Are you ready for your blessing?

There was a flood and a man was waiting for god to help him. A boat came by, but he refused to go. Exclaiming, I am waiting for my lord.

A helicopter came but he refused to go. Stating, god promised me he would rescue me.

He ended up drowning and upon arriving at heaven, he asked god about it and why wasn't he saved.

God informed him he sent a boat and a helicopter. What more did the guy want? writer Unknown


At some point of our lives, the above rings true for all of us. In our times of trials and tribulations, we sometimes wallow so deep in our self-pity, we frequently do not recognize when god metaphorically sends us our boat and helicopter

Like the man in the flood, we think our salvation comes in a form of a physical law defying phenomenon. We wait and wait for blaring trumpets and angels grandly descending from heaven to rescue us.

We fail to realize god works his magic through live, breathing and yes sometimes very flawed human beings.

Truthfully, at times miracles are grand and instantaneous; however, most miracles arrive with inch by inch salvation. Most of the time, the miracle is that god has blessed us with the life, vigor, intestinal fortitude and support system to work for our rescue.

In summary, avoid the faith of the man in the flood, be ready when god sends you his blessings.

Urban Talk Radio

If you are anything like me, you are sick and tired of hearing the same 10 songs played on most urban radio station all day long - one long torturous loop.

If that is true, you can rejoice ... hope has arrived. The emergence of FM Urban Talk radio has provided a vastly more intelligent outlet for bored radio listeners.

The formats range from comedy - Steve Harvey, Tom Joyner, Monique; to adult topics - Michael Baisden; to political and social issues - Al Sharpton and Warren Ballentine.

The most redeeming quality of these syndicated shows is the dispensing of the down home/mother wit information. Even if you vehemently disagree with their opinions (as I often do) you have to applaud the overall message: we need to reconnect, restore and rededicate our energy to face the dire issues within our community.

The two standout personalities that impress me the most is my fraternity brother (blue-blue) and relative newcomer Warren Ballentine; the other one is, Michael Baisden - the leader of the grown folks radio movement.

Ballentine's show is very socially, politically and economically relevant. In conjunction with his program, he promotes community activism through his Thetruthfighers.com website. (I enrolled today)

Michael Baisden's grown folks radio program uses humor, wit and guile to elevate the communal conversation. His topics include male/female relationships, sexual abuse, marriage, parenting and sometimes politics.

At last the adults are given a broad forum to talk common sense, virtues and community organization to the intellectually deprived masses. Let's hope big brother doesn't pull the plug. Listen in and get energized.

The Journey

Enjoy the Ride

It is easy to judge your path when the results are obvious. Are you happy? Are you successful? But when you are on the path to living the life you want, what really matters is not the immediate outcome, but the meaning that it brings to your life. You know there is meaning when the process starts to matter more than the end results. It's then that you exude the divine beauty that shines from within.

I found the above in a wonderful website called Beliefnet (click link belief to find more). The above quote provides poignant insight to the key to success. Too often we fret over fear of failure or success; instead, we should focus on the process or journey - the net result will take care of itself.

Catharsis or Divisiveness

It was revealed this past week that the Obama and Clinton camps have reached an agreement on the Denver Democratic Convention agenda. First, Obama has agreed to both Clinton's playing a prominent role during the convention. Bill and Hillary will address the convention at prime time on back to back nights. Second, Hillary will have her name put in nomination for a roll call vote on the convention floor.

Some have argued that in order to unite the two camps and the party, after a heated and closely contested Democratic primary, that it was wise and shrewd for Obama to reach out to the Clintons and their backers. In conceding some of the convention spotlight to the Clintons, it will demonstrate respect to her primary electoral base (whom Obama desperately needs in Nov.) and allow them the opportunity to have their voices heard.

Still others argue, the convention should be about Obama and his platform being re-introduced to American voters. By caving in to the Clintons' convention demands (some say spotlight lust), he is allowing them to high jack and undermine his moment to re-ignite his campaign's momentum. The formidable Clintons, it has been stated, not so secretly have another agenda - upstage, therefore sabotage Obama's compaign. Obama's lost will be Hillary's opportunity for winning the presidential race in 2012.

We shall soon see if this will be the catharic or divisive moment - my instincts tell me the Clintons already know.

McCain and Fox TV spins the dirt

Usually when one makes a prediction that comes true it is time to gloat. However, my prediction (shared by millions) about the level of dirt McCain, Fox News, Rush and others, would hurl at Obama has been staggeringly accurate. Rather than gloat, I am outraged and disgusted. Read their words yourself:

Rush: This is an historical Obama campaign, for one reason. It's not because of his qualifications. It's for one reason only. It's his race.

This is code for Obama is the Affirmative Action candidate.

McCain: Barack Obama has played the race card, and he played it from the bottom of the deck,” Mr. McCain’s campaign manager, Rick Davis, charged in a statement with which Mr. McCain later said he agreed. “It’s divisive, negative, shameful and wrong.

This statement was issued after Obama joked in front of a 98% white and conservative audience about McCain's dubious and negative tactics that even worry many Republicans. Obama correctly stated tongue and cheek: “You know, he’s not patriotic enough. He’s got a funny name. You know, he doesn’t look like all those other presidents on those dollar bills, you know. He’s risky. That’s essentially the argument they’re making.”

Fox: Commenting on Barack and Michelle Obama's on-stage "fist bump" before the start of a June 3 speech by Barack Obama, host E.D. Hill previewed a segment on the June 6 edition of Fox News' America's Pulse by saying, "A fist bump? A pound? A terrorist fist jab? The gesture everyone seems to interpret differently."

Now who is playing the divisive and down and dirty race baiting card. The answer is obvious!