No Struggle, No Progress
No Struggle, No Progress
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Without argument, anyone who knows anything about productivity in a city, would agree that a city cannot properly produce without the following: great vision, quality of life, satisfactory infrastructure, equity, environmental sustainability and unity. Anyone running a city, knows that social inclusion is a must. Though there will always be some who pull strings in government (because of status), they should never be allowed to do so to the point, that a city as a whole suffers, just to honor th...
Psalms 139:14 I will praise You; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: Marvelous are Your works; and that my soul knows very well. There is an undeniable desire in humans, for acceptance amongst peers and those of our circle of influence. Individuals seek approval in various ways, in everyday life. We all want to believe at some point, that what we feel or believe is worthy of the acceptance of others. This is normal, but when others’ acceptance becomes such a desire, that it turns into a d...
Acts 13:47 For so has the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set you to be a light of the Gentiles, that you should be for salvation unto the ends of the earth. Today’s generation is all about the glitter, glitz and gold. Many want the spotlight. People are becoming more devalued, and dead things, that can’t comfort, heal or love, are what the highest value is being placed upon. If one isn’t claiming to be a boss, it’s like he/she has no significance. This world is more material than anythin...
Matthew 5:14 “Ye are the salt of the earth….” These days, even six-year-old children are firing weapons, domestic violence cases are increasing, more parents are hurting children, and other ridiculous issues are arising. It’s a mess, and something has to change because too many are leaving before their time. Too many are suffering. Why is this so? Why is this generation so angry? This is one of the most innovative, creative, and gifted generations, yet, all of that ingenuity is being used to...
Philippians 2:4 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Leadership is more than just being in charge. It’s also being responsible, accountable, reliable, relatable and an integral part of a team. I once read that leadership is sacrifice, not privilege. I agree! It’s about truly serving others. These traits are fruit of Godliness. True leaders follow/are led by God. They are visionaries and strategist. There must be effective plans and strategies in pla...
There are very few things in this world, more needed than wisdom. By wisdom much greatness is established. By a lack of wisdom, are many things torn down. This is why wisdom is extremely important in leadership. Wise leaders instruct the people, and prudence in leadership, establishes a well ordered government- even locally. Usually, however the head of leadership is, so is his/her administration. Also, a city begins to reflect its leaders. A neglected city or community begins to reflect a lack...
Luke 15:7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repents, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance. You have left “home”, your first love (God), and are now chasing the vanity of this world. You have taken what you've inherited and fled true security, to embrace a false sense of happiness and a false life. The glitter and the glam all look good for now. You may be able to afford price tags, but in the end, can you pay the cost? Thi...
For as long as I can remember, my vote was shaped around what the elders in my family said, especially my dad. It was that way, because I valued the thoughts and opinions of my elders. There was something special about those who had gone before me. I admired and respected them; therefore, their words were very weighty in my life. As I grew, I started observing the many persuasive ways that candidates would try to obtain votes. Most of the time, it bothered me, because it was deception. I...
Anytime in the Bible, where blood and violence were upon the land, so were curses. That land was defiled. It was deemed worthy of God’s wrath, especially when the people did not repent. Plagues, disorder, disunity, severe lack and punishment were in places such as this. The blessings of God were withheld. Monroe is as one of these places. Violence and misery are all throughout the city. Bullying (especially adults), fleecing of flocks, idolatry, violence and so much more, are in the land, and h...
Sometimes, a blessed place can look and feel a lot like a cursed place. When neglect, disorganization, disunity, discord, violence and poverty takes over an area, it begins to look desolate. Monroe, Louisiana is at that place and has been for a long time. It’s been over twenty years that Monroe has suffered neglect in certain communities. Monroe's minority districts have experienced little to no change. How long is too long? How much is too much? The current administration was welcomed in, h...
1 John 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. Lust is one powerful spirit, and it is NOT to be played with. Solomon (as wise as he was), built a great house dedicated to God. After lust reigned over him, he built the houses of every false god, of every woman he dealt with. Lust will have you going from building to honor God, to building to honor nothing (idols), while tearing YOU...
