Famous Jameis Winston's Problem

**DISCLAIMER** I DID NOT WRITE THE FOLLOWING NARRATIVE!** At a service a young bright preacher fresh out of Bible college, read the 23rd Psalm. He read it so eloquently pronouncing all of the words and making dramatic pauses to emphasize his intellectual abilities. After he finished the people applauded and the service moved on. The next night, an elderly drop-out, retired Pastor read the same Psalm in a steady voice with broken English, but when he finished the people praised, and cried and shouted themselves happy. The young man astonished and disappointed couldn't understand how the elderly man received a better response than he did. His father nudged him and replied, "You may know the Psalm, but that man knows the Shepherd..."

Basically, Twitter is basically Twitter; a place where cowards and arrogant twits post whatever they want to including criticism and negativity. After Mr. Winston (FSU Quarterback) gave his postgame speech he was completely destroyed by Twitter, blogs, and other social media because of how he talked. Many even said his speech took the Black race back 100 years. Wow, 100 years really! But when you view the speech he gives praises to God and is clearly only concerned about thanking him, not his Florida State education.

The thing is the same people who clowned his speaking ability are the same people who are from neighborhoods that speak the same way; who glorify rappers, and reality TV stars and we KNOW how they talk; and endorse the same entertainers who are constantly making up senseless words. It's ridiculous how people jump on board the TwitterTrain before checking themselves! The crabs in a bucket tomfoolery continues on...

Paula's Mistake

Wow!  I finally have the chance to blog.  I really need to be more consistent on my site!  First things first, I must issue my usual disclaimer:  I AM IN NO WAY AN EXPERT ON ANY MATTERS SPOKEN OF IN THIS BRIEF BLOG.  I have only read accounts and viewed video footage of the media's most recent crucifixion.  If you cannot accept my truth sprinkled with sarcasm, then this article is not for you!

Thanks to social media and the news media doing its usual job, Paula Deen has now become America's most hated celebrity.  It's not like we don't have a platinum Hip-Hop artist running around calling himself Jesus with a single titled, "I am God" (which we do), or very serious corruption that will never get exposed, but *gasps* it is 2013 and an American still has the nerve to be linked to racism.

Who would have thought that racism still existed?  This issue isn't about race any more then it's about an employer who should be held responsible for her words and actions.  I applaud the parties who came forward to speak out against any suffering they may have faced at the hands of Deen and any of her hired supervisors who are supposed to ensure that workers are not subject to a hostile work environment of any kind, BUT the backlash from this story is anything short of a circus act.

Is everyone really as devastated and broken as they seem to be?  Just log into Facebook, Twitter, USA Today etc. and enjoy reading all of the posts related to this story.  From this apparent revelation of racism we can now ironically view the blatant racism displayed by those who either take the side of Deen, or take the side of the outraged offended masses.  Now the pot is really calling the kettle black (pun intended!).

Before I go off on a tangent just know that racism is an ugly scar that will never go away because no matter how much it scabs over, it will always be picked intentionally or unintentionally.  Ignorance can only be conquered by knowledge or an acceptance of the fact that you are now held accountable for what you purposely choose  never to discover.  Paula, in any kind of defense to her actions, admitted that she has used the N-word and is aware that some of her staff has used it as well.  She has taken her fall from grace very gracefully (the puns just keep on coming!) and has accepted her professional fate, well at least until the next big news story breaks.  However after reading the full complaint that was actually filed in court you will see that she has no choice but to take her fall and the end of her public career gracefully. (found here http://www.atlawblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Jackson-v.-Deen-et-al.-Complaint.pdf )

One can only hope that she truly learns her lesson and seeks to kill any kind of prejudice or bitterness that may be stored inside of her as well as any of her business dealings.  At the end of the day I can continue using my Paula Deen cookware because my silver pans have never had any problems with the black ones; and  I can use my cookbooks because all is well between the chocolate and vanilla cake, I'll just never work for her or anyone in her family for that matter!

