The Tragedy of Jennifer Hudson...or should I say us all

The devasting events that have unfolded in the Hudson family murders seem to have hit home for many people who see Jennifer as that down-to-earth girl from around the way who made it. The uncertainty of life and what it can bring can shake the core of any human being. The thought that you can achieve success, obtain accolades and accumulate wealth does not shield you from the ills of this world.

So who is to blame for this tragedy? Julia Hudson, who dated a violent and psychologically disturbed man who threatened and possibly did kill her family, what about society/government who sits back and allows our communities to be infested with drugs, crime and poverty etc. or better yet, God, I mean really isn't He all powerful? Certainly He could destroy and erase evil from our lives and not allow "bad" things to happen to "good" people.

We are living in perilous times but there is a hope that comes from knowing Jesus Christ. No one is exempt from tragedy, despair or disaster but God wants us to trust in the midst of them. He says He will be "our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble" (Psalms 46:1). Scripture also tell us that, "We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed." (2 Corinthians 4:8-9). In times like these we should rely on the strength that God's presence can provide.

I extend my condolences to the family and friends of Jennifer Hudson and pray that they are strengthened by God during this time.

Please tell me if I'm wrong...little black boy wants to be a rapper when he grows up. Is this a stereotype?

Ok. I am all about helping the littles ones. I am a youth pastor for God's sake. I not only care for the spiritual well being but the mental, physical, financial, educational and all the "als" of a young person that you can think of. So since I am a proponent of education. I was asked by a friend to help her son do an autobiography project. He is in the third grade so it was no big deal. All was well until I asked him what he wanted to be when he grew up. This was his answer, "a rapper," which was emphatically spoken. Although I understand that this is an eight year old and more than likely his mind will change. I just felt that this piece of information should not be placed in his autobiography especially since he goes to a predominantly white school.

His mother was a bit upset at my desire to leave it out. But I am sorry folks I did not think it was a wise idea to perpetuate that little white boys and girls want to be doctors and lawyers while little black boys and girls want to be rappers and basketball players. I know there aren't many black men role models in other arenas such as business, science etc. but I attended a prestigious white institution and I have a slight idea how some people think and I didn't want any school teacher to look down on him. Perhaps I am wrong. I have no problem with that. Tell me my people, do you think I was wrong?

If you are ugly and you know it, there's help...and you don't need surgery!

Now I remember going through the "ugly" phase, which I deem the period when I lost and regrew my teeth (here is where I should post that school pic from 3rd grade). When I finally grew my teeth back I, unfortunately, fell and chipped my two front teeth, badly...and I mean badly. They were eventually capped but for those 6 months I did not smile due to embarassment and an already low self-esteem, which being snaggle-tooth did not help. But my school pictures that year were horrible because I remembered all the jokes about my jack up oral situation and consciously made sure I did not smile in that picture. Now my mom has this picture up for all to see. Perhaps I needed the new beautification software technology created at Tel Aviv University where the geometry of faces in photographs are altered slightly to more attractive distances and sizes (see picture above).

I guess this is useful if you are a E-harmonier or Match.comer (my name for online dating gurus). Yet I don't really see the usefulness since the pictures might not totally reflect how the person looks in person (even though the changes are suppose to be minor and almost undetectable).

The phrase God don't like ugly is one we have heard many times over...usually referring to a person's ugly attitude and demeanor. Wouldn't it be nice to lock in some numbers and use a computer software to alter pride, selfishness, anger, bitterness, unforgiveness...yea that would be nice. But that would be too easy right.

The bible says in 1 Samauel 16:7 "while man looks at the outer appearance God looks at the heart." We can get so consumed with our looks and physical attributes that we forget to deal with those things in our hearts that hinder us in life. We need to take some time out to deal with those issues. We can be so messed up that we need God to do a major "heart" surgery because of the pains, hurts and disappoints we have faced. So you don't need a software or thousands of dollars for medical expenses...just the loving hands of the Master surgeon.

We Are the Ones!

"We are the ones that we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek." Barack Obama (2/5/08).

I just saw the viral video "We are the Ones" by Will.i.am (check it out http://www.dipdive.com/dip-politics/wato/ ). This video was inspired by Obama's speech on Super Tuesday, it's actually the follow up to the "Yes We Can" video (I am pretty late but whatever). What a powerful quote. Whether you are a fan of Obama and his rhetorical masterpieces of speeches or not; one cannot deny that he is striking a cord with people. This election has initiated an increase in votership not only due to the important nature of the election (a black man or a woman in the White House) but because people are tired of the status quo and want a change. Young people, old people, white, black, brown and yellow people and even Republicans are renoucing their party to be a part of the "movement".

My only concern is that we will only rely on Obama to bring change in our lives. People need to take this quote and do something with it:"we are the ones". You see this reminds me of our life's purpose in Jesus...we are here to be the light of the world and salt of the earth making a difference in the lives of those around us because Jesus has made one in ours. We have been given the Holy Spirit to make the necessary changes in our hearts and lives. Yet, we live the status quo and people wonder if there is really a diffence being in Christ. Well, 12 men (who weren't the most educated) were entrusted with the Gospel and we can see now the revolutionary work that was done on their part.

"We are the ones!" We have been given the power and the authority to make a difference and when you fail to see that you can, just remember Jesus and think, Yes, He Can!

Making of the "Man"

Hi my peoples!

Yea I know...I get acquainted really quick. Well another thing you will come to know about me is that I love going to the Movies...you see its so serious that I capitalized it. I also watch a little t.v. and one of the shows that I am into is Making of the Band (Season 4). The finale was last night and it definitely was a shocker. Two Danity Kane members were kicked out of the group...we may have seen it coming for Aubrey but D.Woods where did that come from but that's life. In a New York minute your life could be altered and changed forever. Although, I feel there wasn't much said about the "beef" between the girls...it definitely makes you think about appreciating what you have in your life. Think about it...the women of Danity Kane were GIVEN the opportunity of a lifetime, they were CHOSEN and beat out thousands of others to work along side one of greatest Moguls of our time; yet like most things in our lives we get used to it and don't appreciate it. Remember when you finally got those new kicks and that new laptop that is now thrown in the closet somewhere or that job you were praying for, so you could have your own money now you come in late and do mediocre work. However, these sentiments sent two girls home and as Diddy said "your life can be dark and lonely."

I sometimes feel like that with God...He has given me the greatest opportunity to be in relationship with Him, He chose me to be a part of His Kingdom and to work alongside Him with a purpose greater than anything else. And what do I do...complain, get exasperated...it's tough sometimes but God is great so if I just think on who He truly is and what He has truly done than maybe, just maybe I would appreciate Him more in my life.

Ephesians 1:17-19 says this:

17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:
18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,
19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty powerThat the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:

The making of the man (human being) is to live for God with all my heart because I appreciate all that He has done for me!

Lord, give me spiritual wisdom and knowledge so that I can see the vastness of Your Greatness!

Welcome!

Hi,

You may not know me but in time you will. But to not be rude, my name is Nikita. I am 28 years old and I am single (at some point I AM SURE I will have much to say about this). I am a Youth Pastor in Brooklyn, NY so you can say that I have much love for young people. So I hope you join me on this journey of living out my faith in Christ and dealing with all the craziness that comes with working and living in the City. This is your home let me know what's on your mind.

Welcome to the Forum!