Council of Baptist Pastors/Russell Street Baptist Celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King Day with the Community

 

       Rev. Dr. Dee Dee Coleman, Host Pastor and President, Detroit Council of Baptist Pastors

Rev.Dr. Dee Dee Coleman and Rev. Cynthia Wilson

                    Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan

 

Joy in the Morning

Joy Reid is excellent. Her punditry is impeccable. I have always been impressed with the incisive and well informed coverage she provides in combination with her special analysis of complex political issues. She is the only black female journalist to have a nationally syndicated show on MSNBC after Melissa Harris Perry's questionable departure. I look forward to her weekend show, follow her online and make a point of tuning in to any news show where she is a special guest host or panelist. I was thrilled to learn that she had been awarded her own show the Reid Report and her latest A.M. Joy, both well deserved.

By the same token, I was unhappy when I read a news article on the internet recently about her controversial run in or perhaps more accurately, misunderstanding with the Gay community concerning some remarks discovered on an old blog. This incidents brings to light some crucial issues of internet misrepresentation and fraud which is unfortunately running rampant on the web. Those who recognize and have the courage to call it out are often subtly  discredited and mocked.
As a blog owner with an archive of blog posts which have been tampered with from screen shot manipulation to removal of irreplaceable photos and posts, this stuff she claims does happen. I believe her not just based on her own credibility but based on my similar experience.

To Some, The Inscrutable Social Media Web

Social media titans and their vaguely remarked territory on the web is not as mysterious as some might think, especially our elderly statesmen, senators who are questioning Facebook's CEO with rudimentary inquiries that make them sadly appear unprepared. This is where their interns can rush in to the rescue. The ones who can supply them with 'whiz cred' in short order. By the way, where are they?
Because now they are needed.

While there are a few older folks who are
whizes themselves on the web, daily surveying and surviving mind boggling computer antics,
cryptic code play and keeping up with all else web in flying colors with code skills and old school temperament intact, millenials, a generation from which Zuckerberg hails, rule the internet. Facebook is the proof in the pudding. Collaborating with them to make the social media world more safe and equitable in the media data share arena should be top priority. Better preparedness could go a long way.

"Help Somebody"

Image Credits-ASM media

I happened to be watching Covenant Daughters Television Network this morning and one of Victoria Olsteen’s short inspiring word videos came on. It was on the subject of extravagant giving and how you can always have something to give when you call on Jesus Christ. She offered several examples of powerful giving, the beggar at the gate beautiful seeking alms from Peter and John(Acts3:1-9). They supplied his need with God’s word. They had no silver or gold but they gave the inspiring and powerful word of god, commanding him by faith in the name of Jesus to get up and walk.(Acts 3:8) She touched on how Jesus was able to give loaves of bread and fish that fed 5,000 people (Matthew 14:13-21).The point is you always have something to give and you are never empty handed if you have faith in God’s measure of giving which is not only the giving of money, but also time, talent and other intangible resources that may be at your disposal as well.

I am topping this Facebook post from five(5) years ago today. Helping folks in need is always on time...

Scripture-Luke 6:38

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

This post was recently modified with a link to a Wikipedia post on  "Help Somebody", a song on Neo Soul artist Maxwell's 2009 CD release Black Summer's Night.
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Help your neighbor. If you have it to give why not help others? Of course our country is known for being the most generous in the world. Our giving strength should be reflected more in our cities and job offerings. If everyone has what they need, their heart's desire and dream what is the problem? No utopia,but at least it's a start in good gaining leverage in the world. Of course,not everyone wants to be a billionaire or millionaire. No one I believe chooses to live in poverty either.

I think the President set a good example in this recently by committing a percentage of his salary in a demonstration of solidarity with furloughed Federal workers. On a broader scale he has engendered a spirit of fairness and justice in his commitment to workers and their jobs by auto bailout. He has pushed successfully for affordable health care which gives everybody a fair shot at coverage. He pushes for urban empowerment by establishing millions in grants and appointed liaisons in six hard hit cities across the country including Detroit one of the hardest hit.