The Misperception of Reality TV and Race

Oh no, not another reality TV show that centers around a predominantly Black and "wealthy" cast!  By now it is clearly obvious that reality TV is nothing more than fallacy and a joke.  As they cast the show, producers sift through tape after tape, YouTube after YouTube page, occupation after occupation to find the most peculiar set of characters that they can market to bored, TV watching viewers all over America.  If you take the time to spend 44 minutes of your life that you will never get back, to tune into these productions one can simply defend their decision to partake in the viewing of these shows as being simply entertainment.

However, since when did the average every day lives of human beings become entertainment.  Usually in order to be entertained, one would usually pay to view trained, professionals ( I use this term loosely in regards to some entertainers) do what they have somewhat mastered to pay their bills.  You have your experience and then you return home to your normal life.  Now Americans are paying money to watch their neighbors, hair stylists, doctors, butchers, etc. live through their daily lives doing activities that in the end we all may end up doing at some point in our time on Earth.  But wait, there's a catch.

The new stars of these shows are all WOMEN!  These normal every day citizens that sign contracts to become characters, all fall into carefully shaped categories which then become stereotypes in the eyes of the viewers eager to then cast judgment and place all individuals into the categories of their new favorite reality TV stars.  The problem is, every character hides behind their money or perceived fortune.  Money speaks volumes in these shows and that dollar excuses how they act and are portrayed for millions to see.  With your favorite reality shows in mind let's match the characters to their categories!

First and foremost, the majority of the shows all focus on minority women as the faces of the series.  By minority I mean predominantly Black, but many of these ladies are bi-racial.  The males that are highlighted are gangsters, unstable or vicious, while the hard-working respectable gentlemen makes sure that they are left out of the show (I wonder if this done on purpose).  The head or leader of the show is somewhat famous and the most famous of the rest of the cast.  She supposedly has the most money, the most influence, and generally tied to a very notable male celebrity who becomes her claim to fame.  She defends her decision to exploit her companions by claiming that she is empowering women and exposing them to the joys of being an independent, strong woman who can now hold her own and call her own shots.

Next, we have her right-hand who's job is to keep the leader free from drama and the downsides of the foolishness that occurs throughout the season.  She is perceived to be easily controlled, almost as aesthetic as the leader, and almost as successful as the leader, but she cannot become too successful because then the show will obviously turn to focus on her.  So she plays her role perfectly and sits in the pocket to maintain her presence next to the leader.

The next couple of characters all have some kind of connection to the leader and her right-hand.  It is usually the right-hand who introduces them to the leader as a favor to help them out and get them on.  These characters all report directly to the right-hand because the leader rarely has any interactions with them, but they appreciate any amount of face time that they can get.

Now we have the conflict characters.   These characters all come into scenes loud, violent, and are flawless.  They end up being more attractive and just as successful than the leader but because of their attitude and their history, they get labeled as promiscuous, loose, and desperate when in fact, the entire cast have checkered pasts filled with promiscuity, desperation and violence, but this always gets left out right?

Last but certainly not least, we cannot forget the caucasian or woman who's race is different than the majority of the rest of the cast.  She has to be a blonde and she has to talk like, act like, and dress like a "sister" (whatever that means).  She is usually an actress or model who is way past her prime or never made it to her prime.  Her job is to become the scapegoat of the show while taking attention away from the loud conflict characters.  After she has found a way to anger the rest of the cast, she always gets her own show and her race is always focused on in one or more of the episodes as she is accused of being someone she is not.

In all actuality, every one of these characters are clearly being someone they are not.  What the producers do not tell the viewers is that, these some of these women have college degrees, intact and functioning families, and they are generally trying to make something of their lives because face it, who wants to be known as "that chick from the reality TV show"?  No one is perfect and the viewers seem to forget this as they bash and choose sides each and every week these shows come on.

