many other issues and solutions that will need to be discussed but kudos to embedding ideas within the parameters of the film.
Controlling the Narrative: There’s nothing like being told your History by those who look like you. Unfortunately, in this world, stories are slighted to favor the tribes who tell it. All to often, Blacks have been gaslighted as far as acknowledging the damage done to them an the need for justice and reparations in the community.
Distinguishing the fight for civil rights: too often Black Rights are lumped together with other groups and is chastised when Blacks try to bring their issues to the spotlight. While I believe in making alliances and doing what is best for all, Blacks are not a monolith; special attention is needed to bring justice to the Black Community as their oppression is unique in America.
I bring these points together as I believe Black Liberation, LGBTQ and women’s rights, all have their place in the Gospel narrative; and for the work of reconciliation to thrive, every problem should be taken in consideration; a long and complex assignment for Christ’s servants. It remains to be seen where certain injustices actually originated from. I look forward as God’s will unfolds, to facilitate uncovering these narratives to the glory of Jesus; not in a mere general sense that looks only to the scriptures, but experiencing its supernatural power relevant today and for ages to come.
In closing my love, this movie is an important Blockbuster for the next phase in America’s History. Yes it is controversial, and it will take level-headedness to hear the matters and distinguish facts from biased opinion. Much healing is needed for those of us who speak out of deep hurt and brokenness. There will be plenty of people casting stones Bam Bam, so don’t let that cause you to lose your resolve. And don’t worry about me. Doesn’t matter how much I’m hemmed in, the LORD will see to the cleaning of the sewage. May God break the curses of dysfunction, poverty, and injustice in our world.
If you go too fast, you’re in danger of going through the motions. Too slow and everything becomes stagnant. For most of us, we’re most vulnerable when we feel alone and exposed; our flaws are captured and observed with looks that make our skin squirm. How you fare when you feel threatened or tender depends on what you acknowledge about yourself and your surroundings. Take a deep breath…can you feel God? Can you feel me too? I know it’s hard to remember sometimes.
With an online world full of criticisms, people will put their best selves forward with the question remaining if they are being authentic. The weirdest phenomenon I’ve seen on social media is that people will look on a screen for people who are ‘real’ and ‘raw’ with them. Can you imagine how many trolls there would be if people could reach through their phone or tablet? Judging by the way the world looks now, it’s a good thing certain people don’t have super powers.
But there’s a hidden curse with those with common sense; as they say great minds think alike – and I would add – feel like too. (***Let me take a pause here***) Can you please get that booger out of your nose so I can breathe better? Thanks. I appreciate it.
Last week, some of our dear elders tackled philosophical ideas surrounding identity and the LGBTQ community. Interesting to say the least. I wish we had more people tackling subjects with impartiality, but that’s just what it is for now. I’m noticing more assumptions of certain Christian dogmas as correct (not referring to the elementary stuff here) and when we fail to critique our own stances, we may begin to present our opinions as inflexible truths rather than facts that are qualified by its context. Some things are true until it’s not and vice versa. Did you feel God? Can you feel me too? I know it’s hard to remember sometimes.
6 If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed. 1 Tim 4:6 ESV
Philosophy can wear you out man. Especially when it comes to existentialism: whose premise in my humble opinion is scrabbled semantics in a misguided attempt to provide a system to be authentic. Not going to explain my thoughts on that matter for now because the primary focus is to give further arguments in redeeming and correcting the alphabet community. There are certainly bugs within the existentialist framework; whether we are pulling notes from Jean-Paul Sartre, Maurice Merleau-Ponty, or George Serban, it’s clear that we can’t conflate identity with authenticity, and that any attempt to do so will muddy the waters between hypocrisy and delusion. Hold your horses Lexi! Let me explain that here:
Lexi: Why do you feel you need to explain yourself?
Me: I don’t need to explain myself, unless I’m seeking to express and justify my true nature.
Tee in The Hay
Ti-Grace Atkinson
I know I’m not alone in such sentiments, as is the case for any person whose eccentric, radical or a maverick. Explaining is a premeasure to protect oneself in society and the weaponry to stand up for others. This is certainly the case with Ti-Grace Atkinson; a gay woman who contributed to the system of radical feminism. Quite frankly, there is much for me to learn about the different sub-sets about feminism, except this class is off-putting considering the animosity towards men – Black men – in particular. There should be no surprise that the recent gender wars are rising from repeated instances of dehumanizing the other.
The feminist dilemma is that it is as women — or “females” — that women are persecuted, just as it was as slaves — or “blacks” — that slaves were persecuted in America: in order to improve their condition, those individuals who are today defined as women must eradicate their own definition. Women must, in a sense, commit suicide, and the journey from womanhood to a society of individuals is hazardous.
Ti-Grace atkinson, “Radical Feminism”
POP QUIZ:
Name five actors in the coming fast and furious movie.
Lee Sang-Guen directed a movie in 2019 about a rock climber who would later become a hero. Another movie developed by Living Waters Production shares it’s name telling a story about suicide. What’s the name of the movie?
Name three ways one can pay off debt? What is debt forgiveness? What are the pros & cons of forgiving debt?
Finish the lyrics: I’ll give you attention all night, all day…
Butter UP the Quilt
As humans, the more proud we are, the more we are willing to expose our rawness. When shame, threats, or courtesy arises, we look for places to hide. Society oppresses our ‘freedoms’ with consequences should we act in a way contrary with its laws. Such oppressions aren’t bad when the law is just, but let it be misguided or sinister then man!!! It’s horrible how difficult it is for women to get appropriate health care; to get maternity leave without worrying if their livelihood will be lost, striving for equality with men when now they have another existential threat; the transgender woman.
