Birth (of Biblical) Order

“What happens to a dream deferred?” - Langston Hughes

Bobo: The acronym of this title and, with the exception of legendary Latin jazz percussionist Willie’s stage surname, a label often given to clowns or fools as well as the substance (or lack thereof) that they hope for. When planning to revisit this space with a piece after a couple years’ hiatus, I admit feeling a bit foolish for denying myself the release of longer-form personal writing.

To savor and contribute to global good taste via writing and music are not my dreams, but my necessary reality in and beyond waking Life. The paper or screen helps guard the gates of my mouth and heart from the damage of impulse. It allows me to discern the readers’ abilities for and inclinations when handling the truth, especially in bites of 140 characters or so. That gatekeeper, unless tampered with, is also a most credible witness against the conviction of confusion.

Continuing from some of the previous 2014 post's content, the Holy Bible's Old and New Testament suggest that what one does with little, they will do with much. Besides, as was lyrically true for songstress and birth doula Erykah Badu, “my Ganny told me that when I was only a youth.” My own Ms. B shared whole worlds of wisdom with her flock, including guiding me through a lifetime of powerful dreams that required I go to sleep; not just obsess over worldly goals. Of any dream, she would say, never tell it all if you want it to happen. Every smiling face won’t be happy to see (you with) it. Yes ma’am. Self-deferment is best when rightfully applied to educational loans, not a righteous vision. If the delay is of The Most High, however, wait...despite storm and without worry.

Well before this post, the opening line of rhetoric from Langston Hughes’ poem also inspired playwright Lorraine Hansberry’s entire 1959 classic A Raisin in the Sun. The pair of literary legends, like the luteinizing hormone that stimulates a woman's ovulation in preparation for sexual conception or shedding and cleansing by blood, are like midwives of cultural renaissance to generations. The play happens to give secondary feature to respectively shady and slow-witted characters named Willy and Bobo whose penchant for get-rich-quick—or in my Grand’s dialect, “hurry come up”—schemes managed to sway the story’s otherwise sensible male protagonist, Walter Lee Younger.

He and his medical school-hopeful/tuition-hurt sister Beneatha couldn't quite get over the humps blocking their figurative dreams, try as their so-called lower-class family did. The firstborn and ‘baby’ pair, their mama Lena, deceased father Walter Sr.’s influence, Walter Lee’s wife Ruth and their 10-year-old son, Travis comprise their family and living structure.

Those who do and don’t believe in birth order’s influence on our psychology might find the Youngers’ dynamic quite telling, if not textbook. The eldest sibling checks out as a bossy achiever of sorts who carries as great a sense of responsibility to family matters as to self-pleasure, i.e. wanting to open a lucrative business for everyone’s benefit but insisting it be a liquor store despite adamant protest.

The last-born also fits the archetype as an affectionate, uncomplicated life-of-the-party whose admiration of a certain African student easily sprung to the actions of embracing clothing traditional to Joseph Asagai’s Nigeria and letting its drums resound in the home so much so their ancestral spirit quickened even big brother’s feet; at least in the early stage version.

If the story followed Travis, we might have had the chance to see the mature, detail-oriented, critical yet conscientious loner’s confidence of the only child at work. There’d be no personal protest if Ms. Hansberry chose to expound that way as I like healthy surprises and realities that engage but aren’t stuck in or on the box of typical, especially negative approaches to Life.

As my parents’ only offspring, albeit always raised in the home and community as with an older then a younger sister of sorts, common assumptions and utterances of ‘oh, you must be spoiled’ ignorance to my middle-born experience were tolerated jokes.

If ‘only’… I might've discreetly yet immediately checked offenders, waited until s/he caught up to the reality that his or her incorrect judgments were custom specs for their own new clothes then maybe drafted an accurate, color map highlighting the most efficient route ‘the hell on’ while avoiding all routes that step to me with foolishness and related tolls.

Grateful for the structural centering, however, the loyal, mildly rebellious peacemaker given to late bloom’s balance proved to be a healthy place from which to blend and apply the insights I also gained from being a younger ‘sibling’; a big sis once college and adult life called the older one, then comfortable on my own among almost any.

They say middles tend to embrace the world’s causes and people due to a feeling of no or mistaken identity in their immediate circles. Sometimes misguided responses curse that middle way and simply turn the attention, never the Love, back to where it’s received with understanding: within. If need be, one can always go without... . Then again, the world's “They” say a lot.

Thanks to the skilled tradesmen in my family, I’ve also learned a thing or two about being handy. To measure, cut, ventilate, level, build, beautify, assign functional space and watch the bottom line are all-ways essential. Hand-me-downs, pick-me-ups and even nothing when given in the right spirit are equally, if not easily, accepted by a giver privy early to Life's fickle come-and-go flow.

I sought theme music for my process and sampled a bit of Brand Nubian as I remembered rapper Grand Puba often referred to any shady or slick schpiel as ‘kicking the Willy Bobo’ years before Diddy, Sanaa Lathan, Phylicia Rashad and Audra MacDonald’s 2004 then 2008 stage and film revivals.

Finally, I meditated on the percussionist’s “Guajira”, said to refer to a genre and interpersonal expression of country, rustic, or very meager/peasant-like means. In the song, that's a girl specifically from Cuba's now-infamous Guantanamo Bay area; in the story above, south side Chicago; and in spirit, anywhere.

The ONLY Willie Bobo welcome here...

Isaiah 55:11 states that God’s Word will never return to Him void without having achieved its Divine, if not mortal, purposes. In the unexpectedly beautiful Way that things come together via such Love, the ensemble that performed on “Guajira” features a man named Israel. Although not a double bassist, an Israel that knows quite a bit about siblings, stereotypes of order and other life struggles is otherwise known as Jacob, father of the 12 tribes.

