Reflections April 28, 2013 "Hold On To Love"

Reflections April 28^th, 2013

“Hold On To Love”

“But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:12

Scripture Reading For this Week: Genesis 1;2; Song of Solomon; John 3:16-17; John 17; 1 Corinthians 13; Galatians 5:22-23...

How can I possibly explain how much I love the Lord? I don't believe I have the vernacular to do justice to what my heart and spirit hoards for the Father. I love Him. I love Him with every fiber of my being. Every single molecule. His love has set me free, and I never want to let go of Him. No matter what comes at me in this life; I will hold on to love.

I declare and decree that this week's Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement for your heart, mind and soul. There may be some things that have caused you to draw back and not to love freely or unconditionally; but now is the time to get back in and love unconditionally. No longer will you let go of love, but you will hold on, give love and receive the love you deserve.

What a powerful revelation the Father blessed me with concerning love. How can I even begin to tell you? I guess the best way is to just show you; through my actions, through my writing, through my service to the Father on a daily basis.

Do you know how powerful love is? Do you understand how love can change things? Unconditional love? God love? God? Oh my dear friends, when I understood that God is love and that He has created in me that same love; a part of Him is in me—I cannot begin to tell you how that revelation changed my life, and how I love and receive love.

It is a given that in this lifetime we are going to be hurt, disappointed, and discouraged. It will come. Yet, we cannot allow those things to stop us from loving unconditionally. Many of us love, but we love with conditions. This was not always the case. When we come into this world, all we know is to love unconditionally as a child, until we grow up and begin to experience life and put into practice what we've been taught. Taught through others actions; mimicking the way others loved around us.

The only way to know how to love, to love unconditionally, is to be intimate with the Father; to understand how He loves and to know what it is He desires from us. Any other kind of love is temporal. It will not last or stand the tests and trials of our lifetime. It holds restraints and has conditions upon it.

However, the love of God—God Love—is refreshing, liberating, unconditional, mind and heart changing, and it is everlasting. Don't get me wrong; I am not saying that we will not experience hurt and disappointment while loving unconditionally, because we will. That being a part of life in this earth. But, we can triumph over those hurts, and love freely without having to contort ourselves into someone we do not know, filled with bitterness, regrets, carrying countless baggage, and never trusting anyone. That's not Christ! That's not God Love! That is a prison sentence. God has set us free from that. And we can live and love without any strings or conditions attached.

So can we agree that in this life we will experience disappointment and hurt? But can we also agree that we can will also experience the joy and gift of love when we love God's way? We cannot allow unconditional love to slip from our spirits because we have been hurt. No matter how many times it has occurred. I know: easier said than done. But I don't believe so. Not when you allow God that place upon the throne of your heart, and you begin to love as He loves. When you allow the Father to teach you how to navigate and how to love as He does.

I learned a valuable lesson. I came to the understanding that many of us have allowed the way we love to be shaped by our experiences with others. And because of this, we hinder and short change ourselves when it comes to giving and receiving love. We punish others for the missteps and hurts caused by another.

When you are hurt, you cannot allow it [hurt] to change your love. Love should be unconditional. When hurt or disappointed, there is the tendency to alter how we love, and not allow the next person in our lives to experience that unconditional love. Instead, we bring judgment and fear and baggage from the past. This can keep us from the wealth of blessings that God has for our lives. Do not allow the pain and heartache and disappointment from previous relationships; whether it's romantic, friendships, or even a relationship with a church—to change how you love and receive love. Allow God to guard your heart, as you continue to love unconditionally.

Again, in this life, there is going to be sorrows, heartache, pain, disappointment. But there is also triumphs, joy, peace, and yes, love. We mustn't allow the hurt we have experienced today to dictate how we love tomorrow. We find this especially in romantic relationships. We get hurt by someone we loved deeply. Because of this, we may find that we are not willing to love as freely; finding ourselves placing conditions on our love. If the person does this,or if they say that, then it's over. We hold them to a standard created by the actions of another. In this instance, we never get to truly know or even love this person or receive the love they have for us, because it is tainted by the hurt and disappointment from previous experiences.

The same thing can be said when we go to churches. I don't know how many stories I have heard, and can testify to myself, where someone has been hurt by people in the church. They find themselves going from church to church; eventually giving up on on any fellowship with a local church body. Why? Because as soon as we see anything resembling what we experienced, we are out the door! Is that fair? Did we sit down with the Pastor and discuss our experiences? Did we allow God to bring healing to our hearts? Dis we allow ourselves time to even heal before moving forward? Probably not.

When it comes to love—unconditional love—we need to hold on and never let it go. It makes all the difference in our experiences. It makes the difference in how we interact with others, how we see ourselves, and how we not only give love, but receive love.

1 Corinthians 13:4-8a “Love is kind and patient, never jealous, boastful, proud, or 5 rude. Love isn’t selfish or quick tempered. It doesn’t keep a record of wrongs that others do.6 Love rejoices in the truth, but not in evil. 7 Love is always supportive, loyal, hopeful, and trusting.8 Love never fails!”

I decree that the spirit of peace and of prosperity has found permanent rest in your lives: spiritually, physically, emotionally, mentally, socially, and financially. Let love reign. Let God be all up in your space, loving on you and teaching you to love. Hold onto love and never let it go. No matter the circumstances or situations, love will always and can always endure. You are Blessed. Now go...and Be a Blessing!

©2013. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

Fatherless Sons in the Black Community - African American Culture

Fatherless Sons in the Black Community - African American Culture:

'via Blog this'

Reflections, April 21, 2013 | Gather

Reflections, April 21, 2013 | Gather:

'via Blog this'

Reflections, April 14, 2013 | Gather

Reflections, April 14, 2013 | Gather:

'via Blog this'

What Are We Teaching Our Black Children? - African American Culture

What Are We Teaching Our Black Children? - African American Culture:

'via Blog this'

Something's On My Mind

There has been many things on my mind lately; things that I have been occupying much mental space and time.  Before I know it, the minutes and hours have passed, and I STILL have these things on my mind.

Have you ever been there? Where you lose track of time because of the things that are heavy on your mind? What do you do? How do you deal with those things? How do you address them, and move forward without losing hours of your time?

I know that when things like that enter my mind, I have to take a step back and really address what it is that is going on inside. I realize that something taking up that much time, is not solely in my mind, but has made it to the core of my heart.

Two nights ago, I was up working late; writing, editing, researching. And in the midst of my flow, my heart grew heavy and thoughts began swimming quickly through my mind, and I felt the ache in my heart flutter, as my mind thought on each and every black son.

Woosh! The thoughts came rushing in like a heavy wave; one right after the other. My mind could not stop from thinking on the state of our young black children; especially our sons. Everyday I am hearing a tragic story concerning one of our youths. Please don't get me wrong: I also hear and relish in the good that I hear also. However, my heartaches for those who have someway fallen through the cracks. Those young boys and men who didn't get their opportunity and was robbed. Those young black men that were lied to, and had their innocence stolen.

I am tired of seeing our children not make it to adulthood. I'm tired of the prisons filling with our best and brightest. Yet no one knows this, because so many were never given the opportunity to make another choice. They didn't know there was another choice.

Yes. This is on my mind, and what we should do. We cannot continue to abandon them, or act as if they do not exist. There has to be a change. A change in our behavior, in our actions, and our reactions. 

My Black Son, My Black Son

My Black son, My Black Son

Where are you going, what have you done

I see your face everywhere I go

I hear your cries and the pain you cannot let go

My Black Son, My Black Son

Where are you going, what has been done

Who lied to you, and led you astray

Who made you feel less than, when you are so much more than

My Black Son, My Black Son

Where are you going, what are you doing

Who placed death into your hands, who told you that's what makes a man

Who was it that rob you of your youth, and questioned your manhood

My Black Son, My Black Son

Where are you going, what is going to become

Your legacy, your mark upon this earth

You have power, God given power

Your past, your failures, your trials and tests

Do not determine your worth, but add to your growth and strength

My Black Son, My Black Son

Strong and Majestic, Called and Chosen

My Black Son, My Black King

Copyrighted ©2013 by Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

Reflections, April 7, 2013 | Gather

Reflections, April 7, 2013 | Gather: Do not give up! No matter what it looks like, believe what God has spoken!

