Every Day is a Day of Learning

I’ve been thinking all this week about situations, decisions, outcomes, and what I expect from myself. As you can imagine, that’s a lot of thinking (and is still ongoing). Sometimes it’s funny how things work (and sometimes funny means devastating). There are days I have to laugh to keep from crying or letting a few cuss words slip (I don’t cuss, but under extreme duress, you’ll never know what will come out of your mouth – ask Peter).

 

Now, for the extra-churchy folks, this entry may not be for you. You know who you are – the one that’s “so spiritual and heavenly that you’re not a bit of earthly good,” as my grandmother says. If you’re still reading, you’ve been warned...

 

Have you ever thought about events in your life and wished there were some things you could change, but then you wonder what would’ve been affected and how that would impact you now? Well, I’ll be the honest one and admit it. It makes me think about the tagged “Prodigal Son” story in the Bible (Luke 15:11-32) and how the son, who was probably extremely talented, gifted, and full of promise wanted and received too much, too soon. He was so eager to start his life of freedom that he neglected to count the costs and consequences for his actions. He just knew that he wanted something more than what he was currently receiving.

 

I looked at my own life, the folly of some of the decisions I’ve made, and the consequences (some still affect me today). What if I had been more patient in my career choices? What if I had been more patient in my family life? What if I had been more honest about how things wore on my heart? What if I had tempered my ambitions? The one trait the young man in the story and I shared was lacking patience. His object lesson came by losing everything and being humbled to a point where he just wanted to serve alongside his father’s servants – just so he could have food and shelter. My object lesson on lack of patience has been my son and things surrounding him. I’ve been able to slow down, see the bigger picture, and make better decisions. However, like a quarterback that’s thrown a pick-six, there are some things in my life I want a do-over – and unlike the quarterback, there are times when God does allow a do-over.

 

I’m thankful that God isn’t like us in the regard that we shut down people and opportunities, while God gives us multiple opportunities. It may not be the exact same scenario, but when another opportunity is presented, it’s wise to utilize it to the fullest.

 

MB

Okay, I Get it - But Seriously???

Another week, another slew of fines for the Pittsburgh Steelers for “uniform violations.” If you haven’t been keeping track, different members of the Steelers have been fined for showing their support of and raising awareness of cancer and domestic violence, respectively. Each of these men have been touched, personally by these issues and wanted to use their platforms as NFL players to create a stir. Unfortunately, it created an undesirable outcome and each man (William Gay, Cameron Heyward, and DeAngelo Williams) a little lighter in the pocket.

William Gay was fined for wearing purple cleats against Arizona in support of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. That may be one the NFL wanted to turn a blind eye to given its recent track record of player-related domestic incidents over the last several years. You have a man here who was personally affected by domestic violence when his step-father shot and killed his mother when he was 7-years-old. He’s had to live with that nightmare for most of his life. He had to bear the brunt of “when domestic violence goes too far.” This was far from a “look at me moment.” Gay has been involved in public service announcements and has spent his own time advocating domestic violence prevention. He doesn’t go out of his way to make a spectacle, rather he makes a gesture to show that domestic violence prevention is still at the forefront of his mind – even when on the gridiron. The NFL’s response? A $5,787 fine. Who comes up with these amounts, anyway? This is not a good look for the League, as the most recent incidents with Ray Rice, Greg Hardy, and Johnny Manziel (currently under investigation) are still fresh in the minds of the public.

DeAngelo Williams, whom the Steelers signed this past offseason, lost his mother to breast cancer and has done work to promote awareness and has worked independently to raise money for breast cancer research and recently paid for over 50 women to get mammograms. His tribute to his mother and others in his life affected by the disease is to dye the tips of his locs pink and painting his toenails pink. It’s not my first choice of a way of tribute, but who am I to knock what this man has done and continues to do. Williams was fined $5,787 for writing “We will find a cure” and a pink ribbon on his eyeblack. Williams petitioned the league to allow him to wear pink accessories throughout the season in support of breast cancer awareness. Heaven forbid the uniform guidelines prevent someone from making a decent gesture! So, because the NFL only wants to acknowledge Breast Cancer Awareness Month during October, like breast cancer only matters in October, players, staff, and fans should only focus on it during those four Sundays in October? Got it.

