We are what we eat!!!!!
A blog created to E-nspire, E-ncourage, E-ngage, E-nform, and E-mpower!
Friday, October 12, 2012
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.o
Diamonds In The Sky
From Money Talks News By Brandon Ballenger | 18 hours ago
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...
Thursday, October 11, 2012
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.
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
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.
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.
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
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.
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) |
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)