Different Kind of Preacher

Religion....is it for you?

2011-05-05T15:24:00.000-07:00

My experience with religion is one of an interesting kind. Growing up, our attendance with church was somewhat sporadic and when we did go it was mostly on special ocassions..; baptism, Easter, or something like that. Come to think of it religion wasn't a focal point of our everyday lives. We just kind of lived. We had our ups and downs within the family, but looking back I don't see how religion could of helped or hindered those mishaps. I look at religion as an institution that is "just there", kind of like a chair that sits in the room with other pieces of furniture. You can sit in it, or choose to go lower your posterior somewhere else. By no means is it a requirement to "sit in the chair of religion", but its there if you need it.

I joined the LDS church in February 2006. It was a time in my life where I sought out change. I had been an avid drinker and smoker, due to my own choosing. Even as I began to engage in those leisurely activities, I always knew that there had to be something more to life than this. Aside from wanting to change for spiritual reasons, I knew that I could not possibly continue a life like this, or I would be dead by 40. My wife and her family are of the Mormon faith and I began to explore it (not like I should of). I had two missionaries come by to teach lessons on their basic doctrines and beliefs. I have had so many influential people in my life that it has given me alternative views on life. My grandfather had always told me that you don't need to go to church in order to be "close to God." So I had always grown up believing that. As I expressed this to these two missionaries, my father-law-in explained that, while it is true that you don't need to go to church to be with God, you should surround yourself with liked-minded people to stay strong in belief.

Looking back I do see some wisdom in that, but that depends on the will power of the individual. Some people need to be around others to make them strong. They in essences become "dependent" on others for spiritual strength among other things. This brings me to one of the drawbacks about religion. It makes one dependent on certain rituals and customs in order to be "in" with the status quo in that particular faith.

In hindsight, what appealed to me in Mormonism was that it was something different. It played into my psyche of doing something different from what I explained earlier about the drinking and smoking. The doctrines went over my head and I attest this to by upbringing of being "religiously ignorant" of the basics of Christianity, never mind Mormon doctrine. Religion is a form of discipline that can help people live whatever life they choose to live. Some same its for a better life, but I would ask, "what's a better life?"

I'm Back

2009-08-02T00:50:00.001-07:00

Yes, folks I am back. I know it has been a while. I suppose I'm beginning to understand the importance of being heard and connecting with others to share ideas. I intend to remain consistent in this hobby of mine. It has been a great year so far. We have a Black president, I've graduated from college, and I have began taking graduate college courses to name a few things. However, I have issues with the state of "Black" America', most notably the portrayal of my brothas in the media.

Why is that the media has began to hop on the band-wagon of "fatherless" young black boys and girls? It has become something to justify the actions of these kids. I'm all about recognizing the importance of "never forgetting", but damn!! Can we act more like victims. Adolf Hitler and Joseph Stalin had fathers....and we know what they contributed to the fascinating world of history. This notion that if there is a father in the home, the child will be less-inclined to committ the evils of the world is ridiculous.

"Shame on you BET"

2008-07-19T00:12:00.000-07:00

I remember the days of Donnie Simpson (A.K.A. Mister greeneyes) on Video Soul (bet you ain't heard that in a while). I often think about the contrasts between the BET of old, and the BET of new. I find it somewhat embarassing to have shows that degrade not only black women, but black men as well. When I look at the world, I look at it from a multi-cultural perspective, which is based on my experiences with various individuals of different faiths, ethnicities, and backgrounds. The show "The Boot" comes to mind. While it is entertaining to say the least, it has the sentiments of black exploitation written all over it. Just this evening an episode was on and the young "black" female was down to two final contestants. While she was explaining her likes and dislikes of both gentlemen ( two "black" men), she finally chose the one who peaked her interests. When the unlucky gentleman got the boot, he proceeding by throwing a drink in her face. I felt so shame for the female, as well a shameful feeling for the guy. Now, people of other races see this. If I feel shame and embarassment for the two individuals, then what do think others are thinking.

I believe its safe to say BET is pimping black folks with meaningless bull**** to keep us unfocused on real issues. Do these shows really promote family values, meaningful relationships, which are things lacking in our communities, I say, "yes". Maybe it's just me. Am I being to old-fashioned, or am I merely stating the obvious? Have our feelings and hearts become so cold that we would rather see a sistah half naked, and seeing someone throw a drink in her face because she didn't choose him for a date.

We must be forward thinking. I don't write for the fun it; although I love to write, but I write material to change minds; to revolutionize our minds in to getting back on track. We have along way to go, but I'm optimistic about our ability to progress.

Real Talk

2008-07-18T00:03:00.000-07:00

Could it be that I'm out of touch? I remember the days of KRS-One, Brand Nubian, and Poor Righteous Teachers, when Hip-Hop had a clear and positive message. We have all seen "Hip Hop vs America" on BET, right? While I found the panelist somewhat diverse in their delivery on the subjects of "Black" accountability in the household and the accountability of ones self, I found some of the responses towards certain questions troubling. In the case of whether younger audiences that listen to these artistist, one of the panelist, a fairly established hip-hop artist(I'm not sayin' no names), replied by saying, " I'm an artist. I make what the people want, and basically parents should be monitoring their children". While this is true, it hardly tackles the question of whether these lyrics and antics, which are portrayed in these videos leads to higher crime rates in Black communities. It is my opinion that "gangsta rap" has had a profound effect on the the "happenings" of the hood. But the almighty dollar is too powerful.

" I kick in ya door, blow ya head off n****. How about you knock and I will let you have whatever you want. This obsession with violence in America is real. The progress of America is one of violence and deceit, which has lead to the contemporary attitudes towards destruction and chaos. In Hawaii, where I currently live, I have the opportunity to watch "Farrakhan Speaks" a series of speeches that Louis Farrakhan has delivered to different audiences around the country. I look forward to watching him every Saturday at 8:00 A.M.; thank goodness for public access T.V. I listen to his messages and find understanding in his delivery and wisdom in his words. I remember one speech he gave about accountability and the war on "Black" males. In one instance, he gave an account on Jesse Jackson's experience of being out late one night, and having heard footsteps coming quickly behind him. He went on say that we he turned around he was relieved, it was only a white man. The irony of this story is that we have become our worst enemy. Back in the days we knew who our enemy was, but now he is living next door to use;it could be our cousin, uncle, or auntie.

We justify our actions based of what America has perpetuated in her history. We say, " America is violent therefore, we learned it from her; she made us this way". Nothing could be farther from the truth. This is clearly an accountability issue. We must teach each other how to be humble and compassionate. Too many times I have seen us tear each other down over nonsense. There will be more to follow on this