Polka Dots Among Stripes

The adolescents of today are the innovators of tomorrow.

This is an idea that we all must remember when we showcase our images to upcoming generations.

We should sit back and take the time to honestly think.

How much of what we call our time should be their time?

Unquestionably, without a lot of our knowing, there is a generational battle going on.

Everyone is heading for success. Sometimes, we step on others to get there.

Many of us are so concerned with being in the limelight and receiving our 15 minutes of fame that we don’t notice when there is a polka dot in stripes.

There are mothers too busy chasing the pretty boys down the block to notice that their children are failing miserably in school.

Some of these mothers are so involved in altering their images to attract the dope boys that run the block that they don’t realize when their children are crying out for help.

We also aren’t seeing the polka dots that are buried under the stripes.

Many individuals are fascinated by the concept of “getting on” and reaching stardom beyond the so-called American dream.

They are so captivated that they forget about things that are truly important in life.

What happens when they reach the top; what happens once they are on?

Do they come back to their hometowns to help the polka dots that are lost amongst the stripes?

Some so, but a majority of don’t.

We have to realize what could result if we leave the polka dots in stripes, if we leave younger individuals alone when they have no future aspirations.

If we continue to allow some youth to settle as being failures in life, then who will construct the blue prints for tomorrow?

We have to pull the polka dots out so that they may have a promising future.

We must remain dedicated to all of the children that need help and haven’t been discovered yet.

One for the week: In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed.

In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling. Exodus 15:13.

Family Ties

One saying that seems to never disappear is “blood is thicker than water”.

Usually when it comes to family, ties are strong and the action of being supportive is innate amongst family members.

For family, people typically go the extra mile to ensure safety for their loved ones.

For family, people sometimes do things that they don’t want to do to get loved ones where loved ones need to be.

With family, there is a bond created – the sort of bond that someone would only expect to see between family members.

However, some people have been having family ties without the necessity of their families.

Some people have ties with their car, but they forget a car isn’t capable in participating in a mutual relationship.

Some people have ties with their home, but they forget that a home is nothing without anyone to share it with.

The sort of family ties that have been really bothering me lately are the ties that some individuals lack the control to break.

We all are showing love to materialistic items that can’t show us love back.

One 17- year - old boy died today because of the family ties he had with the name brand of Coogi.

He loved Coogi so much that he would do anything to get the money to buy it.

One night he was found dead wearing his Coogi; Coogi couldn’t love him unconditionally.

Also most likely the creator of Coogi won’t be attending the young mans’ funeral.

It sounds ridiculous for us to be in love with things that can’t love us back so much into the point of our losing our lives or taking the lives of others.

It just makes me wonder what young man will be murdered because someone has family ties with the Air Jordans on his feet?

What teen girl today will be molested because an older man has family ties with her innocence?

When we decide to create family ties, we should all remember the saying that blood is thicker than water.

Real family is the blood, and everything else that we may idolize or yearn for is the water.

One for the week: “Blessed are you, Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the LORD? He is your shield and helper and your glorious sword. Your enemies will cower before you, and you will tread on their heights.” Deuteronomy 33:29

Goodbye 2010

I know it has been a few weeks since we have all been blessed to see a new year, but I wanted to wait to publish this article for a very important reason As a ritual, whenever it’s a New Year there are millions of people that set New Year resolutions.

For the year of 2011, I wanted to be patient and become a witness to the various different resolutions of which I heard many.

In the year of 2011, I’m going to manage my weight and work hard to loose 100 pounds.

This year I’m going to do right by my kids and be a stronger parent.

This year I’m going to get out of debt by planning a weekly budget.

Every year millions of resolutions are set and millions also lack follow through.

We should all hold ourselves accountable to accomplish our goals.

The year of 2011 should be different; instead of speaking goals into existence, goals should be placed into existence.

2010 is behind us now so whatever was hindering us from accomplishing new things last year shouldn’t even be used as an excuse this year.

If constantly being broke was an issue last year, then fill out some applications and get a job this year.

If a dream is to further your education, then contact a school and check into setting up a
financial aid package.

If drugs were your outlet in 2010, then let the testimonies in Gods word become your outlet in 2011.

If negative people were the only kind of people that you were surrounded by last year, then surround yourself around some positive individuals this year.

2011 is the a new year so its time to place some new goals.

Don’t let 2011 be the twin of 2011; don’t say what your going to do and then fail to do
anything.

Yes, there are going to be obstacles that stop us along the way from getting where we want to be.

These are only challenges to test us to see if we really want to accomplish our goals or no.

If getting where you want to be is an easy mission, then maybe where you want to be isn’t where you should be at all.

One for the week: “For a long time now—to this very day—you have not deserted your fellow Israelites but have carried out the mission the LORD your God gave you”. Joshua 22:3

Jesus: My Home Boy

Everyone has friends that come and go.

We all have people that are expendable in our lives that we can afford to address in common ways.

Some of us become friends with others because of their connections with other people.

Some of us become friends with others out of the need of companionship.

My point is that friends, for the most part, are easy to come by.

However, one friend that isn’t expendable; that we are sometimes too common with is Jesus.

I feel that we forget and we ignore how good of a friend Jesus really is.

How many of your friends on Facebook allowed themselves to be humiliated for you?

How many of them have been spat on and beaten senseless for you?

How many of them have carried your sins lately so that you may be forgiven?

Jesus can be a friend, but we have to remember that He shouldn’t be an expendable one.

We shouldn’t treat Him as we do some other people.

Jesus shouldn’t be placed on the same level as us common folk.

What statement are we making when we treat our relationship with Jesus as a distant friendship?

We shouldn’t call him only when we need him for something.

We shouldn’t only contact him when all of our other friends are busy.

Jesus should be the friend of all friends seems how He has all of our backs.

In this New Year, all of us should practice the act of giving Jesus the respect that He deserves.

One for the week: Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” Matthew 22:37