'via Blog this'

I'll Always Love My Mama - The Intruders

The Future of Black Children - African American Culture

The Future of Black Children - African American Culture:

'via Blog this'

Christ is Risen

Reflections, March 31, 2013 Happy Resurrection! | Gather

Reflections, March 31, 2013 Happy Resurrection! | Gather:

'via Blog this'

The Bully, A Powerful Short Film - African American Culture

The Bully, A Powerful Short Film - African American Culture:

'via Blog this'

Reflections, March 24, 2013 Happy Palm Sunday! | Gather

Reflections, March 24, 2013 Happy Palm Sunday! | Gather:

'via Blog this'

Reflections, March 17, 2013 | Gather

Reflections, March 17, 2013 | Gather:

'via Blog this'

Reflections, March 10, 2013 | Gather

Reflections, March 10, 2013 | Gather:

'via Blog this'

Reflections, March 10, 2013 | Gather

Reflections, March 10, 2013 | Gather:

'via Blog this'

Reflections, March 3, 2013 | Gather

Reflections, March 3, 2013 | Gather:

'via Blog this'

Embracing Your Black History - African American Culture

Embracing Your Black History - African American Culture:

'via Blog this'

Fred Hammond & United Tenors - Here In Our Praise

Reflections, February 24, 2013 | Gather

Reflections, February 24, 2013 | Gather:

'via Blog this'

The Education of the African-American - African American Culture

The Education of the African-American - African American Culture:

'via Blog this'

Reflections, February 17, 2013 | Gather

Reflections, February 17, 2013 | Gather:

'via Blog this'

Be Confident

The Bully, A Powerful Short Film - African American Culture

The Bully, A Powerful Short Film - African American Culture:

'via Blog this'

Reflections, February 3, 2013 | Gather

Reflections, February 3, 2013 | Gather:

'via Blog this'

The Bully, A Powerful Short Film - African American Culture

The Bully, A Powerful Short Film - African American Culture:

'via Blog this'

Live Out Your Faith

Martin Luther King to Barack Obama - African American Culture

Martin Luther King to Barack Obama - African American Culture:

'via Blog this'

Reflections, January 20, 2013 | Gather

Reflections, January 20, 2013 | Gather:

'via Blog this'

5 reasons why 40 is the new 20: And so it is! I am about to turn the big 4-0 and I...

5 reasons why 40 is the new 20: And so it is! I am about to turn the big 4-0 and I...: And so it is! I am about to turn the big 4-0 and I am wondering if I am suppose to be feeling a bit different mentally about reaching this a...

MLK Jr Celebration

Reflections, January 13, 2013 | Gather

Reflections, January 13, 2013 | Gather:

'via Blog this'

Reflections, January 6, 2013 Happy New Year! | Gather

Reflections, January 6, 2013 Happy New Year! | Gather:

'via Blog this'

Let Us Pray

Reflections, December 30, 2012 Have A Happy New... | Gather

Reflections, December 30, 2012 Have A Happy New... | Gather:

'via Blog this'

Reflections, December 23, 2012 Merry Christmas! | Gather

Reflections, December 23, 2012 Merry Christmas! | Gather:

'via Blog this'

The Reason For This Season

Stand with Sandy Hook | causes.com

Stand with Sandy Hook | causes.com:

'via Blog this'

Death In Our Communities - African American Culture

Death In Our Communities - African American Culture:

'via Blog this'

Reflections, December 16, 2012 | Gather

Reflections, December 16, 2012 | Gather:

'via Blog this'

Write The Vision Down

Reflections, December 2, 2012 | Gather

Reflections, December 2, 2012 | Gather:

'via Blog this'

Don't Wait

Another Short Story Available! | Gather

Another Short Story Available! | Gather:

'via Blog this'

Taking Care of Your Mane...Natural or Not - African American Culture

Taking Care of Your Mane...Natural or Not - African American Culture:

'via Blog this'

Reflections, November 25, 2012 | Gather

Reflections, November 25, 2012 | Gather:

'via Blog this'

Sincere Witness

Romney: Obama won with 'gifts' to certain voters - Yahoo! News

Romney: Obama won with 'gifts' to certain voters - Yahoo! News: "
" Wow! Now...that hurts. Why? Because it is sad when someone doesn't get it, or an entire group of people that you have offended and still continue to offend...

'via Blog this'

Reflections, November 11, 2012 Happy Veteran's... | Gather

Reflections, November 11, 2012 Happy Veteran's... | Gather:

'via Blog this'

In Service of Others

Reflections, November 4, 2012 | Gather

Reflections, November 4, 2012 | Gather:

'via Blog this'

Don't Be Intimidated

Reflections, October 21, 2012 | Gather

Reflections, October 21, 2012 | Gather:

'via Blog this'

Don't Believe The Lie

O2 Mind Body Spirit Challenge: Day 28 Aligning PURPOSE...

O2 Mind Body Spirit Challenge: Day 28 Aligning PURPOSE...: Today's Declaration: I HAVE MY OWN SPECIAL WORK AND I DO MY PART. Ephesians 4:16 He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each p...

Reflections, April 1, 2012 Happy Palm Sunday! | Gather

Reflections, April 1, 2012 Happy Palm Sunday! | Gather:

'via Blog this'

Reflections, March 18, 2012 | Gather

Reflections, March 18, 2012 | Gather:

'via Blog this'

Ruthe Mcdonald Author Activist Wife and Paragon 03/15 by MaXat Sesh | Blog Talk Radio

Ruthe Mcdonald Author Activist Wife and Paragon 03/15 by MaXat Sesh | Blog Talk Radio:

'via Blog this'

Ask God First - YouTube

Ask God First - YouTube:

'via Blog this'

Come Boldly Before God - YouTube

Come Boldly Before God - YouTube:

'via Blog this'

Come Boldly Before God - YouTube

Come Boldly Before God - YouTube:

'via Blog this'

Issues Facing Black Communities - African American Culture

Issues Facing Black Communities - African American Culture:

'via Blog this'

Reflections, February 19, 2012 | Gather

Reflections, February 19, 2012 | Gather:

'via Blog this'

yfrog Photo : http://yfrog.com/h3z99xlj Shared by IAMQUEENLATIFAH

yfrog Photo : http://yfrog.com/h3z99xlj Shared by IAMQUEENLATIFAH

Edy's® Fruit Bars: Communities Take Root

Edy's® Fruit Bars: Communities Take Root

As It Is In Heaven in 2011

Reflections Sunday, January 2^nd, 2011

“As It Is In Heaven in 2011”

“So He said to them, “When you pray, say: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Luke 11:2

Scripture Reading For This Week: Exodus 16:1-3; 1 Samuel 2:1-3; 2 Chronicles 6:18-20; Psalm 23; Psalm 35:13; Matthew 5; Luke 11...

In December 2010, in the middle of the night, I awoken saying: “No More Crap!” When I was fully awoke, I realized that my spirit was crying out for a profound change; not just in me, but all around me. So, in 2011 I determine for there to be no more crap! It will be in my life on earth as it is in Heaven. Because this is what the Father Himself decrees.

The past is that: the past. There is no going back and changing anything. Only God has the power to do that. But I do know that what we do today will determine our tomorrow. I will not accept any crap from any person or thing. I will not even accept any crap from myself. And I definitely will not accept any crap from the enemy!

It is my sincerest prayer that this week's Reflections will be a source of encouragement and inspiration for this New Year of 2011. May our hearts and ears be open to the will and word of God. May we hear and receive all that He has ordained, and moved forward with determination and the grace and glory of God covering us.

Happy New Year! Oh, what a year this is going to be! I believe it in my soul. In the deepest of my spirit. It is not a feeling, but a sure enough knowing. I know for certain that whatever you have been diligently waiting for the Lord to do; this is the year! Whatever good seed you have sown; this is the year to begin reaping its harvest!

