HATERS, CAN'T LIVE WITH THEM, CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT THEM . . .

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.

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?

These are just some of the thoughts that I had when thinking about the term "Real Friendship", and the many ideas that can be associated with it. Feel free to engage in conversation, posting your answers to the questions, or just your commentary on the subject.