THE DANGER OF BUTT INJECTIONS

This past Sunday I went to visit my father and began reading this months issue of Essence magazine.  Inside the magazine was an article about a woman who suffered adverse reactions to butt injections.

Before we go into what happened to the woman I must ask why is it that so many women risk life and limb for cosmetic surgery?  I will be 100% honest and say that I have thought about and considered breast implants since I've been a member of the itty bitty titty committee my entire life.  Nevertheless I haven't gotten them nor will I do so.  The biggest "cosmetic" procedure I ever had was braces and trust and believe they were NEEDED!

But...so many women are subjecting themselves to butt injections, breast implants, collagen injections, and botox for a sense of beauty and to meet a standard society throws in our faces via media and print magazines.  These images cause many women and even young girls to compare themselves and desire to be or have something they don't to the point of starving themselves and a host of other things to achieve this proverbial damn near non attainable status of beauty.

However, MANY, girls receive their lack of self confidence and body images from their parents and their family.  It is common in many "AA" households to tease.  What we don't realize is that teasing can sometimes lead to complexes and contribute to negative self images and body images.  The woman in Essence brought up the fact that growing up she was teased and told that her butt was as flat as a pancake.  So it was in a way one of her life dreams to have a big round butt one day.  One day while working as a stylist one of her clients came in, the client showed off her new butt thanks to butt injections.  The stylist took the information of the person who performed the injections and made an appointment.

The stylist showed up for her appointment and was led to a bedroom with a twin canopy bed told to undress and lay down.  Now that is exactly where the story lost me.  Who in their right minds would have a medical procedure done in someone's home on their child's bed?  I mean they didn't have enough money to buy a special medical bed heck even a massage table would do.  I digress...The stylist had the injections done, it is a 4 step process.  She went back for the 2nd injections but she began to feel funny and starting having severe itching.

INSTEAD OF CALLING HER DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY SHE WAITED 1 YEAR TO CONTACT A MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL BECAUSE SHE WAS EMBARRASSED TO TELL THEM WHAT SHE'D DONE.

Now this is a grown woman, in pain, that has had silicone injected into her behind is experiencing all types of side effects and is afraid to call her doctor!!!

Unfortunately, the butt injections caused an infection amongst other things in her body and she lost the most part of her buttocks, and her legs were cut off below the knee and she also lost her arms below the elbows.  Not only that she no longer works as a stylist and now lives on disability somewhere around $800/month.

All for what?  I understand not being happy with something and wanting to change it BUT I don't understand getting something done on the black market to your body because you don't want to pay full price.

With this I wonder and ask when will women get to a point where they love themselves and work what they got?  And how can we teach our young girls to do the same?

Anyone thinking of getting butt injections at a pumper party please note.  SILICONE INJECTIONS ON ANY PART OF THE BODY ARE NOW ILLEGAL AND THEY ARE VERY DANGEROUS. If you must get a plumper back side do it the legal way, go to a licensed professional and have the procedure done.  Also realize that all surgery comes with risk so be prepared for that as well.

World's An Addiction

[Intro: Anthony Hamilton]
Lies and the pain
Betrayal; life

[Bridge: Anthony Hamilton]
In danger’s face
Look what you’re facing, gave your heart away
And all the remedies couldn’t ease the pain
All the hurt and betrayal; need to get away
In a world so cold
You gain your life just to lose your soul
Never thinking twice bout what the future holds
All the lies and the games not worth fighting for

[Refrain: Anthony Hamilton]
The world is an addiction
Serving up a fix
The world is an addiction
It's way too much for me

[Verse 1: Nas]
Snitches and rapists in the street
Crime to the fullest
Asking niggas if they got any extra nine bullets
They deny me that
They know the bullets they loan me
Be the same ones that probably had them lying flat stretched out
Letter T
It's better to dead a beef than let it breathe
Then we don't succeed
Cause then you gotta murder dummies
Waste your time, they allergic to money
I'm never squirmish to blood
We can thug and get out of hand
What’s the options
Only conclusion is shooting
Bullets popping, hoodlums dropping
Fear any day that the feds will come knocking
Was young and nervous
Asking myself what’s my purpose
In the back of a paddy wagon, bracelets aching me
Pigs ignoring, I'm asking what precinct they taking me
These cops can’t relate to me
Death to prison, empty vacancy