Hallelujah! I am excited! I am excited to see what God has ordained for me and for you this year! I am anticipating and expecting numerous praise reports and testimonies of answered prayers, miracles and the supernatural. I am looking forward to hearing about loved ones being saved. Backsliders coming home. Deliverance and healing taking place. Immediate answers to prayers. Emotional and spiritual and financial breakthroughs!

Ten years we planted. From 2000-2010, we sowed in tears. We planted in faith. We believed in the impossible. And now it's time to bring in the harvest! Yes! No matter what it looks like, feels like, or what negative people may say: this is the beginning of the harvest for God's children who have been faithful and diligent, and walking upright in the presence of the Lord.

This is why I have declared and decreed, no more crap! It will be in my life, and your life, as it is in Heaven in 2011! God is saying that we must come up higher. We must not accept the lies of the enemy. And we must not live mediocre lives. We must continue in faithfulness and diligence.

Whatever we do, do it well, and do it in the name of God. Now is not the time to sit back and get lazy, or accept things half way. We cannot be lukewarm in any area of our lives. We are either all for God, or not at all. There is no half-stepping! There is no gray area with the Father. It is either black or it is white. It is either cold, or it is hot, but never lukewarm!

My husband, John, asked me to clarify what I meant by no more crap. It simply means that I am not accepting any mess in my life. Not even from myself. My health will continue to improve. My thoughts. And my finances. I will not tolerate laziness, excuses, negativity, naysayers, or “I can't”. I am not accepting this from anyone and I am not accepting it from myself. You know how sometimes we have a tendency to get down on ourselves? Well, I won't be accepting that in myself this year. I will not allow myself to open that door, and I have determined not to complain. I asked the Lord to help me. I never realized how much we really complain. I ask the Father if a complaint is about to come from my lips, allow praise to come forth. Let me turn any murmur or complaint into a praise and thank you, for His goodness.

And I am definitely not accepting any crap from Satan. Whether it comes in the form of things or people or the devil himself; he got in the right church to get happy, for he sure enough will be destroyed this year! This is war. And I know that it is a war that I have already won, and that each battle that comes, belongs to the Lord. So I must do my part, and be diligent and persistent in my walk, my faith and relationship with God.

This means more time in the presence of God. Less television, less computer, less telephone, less idle time, and more quality time with the Lord. Success is not based upon what I can do. It is based upon how much time I give the Father, and the ability to receive a glorious download from Him for each and every day.

As it is in Heaven in 2011 is how I am determined to live this year! I am anticipating and expecting my life on earth to be as it is in Heaven. All things that have been established in Heaven concerning me, will be established upon the earth. We do not have to wait to we are in Heaven to receive what is in Heaven. We can experience it right here on the earth. I am not only believing this for me, but I am believing this for you, as well.

The Father's will for our lives can and will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. So that, as faithful and diligent believers, we do not have to allow the worries of the world be our worries. We can fully cast all our cares upon then Lord and leave them there, and walk with the knowing that God is leading us to an expected end.

Sometimes we forget that we are not of this world, as believers. That we are citizens of Heaven, and that we walk and should govern ourselves by a different set of standards. We really need to walk and live by the word of God. Allowing the Father to govern our footsteps, and not allowing the worldly system and systematic problems dictate how we live and what we believe.

This is a brand New Year, filled with brand new opportunities. It is up to you to decide what you are going to do with those opportunities. As for me and my house: we are going to serve the Lord with all that we are, and accept what the Father. We are taking no more crap. The will of the Father will be done in our lives on earth as it is in Heaven. We are going to: live hard, love hard, laugh hard, and leave all the tough stuff to God!

I pray that you are filled with a determination to live this New Year to the fullest. May the spirit of peace and prosperity find rest in your spiritual, physical, mental, emotional, social, and financial lives. May it be in your life as it is in Heaven in 2011. You are blessed. Now go and Be a Blessing.

©2011. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.

I Have a Dream Speech - Full text, audio & video of Martin Luther King Jr's most famous speech, I Have a Dream / Address at March on Washington

I Have a Dream Speech - Full text, audio & video of Martin Luther King Jr's most famous speech, I Have a Dream / Address at March on Washington

It's Been A While!

There is a lot of things going on in the world today. Much of it pains my heart. Where does one even begin to start? It's been quite a while since I have posted anything to this blog. I have been so busy with other things. It's not that this hasn't been on my mind; because it has. There are definitely things that have been bothering me, and hurting me deeply.

Let's see, what has been going on in our world? Gas prices are up. Food costs are on a steady rise. Floods have caused major damage--causing people to lose homes, crops, business's and their lives. There are out of control wildfires in the west again. There were even some fires in Florida. Two weeks ago, it snowed in Washington state. There was cyclone, and earthquake, a typhoon! A gem of journalist passed away, Tim Russet. (I thoroughly enjoyed his work. His commentaries were awesome. Meet The Press will never be the same) Comedian George Carlin died yesterday! I really liked him. Surprising, huh? Not really--I have eclectic tastes in just about every area of life.

Let's see--what else? Teenage girls are making pacts to get pregnant. Hollywood "bad-girls" have become the role model for many young people. They are choosing notoriety, over sound education! Not realizing that they aren't the one's with the money or, publicists, that get paid to put a spin on things.

Poverty levels are increasing as we take a breath. Soldiers are still dying in Iraq. Some people are less concerned about what's right and the chance of a Black man becoming president. The issues at hand are being skated around. No one is really saying with clear understanding, what they plan to do to get this country back on track. Race relations can no longer be denied or buried. Churches are under fire and more scrutiny. Black churches, especially, have been placed under a microscope.

There is a host of other things, as well. By why should I bore you with everything you already know? Life is hard. And for some, it just plain sucks! We apparently are in the last days, and people still don't think it's real. Look around you, cupcake! The prophesy of the word of God is all around us being fulfilled every day. So, what are you going to do about it?

I often wonder if people who say they love God and want what is best, for not only themselves; but for those around them, would do, if today were their last day? Or, if they knew for a fact that they had but a small window of opportunity to save someones life?

So much to think about. All these things happening--are they not signs? Do they not point to the coming of Jesus? Now is not the time to tuck our tails between our legs and hide. On the contrary. Now is the time for us to get involved and help out those we can. To be bold and recognize that laziness is not an option. We have to stop complaining, sitting on the sidelines, and make things happen...for the better. Whether it's our lives or someone elses.

Taking Stock of the Past, Part 2

I want to thank everyone for their support of part one of this article, and the willingness to participate in learning something new; about the past; slavery; yourselves; your community.
It is imperative that we continue to grow and learn from our past. African-American history is not just black history; it is American history. That is why I intend not to just focus on the contributions of the balck race; but other races as well. For I know, that we did not make it this far alone; that God indeed had people of other races, aiding us along the way. To which, I give God the praise.

No man is an island unto himself. We cannot expect to get ahead, when we continue to deny the fact that we need one another. We also cannot go forward, if we do not understand our past, and begin to heal. The healing process always begins with taking a look inside. Prayerfully, these articles will allow you to do just that.

Once again, thak you for your support, and willingness to read, knowing how difficult it may be; more so for others.