…it’s clear that we can’t conflate identity with authenticity, and that any attempt to do so will muddy the waters between hypocrisy and delusion.
– The Prototype, “How They Quitted the Author”
Off in the Town
If we can see how acting upon every impulse may not be good, we can indulge in the more introspective, innate part of us. At what point should we suppress our desires? When should we let ourselves go and be “free”? As long as we can recognize that our identity is in some respects shared, we can build genuine relationships. Again, I know what it feels like to be trapped in a fragile body. I’m sure many people do. To do what I think is best for myself, I must adhere to a code; an ethics I develop personally but is also consistent with logic, nature, and the society I live in. In my personal opinion, making such decisions help me to move in a way most harmonious with the world, although I don’t need to agree with everything the world says. Some discord is good. Just ask Bartok.
Can’t lie to ya/
I didn’t zip my fly when I walked in the wider room/
I just threw my pants on, but I’m no panderer/
Panner, pinner, penner, panda/
See you can check my stamina/
Got no weight except this pound of cake/
Please excuse my grammar. Sorry Irma/
Didn’t know how things would pale/
Is it gay or happy? Is it BI or farewell?/
Gotta ID to market but my good nature won’t cell/
Now they tempt me to whore mong’ them cus they say sex sales/
Nah I’m good, I already made my choice/
No matter how many obstacles there are/
I’m gonna stay on course/
Let me be cool with these letters, I don’t have to use force/
The genuine knows when they’ve strayed from the source/
I’ll come at this topic from one last angle and then we’ll move on. To all those within the LGBTQ community, you are loved. If you believe in God, try to discern how God wants you to follow Him/Her.
Questions to Consider
Does identity equate to authenticity? When do you KNOW you’re being authentic? Is being your true-self consistent with your identity?
For Christians:
How can we better relate to the LGBTQ community?
In what ways can we tackle to issues of racism, sexism, and other schisms in our community holistically?
Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.
It should go without question the true intent of this letter – unless – somehow we lost our connection along the way. Never once did I imagine a smooth ride in this crisis, and my wish is that you’ll stick around despite the delay. I know the turbulence is frightening; shots firing at every direction – it seems nothing is going right. They’re passing the needle around like it’s a miracle but there’s breakthrough cases. I know surprising right? And now they’re trying to suppress voter’s rights while killing the Black Man. Some Trinitarian strategy I’m sure of. I’m writing this letter to remind you of your options. No matter how many avenues seem to be blocked off, there’s another way. You know the old cliche. Remember what I taught you about false dichotomies. We have the power to shape our future.
15 So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter.
2 Thess 2:15 ESV
If you talked to me in my earlier years, you would’ve found me aloof to political matters. I never looked at government then as an answer to our struggles and in a way I still see clamoring for political power as futile, except now I see how God intends to bring His kingdom on earth. In the midst of the nations, God will draw people’s hearts to Him whether in reverence or in terror. Through the small acts in participating in our election process, we either speed or slow down Jesus’ eminent return.
This post is not intended as an attack on either party, but to show the validity of mail and absentee ballots, and the need for upgraded voter systems that are secure. In the last couple of election cycles, I had the privilege of doing mail-in ballots due to the pandemic in which I prefer over voting at the booth. Reason being is that I can’t keep track of who’s running for office throughout the year (it’s not like politicians come knocking at my door) and it gives me time to do research on the person to see what their stances are on certain issues. Seeing whose running ahead of time helps me avoid being influenced by propaganda. So we know how problematic it becomes when we either want to ban mail or absentee ballots or require that people have a voter’s ID. While it may look like it’s merely trying to keep legitimate votes on the surface, there is reasonable concern that these additional measures are attempts to discriminate against certain voters.
If it feels like I’m aloof over the internet, I’m really not. However I am reserved and will open up to people I feel at home with. Except let me tell you sumthn, America’s breath STANK! No really! Like the US has THEE DRAGON BREATH; funky and hot like it burns in Hell ten times over; trying to make friends but nobody wants to get close because of fear of death. The US wanna tell you they about justice and equity BUT YOU KEEP KILLING OUR BLACK MEN AND WOMEN!!!
Listen US, I don’t know about you sometimes. Here godly men are trying to usher in the kingdom of Heaven and another Black Man is killed. God’s kingdom can arrive any moment now and “poof”, another one of my brothers are gone? NOW WAIT A DAG GUM MINUTE WRIGLEY!!! Somebody fetch me some Orange Crush Soda Pop because I don’t know what type of sorceries ya’ll on… it’s certainly inflammatory. Ya’ll better get yourselves together here; like advocate for community policing, or get rid of the academy that protects bad cops, because injustice can only go unpunished for so long. Deceive yourselves if you wonna.
Lord I pray that you will bring more people in the truth with faithfulness. May they not be distracted or turned aside by delusion. – Amen
I want all of those who believe in the Messiah and Divine Love to stretch their faith to be conduits of Resurrection power; whether you are Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Zoroastrian, etc. We are living in Dark times – Death, but on the other side there is newness of Life.
