Colorado Weather Disastrous Shift

         Photo Credit: Denver Post-

The situation in Colorado is just unbelivable. Billions of dollars in damages and mortalities. That and other recent natural disasters is cause to take pause for prayer and deep reflection. What are human beings doing to cause such turbulent shifts in  earth’s geographic weather patterns? Global warming I can't help but wonder what can I do to really help? Raise money for rebuilding or travel to the area to minister and comfort?

 Right now, my thoughts and prayers go out to all affected as I dedicate an art print and a song especially for the area. That page should have been up...yeah I know. Pain is a complex thing. It takes effort to ”go through” and come out victorious on the other side. Sometimes the shock and deep grief of great loss through disaster causes an indescribable inertia which can weigh you down more than you care to admit to yourself or share with others. That's why prayer is so important. Pray for all those who are too burdened or afflicted to pray for themselves. That is my offering today at this hour. and moment...prayer of intercession. ”The prayers of the righteous availeth much”-James 5:16

Ask Humbly...

Photo-Cynthia Wilson

 

"Ask Humbly in Jesus' Name" was the title of my sermon yesterday for the Hour of Power midweek service. Touched on the name's origin and history(Christology), its meaning in Christian life, how it's referenced in Gospel tunes in addition to how Jesus' power and authority manifests spiritually and experientially in real life through prayer sealed in the name of Jesus. In Hebrew translations it is Yeshua and means he, God saves.Video of sermon forthcoming from video archives.

Bring'em Back Safely

 It has been made pretty much clear that Edward has broken the law and it is obvious that he has been zig zagging a questionable trail across the globe. But,of course,this is undoubtedly an understatement if not a tremendous oversimplification of the matter. Larger questions are: What are the details of this massive surveillance by the US govt? And, can any of us really ever safely fully know? Why did he flee? Why to those countries? Does he have reason to fear return to go through legal channels? If so, can he be assured of secure return and trial, etc.,especially in light of some political leaders views that he is a traitor?

 This status still remains to be proven in either a court of law if civilian or military tribunal if military. Instead of his whereabouts continuing to be speculated and his asylum status lingering in suspense,he needs to find a safe and secure way home or some respectable and trusted neutral ground,where this matter can be fairly adjudicated and resolved,not typically the places to which he's been fleeing. Russia and Cuba have not historically been viewed as close US allies and Hong Kong's denial of extraditon was embarrassing. It was not the best tactical move for him to flee initially,unless his life was threatened and in imminent danger. And there has been no evidence or alluding to that,although there are inferences that can be drawn by those who are all too faniliar with the risks inherent in these type scenarios.

Obamas interview on Charlie Rose last week would give every indication that the administration is on top of the matter. He stated among other things they are receptive to a system of checks and balances in NSA surveillance and monitoring,even though he sees no irregularities in the current system,now under scrutiny by some members of congress,the ACLU who recently filed a lawsuit. Whether Snowden should be encouraged to return and face the music in a nation with a substantial history of justice and due process is open to speculation.

After he gets a good lawyer, he should come back to people who are willing to work this out through the legal system that's not perfect,but strives for fairness and transparency by its very nature. Its  adversarial procedure based on innocence until proven guilty, is a value taken seriously and has withstood the test of time,though some stark embarrassments as well. If he chooses to continue with sporadic travels extending hodge podge requests for asylum,after reaching out and negotiation by his legal eagles,then,maybe he needs diplomatic interventions,ones that might lead to groundbreaking  alliances among "at odds" nations. By the way, the US has had long experience with political prisoner issues and provides one of the most robust, constitutionally protected and dynamic democratic political milieus for expressions of protest and dissent on all levels of govt globally. Why not return and...kiss the ground? 

 

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"Cheering Obama On" -An Upcoming E- Book Excerpt

This post begins a series of brief excerpts from an Ebook- blog book-"Cheering Obama On!"- I have,for all intents and purposes,written about the President as viewed through the lens of a staunch supporter and pastoral cheerleader of sorts. I consider it tremendously fortuitous to have witnessed the inauguration of this country's first African American President in my lifetime. I even served as a volunteer on the Presidential Inaugural Committee when as fate would have it,I wound up once again living in our nation's capital just around the time of the historic election.

 So, even though some may be expecting a great intellectual,political and theological treatise on such a monumental topic, I just kept it simple and have compiled all of my retorts to news stories,spins and what some have characterized as minor or major scandals, reducing  them to writing in the form of this humble book.

This is a chapter entitled " Morehouse Men"

I was listening to President Obama's commencement address to Morehouse college given last Sunday,May 19, 2013. It was so real, so inspiring. I like the fact that he talked to them and not over them like numerous public officials do to the point of  projecting stodginess and prioritizing decorum over truth that keeps it real. With all the stresses and chaos involved in being President, particularly in light of recent events, it became clearer during that speech what he is truly made of, a quality which exudes from the Obama core. His quality of being 'present', down to earth and in the moment. And, he was the perfect one to give the address whether as a brother who made extraordinarily good or as first African American Commander in Chief.

With all the stonewalling, dilatory tactics and filibusters he has experienced in office since the inception of  politics in Washington, he still has time to talk to youth, our future.

The Lost Art of Letter Writing

Word has it the art of letter writing has gone somewhat missing in the wake of the text and email boom.



In our society it is important to write. You need to write lists,notes to yourself, thank you notes to people who've done you a good service,term papers for school,books to sell,your inner most feelings to loved ones and so on and so forth. So many of us,myself included,get so used to the ease and communication of digital and electronic formats, we often don't take the time to sit down,reflect and write a needed letter. Go ahead take the time out. Write!