New Year Predictions

It's that time of year when we Americans seem to be preoccupied with what the New Year may hold for us. Many of those religious soothsayers come out of the woodwork to tell us that Jesus spoke to them and then they precede to offer their New a Year's predictions.
I recall a few years back when the Rev. Pat Robertson suggested that the coming year would see worldwide violence, a recession followed by a stock market crash.  Let's be honest, any middle school student could predict worldwide violence as long as there is a 'middle east.'
After most of  these predictions do not materialize, the good reverend suggests that he suspects people prayed for better outcomes and the Lord listened and answered those prayers. If that' s the case, I shall pray that the Lord speak to these preachers and tell them to stop guessing about 'future outcomes' and just serve the Lord's people.
That said, I have my own 2015 predictions, which I conclude without Divine help: Birds will continue to fly into my patio windows, parents of school children will continue to bitch about teachers giving homework and coaches yelling at players. Folks will continue to talk out of both sides of their mouth regarding 'race relations' and the Mexican border issue problems will be resolved as Americans go to ALL AstroTurf lawns.

Some Get A Pass

The local newspaper headline Sunday past heralds 'New Year Brings New Illinois Laws.' After reading carefully, I still cannot find a much needed law. There should be a federal law requiring physicians to be drug-tested.
School bus drivers across the country are drug tested as are 'over-the-road truck drivers,' professional athletes, college athletes and a number of other workplace folks.
I leave you with two thoughts: go figure and best wishes.

The Centerpiece

He entered this world in a lowly stable amongst the filth and stench of sheep; He departed this world on a lonely hillside nailed to a crude cross amongst ridicule and slander.
The thirty-three years between those events, He brought messages of love, forgiveness, tolerance and service to others; a blueprint for a promise of eternal life.
Today, amidst our self-absorbed gift exchange and over-indulgence in food, may we not lose sight of the 'reason for the season' and the greatest gift to behold. Merry Christ mas.

Enjoy The Moment

Ray Charles sings, "Why can't it remain all through the year, each day the same; that 'Spirit' of Christmas..." What a wonderful thought!
I suppose we (people) are just too self-centered with our entrenched ethnocentric attitudes. We are convinced that our (ethnic) heritage trumps all others, our way of worship is the 'right way' and my dad can beat up your dad.
Ethnocentrism is a powerful force, which weakens human relations. However, the reality is there is no inherent difference between Jews and Christians / Blacks and Whites. On December 26, the spirit of Christmas will, unfortunately give way to the spirit of ME & Mine!
Here's the deal: If you truly embrace the Christmas Spirit it will surpass Ray Charles desire for that 'spirit' to last throughout the year but it extends the contract for 'eternity.'
Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year.

Merry Holidays

This is the week that we receive intense warnings about the 'secular boogieman;' the boogieman who stole Christmas. I am not talking about the Grinch but those evil people who insist on not wishing folks 'Merry Christmas' but say that awful phrase, 'Happy Holidays.'
Be not confused my fellow Christ-followers, the word 'holiday' is many things: a festival, a feast day, a celebration, an anniversary and YES, a Saint's Day and most certainly a Holy Day.
Embrace the birth of the King of Kings; the only thing in your closet is clutter and the only thing under your bed is dust...there is no boogieman but only political pundits with divisive hearts.

A Legacy of Love

Yesterday marked the second anniversary of my mother's passing; she was 93. Strange, it seems as though she has been gone much longer. I surely miss her and the frequent telephone conversations as well as those quick trips from Decatur to the Metro-East area and sharing a lunch.
I had a close and trusting relationship with my mother. I suppose one anchor of that relationship was cemented when a six-year old boy's daddy is called away by his nation to fight in  the Second World War; she served two roles during formative years. It is often said, "Times make the man." I would offer that 'circumstances' forge a relationship.'
I will think of both my mother and father during this Christmas Day. I will feel great blessings as I look around my living room knowing that my children and many of our grandchildren knew so well the people they called: Mamaw and Papaw; this old man's mom and dad.

Come Now Boys; Let's Be Christians

We find out that secret negotiations between the United States and Cuba give hope to normalizing the two nations' relationship. Well. lo' and behold Republican Marco Rubio states that President Obama demonstrates that he is 'ignorant in foreign policy.' Surprise - Surprise! I cannot wait for the anti-Obama southern crowd led by Mitch O'Connell and Lindsay Graham, anchored in regional-bigotry weigh-in on the topic.
I offer three (3) points for consideration: (1) History reminds us every December 7, of the (1941) surprise attack by Japan at Pearl Harbor. Today, Japan is one of America's biggest international trade partners. (2) Communist China, with its questionable record on human rights, exported over 440 million in trade dollars to America in 2013. (3)Imagine you are a 'Black' person in America. The year was 2008, and a 'Black' man has been elected President. You suddenly believe that all the 'dreams' of the late Dr. Martin Luther King are coming true. In the ensuing years however, you witness the most blatant disrespect towards an American president in our nation's history. Obama is targeted by the 'the other' political party leaders as a 'marked man.' The openly stated attitude is 'stop Obama at every turn that he may only serve one term.' Obama is called a liar in the chamber of Congress, which is broadcast nationally. He is accused of being an illegitimate President because he is not a U. S citizen, his faith is questioned and my goodness he and his wife surely belong to some secret terrorist group; they do 'fist-bumps.'


Connect those dots and if you fail to see the disingenuous bullshit regarding renewal of trade with Cuba and the ignorant bigotry of some politicians then be thankful for your shoulders; your head can go no farther.