The 12 tribes of Israel is a blended sibling group whose birth order and affiliations have known much controversy throughout the millennia. Some have assigned them to different people of color across the globe. Others have likened the ‘brothers’ (allegorically masculine energy, solar principle) to the 12 zodiac signs. At the risk of shocking the consciousness that regards God’s Word and God’s (extra)terrestrial Creation as separate from each other, I have found some sensible parallels in the celestial associations. Father, forgive me if need be.

Psalm 19 might not be an outright call to study astrology and astronomy, but its speech seems to suggest an awareness and reverence of God’s power over our heads that is fundamentally different from the condemnation of manipulative acts of sorcery alongside adulterers and murderers. I alone, an inadequate representative of the Almighty God’s fullness, can't say definitively.

Maybe the technical ‘only’ in me was a bit too introverted and library-loving all those years ago. When Genesis chapters 30 and 49 describe Israel’s firstborn Reuben as the line’s might, strength, honor and power, the martial essence of most Aries degrees and some of Taurus’ steady strength surfaces. Likening their swords (or words) to weapons and cursing the expression of their vicious anger when aroused, Simeon and Levi were divided and scattered. The duality gives a nod to the Gemini archetype while the latter name literally means “joined” and hints at the twins.

Creative Leo’s link to the lion’s whelp that is Judah’s assignment to bold leadership and praise read as a self-evident truth. That Asher’s “dainties”, “delicacies” and “fat bread” resonated with much of Virgo’s refined nature and association with harvest wheat made sense just as Issachar's hard-driving yet genteel balance of the beast nature (i.e. the donkey and sheep) for which “there is a reward” spoke to the justice of primarily Libran values.

The discerning judgment of Dan as the snake that bites the horse’s heel—as well as their bad rap removal for idolatry in Judges 18—read like the evolution of Scorpio and Gad’s “good fortune” despite attack read like the Jovian Sagittarius. The Naphtali “doe” and “hind” of good words (or legacy), although referring to deer described as sure-footed in high places in the Psalms, seemed closest to the Capricorn goat.

The last-born of that family, or wash-belly in Grand’s terms, was Benjamin, deemed ravenous as a “wolf”. The individualistic, loner quality is akin to Aquarius, said to be ruled by both eccentric Uranus and taskmaster Saturn. It resonates with the sharp senses of one who could devour or shock by day and distribute the spoils at night. Needless to say, the Pisces fish could very well “dwell” by the seashore as did Zebulon. Sister Dinah sure wasn't accounted for.

This brings us back to Joseph, albeit a bit more deeply than previously discussed. Set aside from brother Ben and his half-siblings much like those Levites assigned to priestly duties, “fruitful” blessings of the skies, the deep, the breast and the womb were bestowed upon him, hearkening a connection with fertile Cancer sign of the crab and the dog star, Sirius. If only from the viewpoint of ancient agrarian society, I understood that the late spring-early summer season marking the sun’s apex would represent a practical yet sacred time. Later, his bountiful portion would, in turn, be assigned to sons Ephraim and Manasseh.

Joseph wasn't the baby or the biggest sibling. Joseph was just, in Grace as and wherever he stood especially because those places were in the integrity of his elder’s positive teaching. Subject to schemes and left for dead by those who might have reduced to psychobabble what I can only guess were the alleged brat’s initial pleas for mercy and reason, he showed similar fortitude when accused of adulterous behavior by the boss in whose palace he eventually served once he emerged from the pit.

His time in captivity might even have given detention at Guantanamo a run for its money where comfy amenities and personalities are concerned. However rough and undue as the ‘get over (it)’ chorus variation the others likely projected as his swan-song, so far it’s Biblically accurate to say that was great advice for Joseph to take. He couldn't have helped them out of their figurative pits if he didn't.

Of course, my thoughts are just that of an imperfect human vessel. There are ordained clergy and well-decorated humanities scholars from the world's finest universities who expect to authoritatively address every jot and tittle of religious data. I don’t believe the stars, like anyone or anything created, deserves more importance or worship than our Creator.

Various theories abound as there are discrepancies in the birth order of the tribes and their introduction in the scriptures. Discoveries of hand-painted ostraca, or pottery, remnants allegedly bearing original Biblical content, are yet underway. How do we avoid violating the charge not to add to or subtract from The Word if it’s still being revealed by The Holy Spirit over generations? Has the time of sealed knowledge come, making sense of the madness that sometimes plagues our modern times?

Truth is, we might all be clowns with increasingly prominent noses for believing our denomination, dogma, native language or preferred scriptural version can monopolize the heart of Heaven to launch us past "Go!" Chances are, dancing to your own drum may sooner place you in the heart of struggle where your dreams or gifts will earn any title but child of God. Anyone who has ever dared to live has been there. Rest assured in knowing that the only fool is s/he who’s spirit is unteachable and resistant to birthing a better self. If you're up for the task, at any age, stay prayerful—not eager or evil—and keep on pushin'.


-20*20-

Whose House?

Welcome to what's commonly known as February 2014! In America, this month, albeit the shortest in the Gregorian calendar system, is associated with grand notions of romantic love and commemorating the illuminating, historical contributions of so-named "Black" people. The combined consideration of these two focal areas brings a heightened sense of purpose, rightful sense of place and, as usual, music to the fore. In the heart of my mind, no where else do these co-exist more frequently (and hopefully, more constructively) than in the home.

