The old me wants to write this blog – raw, uncut, unedited, uncensored. The old me would post his picture (with a few photoshop edits), slander his name, and probably give him a real reason to "fear for his life." But the new me seeks to stray from the old ways of doing things and offer some meaningful words to an individual who seems to be directing all of his energies towards black greek-lettered organizations.
Dislike/disgust/distaste of black greek-lettered organizations is not a new phenomenon; in fact we see this relationship between those who pledged and those who stand against greek organizations painted in movies (i.e. "School Daze"), television shows (i.e. "A Different World"), and music all the time. However this is my issue: if you do not understand something, I would rather you ask questions (*whether you get an open answer is an entirely different matter) than to make up lies to further what seems to be nothing more than an example of self-loathing propaganda.
When I first got on Twitter and saw the trending topic, my initial reaction was "this must be somebody who dropped line or didn’t make it pass intake and they wanna tell the world why they’re mad." But then several friends told me that this student has been on the warpath against black greeks since his Freshmen year – but the climax to all current drama really starts with a forum discussing "Greeks vs. Gangs." Not a very new debate, I even have some non-greek friends who joke about it; however, I’m really curious to know where all the hate comes from. From my understanding, he is staunchly against hazing and he sees greek organizations as gangs because we have colors, hand signs, and calls.
First – hazing, it happens – move on. I don’t mean to sound harsh, but hazing & pledging (yes, there is a difference) are two concepts that are just simply understood – if that’s not something you are down for, it’s quite simple – don’t sign up to join. Second – like any organization/corporation/group of course we are going to have some cultural aspects. Does that make us a gang? Did you have to rob a bank to be greek? Did the big brothers/sisters make you commit some crime against their rival in order to be welcomed as one of them? Unless you belong to Dope Phi Dope (POOOLICE! OOOOOH SH*T! #lilduval, #gorillathrilla), your answer to all of those questions should have been "no."
Black greek organizations, like many black organizations/institutes were started because our founders were initially turned away from white organizations/institutes and they sought to better the conditions of people who had been wholly undermined and underrated by society. If it were not for the Prince Hall Masons/OES, there would be no black greek-lettered organizations (*both of which are based on Christian principles & the bible). If it were not for the black greek-lettered organizations there would be no individuals like: Dr. Dorothy Irene Height, Thurgood Marshall, Dr. Bernard A. Harris Jr., Dr. Benjamin E. Mayes, John Lewis, Dr. Mae Jemison and countless others. So before you seek to reach conclusions about who we are – know some facts/history.
It has been said that people fear what they don’t understand; hate what they can’t conquer. While I personally don’t care if you like greek-lettered organizations or not, I would at least hope that instead of spreading foolish stories he would offer some type of intellectual grounds for his arguments. (Sidenote: I refuse to believe that a bunch of greeks approached him in Wal-Mart and threatened him. He can tie that lie up in a bow and sell it to the Office of Greek Life, but I’m not buying it.)
That’s just my 12 cents.
Signed,
A PROUD (and financial/active) MEMBER of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Thursday, February 25, 2010
First Week of Lent
A Personal Reflection
I haven't posted anything lately, but today's post is going to be really short and straight to the point. During this Lent season I identified some of my own weaknesses that I want to face and today I read something that really jolted me so to speak and I wanted to share it with you all.
Our number one purpose in life should be to please God; everything else is secondary. One way we can please God is by using all of the abilities that he has equipped us with. God is not only pleased when do things like read the bible, go to church, or tithe - but he also gets pleasure from every other detail of our lives (except sin of course). Isaiah 45:9 (CEV) says - Israel, you have no right to argue with your Creator. You are merely a clay pot shaped by a potter.The clay doesn't ask,"Why did you make me this way? Where are the handles?" You will never bring pleasure God pretending to be who you are not or by hiding your true abilities. When we reject any part of ourselves, we are saying that we do not trust God or accept his wisdom. How many of you have been asked: "if you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?" ... I know I have, plenty of times. While the question may seem innocent, we challenge the authority and sovereignty of God when say things like "I wish I could be more like xyz" or something of that nature. So friends, let's accept ourselves and each other for who we are and start living for the pleasure of God.