It’s been a long, challenging time for citizens in Districts 4 and 5. Monroe has suffered economically and negatively statistical wise, for years. Nobody though, has suffered more neglect and economic depravity, than the minority districts. This was even with a former administration. Think about Monroe’s leadership for years. The minority districts have been suffering for so long. It’s time out for it! This blame cannot be laid upon the leadership either. Now, if they drop the ball, during their...
Hosea 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee……. We have heard the saying, “Ignorance is bliss”. Well, what is ignorance? What is bliss? Ignorance is simply a lack of knowledge or information/not knowing. Bliss is perfect happiness/great joy. Now let’s consider this carefully. This statement is saying that having a lack of knowledge about things, is a cause to be happy, but the Word of God tells us that people perish fr...
Daniel 2:21 He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding; Is Monroe being properly governed? Has it been in a long time? I'll disclose information pertaining to leadership, in order to properly help you, the reader, do somewhat of an assessment. In order to govern (rule, lead or head) people, those in charge must possess, innately- a love, passion or at least care, for those people. There is no other...
Where do the youth turn, when they go through difficulties? Who listens when they cry out? Who allows them to vent or converse without judging? Who is properly advising them? These questions need to be answered, and not just pondered upon, because the answers are pathways to change and viable solutions. The mental and emotional condition of our youth is the change I'm referring to. Right now, transformation is certainly essential. A great deal of the youth in our communities are faced with more...
Lately, I have been observing a new trend. It’s the use of the word “toxic” amongst the youth, like it’s a good thing. Too many are taking great pleasure in being toxic. In the world of social media, there are many pretenders and followers. It’s a place where anyone can sit behind a screen and present anything to others. One can really be anything; so, why toxic? The word toxic is defined as something being poisonous, dangerous, deadly or harmful. Why would anyone want this or want to be this?...
Proverbs 19:18 KJV: Chasten thy son while there is hope and let not thy soul spare for his crying There is a cry that is loud and painful. That cry is sounding out through the little boys and girls in our communities. That cry is saying, “Momma, daddy- train me, in the way I should go.” Children need structure. They need education that schools alone aren’t responsible. They need love that they don’t have to try to find in gangs and wrong affiliations. They need support that comes from a family...
It’s obviously that time of the year again. It’s time for bedtime curfews and early morning rising. It’s time for supplies, clothes, pep talks and so on. I just want to remind the parents of something, before the school year officially begins. First and foremost, pray! Your child/children and others at your child's/children's school, need God’s guidance and protection. We are living in very different times. Secondly, watch your mouth. Yes, you read that correctly. Be careful what you speak over...
Matthew 25:1-13 My youngest has the biggest heart ever, but she is very straight forward and does not mind at all expressing how she feels. I often wonder how I ended up seeing my grandmother in my child so much. I have many stories I could tell of my daughter, but this is one that really touched me in a profound way: My daughter and her friend wait for the bus together on school mornings. My daughter was watching for the bus, when her friend decided to go back and get something she left,...
What if everybody looked the same, smelled the same, had the same jobs, walked and talked the same? What if we couldn’t look around and see anything new, exciting, or different? Could you just imagine what a dull, obtuse and uninteresting world this would be? We would miss out on the array of colors, shapes and sizes. We would capture but a very small, diminutive view- of the beauty that God has bestowed so immensely upon us. Uniqueness, variety, differences, are all essential; therefore, we sho...
Galatians 6:9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. Of all the articles I've written, I feel this one to be very personal for someone. I sense God wants to use me to tell you to keep going in Him. Don’t give up. Don’t give in! As long as you could remember, you've called upon and served the Lord. You haven’t been flawless, in this walk, but you have been faithful. You have sacrificed, prayed, cried and desired more of God. You've helped ot...
A lot of times, as parents- we feel our parenting is well. After all, we work hard, cook, pay bills, clothe and provide much for our children. We are supposed to be their first line of defense, the ones who wipe their tears, and the ones who teach and guide them; honestly, in today’s society, much of what is supposed to be done, is not happening. Children are practically raising and fending for themselves. There were once strict curfews, guidelines, discipline and much love in many homes. P...
Matthew 5:11-12 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. We're human; so, we all err. There are times that things happen to us, and we feel combative and vengeful. We hear a lie or rumor on us, and we want to retaliate or prove ourselves. We get lied to or hurt, and we want to cause...
Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. We know what Scripture says, regarding peacemakers. Knowing this, we should most definitely want to be peacemakers; for it’s an honor to even be called a child of God. What I want to get into, is the fact that making peace may look completely opposite of what we feel it is. I was inspired by God, in something I heard, to write this article. Peacemakers are active- not passive. Making peace is not about making e...
Galatians 6:7 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. Scripture reading, choir singing, Bible teaching, collection plate passing, respect and order, were all the things I use to witness as a little girl going to fellowship. We couldn’t play and talk while God’s Word was going forward. We couldn’t do what we wanted to do in the House of God, and people think it was just fun. We couldn’t disrespect the House of God In any way. I loved it that way. No...
For years, there have been a lot of unhealthy things spoken about the Black man. I'm not talking about healthy truth; I'm speaking about unhealthy, stereotypical jargon, designed to tear down what God has built. I just want to paint a different picture of that workmanship of God, that I know. I know what’s seen on the news and other media outlets. I know what’s plaguing the neighborhoods. I know what some have experienced, and I know what it appears to be a lot of times, but let me tell you abo...
It seems as if many parents, much of the Church, the government and even schools have fallen under the spells of hell. Many are deceived- thinking they’re doing good jobs, better yet- God’s job; yet they’re fulfilling the evil wishes of that liar and deceiver- Satan. There is still hope though, for those of you who will hear the Lord. True leadership is of God, and true leaders- whether in or outside of the home follow God. They don’t follow what is popular, what is financially profita...
Philippians 2:3 Don't act out of selfish ambition or be conceited. Instead, humbly think of others as being better than yourselves. Of course, it's understood- after all the injustice and harshness that Blacks have endured, why the emphasis of black lives have been at the forefront; but let's all take a moment to genuinely think. We must ask ourselves as a race of people, "Do Black lives really matter?" If so, to what extent? Let us reason together. When a black robs another black, does that...
Matthew 11:28 - Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 1 Peter 5:7 - Casting all your care upon him; for he cares for you. My daughters and I had just purchased groceries for the house. We made it home and began to unload the groceries. We had to walk upstairs, so I told my youngest to not get anything that was too heavy for her. Well, we know children. She picked up heavy bags anyway. I began to watch as she struggled, thinking she would get tired and...
Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. With so much violence and dysfunction amongst today's youth, many are pointing finger; but who is really to blame? Some say it’s some of the Church's fault for compromising the Word of God, and not properly demonstrating the true love of God. Some say it’s some of the teachers’ fault for not caring or properly educating. Some say it’s the local government's fault, for not properly allocat...
We’re living in a society where entertainment is preferred over information (at least the proper information). People would rather gossip about irrelevant topics, than to be informed about what’s happening in their communities, for better or worse. Many don’t know anything about who’s in charge of making decisions that affect them, or certain laws and regulations that directly affect them. Many don’t expect much from elected officials and other community leaders, because they are unaware o...
There are many walking in disobedience to God, because they fear too much- what man/flesh can do to them. Many would rather please man, than please God. Man is ever changing, unstable, destructible and full of fault; yet many submit to the imperfect will of man, instead of the perfect will of God. Lord, have mercy on us all and open our eyes to what we've become. So many are being adorned with the praise of man, not realizing they're being tarnished by vanity. Nothing matters, except what we do...
Psalms 139:2-3 2) You know my sitting down and my uprising. You understand my thoughts afar off. 3) Thou compass my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. Many people are hiding devastating truths, behind material wealth and smiles. Many have mastered the art of looking okay and saying things are okay, when their reality tells a different story. Because society has made it acceptable for imperfection to be abnormal, many are hiding depression, anxiety, suicidal and...
Romans 8:19 For [even the whole] creation [all nature] waits eagerly for the children of God to be revealed. Sometimes, when the Lord calls us to something, we begin to think upon all of our limitations, lack and disabilities; yet, we fail to realize that it is the Unlimited that is calling us forth. We forget that God qualifies. We don’t qualify ourselves nor do others. We have a Creator, who in His infinite wisdom, designed us for a purpose- for His glory. In Him, we live, move and have our b...