What is "home," exactly? I say it's "where the heArtwoRx." Some have said it's wherever we lay our hats. Others are content to offer a postal address, regardless of the heaven or hell occurring therein. There are also those deemed homeless who are never without the nourishing providence and shelter of the Spirit. To some degree, in the relative regard of "home," everyone's right. Know, however, that certain foundations, fixtures, front- or back-door visitors, etc. can be all wrong.

Are you familiar with the contrasting, Biblical stories of Potiphar's and The Potter's houses? In the former story, Genesis 39-40 illustrates how Joseph, a favorite son and forebear of spiritual Israel sold into slavery by jealous brothers, was tempted then imprisoned due to false accusations of sexual advances by his Egyptian master's wife. Interestingly enough, her lying lust used Joseph's cloak—possibly the same multi-colored gift his brothers grudged him for in ch. 37—as proof of their alleged encounter. 

I don't know what letters were added behind the "fruitful bough" of Joseph's name, but I don't have any to boast. I do have decades of experience in Life, bearing the title of friend or just observant, audibly aware commuter in large cities. That being said, I've heard of plenty perversion from various homefronts over the years, so very little shocks me when communicated in earnest. (NOTE: Reaching the masses is fine and fulfills social media's purpose. When addressing your closest social circle, however, the limits of occasional text seldom gets to the heart of the matter regardless of how convenient or common it may be. Instead, it often distorts the message that direct, thorough conversation may prove valid and of mutual benefit.)

Take a moment to step into the house shoes of those who've endured violent beatings. Losses of those nearest in heart or professional proximity. Slander. Consensual and forced incest, sometimes resulting in young women becoming mothers to their own siblings or cousins. Secret marriages. Theft. Substance abuse. What of those deceiving more than themselves so slave-like activity will continue under their roof? Racked with pain or unsettled by mental illness. Diverse and misguided, if not repressed, outbursts of hatred... . Comfortable? Happy? Didn't think so, and honey, Potiphar's wife's foolishness is there in the midst. Still, no matter how twisted any environment or era, nobody has to remain there, at least in the inner life. "You may say that I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one." Take it from one who... never mind; my children will enjoy those! Thankfully, the God that Joseph was written to know and honor let justice and truth rest heavily in the atmosphere. His prudent obedience to God's Will yielded promotion.

"Thank God for what you have...Trust God for what you need." ~@RevRunWisdom, January 30, 2014

Let's soak this in, be refreshed and clear away the judgmental or even victimized wo/man-as-island philosophy now (read by '80s Prince as an invitation to jump in Lake Minnetonka or by India.Arie's decree to "Purify me, baby." I digress). Sometimes, people will enter our lives to give us a hug or a nudge into that place of Grace. Others' job, whether they know it or not, is to remove even the physically homeless of us from said rightful place. We must grow mindful of and honest with our connections, as we can really help or hinder each other beyond the surface, never knowing thus respecting or assisting what another has been through or what our example will continue to do in their lives. 

Quite possibly, that was the premise behind Alabama State University's requirement that its President, Dr. Gwendolyn Boyd, not keep any romantic company in the institution-appointed housing. Being a position of much lower stature, former work as a women's residential manager imposed no such stricture although I kept dating and even platonic visitors at bay by reason of chosen solidarity during my service. Cool conversations and cooler showers helped! Although I've since allowed steps or even a leap towards companionship into my Life, some might have misconstrued that season as mere stubbornness, frigidity or a lie. As HBCU Digest writer JL Carter Sr. stated the unfortunate truth that "[t]here’s no [mundane] clause eloquent enough to drown out rumor and innuendo." *sigh* Not only was it great to first learn of the ASU situation via an impromptu viewing of The Santita Jackson show today, I agreed with the panel's sisters in that sometimes 'the cause is greater than the [contractual] clause' otherwise at work in our lives.

...OR those ghosts & remnants of the man or woman you might have been up until a split-second ago.

This leads us to The Potter's House. Nah, I'm not talkin' 'bout Harry or Pastor T.D. Jakes, either! Introduced in Jeremiah 18 and echoed throughout scripture, the concept of individual relationship with The Most High, even as The One Who Plans, Builds and Perfects us as needed, is emphasized. By the Original and grandest Design, we were all created to be living vessels or temples for that Right(eous) Power. Radical healing change happens in a physical or spiritual home where it's invited and allowed to dwell. Allegory or not, how else would you describe the minor prophet Hosea's (salvation) ability to derive a native, even semi-precious gem in Gomer (completion, fullness of sin), a repeated backslider and mother of three, arguably third-party children whose translated names refer to invasion, no love or mercy and illegitimacy? 

Needless to say, not every attempt to add 'use' or 'wife' to our related colloquialisms ends in success. Scripture often cautions against being unequally yoked regardless of profession and teaches their instance was mandated by God. Does that mean if we pray or play church yet feed ourselves or loved ones poorly, let lies out of our mouths and take what some might disregard as a 'dutty' approach to any kind of 'wine' all is well? *turns the bass way down* Guess not. (In the weaning, see Sirach 31:27-28 before a glass of Cîroc.)

My godfather, literally the one man in whose example I witnessed practical virtue for 25 years straight, recently passed on. Of course, I did not know him as a mother, other relative, wife or person daily sharing the same home might. Being a man of both military and ministerial action, however, his mentorship and support strategically inspired me to right action over time, moreso now than ever since the walls of his physical temple are no more, amplifying his most fervent messages. My grandmother, the premier feminine example in my Life, would often say, "Tek sleep mark death... From yuh see dem, you will know dem," referring to the fact that people will likely handle Life's larger matters as they do the little things, eventually having no choice but to show or speak what they're about or really want with you even in silence. That's alright! To her elder wisdom I'll add compassion for the dynamics of human nature and remind us, starting with me, to first remove the improper beams from our own eyes and structures.

