I'm salty that the local "newspaper", The Cincinnati Enquirer, is trying to start some drama over O'Dell Owens. Dr. Owens is the Coroner of Hamilton County, and was recently selected to be the President of Cincinnati State Technical and Community College (here's a link to his bio). According to the article, he's currently serving on both capacities until after Election Day. What's newsworthy about that? Why aren't you covering some other news? And why are all these folks throwing shade in the comments section of the at Cincinnati.com???
I personally have admiration for Dr. Owens. That man has come up from humble beginnings in the West End, to getting a medical degree from Yale, and a job at Harvard, to coming back to Cincinnati and making his mark here. Whereas most intelligent, talented people leave this area, this man came back and is out here trying to make a difference. As coroner, he goes around to school and community groups to encourage and empower everyone in the Cincinnati community, especially youth. He uses his position as coroner to promote life and abundant life in a community where people seem to be anti-life at times, physically, mentally, and spiritually.
I feel that The Cincinnati Enquirer put this article out to try to create a scandal around Dr. Owens. He's been one of the few elected officials in the area that hasn't had any scandal/controversy about them. There are many people that have two jobs, and if he's getting two checks for two jobs, then so be it. So what they're both "government" jobs? He's doing two jobs, so he's supposed to get two checks! Most of those ding-a-lings on city council get two checks for two jobs, as being on city council is considered a part-time job and many of them hold positions with private companies (wish I could have a part-time job that pays $66k+ with benefits...). NO ONE is complaining about that situation, but folk want to throw shade over Dr. Owens getting two checks for two jobs??? It's political - Owens is the Democratic Hamiton County Coroner, and the conservative paper (and it's conservative readers) want to throw shade.
However, I don't think it's wise for Dr. Owens to have assumed the responsibilities of those two particular positions simultaneously. I'm wondering how much time he gets to spend on sleep and family, as I'm assuming that each of those positions - Hamilton County Coroner and College President - are VERY time consuming. Even though it's only for a season, it probably would've been wiser to hold off on accepting the Cincinnati State position until he felt comfortable in leaving the Coroner position.
The main reason this article caught my attention is because, with all that's going on in Cincinnati (being the 3rd poorest city in the nation, for example - blog on this is forthcoming), we need to be appreciative of positive people who are willing to use their time and talents to uplift the people and make Cincinnati a better place. Dr. Owens could've probably built a wonderful life for himself in New England, or in any other part of the country, and he would've been celebrated. But he comes back to Cincinnati and has great success in the medical field and in public service, and people want to hate on him.
I'm tired of the miserable people chasing away wonderful people from Cincinnati because of stupid reasons (political affiliation, economics, unwillingness to consider different ideas). I pray that Dr. Owens continue to work hard and not let the Enquirer and others that would like to use his situation to show out dissuade him from continued success.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Monday, October 11, 2010
The Color Purple
Today, I watched The Color Purple.
The Color Purple is one of my favorite movies of all time, as well as one of my favorite books of all time (after The Bible and I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings). There are so many reasons why The Color Purple appeals to me - the story, the imagery, the sense of hope, the empowerment, even the pain....
I can identify with Celie; really, I think all of us can identify with Celie in some way - her pain, the feeling of being unloved, the discovery of love, hope. I think it's awesome that she stayed hopeful all those years, despite the pain, mistreatment, disrespect, and fear. And, I love that she finally got the strength to leave "Mister" and have an ending that was far better then her beginning.
I was posting status updates on Facebook the whole time I watched the movie. I'm trippin' that I was crying through most of the movie - I had NEVER cried while watching this movie! I'm blaming it on the fact that I had been awake for over 26 hours, and was back up after a three-hour nap (or, maybe I'm more in touch with my emotions - who knows)
I'll close this post with the words I left on Facebook after the movie went off -
Wow... I forgot how watching The Color Purple can be a real-live experience (I'm blaming all this crying on my sleep deprivation, though!). This movie (and the book) will always be one of my favorites.
A "real-live" experience indeed!
The Color Purple is one of my favorite movies of all time, as well as one of my favorite books of all time (after The Bible and I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings). There are so many reasons why The Color Purple appeals to me - the story, the imagery, the sense of hope, the empowerment, even the pain....
I can identify with Celie; really, I think all of us can identify with Celie in some way - her pain, the feeling of being unloved, the discovery of love, hope. I think it's awesome that she stayed hopeful all those years, despite the pain, mistreatment, disrespect, and fear. And, I love that she finally got the strength to leave "Mister" and have an ending that was far better then her beginning.
