GRIP BOARD

Friends don't let friends date Exes

PO3tRi — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 16:33:48 GMT

Okay.I have posted this question on my blog and I got a lot of criticism for it...lol...now I'm posting it here just to see what your views are on the subject

Question:

Is it okay for someone to date someone that their friend has previously dated? Why or Why not?

Now I know that most people have been taught that it is taboo to date someone your friend once dated because it isn't good for the friendship, friends think you are disloyal for doing so and so forth-But I disagree. I feel like God put someone here for everybody and just because that person was not the one for your friend, does not mean he/she is not the one for you. Maybe you two have more in common. Why should you miss out on a good relationship just because he/she dated your friend?

I also feel that because we are so quick to jump into relationships with just anyone without waiting on God, we end up with so many failed relationships.

Then we expect our exes to be "off limits" to our friends when that person may just be the one that God wants them to be with.

What do u think?

Beginning

sistaperry — Thur, 18 Dec 2008 06:22:25 GMT

Everyone who really knows me is aware of my fondness of quotes. I have been given books of quotes as gifts quite often because I think they offer different aspects and insights in regards to the chain of events that one encounters in life. Today, I read a really good one that stimulates the intellect. On the surface, it seems rather simple, but when thought about, one realizes that it really transcends the present and catapults one to the future. It elucidates why we as humans get up when we fall down. The spirit within us contends with the very idea of giving up. Thus, we begin again and again.

The notion of ascending to boundless heights is pursued by the spirit incessantly even if only in the mind. People, that's called faith. As with faith, an element of hope is pertinent for it existence. Anything hoped for is attainable if one does not relinquish to the obstacles along the journey. In latin they say "Carpe Diem-Seize the Day!"

With the final days of 2008 winding down expeditiously and 2009 approaching, I say BEGIN. Whatever hopes, dreams, aspirations, or desires that you may have-BEGIN! By the way, the quote is as follows:

I must begin again, and again I / must begin. Every time I lose, / I win and must begin again.

Joyce Sutpen

Sistaperry

Mind Your Own Beeswax

PO3tRi — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 22:17:06 GMT

Have you ever known someone who just couldnt mind their OWN business? A busy body who felt as General Manager of the Universe knew just how to handle everyone elses affairs. I have heard folks tell these people to mind their own bees wax (aka 'mind your business').

Now, let me say up front I am not talking about Church issues or friends who out of GENUINE CONCERN deal with their brothers in Christ on different issues. What I am talking about here is the person who noses in other peoples "bees wax" for the purpose of gossiping, tearing people down behind their backs or confirming their own superiority (in other words, I showed up for this and you didnt so obviously I am a better Christian attitude).

For Example: Lets say there is a Church Event or a Bible Study at the church or something like that now

If I knew it was going on and couldnt come, and YOU knew that I knew about the event what is the purpose of confronting me about it? (you know the question, so where were YOU?)- {And I must admit, I am guilty of this one myself...lol...} Only unless you are seeking this information so you can sit back and make some sort of judgment in your own mind about how I should be spending MY time? I SAY MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS. It is sad how often we want to sit back and condemn folks in our minds about what WE think they ought to be doing. But how can we be consumed with running everyone elses lives and ours at the same time? We cant, plain and simple. If you and I are spending all our time peeking into someone elses windows then we wont have time to clean our own house. AMEN!

On the flipside as long as I am doing what I have to do to PLEASE GOD and as long as I am doing what I believe the Lord would have me to do why should I concern myself with the opinions of those who would only seek to know my business for their own selfish purposes?

Forgive my passion about this subject. If people were more concerned about their OWN service to the Lord, myself included, I believe there would be fewer problems in many churches.

Finally, please dont read this the wrong way. I dont mind friends and others who are GENUINELY CONCERNED and inquire about something; HOWEVER, I have only a feeling of disgust for the selfish and insincere inquiry into someone elses business that is judged and condemned in the dark courts of the hypocritical mind.

