Haters, can’t live with them, can’t live without them
Special YWCC Guest Blogger for May 2010: Mrs. Kenyatta Brown
Kenyatta is a 1996 graduate from Redford High School of Redford, Michigan. In 2004, she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Wayne State University. She is a 2008 graduate from the University of Phoenix. There she earned a Master of Science degree in Health Administration. Married 7 years, Kenyatta has released two CD’s entitled Kenyatta Barnes and I Know. Currently, she is the successful owner of Delectable Goods, a catering company servicing the Metro Detroit area. As a member of St. Mark C.O.G.I.C., Kenyatta faithfully serves in a number of auxillaries. A young lady committed to doing the will of God, we are proud to introduce our YWCC Guest Blogger for May 2010: Mrs. Kenyatta Brown
Haters, can’t live with them, can’t live without them . . .
What IS a Hater? I mean, we’ve heard this word perhaps over and over again being used in all types of conversations and situations, involving all kinds of people. In the last couple of decades or so, this particular word (person) has become so pronounced that almost anyone can detect was this word is referring to based upon the conversation being entertained. Have “haters” always existed? Where do haters adopt this disagreeable and/or unpleasant attitude from? Finally, why are haters so popular yet the most unwelcome kind of person?
A hater can distinctively be defined as a person that simply cannot be happy for another person's success. So rather than being happy for that individual, a “hater” ceases any opportunity to expose a flaw in that individual‘s life or physical anatomy. Now let’s be clear, a hater is one that doesn’t like to associate themselves with the word jealousy, but this is exactly what “hating” is a form of. A hater would rather knock someone down a notch or two than to give the rightful person the praise or recognition that they have rightfully earned. Here’s an example to help you understand a little better exactly how a hater thinks and what they would likely to say.
Lizzy: You know, Sis. Mary is doing very well. She just bought a house in a very nice part of town.
Lanna (hater): If she is doing so well then why is she still driving that busted '92 Mustang, lol?
So you might ask yourself ,what makes it so difficult to live with haters in our lives? As Christians, how are we instructed according to God’s Word as to how we should deal with these types of people? These people could be recognized amongst those that we fellowship with, those that we work with, even those that we live with. Have you ever found yourself “hating” on someone for some reason or another? How did it make you feel (e.g. embarrassed, justified, condemned, immature, etc). How can we protect our spirit from this specific destructive attitude?
The enemy is traveling to and fro like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour, according to I Peter 5:8. The devil has also been declared as a thief that is seeking to steal, kill and destroy the people of God. The enemy desires to sift us as wheat but thanks be to God that Christ has already prayed that our faith fail not Luke 22:32. We have to be confident in the measure of faith that God has dealt to each of us. We have to learn to be content with the things and the life that God has given to us to live. The enemy can use us when we take our eyes off of our purpose in God and covet what someone else has or has become in God.
The bible speaks of folks that will revile us and that will say all manner of evil against us for Christ’s sake. As our combat, the bible encourages us to rejoice in spite of whatever these types of people may bring our way. All we have to do is walk in God’s Word to make sure that this type of person is named among one of us.
So let’s talk. What thoughts came to your mind as you read this month’s blog? Please feel free to share your opinions on this topic and post your comments.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Sunday, April 18, 2010
LET'S TALK ABOUT REAL FRIENDSHIP
Special YWCC Guest Blogger for March 2010: Ms. Salena Galloway:
Salena, a 2001 graduate from Cass Tech High School of Detroit, Michigan. In 2007, she received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Science from Norfolk State University in Norfolk, VA. She is currently employed with the State of Michigan. A member of St. Mark C.O.G.I.C., Salena serves in numerous capacities. She is a young woman dedicated to upholding the values and principles of Godly living. We would like to introduce our very special YWCC Guest Blogger:
Ms. Salena Calleen Galloway
Let's talk about Real Friendship!!!