"Mighty" Good

"We pondered your love-in-action ,God, waiting in your temple. Your name, God, evokes a train of Hallelujahs wherever It is spoken, near and far; your arms are heaped with goodness-in-action.

Be glad, Zion Mountain; Dance, Judah's daughters! He does what he said he'd do!" 

Psalm 48:12-17

I just stopped by to tell you, to remind you, to inspire you, to urge you that in the face of all the madness God is Good.  God's mercy endures forever. No matter what you may see and observe with your human vision being dished out to the world.

There is indeed plenty to be either deeply concerned, overjoyed, and unfortunately, in way too many cases outright horrified about.

You might be worn out. You might have been thrown out. You might be locked out. You may have been pushed out!  You might even be tripped out , played out and shut out. BUT God's goodness-in- action will show up and show out. God will in acts of divine grace, will and intercession let you out, free you from bondage or put you back safely where you belong while turning the whole situation around! Believe that. Trust that. And, eventually witness that.

God has the power to energize your life and transform a draining, depleting or debilitating  situation into one that will move, promote and elevate you, bringing you out of it victoriously.  If you are sitting still when you should be acting in furtherance of God's divine will and plan. God will move you. Don't doubt! Don't hesitate. Go!

Word on the street is... Get up! Get Out! Stand up! Rise Up! Talk up! Speak out!  Don't be afraid or intimidated into a dead state of thewlisness when God has spoken and directed you to move forward boldly in confidence, empowered by his love, compassion and righteosness. Stand on his anointed and holy word. God is not static. Even though he may be standing still it is for you to be still. God is still moving!

Even though God has eternally demonstrated his power to bring elements of  our universe, our world our bodies, into healthy balance while continuously ferreting out evil and negativity that makes a mockery of God's plan,God is fierce when he/she needs to be. Gentler than an Easter lamb manufacturing love to protect you, backing it up and dissipating troubles with soothing cooling waters of seas and oceans pouring out all knowing ever present all powerful "mighty good!"

Speak the Good through witness, testimony of what good god has done for you. We overcome evil,  the world, and the devil through witness, the power of our testimony. The devil comes to steal, kill and destroy. But God comes that we may have life and live it more abundantly.
Witnessing God's goodness will help you to get through and call into "check"  illusions of darkness that seek to confuse diminish and mislead. Speak hallelujah! Trust in Jesus! Call out God's name!

Rev. Cynthia Wilson

Bible excerpts from The Message version ©2010 by Eugene H. Peterson.

"Love Currency": Happy Valentine's Day!

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is God;and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love." 1 John 4:7-8

Whenever love is involved it seems many of us wax poetic. Today, I have dug deep into the archives and have uncovered one of my favorite messages with an accompanying poem entitled "Love is the Currency". An audio version is enclosed and a video can be found soon on my You Tube channel. God bless your day.

Wishing you all the love you can possibly give and receive today and everyday.

Love & blessings,

Rev. Cynthia Wilson

God's Riches in Glory

1. 

• When I speak of love and money lining up and the result being endless and boundless prosperity, I am speaking metaphorically. True wealth flows from the fruits of the spirit that are produced as a result of faith in God and belief in his exceeding abundance which is evident in God's creation. Philippians 4:19 states that God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
• However, there are the hard realities of extreme poverty and lack that abound on our planet. In many areas across the globe there is a lack of resources and sense of hopelessness.However, the human spirit is resilient and those of great faith know that there is no limit to the wealth God's favor through belief and standing on his word can produce. There is also much giving and projects of people helping people through church programs and public charities. Neighbors, friends and families often take care of each other.As the song goes, "it is God's will that every need should be supplied." Having love, sound mind, good health and every material need met is a form of wealth.
• Don't ever give up. Keep honing and tweaking the gifts God has bestowed uniquely on you. Use those gifts and talents. Do not hide or bury them out of fear of rejection or that you don't quite fit the bill. Believe me, you will notice the difference. Do not let anyone take or reduce your talents. Don't let them prevent you from exercising them either through the spirit of intimidation or bullying. Stay with God, believe and stand on his promises. 
• Remain obedient to God's guidance and gentle direction. God will provide. That belief in the final analysis, and using your talents ,not burying them like the man in the parable (Matthew 25:14-30), bringing your tithes into the storehouse (Malachi 3:10) and giving of your time and treasure to God as offerings of love and praise are actions  that will contribute to yielding the greatest and most satisfying wealth, both spiritual and material.