44

PRo — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 16:59:23 GMT

As History kissed the lips of the American Political Process, healing rushed like streams through the cities and neighborhoods throughout this beautiful piece of land called North America.

It was a moment that even the blind could visualize without any opportunity to see the massive crowds that jammed the streets of Chicago, New York, and even D.C. It was a moment that even those with hearts of hate, still entrenched in racial bitterness, could visualize the wheels of Freedom's train beginning to move toward a spirit of equality.

When Senator Barack Obama was projected the next President of the United States on a fair-weathered November night in Illinois, the world felt a gravitational shaking that measured beyond the capacity of the rector. A world with its chest already cut open instantly went into heart surgery as Dr. Obama entered the global operating stage afflicted by so many drenched arteries.

It was in Springfield, Illinois that a long journey begin. Facing doubt and low expectations from many in the political realm, Barack Obama, had a different mission in mind. I've always been taught, if you want to touch a cloud... aim for the moon. So if you miss the moon, you'd at least touch the sky. Barack wasn't ever really reaching for political celebrity. He wanted to inspire a nation in such a manner that surpasses the depth of politics. Because of his pure motive and humble ambition, he inspired the world, became our compass toward change and even became an international figure of peace.

The fight was not easy for Obama. Its quite important to mention he sacrificed a lot to obtain his goal. He lost many longtime friends, a pastor, colleagues, and even his grandmother, who in many ways was more of a mother to him... just to reach his goal. It presents a great question to many of us. How much are you willing to sacrifice to reach success?

His first major battle was convincing African-Americans to believe in his possibility.

America was introduced to a "new cool." He became the candidate that pondants and anchors touted not aggressive enough. Truth be told, his aggression was in his organization rather than in his behavior. Obama established a team of political geniuses that organized the most unpredictable political forum in the history of this country. It was his ability to refocus Americans who were remotely disappointed with the direction the country was moving which strongly positioned him in the grass roots. He mobilized a disenfranchised young adult vote by empowering them in such a manner that no other national leader has done since the years of JFK and King.

The Internet was under his control for about 2 years. Every site from myspace to facebook attracted younger voters to the political process. When pulling them to his platform, they found out his own website was one of the most advanced sites on the Internet. The impression the average young adult received after 5 minutes in his presence or listening to a speech prompted them to give $5... $10... $20 or whatever they could to his cause.

Many were so attracted to his cause that they continued to give in small amounts throughout his campaign giving him more money to spend than any other Presidential Candidate in the history of this country. By the end of the election, Obama had more money than he could even spend. He raised more than $700B throughout the camaign.

Maybe it was his speech at The Mile High Stadium in Denver, Colorado during the largest Democratic National Convention in history that proved his readiness to be Commander in Chief. It was that moment that defined who the "real" Barack Obama was and what he aimed to achieve.

The dismantling of today's economy provided the perfect opportunity for Obama to present his plan to rejuvenate this broken economy. As his opposition continued to remind Americans, "the fundamentals of today's economy are very stable," millions of Americans went beyond color lines to hear the voice of a man who seemed to share their same concerns with the economy.

What does this mean for Black America?

It means the failure excuses have been removed. It means the belief that America is still largely racist and unfair to the African-American may be taking its final bow. It is important that black Americans remember, America didn't elect a "black" man as President. If America just wanted to elect somebody black, the chance has presented itself repeatedly from Shirley Chisholm to Jesse Jackson. This election should inspire African-Americans to be better than just "black." We should aim to being the best... period. America has elected the best man, not a black man.

Our children should understand the expectations have been lifted. Petty excuses for lack of success will be even more irritating to hear now. Our young people should remove placing blame on the "white" man for every problem that affects our community now. As a matter of fact, "white" America has issued a distinct challenge to "black" America.... to Change. Polls showed that 61% of Obama's voters were white. It could be because they are the majority but it could also be that they are willing to meet black America in the middle in order to mend the brokenness in our society.