Friendship is a word that is often hard to define. Earlier this week I was apart of a discussion where several people named some key characteristics that they believe to be important in their friends and friendships. Some characteristics that were mentioned include love, trustworthy, encouraging, and many many more. As I looked for definitions of friendship, I found a few things that might help define characteristics of real friends or in a real friendship. One scripture that comes to mind is "A friend loveth at all times…" found in Proverbs 17:17, so we have love. Another list of characteristics can be found in I Peter 3:8, having one mind(similar belief systems), compassionate(considerate), loving, pitiful(showing mercy), and courteous…But these are just some of the characteristics that we should be looking for in the people that we consider when we are developing these real friendships. So, what characteristics do you look for when you look at building real friendships with other people?
Even though everyone wants good friends that they can create real friendships with, it often is a struggle and often hard to find. I begin to think about why people often struggle with making long lasting real friendships. What are some reasons that real friendships are hard to find? What do you think causes road blocks to forming these meaningful friendships? As we all know it is good to have a person that can be there for you, and that you trust. Fostering this type of relationship with others can prove itself very beneficial to you. Real friends can help us become better people. Sometimes when we can't see things clearly or objectively, that friend can step in and offer a unbiased opinion. Sometimes we can feel down, and these friends can encourage and inspire us. That's why it's important, and helpful to us to have this type of relationship with others when the opportunity presents itself. So, do you feel that it's important to try to create this bond with others? Has it been beneficial to you to have this type of bond? Does having this type of relationship take effort?
Thursday, September 10, 2009
What's really out there?
I've been wondering lately what causes someone to reject totally committing to Christ? I know that I havn't always been saved and living a life devoted to God. However, I was wondering what's the thing that keeps people from at least trying the church life. I know that there's the club life, drugs, sex, friends, alcohol, pornography, etc that could all be a strong hold on someone trying to live for God. But I just wonder if the influences or distractions towards people young and old is so strong that they are not able to see that Christ is soon to return. It seems that after a certain length of time those things would even grow boring, nonstimulating, and unappealling. I just don't get it. Sometimes you hear folks say that they aren't ready to come to church until they are ready to let things go. I would beg that one to come anyway rather they are weak or strong. It's a trick of the enemy to have someone think that they have to have things all ready to go before they accept Christ. The times are so wicked now that I have an uneasing fear for those who don't know Christ. I've decided to ask questions more and more, what's the distraction? Why does the world seem to sell it's products better than the church? What's really out there?
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
BLESSINGS ARE ALWAYS IN ORDER
Several days ago, we had a discussion regarding order and the importance of a lifestyle consistent with time dedicated to God for prayer, meditation, reflection, etc. I began by asking the question, what did you do today? Can you say that your day was prosperous beyond the areas of life, health and strength? Where the goals set in your mind accomplished today? Did you make time in your life for the Lord? I mean a space of quality time, specifically dedicated to you and the Lord. In essence, did you place your order?
When things are in order priorities are set in their proper arrangement. Sort of like when leaving your home, you must get in the car first before starting it; it's a must. Likewise, it's uncommon for people to walk around with their undergarments on top of their clothes; it's not a part of our culture. Usually you get a pay check after working a specific period of time: that's just how it works. With each of these simple practices we may abort thought to how things would be if they were not achieved in the way that we know them. We've grown and accepted the notion that these are common procedures that we experience on a day to day basis, like second nature.
The bible speaks of how God does things decent and in Order. It is strange, however; how we sometimes try to find ways around, over, above, and under that notion. It is a principle highly overlooked by Christians today. We find excuses to supplement our disobedient actions. For instance, a smoking hot topic on any day, especially for Christian women, is the husband as the head of the home. The whole idea of allowing the standards set by the world to water down the gospel in hopes of building larger churches. The examples for the lack of honor, fear and reverence for God is more rampant than I've ever seen. Ever wonder why? I would be willing to propose that some of the blame falls on us as Christians neglecting to invest in our own individual relationship with God.
For some time now we as a people have lived in a free-for- all order less life. We have abandoned this lifestyle called relationship which ideally involves two people, you and God. We have substituted prayer and fasting for watching the TV evangelists, twitter, MySpace, face book, whoever, whatever that's new. As Christians we have put all of our growth on the responsibility of Pastors or whoever your spiritual overseer may be. We have grown accustomed to having every minute of our day allotted to do something else.
