Monday, May 27, 2013

THE T.R.A.P.

In today's society there are so many things that will try to trap men and women to forfeit their blessing or miss their purpose. One dictionary definition of trap is: a position or situation from which it is difficult or impossible to escape.
Many of us at some point in our lives have faced a trap that we may have put ourselves in or others may have set for us. The measure of a man or woman's heart is how he or she responds and relieve themselves of  being entangled in a trap.
A trap presents itself in various forms a few examples would be: fast illegal money, illicit sexual affairs, abuse, deceit, just to name a few. What is even more astounding is sometimes a trap is set by the ones closest to you. It could be family showing favoritism and hypocrisy towards one another. Maybe someone you are or were in relationship with that deceived you and used excuses to justify the reasoning for it. Or perhaps a co-worker undermining your work so you won't get the promotion because of jealousy.
In my life I've had traps set before me in my path. Honestly it was the grace and mercy of GOD and my resiliency that allowed me overcome them.
The acronym I came up with for T.R.A.P. is (T)ainted (R)eality (A)dverse (P)leasure.

The bible says in Psalm 141:9, "Keep me from the snares they have laid for me, from the traps set by evildoers."

Poetic Thought:

Come in from the storm, seeking to lodge,
The enemy blends in stays camouflage,
Society's menu is backwards, right taste bitter, wrong taste sweet,
Either lay down with lies or stand for truth on your feet,
Stay alert don't get caught slipping taking a nap,
Free will is given to all, so don't fall for the trap! ~ JD

Today May 27th is Memorial Day here in the United States. We honor the soldiers who have served our country in wars and gave their lives bravely. Also for the soldiers who continue to serve today protecting our freedom and civil liberties around the world. These brave men and women face traps everyday in the literal and figurative sense. They must rely on their faith, instincts, and training to avoid or overcome a trap set by our adversaries. I thank you all for everything you do! GOD bless! Until next time, class dismiss!!!

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

DELAY NOT A DENIAL

Most of us have heard at some point in our lives a delay is not a denial. Sometimes as men and women it is hard to conceive this ideology. By human nature, we want whatever it is we desire. We sometimes want things to happen in our time. I've been guilty of this myself over the course of my life at times. But GOD time is not our time. It doesn't matter if it is a job, a relationship, a move to another city, or some materialistic thing, it will happen when it is suppose to. What matters is do you have the patience to accept the Lord's delay and not interpret it as a denial. As equally important is to understand and accept his denial of something, and not interpret it as a delay. Basically with GOD a no is a NO and a yes is a YES simply put!

The bible says in Habakkuk 2:3, "For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay."

Poetic Thought:

Walk freely overcoming being lame,
Own up to your issues, don't point the finger in blame,
Cultivate the seed, manifest a blessing,
A brave heart and serenity mind erases the stressing,
Have faith and know things will change in a little while,
The promise of GOD comes in due time, so a delay is not a denial! ~ JD

The movie "Love Jones" is one of my favorite movies. Not only because of the poetry aspect, but the real life content and message conveyed in the movie. The two characters Nina Mosely played by the beautiful actress Nia Long and Darius Lovehall played by the talented actor Larenz Tate lit up the silver screen. In short; they met, started dating, became intimate, fell in love, but the rush of emotions and personal issues began to come out. It took them having to go their separate ways and get themselves personally together before the timing was right for them. This was an example of a relationship, but no matter what it may be, sometimes things are delayed for a reason and it doesn't always mean it is a denial. Wait on GOD! Until next time, class dismiss!!!

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

SELF INVENTORY

As men and women, it is important you take inventory of yourself. Everyone has a room, that is room for improvement. We're human, so we have attributes and flaws, strengths and weaknesses, pros and cons.
It is so easy to point out other people's issues and minimize your own.
It amazes me that some men and women have the audacity to speak GOD to others but their mannerisms and actions exude hypocrisy. How can one say they love GOD but treat a family member with malice or mislead and not appreciate a good man or woman that they were in a relationship with. When a person do this, the very thing you desire will continue to elude you, until you change what's in your heart.
I've seen examples of this in my life, pertaining to family, past relationships, and friendships.
Regardless of who you are, no one is exempt. Therefore get right or risk getting left!
The bible says in Proverbs 13:16, "Every prudent  man acts out of knowledge, but a fool expose his folly."

Poetic Thought:

The fire blazes in the heart,
Courage under pressure to finish what you start,
The eyes are the windows to the soul,
Lies cannot exist because the truth is too bold,
Real love is not optional but obligatory,
Man up, woman up, take self inventory! ~ JD

Anyone who knows me, know that I am a die hard Chicago Bears (NFL) and Chicago Bulls (NBA) fan.
When you are a true fan of any team, whether winning or losing you still support your team because you have loyalty. You won't be a bandwagon fan, who jumps to a team just because they are winning for the moment. Some men and women are like that, when it comes to each other. When losses occur, difference of opinions, and adversity strike, folks like to jump ship. You know the old adage "There is no I in Team" Until next, class dismiss!!!