I was posting status updates on Facebook the whole time I watched the movie. I'm trippin' that I was crying through most of the movie - I had NEVER cried while watching this movie! I'm blaming it on the fact that I had been awake for over 26 hours, and was back up after a three-hour nap (or, maybe I'm more in touch with my emotions - who knows)
I'll close this post with the words I left on Facebook after the movie went off -
Wow... I forgot how watching The Color Purple can be a real-live experience (I'm blaming all this crying on my sleep deprivation, though!). This movie (and the book) will always be one of my favorites.
A "real-live" experience indeed!
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Worldly artists frontin' as Gospel artists...
So, I just heard Canton Jones' new single via Youtube... yeah.
My first impulse was to "go in" on this song. But, I'll keep it calm.
I will say this - I can appreciate Canton Jones' talent, vocal ability, and creativity. I own three of his albums (The Passcode, Love Jones, and Kingdom Business). But, I wasn't feeling that song (and several of his other songs). I understand that he probably bleeped the word "Christian" in the song, but what's the purpose of bleeping words in the first place? And, why are Christians up in the club? Why is he buying out the bar? What's up with riding up in a Bentley? Anyway...
I'll be honest - I don't listen to as much gospel music as I used to because I see so much worldliness in so many of these gospel artists! When I got saved for real, I got saved because I was tired of the world. I saw that the things of the world have no long-term merit, and I desired to pursue Him that had eternal merit. Yet, many of these "gospel" artists want to rep Christ and rep the world at the same time. Braggadocio, swagger, displaying one's riches, talking about one's riches and so forth have NO PLACE IN CHRIST!!! Some of these folk talk more about a Bentley that they don't own than they do about Jesus Christ - it's amazing (and so sad)!
It's getting harder and harder to find some good gospel/Christian music that not trying to sound like the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It's harder and harder to find gospel videos that don't look like something off 106 & Park.
And, I don't have a problem with different forms and styles of music. I like rap (I write raps myself), I like guitars, I like "beats". But, I don't like the world. And, I wish some of these so-called "gospel" artists felt the same way.
Some more examples of what I'm talkin' 'bout:
My first impulse was to "go in" on this song. But, I'll keep it calm.
I will say this - I can appreciate Canton Jones' talent, vocal ability, and creativity. I own three of his albums (The Passcode, Love Jones, and Kingdom Business). But, I wasn't feeling that song (and several of his other songs). I understand that he probably bleeped the word "Christian" in the song, but what's the purpose of bleeping words in the first place? And, why are Christians up in the club? Why is he buying out the bar? What's up with riding up in a Bentley? Anyway...
I'll be honest - I don't listen to as much gospel music as I used to because I see so much worldliness in so many of these gospel artists! When I got saved for real, I got saved because I was tired of the world. I saw that the things of the world have no long-term merit, and I desired to pursue Him that had eternal merit. Yet, many of these "gospel" artists want to rep Christ and rep the world at the same time. Braggadocio, swagger, displaying one's riches, talking about one's riches and so forth have NO PLACE IN CHRIST!!! Some of these folk talk more about a Bentley that they don't own than they do about Jesus Christ - it's amazing (and so sad)!
It's getting harder and harder to find some good gospel/Christian music that not trying to sound like the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It's harder and harder to find gospel videos that don't look like something off 106 & Park.
And, I don't have a problem with different forms and styles of music. I like rap (I write raps myself), I like guitars, I like "beats". But, I don't like the world. And, I wish some of these so-called "gospel" artists felt the same way.
Some more examples of what I'm talkin' 'bout:
Eddie Long
I know that the news with Eddie Long broke two weeks ago, but I decided to post a note that I did on Facebook onto this blog. So, here it goes...
So... I decided to do a Facebook note sharing my thoughts about Bishop Eddie Long and the situation with him. I was just gonna post a blog on my blogspot, but since I was on Facebook decided to do a note (I might copy this note and put it on my blog and add some video clips though).
Anyway, what do I think about the allegations? I think the body of Christ need to pray for Bishop Long, his family, his congregation, the churches/ministries he oversees as bishop, and the accusers. I have an opinion about whether the accusations are true or not, but I don't feel it's important. When the news broke, I was saddened in just thinking about all the souls that would be hurt by these events. I was upset that, as 2 Samuel 12:14 says, this situation gives those enemies of God occasion to blaspheme. But mainly, I was concerned and in prayer for the souls. There's 25,000 members in his church that are affected by this. There are thousands upon thousands that watch his shows on Christian television, that give offerings to his ministry, and who buy his books/CDs/DVDs. I pray for healing and restoration for the saints involved, and that everyone involved enters into a deeper relationship with God.