Again love,
I know I’ve been late on arrival and we’ve yet to break bread together. Please regard such postponements as not my true intentions. If there was no fear, hate, or injustice in this realm, things would be smooth sailing – but alas! – here we are. You know my heart and how I wish to quicken the Day so we can finally be one. I say this before God, I do not lie. What a miracle it must be to experience the Divine in all its glory! Surely it won’t be long. It can’t be long. The earth groans with the rest of creation. Doesn’t your stomach churn too? I’d talk to you more, but I have some more preliminary work to do. You know I will love you always.
Until next time,
Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word.
Confidential: It’s eight o’ clock. Where are we in the construction of the chambers?
-.-. — .-.. ..- — -… .-: There has been a clearing of the foundation so that there can be a restoration of the basement. You must be patient as irrigation is needed to clear out toxicity.
Confidential: Understood. I assume James and Rod are still recruiting the others.
-.-. — .-.. ..- — -… .-: Yes, although James has had trouble getting people to commit to the cause. That last betrayal and ambush really wounded him.
Confidential: So we heard…at least he’s reconnected with his core team again. There maybe hope that God may end the cycle once and for all.
-.-. — .-.. ..- — -… .-: I would certainly hope so. Come LORD Jesus. Make haste to your people.
The Cure – Nas
Many aeons ago, there was a group of teachers that imparted esoteric knowledge. Because of their secretive and often Xtra-Biblical nature, they were shunned by the Church. They’re known as the Gnostics; name coming from the Greek word Gnosis meaning having knowledge. The Gnostics took learning very personal and allegedly were critical thinkers often challenging the Orthodoxy of the Day. For any outsider, they would agree that Gnostics were merely rebels and false teachers unless:
They understood the promise given to the church of Pergamum.
17 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the HIDDEN MANNA, and I will give him a white stone, with a NEW NAME written on the stone that no one knows EXCEPT the one who receives it. Rev 2:17 Emphasis added
Teaching esoteric and wait for it…
wait for it… . . . . . . . . . . wait for it… . . . exoteric knowledge was a part of Discipleship.
25 It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If they had called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household. 26 So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. 27 What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. Matt 10: 25-27 ESV
Now as ambassadors of Christ, let’s redeem some aspects of their teachings and throw away the others. For it will be useful in the future. Gnostics believed that the material world is inherently evil due to its flawed nature. (An objective truth if you do not subscribe to the Monist philosophy). Where it gets fuzzy is that they believed the material world is unredeemable and NOT created by the true God. It came from a lesser deity called the demiurge. The problem of this teaching is that it allows for complete denial of Jesus Christ. It is one thing to deny Jesus by name, it is more dangerous to deny him in essence.
Erica: Could we change the pronouns from him to her?
Me: Yes. It’s implied through the text.
Pamela: What if we’re non-binary? Can we use other pronouns?
Me: The text uses inclusive language ‘all’ so that would permit other pronouns.
Now we have been able to redeem LBGT & Gnosticism. For what purpose though?
It gives stronger premises to redeem the New Age Movement.
It provides systems of knowledge to recover lost narratives.
My hope after we deal with the LGBT community is further talk about what true perfection looks like in Christ, and uncover mysterious teachings in love. I am eager to do the latter in the context of music as I want to share all the things I learned from my mentors when I left music behind. When I get to my safe place, I’ll really start recording music again. I’m so excited! Lord please keep me alive until my work is done! Let my life be an inspiration to many to be their true selves in Christ. Let me free recording artists to not worry about having fans or making hits unless it is about tearing down the Kingdom of Evil. In your matchless name, Amen.
CONFIDENTIAL: I see you passed one of the gates. Good job. You’ll need to get stronger if you are going to continue to safely merge dimensions. We’ll see you on the other side….
Passage To Dissect
Look at the following passage:
2 Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you.
Deuteronomy 4:2 King james version
What rules can you perceive goes with Exegeting passages from the text? What rules should follow when it comes to adding to a text?
What secrets or hidden implications can you find in the passage? What does that tell you about HIDDEN MANNA?
Boo! Did you jerk back? Nah? You from the Wild Wild West? Oh ok…you self-made I feel ya. Free…not everybody have the luxury of avoiding traffic jams; to be cooped up in the hot sun with no AC in your hoopdie; thinking about your next vacation on some remote island hula-hooping to the tunes of an Ukeke. Yeah I’m being sensitive here. It’s a learned habit from rejecting the norms of insensitivities and growing til’ there are no more mental or emotional impairments. I slid back from that journey though, and now I’m regaining ground with many others. For many who are empaths and healers, here’s to becoming whole again; here’s to a love in whose bond can never be broken.
Somewhere, sometime over the rainbow; in the days where beliefs in gods were fashionable, extreme rituals were performed. Temple prostitution and sacred sex rites were common in these days which may have set the atmosphere for other lascivious practices. However, our focus is not on trying to bring sexy back, rather we’re focusing on a special group called the Galli. Eventually you’ll understand why.
The Galli or Gallus in singular were eunuch priests said to come from the deity Cybele or Agdistis known at the time as the Great Mother of the Gods. You can say the Galli were a peculiar bunch – often dressed in bright female garbs with long hair and with sweet perfume. They wore makeup and typically bleached their hair, wandering about taking donations for divination. What makes them odd for Western culture was more of their ecstatic religious rituals; one of them involved castrating themselves.
While others play the flute and they get into a trance, the young priest gets naked, screams and runs to the middle of the circle of priests, where he grabs a sword and castrates himself immediately. Then he throws them through a random window and out of that house he shall receive his clothing and jewelry.