Cameron Heyward, Craig Heyward’s son, was fined twice (before having the second one rescinded) for writing the words “Iron Head” on his eyeblack. For those not familiar, “Iron Head” Heyward played fullback in the NFL for 11 seasons (Saints, Bears, Falcons, Rams, and Colts) and died of bone cancer (from a chordoma) in 2006. The League rescinded the second fine after they struck a “deal” with the younger Heyward to monetize a cause that was personal and devastating. How insensitive is that?

I understand the NFL is a multi-billion dollar business that can seemingly make its own rules and the men who play in the league should consider themselves “privileged for the opportunity to play this game and make a living.” That nonsense aside, this multi-billion dollar corporation (that is somehow tax-exempt) has a tremendous platform and the ability to embrace so many different causes and do so much good, but it spits in the face of everything that’s decent and sensible. There are those that will say the NFL doesn’t have a domestic violence problem, and “statistics” may support that statement, but the NFL does have a “woman” problem in that the League doesn’t value the impacts, especially financially, that women have on its business. Throwing women a “bone” a few weeks out of the season, by donning pink accessories and promoting the sale of the same on your website at a markup that’s above your normal practice, isn’t valuing them, it’s borderline patronizing and insulting.

MB

Beyond the Packaging

I like giving gifts to people. I, however, hate wrapping – which is why I’m eternally grateful to the genius(es) who made gift bags culturally acceptable. Why am I talking about (gift) wrapping outside of the Holiday Season? Glad you asked. I was meditating earlier in the day and I was troubled by how so many people can miss out on what seems to be an obvious blessing on their lives. To be completely honest, it’s not just other people, but the author included.

 

I actually thought about how many relationships, opportunities, and other things I missed out on by being close-minded, short-sighted, or not trusting discernment. In cases like these, our natural eyes tend to give us only a portion of the story. That’s the difference between sight and vision. Sight allows you to see the surface and perceive what’s tangible, but vision allows you to perceive the intangible.

 

I’m a believer that “presentation matters,” but presentation plays to one’s sight. If what’s being presented isn’t appealing to the sight, it can be easily discarded, overlooked, devalued, or perceived as useless (ouch). How would we feel if God operated in that manner? Thankfully for us, He doesn’t (1 Samuel 16:7).

 

Looking back over my childhood, some of the more teachable moments happened in the grocery store. This particular grocery store offered discounts to people who bought scratched and dented food (dented cans and boxes that didn’t compromise the food itself). The cans may have looked ugly, but the food inside was delicious (except the tuna – yuck!). Those dented cans and boxes remind me of people: If we can get past the exterior of some, we can truly be blessed by what they provide from the inside.

 

I began to wonder: How many people have I thrown away, looked past, or not given the proper opportunities to – all because of the packaging???

 

My prayer is that God allows me to be more discerning, to see past the packaging and appreciate the innate gifts that God has placed in each of His creations.

 

What did you think about this morning?

 

-MB

God is Faithful (Part 1 of...)

There’s nothing more I love, on this side of glory, than my son, Benjamin. Since he’s been part of this life, he’s been the most awesome blessing. I’ve seen him grow and develop and he’s changed so much in just 14 months. Today was a real test for my baby boy (and me). He had surgery and nervous doesn’t even begin to describe how I was feeling early this morning. I pledged to make it my number one priority to protect him as best as I can, but even Dad has cracks in his solid exterior. This morning was one full of prayer, waiting, and fighting negative thoughts.

 

My big boy came through the surgery with flying colors (a little groggy from the anesthesia and hungry, but he handled it like a boss, according to his attending nurses). Buda’s surgery was a test of my faith, as I really didn’t want to go through with it, but God showed me, once again, that it’s He that ultimately protects Buda.

 

As Christians, our faith should be steeped in God, not in medicine, surgery, or ideologies – those are just tools used by us, under God’s hand to accomplish His will.