[Refrain]

[Verse 2: Nas]
Thou shall not be selfish, real nigga commandments
Know a billionaire, he has everything but a fam
Guess how angry this man gets
Had so many bad chicks in his bed
Strange sex, same sex
Has addictions that are sadistic
Chain of events, habits
He puts cocaine on his prick and acts sick
Self-esteem needs boosting, alcohol consumption
Nicotine fusion, some athletes juicing
Pastors quote biblical chapters, Psalms
All along he’s into bestiality porn
And it’s wrong, so I keep the Cali weed in the bong
And I'm strong but the female anatomy got me sprung
And these women need shoes and baddest cars and condos
Fine clothes and these fiends needs to get high so they find dough
To mainline dope, and ya'll know

[Refrain]

[Verse 3: Nas]
So many vices, habits
Mine of course, bad chicks
My response to any advice on what is the essentials of life
I'm just rebellious, not selfish
Guess we all share different definitions of what wealth is
I need the best things in life, that's women, that’s cars
Cigars in Venice, bottle on ice, that’s priceless
The other night, just in the emergency room
A patient said she needs to see a doctor soon
Doctor busy operating on a lady who's sedated
He can barely concentrate cause he’s newly separated
His estranged wife likes entertaining her acquaintance
In the house they were married in, mad people waiting
Some young some old, heads and stomachs aching
Filling out an application cause they all need medication
But the doctor need love or a quick vacation
Calling up his travel agent
Same time, premedidating murdering his ex wife
Life, savage ain't it
Some need Xanax just to maintain it
We all need faith cause the world keep changing
Let go of the illusion, start some restraining

[Outro: Anthony Hamilton]
Just hold on

CANDLES IN THE SUN

There’s no separating, we’re all one. Right?


Diamond in the bag, babies on crack
Kick in the door, wavin’ the 4-4

Is there a god?
Is he watching?
Is she watching?
Are they watching up?
If not, what are we doing?
Where are we going?
What are we doing now?
Look at all these people
Searching for a reason
Searching for a peace of mind
Hey! I say we’re all created equal
That’s what they teach us
But that ain’t how we treat each other other other other
Now that ain’t how we treat each other other other other
The truth is that we need each other other other other yea


Diamond in the bag, babies on crack
Kick in the door, wavin’ the 4-4
White collar, war, crime, money gets spent
Just candles in the sun, blowin’ in the wind
Sun goes down, heroes often get shot
It’s just long and forgot
Ooh will it be too late for a real life?
We’re all gonna be gone
To the ground up
We’re all gonna be gone
Stupid riot
We’re all gonna be gone

Business and governments just watch out an innocent play
Mindless bureaucracy fail, end of an government day
Are you a proud? Are you watching?
What are we doing?
Where are we going?


Diamond in the bag, babies on crack
Kick in the door, wavin’ the 4-4
White collar, war, money gets spent
Just candles in the sun, blowin’ in the wind (take a look around)
Sun goes down, heroes often get shot
It’s just long and forgot
Will it be too late when we find out?
We’re all gonna be gone
Yeeeea yea
We’re all gonna be gone
Yeeeea yea
We’re all gonna be gone (uuu)

Diamond in the bag, babies on crack
Kick in the door, wavin’ the 4-4
White collar, war,crime, money gets spent
Just candles in the sun, blowin’ in the wind
Sun goes down, heroes often get shot
It’s just long and forgot
Will it be too late when we find out yea?
We’re all gonna be gone

Diamond in the bag, babies on crack
Kick in the door, wavin’ the 4-4
White collar, war, crime, money gets spent
Candles in the sun, blowin’ in the wind

[John Lennon]
I used to think that the world was doing something to me, that the world owed me something. And that either the conservatives or the socialists or the fascists or the communists or the Christians or the Jews or the fascists were doing something to me. I don't think that anymore, because I found out it doesn't fucking work. Most assholes just accept what it is anyway and get on with it, right? So for the few of us who did question what was going on, I have found out personally, not for the whole world, that there’s no separating, we’re all one

DETOX your BODY!!!!!

Detox your body.  It is IMPORTANT to eat fruits, vegetables, legumes, and lentils regularly along with rinking water.  Tea and coffee have great health benefits for you as well if you choose wisely.  Health, energy, and focus all start from the INSIDE out.  That doesn't mean supplemental vitamins, over the counter or prescription meds.  Love yourself from the inside out, your body and skin will thank you later.

