Did you know that the word "fear" can be both a verb and a noun? It can describe a sensation induced by a perceived threat or being afraid of someone or something.
Some people say that fear is a good thing...that it's the ability to recognize danger--our basic survival instinct. Perhaps fear is indistinguishable against anxiety? Fear is frequently related to the specific behaviors of escape and avoidance whereas anxiety is the result of threats that cannot be avoided or controlled. Fear, whatever its source, can become a controlling factor in a person's life. H.P. Lovecraft says its "the oldest and strongest emotion of mankind." Can't leave out our favorite furry friend, Yoda "Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hare. Hate leads to suffering."
I think we ought to do a better job in controlling our worst thoughts--the things that lock us into a state of shuddering disbelief. Could it be possible to clip the wings from our controlling nightmares and get back to living?
The bible says, "we are more than a conqueror" but what is a conqueror? A conqueror is someone who has defeated something by force. I'd like to believe that if our book of law says we are more than conquerors, we most certainly posses traits that raises us up another level in the game of life. We possess equalities that of love, of grace, and of mercy. Proverbs 15:1 says, "A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."
Leave those nightmares, that inexplicable doubt, and fear alone! Walk into your purpose! Robert Alden says, "there is not enough darkness in all the world to put the light out of even one small candle." And I say, "You are more than a conqueror, you are capable of mending nations."
Yesterday I posted on my facebook wall Erykah Badu's lyric "I'm a recovering undercover over-lover" from her song Out My Mind, Just in Time--A song off her album, New Amerykah Part 2 which dropped on March 30th two years ago. I covered it in this blog here: Welcome back Badu
Based on my facebook post, I received a request asking me what I thought about that line...well here goes....
How many of us can identify with being an over-lover? Someone like Erykah croons about dying for, lying for, praying for, and even crocheting for...makes me want to shutter in remembrance. I think what got me is her word play--as she often does in her neosoul melodies. She admits being undercover agent for that somewhat undying love. How often do we all hide the amazing lengths we are willing to go for that special someone who has unlocked the secrets to our hearts?
Moving back says she's in recovery MEANING she has yet to let go. Like a caner in remission, that love that was once pure has become poisonous. Not poisonous to kill us, just enough to hurt madly...to where the hurt almost becomes an identifiable marker where it's hard to exist without pain...so we go back. Because we can't identify with happiness...that makes us uneasy. Some people can't exist without drama because drama to them runs parallel with passion which is the questionable theory of happiness.
I'm a recovering undercover over-lover...the first step is admittance.
Much like the rest of the world, we are shocked and in disbelief at the passing of several influential people within these last weeks. Today, Whitney Houston, a voice ranging in effortless scale, rooted in the black church, paralleled by none, was found dead in the Beverly Hilton Hotel. Her untimely death comes as a surprise to black audiences and music lovers alike on the eve of the music industry’s biggest night’s—the Grammy Awards—a night of which her success used to reign supreme.
At her peak, Houston was the golden girl of the music industry. From the middle 1980s to the late 1990s, she was one of the world's best-selling artists. She wowed audiences with her stage presence, appearance, and miraculous vocals. Houston’s talents carried her over the threshold from music industry into the film industry. Known for roles as “The Body Guard,” “Waiting to Exhale” and most popular within the black church, “The Preacher’s Wife” of which she starred opposite Denzel Washington.
The Rev. Al Sharpton said he would call for a national prayer Sunday morning during a service at Second Baptist Church in Los Angeles. "The morning of the Grammys, the world should pause and pray for the memory of a gifted songbird," Sharpton said in a written statement.
We will continue to try and perfect the “Houston” run’s…slave away to compete with songs like, “I love the Lord” or the Gospel medley she held down with Cece Winans and Shirley Caesar. It is true that death cannot kill what cannot die. Whitney Houston’s memory will live on within the hearts of many through her music, her movies, and her trailblazing feats. Rest in Peace, Ms. Houston.
John 14:1-4“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.”
Such leading websites as Google, Wikipedia, Reddit and Boing Boing have either shut down, or delayed their load in time in an attempt to protest congressional antipiracy bills they say amount to censorship.
SOPA and PIPA seemed to have the right intent to stop piracy and phishing online, however reports say their methodology is flawed. According to the LA Times, already three major co-sponsors of SOPA and PIPA antipiracy bills have publicly withdrawn their support due to the weight of heavy protests.
Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) says on his facebook page:
”Congress should listen and avoid rushing through a bill that could have many unintended consequences.”