When we get to know the ways of God personally, we are familiar with His features, characteristics, mannerisms, etc. We know this because we live a life dedicated to maintaining a sense of order which provides priority for Him. Therefore, when we are confronted to make a choice on rather to be a part of things that deny the ways of God, we are less incline to please man. Do you know that God will give us directives for some of the simplest things if we commune with Him regularly? In short, if we express genuine interests in God, then He reciprocates those same interests. It's wonderful to go to church. In fact, it's a command that we forsake not the assembly of ourselves . However that cannot substitute for one on one time with God either.
Have you ever had to get dressed around a lot of people, maybe those that you were even familiar with? Despite that fact, you still exercise a bit of reservation about how it's done. You typically aren't as comfortable. On the other hand, at home, you can be less reserved or constrained about making sure that no one has a chance to see those areas that you like to stay private, like weight. Do you know that when you function under the influence of order and spend that intimate time with God, He won't judge you despite what your hidden concerns may be? I love that about God. After all, it really makes sense to make time for the one who created us. Imagine the success we would have as mothers, sisters, wives, professionals, singers, friends, etc. if we all communed with God on a daily basis. Imagine even more so the failures we face when we do not. It’s an unpopular principle to endorse because everybody is busy, busy, and even more busy.
In the world of Education most disciplines especially the sciences and mathematics all function based on principles of Order. Order is indeed a much neglected but necessary ordinance designed by God since the beginning of time. Just look at Genesis and how Creation was performed. I believe that it was significant to God then and it is just the same today.
What are you thoughts on this whole concept about order? Do you recognize that your time could be better spent? Or are you doing a fairly good job spending quality time with God? Have you been able to recognize the negative repercussions that this has had on our society? Are you able to recognize the benefits of maintaining a lifestyle of order and priority with God? Do you know that blessings are always in Order?
When things are in order priorities are set in their proper arrangement. Sort of like when leaving your home, you must get in the car first before starting it; it's a must. Likewise, it's uncommon for people to walk around with their undergarments on top of their clothes; it's not a part of our culture. Usually you get a pay check after working a specific period of time: that's just how it works. With each of these simple practices we may abort thought to how things would be if they were not achieved in the way that we know them. We've grown and accepted the notion that these are common procedures that we experience on a day to day basis, like second nature.
The bible speaks of how God does things decent and in Order. It is strange, however; how we sometimes try to find ways around, over, above, and under that notion. It is a principle highly overlooked by Christians today. We find excuses to supplement our disobedient actions. For instance, a smoking hot topic on any day, especially for Christian women, is the husband as the head of the home. The whole idea of allowing the standards set by the world to water down the gospel in hopes of building larger churches. The examples for the lack of honor, fear and reverence for God is more rampant than I've ever seen. Ever wonder why? I would be willing to propose that some of the blame falls on us as Christians neglecting to invest in our own individual relationship with God.
For some time now we as a people have lived in a free-for- all order less life. We have abandoned this lifestyle called relationship which ideally involves two people, you and God. We have substituted prayer and fasting for watching the TV evangelists, twitter, MySpace, face book, whoever, whatever that's new. As Christians we have put all of our growth on the responsibility of Pastors or whoever your spiritual overseer may be. We have grown accustomed to having every minute of our day allotted to do something else.
When we get to know the ways of God personally, we are familiar with His features, characteristics, mannerisms, etc. We know this because we live a life dedicated to maintaining a sense of order which provides priority for Him. Therefore, when we are confronted to make a choice on rather to be a part of things that deny the ways of God, we are less incline to please man. Do you know that God will give us directives for some of the simplest things if we commune with Him regularly? In short, if we express genuine interests in God, then He reciprocates those same interests. It's wonderful to go to church. In fact, it's a command that we forsake not the assembly of ourselves . However that cannot substitute for one on one time with God either.