However, I'm a little attitudinal with the church. Even though I have compassion for Bishop Long and all affected by these accusations, I am not a follower nor a supporter of his ministry. It has nothing to do with the accusations, but rather some of his actions and his false teachings that I've heard. I've heard Bishop Long say that God took a uterus out of Adam when he created woman. According to Genesis 2:21-22, God took a RIB out of Adam's side, and formed woman - NOT A UTERUS. That's not Bible! Where did this man get that from?
And, like most prosperity preachers, I have yet to hear Long preach a balanced message in regards to prosperity. Yes, God can and will prosper His people in all areas (spiritually, physically, mentally, financially, etc.); however, God WILL NOT prosper anyone living in sin. I've never heard a message from Bishop Long dealing with holiness, sin, or righteousness. Perhaps someone who happens to read this note will be able to direct me to one of his messages where he deals with one of the aforementioned subjects.
Also, you're a Bishop, but you're on R&B and Hip-Hop albums, which I believe is deceptive; why would you lend your credibility to artists that are not glorifying God in their music. That Ludacris album that he appeared on wasn't glorifying God, and many justified buying the Ludacris album by saying, "Well, it must be okay because Bishop Long's on it."NOOOOOOOO!!!
And, why would you let rapper T.I. preach in your church? T.I. is not a preacher. T.I., at least in his public persona, isn't glorifying God in his music and in his lifestyle (I mean, how many times has T.I. been arrested since 2000?) So, why would you allow him up before the people, on EASTER SUNDAY??!!! Why would you allow him before the youth?
Also, one could question some of the excesses in his life, materially speaking. I'm not against people being prosperous, and having nice things (the Bible says that those who live of the gospel should eat of the gospel, and that the elder who rules well is worthy of double honor), but I couldn't see having millions of dollars in cars and a private jet when there's people in my congregation that have to ride the bus. I'm just saying...
I've think I'm shown that I'm not a Bishop Eddie Long fan. But the issue I'm having with the church about this whole thing is that it took some accusations about homosexual coercion to get the body at large to wake up, pay attention, pray, and/or ask some questions. Are Christians so spiritually shallow that it takes scandal to check out whether someone whose preaching/teaching a word is "right"? Are Christians so loyal to leaders that we choose to be blind to actions and teaching that aren't in agreement with Scripture? To a degree, these accusations are an indictment on the body of Christ, because they show where we are in relationship with God, and that we'd rather hear "sweet things" and "play church", then be real with God, ourselves, and each other.
In short, not only do Bishop Long, the accusers, and the New Birth family need prayer, but the body of Christ needs prayer for being so clueless. Amen.
*************************************************************************************
I wrote the above on September 24, 2010. Since then, there's been rumors of more young men coming forth, Bishop Long "addressing" his congregation (and looking a hot mess in a lace front wig), and people urging everyone to either pray for the "man-d of Gawd" or calling for him to step down.
I've held back my personal opinion because I felt that the body of Christ needed to examine some other things regarding Bishop Long (particularly dealing with some of his questionable/false teaching). If the church would do as the Bible admonishes (Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth - II Timothy 2:15), then this situation wouldn't have even happened because Bishop Long wouldn't even have been pastoring that flock to even bein a position where that situation occured.
And for the record, yes, he did it. I've been hearing about this sort of thing for several years from reliable people. And, about 60 seconds before I learned of this news, I heard God tell me that "Judgement will begin with the church". Actually, I heard God tell me that, and was going to post it on my twitter and facebook accounts. I got on Twitter to post it, and I saw the link from CNN news that Eddie Long had been accused of sexual coercion.
God is tired of the foolishness. Clearly, there is NO accountability among these superstar preachers and so-called Bishops. Even if these were false allegations, Long would be wrong because he didn't have anyone around him to witness to his integrity. I think of all the Scriptures in the Bible where Jesus sent the disciples out in twos, or how Apostle Paul always had a team with him when he was ministering. And, where was Long's wife when all these things were going on? She came out on stage on that Sunday morning after the allegations broke, but she should've been with him on these overnight trips!
And, for all those people who still think that these allegations are an attack from the enemy and that Bishop Long is blameless - receive the truth so that you can be free! There is more than enough erroneous teaching and behavior from Eddie Long apart from the allegations to let the church know that he is not a Truth teacher, but a wolf in sheep's clothing. If anything, folks need to be praying that Eddie Long would forsake the world and start walking in Truth!