 

I’m thankful to God that Buda is resting comfortably and eating applesauce. Soon, he’ll be back to ripping and running – as I’ve been accustomed to over the last couple months. Soon, my nerves will return to normal baseline. Shoutout to Buda’s mom for watching over him. We feud and fuss, but after serving God, Buda is our priority. Keep our little guy in your prayers.

 

-MB

Blog Through it, Brown

These last few days have been something. We had yet another baby lose his life before it began. I stayed quiet about it yesterday, because it cut deeply. I can't begin to imagine how that family feels. It made me squeeze Buda a little tighter for a little longer today. I don't know what I'd do if he were taken from me. I don't even want to think about it. Children are so fragile and precious (no matter how much they misbehave). Their lives matter.

Another day, another officer-related homicide. Dang, the library isn't even safe for a person of color. It doesn't matter what led up to the altercation, it wasn't worth ending the man's life - especially with children in close proximity. I swear, as long as you wear a badge, you can get away with murder.

Tonight, I had my own run-in with law enforcement. Talk about tense. I could've fired off at the mouth and y'all could be seeing me on the news. I thought about my boys and the misses and toned it down. I had to pray within myself to keep from reacting the way I felt justified in acting and see the bigger picture. That, friends, is wisdom. I thank God for it. I'm okay. A little irritated, but God is great and if it's his will I'll get to see everyone tomorrow.

If you're reading this, be safe, keep God first, and love on someone.

MB

Trans-generational Perspective: Dad, Buda, and Me

I haven’t blogged in a little while (anything that can happen has been happening), but I’ve been meditating and taking life in as it comes. My dad celebrated another birthday the other day (his first with my son) and it was a cause for pause and reflection on the wisdom amassed in just a short time on earth.

 

My dad told me, about 10 years ago, something that’s beginning to resonate in my daily life. He told me (who at the time had no interest in parenthood) that “having children will make you a better man, better preacher, and a more sensitive leader.” I didn’t know what he was talking about. I was a Marine (a good man and a model leader by Marine Corps standards) and had some early promise in the preaching ministry (five-and-a-half years by then – but extremely immature). “What could parenthood possibly teach me?” was my silent reply.

 

Fast forward to last summer when I got a swift introduction into parenthood. As my son, Buda, has rapidly grown and developed, so has my love for him. The Holy Spirit has a funny way of bringing things back to your memory. The things my dad used to do with me began to make sense and Dad became less strange and more brilliant in my mind.

 

I find myself making better decisions, especially when it comes to my son. When it was just me, I could take more risks and live on the edge, but with a little person to raise, I’ve had the reign in those ways. I’m always asking, “How will this affect Buda?” I had a fantastic opportunity in Atlanta a couple months before he was born and I was torn over whether I should take the job or not (we know the outcome, since I’m blogging from Kansas City). My decision was driven by not wanting to deprive the one who would be known to me as Buda of something I had and sadly, not many children get to experience – a present, caring, loving, and active father. I figured I owed him that much. As of today, I haven’t regretted that decision one bit. That son of mine helps me think things through from types of career opportunities to pursue, what people I invite in my circle, and even the way I react to adversity. So, Dad was right – Buda’s making me a better man.

 

As far as a better preacher: I’ve intentionally shut it down since before my son’s birth. I needed to take some time to gather myself, settle into the role of a parent, and allow myself to accept God’s forgiveness for the event bringing Buda into my life. I can say that I’m becoming a better Bible teacher. I’ve always been serious about my craft, but parenthood has helped me break an invisible ceiling in my spiritual walk. I find myself praying more, honestly seeking God more, and really absorbing the material I present. I’m extremely nervous about returning to the sacred desk, but I’ll cross that bridge when the opportunity presents itself.

 

Leadership is an ever-evolving lesson in life. A leader has to be firm, yet sensitive to the needs of those he leads. I’m still learning the balance between firmness and empathy with my son. Sometimes good leaders get caught in the trap of judging a follower by their potential and not their current state. I keep reminding myself, as bright and brilliant Buda is, he’s still a baby. When he decides to shred that important piece of paper, I take a deep breath and say, “That’s okay, Daddy can print another one later.” Documents, lamps, and books (all things he’s damaged recently) are replaceable – but the time nurturing, feeding into, and cultivating are forever.