Have you ever had to get dressed around a lot of people, maybe those that you were even familiar with? Despite that fact, you still exercise a bit of reservation about how it's done. You typically aren't as comfortable. On the other hand, at home, you can be less reserved or constrained about making sure that no one has a chance to see those areas that you like to stay private, like weight. Do you know that when you function under the influence of order and spend that intimate time with God, He won't judge you despite what your hidden concerns may be? I love that about God. After all, it really makes sense to make time for the one who created us. Imagine the success we would have as mothers, sisters, wives, professionals, singers, friends, etc. if we all communed with God on a daily basis. Imagine even more so the failures we face when we do not. It’s an unpopular principle to endorse because everybody is busy, busy, and even more busy.
In the world of Education most disciplines especially the sciences and mathematics all function based on principles of Order. Order is indeed a much neglected but necessary ordinance designed by God since the beginning of time. Just look at Genesis and how Creation was performed. I believe that it was significant to God then and it is just the same today.
What are you thoughts on this whole concept about order? Do you recognize that your time could be better spent? Or are you doing a fairly good job spending quality time with God? Have you been able to recognize the negative repercussions that this has had on our society? Are you able to recognize the benefits of maintaining a lifestyle of order and priority with God? Do you know that blessings are always in Order?
Sunday, March 15, 2009
And my name is . . .
Have you ever been turned down for credit? Do you pay your bills on time? Have you ever been referred to as "messy"? Do you tell secrets? Do others confide in you during times of desperation? If you tell someone that you will do something, do you? If you're not able to keep your obligation, is that communicated or ignored? Are you reliable? Do you pass the baton when it’s time to manage your own responsibilities?
What's this credit and good name stuff all about? Some people have such good names that it is sometimes stolen. Identity theft is the idea of stealing a "good name" in order to benefit in ways that an otherwise "bad name" would be prohibited. Based on how you conduct your affairs, would you be defined as one having "a good name"? Is your name "good" enough to even be used for identity theft?
I guess what I'm trying to ask is, are you/should you be concerned about your name? Does your reputation matter to you? Did you know that God is concerned about how He is seen in the eyes of man? Ezekiel 36, verses 22-32 speaks about how God strategically used His people to reform how He was viewed. He moved in a way that would restructure His reputation. He did not want to be seen as "regular" and/or "weak". He did, however, want to be reverenced as the one and only true God. Through their own actions, God's people diminished His name and standard. His name and reputation were important to Him.
Do you give thoughts and actions to maintaining a "good name"? Do you care if you are known as a woman that is saved, loves God, strong in the faith, one that prays who is rich in character and integrity. Speaking of character and integrity, are those features relevant in living a Christian life. By all means, YES!!!! As Christian women, we should definitely be concerned about our reputation. We should not conduct a life that contradicts the standard of God. When it comes to standard, the bible speaks of how we are to owe no man, in essence, pay our bills? Let your nay be nay and yea, yea, meaning speak the truth, add nothing and take nothing away. Do unto others as you would have them do to unto you. We've heard these sayings all our lives, but they are the same clichés that build character and establish us as one that has a "good name".
It pleases God when we live in a way that brings glory to His name. God is satisfied when those who belong to Him live in a way that supports His Word. We bring glory to God when we live in a way that is full of character and integrity by having that "good name". When we love our husbands and children as God says, are "real friends" to those in our lives, and do well according to the word of God, we glorify God's name. We bring shame to the name of God, when we identify ourselves as Christians, but display characteristics that contradict that lifestyle. Lifestyle is a word of operation that indicates a repeating action or manner of continuance. Often times we sing the song in church, “oh magnify the Lord, for He is worthy to be praised”. As Christians, when we have a “good name”, we magnify the name of the Lord. On the other hand, we demoralize God when we do not.
Do you feel that having a good name is relative to giving God glory? What is our responsibility to maintaining character that compliments the standard of holiness and sanctification? You see it is not a standard of the world to exemplify a good name. In this ungodly world, it's common to lie, deceive, steal, hate , commit adultery, fornicate, murder in words or deeds and do all those things that promote unrighteousness. Righteousness on the other hand simply aborts all those things and many others that contradict the goodness of God.