God Bless,
Ruthe

Part Two....(Warniing: It Doesn't Get Easier To Read; Foul Language Used)
(The Willie Lynch Letter Concluded)

THE BREAKING PROCESS OF THE AFRICAN WOMAN

Take the female and run a series of tests on her to see if she will submit to your desires willingly. Test her in every way, because she is the most important factor for good economics. If she shows any sign of resistance in submitting completely to your will, do not hesitate to use the bullwhip on her to extract that last bit of [b----] out of her. Take care not to kill her, for in doing so, you spoil good economics. When in complete submission, she will train her offsprings in the early years to submit to labor when they become of age. Understanding is the best thing. Therefore, we shall go deeper into this area of the subject matter concerning what we have produced here in this breaking process of the female nigger. We have reversed the relationship; in her natural uncivilized state, she would have a strong dependency on the uncivilized nigger male, and she would have a limited protective tendency toward her independent male offspring and would raise male offsprings to be dependent like her. Nature had provided for this type of balance. We reversed nature by burning and pulling a civilized nigger apart and bullwhipping the other to the point of death, all in her presence. By her being left alone, unprotected, with the MALE IMAGE DESTROYED, the ordeal caused her to move from her psychologically dependent state to a frozen, independent state. In this frozen, psychological state of independence, she will raise her MALE and female offspring in reversed roles. For FEAR of the young male's life, she will psychologically train him to be MENTALLY WEAK and DEPENDENT, but PHYSICALLY STRONG. Because she has become psychologically independent, she will train her FEMALE offsprings to be psychologically independent. What have you got? You've got the nigger WOMAN OUT FRONT AND THE nigger MAN BEHIND AND SCARED. This is a perfect situation of sound sleep and economics. Before the breaking process, we had to be alertly on guard at all times. Now, we can sleep soundly, for out of frozen fear his woman stands guard for us. He cannot get past her early slave-molding process. He is a good tool, now ready to be tied to the horse at a tender age. By the time a nigger boy reaches the age of sixteen, he is soundly broken in and ready for a long life of sound and efficient work and the reproduction of a unit of good labor force. Continually through the breaking of uncivilized savage niggers, by throwing the nigger female savage into a frozen psychological state of independence, by killing the protective male image, and by creating a submissive dependent mind of the nigger male slave, we have created an orbiting cycle that turns on its own axis forever, unless a phenomenon occurs and re-shifts the position of the male and female slaves. We show what we mean by example. Take the case of the two economic slave units and examine them close.

THE NEGRO MARRIAGE

We breed two nigger males with two nigger females. Then, we take the nigger male away from them and keep them moving and working. Say one nigger female bears a nigger female and the other bears a nigger male; both nigger females-being without influence of the nigger male image, frozen with a independent psychology-will raise their offspring into reverse positions. The one with the female offspring will teach her to be like herself, independent and negotiable (we negotiate with her, through her, by her, negotiates her at will). The one with the nigger male offspring, she being frozen subconscious fear for his life, will raise him to be mentally dependent and weak, but physically strong; in other words, body over mind. Now, in a few years when these two offsprings become fertile for early reproduction, we will mate and breed them and continue the cycle. That is good, sound and long range comprehensive planning.

WARNING: POSSIBLE INTERLOPING NEGATIVES

Earlier, we talked about the non-economic good of the horse and the nigger in their wild or natural state; we talked out the principle of breaking and tying them together for orderly production. Furthermore, we talked about paying particular attention to the female savage and her offspring for orderly future planning, then more recently we stated that, by reversing the positions of the male and female savages, we created an orbiting cycle that turns on its own axis forever unless a phenomenon occurred and reshifts positions of the male and female savages. Our experts warned us about the possibility of this phenomenon occurring, for they say that the mind has a strong drive to correct and re-correct itself over a period of time if it can touch some substantial original historical base; and they advised us that the best way to deal with the phenomenon is to shave off the brute's mental history and create a multiplicity of phenomena of illusions, so that each illusion will twirl in its own orbit, something similar to floating balls in a vacuum. This creation of multiplicity of phenomena of illusions entails the principle of crossbreeding the nigger and the horse as we stated above, the purpose of which is to create a diversified division of labor; thereby creating different levels of labor and different values of illusion at each connecting level of labor. The results of which is the severance of the points of original beginnings for each sphere illusion. Since we feel that the subject matter may get more complicated as we proceed in laying down our economic plan concerning the purpose, reason and effect of crossbreeding horses and niggers, we shall lay down the following definition terms for future generations. Orbiting cycle means a thing turning in a given path. Axis means upon which or around which a body turns. Phenomenon means something beyond ordinary conception and inspires awe and wonder. Multiplicity means a great number. Means a globe. Crossbreeding a horse means taking a horse and breeding it with an ass and you get a dumb, backward, ass long-headed mule that is not reproductive nor productive by itself. Crossbreeding niggers mean taking so many drops of good white blood and putting them into as many nigger women as possible, varying the drops by the various tone that you want, and then letting them breed with each other until another circle of color appears as you desire. What this means is this: Put the niggers and the horse in a breeding pot, mix some asses and some good white blood and what do you get? You got a multiplicity of colors of ass backward, unusual niggers, running, tied to backward ass long-headed mules, the one productive of itself, the other sterile. (The one constant, the other dying, we keep the nigger constant for we may replace the mules for another tool) both mule and nigger tied to each other, neither knowing where the other came from and neither productive for itself, nor without each other.

CONTROLLED LANGUAGE

Crossbreeding completed, for further severance from their original beginning, WE MUST COMPLETELY ANNIHILATE THE MOTHER TONGUE of both the new nigger and the new mule, and institute a new language that involves the new life's work of both. You know language is a peculiar institution. It leads to the heart of a people. The more a foreigner knows about the language of another country the more he is able to move through all levels of that society. Therefore, if the foreigner is an enemy of the country, to the extent that he knows the body of the language, to that extent is the country vulnerable to attack or invasion of a foreign culture. For example, if you take a slave, if you teach him all about your language, he will know all your secrets, and he is then no more a slave, for you can't fool him any longer, and BEING A FOOL IS ONE OF THE BASIC INGREDIENTS OF ANY INCIDENTS TO THE MAINTENANCE OF THE SLAVERY SYSTEM. For example, if you told a slave that he must perform in getting out "our crops" and he knows the language well, he would know that "our crops" didn't mean "our crops" and the slavery system would break down, for he would relate on the basis of what "our crops" really meant. So you have to be careful in setting up the new language; for the slaves would soon be in your house, talking to you as "man to man" and that is death to our economic system. In addition, the definitions of words or terms are only a minute part of the process. Values are created and transported by communication through the body of the language. A total society has many interconnected value systems. All the values in the society have bridges of language to connect them for orderly working in the society. But for these language bridges, these many value systems would sharply clash and cause internal strife or civil war, the degree of the conflict being determined by the magnitude of the issues or relative opposing strength in whatever form. For example, if you put a slave in a hog pen and train him to live there and incorporate in him to value it as a way of life completely, the biggest problem you would have out of him is that he would worry you about provisions to keep the hog pen clean, or the same hog pen and make a slip and incorporate something in his language whereby he comes to value a house more than he does his hog pen, you got a problem. He will soon be in your house.

Additional Note: "Henty Berry, speaking in the Virginia House of Delegates in 1832, described the situation as it existed in many parts of the South at this time: "We have, as far as possible, closed every avenue by which light may enter their (the slaves) minds. If we could extinguish the capacity to see the light, our work would be complete; they would then be on a level with the beasts of the field and we should be safe. I am not certain that we would not do it, if we could find out the process and that on the plea of necessity." From Brown America, The story of a New Race by Edwin R. Embree. 1931 The Viking Press.

To Be Concluded Tomorrow....
(Part 1) (Conclusion)

This blog is a part of a three part series found at my site: ruemcdonald.gather.com Please stop by if you have time.

Taking Stock of the Past, Part I

During this review of Black History, I have decided to delve even further into our past as slaves. And, to bring to the minds of some people that may not be aware of the diabolical plot of the enemy to not only divide a race and keep them divided; but to also divide a nation. Make no mistakes about it; I look around me every single day, and still see the machinations of this plot in full force. Some of us have overcome, and have destroyed the roots of this evil from our family. Yet, there are so many that still live under this oppressive spirit; and continue to live in the mindset of this disturbing evil. The enemy is not a white man. The evil is not a black man. In fact, the evil is not a man at all: it is Satan himself. That spirit that seeks to destroy peoples lives, families, homes and country. It is an evil that seeks to inhabit the soul of men and women, that shun away from the love and knowledge of God. It loves to dwell in the minds of persons that believe themselves to be superior. It is a divisive and manipulating spirit that comes to kill, steal and destroy. (John 10:10)

When I first read the infamous Willie Lynch letter, I was aghast by it's vileness. Yet, it hurt my soul, and grieved my spirit to see this evil still in practice. And what's more, to see it being done amongst ourselves. This evil still persists today. My intent on publishing this article, is to bring it to the forefront, and to see if you can recognize this spirit at work in your life, or those lives and communities around you. Ignorance is not bliss--it is dangerous.