What's really sad, though, is that a number of these superstar preachers are about to fall. The church is so enamored with glitter and glitz and ear candy that they can't or don't want to know the real from the fake. It's sad that the unsaved/carnal has more insight on what's really goin' on than the body of Christ, especially those who claim to be filled with the Holy Ghost and operating in spiritual gifts!
Ok, I'm done with this topic. I'll continue to pray for the Body of Christ, for the young men who've brought about the allegations, the New Birth Church Family, Eddie Long's wife, Eddie Long's children. I'll also pray for the superstar preachers and Bishops (including Eddie Long); that they'll get saved for real and stop leading people to hell. Amen.
(I also wanted to link an awesome blog that G. Craige Lewis did on this subject - enjoy )
So... I decided to do a Facebook note sharing my thoughts about Bishop Eddie Long and the situation with him. I was just gonna post a blog on my blogspot, but since I was on Facebook decided to do a note (I might copy this note and put it on my blog and add some video clips though).
Anyway, what do I think about the allegations? I think the body of Christ need to pray for Bishop Long, his family, his congregation, the churches/ministries he oversees as bishop, and the accusers. I have an opinion about whether the accusations are true or not, but I don't feel it's important. When the news broke, I was saddened in just thinking about all the souls that would be hurt by these events. I was upset that, as 2 Samuel 12:14 says, this situation gives those enemies of God occasion to blaspheme. But mainly, I was concerned and in prayer for the souls. There's 25,000 members in his church that are affected by this. There are thousands upon thousands that watch his shows on Christian television, that give offerings to his ministry, and who buy his books/CDs/DVDs. I pray for healing and restoration for the saints involved, and that everyone involved enters into a deeper relationship with God.
However, I'm a little attitudinal with the church. Even though I have compassion for Bishop Long and all affected by these accusations, I am not a follower nor a supporter of his ministry. It has nothing to do with the accusations, but rather some of his actions and his false teachings that I've heard. I've heard Bishop Long say that God took a uterus out of Adam when he created woman. According to Genesis 2:21-22, God took a RIB out of Adam's side, and formed woman - NOT A UTERUS. That's not Bible! Where did this man get that from?
And, like most prosperity preachers, I have yet to hear Long preach a balanced message in regards to prosperity. Yes, God can and will prosper His people in all areas (spiritually, physically, mentally, financially, etc.); however, God WILL NOT prosper anyone living in sin. I've never heard a message from Bishop Long dealing with holiness, sin, or righteousness. Perhaps someone who happens to read this note will be able to direct me to one of his messages where he deals with one of the aforementioned subjects.
Also, you're a Bishop, but you're on R&B and Hip-Hop albums, which I believe is deceptive; why would you lend your credibility to artists that are not glorifying God in their music. That Ludacris album that he appeared on wasn't glorifying God, and many justified buying the Ludacris album by saying, "Well, it must be okay because Bishop Long's on it."NOOOOOOOO!!!
And, why would you let rapper T.I. preach in your church? T.I. is not a preacher. T.I., at least in his public persona, isn't glorifying God in his music and in his lifestyle (I mean, how many times has T.I. been arrested since 2000?) So, why would you allow him up before the people, on EASTER SUNDAY??!!! Why would you allow him before the youth?
Also, one could question some of the excesses in his life, materially speaking. I'm not against people being prosperous, and having nice things (the Bible says that those who live of the gospel should eat of the gospel, and that the elder who rules well is worthy of double honor), but I couldn't see having millions of dollars in cars and a private jet when there's people in my congregation that have to ride the bus. I'm just saying...
I've think I'm shown that I'm not a Bishop Eddie Long fan. But the issue I'm having with the church about this whole thing is that it took some accusations about homosexual coercion to get the body at large to wake up, pay attention, pray, and/or ask some questions. Are Christians so spiritually shallow that it takes scandal to check out whether someone whose preaching/teaching a word is "right"? Are Christians so loyal to leaders that we choose to be blind to actions and teaching that aren't in agreement with Scripture? To a degree, these accusations are an indictment on the body of Christ, because they show where we are in relationship with God, and that we'd rather hear "sweet things" and "play church", then be real with God, ourselves, and each other.
In short, not only do Bishop Long, the accusers, and the New Birth family need prayer, but the body of Christ needs prayer for being so clueless. Amen.
*************************************************************************************
I wrote the above on September 24, 2010. Since then, there's been rumors of more young men coming forth, Bishop Long "addressing" his congregation (and looking a hot mess in a lace front wig), and people urging everyone to either pray for the "man-d of Gawd" or calling for him to step down.