Here is a great chart to give you a good start!

5 Worst Paying College Majors

Why are the 5 worst paying majors the things that we need the most in society right now? Special Education, Human Development, Elementary Education, Child Work, and Child & Family Services. I completely am for doing these things for the l...

ove and betterment of others but folks trying to eat too!!!!

http://www.moneytalksnews.com/2012/10/25/the-five-worst-paying-majors/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_campaign=email-2012-10-26&utm_medium=email

"My brain is only a receiver,...."

The aim of Public Education....

ONLY A FOOL...

RELIGION, POLITICS AND CONQUERORS...

Hosea 4: 6 (KJV) My people perish from a lack of knowledge.

So I began to seek Knowledge, not only that I began to seek the Most High for Matthew 6:33 "New International Version (©1984)
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

I realized seeking the Kingdom and His righteous couldn't possibly be contained in one book.  I believe that many religions have bits and pieces right but have also added and omitted things to suit them as they see fit.  What does that mean for me? That means I seek the truth that sits well within my own spirit and soul and I go with that.  I believe in LOVE, PEACE, JOY, KINDNESS etc.  and I believe that ALL religions teach that.  However, the sheer essence of RELIGION is ANTI-"GOD" but that is just my opinion.

So in my seeking I came across the 42 Confessions of Ma'at and how they compare to the 10 Commandments (http://xenophilius.wordpress.com/2008/03/11/42-principles-of-maat-2000-years-before-ten-commandments/)

Here is one collection to give you the general idea:
I have not done iniquity.
I have not robbed with violence.
I have not stolen.
I have not made any to suffer pain.
I have not defrauded offerings.
I have done no murder nor bid anyone to slay on my behalf.
I have not trimmed the measure.
I have not spoken lies I have not robbed God.
I have not caused the shedding of tears.
I have not dealt deceitfully.
I have not acted guilefully.
I have not laid waste to the land.
I have not set my lips against anyone.
I have not been angry or wrathful without a just cause.
I have not lusted nor defiled the wife of any man.
I have not polluted myself.
I have not caused terror.
I have not done that which is abominable.
I have not multiplied words exceedingly.
I have never uttered fiery words.
I have not judged hastily.
I have not transgressed nor have I vexed or angered God.
I have not stopped my ears against the words of Right and Truth .
I have not burned with rage.
I have not worked grief.
I have not acted with insolence.
I have not avenged myself.
I have not stirred up strife.
I have not been an eavesdropper.
I have not wronged the people
I have done no harm nor have I done evil
I have not worked treason.
I have never fouled the water.
I have not spoken scornfully.
I have never cursed God.
I have not behaved with arrogance.
I have not envied or craved for that which belongs to another.
I have not filched food from the mouth of the infant.
I have done no hurt unto man, nor wrought harm unto beasts.
I have never magnified my condition beyond what was fitting.
Here is a different translation showing how they correlate with the 10 commandments. Moses was an Egyptian (he was adopted by an Egyptian royal family) and would have been familiar with these principles:

THE 42 COMMANDMENTS OF ANCIENT EGYPT
I.	Thou shalt not kill, nor bid anyone kill.
II.	Thou shalt not commit adultery or rape.
III.	Thou shalt not avenge thyself nor burn with rage.
IV.	Thou shalt not cause terror.
V.	Thou shalt not assault anyone nor cause anyone pain.
VI.	Thou shalt not cause misery.
VII.	Thou shalt not do any harm to man or to animals.
VIII.	Thou shalt not cause the shedding of tears.
IX.	Thou shalt not wrong the people nor bear them any evil intent.
X.	Thou shalt not steal nor take that which does not belong to you.
XI.	Thou shalt not take more than thy fair share of food.
XII.	Thou shalt not damage the crops, the fields, or the trees.
XIII.	Thou shalt not deprive anyone of what is rightfully theirs.
XIV.	Thou shalt not bear false witness, nor support false allegations.
XV.	Thou shalt not lie, nor speak falsely to the hurt of another.
XVI.	Thou shalt not use fiery words nor stir up any strife.
XVII.	Thou shalt not speak or act deceitfully to the hurt of another.
XVIII.	Thou shalt not speak scornfully against others.
XIX.	Thou shalt not eavesdrop.
XX.	Thou shalt not ignore the truth or words of righteousness.
XXI.	Thou shalt not judge anyone hastily or harshly.
XXII.	Thou shalt not disrespect sacred places.
XXIII.	Thou shalt cause no wrong to be done to any workers or prisoners.
XXIV.	Thou shalt not be angry without good reason.
XXV.	Thou shalt not hinder the flow of running water.
XXVI.	Thou shalt not waste the running water.
XXVII.	Thou shalt not pollute the water or the land.
XXVIII.	Thou shalt not take God’s name in vain.
XXIX.	Thou shalt not despise nor anger God.
XXX.	Thou shalt not steal from God.
XXXI.	Thou shalt not give excessive offerings nor less than what is due.
XXXII.	Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s goods.
XXXIII.	Thou shalt not steal from nor disrespect the dead.
XXXIV.	Thou shalt remember and observe the appointed holy days.
XXXV.	Thou shalt not hold back the offerings due God.
XXXVI.	Thou shalt not interfere with sacred rites.
XXXVII.	Thou shalt not slaughter with evil intent any sacred animals.
XXXVIII.	Thou shalt not act with guile or insolence.
XXXIX.	Thou shalt not be unduly proud nor act with arrogance.
XL.	Thou shalt not magnify your condition beyond what is appropriate.
XLI.	Thou shalt do no less than your daily obligations require.
XLII.	Thou shalt obey the law and commit no treason.

Then I read the best explanation that would lead one to caution the intent of their religion: 

"

Tiger Lily said

January 3, 2012 at 2:47 am
The thing everyone seems to forget is that for the most part, all religions preach the same things because they steal from each other. There are political motivations involved everytime a new religion is started or an old religion is overthrown. People didn’t just say “Oh, God chose me to tell you about him and to tell you to have a good day. bye bye.” No. They created uprisings, had rebellions, and overthrew governments. They mixed beliefs to appease the overthrown and then created new ideas because it was in their best interest. It has nothing to do with race. The ancient Egyptian religion did not at any time say that their race was better than anyone else’s. They did not run to other countries trying to convert them. No, they knew their beliefs. They knew their Gods. They also knew that they were judged individually based on their own life, not anyone else’s. I myself am Kemetic Orthodox. Am I of African descent? Not in the least, I’m as white as a white girl can get. However, I don’t go around telling people to worship my way. It’s not my place to judge. It’s not anyone’s place to judge, remember? Are the commandments based on the confessions of Ma’at. Absolutely. Moses wanted an uprising, he had political motivation, and he needed a reason and some basis of familiar ground to convince the masses. Brilliant political strategy. But that’s all it was. Entire religions are built on political strategy. Empires are destroyed in the name of God. They are also created in the same name. Funny how that works, isn’t it? But nobody ever remembers that."

I love this comment as well...

"Powerful. Sadly, most native/African people have been caught up on pseudo-religions of their European and Saudi Arabian oppressors, and today, are lost as to their original religions and spirituality. May we free ourselves from mental and spiritual bondage that keeps us enslaved to whatever the system wants us to do, think, say."

Again, I am just a seeker on a journey that is sharing information.  Take it, leave it, love it, hate it.  This is my journey toward spiritual awareness and awaken-ness. We each have our own...

In search of truth, knowledge, and wisdom....

US ELECTION TIME...THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE

The Electoral College is an example of an indirect election, consisting of 538 electors who officially elect the President and Vice President of the United States....Although electors are not required by federal law to honor a pledge, in the overwhelming majority of cases they vote for the candidate to whom they are pledged.^[2][3] The Twelfth Amendment provides for each elector to cast one vote for President and one vote for Vice President.

Read more here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electoral_College_(United_States)

http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/electoral-college/about.html

and I'm sure there are others.

THE POSSIBLE FUTURE OF KENYA

Kenya in 2030? Maybe.  Picture taken from www.bbc.co.uk

KEMET - SUNDAY OCTOBER 21ST

 

I thought this was simply beautiful, amazing, and was in awe so I wanted to share!

THE SEARCH FOR TRUTH....

I began a quest for truth, in my quest for truth I grew closer to the Most High and further from the church at the same time.  At first I was a bit fearful of what people would think mainly church folk as many feel if you are not at or going to church you are drifting from the Most High. 