Thank you for your willingness to learn, and the opportunity to grow as a human being.

Ruthe

Part One....

This speech was delivered by Willie Lynch on the bank of the James River in the colony of Virginia in 1712. Lynch was a British slave owner in the West Indies. He was invited to the colony of Virginia in 1712 to teach his methods to slave owners there. The term "lynching" is derived from his last name.

[beginning of the Willie Lynch Letter]

Greetings,
Gentlemen. I greet you here on the bank of the James River in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and twelve. First, I shall thank you, the gentlemen of the Colony of Virginia, for bringing me here. I am here to help you solve some of your problems with slaves. Your invitation reached me on my modest plantation in the West Indies, where I have experimented with some of the newest, and still the oldest, methods for control of slaves. Ancient Rome would envy us if my program is implemented. As our boat sailed south on the James River, named for our illustrious King, whose version of the Bible we cherish, I saw enough to know that your problem is not unique. While Rome used cords of wood as crosses for standing human bodies along its highways in great numbers, you are here using the tree and the rope on occasions. I caught the whiff of a dead slave hanging from a tree, a couple miles back. You are not only losing valuable stock by hangings, you are having uprisings, slaves are running away, your crops are sometimes left in the fields too long for maximum profit, you suffer occasional fires, your animals are killed. Gentlemen, you know what your problems are; I do not need to elaborate. I am not here to enumerate your problems, I am here to introduce you to a method of solving them. In my bag here, I HAVE A FULL PROOF METHOD FOR CONTROLLING YOUR BLACK SLAVES. I guarantee every one of you that, if installed correctly, IT WILL CONTROL THE SLAVES FOR AT LEAST 300 HUNDREDS YEARS. My method is simple. Any member of your family or your overseer can use it. I HAVE OUTLINED A NUMBER OF DIFFERENCES AMONG THE SLAVES; AND I TAKE THESE DIFFERENCES AND MAKE THEM BIGGER. I USE FEAR, DISTRUST AND ENVY FOR CONTROL PURPOSES. These methods have worked on my modest plantation in the West Indies and it will work throughout the South. Take this simple little list of differences and think about them. On top of my list is "AGE," but it's there only because it starts with an "a." The second is "COLOR" or shade. There is INTELLIGENCE, SIZE, SEX, SIZES OF PLANTATIONS, STATUS on plantations, ATTITUDE of owners, whether the slaves live in the valley, on a hill, East, West, North, South, have fine hair, course hair, or is tall or short. Now that you have a list of differences, I shall give you an outline of action, but before that, I shall assure you that DISTRUST IS STRONGER THAN TRUST AND ENVY STRONGER THAN ADULATION, RESPECT OR ADMIRATION. The Black slaves after receiving this indoctrination shall carry on and will become self-refueling and self-generating for HUNDREDS of years, maybe THOUSANDS. Don't forget, you must pitch the OLD black male vs. the YOUNG black male, and the YOUNG black male against the OLD black male. You must use the DARK skin slaves vs. the LIGHT skin slaves, and the LIGHT skin slaves vs. the DARK skin slaves. You must use the FEMALE vs. the MALE, and the MALE vs. the FEMALE. You must also have white servants and overseers [who] distrust all Blacks. But it is NECESSARY THAT YOUR SLAVES TRUST AND DEPEND ON US. THEY MUST LOVE, RESPECT AND TRUST ONLY US. Gentlemen, these kits are your keys to control. Use them. Have your wives and children use them, never miss an opportunity. IF USED INTENSELY FOR ONE YEAR, THE SLAVES THEMSELVES WILL REMAIN PERPETUALLY DISTRUSTFUL. Thank you gentlemen."

LET'S MAKE A SLAVE
It was the interest and business of slave holders to study human nature, and the slave nature in particular, with a view to practical results. I and many of them attained astonishing proficiency in this direction. They had to deal not with earth, wood and stone, but with men and, by every regard, they had for their own safety and prosperity they needed to know the material on which they were to work, conscious of the injustice and wrong they were every hour perpetuating and knowing what they themselves would do. Were they the victims of such wrongs? They were constantly looking for the first signs of the dreaded retribution. They watched therefore with skilled and practiced eyes, and learned to read with great accuracy, the state of mind and heart of the slave, through his sable face. Unusual sobriety, apparent abstractions, sullenness and indifference indeed, any mood out of the common was afforded ground for suspicion and inquiry. Frederick Douglas LET'S MAKE A SLAVE is a study of the scientific process of man-breaking and slave-making. It describes the rationale and results of the Anglo Saxons' ideas and methods of insuring the master/slave relationship. LET'S MAKE A SLAVE "The Original and Development of a Social Being Called 'The Negro.'" Let us make a slave. What do we need? First of all, we need a black nigger man, a pregnant nigger woman and her baby nigger boy. Second, we will use the same basic principle that we use in breaking a horse, combined with some more sustaining factors. What we do with horses is that we break them from one form of life to another; that is, we reduce them from their natural state in nature. Whereas nature provides them with the natural capacity to take care of their offspring, we break that natural string of independence from them and thereby create a dependency status, so that we may be able to get from them useful production for our business and pleasure.

CARDINAL PRINCIPLES FOR MAKING A NEGRO
For fear that our future generations may not understand the principles of breaking both of the beast together, the nigger and the horse. We understand that short range planning economics results in periodic economic chaos; so that to avoid turmoil in the economy, it requires us to have breadth and depth in long range comprehensive planning, articulating both skill sharp perceptions. We lay down the following principles for long range comprehensive economic planning. Both horse and niggers [are] no good to the economy in the wild or natural state. Both must be BROKEN and TIED together for orderly production. For orderly future, special and particular attention must be paid to the FEMALE and the YOUNGEST offspring. Both must be CROSSBRED to produce a variety and division of labor. Both must be taught to respond to a peculiar new LANGUAGE. Psychological and physical instruction of CONTAINMENT must be created for both. We hold the six cardinal principles as truth to be self-evident, based upon following the discourse concerning the economics of breaking and tying the horse and the nigger together, all inclusive of the six principles laid down above. NOTE: Neither principle alone will suffice for good economics. All principles must be employed for orderly good of the nation. Accordingly, both a wild horse and a wild or natur[al] nigger is dangerous even if captured, for they will have the tendency to seek their customary freedom and, in doing so, might kill you in your sleep. You cannot rest. They sleep while you are awake, and are awake while you are asleep. They are DANGEROUS near the family house and it requires too much labor to watch them away from the house. Above all, you cannot get them to work in this natural state. Hence, both the horse and the nigger must be broken; that is breaking them from one form of mental life to another. KEEP THE BODY, TAKE THE MIND! In other words, break the will to resist. Now the breaking process is the same for both the horse and the nigger, only slightly varying in degrees. But, as we said before, there is an art in long range economic planning. YOU MUST KEEP YOUR EYE AND THOUGHTS ON THE FEMALE and the OFFSPRING of the horse and the nigger. A brief discourse in offspring development will shed light on the key to sound economic principles. Pay little attention to the generation of original breaking, but CONCENTRATE ON FUTURE GENERATION. Therefore, if you break the FEMALE mother, she will BREAK the offspring in its early years of development; and when the offspring is old enough to work, she will deliver it up to you, for her normal female protective tendencies will have been lost in the original breaking process. For example, take the case of the wild stud horse, a female horse and an already infant horse and compare the breaking process with two captured nigger males in their natural state, a pregnant nigger woman with her infant offspring. Take the stud horse, break him for limited containment. Completely break the female horse until she becomes very gentle, whereas you or anybody can ride her in her comfort. Breed the mare and the stud until you have the desired offspring. Then, you can turn the stud to freedom until you need him again. Train the female horse whereby she will eat out of your hand, and she will in turn train the infant horse to eat out of your hand, also. When it comes to breaking the uncivilized nigger, use the same process, but vary the degree and step up the pressure, so as to do a complete reversal of the mind. Take the meanest and most restless nigger, strip him of his clothes in front of the remaining male niggers, the female, and the nigger infant, tar and feather him, tie each leg to a different horse faced in opposite directions, set him afire and beat both horses to pull him apart in front of the remaining niggers. The next step is to take a bullwhip and beat the remaining nigger males to the point of death, in front of the female and the infant. Don't kill him, but PUT THE FEAR OF GOD IN HIM, for he can be useful for future breeding.