:)
I haven't posted anything lately, but today's post is going to be really short and straight to the point. During this Lent season I identified some of my own weaknesses that I want to face and today I read something that really jolted me so to speak and I wanted to share it with you all.
Our number one purpose in life should be to please God; everything else is secondary. One way we can please God is by using all of the abilities that he has equipped us with. God is not only pleased when do things like read the bible, go to church, or tithe - but he also gets pleasure from every other detail of our lives (except sin of course). Isaiah 45:9 (CEV) says - Israel, you have no right to argue with your Creator. You are merely a clay pot shaped by a potter.The clay doesn't ask,"Why did you make me this way? Where are the handles?" You will never bring pleasure God pretending to be who you are not or by hiding your true abilities. When we reject any part of ourselves, we are saying that we do not trust God or accept his wisdom. How many of you have been asked: "if you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?" ... I know I have, plenty of times. While the question may seem innocent, we challenge the authority and sovereignty of God when say things like "I wish I could be more like xyz" or something of that nature. So friends, let's accept ourselves and each other for who we are and start living for the pleasure of God.
:)
Friday, February 19, 2010
He Loved Who?
From Pastor Marquis Boone
John 3:16 - For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Discover the most precious loving act ever done. God sent His Son to die for you! I know some would say "for who"? Have you ever had a conversation with someone you haven't seen in a long time and the two of you begin to talk and you tell them "you know such and such fell in love with such and such and they got married". The first thing most of the time when the person is in shock is "with who"!!!
The word love is such a loosely used word today that many have really elapsed the accurate meaning of such a powerful four letter word. Some declare it's what you do and others utter its how you act. Whatever you think love is you will never find a love like God's love. God so loved the world that he choose us to give his only begotten Son to. To be chosen is to be one who is the object of choice or of divine favor, an elect person, selected, and preferred for a certain and divine purpose.
An object is something that when viewed stirs a particular emotion, something toward which thought, feeling, or action is directed; it's a cause for attention or concern. When God looks at us it stirs His emotion of Love and compassion. That's why he forgives us and He directs His blessing down upon us.
Why? Because we are the cause for His attention and concern. God's Love is not like man's love; we didn’t have to do anything to earn it. He doesn't take it away from us when we mess up. He's not waiting on us to love Him before He loves us, and His love is unconditional. If you didn't know it already it might shock you but "For God so loved (say your name) that he gave his only begotten Son."
The Father desires to share His love with His people in good times, in bad times, during hard times, within a recession or not. Max Lucado once said: "If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it. If he had a wallet, your photo would be in it. He sends you flowers every spring and a sunrise every morning. Whenever you want to talk, he'll listen."
That's just how much love God has for you.
No matter what state this devotion finds you in weather happy or sad dwell on God's love it's everywhere. Look at the flowers outside they represents His love, the moon at night and the sun during the day represents His love. The next breath you take represents God's love. Don't walk around saying he couldn't love me after what I did last night but remember He loves you.
John 3:16 - For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Discover the most precious loving act ever done. God sent His Son to die for you! I know some would say "for who"? Have you ever had a conversation with someone you haven't seen in a long time and the two of you begin to talk and you tell them "you know such and such fell in love with such and such and they got married". The first thing most of the time when the person is in shock is "with who"!!!
The word love is such a loosely used word today that many have really elapsed the accurate meaning of such a powerful four letter word. Some declare it's what you do and others utter its how you act. Whatever you think love is you will never find a love like God's love. God so loved the world that he choose us to give his only begotten Son to. To be chosen is to be one who is the object of choice or of divine favor, an elect person, selected, and preferred for a certain and divine purpose.
An object is something that when viewed stirs a particular emotion, something toward which thought, feeling, or action is directed; it's a cause for attention or concern. When God looks at us it stirs His emotion of Love and compassion. That's why he forgives us and He directs His blessing down upon us.