What I learned was religion and religious practices don't necessarily bring us closer to the Most High.  Religion becomes a tradition of doing something just because.  I'm good because the Bible says that's what I need to do to get to Heaven.  Well why not be good because that is the right thing to do for the Universe?

There are many truths and concrete evidence that point to the fact that Jesus' story may have been embellished for a greater purpose.  However many believe that is the only way to enter the Kingdom of the Most High.  This is the great thing, EVERYONE is entitled to their own beliefs and what ONE believes BECOMES reality.  Yes your thoughts become things so what is real to you may not be real to someone else simply based on thoughts and beliefs. So if you believe in Jesus he is real, if you believe in Satan he is real.  Whatever you believe in becomes real.

For example you may fear something and then it happens, your thoughts manifested your fear and made them reality.  For those that read the Bible, Job, is the PERFECT example of this.  Now I have a greater understanding of how it is not the Most High or the Enemy that causes good or bad in our lives but ourselves, our thoughts, our beliefs, our actions and the vibrations that we send.

This is true for natural disasters as well.  We the people cause natural disasters to happen.  Yes you read it right, we cause them.  Our thoughts and beliefs, our fears send vibrations into the universe either low or high and that is what causes death and destruction in the land.  This is why the news is rarely positive the Mass Media wants to keep our vibrations low.

Nothing in this world is by chance there is/was a design for it all.  There are people that hold knowledge and truths with the attempt to keep it from us all.  However, the great thing about the Most High is that if you seek Him, meditate,  and pray truth will come to you and be revealed to you.  However it is up to you to accept the truths.

Part of accepting truths is accepting the fact that many truths you have believed all of your life have been LIES.  You may not feel or think they are LIES but trust me in many ways we have been lied to.  We were created for a purpose to glorify and magnify the Most High by living in love, peace, and harmony.  While Jesus may have been used for power purposes his message in the good book is one of love, peace, harmony, togetherness, provision for all through collective efforts so the MESSAGE is GREAT.  The problem comes in the superiority complex of those who believe in Jesus and the disdain they have for those that don't believe in him.  The judgment, the attitude, the negativeness expressed to those who don't believe or who don't follow the Bible to the letter.

Do you know with those thoughts, attitudes, and beliefs you yourself are sending out low vibrations that are causing division, confusion, death, and destruction in the world as well?  You probably don't believe me but it is true.  No one is greater than or better than anyone else.  The good book says itself we were all created in his image and his likeness.  If that is the case the songwriter is true in that WE ARE ONE.  So to hate, dislike, look down upon, judge someone else is to do the same to yourself.

Your possessions make you no better than anyone else.  You may have a 5 BR house, someone may have a 1 BR apartment or a studio.  You may drive a Benz and someone may be on the bus.  What is the condition of your heart, mind, and thoughts?  Do you love all? Do you bless all? Do you have faith in all? Do you pray for all?  Do you think on whatever is pure, just, noble, and true ALL the time? 

Yes there are things from the Bible incorporated into this post.  What if people were open and receptive and read all the different scriptures and text and incorporated them all into their lives?  They would be shocked to discover that they intertwine and all say the same things and lead to the same end result.  Love, peace, and harmony of all of the Most High creatures.

Unfortunately different religions are pitted against one another based on beliefs or minor technicalities but again that in itself contributes to low vibrations which cause confusion and destruction in the world. 

Just my random thoughts on an awesome Friday morning.  Begin to question what you have been taught and fed all of your life, even the Bible says to study to show yourself approved.  There are books missing from the bible but people attribute that to the Most High.  No, not that is man and his own doing to use, manipulate and control using information.  As the saying says APPLIED KNOWLEDGE IS POWER.  Yet first you must have the KNOWLEDGE to HAVE the POWER!  Yes we are very well responsible for what we do and do not know.  We are too afraid to question, think outside of the box, and push the limits as much of that is associated with devil worship or evilness.

Please REMEMBER the best place to hide something is in PLAIN SIGHT.  The truth is out here for us but you must purely with a clean heart seek it.  If not you will continue to perpetuate lies used to control  and oppress.

NAIL SERVICES TREND SURVEY

 

 

I am conducting a Nail Services Trend Survery for a research project I am working on.  It would be great if you could take 5 to minutes of your time to complete it.  The survey is anonymous and it doesn't get personal at all.  You don't have to provide your name, phone number, email or any other personal information outside of your gender, race, income and age group.