Wikipedia, Reddit and about 10,000 other websites blacked out their pages Wednesday with messages warning of the dangers of the legislation and urging people to contact their congressional representatives. Dan Weiser, a spokesman for the House office of the chief administrative officer says,
“Due to the black outs, there has been a manageable increase to House member websites”
While 56% of American’s have the day off, 44% of Americans, under employers’ ideals somewhat synonymous with Jesse Helms and Ronald Reagan, are in their offices today answering phones, and scheduling meetings—another manic Monday. But how should we honor a man who wanted to overturn the entire edifice so that ALL PEOPLE could practice justice and love toward one another?
Vincent Harding, one of King’s colleagues, once said, “A dangerous Negro, now a national hero. How shall we work with that?" In 1963 Martin Luther King, Jr. was called the most dangerous Negro in the United States because he posed a threat to the very precious ideals that, unfortunately, continue to underwrite our socio-economic and political culture.
A national observance of Martin Luther King Day today leaves me feeling Shakespeare-like—to work or not to work? If we take the day off, are we observing King for the man he was and the amazing lengths he went for equality or by taking the day off are we domesticating his radical message?
Most people who live under a time of influence of a natural leader, trailblazer, and hero—do not realize it until articles and books are published posthumously. While we contemplate the above statement, “If we take the day off, are we observing King for the man he was and the amazing lengths he went for equality or by taking the day off are we domesticating his radical message?” I would like us all to consider what a conversation would be like between Bishop Charles E. Blake,President BarakObama, and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. would be.
The human species or better yet, homo sapiens is latin for "wise man" or "knowing man." Us, being the "wiser" of the species have a highly developed brain and are capable of abstract reasoning, language, introspection, and problem-solving. We are bilateral beings, sensitive to body language, self-expression and the exchange of ideas. All powerful are we? hmmmm...indeed.
We are the movers and shakers of this earth...from civilization, to trade and economics, architecture, and science and health...our additions to the earth, (and subtractions as well) make us the kings and queens of the land.
Yet, what I find ironic is in all our "splendor" "awe" and "amazement," how incredibly frail our bodies are. We have no outer layers of protection, no scales, no exoskeleton, disguising attributes, (weaves and make up do not play here!), no venom...all we have is skin. Yes, our skin protects us against pathogens, excessive water loss and other things...but we are naturally and literally defenseless.
As God created us in His image and likeness...I would like to assume that he also created us to physically depend on Him. He knew what abilities He was going to mold us to have, what things were capable of and how impactful we would be on this world. But yet and still...our natural physical makeup causes us to be dependent on Him. To cover us, pick us up least we cast a foot on a stone, as He promises that no weapon forged against us will prosper.
I remember exactly where I was on September 11, 2001. I sat on the edge of my seat as the rest of my fellow students clustered around a television in the middle of my 9thgrade English class. Horror gripped my body as I saw ominous smoke bellow from buildings and police officers frantic over the airways. I remember asking my teacher, “is this a movie or is this real?” With tears in her eyes, my teacher—Mrs. Bridges said, “Antoinette…this is very real.”
September 11thwill always be remembered as surreal day of pain and disbelief for the American people. How could a series of four coordinated suicide attacks fall upon a country that seemed so impenetrable? On that dark morning, 19 terrorists from the Islamist militant group al-Qaeda hijacked four passenger jets and intentionally crashed two into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, a third into the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, and a fourth jet—Flight 93—crashed into a field near Shanksville, Pennsylania before it could reach its intended target in Washington, DC.
It would be wise for us to pause and reflect on the courageous men and women on that day. Let us reflect on El Shaddai’s grace and mercy on how He opened the gates of heaven and welcomed loved ones. Let us reflect on Jehovah Shammah
—a God who is there, comforting wife’s who had lost their husbands and children who had lost their mothers . Jehovah Rapha—healing God who is yet and still bringing back the minds of city officials in FDNY AND NYPD suffering from posttraumatic stress. Jehovah Jireh—a provider to families who have still been unable to identify remains of a family member.
Many brothers and sisters are mourning on this day and searching for a need to smile. Tomorrow is truly not promised and as we are considering the feelings of our fellow man, it would be wise for us to also consider ourselves. If we should perish today would we be satisfied with the lives we have lead, would our family be pleased at the example we have left for future generations to emulate? And most importantly…would we hear our merciful father whisper onto us, “Well done.”
May we continue to have love and understanding in our heart. Treat every verb that comes from your mouth onto someone’s ears as golden. Change starts within. Shalom.