 

I’m thankful for Dad’s insight, thankful for the lessons, but most of all I’m thankful for my Buda.

 

MB

 

PS: No, my son’s name isn’t “Buda,” it’s one of his few nicknames. I want my son to be employable later in life!

Unbelievable (Lost Post)

You all know me: Straight Christian dad with a little wild side. I have a list of pet peeves a mile long, but there three groups of people that really rub me the wrong way: racists, bigots, and bullies (not in that order). Looking at the legislation that Indiana,  Arkansas, and Arizona have on the books (Indiana has tried to clean up its mess), two of those three (all three if you’re a gay minority) are dictating the order of the day. What’s more repulsive than each state’s “Freedom of Religion” laws, is the guise under which they are presented. I use “religion” loosely here, because here in the West, we know how to bastardize good things. This Western Christianity, I do not believe, is what Jesus intended when he was laying the foundation of the Church. We’ve managed to turn a beautiful belief system and lifestyle into a weapon to oppress the poor we’re supposed to feed, marginalize the women and children we’re supposed to protect, and ostracize those who don’t think like the majority. It’s sickening how far we’ve devolved – all in the name of religion.

 

I will never be ashamed to be a Christian, because of what I know God and Christ mean to me as an individual. One day I’ll publish several of my testimonies to show why. What is hard, is being lumped in with those who use the veil of Christianity of a tool of divisiveness and hatred.

 

I know a number of  gay people, who happen to be some of the nicest people I’ve met in life. I don’t support or endorse their lifestyles, but they never ask me to. I do support them as people, human beings, God’s creations. Sorry, over-exuberant Bible Thumpers, God created every living thing – including the very people you try to dehumanize. Frankly, since when did what people do in their bedrooms become our business? Our own scriptures encourage us to be the light of the world – not the judge, jury, and executioner of others’ lives. Everyone is not going to see things as we see them or feel the way we feel. That’s just a fact of life. Our job is to be an example to those who don’t have a relationship with God, not shove our lifestyles down the other’s throat. We share Christ and whether the Gospel message is accepted or not, isn’t left to our judgment – God will handle that.

 

MB

If You're Looking for Me...

It’s been a while since I posted and so much has gone on. My phone bit the dust last night. I’m going to attempt to get it replaced under my replacement plan, but anyone who has used Geek Squad for anything knows that service plan isn’t really worth the paper on which it’s printed. Wish me luck. I was really trying to hold out for the release of the LG G4. I’ll need something cheap in the meantime to carry me over. This is terrible.

 

Nine Months in the Game: What Have we Learned?

This time has flown. Today, my sons is three-quarters of a year old. He’s making me better and wiser by the day. So far, here’s what Daddy has learned:

 

·         I’ve learned the principles of loving unconditionally: Unconditional love requires bottomless patience, sacrifice, and the ability to step outside of one’s self. He’s definitely laid the groundwork for that. I love my son without regard for how others may feel about it. I get up and go to work for him, stay up late for him, and even second-guess myself for him.

·         I’ve learned what it truly means to advocate for the powerless: Although he’s learning new skills daily, my son can’t make decisions for himself and can’t do for himself. I used to be a bit more passive about standing up for others, but Lil Brown’s presence has unleashed the beast. Defending him against all negative forces and showing him he has no bigger ally and advocate than his old man is one of my greatest joys in life.

·         Pee, poop, snot, and sneezes are no longer “gross”: Repetitive diaper changes will do that to you. We’ve gotten to the point that we make jokes about it all. I remember the first time Lil Brown sneezed on me. I was sure there was a Man Law violation somewhere in there, but it didn’t matter. We’ve made it nine months without getting peed on, so that’s pretty cool. Too bad his mom can’t say the same.

·         Although he doesn’t show it, Daddy gets scared sometimes: My heart nearly stops with every flip, flop, free-fall, and reported nosedive off the bed. I have to keep reminding myself that my son is built similar to me – like a truck. To see him absorb a hit, gather himself, and keep moving is a small marvel to me. I’ve learned to hesitate for a moment before picking him up – but when it’s needed, I always comfort. After all, he’s still a baby. He’s still my baby. Urgentcare walk-ins, shot days, and sick days always make me nervous.