May this message also reach you, bringing true clarity, forgiveness and healing, where you live.

Won Love.

Happy kNew...

INcouraging
http://www.prevailmagazine.org/gods-diamond-in-the-rough/
and more jewels

Quincunx

insight of at least

five moons -- full, clear, from on high --

is now in season;

applying pressure,

albeit healthy, to this

coal world. You've been warmed.

Here



"I knew you were coming. ... I'd like the chance to tell you something. Will you [bear with me]?

Then make up your mind. ... God will begin... It's time!"

Welcome June, or as a Twitter trend I noticed earlier would say, #BienvenidosJunio!

The week leading to this place was, like any, a dynamic one. Some personal transitions aside, sadly derailed trains, revisiting singer/actress Kelly Rowland's "Dirty Laundry" on the pop culture front, a new round of politically-charged ricin letter attacks and wild, destructive weather were among the movements of U.S. news. 

Change is inevitable. After all, people seldom stay in one place forever. Metals as well as the mechanisms they form and help function eventually wear down. Resentment and familiarity make an odd but popular couple. Power corrupts, or interrupts, and counting on mundane weather is 'vain'.

That last word can also be true of third-party perceptions and interpretations chosen to convey a subjective experience in any given moment. All that came to mind was a wish for an instrumental to Teena Marie's groovy "Portuguese Love" when another Twitter trend used said language. I couldn't tell you a thing about the Turkish and some unrecognizable tongues I've seen. Besides intuition, silence or perhaps the most powerful of instrumental music, does a universal version of the colloquial "real talk" even exist?

Of course, unduly speaking or acting out of turn is another conversation. But, if the man or woman next to you looks towards your partner coming from across the street (where, incidentally, the street light is counting down the seconds before cross-traffic makes casualties of peace), what are you inclined to perceive? Does it say more about the stranger or one's self? In those times, do we bother to meet minds or continue to build an internal lexicon lacking Love and self-control?

Just as there is some confusion out there about whether Kelly's candor was more about healing from an abusive relationship, the friend/fellow vocalist she was allegedly encouraged to doubt or the "Talk" album due out later this month, there are many phrases in foreign languages without exact English translation (read: ?@Ü! We who are not Ms. Rowland may never really know, as the Heart doesn't have a definitive dictionary for others to casually thumb through). To a certain degree, however, unless the Holy Spirit truly reveals the matter, it's likely that we need not know or judge. We need only meet it where, as it is and let it be.

Taken from the movie "Belly," that was the above approach Dr. Ben Chavis' Rev. Saviour character used toward the 'Buns' character played by DMX―whose life in 'reality' shows similar fire and desire for positive change mixed with a brazen habit for blame and entitlement when his actions do appear all wrong. I believe this Is God's daily approach to us all, in our flaws and at our finest. At the very least, that's what God did for my yesterday's cigars, preference for studying the stars instead of some elder "Christians'" mean ways and scars from a cystic medical history that attracted ridicule, rumor and their intended feelings of worthlessness. I learned that the energetics of undue holding (on or back) could also lead to cancers of the soul. That was then.

It is said that we are now among the early stages of what the world considers the age of Aquarius, not necessarily for the importance placed on the associated areas of electricity, telecommunications, esoteric knowledge and radicalism in this era. I draw instead from a revised water bearer aesthetic to better experience the True and Living Water: God-in-Christ Who met a woman and men in need of fixing at the well, the same Christ Who offers clarity and refreshment to all.

To put it simply, in our weakness, God Is Strength. In times of darkness, Light. In even hidden anger, Peace. Amidst hatred, Love. And Love is what's spoken and lived here, within me, despite whatever contrasts I may notice while reading English content, witnessing the temperance of my tongue, engaging deeper study interests requiring translation software and the occasional survival terms accrued during physical travels. Rechts or links fur zie toiletten... and thanks!

That Love, in God's Will, is where I all-ways hope to live, move and have Being. If and wherever you find yourself among places that are not-quite-right, please seek The Lord Who never left. It's Time.

Re:Generations

X is a crossroads where those marks already seared into us, resistant to erasure by mere wo/man's might, converge with the often polar terrain ahead. Needless to say, energy of sometimes unknown origins often seeks to malign or align with such important journeys, even without invitation.

 

Considered differently, the X (or tenth)—arguably talented or otherwise—can represent that liberation, as with the Adamic curse being lifted nine generations later with Noah the ark-builder and father of Shem, Ham and Japheth. Genesis 5:29 in the VOICE translation states that his father Lamech so "named him this because he predicted, 'From out of the ground the Eternal cursed will now come someone who will bring relief from our work and painful toil.'" This anticipated "comfort" of a son would somehow temper the 'powerful', 'wild' and 'lowly' man he had been; a redemptive hope rightfully echoed in the hearts of all who birth something new.

 

"...And we pray, every day..." for Divine clarity beyond inevitable, human contradictions.

Books and beef brisket are both ill-fated if too many hands try to control their outcome.

 

The X that came to mind so strongly this month was that of the most recent generation it coarsely describes and two of its members. In an April 2008 TIME article, writer Jeff Gordinier channeled the perceived angst of "Gen-Xers [who felt] colossally invisible" amidst what was later cited as the Y/millennial generation's "bloggy, bling-bling birdsong of me-me-me-me-me sounds". Back in the summer of 1997, it was tragic to learn that Malcolm X's first grandson, then 12, was charged with setting the apartment fire that claimed the physical life of his grandmother, Betty Shabazz. The 28-year-old is reported to have suffered a brutal assault and wrongful death in Mexico on May 9. After years of processing the pressures of walking in the revolutionary activist's footsteps, the young man is illustrated by the Final Call, Amsterdam News and NBC News alike with degrees of discreet respect, as one looking towards positive personal growth. 21-year-old Hofstra University student Andrea Rebello also met an unexpected death, this time by the one police bullet that missed the reported invader of her and her sister's home. From this humble platform, I extend heartfelt condolences of peace and healing as they're needed within both of the families and communities affected by their unfortunate losses.