Can we realistically call our governing hand the "white man" now? Maybe this is also the season we recognize authority isn't a color. We must unharness the anger of yesterday and grip the awakening of a better tomorrow.

What does this mean for America?

This new President will be the monument of Hope for the world to see. His face brings definition to a world of disbelief in the American opportunity. He proves to other nations that this is the land of opportunity. This new President is the Hope that people around the world who begin with nothing can take what they have and evolve into something great in this land.

Today, black people feel a since of pride in America that they didn't even know existed inside them. Hispanic-Americans, Asian-Americans, Native-Americans, and all other minorities have a comfort in knowing... anything is possible in this country.

From here, it is the hope that younger people don't lose this interest in government. Obama's appeal was not to simply bring younger voters in to get him elected but to pull their voices into the political arena so their concerns can be priority. Black Americans can not break the thread that has sown a new direction for this country. African-Americans must continue this interest in local and state issues. It should not take a black man being on the ballot to encourage African Americans to vote in massive numbers.

Years from now, young people will study this election. They will sit in integrated classrooms and they'll recapture this moment knowing it was their generation that ushered a change for the betterment of this country. Then, they will flip to that page in their American history book which shows the faces of every American President. They will begin with George Washington and go through the years but the one square that will stand out to them is the number forty-four.

It will be the sense of pride that number forty-four was "their" president and he brought Hope to a country in its time of Hurt. They will sigh with pride after telling this remarkable story to their own kids and say, Yes We Did!

I can't consciously take you seriously.

PO3tRi — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 22:54:50 GMT

I was on myspace today reading a blog that someone had written about making a conscious decision to be celibate and get a closer relationship with God. The total gist of the blog was good, the writer had some valid points that I could not only relate to, but also, agree with.

The thing is, when I saw the photo that the person had posted as their main picture, I could not believe the person I was seeing was the same person who was the author of this blog. She was wearing a dress, cut right below her butt. The sleeves was hanging off her shoulders and the sides of the dress had slits cut in it.

After seeing her picture, it made it really hard for me to focus on what she was trying to say in her blog. How can someone expect to be taken seriously when their Image does not depict the things they say? I am having a hard time understanding that. I know that people will say "the bible says come as you are" but in my opinion, people have taken some bible quotes and given them their own meanings. To me, "come as you are" means, flaws and all...its not speaking about your attire.

Now, I know a lot of people in my generation will say "well, I love God and just because I'm a Christian doesn't mean I have to dress like a Monk...I have my own style and individualism." That is true, but where does the two meet? Where does your style and individualism meet with your Christianity? If you are a true Christian, shouldn't you have some limitations as to the things you will and will not wear? I mean, clothes and appearance aside, where exactly do you draw the line on what you will and will not do to be taken seriously as a Christian?

It Does Matter

PRo — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 23:07:43 GMT

So many people think clubbing, drinking, smoking, and all the things they do in public don't matter much. Many have told me that I am too hard on the sinner which turns them away from the kingdom. I had a lady to tell me one day... "Don't forget you had to come around too!"

The truth is, she is right... BUT the church I ran to was the church that presented holiness to me and told me exactly what I needed to hear, not what I wanted to hear.

It's the strangest thing, discipline, we hate it sometimes, but it is the most valuable component to success. So many of us are not successful because when elders were telling us how to get right... we ignored them to do what we wanted to do.

Being a Christian is TOTALLY about being the example. That's why we follow Christ... He was THE example. If we are to be clones of Christ, we can be in the world but not of it. Once this generation gets an understanding of this, we will move into a realm of success that is not even imaginable.

My anointing is too powerful for me to cast it away for one night in a strip club. The investment God poured into me is too valuable for me to chance it on a blunt.

When we realize the power of what God has invested in us we'll realize... these things do matter. Not necessarily to prove to people but more to prove to God that we are what we proclaim to be.