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All posts forMarch 2009
Things We Can Learn (from the dogs next door) Vol.3A
When Pal (the dachshund–incest puppy next door) shrugs and gives that look of "I don't really like this brand of doggy biscuit," I have to step back and keep in mind that his "etiquette of gratitude" has long since been ruined by all the pain he lives in daily. Also remember that he's fenced in with his dysfunction (daddy–granddaddy/mom–sister) with no way out.
Things We Can Learn (from the dogs next door) Vol.3
There is a tension I'm battling today as I once again deal with the incessant barking of little "Pal," dachshund next door. As a reminder, he is the product of a "doggy incest" and has such a damaged and violent temperament (he would bite me if he could, even right after I've thrown him his daily treat–doggy biscuit over the fence).
A High Calling
This is a photo from the driveway of the home my grandmother owned (yes, a black woman owning property in the early 1900s) when I was a little boy. Her name was Thelma, but we all called her Grand. And grand she was! She was a musician's musician – she taught many famous people (like the recently deceased Hank Crawford) piano and voice at the old Hamilton High, as well as played organ for years at Metropolitan Baptist Church, a very dignified black church not far from Stax records in Memphis.
Prayer en Français
This prayer was sent to me by a sister in France. I'm grateful for the privilege of speaking and reading two languages besides English. I hope to inspire more young (especially black) Americans to follow my example. But I will offer the translation in English underneath. Merci ma soeur pour cette prière!
Que cette journée soit tout ce que tu souhaites qu'elle soit.
Prennent le contrôle de tes rêves ce soir et que toutes tes craintes soient vaincues au nom de JESUS.
Theology of the Marginalized
"Vox victarium, vox Dei" The cries of the victims are the voice of God. To the extent to which those cries are not heard above the din of our political, cultural, economic, social, and ecclesial celebrations or bickerings, we have already begun a descent into hell.
Lamb
God of the Nations
It is my sincere honor to be spending a week in the awesome country of Indonesia. This is my second time to the capitol Jakarta for the renowned Java Jazz Festival (which is in essence a "music" festival with artists and bands from many countries performing many different styles of music – including many Asian and European acts). I love learning of other peoples' cultures and am privileged to do so. I am also grateful to represent and serve the God of the Nations. He is a God of justice and redemption for ALL peoples. He is not America's God, or England's God (exclusively) but the God of all His children. I am grateful for the redemptive and vital work of Jesus, the Christ, having purchased the salvation of the nations with His own blood. It is that blood that cleanses and purifies all culture – including American culture. What a blessing!
No umbrella for the just!
The rain falls on the just and the unjust – but mainly on the just, because the unjust has the just's umbrella!