 

The generational boom, X or Y, of the former global citizens mentioned here—like human chromosomes—need not render any individual unimportant or superior, but interdependent; a relatively fragile fiber in Creation's greater fabric worthy of becoming even more beautiful in Divine time. May the curses of ignorance and hypocrisy in light of this natural right be checked against our shared human needs, succumbing to billions of blessings towards each other that transcend bars, bullets, colors and the unlike. Letters and numbers aside, exceptional wo/men with the heart to edify our Creator without unnecessary harm are welcome. Thank you for your time.

 

 

[5/31/13 UPDATE: See also "Generation X Fares Poorly During Recession"]

Further

Faith and fatherhood have long been at the fore of many eras' popular cultures. Old Abraham passed one of written history's most enduring tests involving his son, Isaac. Pastor/"Purpose Driven Life" author Rick Warren and family grieve the loss of his youngest son, Matthew, to suicide on April 6, sparking a firestorm of opposing backlash that both doubts and expects the Warrens' exemption from such a tragedy. Lauryn Hill is an acclaimed musician and actress whose hip-hop from certain graces is often rumored to be the result of an unequal yoke with a legendary son who fathered five of her six children. Juxtaposed with her early career's open desire to have about 12 children and a possibly unrelated adulation for his famous family, her and many good, hard-working people's current financial struggles place Ms. Hill back in the news. (4/24/13 Update: A silver linings 'songbook' of sorts may be on the way.)

Taking a break from day-to-night shift coverage of the Tsarnaev brothers' alleged terror in Boston wherein their father Anzor defended the young men, a Raymond Santana Sr. appeared as the sole supportive father among those living with the injustice displayed in the PBS documentary, "The Central Park Five". Conscious avoidance of yet another week of "Preachers' Daughters" made way for the redemption song of one in particular. Singer Fantasia Barrino returned to the "American Idol" platform from which she sprung to widespread fame. An impromptu view of her "Lose to Win" live performance was a soul-stirring reminder of the young woman's major vocal talent, enhanced by a special intangible that powers through lies and no money can buy otherwise known as 'the anointing'. Her Commodores-sampling ode of self-growth seems to gradually triumph over her "love" for the positive "inner" qualities she perceived in a man who pleased her "inner" parts while both were aware that he was still 'in a' marriage union with another woman.

Fret not beloved... the judgmental hypocrisy of mortals even towards higher beings is historical. 
Make it right with the Maker. 
["Jesus the Homeless" sculpture © Timothy P. Schmalz]

All of the situations above attest to the fact that the media spotlight often encourages questionable acceptance, embellishment or omission upon those eager to be or stay in it. For instance, the additional human right not to agree with or partake in trends of deception, sexuality, drug culture, shoes or even nail art du jour threatens to affect one's influence in their chosen corner of the popular arena. To slap a Nicolaitan amen on the end of our wrongs and keep them going is made as appealing as Neapolitan ice cream, while talent and integrity are chided as uncool; maybe cute. As we begin to know better, this sensuality over sensibility should not be. The Bible and reality TV notwithstanding, nowhere else are the pet projects we make of planting and reaping our own self-loathing in others' lives as present as in crisis intervention texts or work. During my volunteer internship days, scenarios unimaginable or otherwise rewarded with Hollywood salaries for their gross imagination are somehow common. Among the least graphic of them, I have found:

• Wo/men beaten down by their intimate 'pillar of the community"-type partners, physically or otherwise challenging their ability to hear and process the truth
• Intricate attempts at sabotage in the name of "success" 
• Emotionally and/or sexually violated children who see no harm in judging or doing the same to other children (maybe except their own, if so blessed later in life); their abusers probably having escaped the arrest their conscience and hearts' development was made to suffer 
• Young people ready to end their real lives over virtual rumors and relationships
• Wo/men who curse their parents and inadvertently do everything possible to be just like them while thinking and vowing the opposite 

My Spirit resonates with an echo both distant and present: "Forgive them, Father..." and while You're at it please forgive us. Objectivity mandates some advocacy for the other side by inviting the questions: what about those fathers and other authority figures who need forgiving? As an appointed leader of the household, an absentee or abusive father may well deserve some blame for the resultant behaviors of the world's wayward or weary. Reportedly, Fantasia and her father did happen to have a tumultuous relationship. Because perfection escapes us ALL on this human journey, however, if we're so willing to travel far enough down the tree's roots to find faulty seeds, why not take the independent initiative to reach even farther and seek true healing from our Divine Source Who creates the varied environments of dirt, air, water and sunshine we must have, whether we flower or flounder?

We seldom let up when giving others the proverbial business. By forgiving, forgetting and pressing forward from the empty feel-goods of the past, then, let's give each other a chance at the lasting joy and wellness our Father wants for us. Even without the courage and strength of a direct, honest word, we can be heard sometimes expressing ourselves in poor taste. Science and sick days alike teach us how closely the latter is related to our scents; that they precede our sight. By making room in our hearts and souls to feel His Way through dark times and making the change of repentance, we Will Know, Love.

Just His / Licent...

Poetry...

