American Gangster

I went to the movies on Saturday and watched "American Gangster". I really struggled in making a decision of whether to attend or not. I knew that there would be a lot of profanity in the movie and tons of violence, but something was pulling me to see it. So I went. I couldn't see what good would come from attending, but I went anyway. When we arrived, I was surprised to see people of all races and ages buying tickets for American Gangster. Two Caucasian ladies in their sixties in front of me politely requested, "Two tickets for American Gangster. Senior rate." I almost laughed out loud. I never expected it. Well anyway, surprisingly, I did get something positive from the movie through viewing some of the most unpositive representations. There were several scenes which showed thousands of people living in New York's housing projects. The people looked like they were in prison. In some ways more awful than prison because their children were stuck there too. As I looked at the cages that were supposed to be their homes a strong spirit of compassion overcame me. I wondered to myself, "How could they be persuaded that there is something better? That accepting Jesus as their Savior is the only way. That The Father truly cares about them?" I believe that God will have to send someone whom He has bestowed a power upon not seen since Biblical times. That's the only way. How can people in these circumstances see God otherwise? I thought about how fragile they are spiritually and how just anybody could not be trusted with such a responsiblilty. Or is it? Isn't there something I or we can do? I was moved to pray for them, because I care. I prayed for them because I know that I have never endured what they must go through everyday of their lives. I prayed for them because most of them do not know they are lost. Many of them do not have something as simple as "hope". A multitude of them have not been the recipient of love. They think it's just a fallacy. I believe I and we can do more. We can show love. Not just during the holiday season, but year round. Let's start with just recognizing that others exist around us. Start with, "Hello, how are you doing today?" And don't forget to listen for the reply. It could be the start of a conversation. Peace be unto you!

I Woke Up Singing

I woke up singing this morning. I mean really singing. I was sending my praises up and expecting my Father to shower his blessings on me, and He did. My husband was singing too. In fact, he started it. He and I are such opposites. I usually drag myself out of bed. He usually hops up and is ready for conversation. His way of helping me is to count to ten (which I abhor). I did tell him that the best way for me to wake up is for him to cut the overhead light on, not the lamp. The big bright overhead. That's what gets my attention. To my husband that seems harsh and cruel. He really hates to do that and can't believe I asked him to.

So many of us are like that. In order for God to wake us from our slothful ways in this life, he has to do something drastic to get our attention. God has to cut the overhead light on for some of us! When we are first exposed to the light, it hurts, but then as we get used to it, we begin to like it. We don't desire to be in a dark room anymore. But it takes time to adjust. After we, as sons and daughters, have become acquainted with the light, we should not desire the darkness any longer. Why then are so many children of God still hiding in the dark? What is the dark? The dark is all those things we do in our life out of the Will of God. Then there are those of us who constantly cut the light on and off. After doing this for a while, it makes your head spin or worst yet, the light might burn out. This is representative of the son or daughter who wants both worlds. It just doesn't work. Either we take a stand to be holy or we're not. Is that where any of us want to be? If not, then maybe it's time to start taking those commandments that we know so well seriously. All ten of them! If you need a refresher read Deuteronomy 5:6-21. But before you read, pray. I mean really pray from the heart. It doesn't have to be long. It just has to be sincere. And try going into your closet when you pray. If you can't go there physically, go there spiritually. No one else needs to know that you are praying, but you and God!We are already believers and are saved! Now it's time to live it!

Well...as I was saying, I woke up singing this morning, but my husband was singing before I was. Maybe I'll do better tomorrow! Be blessed!