Unfortunately, drama, money, and sex sells.  They have to hone in on the negativity because when the characters are too respectful or nice, they get fired because no one wants to see nice on television.  Well why not?  We can love fictional shows such as The Cosby Show, Family Matters, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Aire, and even the newly formed Reed Between the Lines, because the characters all seem to be extraordinary and not the normal every day Black family we see on TV, and watch this, there are strong Black males present!  What America does not want you to know is that, actually most families of today are similar to these shows' cast as more and more individuals work hard, come together as a family, and promote growth and class so that the community can see the true view of being a minority in America.

Yet, while viewers can love fictional shows promoting advancement, no one wants to see advancement on a reality show which is advertised as a real life story.  It is time to wake up and realize what the media, writers, and producers are trying to do to races to keep them fighting amongst each other so that they will keep themselves down.  Producers do not have to be seen as racist because the people that participate in these productions do a fine job of this already.  So when will this end? When will the ratings go down so that these shows can become cancelled?  When will the butcher, the janitor, and the neighbor return to their lives instead of trying to make it big on YouTube to make it to the shows that are now viewed by millions every season?  This is not and will never be the standard true lives of minority women in America!

Father where art thou?

I promise to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth!


As I write this painful memories from my son's birth all the way through his year and a half of being on this Earth come to mind.  I missed his umbilical cord being cut, his first cry, his birth certificate being signed, his first doctor's appointment, and even his first birthday party!  As a matter-of-fact I did not know he even existed, but that all changed the day I met him.  


The first time I held him he just grabbed my finger and cried; he would not even look at me.  I was heartbroken and blamed myself because he did not even recognize the young man that was holding him.  All that changed when he looked deep into my eyes.  He just stared at me and smiled.  I knew from that day that I was going to change our circumstances and I immediately began proving myself to his family.


I remember vividly the first time I stood at a toy store trying to figure out what to buy a baby I barely even knew.  I solicited help from the assistants and I even kept my receipt just in case I completely failed, but lo and behold I still have little toys I bought him almost two years ago that barely cost me anything.  I have learned that, it's not the extravagance of the gift, but the spirit in which it was given.


This little guy has completely changed my life.  When I preach, he is right there.  When I sing he is right there.  When I run on the treadmill at the gym, he is right there watching cartoons complaining about how bored he is.  I could not have imagined that a selfish, lost, playboy like myself would have ever put anything before myself, let alone a child, but I did and I have no regrets from it.


I am not perfect, I am still paying back child support, and I do submit this poor child to the intricacies of my ministry but I have learned that I am not a burden on him.  He is greatly a part of everything I do.  Before I make a decision, I think about his well-being or the impact it will have on him.  I have been offered the chance to go places, make lots of money, and be free as a bird to take over the world but I will go nowhere unless this little booger is coming right along with me.


I say all this to let men all over the world know that YOUR PRESENCE is indeed A PRESENT to your children.  No matter how broke, how inexperienced or how messed up you are as a man, imagine those same effects on a child who does not even know you exist.  Get yourself involved in their lives.  If you begin to prove yourself to the families involved and they decide to not let you come into their lives, that is what the court system is for.  Use it to your advantage.  Do not let the excuse that you're a black man facing paternity or custody issues hamper your efforts in being a part of your child's life.


I am a witness that if you walk into a court respectively and let your character speak for you, no judge in this world will deny you the chance to step up and prevent your child from being a statistic.  Because face it, not only will your child become a statistic, you will become one too, so make sure the statistic is a positive one that will forever reflect on the dynamics and generational lay-out of your future blood line.


You can run all you want to, but you will never be able to hide the fact that your blood is still inside a child's veins and what you do now WILL affect them later.  No matter what happens to my son, he will never be able to say daddy was not there.  No matter what crazy decisions he make, he will not be able to say I am at fault for them.  No matter how my son raises his future family, he will not be able to forget or deny the blueprint I am laying out for him.