Lucian, De Dea Syria 51
As obnoxious as it may sound, we shouldn’t be surprised if intense practices like this abounded. Of course, the notion of these events not happening are plausible too, as self-mutilation of this sort could lead to death by bleeding. What we want to consider is the amount of ludicrous actions that takes place within charismatic circles. It doesn’t take long before we find some records of absurdity taking place within the church. After reviewing certain instances one must ask, “What is the spirit behind such ‘erratic behavior’? Just how ‘wrong’ is it? Is there a point of view that makes these occurrences redeemable? In regards to the Galli, a gospel reading comes into play.
Some are born as eunuchs, some have been made eunuchs by others, and some choose not to marry for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven. Let anyone accept this who can. Matt 19:12 NLT
Now because of the practices of the Galli, some scholars suggest that these priests were some of the earliest forms of transgender women. In fact, Firmicus Maternus said in his treatise, “De errore profanarum religionum” that they asserted they were not men. Apparently they wanted to pass off as women as a homage to Caelestis the goddess. What isn’t widely known is the dynamic of public acceptance of such practices verses its persecution especially with the rise of Christianity. The significance of this is two-fold:
If there was much persecution of transgenders, there may also have been lost stories as well. This is similar to the traditions AA have lost due to slavery.
To recognize the cycles of persecution between the sexually deviant, the sexual ostrich, the leper, the eunuch, and the pious.
I said once before and I will say again that there was a certain time in the Black Community where being effeminate was scorned arousing violence. Here we are in 2021 and cishet Black Men are considered the worst and the weakest link. Karma has a way of paying back doesn’t it? Let me take the moment here to apologize on the behalf of Straight Black Men for the cruelty we have done in our community in the past.
Maverick: When is it ever going to end?
Rodriguez: Hopefully when Jesus gets back because I’m over it!
Phillip: I feel you man. Ay James…did you do you know what?
Me: Yeah bro…I called her. It was awkward, but I had to do it.
Montara – Bobby Hutcherson
The purpose of this post was to lead into a new series touching on the LGBTQ community and how should Christians regard them in the light of the gospel. You can expect me to posit my view from many different angles; Historical, Cultural, Science, Philosophy, and Religious. Biblically speaking, you’ll hear me give an accurate Biblical view pulling from texts and explaining them from what they ACTUALLY say versus how you WON’T it to say. I don’t care WON’T you think it says, this is how it reads and we look it things objectively to discover it’s implications. Now here’s the caveat: I am not transgender, bisexual, gay, or any of the aforementioned. Nevertheless, through the context of marriage, BI am a straight man. And as one whose learning more and more to accept and love all that I am, you’ll hear me empathize with those struggling with these issues. But I’m not gonna lie, I’m going to wed BOTH fundamentalist and progressive ideas together as any true ambassador of Christ would.
I am Her – Shea Diamond
Just giving you the heads up so that we know I will be bringing convictions without condemnation and encouragement with warning. Hell is real. I would know, because I been there. And what I don’t wanna see happening is people getting caught off guard because of presumptuous assessment of themselves. Like what the HELL are you talking about?! Beware of speaking your truth. Because a half-truth is still a whole ________. I’m probably already hated for saying this stuff but who cares. I’ve been cancelled. But at least I will die knowing that I didn’t delude myself. Until next time my beautiful people, I love you.
One day I told someone special how adverse I was to taking pictures. I always felt it was unnatural and if it was candid, let it be done with consent. Being reflective as I am, I try to test my own beliefs to see the merits of it. There was a point of time where I had a healthy dose of self-hatred seeing the future of all things WAAAY ahead of time. Somewhere down the road though, I became foolish and unbalanced; what should’ve merely been a cocoon became a donjon of endless rejections. I’m getting better though. We’re getting better. Keep on praying for my family as I pray for yours.
Remember when Phat Farm and Baby Phat was hot fashion? I just recently found out why these brands died down. It’s sad when certain language becomes dated because the fashion is no longer in style. Like girl, you ‘thicc’ and I like that Phat; that Baby Phat. I don’t know what’s more tragic, realizing you’re getting old, learning about the vice that surrounded Phat Farm or being ignorant of it’s phantom twin being virtuous. Sorry guys, I’m still recovering from being fed partial truths for a good portion of my life. So bear with me here. I’m not trying to be irresponsible with my words. I’m doing my best to convey invisible realities. Shout out to Russell Simmons for setting the standard that you can be more than a recording artist.
Blue Ice
Today’s Gospel reading comes from Revelation 21:
6 And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. 7 The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son. 8 But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death. Rev 21:6-8 ESV
Now I typically don’t like teaching from Revelation because I believe if you were misreading the Old Testament and the Gospels, you have a very funky view of this book. In other words, if you took for granted small details in earlier passages, more than likely you’re overlooking nuggets in the Book. Never mind getting into details within the Creation Story and other stuff; the point I’m making is that there is a particular nuance here: for now we’ll focus on the word ‘sorcerers’.
In the Greek, the word is pharmakeus, which may play a role in where were get the word Pharmacy. The idea is that potions were magical remedies that brought about healing. It would be incorrect then to use this word as an indictment against pharmaceuticals much in the same way that saying affirmations are casting spells. After all, Jesus did say he would cause those who believe to drink from the spring of the water of life…
Evie: You just had to go there didn’t you?
Me: **shrugs shoulders**
7 Illegal Drugs that Can Be Used AS Medicine
Now I’m not here to pull your strings and somehow delude you to become an addict. As many doctors have found positive uses for what is typically known as recreational drugs, I reveal them to you. My advice is to be cautious when using any substance whether prescribed or not. Neither the judgment of you or doctors are infallible. So as Paul would say, “All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. With that in mind, let’s move forward.