Part Two Tomorrow....

This Time of Year

This time of year is not the easiest for many people. There are many that are alone, depressed, angry. I can go on. But would it really do any good, too? No; not at all.

I've been extremely busy lately, trying to get my life in order, and accomplish some of my dreams and goals. There have been some major setbacks; but none that are too difficult for God to handle. I've been reaching for my goals, and I'm finally starting to see some progress. At the same time, there are other aspects of my life that are not easy to look at; but are necessary. It is part of what makes me, me.

Last week, I had the fortunate opportunity of volunteering for a wonderful community organization that was giving away Thanksgiving baskets. It warmed my heart and saddened it all at the same time. It warmed my heart to see the outpouring of support from the community; but it saddened me to see how many persons--with children especially--were in such need. It started me thinking about what those families do all the other days of the year, and what can I do to make a difference?

Although many of the families were grateful; I could still see some sadness in many of their faces. I could see the joy of receiving the basket; but at the same time, the wonder of what they were going to do for next week. I saw anger on some faces. I saw despair. I saw depression. I even saw greed. Yes--even greed. To the point that there were some people who actually tried to pull a scam. Which was totally unfair to a family who may have gone without, if there were not enough baskets to go around.

My heart sincerely ached for these families. I wish you could have seen the children...how precious and innocent. Then I wondered: how many of them will repeat this vicious cycle? How many of them [children], will be where their parents are when they grow up? It struck a chord in my soul. One that I cannot get away from.

What can we do to stop the cycle of poverty? What can one person do to make a difference in at least one child's life? There is much that we can do. And, all it takes is committing one's self to making a difference one family, one child, one person at a time. To begin to give back to those around you--to the community that you live in. Perhaps by volunteering your time, expertise, talent, finance, home...whatever you can give, that will teach families how to make it. To teach children and parents, how to live and not just survive. We can't help everyone--not alone. But collectively, we can make a huge difference.

To many, this season has always been about receiving. How about we make it about giving, and teaching? It's time for people to stop complaining, stop whining, stop passing the responsibility, and take accountability for the community they live in. Become a mentor. Become a big brother/big sister. Become a foster family. Become involved. Don't just be a spectator. Commit to make a change; one person, one child, one family, a community at a time.

Other Personal Essays email me

Has It Really Been That Long?

Wow! I really have neglected this blog, haven't I? I've been so busy writing, praying, and a whole lot of other things that I have seriously neglected this blog.

Well, I have been thinking about making some changes. My life is going in another direction than when I first began this blog. Nevertheless, I do not wish to abandoned this idea. Why? Because truly, there are many people hurting and needing a word of encouragement. So, once I figure out what to do (after much prayer), I will revamp this blog, and give links to some of my favorite sites, and perhaps share a bit more information.

Well, so much has happened in the world, hasn't it? School has began. Autumn is upon us. There's unrest in Louisiana (JENA 6), that is causing race discussions across the nation. The president of Iran spoke at a University in NY, as well as the UN. Let me just say this, I listened to his speech at the UN, and I must say, that if you don't know God, please get to know him. I say that because, as Ahmadinejad was speaking, I clearly was seeing the book of Revelations.

Now, don't get me wrong, I do not support him; however much of what he was saying was true concerning the state of things, and how the lives of people are here in America and the Middle east. If you don't know by now; God will use your enemy to speak the truth. And, if you are listening, you will begin to see the sign of the times. All I saw was the very acts of Revelations beginning to be played out for real! I heard God saying, this is the beginning of His return, and we must be ready.

All the unrest that is going on amongst our own Nation, is in direct correlation with the unrest that is found in all Nations. The unrest between America and other nations is alarmingly similar to the unrest between the races in America. First, things seem to advance well and all is okay on the home front. Then, the evil truth is revealed. God allows the truth to be made known to the world, that things are not equal all over the place. That, we still need to fight for civil rights and equality. That we still need to uphold the statues of, God. That, we still remain responsible to teach the next generation about what it means to stand on sound principles and doctrine.

There are so many places that I can take this conversation, because truly this is where I am hurting today. I am hurting in my heart for a nation that claims to promote equality and fairness. A nation that claims to protect the individuals rights, but has so far dropped the ball, and the World as a whole, is watching and judging.

It bothers me to see that, I am living in a nation where much hasn't changed as far as race relations. It bothers me to see, that I live in a nation, where the president of Iran can come and speak in a US university, and a man of color still cannot get a fair trial because of the color of his skin. Yes, judgement is upon us, and it hurts me to know that many that believe they are okay, sadly are not. It hurts me to see, that as a believer in Jesus Christ, that the body of Christ on a whole, are fighting one another, talking against one another, and tearing one another apart. We are not praying for one another, and we are not teaching what God wants us to teach. And, while all this is going on, the world (unbelievers) is watching us, shaking their heads, and running from God even faster, because of our poor behavior, and the inability to remain disciplined and steadfast in the ways of God. This truly hurts me. What kind of ambassadors for Christ have we become? God is not pleased.

Well, I have rambled on more than I wanted to, but I can do that, it's my blog! Anyway, take from this what you will. You don't have to agree with anything I have stated here. That's your right. These are my opinions. But please allow me the right, and afford me the respect to voice them [opinions], as long as I am not encroaching upon you, by bringing harm or physical danger to your person.

Be blessed today, and receive what God has for you; especially the TRUTH.

Rue

Enough Already!

All of this whining and bickering, and picking on—enough already! Jeez!

I was reading on the newest feud between View host, Rosie O'Donnell, and Mr.Bill O'Reilly! Come on...you can't say you did not see this one coming?

For whatever Ms. O'Donnell's issues are; she is indeed entitled to her view points. But, I must ask the question: Does she need to be so belligerent? Really? Don't get me wrong; I actually like Ms. O'Donnell—at times—however, lately she has just rubbed me the wrong way, coming off as a bully!

I actually understand where she is coming from; but I also understand Mr. O'Reilly's point of view as well. When you have the capacity to reach so many people and make an impact—we must be careful of what we say, and how we say it. We may say something jokingly, and it be taken seriously, or out of context. We do have a responsibility.

We indeed have a responsibility to the nation in which we are living; which affords us the liberty to be so profoundly vocal. However, with these liberties come responsibilities. Responsibility in what we are saying and why.

Power is a dangerous drug. Once we realize that we have it; for some it causes them to be more empathetic; for others it unleashes a mind-set that is devastatingly dangerous.

What happens when we began to speak against our nation? As a whole, it tears us apart. Separating us; giving room for the enemy to get in—and divide and conquer. Whether we realize it or not; we are being watched. Our actions; what we are saying; what we are suggesting; what we are complaining about.

My point of view comes from a foundation that is rooted in the belief of God. That I serve a Creator, that has placed in me the freedom to choose what, and who I want to follow. He's such an awesome God, that He gave me the freedom to choose if I want to serve Him or the Devil. You may not agree; but that's your prerogative, or your freedom to choose to believe that. I'm not mad at you. But, I know what I know for myself, because of an intimate relationship with my Father (God).

Because of my relationship, I have come to realize that it is against His will that I blatantly disrespect the Leader of this nation; whether I believe, agree, or even like him. That's not the point. The point is: he won the office. He was voted in, and I can't change that fact. But, what I can do is show respect to the office—even if I disagree. I can disagree with his choices; how he runs this country; how he even looks! Yet, I will not disrespect him, by calling him out his name and making fun of him. But I also know, I have the freedom to make a change—through my voting, and my voice. Not to stir up anger, or insight a riot; but to ignite positive change through my voice; perhaps my writing, and encourage others in my sphere of influence to do the same. Especially during this election season.