I say all of this to simply state: Your seeds you lay will indeed sprout up producing either good fruit or bad fruit but you will never even witness or toll the watering and harvesting of the fruit if you are not there.  The bible says it best, "Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord." Ephesians 6:4 

You know better so pray to God to allow you to do better.  A child's life and future lies in your guidance and hopefully wisdom you have acquired from our heavenly Father himself.  Be encouraged men!

Um Excuse Me? After All I Am the President!

The reason I have decided to undertake the writing of this particular blog is because I am embarrassed and bewildered beyond measure by the treatment and response to our President, Mr. Barack Hussein Obama’s recent State of the Union address conducted on last night.  This address, once again provides another excellent example of why he is such a superb President.  His work ethic, genuine concern, and leadership towards all citizens will forever set him a part from many of our previous Head of States.

A quick run-down of this message saw the POTUS focusing on Income Equality.  He passionately reiterates his stance against the rich doing really well, while everyone else is not even given a fair shot at doing the same.  After his stance against the Buffett Rule, where wealthy Americans can enjoy a lower effective tax rate than those in the middle or lower class is taken, President Obama proposes that anyone making over 1 million dollars will be required to pay a tax of at least 30%.  At the same time, deductions would be eliminated on Americans earning more than one million.  This would make a major tax hike for the wealthiest citizens, which by the way, only boils down to common sense fairness.

THIS HOWEVER IS NOT THE FOCUS OF THIS BLOG.  The focus is being placed on how individuals in visual or vocal positions, approach the President and how they speak of him.  This blogs focuses on college educated media representatives who lack tact.  This blog focuses on the Bad, and The Ugliest of Politicking.

First, House Speaker John Boehner said he was expecting a speech that would propose “more spending, higher taxes, more regulations,” something he called “pathetic”.  CNN writer, Charles Riley, from whom the majority of the facts in this blog is attributed to, even notes that these comments were “unusually strong for a member of the Congressional leadership”, and goes on even further to state what has all but become obvious, that the White House will face all out difficulty and little cooperation in passing any legislation.

So wait, the President is being hindered from doing his job because of jealousy, insecurities, and lack of common sense from the GOP as well as the Democratic Party? Mitch Daniels' Republican response to Mr. Obama’s first four years in office is that, “He has shown himself to be a divisive failure that has chosen class warfare and stifling big government.”  So caring for the overall benefit of the people takes precedence over the government.  Duh!

This all translates to pure, blatant disrespect and unprofessionalism.  To hear America’s leaders, politicians, elite newscasts/media, and distinguished publications refer to Mr. President as “Barack” or “Obama” as if he was a musical artist, entertainer, or Pop-culture icon instead of the acclimated leader he is, is embarrassing and as Boehner aforementioned, “pathetic”.

Obama is not God, and he is not above any one man, boy, or girl, but he IS the Occidental College, Columbia University, and Harvard- educated leader of these United States of America, whose countless hours, sleepless nights, unprecedented work ethic, and dedication to the lowest of the lows, as well-as-the highest of the high American citizens merits respect on these credentials alone.

My status as an imperfect human with a very once in awhile tendency to have emotions, would even go as far as to say that his credentials should DEMAND the respect he is not given, but that is what makes Mr. Obama so unique.  He maintains his integrity and coolness under pressure and he never changes his morals and bearings to reflect the lack of those around him.

Now the reasons for this disrespectful lack of morals and jealousies will be saved for another blog and another day but just know that John 1:5 says, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness hasn't overcome it.”  Obama is indeed this light that will always overcome the ever-present darkness of this world of politics and government.

So I Thank You

It is 6am and my heart is racing and I am wide awake so you know what that means? Blog time!  On this particular morning I arose with a potent song on my mind and in my heart.  I have no idea why this song is so heavy on me, so after sifting through the lyrics, I've been inspired to construct this blog titled, "So I Thank You". 