Thank you in advance for your participation and cooperation.



Click here to take survey

Cosmetic Chemicals in Fast Food!!!!

 

We are what we eat!!!!!

MOMMIEpreneur

 

 

Free giveaways for those who attend the MOMMIEpreneur Workshop this weekend. Have you registered yet? What are you waiting for? Learn how to turn your product, idea or passion into a business. Register today at www.prayingsinglemothers.org/mommiepreneur.php

Diamonds In The Sky

 

From Money Talks News By Brandon Ballenger | 18 hours ago

Share on email Share on print

Researchers have discovered a planet whose surface may be covered in diamonds. It’s twice as big as Earth, according to Reuters…

Orbiting a star that is visible to the naked eye, astronomers have discovered a planet twice the size of our own made largely out of diamond...

 

 

http://www.moneytalksnews.com/2012/10/11/diamonds-in-the-sky/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_campaign=email-2012-10-12&utm_medium=email

Are Preacers/Pastors in the AA Community, Poverty Pimps?

While watching 'Runaway Slave' a gentleman in the documentary likened some Pastors in the AA community as Poverty Pimps, he said something to the extent of some Pastors come to the neighborhood in their fancy cars etc. yet they don't do much to help the community.  Now some may say they are doing their job bringing forth the Word, the rest is up to the people.  Since most Christians love to use Jesus as an example so shall I.  Jesus taught the Word to a multitude of people, it became late and it was I believe dinner time.  The disciples thought it best to send the people home so that they could eat but Jesus told the disciples to give the people something to eat, you feed them.  The disciples told Jesus all we have is 5 loaves and 2 fish. 

 

Let's stop right there... The disciples were focused on what they had and were only considering themselves at that point.  They didn't feel they had enough to feed the 5000 probably didn't feel they had enough to feed themselves.  As a people we have to stop thinking about self, me, and mine if we are ever going to advance and make an impact as a people.



 

With 5 loaves and 2 fish Jesus fed 5,000 people.  I gathered a few things from this passage it confirmed 1. With Yahweh all things are possible 2. Give and it shall be given unto you good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over. 3. Even when walking with a man of Yahweh one can still be selfish and not selfless.

 

Now back to the Poverty Pimps....So I posted this on my FB page:

 

Are the majority of Pastors, Preachers, and Relious Leaders in our communites Poverty Pimps? Many tell us to give our tithes 10% and the Lord will bless us. While we are waiting on our blessings a number of them are riding to our neighborhoods in Cadillacs and Benzes past dilipated houses and people poor and in despair. If you took your tithes that you given over the years, added it up and put ...

it in an interest bearing account or stored it under your mattress how much money would you have today? Could you pay for your child to go to college etc? Could you have started a business in your community? Now in no way is this an attack on Pastors as many of them are misguided and ill informed themselves preaching a system that has yet to help us as a people (majority) that is. I can't blame anyone for what they don't know or have been tricked into believing...

 

 

One comment left stated that the Pastor doesn't ask for 10% Yahweh does.  Since we only have the bible as a reference we will stick with that until the end of this passage.  The bible actually asks for more than 10% but that is neither here nor there.  The commenter also said the government takes 30% and then more when you shop.  This is true, income tax is actually unconstitutional but the topic of discussion again is Poverty Pimps.

 

Having gone to many a churches, ok Yahweh asks for 10%, so where does the building fund, Pastors anniversary and all the other extras come into play that congregration members give?  I have also been to and heard of churches that do ask, if not demand parishoners give or strongly suggest shall I say.

 

Why is it in AA communities there are as many liquor stores as churches but you will be hard pressed to find a community center, let alone a church that offers community services?  Why is it that some Pastors are riding around in Bentleys, Porsches, Ferraris, Benzes etc. into communities that are ridden with gangs, drugs, violence, and lack of employment?

 

Yes I know Yahweh is in the blessing business.  I also know that Yahweh blesses so that we can be a blessing.  Yahweh can only work through us.  Yes I know that choices can lead one into debt as well as wealth.  Once your choices lead you to wealth what do you do if anything to try and help someone else get there?  The operative word is try, you cannot make someone take your advice or heed your warning but if you put forth the effort and provide the education, knowledge you are doing your job.