BET Awards: The Great ‘Youth’ Hope

www.wikipedia.org

The 17th BET Awards was held at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, California on June 25, 2017. The ceremony celebrated achievements in entertainment and honors music, sports, television, and movies released between April 1, 2016 and March 31, 2017. The nominations were announced on May 15, 2017; Beyoncé led the nominees with 7, followed by Bruno Mars with 5. Beyoncé won the most awards with 5, including Album of the Year and Video of the Year.1

Sunday night’s live broadcast of the BET Awards offered up some promising young influencers of culture, with a Leslie Jones cocktail chaser thrown in for contrast, raw outrageous humor and texture. It offered about panoramic glimpse into what the future holds for blackbculture and society, and particularly in the r&b, soul, RAP,genre-bending and Hip-Hop music scenes.  If all the activists awarded can be multiplied to the nth power, we will be in good ha no nds. If Chance the Rapper’s honor for his humanitarian efforts so far is any indication, our prospects look bright. 

From the Beautiful While Being Black Award honorees to the Humanitarian of the Year award, it was refreshing to witness so many fresh talented voices picking up the relay baton, expressing their awareness of the social climate through music, poetry and art, while being recognized for their inspiring contributions to community.  The panoply of baby stars was balanced out by such established artists as P. Diddy, Maxwell, Mary J. Blige and Chris Brown. Bruno Mars and New Edition also brought the house down. See videos of rehearsals and lead ups to the show here.

It was a great broadcast from start to finish.

1 www.wikipedia.org 

Sing Up! Part 2

Protests have taken place for centuries in this country, fundamental constitutional First Amendment rights of freedom of speech, association and right of peaceful assembly in the U.S. Often wonderful harmonic non-violent cadences rhythmically looping songs and chants have filled city streets and country roads with sounds of determined and intense righteous indignation soaring from crowds over some social ill or another. A mixture of traditional  Spirituals and popular songs like "Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Around",  "We Shall Overcome", " "Blowin in the Wind" were familiar during the sixties.

Recently, the brutal death of George Floyd witnessed and recorded live on tape as well as other unjustified killings of unarmed young blacks by nervous, fearful and hate filled police officers have resulted in protestors lifting their voices in outrage, marching in cities across the nation and throughout the world for miles on end.

Unfortunately, blacks have far too long witnessed cruel and inhumane acts, crimes fueled by racism of klansmen and other cloaked white supremacists terrorizing them as they traveled through remote towns of this country, especially in the south and frequently in their own neighborhoods. In northern cities the violent attacks against blacks came mostly at the hands of police officers.

Singing songs have been a means of communication during slavery and a peaceful and constructive way of  emboldening non-violent action as black people and other protesters supporting non-violent social change coped with clubbings from billie clubs, violent thrusts from water hoses and other actions by law enforcement to deter protests. now its pepper spray and flash grenades.

Music, sound and song brought comfort and healing throughout the ordeals. Sometimes the invisible shield of sound vibration created from hundreds of voices singing in unison made all the difference in creating and maintaining peace and harmony. I applaud and honor all who marched peaceably and who practice the teachings of King and Ghandi marching and lifting their voices until constructive change takes place in policing policies.

Here is a list of some of popular music's most notable protest and social observation songs and anthems over the years.