Cocaine – Did you know that this drug has been used as a topical anaesthetic in South America because of its numbing properties? These effects are known to also alleviate headaches. How sway! Doctors are discovering its advantages to treat irritable bowel disease and other problems with the gut. I wonder when did people decide that putting Coke in Coca-Cola was a problem?
Heroin – Is commonly used as pain management in hospitals. Avoid using pain killers as a way to relieve pain as it is highly addictive.
Magic Shrooms – Another remedy against headaches, obsessive compulsive disorder, and can even remedy depression and anxiety. But being honest here, people turn to shrooms for their psychedelic properties.
Ketamine – also known as ‘Special K’. No, no, no not the cereal here. Ketamine is found to be helpful in tranquilizing horses. There have been studies to suggest ketamine can also cure depression.
MDMA – Otherwise known as ecstacy, E, or X. Studies show it has the potential to treat PTSD. Don’t use it as some caffeine stimulant though.
LSD – Weird fact! In Norway, LSD is known as a possible treatment for alcoholism. I’m not exactly sure if it truly makes them clean, or give them side effects considering their hallucinogenic nature.
Cannabis – Long known as pain relief for chronic illnesses, it has been proven to relieve PTSD, nausea, and some cases of glaucoma and Crohn’s disease.
The Beastly Cures
Not to put some lofty – I told you drugs aren’t that bad – in your face. In a society where black and white thinking abounds, there is more room for the virtue of moderation to take center stage when forming an opinion. A mature person will weight the pros and cons of any issue, Biblical or not. Again, this isn’t to say that all things are redeemable. There are certain things that should be avoided at all costs. Nevertheless, all things can be reconciled to Christ and is the job of true ambassadors to facilitate His work.
Between ten and twenty/
I was a silly rabbit/
Stuck in a compound/
Between proteins & fatty acids/
I begged for magic/
You should’ve seen my top hat/
Sleight of hands hating/
The pitiful poor cat/
Eyes peeled to her smile/
Got them screamn’ loud/
Searching her head like I brows/
Free from corruption/
As I sit in this luncheon/
Our love’s sky-rocketing/
Throughout every function/
F3, F3, was that the right key?/
It can’t be fantastic without the Trinity/
You got 33 seconds to fulfill your ministry/
So eat and have faith/
Here comes the end of History/
Natural High – Blood Stone
The shortcomings of man should not persuade anyone to lose hope in the Final Consummation. It’s unfortunate of what we’re hearing in marriages; Derrick Jaxson and Chris and Paige comes to mind. For those who are married, now is the time to look to Jesus to make every crooked place straight & rough place plain. He will lead us into all truth in His righteousness. So therefore in honor of the National Drug and Alcohol Awareness week, I say to you love Christ until you reach your natural high.
Until next time,
For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.
Never mind that you a kid/ Think it’s a joke til’ you get rigged/ What track you think it’s racist/ When they lock you into cages/ And for good reason/ Yes n*** it’s the season for snitchn’/ We can’t keep covering bad nature/ The bad eggs we not hitching/ We calling cops no faking/ Call cap but we in for the taking/ Not today Satan/ Daddy’s coming home with the bacon/ Chicken pot pie/ Chicken pot pi/ All that ganga bop bap/ You can kiss bye-bye/ We sick n’ tired of the drive bys/ Little children’ taking kids lives/ You gonna have to answer to the hive/ And there better not be any false allerbis/
REfrain
Cuz we after the grand auto return/ Giving back to the one’s who were burned/ You gonna learn how to work for your earn/
During the days of dancing between angels and demons; waffling through the genius of light and darkness, comes another shuffled cue from the archives. The days of sitting at the dock is over. If you were thinking you can catch a part of the wave now, that ship has unfortunately sailed. But don’t worry, there’s likely another buzz going on that people will let fly. Don’t let noncrucial matters keep you from living your best life.
The Evil Residence
Last time I wrote about abortion, I brought up additional perspectives that justifies abortion in its proper context. While not condoning irresponsible or cruel behaviors, we took note that:
God causes miscarriages
There is plausibility one can have spiritual children at no cost
If children are the greatest in the Kingdom, it is Logical to infer that fetuses in faith can bear the cross while in the womb.
If we would abort lusts and other carnality to not give birth to sin, it is appropriate to see abortion of unwanted pregnancies as Biblical.
Finding such unconventional assertions as dubious is understandable. My only hope is that final judgements on the matter are reserved until all pertinent evidence is revealed; whether through investigation or in Providence.
The gospel reading I want to use to build my final case on abortion is below:
In The Water – Cory Henry
24 Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.
Jn 12:24 ESV
In cooperation with those who examine text in its context, we’ll affirm that this passage foreshadows the way Jesus would be crucified. Additionally, this verse would speak to following Christ as a living sacrifice…Let’s read the next verse:
25 Whoever loves HIS life loses IT, and whoever hates HIS life in this world will keep IT for eternal life. Jn 12:25 ESV *Emphasis Added*
SIDEBAR: I try my best to makes things as clear as possible, and give people information in a way so that they can go about their lives making the best decisions. When it comes to Christianity, there seems to be this ongoing notion that people are adding or twisting the text to fit their own agenda. While I don’t deny the notion that this may be true in some cases, there needs to be an equal amount of consideration given to those who may not comprehend well, weakening the potency of words and failing to apply the Spirit of God’s Word fully.