 

So for all those who attend a church what is your church doing for the community that it is in outside of Sunday service and Wednesday bible study? How are they making an impact in the community?  What services or other benefits are they offering within the community to help uplift the people as well as bring them to Christ?  How much is too much for one person to have?  Is it excessive for a Pastor to drive around in a Bentley or fly on private jets?  Why is there a desire for the Pastor or anyone else to store up for themselves earthly possesions?  Doesn't the bible say it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of the needle than it is for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God?  Are Pastors excluded from that?  Do you think your Pastor would give away all that they have to help the community and those that were truly in need?  Would they even consider giving away half as Willam Buffet did? 

 

Now back to the bible, before I can 100% accept the bible and everything in it.  I would have to know who wrote it, why they wrote it, why are books left out of it, why are some scriptures missing.  So I cannot 100% say that Yahweh requires me to give 10% and what if I chose to give my 10% to charities or directly to someone in need and not a particular church?  After all it is my understanding that the church is the people and not a physical location or building.

 

I guess I have to clarify what Poverty Pimp means to me. Poverty Pimp to me means that a Pastor is benefiting off of a group of people that are impoverished without giving them a concrete clear method as to how to eradicate their own poverty state except for them giving, praying, and waiting on Yahweh.  Does this mean I want Pastors to go into their pockets and take care of those in the community? No.  What it does mean is why don't Pastors get together or on their own start businesses within the community, employ those within the community, and teach them how to become entreprenuers, start schools, open up community centers or simply open their doors and have after school programs using paid or volunteer workers etc? Please don't get me wrong there are DEFINITELY churches and Pastors that are doing some or all of these things already.

 

The question remains what more can be done.  As I ride through the inner city I see a lot of churches and a lot of abandoned buildings and despair.  There is something wrong with this picture.  I'm not saying I agree that Pastors are Poverty Pimps either nevertheless the term had my mind racing, got me to thinking and made me ask these questions.

I MAY NOT VOTE THIS ELECTION

Yes, you read the title correctly, I may not vote in this upcoming election.  Before I go into how I came to that decision let's take a journey shall we.

For those who do not know I am an African American (AA) woman.  Growing up, I believed that African Americans were democrats because the democrats cared about us as a people and the Republicans didn't.  More than likely I belong to a family that for the past 2 or 3 generations has voted democratic.  I never thought to question why this was until about a year or so ago.

This morning I began watching a documentary called Runaway Slave that brought some other information full circle that I have been blessed to learn these past few weeks, months and within the last year.  A few weeks ago Chicago rapper Lupe Fiasco was under fire from DL Hughley, Roland Martin and others because he expressed openly that he doesn't vote.  It is a personal choice of his based on his own knowledge and understanding of politics, the system and our government.  Personally I respect his right and decision and honor it knowing that he is a conscious black man. 

I was amazed however at the number of people that were soooo upset with Lupe.  A lot of their angered stemmed from the fact that many AAs died for the right to vote.  To an extent I understand, nevertheless it bothers me when people don't have an open mind and refuse to see things from the perspective of others.

Question:  What party was responsible for the passing of the 13th (abolition of slavery), 14th (made AA a citizen giving us equal protection under the law), and 15th (AA right to vote) amendments?

What party was responsible for the Jim Crow Laws and Segregration?

We will get to the answers later.  I was shocked to discover that AAs were largely Republican up until the 1930s, some still were but the majority of AAs began voting democrat in the 1960s after the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was passed under the democratic President Lyndon B. Johnson.

Question:  Which party influenced the passing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964?  Which party influenced the passing of the Civil Rights Act of 1957 that led the way for the Civil Rights Act of 1964?

A gentleman on the documentary Runaway Slave spoke of apathy voting.  He called apaty voting 2 things 1. a person who doesn't vote 2. an uninformed voter.  I tend to believe that a huge number of AAs are apathetic voters.  They either do not vote or they are loyal to their party be it democrat or republican and vote as suce in each election without truly examining the platform of the candidates.  Nevertheless as mentioned in the documentary since a large number or the majority of AAs that do vote, vote democratic, it leaves us in a vulnerable state.  Why?  Because it allows democrats to take advantage of us, and it leads Republicans to ignore because they don't feel they have a chance of securing our vote.  The gentleman mentioned on the documentary to not be so predictable in our voting.  I think this is possible if more voters researched each candidate as an individual and voted based on knowledge and not simply because of their party affiliation.  With that both parties would do more to try to win us over and gain our vote.