You see, what many of us may not realize is that, the world is watching us. They are watching how we treat our leaders. They are watching to see how we treat one another. They are watching to see how the Leaders that be treat its constituents. (Hurricane Katrina was an eye-opener to the world about America). This is a major problem for many other nations: how America shows disregard for those in authority, and those in lack. When these nations see this; they are appalled, and become highly agitated when we come into their country and try to change things. Or try to Americanize their youth—their future. They don't want our values. They don't want our morals. They don't want our influence—our money...yes. Influence...no.

My point is this: If we cannot even show solidarity in our own Nation; how can we expect to change somewhere else? How can we expect to stop a war—that has gone on for far too long—if we cannot even stop fighting amongst ourselves? Really. Is it it more important to be right, or be united, and put an end to this atrocity? Enough Already!

Affectionately,

My Point Of View!

April Fool...Ha!

Are you a fan of Jokes? In my family, April Fool's Day is a no-holds-bar day! No one is safe—not even Grandmas!

My Uncles were crazy jokers! They got my Grandmother each and every time. I remember this one time they got my Grandmother so good; that she whipped their behind, but good. (I guess the joke was on them, huh?)

My Grandmother always advised her children that sex was for marriage. That, engaging in a sexual relationship is for mature folks. And, she definitely did not want no young girls coming to her house saying they were pregnant.

They (Uncles) came up with a crazy joke: tell my Grandmother that one of them got a girl pregnant. They were fifteen and seventeen at the time. Well, they proceeded to tell my grandmother this lie—she was none to thrilled. She screamed; she hollared; she tried to choke him. She asked him if he was crazy.

Not only did he say that the girl was pregnant; but that she had the baby already, and was downstairs waiting to come in, because her parents kicked her out. Now, I won't repeat what my Grandmother said—*$#*&#*—and the like! My younger uncle went down stairs to get the girl.

My Grandmother tried to compose herself—afterall, this was her grandchild, right? The girl came in holding the "baby" in her arms, wrapped in a white receiving blanket. My grandmother asked her to come show her the baby. She asked what it was. The girl said it was a girl. My Grandmother said, let me see who she favors.

By this time, my Uncles were starting to lose it. They were trying to stifle their laughter. When the girl placed the "baby" in my Grandmother's arms, she stood back. My Grandmother lifted the blanket up, and said: "What the—"!

My Uncles and that girl started howling with laughter. One of my Uncles fell to the floor, holding his sides. My grandmother was cussing, and called them every name she could think of. Inside the blanket was a baby chimp!

I was just a little girl when this happened; but I knew it was funny! My grandmother chased my Uncles around the house with a belt. I laughed so hard, I nearly peed my pants!

The Devil Is A Liar!

I was watching Primetime, last evening. They covered this story about a man who claimed to be the second comiing Christ. He calls himself, Jesus.

This isn't a surprise or shock to me. For we are told in the Holy Scriptures, that many will come, claiming to be the Messiah, and many would be led astray.

The thing that did shock me, was his message: That it was okay to drink, smoke, etc.... In fact, he went so far as to say that he was the "Anti-Christ". He was going against every form of religion; Especially the Catholic church. And, was teaching young children, that it (faith) is not a matter of the heart, but a state of mind. That God cares about your mind. And, that sin and hell is just what the "church" uses to bring fear to man.

Everything he stood for, was about the flesh. Gratifying the flesh. And, getting as much as you can right now. It was sad. It broke my heart especially to see those children's minds being warped, and aspiring to get their tatoo's of "666". The Devil is a liar!

I watched with my mother, and she stated that it was very eery, how he reminded her of Jim Jones. Very charasmatic, and really people oriented. It was the beginning of the end.

I want to know, how far this man will go? Because, he is definitely setting his sites on America, and as much cash as he can get. Make no mistake: This is not about God, or about our getting to heaven. This is a war between Heaven and hell. God and the Devil. Between eternal life and eternal damnation. And the Devil has chose his soldiers.

It is time for God's soldiers to stand up, and get on the front-lines. It's time to get out of the Church buildings, and comfyy pews, and get your war clothes on: Having the mindset of, "Take No Prisoners".

The Devil Is A Liar!

All Snowed In...

How was your Love Day? For those of us in the North East, we were hit with some pretty wicked weather! It was long over due.

Here, in Pennsylvania, we were a little spoiled by the lack of winter, and not too mention the seventy degree weather we experienced in December! Talk about crazy! But alas, we got hit. I just hope this is was the first and last of it.

You want to know where I hurt? My back...from trying to dig out from under all this snow. :)
One minute there was nothing, and the next, my back-yard looks like a winter wonder land. Down the street from me, there were countless teenagers with snowboards, merrily sliding down this fourty foot street; Which now resembles a mountain slope at some ski resort!

The weather report said 20 inches, but my back says, three feet! The more I dig, the more snow there seems to be. But, I can bet you one thing: I won't be digging tomorrow. Can someone say, "Snow Blower"!

Good Luck Digging Out!

Rue

Happy Love Day!

Another Valentine's day is upon us. How is your day going so far? Mine's? Forget about it! It's not that thrilling. However, I can say, the two feet of snow outside my door is a hoot!

I knew it was coming! This is the first real snow we've had this winter. Hopefully it will be the last. At least it's not nine feet of snow! Could you imagine? Yikes!

Anywho! I hope you're taking the opportunity to say I love you to someone today. Even though we should be doing this everyday. But, I encourage you, to think about someone you may know, that hasn't been having such a wonderful time of it lately. Think of someone who you might know, who might not have heard those special words in a while...and tell them, I love you. Every one needs to hear that. Do you know of any children that need a special hug? How about some elderly person? They're out there. So, let's do something a little different today. Instead of expecting a gift...YOU become the gift. Give someone the gift of you.

Perhaps you are saying, you need to hear those words yourself. Well, here you go: I LOVE YOU! Just the way you are! Now look in the mirror, and repeat: I Love You! Now, was that so hard? If it was, keep repeating it until it becomes easier. And, it will. Trust me.

Happy Love Day! God Loves You Best!

Rue

So Much Pain...

It is really heart breaking to see so many people in so much pain and grief. Suffering within their souls; crying out for help, and not receiving it.

I was sadden by the death of Anna Nicole Smith. No, I did not know her personally. However, I know many like her.

In my opinion--and I really don't care what anyone says--not even her own mother: It was a broken heart that killed her. It was plain to see, for anyone with a heart and a sense of compassion, to see that Ms. Smith was clearly grieving. I do not care what she sounded like, or what she appeared to look like, or the way she may have slurred her words. That was a woman--a mother--in some serious pain.

People over look the effects that losing a love one can have on someone. Some people are able to grieve and move on. For some, it never goes away. The loss, the pain, the grief. Leaving in your heart, a hole that is not easily filled. Ask any parent that has lost a child- another child does not, and cannot replace the life of the one lost.

My heart went out to her, as well as my prayers each time I saw her. Because, I recognized the deep, searing pain that she was in. Her heart was broken, and I believe it just gave up the fight.

The constant barrage of questioning, and the endless jabs of accusations were appearantly too overwhelming. As someone watching from afar, I empathized with her hurting soul.

For those who truly knew her best, and loved her best; they know the treasure that they have lost. And, I offer to them my deepest and sincerest condolences in their time of great mourning.

Perhaps you know someone that is grieving. Or, someone that is in great pain. Take a moment to put aside judgement, and offer a pair of open arms, and ears to listen; while keeping in mind, that words do have the power to heal, as they do kill.

Filled With Pride

I take pride in my heritage. Although it is vast, I take pride in who I am, and where I come from.