CASE IN PONT: Considering the fact that God sent His own Son to die, how can we apply following God’s example personally, relatively, and collectively? I used the word relatively as an intentional pleonasm, knowing that the full definition of words are not commonly understood. Would a correct assessment of the Scripture involve a Lieutenant sending a fellow soldier on a kamikaze mission? A company releasing a beta project for testing marketing demand? Why wouldn’t this include the relationship between a parent and a fetus?
Somebody needs to soak their toes in the tub for an hour because they’re funky. No really, these questions are asked to probe insight around the text and to fill in applications that are normally overlooked. Otherwise, we’re in danger of speaking in a feedback loop or engaging in unhealthy group-think. It’s not flattering to be rounded up as chickens in the coup.
Pop Quiz
Who is responsible for creating the earliest form of chicken incubators and around what time were they created? In the business world, what are incubators?
What is a cooperative? Name four types of cooperatives? How can you build one within your own community?
Disunity is prevalent is society and unfortunately more so within the Black Community. What ways can we restore harmony without destroying individuality?
So far that was 10 questions. Only eleven more to go….just kidding. Be inquisitive my little kittens. Just remember the old cliche and don’t eat that pizza Garfield.
However, those who have been completely sanctified by the Spirit of Christ will experience Agape love in every place and at all times. Because true love is transcendental, a person who achieves this state will find themselves in Paradise.
22 And thou shalt be loved by all for the glory of God: but the one who falls short of completion shall suffer tribulations. 2 Matt 10:22 TPV (The Prototypical Version)
Herein is a hint for the justification of abortion. For any loving parent would want the best for their child and their partner. Whatever is birthed through the spirit will lead to Eternal Bliss while those who give birth to children in the flesh may experience troubles. May God cause all who are parents to find all their children to be a blessing.
Cruel Unctions
There is a double-edged sword when it comes to finding solutions to climate change. Because some are convinced that humans play an integral role in the current shift, measures have been taken to curb human output through population control. Perhaps controlling the populations makes sense with the ever-increasing rise of water scarcity. It’s threat challenges the future of the human race. On the other side of the ring are people who want to control the population for the manipulation of people to preserve a heirarchy of classism. Guard against those who wish to destory in the guise of nurturing and those who hide their intentions to oppress through the flattery of words. I hope you are wise enough to discern the nuances now.
The Social Mirrors
If you want to experience agape love quickly, social media maybe an obstacle for you. Remember as long as your heart is not converted, the world and the people in it will lack the character to love you well. Guard your ways be learning to love unconditionally – even if that means isolating to love and enjoy your own company – and you will do well.
Pop Quiz
This water bottling company can be found in megastores like Walmart and Safeway and is named after a waterfall. What is the name of the company?
What is the double-slit experiment and what is it’s significance in quantum physics?
In Economics, there is a study on game theory. What is simultaneous and sequential game theory? How can it be applied to Spirituality and Epistemics? Under what context should zero-sum games be adopted?
Of Wombed Sacrifice
Cruising right along here. Are we bored yet? I’ll admit, I have a lot to work on in regards to my pen game. Great communication isn’t my strongest trait. I wonder if that makes me an anomaly.
*Looks to see if he can fly this cycle somewhere*.
Any hints Steve?
Well the last reason abortion can be justified is in pious sacrifice to God. To recap, there are irresponsible and immoral reasons to abort a child. The point that is being made here is that there are scenarios where such practices are acceptable, i.e rape, death of mother or child, abandonment etc. To confirm this, let’s look at a well known scripture:
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Rm 12:1 ESV
Compare with an earlier passage:
12 So then brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. Rm 8:12-13
Being basic is giving low vibrations/ I’d rather drive a hoop-dee/ than pay for a car note/ That’s education for ya/ I’m not toying with ya/ If you wanna stack paper you’re gonna need to change/ ya nature/ You don’t have to be a student before you become the teacher/ When you look beyond the surface/ You’ll see the special features/ Like Mister, Where did these footprints come from?/ Look like Bruce Wayne but Shorter/ Brother must be from another kingdom/ You know why I hate chitterlings?/ They’re pig intestines/ Somewhere down the line someone thought this makes a healthy helping/ Like ok! Who would ever go for seconds?/ And that concludes my 21 questions/
Kill the Director – The Wombats
I know some of us would rather stay young, but who would really want to go back to Middle School? There were too many restrictions at that time. And if you think that is bad, just think about how it would be returning to become a fetus! If you’re in Christ, you perceive everything before you’re brought into the world. Otherwise, you’re ignorant and dependent on the care of your mother. Yeah, I said mother. If an unborn child cannot bear the cross through Christ, then the only other option that is justifiable is the parent crucifying the child by agency of the Spirit.
Not the most palatable food, I know. I don’t do simple chit-cats. And I don’t wish to put stumbling blocks before anyone’s path. I just get upset when people are being condemned for something that is Biblical all because others overlook small details. Well anyways, did we really write this thing together? I wonder how many thoughts were exchanged without speaking to one another. So about that flick…we making this movie or nah?
And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
Count: What’s the point of gain? Should a man add centuries of problems to his cause? Should he detract from his genius in pursuit of wealth? I cannot muster the thought being mastered by chimes dinging throughout the day. Such a man can never sleep.
Countess: Unless he takes upon himself a definitive partner; one who will push him to infinite limits while keeping him fed. Such a man found favor with his wife; and he pangs in anticipation as he watches over the city.