It evokes thoughts of beatniks dressed in black, stereotypical finger snaps, melodramatic ways of saying 'that' and those indescribable spaces also known as none of the above. Temper, temper now, all you modern-day Calliopes, Eratos and Euterpes; absolutely no disrespect to your Work is intended or offered as I Love my family :) 

The artform did come to the helm of my mind recently, however, because marketing and some of its patterns and packages tickle me. My subconscious has toyed long enough with the convergence of Janet Jackson's sampled appearance on a popular Kendrick Lamar/Drake single, an informal remix featuring Busta Rhymes and Q-Tip as well as mention of her (not-so-new, hush-hush) marriage. It is likely that one set of the guys will never get closer to her than the tribute of their sonic platform. The other individuals have indeed shared good stage, screen and studio space with her, seemingly neither to the benefit nor the detriment of current projects. Then right on time, albeit a year later, mention of the elusive one's nuptials surfaces. I mean, egad! Who plans these things? ...and what exactly is at work: justice or license?

17th century English historical figure Thomas Rhymer is credited with the coinage of the literary "poetic justice" that experienced a pop culture renaissance of sorts via the namesake 1993 film and current song. The term refers to those odd, unexpected and possibly stylish ways that 'right' finds a Way to remain written into the Life script while 'wrong' gets wrung out. Poetic license, on the other hand, is considered a "deviation from fact, form, or rule by an artist or writer for the sake of the effect gained". 

One harmless example of the latter could be my trademark use of parentheses to denote a Divinely timely  delivery of "peace". The word isn't normally punctuated, but I believe my positive intent is underscored by doing so. As calculus and Rosa Parks have already proven, deviations can be standard and outstanding. Deviance can also be akin to harmful behavior, the aim and effect of which is typically licentious or otherwise negative. Choices, choices!

Any time and any place we approach the ​Word, 1 Corinthians is one location where we can receive discernment assistance regarding what we take the liberty to justify. To paraphrase its chapter 6 verse 12 and chapter 10 verse 23, anyone can march to their own beat and do anything s/he wants to. 'Anything' doesn't always make good sense nor is all compromise guaranteed to yield the expected payoff. Please don't be deceived, especially with your own permission.

The journey may not all-ways be safe, but it can be sound. Speak Lord.

Prey & Praise in the Land of Saints

It's Super Bowl Sunday in the U.S.!

Unlike last year, I will not have the pleasure of beholding the wide-eyed and salsafied physical beauty that is Victor Cruz. *sigh* I haven't spent that much time in the Bay, so until 2014's game in the New York region, another one of my stomping grounds -- Baltimore -- will represent a li'l something to shout about. 

Truth be told, repping San Fran, B'more or the New Orleans playing field doesn't really matter. In this Life, if we're lucky or hardworking enough, we will enjoy memorable experiences on various terrain and with good people. After all, y/our (future) grandkids deserve healing spice amid their inheritance! Should battles arise on the gridiron or in greater arenas, however, this 47th exhibition seems to offer some allegorical assistance.

The Baltimore-affiliated raven, as mythical lore from across the globe and legendary writer Edgar Allen Poe would have it, is a bird of prey, dark and mysterious in its approach. Considered an intermediary between spiritual and mundane realms, raven is sometimes mistaken as solely a harbinger of death. Instead, it behooves us to heed Raven's question, What hidden or shadowy area(s) in y/our lives better serve us, most likely by ending?

On the other hand, the seven squared figure of San Francisco's 49 brings to mind redemptive Jubilee and the Work required to get to the blessed increase upwards of that 50th year point. What in my Life is worthy of celebration, forgiveness and just due respect right now?

Just a thought as February and these famous festivities march in...

For Real

Happy Newish Year, all! 

With the Northeast expected to experience unseasonably warm weather with almost two weeks of January behind us, it's wild to realize that the first month of "2013" is moving the way that it is.

While there are some things that have changed so far (by resolution or revolution), needless to say, some things have remained the same... yes, I'm talking about my enjoyment of online dictionary entries and scripture.

According to Merriam-Webster online, January 11 is all about "realia" -- those tangibles that bring our education home and help make it more true-to-life. It's funny, then, that Dictionary.com has made the business week ending on 1/11 draw the curtains on what's false. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and what the typically preemptive, mobile version listed as Friday's word focused on the "pseudo-" in name, habit, form, original style and (unless it changes) attribution/credit respectively. 

Beyond the 1994 Curtis/Schwarznegger movie, truth and the unlike often find themselves in close company; sometimes without that specific intent or any harmful results. For instance, this blog and the accompanying music player were set to Pacific Time by default when I first created the accounts. When posting in the late evening  hours, polarized as the coasts are, a certain limbo presents itself with the time-sensitive collateral data like the midnight-refreshed daily words and devotionals. Some are available for me to cite when they supposedly shouldn't be, encouraging either real-time disclosure like this or the decision to ignore the inspiration and wait for the externally accepted time so as not to look wrong. Keeping up appearances in that sense would be easy, but more often than not, I ask myself "why bother?" and go forward with integrity. Such is faith.

For s/he who can see "It" for all it is and could be, a clear line has been drawn. May the True and Living  God determine the starts/finishes in and through us.


Love,
T.

Soul Stitch

Of knits and (k)nots, consider p(er)URL Won, too and t'ree...