 Singer Estelle might have hit the jackpot with her recent hit single, "Thank You".  It is a powerful, emotionally-driven song dedicated to a past ex or exes, who thought they had her destroyed or broken; but instead of complaining about it, instead of taking to Twitter and Facebook like thousands upon thousands do, instead of slashing his tires, she simply.......THANKED HIM.  Wait, wait, whoa! What do you mean? What can she possibly thank him for, seeing as he allegedly ruined his chance with her, and almost ruined her heart in the process?  And that's just it, she is thanking him for messing up and hurting her because had he not, she would not be the strengthened, better woman she is today.  So the song got me to thinking, how can I twist this song and throw some church on it?


When was the last time you thanked your enemy?  When was the last time you thanked an ex-mate, friend, co-worker, or even family member, who thought they had you defeated? Most importantly, when was the last time you thanked God for that pain you experienced.  Had you not been broken, how else would God have been able to pick you up in your pieces, put you back together, and allowed you to be stronger than ever?


Look at your life as a process similar to a worthy invention, or a new and improved creation, daily.  Whenever engineers, or makers deem their latest project complete, they must first test it, and 9 times out 10, they usually find something that can be bettered, so it is back to the drawing board they go until they KNOW their work is ready.


Isn't that how God is?  We know that we were fearfully and wonderfully made in His image (Ps. 139:14).  We know He is God and He does not make mistakes, but has it ever occurred to you that maybe God is just continually taking you back  to the drawing board to improve you and ensure that you're ready?  Paul reminds us that His strength is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinth. 12:9),  and when we find ourselves weakened by life's many, many, did I mention, many trials, or malfunctioning due to sin, that is just an even more perfect opportunity for God to strengthen us and remind us that without his grace, we'd be in big trouble!


The line that sticks out to me the most in the song reads, " These tears I cry, sure won't be the last, They will not be the last .. no. Because this pain inside, never seems to pass, It never seems to pass me by. So I thank you, said I thank you, yes I thank you, for making me a woman (or man)", and that is just it! God, I may cry at night but I thank you. This pain may be hard to bear, but in you I have a refuge I can hide, so I thank you. I continually stumble, and mess up, but yet You still love me in my mess, so I thank you. People hurt me and betray me daily, but You promised You'd stick closer to me than any brother, so God I thank you for making me the vessel I am today.  Have you thanked Him lately?

Folks love God, love people, and then repeat!

MTL

Get Up Off of That Thang! Part One

This is Part One in a series I am developing. I am writing this in a time of confusion. A time of intricate thinking, and a time of uproar after a major criticism of our President, Mr. Barack Obama.  Apparently, it seems he is not doing enough to create jobs in this economy.

Mr. Terence P. Jeffrey writes. "Pointing to double-digit unemployment rates among African Americans and Hispanics, Rep. Michele Bachmann (R.-Minn.) said on Friday that President Barack Obama “has failed” both these communities."

According to Rep. Michele Bachmann herself, “This president has failed the Hispanic community. He has failed the African-American community,” said Bachmann. “He has failed us all when it comes to jobs.”

Now wait one moment! Hold up, time out! Flag on the play! Since when did Obama become the CEO  and spokesperson for Jobs For Everyone and Their Momma Inc.? Yes he is the national leader, yes he did say he will create jobs but where does the part we play come in? Last I checked we all had to fill out applications, dress for interviews, and jump into the job pool time and time again.

Now we all know times are hard and life is not fair. Plants have closed, corporations are laying off seemingly at a high rate, and companies are seemingly not hiring, but this has happened countless times before and will continue to happen.  Nothing is promised to anyone but what is promised is that the Lord is still our shepard and we will never need to want nor lack anything. (Psalm 23 and James 1:4)

James 1:4 reads, "Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."  When times get rough keep moving, when you get laid off keep going, when you've been looking for your dream job for months or even years, keep striving because your perseverance will not be in vain in the end but never expect the President or anyone just to hand you a job. You can't blame anyone for your frustration.  We all get fed up but the race is not given to swift nor the strong but those who endure to the end so get up off that thang and keep moving until things get better!