·         I still have a lot to learn about parenthood!: Nothing more to say about that. We’re learning together – he’s learning to be a son and I’m learning to be a father. Sometimes it’s stressful, but there’s no feeling like seeing that big toothless grin greet you when you when you walk in.

·         I’ve learned to be bolder: Something about a mini-me crawling around that reassures me. I stand taller, walk bolder, and take life by the horns. Watching my son go through life fearlessly reminds of how it used to be and how I want to recapture that feeling!

 

In short, Lil Brown has made my life better in innumerable ways. I can’t imagine life without him and sometimes it’s hard to imagine what purpose my life served before he landed in it. Always thankful.

 

-MB

I Blinked and Eight Months Passed

So, those who know me (or have gotten to know me through reading) know that there is one person on this earth that I love more than anyone or anything else under heaven. I was going through pictures of Lil Brown the other day and the transformation – in this short period of time – has left me dumbfounded. I stumbled across an old video clip of him crying at about a month old. He sounded so fragile, scared, and unsure of the world around him. Although a big baby by imperial standards, he was so small! Most of those soft, fragile cries have been replaced by fussiness and he’s become quite demanding.

 

Lil Brown was jaundiced when he was born, so he had to be in the open crib with the tanning lamps and the reflective shades. He looked like he was having his own little rave party. I’ll always cherish the fact that I was the very first person to hold him upon his arrival. It didn’t feel real for the longest time.

 

Over these months, I’ve seen him grow and evolve at a rate at which I was not prepared. I still remember giving him his first bath. I was so nervous about possibly scalding him, I ran the water too cold. Needless to say, when his little body hit the water, it was a spectacle. He turned beet-red, let out a yell, and the tears fell. Lil Brown was so mad, he stretched out and next thing we knew, he was peeing on the wall! That’s all it took to break the tension. I stopped and just laughed. His mom was mortified. I guess you could call that the first “Bleachable Moment.”

 

I remember the first time he realized he could splash water in his tub: bath night has not been the same since. It’s as if I took a bath with him. There’s just as much water on me as him. Over this time, I’ve also become his personal hairdresser (seriously). Meticulously tending to the curls and waves has become a point of pride for me. Tuesdays and Saturdays: Bath Night with the Browns – epic!

 

What has really blown me away is his physical, emotional, social, and motor development. It’s tough to put into words how this little person has just exploded. From needing everything done for him, to displaying his limited independence has been a joy to see. If I blink too hard, he may be ready for pre-school. I’m so thankful for a healthy, vibrant, bouncing baby boy! I truly love being his dad.

 

-MB

When it's No Longer a Game

“Are you freaking kidding me?” – My reaction to reading that the Little League World Series (LLWS) people were stripping the Jackie Robinson West team of its hard-fought championship

 

I could not believe the LLWS officials really stripped these kids of that trophy. We’re talking about a game played by children for fun and pride, played by grown-ups for ungodly sums of money. We’re talking about a game whose history is mired in controversy, cheating, and discrimination.

 

This isn’t an issue of kids being too old to play in the tournament with an unfair physical advantage over opponents, it was kids who played in a league, unwanted by the fancier, wealthier leagues. The heads of those wealthier suburban leagues, in their jealousy of young black kids doing the unthinkable, pulled the rug from under the unsuspecting champs.

 

There are several ways to look at this sad ordeal, but no matter how you view it, the losers were the kids, who had nothing to do with what happened off the field.

 

How hateful and spiteful do you have to be to comb through Voter ID rolls and DMV records to find out where kids’ parents reside to make your case? That goes beyond due diligence. That’s, for lack of a better phrase, just mean. Why were these kids the target? Why facilitate the vacation of the prize they worked so hard to attain? To me, that’s the textbook definition of a loser and a hater. I didn’t see anyone raising sand and lobbying for a disqualification when those overly-nourished 12-year-olds kids from Asia stepped foot on U. S. soil.