Why? Because we are the cause for His attention and concern. God's Love is not like man's love; we didn’t have to do anything to earn it. He doesn't take it away from us when we mess up. He's not waiting on us to love Him before He loves us, and His love is unconditional. If you didn't know it already it might shock you but "For God so loved (say your name) that he gave his only begotten Son."
The Father desires to share His love with His people in good times, in bad times, during hard times, within a recession or not. Max Lucado once said: "If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it. If he had a wallet, your photo would be in it. He sends you flowers every spring and a sunrise every morning. Whenever you want to talk, he'll listen."
That's just how much love God has for you.
No matter what state this devotion finds you in weather happy or sad dwell on God's love it's everywhere. Look at the flowers outside they represents His love, the moon at night and the sun during the day represents His love. The next breath you take represents God's love. Don't walk around saying he couldn't love me after what I did last night but remember He loves you.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Loving God, Loving Others
From Brenda Gittens
We live in a world today where love, the unselfish loyal concern for others, is not discussed, described, nor displayed enough. But there is discussion, description, and a full display of the opposite of it.
There's war, violence, hate, prejudice and much more we see and hear of everyday. And in the body of Christ, it's not in full operation or production either. There's jealousy, envy, strife, selfishness and much more when we walk in and out of those doors of the "four walls."
We the church are the light of the world, so the love that flows from God into us, should flow out of us, and be more evident and reflective among us. "Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples." (John 13:35).
How can we say that we love God without having the love of the Lord for our sisters and brothers? It can't happen any other way. When we love others, it's also a sign of worship to the Lord. As our love for the Lord continues to develop and grow inside of our hearts, minds, spirits, and souls, we can't help but love one another.
As a Worship Leader, after leading God's people into His presence, I would often remind the people of God, "Now with that same love that you have, turn and show someone else that you love them." Jesus, the True Vine tells us, "I command you to love each other in the same way that I love you." (John 15:12).
1 Corinthians Chapter 13 is what we call the love chapter. It tells us that we can have every gift and tremendous talent there is, but if we don't have love one for another, they wouldn't mean a thing to God, because he calls His people to love each other.
The gift of speaking in tongues would sound like brass used for making a loud sound or like clashing cymbals, just a bunch of noise! We can have the gift of prophecy and know everything about everything and the gift of faith where we could speak to a mountain and tell it, "Get out of my way!" but we have no love, we wouldn't be of any good or help to anybody. We would be absolutely nothing.
This chapter of the word of God is one that we can read over and over and over and then apply it to our lives over and over and over...the greatest of all is love. To love others also means to forgive others. If you love someone, you should be able to forgive them also. That's the kind of love that God has for us. When we say we love God and others, we're also saying that we need one another too.
There's a song that we sing often in our church entitled, "I Need You To Survive." Let this song become a part of you today.
We live in a world today where love, the unselfish loyal concern for others, is not discussed, described, nor displayed enough. But there is discussion, description, and a full display of the opposite of it.
There's war, violence, hate, prejudice and much more we see and hear of everyday. And in the body of Christ, it's not in full operation or production either. There's jealousy, envy, strife, selfishness and much more when we walk in and out of those doors of the "four walls."
We the church are the light of the world, so the love that flows from God into us, should flow out of us, and be more evident and reflective among us. "Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples." (John 13:35).
How can we say that we love God without having the love of the Lord for our sisters and brothers? It can't happen any other way. When we love others, it's also a sign of worship to the Lord. As our love for the Lord continues to develop and grow inside of our hearts, minds, spirits, and souls, we can't help but love one another.
As a Worship Leader, after leading God's people into His presence, I would often remind the people of God, "Now with that same love that you have, turn and show someone else that you love them." Jesus, the True Vine tells us, "I command you to love each other in the same way that I love you." (John 15:12).
1 Corinthians Chapter 13 is what we call the love chapter. It tells us that we can have every gift and tremendous talent there is, but if we don't have love one for another, they wouldn't mean a thing to God, because he calls His people to love each other.