“Lord, give us weak eyes for things which are of
             no account and clear eyes for all Your truth.” ~ Soren Kierkegaard (1813-1855)

“Almighty God who has sent the Spirit of truth unto us to guide us into all truth: so rule our lives by Thy power that we may be truthful in thought and word and deed. May no fear or hope ever make us false in act or speech; cast out from us whatsoever loveth or maketh a lie, and bring us all into the perfect freedom of Thy truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord.” ~ Brooke Foss Westcott (1825-1901)

“Lord, I have time,
            I have plenty of time,
            All the time that You give me,
            The years of my life,
            The days of my years,
            The hours of my days,
            They are all mine.
            Mine to fill, quietly, calmly,
            But to fill completely, up to the brim,
            To offer them to You, that of their insipid water
            You may make a rich wine such
            As You made once in Cana of Galilee.” ~ Michel Quoist     

Per Specs, Tiffs

I see what I'm supposed to see.
Don't you
dare
To Be...

Inherit the Vision

Recent days reminded me of the dynamic Love labors we engage along what appear to be endless miles, the verdant places revealed by an occasional christening with light. Of our communities, the youngest seeds are often most potent with possibility and vulnerable to the threat of harm. In sustaining a healthy and effective community at-large, then, consider "the importance of art in the healing process of children in conflict and poverty. 'Research is showing that in societies where there is no structured healing process, they’re more likely to return to war.' ... 'Artists play a very important role in creating the symbols, the climate, and space for peace and healing.'" Fancy myself an artsy psalmbody as I might, where therapeutic creativity and adorning mixed media with color beyond Crayola or Pantech's dreams are concerned, who is like God?

Behold the "Heritage"

of innocence

 

...in a sense...

beauty-full ones.

~ Today's Biblical text is linked to the music player, just 
on the lower left chamber of this page's heArt as all-ways ~

References: Psalm 37, 140; 1 Corinthians 11; 2 Corinthians 5; 1 Peter 3 (AMP/YLT)

Stop. Look. Listen...

As an individual born into partnership with countless siblings by the Creator, I am fluid... and a bit quirky. My ways might not resemble his or hers, but as we grow to understand that none of our ways totally meet the Most High's, the abundance of quirks, like quarks, becomes clear. Anyone close or concerned enough to notice mine (hopefully without undue prejudice and harsh judgment), will. One known to my folks is my pleasure to meditate on daily Bible verses, devotionals and—I admit—dictionary entries whenever possible, often at their midnight generation online. Between the quiet stretches that occur in my personal communications and longer ones in my entries here, the Scripture in particular helps to set a healthy tone for the nightly rest period I forbid anger or negative trifles to enter along with the much-needed benefit of grounding yet uplifting guidance for each new day I am given.

Today's words at the popular Merriam-Webster and Dictionary.com websites struck a unique chord with my spirit while offering an (until now) unfamiliar option for even trying to describe the Sovereign justice system to some degree. Please consider the entries

          peruse \puh-ROOZ\
          verb

          1

                  a : to examine or study attentively and in detail  

                  b : to look over or through in a casual or hasty manner

          2

                     : read 

and

           nomothetic \ nom-uh-THET-ik \  
           adjective
           1. Giving or establishing laws; legislative.
           2. Founded upon or derived from law.

           3. Psychology. Pertaining to or involving the study of formulation of 
               general or universal laws (opposed to idiographic).  

with me. The words' co-incidence hint at the human ability to learn from the large, necessary yet simple laws laid out all around and within us. Needless to say, ability (even faithful knowing, skill) and activity (being/doing, applied work) are two different things. Then, of course, we all have the choice to express either in a harmful or helpful manner. Like the inventory suggested by the above definition of "peruse", worldly affections, knowledge and pulses in the Oriental medical paradigm for that matter can be superficial and subject to upset by the whisper of a sneaky wind or deep and abiding.

Just as Christ drew The Line between His stance and the era's popular hypocrisy against the Living Word and women who could read, for instance, the Holy Spirit will assist each of us in possibly unexpected ways to stay fair and focused in a confused world. Riding certain lines of the Long Island Railroad into New York City, I have witnessed a large Korean church the signage of which I do not understand save for its asking in English "Is it nothing to you". Being presented with what could be the prophet Jeremiah's lament before stepping onto streets bustling with haves and naughts alike is one such blessing. The 'it' of over seven billion people takes on forms that only the Most High can track and attend to with equal sufficiency. Should tears of sadness ever result as per our (mis)use of balance and blur our perspective, be reminded that they, too, shall pass away.

I encourage you as I am encouraged to truly stop, look and listen along the Way, beyond any minor dimensions our own boxes may take to the burdens of another. Detours, misleading signs, some third-party definitions or interpretations and other temporary obstacles aside, the journey and destination of right relationship with the Lord Whom the world mocked, forsook and went missing from the side of first is well worth it. We must stay the course, though. A casual or hasty peek won't do nor will selfish rules yield Love's proof.

References: Lamentations 1; Psalm 30, 119; Proverbs 20; Isaiah 55; 
John 15; Romans 13; Galatians 5-6; Philippians 1; 2 Timothy 3; James 2 
(AMP, MSG, NLT)

Whether or Never

Standing to the best of its ability between the sun glaring from a great distance and the empathetically chilled foundation of even vast seas, the s-talk of a plant once asked how the latter could endure what some would call inclement weather.

But Grace...

Full of gratitude in any season, it answered
"Rain who nails the earth, whose infinite legs
nail the earth, whose silver faces
touch my faces, I marry you. & open
all the windows of my house to hear
your million feral versions
of si si
        sí
                               si
                      si"
within her s(i)mile.

*

Despite any protests from the homeless or 'hire', inherent to all living is the importance of a secure belonging and of change. As such,young girl or "boy, go be a [wo/man]. Old [wo/man], go be a snake."

To Peace

It lives in Salaam, shalom and even Shlomo. While Salem, Salome, salami and other related words
might have developed contrary implications to it over time, the soul purpose is peace.