 

::Update:: It’s come to the public’s attention that the coach who blew the whistle has a history of doing the same thing he snitched about. Glass houses, buddy, glass houses.

 

This isn’t to say what the adults in the situation did was right (JRW coaches getting caught for what their peers often do), but you can’t be throwing shade blindfolded.

 

-MB

 

 

Almost Halfway Through BHM and This...

It’s another February, which means another Black History Month – which turns out to be code for closeted racists and bigots to become more vocal. Seriously, doesn’t this cycle get old? I’d like to take a few moments and answer some of the silly questions bigots ask this time of year:

 

Q:           Why is there a Black History Month, but no White History Month?

 

A:            How petty do you sound? One month out of 12, 28 (or 29) days out of 365 (or 366) dedicated to celebrating the accomplishments of Blacks throughout American History? You’re crying about roughly 8 percent of the calendar celebrating Black culture? You’re telling me 307 days (accounting for 30 days of Hispanic Heritage Month) isn’t enough mainstream, White History? So, you’re bigoted and greedy. No wonder America is jacked up.

 

                Seriously, Black History in America is American History! The two are forever intertwined. Yes, for those of European descent, a good portion of Black History is a tough pill to swallow – just like the history of any nation. There has been bloodshed, slavery, liberation, wars, innovations, progressions, and diverse things that have happened in this country. Embrace Black History Month. Twenty-eight days isn’t going to kill you.

 

Q:           Why is there a Black Entertainment Television? If There was White Entertainment Television, people would call it racist.

 

A:            I’m not really sure why Black Entertainment Television (BET) exists. It’s a travesty, a train wreck, and (next to VH1 and MTV) the most ratchet thing on the airwaves.

 

                For the real answer, jump in the time machine and go back to the year 1890 and reference the case Plessy v. Ferguson. For those who don’t like historical reading, it was this case where the Supreme Court ruled that Separate but Equal was not discrimination, as long as the separate accommodation was equal to the one being withheld. That being said, Black music, save a handful of artists, was not considered mainstream. There was a market for Black music videos (in response to MTV’s mainstream offerings). Enter one Bob Johnson and BET. The channel has evolved over the years (for the worst, in my opinion), but it’s nothing to be jealous of. The rest of the television spectrum, save Centric, is mainstream programming. You guys are getting sensitive about the wrong stuff. It was also later proven that Separate but Equal was a farce.

 

                Oh, and you don’t need a White Entertainment Television: You have MTV, CMT, Spike, Lifetime, LMN, Oxygen, any news channel, USA, TNT… Get it? Moving on…

 

Q:           Why only focus on the achievements of Blacks; aren’t we all just people?

 

A:            Again, Black History is American History. That’s a question asked by people who want to dominate everything. A question like that is asked of uninformed people who descend from those who settle in a new land, kill off the inhabitants, and establish its own government. Sound familiar. Quit being so sore. One of the lessons typically learned early in life is how to share and how to share in others’ successes. Maybe it’s time to revisit that lesson and grow up.

 

                If it makes you feel better, the inventor of the cell phone is of European descent, as is the inventor of lycra (he should be sainted posthumously), and a host of others. We celebrate them on a daily basis.

 

Enjoy the month and learning new things!

What Shall We Say Then? (Lost Post from January)

I made a statement to a man I consider a friend the other day about the state of religion. We both came from a particular organization that was borderline cultic. I'm not using hyperbole or being dramatic, but that's what it felt like. As a Christian, we are to "Love the Lord with all our hearts, souls, and strength," however a majority of the time was spent peddling a doctrine, rather than the love of Christ. So many rules and regulations; how was I supposed to truly experience God among so many restrictions (most on the wrong side of absurdity)? At one point the dice in the Monopoly game was going to send you hell because to the leadership, dice represented gambling and corruption. Women couldn't wear pants or makeup, going to the movies was a sin, and the list went on.
As a kid, you don't think much of this stuff. As an adult, you can't help but wonder, "Why aren't people running the other way?" Don't mistake what I'm saying - I'm all for Holiness, but I don't believe Jesus rescued me from the oppression of sin to oppress me further.
Holiness is about leading a life that glorifies God and shows the world, at large, there's a better way to do things. Living under the lordship of Christ shouldn't be tedious, dreadful, or burdensome. It should be a life of glorifying the Creator. Each person's relationship with Christ will be different. We'll walk the same road, but at varying paces. Gifts will be diverse, revelations will be ever-present. Jesus said, "People will know you're my disciples by the love you have (and show) each other." He said nothing about being the most gifted, most educated, most pious, or about demeaning those who don't believe as you.
We have a lot of growing to do and a shorter time frame than before. The un-churched, as well as the backslider (I loathe that word) are watching to see what we're really about - and it's not about a doctrine.