What are some ways that you practice to maintain a good name? Is there something that you may have done or need to do in order to repair or restore your "good name"? Does your reputation bring glory or shame to God? When sworn to tell the truth so help me God, would witnesses declare an affirmative, yes!!!! when asked about their experiences with you having a good name/reputation, or are there many stories that would explain otherwise? What are your thoughts . . . ? Does it matter when you say, "and my name is . . ."?
What's this credit and good name stuff all about? Some people have such good names that it is sometimes stolen. Identity theft is the idea of stealing a "good name" in order to benefit in ways that an otherwise "bad name" would be prohibited. Based on how you conduct your affairs, would you be defined as one having "a good name"? Is your name "good" enough to even be used for identity theft?
I guess what I'm trying to ask is, are you/should you be concerned about your name? Does your reputation matter to you? Did you know that God is concerned about how He is seen in the eyes of man? Ezekiel 36, verses 22-32 speaks about how God strategically used His people to reform how He was viewed. He moved in a way that would restructure His reputation. He did not want to be seen as "regular" and/or "weak". He did, however, want to be reverenced as the one and only true God. Through their own actions, God's people diminished His name and standard. His name and reputation were important to Him.
Do you give thoughts and actions to maintaining a "good name"? Do you care if you are known as a woman that is saved, loves God, strong in the faith, one that prays who is rich in character and integrity. Speaking of character and integrity, are those features relevant in living a Christian life. By all means, YES!!!! As Christian women, we should definitely be concerned about our reputation. We should not conduct a life that contradicts the standard of God. When it comes to standard, the bible speaks of how we are to owe no man, in essence, pay our bills? Let your nay be nay and yea, yea, meaning speak the truth, add nothing and take nothing away. Do unto others as you would have them do to unto you. We've heard these sayings all our lives, but they are the same clichés that build character and establish us as one that has a "good name".
It pleases God when we live in a way that brings glory to His name. God is satisfied when those who belong to Him live in a way that supports His Word. We bring glory to God when we live in a way that is full of character and integrity by having that "good name". When we love our husbands and children as God says, are "real friends" to those in our lives, and do well according to the word of God, we glorify God's name. We bring shame to the name of God, when we identify ourselves as Christians, but display characteristics that contradict that lifestyle. Lifestyle is a word of operation that indicates a repeating action or manner of continuance. Often times we sing the song in church, “oh magnify the Lord, for He is worthy to be praised”. As Christians, when we have a “good name”, we magnify the name of the Lord. On the other hand, we demoralize God when we do not.
Do you feel that having a good name is relative to giving God glory? What is our responsibility to maintaining character that compliments the standard of holiness and sanctification? You see it is not a standard of the world to exemplify a good name. In this ungodly world, it's common to lie, deceive, steal, hate , commit adultery, fornicate, murder in words or deeds and do all those things that promote unrighteousness. Righteousness on the other hand simply aborts all those things and many others that contradict the goodness of God.
What are some ways that you practice to maintain a good name? Is there something that you may have done or need to do in order to repair or restore your "good name"? Does your reputation bring glory or shame to God? When sworn to tell the truth so help me God, would witnesses declare an affirmative, yes!!!! when asked about their experiences with you having a good name/reputation, or are there many stories that would explain otherwise? What are your thoughts . . . ? Does it matter when you say, "and my name is . . ."?
Monday, February 9, 2009
Change: STEPPING INTO THE ERA OF TECHNOLOGY
There's something about change that makes people edgy, uncomfortable, insecure, fearful, etc. I've always found change to be sort of good. It offers an opportunity for growth either through failure or success of the move. It further introduces another perspective, and among other things, it may add life, energy or enthusiasm about an otherwise boring, stagnant and dying entity. After all, everything changes. The Presidents of the United States change. Fortune 500 company CEO's change. Fashions change and let's not forget the styles of cars. We all know that the sizes of women typically seem to change. In essence there is a constant element of change that seems to coincide with time and society.