I promise you there’s no foul play here. There’s only lofty fancies transmitted to hard copies. These things drive me like offensive line backs off the shotgun formation. I’m ready to stand firm and go long. No my lady. You don’t have to look pretty. You already got me. This gospel reading is for all of us who has boogers in their nose.
10 And you are indeed showing this love to all the bothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to excel more and more; and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your own hands, as we instructed you. 12 so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one. 1 Thess 4:10-12
the love train
You ever pulled up on someone while they were digging in their nose? Like they’re mining for gold; got their whole face wiggling like they gettn’ jiggy with it? Like if they didn’t get this booger out they might die of suffocation? What do you do? Do you ignore and pretend you didn’t see it or look at em’ in the face and be like, “Eww, that’s gross!” Hopefully, your response is predicated on how you love, the type of relationship you have, and your analysis on what type of love is needed.
7 Ways to Perfect Love for the Brothers
Pray – it helps to intercede on their behalf so that good may come to them. If you truly desire what’s good for their soul, spirituality will factor into your actions.
Get to know them: find out their hobbies, their interests. Get to know their ambitions and help them solve any problems if you can.
Be affectionate – whether through empathy or tenderness, let your feelings be ‘healthy’ towards them.
THINGS TO DISCUSS: How can you develop healthy feelings for someone? Where should you let your guards down? Where should you set up boundaries?
Touch – whether through high fives, a tap on the shoulder, or a warm embrace. We are sentient beings and a soothing touch can show that one is loved.
Get to know their family – if you would call someone a brother or a sister, you should get acquainted with their family at some point.
Get them a gift – people appreciate gifts as it shows them you care for them. Just don’t think friendships can be bought.
Go out together – this could be to a party, another country, or doing community service. Bonds are strengthened as you do work together.
A Quiet pyre
One of the main reasons why I cling to Christian thought are the presence of paradoxes; two opposing statements that gives an underlying truth. There was a time where I thought it made no logical sense to hold two opposing opinions until nature humbled me.
TRUE STORY: I was working downtown in Chicago outside when it was staring to rain. Because my day of work wouldn’t be over until that evening, I needed to find some shade. It thundered and began to pour hard – and lo and behold – I looked across the street and it was sunny with no clouds. Literally I was being rained on and all I had to do was cross the street to be dry. Have you ever had this experience before?
In the 11th verse in our devotional, we’re encouraged to live a quiet life. In two other verses, there is an insinuating of living a loud and passionate life.
8 And now the word of the Lord is ringing out from you to people everywhere, even beyond Macedonia and Archaia… 1 Thess 1:8
19 Do not stifle the Holy Spirit 1 Thess 5:19
The way I’ve learned to reconcile this is two-fold. For one, there is no thought or whisper not heard form God and those in the faith. Number two, there is a time and place for open preaching, and quiet work. There needs to be balance between the two.
Leave the Door Open – Silk Sonic
Close the Door – Teddy Pendergrass
Mind your business
No really…unless your work involved overseeing the affairs of others, you have no place prying into people’s lives, spreading gossip or slander. Do you have a business or are you merely working for another? This isn’t to look down on those who are working for others, rather this is to provide alternatives to those who may be looking for work outside of their job. It’s counterintuitive to pursue a career as an intrapreneur or be the president of a company acting as an employee.
It’s counterintuitive to pursue a career as an intrapreneur or be the president of a company acting as an employee.
the prototype
Things to Ponder
If you wanted ot start a business, what would it be?
How would you maintain & grow your business?
What partnerships or sponsors would you look for assistance?
My personal touch
Feels nice to have an assistant helping you complete tasks.
Count: You know I cannot have my servants slave for me dear. Have them be paid their worth. Countess: Yes my love. I will look into payroll and make adjustments accordingly.
If we ever worked for others, more than likely you were at a job where you worked long hours for little pay. It’s tempting once you have your enterprise to set up structures under you so that people must work hard to work with you. And no, simply saying that’s how the world is isn’t gonna cut it. Either we learn to pay people fair wages or we lighten the load through their removing or sharing tasks. Nobody’s mousn’ around here.
Have you ever thought you could drag and drop things in your house with a computer hand? Or is it just me? Like while you’re cleaning the bathroom and you finishing the tub & toilet at the same time with your digital hands going ,” Zoo Be Doo Wap!” *In my Louis Armstrong voice* BOOM and then it’s DONE… Let me prophesy to the mothers who are burned out from maintaining the house. Your hands may have been weary in work but I’m going to extend your hands. My work shall be great amongst you as my eye works in your heart. You shall perform wonders in the home with ease with time and energy to spare says the LORD.
May Christ be born into our lives to do the impossible. Amen
The promise of self-sufficiency
When humanitarian cooperatives are preferred over spiritual community, we may find our values, goals, or boundaries clashing. We can lose a sense of freedom as outcomes are not only determined by circumstances, but other people. In Christ, our future in entirely dependent on Providence, and God only wants the best for us. All He asks us to do is serve Him and make his name great. If we are sound in Christ, we can do all things without the assistance of another. Nevertheless, Christian community cooperates as one body in the Earth.
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT: If you CAN do all things through Christ, what spiritual or natural gifting do you feel can be awakened? How can you partner with Christ so that every good and hidden thing in you becomes perfected?