Friday, May 10, 2013

LOVE MOM

It's no secret that every person that is born has a mother. This Sunday May 12th is Mother's Day.
A celebration and appreciation for all the mothers that love their children, support their spouses, nurture and care for so many others. A mother is a special individual who carried you for 9 months in her womb, the vessel that GOD allowed you to come into this world.
I am grateful for my mother for whom I love dearly. I've witnessed this amazing lady sacrifice so much as I was growing up. She endured family animosity, her own personal issues, divorce, but one thing that remain constant, her love for GOD and her children and grandchildren. I'm thankful for having a mother that prays for me, not judgmental, and encourages me. I never take for granted her presence because so many people I know mothers' have passed away or may be living but not in their life due to conflict.
The bible says in  Genesis 3:20, "Adam named his wife Eve, because she would become the mother of all the living."

Poetic Thought:

For every beginning there is an end,
For every good deed there is a sin,
For every bitter there is something sweet,
For every time you fall down, get back on your feet,
For every race commit and run,
For having life and not being aborted, thank and love your mom! ~ JD

Tupac Shakur is one of my favorite Hip Hop artist of all time. His song "Dear Mama" is a classic and a heartfelt ode to his mother. These lyrics below stand out to me:

"Cause when I was low
 You was there for me
 And never left me alone
 Because you cared for me"

"And there's no way I can pay you back
 But my plan is to show you that I understand
 You are appreciated"

As a man, women have come and gone in my life, but one woman that has always been there through the good or bad, is my beloved mother, Sherry C. Davis, I love you mom with all my heart!!! Happy Mother's day to all the mothers that read my blog! Until next time, class dismiss!!!

Monday, May 6, 2013

WAIT A MINUTE

We live in a society today where everything is a quick fix and many men and women have little patience for the things they desire. A few examples would be quick instant meals, diet plans requiring no exercise just to name a few. Nothing is wrong with these things but you get out what you put in. We want the success, the results, the blessing, without the patience. We've all heard at some point in our lives, the old adage "Patience is a virtue", but how many of us actually put it into practice in our daily lives.
Speaking for my own life, there has been times  where I wanted something right then and waiting was not an option. Over time maturity has grown within me as a man, though I have not mastered it, I deal with it better than I use to.
 Be it love, career advancement, or improving self there is a greater significance in taking the time to pray, reflect, and consider on the very thing you desire to obtain or pursue.
Be wise ladies and gentlemen and not be too anxious for anything. If you do, you might get ahead of GOD and mishandle a blessing or receive one prematurely.
The bible says in Hebrews 6:15, "And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised."

Poetic Thought:

Like an athlete you must train,
Know your identity, what is the meaning of your name,
Speak into existence, what you desire,
You may start at the bottom, begin climbing the mountain's peak, go higher,
Embrace ownership, never rent your heart out to just any tenant,
Use wisdom to override impatience, for the blessing, wait a minute! ~ JD

There is a song by Bobby Caldwell that was produced in 1978 called "What you won't do for love." Wow! I was about to turn 2 years old that year, guess I'm telling my age huh... :-) Well this is one of my many favorite songs from that era of R&B. Here is a particular line in the lyrics of this song that stands out to me:

"Some people go around the world for love,
 But they may never find what they dream of,
 What you won't do, do for love,
 You tried everything, but you don't give up."

Even though this song is talking about love and relationships, it may be something else for you. No matter what it is, don't rush it , wait a minute. Not just a good thing, but a GOD thing comes to the man and woman who can wait! Until next time, class dismiss!!!

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

CONFORMITY CRAZE

There is a sweeping mentality among men and women today of conformity to the abnormal as if it is normal. First off the definition of conformity is the act of matching attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors to group norms.
We are witnessing right before our eyes the conformity to violence, homosexuality, drug abuse, among other things which is causing the family structure to be disassembled.
Now everyone is entitled to their opinion and so am I. This is not an attempt to judge anyone, but merely my perspective on what I am observing day to day in this life.

Violence is running so strong in our communities, that men and women almost become immune to it because it is so prevalent. Murder has a permanent segment in the news be it local or national.
Domestic violence between men and women appears to be trying to eclipse chivalry. Misunderstanding, lack of communication and lack of control over emotions often lead to this happening.

It is no secret, society has become more accepting of the homosexual lifestyle. It is a person's choice who they sleep with. Everyone has to answer to GOD for whatever sin they indulge in, so no sin is greater than the other. I'm not here to judge, and I'm not homophobic, however I firmly believe in a man for a woman and a woman for a man. I respect those who choose differently as long as they respect my belief.
I got to be honest, this influence is seeping into the youth heavily and I see it on a daily basis working in the education field. They are already dealing with peer pressure when it comes to smoking weed, popping  ecstasy pills, fighting, not taking their studies seriously, and now the added dimension of being confused with their sexuality.These are just some of the many factors contributing to the destruction of the family structure.

The bible says in Romans 12:2, " Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is , his good, pleasing and perfect will."


Poetic Thought:

Don't go with the trend to fit in,
Good morals are free, the cost is expensive for sin,
Search deep within your heart and mind,
Pay attention to the sign of the times,
Pray for eternal life in these last days,
Embrace the truth, instead of accepting this conformity craze! ~ JD

I am a huge fan of Marvin Gaye. His music is timeless! His song Inner City Blues (Makes me wanna Holler) is among one of my favorites. It was recorded before I was born but it holds true for today's time. Here is a particular line that stands out in the song:

"Crime is increasing,
  Trigger happy policing,
  Panic is spreading,
  GOD knows where we're heading"

These lyrics speak volumes from 40 years ago until now. Pay attention people. Until next time, class dismiss!!!