Imagine if we were still riding horses instead of cars. Imagine if we were still slaves instead of being free. Imagine if women weren't allowed to vote. Imagine if we still had to hunt and kill our own food. Imagine if we couldn't freely worship on Sundays. Imagine if Jesus hadn't died on the cross. Imagine your life without a Savior . . . Wow. Can't you see why the bible says, "let a man (or woman) examine his own self"? There is a constant need for us to "work out our own souls' salvation". If there was ever a time to look in the mirror and ask God to search our hearts, that time is now.
As women, we have to live up to many societal expectations. According to the so called experts, there is an image of beauty that only emphasizes our physical nature. Do you ever wonder what God thinks of our spiritual image? Do you ever wonder if God recognizes features about our spirit man that He wants us to change? Lets challenge ourselves to be mindful or "change" if necessary the deeds that we perform in this body; something so simple as a tone of voice, being critical, or nonsupportive of a loved one, even having the wrong or preconceived thoughts. I guess what I'm trying to say is let's "change" those ways that display a form of Godliness. Let's "change" the notion of pleasing man and not God. I mean really pleasing God.
Have you ever observed someone being kind to the Pastor or other "church people" yet they are short tempered with their own spouse and children? I've never undertood that kind of behavior. Often times we take the sad disposition in defending a professed Christians' behavior by making statements like, "that's just the way she/he is" even though the behavior contradicts what the bible defines as Godly or righteous. The scripture says the we are a new creation/creature, old things (behaviors) are passed away.
That leads me to ask your opinion about what conflicts people (or you) face when challenged to change. What role does fear, insecurity, and faith play? Why is it so hard for us to embrace change? What causes us to avoid change? The bible say that if we would humble ourself and pray, seek the Lords' face and turn (that means change) from our wicked ways. . . then He would heal the land (that means make us complete and bless us more abundantly). What's wrong with change? Why do we avoid the idea of renewal, deliverance, and revival within ourselves so that we may be better sisters, wifes, friends, etc.? What is it about change that causes us to be relunctant to embrace it and the growth potential it offers?
Imagine if we were still riding horses instead of cars. Imagine if we were still slaves instead of being free. Imagine if women weren't allowed to vote. Imagine if we still had to hunt and kill our own food. Imagine if we couldn't freely worship on Sundays. Imagine if Jesus hadn't died on the cross. Imagine your life without a Savior . . . Wow. Can't you see why the bible says, "let a man (or woman) examine his own self"? There is a constant need for us to "work out our own souls' salvation". If there was ever a time to look in the mirror and ask God to search our hearts, that time is now.
As women, we have to live up to many societal expectations. According to the so called experts, there is an image of beauty that only emphasizes our physical nature. Do you ever wonder what God thinks of our spiritual image? Do you ever wonder if God recognizes features about our spirit man that He wants us to change? Lets challenge ourselves to be mindful or "change" if necessary the deeds that we perform in this body; something so simple as a tone of voice, being critical, or nonsupportive of a loved one, even having the wrong or preconceived thoughts. I guess what I'm trying to say is let's "change" those ways that display a form of Godliness. Let's "change" the notion of pleasing man and not God. I mean really pleasing God.
Have you ever observed someone being kind to the Pastor or other "church people" yet they are short tempered with their own spouse and children? I've never undertood that kind of behavior. Often times we take the sad disposition in defending a professed Christians' behavior by making statements like, "that's just the way she/he is" even though the behavior contradicts what the bible defines as Godly or righteous. The scripture says the we are a new creation/creature, old things (behaviors) are passed away.
That leads me to ask your opinion about what conflicts people (or you) face when challenged to change. What role does fear, insecurity, and faith play? Why is it so hard for us to embrace change? What causes us to avoid change? The bible say that if we would humble ourself and pray, seek the Lords' face and turn (that means change) from our wicked ways. . . then He would heal the land (that means make us complete and bless us more abundantly). What's wrong with change? Why do we avoid the idea of renewal, deliverance, and revival within ourselves so that we may be better sisters, wifes, friends, etc.? What is it about change that causes us to be relunctant to embrace it and the growth potential it offers?
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