“Kingdom”… has this become just another popular phrase?

For years now (all of my natural life) I have been a hardcore, down to the bone fan of this term ‘Kingdom’. Of course, now that I am 20 years old, this is a phrase that you can find everywhere, sermons, songs, and even names of churches. While 10 years ago, it could not be found anywhere. What does this mean? Is this an example of good Kingdom expansion? NO! I believe not!!! I’m reminded of that famous episode of the Boondocks where Jasmine says, “Beware of the false Santa”. I beseech you to beware of the false Kingdom impostors. The Kingdom of God has been distorted to become another get rich quick scheme (Just like Praise and Worship… but that’s on another note).
I believe that it is time for somebody to talk about the true Kingdom. It is not a place that you come to get health and wealth. Its not a place to cash in the worries of the present world because your scared of dooms day or “The Rapture”. But that is what it has become. Just like in 60’s and 70’s when 1,000’s of people where saved under tents to escape hell fire (my family included). That is what the Kingdom of God has become.
Now, are health and wealth some of the many things that come along with this lifestyle… YES! But that definitely should not be the Church’s mission in life. Don’t come to the Kingdom because you got bills to be paid next week. And don’t come because Momma and Auntie died of cancer and you scared that you next. But come because somewhere on the inside you know that is your calling. Come because the life of righteousness (obedience to the will of God) is what you yearn.
My best analogy is a fish and water. Water is the natural atmosphere of a fish. Their life outside of water is doomed to death. Water is the natural habitat of a fish, it was where they were created. So of course life outside of water is bad for a fish, and their days are numbered. The Kingdom of God works the same. It is the natural habitat of the believer! Of course operating outside of this realm is doomed to failure… but the fear of failure cannot be our motivator. But our motivation must come from the yearn for oneness with God. Because oneness with God (the Body of Christ) is our natural habitat.
I said all that to say this. Hope I don’t sound cliché but… I want to be one with the Father. I don’t care if I never see health or wealth. Those are just “signing bonuses”, but the real deal is to be with Him. I will not be fooled by these false beliefs that the Kingdom of God is just to make me happy in the flesh (health and wealth), but I know that as I continue to seek the will of the father my spirit shall be connected with his!!

Let's just be HONEST! Say how you feel

One of the biggest hindrances to race relations in this country is common debate. White people and Black people are afraid to talk because White people are scared of being labeled as "Racist" and Black folks are afraid of being accused of the infamous "Black Card". Well I have news for both of you SUCK IT UP and get to talking. Not to my surprise Whites and Blacks have a very different opinion on the state of race relations within the United States.

Many White folk believe thought there is still a good amount of discrimination in practice within the United States, it isn't anywhere near the amount during times past. They also have some sort of belief that Black people today have every chance as the next man in succeeding. And that's where they differ. Almost (There are a couple of Bills and Clarence's around) all Black people can admit that there are still institutional barriers toward success that are based on race(racism).

I really think that White people don't know that Black people feel this way, at least not in mass numbers. But I honestly believe if these conversation begin to take place, there would be at least a few grounds of improvement in this age old battle.

One of the first steps is not lashing out on White people when they make a mistake. I mean really, If you are of some age within in the United States the next time a White person makes the mistake of saying "You People".... don't curse them out... yet. Tell them that was unacceptable, and just continue to tell them how you feel about race. You lashing out on them would be like you didn't expect it coming (come on I know your mothers told you just like mine "Don't never put nothing past them"). By lashing you cut the lines of communication which are desperately needed. I know I need help in this area myself. Its going to be tuff but we can do it.

Another thing don't be afraid to call people out. If you go a restaurant and you are seated in the back... tell the wait staff that how you feel. And if you feel like their decision to sit you there was based on race... let know. Be calm, but tell them the truth!!

Check out the Malcolm clip below:) He agrees with me:)

Family Reunion

So I went home this last weekend to the Family Reunion type thing. It definitly wasn't the funnest thing that I had ever been to. Seeing as how, that is the side of my family that I am least connected with. But it sure was intresting to say the least.

I felt kind of bad that I didn't know many people there. Of the about 75 people there, I only knew about 5, and that was including my parents. What really was embarassing was knowing how much I preach about community involvement and the importance of strong family bond (outside of immediate) within the African American community.

Our family has always went beyond blood, and on into the community. For example, if a children were playing outside and were bad, they could be corrected by any adult in the neighborhood.

I hope to do better next time:)