It is Black history month. And, we shouldn't wait to celebrate our heritage just once a year. Every day should be a celebration. A celebration of life. By living life to the fullest, and being thankful for the opportunities that our fore-fathers and mothers afforded us, through their blood, sweat, tears, and very life; Each day should be a celebration in our souls, our spirits, that we get another day to achieve greatness.

What is your greatness? Greatness, to me, is not necessarily defined by what we do, but by how we do what we do, and what for. A person may never be recognized for the things they do in life. Some may never say thank you. But, I want to say thank you.

Oftentimes, we over-look those that spend their lives, cleaning up after us, taking care of us in so many ways, that we do not see their "greatness".

One's greatness lies within their ability to do what they do, with joy and self satisfaction. It is to do what you do to the glory of God, and not to man.

I couldn't be the woman I am today, if it wasn't for the greatness of my fore-fathers and mothers. Those that were Kings and Queens, that became slaves. Those slaves that were beaten, ripped from their families, humiliated and denegrated, but still somehow, found the courage to push through. To those who worked meanial jobs, scrimped and saved, and provided for their families. For those that taught us how to pray, to have faith, and believe that God is a promise keeper of His Word.

To those, that fought the fight for equality. On the front lines, and behind the scenes. To those that lost their life fighting the good fight, and never giving up on treasured dreams. To those who passed the torched, and ignited the fuse to keep living for God, and to never give up. Knowing that one day, your reality was once your ancestor's dream. To all of them I say thank you, for their greatness, and shaping who I am.

Be Blessed, and embrace your Greatness.

Yesterday...

How did you spend yesterday? Did you do anything to commemorate Dr. King's Birthday?
Last evening, I watched some very moving and educating documentaries on PBS. (Check out PBS.org)

The documentaries were so moving. It contained things that I learned before and already knew about; nonetheless, it was very thought provoking and stirred in me, the need to be more vocal in my community; in my life in general.

What can we learn from yesterday? What can we learn from those who have gone before us? Who have prepared the way, so that we can partake in the liberties that we have right now?
We cannot afford to rest upon our laurels; or to rest upon what our forefathers have done. Because if we do, then we are being selfish, and cheating our children--the next generation--out of the knowledge and opportunity to grow and be effective.

We have to embrace yesterday. Take its lessons and teach the next generation what fighting for equality, AND the quality of life, is really all about.

Yesterday...It defines today, and perpetuates your tomorrow.

See Within Yourself...

Within us lies so much. Things we probably don't realize exist. There are some of us that experience great joy. Awesome happiness. And, unforgettable love. There is also within us, much hurt, pain, sadness, regrets, etc.

Often times, we walk around trying to evade what is going on within ourselves. Because it might just be too painful to deal with. But the more we try to run from it, the more we hurt. It is time for us to look within ourselves, and deal with our issues.

There is no more time to run and hide...life is too short. We must begin to look within, and take stock of what is going on, so we may deal with it. We will never be free from what hurts us, if we do not face it, confront it, deal with it, then destroy it. The more we bury it, the bigger it gets.

God does not want us filled with so much pain and hurt. He does not want us to be constantly suffering and hiding. He wants us to be free. To enjoy the life He has destined for us. In order to do this, we must begin to see withiin ourselves, and take inventory of what's really going on.

Take a look inside...don't you think you're worth it?

Give It Up...

Whatever it is today, that you just cannot handle...give it up! Whatever has been holding you down and giving you pain...Give it up! Life is too short to continue to have so many regrets and problems.

What would happen? Really. What would happen, if just for one day you gave up the battle of trying to figure out how to fix that problem or solve that solution?

I encourage you...Give it up! At least for today. Take a breather. Go do something that will bring you some joy and pleasure. It might suprise you, what will happen if you did.

Go ahead...that's right...Give it Up!

You Just Don't Know...You Are Beautiful!

The other day, I went shopping for a few things. As I was waiting for the bus, I began singing worship songs. I really didn't care who heard me...It wasn't for them anyway. So, there I am, standing in this small alcove with about seven people or so, and I notice this young woman walking towards us.

What made me notice her, was the fact that she was speaking out loud to herself, and cursing like a dirty sailor. I continued singing, but I couldn't remove my eyes from her...there was something about her. She was dressed as though she came from an interview. The closer she got, the louder she got. She was walking fast, shaking her head. When she got in front of me, I heard her say something so painful and disheartening: "I hate this s***! I can't stand it no more! I'm just so f****** ugly! I'm too ugly to live!"

My mouth flew open in disbelief. I turned around to see if everyone else heard what I heard. Everyone else was just standing there, not suprised. As if this happened everyday. I stepped forward out of the alcove to see where she was. She was walking so fast, I couldn't catch her, so I immediately started praying.

My heart went out to her. I don't know what her life is like, or what her experiences have been, but she was beautiful to me. It pained my heart to hear that. Because I hear it quite a bit. I have worked with many young people, adults, and even the elderly. And, it suprises me still, to see how many people do not love themselves. Let alone, like themselves. I'm not just talking about females, either. But males, as well.

We are living in such a vain world, that capitalizes on a person's looks. And, we are so driven to look like the people that seem to be getting the most attention. We aspire to look like the "beautiful" people, not seeing or believing our own beauty. We fight to be, and secretly wish to be one of the popular ones. Believing this would give us a chance in life.

Well, the truth is, we all have a chance in life. Whether we believe it or not. We all have in us the opportunity to either live life, or let life pass us by; always standing on the sidelines, waiting for some momentous thing to occur.

Who defines beauty for you? What defines beauty for you? Beauty begins within. And, no matter how popular you are, how many changes you make to the outside, you will never be satisfied, if inside you are not happy with yourself, and can appreciate who God created you to be.

I bet there are many popular, "beautiful" people who are miserable inside. But no one really knows that, because they are too focused on that person's outside appearance. I was fairly popular in school. I had a lot of friends; I could make friends easily. But, I was miserable on the inside. Because I was always comparing myself to some one else. I had a weight problem, and I felt I was ugly. I hated myself. But, many of my friends didn't know that. Even when I got to college. Do you know, I would coach other people on how to be out-going and self-loving, while I couldn't do that for myself? Well, of course you didn't know that! But, what I'm saying is, many people you see that seem so happy and have everything together, just may be miserable on the inside.

We are a peculiar species. Never realizing that the true secret to beauty, and happiness, lies within our selves. We have the ability, and capacity to live the kind of life that is fulfilling and exciting. If we would just recognize, that within every person, there is greatness, beauty, love, life. We don't have to hold ourselves to false standards, and false impressions. All we have to do, is begin to love the skin we are in. And, everything else will fall into place.

Maybe no one has ever told you, so I will: You just don't know, YOU are beautiful!

Be Blessed, Beautiful.

Don't Give Up...Get What's Yours!

Wow, it 's really 2007! Happy New Year!

Well, I've been away for a while. Packing, moving, unpacking, shopping for furnishings, and all that other good stuff. I am grateful to the Lord for another year. And, I am anticipating great things...And so should you.

When I started this blog, it was with the intentions of really wanting to know where people were hurting. Not to purvey into people's personal lives...But to be an ear and a source of encouragement.

We all have made our new years resolutions. I hope for many, that one was to be more compassionate and loving to those in need.

This new year brought some bad news for me...A friend committed suicide. She was filled with so much hurt and pain and despair. No one knows a person's breaking point. No one may really understand why a person takes their own life. Even when they leave a note. My friend did not.

There is nothing that I can do for her now, physically. But, I can be there for those she left behind, and honor her memory through helping someone else, who may be on the brink of despair. Her death has caused me to see, even more so, just how fragile life is; and how we should never take for granted the life that God has given us.

We may not like the way life is treating us, but I encourage us to seek for more by being more. Learn to love, learn to laugh, learn to not sweat the small things. And, if by chance you can't see your way out, seek out help and never stop praying, because God is listening. Don't give up on your dreams. Never give up on yourself. Be encouraged that you were blessed with another day to triumph over what happened yesterday.

You are loved. You are wanted. You are needed. And, it will get better. Be blessed this year, and get what's yours!

Be Blessed