While I understand their are more than 2 parties that run for President history shows us that the winner will most likely be Republican or Democrat so one is ultimately forced into voting for one candidate or the other, if not in agreence with either candidate one can choose to note vote at all or for another candidate on the ballot but the winner again will more than likely be Dem or Repub. 

Again, the majority of AAs began to vote democratic because a Democratic President was in office when the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was passed.  However, that same man before becoming President, Lyndon B. Johnson voted against the Civil Rights Act of 1957.  Thanks to the overwhelming support for the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by Republicans the Act was passed.  Yes more Republicans voted yay than nay than democrats for the passing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

To answer the questions I asked previously, had it not been for Republicans the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments would not have been passed.  Thanks to the democrats Jim Crow and segregration reared their ugly heads in the South and beyond.

Now at this point the nation has gotten so far from what the founding fathers intended I wouldn't trust a politician, democrat or republican for the most part.  However, I am no longer blindly supporting one party over another under the guise that it has the best interest of AAs and the poor at heart.  From now on if I do vote I choose not to be an apathetic voter.  I choose to make an informed decision on candidates based on their own performance and vote accordingly.  If I don't take the time to do my research I shouldn't vote just to vote.  That does not help myself, my people or others.  It could actually be harmful.

Unfortunately, I can say that President Barack Obama has not done enough for this nation, AAs or the poor to guarantee my vote.  I do acknowledge he received a lot of push back from the Republican party and I am also learning why in some instances.  Government involvement and government handouts are not the solution to the problems that plague AAs or the poor.  Heck thanks to Lyndon B. Johnson and welfare the black family has essentially been destroyed.  When welfare was introduced into our communities in the 60s women were told that the government would pay their housing, feed them etc.  The only stipulation THEY COULD NOT HAVE A MAN IN THE HOUSEHOLD.  Prior to the 60s 80% of AAs babies were born in 2 parent households, now the # is about 30%.  All government handouts while they may seem to help can be highly detrimental to our communities.  Don't believe me, visit the nearest hood in your city.

Does this mean all government programs are bad?  Absolutely not.  I am all for Medicare, I am grateful to President Obama and what he has done for student loans rates and the introduction of the income based repayment, social security is/was great if its still around as I get older, head start programs etc.  I am sure there are more.

The point of it all, be informed, make informed decisions, do your research, don't simply support something because that is what everyone else is doing, have a mind of your own, read, watch informative DVDs, and make informed conscious decisions that sit well with you and your spiritual self.

JAZZ @ THE PEOPLE SPOT, CHICAGO, 10-13-12

J@P is a unique family-friendly event to expose Chicagoans to art and Jazz music set on the backdrop of Bronzeville’s new “urban park”. The purpose of this free event is to bring Jazz music back to the community that all ages and the entire family can enjoy. The event will feature Jazz and jazz-inspired music being played all day, as well as fun activities for youth and adults, historical tours and more.

SUPER SWEET BONUS: Enjoy a fun sweet-tooth food truck social the day of the event, featuring popular treats, like cupcakes and fro-yo.

 

http://jazzinbronzeville-es2.eventbrite.com/?rank=34#

TRIBECA FLASHPOINT CHICAGO - SATURDAY OCTOBER 13TH

Get Excited! Your Future At TFA Is Right Around The Corner! Hello, With your start date quickly approaching, now is the time to make your decision to attend TFA. On October 13th, join us for an inside look at TFA. From 9am to 12pm, you'll meet and chat with faculty and your future classmates, see examples of student work, and learn exactly why TFA is the right place for you. Please Note: Due to event capacity, this invitation is for the student and up to one guest. To arrange a group tour at a later date, please contact us. We look forward to seeing you there! The TFA Admissions Team Admissions Phone: 312 332 0707 admissions@tfa.edu

Details WHEN October 13, 2012 // 9am-12pm WHERE 111 West Washington Street, Chicago (Map + Directions) PARKING Discounted parking is available at the CPS Parking facility located at 172 West Madison Street, Chicago (Map + Details)

http://www.eventbrite.com/event/4238559646/es2/?rank=37#