The Biblical King Solomon has long been touted as one of the wisest people ever born. It was the highest frequency of his energy that recently came to mind during a conversation on human nature and its sometimes supernatural feats of (in)humanity. When the dynamic discourse visited suffering, namely from abuse of all kinds, we agreed that the conditions were likely to create further sexual and/or emotional deviance in the victims; forms of perversion or power-seeking that seemed to narrow one's options to the plight of pimps and prostitutes. An old testament of the latter is key to today's post, so there's no need for alarm regarding my choice of words or corresponding song. Lord knows Life gets down and dirty sometimes, so I'm grateful for the omnipresence of what poet Nancy Thomas calls a "Hard God".

The third chapter of 1 Kings presents the former prince-turned-preacher with two members of the aforementioned profession. Bittersweetly, Solomon's family -- the root of Jesse that branched into adulterous parents; homicidal, incestuous siblings and then the Messiah -- had yielded all the practice he would need to provide right leadership like that which discerned the liar from among the pair of freaks, so to speak. Due to earnest relations with the Most High, the options expected, if not encouraged, by the family's dysfunction expanded to include the proverbial fifth element of prudence.

Having argued or otherwise engaged with foolishness before, I understand what it was to be mistaken, however briefly, for the same. For example, receiving "Again?" as a response to my first and only sharing of serious events with some believed to know me well followed by a third-party feeding of information only they knew was enough to pause my calling on them even for dire reasons. As 1 Kings 11 and Nehemiah 13 attest, the false dominion of his many wives' deities and thighs would temporarily confuse the king and dim his light. In our respective seasons, the merit of consecration (cleansing and setting something aside for spiritual purposes) became clear to us both. Past mistakes were rendered powerless save to inform and enhance the positive, larger Message.

The earlier conversation's good spirits as well as the classic Jodeci remix track that came to mind reframing the king's activity grew distant from the perpetual present and notion to post here. With the delivery of a raw diet women's health newsletter subscription on this morning's wings, I was subject to the ticklishly blessed assurance that "If you think it's about your thighs, it's not" and encouraged to share my sentiments anyway. May It all serve God's will well. Case closed.

Of Fathers, the Sum... and, wholly, Spirit

This year's calendar says the 20th.

Conventional wisdom regards the 21st.

The temperature and my inner spark (for a little informal writing) suggest this day.

So begins the Summer, an approximately 90-day warming trend no greater individually than the larger experience of the Life that knows how to overlook interventions from the likes of Aristotle, farmers, Gregory, Julius, warriors and others being lived by Divine design. 

Fathers' Day has always marked the door to the sunny, celestial season in my mind as I don't recall it ever shifting from its third Sunday in June post. Arguably, there are no coincidences or mistakes, huh? Challenging as that may be to comprehend, especially regarding what I've read are the fallible differences of every body and soul, thank God there is a clear pattern all can look to for daily encouragement. Injoy!

Venous / As a Buoy

"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you've imagined."

At the end of last year, I completed intended graduate study in herbal medicine. I vowed to remain present for the lessons no matter how Life showed up. If experiencing my first hurricane and earthquake were among the indications, boy, did it! Regardless, this week offered the official pomp-and-circumstance—and I chose to sit it out. The usual suspects of ingratitude, anti-social behavior or outstanding balances had nothing to do with that absence. If I could go bare without prejudice and the ceremony took place in a beautiful garden that offered me a seat in a strong tree or pesticide-free grass, the personal appeal might have been greater. Of course, I am aware of how and happy to dress for various occasions. Per the next level or loved one's invitation, I may even clutch pearls in the future. However, less is the most appropriate, personal expression for this particular occasion. I'll explain a bit. 

My secret life with plants began unexpectedly some time ago, di vines reaching for me from what sometimes resembled painful and rocky places. Being presented with the threat of cancer and its implications at age 17, surgery stopped being a career goal and became personally mandatory. Even if only for a calendar season, a teenager accustomed to walking, taking stairs, belting tunes, working out or just sleeping in her own bed who suddenly can't is in line for a paradigm shift. Know that I embrace the merit of the knife rightfully wielded. Still, elder wisdom's way with the wild kingdom made post-operative healing one of a deep, abiding strength that eventually engaged my whole being in the process, encouraging my swap for the pen and other tools that can unify by Nature. I've traversed climates and humbled myself before experts with completely different lifestyles otherwise to discourage dependence upon harsh, self-fulfilling pharmaceuticals. Why, then, would I need a certain cap, games or bra to honor old friends as near & dear as chickweed, garlic and bitter melon for helping me during figuratively naked times in my Life? I wouldn't.

On Sunday, a fellow runaway graduate and I met for the first time since our last class in December. We discussed our previous and next steps over sushi and green tea. The realization that we'd probably be impoverished according to modern standards in all senses but that of community and never get out of school if we really honored the traditions the way we wanted to and our ancestors did was also on the table. Was a society that encourages what's showy and, even with 20-year studies, only scratches the surface of knowledge relative to, say, ancient mystery schools the best place to step into this arena? In the midst of a full moon and just before the Venus transit that reportedly won't recur until 2117, we quickly burst the bubbles of that rhetoric and the overly idealistic pieces of our plans alike. Ancient tempests of the natural and socioeconomic kind could not stop greater purpose from staying afloat to carry genuine interest to our hearts. From there, it continues to circulate so other individuals, if not nations, can also be healed as God wills. That's ourstory and it's sticking to us. Although he and I parted ways and may never meet again given our respective Life assignments, we understand that ebb and flow is to be expected. Still, it will always be a blessing to know that someone else will step out on faith and get their feet wet to make sure that true Love is delivered in any weather.