State of the Union and Term in Review (Partial)

My son and I watched the State of the Union Address last night. I watched the State of the Union and Lil’ Brown was practicing growling at the TV. This was one of the better speeches, and although I’ve been tough on the President the last couple years, his administration has accomplished quite a bit. I salute his leadership, although I don’t agree with a number of his policies and leanings. Unlike many who hide behind computer monitors, tablets, and smart phones, I don’t name-call or berate him. I respect the office he holds and pray that God guides his decision-making.

 

Up to this point in his presidency, there are some things I have opinions on:

 

1.        Bailing out the auto industry: I was dead wrong about this one, however I’m still ticked GM is making unsafe vehicles (check the recall log). Overall, under the President’s leadership, the industry has been overhauled, revived, and is once again thriving. I was in the camp of letting them fail, but over time, I learned and experienced grace and mercy. The employees didn’t ask to be in the situation. They had families to support and were working under failed leadership. Good thing I wasn’t a lawmaker at the time, right?

2.        The Affordable Care Act: Some love it. Some hate it. I’m on the fence about it. I like it because it eliminates the discrimination based on pre-existing conditions and it makes insurance available to those who normally wouldn’t be able to get insurance for themselves or children. I dislike it, because it didn’t close all the loopholes. The President stated that the public, at-large, would be able to keep their physicians and nothing would change – but he forgot to write that into the act. Providers can still determine which plans they accept from which carrier. Example: Before switching my son’s coverage, I asked his Pediatrician’s office if they accepted my UHC plan. The reply was, “We accept all UCH plans, except the ‘exchange’ plans.” Come to find out, that office doesn’t accept any exchange plan, only premium and group plans. Some physicians I talked with didn’t like the ACA plans because they either required too much paperwork (and less time for patients) or the negotiated payouts were lower than the industry average on many services and procedures.

3.        Free Community College: This one may need some further discussion and explanation. On paper and in theory, it sounds great. My question: How will it be funded?

4.        Raising Taxes on the Rich: I’ve always been one who has hated taxes, but believe in paying my fair share. I believe it’s past time for the rich to do so. Will the Republicans see it that way, though?

5.        “I Won Both of ‘em”: The most brilliant line of the night. As you can see, the Commander in Chief has zero you-know-whats to give at this stage! He almost forgot where he was. It was a moment that will be talked about for years.

 

What Happened to Simply Worshiping God?

“You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans? For when one says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not mere human beings?” – I Corinthians 3:3-4

 

How many times do I hear people boast more about their denominational affiliation opposed to their Chist-affiliation? I’ve lost count and frankly, it’s maddening. So many times I hear, “I’m Apostolic,” “I’m Pentecostal,” “I’m COGIC,” “I’m Baptist,” “I’m Methodist…” My response is a simple one: Do you know Jesus? All these labels within reformations are just that – labels! Do you attend, worship, and actively function in a New Testament church? Do you believe Jesus died, was buried, and rose from the dead? Those are the basic tenets of our faiths – not who can speak it tongues, has the most “gifts,” have the prophetic word, and so on.

 

I always hear one group beat its collective chest and proclaim, “We have the truth!” You sure? Last I checked none of us had the market cornered on salvation and none of us can fully understand the ways of God. He said so himself. Who are we to contradict God? As I’m always saying: More love, more Jesus.

 

We should focus more on being Christ’s ambassadors instead of promoting our particular denomination.

 

-MB