Creative Social Action Triumphs Classic Oscar Style at Last Night’s Academy Awards

 2.23.15 Creative Social Action Triumphs Classic Oscar Style at Last Night's Academy  

              Awards 

Video Commentary Notes by Cynthia Wilson 

By all appeareances the pre-Oscar scuttlebutt about a lack of  diversity in the Academy Awards nominee voting process and choices though it had gained substantial momentum in days leading up to the broadcast was resoundingly negated on various levels and in several categories during the program. First of all, it was a wise act to expand upon the telecast and include recipients of the Governors Awards,social activist Harry Belafonte the perfect choice being one of the most notable and consistent artist activists over his lifespan and career. It set the tone for the evening,did the Afro-American community proud and made me feel very much a part of the Academybof Motion Picture Arts and Sciences community,as in "inclusive". Two Mexicans,Latinos Hispanics Best Director shed a light on Immigration issues without tackling it head on or intentionally. It just worked out in its own way with Birdman Directors (of Mexican descent) tongue in cheek comments about immigration during his Oscar acceptance comments. John Legend and Common's win for Best song "Glory" was the perfect top off for the evening not just for "Selma's "social justice message and the hard fought right to vote,but broadened the victory to overlap into women's rights equal pay issues, age discrimination,immigration and ph light of aging actors (Birdman) who often get looked over because of the value misplaced on youth in society(Whiplash actor @ 60 been in industry 40 yrs b4 win award) Reese Witherspoon's interview on the red carpet about the role she played behind the scenes as a producer of two Oscar nominated movies,Wild and Gone Girl set the table so to speak for Patricia Arquette's big win for her performance in Boyhood and for women's rights in the motion picture industry across the board. Giving more insight and credit to technical aspects of filmmaking by presenting video on special affects designers,etc was a nice touch.

The outcome was the perfect social consciousness palette, a racially diverse spread of Oscar winners list done with class. A beautifully done reminder that we can and must do this thing called "great society" together... 

The Importance of Your 2014 Midterm Vote

What is a campaign? It if anything is a vigorous
effort at promoting a cause,a person,an idea or candidate who is more than worthy of the drive and energy required to achieve the purposed outcome or result. It is also a period of intensive education and outreach to needy constituents longing for fair and comprehensive representation by qualified and capable candidates.

Whether securing votes can be best accomplished through phone banking,half minute television or two-five minute You Tube videos,in person meet and greets,book promotions,town hall meetings, time tested sterling political track records or door to door canvassing, voter turn out is key. Without question this midterm election needs an infusion of voter  capital, citizens exercising  their unfettered right to vote.  The social,economic and political soul of our country is at stake. We are down to the wire. The mid-term election is exactly one week away.

While it is usually an election that does not get as much voter turn out as the Presidential elections held every four years, this year it is crucial and should not be downplayed. With Obama having only two years left to his term in office, the outcome of this mid-term could determine important court appointments,the future of affordable health care, immigration reform, voting rights,jobs programs,urban blight and infrastructure rebuilding and so many other matters that will shape the political landscape of our country for years to come.

In short, it is a political race in which democratic  values, mores, American ideals and overall societal well-being depends upon. Of course, God first and Gods will be done is the constant prayer for those who seek guidance of a higher nature. And, I pray daily for our local,national and global leaders.

Past Republican  tactics and strategems will not get my vote. Unfortunately, obstruct,distort,finneagle and anything promoting separatism and digression  are underlying themes of Republican stumping, guiding principles of their campaign or anti-campaign. Anything or way contrary or opposite Obama  irrespective of its rationality or plausibility.

Despite all the media blitz,  campaign ads which make Democrats and those sympathetic to their policies appear ineffective or obtuse, a thoughtful review of history and current events will reveal  Democrats led by President have made progress despite spending a great deal of energy battling Republican obstruction and recalcitrance.

Thus, now the smart money has to be on those who honor equality,economic growth, enriching jobs programs,affordable quality healthcare,  sound infrastructure, careful and well thought out foreign policy,effective-- not polarizing immigration reform,etc...

We need the senate and the house working and running like the well oiled machine intended by our countrys forefathers. We need competent and compassionate  governors,senators and congresspeople working productively,if not always together on issues to keep this country at the forefront,not trailing behind.

So, vote early or on the official day.But vote smart. After all what is a campaign without an informed and enthusiastic electorate's participation in the voting booth or via absentee ballot?

I assessed the situation, local area specific issues, national and international outlooks, weighed  candidates qualifications and track records,social and community values. All proposals and referendums. Voted smart and early so excited to have the cherished opportunity to cast my ballot.

How about you? What are you going to do for campaign,community and ultimate social progress? The election booth needs you.