The gift of speaking in tongues would sound like brass used for making a loud sound or like clashing cymbals, just a bunch of noise! We can have the gift of prophecy and know everything about everything and the gift of faith where we could speak to a mountain and tell it, "Get out of my way!" but we have no love, we wouldn't be of any good or help to anybody. We would be absolutely nothing.
This chapter of the word of God is one that we can read over and over and over and then apply it to our lives over and over and over...the greatest of all is love. To love others also means to forgive others. If you love someone, you should be able to forgive them also. That's the kind of love that God has for us. When we say we love God and others, we're also saying that we need one another too.
There's a song that we sing often in our church entitled, "I Need You To Survive." Let this song become a part of you today.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Chasing After You!
Day One (Ash Wednesday) - Lent 2010
Some of my friends on Twitter were a little confused when they saw people with crosses marked on their foreheads. Today is Ash Wednesday, the start of Lent! The name "Ash Wednesday" comes from the practice of placing ashes from the burned Palm Crosses from last year’s Palm Sunday on the foreheads of individuals as a sign of repentance. There are two bible verses that are relevant to Ash Wednesday:
Genesis 3:19 (NIV) – "By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return."
Mark 1:15 (NIV) – "The time has come," he said. "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!"
Having said that – the time has come, the season of Lent has begun! In Joel 2:12-14, God says "return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning. Rend your heart and not your garments..." and the scripture goes on to say "who knows? He may turn and have pity and leave behind a blessing..."
The season of Lent is not about self. It is all about God. The ulterior motive for your personal sacrifice should not start with you. "If I give up this – God will bless me with that"...while receiving the extras in life are great, I can say with conviction if God doesn’t do anything else for me, I will still praise His name! Look at Job – he had everything: a house, land, lots of livestock, and a family. Satan thought that if Job didn’t have any of those things he would turn from God. What a fool was he! When Satan destroyed the land, took the livestock, and killed the family – Job still in the midst of all of it fell to his knees, praised & worshipped God: "The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised."
Lent is our time to face ourselves in the wilderness and seek God, deepen our commitment to Him, and solidify our way of life as believers of the Word. God calls to us: "Come back to me, with all of your heart." Regardless of whatever wrongs you have done in life – it doesn’t matter! All we have to do is show up and accept God’s calling.
During this Lenten season, I am focusing on several things:
- my purpose in life, why am I here?
- allowing God to deal with insecurities; getting rid of baggage that is keeping from receiving and being all that God has called me to be
- recognizing and discerning what is and is not beneficial for me – including cutting some people from my life and letting go of anything that is not of God
I'm not "giving up" something because that sounds too much like a punishment and that's not what it's about – I am fasting (Monday-Saturday) and abstaining on Sundays (no meat). Isaiah 58 lays out what God defines as True Fasting and it also reminds us that during this time Jesus is inviting us to a change of heart. Fasting is a tool – for a lack of a better word – that we can use whenever we want to sincerely seek and ask God for something (whatever that might be). But do understand it is not the actual act of fasting that is the focus – by fasting we are clarifying our thinking and our feelings; it purifies us and allows us to pray more deeply.
Lent is also not just about "giving up" something – you can also do things: volunteer with a charity, give more money in your offering to the church, add or increase your prayer/reflection time with God, etc. Again the overall focus is to grow and strengthen your relationship with God.
I am sharing my journey on my blog because I believe that a journey is always better when it is shared. So if you have something to share, by all means post it below or shoot me an e-mail (tamiapowell12@yahoo.com) – true believers do not walk alone.
Before I end this blog, I leave you with seven Psalms that will help you through this Lenten season:
Psalm 6 (A Prayer in Times of Trouble)
Psalm 32 (The Joy of Forgiveness)
Psalm 38 (A Prayer in Times of Trouble)
Psalm 51 (A Prayer for Forgiveness)
Psalm 102 (A Prayer in Times of Trouble)
Psalm 130 (Trusting the Lord in Times of Trouble)
Psalm 143 (A Prayer in Time of Danger)
If you are interested in starting a bible reading plan: www.youversion.com is a GREAT website! They have several bible reading plans that you can choose from - all you have to do is create an account and it will keep track of your progress. You also can keep a journal on the site and post contributions with other members on the site about the bible verses you have read.