That wasn’t the question
We could be talking about the birds and the bees but here we are; reading these words…I can only hope you’re really digesting this language so that our lives may mushroom to something grand. This adrenaline is natural man. And I’m not trying to steal anyone’s thunder. You should know me by now. Stay in sync and the flow will come automatically. Continue to pursue justice, and Christ will come in a heartbeat..will come in a heartbeat…come in a heartbeat….in a heartbeat…..a heartbeat……heartbeat.
And James was relieved to know that he was still alive.
Count: God, I am forever in debt to the mercy extended to me. It is new every morning. You turned my sorrows into joy, and when I was just a worm, you caused me to fly with many sparrows. Thank you for keeping my life on track and preserving my mind from being quacked. You know how prone I am to wonder. Today I’m not six-feet under.
Countess: So make us stand taller in grace; even as we stand upon shoulders of giants who came before us. We praise you becase although many families are broken, the spirits of our ancestors are ever with us. Thank you for pouring your love abundantly in our heart. Let this same love bring restoration in the world around us. Ameen.
Which type of reality you prefer: Virtual, Digital, Augmented, or Spiritual? Why not have it all in Christ…
Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your entire spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our LORD Jesus Christ
In a world that is increasingly being filled with nobles and the notorious; it’s becoming more important to control the narrative and preserve the histories laid down before us. One of the primary reasons African traditions and their legacies are lost today is because it’s preservation was primarily oral. But today through Christ, many of those traditions will be restored; the good things that existed in the past shall be redeemed, while what is vile and worthless shall be tossed away. Now although Christ comes to redeem all, everyone will not receive the message. It’s unfortunate to have to cut off people who simply don’t gel well and then get upset afterwards. Whatever you must do, keep away from falsehoods. Don’t let a lie get to your head Alice.
Leaps over walls
Today I’ll talk a little about Alice Augusta Ball; an African American chemist that came with the most effective treatment for leprosy until the 1940’s. Her innovations in using oil extract to inject into the body was way ahead of her time. In the state of Hawaii, she is the archetype being the first African American to receive a Master’s Degree at the University of Hawaii and the first to become a chemistry professor there.
Alice was born to parents James Presley and Laura Louise (Howard) Ball on July 24, 1892 in Seattle, Washington. James was a newspaper editor, photographer, and a lawyer. Her grandfather James Ball Sr., was also a photographer widely remembered for being the first African American to learn a process of printing photographs onto metals called daguerreotype. See what is done here? Common names will often go through Historical cycles. To suggest otherwise goes against common sense.
ME: Alfred am I lying? ALFRED: Nope
likes to move
Now Alice and her family moved to Honolulu as a child. They moved back to Seattle after one year. Apparently, the move was to keep Alice’s grandfather, James healthy. The cold in Seattle agitated his arthritis but he eventually died in Hawaii. Alice would return to school and obtain her bachelor’s in pharmaceutical chemistry at the Universal of Washington. Two years later, she would get a second degree in Pharmacy. After studying about Ether solutions, Alice would move back to Hawaii to get her final degree in Chemistry.
In Hawaii, Alice studied chaulmoogra oil and it’s chemical makeups. After discovering its water soluble form, ester ethyl, she was able to make historical discoveries to cure leprosy. She would later study the chemical properties of Piper methysticum which would be used to treat leprosy from 1866 – 1942. Her greatest advocate at the time was Dr. Harry T. Hollman, who being unsatisfied with the results Chaulmoogra oil provides, consulted Alice Ball for her findings in Piper methysticum. Every form of treatment with Chaulmoogra oil presented problems as it gave mixed results. It was first used as a topical directly from the tree as eastern medicine.
It was first used as a topical directly from the tree as eastern medicine.
Unfortunately, it was found too sticky for a topical and too painful as an injection. If used as an injection, blisters would be formed. If ingested, it would cause vomiting due to it’s putrid taste.
Ball’s wisdom allowed her to develop a technique that made chaulmoogra seeds palatable and absorbable by the body. She did this by isolating ethyl ester compounds from their fatty acids. She called it, “The Ball Method” but died before she was able to publish her findings. Arthur L. Dean picked up after her work and continued research, publishing his findings. He renamed the method, “The Dean Method” without giving Ball credit. Thankfully he would eventually get called out for this. The procedure remained the preferred treatment for leprosy until breakthroughs using sulfonamide drugs appeared in the 1940s.
Alice Augusta Ball died on December 31, 1916 at the age of 24. She became ill during her research and returned to Seattle for treatment a few months before her death. The true cause of her death is unknown as her original death certificate was altered stating that the cause of death is tuberculosis.
Vertical points
This story is to commend a woman who made significant impact on people who suffered from leprosy; and to show how often Black History is treated as lice; what effect of erasure and ignorance has on the psyche, as if leeches are eating away at memories. The Good News is that it doesn’t have to be this way; the spirit of Alice continues on today doesn’t it? And there are sure fire ways now to cure the toughest of diseases; His Word. And as we feast on His Truth like little maggots we’ll find greater freedom, greater knowledge, greater healing than what we are accustomed to.
ME: Isn’t that write Alfred? ALFRED: If God says so.
Did God say so? You see, certain things don’t have to be difficult. It’s simple once you learn how to commune. It’s no secret as to how eager God wants to restore His people. The question is: are we willing to reposition ourselves?
Questions to Consider:
You may not be a chemist, but you are always combining solutions with your thoughts, words, and actions. What formulas could you test to bring about healing in your life and those around you?
How self-sufficient are you? In what ways are you dependent on others?
What ways can you learn to control the narrative in your own life.
In what ways can we ‘write away injustice’? Are the correlations between ‘personal policies’ and politics?