I've held back my personal opinion because I felt that the body of Christ needed to examine some other things regarding Bishop Long (particularly dealing with some of his questionable/false teaching). If the church would do as the Bible admonishes (Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth - II Timothy 2:15), then this situation wouldn't have even happened because Bishop Long wouldn't even have been pastoring that flock to even bein a position where that situation occured.
And for the record, yes, he did it. I've been hearing about this sort of thing for several years from reliable people. And, about 60 seconds before I learned of this news, I heard God tell me that "Judgement will begin with the church". Actually, I heard God tell me that, and was going to post it on my twitter and facebook accounts. I got on Twitter to post it, and I saw the link from CNN news that Eddie Long had been accused of sexual coercion.
God is tired of the foolishness. Clearly, there is NO accountability among these superstar preachers and so-called Bishops. Even if these were false allegations, Long would be wrong because he didn't have anyone around him to witness to his integrity. I think of all the Scriptures in the Bible where Jesus sent the disciples out in twos, or how Apostle Paul always had a team with him when he was ministering. And, where was Long's wife when all these things were going on? She came out on stage on that Sunday morning after the allegations broke, but she should've been with him on these overnight trips!
And, for all those people who still think that these allegations are an attack from the enemy and that Bishop Long is blameless - receive the truth so that you can be free! There is more than enough erroneous teaching and behavior from Eddie Long apart from the allegations to let the church know that he is not a Truth teacher, but a wolf in sheep's clothing. If anything, folks need to be praying that Eddie Long would forsake the world and start walking in Truth!
What's really sad, though, is that a number of these superstar preachers are about to fall. The church is so enamored with glitter and glitz and ear candy that they can't or don't want to know the real from the fake. It's sad that the unsaved/carnal has more insight on what's really goin' on than the body of Christ, especially those who claim to be filled with the Holy Ghost and operating in spiritual gifts!
Ok, I'm done with this topic. I'll continue to pray for the Body of Christ, for the young men who've brought about the allegations, the New Birth Church Family, Eddie Long's wife, Eddie Long's children. I'll also pray for the superstar preachers and Bishops (including Eddie Long); that they'll get saved for real and stop leading people to hell. Amen.
(I also wanted to link an awesome blog that G. Craige Lewis did on this subject - enjoy )
Off The Dome
I'm thinking about changing the name of my blog to "Off The Dome". Why? Because I've written every blog that I've done spontaneously. I haven't written out an essay, I haven't really planned out my blogs - I just come across a topic that "invokes" me, and I hop on the blog and write whatever comes out. I don't even preview or spell check - I write and hit "publish". I thought about being more intentional in my blogging, but I feel that doing it the way that I've been doing it works best for me.
So... that's what's up.
So... that's what's up.
Rural Tennessee fire sparks conservative ideological debate
So, I was on Facebook and saw a video posting from Mrs. Markena Peavy. She had posted the following video:
http://video.ap.org/?f=KSTOP&pid=5bY8wbbPoqSnV0qSAy9t5N7dEYkEvE3F
I am HOT!!! I mean, that's some PETTY stuff! How could the fire department stand bylet this man's home and possessions burn to the ground over $75!!!??? Is it really that crucial??!!! The fire department was RIGHT THERE - they could've squirted some water on the man's house so that he could at least keep something!!!
They showed NO compassion in the situation! I couldn't, in good conscience, justify letting someone's home burn to the ground when I have the means to help that person. Then, that wack politician got on the video talking about enforcing rules and whatnot.... Ok, rules are important, and following rules are important, but ARE RULES AND $$$ MORE IMPORTANT THAN PEOPLE NOW???
I am somewhat relieved to learn that the local governments are working on a solution to this situation, so that this sort of thing doesn't happen in the future. But, this was still a sad thing to happen in America. Surely Jesus is soon to come.
http://video.ap.org/?f=KSTOP&pid=5bY8wbbPoqSnV0qSAy9t5N7dEYkEvE3F
I am HOT!!! I mean, that's some PETTY stuff! How could the fire department stand bylet this man's home and possessions burn to the ground over $75!!!??? Is it really that crucial??!!! The fire department was RIGHT THERE - they could've squirted some water on the man's house so that he could at least keep something!!!
They showed NO compassion in the situation! I couldn't, in good conscience, justify letting someone's home burn to the ground when I have the means to help that person. Then, that wack politician got on the video talking about enforcing rules and whatnot.... Ok, rules are important, and following rules are important, but ARE RULES AND $$$ MORE IMPORTANT THAN PEOPLE NOW???
I am somewhat relieved to learn that the local governments are working on a solution to this situation, so that this sort of thing doesn't happen in the future. But, this was still a sad thing to happen in America. Surely Jesus is soon to come.
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