I will keep you all in my prayers & may God continue to bless you!
:)
P.S. - This song exemplifies exactly what Lent should be about (one of my favorite Praise songs!)
Some of my friends on Twitter were a little confused when they saw people with crosses marked on their foreheads. Today is Ash Wednesday, the start of Lent! The name "Ash Wednesday" comes from the practice of placing ashes from the burned Palm Crosses from last year’s Palm Sunday on the foreheads of individuals as a sign of repentance. There are two bible verses that are relevant to Ash Wednesday:
Genesis 3:19 (NIV) – "By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return."
Mark 1:15 (NIV) – "The time has come," he said. "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!"
Having said that – the time has come, the season of Lent has begun! In Joel 2:12-14, God says "return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning. Rend your heart and not your garments..." and the scripture goes on to say "who knows? He may turn and have pity and leave behind a blessing..."
The season of Lent is not about self. It is all about God. The ulterior motive for your personal sacrifice should not start with you. "If I give up this – God will bless me with that"...while receiving the extras in life are great, I can say with conviction if God doesn’t do anything else for me, I will still praise His name! Look at Job – he had everything: a house, land, lots of livestock, and a family. Satan thought that if Job didn’t have any of those things he would turn from God. What a fool was he! When Satan destroyed the land, took the livestock, and killed the family – Job still in the midst of all of it fell to his knees, praised & worshipped God: "The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised."
Lent is our time to face ourselves in the wilderness and seek God, deepen our commitment to Him, and solidify our way of life as believers of the Word. God calls to us: "Come back to me, with all of your heart." Regardless of whatever wrongs you have done in life – it doesn’t matter! All we have to do is show up and accept God’s calling.
During this Lenten season, I am focusing on several things:
- my purpose in life, why am I here?
- allowing God to deal with insecurities; getting rid of baggage that is keeping from receiving and being all that God has called me to be
- recognizing and discerning what is and is not beneficial for me – including cutting some people from my life and letting go of anything that is not of God
I'm not "giving up" something because that sounds too much like a punishment and that's not what it's about – I am fasting (Monday-Saturday) and abstaining on Sundays (no meat). Isaiah 58 lays out what God defines as True Fasting and it also reminds us that during this time Jesus is inviting us to a change of heart. Fasting is a tool – for a lack of a better word – that we can use whenever we want to sincerely seek and ask God for something (whatever that might be). But do understand it is not the actual act of fasting that is the focus – by fasting we are clarifying our thinking and our feelings; it purifies us and allows us to pray more deeply.
Lent is also not just about "giving up" something – you can also do things: volunteer with a charity, give more money in your offering to the church, add or increase your prayer/reflection time with God, etc. Again the overall focus is to grow and strengthen your relationship with God.
I am sharing my journey on my blog because I believe that a journey is always better when it is shared. So if you have something to share, by all means post it below or shoot me an e-mail (tamiapowell12@yahoo.com) – true believers do not walk alone.
Before I end this blog, I leave you with seven Psalms that will help you through this Lenten season:
Psalm 6 (A Prayer in Times of Trouble)
Psalm 32 (The Joy of Forgiveness)
Psalm 38 (A Prayer in Times of Trouble)
Psalm 51 (A Prayer for Forgiveness)
Psalm 102 (A Prayer in Times of Trouble)
Psalm 130 (Trusting the Lord in Times of Trouble)
Psalm 143 (A Prayer in Time of Danger)
If you are interested in starting a bible reading plan: www.youversion.com is a GREAT website! They have several bible reading plans that you can choose from - all you have to do is create an account and it will keep track of your progress. You also can keep a journal on the site and post contributions with other members on the site about the bible verses you have read.
I will keep you all in my prayers & may God continue to bless you!
:)
P.S. - This song exemplifies exactly what Lent should be about (one of my favorite Praise songs!)
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